If he sees underwear, humanity will be destroyed!? An original anime series from the noitaminA block, PUNCH LINE centers on Yuta Iridatsu, a high school student, with a peculiar habit. When he sees a girl's panties, he gets so excited he faints! After a certain incident with a ghost cat, his soul gets separated from his body. Using his special powers, Yuta watches the daily lives of the inhabitants of an apartment and sometimes plays tricks on them. Eventually, Yuta decides to unlock the secrets to why Earth will be destroyed and tries to save it!
Punch Line is an anime about panties and nosebleeds (more or less). There seems to be a deeper plot unfolding but for the most part, it's an anime not to take seriously, but to enjoy its craziness. Yuta is the odd protagonist. Whenever he sees a girl's panties, he gets excited and seems to powers up, ala Super Saiyan - his hair changes color and he gets stronger (ero power?) However, if he happens to see more panties, he loses control and gets a nasty nosebleed, then faint. But the craziest part is, his spirit gets separated from his body. Why would that happen? You'll have to watch to find out. Without giving too much away, Yuta's adventure involves finding a book that will enable his spirit to return to his body, all the while avoiding seeing panties or else planet earth will be destroyed. That's just absurd! Yet, I'm intrigued and curious to find out why that is.
Punch Line characters was designed by Shōta Iwasaki, the same guy who designed the characters for Kill La Kill, so you might notice some similarities, not only with the artwork but also with the movements. Although I wouldn't say it has the same energy as Kill La Kill, Punch Line did feature some good action. The animation is clear and the colors are vivid. The voice acting is beautifully done as well. Although not as ecchi as Triage X, with exaggerated boobs and sexual ovetone, Punch Line does feature plenty of exposed panties and of which, is the plot's main driving force. The opening theme, "PUNCH LINE!" by Shokotan ♥ Denpagumi is alright, but may grow on you from repeated listening. The ending theme, "Mitsu Mitsu Mitsu" by Ayumikurikamaki is much better in my opinion.
Whether you're just looking for a new anime to watch to get entertained without having your brain think too much, or if you're into ecchi and a pinch of moe, then Punch Line is for you. It's funny, silly, and most of all, it's decently entertaining.
Rating: B-
BY: Evelyn Febrero
