Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii Episode 1 [First Impressions]

I have been WAITING for this anime. I’ve been reading the manga for a couple years and it is a riot! I didn’t even realize this was airing this season at first until I saw it in the spring line up. I consider this one of my favorite manga and I am SO HAPPY to see this in animated form. All the characters are hilarious and lovable and all the pairs are god-tier. I even watched this without subs at first and was STILL dying of laughter because of all the reaction shots and comedic timing.

We have Harumi Momose who has just started a new job as an office worker who is a closeted otaku. Despite her “typical heroine” appearance, Narumi is actually really hilarious to watch. One of her best features is her ability to make the absolute best expressions as seen through out the episode. Her expressions and reactions are probably one of the best parts of the series. She recently broke up with her boyfriend and had to quit her previous job because she couldn’t take seeing him everyday at work.

And then we meet Hirotaka, her childhood friend and an avid gaming otaku who happens to work at the same company as her. He comes across as aloof and rather emotionless but it’s quite evident how silly he can be, considering how seriously he takes his gaming and his teasing of Narumi at times. The dynamic between these two are the main driving force of the series and it will only get better from here on out. He’s also one of the biggest sweethearts ever as he doesn’t even mind Narumi’s rather tactless comments towards him and is just content with spending time with her.

Now, the premise in itself sounds pretty boring about a couple of otakus dating. But LET ME TELL YOU, this series is comedy GOLD. Just the way the characters bounce off each other is so entertaining to watch. The anime actually took several liberties in this first episode, but I actually really liked how they did it. In the manga, we don’t get to see Narumi and Hana becoming friends, they were already established otaku buddies. It was hilarious to see how Narumi figured out Hana was an otaku just from her reaction after Hirotaka asked if she was going to man a booth at comiket. Her quote “she’s one of us” killed me.

Narumi and Hana vaguely reminded me of Kae and Nishina from Kiss Him Not Me. However, I enjoy their dynamic so much more as both just really wanted an otaku friend to talk and hand out with. And the fact they were both each others’ fans was great.

What kind of rubbed me the wrong way this episode was how mildly inconsiderate Narumi was towards Hirotaka when they hung out. Saying stuff like “we’re not on each other’s radars”, “we only work as otaku friends” and “you’re totally not my type.” COME ON NARUMI. WHY ARE YOU JUST ASSUMING WHAT HE THINKS?! But even then, this doesn’t really bother me all that much as Hirotaka just takes it in stride and even says he doesn’t mind if she just wants to complain to him about things.

I think a lot of people will appreciate the fact that this story isn’t a “will they or won’t they” kind of situation that a lot of romance anime tend to take. Instead we are treated to a series where the main couple starts out dating. Now it’s just a matter of “how are they going to make this work?” Especially since Narumi doesn’t seem as into Hirotaka as he is into her… for now at least~ This was such a fun and entertaining first episode, I can’t wait to see more of this adorable series and also what the anime will add.

Possibility of Watching: Wouldn’t miss it!

Possibility of Blogging: Guaranteed (HECK. TO. THE. YES.)