Nyan Koi! Complete Collection

Based on manga comics, this goofy-to-grating TV anime series focuses on hapless high-schooler Junpei Kosaka, who—despite his severe allergy to cats—is able to understand feline language. Because Junpei accidentally broke a sacred temple-cat statue, he is committed to doing good deeds for at least 100 of the many cats who now seek him out (if he doesn't, he'll turn into a cat himself—and still be allergic!). This magical premise mainly fur-lines a typical classroom-centered "harem comedy" formula, as Junpei is infatuated with classmate Kaede Mizuno but also draws the attention of Kanako Sumiyoshi, Junpei's childhood playmate (now an aggressive beauty with an impressive bustline). And the notice of a wealthy sheltered daughter of yakuza gangsters. And twin girls with paranormal savvy about Junpei's curse. And a clichéd lady athletic coach with Sapphic tendencies. Fans will be attracted to the abundant Japanese cultural references/parodies here, and the female nudity and panty-flash cheesecake elements are mild-ish for the genre. Presenting all 12 episodes from 2009 in a dual-language set, rated TV-14, this briskly-paced series is a strong optional purchase. (C. Cassady)