Entertainment and learning, both things some animes can deliver at the same time. 'Cells at Work!’ is a perfect example—the anime adaptation of original manga series produced by David Productions. This biology-comedy anime revolves around anthromorphic cells working together and performing each roles to keep the human body healthy, their world.
Cells at Work! focuses on two main protagonists: the newcomer Red Blood Cell (AE3803), who is always lost and troubled, and the dauntless and ruthless White Blood Cell (U-11146), who she always encounters.
The first episode is entitled ‘Pneumococcus’ based from the first chapter of the manga having the same title.It is about a strain of bacteria,which is the title, attacked the human body and cells are at work!
Typically, a jolly opening theme 'Mission! Ken・Kou・Dai・Ichi ’ (Mission! Health Comes First)greets audience a hello. The response-and-call song is performed by the four voice actors and actresses of the main protagonists in the series,namely: Kana Hanazawa as the Red Blood Cell, Tomoaki Maneo as the White Blood Cell, Daisuke Ono as Killer T Cell, and Kikuko Inoue as Macrophage.They have their own part of the song,duet in some part between Kana and Tomoaki, and Daisuke and Kikuko, and part they sing synchronously. In their individual part,the character that they gave voice to is working on their duties. Dialogs in the song can also be found. Other cells working and different pathogens wreaking havoc in the human body can also be seen in the visuals while the upbeat song is playing. These are the must-wait and must-see in the episode and even in the upcoming ones. This opening is catchy,cheerful and educational. Some reasons I think it will be popular and is perfect for their target audience, the children.I find this song as inspiring too,giving me the thought that are things that fight for me.The song is about the determination of cells to perform their duties for us despite struggles and challenges.
Mamiko Noto have a brief narration about the human body and cells working for it after the opening song and episode title card. Her voice is gentle and adds excitement and interest to the audience. The narrator is also the one who introduces a character,either cells or pathogens, including their characteristics and functions or effects in the body.
The plot of the episode is about invasion of Pneumococcus and elimination later on;with a 'superheroes saved the day' concept. The major conflict of this episode, appeared from the beginning,is between the cells and the bacteria and I never expected that it will be resolved not by the way White Blood Cells used to—bloody violence. The plot might be predictable but there are unexpected events that will make you feel outsmarted by the villains just like the protagonist ,and the other way around. I didn't encounter a plotline or conflicts that will continue to the following episodes,thus I conclude that it is a series with standalone episodes. A thing common for many comedy anime series, and even Western cartoons that are mostly loved by children. Each episodes feels like a different lessons for the audiences.
Characters are introduced along the way when the main protagonists met them by chance, like the Red Blood Cell encountered the Macrophage in the spleen because she is lost. Usually,just their name flashed on screen and they are the who are not yet relevant in the episode. Character designs help you to to identify and differentiate main protagonists to their kind. AE383, Red Blood Cell, has a average body, noticeable short red hair,and eye-catching amber brown eyes, these make her unique among other red blood cells. She wears red blood cell uniform and a red hat that has a shape similar to actual red blood cells. U-1146, White Blood Cell, has a pale skin and white hair, and wears a white blood cell uniform;all resembling the cell color. He has a remarkable dull eyes, just one was exposed most of the time. Their personality can change drastically at times just like how White Blood Cell becomes more aggresive and brutal in fights. The main protagonists in this episode are likeable and complements each other, so I think they probably will be shipped by audiences. And Red Blood Cell's personality and traits including being always lost and having a little knowledge pave the way for audiences' learning, when the time she knows about something or someone:can be an organ,a process taking place in human body, cells or even pathogens.
Voice plays a huge role also in showing emotions of characters and their remarkable personalities. Kana Hanazawa really did a great job by giving voice to lively and cheery AE3803, even though it is too different from her previous roles including the authoritive,cold and mysterious Kanade Tachibana in Angel Beats!. The same with Tomoaki Maneo who voice acts to other main protagonist, the aloof and ruthless U-1146 that is too far to his past roles like Moshihito Usaida of School Babysitters who is gentle and genuine. Voice actor and actress of main protagonists in this episode possess versatility and adaptability, and they gave justice to the characters.
The animation of Cells at Work! is really common among comedy anime series. Common visual symbols are widely used in the episode: the speed lines which can be seen during fights in between cells and bacteria that adds excitement and intensity to the fight;background patterns,the character defamation and exaggerated facial features such as the popping vein,colored face, X-shaped eyes etc. make up most of funny scenes. These are important in this series. From wide angle view of the human body represented as a city to the close up view of characters, the episodes show different angle views and shots. These can widen the perspective of viewers and help them to understand more about the settings and each characters. As someone becoming older, I really appreciate the story and lessons I've learned more than the series' animation.
The episode end with the calming song 'CheerS' by ClariS. A perfect song as ending,as if it is bidding farewell to tge viewers.
First episode of an anime series can give you first impression and decision whether you want to continue watching or not. Cells at Work!: Pneumococcus is better from what I expected. I thought it will be just anime with story and conversation with randomly added trivias. I was wrong, things you can learn is rooted to the plot and I'm impressed. Music and voicing are impressive ,showcasing the talent and versatility of voice actors, and make the the episode more interesting and engaging. Characters are likeable and relatable just like the Red Blood Cell who is determined yet struggling with the job. The animation will make it more popular to the target audience wigh its cartoonish nature. This episode did not only just bring entertainment but also knowledge. I crave for more and I can't wait what's in the next episodes.
I expect in the next episode that new problems taking place in human body or new pathogens will emerge.I am sure that cells will work!
I wrote this because I planned to apply for AniRadio Ph Anime Reviewers. I only wrote one because I am busy with school works–a reason I didn't continue my application.
Great anime. Love it <3