In the wake of many a school based light novel show this may be the small bits of fresh air was can savor out of this overdone setting. Rascal does not dream of Bunny Girl(Or by its japanese title above) is a series not about rascals or bunny girls but instead about contextualising common high school student problems with a supernatural twist. The story mainly follows a guy called Sakuto who encounters various girls afflicted by some supernatural disorder ranging from invisibility to body switching. Generally caused by some mental problem or trauma the girl is dealing with which the supernatural disorder is forcing her to face. There is some rather weak attempts to explain said phenomena with quantum physics but believe me when I say you really shouldn’t take that into account as this show basically gives up on that idea as it continues.
The series works in an arc format with each ranging from three to four episodes dealing with a certain girls story arc. However while each arc does deal with Sakuto helping girls, this does not lead to the typical situation of Sakuto building up a harem of girls infatuated with him as he helps them. Instead there is more of a focus on Sakuto building a relationship with one girl as he helps others which really does progress well as the two have fantastic chemistry. Indeed the strongest aspect of the show itself is the interactions between the characters which do have fine comedic banter but also feel more grounded and real than most shows.
The opening theme song is a massive earworm set to have you repeating it throughout the day and the ending works well as it changes based on who is the focus of that particular arc. There are some negatives in that some arcs are weaker than others and with each arc(Aka Light novel Volume) being covered in three/four episodes instead of a standard six which results in the pacing speeding up at times and lots of time jumps. As it is by the author of Sakuraso it also has a tendency to delve a little too deeply into overdramatic territory which can ruin some moments. Other than that it is a highly solid show bound to keep anyone watching with it’s episodic cliffhangers and engaging narrative. For those whom have watched the likes of Haruhi, Snafu or likewise then this would make for a good show to put next on your list.
Good review 🙂
I give this show an extra honorable mention for the Sakuta/Mai pairing, which I felt was very special. Why? Because it was a match made in heaven – two independent people who maintained a very balanced relationship, with genuine care for each other, and with willingness both to properly seek the other one’s forgiveness when one party slipped, and to forgive the other in return.
Think of it. How many “relationships” are effectively a male lead most often undeserving of the affections of trophy wife or even trophy harem? Or the tired setup between a beta male lead and an abusive dominant tsundere? Mai/Sakuta were a breath of fresh air for fans of character-driven anime like me. So, in the end, I might have upped it to 85%, but essentially the same result as you.
Truth be told, I had it at 85% at first but knocked it down a few more points when I thought more about the ending and some of the uneven pacing.
You _are_ aware that the show hasn’t ended yet?
The ending will follow in the movie, which will animate the Shouko arc! Maybe you should revise your verdict once you see how the story truly ends.
I am aware but regardless the series and Movie are rated independenantly. Same way you would rate certain Anime seasons differently.
Random question: It doesn’t have boob grabbing, does it? I’m hearing great things about this show, but I want to know that first and foremost before deciding to watch it. I don’t mind the occasional skimpy outfit, but non-consensual boob grabbing? HELL NO.
That’s some rather odd criteria. As far as I can recall I don’t remember any scenes with Boob grabbing. But there is a scene Where a girl kicks the protags ass due to a misunderstanding and then requests that he kick her ass in response. Doubt that would really bother you, if anything would it’s likely in the first episode where this girl was being ridiculously obnoxious to the protag and the protag makes a joke about her being on her period which seems to rub some people the wrong way. Personality considering that the girl was telling him to stop hanging around with her boyfriend, behind her boyfriends back, on the reason that he was too uncool to be hanging out with him, well she deserved much worse really. And that’s me putting her words nicely.
Good enough. Thanks!
Good review, thanks!
I love this anime. The girls are so cute there.