Review of Love Tyrant
---------- Disclaimer ---------- The following review is completely spoiler-free, and is meant for users who are curious about whether to watch the show or not. While I write reviews with this focus, and the goal of presenting the show with little bias, it is impossible to write a completely unbiased review. Feel free to disagree with any of my opinions, and ultimately decide for yourself how you feel about the show after watching it yourself! --------- Positives --------- - Ridiculous Fun Renai Boukun is the classic example of a show that doesn't try and take itself too seriously. Its parodic intro to the show (with the "Love Note" parody) is a fittingly silly,tongue-in-cheek, and completely not subtle icon that symbolizes the whole show. The concept is crazy, the characters are ridiculous, and the hijinks they get up to are top notch. Additionally, there are many references and parodic elements that keep the energy going in the right direction.
- Support Structure Story
Direct romances and the underlying romantic story as a whole are not spectacular, but they also do not take away from the show in the slightest. They act as a nice underlying current that runs confidently beneath the shenanigans pushed to the forefront. There's no needlessly contrived plot points or backstory, just ones that are handled quickly. As if to say: "Look, this isn't the focus of the show, but that doesn't mean we were going to slack off on it".
- Charming Characters
Renai Boukun's core production strength is its ability to recognize exactly what to emphasize. While I've already mentioned its ridiculous comedy, the conduit to this comedy (the characters and their interactions) is arguably even more important. The characters were varied, yet equally ridiculous and the MC, Seiji-kun, was a good straight man to the rest of the show's goofy ways. Each of the main/major side characters felt sufficiently fleshed out for a 12 episode season, without feeling burdened with unnecessary fluff that could take away from the show's core feeling.
- Matching Art Style
The artistic style of the show does a fantastic job of not only contributing to the over-the-top moments of the show, but also serves as a very nice visual in between those times. There is a clear emphasis on popping colours and shining characters, which is exactly what a show like this should be pushing to the front.
- Excellent OP
This OP hits all the right points for me. Catchy music, character introductions, and a perfect set-up for the show you're about to watch. Never skipped it once, and it always got me in a "Renai Boukun" sort of mood.
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Negatives
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- Good, Not Great
One of the disadvantages of pushing a few themes to the very forefront is that you leave some other elements behind. Let me be clear: Renai Boukun's overall story, character backgrounds, and world building are far from bad. They are adequate. As I mentioned above, this is to keep the comedy and madness at a high for as long as possible, but if you're looking for deep lore, complex characters, or an uber compelling romance plot, you won't find it here.
- Kissed Potential
The show's introductory episode was brilliant, and its roots in parody-ing "Death Note" with its counterpart, the "Kiss Note", was incredibly compelling and a great tool to get the characters in a wealth of kooky conundrums. Where the show goes wrong is where it throws that concept aside about halfway through the season. It leads to a generally disjointed feeling to the arc, as it takes back seat to slightly more serious arcs for each of the main girls. I wish they could have incorporated more of this fun concept into the story.
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Conclusion
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Some anime is meant to tug at your heartstrings. Some anime is meant to fill you with a "Go Get 'Em!" spirit. Some anime captivates its audience with deep, twisting plots that have you drooling for more. Renai Boukun is not any of those shows. It doesn't break new ground with confidence or ease. But what it does do is allow you to turn your brain off for a little bit and enjoy pure, unadulterated ridiculousness. It doesn't take itself to serious (even in its more serious moments), and neither should you.
There is no more perfect analogy for Renai Boukun than to describe it as "junk food" anime. It's not particularly good for you, and it won't quell a deep hunger in dire anime situations. However, it will provide a light, focused entertainment series. It knows its strong points, and focuses on them, providing you with a silly, romcom to keep you smiling in between heartier meals.
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Final Rating
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While it makes for nice averages and wonderful sorting, when it comes to reviews I personally do not like direct numbering systems. Instead, I am to answer the question: "Would you recommend I watch this show?". So,
If you are a fan of romcoms and/or harems, Renai Boukun is a perfect(ly silly) addition to your collection.
If you enjoy shutting your brain off and wondering just what crazy situation a set of characters will get themselves into this time, you'll be right at home.
Finally, if you're hoping for a heartier look into the genre(s), I'd recommend choosing a more refined, deeper anime.