Anime: Tsuritama

Posted by everworld on April 17, 2013 · 3 Comments 

Ah, the spring anime releases of 2012. It was a good time and I remember wanting to follow quite a number of series. Tsuritama was definitely on my list of to watch, yet, somehow after the first episode it sort of took a back seat. I have finally gotten around to watching it and I am happy to say that it did not disappoint. 

 

Can I just say that I am slightly partial towards the anime that appear during the noitaminA time slot? I have enjoyed too many of their titles. So yes, I think it’s quite apparent that I enjoyed Tsuritama. It was colourful and vibrant. The characters were so unique and likeable. The story was simple, yet really allowed the characters to shine. And it was funny to boot! So much win.

Tsuritama is special because it takes an ordinary boy with the usual struggles of having transferred school one too many times, and being a general awkward penguin and puts him together with an alien. A self-declared alien that looks like a boy. Add to that a fishing prince and a lot of fishing involved and of course the mysterious turban man who is actually a secret agent. What do you get? A lot of fun and laughs. So much so, that it reminded a good deal of Level E. And then of course was the drama, and the intense emotions that pulled the show together. 

I really enjoyed watching the more serious moments, the tension between the characters was done so well. The series feels like a slice of life, although there is a very clear plot direction. The ending was great and all it should have been and everything we could want, but really what shines is the process of getting there. It’s very hard to condense so much into a 12 episode anime. Some do it well, some don’t. Tsuritama has got it down right, there’s focus on the different characters and even time for the side characters. The stories are interlinked and the plot moves at a good pace. It really makes a difference, and for me, it made the anime entertaining to watch.

Tsuritama takes friendship to the next level. It doesn’t shy away from the beginnings, where people are still trying to get to know each other. It delves into personal problems and how this can affect friends. It’s ridiculous at times, but it’s balanced out by it’s realistic grip on the drama side. 

I’m not sure why, but it’s really starting to grow on me as I write this review. I would have given it a 7 when I first finished watching it, but now on hindsight, I’m more likely to give it an 8. It’s that kind of show which sticks and makes you happy to have watched it. And I also think it’s one of my favourites from the Spring 2012 season. The others pale in comparision. 

Filed under Anime & Manga · Tagged with Anime, review