Watch Handa-kun

Handa-kun is a comedy anime series from 2016 that is based on the manga of the same name by Satsuki Yoshino. The show follows the daily high school life of Sei Handa, a talented calligrapher who is admired for his beautiful writing by his peers and teachers. Despite his abilities, Sei is incredibly socially awkward and paranoid about being disliked, leading him to misunderstand almost every interaction he has with his classmates.

The show is set in a high school in Japan where Sei Handa is an incredibly popular student due to his calligraphy skills. The series follows Sei as he deals with the daily struggles of high school life, from being constantly followed by fans and rumors spreading about him, to misunderstanding the intentions of the people around him.

One of Handa-kun's most distinct features is its unique art style. The animation is bright and colorful, with exaggerated facial expressions and character designs that make the series stand out from other anime shows. The humor in the series is often slapstick, with characters tripping or falling over in comedic fashion. The music is also upbeat and energizing, fitting the tone of the show perfectly.

The show's characters are a mix of familiar high school archetypes, such as the popular pretty girl, the delinquent, and the overzealous student council president. Each character interacts with Sei in their own unique way, with misunderstandings and hijinks constantly arising. However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that many of Sei's classmates, despite their initial admiration, have more complex feelings towards him.

One of the most appealing aspects of Handa-kun is how relatable it is. While Sei's extreme social awkwardness and paranoia is taken to comedic extremes, many viewers will likely see parts of themselves in his struggles to fit in and be accepted. Additionally, the show's exploration of how perception can be wildly different from reality is an important lesson that viewers of all ages can appreciate.

The voice acting in Handa-kun is top-notch, with each actor perfectly capturing their character's personality and quirks. Nobunaga Shimazaki, who voices Sei Handa, does an excellent job of conveying the character's nervousness and confusion, making him an endearing protagonist. Patrick Seitz, who voices the delinquent character Kawafuji, also stands out, bringing a gruffness and snarkiness to the role that perfectly complements Sei's more soft-spoken personality. The English dub of the show, which was released shortly after the original Japanese version, is also well-done, with Erica Mendez's performance as Sei being particularly noteworthy.

Overall, Handa-kun is a must-watch for fans of comedy anime who are looking for a show that is both visually distinct and emotionally relatable. The show's unique characters, clever writing, and charming protagonist make it an enjoyable watch from beginning to end.

Handa-kun is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on July 8, 2016.