MIERUKO-CHAN
What do you think would happen, when one day, you suddenly had this otherworldly, supernatural abilty to see the unknown?
Would you run?
Cower in fear?
Or would you simply ignore, for fear of being tormented endlessly, your life a living hell, unable to confide nor escape this sight of horrors?

This mishmash series of horror, slice of life, and comedy integrates these elements against the backdrop of the paranormal. These many constituents in a normal series would normally drag and become a lesser version of itself. Mieruko-chan, on the other hand, deftly balances all these components together and works wonders in delivering a fascinating experience to view through a mere diversative glance.

Miko Yotsuya, an ordinary, yet rather complacent high schooler, living day to day with her best friend and merely enjoying the niceties of life. A chance encounter irreparably throws her world upside down.
Not even she herself knows what ramifications forced her to miraculously obtain the sight, the power to walk into the world of spirits, ghouls and malevolent apparitions.

It's interesting to see a real, and insightful take on what would actually happen if you really were able to witness these specters, lingering about as they were.
Instead of exclaiming in shock or reacting in an obvious manner, it's more understandable to disregard their existence, lest they themselves bring harm to you or something worse.

Her daily life with Hana, loved ones and acquaintances does an exemplary job in exploring many concepts not usually explored when it's interspliced with the small but not heavy comedic bits sprinkled here and there.
They're not downright weighing down the material, but make the story even better.

When the eventual jumpscares, and/or scary, frightening moments happen on or offscreen, they really sell on the scare factor, as some of them elicit a reaction out of the audience.

It also deals with relevant subject matter that is not at all distasteful. In fact, it merely provides a real and materialistic existence for itself. Topics that occasionally are handwaved in other recent fare of media, this series treats them with the amount of respect it deserves.
These integrated moments greatly develop Miko and her worldview in terms of how she should approach this gift of hers. Whether she should confront the surroundings that mess with her psyche and stand up for herself.

It implements some usual well-worn tropes that don't necessarily drag the story down, but provide an enjoyable experience.
The back-half of this season instantly segues into an emotional and satisfying story arc that benefits Miko as a character.

There's a main theme running throughout that lingers besides her environment.
You shouldn't judge people's overall character based on the impression they give, the features they exhibit on a surface level. Rather try to reach that middle ground, inching closer to deeply connect with them, without fear of repercussions.
This becomes an entertaining experience, and a major selling point in our overall enjoyment.

The visuals are breathtaking, courtesy of Studio Passione. While their usual animation techniques are present, i.e. their ecchi and erotic traits, it sparingly applies them in favor of an emotional backswell that rewards our patience.
The more important plot beats endear us to Miko's progression as a character, as she ploddingly advances toward confronting and moving on from her initial fears and takes a stance to being true to who she is.

This series isn't for everyone.
If you can't stand the perverse closeups sometimes, or meandering interactions, it's understandable.
The terror, scarily presented in equal quantities of fright and comically unknown measure, are also a utility to this adaptation of a special blend of themes.

Fantastic voice-acting sell on the fright and malice sometimes exhibited during these episodes' run.
With clean and sparing animation-styled frames, it's managed to keep me invested throughout, regardless of its reserved plot beats.

If you're aching for something a tad different from your usual fare, give it a shot.
The mix of genres shouldn't at all deter your enjoyment of it as a whole.
It can surprise you without any reservations.