Nanbaka: Colour popping, comedy in Nanba prison! Anime Review

Genre

★★★★

Story

★★★

Four men are assigned to Nanba, the world’s most formidable prison. Jyugo, a man who attempted to break out of prison and ended up extending his jail time; Uno, a man who likes to gamble with women; Rock, a man who likes to get into fights; and Nico, a man who likes anime. A super exciting action comedy about the daily lives of the prison’s inmates and guards.

Crunchyroll

If you’re looking for an easy-to-watch anime after a long day of work, school or chores this anime is definitely one I recommend to watch. Packed with comedy and vibrant character design, full of sparkles surrounding all characters that have unique hairstyles and personalities.

First released in 2016, in total there are 26 episodes divided into two seasons. Set within a heavily guarded prison in Japan, home to criminals that are professionals at escaping. Jyugo and his cellmates spend their days coming up with ways to escape, only to be met by their prison guard, Hajime at the final stage every time; like a cat and mouse game.

Nanbaka (2016) is adapted from the manga series by Shou Futamata. There isn’t much depth to the plot in the anime which makes it an easy watch, however the stunning visuals and the great rapport between the main characters and the supporting characters makes this enjoyable to watch. Season 1 is better than season 2 in terms of comedy and plot. I will rate the story as 5/10.

Art

★★★★★

I will rate the overall art a 9/10. The character design is amazing. Each character has unique characteristics and colourful hairstyles. Even the sub characters have great detailed features. The colour scheme overall is very vibrant with pops of neon tones and full of sparkles throughout the anime .

The art style is amazing! The background art is great too especially the sea surrounding the prison. The Warden has a big, sharp frame which reminds me of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s character design. I’d say the Nanbaka art style is better than the plot.

Sound

★★★

The anime’s opening song is, “Rin! Rin! Hi! Hi!” by Hashiguchikanaderiya, hugs The Super Ball. I love the opening song and never skip it. It’s just to good! An upbeat, spunky OP with the a montage of the main characters running as they escape while having fun.

The ending song, “Nanbaka Datsugoku Riron♪!” is by the four main characters. I tend to skip the ending song as it’s not my cup of tea. It is comical but I don’t like hearing Hajime scream at the end. It features the characters in a cute chibi form. The music in the anime is good too, I’d rate the sound for Nanbaka 6/10.

Characters

★★★★

Nanbaka (2016). Statelight

Jyugo is the main character, who has no greed and tries to find himself while spending time with his inmate friends in cell 13. He was born in a cell and lived in jail his whole life. There’s no lock he can’t break! Although he may not have many skills he is a specialist in unlocking doors in prison. I like the bond between all the characters and how they support each other.

Uno is my fav character, he is like the mother of the group and is a social butterfly. Showing compassion to everyone he cares about and putting himself on the line to protect others. He has gradient blonde and red hair.

All the sub characters in Nanbaka are colourful and funny too. I like the dynamic and respect between the prison guards and the cell inmates. 7/10 for characters.

Conclusion

Overall, I’d rate it 6.8. The colour popping visuals and the cute character designs for all the main and sub characters are amazing. I would deffo recommend it as an easy watch for laughs and cuteness without expecting much of a plot.

If you have enjoyed this review please leave a like by clicking on the heart below ? leave a comment and let me know what you’re favorite anime series is with cute visuals?