POPOTAN
Flower power!
Review by: Craig “Weed Whacker” Norris
Length: 12 episodes
Genre: Comedy, drama, supernatural
Watched: All, subbed
Time travel is not a unique concept in the least. However, while most movies, novels or television series deal with the whole “Don’t change anything in the past or you’ll alter the course of history” aspect of it, this series focuses more on the emotional toll that time travel would have on those who experience it. Especially when the time travel is not done by choice.
Plot synopsis: Sisters Ai, Mai, and Mii, their maid Mea, and their pet ferret Unagi have spent their lives on a journey through time and space, hopping from place to place, and decade to decade in their colonial house-slash-Christmas shop. As they travel, they speak to the dandelions they meet, hoping to find the one who may be able to give them some answers as to their place in the world. Their search causes them to meet many people, some of whom become very special to the three sisters. Invariably, however, they must leave all whom they care about behind.
Artwork: The artwork is a bit deceptive, in that it appears at first glance that this would be a bright, happy fluff series with pretty colors. Don’t let the bright eyes and wide smiles fool you; this series has some pretty emotional subject matter. Still, by and large the character designs and use of color works very well, if not to frame the series, then at least to keep things from getting too dark. Backgrounds are decent, and recycled footage is kept to a minimum. The only glaring problem I saw was, at times, the characters appeared to be moving a lot slower than their strides should have had them moving. It reminded me of that one dream we’ve all had when we try to run at full speed but end up moving only inches at a time. Other than that, the artwork stacks up pretty well with other 12-episode series.
Music: There were times when I was surprised how good the soundtrack was. It wasn’t all the time, but whenever a soundtrack catches my ear more than once, I find it worth noting. The opening and ending themes were a step above fair in terms of standard j-pop, but even some of the in-episode tracks were a pleasure to listen to. Most of the really good tracks are the more dramatic ones, which never cease to fit the mood of the series perfectly. The comedic moments have their own soundtrack to work with, which is less impressive but works with the moments just as well.
Characters: This series has something that I place at a premium: honest-to-goodness character evolution. By the time the last episode starts up, you’re not looking at the same characters from episode one. Ai is the elder sister, and seems very easygoing. She’s the “Ara, ara” type, is a bit of a klutz, and sometimes babbles like a flighty simpleton. Still, it is usually her who maintains emotional order in the house. Mai is the middle sister, and is clearly the most emotional of the three. The time travel wears on her the most, and she is constantly conflicted as to whether not having any friends is better than having them only for a short time. Mii is the innocent and friendly younger sister who is obsessed with magical girls and anything puffy. She likes to tease Mai about her small chest (though personally, I don’t think she’s one to talk). In contrast to Mai, Mii is always trying to make friends, even knowing she must leave them. Mea is the maid of the house, and often acts like a robot. However, at other times she acts more like a quirky babysitter. She is clearly not human, but what she is exactly is not revealed. Despite this, she is considered by the sisters to be just one of the girls. What’s great about these characters is that, as the series progresses, it is evident that they are learning, and they mature in such a way as to make empathizing with them surprisingly easy. So much so that I constantly found myself wondering if I would react any differently if placed in their situation.
Plot: The whole story is pretty much an allegory, focusing on the end of one part of a person’s life and the beginning of another. It applies to a high-school graduate leaving classmates behind, a businessperson being transferred overseas, or any other situation where one may be forced to leave old friends and acquaintances. It’s a somewhat depressing subject, but the series deals with it in an upfront, worst-case scenario kind of way that makes the more mundane experiences of regular people seem mild and non-threatening. And the strength the sisters all find in one another actually makes the series more uplifting than anything. As for the time travel, it’s not portrayed in a dire H.G. Wells sort of way, nor is it as hokey as an episode of Dr. Who. The sci-fi aspect of the anime is actually quite subdued, letting the characters speak for themselves. With such dynamic and emotional characters to be had, I felt that was a wise decision.
CHICKS!: This series caters to lovers of the three major physiques in anime: the buxom older sister (Ai), the teenage beanpole schoolgirl (Mai), and the innocent loli (Mii). The three major personality types are covered, too: the happy airhead (Ai), the violent tomboy (Mai), and the friendly, energetic giggle-machine (Mii). Let’s not forget Mea, whose eclectic personality defies definite description, and would appeal to anyone who likes the obligatory “weird girl.” Though these overarching personality types are what’s most evident about these girls, there’s much more to them than that, and they seem much more real than the ink and paint they’re made of.
Overall: There’s a lot about this series that I liked. I liked the dynamic and constantly evolving characters. I liked the mix between humor and drama. I liked the ever-present but not overdone emotion exhibited by the sisters. And I even liked the fact that enough room was left to squeeze in a sequel (which I understand may be in the works). So for those who are jaded by fluff series and want something with a bit more substance (but not so much that it weighs you down), this may be the perfect answer.
IN A NUTSHELL
+ Characters that grow
+ Real issues with a sci-fi backdrop
+ Humor and drama is equally effective
- Artwork caught me off guard
Rating: 8/10
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