Nanaka 6/17: The Not So Magical Mishap (vol.1)

Reviewed By: Carla Land

ADV DVD

Review based on first disk (episodes 1-4)

Rating TV PG

What it’s (basically) all about: Nanaka is 17 years old, studious, and a real drag if you ask anyone she goes to school with, including her childhood friend Nenji. When a tumble down stairs makes Nanaka revert back to her six year old self (and consequently changes her personality completely) she must learn to fit in with her peers all over again with the help of newly reformed Nenji. She may never regain her memory, but just in case she does her accident is kept a secret so she can continue to have a normal teen life. Too bad things are going to be anything but normal now!

Nitty Gritty: The show is funny and reminiscent of the ABC Network’s TGIF lineup from the 1990’s- lots of comedy and lots of heart.  Nanaka is six years old for all that she’s concerned. She likes little kid stuff (the anime “Magical Domiko” is her favorite) and she sees everything through the eyes of a child. Nenji, on the other hand, who used to be accused of acting like a child by 17 year old Nanaka, now has to take on the responsibility of taking care of his once overly competent friend.

Nanaka’s complete reversal of attitude doesn’t make her more popular with her peers, and Nenji eventually has to convince Amemiya (who has a crush on him) to help keep the secret of Nanaka’s memory loss.

Language can get a little strong, considering we’re dealing with teenagers. Nenji was quick to get into fights before 6 year old Nanaka asked him to stop, and he is often accosted by guys he has beaten up in the past. Hell, damn, frickin’ bastard, ass, dumbass, “pie hole” and “piss off” are all used in both subbed and dubbed versions. Also, at one point in the hospital Nanaka is amusing herself with a children’s book that has fart references (these are translated into English from the Japanese text.)

Special features include the Newtype Magazine and Anime Network previews, clean opening/ closing, a music video for the theme to the “Magical Domiko” show, DVD credits, and ADV previews for: UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie (advertises “naked girls” and shows them with “ADV” tags places strategically around), Michel, Super GALS!, Happy Lesson  (has fan service), Sister Princess, and Maburaho (excessive fan service.)

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Survey says: Teen sections are fine for this, and the only cause for concern are some of the previews (UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie in particular.)  The show itself is funny and teens will relate to the peer pressure issues that come up in every episode.

Personal Ad: Gosh, I liked this a lot. I thought it was just a cute show. It’s a good lesson, too, showing how if you just leave yourself open to experiences like a six year old you can enjoy life more. And aren’t we all just pretending to be grown up anyway?