MovieChat Forums > Azumanga daiô (2002) Discussion > Watching this anime...are you a guy?

Watching this anime...are you a guy?

posted 18 years ago by Minos24
52 replies | jump to latest

I'm a guy. A friend of mine, a guy, let me borrow any anime series from his collection the other night, to try out. I'm not a big anime fan at all, and I only watch one anime seriously (IGPX), and I have a few films. But, to try something new, I looked through his collection to see what he had, and I was surprised to see AzuManga Daioh among his sets. Obviously you know why, its a series about all girls.

So I asked him what's it all about, and he told me the premise of the story about a group of high school girls who go through zany adventures. Then he pointed out to me, "Yea, you might think its weird that I have a series like this because I'm a guy." But I told him I didn't care, and in fact, I wanted to give it a try because its something new.

So far, I'm in the middle of watching this series and its not that bad, its kinda funny. I watch it in Japanese, and one of the neat things about this comedy it provides some good cultural points about Japanese school life and culture in general, and I like anime humor, its off the wall and zany (especially with its inherent animations).

If you are a guy, and even though its a series about girls, do you guys care? I even read on wikipedia that the manga first appeared in a magazine for guys, and it indicated that this series is not what they call a "shojo" series (for girl fans). Obviously there are some traits about this show that is geared towards guys (I won't insult your intelligence), yet I can see why there is always an innate curiosity when it comes to a anime series about girls.

So far, I really enjoy the series, even though most of my guy friends would really egg me and make fun of me if they ever saw what I was watching. But hey, weren't we all Sailor Moon fans when we were kids?

[–] vancleese 18 years ago

I'm a guy, and Azu is officially my favourite anime. Interestingly, Wikipedia describes Azu as a seinen anime, meaning an anime aimed at older teen guys and young men. :P

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] BramOh 18 years ago

I was initially hesitant to watch AD due to the overcuteness factor. Thankfully it wasn't an issue and I find it ironic one of the most hilarious segments of the series is with Chiyo-chan being "tooooo cuuute" in her costume. The biggest praise I can give the show is that my wife watched it with me and enjoyed herself which, aside from a few select episodes of Cowboy Bebop, is the first anime she's ever liked. My teenage son also really gets a kick out of it too. Now we sometimes call my wife Yukari, in reference to her nerve-frazzling driving manuevers.

Anyone that has only seen the DVD cover or a still from the show may find it weird adult guys like this, but anyone who has actually watched it knows better.

[–] mattias-kettunen 18 years ago

I'm surprised anyone cares. Cute designs aside, there's really nothing that girly about it. I love it because it really reminds you of your schooldays, regardless of your gender.
Really, the absence of fan service and sexual innuendo was a fresh breeze from most anime. This series is pure gold.

[–] Minos24 18 years ago

Yeah,

That's what I liked, its a very innocent, fun show and everyone can enjoy it, very likable indeed. There is no sexual innuendo, however I sometimes did catch onto the mild fan service. Like, I was really surprised, not knowing much about Japanese schools, that girls used to wear those underwear-like bloomer as shorts. Whose idea was that for girls to wear such things? :-)

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] alexpakis 18 years ago

I'm a guy, and this is probably the best anime ever.It's hilarious. The lack of fanservice is also noteworthy.

[–] Wrenton7 17 years ago

Ditto. Guy & having this in my Top 10

[–] arorashadow_2003 17 years ago

I'm a guy and this is one of my favorites

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Anime is Forever

[–] smurph172 17 years ago

I'm a guy and i love this anime. It is funny and they go on some wierd adventures

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] pabonaaron007 17 years ago

im a guy , not gay, and love the show

[–] UltimateEye 17 years ago

Being gay doesn't mean being associated with stuff that's cute; ever hear of Bears?

Anyway, guys tend to get a little more antsy around cute stuff; even anime fans. I for one am a little like Sakaki: I'm not ashamed to admit I like cute stuff, even though I don't look it. Azumanga definitely delivers on cuteness, but it does it in such a way that isn't nauseating, and it's constantly funny. Even if the 'kawaii' phenomenon isn't necessarily your thing, the show's hilarious; that's all that matters.

[–] jin_kazama6969 17 years ago

I'm a guy. This show is *beep* cute (and funny).