Mar 28 2010 12:29 AM So the final episode of Hoshimittsu has come and gone. Out of curiosity, does no one watch this show? Not a single discussion since it aired
Hidamari Sketch x Hoshimittsu starts essentially "anew" in its third season by introducing to new members to the Hidamari apartments, increasing the Yuno and co. group to 6. At first, Hoshimittsu looks like the same old plot formula reused in x365 in 2008 but is in fact much different. Aside from the show airing in full 720p and looking significantly prettier and detailed, Hoshimittsu conjures up a different feeling than the previous Hidamari series. The plot, although looks as if the same formula is being used with just an additional two characters. The addition of the two characters made the series feel like it was not only progressing significantly, but also a more "realistic" slice-of-life show. Of course, nothing "bad" ever happens to the girls but that's aside from the point. Point is that the series finally begins to provide a sense of direction while keeping the same Hidamari feel we've been seeing for the past 2-3 years.
The animation, as said before, has greatly improved. It would almost seem as if Shinbou dedicated most of his time on this series over Dance in the Vampire Bund, making this series a gem for the season. The artwork was extremely detailed on all grounds, even the smallest things were drawn to perfection. Although the series may not be worth watching on a blu-ray, the HD/720p touch definitely made the series feel as if it was on a whole different level from essentially everything else this season even though the animation was done by SHAFT.
Music, the best I've heard in all the Hidamari series. As far as I can recall, it is the only season where I liked both the OP and ED at all. In addition, the new cast for the new characters were amazing. I surely didn't expect Hitomi Harada to voice Nori after hearing her voice Himeji in Baka to Test and was expecting her to be Nazuna, who is actually voiced by Chiaki Omigawa instead (Jun in Natsu no Arashi!, Maka in Soul Eater). Nazuna was also a surprise given Omigawa's previous roles as the more proactive type character while Nazuna was an extremely shy character. As such the sound quality has greatly improved in this series since the last time it aired (discounting OVAs and specials) and I'm rather impressed.
Character development was also rather solid for the most part. Compared to the previous series, there was a lot of back story for Hiro and Sae particularly seeing as this is their last year at Hidamari. Thus, it was nice to see what they were like prior to Hiro and Miyako moving in as well as other sempais before them. Although they didn't go into much depth about Nori and Nazuna, I'm sure they will go into more should they choose to make a 4th season.
Enjoyment: as stated before, this is probably one of the better new series this season that I enjoyed, along with Baka to Test, Nodame Cantabile Finale, especially given the massive disappointments with other series, including Ookami Kakushi, Omamori Himari and potentially Dance in the Vampire Bund. Hidamari Sketch, having gone 3 series strong now is truly outstanding and I'm always looking forward to more given the downturn of the anime industry right now.
Overall, this is the best Hidamari Sketch thus far and truly a strong improvement from the first two seasons where the series felt like another Lucky Star initially. Ironically, speaking of stars, this one did much better than the other one.
9/10 
