Tomo-chan wa Onnanoko!: Tomo Chan is a Girl Series Finale Review

	Tomo-chan Is a Girl!
	Network: Gunma TVGenre: AnimationSeasons: 1Episodes: 13
	Overview Tomboy Tomo couldn't have picked a more awkward high school crush 'cause it’s on her childhood friend, Junichiro, but he only sees her as one of the guys. Despite her pretty looks and signals, nothing gets through to this meathead! Will Junichiro ever realize Tomo's into him and see her for the cutesy girl she actually is?!

Winter Anime 2023: A Promising Start for Romcom Enthusiasts

If the year 2023 is indeed set to be the year of romantic comedy anime, then the winter season has certainly set a high bar. With series like “Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi” and “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!”, fans were treated to a couple of enjoyable romcoms. Personally, I found “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” to be the standout, as it skillfully adapted a manga that is not easily brought to the screen. Surpassing my expectations, this anime adaptation turned out to be a sweet and satisfying experience.

Wrapping up Thematically

While the finale of “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” may not have reached the heights of the series’ best episodes, it served its purpose quite well. By the 12th episode, most thematic elements were neatly wrapped up, leaving the finale to serve as both a coda and an entertaining romp. Anything we gained from this episode was like a bonus, and it delivered plenty of cute and funny moments. This show truly shines when it allows its character dynamics to take the spotlight. Besides, in this day and age, a 13th episode in a one-cour series is a welcome surprise.

Exploring the Dynamics of a Young Couple

Now officially a couple, Tomo and Jun find themselves navigating the new dynamic of their relationship. The highlight of the episode, which I wished had received more attention, was Tomo’s contemplation of how their interaction has changed. Jun is now acting like a good boyfriend, treating Tomo as the girl she has longed to be seen as. However, Tomo-chan finds herself yearning for the days when Junichirou was awkward and flustered around her. It’s a natural reaction, although she fully acknowledges her own greediness in wanting it both ways.

Misguided Relationship Advice

Misuzu, a close friend of Tomo-chan, suggests an unconventional approach to get Jun flustered about kissing. Her plan involves taking him to see a romance movie, hoping it will stir some emotions. Tomo prepares herself by staring at the movie poster for a whole week, but things take an unexpected turn when the film turns out to be more than just PG-rated. Tomo feels embarrassed, and the tables are turned on her.

A Twist and a Challenge

Back in Jun’s room after their movie date, the potential for things to escalate arises. Tomo’s reaction reveals her internal conflict – what exactly does she want to happen in their relationship? Given their age and love for each other, it’s a question worth pondering. However, their intimate moment is interrupted when Junichirou punches himself in the face. The reason behind this surprising act stems from Tomo’s dad declaring that Jun can’t date his daughter unless he defeats him in combat. Tomo-chan understandably becomes furious with her father’s revelation and Jun for keeping it a secret.

A Twisting Plot for the Finale

While this twist feels somewhat contrived for the sake of creating conflict, it does introduce some enjoyable moments. Tomo’s dad is fully aware of his mistake, but the women in his life don’t hesitate to remind him of it. Jun, always striving to do things the right way despite the odds, finds himself in a challenging position. Ultimately, Gorou, Tomo-chan’s dad, decides to intentionally lose the fight, although not before giving Jun a good beating. As a stepfather figure to Jun, Gorou prioritizes his role as a responsible parent, and given the circumstances, he even finds some satisfaction in the situation.

A Bittersweet Ending

Anime romcoms seldom explore the couple stage for an extended period, and “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” is no exception. However, at the very least, viewers are treated to a heartwarming kiss between Tomo and Jun. It serves as a sort of revenge for Tomo, who felt her thunder was stolen when Jun confessed his love before she had the chance. While exploring their relationship as a couple would be fascinating, it would fundamentally change the nature of the show. As for the supporting characters, they played a more limited role in the finale, with the previous episode being their critical moment, especially for Misuzu.

A Definitive Ending for Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!

This final episode of “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” marks a conclusive ending for the series. The manga concluded in 2019, and the anime faithfully adapted the entire story, albeit skipping over some minor details along the way. Transforming a series of one-page chapters into a coherent episodic storytelling format is truly praiseworthy. While fans may hope for a sequel to a beloved show like this, a faithful adaptation is a rare gem that every exceptional manga deserves but seldom receives.

An Exploration of Complex Characters

Despite starting with a somewhat average first episode, “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” developed into an outstanding series. Its characters proved to be complex and fascinating individuals – not without flaws, but relatable young people capable of pettiness and selfishness, just like most of us. The central conceit of the show may be over the top, but it cleverly dived into thought-provoking questions about the boundaries between friendship and romance. Does one necessarily precede the other? While the answer remains open to interpretation, the show’s intelligent writing and wit made the journey thoroughly enjoyable.

Conclusion

Tomo-chan wa Onnanko! offers a delightful winter romcom experience with its endearing characters and engaging storyline. As the year progresses, it will be exciting to see if other anime series can live up to the standard set by this charming show. With its thematic wrap-up and satisfying character development, it leaves viewers with a lasting impression. While a sequel may be desired by fans, this faithful adaptation provided a delightful and fulfilling experience in its entirety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” a faithful adaptation of the manga?

Yes, the anime closely follows the events and storylines of the manga. While some minor details may have been skipped, the overall adaptation remains true to the source material, providing a coherent and enjoyable experience for fans.

2. Are there any plans for a second season of “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!”?

As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding a second season. However, fans can always hope for the possibility of continuing the story in the future.

3. What made “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” stand out among other romcom anime?

“Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” distinguished itself by its well-rounded and relatable characters, thought-provoking exploration of relationships, and engaging storytelling. The combination of humor, genuine emotions, and intelligent writing set it apart from other romcom series.

4. Can newcomers enjoy “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” without prior knowledge of the manga?

Absolutely! While familiarity with the manga may offer additional context, the anime adaptation of “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” is designed to be enjoyed by both existing fans and newcomers alike. Its charming characters and compelling story can resonate with anyone seeking a heartwarming romcom experience.

5. What are some other romcom anime recommendations for fans of “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!”?

If you enjoyed “Tomo-chan wa Onnanko!” and are looking for similar romcom anime, some recommendations include “Toradora!”, “Kaguya-sama: Love is War,” “My Little Monster,” and “Ore Monogatari!!”. These series offer a mix of comedy and romance while exploring different dynamics and themes of love and friendship.