Venus to Mamoru!

What's the most generic romantic comedy you can think of? Not a harem situation, just a love triangle. Is it set in a high school for magic-users/monster-trainers/psychics? Presto: Mamoru-kun. It's not that this show is egregiously bad - the OP is a little annoying and the art and animation is rather lame for a show that aired in 2006, but you can skip the opening and comedies don't need stunning visuals to be funny - it's that there's nothing compelling to draw in the viewers. The story here is pretty basic: Mamoru, the shouta-looking untalented hero joins a prestigious school to become stronger, and immediately fallsin love with the notorious, hot-tempered, and powerful Ayako. The problem with this is that Ayako falls equally as hard in love with Mamoru, so any attempted romantic drama falls short of being convincing. People familiar with romances will notice scenarios like: "Ayako/Mamoru is avoiding me, does she/he not like me anymore?" No, they were just busy making you a present. Being set in a school based around super powers, there are also a number of villains that appear who are made out to be menacing, but once they appear, they do little aside from trying to break up the main couple. By the time everything is over, everyone is friends, because friendship/love is the greatest power in the world. Perhaps the best thing that could be said about the show is that several of the minor characters absolutely shine in the comedy department. The antics of the student council president, Maya, who also has feelings for Ayako, and his younger sister, Shione, with her ridiculous hair, in their attempts to tease/cheer up Ayako are delightful. The large, muscular dude who is constantly spouting Engrish is a hoot as well. Ayako's romantic rival, the short, flat-chested Emelenzia, is hilarious in her repeated failed attempts at seducing Mamoru. But all of this just reflects back on how weak the leading pair are: while Ayako avoids the tsundere stereotype by being constantly lovey-dovey towards Mamoru while thrashing anyone else who irritates her, the report between the two lacks the tenderness that makes established couples like Keiichi and Belldandy or Aoi and Kaoru enjoyable to watch. Because the superiority of the supporting cast and the mediocrity of the primary couple, the best episodes are the light-hearted ones, like when Shione suddenly shows up with her hair hanging straight, the Valentines episode when everyone (muscular Engrish-speaker include) make chocolates for Mamoru, or an explosive - literally - mission to peep on the girls in a hot spring. The serious episodes lack a sense of danger or an original twist to make them interesting. The art is utterly forgettable, except for a fireworks display in one of the episodes that makes one think that the person in charge of animating it was an amateur who had just discovered 3D CG effects. Sound was likewise passable but left little lasting impression. All in all, this show has it's moments, but there are much better ways to spend your time.

This is a really good romance comedy. The art in regards to specail effects and character models was excellent! Not to mention the characters expression of emotion was top not for romance comedy! The plot itself was good as it wasnt the "boy protects girl" but rather "girl protects boy and needs boy to do so". Sound was nothing special as some of the background music i heard was rather poorly placed. Overall though, this show gives of a great feel, but lacks enough originallty to break my top 5. Definently top 10 though! I JUST HATE HOW HES SO GOD DAM SHORT THOUGH!!!!! UHHH!!!

One of the best romantic comedies in a sense. This is a very enjoyable series and has a bit of "magic" thrown in. From the start, Mamoru is kind of an ackward piece of anime, but gets much better the longer you watch it. Like the others that have written reviews already, this definitely belongs near the top of this category. The story brings out the best of the characters in my eyes. The show doesn't stick straight to the oncoming disasters ahead, nor does it just show straight comedy with an added bit of romance. It gradually lets the characters grow and become a forceto be reckoned with. haha. The ending is good, but could have been a little better in my eyes. Although, I can't really think of a way to change it to make it any better. The artwork is pretty good. It wouldn't be at the same level as a Key animation but the anime keeps the "kawaii feel" while showing the awesome-ness of a magic (beatrice) anime. The sound for the anime is decent and doesn't ruin the anime in the least, but it has little to be desired for. The only exeception that I liked from this anime is the music that is played during the different points of "showing off their skill with beatrice." The artwork becomes good at these points too, so be careful not to miss either part. I'm not really good at conclusions, but this anime is a fun watch and is the masterpiece that isn't in the spot light. I only found it by chance! It is and isn't your typical romantic comedy in many ways, but I'm sure you'll understand that statement as you watch it!!!

Ok this anime is treated rather poorly sometimes, it is underrated in many ways. Yes for the person searching for a deep, overly dramatic and moving story this anime is not going to give you that. but for many viewers who want a enjoyable romance with some action, where the drama between characters doesn't make you want to strangle someone THEN THIS IS THE SHOW FOR YOU! The main male character Yoshimura, Mamoru is great for a romance fan, while he is small and not the strongest character he is a Man. He doesn't make you want to physically harm him like other shows becausehe isn't a pervert, he doesn't get crazy mood swings and the best part is he does know what he wants and he fights for it with everything he has. It was a nice break from the usual over the top drama. True all my opinion but as long as your looking for a light hearted romance/action you will very much enjoy this.