Because 24 just wasn’t enough.

4-koma by our very own guest artist, Jupeboxgal.

After hearing Motteke! Sailor Fuku over and over and over again, it’s certainly lost some of its charm, but nevertheless I still find it enjoyable. The song’s sugar-crack catchiness is much like the show itself - although I soon became accustomed to it, now that it’s gone I find myself missing that Sunday night Lucky Star fix.

* hands shake *

“C’mon man, just…just one more episode, I just need one more episode, man! I can stop any time I want, I swear! C’mon, just one more time…”

Even while working on this post, when I went through the older episodes to get screenshots, half the time I ended up getting distracted and watching the entire show. I’ve already watched through the series roughly three times, and yet it’s still fun. I think one of the strongest signs of a good anime series, much like a good video game, is in its replay value, and in my book Lucky Star certainly delivers.

Therefore, we are very proud to present our top 48 reasons why Lucky Star is an amazing show that almost anyone can enjoy.

(Warning: LONG POST IS LONG! Not recommended for small children, nursing mothers, and people still running on 9600 baud modems.)

#1. Choco Cornet

Even after all this time, the question still remains - which end of a choco cornet is the head? And does it resemble a shell or a caterpiller? Are you really supposed to break off the thin end and dip it in the chocolate?

Although the whole food discussion from episode 1 is one of the most maligned segments of the entire show, I still found it quite enjoyable. I’ve always felt that Lucky Star is at its strongest when its portraying those slice-of-life moments that make you go, “Hey, I do that too!” or, “Wow, I can totally relate!”

While many of the specific anime parodies won’t age so well, this kind of humor is more or less timeless, ensuring that Lucky Star will still be fun to watch even 10 years down the road.

#2.Konata > Guile

Although some of Lucky Star’s parodies definitely fell flat at times, others of them were pretty funny. This was one of the best and really served to set a good tone for the series.

My money’s on Konata. Now, if she was against Ryu, then it might prove a bit more challenging - shoryuken spamming!

#3. Good job!

Another mark of a good series is how many of those great quotable lines come from it. Although Lucky Star didn’t quite have any “Just as planned!” caliber meme-spawning catchphrases, it still served up a number of memorable one-liners. This happens to be one of our favorites.

Best Konata line EVAR. This series is so phenomenally voice acted, yet another reason why it was so enjoyable to watch.

#4. DFC

With Konata, Nagi from Hayate no Gotoku, Nia from Gurren Lagann, and now more Shana coming soon, it seems we’re entering a golden age of DFC (Delicious Flat Chest). Konata certainly seems to properly understand her position at the forefront of this new wave.

“Flat chest is of immeasurable value!”

Seriously with the way most of the SaiMoe votes go you can’t help but come to the conclusion that this is a very real and prominent demographic.

#5. Stop! Chikoku janai desu~!

Aya’s voice work is almost always top notch, but for some reason this line really stuck in my head and just makes me laugh every time.

#6. Konata in a Yukata

Yukatas = win in large quantities

Waku waku! Waku waku!

#7. Yui-neesan

Filling the role of the green-haired genki girl, Yui-neesan is naturally one of my favorite characters. Her carefree personality contrasts wonderfully with her maniacal road rage driving, and Nishihara Saori’s voice acting is wonderful to listen to.

I still can’t believe she’s a cop…

I loved her character and couldn’t help but chuckle every time she was on screen, especially when she was intoxicated. If only more police officers were this irresponsible, we’d probably see a sharp decline in traffic tickets.

#8. Cha-La Head-Cha-La

Seeing Hirano Aya sing the classic Dragonball Z theme song in her over the top Konata voice was awesome. Seeing her do it live at AX was even better!

Spaaaarking!

#9. Timotei~! Timotei~! Timoteiiiii~!

Konata’s impersonation of the oldschool Timotei commercials was awesome. Seeing Hirano Aya do it live at AX was even better! (Thanks beerman!)

#10. Tsukasa and the Seashell

Tsukasa at her very best.

#11. Marimite Mode Konata

Exhibiting yet another facet of Aya’s amazing seiyuu talents, Konata’s Marimite voice had me rolling on the floor.

#12. Fire-breathing Kagami

The Konata/Kagamin dynamic was one of the best elements of the show. The two of them trading verbal jabs, and almost always provoking Kagami’s tsundere side, never failed to bring a smile to my face.

Plus I crack up every time I look at Konata’s depiction of Kagami.

This picture reminded me of the Calvin & Hobbes comic in which Calvin draws a parody cartoon of his father, quite amusing.

#13. Episode 8

Arguably the best episode in the entire series. This episode had me laughing non-stop, from the opening where Konata’s dad is introduced for the first time, to the awesome Lucky Channel segment at the end.

More Marimite Mode.

Typical tsundere response.

And then she brings down the house! You go girl!

Soujirou + fatty cameras = win

Old school Track and Field reference = win

Tsukasa is serious business.

Oh yeah. That’s right.

This was probably Miyuki’s best scene. Rather than her usual reserved meganekko, dentist-fearing persona, she was able to show her cool side.

And cool it was.

The whole race scene was wonderfully animated, of course, and the cool techno music really got me into it.

And to top it off, she wins by melon pan.

Tsukasa’s recorder antics were pretty win as well.

And her runaway imagination wasn’t bad either.

Seeing how thrilled Konata was about her Newtype fanart submission, which as you may know actually appeared in the June ‘07 issue, was also quite entertaining.

And of course, to top it all off…

NEEEEEEE?!

Best. Lucky Channel. Ever.

The bipolar Akira/terrified Shiraishi dynamic at its very best.

“Don’t touch me!”

Agreed, Akira’s final “NEEE?” had me in absolute stitches. The interplay between her and Shiraishi was just priceless. As the series wore on I began to miss that element of Lucky Channel.

#14. Sushi Personality Test

I love Miyuki’s observation in regard to Konata coming up as “gari” (sliced ginger) - you can’t have sushi without it. I think that’s really fitting for Konata’s role in the story - she complements all the different members of the cast well, and serves as the catalyst for many of the zany antics and random discussions that make the show great.

#15. Konata’s Hat

I love the fact that the Hiiragi sisters didn’t even notice her standing next to them with the hat on. Why didn’t we see more of this thing later in the series? It’s an awesome look for Kona-chan.

#16. Fear of Eyedrops

Miyuki’s “terrified moe mode” didn’t do much for me, but I really empathized with this scene, partly because I have exactly the same problem. It is so hard for me to let an eyedrop in my eye without reflexively closing it, I pretty much have to do the same thing Konata did - hold it open forcibly.

Not quite the same as Mikuru costume raping, but still good for some lulz.

Augh! I hate eye-drops! Yet another moment I could definitely relate to.

#17. Tsukasa + Cellphone

Tsukasa’s cellphone craze was another high point in the series. She’s so excited she just goes nuts with the thing, and then you just feel so terrible for her when she shows up at school dejected and explains that she left the phone in her pocket when it went through the wash. ;_;

And anyway, “balsamic vinegar”? LOL, who’s she texting about that? And why?

Yet another of the great unsolved mysteries of Lucky Star.

Also, Kagami looks great in that last screenshot.

#18. Anime Store Tenchou

“It’s Legendary Girl A!”

I loved these bits in the series, it was such a perfect mockery of how over the top anime cinematography can be at times. Well played.

#19. Soujirou

What can I say? He just wins at life! And he has an awesome camera! And he’s Konata’s dad!

On a different note, Soujirou’s face in this scene really reminds me of Akari from ARIA. And that’s a really scary thought.

“Honestly, I thought my daughter was in this event!”

I love Soujirou’s character; he’s the classic old otaku armed with an arsenal of lenses. I don’t think I ever laughed as hard in the whole series as I did at his, “I win at life,” remark.

#20. Hairstyle Switch

Tsukasa looks surprisingly good in twintails. So does Konata with her ponytail. I approve of this. >:3

#21. Lost at Comiket

After going to the Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo I know how crowds can eat you…again, I sympathize. Never underestimate the power of Japanese senior citizens in large groups. Do not be fooled by their tiny size, in significant numbers they will crush you.

#22. Kagami + Doujinshi

Her face says it all.

#23. Mochi Goes Whee!

BEST TSUKASA LINE EVER.

#24. Shiraishi Minoru

Although his ED antics got a bit stale after a while, the first few Shiraishi songs were absolutely hilarious.

In addition, I really admire Shiraishi and KyoAni for trying out something really radical and different for the ED. It was wacky and off-the-cuff, and it didn’t always work - but it was always unique.

I think if ever meet Shiraishi in real life I’ll already feel like I know him somewhat. His personality really comes through, and he demonstrates a laidback and fun loving attitude that’s a pleasure to watch.

In my experience living in southern California, I’ve found that by and large voice actors are much more friendly and down-to-earth than their “appearing-on-the-big-screen” film counterparts. It’s a very different scene.

Every voice actor I’ve met here has been a very genuinely nice person, and usually very in touch with their fan base. I get the same kind of vibe from the Japanese seiyuu that I’ve met as well, and Shiraishi & crew really do a good job of that, showing that they’re not above getting in front of a camera and goofing off to please their fans.

#25. Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekisou

I thought Aya’s cameo in the show was just great, especially since I had just recently seen her in concert myself.

Lots of good memories.

#26. Da Capo OP Parody

One of the best parodies of the whole show. Plus, I’m always down for seeing more Konata cosplay.

#27. Akiba

Appearing pretty much exactly as it does in real life, the Akiba visit was nostalgic and entertaining.

If you’ve been to that Gamers store, you just have to relish how accurately the show depicted it, I mean right down to the posters on the wall…awesome.

#28. Haruhi Cosplay Cafe

While I thought the later Haruhi soda commercial was over the top, this whole segment was absolutely brilliant. Plus Patty-chan as Mikuru was just great.

#29. 24 Parody

Not limited to KyoAni in house references, the show also managed a great 24 parody. Scholars continue to debate to this day as to whether there’s any hidden significance to the flags Yutaka is holding up.

#30. Tsukasa and the Case of the Mystery Tupperware

Tsukasa just had so many of the greatest laugh out loud moments.

#31. Pissed Kagamin

The whole segment with the Hiiragi family and their little fight was kind of touching. I liked how Tsukasa stood by Kagami all the way. She definitely fits Konata’s description of her as a dog.

Which leads me to…

Kon! Kon!

#32. Usagi Kagamin!

(and to a lesser degree foxy Konata)

#33. Jiiiiiiiii!

Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~!

Did she seriously do that all in one breath, or did the sound engineers splice it together? o_0

#34. What’s Yaoi?

The mother of all awkward moments.

“Yaoi is a horrible monster that eats people’s spleens for sustenance, Yutaka, and if you mention his name more than once he will come devour you, so never speak of this again.”

That’s how I would’ve handled the situation, anyway.

#35. Mosquito Killing

“You are already dead.”

“You are already bitten!”

#36. Nanja Korya?!

2nd best Tsukasa line ever.

#37. Hiyorin

Fear the fangirls. Her character was so amusing, especially with her internal struggle over using her friends as “subject matter”.

#38. Lucky Channel Pwned

Shiraishi dominates all life. 2nd best Lucky Channel ever.

#39. Kyoto Field Trip

Since many people have been to Kyoto as tourists, it’s easy to recognize the landmark locations and reminisce along with the Lucky Star cast.

#40. Kanata

Touching while still humorous. Emotional but not sappy.

Episode 22, with its more serious tone, was one of the highlights of the series.

It made me laugh and it brought a tear to my eye.

This was such an excellent episode, so sincere and yet not overbearing, just all around touching. If anything speaks to the quality of the series, it is this episode.

#41. Minami & Yutaka

So awkward and yet so hilarious. Hiyori’s constant yuri fantasizing was rather entertaining, a guilty pleasure if you will.

#42. Gotouza-sama

What more fitting place could there be for Yuko Goto than at number 42?

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Gotouza-sama is serious business.

#43. Patricia Martin

Out to convert the world to otaku-ism, it’s Patty-chan! Her voice acting work was without a doubt one of the best in the entire show, which is saying quite a lot considering the long list of heavyweights involved with this project.

Big props to Sasaki Nozomi, a relative newcomer on the seiyuu scene. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for her future projects.

I loved Patty’s character because not only was her voice quite memorable but her antics as the typical gaijin otaku were highly appreciated.

#44. Misao!

FANG POWER!!

What can I really say? The pictures speak for themselves.

If you don’t already understand the awesomeness that is Misao by now, you probably never will.

Obey the fang! Quake in its presence!

#45. That…Cat…Thing…

After 24 episodes I’m still not entirely sure what that thing is…but somehow it’s also highly awesome. One wonders what its primary method of locomotion is, though. Perhaps it just kind of rolls?

I think the cat is actually related to the amorphous cat-blob from FLCL. Perhaps its younger sister or something.

#46. Motteke! Sailor Fuku

The full dance sequence was tremendous, in typical KyoAni fashion. It will no doubt spawn a whole new wave of Youtube dances, including Gundam and Megaman parodies, I’m sure.

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I could never understand what on earth was being said, and still I relished in that song.

“Let’s get cherry pie!” I mean, c’mon, it’s cherry pie…you know you want some. I want some right now just talking about it.

#47. Everything

The whole cast was just great.

One thing I really enjoyed about Lucky Star was that, while all of the characters more or less fit into some stereotype, that wasn’t the extent of the character. The stereotype served as a hook, something to help you immediately understand and relate to the character.

Each character went beyond that stereotype, however, showing us their own personality and unique traits. Although there wasn’t very much character development over the course of the series, we definitely do come away feeling like we know the characters.

Watching the first few episodes again, after having already seen everyone go through so many different adventures, is a lot of fun and offers some interesting insights that I didn’t catch the first time around.

#48. Slice-of-Lifeness

Subtle, yet amazing, I’m sad to see it go. I really do hope they continue this series in some fashion, it’s just so enjoyable and so refreshing to watch.

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As I said at the beginning - Lucky Star is at its best when its portraying those everyday humorous moments that we can all relate to. Despite coming from a different culture and context, the show really managed to hit the mark in that regard.

It’s quite a testimony to the universality of the show’s humor when people from all different cultures can appreciate and sympathize with the trials and travails of a group of random high school girls in Japan.

Lucky Star is nothing grand or epic. It’s simply a collection of ordinary stories that somehow manages to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries with something that everyone can appreciate. And that is epic win, indeed…if I do say so myself.

Whew! If you actually made it all the way to the end of this post, congratulations! Give yourself a cookie.

And then go watch some Lucky Star. It’s fun.

Bye-bee~!!