Anime Profile: Pucca

Pucca is like no other anime-inspired cartoon I have ever seen. The art is very simple, using a lot of very basic shapes and crisp colors, the animation looks like it was made for a Flash player, are neither of the two main characters actually speak. Plus, it is unbelievable cute, more so than even Hamtaro. And yet, despite what you might expect for a series with such an extreme cuteness factor, this show goes down like a cool drink of water. It's easy to watch, easy to laugh at, and will simply brighten your day.

The main focus of the show is on a 10 year old girl named Pucca, and her ever-lasting quest to make a ninja boy named Garu into her boyfriend. Garu, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with Pucca, and typically spends most of the episode trying to run away from her. And oddly enough, neither of these two main characters even speak! All thoughts and emotions are conveyed by body language and floating icons that pop up. Any fan of anime will recognize the use of icons to indicate emotions, such as hearts popping up to indicate love, but this show takes it to the extreme!

Thankfully, all the rest of the characters speak, and let me tell you, there are quite a few of them! My personal favorite is Garu's best friend, Abyo. He's modeled after Bruce Lee, and can often be found ripping off his shirt whenever the mood suits him (which is typically AT LEAST once per episode). Pucca's best friend is Ching, who often seems super-cheerful and always has a bird sitting atop her head. And what would a show be without villains?! The best of these is the evil ninja Tobe, Garu's main rival. He has a wicked-looking x-shaped scar right between his eyes and commands an entire clan of ninja lackeys... but despite all this, he still lacks the skill needed to take down Garu... or even Pucca for that matter. But he does have some of the funniest quotes in the show.

There are other villains, such as Muji, a man obsessed with his moustache, and the Vagabond Ninja Clan, which consist of Chief, Clown, and Shaman. Ring Ring could also be considered a baddie, though to a much lesser extent. She's basically a spoiled, selfish rich girl who wears traditional Chinese robes and gets this gnarly red-and-white design on her face when she gets mad. She considers herself Pucca's rival, though I'm unsure if Pucca actually sees her in that way. Also making frequent appearances is Santa Claus (though not as a villain). I guess the man's gotta do something when he's not on duty for Christmas.

At any rate, this show is a great melting pot of cuteness, comedy, martial arts action, weirdness, and kisses... lots of kisses! It is great entertainment that works for both kids and adults. Definitely check it out if you have the chance. Don't trust me? Just check out the Pucca Trailer, or this 3-minute clip from the show.. Once you see it in action, you'll understand....

All 26 episodes from the first season are now available on two DVDs released by Shout! Factory: Pucca - Ninjas Love Noodles and Pucca - Kung Fu Kisses, though they don't seem to be in any particular order: