wkessler - 2014-02-11 19:20:09

Assemble Insert is more than just a gag anime; one could consider it to have a normal dramatic arc with oddball comedy thrown in. With that in mind, on with the review...

Story

Assemble Insert has an interesting premise. Basically, "What would happen if a redundant section of a police department managed an idol who is also a superhero?" On face value it might seem ridiculous, but infact it is comic genius. Given that radical premise, the story unfolds in a natural manner and the underlying oddity makes it very humorous. It is not unlike Monty Python, who play out outlandish sketches in deadpan. There are straight gags too (which are also enjoyable and the series is meant to serve as a parody of Japan pop culture), but the value of Maron's personal development is still definitely felt. As with many short OVAs, you are unfortunately left wanting far more but this does not mean the experience is wasted.

Animation

Fans of hand-drawn animation can rejoice. Given that Assemble Insert is a short OVA: the quality of the animation is excellent and the character designs are unique, retro (think Metropolis) and refreshing. Motion is fluid and really sucks you in. The overall atmosphere feels very real but also slightly cartoony (which aids in the "Monty Python" and dramatic effect).

Sound

The show does provide some wonderful music - its dreamy, magical, perfectly fitting in with the atmosphere and very uplifting.

It's all thematic, so there aren't any particular "songs" that can be pointed out and you will likely not remember the music afterwards.

Character

I enjoy the plight of the plucky Special Operations team and their desperate plan - I want to root for them and I want to laugh at them as well. Maron faces the pressures to be a singer, actor AND a superhero when ultimately her aptitude is just her strength. Finding ones way in life is something I (and I am sure many others) can empathize with and I thus love Maron's personal development in Assemble Insert.

Enjoyment

I found Assemble Insert very relaxing and it was fulfilling to see Maron come to terms with her path in life. It is funny, simple, has a great little plot and feels much crisper than typical, "run-of-the-mill" series. The dreamy-ish atmosphere really drew my attention in as well.

Overall

It is the perfect anime to watch in a bit of spare time and it is a great way to relax into the afternoon. More than anything, this anime knew what it wanted to do and it feels very genuine as a result.