Haiyore! Nyaruko-san

うー! にゃー! うー! にゃー! Let’s にゃー! Although had not planned on sampling this show, read many positive comments about it on Twitter and after stumbling on the energetic, incredibly addictive opening track decided to watch “Haiyore! Nyaruko-san”.

Originally a light novel series written by Manta Aisora with illustrations drawn by Koin, “這いよれ! ニャル子さん“ has previously spawned two manga adaptations and a flash anime series. Inspired by characters from the fictional Cthulhu mythos created by horror author HP Lovecraft, “Haiyore! Nyaruko-san” features plenty of alien diety shenanigans.

While the main characters are based on creatures from the Cthulhu universe, Nyaruko being a Nyarlathotep and Kuuko a Cthugha, they are of course always rendered as cute girls, in typical anime style.

The other assorted monsters that appear, along with the bloodshed at their demise, are never explicit or horrifying, showcasing that this series is all about the absurd comedy with some romantic harem style antics which most often feel like a parody of the genre.

As a yuri fan quite like the subplot of Kuuko being smitten on Nyaruko, she never hesitates to act out her impulses -much ike Nyaruko does for her desires towards Mahiro- which makes for excellent fanservice and parody at the same time.

Another element that makes this show work well is the voice cast, especially Asumi Kana’s performance as Nyaruko is stellar. Asumi Kana previously voiced Miya in “Amagami SS”, Poplar in “Working!!”, Narumi in “Mayo Chiki!” and Yuu in “Black★Rock Shooter”.

Fiery Kuuko is voiced by Matsuki Miyu, she has also voiced Isumi in “Hayate no Gotoku!”, Yoshinoya in “Hidamari Sketch” and Harumi in “Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei”.

While a male character, Mahiro is actually voiced by Kitamura Eri who tackled roles like Allean in “Queen’s Blade”, Yachiyo in “Working!!”, Kanade in “Mayo Chiki!”, Karen in “Nisemonogatari” and Miu in “Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai“.

Am curious to see how Kugimiya Rie will handle Hasuta, for she is know best for voicing tsundere characters like Aria in “Aria the Scarlet Ammo”, Louise in “Zero no Tsukaima”, Nagi in “Hayate no Gotoku!”, Shana in “Shakugan no Shana”,… but she also voiced Alphonse in “Fullmetal Alchemist”.

Though she has yet to appear, wonder what Ruuhii will be like, considering her character’s visual style as featured in the opening sequence instantly appealed to me. Shapely babe in office lady attire with glasses? Can’t wait to see more!

If you’re looking for an oddball comedy, I definitely recommend you give “Haiyore! Nyaruko-san” a try!