A rare title with absurdist humor and a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of villains.
Magical shojo and absurd comedy are two genres that peaked in popularity in girls' anime in the 1990s. While the former can still be found today, thanks to the popular Pretty Cure series or in various reimaginings, the latter hasn't been seen for a long time.
In the 1990s, shows like I'll Make a Habit of It were popular – bright and funny works with lots of strange and paradoxical situations.
This year, they were unexpectedly joined by Acro Trip – an adaptation of a shojo by young mangaka Yone Sawata. The title fits perfectly into one of the latest anime trends: cute stories about the backstage of antiheroes.
What Is Acro Trip About?
While visiting her grandfather, schoolgirl Chizuko witnesses the showdown between the sorceress Berry Blossom and the villain Chrome. The sorceress impresses the girl so much that she decides to stay and transfer to a local school to see the defender of humanity more often.
She becomes something of an idol to Chizuko, but the girl soon realizes that Berry's exploits are of little interest to others. Her fights with Chrome are shown on TV, but they become less and less spectacular and interesting.
The fan gets a chance to rectify the situation after a chance encounter with Berry Blossom's opponent. At the scene of the battle, Chrome appears surrounded by huge bears, and in ordinary life – he works in a supermarket and is a coward.
Chizuko agrees to help him: this will allow her to compose amazing tests for Berry that will put her hero in a favorable light in front of the townspeople.
Acro Trip Is a Really Warm and Kind Anime
In this charming comedy, each episode is filled with warmth, and all problems find a completely unexpected solution.
Here, Chizuko finds out that the villain's headquarters is in her grandfather's basement – and he even knows about it. There, the formidable antagonist is once again late for a confrontation with Berry and asks her assistant cat over the phone to wait.
As a result, the magical girl, her furry companion and Chrome's bears pass the time sipping milkshakes in a cafe.
Acro Trip Will Remind You of Your Childhood Games
Dramaturgically, Acro Trip is reminiscent of childhood games in which a friendly company is divided into two teams that choose the roles of heroes or villains. No one tries to hurt the other, only to feign hostility. Perhaps this is the charm of the anime: the naive and good-natured narration enhances the nostalgic effect.
After all, who wouldn't want the greatest evil in our lives to be upside-down doormats at the entrance to a cafe?
Where to Watch Acro Trip?
Acro Trip is available to stream on Crunchyroll.