I’d heard all about how popular K-On was, been told the series was “surprisingly good” but my first chance to watch any was K-On: The Movie in which the High School Light Music Club go to London.
I rather enjoyed it. I was surprised despite being told, several times, that the series was surprisingly good.
When I was offered a look at Season 2, not Season 1, I shrugged and figured I’d dive straight in. After all; there must be other Geek Native readers who’ve watched the movie and who are now wondering whether they can skip the first grade.
You can. Of course, I don’t know what I’m missing in season 1 and if it was playing when I went around to visit an anime-loving friend, I’d watch it, but season 2 might as well pick up from the end of the movie as far as I know.
We’ve the girls of the High School Light Music Club and they’re into their rock and roll. It’s hard to believe, even when you know they are, even when you watch it, but it’s all comes together and makes sense. They’re fun and cute but a little rowdy with it. Watch their poor teacher get a bit of a run around at times. As the season starts they’re worried about the health of the club and attempt to ambush, er, recruit new members.
This is a slice of life anime. It’s well done but don’t expect demon dragons to emerge from the guitars. Do expect friendships and fallings out. It shouldn’t be considered that there will be a live performance to prepare for at the end of the year and all sorts of dramas will get in the way to create some jeopardy.
It’s remarkable how these little bites of life can be so fun and engaging. The advance the movie has over the series is that the movie had a defined arc; they had gigs to play in London – will they manage. You’re not so sure about the direction in the series. After being set up to wonder about the survival of the High School Light Music Club the plot takes a lazy detour back to less heady matters.
K-On fans will know that the girls are not all in the same year, not the same age, and that after entrance exams come graduation.
Overall? Give it ago. Seriously, you may think there’s no time at all for light entertainment around an all-female, school girl rock band and their various little adventures, but it’s surprisingly good.
My copy of K-On! Complete Series 2 was provided for review. Published in the UK on 15th June by Manga Entertainment.
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