Maria†Holic

Maria†Holic is the most interesting comedy you haven't heard of. That's not to say this show is the funniest romantic comedy; it isn't. It doesn't have the best cast, nor does it have the greatest narrative. It hasn't aged the best, either. However, Maria†Holic is one of the more interesting shows of the school-based gag genre. This is another catholic schoolgirl Yuri, yet its main love interest isn't even a girl, but a crossdresser who frequently chastises the audience. Our protagonist is a nose-bleeding, perverted lesbian—one whom the narrative treats as a punching bag at any given point. This anime doesn't have characters or themes, so much as it has caricatures and tropes played to their very extremes. Maria†Holic serves as a parody of the school life comedy genre, one so over the top and absurd that it leaves you with no choice but to laugh.

Maria†Holic is a ridiculous comedy written by ridiculous people, for ridiculous people. Usually when I watch a comedy, it focuses on humor I've heard before and I'm usually left disappointed. However, Maria†Holic was a refreshing change. Featuring dark humor, pervert jokes, Yuri jokes, fan service, fan girls, and more. I'd also like to mention the many different styles of animation they used to transition between scenes. It made my watching experience all the more enjoyable. The characters were quite cute, and funny. Some of them were quite unique as well. My favorite character would have to be the dorm leader. I would recommend this anime to anyone who doesn't mind blood, and a comedy of the parody kind. Yes, I am being vague about the blood. Watch Maria†Holic to find out.

**An In-Depth Review of Maria†Holic: A Comedy Masterpiece in Anime** In the vast and ever-expanding universe of anime, where genres range from the dark and brooding to the light and whimsical, "Maria†Holic" stands out as a beacon of comedic brilliance. Created by Minari Endou, this series has carved a niche for itself, earning a reputation as one of the best comedy animes ever produced. To understand why "Maria†Holic" deserves this accolade, we must delve into its characters, plot, humor, and overall execution. **Characters: The Eccentric Ensemble** At the heart of "Maria†Holic" is Kanako Miyamae, a high school girl with an intense allergy to boys and a desperate desire to find her true love at an all-girls school. Her over-the-top reactions and obsessive tendencies provide a constant source of humor. However, it is the introduction of Mariya Shidou, the seemingly perfect and elegant girl who is actually a sadistic boy in disguise, that propels the series into comedic genius. Mariya's dual identity creates a dynamic that is both hilarious and fraught with tension. His cruel pranks and manipulative behavior towards Kanako contrast sharply with his outward angelic demeanor, leading to countless laugh-out-loud moments. The supporting cast, including the loyal maid Matsurika, who delivers deadpan insults with impeccable timing, and the other eccentric students of Ame no Kisaki, add further layers of humor and unpredictability. **Plot: A Rollercoaster of Absurdity** The plot of "Maria†Holic" is a rollercoaster of absurd situations and outrageous scenarios. Kanako's quest for love is constantly thwarted by Mariya's schemes, leading her into increasingly ridiculous predicaments. Whether it's participating in bizarre school events, dealing with her wild hallucinations, or simply trying to survive another day without a nosebleed, Kanako's life is a series of comedic disasters. The episodic nature of the series allows for a variety of comedic setups, each more inventive than the last. The writers skillfully balance the absurdity with moments of genuine character development, ensuring that the audience remains invested in the characters' journeys, no matter how outlandish. **Humor: A Perfect Blend of Wit and Slapstick** "Maria†Holic" excels in its humor, striking a perfect balance between witty dialogue and slapstick comedy. The rapid-fire exchanges between characters are filled with clever wordplay and sharp retorts, while the physical comedy often borders on the surreal. Kanako's exaggerated reactions, whether it’s her nosebleeds or her dramatic fantasies, are a testament to the series' mastery of visual humor. The show also thrives on its use of irony and parody. It pokes fun at various anime tropes, subverting expectations at every turn. For example, the traditional "cute and innocent" girl is turned on its head with Mariya's true nature, and Kanako's search for love in a school filled with beautiful girls often leads to more trouble than romance. The self-awareness of the series adds a meta-layer to the comedy, making it even more enjoyable for seasoned anime fans. **Execution: A Feast for the Senses** Visually, "Maria†Holic" is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant animation style complements the energetic tone of the series, with exaggerated expressions and dynamic movements enhancing the comedic impact. The character designs are distinct and memorable, reflecting their unique personalities and quirks. The soundtrack is another highlight, with a mix of catchy opening and ending themes, and an eclectic score that perfectly matches the series' offbeat humor. The voice acting is top-notch, with each actor bringing their character to life with perfect comedic timing and emotive performances. Yū Kobayashi’s portrayal of Kanako is particularly noteworthy, capturing her manic energy and vulnerability with equal finesse. **Conclusion: A Timeless Comedy Classic** "Maria†Holic" is a comedic tour de force that stands the test of time. Its eccentric characters, absurd plotlines, and brilliant humor come together to create an anime experience that is both unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned anime veteran or a newcomer to the genre, "Maria†Holic" offers a fresh and hilarious take on the high school comedy trope. Its ability to blend witty dialogue with slapstick humor, while simultaneously subverting and parodying genre conventions, sets it apart as one of the best comedy animes ever created. In a world where humor can often feel formulaic, "Maria†Holic" is a breath of fresh air, delivering laughs and surprises with every episode. So, if you’re looking for an anime that will not only entertain you but also leave you in stitches, look no further than "Maria†Holic." It is, without a doubt, a shining gem in the world of comedy anime, deserving of its place among the best of the best.

The story for Maria Holic I'd say was ok it the only thing I found unique about it was the fact that it mainly focused on a perverted teenage girl instead of a perverted teenage boy. This is why I gave this anime's story a 7/10. The artwork for Maria Holic I'd say was very good all the characters and scenery looked very well drawn. I'm not a art critic so I'll leave it at that and say what score I gave it which is a 8/10. The sound track for Maria Holic I'd say was average for during the anime however the opening theme and ending themes were very good, which is why is why I gave this a 8/10. The character development for Maria Holic I'd say was average, the reason I say this is the closet thing to character development I'd say that happened on a regular basis was finding out the various types of fetishes that Kanako had for other girls. Otherwise the way the characters start off is how they stay through out the entire anime, for the most part that is there's still some character development just not a lot. So this score I'm giving it might be a little generous, anyway the score I'm giving it is a 7/10. The enjoyment for Maria Holic I'd say was worthy of a 10/10 in my personal opinion, the reason I say this is there wasn't a single episode of this anime that didn't make me laugh a whole lot. Overall I'd give Maria Holic a 8/10 the reason for this is for the story for this anime didn't really seem all that great, and the artwork was barely above average and same goes for the sound track. The character development however was only average. How ever this overall score is only based off of all the other scores averaged together, if I rate the overall score without averaging all the other scores I'd give Maria Holic a 10/10 because in my personal opinion its commedy gold.

I went through the first season of "So Long, Mr. Despair." I read the first few volumes of the manga based on this show... If the show had some upskirt panty shots, I'd give it a 5 instead of a 4. Because (and you have to pardon me) the so-called "comedy" herein is NOT funny. Mariya, and his maid Matsurika, are douche bags. And I though I can laugh at Kanako (since she's the comic relief anyway); but at the end of the day I only became more miserable. I mean, seriously. Making fun of a lasting franchise is petty PERIOD. I didn't watch "Maria Watches Over Us." And I thought "Otome wa Boku ni Koishiteru" was kinda meh. (How can a guy, dressed up like a girl, go to an all-girl school and not psychologically blow up IRL? Only Wapan can do this.) I'll add that Sentai/FUNi's English dub team really did a good job on something that is, IMMHO, another round of high-art garbage for otaku consumption.

Maria Holic is an hilariously funny show that I guarantee will get you addicted to it. I finished it in one day. Wonder how long it'll take ya'll. Maria Holic revolves around second year, Miyamae Kanako, a girl who just transferred to Ame no Kisaki, an all-girls missionary school, in hopes of meeting her true love. Now after reading that sentence you're probably like "aww, that's so sweet", but then it hits you, "wait, she's trying to meet her true love in an all girls school?" "Is she a..." If that's what you're thinking then congratulations people you win. Kanako is attracted to the same sex, and hates the opposite sex so much, that whenever she comes in contact with boys, she breaks out in hives. Sound familiar (*cough *cough) Girls Bravo. Things are going well for Kanako, she's sharing a room in the dorm with the beautiful, strong Ryuken Ishima and the care taker of the dorms is this cute, young lady with cat ears, *note: I don't know if that cat ears are real or not, but who cares, sooo damn cute (≧∇≦) But the best of all is Mariya Shidou, a young first year girl with long blond hair and an infatuating smile, enough to make any man get a nose bleed or even Kanako for that manner. Beautiful, polite, intelligent, grandchild of the former school chairman, oh yeah there's just one other thing, she's a guy (≧∇≦)（⌒▽⌒)（　ﾟ Дﾟ) (Ｔ▽Ｔ) Yep a dude, and Kanako may have incidentally stumbled upon that little secret, but Mariya will make sure her little secret doesn't get out. Will Kanako be able to survive? A maniacal cross-dressing mastermind , a rude maid, a strange out of this world creature living inside of a gym bag, and also the fact that Kanako gets a nosebleed every five minutes because of the drop-dead gorgeous women there. I guarantee, after watching this, you may just become a holic for Maria Holic. Need a tissue anyone?

This seems to be one of those animes that likes to throw you curveball after curveball of random out of the blue humor. This isnt a bad thing, in fact the randomness was one of the main things that i really liked about this anime. I will say however that it was really lacking in plot-depth. to be completely honest sometimes i didnt really know what was the point of some entire episodes. but if you're looking for a light, fun to watch, shorter series that shouldnt take more than a few days to get through i think you should go for it. :D

Do you think Catholic schoolgirl yuri is dumb and completely unbelievable? Do you think the premise of a guy convincingly crossdressing as a girl to satisfy some ridiculous pact at an exclusive private academy is dumb and completely unbelievable? Do you think massive nosebleeds are dumb and completely unbelievable? That pretty much sums up the series, and its sequel. Kanako is a lesbian schoolgirl who goes to the same all girls' private school where her parents met (worse than it sounds) to meet her true love and instead of indulging her depraved fantasies is sidelined by hot trap Mariya and her maid, Matsurika. Mariya correctly ascertains that Kanako is a threat to the school, herself, and humanity and makes it one of her goals to utterly shut her down before she harms the innocent. The anime lampoons the Catholic yuri genre (how the writers have no idea what Catholicism is), hot traps (yes there is a pact or something but really Mariya just crossdresses because he and the audience like it), and the entire nosebleed/accidental pervert genre. Animation, voice acting--especially during the particularly manic scenes, soundtrack, and character design are all top notch. The show tends to get bogged down only when it tries to give us some exposition and background into some of the girls at the academy. The best parts are where Mariya, oddly the straight man here, plays her sadism off of Kanako's idiocy with the help of her stoic maid. The nosebleeds are played straight, with Kanako often at a huge risk of bleeding out, and pretty much every relationship trope is shot down and the show even comments at how stupid each one is. Also one of the priests is essentially Gintoki with red hair. If you like Manzai series, Shaft, hot traps, and really really are sick of schoolgirl yuri you're probably really going to enjoy this. It's also aged really well over the years.

I like the premise, i have a very wide span of interests, and it's pretty funny too! There's not much to say about this show, its just ok. If you're into the synopsis, you'll most likely enjoy it, and if you're not, you won't. If people have said this is like the reverse of Ouran, eh...sorta. Technically yes. But ultimately no. It's just not as good.

Now let's talk about this series. I really liked to be honest, I'm not a yuri / yaoi fan, but she was very good and I had a lot of fun with her. However, there are still mysteries that are not solved in the first season. And there are still extremely dubious things that even now I will not understand why he does this, but each with their weirdos in the end. Story, characters, animation, soundtrack: Story: The story was honestly good because it was well put together, at least for the first season of the series, and some things are a little too exaggerated for a school for religious girls, even if they are in Japan. However, even in such a school there are bad girls, but most of all I liked the girls' second home and Kanako-san's class. However, it took a few minor changes to make an excellent series. Characters: The characters were pretty good, but also dubious and still have work to do to make many of them normal, Mariya has to adjust a lot, no joke XD, this Matsurika hides a lot, so many times I was amazed , but still the mystery remains unsolved, Kanako tsch tsch has big problems and needs urgent help, so that's all I can say about her. Kami's cat ears, something smells here because we don't even know anything that happens for sure he got his hands on the chakra from Naruto, brother Kanae what to say about him ... he believes too much XD Shizu I can't say too much about her that she didn't present us so well, but she's a good person and Kawaii, Kiri, looks a lot like me, but for some it's weird and I don't understand why I call her that. Yuzuru a little weird, but she recovers with the series. And still can not understand at all brother girls like her or people better said, Ryuuken this person was very helpful, but also very confusing, well, it's not her fault, but these jealous girls sheep, Sachi- chan, an exceptional and extremely good girl, that's what I can say about her. Fumi really shows that she takes care of her students and cherishes them, but she still has to be careful sometimes, Ayari, brother I understand why she is so upset, but still doesn't really make sense of why she does it, Tonomura nothing brother, all these girls they are dubious, but the strangest is Honoka. Animation: Animation was good brother and here I mean her year, in fact even now it is pretty good in addition to some animations today. However, I didn't give too much animation that I didn't like. Soundtrack: soundtrack brother, I had no problem, none. It was absolutely wonderful, especially at op and ed. I love them both. Personal Opinion: Brother, this series was so wonderful that I enjoyed it with all my heart and I loved every episode and I died laughing, but you can't really learn anything from it, but that's another good problem than training a dubious person in a normal one. XD

Maria Holic doesn't really go anywhere, yet I felt that was obvious from the start. I'm not about to claim this is a good thing, but anime comedy is universally directionless and ends where it starts. If you want some semblance of progression you're looking in the wrong place. This isn't an LGBTQ masterpiece, there aren't any lessons to learn, you probably won't relate to any character. The jokes are above par for anime. Even though I'd usually hate a character like "God," she's somehow one of the best parts of the show. Nothing is particularly annoying aside from some of the dubbed character voices. That's my fault for lowering myself to listening to dubs though. The art and music are both good. You can tell from the intro that the style is competently done. Colors pop out in a lot of scenes, and the waifus like the maid I'm sure have dedicated fan bases. It isn't exceptional, but the little things add up to making this a cut above what I expected to be fully generic. Instead it's just mostly generic! The intro and ending I listened through every single time because they were both really enjoyable. What drew me to this was curiosity. I've never seen an explicitly yuri anime (that wasn't SEXUALLY explicit) before. I think the show mostly degrades it to a fetishistic thing. I don't recall being offended by anything in particular. It would have been nice to see the main girl actually get some though. She's kind of just confined to thoughts. Even a cliffhanger where she's considering asking a girl out would have been appreciated. Also, while I don't really care for crossdressing, the focus on it was pretty minor. Maria even hates that he has to do it, so it's not really put in a good light. Good is a fair assessment of what the show has to offer. The writing has a dollop of good writing, and it doesn't feel as boring as other shows that feel stale through and through. Although sometimes I question if shows I'm calling good are actually fair/mediocre and my tastes are edging toward the bottom of the barrel. WHO KNOWS?

Maria Holic is classic Shaft, the series feels like it was tailor made just for this studio. A Snappy dialogue rich surreal comedy with absolutely no writing filter in sight. An extremely hilarious experience and another solid notch in their belt. You'll never have a handle on this show. Maybe you’d think that the whole "Mariya is actually a man crossdressing at an all girls academy" thing would take up a large focus of the show but it ends up being mostly glossed over and only ever brought up for comedic effect. Maybe you think that because of the massive contradiction between the main character being a horny lesbian who only enrolled at a missionary school to be surrounded by young girls and isn’t actually religious at all would lead into some jabs about religion, but the commentary that this show provides actually ends up being very level headed about it. Everything about this show is absurd but despite cranking the dials to the max they manage to stitch it together with some amount of grounded continuity. This show is extremely dialogue heavy. Most bits stem from a character (typically Kanako) going off on some tangent and the resulting visual mayhem which accompanies it. This is exactly the kind of thing that Shaft is good at. Every scene is littered with quick cuts and surreal visuals that compliment the dialogue perfectly. It borders on overwhelming but they know exactly what they're doing and manage to dial in the visual noise to a perfect amount so as to not overwhelm or bore the viewer. Even bits which last a particularly long time, which is often commented on by the characters of the show, don't feel exhausting to watch. Because of the lack of a filter on the writing side of things, this allows for the visual design team to match it in stride and the result is pure absurdity. The only flaw with this show is that sometimes the episodes do manage to become a bit repetitive, especially near the end. This is mostly on the superficial level, but things do kind of fall into a loop of Kanako attempting to sate her yuri desires through extreme fantasies about the other students. On the internal level though, the episodes are jam packed with witty dialogue and explore extravagant scenarios, they're only strung together by the loose overarching goal. This is helped by the cast being surprisingly large, they make use of the school setting well and make sure to incorporate a wide variety of characters even if only for one off jokes and whatnot. Even up to the final episodes they still manage to introduce new characters and mesh them in seamlessly. Mariya and Kanako are the core of it all and their dynamic works extremely well. Mariya may technically be the straight man to Kanako but this is all circumvented by who he is on a foundational level (a man crossdressing as a woman just for fun) resulting in beautiful comedic irony. Every character is like this, on the surface level they may appear to be more comparatively sound than the rest of the cast but over time it's clear that they're all equally deranged. The result is a never ending relay race of sanity which is the fundamental principle of this show's comedic execution. It's constantly topping itself with every episode. Maria Holic is a somewhat underrated part of Shaft's history. Maybe people were misled by its description or were put off by all the yuri bait and crossdressing but these actually end up being minor aspects of the show and I think it manages to secure itself well among their comedy lineup. A nonstop rollercoaster ride of absurdity.

This feels like wasted potential to me. First, the highlights: beautiful, fluid animation, lots of style, voice acting is great and the opening is an absolute blast! There are many scenes with some brilliant humor, some jokes are delivered quite smartly ... but then the simplicity and vagueness of the plot lines, the motivations of the characters and... well, actually the problem is that most of the characters don't really feel like characters. This tarnished all the beauty of the animation, great moments of comedic absurdity wasted for predictable "punchlines" delivered by a completely unlikable MC. Mariya really saved the show for me, an entitled and manipulative brat in drag that almost completely dominates Kanako; her personality is strong, her motivations mostly clear and her dialogue a lot better than other characters'. So yeah, characters and plot are just there... but the package is pretty good looking.