Magikano: The Complete Series

In this 13-episode harem anime series aired in 2006 (and based on the manga of the same name), the sole male character is Haruo Yoshikawa, an average boy whose three devoted sisters are witches who use their magic to keep him ignorant of their abilities so he can live a normal life. Their effort becomes harder when another sorceress, Ayumi, joins their household, intent on awakening him to manhood and magic so she can be free of a curse that will eventually sap her powers. To make matters worse, the school class president—yet another magical female—is also attracted to the milquetoast protagonist. The promotional materials promise “jiggling gobs of fan service,” but even here Magikano provides more tell than show. An entire episode devoted to cursed panties—which play a pivotal role at the end when the plot finally kicks in—feels more desperate than wacky, but real humor is evident occasionally, usually in the form of ersatz commercials and homages to other series. Harem anime requires either great storytelling or a really good shtick to stand out, and Magikano unfortunately fails on both counts. Presented in a two-disc dual-language set, rated TV-14, this is strictly an optional purchase. Aud: P. (L. Martincik)