Kotoura-san

Wasn’t too sure about “Kotoura-san” when I originally looked at the winter season line up. Actually didn’t try the show out until last week, when I decided to give it a chance based on positive comments read about it online.

Adapted from the yonkoma manga “琴浦さん” by Enokizu, was surprised to discover that the story in “Kotoura-san” is often rather dramatic and depressing as it depicts the tale of kotoura Haruka who is ostracized for her ability to read minds.

Especially the first few episodes that set up the story, showcasing how young Haruka is shunned and bullied until she psychologically breaks down make for a dark tale with only key scenes being lighthearted.

Those scenes where Haruka befriends Manabe not only form a visual splash of color and brightness on screen, but also depict how meeting him and the other ESP club members truly is a ray of light for Haruka, giving her hope she might be able to live a normal life after all.

Animation by studio AIC Classic is good, while it isn’t particularly stellar it is solid, decent animation throughout with quite a bit of scenes filled with silly deformed or chibi renderings of the characters.

Esper Haruka is voiced by Kanemoto Hisako who previously voiced Ika Musume in “Shinryaku! Ika Musume”, Yui in “Kokoro Connect”, Hoshino in “Girls und Panzer”, Asteria in “Rinne no Lagrange” and also Himeka in this season’s “Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru“.

Hanazawa Kana voices ESP club president Yuriko, she’s tackled roles like Mayuri in “Steins;gate”, Mikan in “To Love RU”, Kuroi in “Black★Rock Shooter”, Nadeko in “Bakemonogatari”, Sora in “Sketchbook ~full color’S~” and Kagami in this season’s “Sasami@ganbaranai”.

Moritani is voiced by Kubo Yurika who isn’t credited with that many roles yet.

Speaking of Moritani, thoroughly enjoyed her character development and the change she goes through. It was a breath of fresh air to see in what believable fashion and realism her character came about and grew, instead of the oft forced or sudden transformation so many other characters go through.

Decided to follow “Kotoura-san” from now instead of “Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru“. Have been increasingly disappointed by the latest episodes of ‘Oreshura’ where silly harem comedy that often misses the mark reigns, instead of focusing on the interesting characters that Masazu & Eita could be.

Must warn those of you who expect a slapstick comedy considering its yonkoma origin. While “Kotoura-san” has plenty of typical romantic comedy and ecchi fantasy moments, a large part of it can be dark and gloomy, though the show does make this contrast between light and dark work well enough.

You can watch “Kotoura-san” on Crunchyroll.