Review of Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku
If you want a light romantic comedy with lots of funny moments, look no further! This show is entertaining as it is sweet and refreshing. I've browsed and watched through a few romcom shows, but this one feels most relatable and enjoyable to watch. From the scene taking place at a corporate office, to the portrayal of relationship, it doesn't feel forced and doesn't leave me feeling annoyed by the usual push-and-pull relationship dynamic. ----- Story The story revolves around 4 characters (2 MCs, 2 supporting characters) who are supposedly working adults, and comes to no surprise, hardcore otakus! The main couple both find it hard to have arelationship as an otaku, because either they devote their life to their hobbies, or because non-otaku are grossed out by the MC. The 4 characters also keep their hobbies a secret from their relatives and other friends, and fortunately they are able to find a safe haven in this newfound circle of friends.
One of the strength of the story is that it is really simple, so it is very light and a great choice when you need a respite and a little laugh. They dont really tell the story outside of their little circle, so the focus is in the MCs at their workplace, doing their hobbies, and the relationship dynamic between them. During their work time, they do their job as usual, while sometimes making time for their hobbies during lunch or before work (playing games, watching anime, etc). Several times in the story, they seem to interact with fellow coworkers and other people, and are seen as normal people and professional adult, showing that otakus are just like other people, only with high devotion to hobbies.
How they stretch the interaction only between these 4 characters (while later on they introduce 2 more supporting characters) throughout the 11 episode is amazing. I never got bored watching them talking to each other, their friendly banters, heated arguments, and sweet moments.
On the romance part, it is very PG-13 (they even only kissed once I think), not a lot of PDA, but nonetheless very adorable! It is quite realistic because it shows their lives very closely, so mundane relationship moments are to be expected. But, how they just let each other be themselves, enjoy each other's presence, no annoying miscommunication drama are a pleasant portrayal of a mature relationship. The romantic relationship between the MC seem to be transactional at first, with them only exchanging favors, but it develops slowly into a loving relationship throughout the end. I JUST NEED MORE FLUFFY CUTESY MOMENTS, PLEASE!
As for plot, the series doesn't have any significant plot. The pilot episode pretty much gave the rough background story to start you off, and it has a few introductory episode to new character but it's also not substantial.
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Character
All of the characters have different characters and interest, so it is really fun watching them individually and their interaction with each other. They also have different focus of interest (gaming, manga, BL, etc). Sometimes their preferences clash, sometimes they agree, quite realistic portrayal of real-life interaction. In later episode, they introduce 2 more of supporting character, who also have their fair share of struggle to find relationship as otakus, and I guess would later on be a part of the otaku circle.
There isn't much character development throughout the series. The development mostly show in the MCs' relationship as they slowly show how deeply they love the other. But character development isn't really necessary for this kind of story, I like how they keep things at its own pace. I just simply can't wait for the next season!
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Art
I think the art is very befitting of their genre and story. The characters' imagery suit their respective personality, enhanced with the talented voice actors who could perfectly match their voice with the characters. Since it's comedy, the characters are sometimes shown in chibi, or having a very funny expression to match the situation.
The cute pastel-colored background and typical shoujo glittery effect are very suitable for each scene and amplify the cuteness of this anime! They sometimes use pixel bit textbox referenced from in RPG game, not holding back on the different type of otaku reference.
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Overall it is very enjoyable to watch. There's no significant up and down moment. The flow are kept relatively stable, it has its own way of doing "awww" moment without exaggeration, and it doesn't annoy you with a frustrating romance drama, making it pleasant and easy-to-digest.