This is an unusual anime. It feels like those shows that exist to advertise a game or toy, but instead of teaching you how to play Battlethugs or make your MightyMech the butt-kickingest on the block, they're teaching you how to create and promote amateur comics in the Japanese convention scene. As Kazuki makes his first tentative steps in cartooning and convention-going, Taishi lurks in the background soliloquizing about the spirit and methods of doujinshi.

The exploration of the hobby/subculture is what makes this series fascinating. Kazuki learns how to get his comic printed, attends conventions, meets other cartoonists, and even works part time in a cosplay restaurant, all at Taishi's insistance.

Anyway, if you're interested in comics and cartooning, this show should be instructive, entertaining and interesting. I only wish amateur cartoonists in my country had the same sort of opportunity and fan support as they apparently do in Japan!

Spoilers ahead!

Kazuki, not being hailed as Japan's great new manga genius, gets discouraged and quits. This leads to the biggest flaw in the series...most of Disc 3 and 4 are fairly slow and aimless. Kazuki sulks, returns to life before comics, and wanders around doing other things. His girlfriend (who once loathed the whole comics thing) soon discovers that a guy with no passion in his life is dull and bland. Unfortunately, the audience is forced to discover that as well.

Of course, Kazuki gets over it and returns to cartooning just in the nick of time to make the next big convention.

It feels a bit too-little-too-late, though. I know one of the messages of the show is that you participate for the fun of it, not for the success or money...but I'd still have liked to see Kazuki work himself up to some sort of final triumph, rather than simply a return to the fold.