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Comments

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Plot Synopsis

No plot synopsis or other information available for DearS

Story & Characters

DearS is one of the new bishoujo shows from the summer 2004 anime season, which ran for 12 episodes. Based on a popular manga by Peach-Pit, the story revolves around slacker student Takeya Ikuhara and a race of aliens known as DearS. The DearS crash-landed on Earth and were unable to return to their home planet, so an arrangement was worked out to allow homestays, which would let the DearS learn about Earthling culture and life. Takeya is indifferent to the DearS, while everyone around him gets excited at the news that their school would get a DearS student. While walking home one day, he sees a mysterious (and naked) DearS, who promptly kisses him. He names her Ren, and she takes to calling him her master. This is only the beginning of their story…

With DearS, you get a show that incorporates a lot of things seen in other shows of this genre. Busty bishoujo? Yep. “Goshujin-sama” complex? Got that. Fanservice? A good amount. Light comedy to balance out the serious parts? Mmm hmm. Reluctant male lead warming up to adoring female? Yep. An imminent separation for the star-crossed lovers? Got that too.

The story progresses briskly through the 12 episodes, with a minimal amount of filler involving Takeya’s annoying sister. Largely a slice-of-life show, DearS manages to be entertaining in spite of the thin backstory and underdeveloped characters. You also have characters like the horny Mitsuka-sensei popping in from time to time for big yucks, and Neneko acting as the voice of reason. Miu, another DearS, acts as a sort of guardian and rival to Ren, but unfortunately those angles were only given passing consideration.

Rating

7 (above average)

Art

[Technical aspects of this score based on R2 DVDs]
The art is well-done and the characters stay on-model for the most part during the show. The character designs stay true for the most part to the ones in the manga. It’s a shame that the animation isn’t as smooth as that of a higher-budgeted show, like Hagaren or Chrno Crusade. There’s plenty of scenes where nothing moves for a while, but at least the art looks good despite the lack of motion. I think they blew the budget on the scenes of Mitsuka-sensei groping herself, which were animated really well! The DVDs do have some added detail in the linework and extra frames of animation not present in the broadcast version, always a plus. Also of note is the subdued color palette, which leads to a nice visual presentation with the DearS standing out the most.

Rating

8 (good)

Sound

[Technical aspects of this score based on R2 DVDs]
The sound is a solid PCM stereo mix, with good directionality and clarity. The cast has a lot of familiar voices, with Kishyo Taniyama (Seiji in Midori no Hibi, Takayuki in Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) voicing Takeya, Ai Shimizu (Minawa in Mahoromatic, Karen in Onegai Twins) as Ren, Mai Nakahara (Anna in Godannar, Midori in Midori no Hibi) playing Miu, and the legendary Kikuko Inoue (Belldandy in Ah! Megami-sama, Mizuho in Please Teacher) as Mitsuka. All the seiyuu turn in good performances, especially Inoue-san, whose work as Mitsuka provides a lot of the comic relief.

The background music is serviceable but unmemorable, with a good amount of repetition throughout the show. The opening song by Under17 is catchy but can get annoying after repeated listens. The end song, Happy Cosmos, is performed by the new group PoppinS, made up of Mai Nakahara and Ai Shimizu. If you get a chance to check out the music video, it’s strange and quirky!

Rating

7 (above average)

Presentation

I enjoyed DearS throughout its short run, but when it was over nothing really stuck with me. The manga is still ongoing in Dengeki Comics Gao magazine if you want to check out more DearS action. Much like other shows that end before the manga (Mahoromatic, Hellsing), the show’s producers are left to come up with an ending that ends up being either forced or rushed. Things are left open for a second season, and there’s plenty of material still unanimated.

Although not particularly original, DearS was entertaining every week I sat down to catch an episode. Some things like Mitsuka-sensei’s antics worked well, and others like Takeya’s bratty sister didn’t. If you liked DearS, then have a look at Chobits, which has some similarities but has the benefit of 26 episodes to develop its characters as well as better original source material by manga goddesses CLAMP, leading to a more enjoyable experience.

I’d ultimately classify DearS as a guilty pleasure, with nice bishoujo action, fanservice, nice (if contrived) romance, a decent backstory, and mostly appealing characters. My girlfriend didn’t particularly like the “slave” aspect of the show, but what can you do? DearS isn’t an essential recommendation, but have a look if you’ve got some spare time. There’s worse ways to spend it than by watching an episode or two.

Rating

7 (above average)

Final Verdict

7.17 (above average)

Reviewed by frunty, 3y 47wk ago