A surprise hit amongst many in a season filled with sequels and much more populous forms of entertainment.
Unexpected gem that came gushing forth with such passion, character progression and daily interactions becoming a delight.

What Akebi-chan has done differently from the norm is inflect a wide range of personalities in a singular classroom and dive deep into personal worries and frustrations that become relatable and precious to view through reminiscent gazes of days gone by.

The show's episodic nature might become a letdown, but it's actually the series' greatest strength as every one of Akebi's classmates are treated with their own focus.
All converging with connected togetherness as a group of friends finding happiness in one another's influence.
Their own insecurities laid bare, connecting with them.
Mundane or serious concerns and worldviews, as well as complexes owing to the throes of middle school becoming their daily life. Helping them ease to satisfying conclusions, thanks to Akebi's energetic and rambunctious charisma.

Beautiful backgrounds, character movements animated with such affection, due diligence for realistic depictions, and pretty visuals alongside strikingly gorgeous color intonations.
Cloverworks truly surpassed themselves in cinematography, every single frame shot with perfection.
Sound design giving the scenes more of an impact, with symphonic music accompanying the proceedings.
Physical activities, emotional outbursts heard, engagingly immersive alongside forcefully adept scenes filled with brevity, as well as a sense of calming stillness.

Character designs are eye-catching as their alluring presence becomes the highlight of the scenes themselves that you can't just look away.
They demand your utmost gaze, expending a great deal of invested interest in their qualities and progression as a well-developed individual.

Any episode and you can spot a certain degree of dedication, detailed layouts and specifications.
A complete representation of what expansion to already great material can become with talented staff that understands how to imbue the scenes with breathtaking precision.
Even as the duration of the series' length reaches its end, there's a sense of closure within that makes for a completely relaxing experience.
Exaltation, fulfilled with contentedness after taking on a journey with these girls, future endeavors on the horizon and so forth.

All in all, this is one of the best slice of life series to ingratiate us with a genuine care for in-depth examinations of relationships and the positive influences it carries for characters converging ever closer to adolescence, friendships blooming with relative closeness.