The Absurd Adaptation of Bocchi The Rock

[@Carlos-ne3zf]

So the author made a lighthearted fun and cute story and the animators loved it so much they went absolute bananas and balls to the walls while adapting it

[@mattehyew9110]

Artistic passion if there was a word for it

[@ShiroCh_ID]

reading Bananas and Balls make me laugh lol 🤣🤣🤣

[@matjinn9469]

@@ShiroCh_ID same HA

[@kevinvalencia7982]

@@mattehyew9110 Absolute bananas and balls to the wall seems to convey it more properly though lol.

[@mattehyew9110]

@@kevinvalencia7982 can't argue, bocchi is pretty balls to the fukin walls

[@Snapslol]

Bocchi is truely a showing of what happens when the animation studio is actually a fan of the manga. I just wish it happened more often.

[@drakesacrum8445]

This is what happened with One Punch Man season 1, is a shame the freelancers didn't come back for S2

[@rameezhamza07]

Not just that but also when producers gives you creative freedom...it's funny how aniplex gave them so much creative freedom even after ruining so many shows like Promised Neverland s2

[@yukimiyasol]

​@@rameezhamza07 their creative freedom even made them put bocchi in unity

[@HeyIntegrity]

If they were a fan of the manga they would just copy the style of manga. They made it their own and strayed from it and it came out better for that.

[@garupakyojin1361]

@@rameezhamza07 This is why I have so much hidden jealousy towards Bocchi the Rock, even though I love the anime to pieces. Both are done by Cloverworks and have the backing of Aniplex, so why TPN S2 did not get the love and care like BTR?

[@blastburnz]

Bocchi the Rock is such a passion project. You can truly feel the love bleeding into and shaping the final product.

[@noobler8394]

Ive even heard they sacrifice 1 member to an eldritch god for each episode, such dedication!

[@brettadiah10]

Does anyone know all the anime at the beginning? I know it's Bocchi, CSM, HxH, OPM, FMAB, don't know next one (0:19), don't know next one (0:23), don't know next one (0:25), Mushoku, Mob, don't know this one (0:37), Ranking of Kings, don't know this one (0:43), don't know 0:47 either but it looks to be the same as 0:37. If anyone could help me out for the ones I don't know that would be amazing!!!

[@blastburnz]

@@brettadiah10 0:19 Kiznaiver 0:23 Ningen Fushin no Boukensha-tachi ga Sekai wo Sukuu you desu 0:25 The iDOLM@STER (2011) 0:37, 0:47 Hibike! Euphonium 0:43 Gurren Lagann Also, though you didn't ask. All of these are pretty good. I'm a big fan of that idolmaster anime and Hibike Euphonium is definitely top shelf

[@sandyk9300]

This feels like when a safe gintama made a child with k-on

[@lrgogo1517]

I think... I think PS made that point in the vid

[@marubinmgd6838]

bocchi's VA is doing an amazing job making bocchi's reaction more human like

[@pramitpratimdas8198]

Apparently she was the only one who made the mangaka laugh during the audition period

[@mira.r]

"the design is very human"

[@jm_myself669]

​@@pramitpratimdas8198yeah definitely what she said on a podcast that she learn english in among us and said "You... You... black is NO.." 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥💯💯 definitely

[@jm_myself669]

(im not good in English sorry)

[@Malosphere13]

@@jm_myself669💀

[@brandonburton5928]

There is something really beautiful about how her friends handle Bocchi's meltdowns as the show goes on. It starts with the sort of "no no no, everything is okay" kind of reaction to rather beautiful "she's on an anxiety tangent, once we get her to the beach safely, she'll be okay". Watching this show, I've laughed myself into tears and cried myself into laughter and that's rare for ANY piece of media, much less a cute girls doing cute things adaptation.

[@returnedtomonkey8886]

Bocchi getting getting Thanos-snapped the moment her friend moved her bangs off her face was absolute gold.

[@milkwater1204]

I always thought the dust was dandruff until someone pointed out it was a Nausicaa reference

[@johndoe7017]

@@milkwater1204 I knew it was a reference to something but I couldn’t put my finger on it. That makes so much sense

[@Fuzzout]

@@johndoe7017 Just like they couldn't put a finger on Bocchi.

[@pranitp.29]

@@milkwater1204 dandruff joke would've been funnier ngl

[@La-qb3zb]

Timestamp

[@pastamasta6814]

When Nijika said “Bocchi the rock” I jump out of my seat and cheered.

[@azareii]

Wooo name drop!!!

[@greendoritoman2464]

You are unfunny ❤

[@goodgrief9307]

@@greendoritoman2464 says the Doritos man

[@expertarcher8542]

“Say the line Bart”

[@dpetersz]

And then she said "It's rockin' time" and bocched on all the haters

[@sofadhana1289]

So many people seem to get this wrong - Bocchi isn't introverted - she has social anxiety. The bassist (I forget her name) is an introvert probably as she seems to be a loner by choice, she prefers spending time alone. Bocchi spends time alone but it's not by choice, it her anxiety stopping her from socializing (as seen in the last episode where she can't bring herself to phone her friends)

[@luckyowl10]

Just from watching the video (didn't start the anime yet), you may be true. Bocchi feels like someone that wants to be more social and have more friends (like extroverts do), but it's too afraid to do that.

[@ZaiDrizzleDrop]

@@luckyowl10 I hate to be that guy but it kind of sonds like me. I don't hate people, I want to be around people, but I'm too afraid at times. If someone DOES talk to me, I'm super talkative and open, its just hard starting

[@efhi]

It's mostly because of the weird japanese terms "inkya" and "yokya", they're basically the words for the common misunderstandings of what introvert and extrovert mean.

[@kingdoom5022]

Ok congratulations on making the worst review on the internet , bochhi animation is amazing and all but its characters and story is so good that's what Impress me , dismissing the amazing manga is wrong

[@kingdoom5022]

An introvert is like ryo

[@neurzero]

I usually dislike an outgoing extrovert generic cute girl anime character. But Kita is different. The production team is really good in conveying Kita. Even without her 'visual aura', she really always has this vibrant aura among her band members. Her clothing is also pretty and so much differ than those other three. There are also some scenes that really convey her personality. Like one scene when they ate ice cream, Kita took a selfie. It is such a brief action that isn't needed for the plot, but the production team did it anyway. She is really supportive towards bocchi despite both of them being in different type (extrovert vs introvert). During the failed performance, she sang in trembling voice just like how she trembled when introducing the first song. Holy i love Kita

[@rajvirmalhans2073]

I would say recently Kita isn’t entirely or only outgoing and vibrant and may have anxiety or quirkiness to her too

[@shoyusuki8687]

Shown with her being embarrased with her name and how she started to go along with Bocchi's antics even if their personalities are completely opposite, its so nice to see the generic happy-go-lucky cute anime girl trope actually have depth and individuality rather than just be "I'm happy all the time!" Same with Nijika, that absolute angel. God I love Kita and Nijika

[@rajvirmalhans2073]

@@shoyusuki8687 ya Kita and Nijika are less confident than they appear to be

[@pranitp.29]

She's still cringe and my least favorite

[@geministower]

@@rajvirmalhans2073 ye it makes them better characters its awesome

[@FengLengshun]

My favorite thing is Kita slowly starting to understand the other band members. She started out only caring about Ryo, then she slowly begins to vibe more with Nijika, slowly getting to see what Ryo's actually like, and in the whole process becomes someone who understands Bocchi the best. Her knowing about and picking up the band event submission sheet was multilayered and yet felt so natural. It's not just her being thoughtless, she knows that Bocchi was struggling with the decision and that, ultimately, going in would be a positive for her and she has faith that Bocchi has grown to the point where she can perform in front of the school. They all just vibe so well and it's showing its impact on each others. Character interaction and growth is what I enjoy the most in any story, and even without the funny medium-breaking sequences, this adaptation has a solid emotional core and fun cast to be the backbone of it. I dunno what is with Japanese stories about bands, but they just have a knack for sneaking up on you with good character and emotional core, and I'm here for it.

[@The_Jazziest_Coffee]

bands are so goddamn good at developing relationships when you're in a band, the responsibility of cooperating with people alongside wanting to perform your best, and you just learn that everyone is trying their hardest and doing their best goddamnit i love bands

[@snailthelostcow63]

Production team really read a cute girls 4-koma gag manga and decided to create anime of the year lmao Also don't forget the voice actors especially Bocchi's. She managed to show how social anxiety sounds like instead of "cute girl voice with social anxiety teehee~"

[@Bakotcha]

Sounds like a certain anime.

[@pranitp.29]

Can't believe this show came outta nowhere and started competing with big shots like chainsaw man

[@TheEmolano]

Yep her voice is soo on point. Somebody in the staff has social anxiety/know someone with it because it's TOO accurate. The best part is that most of it is very subtle like Hitori avoiding eye contact or going "eh..I t-think we should go to that wall", and the voice pitch of the VA chanching at random.

[@Spitzernt]

That part at the end of episode 4 where she laughed was genuinely creepy and not even Watamote was that creepy lmao. The VA really did something special with her time as bocchi

[@saltyfishface4618]

K-On did it over a decade ago too

[@ILoveEvadingTax]

i think from what it seems for a lot of animators now, adapting a 4-koma manga is essentially a license to really let loose and break out the story from its rigid structure. the closest thing to bocchi is nichijou, also a 4-koma that radically expanded the format into wildly creative directions, and I'd say this goes even beyond it, they really went hard to treat the whole thing like a music video

[@toomuchawesomeness5886]

I think k on comes close to the same idea. It is also a 4 koma but the anime is very much a way to let looose

[@ILoveEvadingTax]

@@toomuchawesomeness5886 yeah that's another good example

[@tubester358]

ya K-on! is a much better comparison as they're both 4 koma adaptations about cute girls doing music, but while K-on! was more about the "club" aspect of the light music club rather than the music, Bocchi the Rock! is actually about the music & band dynamic and uses it in its story telling to great effect.

[@sxbs9876]

But, Nichijou isn't a 4-koma manga.

[@tubester358]

@DeadManWalking true, and the music felt more like a skin most of the time because it wasn't that important and it feels like the same story could've been told with another club, but a club that's hard to participate in (too difficult or too weird) usually leads to having a small tight nit group so manga/anime tends to use those. (Although Mio felt like her identity is quite rooted in music) I'd heard the K-on! manga goes beyond the girls' high school lives but I doubt it'll ever get adapted more.

[@alonsogabriel9336]

The fact that she changes from social anxiety incarnate to and OP GODLIKE guitarist and remains an interesting and relatable character is just insanely masterfully done. If this isnt anime of the year, I'm getting a job.

[@solokingsknight6030]

She is OP GODLIKE guitarist, it's just that she lacks on experience when playing with a band (I think it was mentioned on EP 1) and her social anxiety/ no confidence is holding her down.

[@guiltyshoes]

Bocchi the Rock is great anime... but good luck finding job

[@efgee9873]

You made me do the exhale thingy with that last line

[@bold9291]

Mob might win again. Despite how much I love Bocchi I doubt she'll win anime of the year. But even if she didn't it's still anime of the year in my heart (along with Chainsaw Man and DIY)

[@crowmaster9652]

better get that job

[@Mtaalas]

I'm a musician, among many other things... and I truly love this series. The moment when Bocchi was playing outside with this stranger, who was riffing on short read of the songs structure, I knew from the first two bars: "That woman is god damn legit professional!"... The people who decided to make her playing into exactly that, sounds like riffing on the spot, but there's this something that another musician can instantly recognize as decades of experience and professionalism. That's dedication to make these moments stand out and amazing. The love for music and musicianship just oozes out of these moments and i'm so glad they have people in the production team to make these things as they should! I've had very similar moments in my life when I was just a fledgling musician... and I felt that. Bocchi is going to grow so much more with help of these people around her, just like I did! I wouldn't be here without those people around me.

[@manoi8]

man I really like when they show mistake for the song in early episodes. It's subtle like slightly miss tempo or not clear sounding note I wonder how they do the takes for the "mistake" song

[@Mtaalas]

@@manoi8 When you've progressed enough, it's very hard to play "badly" on purpose... especially trying to imitate small errors or "slightly wrong" etc... I do wonder what was their approach... could be "studio magic" meaning in post production after recording adding or shifting stuff slightly to do that or something similar.

[@manoi8]

@@Mtaalas ah make sense. Its easier to do that instead of retake the whole section again

[@DDRisBEST]

I really have nothing to say beyond that's awesome. Really cool to see people relate to that sort of experience from their musical life

[@ShiroCh_ID]

@@manoi8 tou meant it was autotuned or something?

[@freshlymemed5680]

The thing that resonated with me most about this show is just how relatable Bocchi is when it comes to social anxiety. While the presentation of those fears are exaggerated, the feeling is there. Nothing I've read or watched has come close to encapsulating those feelings. And I know "She's just like me, fr fr" has been said so many times now but as someones who's felt genuine fear just from hearing a teacher say "group assignment" or "pick a partner", its comforting to see.

[@duhmitryov]

Or the absolute mind boggling terror of going on a stage for the first time. When I was doing acting and going on stage for the first time I would have Bocchi Tier panic attacks backstage like crazy. I’m just utterly shocked how well they’ve portrayed anxiety in this show without just throwing the tired old “you just have to come out of your shell” trope so many shows love to lob. Like bro that isn’t how it works! Some of these characters put themselves out there and are immediately cured of their anxiety and are more social, but Bocchi? NOPE. Straight back to panic attack central station just like a real person with real anxiety does.

[@Ash_Yu]

That's actually a testimate to the writing and original source material. Bocchi would really just be another K-ON clone if it weren't for Aki Hamaji, and I wish she got the credit she deserves

[@assobliterator148]

yes!

[@acuilnos]

BTR does a great job at representing what social anxiety is like visually but I still think Watamote is the best when it comes to giving you the relatable feeling of secondhand embarassment. Some people hate the show for that and I'll admit I had to take breaks due to how much secondhand cringe (in a good way) I was experiencing but no other show hit as close to home as Watamote did.

[@jang2386]

can you change your name ​@Based_Gigachad_001

[@gallus5307]

I read the manga like 2 years ago, when it first appeared in online manga site. I do enjoy the 4 koma story because it is easy to digest and I did see a great potential in the story for chill comedy slice of life anime. But holy, the anime adaptation that it got is a masterpiece in a sense of conveying characters emotion. Didn’t expect to get such a banger adaptation. Glad the staff put great work and they really enjoy the project

[@neeevirus]

My guess is the fact that it was in such a simple yonkoma format was what allowed the studio to go absolutely ham. They could essentially just take the manga as a storyboard and do whatever the hell they want

[@astr43us]

I think an excellent counter-example of Bocchi's adaptation is probably the anime adaptation of Aharen-san. Rather than capturing the humor and bringing out the vibrance of the manga, the anime settles on what is already delivered at face-value. Instead of an interesting one-cour anime, we got a season of revisiting the main points of the manga

[@umbraemilitos]

Also, notice how they had two recordings of their first song, one for the audition and one with mistakes for the live performance. If you play them together, you can hear it even better.

[@Come0nAndSlam]

The live performance one sounded more like they just offset instrument tracks in processing rather than a second bad take

[@gonoki888]

Yeah, it's not 2 recordings, just add some offset of each layer of the tracks

[@aryagamis]

other than messing up with the instruments timing, they only redo kita's vocal and modify the drum part, it's probably sampled drum in vst.

[@4IN14094]

@@Come0nAndSlam The singing is what makes it feel "real" though, the producer have Kita's VA Hasegawa Ikumi sing the live version distorted and without forward notice (laterally the same day they recorded the script part of the scene)

[@4IN14094]

For me, the moment that solidify its position as the best of the season is how they make the failed first song so realistic, even going as far to have the VA to sing and record without much preparation at the same day they recorded the scene, just to make the act feel live.

[@HadirUntukAnda]

Sauce to this info pls

[@lordemiraak4747]

i love the part when the animator says "it's animating time" and then they made the best anime i watched recently. This anime is gold

[@mariotheundying]

I love the part when the animator says "it's 3d time" and actually didn't do anything but someone else made a 3d model of bocchi and launched it to hit small cubes

[@briochelover]

My favourite thing about bocchi is that you get to see her adjusting to first being around the band instead of her just automatically opening up. Also, it's nice to see her attempt to talk, because a lot of the time socially anxious people are portrayed as being dead silent but then suddenly gain the ability to flawlessly socialise ( albeit in small chunks ) as their development, which isn't that accurate. Basically as painful as her mumbling and stuttering was to watch it was nice to see her overcome the hurdle in real time 😭 And the fact that no one actually bullied Bocchi was a pretty realistic touch too. Most people assume that if someone doesn't approach others, they don't want to be approached either, so it makes sense that bocchis classmates don't hold her any ill will while also not talking to her ( which tbh they could've attempted before ).

[@briochelover]

Also, as exaggerated as bocchis character is at times, she's an entirely plausible person- being so shy as a young child that you don't have any social interaction in your formative years would very likely lead to social isolation simply from a lack of experience. I was shy as a kid ( and still am 💀 ) but I've always had friends and people to talk to, so no matter how bad my social anxiety got I could always fall back on them, and I never lost the ability to talk and make conversation like bocchi did. It's why the decision to give bocchi a healthy family works pretty well otherwise her life would be an actual tragedy atp

[@RibbidyJamGames]

This anime is -funny -great diverse animation -interesting lovable characters -catchy music This anime is an A tier for me -

[@fitmotheyap]

SS+ tier

[@blinddig7525]

S tier at least bro, if this gets a follow up season modern classic

[@sandyk9300]

Its the love child between safe gintama and k-on

[@GruntSquad92]

I only discovered the anime yesterday, and I've already binge-listened to "That Band" for over 3-4 hours...

[@code066funkinbird3]

Indeed

[@Kelven486]

This show is definitely my surprise hit of the season. I am enjoying it way more then I expected to.

[@Gadottinho]

It wouldn't be a surprise if you looked at the staff and at the manga

[@akiraigarashi2874]

Same. Definitely the one I look forward to watching the most every week

[@_Tao__]

@@Gadottinho doing that is just a formula for disappointment

[@Gadottinho]

@@_Tao__ how? I was never disappointed while doing this, the opposite, even, I know when an anime is going to be bad

[@justarandomweeb8953]

Same I heard about it Even the legendary anime zone grant rated it a S tier anime It still exceed my expectations Just binged it in one go

[@justamoogle5268]

If this show doesn't win best animation in the next CR awards, then the judges are going to stub thier pinky toe every 30 mins for the rest of thier life

[@stateofvoid]

Bocchi is amazing no doubt, but it's a year with CSM and Mob Psycho

[@justamoogle5268]

@@stateofvoid both show have amazing sakuga but don't have the charm and creativety of Bocchi the Rock

[@fatpurp4041]

if bocchi came out any other year other than, well, now. I would be certain that it would get the award cuz the competition this year is just crazy

[@peshtoast]

Least threatening anime fan.

[@candy-drops3578]

@@justamoogle5268 i agree that csm (while well animated) doesn't reach bocchi's creativity but i disagree in regards to mob psycho. mob is widely known for its fluid and diverse animation styles that bring the motion and characters' expressions to life due to its simplistic art style. the staff go above and beyond with the production seeing as there's even two endings entirely done with paint-on-glass animation, which is one of the most laborious animation styles to do. charm is something entirely subjective but i believe both works have their own appeal in regards to their production.

[@knochentrocken96]

Once you start observing the performances closely, there's a shitton of detail you can see in them. Tons of japanese watchers pointed things out like in the sequence just before bocchi drops her slide solo in ep12 ryo turning to Nijika and nodding, signalling her to repeat the solo part that Kita just filled in so bocchi can shine. Honestly it's amazing how much love they poured into the show

[@Ris3451]

Knowing the crippling social anxiety Bocchi has and then watching the scene where she gathers every bit of energy in her body to stand at the counter prepare the drink and present it to the customer AND making eye contact with her while doing it, in that moment it hit me. This story is not about a character forever trapped in it's trope to amuse the audience with laughs, she is going to improve inch by inch everyday as she follows her dream, and that's not only entertaining but also memorable. I can tell people are not going to forget Bocchi so fast at the end of the season, because this character feels genuine.

[@switch8428]

Can we talk about how Clover Works redeemed themselves? After their disaster TPN S2, they have created an absolute banger of animations; Spy x Family, My Dress-Up Darling, Akebi Sailor, Shadows House, and Bocchi the Rock. Edit: Honorable mentions are: Horimiya and Wonder Egg Priority but these 2 also came out the same season as TPN S2.

[@saosaqii5807]

They more than redeemed themselves. But the Promised Never Land 2 was partially the authors fault I believe. Somewhere I remember the author decided to switch it up a bit for the anime and it ended up being a mess.

[@TheEmolano]

Yep when it comes to SOL shows they somehow are owning both Doga Kobo and PA works. There's a argument to be made that they even started to hit Kyoani highs lol.

[@abdullahkhasbi1120]

I believe it's not only SOL. They can take action anime project too. I know it's completely bias, but Fate Grand Order anime production is really good from action perspective.

[@sora1462]

before tpns2 they adapt the fgo babylonia too, the animation is phenomenal and the fight scenes are fucking god tier

[@mikadotakimura]

My takeaway is cloverworks is good at making a series. But a shit show at ending a series.

[@Togao_]

According to the interview, the author actually attended every single script writing process and meetings That is just insane amount of effort from both sides

[@duhmitryov]

I love how relatable it is to my own experience with apocalyptic anxiety. People always mischaracterize it as “just being shy” or “being a little introverted” when really, no, I’m dead terrified of hanging out with you. It’s like having 1000 nightmare scenarios for socializing run through your head every time you make plans with someone. I mean fuck I had to force myself to go to a concert that my friends and I had been planning on going to for months! Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to go, but the concept of being in a room with a ton of people scared the crap out of me! Even going with my friends I’ve known since we were kids scared the shit out of me! Bocchi has it way worse than I do, I can at least fake my way through a work day (for the most part) but bocchi absolutely cannot. It’s fucking hysterical because when bocchi has a panic attack (when she starts hyperventilating, stammering, making herself smaller etc.) it’s pretty much just a funny charicature of when my own fight or flight kicks into overdrive and I love it.

[@nevaansbooks2078]

As for me, while I do enjoy spending time with friends, I have a strange tendency to panic at random times when near other people. Also, when there's a lot of chaos, I tend to panic. I don't particularly like presentations unless I can record my presentation ahead of time so I essentially don't have to present. I have extreme insecurities related to my appearance, so I wear a face mask(of the COVID variety) when in public. I tend to lower my voice so if I say something strange, there's a smaller chance of the person I am talking to hearing me. I like to make self-deprecating jokes and put up a facade of being okay and sane. Sorry about going in great depth about my issues.

[@zan7838]

love to all bros here

[@nevaansbooks2078]

Oh, also, I now seem to have stress related atypical migraines, so anything from music I don't like to the sound of my sister's voice can trigger a headache.

[@peshiii97]

I was teary-eyed when I finished episode 8. I remember my high school band experience. My friends and I built a band to join an inter-school band contest. I've been playing the guitar for at least two years before that (I suck at it tho). Two of our band mates will be playing for the first time (just for the competition). My brother took the drums, he's skilled and can sing while playing too. We've practiced and spent many time to be in sync. It felt okay during our practice. The day of the contest has finally come, and when we started playing, it all felt unpleasant. The pressure standing in front of many people is just different, especially with our two band mates who will be performing for the first time. My amplifier stopped working midway for whatever reason, but it was fixed after a few minutes (it felt awkward). Thankfully were able to finish our set. Despite the rough performance, it was a wonderful and life changing experience. That was the first and last band competition I had which I cherished deeply. Props to this anime, it was able to depict a very realistic setting in a very impactful way. Hoping to see more of Kessoku band's performances in the future!

[@firstnamenonapplicable5138]

As an introverted musician the subtle things in the show are what mattered more to me, from every piece of equipment being identifiable immediately to the insecurities expressed by bocchi

[@ozzysmith2571]

There's been so many moments I've looked at something in Bocchi and verbily been like "Oh my God that's EXACTLY what it was like!!"

[@OtakuBox]

Another testament to the adaptation as well, along with the points already made about how they've punched up and drawn out and presented the essence of the story in such an elastic way, is how they've been sparing no excess to rush beyond the material. As in, from the time of this comment, they've adapted a grand total, in 9 episodes, of, 1 volume (and 1 chapter of volume 2). By the time the show finishes, it'll be maybe half of volume 2. Most adaptations, even of 4-koma's might at this point already be 2-3 volumes in. This of course varies a lot, but to see them take their time and really extenuate the material and making sure every moment lands so closely that some episodes would just be material from 1 chapter, which, again since it is 4-koma is a relatively lighter and more quickly paced reading experience, just says a lot about the love being poured into the show.

[@PhenomSage]

Great shout out, I noticed that too while going through the manga, I was so surprised at how so few chapters translated to entire episodes of the anime and how complete they still felt. It feels like the antithesis of what most adaptations do today, I absolutely hate how rushed a lot of them feel at one point or another, even in some of the best.

[@JordWill44]

I think this relates to Phenom's point of "how do you show this change without ruining the character whom's personality the show's humor is based off of: subtly." If this Anime adaptation went that fast and got to 2nd or 3rd volume by now, that change would have been WAY to fast. The producers knew exactly what pace to set for this Anime adaptation and it is paying off ten fold.

[@SleightCreative]

Here's hoping that they show takes off an we get another season since there is more source material :D

[@luckyowl10]

Damn, when Fall started I didn't try this series because it felt too slice of life for me, but after watching the passion and creativity presented in the video might give it a try

[@mta1567]

Don’t expect much. It’ll ruin the experience, just strap in and take in the the show.

[@luckyowl10]

@@mta1567 Just finished the first 4 episodes. I expected some creative comedic moments, and it blew me away. This series is peak comedy, it had a lot of funny moments that actually landed. The execution helps, that's for sure, but overall it's pretty well written and the dynamism between the main characters is amazing. Bocchi herself is very relatable and an interesting protagonist. We see her struggle, but she has the support and the determination to succeed in what she tries...sooner or later.

[@Castoriahusband]

Do it :3

[@Gnevnyj]

Imagine the surprise of those who started it back in October, going in completely blind and expectig a typical CGDGT!

[@acedias12]

That's why you don't judge things right off the bat. I always see folks miss out on hidden gems thanks to that mentality.

[@rujuupaints]

Bocchi the Rock is like the first season of One Punch Man. It's so full of love and passion from the animators and that will surely make you more immersed to the story. If something is made out of love, it'll show.

[@DudeRobot]

The cut at 9:22 lining up you saying bocchi and the performance where they also say hitori is incredible attention to detail. That’s a sub from me 🤟

[@PunkIsNotDead]

Bocchi the rock reminds me of the Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei anime both took a good manga and went next level with everything and in both you can just feels the love and creativity pouring on every scene. Both used experimental animation too.

[@tinypopura]

Everyone praises the Monogatari series, but Zetsubou sensei was one of Shaft's greatest works IMO. Pani poni dash was another absurdly animated one by them.

[@snailthelostcow63]

@@tinypopura You can actually feel the influence leaked to Bakemonogatari. If you compare it to other monogatari seasons, Bake probably stood out the most when it comes to “absurdity”

[@noxturne16]

i’ve heard a lot of comparisons to Zetsubou and i’m ngl i see it lol, depressive yet fun characters

[@blueegg4198]

Wow, you really summed up everything that makes Bocchi the Rock! so extraordinary, and you did it in a fantastically edited video to boot!

[@MS-kn2lw]

Truly the Dark Horse of this season, never think this Anime would be the most I'm anticipating each week. It truly remind me some anime that used Improvisation (many Anime-only scene) Some of that anime ruined the manga, but for Bocchi the Rock, many fascinating animation and presentation, it's made the Bocchi the Rock truly enjoyable Many Music Manga need an Anime to bring the Music, Many Thanks to All Production of Manga and Anime to create this cool anime for this season

[@jamsjars9505]

When I watched Mob Psycho, I felt the love the animators, producers, and VA's put into the show for all 3 seasons. I really get the same feeling when I watch this show, Bocchi The Rock. They love this show to death with so many clever shots, gags, heartfelt scenes, crisp yet unique animations, and of course the music. Wish more people would watch!

[@herrscheroflust]

It's peak show. I was seeing some short clips around of her "glitching" and turning to ashes but did I ever expect having this much fun watching it. Especially the 8th episode was so god damn good. I just hope they got more stuff to offer that's as good as the 8th episode.

[@Rodolphin]

I haven’t seen a single trailer of Bocchi when this season began. I was most anticipating Bleach coming back and other series like Iruma-kun and SpyxFamily. But I seen Bocchi the Rock on my page and it caught my eyes immediately the day it came out after I finished every other series I waited on. After watching the first episode, I instantly fell in love with the series. This gags are absolutely great and outside the box. Fall season is my favorite just because of Bleach and Bocchi.

[@saltycoffee8804]

"That adaptation of yours is absurd" - Adam Levine

[@Homiloko2]

Damn, just watching the background scenes during the video made me smile so many times. You can easily imagine the love and work that was put into the making of such expressive animation.

[@keironroberts6163]

dude the way this video was made is so masterfully made, it is so damn enjoyable, the background music changing depending according to the video, and even the buildup of your lines in the video, its amazing.

[@AWanderingSwordsman]

God tier show. I don't know if I've ever felt more proud of a fictional character than bocchi in episode 8. Makes my eyes water just thinking about it. It strikes such a wonderful balance of CGDCT with actual progression and more intense situations that it ends up getting the best of both worlds. it's comforting and exciting and it's pretty hard to hit that balance IMO. In some ways it reminds me of how the monogatari anime made a story that is 95% dialogue interesting and exciting using really creative animation and directing. The animation in these gags makes it transcend one of the major weaknesses of these slice of life comedies and IMO does it even better than nichijou which might serve as a blueprint for doing that.

[@aranz1712]

Dude heck yeah. I’m glad someone covered it and I loved how you brought just how much passion is pouring into the anime. Subscribed.

[@Gnevnyj]

The editing, the literal representations of what is being said on screen is phenomenal in this video. Well done!

[@PhenomSage]

Thank you! I definitely wanted to do this series justice.

[@AnacondaHL]

This is what anime is all about. Those few, but fantastic times, when the anime adaptation elevates above the source material. Thanks for this video!

[@pubcle]

Your intro has ensured I watch this anime. I am also a fan of animation, I love seeing how it ties into things, how stylization feeds into narrative. I'm a big fan really of _all_ aspects of story telling which I've been on a rapid discovery and push to learn from over the past few years after realizing the core of my passion as an adult. I'm going to pause at the 2 minute mark and come back when I binge it soon enough. I have come back. This is one of the best I've ever seen. So much passion in all of it. It is something of love. It deserves love in return.

[@erinanakiri1538]

AGREEEE!!! especially bocchi's VA, the tone of the voice, expression, feelings is just perfect!

[@shikenkanade]

I love Bocchi's VA. It's the first time that I've encountered a female anime character that they purposefully didn't make to sound cute or serious. She's in between especially when she's being goofy. She just sounds unapologetically like us (normal people).

[@asrielgoddard8]

As Mothersbasement once said: "Gag Manga have done more to bring anime production forward than any other genre" Stuff like Kaguya-sama, SpyXFamily, Pantys&Stockings with Garterbelt, Nichijou, Chunibyo, urusei yatsura etc. have all pushed the boundarys of what anime is/can be when they first came out. Only very few action anime can come close to the genius some comedy producers put into their, framing, cinematography, or just sheer creativity. I'm sure Bocci the Rock will also have some lasting impacts on anime production as a whole.

[@PETEYBOY954]

The anime does SUCH a good job referencing other anime, some niche some legendary. It’s a masterpiece, every episode is gold I think.especially the ones where Bocchi plays.

[@ro_odge]

I would also like to appreciate the background art like GODDAMN it's so good😫

[@humourlessjester3584]

As a writer I see animation and production in anime similar to prose in written fiction. You can still make an interesting story without having expert use of figures of speech, word choice, or effective expression, you can still write the greatest classics in 1st grade level prose afterall, but its effect to the audience would be very different from one that is well crafted so I'm glad that you emphasized this in your review.

[@Steve_005]

Something that i love about this anime is how bocchi's anxiety is shown, it is relatable because your mind actually thinks in that way. Any experience that may scare you makes you think a lot of possible situations where everything goes wrong and it will be the worst day of your life. And these thoughts always affect you even if you know they are just product of your imagination All of this is made in a comedic way that can make you laugh lol

[@Ikcatcher]

This anime is what happens when an animation studio thoroughly enjoys what they’re making. Nowhere else besides Pop Team Epic would I see an anime unironically use Blender for a random 5 second gag

[@duvagr007]

I'd like to throw another compliment towards this Kami tier show, as everyone is already lauding the animation, story, and characters. The MUSIC is exceptionally well done. Everything from the OP and EDs to the actual music they play in the show itself is genuinely great and very fun to listen to. And when the band is awkwardly playing and the characters are all kind of cringing you can actually tell that the playing is off if your someone who can pick up on those things. Just... absolutely stellar. I've been loving this show so much.

[@isaacshepard1474]

That intro is so well put together it took me like 5 minutes to get through it I kept replaying it over and over

[@Yuki_Ika7]

As an introverted person with social anxiety I can relate so much to bocchi (along with the weirdness/randomness/sense of humor as Ryo)

[@AtrociousJake]

Bocchi has been the best anime of the season by far, & this is coming from a guy that has a gigantic Chainsaw Man tattoo (yes, I love the tattoo)

[@thugdere5757]

This. as someone who went from not expecting an adaptation to waiting years for it to arrive, as good as Chainsaw man ended up being, Bocchi Slaps way too hard.

[@pranitp.29]

@@thugdere5757 still can't get over how good chainsaw man adaptation ended up tho

[@bold9291]

@@pranitp.29 We got blessed by 12 amazing EDs and opening. Couldn't ask more than that when I was waiting for the adaption back in the days.

[@metalheadac9368]

the best part about the band while performing (especially bocchi) is that you can fell how she is shy at first until she is in "the zone" and shows what she is really capable of as a guitarist I think most guitarist who ever played in front of other people can relate

[@midoshi0]

Bocchi the rock is so uniquely made its crazy. especially with some many insane shows coming out this season, I love the way bocchi the rock isnt afraid to do new things that have never been done before. a true sleeper pick

[@renookami4651]

That anime is like the vision you have of a manga when you try to summirize it to a friend but mistakenly remember scenes as 100 times more epic as they were... Except the whole production team was in this state of mind and rolls with it! xD

[@mito-pb8qg]

The visual comedy is VICIOUS in this show. Caught me off guard every time. There is a lot of Nichijou energy in there...and that's some of the highest praise I could ever give. I fell in love with Bocchi the Rock, harder than I ever have before. What a fantastic blend of humor, wit, creativity, and most importantly...heart.

[@avataraarow]

Fantastic video, really did an amazing job of conveying what makes the show so incredibly charming and hilarious. Episode 8 was probably my favorite so far and I cannot wait to see the remaining few episodes to cap the season. It’s insane how good this show is

[@vanessa40834]

I'm so happy to see hibike euphonium included in the opening montage. It's not a popular anime, at least not in the west, but I feel like it's one of the best if not the best anime from Kyoto animation. It really showcases how well kyoani can convey emotions through the most subtle character gesture to the most dramatic scenes

[@zyad48]

This anime really does feel like a genuine labor of love and I am HERE for the passion that is constantly on-screen! You pretty much hit the nail on the head for why I love this so much, the humor is great but the animation just elevates it even further, the sheer amount of effort that goes into these sequences is incredible. The music is fantastic too, the starting guitar riff in the opening is just SO good I can't even put it into words.

[@Senji-Ch.]

I don't know, maybe I relate to Bocchi to a huge degree, but every time I hear people talk about this show, her character, her development and everything of the sort, my eyes well-up a bit. This series to me is something special that in my book, it deserves a 10/10

[@kinooo___]

I love how much the series understands the perspective of an artist who wants to find a community. It resonates with me on a deep level. That and the sheer creativity you mentioned definitely puts it high in my personal favorites.

[@maxpower5452]

The editing is so good in your videos.

[@hikikomicklori9290]

I love how the animation doesn't just translate the original manga but expand upon it without diluting the core message.

[@athavavalisio9585]

This show hit a little too close to home. It was dragging up memories I buried of my social interactions. Her reactions to stuff was on point. Running away with thoughts or not thinking through what you want to say out of fear of conflict then caving because it's too stressful. I felt that. Turning into scribble art is exactly what anxiety feels like. This show is weird because when I put myself in her position I understand her reaction right away but when I'm just observing, her reactions look wild. That's probably how people who are very social see our reactions, as something dramatic or random because they cannot relate.

[@アハマドです]

Came back to this video after watching final ep.Really impressed how the staffs still be able to shock me even until the end especially in the final song.I was like "huh i kinda already heard this song bocchi sang somewhere before" and then when it reached the special thank part i be like "these madlads people animating these series actually had bocchi to cover the song of the band that the charas referrenced to for one last time".Props to the va too for covering the song the way that people think how bocchi would sing it like how she seems like she out of breath at one part of the song and still trying her best.Im pretty sure that the staffs already planned the cover from the start based on the episode title,but i kinda feel its quite symbolic that they chose korogaru iwa as the cover song since its the first song that asian kungfu band performed live in overseas iirc.Its quite the coincidence that the anime popularity had also grown not just in japan,but also worldwide bit by bit and im kinda happy with it tbh.Im probably one of the people that just started watch the series because of the hype and some random videos of bocchi social anxiety moment and didn't watch other anime at all for a while now,but yeah I'm happy that i watched this series until the end.Also liked the way they ended the season in just mundane way since they sure can just put extra scene that could build up watcher expectation for season 2,but the staff decided to end it in lowkey terms so people would be hyped when the series return again.All in all,I hope that they would let the same people that worked in this season 1 to have chance to show their passion once again in season 2 adaptation since i can feel like they would like to continue showing their love for the series tbh(kinda shown as a certain chara is being animated pretty neat although that's her only appearance in season 1,heck there's even special illustration of her too lmao)

[@daron_again2175]

K-ON's succes was also heavily influenced by the director of the anime. Whole series is just much more "alive" adaptation of the manga. Its amazing to see Bochi the Rock is not only similiar in the genre, but also in the creation process.

[@pramitpratimdas8198]

Yamada and co changed the tone and made K-on something quite different from the source material. Bocchi's staff loved the source material and only worked to elevate it. Subtle difference I think

[@thethingoid]

As a writer this video made me weep, I am someone who has constantly hit walls in my comfort zone in terms of writing. The metamorphosis between the manga and the anime struck a chord with me, I feel the inspiration rushing beneath my fingertips. I realize I don't need to start over, rather expand it further. Thank you for this video, I must subscribe.

[@CoffeeMug2828]

Bocchi the Rock is that one anime that gives you more goosebumps the more you learn about it. Really hoping for a second season of the same caliber. It's a great anime made by people who enjoyed making it.

[@Linbranke]

this anime was great in so many ways, the music was some of the best out of every music anime I've watched and the jokes are absolutely funny. The interesting joke segways really reminded me of "God troubles me"s ending. The story and development are really just incredible and makes me really want to watch a second season immediately. It really hit me early on to the anime with the introversy and social axiety and it was just like a fever dream with each panic attack Hitori gets. It was aa great experience and it really shook me watching the end similar to Revue Starlight, that shock where the character is reborn anew similar to Hitori's achievements throughout the anime and at the end, when she gets her own guitar was just incredible, it really just goes to show how much impact on our lives and insight to lives that we don't have that anime, show, or moviees that we come by. The different interpretations that each person can get from watching a show like this whether it be concepts or relations to either yourself or other people is just incredible. I watched it because it was a music anime, and just like all the others, I stayed for the adventur and the interpretations I make that can shape my life.

[@T.K.9]

Bocchi The Rock is legit one of the best anime out there. Everything is on point with the story + production. Not to mention that Bocchi's situation resonates with a lot of people. (the recluse who has high anxiety and low self esteem.) Reminds me of Welcome to the NHK which is also a master piece in my opinion. You can really relate to the character and a lot of people do to. Legit made me cry. Bocchi and Tatsuhiro are very similar. Although Welcome to the NHK gets "dark" in the story. It had the same main theme. People with Low self esteem with high anxiety trying to change for the better with the help of genuine people around them.

[@ardenbob]

We mentioned a lot about the animation but it should be noted that the music is also really good. They got some series hard hitters in the japanese music industry helping compose the music, like kana-boon, number girl, tricot, and ajikan. You can tell sony really wanted this one to work out.

[@RandomLetterE]

Bocchi The Rock's style is really unique to the anime industry but I find it similar to Chinese cartoons I used to watch as a kid with similar real life scenes, claymation, etc. so I love the show for hitting me with that nostalgia along with how relatable it is to me as someone with social anxiety. Definitely my anime of the season.

[@princerazor277]

Dang even the flashback class photo sequence at 10:23 is a case of a well done visual metaphor of Bocchi getting more more socially enclosed; represented both by the her eyes and by the framing of the picture including less and less of her classmates until her final picture is solely of Bocchi.

[@lowlaffles258]

Man, I've watched so many anime where it becomes apparent within episode 2 that its based on a 4-koma. I had no idea with this show, what amazing work!

[@StarlightSky]

So this where that character's from. Sounds good. Thanks for putting the anime on my radar!

[@m54269]

while I was watching I always found myself almost tearing up whenever I see Hitori does her best, especially when she did the improvised solo and those little by little growth, am so proud.

[@AndoHere]

the comedy they put using some real life stuff really amazing, i never seen an anime combining 2d and real world like this and they nailed it.

[@nicloyola7109]

Saw the first 2 minutes of this video and now I’m sold on this anime. I’ll finish this vid after I’ve watched the show, be right back!

[@yas30941]

Be careful not to choke when you laugh.. I choked twice 😭

[@BloonPlays]

Bro never came back ☠️

[@soysource3218]

Not only is it well written and extremely funny. It has sakuga in some unconventional spots such as for comedy or character conversation, not just the performance scenes. S tier anime of the year no doubt. Except maybe for Chainsaw man but that’s it.

[@Zzzlol94]

This anime has such an amazing execution on the animations, which are very relatable to me for SOOOO many of the situations. To some who aren't extremely introverted, it might just seem ridiculous and just that. But much of the animation is just something which could accurately portray the chaos going on inside your head, all the ups and downs as you overthink every single thing in every small situation.

[@jagaimo-kun9535]

one of my favorite gags was when bocchi got turned into a stiff ragdoll during the culture festival and broke the block with her body.

[@lark8602]

Amazing analysis and video essay. I hope more people can watch this superbly underrated anime.

[@Sentiie]

this is one of my favorite anime review videos of all time

[@clearskyy]

My obsession with this series is becoming unhealthy lol, it brings me to tears so much, its love. I can see how the manga does leave something to be desired, but I personally really enjoy it, I think the pacing is punchy and I think the creative ways that large panels are used to focus on important moments is great. I enjoy the gags and how it lets you use your imagination in some regard to the content. It's fun, relatable and genuinely funny. I can't wait to see a continuation of the story and I can't wait to read more and find out what else is in store for Kessouku Band!

[@GenericSideCharacter]

This was the first video of yours that I've seen pop up in my recommendations. Immediately subscribed after watching it due to how much I loved it

[@DavidKAnderson]

Another brilliant aspect of this gem, especially for this long-time gigging musician, is how it absolutely NAILS so much of what it's like to be a small-time band playing local gigs at little venues. There's no doubt in my mind that some of the people involved have been there, done that.

[@PuckishAngeI]

The reason why you can tell that chainsaw man and Bocchi the rock stand out from the rest of fall 2022, is the sheer amount of passion you can feel from everyone involved, the detail and the love of craft from the animators and directors and the music team, I don't think I have seen such passion in recent years. I think the new generation of people working in the anime industry is way more incredible than anyone is even aware of, I am looking forward to the future.

[@patroka]

Yeah. I am a casual fan of the manga, and I have to say I never expected the anime to do anywhere near this well, ahaha. Good for them, I guess!

[@brodaleon6515]

I dont know what about it, but I love the VA's work as Bocchi. Aoyama Yoshino does something that seems perfect to me.

[@makaron369]

your editing is awesome huge fan of the way you wait until songs end to play clips and even end the video right as that last song finished

[@akiradkcn]

It had a cameo on Slow Loop before the anime was even announced, thats how much they love it

[@setdamn]

I came into this series expecting "Haha funny introvert playing guitar", and then i didn't expect that their first audition brought tears to my eyes. From that point i jokingly said to myself that this is Bang Dream meets experimental art, then i watch the hard hitting episode 8 and convinced that this really is Bang Dream. The way they blend solid comedy with solid emotional moments are so awesome!

[@DavidKAnderson]

A bit of a...wait for it...outsider rodeo? I'll show myself out.

[@ozzysmith2571]

@@DavidKAnderson yeah you better get out. And go on down to a comedy club cuz that's gold!!! Haha

[@haveidonethisbefore]

I legit got goosebumps everytime they play, they build up the songs so well, and on top of that the songs are bangers unlike K-ON.

[@ErykRoll]

Man you sound so lame 😭

[@Megalesbiannu]

Omg i love bandori!!

[@D14V0R05]

This anime shows an on point, comical yet accurate representation to what it is to have social anxiety and how the brain of someone who is affected by it can come up with such mindfucks of worst case scenarios. Also a nice demonstration to how it is to get together with other people and try to make a band work.