Anime Sensei no Ojikan

[Dagger]

Sensei no Ojikan is a thirteen-episode comedy anime that began airing on April 4, 2004. It's currently being subbed by Seichi-Fansubs and The Triad (along with Anime Coalition). SnO's humor and lack of a central plot invite people to dismiss it as a clone of the incredibly popular anime/manga Azumanga Daioh. However, this isn't entirely the case, since the original SnO manga came out shortly before Azumanga Daioh.

I can't quite explain why, but I enjoy watching this series. Sensei no Ojikan is the anime I turn to when I'm exhausted and in need of some serious relaxation. Its jokes have gradually become more and more sophisticated (or, at the very least, less banal). Artwork isn't the show's central focus--the character designs and animation are very simple--but none of the characters ever goes off-model.

SnO revolves around Mika-sensei, a twenty-seven year old teacher who looks like she's barely out of elementary school, and her class--which is quite literally filled with freaks and geeks. The main cast includes Seki, an arrogant cross-dresser; Suetake, a talented, easygoing and oblivious (some might say dumb) jock; and Kitagawa, a pretty lesbian with a fetish for small girls.

So far, episode 4 is definitely my favorite. Some of its gags are surprisingly cute and subtle (for example, the eyecatch following a scene with Mika-sensei and her father features a giant pea-pod).

~Dagger~

[stormy001_m1a2]

Sensei no Ojikan fail to hit as much as Azumanga in terms of punching line delivery. By the time it comes, the impact is pretty much lost due to wavering and aimless direction and script.