hammes.katlynn - 2014-05-20 19:55:49

I have now found my new most underrated anime ever; here's why...

Story: When people dream, they express their utmost desires and emotions within the confines of their mind; but when their strong emotions cross the border into reality, the dream can turn into an uncontrollable nightmare. Touko and Rinko are sisters known as "yume tsukai" (dream users), and their job is to take care of these nightmares. Using toys as weapons, the girls must both destroy the nightmare and return the dream to its rightful owner before the nightmare does any sort of serious damage. Have no fear, Touko and Rinko are here! (Source: Anime-Planet)

Pros: I really like the premise to this, it seemed like an interesting concept and they really ran with this one! The designs for said nightmares look pretty cool and original IMO and the reasons behind the nightmares are realistic and believable. The main characters are all likeable. Touko is the calm and mature one, always thinking ahead, however she gets tired and lazy real easily and sometimes lets her sister take care of the problem instead, but when danger really calls, she'll be there to help those in need. Rinko is the eccentric super elementary school girl with attitude and helps keep her onee-chan in check. However she doesn't think before doing and can be aggressive at times. They got real personalities that we have and there interactions are really nice to watch and follow.

The others are Hajime, the aloof nutball who likes Rinko and has a big heart (but not a big brain), Sataoka, a shy and timid who joins the Yume Tsukai to avenge her boyfriend, and Misako, the serious but friendly aunt and the one who stays behind to perform back ups in case the others are in a dire situation.

For a 2006 anime, the animation is very nice to follow, even though it can get a bit repetitious at times but they don't over do it. The music is really good and the songs are fitting for the show it represents. Imagery doesn't fit always or looks good but its fine nonetheless.

I also really enjoy the development the characters go through later on in the show which I won't ruin it for you guys for obvious reasons (be prepared, cause when the dramatic stuff hits, it hits hard); the voice work also helps with this which is always a plus.

Cons: The side characters, while not bad, are pretty forgettable compared to the main ones since they don't get as much screen time, but this is only 12 episodes and its better than having to forcefully shove the characters in there for no given reason and rush things (I'm looking at you Save Me Lollipop), which is what I had trouble with in the climax: the set up is fantastic but there wasn't enough time to fill and the final battle had to be too quick. Sigh. Also the first few episodes can get formulaic and the dialogue can also be repetitious but it changes later on in the show...some episodes aren't that great either and have some pretty poor endings (final battle is also anti climatic in some way, IMO) :S

Art also needs to get used to, I mean seriously what is up with Rinko's eyes?

Overall: This is a wonderful anime and is now the most underrated show I have ever seen. If you like magic, comedy, drama, and fantasy done right in 12 episodes, then I can't recommend it enough.

And as always, thank you for reading my 42nd review~