Watamote Episode 3: “Since I'm Not Popular, The Weather's Bad”

Watamote Episode 3

     So as I stated in my First Impression video of this series, I like it for it's slice of life aspect and this was  reconfirmed in this most recent episode. Clearly this anime is not plot driven; all though Tomoko's ultimate goal is to become popular, she only works at it a little at a time. Because of this, the episodes pacing can be slow at times. For example, in this episode, we watch Tomoko go through an awkward day followed by a desperate attempt to become sick, so she won't have to go to school for a while. Although the plot sounds lackluster I actually enjoyed episode 3 because of Tomoko. She's extremely relate-able and the situations she facesin make me both laugh out loud and want to crawl up into a ball because I've been there. My favorite part had to be the scene where she's hiding from the rain under a bus stop.

Tomoko and some acquaintances

No Tomoko, you don't just tell people
you're sweaty.

 I could literally feel how nervous she must have been trying to make small talk with those boys. And although her attempts were hilariously wacky, I felt her pain of desperately trying to talk to someone, but not knowing what to say. I just wanted to jump into the computer screen and be yell, "Tomoko, No!!!!" The best scenes are always ones where Tomoko's in an uncomfortable situation because they manage to be funny and sad at the same time. In fact, scenes like this are much funnier than the anime references, which I could honestly do without. Now, don't get me wrong, I do get why they are included. 

"Tomoko" Kusanagi

After all, what would an anime about an otaku be without references to the anime world? Not to mention, it's refreshing to see the references include more recent anime such as Kuroko no Basket. But I just feel they could be more discrete, or at least blend with the story better. However, I have to admit, I was totally fan-girling during the Ghost in the Shell scene.

Prince Tomoki, who was sick this episode
but you could hardly tell because he
always looks like death.

     Now, as much as I love Tomoko, the highlight of this episode for me was her brother Tomoki. Once again he was bitter. Once again he was irritated with everything. And once again I loved it. This may sound weird, but I just love the fact that these two siblings rarely share heart felt moments. Call me a pessimist but I feel like it puts a final realistic touch on this show.

Overall, I thought this episode was cute, but sad, and a bit boring at times. 3/5

Watamote Hidden Gems: Episode 1

I'm back with another installment of Watamote: Hidden gems were I attempt to point out all the parodies and Easter eggs in each episode! This time around, I'm traveling back in time to episode 1! Let's see what we could spot!

Hidden Gems

Tomoko's Book Book

In this scene Tomoko is quietly reading in class. What is she reading? A book...called book. I bets it's a real page turner.

Manga Mania

In this scene Tomoko heads to the library, but did you notice what manga Tomoko and the gentlemen beside her are reading? If you look closely, you'll see the real life manga, (in order) Akame ga Kuri, Chronicles of the Going home, and Bakaramon. What do these title have in common? They are all published by Square Enix, the same company that publishes the Watamote Manga!

Akame ga Kiru

Barakamon

Chronicles of the Going Home Club

(Which also happens to be a new summer anime as well!)

Parodies

Anime

Ouran High School Host Club

Tomoko pictures this as her soon to be High School life. I have to say, the girl has got good taste! Looks like they got everything from the light blue jackets to the infamous floral borders~

Death Note

Watamote made fans flip with this parody of the infamous Death note writing scene. If only they included the chip scene! Check out this play by play comparison uploaded by YouTube user h4rd2

Games

Duel Love

The scene that made everyone uncomfortableXD So in this episode, Tomoko plays a hand-held game where the player must rub the back of some random bi-shonen dude until he...well...finishes? Well good news everyone, this scene is based on the DS game Duel Love.

Check out the real life massage scene:

Products

Everyone's favorite Eatery!

Add this to the growing collection of anime McDonalds parodies

Everyone's favorite Eatery!

Gaagle...

References

AKB48

In this scene, Tomoko's imaging what it must be like when the popular kids got out to karaoke. One boy mentions that he want to sing AK*, but the last letter is bleeped. Seems like a reference to popular J-pop super group AKB48.

Gantz and Parasyte

While wishing the worst upon her fellow classmates, Tomoko drops so more bleeped out references, this time mentioning the Shorty Aliens from the manga Gantz and the undercover parasite Hideo Shimada from the manga Parasyte. 

Gantz

Hideo Shimada

Gantz

Shorty Alien

Well, that's all I could under cover! Anything that you think I missed?

Swimming Anime Dating Sim

You knew it was coming

        Deviant art user fifthdimensional has answered the prayers of Free! fan-girls everywhere with her creation of Swimming Anime Dating Sim. Users can play as Mizu Oyogu, a high school senior who has recently transferred to the a new school. Luckily for her (and you) this school is crawling with the handsome

In this game, Rin is on good terms
the rest of the gang and Makoto's father
looks like my middle school principal

 boys from the new summer anime Free! Iwatobi Swim Club! Now, this Dating Sim was created well before the series premiered, the creator pulling most of her inspiration from the original 30 second clip that jump started all the swimming anime pandemonium, hence the use of the characters Tumblr given names (Senpai, Shota etc.) as well as hilarious titles bestowed onto them by the creator (Pimp-Kun anyone?) rather than their real ones. This also means some disappointing news for Rei fans, as since he didn't appear in the infamous commercial, he doesn't make an appearance in the dating sim. At least not yet. The creator has made sure to note that the game is still in it's Beta stages, and is constantly being updated. So far though, I really like this game.

Haruka's hair is perpetually in Bieber
hair flip mode.

The dialogue is really funny and although the personalities of the characters differ a bit from the actual anime, it's still really enjoyable. Hopefully, the creator will find a way to have the game align more closely with the anime in the future, but even if she decides to go on her own way, I will definitely still play it. Anyway, you can check out the game on her deviantart page and tell me what you think! Until then!

*Bonus* I did a little let's play of the game if you want a preview of what to expect. And don't worry about game spoilers; what happens in the game drastically differs depending on what choices you make!

         

-RCUJay