When Supernatural Battles Became Commonplace: Complete Collection

An adaptation of a Japanese comical novel series, this anime sports a gag premise that will be elusive to all but “otaku,” i.e., serious Japanese-media fans. Members of the largely female Senko High Literature Club suddenly develop superpowers, possibly in relation to a “fairy war” in the shadows. Whilst the finale episode does serve up adventure and an action-apocalyptic showdown, the paranormal antics here rarely deviate from the mundane stuff found in any other rom-com manga comic or anime soaper with a classroom setting. Student characters talk about recipes and whether to masquerade as sweethearts in order to get a couples' discount at a local eatery; they prop up each other's self-esteem; they squabble about choosing meaningless mythologies, weapon names, and battle cries (“Time is guilty!”) to accompany their powers. And, of course, as the lone male club member, Jurai is a crush for all the girls, even as they are annoyed by his pretentious mock-superhero brooding and pride over being able to conjure a black flame (that doesn't seem to do anything). Although basically harmless, this low-boil spoof will likely strike casual viewers as talky and trivial (which is exactly what it's aiming for). Compiling all 12 episodes from 2014 in separate dual-language DVD and Blu-ray editions, rated TV-14, this is a strong optional purchase. (C. Cassady)