Genshiken 2

After the 3 OAV’s were released the second 13 episode TV series of Genshiken was released in Japan. The story continues the mundane adventures of the members of The Club for the Study of Modern Visual Culture as they indulge in their otaku ways and look to the future as members of the workforce.

    The series starts out, picking up where the final OAV left off, with the club working on getting booth space at the next con. With the spot secured they must now come up with a dojinshi of their own. Once the con is behind them three of the members have to deal with graduation and Sasahara and Ohno have to break out of their uncomfortable ways if they want to get into a relationship.

    With the senior members gone the president-ship of the club passes on to Ohno who must lead the groups’ participation at the next con. Ogiue refuses to participate and is caught red handed at the con in disguise. As the next year progresses the graduated members struggle to find employment and the current members struggle to keep the club alive.

    The second TV series offers more of the same. It continues the story from the manga but does not end it, hopefully allowing for more OAV in the least. The second season also falls into the same problems the original had, lagging at some moments. The non existent love story between Sasahara and Ohno take a more center role in the series as both are too stupid and nervous to pursue their feelings. The best part of the entire series though comes in one episode devoted to Ogiue having yaoi fantasies involving the other members of the club. I laughed through the entire bizarre episode as she continued to have well detailed fantasies involving love triangles and deceit between all of the characters, even the female ones. It is well worth watching that episode if nothing less. Then again if you are watching the second season it means you have at least watched the first and that means you enjoy the show. It is good though, as good as the original. It is nice to see a series show realistic progress with its characters. So again, if you are a fan of slice of life comedies centered on otaku and their bizarre lives this is perfect for you. This series really is the bench mark for this kind of comedy, so take it in and enjoy, even with its faults. The second season is available in America.