Lovely Complex

Synopsis:

She's 170cm tall, and he's only 156 cm and I... I don't get metrics at all. Anyway, Risa and Otani are the most mismatched couple of people you will ever meet. Constantly arguing about the most trivial of matters but this is what keeps them together and hanging out with one and other. However, when it comes to the simplest of things, whether it be a waterslide ride, ordering the newest item on the menu, or just a ride on a rickshaw, Risa and Otani are the first in line to try it together. Even though Otani just sees this as hanging out with a good, yet annoying, friend... Risa's outlook towards Otani starts to change and starts to see things from a romantic aspect as she can't imagine what life would be like without him.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 24


Review:

Within the first couple of episodes Lovely Complex comes at you with some truly hilarious comedy as you watch how Risa and Otani are a duo that only compliment each other. But, about a 4th of the way into the series that comedy starts to fade as the dramatic aspect of the series comes in to take it's place. And these two that you once laughed at start to weigh heavy on the heart as Risa's feelings become those of love however Otani doesn't know how to respond as he prefers things as they are now. Lovely Complex then becomes a tale of male tsundere as he wants to be with Risa... just not romantically. The thing is... Otani isn't a completely heartless jerk and though his true emotions are hidden, Risa's constant attempts to convey her feelings also help Otani to realize what he's been fighting all along... that maybe Risa really is the only person suited for him. Luckily for us, Risa is not a timid girl and when things don't go her way she knows how to apply force to get the message across...

The main issue with this series though is that it could have been wrapped up in 12 or 13 episodes but drags things out for 24. Although this isn't a bad thing, it does waste time showing Risa fighting for Otani's heart, then giving up, then fighting again, then giving up, then fighting yet again. Some of the episodes should have been devoted to some character depth of Risa's friends or some other side stories but it doesn't and the focus stays on the main characters the entire time which almost (key word, almost) delves into the realm of boredom but manages not to. However, I gotta give some credit to the last episode as it brings back that comedy you initially started with and has you laughing at the series all over again. The animation is a tad lacking, Risa is not a hot babe nor is Otani some suave debonair guy, but... that's what I liked as it gave the show a refreshing turn of events. Although not fantastic, give it a try while waiting for that next great anime.

Lovely Complex (AMV)

*Note - There are spoilers in the AMV but it's done very well.

Recommendation: |Above Average|