Genre: Comedy

Creator/Studios: Kiyohiko Azuma/JC Staff/Production IG

Company: ADV

DVD Info: 26 episodes, 5 DVD's (box set available)

Summary: Meet Class 1-3 of a typical Japanese high school: Chiyo (10-year old genius), Yomi (nerdy and practical, but short-tempered), Tomo (Ritalin poster girl), Kagura (sports nut), and Sakaki (quiet, kind-hearted girl who only wants a cat). There are also three faculty members: Yukari (tempermental English teacher), Kurosawa (PE teacher who was also Yukari's rival in high school. They've hardly buried the hatchet), and Kimura (lecherous principal).

The Good: This is a nice change of pace from the angst-filled fare that's usually available today. It's just random fun with a super-silly theme song and cute animation.

The Bad: There's no real underlying plot, so that may seem awkward. The show's really just a collection of shorts that weave together.

Offensive material: Some language and comments about breast sizes. Kimura is lecherous, but harmless.

Overall: This series brought back a lot of memories of my own high school days. This is a great one to watch, and I really wish you could catch it on regular cable instead of just ADV's VOD channel.

My Review: 4.0 Category: C (Caution. Not recommended for those under 13)

Comment: ADV also carries the manga. Kiyohiko Azuma also created the manga Yotsuba&!, about a precocious toddler, which is also available currently from ADV. Other JC staff titles include: Read or Die (both the TV series and the OVA),Slayers, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and Excel Saga. Other Production I.G. titles include:Ghost in the Shell, Patlabor, Dead Leaves, and IGPX.