Anime Review: Clannad

Kyoto Animation is at it again, even though the first season of Clannad is already over, it seems that there is going to be another season by the name of Clannad: After Story. So, I thought it would be nice to do a review of the first season to catch everyone up on whats been happening in this anime so far.

On October fourth, Clannad made its debut on TBS after being created based on a visual novel by Key. The first part of the series is only twenty four episodes long, but tells an amazing story. I would like to point out that the animation in Clannad is somewhat like Kanon 2006, and Air, both have very beautiful and detailed artwork.

Clannad's main storyline revolves around a boy named Tomoya Okazaki, who lives with his father since his mother passed away in a car accident when he was a child. He seems to have many problems at home with his father, who seems to have turned into a drunk.

Tomoya also used to be a decent basketball player, however he injured his shoulder and seems to have shut himself down from the rest of the world. One day however, he meets a girl named Nagisa Furukawa on the way to school, Nagisa doesn't have many friends so Tomoya starts to hang out with her often.

Eventually meeting Nagisa's parents, Tomoya discovers that he may have received more then he bargained for. Her parents own a small bakery in town, they seem like the perfect family to Tomoya, who manages to keep himself together till hes around his father.

Throughout the series, Nagisa and Tomoya develop a relationship, after all they do spend most of their time together. Nagisa has a dream of starting up a drama club, so Tomoya does everything he can to help her out.

The two of them run into multiple hardships while trying to start up the club, and they make many friends which they have to help along the way. Every character in Clannad has their own side story, and their own problems which they have to face.

Furthermore, Clannad has something for harem fans out there, as the storyline goes on Tomoya meets different girls that develop crushes on him. Since he has a thing for Nagisa, you can see how this would create problems. In the end everything wraps up very nice though, so don't worry.

For those of you wondering, the opening is "Megumeru ~Cuckool Mix 2007~" by Eufonius, it's pretty decent I have to admit. Personally, I don't like the closing theme though, which is "Dango Daikazoku" by Chata.

Just like Kanon 2006, there is a few twists and turns in Clannad that may surprise many people. However, if your at all a fan of romance, harem, or comedy anime, I highly recommend trying out Clannad. If you like it, try out Kanon 2006, Air, and Air: The Movie as well.

Two thumbs up!