Otaku Elf

I didn't expect that I would enjoy Otaku Elf so much and that it would become a series that I would look forward to. Initially, I was a bit afraid that it would be another bizarre nonsense in the style of Kumamiko, so I was delighted when I realized that the otaku elf is actually a likable elf named Elda. I quickly became convinced that this would be one of those pleasant series that would make me smile in every episode, warm my heart, and occasionally laugh with various details and pop culture references. I also liked the elf's occasional comic facial expressions and the chibi, which reminded me a bit of Himouto! Umaru-chan, even though it didn't play any vital role here, it just made the scene more entertaining. But I really loved all the little details that gave the series a new dimension. You might think that Otaku Elf will be about an elf who is an otaku, and yes, that's true, but there's more. Otaku Elf is an educational program full of various interesting facts about life in the Edo period in Japan, brought to you by Red Bull! I fell in love with the way Elda described life in Edo. It reminded me of how my grandmother told me about what life was like in her time. She used the same heartfelt tone, and you would believe Elda was there. I was also taken aback by the blatant product placement in the first episode and the ending. However, unlike the Skittles commercial in the new Shazam, the Red Bull advertisement here is subtle; it fits perfectly with the character and the environment, and above all, it really made me want to go and buy some Red Bull. I also liked all the other little things, for example, the opening. I can listen to it for hours as background music while working, and it hasn't gotten old after three months. It combines modern music, traditional Japanese elements, and musical instruments. That combination of traditional and contemporary and its perfect harmony is also reflected in the whole series. Damn, I even like the elf logo here. I would have used it as my profile picture if it wasn't so wide. But it's not just the little things that are well done here. Another interesting theme that the show lightly touches on is the contrast between human mortality and the immortality of the elf. You can feel it when they talk about Koito's mother. It is accompanied by many references to the past and traditions. Even the opening shows how everything around the elf changes; people grow older while she remains the same. However, the theme is not explored to such an extent as to make you depressed about it. It doesn't spoil the unique, lovely, and fun atmosphere. It is only subtle, and it's up to you how much you want to think about it. I liked the animation; the accompanying music was excellent at what it was doing; the characters grew on me, and I enjoyed the interaction between Elda and her miko. The portrayal of the elf as an otaku and hikikomori and the habits that go with it was also well done. When I think about the negatives, the only thing that comes to mind is that the other elves and their miko in this series had such little space that they almost felt unnecessary... For me, Otaku Elf was great in many ways, it fulfilled my expectations and then some, including many great details, and it deserves praise for that. 8/10. (23/06/2023) (less) (more)