From Julian's shelf
My Deer Friend Nokotan
First impression
Why it is on my shelf
An early reaction to the series and its particular comic energy.
My Deer Friend Nokotan might take the cake for absurdity, and I love its cantankerous prankster energy. It gets almost upsetting to watch in the best way, because the characters are so cringe, constantly pissing each other off and getting under each other’s skin. Nokotan is a menace beyond belief. It’s a little bit much, honestly, and I haven’t gotten super deep into the series yet, but there’s already so much to appreciate about what it brings to the table. The vibes are beyond ten; they go to eleven. There’s also so much happening as an in-joke that I’m still learning how to read, and it makes me more passionate about understanding Japanese culture and language.
Premise
Girl meets elk-girl—and chaos ensues! No one knows Torako used to be a delinquent. All of her classmates only know her as the perfect student. But everything changes when Nokotan, a transfer student with antlers, enters her life. Antlers aren’t the only thing strange about Nokotan. Her deer nose can sniff out Torako’s secret past! Whether it’s at school or the zoo, chaos follows this doe-eyed girl’s every step. Torako has so many questions! Is Nokotan a deer, a girl, or something in-between? (Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
Genres Comedy · Fantasy · Slice of Life