Monday, October 20, 2014

Denki-Gai no Honya-san Thoughts!


The new season of anime has begun, and as promised, I've started watching the series I placed on my watchlist. So far, I've been really enjoying a certain one more than the rest. That's right, Denki-Gai no Honya-san. So I'd like to share my thoughts on the anime with you guys, hopefully you don't mind!

First things first, if you're a passerby or if you haven't read any of my anime specific posts, then you may not know how things work. I don't really do reviews or talks on each episode. Instead, I'd rather just give my thoughts on the series, and let my readers go forth and view the anime for themselves. With that in mind, let's begin!

Denki-Gai no Honya-san, or translated The Electric Town's Bookstore, is a series that focuses more on slice of life aspects. All of the key characters work at the bookstore, which is stated in the name. Most of the characters are referred to by nicknames, and from the first episode, there aren't really any definite ages or other information. Here are the characters that were introduced.

We have Hiotan, she's hardworking and kind, but a little clumsy. Voiced by: Natsumi Takamori

Fu Girl, who has good relations with Somellier. Voiced by: Ayana Taketatsu 

Kameko, who we constantly see with a camera in hand. Voiced by: Mai Aizawa

Sensei, a mangaka who rights under a male alias. Voiced by: Minami Tsuda

Somellier and Umio. Somellier is knowledgeable about many different types of doujin. Umio is our protagonist who appears to be very honest and kindhearted. Voiced by: Takahiro Tomita and Ryōta Ōsaka respectively.
Director/Kantoku, he's somewhat eccentric and keeps tabs on his workers. Voiced by: Ryōta Ōsaka
So that's pretty much our cast! For a few thoughts about them, I can say that I feel that the characters are very colorful and interesting. Not necessarily due to their difference in outward appearances, but their personalities. None of the characters feel too similar to another, and they all have their differences that make them stand out. 

Although this is probably intentional, it feels like each character has a way to support or somehow compliment the other. For example, in the first episode, both Umio and Hiotan secretly have an interest in R-18 books, with the former being more open about it than the latter. Towards the end of the episode, Hiotan eventually shouts out her love for said books into the crowd, which might not have happened if it wasn't for Umio letting her know that he likes them too. It's sometimes hard to express something like that alone, but with another, it becomes easier.

Umio also tends to support Sensei throughout the first episode helping her with her manga. I think the first episode really builds Umio's character and Sensei's the most. Umio is characterized on the fact that he has a deep love for Sensei's manga, and that he wishes to help her without any recognition. The lengths he goes through to make her manga successful in definitely not ordinary. It makes him feel most respectable out of the cast.


On the other hand with Sensei, her namesake is somewhat ironic yet still fitting. Ironic in the fact that she somewhat breaks down and acts like child instead of a sensei, when having trouble meeting a deadline. Still, the fact that she puts so much work into her manga and her daily life gives off the presence of a teacher or mature individual. 

I hope to see even more development and mysteries unraveled when it comes to the rest of the cast. The use of nicknames and little background information is very nice, because it leaves me wanting to know more about each character. In addition, each character having a distinct personality trait is also really great, because people are like this in real life. Everyone has something that makes them special, and something that contributes to the group. For example, the director's openness and mocking behavior helps push the characters forward in their interactions, while he's not overly pushy and annoying.

Aside from all of this on the characters,  I think that the first episode of the anime was really great and well done. I like that Denki-Gai no Honya-san starts out by taking a position that is probably looked down by many, but continues to follow through with this view. It shows different kinds of people and connects them through a common medium, which is something that hits home with me. I think it's an anime that many people need to watch, even if they may not agree with all the values. 


I could go on and on about the anime and my thoughts, but how about I let my readers view it for themselves? Let me know if you like Denki-Gai no Honya-san. Is it on your watchlist, or have you skipped over it? What else are you watching this season?

2 comments:

  1. Hmm, maybe I should give this one a try then.^^
    Is it really that good? I skipped over it because people mentioned that the store sold R-18 books, so I thought it was a raunchy comedy...

    I've been watching Hitsugi no Chaika 2, Psycho-pass 2, Amagi Brilliant Park, Gugure Kokkuri-san, Fate/Stay Night:UBW, and Akatsuki no Yona. Although after I've picked what to follow, I tend to wait for moments I'm less busy with things, which means having mini-anime marathons every few weeks. So far this season's been a lot stronger than the last few ones for me, so I'm pretty happy.

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    1. Go for it! Well, I really enjoy it. Some people like different things, so I won't know if you like it or not, I just tend to see value in things that may be looked down upon or overlooked completely xD It's up to you to determine if it's good, which is basically what I like to tell my readers when I give my thoughts. If you've ever seen B Gata H Kei, it's a little bit similar.

      Most people wouldn't even watch B Gata H Kei, much less take it seriously, but there's more to it than being focused on R-18 things. I think that its bold to bring these traits out to the open, and while I didn't go into much detail about it here, I believe it is subject that needs to be brought out since it's pretty much a natural part of life.

      Sorry if that's too much explanation! If you get a chance, check out B Gata H Kei too. It may appear weird or raunchy, but everyone I know who gave it a chance has enjoyed it! It's one of my favorites!

      I see! I haven't had any of those on my watchlist, but I could try one of those and blog about it here. I wanted to take recommendations from my readers so I have somewhat of a wide perspective of anime. I tend to do that as well! It always bothers me when I have to wait episode by episode especially with good ones, because I want to keep watching more xD

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