Ebichu the Housekeeping Hamster Anime Review

Reader Review

• Reviewer: Corrupt Phantasy
• Review Date: 2002-09-15 (updated 2002-09-15)
• 3 stars out of 5 (?)

If I could explain "Ebichu" in any way, I would say that it's the "South Park" of anime. This show was a short, with a few other shorts in a 30-minute-long program of anime shorts in Japan. There isn't much more I can say about it, besides that it's hilarious!

Presentation

Surprisingly, it's an OK presentation. If you can overlook the visuals, music, and story, this anime is quite funny. It is only funny for those with a strange taste in humor, though. If you are one who likes sex humor or tasteless humor, "Ebichu" is right for you. If you like more mellow humor, "Ebichu" will turn you off, or even be offensive to some.

Basically, every episode is the same thing. Ebichu pisses off her master; her master beats her up (always lots of blood involved), then goes off and has sex with her useless bum of a boyfriend. Ebichu just can't stand her master's boyfriend and tries to get rid of him in any way (this includes burning his house down).

While funny for the first few episodes, this concept begins to get a bit old and boring. Some episodes do redeem this by finally introducing some new humor, but overall, it's all the same stuff. Still, "Ebichu" is one funny show.

Presentation - 7/10

Story

Story? What story? This anime doesn't have a story. Basically, each episode has its own theme, but this theme is only covered for a few minutes before it is just suddenly forgotten about and the episode turns into pure randomness. This concept, however, adds to the humor of the show, so I'll give it some points. This type of show shouldn't have a story, though.

Story - 3/10

Music

There really isn't a lot of music. What music there is, is just... well, there. The music is there to let you know it's there, that's all. The intro theme is fairly good, though. Everything else is passable. The voice acting, however, is pretty good. Mitsuishi Kotono, who is known better as Katsuragi Misato from Evangelion, voices Ebichu.

Tomizawa Michie plays Ebichu's master. She also voiced Hino Rei from Sailormoon. Seki Tomokazu, who also voiced Suzuhara Tooji from Evangelion, voices her boyfriend. They all give fabulous performances. Well, at least the voices are good.

Music - 5/10

Visuals

The visuals are horrendous (naturally). The characters are all drawn to be very chibi (child-like, considered cute in anime) looking. The characters are all drawn so dull, though, with no depth at all put into them. This is definitely done on purpose though. "Ebichu" is about the humor, not the art.

On a surprising note, the animation is pretty good, and even funny at times. Just check out the sex scenes. The animation (or lack thereof) is hilarious. Just don't be expecting "Love Hina" when watching this. I cannot think of any other anime that looks at all like this one. It's a style of its own.

Visuals - 3/10

Overall

Overall, "Ebichu" is pretty fun. If you can get around the art, story, and lack of music, and you have a warped sense of humor (like me), you will probably enjoy it. As I stated earlier, though, the concept of this show does get old eventually.

A warning to parents, and/or those easily offended: Ebichu is absolutely NOT for kids, or young teens. This is definitely for people over 17. It isn't hentai, but it's pretty darn close. Expect lots of scenes of sex, lots of humor and nudity, and even some inferred bestiality. Also, there's plenty of animal brutality.

If you don't care and are 17 or older, then check "Ebichu" out. It's a good idea to invite over a lot of friends with similar senses of humor to watch it though. This is definitely the party anime. Also, don't ever be expecting this to make it to US shores; it never will. Your best bet is to use mIRC or Kazaa (you have a better chance of finding it on Kazaa, but you may have to search for awhile).

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