This Boy Caught A Merman
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Shima Kawauchi was taken in by his kind grandfather following the divorce of his unloving parents. His grandfather passes away in due time, leaving Shima all alone. Consumed by grief, he cries by the oceanside at night when an accident causes him to fall into the water. Unable to swim, Shima nearly drowns but is saved by an incredibly handsome merman. Seeing Shima's emotional state, the merman—who Shima names Isaki—insists that Shima take him home until he fully recovers. However, as they settle into their space together, the two start to form a bond that transcends both species and gender.
Audience Consensus
The audience is largely in agreement that the anime's standout feature is its breathtaking and unique art style. While many found the emotional core and portrayal of loneliness touching, a significant portion of viewers felt the story and character development were rushed due to the short format of the OVA. Opinions are mildly divided on whether the emotional impact and visual beauty outweigh the narrative shortcomings.
Strengths
- Stunning and unique art style with vibrant colors and detailed textures.
- Emotional resonance and touching portrayal of loneliness and connection.
- Well-developed main character (Shima) with relatable struggles.
- Charming and innocent depiction of developing love, avoiding overly explicit content.
Weaknesses
- Rushed pacing and underdeveloped plot for a short OVA.
- Underdeveloped secondary character (Isaki) and a rushed relationship progression.
- Clichéd plot elements common in the shounen-ai genre.
- Inconsistent animation quality, with jarring shifts in art style (e.g., chibi moments).