Score: 6.56/10
RobiHachi
Synopsis
Ever since they encountered aliens on the moon, humanity's technology has developed by leaps and bounds. Half a century later, even though most have it easy, Robby Yaji and Hacchi Kita cannot seem to catch a break in this advanced society. Robby—a man perpetually struck by misfortune—owes large sums of money to debt collectors due to his poor investments in shady get-rich-quick schemes, and Hacchi finds it difficult to get over the boredom of his mundane life. The two end up on an adventure of a lifetime when loan shark boss Yang sends Hacchi to collect the money Robby owes. Rather than pay up, Robby blasts off into space and heads to Isekandar, a planet that supposedly brings happiness to anyone who visits. Seeing a chance for some much needed excitement, Hacchi tags along with Robby on this journey filled with alien encounters, giant robot battles, and all sorts of troublemaking—all the while avoiding Yang and his cronies who are desperately combing the universe to find them. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
I’m not sure what I was expecting from this series based on its advertising blurbs, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a wacky, energetic buddy series that turns into a corny spacefaring series that then turns into a retro combining mecha series. After this first episode, there’s no telling what RobiHachi might be next, and at least one of its protagonists wouldn’t have it any other way.
Although this series borrows ideas from a number of previous anime – Space Dandy and Tiger & Bunny come to mind – it doesn’t closely parrot any of them. The more standard side of its premise pairs together two men with sharply contrasting outlooks. One is a gullible fool who’s so plagued by misfortune (much of it of his own fault) that his life is far more chaotic and unpredictable than he’d like; the other has been so successful that everything has become too predictable for him, to the point that he takes on jobs he seems ill-suited for just to find something interesting to do. Despite their stark personality clashes, each is exactly what the other needs to become complete, as Robby’s circumstances are an eye-opener for Hatchi, while Robby desperately needs someone like Hatchi around who actually has his head on straight. And in terms of other appeals for certain audiences, Hatchi’s first thought upon winding up inside a combing robot was being flustered over controlling “the bottom half.”
Their relationship isn’t the only lively thing about the series. The setting is a vibrant pastiche of traditional restaurants and businesses reimagined in a sci fi style with a nice blend of old-school and new-fangled appeal. The idea that Robby’s “penthouse” was actually a long-unused spaceship is also only one element of the series’ overall major absurdity; the loan shark’s spaceship also must be seen to be fully appreciated, while being pretty damn cool in its own right. The series’ imagery peaks with the classic samurai-style mecha who also happens to have a moustache, and let’s not forget the talking robot (or alien?) bunny character.
Director Shinji Takamatsu has a strong track record with hyperactive lighthearted fare (Gintama, School Rumble, Nanbaka, Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!), and he’s working magic again with RobiHachi. A decent animation effort from Studio Comet keeps everything looking bright, with some stronger CGI work on the side. I wouldn’t be surprised if this series turns out to be a breakout hit this season. You can also free RobiHachi anime watch online and free anime download.
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