Kawai Complex is unquestionably my favorite romance anime, as it never succumbs to Cerebus Syndrome, instead subverting it hilariously whenever the situation seems like it's getting more dramatic.
Despite the two leads being students, very rarely are the episodes/chapters centered around the school, focusing on the craziness within the titular complex instead.
The characters are what make this series so enjoyable. Usa is a one of the few times I liked a Dogged Nice Guy, mostly due to his and the author's self-awareness of it and is called out early on for it. Which leads to some refreshing development in that he's no longer a "simp" and pursues Ritsu in a much more respectful manner. It also helps that he's genuinely nice but not to the point where it's annoying due to his status as The Snark Knight.
Ritsu is quite unique compared to most other romcoms and dramas, as there's not a lot angst to her character like many. She's fine with not having friends, but she's more annoyed with the perception that she's lonely, as she's not. Whereas Usa learns to not be overly attentive or submissive, Ritsu learns to open up and come out of her shell. While it's not like this development is anything original, it works because it's a gradual and subtle process, one that doesn't come from overcoming an angsty backstory.
The rest of the core cast consists of Shirosaki, a raging masochist who's actually quite cultured and respectful. Mayumi, the result of when Ms. Fanservice has a laughably awful personality, to the point that just like Usa, you too will Ignore the Fanservice. Sayaka, is like Mayumi except for Moe. And lastly, Sumika, an awesome old lady who zigzags between being wise and gushing over romance clichés.
One of the best aspects is not only how there's a nice balance in focus between the romance and the supporting cast's lives and shenanigans, but also how Ritsu and Usa's bond doesn't merely come about from him being nice. Whereas most anime would merely give Ritsu a tragic past for Usa to fix, here Usa gradually learns more about Ritsu as a person and vice versa. As despite having different interests they engage themselves in the other's activities, simply because it allows them to be closer to each other. Overall, it's believable and refreshing.
The comedic elements unfortunately do frequently involve the men getting beat up, however, the perpetrators, specifically Mayumi and Sayaka, do receive comeuppance in extremely satisfying and hilarious ways. Also, it never portrays their abuse as justified. Rather, it serves to showcase how flawed and unattractive, personality-wise, these characters are. Other jokes revolve around subverting the audience's expectations and crazy hijinks. Overall, it's best summed up as a whacky sitcom with a believable romance.
Manga Deserves More Attention
Kawai Complex is unquestionably my favorite romance anime, as it never succumbs to Cerebus Syndrome, instead subverting it hilariously whenever the situation seems like it's getting more dramatic.
Despite the two leads being students, very rarely are the episodes/chapters centered around the school, focusing on the craziness within the titular complex instead.
The characters are what make this series so enjoyable. Usa is a one of the few times I liked a Dogged Nice Guy, mostly due to his and the author's self-awareness of it and is called out early on for it. Which leads to some refreshing development in that he's no longer a "simp" and pursues Ritsu in a much more respectful manner. It also helps that he's genuinely nice but not to the point where it's annoying due to his status as The Snark Knight.
Ritsu is quite unique compared to most other romcoms and dramas, as there's not a lot angst to her character like many. She's fine with not having friends, but she's more annoyed with the perception that she's lonely, as she's not. Whereas Usa learns to not be overly attentive or submissive, Ritsu learns to open up and come out of her shell. While it's not like this development is anything original, it works because it's a gradual and subtle process, one that doesn't come from overcoming an angsty backstory.
The rest of the core cast consists of Shirosaki, a raging masochist who's actually quite cultured and respectful. Mayumi, the result of when Ms. Fanservice has a laughably awful personality, to the point that just like Usa, you too will Ignore the Fanservice. Sayaka, is like Mayumi except for Moe. And lastly, Sumika, an awesome old lady who zigzags between being wise and gushing over romance clichés.
One of the best aspects is not only how there's a nice balance in focus between the romance and the supporting cast's lives and shenanigans, but also how Ritsu and Usa's bond doesn't merely come about from him being nice. Whereas most anime would merely give Ritsu a tragic past for Usa to fix, here Usa gradually learns more about Ritsu as a person and vice versa. As despite having different interests they engage themselves in the other's activities, simply because it allows them to be closer to each other. Overall, it's believable and refreshing.
The comedic elements unfortunately do frequently involve the men getting beat up, however, the perpetrators, specifically Mayumi and Sayaka, do receive comeuppance in extremely satisfying and hilarious ways. Also, it never portrays their abuse as justified. Rather, it serves to showcase how flawed and unattractive, personality-wise, these characters are. Other jokes revolve around subverting the audience's expectations and crazy hijinks. Overall, it's best summed up as a whacky sitcom with a believable romance.