Overview
This romantic comedy is about Takeru Ohyama, a typical perverted teenage boy. His new school doesn't require entrance exams, and it just turned co-ed! Unfortunately, his dreams of a happy high school life are dashed when he finds out the school is much more than it seems. All of the students wield a special item—a Maken—to unleash their magical abilities in duels! Can Takeru find a Maken that works for him? Even while trying to fit in at a new school and dealing with all kinds of girl problems?
Reviews
Okay, what can be said for Maken-Ki! Battling Venus (2011)?? I will state the obvious, if you cannot tell by looking at the cover. It is strictly for Seinen audiences.
This was made before the western world got infected by "nazi-esk" social media woke-cancer. It is a sickness I am happy to say the East seems immune; and gratefully so.
The show itself tried in the first two episodes to have a story but that soon gave way to the scrumptious/genius decision of fanservice. It is not a favored way to go when viewing characters who have special powers at their command, but it worked here. I have seen Seinen where the company tried to "soft-pitch" the fanservice in the show and it ended up leaving the audience frustrated and annoyed. (Ex. _That Time I was Reincarnated as a Slime_) But when the company commits to fanservice, it is a lovely thing to behold.
The show itself is not bad for what it is. There is a boy, a harem, but they are not all trying to be his girlfriend. There is an interest, but she is competiing with two other girls only on the fear of losing the boy she can't seem to admit to liking more than just a friend. The story from there takes on episodes that center around problems that only they, as the students' self-appointed protectors, can solve.
There are both censored and uncensored versions of the series; and it's not difficult at all to follow along. If you're a guy, you'll like it. If you're not a guy, it's probably best to "keep it moving" until you find something more your speed. lol