There are plenty of fantastic shows airing this Fall anime season, but one show that initially went under many viewers’ radars is Bocchi the Rock!. This anime is considered by many to be the dark horse hit of the season, matching the hype of this season’s darlings like Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family and Mob Psycho 100. On paper, Bocchi the Rock! is far from an original concept, but the execution of the show is what makes it stand out. Week by week, the show has managed to garner an ever-larger following and has quickly captured people’s attention in a way that few other anime this season have done.
Bocchi the Rock! is a slice-of-life anime that follows a lonely girl who decides to join a band, and many have drawn comparisons to the likes of K-On! and Komi Can’t Communicate. The source material for Bocchi is a four-panel seinen manga written by Aki Hamaji. Those who have seen K-On! will certainly note the similarity in origin between the two projects. Part of what makes Bocchi the Rock! stand out is its focus on a character-driven narrative — and while the characterization of the protagonist Hitori is played for laughs, it is also an interesting exploration of social anxiety.
Bocchi the Rock! Is Both Charmingly Funny and Sincere
Bocchi the Rock! allows itself to be over-the-top in its delivery while also maintaining a relatable side — a delicate balance that many comedic slice-of-life anime struggle to maintain. More than a few people got into watching the anime because they heard it was funny, but as the show progressed, word quickly spread of the engaging emotional journey. There is a certain charm to the show that allows it to effortlessly switch tone on a dime, so it never feels like it is confused about its identity.
Aside from the stellar writing, what really sets this show apart — not only this season but from many anime in general — is the unique use of various art styles. Anyone who has seen even one episode of the show will note the creative approach to various story elements and visual gags. Some of the most notable examples include a scene that uses live-action mixed with CGI and another that uses stop-motion animation. Bocchi the Rock! is a show that’s willing to take visual risks to get its point across, and there is never a moment where this doesn’t pay off.
Another impressive feat of the show is the soundtrack, which is not only enjoyable but also narratively relevant. A show about a band needs to have good music, and writing good songs for fictional bands is an issue that many similar shows struggle with. However, Bocchi the Rock! succeeds in this endeavor, even going the extra mile by showing the characters struggle to play their own songs. The little detail of being able to actually hear their mistakes and stumbles adds to the realism of a show that also isn’t afraid to play into the absurd.
Bocchi the Rock! is a shockingly charming show that has managed to win the hearts of quite a few anime fans. It’s a series that’s able to be funny, heartfelt and inspiring all at the same time, and in a way that can only be described as masterful. While the premise seems simple on its face, the brilliant execution and passionate presentation turn the project into something truly memorable.
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