All Purpose Cultural Catgirl Nuku-Nuku


A cat's brain in a robot body that acts like a human? Only in anime.




Review by: Craig "Meow-Mix Seventeen" Norris
Length: 6 episode OAV
Genre: Comedy
Watched: 1-6, subbed

This title was on my "must see" list for a long time. The simple reason for this being that I have an enthusiasm for catgirls that borders on unhealthy. So, I suppose my expectations were a bit too high when I sat down to watch it. Setting that aside, I found this to be an enjoyable OAV which had me laughing out loud several times.

Plot synopsis: When young Ryunosuke finds a cat in an alley, his father Kyusaku is reluctant to let him keep it. After all, they are fleeing from Mishima Heavy Industries after Kyusaku stole a robot prototype. However, when the cat gets mortally wounded by a flying gunship, and seeing his son's woeful reaction, Kyusaku has no choice but to put the cat's brain inside the prototype. The merger produces Nuku Nuku, who quickly finds herself a part of the family. However, this family is far from normal, as the CEO of Mishima Heavy Industries is none other than Kyusaku's wife, Akiko. Throughout the OAV, she attempts to reunite herself with her son by any means necessary. With help from her two underlings Arisa and Kyouko, she employs mecha and devious schemes all in the name of love for her son.

Artwork: The character designs are all very similar. They all have the same facial dimensions, and only eyes and hair can be used to tell them all apart. Aside from that, they all look pretty good. However, the colors seem very drab and washed out. The backgrounds look like they were left in the sun to fade for a few days. I've seen better animation, but I've also seen a lot worse.

Music: Nothing to get too excited over. I like the fact that some of the background music sounds fully orchestrated with a very rich sound. The opening and ending themes, of which there are two each, are snappy and vibrant. The music all fits very well, but as I have found with the vast majority of comedy series, the music was merely an afterthought, pushed to the wayside in favor of content.

Characters: The characters themselves are usually more entertaining and funny than most of the jokes. Nuku Nuku is comical in that she often seems very dense, is hopelessly optimistic, and gets distracted by things like mice and catnip (hey, she does have a cat's brain after all). Underneath all that, though, she is tremendously loyal to her family, even to Akiko, who often tries to destroy her out of rage. Akiko is the possessive mother to rival all others. Her entire world revolves around her son, and she would do anything to see him safe and happy, even if it doesn't involve giant robots. She has an iron will and a short temper, but she is also capable of tremendous caring. Ryunosuke has the typical outlook of a young boy, not able to understand why his parents can't just bury the hatchet and get along, even if it's only for a little while. He loves his mother very much, but he gets upset at her methods on occasion. Kyusaku comes across as almost a mad scientist type. He's very eccentric and absentminded.

Plot: Each episode is self-contained with a different central plot for each. However, the underlying plot line is always of Akiko trying to acquire Ryunosuke away from Kyusaku, and of Nuku Nuku trying to fit into everyday life. No matter how many robots fight or how many buildings explode, the show remains consistent in focusing on the family. I was a bit put off, though, by the fact that the family situation was not resolved at the end. Maybe that's smart marketing though, as the OAV paved the way for two television series with the same characters.

CHICKS!: This OAV offers up a pretty decent variety. As a catgirl, Nuku Nuku is almost disappointing. No ears, no tail, no tufts of fur to speak of. However, her personality picks up a lot of the slack, and she displays a very endearing naivete. In short, she should not be taken at face value. Akiko is one of the better looking mothers in anime, but her complete and utter devotion to her son made me see her as a mom first, and a woman second. She might appeal to someone who has an Oedipus complex, but otherwise she should be left alone. Arisa is totally devoted to her job, but on a couple of occasions she laments not being in a relationship. She's appealing only if you are very adventurous and have a serious obsession with weapons. If your idea of a good time is polishing your matching howitzers by candlelight, she's the girl for you. Kyouko is sensible and cute, and prefers not to take an active role in the schemes perpetrated by Akiko, often getting involved only because Arisa drags her along.

Overall: I was very entertained. There's really no deep message or moral to be had, and the plots never get too involving. It's just a lot of fun, and you will be amused by the flashing images and pretty colors. Those seeking something socially redeeming or emotional should definitely look elsewhere, and come back to this when they're ready to have a good time.

IN A NUTSHELL
+ Dynamic characters
+ Silly and fun
- Drab artwork
- No resolution
Rating: 7/10



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