This is an older review I wrote July 15th, 2009.
Title: Negima!?
Volume: 1 and 2
Running time: 650 min
Distributor: FUNimation
Professor Negi is a young wizard sent to a girls school where he must, for part of his training, teach a class of 31 girls. This is the second version of Negima that has been animated, and though I only read the first 4 volumes of the manga, it veers away from the original story. But the art and design of the animation is far more stylish than the first animated series.
The story is pretty good, where Negi must keep his magic identity hidden from everyone, and fails miserably. And to keep from being reprimanded from the Magic Council, he needs to make a pact with the girl who discovers his secret. And of course, to form the pact, the two must kiss (which is the most dramatic thing anyone could ever do in any anime story). The first part of the series (13 episodes) is mostly Negi making pacts with the entire class. The second part of the story happens when the class is transported to another parallel realm and must try to find their way home. And through the series, the running gags keep cropping up. Chupacabras. Bad ramen. Failure (in a good way)...
The story moves along and a pretty quick pace, with many quick cuts to unrelated jokes. After a couple episodes, I was surprised with the similarities to the other anime series Pani Poni Dash. Or for the more Anglo minded, like the way Family Guy cuts away to a non sequitur jokes throughout their episodes. However the jokes in Negima aren't as off color. Also, each girl has a character which is basically a one joke note. But there are 31 of them, so the tune doesn't get too stale.
I had fun with this series. I didn't have to think too deeply to understand the story. And the animation in this second series is far better than the first series. If you're into the girls school/magic thing, it's definitely worth watching. But if you're looking for something serious, try elsewhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment