Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Been a while since I reviewed something on here, eh? Alright, let's see if I still got it...
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So: Kaguya-sama, Love is War. A beloved romcom that's captured the hearts of many. Overall, I'd say season 1 was pretty damn solid. I think I prefer the first four eps. in terms of nonstop sharp wit, but the intro of Yu Ishigami (the best character) naturally kept me around.

As mentioned earlier, this series is Sharp with a capital S. Committing to its tongue-in-cheek premise of two prideful teens in love, but too above it all to show it, to where they mentally one-up each other every chance they get. The result being fast-paced humor that keeps you on your toes, and maybe even rooting alongside your chosen player (I'm a guy, so I can't help but gravitate towards Miyuki). But as with plenty of great comedies, some sincerity where they cool the jokes down is always welcome, like the segment where Kaguya walks home with the little girl. And it goes without saying that the scenes where she and Miyuki drop their egos are very cute. In the voice of Ian the narrator: "JUST BE HONEST WITH EACH OTHER ALREADY!!!! GAHHHH!!!!".

There's a really well made arc where Miyuki and Kaguya have to make up after an awkward bed incident, which is probably my favorite. The understandable and justifiable insecurities that come from it, having to be honest with yourself, hell, even Yu's obviously comedic remarks on girls shares some advice to Miyuki that has a little bit of truth in them. It's all in there. And it ends very sweetly. It's that back-and-forth romantic tension that they manage to keep engaging.

Towards the season's end, the Love War takes a backseat and Kaguya is characterized more, making her more than some superficial "spoiled rich girl" they could've easily done. Narratively, it's great that she and Miyuki started out hating each other, only for them to secretly become infatuated with the other as time goes on and you get to know the other more.

I connect more with Miyuki as the (only by a little) more down-to-Earth middle classman, and believe me, I FELT it whenever he got beat by Kaguya. Likewise, you can't help but smirk a little when he gets to (mentally) rub his victories in Kaguya's face. I can only wonder what it's like for the ones rooting for Kaguya, as I take it's probably the same. It being a comedy really helps as it shows overthought teen angst in extremes while not sacrificing sincerity.

As for the side characters, Chika is fine. Automatically likable and bubbly, but as an introvert, you know I'm going to gravitate towards Yu. He's like Chika in that he can be an unpredictable wrench in Kaguya & Miyuki's mind games, albeit not to the same degree. He also shares some great platonic moments with Kaguya.

Humor-wise, I wouldn't say it's outright hilarious or anything like people make it out to be, but I'm still grinning and chuckling, aided by pretty versatile animation (Chika's mesmerizing rotoscoped dance). It's also a breeze to watch as the episodes consist of 3-4 segments, making for no time wasted. With the "first time" segment being a memorable one. Great punchline of showing how Kaguya was brought up.

So yeah, I'd say a solid 7/10. Despite my praises, even with all that character building with Kaguya towards the end, I wouldn't say it's peak. The season hits everything right, and it's a fulfilling experience, but I dunno, it's nothing more than that, which is fine. If anything, for this to be a 9, Yu would've needed way more screentime.

So with that being the case, I'll see if the later seasons are as goated as y'all keep saying they are.
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Decided to watch this dubbed, and yes, it was because of the narrator. It goes without saying Ian Sinclair absolutely dominates it in the role, as do the other VAs. Alex Tipton throwing a tantrum in bed as Kaguya was expertly delivered.

The subplot of that couple asking Kagyuki for relationship advice is goated.

The ramen episode felt like it came straight out of Gintama, which if you know me, is some of the highest possible comedic praise. Complete with Spongebob-esque detailed close-ups.

I wanna hug Yu =). You're welcome :).

In conclusion: who tf is that brunette girl who stalks them? Idk, onto season 2 I guess.