Hyakko

Based on a popular manga, Hyakko follows the day-to-day experiences of Ayumi, an anxious middle-school newcomer at Kamizono Academy. She soon acquires three BFFs: outgoing loose cannon Torako, standoffish brunette upperclassman Tatsuki, and quiet, petite Suzume. Their lively odd-quartet antics include trying out for almost every conceivable student society; giving makeovers to a painfully shy goth classmate; and ensnaring a grouchy male teacher in a gym dodgeball match—i.e., everything except doing homework or studying. Along the way, the series offers revelations about the unhappy family situations of Torako and Tatsuki, while also serving up various subplots, including one revolving around the amorous obsessions of the lesbian class president. Compiling all 13 episodes from the 2008 series, presented in Japanese with English subtitles and rated 15-up, this is recommended. (C. Cassady)