Anime: Skull-Faced Bookseller Honda-san
Genre: Slice of Life
General Setup: Honda is a skeleton who works in a bookstore. His strange appearance doesn't seem to be a problem, as all of his co-workers also lack normal facial features.
Characters: The show often breaks the fourth wall, which adds a dimension of humor. For example, popular current shows are mentioned and censored for copyright issues, but still recognizable. Also, Honda is displayed as the author of the "Bookseller" manga, while simultaneously starring in the anime. The cast of characters is wide and varied - maybe a little too wide for the show's length and genre. However, as a retail worker myself, I did appreciate the different stereotypes of customers portrayed.
Plot: This show is a slice of life and so the plot is very episodic. Each episode showcases one or two happenings of Honda's adventures working at a bookstore. Most of these occurrences are comedic and somewhat exaggerated, although still appreciable in real life.
Ending: With the episodic nature of the show, there are few plot points that need to be tied up. However, the last episode leave the viewer on a feel-good note with some resolution.
Things to Watch For: As with anime and regular TV shows, books come from a wide array of genres. Some of the books in Honda's bookstore might be considered for mature audiences. However, few books, of any nature, are discussed in depth. There is also one instance of profanity.
Sights and Sounds: The animation for this show is very simple. A lot of the backgrounds from the bookstore and backrooms are reused, with the characters pasted on top. However, the simplistic nature of the show itself goes along with this theme. The opening and ending for this anime are both inspiring and relaxing, by turns. Also, I enjoyed the use of the sound effects and the English language for some of the more foreign customers.
Other Media: The anime is based on a four-volume manga series that concluded in March, 2019.
Fillers: N/A
Length: 12 episodes
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Related Shows: The Devil is a Part-timer
