Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear

To be perfectly honest I was not expecting anything much from this anime series, and I was not really particularly impressed with the first few episodes. There is definitely at least one anime series also featuring an OP main female protagonist with extraordinary abilities that has overall similar mood and this series was better and more entertaining, and that is Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, So I'll Max Out My Defense. Plus, aside from the all-pervasive bear theme including the costume, there is really nothing all that unique about this show. This is because the show is really just about someone who (in their world) has extraordinary abilities and deals with increasingly dangerous menaces one after another, in more and more absurd ways (which leaves more and more of the supporting characters in awe). It is a template used by nine out of ten modern fantasy isekai. Eventually, though, I got used to it and even grew to like this anime series in the end. The atmosphere is pleasant, calm, and carefree. I started liking the main female protagonist, and I really liked the motivation behind a lot of her actions, whether they were based on her selfishness (like needing to be comfortable and having her favorite food) or the kind-heartedness with which she always chose to help the smaller and weaker characters. So, in the end, I certainly do not regret spending my time getting to know Yuna. While I do not really care about the ubiquitous bears everywhere and I could easily do without them as the show’s USP, the interactions between Yuna and her "fan club" and the building of the relationships are quite enjoyable, and the overall feeling I got from the show actually significantly increased my final rating. It was good, maybe even a little more than just good, and I am awarding this a strong three stars... 6.4/10. (27/02/2023)

Juna, donning her bear onesie, is back to impart the valuable lesson of not judging others based on appearance. She adeptly demonstrates that bears aren't to be trifled with, smoothly resolving one crisis after another while enhancing her own livelihood. Bears take the spotlight once again, integral to the narrative, and this time, there's a well-aimed direct hit – the series title perfectly encapsulated. The show adheres to its established pattern: a problem surfaces, Juna steps in to tackle it, someone mocks her, and Juna delivers a fitting retort. However, the moments where the protagonist finds satisfaction were the most entertaining and gratifying for me. The finale, featuring an angry Juna, was particularly enjoyable. The remainder of the series unfolds as a likable isekai trying to provide entertainment and cuteness, which it occasionally achieves. Overall, the second season left a positive impression, still earning those three stars. It was more than just good, landing at a solid 6.4/10. (19/06/2023)