Hi everyone, I hope you’re all doing well! I just thought I’d introduce you to a really great anime series! This was my first attempt at a review, but it was deleted when Kuro switched host, so bear with me. I am reviewing the first and second seasons of School Rumble at the same time because the second season is just a continuation of the first and the two merge together perfectly. Here goes:
The average, but clueless Tsukamoto Tenma likes the stoic and peculiar Karasuma Oji, but she can’t seem to get her feelings across. The delinquent Harima Kenji is head over heels for Tsukamoto, but can’t get his feelings across mostly due to misunderstandings (and the fact that Tenma loves Karasuma). Such a dilemma! The story mostly revolves around Harima Kenji and the relationships he forms with Tsukamoto’s friends and younger sister later on. There are a few side stories for minor characters that are quite enjoyable. There aren’t any giant robots or any magical aspects outside of fantasies and Yakumo’s (Tenma’s younger sister) ability to read the feelings of others. This anime gets its action from over the top situations, pop culture references, and some really fun word play!
The anime - based on Jin Kobayashi’s still ongoing manga - starts out as a typical high school anime, but quickly turns into a roller coaster of humor and romance. Refreshingly, it is not overly dramatic or difficult to follow. Even if you began watching from say, episode 12, you could easily understand what’s going on and enjoy the story. Though I would highly recommend starting from the beginning since a few inside jokes develop and makes the series more enjoyable along the way. Though the plot seems pretty flat and basic, it actually provides some sentimental moments that anyone can relate to. It also follows the manga fairly accurately.
What really makes this anime is its characters. The characters may seem flat when you first meet them, but they each have their quirks that make them loveable and unique. For instance, Harima Kenji, the delinquent, loves to draw manga (which adds a lot to the plot later on). Even if you want to you can’t hate any of the characters. If they are not making you roll on the floor in hysterics, they are relatable.
Superficially, the character designs are pretty typical, yet smooth. The animation isn’t anything special, but it works for this type of story. The voice acting is fitting and wonderful. As far as music goes, it fits right in. The opening and ending animations/music are a lot of fun to watch!
Episodes are, for the most part, wonderfully paced. However, some episodes can be overly silly and boring by not adding to the plot or character/love development. This is a very rare occurrence though. A part of the third OVA was released earlier in the summer. If you can’t wait for the final installment, the manga version can provide you with a little relief… but only a little. The manga completed it’s run at 383 chapters.
I would recommend this anime to anyone who loves a little romance and a lot of comedy. Personally, I am really glad that I gave it a chance after being told about it by our very own Sazabi here on the forums! Have some fun and watch School Rumble and embark on a new school year and have a good laugh! It’ll remind you that anime isn’t always about magic and epic death scenes.
I’d give it a 9/10
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