michael dworkis delves into the world of anime …
Think you know your World War II history? Forget what you learned in middle school. Germany and Italy best friends forever? Mr. Austria a prude? Ms. Belarus the bride of her brother Mr. Russia? Mr. Britain does not know how to cook decent food? America the epitome of awesome? You bet! In this gloriously funny anime series, the way you will think about world history will never be the same. The countries of the world are hysterically made fun of in this tale of world events.
Hetalia is a comical take on the history of the world nations through World War I and World War II. The main character, Mr. Italy, is a bumbling, pasta-loving fool who wants to be the best friend of Mr. Germany and is able to craft a white flag in seconds. The story unfolds as nations slowly but surely become involved in the world crisis and their histories are told through a cynical story. Mr. Germany constantly has to save Mr. Italy and put up with his cowardice. Mr. Japan is confused most of the time while Mr. America shows off his awesomeness and Mr. Britain sulks that no one takes him seriously. Wait … is there someone else in the room? Oh, that is just Mr. Canada. No one really notices him. Think a reality show with everyone living in one house, instead taking the nations of the world and the world is like one mansion of madness.
There are currently four seasons to Hetalia. Each season contains 26 episodes, however each episode runs about five minutes each. The first two seasons are known as Hetalia: Axis Powers and the later two seasons, yet-to-be-released are called Hetalia: The World Series. Nearly all of the nations involved throughout World War II are involved. Jabs and jokes are made about all the nations and shows how much of their political blunders impacted their respective societies.
I discovered Hetalia while watching the Funimation Channel (cheap plug), thanks to my recent switch to Verizon Fios (a second cheap plug). I got hooked instantly, the humor is smart and the occasional blurbs about true historical events make this a fun series to really get into. Believe it or not, there are actual facts stated and shown throughout the series, and some of them are too funny to have been made up. Did you know Germany had to manufacture clocks for France as part of reparations?
Mr. Britain is a snobbish oaf practicing Black Magic while France hits on everyone. There are a couple of episodes on Sealand. Who is Sealand? There is an episode explaining their historical existence. Mr. Russia seems nice, but plots to murder everyone in their sleep. He has a sister who “bounces” around a lot.
My favorite characters are Mr. Germany for his constant obsession with rules and order, Mr. America and his grandiose glory-hound heroic behavior, and Romano (Southern Italy) for being a jerk to Mr. Germany. Nearly every nation is represented, and viewer be warned: This is not for kids. There is plenty of foul language, innuendo, and lots of offensive portrayals (mostly of Mr. Japan’s speech, and Mr. Germany threatening to gas people) of all the nations. If you are open to a funny, insane take on world history, you will enjoy this series.
Buy it on Amazon, or watch it for free at the Funimation YouTube channel.
