Petopeto San is a new anime out for the summer season (in Japan) that many of you may not know about, because there are no fansub groups working on it. The reason for this being that it is a Media Factory title (the guys that threatened legal action against Fansubbers last year).
Despite this, (or perhaps because of it) this is a fascinating series (or the first episode is at any rate).
The concept seems rather similar to shuffle, another anime out this season (shuffle is nasty btw, very very very lame anime). They are set in schools that are currently engaging in species mixing. This however is where the similarities end.
Shuffle has angels, demons and people with stupid star trek ears that make you long to get some snips and administer some ear resizing.
Petopeto San's different races are more mythological based (Japanese mythology that is, so don't expect to recognize a lot). Our main character is a Petopeto, or a creature that is identical to humans, except for the fact that she tends to stick to other living beings. The only way to get unstuck, is to fall asleep (at least it's original). Another character is a kappa (which in this instance means she is like a mermaid) and has a natural affinity for water. Most of the other kids in the class are also of different 'races', and transfer students. (transferring from where, the twilight zone?)
This all seems rather doinky, silly people with silly abilities, but remember i said this was a hell of a lot different then shuffle.
The main character Hatoko is a shy(ish) girl who has never been to school before because of her 'racial difficulties' (ie randomly sticking to people). On the outside she seems a very nice (and cute girl) but later we learn that she has deeper issues then what's on the surface. Her father was kicked out of his parents home, due to marrying a 'monster' (Hatoko's mum, too hot to be a monster). This (and i assume other similar experiences) have landed Hatoko with insecurity issues and the feeling of being less then human (or a 'monster')
One girl in the class seems a vile 'pure human' type and labels everyone from other species as being monsters.
Surprisingly, none of this is corny or overplayed. It seems very natural and you just accept these issues as a concern (after you get over your initial incredulity). The story progresses smoothly (even though there are a few timejumps) and feels very natural.
I didn't really notice the music that much, but what i did hear, i liked. The OP is also refreshingly creative, and not the bland pop crap that many shows resort to, these days.
This is another show right up their with Kamichu, and i will be following it avidly. I just hope i can continue getting subs for it ;)
Raw Provider: (see my blog)
Subs: (see my blog)
Petopeto San: Great
Shuffle: Dreadful
Episode 1 of Petopeto San Blog'd here!
