Introduction
Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi is an anime about a boy and a girl, a shopping arcade, and well the kitchen sink. I would define this anime as well, random. It’s like FLCL but without a plot. Each episode is mostly it’s own story, until some “deep” plot points arrive that no one cares about because the show does better with the Excel Saga type humor done right.
Review
Basically you have a boy and a girl who travel through “dimensions” that emulate an otaku type lifestyle. I’m going to be blunt, the details isn’t interesting at all. Each dimension features stuff like RPG games (where the boy and girl must defeat the game), a sci-fi fantasy with mecha action and missing pantsu, and well a lot more. Then you have a few of the previously mentioned serious episodes that feature a serious storyline that doesn’t fit the show at all.
There are moments in this anime where you feel really good. Especially the first three episodes, the introduction, the RPG, and the mecha sci-fi dimension, highlight the series peak. An episode featuring the boy becoming a mystic is also way up there as the mystic guy that’s kind of been following them is quite the otaku himself.
The main point of this anime is its visuals. The graphics are sharp and clean, even on the levels of Vandread or even Haruhi (this is going by the DVDs). This makes the effects and the comedy value work as all the motion is very fluid and well animated. This is a GAINEX show after all.
I would say that, if this anime had a better “serious” plot line and involved more magic and didn’t have the stereotypical everything is as they started ending that this would be one of my favorites. It has way too many low points and the twelve episodes don’t give the serious plot line enough time to evolve nor the mystic powers enough attention.
DO NOT WATCH THE DUB. Be sure to pick up the DVDs and listen to the Japanese voice cast for this anime. Seriously, the dubs sound as if cowboys were talking for children.
Personally I would watch this anime just to have something fun to do. The first three episodes are fantastic and it does have some high points. The parody of a lot of anime/otaku related genres works out well.
Rating
Score: 5/10
Pros:
First three episodes are fantastic.
Fluid visuals combined with decent sound.
Cons:
Repetitive formula used more often then it should be.
Serious storyline is a downer to an otherwise happy anime.
