Best of 2007 Anime Awards, Day 3 - Comedy
Posted by 0rion on December 28th, 2007 - 10:30 am
As much as we all love a good dramatic, action packed series, there’s really nothing better for relaxing after a hard day at work than some lighthearted humor. Well, unless there’s a new episode of Aria, in which case everything else goes out the window.
Fortunately, this year had a pretty strong showing when it came to comedy, with enough variety that there was something to appeal to everyone.
Best Attempted Suicide
Winner: Itoshiki Nozomu, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
Because the category was for attempted suicide only, we unfortunately couldn’t give the award to the plot of Gundam 00. Aside from that, however, in the realm of despair and suicidal tendencies none can compare to the inimitable Zetsubou-sensei. I mean, his very name inspires dire and dreary times! What’s more, he’s always prepared to spiral into some tangential rant about the shortcomings of society and his inevitable doom, noose in hand.
The man carries a portable suicide kit (a last aid kit, perhaps?) with him, for goodness sake! And among the various poisons and nooses he even has a Best of Enya compilation CD! How do you compete with that kind of preparedness?
Best Cigarette Lighter
Winner: Director Nasu Tian Hoon, Rocket Girls
Rocket Girls was a show that couldn’t make up its mind what it wanted to be. It had all the makings of a ridiculous fanservice comedy, but then kept trying to steer the story in a more dramatic direction, which was enjoyable but very hard to take seriously. The whole sending lolis into space bit aside, however, definitely the most hilarious highlight of the show was the Director’s ridiculous lighter, which was shaped like a miniature rocket.
In a sense, you almost have to admire that kind of over-the-top hubris. After all, who hasn’t seen some poor smoker fiddling with matches on a cold windy day, desperately trying to protect the flame long enough to get his cigarette lit? This guy, on the other hand, could casually light up even during the middle of a snowstorm.
This lighter categorically just does not mess around. I couldn’t help but thinking of the “Toys in the Attic” episode of Cowboy Bebop, in which Spike tries to light up using an acetylene torch. I imagine he would’ve had more luck with one of these puppies. Forget matches, a Bic, or even the trusty Zippo; when you absolutely have to light that cigar, liquid rocket fuel is the only surefire method!
Best Moe Utterance
Winner: “Au~”, Hanyuu, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai
Runner-up: “Jiiiiiii~”
Auau~
If you’re still in doubt concerning the sheer moe power of Hanyuu, perhaps her song will convince you of the sheer versatility of the expression. It really is quite horrifying how addictive it is (the song). It’s catchy to the point of being sinister. Of course, it is from a Higurashi character, after all. Sinister is what they do best. 
Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~
Although it’s not a made-up sound per se, this year’s runner-up recognition definitely has to go the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound of staring, “Jiii~.” Although employed effectively by many different characters over the years, few did it as well (or as long!) as Kagami. As if that wasn’t enough, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei’s resident stalker, Tsunetsuki-san, also made frequent use of the phrase, popping out from random dark corners to monitor Itoshiki-sensei’s every move.
I can’t decide if Tsunetsuki’s stare is adorable or paranoia inducing. Either way, if you’re going to be stalked by someone, I suppose it might as well be an obsequiously attentive and attractive female. Actually, I can’t really see that being all that cumbersome, personally.
Haha, oh wow. Somebody’s obviously never had a creepy ex-girlfriend who doesn’t know when to give up.
>_>
Best Serious Business Face
Winner: Minami-ke
Even Light-o himself would be proud of the Minami sisters when it comes to showing everyone that you mean serious business. All three sisters have their own sinister side, although admittedly Haruka-neesama is probably the one I would be most afraid to cross.
This particular aspect of the show reminded me a great deal of an older series called Damekko Doubutsu, which used a similar technique, constantly shifting from extreme chibi on the one hand to extreme realism on the other. It’s a pretty effective way of creeping you out, really, when you’ve gotten used to moe character designs and teardrop shaped mouths.
See, this is exactly why Kana is Boss. Talk about serious business! Even the boss of them all, Tommy Lee Jones, would be impressed.
.
Best Fang Power
Winner: Kuroi-sensei, Lucky Star
Runners-up: Misao (Lucky Star), Kagami Kuro (Kodomo no Jikan)
Tsuruya is and always will be the only true invincible poster girl for fang power, of course, but sadly she hasn’t been around this year. 
Thus, we turn to the next best representative in recent memory, Kuroi-sensei! “My honey!”
We’ve already discussed at length the comic virtues of Class 3B’s illustrious instructor, but it’s worth repeating. From her MMORPG addiction and her hysterical laugh to her funky Kansai-ben slang, Kuroi sensei is a shining example of everything that makes Lucky Star fun. Seriously, why is she still single?
And of course, we couldn’t very well even have this category without an honorable mention for Misao! Fang powa!
Best Harem
Winner: Itoshiki Nozomu, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
Runners-up: Tomoya (Clannad), Hayate (Hayate no Gotoku)
Itoshiki-sensei’s improbable good fortune has left me in despair! Zetsubou shita!
Few shows have ever had such a cavalcade of dysfunctional anime stereotypes as Shaft’s Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. Hikikomori, stalker, perfectionist, passive aggressive text messager, schizophrenic, tail fetishist, doujinshi fangirl, and perpetually genki girl, too. It’s practically a fetishism paradise. The zany and inventive animation style are another aspect of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei that made the show so incredibly enjoyable. Really, with such a bountiful bevy of adoring students, how can Itoshiki be so down?
Clannad was a tempting choice as well, mainly because of Kyou, but I just couldn’t resist going with the deliciously broken harem of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, if only for the lulz. Or perhaps I’m just getting jaded with all the Key game character tropes. 
Best Comedy
Winner: Potemayo
Runners-up: Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Minami-ke, Hayate no Gokotu
As I discussed previously during our 12 Days of Christmas featurette, Potemayo was one of those shows that I initially overlooked when it first aired. The art style and the “moe blob” concept of the series didn’t really seem to appeal to me, so I decided not to watch it. Little did I know what a foolish decision that would turn out to be.
Fortunately, other wiser bloggers raved about the show’s crazy-go-nuts humor, and thus I was eventually persuaded to give it a go. And I’m so glad I did, because this little 12 episode series turned out to be one of the most fun anime of the entire year. Sure, it was almost entirely physical comedy and cheap laughs, but the jokes were consistent and varied enough to keep me rolling the entire time.
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Hayate no Gotoku both started off very strong, but in the later episodes become kind of hit-and-miss. Minami-ke is, of course, a work of sheer genius, but it just didn’t tickle my funny bone nearly as much as Potemayo or Lucky Star did. Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a proper shout out to Chiaka-sama and her devious machinations, Haruka-banchou and her double bubble “kami no shita waza”, Hosaka and his bizarre simulations, Kana and her “I Am Boss!” T-shirt, and of course the unparalleled Mako-chan.
Vitamayo, and her trusty weapon, Graf Iten
There’s really no other series that can to compare with Potemayo’s zany and original brand of craziness. From Potemayo fending off Natsu’s “affection waves” to Guchuko duct taping doors back together after making a forced entry, few shows deliver the slapstick madness better than Potemayo. Granted the series isn’t exactly the most highbrow show out there, but nevertheless it’s absolutely side splitting. If you’re seeking chortles aplenty, look no further than Potemayo.
Kaoru’s obsessing over Mudou got old pretty quickly, but other than that there’s not much you can really say to fault Potemayo. (Well, some people didn’t care for Nene’s squeaky voice, but as an avowed Kugumiya Rie fanboy, I would never admit to such a thing.)
All of the characters were solid and had distinct personalities, and the show had such a perfect balance between sugary cuteness and shockingly brazen humor that I never knew what to expect next. Plus it makes for great crossover fanart.
I feel slightly out of the loop, considering that I’ve only seen two of the many anime mentioned above. The two that I have seen, though, I whole-heartedly agree on! Guchuko could carry Potemayo to the win for comedy single-sickled-ly.
“Best Moe Utterance” lol
And those Minami-ke serious faces are truly disturbing!
auauauauauauauauauauauauauauauauauauau~
Gotta love Kagami’s jiiiiiiiii
“jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~” damn, Kagami’s seiyuu must have lungs of steel!
I’d say it was a bit of both. You’ve gotta love SZS’s habit of taking the harem rulebook, tearing it up and hanging it from the nearest tree. I mean, what other show makes death funny?
Agreed on Misao’s Fang Powar too. There wasn’t much in that show that was over- or under-used but we needed to see more of Misao and Kuroi - any teacher who can take on one of her own students at an RPG deserves kudos for starters!
Itoshiki-sensei definitely has the best harem of the year, and I agree that both Hayate and Tomoya’s come close but not quite. SZS’s harem is just so dysfunctional and aims to parody every other harem out there. Add that to the fact that the male lead is a purposefully exaggerated and over-the-top version of every other harem lead. Your stereotypical male lead gets emo and cares about every little thing, while Itoshiki-sensei takes that to the extreme and wants to kill himself over everything. I love it.
Guchuko’s strapping tape was the joke that never got old for me. About the time she taped together the pieces of a chocolate-covered banana she had sliced just a moment before…
I think the Moe Utterance field is a clear sign that someone here hasn’t been strapped to a chair and forcefed Kanon yet.
(Yes, that is my purpose in life.) That said, someone please do the same to me with Higurashi…I still need to watch that show.
I’d still agree with you on SZS’s anti-harem being top-notch hilarious and awesome. And I’ve never seen Rocket Girls but picturing that lighter in action is utterly hilarious.
Will have to go back to Potemayo with all the hype combined between you and Jason over at AoMM - how’s the first episode compare up to the rest of the show? That’s all I’ve seen of it and it was kind of ‘hmm’. More than a ‘meh’, but less that an ‘ooh’, it didn’t really swing me either way yet. XD
Keep the spiffy lists coming (this means WAR! uh…I have to stop with the ’saying evil thoughts aloud’).
@ CCY
We’re considering Kanon as a 2006 show, even though it did run through the first part of this year (it is called “Kanon 2006″, after all). And even then I still think Hanyuu holds her own pretty well, even against Uguu.
Also, if you weren’t interested with the first episode of Potemayo, I’d say probably don’t bother, because while it does have a lot of variety, the style of humor is essentially the same throughout.
Have you noticed that Itoshiki-sensei never, ever attempted suicide in private? Only where there’s people to see the attempts (and will stop him).
@ DS
Well yeah, I mean she refuses to mess around.
@Calawain
I couldn’t agree more. Itoshiki sensei is clearly not the typical harem lead who more often than not obsequious to the point of annoyance.
@ Fortman
Good observation, perhaps he truly just uses it as means to garner affection from his pupils.
Although the first episode might constitute an instance where he attempted suicide with no one else present. Thankfully, Kafuka saw through that ridiculous notion.
Also, another thing I would’ve like to see developed a bit more is the relationship between Itoshiki and Arai, the student councilor. I always laughed quite heartily during their exchanges.
JII~ DOES NOT LOSE.
JII~ CANNOT LOSE.
IT WINS.
Awww, no School Days nod for best harem? Love it or hate it, Makoto was able to do what’s normally impossible for a harem lead - actually get into the pants of almost every girl interested in him.
MUDOU!
That got a little old for me, but it got funny after Kaoru started to actually act gay instead of plain weird. And I love Nene… Potemayo is one series that definitely needa character songs. Even if Potemayo’s would only be “Honi honi!” for 3 minutes.
I just hope Shiraishi wins a “Best Freak-out”, if there will be one.
Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~
Yes, Minami-ke is serious business. You do not want to mess with the legendary banchou, Haruka-neesama. But for some weird, unknown reason, those serious expressions often have me on the floor rolling with laughter instead of cowering in fear.
“And those Minami-ke serious faces are truly disturbing!”
You mean awesome, right DS?
“Although the first episode might constitute an instance where he attempted suicide with no one else present. ”
Even then though, based on his reaction, coupled with all the other times he’s tried and almost went through with it (”I almost died!”), you could tell he wouldn’t really go through with it, which adds another nice touch to the comedy.
>>Because the category was for attempted suicide only, we unfortunately
couldn’t give the award to the plot of Gundam 00.
You guys are so gonna kill me someday with your wit.
Best Cigarette Lighter: This has given me a reason to watch Rocket Girls. That’s one fucking GAR lighter.
Best Moe Utterance: If Hanyuu couldn’t win this, who would?
Best Serious Business Face: Oh fucking god, yes! Minami-ke is SRSBSNS.
Best Harem: I gotta agree with that. SZS’s harem is even more moe to me than Negima’s one.
Best Comedy: Honi~ honi~ honi~
I have not seen any of these yet, being way out of the loop (in fact, the loop probably rejects me) but I will keep these in mind. I love comedy more than any other genre and I need to get back to watching those.
Potemayo’s the only award I’d really question. Moeblob just did not do it for me at all.
And I feel compelled to bring up a fanged genki-girl from a few years back called Excel Excel who had so much fang-power you could not keep her dead.
Although, as for comedy, Seto no Hanayome is worth considering as well. One of the most crazy-fun I’ve had so far this year. (It also merits some funny category like “Best Arnold impersonation in a sailor uniform” XD)
So what exactly is “Enya”?
@ korosora
Of course you would say that. ;P
@ J
I would so listen to a Potemayo song that consisted of nothing but “Honi~ honi~ honi~”. That would be so awesome!
@ TheBigN
Yeah, Itoshiki-sensei doesn’t really have the guts to go through with it. He’s an “across the street” rather that “down the road” kind of guy, if you know what I mean.
@ Kurogane
Isn’t that lighter awesome?! I would buy one.
“You guys are so gonna kill me someday with your wit.”
We’ll do our best.
How’s that for an ominous death threat?
@ MK
You should, there’s lots of light comedy to go around this year!
@ Will
Ahh yes, good ol’ Excel Saga. Another classic example of why fang power is awesome. Of course, Excel had help from the Will of the Macrocosm in the whole “stayin’ alive” department.
@ Fortman
Have not seen Seto no Hanayome, but I’ve heard good things about it. I’ll make a note to check it out.
@ Zeroblade
Enya. Really, if you’re not familiar with her music, you’re probably better off that way. ;P
Honi Honi, nice list. Kuroi-sensei fang can’t beat Misao’s fang, look at Misao…total Fang power ftw lol.
I could imagine a Guchuko song with the little heads doing that supersonic-scream thing, and then a thump, and the sound of tape… I’m thinking too much now, you shouldn’t have gotten me started.
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Well written article.