Soushimin: How To Become Ordinary - Episode 1 Review - 'Hyouka' But More

The first episode of 'Soushimin: How To Become Ordinary' just released on crunchyroll this week, on July 6th, 2024. With more episodes to follow in the coming weeks, here is a short review on why the series may be worth watching.

'Hyouka's Relation To This Anime Is So Obvious

When I watched the first episode, I immediately asked myself, "Did the people behind 'Hyouka' make this anime?"

As it turns out, they were made by different studios. 'Hyouka' was produced by Kyoto Animation, and 'Soushimin' is being produced by Lapin Track. While the two studios don't have much relation with one another, the visual aesthetics seem to overlap a lot.

From beautiful lighting and shading, to the simple yet unique character designs, to even how scenes transition from one another, it was hard not to draw parallels between the two shows. It was only after a bit of research that I realised that both anime were adapted from light novels written by the same author, Honobu Yonezawa.

The two shows also share a lot more than just the visuals.

A Smart Kid Looking For A Quiet High School Life, Part 2

In both anime, the protagonists wish to lead a quiet life in their high school years. They both try their best to avoid causing a scene or doing anything that would require too much effort. Yet, both protagonists also have extremely strong deduction skills, something that their peers immediately take notice of and wish to utilise.

Still, the shows' protagonists are not exactly the same. While Houtaro Oreki from 'Hyouka' wishes to exert as little energy as possible in his day to day life, Jougorou Kobato from 'Soushimin' simply wishes to live an ordinary school life and not inconvenience those around him. It also seems that Kobato has some important past events that lead to him developing good deduction skills. Events that have only been alluded to as 'wisdom work'.

Will 'Soushimin' Improve Upon 'Hyouka'?

There are plenty of things that 'Soushimin' has already done in its first episode which feel like an improvement over 'Hyouka'. The visuals are immediately a lot more experimental, with the protagonist's intelligence portrayed in the unique manner of literally putting him in other people's shoes.

The character writing also seems to be a lot sharper, as each character shows more subtlety in their behavior and dialogue. They feel more alive, like they have their own backgrounds, doubts, and motivations.

It's hard to say whether the rest of the series will continue with such quality, but if you are a fan of slow-paced mystery, then 'Soushimin: How To Become Ordinary' may be the perfect new anime to watch. 'Hyouka' fans will especially love this spiritual successor of the series.

Those interested can watch the first episode on Crunchyroll, with more to follow in the coming weeks.