Anime: Invaders of the Rokujyouma (Blu-Ray)

Released By: Sentai Filmworks

Release Date: November 17th, 2015

Retail Price: $59.98

The anime series Invaders of the Rokujyouma is an anime series about a young independent and hard working high school student named Kotaro Satomi. Kotaro begins the series in search of an apartment for himself, enjoying the concept of being on his own, and eventually discovers a place to call home for a mere 5,000 yen a month. He feels suspicious of the details surrounding the availability and pricing but decides to take the opportunity while he’s given the chance, setting his sight on the spectacular deal – little did Kotaro know there would be numerous strings attached. Kotaro quickly learns that his new home has others with attachments to or within the premises, with multiple individuals staking claim on room 106 making things all the more awkward. The uninvited ghost-guests includes a young girl named Sanae, a magically powered girl named Yurkia, Theiamillis Gre Fortorthe an alien princess, and one of the “earth people” named Kiriha – all seeking something from the room itself.

The concept in the series initially gives off a first impression similar to Brynhildr In The Darkness (but much lighter) with a harem style plot. The character of Kotaro Satomi is a fun protagonist for the anime, with decent artwork, a humorous personality, and on occasion adorably oblivious. The characters constantly blushing around him because of nerves and attraction is played of comedically, but there are legitimate moments where you can see the growing attachment towards Kotaro, and you are reminded of the unfulfilling concept of a harem storyline where only one can really win over one’s heart. The romantic aspect is used often, but the series also uses an episodic slice of life story for the first few episodes, and when it does branch into the second half of episodes, you begin to delve into the girls back story and their lives a little more (which of course, includes drama!) But really, for a series that incorporates mystics and a plethora of supernatural beings – there is really no semblance of seriousness in their stories.

The characters (primarily the girls) are used as token stereotypical anime females (like the extremist cosplayer, the attached or needy one, or the unspoken love, (which in that case was actually upsetting.) The plot of Invaders of the Rokujyouma is actually almost non-existent as it just becomes a character driven series about this particular harem, which could be disconcerting to some. What I will say is that what the plot lacks, the series makes up for in diverse characters. They each fill a major comedy based need, and their individualistic relationships with Kotaro and it successfully moves the series along for the course of 12 episodes (and there is definitely no shortage on characters!) I admit that there are times where the series feels to drag, but the unusual humor is what manages to regain your attention. Another major plus and one of the series most notable traits is that for a harem genre series (among other genres), there is not as much fan-service as you would expect from the anime. It makes it more enjoyable to get to know the characters without trying to overtly sexualize characters like so many other popular series, and having a lack of cliché jokes that involve “accidental” physicality.

Of course, it tends to rely on gimmicks for the characters, and being a harem there are so many predictable qualities to the series as well. I’m generally not a harem fan, so I tend to notice the formulaic approach they have – but as far as harem series go, it does rank much higher in terms of random differences that can actually be appreciated. To expand on my previous statement from earlier, I’d strictly warn viewers that you must not expect too much depth from the series, and to go into it knowing that the series goal is to pass as an entertaining and comedic harem (which is a little of both at times.) Luckily, unlike many series with that genre, it strayed from the most eye-rolling perverted attributes to the unattainable anime love story.  The anime does feel more forgettable than some of the more well-executed comedies, but with an eccentric Japanese voice cast, unusually interesting characters, and a jumbled mix of genres, Invaders of the Rokujyouma is a bizarre series sure to impress fans of the harem aspect of anime.

Overall Score: 6/10

Aedan’s Final Thoughts:

• Kotaro is the most memorable character, and probably my favorite character in the anime.

• For having such a list of possible storylines to expand on, I was definitely surprised by the carefree dynamic of Invaders of the Rokujyouma

• I’ll give credit to the series for making a harem that didn’t result in constant frustration.