Anime: Puchimas! Petit Idolmaster Season 1& 2
Released By: FUNimation
Release Date: May 19th, 2015
Retail Price: Both Seasons are available for $19.98 each

Puchimas! Petit Idolmaster may sound complicated as a name, however the series itself couldn’t me more simple and direct. The series is based on THE IDOLM@STER that originally follows 13 girls from 765 Production Studio, who desperately hope to become top idols in the ever-growing Japanese entertainment industry. The original series includes humor and somewhat seriousness to it as they ladies continue to vie for the top spot. Puchimas! Petit Idolmaster may have been introduced from this series, but in itself is a more lighthearted humorous take on these characters (puchidols) in snippets.

A Puchidol essentially a small SD version of a recognized character from the iDOLM@STER franchise with a persona and mannerisms that borderline poke-fun at, or perhaps amusingly overcompensates the characters original personality and abilities. These Puchidols are pretty gosh darn adorable, and to many anime fans is an overload of cuteness. Each episode of the series spans over only a matter of minutes (similarly to the beloved anime series Hetalia) and each episode is mostly character specific in plot but does manage to include the others as a way to establish the connection between the girls. (the series length is why this is a dual-review) These short episodes often entail or incorporate a message or example of character growth by having them face off against their own issues in a detached, more easy-going way; the characters also are known to exhibit powers from time to time, just go with the eclectic flow and you’ll enjoy it.

Courtesy of fandompost.com

On several occasions, the jokes carry over to future episodes, but with the series short span and episodic approach, reminding viewers of past events or issues does help solidify some legitimacy to the continuously zany anime series. For being created in segments, the writers manage to coherently place each character in the spotlight at one time or another, (and their quest for fame and notoriety) therefore giving them the ability to branch out before the series end. Another interesting dynamic, is how each characters interactions among the others helps create the overall feel for the anime in the short and allotted time. By having humorous and explorative interactions between the group, it helps make these characters stick out in your mind after brief viewings. Standout segments include Haruka being replaced by a robot who manages to do everything better than her, even spastic qualities are done with a gymnast flair.

The production of Punchimas! Petit Idolmaster is well thought out, with sharp animation, strong voice actors, and a good score that proves the series wasn’t made hastily or carelessly for an extremely short series. There are two different approaches used in the animation, with the extreme miniature characters consisting of rounder features and bolder color schemes. The approach for the animation is very well planned and the colors that stand out are used well, as the series manages to try to attain your attention by embracing every important anime feature amped up for their shorter time limit. If you enjoy a comedic series in smaller bursts and adorableness (with a dash of fanservice sometimes) you may need to watch Puchimas! Petit Idolmaster, available now by FUNimation on DVD.

Aedan’s Final Thoughts

-Though a peculiar concept, the series does entertain in its fragmented episodes.

-The alternating animation style is rather enjoyable

-Despite the original idolmaster series concept, it finds its finds its own witty direction and audience

Keep Up With PopWrapped On The Web!