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Shikimori is Overrated: Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie Review


Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie Review
Credit: Doga Kobo

Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie is one of the most overhyped anime of the spring season. As the anime unfolds, Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie is just another mediocre romance anime with a pretty bland and generic narrative. Thus, in this article, I’ve compiled some of the reasons why Shikimori is overrated.

This has come from the point where Shikimori Micchon was dubbed the next Marin Kitagawa. Disappointingly, the show doesn’t come close to that.

Regardless, the purpose of this article is not to compare Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie to My Dress-Up Darling. The latter show is only mentioned because of the amount of attention Shikimori has received from the same fans who used to watch the beloved Marin and Gojo duo.

This review will only come from the perspective of an anime-only viewer and will not reflect the manga's quality.

For the sake of argument, Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie is both a rom-com and a slice-of-life anime. Some fans may argue that this is typical of slice-of-life shows. However, the anime remains underwhelming in comparison to other shows in the same genre such as Horimiya, Ouran High School Host Club, and Wotakoi: Love is Hard for an Otaku.

In any case, Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie is entertaining to watch. However, don't expect much because the show fails to live up to the hype.

Another overrated and overhyped show, in my opinion. Most likely, this is another case of the anime community exaggerating the show's popularity without having much insight into it.

On the contrary, I'm hoping that the remaining episodes will shed new light on the show.

Why is Shikimori Overrated?

Why is Shikimori Overrated?
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Credit: Doga Kobo

Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie is an overrated anime from the spring season. Back in the winter anime season, it received a lot of hype from fans of rom-com shows like My Dress-Up Darling.

As soon as the story of Marin and Gojo concluded, the attention was drawn to what was rumored to be the next My Dress-Up Darling. I, too, am one of them.

It's natural for fans to draw parallels between the two anime shows due to their strong female leads. Shikimori, like Marin Kitagawa, is well-liked for her charisma, personality, and open-mindedness.

These two characters, however, have different chemistry with the male lead.

With a few episodes in the anime, Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie doesn’t come close to My Dress-Up Darling. I’m not igniting hate towards Shikimori; this is simply an observation and an honest opinion from an anime fan who has watched a lot of rom-com shows over the last two decades.

Without further ado, here are a few reasons why Shikimori is overrated.

Shikimori is Bland and Generic

Shikimori is Bland and Generic Review
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Credit: Doga Kobo

Despite having a distinct character like Shikimori, the rest of the cast is difficult to watch.

The anime heavily relies on Shikimori as the main character, while the other character, Izumi, just doesn't cut it. He is a helpless main character who is constantly in need of supervision and attention from someone else.

Izumi and the others are simply too bland and generic, which does nothing to help the anime. It lacks the wow factor that will leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

We all know by now that Shikimori has a dual personality. This plot narrative, however, does not elevate the anime above the level of a mediocre show.

Furthermore, it appears that Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie is merely a show created to introduce an anime fan to another pink-haired waifu.

Sitting through an episode of Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie only feels like watching Izumi with her cool girlfriend.

Shikimori is Repetitive

Shikimori is Repetitive Review
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Credit: Doga Kobo

Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie is structured in such a way that Shikimori saves Izumi the majority of the time. It becomes overly repetitive to the point of being predictable.

Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie will be a disappointing watch if the anime continues to do this in the remaining episodes. If this becomes consistent, Shikimori will be remembered not for its greatness, but for its tedious plot narrative.

Shikimori is Not Convincing

Shikimori is Not Convincing Review
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Credit: Doga Kobo

Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie is an anime series that tries far too hard to incorporate Shikimori and Izumi's romance. Despite the anime telling us that they've been dating for a while, their relationship doesn't feel genuine.

For starters, they don't act like it. Aside from that, Izumi is constantly under the impression that he does not deserve Shikimori. This has no bearing on the anime's plot.

The over-the-top romance that appears every time Shikimori saves Izumi feels very out of place. It is severely lacking, particularly in terms of authenticity and chemistry. This is one of Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie's flaws, which will be problematic if it is carried through to the end of the anime.

Furthermore, Shikimori's is insufficiently convincing. It tries too hard to elevate Shikimori, highlighting his coolness and strong personality. However, it only casts a negative light on the other characters. Izumi and the others are merely props for the show.

Related: Pure Romance Anime Series to Watch

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