Review of The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess
Hikikomari is one of those shows that isn’t the strongest story wise, but manages to steal your heart with great characters, comedy and some surprisingly well done action scenes. Out of Project No. 9s three shows this season, I think this was the best by a decent margin. It was a perfect blend of Yuri, ecchi fanservice, action and wholesome moments too. A must watch for cute girl enthusiasts. Hikikomari isn’t going to blow you away with world building or an incredible story. Its strength is very clearly the relationship between characters, mainly Vill and Komari, the misunderstandings that make Komarin look like a genius andthe Yuri undertones. These were more than enough to make up for the weaker story for me. The comedy really landed and seeing Komarin thrust into this leadership position she’s totally unqualified for was hilarious. I couldn’t help but be reminded of Tanya from Youjo senki as well as Ainz.
Komarin’s journey from a socially awkward shut in vampire to such a prominent leadership position is only possible thanks to the friends she makes along the way. The chemistry between she and her maid Vill expertly toes the line between straight up gay and just plain wholesome. I loved seeing Komarin gradually open up to Vill as the show progressed. As with many of these types of shows, it starts as a one sided affair before Komarin realises just how important Vill has become to her which I thought was really cute. There’s several other supporting characters that get their own little mini arcs throughout the show who each help Komarin grow progressively more confident in herself and help turn her into a better leader. While it’s only 12 episodes so some of that progression is expedited, it still managed to feel rewarding to me
I’m a big fan of the ecchi in this one. Some of it is overt like the beach episode, while most of the time it’s more subtle garter belt shots, thigh shots, camera angles, etc. I think it manages to give just enough fanservice while not degrading the girls too much. I know that sounds a bit weird, but I kind of like when shows leave a little to the imagination if that makes sense.
The one criticism I have with this show is the story seems to not know what it wants to be. There’s episodes that are light hearted and jokey, then you’ll get a darker edgy story, then a battle shonen fight.. it’s just kind of aimless at this point. Now I know there’s 13 or so LNs available so I’m sure at some point the story takes shape, but from what we saw in the anime it was kind of meh until the last 3 episodes or so. Therefore, I can’t suggest you come into this one with strong expectations on that front. It’s very much a sit back, vibe and relax type of anime.
It seems like Project No. 9 put their best team on this one as well. In stark contrast to butareba and ojou to banken kun, the production values in this were pretty good. There’s a decent amount of action and it looks solid in here. Komarin’s hype power up moments look great, the fights are well done and the day to day animation delivered.
Hikikomari was one of my top 10 most anticipated shows of the season and it finished the season there as well. It’s a very enjoyable watch that makes up for a subpar story with loveable characters and comedy. I’m always going to enjoy cute vampire girls doing magical stuff, so it all worked out for me. I’ll miss this show a lot.
Hikikomari gets 8 out of 10.