Josh’s Thoughts
Since each anime season has the obligatory comedy anime I approached Baka to Test to Shokanju with caution, not expecting it to be anything worth watching. However, what I got was more than season filler. Much, much more. The show is funny, and for all the right reasons. Already three episodes into the thirteen episode series, and panty shots and shoe-horned anime references are nowhere to be seen. What’s left is nothing but hysterical, knee-slapping goodness.

The dynamic of students having Summon Battles to settle things amongst each other is a wonderful addition that keeps interest in events onscreen. Each episode earned my rapt attention; not solely because I was critiquing it, but because it was genuinely interesting. The liberal usage of action was a nice touch, bumping up a good show to a great show.

The level of humor is on par with American sitcoms, but designed for anime fans. That being said, the show is not the anime equivalent of Everybody Loves Raymond, as most of its comedic elements are tied with the standard anime effects such as exaggerated facial expressions. Baka to Test to Shokanju takes your standard funny anime, and strips away all the impurities. Granted it’s only three episodes so far, but there are no real problems with the show.

Possibly the only reason someone would not enjoy this show is if they happen to not jive with the umor. Just like all comedy, things can be hit-or-miss. What one person finds funny may not be the same as another and most of the show’s success hinges on this. Even so, chances are good that, if you’re looking to trade twenty minutes away for some laughs, you may not have to look further.