School Rumble, Vol. 1

Rough-and-tumble high schooler Kenji Harima is in love with Tenma Tsuakamoto. Of course, oblivious Tenma only has eyes for bland Oji Karasuma, who in turn thinks about…food. The struggles that macho unlucky Kenji and cute silly Tenma face in trying to confess their respective loves form the central conflict here, but as the episodes progress, a number of supporting characters—friends and family—come to the fore, providing a welcome respite from the frequently frenetic pace. More comedy than romance, School Rumble plays with a variety of styles and references, rapidly shifting tones between sweet, shrill, or slapstick. Based on an ongoing manga, this 2004-launched anime boasting solid animation is presented on a dual-language disc, rated TV-PG, compiling the first five episodes. DVD extras include two interviews with Japanese voice actors. Recommended. [Note: School Rumble, Vols. 2, 3, and 4 are also available, with Vol. 5 debuting on Feb. 5.] Aud: P. (L. Martincik)