Review of Natsume's Book of Friends
I'm halfway into Season 3 of Natsume Yuujinchou and I'm writing this review with mixed feelings and here's why... 1) Story Concept 6/10 Natsume Yuujinchou's storytelling style reminds me of Doraemon as in every episode is made up of mini story arcs surrounding the main characters. The story in itself is rhetoric. It can go on and on as long as the author doesn't run out of new youkai ideas. But while I enjoyed Doraemon very much without needing a story progression because the gadget surprises from his 4D pocket are more than enough to entertain me, I can't say the same for Natsume Yuujinchou. For thelatter, it gets mundane and you start to wonder, "So what are all these leading to...?"
2) Characters Development 5/10
I gave this an average rating not because I don't like the characters. In fact, all of them are likeable including most of the youkais. What disappoints me is the severe lack of character depth even in the main characters. After more than 30 episodes, I still don't know much about Natsume other than he's an orphan living with some relatives on his father's side. He has a pretty face, is kind-hearted and a wimp. Talking about being a wimp... I would think that Natsume would grow out of his fear of youkais after a few encounters especially with Nyanko-senei protecting him, but NOOOO. He still shrieks and runs at the sight of them, which puzzles me. Shouldn't he be used to them by now?? This again reminds me of Doraemon where the main character, Nobita, is forever a coward. But while I can understand Nobita being a child, Natsume isn't, so I expected some growth in courage. Basically his character doesn't change much other than he made some new friends (but not by his own accord). Even then, he holds these friends at arm's length. All in all, Natsume is a very bland character.
My favourite character has to be Nyanko-sensei for he provides much comic relief. I cannot imagine this anime without him. In fact, I think Nyanko-sensei is the one who holds up the entire story. Even then, all I know about him is that his real form is a giant white wolf. Why was he sealed? By who? What was his relationship with Reiko? Not the slightest hint even after 30+ episodes. Is there a need to keep this such a big mystery? And I would have accepted any kind of lame backstory.
The supporting cast are nice but really forgettable side characters. There're no backstories about them and they only appear when they're helping Natsume or just saying 'hi' to him in school. BLAND AS WATER. And did I mention that the youkais are starting to look the same?
3) Artwork 7/10
The art style is generally nice with good looking characters but visual effects are non-existence. Every exorcism scene looks similar. The way Natsume returns the names to the youkais are so simplistic it's not even visually entertaining. I would rather watch Sailormoon transform 100 times.
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Watching Natsume Yuujinchou is like drinking lemon honey water - a little sweet, a little sour, but not flavourful. I really hope that the story can develop more depth. I also feel that it will be nice to add a romantic interest for Natsume although the author had said that she does not want to focus on romance. But I feel that the romance doesn't have to be heavy and it may add more complexity to Natsume's character.
Overall rating is sadly only 6/10.