I suppose I’ll try one of those blog-like mini reviews on the first 5 episodes of Pani Poni Dash.

There’s really not much to summarize here. If you’ve watched Azumanga Daioh and at least one other comedy anime and enjoyed them, you’ll enjoy Pani Poni Dash!

I’ll start off with the opening and ending. The background animation/graphics feels like an ’80s throwback of Cowboy Bebop’s opening with outdated “pop art.” The music originally annoyed the hell out of me and in no way made me want to “wiggle,” however as of episode 3, it’s growing on me. As for the chibi drawings in the ED? What’s more to love?

Despite the vast amount of anime references, the series so far simply feels like a cross between Azumanga Daioh (duh) and 2×2 Shinobuden (known as Ninja Nonsense in America). Don’t get me wrong, I love both series so this is a major plus! Speaking of anime references, there are a crapload, along with cultural references and even some foreign (American/European) jokes/parodies as well! It can get annoying at times constantly pausing and reading editors notes, but that just makes it all the more fun and re-watchable! I can’t imagine how all these cultural-centric jokes translate in English Dub (I have yet to watch it), anyone have any input here?

I find the mini character profiles very enjoyable even if some are completely obvious. This really reminds me of the Genshiken manga profiles which I adore. I do however wish there was slightly more information, even if completely off-the-wall weird.

All in all I was actually expecting (but not looking forward to) more random and weird “mini-arcs.” I’m very happy with the amount of continuity I’ve seen and am simply amazed how much I’ve grown to like Pani Poni Dash! Figured it’d just be some cheap rip-off; I was wrong and am very glad I finally started watching this anime - two thumbs way up!

P.S. The “filler characters” were weird in episode 3, but the new ones in episode 4 were downright scary! And what was up with that filler character being licked by a bunch of cute kitties?