Winter 2010 First Impressions: Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu

It’s the show I know nothing about from the studio that I nothing about! This can’t possibly go well, could it?

She’s cute, talented and has good taste in hairpieces. I approve!

Japan’s got it all wrong. Stupid babies need the most love! I have to admit, Silver Link did a good job. Liberal use of chibis and some pretty solid artwork sooths an otherwise ok story. But for a first episode, Baka to Test wasn’t all that bad. I got a chuckle from the random "zetsuboushta!" as well as the so very wrong, but so very funny trap transformation scene. Why must they tempt us with such terribly awkward trapness! Otherwise, all the characters – sans Akihisa, the main lead guy – were pretty likeable. I’m sure Akihisa will end up being a strong baka trainer, but he lacked the charisma of his E class representative friend. I’m not sure why he’s considered the male lead in this show. On the flip side, even though we didn’t get to see too much of Mizuki’s personality, I was instantly smitted by her Louise de Valliere looks and the very classy hairpin she sported. I knew then that she had strength of heart beyond her frail countenance.

The idea of using test scores as the basis for the battles themselves was somewhat interesting, but clearly, the highlight was mass use of chibis. Still, I’m not sure I’d want to see extended battles each episode. The battle scheme seems much too simple and the 2D game look while amusing, probably won’t hold my interest as well for each subsequent fight.

All in all, it was a pretty good start for a show I had no expectations for. I’m not sure the story will be interesting enough to keep my attention for long, but I’ll continue watching to see how it goes.