Keijo!!!!!!!! (Box Set Review)
By: MithrandielEvery once in a while, a show comes along that re-defines what a quality anime series looks like. Shows like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Neon Genesis Evangelion. The project represents a tremendous accomplishment that helps to shape the discussion surrounding anime in the years to come.Keijo!!!!!!!! isn't one of those series. At all. BUT! It did make a splash of its own when it came out, with the premise of fan-service and the eternal "Butts vs. Boobs" debate coming to a head, folks ended up wondering if Hayao Miyazaki was right.
Now, for those fans out there that may be interested in the plot, such as it is, I'll give a brief primer: following her graduation from high school, Nozomi Kaminashi makes her way into the world of Keijo - a sport where women are tasked with using their breasts and buttocks to knock off their opponents in large pool arenas. Keijo!!!!!!!! follows her journey to become the best in this unique sport, introducing us to a number of...ahem...talented ladies in the process.
Look, I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a fun watch. It's absurd and way over-the top. You find yourself saying "Wow, they went there." Only for Keijo!!!!!!!! to smack the coffee out of your hand, pick you up by the collar and say "Bitch, I went There, bought the t-shirt and mug, ran for Mayor and burned City Hall to the ground."It knows. In its self awareness, it helps you to appreciate the insanity that is Keijo!!!!!!!! If you can overcome that, you can settle in for a chuckle and come out on the other side thankful for the experience, and vowing never to watch it again.So, the series is alright. However, the box set release is a real treat.
Funimation is keenly aware of the fans that are purchasing this box set. They are less interested in the story and more interested in the...ahem... dynamic cast of characters. So, what better way to spotlight these characters than with a swimsuit calendar and an art book?
Both of the extras are well made, with some durable card-stock making up the calendar, and a series of provocative photos put together in the art book.
The entire box set is a case study in understanding your audience, which Funimation certainly does.
The digital extras include some episode commentaries, but they pale in comparison to the visual aids that are provided along with this box set.Overall, if you are going to buy this box set, you probably know it already. I'm not going to say that the story is surprisingly good or that it's deeper than it appears, because it's not. However - if you're willing to dive into the deep end of absurdity and fan-service, Keijo!!!!!!!! is ready and waiting for you.You can find the box set for purchase here!
