Buck Naked Mansion and the Fallen Master
What they say:
Masamune Izumi is a high school student who writes light novels. Sagiri Izumi is a shut-in who never leaves her room. A year ago, she became Masamune’s little sister. But one day, Masamune discovers a shocking twist—The artist “Eromanga Sensei,” who has been drawing illustrations for his novels, is none other than his little sister Sagiri! His cute little shut-in of a sister, who has been living under his roof, is using an obscene pen name and draws lewd illustrations?!
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Episode 3 might be the strongest episode of Eromanga Sensei yet, and not just because it has a naked scene. Megumin, the girl who appeared in episode 2, has come back and is ready to unveil her new plan to make Sagiri attend school, which involves having her entire class stand in front of Masamune’s house, asking Sagiri to come to school. She probably doesn’t understand that for a NEET who has shut herself away inside her room, this is probably the worst possible thing a person can do. It’s the kind of thing that makes people like Sagiri hide inside of their futons.
Masamune puts a stop to Megumin’s plan, knowing how it might trauamtize his sister. During this episode, we see even more of Masamune’s siscon side, which is strong enough that Sagiri only has to look at him with her big, blue eyes, and he’ll do whatever she requests. This includes traveling to the supposedly haunted mansion next to their house. It seems someone is living there, and they like to play the piano, which has Sagiri scared out of her wits. Of course, when Masamune goes to look in the house, he finds not a ghost, but a naked Elf Yamada.
Elf Yamada is probably the most interesting character of the series so far. Aside from being one of the best light novelists in Japan, she’s a straightup Chuunibyo, who says odd lines like, “Welcome to the inner sanctuary of my crystal palace.” She’s arrogant and prideful, with full confidence in her own prowess as a writer. Her strong faith in herself is what makes her such an interesting character. Elf Yamada is also kind of a perv, which I’ve noticed is a major theme among the girls in this series so far.
During his visit, Masamune and Elf Yamada get into an argument over whether or not it’s right to have the main heroine strip naked within the first volume of a light novel series. Elf Yamada is of the belief that men cannot resist the call of erotica, while Masamune feels Elf Yamada doesn’t know squat about romantic comedies. It’s interesting. As a writer, I feel a sort of affinity for both of them. Masamune is a hard worker who writes everyday, but his writing has no heart anymore, which is why a lot of his stuff is rejected by editors. On the other hand, Elf Yamada only writes as a hobby and only when she wants to write, but she loves what she does, and this is, in her own words, why her light novels are more popular than his. Their differences present an age-old argument between writers. Which is better? Writing every day even when you aren’t motivated? Or writing only when you are motivated?
This episode ends with Masamune getting upset at Elf Yamada’s work ethic and challenging her to a writing competition. Basically, the one who writes the most interesting light novel will win. The clincher? Eromanga-sensei, aka Sagiri, will be the judge… though she doesn’t know that yet.
In Summary:
This was my favorite episode so far. Outside of the hilarious moments between Masamune and the three potential love interests (Elf Yamada, Sagiri, and Megumin), it moves the story along in an interesting way that resonates with me. Of course, seeing how this is based on a light novel, the show had some interesting fan service. I think I like Elf Yamada a lot more now that I know she plays the piano naked. On another note, I’m wondering how this competition is going to turn out. I hope it makes things even more interesting.
Grade: A
Streamed By:: Crunchyroll
