Baka and Test explained

Ja Kanji:バカとテストと召喚獣
Ja Romaji:Baka to Tesuto to Shōkanjū
Genre:Fantasy
Type:light novel
Author:Kenji Inoue
Illustrator:Yui Haga
Publisher:Enterbrain
Demographic:Male
Imprint:Famitsu Bunko
First:January 29, 2007
Last:March 30, 2015
Volumes:18
Type:manga
Author:Kenji Inoue
Illustrator:Mosuke Mattaku
Yumeuta
Publisher:Kadokawa Shoten
Demographic:Shōnen
Magazine:Shōnen Ace
First:April 25, 2009
Last:July 26, 2016
Volumes:15
Type:manga
Baka to Test to Shōkanjū Spinout! Sore ga Bokura no Nichijō
Author:Kenji Inoue
Illustrator:Namo
Publisher:Enterbrain
Demographic:Shōnen
Magazine:Famitsu Comic Clear
First:October 30, 2009
Last:June 22, 2012
Volumes:6
Type:tv series
Director:Shin Oonuma
Music:Nijine
Studio:Silver Link
Network:TV Tokyo
First:January 7, 2010
Last:March 31, 2010
Episodes:13
Episode List:List of Baka and Test episodes
Type:ova
Baka to Test to Shōkanjū: Matsuri
Director:Shin Oonuma
Music:Nijine
Studio:Silver Link
First:February 23, 2011
Last:March 23, 2011
Episodes:2
Episode List:List of Baka and Test episodes#Baka to Test to Shōkanjū Matsuri (OVA)
Type:tv series
Baka to Test to Shōkanjū: Ni!
Director:Shin Oonuma
Music:Nijine
Studio:Silver Link
Network:TV Tokyo
First:July 8, 2011
Last:September 30, 2011
Episodes:13
Episode List:List of Baka and Test episodes#Baka to Test to Shōkanjū Ni! (2011)
Baka to Test to Shōkanjū Portable
Developer:Kadokawa Games
Genre:Board/Adventure
Platforms:PlayStation Portable
Released:December 13, 2012

, also known as Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts, is a Japanese light novel series written by Kenji Inoue with illustrations by Yui Haga. The series revolves around Akihisa Yoshii, the titular baka (idiot) and his friends at Fumizuki Academy, a school where students are sorted into classes based on their entrance exam test grades. The top classes receive better classroom equipment and benefits, while the bottom classes receive very little. Class F, the lowest class in the school, are angered by this injustice and vow to fight the higher-level classes for better equipment and respect. Baka and Test was published by Enterbrain, with a total of 18 novels published from January 2007 to March 2015 under its Famitsu Bunko imprint.

A 13-episode anime television series was produced by Silver Link, broadcasting from January to March 2010. This was quickly followed by a two-episode original video animation series in February 2011 titled Baka to Test to Shōkanjū: Matsuri, and a second 13-episode anime television series titled Baka to Test to Shōkanjū: Ni! broadcasting from July to September 2011. Baka and Test additionally received three manga adaptations published by Enterbrain in Famitsu Comic Clear and Kadokawa Shoten in Shōnen Ace, and a PlayStation Portable video game in December 2012.

Synopsis

Setting

Baka and Test takes place at a fictitious preparatory school called Fumizuki Academy in Japan, said to implement "the finest and most unique systems." Its students are rigidly divided into classes based on their results in an entrance exam. Class A contains the highest scoring students, while Class F contains the lowest scoring students. In addition to this, the classes are given different perks and equipment based on this division. The higher the class, the better the benefits; Class A is filled with prestigious items like air conditioners, fancy seats, laptops, a free snack bar, etc. Meanwhile, Class F is forced to work in a dusty, broken classroom with mats and low wooden tables.

Additionally, Fumizuki Academy has a special system whereby all students are able to call forth Summoned Beings (Shōkanjū, or "Avatars" in the official English translation.) These Beings are able to fight when a teacher gives their approval - their strength depends on their most recent test scores in the approving teacher's subject (i.e. Math, History, etc.) The Being will lose points when struck by an opponent, and should their score reach zero, they are disqualified and must take remedial classes with the strict Soichi Nishimura, (nicknamed "Iron Man") which the students dread. If a student is able to leave the battle without their points reaching zero, they can take a supplemental exam to replenish their score, and return to battle. The primary function of these battles is the "Summoner Test War," where two classes fight with their Beings. The war ends when one class's Representative, the highest scoring student in the class, is defeated in a battle. If a lower ranked class is able to defeat a higher ranked class, they have the option to switch classroom facilities, giving the lower ranked classes a chance to prove themselves and earn better equipment.

Plot

On the day of the placement test, Mizuki Himeji suffers from a fever and cannot complete it, and is thus given a score of zero, despite her intelligence. She is put into Class F, alongside the rest of the main characters - Akihisa Yoshii (the titular baka), Yuuji Sakamoto (the class representative), Hideyoshi Kinoshita (the bishōnen actor), Kouta Tsuchiya (the perverted photographer, sometimes known as Silent Ninja Pervert, Muttsurīni) and Minami Shimada (a transfer student from Germany who cannot read kanji.)

Akihisa is frustrated by the school's decision to place Himeji in Class F, believing she should've been given another chance at the placement test. He speaks to Yuuji, who also feels unfairly treated by the school's rigid system. They vow to prove to everyone that there's more to life than just test scores by taking down Class A and taking their classroom for themselves. This results in several Summoner Test Wars against higher-ranked classes. The show also loosely follows the love triangle consisting of Minami, Himeji and Akihisa, their crush. Meanwhile, Yuuji is targeted by Shouko Kirishima, a Yandere Class A student who fell in love with Yuuji when they were children.

Media

Light novels

Baka and Test began as a light novel series written by Kenji Inoue, with illustrations by Yui Haga. Enterbrain published 18 volumes from January 29, 2007 to March 30, 2015 under its Famitsu Bunko imprint;[1] [2] 12 comprise the main story, while the other six are side story collections.[3]

Manga

A manga adaptation titled, illustrated by both Mosuke Mattaku and Yumeuta, began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's Shōnen Ace with the June 2009 issue sold on April 25, 2009 and ended in the September 2016 issue sold on July 26, 2016. Kadokawa Shoten published 15 tankōbon volumes from December 19, 2009 to November 26, 2016.[4] [5] The English version of the manga adaptation is available on BookWalker.[6] Another manga adaptation, titled and illustrated by Koizumi, was serialized between the February 2010 and January 2014 issues of Shōnen Ace. Kadokawa Shoten published four volumes between August 26, 2010 and January 25, 2014. A third manga adaptation, titled and illustrated by Namo, was serialized in Enterbrain's online magazine Famitsu Comic Clear between October 30, 2009 and August 12, 2012. Enterbrain published six volumes between May 15, 2010 and August 10, 2012.

Anime series

See also: List of Baka and Test episodes. A 13-episode anime television series adaptation produced by the animation studio Silver Link, written by Katsuhiko Takayama, and directed by Shin Oonuma[7] aired in Japan between January 7 and March 31, 2010. A two-episode original video animation (OVA) series titled Baka to Test to Shōkanjū: Matsuri[8] were released on Blu-ray and DVD from February 23, 2011 to March 30, 2011. A second anime television series titled Baka to Test to Shōkanjū: Ni! aired in Japan between July 8 and September 30, 2011. Funimation licensed both seasons and the OVAs for distribution in North America.[9] [10] Both seasons have appeared on the Funimation Channel.[11] Muse Communication licensed the series in Southeast Asia and streamed on Muse Asia YouTube channel.[12]

The first anime season's opening theme is "Perfect-area Complete!" by Natsuko Aso, composed by Kenichi Maeyamada. The first ending theme is "Baka Go Home" by Milktub and BakaTest All Stars and the second ending theme is "Hare Tokidoki Egao" by Hitomi Harada, Kaori Mizuhashi, Emiri Katou and Tomomi Isomura. For the Matsuri OVAs, the opening theme is by Aso, and the ending theme is by Milktub. For the second anime season, the opening theme is by Larval Stage Planning, and the ending theme is by Aso.

Video game

A PlayStation Portable video game titled Baka to Test to Shōkanjū Portable was released on December 13, 2012 in a regular edition and a limited edition box set, both in Japan only.[13] [14] The game is styled like a board game. There are nine characters to choose from—Akihisa, Mizuki, Minami, Yuuji, Hideyoshi, Kouta, Shouko, Yuuko and Miharu—with individual storylines of their own. In the beginning, only Akihisa, Yuuji, Hideyoshi and Kouta can be chosen by default. To unlock the other five characters, the other four characters must first be played in story mode.

In Baka to Test to Shōkanjū Portable, the principal of Fumizuki Academy, Tōdo Kaworu, has implemented a new summoning system in which students put their luck and skills to the test. If one student can win three stages in a row, they may choose a prize of their choice.

Reception

The Baka and Test anime television series has received positive reviews, from fans and critics. Writing for Anime News Network, Carl Kimlinger gave both seasons of the anime a B−,[15] [16] praising the series' sharp comedy and style, while criticizing the writing of its female characters.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣. Kadokawa Corporation. December 9, 2015. ja. December 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151211015829/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/301406000792/. live .
  2. Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣12. Kadokawa Corporation. December 9, 2015. ja. December 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151210225139/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/301309001010/. live .
  3. Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣3.5. Kadokawa Corporation. December 9, 2015. ja. December 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151211033315/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/301406000793/. live .
    Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣6.5. Kadokawa Corporation. December 9, 2015. ja. December 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151210232655/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/301502000877/. live .
    Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣7.5. Kadokawa Corporation. December 9, 2015. ja. December 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151211001149/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/200912000696/. live .
    Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣9.5. Kadokawa Corporation. December 9, 2015. ja. December 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151210230946/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/201104000389/. live .
    Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣10.5. Kadokawa Corporation. December 9, 2015. ja. December 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151210232759/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/201207000240/. live .
    Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣12.5. Kadokawa Corporation. December 9, 2015. ja. December 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151211004004/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/301412000992/. live .
  4. Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣 (1). Kadokawa Shoten. December 9, 2015. ja. December 11, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151211000607/http://www.kadokawa.co.jp/comic/bk_detail.php?pcd=200909000122. live .
  5. Web site: KADOKAWA Corporation . ja:バカとテストと召喚獣 (15). Kadokawa Shoten. ja. November 22, 2017 .
  6. Web site: Baka and Test: Summer the Beasts (Kadokawa Manga). BookWalker. December 10, 2015. December 10, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151210055353/http://global.bookwalker.jp/series/24932/. live.
  7. Web site: Baka to Test to Shōkanjū Light Novels to Be Animated. Anime News Network. April 11, 2009. August 18, 2009. April 13, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090413060319/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-11/baka-to-test-to-shokanju-light-novels-to-be-animated. live.
  8. Web site: Baka and Test Gets New OVA Before 2nd TV Season. Anime News Network. August 23, 2010. February 16, 2011. September 4, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110904050532/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-08-23/baka-and-test-gets-new-ova-before-2nd-tv-season. live.
  9. Web site: Baka and Test – The Official Anime Website from Funimation . . October 29, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100309123128/http://funimation.com/bakaandtest/ . March 9, 2010.
  10. Web site: Funimation Adds Deadman Wonderland, Steins;Gate and More. Anime News Network. July 2, 2011. 2016-06-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20160611051358/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-07-01/funimation-adds-deadman-wonderland-steins-gate-more. live.
  11. Web site: Funimation Week 7 of 2013 . https://archive.today/20130411000125/http://www.funimationchannel.com/schedule/2_e30212.htm . dead . April 11, 2013 . . February 9, 2013.
  12. Web site: BAKA and TEST - Summon the Beasts [English Sub]]. . October 27, 2023.
  13. Web site: Baka to Test Portable PSP Game Planned for 2012. Anime News Network. January 18, 2012. May 9, 2012. February 3, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130203044549/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-01-18/baka-to-test-portable-psp-game-planned-for-2012. live.
  14. Web site: http://www.vridge.co.jp/consumer/index.html. ja:家庭用ゲーム開発実績. Home Game Development Record. Vridge. April 27, 2013. ja. May 21, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130521055313/http://www.vridge.co.jp/consumer/index.html. dead.
  15. Web site: Baka and Test Episodes 1-4 Streaming. 2021-12-18. Anime News Network. en. 2021-12-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20211218013050/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/baka-and-test-summon-the-beasts/episodes-1. live.
  16. Web site: Baka and Test: Season Two BD+DVD. 2021-12-18. Anime News Network. en. 2021-12-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20211218014254/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/baka-and-test/season-two/bd+dvd-complete-set-limited-edition. live.