Some kids can be jerks. There, I said it. Some kids can be real jerks. Case in point: the students that think it’s a riot to make fun of Akane Nishimura. Why? Because she has piercing, glaring eyes and wears dark clothes. So naturally, they decide to call her “The Grim Reaper” and go out of their way to tease her and spread rumors that she has evil powers to curse people. Why? Because some kids can be jerks. However, for Taiyo Takada, a friendly new transfer student, the idea that one of his classmates could be a Shinigami is the best thing since sliced bread and he really wants to be her friend. Even when other kids try to recruit him into their clique, he only has eyes for Nishimura. At one point in the episode, Takada gets hurt and when Nishimura hesitates to come to visit him so as not to start any rumors, he genuinely feels hurt that she didn’t come for a chat. Of course, the two make up, and Nishimura admits that it’s nice to talk to this rather spazzy yet well-meaning odd duck.
Well…that was adorable on so many levels. This show is pretty much THE perfect Sunday morning anime—it’s not too deep in the weeds, it doesn’t have an overly complicated narrative, and the characters aren’t these multi-faceted complex individuals that will take all of 13 episodes to figure out. This is just a sweet, adorable, simple anime about how one boy decides to buck the status quo and say, “Hey, I actually think it’s really cool that you’re unique and I want to get to know you more!” The dynamic between Nishimura and Takada does remind me of the dynamic between Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair from Wednesday—the happy-go-lucky air-headed kiddo who wants to befriend the dark and mysterious classmate that people tend to stay away from. I’m really interested in Nishimura’s backstory, which is hinted at in the second half of the episode. I’m also curious about our dopey bro Takada—he mentions his previous school that only had 30 kids in the class, and he really seems to be into the occult. Maybe he’s from the countryside? Maybe a special school? I’m curious… Anyway, animation-wise, this show is also extremely cute. Not much to write home about, but considering that we’re dealing with young kiddos and a rather simplistic story, I wouldn’t expect budget-breaking animation quality.
So where does that leave us? Will I follow My Clueless First Friend? Oh yeah, this is a definite follow for me. It’s cute and wholesome, and I can relate to this story on so many levels as I’ve been ostracized and the one who befriends the ostracized. This show really has the potential to be a touching narrative, and I can’t wait to see what kind of prodigious shenanigans these two adorable dorks get up to.
My Clueless First Friend is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
Also Known as The Cajun Samurai. I’m A Christian, a Southern Gentlemen, An Angry Black Man, A Commentator and Blogger on Life and Anime, A Virgin Until I’m Married & A Saints Fan. I wrote quite a few things, and I look forward to writing a few more!
