As the title of this show already implies, this story tackles romance a bit differently comapred to many other shows. Especially because most romance-realted shows in anime feature characters (contrary to live-action) in a high school setting. But let's start the actual review.

As always I want to focus on the part of the show, that gives this medium its name, first. The animation wasn't mind-blowing but also not that bad. Nothing too outstanding but definitely sufficent for its purpose in a show that relys mostly on its characters and their interactions with each other. Art on the other hand is a rather difficult to judge. There are moments where it definitely feels very underwhelming (The early episodes come to mind first) and others where it can actually shine and where attention to detail is evident. Overall I think these two sides balance each other out quite nicely. The bad art isn't bad enough to push you out of your immersion and the good art isn't good enough to be especially praise-worthy.

On the topic of art I want to mention the various character designs. I had trouble adjusting to them and especially the faces in the beginning. That's probably teh result of me not being familiar with this kind of art style. In fact I actually found the male characters rather similar in design to the various "yaoi"-covers featured in the show (But that's the opinion of a novice in this regard who has absolutely no interest in that genre and is absolutely not familiar with the artstyle used). Something minor I actually really enjoyed were the various outfits the characters wore to different locations and circumstances. It's simple and obvious things like these that add a little touch of realism to a show, which in this case truly benefits from it.

Overall I have to say that both the story and the characters seem mostly organic. Sure some character traits are exaggerated sometimes but that is usually reserved for comedic moments. Speaking of which the comedy was great. It's rare that a show manages to put a smile on my face for such a long time. From the references (I am a proud MH/Pokemon fan) to the character antics (looking at you Hanako and Tarou) it was a spectacle for me. It also shows different kinds of relationships and underlines the individual element that every single one possesses. It's actually kind of ironic that one of the main points, in my opinion, of a show that is mainly about Otakus dating is the view of society about how relationships should progress and the eventual break from such preconceived notions. The story is also refreshing in the sense that Otakus aren't portrayed as walking stereotypes destined to walk on this earth forever alone. Something that you rarely ever see. Maybe that aspect can give a few lonely souls out there some hope as it also shows that a hobby like that should only be one part of one's life as good balance is absolutely needed. The characters have a social life (if deminished) and have a stable job which is the reason our main couple got (back) together in the first place.

I would be a total barbarian to not mention the great opening. The music is great and the famous "hand-dancing" scene has made it quite famous indeed. While not full with symbolism and foreshadowing it's still really enjoyable and to be honest anything deeper would not have fit into the mood of the show itself.

If you are looking for a breath of fresh air among the utter abundance that is highschool romance and in the mood for something a bit more mature while still providing great comedy that will make you laugh a lot if you are versed in the various subcultures featured in this show then you'll have an absolute blast. I could go on and on about references and and cameos but it's better you experience all of that yourself!