Okami-san & Her Seven Companions

Although stuffed with fairy-tale references and archetypes inspired by the Brothers Grimm (just read the title), Hans Christian Andersen, and Aesop, this is no magic fantasy but a fitfully engaging high-school comedy anime, albeit one in which nobody is ever seen studying or in class. At the unorthodox Otogi Academy, eight students run a “bank” dealing in favors, usually of a personal nature, for other undergrads. Member Ryoko is a tough tomboy sort (and an avid boxer), while her sly, diminutive roommate, Ringo, is more like a Little Red Riding Hood type. Ryoko's combative attitude springs from traumatic mistreatment (possibly even rape) in junior high. Her love is clumsily sought by a shy but good-hearted boy—whom she usually thrashes when he embarrasses her. Actually, there are quite a few beat-downs and abductions involving thugs from a rival high school that sometimes lend a distasteful flavor to this series even when the action is slapstick. Better episodes riff on fairy tales, and a takeoff on Cinderella's lost slipper is particularly funny (albeit violent). While there's no nudity here, sex references and breast gags abound, including a snide Mother Goose–like narrator who continually mocks Ryoko's flat chest. Compiling all 12 episodes from 2010 in a dual-language set, rated TV-14, extras include audio commentaries, promo videos, and original TV commercials. A mixed bag—narratively speaking—this is still a strong optional purchase, overall. (C. Cassady)