Chobits

Ah, the wonders of technology

Review by: Craig "Glazed Stare" Norris

Length: 26 episodes
Genre: Romantic comedy
Watched: 1-26, subbed

I happened across this series while I was still relatively new to anime, so my expectations were not nearly as refined as they are now when I watched it. However, I do credit this series with exposing me to several elements that I now look for in just about every anime series I watch. For those who are not quite accustomed to the type of entertainment anime can bring, this series is truly an eye-opening experience. And not just for the fanservice.

Plot synopsis: What's the first thing your computer does when you turn it on? It probably beeps and starts loading your OS, right? Well, not Hideki Motosuwa's. The first thing his computer did was hug him and tackle him to the floor. Hideki is a down on his luck student trying to get into college who happens upon a persocon, a computer made to look and move just like a human, just lying in a trash pile. When he finally turns on his new persocon, she instantly becomes inseparable from Hideki. Investigation into this mysterious persocon, whom Hideki names Chii, reveals that she might be a legendary type of custom persocon called a Chobits. As the series progresses, Chii learns more and more about herself and what she is capable of, as well as developing feelings towards Hideki.

Artwork: I've heard "CLAMP" and "good" in the same sentence too many times to discount it as mere coincidence. Using this series as an example, I'd have to say that their artwork is pretty good, to say the least. The character designs are all consistent, and the backgrounds are rich and colorful. My only question about the animation was the lack of anyone over 30 in the general population. I mean there are a few that show up sporadically, but in general this particular anime continuity seems to be totally populated by young and good-looking people. Aside from that inconsistency, from a technical standpoint the artwork is very nice.

Music: It's j-pop, but it's good j-pop. In fact, it's some of the best I've ever heard. The music doesn't just get the job done in-episode; it goes a step beyond and compiles itself into a soundtrack that would impress even the most jaded of j-pop enthusiasts. The opening theme is amazingly catchy and cute, burrowing itself into your head like a tick and staying there until it has sucked you dry. Personally, I am not a tremendous fan of the genre, but even I could hear the care and resources that were used in creating the score. If j-pop is your thing, I'd have to label this soundtrack as a must-own.

Characters: Chobits offers up an eclectic and entertaining bunch for your viewing pleasure. First, there's Hideki. Let me start off by saying that he is me. He is a dork and a pervert who is pathetic with women, which made me connect with him on a personal (albeit slightly painful) level. Aside from

that, he is easily flustered, and treats even the smallest of problems as though it was the sign of the apocalypse. There is only one word that can be used to describe Chii: cute. I could go into detail about just how cute she is, but this website only has so many MB of space for us to use. Suffice to say that she is the most adorable computer I have ever seen. When she is first turned on, all she can say is "Chii," and she has virtually no knowledge of the world around her. She often learns things only by getting them wrong the first time, which creates some very awkward and entertaining situations. Hideki's classmate and neighbor, Shinbo, is more savvy and level-headed. He is there to provide support to Hideki, and often points him in the right direction concerning any of his problems. Shinbo's persocon, Sumomo, is only about twelve inches tall. However, she possesses the energy of twenty full-grown people. Of all the characters, she is the most consistently entertaining, as she also participates in Chii's learning process, and has a dance that accompanies just about all of her functions. Hibiya is Hideki and Shinbo's landlady. She is soft-spoken and helpful, and takes a particularly keen interest in Chii's development. Yumi, one of Hideki's co-workers, is full of youthful vigor and looks up to Hideki as a mentor of sorts. Shimizu, Hideki and Shinbo's teacher, is friendly and professional, but can show her cheeky side when letting a student (particularly Hideki) know that she is watching. Both Yumi and Shimizu have had experiences that have left them distrustful of persocons. Minoru is a middle school student who is rich beyond all hell, and is surrounded by scantily-clad persocons. And yet, he refuses to crack a smile! I guess there's just no pleasing some people. Yuzuki is Minoru's custom persocon that is programmed to act like his late sister. She is calm and polite, and does everything in her power to help Minoru, even if it is unadvisable. Most of the human characters display emotions that are very real, and exhibit well-rounded personalities, which adds an element of believability to the show. That is, if you believe in walking, talking computers that look like humans.

Plot: At first, the show doesn't really seem to be about anything, as almost the entire first half is nothing but fanservice and situational comedy. However, in later episodes a general theme begins to develop, which explores the question of whether or not computers that look like humans would replace their flesh and blood counterparts. As the significance of the role Chii plays in all this is slowly revealed, the situations and side stories present all seem to steer back to that central question. For a primarily comedic series to ask that serious and provocative question is certainly a big shift in focus, and as a result some of the later episodes can get a bit depressing at times. Apparently, the first half of the series is meant to barrage you with slapstick and panty shots in an effort to prevent you from getting too mired in depression as the last few episodes come up.

CHICKS!: Well, if you're going to make a computer that looks like a young woman, why not make it as cute as possible? All the female persocons in the show are cute, but Chii broke the mold. Then she shattered it, minced it, and pulverized it into a fine powder and scattered it to the wind. There is yet no word in the English language to describe how cute Chii is. Her cuteness is coma-inducing. You really just have to see for yourself. Yumi is another cutie, and her petite, schoolgirl figure is highlighted by a pair of E-cup (by her own admission) breasts. She is always smiling and full of energy, and rarely lets her true feelings of depression through. Plus, she likes to cook, making her a wonderful housewife candidate. Hibiya is just an all-around nice woman. She is very accommodating to her tenants, and is concerned about the welfare of those around her. Plus, she is relatively young and very good looking. However, certain circumstances make her somewhat unattainable romantically. Shimizu calls to mind the song "Hot For Teacher" by Van Halen, because that's exactly what I am. It's amazing Hideki and Shinbo can get anything done in that class; I'd be ogling my teacher the whole time. But I guarantee I'd never be late for school! Aside from having a great figure, her affinity for alcohol and somewhat sadistic way she treats Hideki when he's not paying attention suggests that she might have a bit of a naughty streak. She is also a woman who often hides her true feelings. Yuzuki seems to be the quintessential persocon, being ever subservient. She possesses a more subtle beauty than most of the other characters, and rarely ever expresses anything that could be considered anything other than politeness. In short, she's a noteworthy chick because she was built that way; she has no innate appeal, personality-wise. Overall, the chicks offered up in Chobits are quite pleasing to the eyes, and enough of their anatomy is revealed periodically to keep carnal desires near the forefront of the viewing experience for most of the show.

Overall: This show introduced me to the robo-girl sub-genre, and I haven't looked back since. Not only that, even after all the other ones I've seen, this one sticks out in my mind as the most complete and worthwhile. Aside from eliciting some cheap laughs, it also delves deeply into a fictitious social issue that seems oddly feasible somehow. The show caters to many tastes (though not all at the same time) and presents a very worthwhile viewing experience. Fans of anime in general owe it to themselves to take a look at Chobits for the wide spectrum it delivers. Plus, it'll make your Mac or PC look lame by comparison.

IN A NUTSHELL

+ Good artwork
+ Good soundtrack
+ Believable characters
- Inconsistent mood
Rating: 9/10

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