wilford.schumm - 2014-02-05 21:12:51

Animation Runner Kuromi is a simple story, and thus can be judged leniantly since there is little investment of time and interest required by the viewer. Let's jump straight into it...

Story

The story is simple and straightforward. Kuromi, who is newly in charge of an action adventure anime, must manage difficult and exotic employees into finishing an episode by a soon approaching date (she must find inspiration and motivation to complete her task). The story feels realistic and gets humor out of real life situations and characters - perfect for a Slice of Life anime. There is just the right amount of background and plot allocated to the story to deliver a rounded experience (serious and comical). For anyone interested in anime, the story also provides a realistic look into anime production, which is interesting. I would definitely watch Kuromi's journey again, and there is also a sequel to enjoy.

Animation

Kuromi's character design is similar to Shoujo and Josei equivalents. The animation clearly comes from a small budget, but nonetheless the animation quality is sufficient for the limited setting and characters. Given the length and subject matter, I don't think it is critical. (apologies for poor screen-cap quality)

Sound

The overall theme is well suited and is used appropriately. Kuromi's seiyuu is good, the rest of the cast is adequate (which given their screen time is fine). The series does have an English dub and it is of surprisingly high quality (particularly that of the main female cast). I think the feature can easily be enjoyed with the English or Japanese dub.

Characters

Kuromi's short story of getting adjusted to the working world is one in which a lot of people can relate to. She is an enjoyable character who has to undergo some self evaluation in order to suceed in her mission, and I root for her every step of the way. Hara has a cool and experienced exterior and delivers an excellent mentoring role to Kuromi. The other character are exaggerations of real life personalities and are enjoyable for the limited screen time they have. Generally excellent all-round!

Enjoyment

Animation Runner Kuromi packs quite a lot into a single 40 minute episode and I think that it is exactly the right amount. It is rare to find an anime that can take a simple premise and situation and fully explore it in the time allocated and I wish there were more OVAs that did the same. The feature is perfectly paced, well executed and I found it very refreshing.

Overall

The best type of OVA - one that doesn't over-step its bounds and fleshes itself out. Animation Runner Kuromi didn't leave me in wanting or in aggrivation and is the perfect way to spend a portion of a lazy afternoon.