Anime Voice

Aside from Strawberry Panic, the only yuri anime(as in 100% yuri, not including pseudo-yuri like Otoboku), I've watched is Maria-sama Ga Miteiru but I can't remember if there were any scenes of girls kissing each other or sleeping together in one bed. Maria-sama girls were not as intimate as that in Strawberry girls. So I was quite surprised when I've seen Strawberry Panic. I thought I can handle watching Yuri animes but I guess I can't so skipped through most of the romantic part.

I did enjoy it though in some other episodes like when it rained and Nagisa lent her umbrella on a freshman Lerim student who still carries her teddy bear around. And how the girls wanted to be under the same umbrella and walk in the rain with the person they like or admire was really funny so it's not that boring at all like some people says. If I am to compare the fun factor between Maria-sama and Strawberry, then I'd choose the latter. I would've dropped Strawberry if it weren't for that reason and besides, I saw an AMV somewhere and there was a clip where Shizuma confess to Nagisa in front of everyone. It was a very touching moment. What more if Shizuma is a guy?

Of course there are love angles and that's what makes it interesting in some point. But both the main girls, Nagisa and Hikari, were loyal to their princes and could only offer friendship to the others who love them. Seems like not all roomates fall for each other. If I were to choose who I want for Hikari, then I'd say Yaya-chan is better. She was the one who understood Hikari and even supported and root for her when she was finding a way to get close with Amane.

For Nagisa, I can't decide. I like both Shizuma and Tamao. But considering the good factors or points both have gained, Tamao is the winner. She was always with Nagisa from the beginning. And worries for her all the time even when she had to go back home and leave Nagisa on the academy. I know Nagisa has loved her but that was nothing more than just the closest friend she's ever had.

As for the artwork, I think it was okay. I like the way their figures were drawn. It's not like those animes with ridiculous rounded faces. It's one thing that attacted me to watch this in the first place. I especially like the looks of Shizuma. If you have time, I suggest you take a look at this one.