Tarou Kabakura, a third-year high school student and captain of the boys' volleyball team, is constantly being harassed by his underclassman Hanako Koyanagi, who is in charge of the girls' team. Koyanagi insists that since the girls have a match coming up, Kabakura should give up the courts to let them practice. When he refuses, she pulls out photographic evidence exposing his secret hobby.
With the danger of his entire team finding out about his otaku interests looming over him, Kabakura agrees to hand over the volleyball courts to Koyanagi, giving her some private coaching as well. As the two grow closer, they begin to forge an everlasting bond.
Third OVA—covering the "employee trip" chapter(s) from the sixth tankouban volume—will be bundled with the special edition of the 11th and final volume of the manga which ships on October 14, 2021.
(Source: MAL News, edited)
Introduction
If the world of anime has taught us one thing, it’s that love can, indeed, be pretty complicated. Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii or Love is Hard for Otaku, an anime series that hit the ground running since its inception, tells us love is not only complicated, but it can be uniquely so, especially for the nerdy hearts! In this particular review, we’re going to look into the Original Video Animation (OVA) of the series, and join our favorite characters in their continued adventures of love and life through an otaku lens.
Synopsis
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii, takes us into the lives of four otaku friends, traversing the adult world, while balancing their nerdy passions. The OVA comes with an extension of this journey, filled with laughter, love, misunderstandings, and gaming – all the elements that make the original series stand out. Narumi and Hirotaka, as well as Hanako and Tarou, provide us with a colorful portrayal of the diverse types of otaku relationships that exist, adding a refreshing spin to the love-comedy genre.
In the OVA, we tag along with our quartet as they engage in a rollicking good time at a hot spring. Although it seems like a simple premise, the brilliantly written humor, quirky character dynamics, and comically relatable otaku references will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Review
If you’ve grown to love the series, there’s no question, you’ll love the OVA! The charming chemistry between the characters is kept in check, as their contrasting personalities play off against each other, resulting in a symphony of wholesome laughs. Apart from the entertainment, it’s intriguing to see the characters’ growth even in the span of a single episode.
Animation-wise, A-1 Pictures have outdone themselves. Every frame screams attention to detail, every trivial moment made significant via gorgeous visuals. In the coveted hot spring trope in anime, it has managed to hold its own, while keeping the essence of the series intact.
We’re treated with continuity, allowing us to dive right into the narrative without missing beat. Rest assured, it’s not going to leave you stranded if you’re new to the series either. The OVA serves as a great appetizer to the show, retaining all the elements that make it a stand-out.
Finally, it’s worth noting how effortlessly and accurately otaku culture is represented in the series. It offers a depiction of a sub-culture that’s not often seen in anime, swinging between comedic and sincere, but always maintaining its relatability.
VERDICT
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii OVA is a love-letter to the series fans and a must-watch for love-comedy and slice-of-life aficionados. Whether to buy, rent, or stream, I’ll lean more towards the idea of owning the copy. Having it in your library gives you an easy-access to return to the world of laughter, love, and gaming whenever the fancy strikes. This OVA isn’t just a frivolous addition but stands as a testament to why this anime has become a fan-favorite.
As The Anime Critic, I wholeheartedly recommend Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii OVA to new viewers and seasoned fans alike. It’s a love story, a comedy, and an inside look into otaku culture—all wrapped up in one charming package. Go on folks! Give these endearing nerds a chance to steal your hearts.
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