Watched: Sub and Dub
Covers: Seasons 1-3
If you’ve ever talked to me about anime I have almost certainly mentioned this. I liked this so much that on finishing the second season I read most of the manga that same night, starting from the beginning just to see what chapters weren’t covered. While waiting for season 3 I watched the show again but dubbed, because it is a different experience with a more joking narrator compared to the serious one of the original. The sub is better overall imo, but the dub has quality moments from this change. The manga is also definitely worth exploring, as there are plenty of skipped chapters (including one of my favorites, which is the only chapter skipped in an otherwise 30-40 chapter run of adaptation).
Now that I’ve covered just how much I like this show, let’s get into what it actually is. The basic premise is that love is war (really? Would not have guessed from the subtitle), and that the first one to confess is the loser. The protagonists, Shirogane and Kaguya, are both geniuses, and set up different scenarios to get the other one to confess their love. They serve as president and vice president of the student council. Joining them we have Fujiwara, Kaguya’s best friend and secretary for the council, and Ishigami, first-year student who loves video games and serves as treasurer. Season 2 addition includes Iino, a girl with strict morals who serves on the discipline committee as well as student council. We also can’t forget best girl Hayasaka, who serves as Kaguya’s personal maid and is in the same grade as her. All of these characters bring something to the table, and their interactions are simply great. We have side characters who all add something as well, especially in season 3.
There is so much comedy to be had in this adaptation. Parodies and references to other media, the elaborate plans and overthinking by the main characters, and callbacks. However, the show goes beyond just its jokes and has some more serious plots.
Anyways in summary: if you only ever watch one romcom, I think it should be this one. It sets itself apart. It currently has three seasons and a movie (covered here). It has banger openings, and if you know me you know I typically skip them. Look at how much I wrote about it, even if it’s not good writing it only serves to quantify my enjoyment.
Verdict
You Should Have Already Watched This by Now