Spring Anime Award – Best Comedy of 07

Author: nova

Yes folks, you heard it right! Of the massive bunch of comedies and comedy attempts, Jinx! has chosen the best series that aired in the fine year of 2007. At first this seemed like a daunting task, but thanks to following certain IRC-discussions I finally ended up with a show that clearly comes out on top. Thus, the best comedy of the year 2007 is Night Wizard the Animation.

But Nova, Night Wizard isn’t a comedy!

Indeed so one would think, but a closer examination on the series reveals clear characteristics of a typical crazy comedy: A plot that moves at the speed not much short of Mach 5, exaggerated and unrealistic characters, witty slapstick humor by the means of abusing the main male character and totally ridiculous happenings and dialogue. Some may say that Night Wizard is clichéd but I dare to disagree! Because clearly the show is something truly original; a clever mix of fantasy/adventure and slapstick/absurd comedy, so well executed that it almost managed to convince me that this was just another half-assed Final Fantasy On Screen. How? Just take a look at these selected bits and decide yourself:

A loli living in an orbital castle wants you to save the world? The Chosen One? Waves of Emulators? Now look into my eyes and say to me with a straight face that this isn’t the least bit like a clever comedy. Not that obviously intentionally clichéd and pompous phraseology in the Night Wizard’s dialogue would be the only thing the show has to offer to make you hit the floor – the show also features ferocious and convincing *snicker* villains. Hey now, the headless dude has pretty nasty laugh!

The series makes sure to poke fun of Final Fantasy-type of RPGs and I gotta say the humor really hits the spot – I mean, now we know how a spiky-haired dude with a sword three meters in length can not only hide his weapon when it’s not used, but also carry 99 potions, truckload of bracelets and pendants, a couple dozen weapons and a the super-stick hair gel needed for that cool Hero Hairstyle. Gilgamesh would be proud!

In addition to frantic boss battles the series understands to extract lulz from the art of plot devices, such as mysterious ability of interpreting ancient runes, just happening to have that much needed salt with you on a dungeon trip and mysterious boku appearing from nowhere to save you from ebil space bunnies. Even the RPG-style battle transitions are faithfully carried out! The moon and landscape suddenly turn red when baddies appear and return back to normal color when the engagement is over. Defeated enemies of course die in the traditional sparkly fading animation and boss-level evildoers are even granted a few last words of wisdom like BERU-SAMAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!11, while the heroic crew shoots a few mandatory phrases of no-brainer-wisdom.

All in all Night Wizard the Animation is a great comedy and worthy of try for just anyone! I’ve rarely watched a show that managed to make me IRL-LOL to the extend that roomies are probably considering calling the dudes with cool vans and nice white jackets. I’m done here, now you go and watch the show and remember – when in doubt, FIRE THE MAIN CANNON!