Kokoro Connect: An Underrated Anime

Elric-san Kokoro Connect is a 13 episode supernatural comedy romance drama anime which is about 5 high school students having to endure supernatural phenomena which could either strengthen or destroy their friendship. It is an anime that could be compared to one that has become a fan favorite, Angel Beats! However, if that one got so much attention, why didn't Kokoro Connect?

Let's start with a concise review if the series. The plot doesn't take up too much of the time, because it is a background canvas for the characters. On the subject of the characters, it is extremely impressive that they could be so well developed and you can have such a strong connection to the characters with such a short run time. They are what made the show, and what made me enjoy it so much. The animation and soundtrack aren't too impressive, but that's not really why you want to watch the show (though ending 3, Salvage, was very enjoyable and my favorite piece of music from the entire series).

So the question still remains, why hasn't this show gotten that much recognition? In theory, it might be because of the short runtime. Many anime which are immensely popular are at least double the length of this. Shows getting a lot of recognition with a short runtime (like Angel Beats!) are actually quite rare. Short runtimes sometimes do cause people to avoid watching something. Another reason might be it was just swept under people's eyes because more popular shows were being watched. Kokoro Connect first aired in the summer of 2012, which, if I recall correctly, was at about the same time when Sword Art Online first aired. It might not be recognized because it was being overshadowed by such a commercial success.

Overall, not many people have seen this anime, but they should. It's got a fun setup, great characters, moments that will make you laugh until you die, and even moments that will touch your heart. It truly is an underrated gem.

Comments

Nice review. I do love Sword Art Online, but Kokoro Connect looks to be worth the time and investment I take in watching an anime series. Where can you watch it? Is it on Crunchyroll or whatever? - visitor (4/19/2016)

Maybe. My library has anime, so that's how I watched it. Crunchyroll should have it, though, since it's Sentai Filmworks. - Elric-san (4/19/2016)

Cool. But I do have a TON of anime that I want to watch this year on Crunchyroll. I've already stated on my profile page that I have my sights set on Fate/Zero and Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works. Maybe I could watch Kokoro Connect before or after those anime... - visitor (4/19/2016)

That sounds all right. - Elric-san (4/20/2016)

LoL I just finished a review on Bakemonogatari but now there's ANOTHER supernatural romance/comedy/drama? Count me in :-D - visitor (9/3/2016)

Haha! Yeah, it's a lot of fun. - Elric-san (9/4/2016)

Cool! I'll check it out sometime soon! - TwilightKitsune (6/25/2017)

Awesome. Have fun with it. - Elric-san (6/25/2017)

I heard there’s gender bender. So, I was hesitant to watch but I guess I’ll give it a shot. - visitor (7/26/2017)