Bad Girl Review
Introduction
Bad Girl, based on Nikumaru's 4-panel manga, is one of the more unconventional comedies of the Summer 2025 anime season. Animated by Studio Bridge and directed by Jōji Furuta, this lighthearted series mixes raunchy humor, school drama, and quirky romance. It follows a high-achieving girl who, in a desperate bid for attention from the school’s idol-like discipline chair, transforms herself into a ridiculous “bad girl” persona — with predictably chaotic results.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Yu Yutani, a studious and well-behaved girl who secretly nurses a crush on Atori Mizutori, the upright and strict leader of the school’s disciplinary committee. Convinced that her ordinary, good-girl self would never catch Atori’s eye, Yu decides to become a delinquent — piercings, rebellious attitude, and all — believing that’s the kind of girl Atori would notice.
What follows is a string of hilarious misunderstandings, over-the-top antics, and slapstick comedy as Yu tries to keep up her tough-girl façade while navigating high school life, friendships, and romantic blunders. Her antics often leave her best friend Suzu exasperated, while the endlessly cheerful Rura cheers her on in her misguided quest.
Animation, Cast & Crew
Studio Bridge, known for titles like Shaman King and Fairy Tail, lends a lively, expressive animation style to this gag-heavy show. The 4-panel manga format translates well, with punchy comedic timing and exaggerated character reactions that suit its over-the-top humor.
The anime is directed by Jōji Furuta, with series composition handled by Shōji Yonemura. Character designs by Yuki Morimoto capture the exaggerated delinquent look Yu aspires to, while maintaining a cute and colorful overall aesthetic.
The opening theme, “Super Big Love!” performed by the in-series idol unit Tenrogun, perfectly matches the show’s upbeat, chaotic energy. The background score leans heavily on lighthearted, playful tracks that punctuate the comedy scenes effectively.
Tone & Themes
At its core, Bad Girl is a character-driven comedy about identity, adolescent crushes, and the hilarious disasters that come from trying to be someone you’re not. It playfully tackles:
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Dual Identity Comedy: Watching Yu’s clumsy attempts at acting tough while hiding her true nature is consistently funny and relatable.
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Crush-Driven Motivation: Yu’s over-the-top schemes to win Atori’s attention turn everyday situations into laugh-out-loud moments.
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Friendship Dynamics: The supporting characters, especially Suzu and Rura, enhance the humor by reacting to Yu’s antics in wildly different ways.
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Yuri Undertones: Though not explicitly a romance, the series delights in teasing viewers with Yu’s hopeless infatuation and the awkward romantic tension between girls.
Fan Reactions & Expectations
Early impressions from fans have been enthusiastic. Viewers love the balance of absurd humor and sweet, character-driven moments. Many have praised the unique setup — a traditionally “good” girl going to comical lengths to appear delinquent — and the exaggerated comedic style reminiscent of classic gag anime.
There’s also excitement around the voice acting performances, particularly from Azusa Tachibana as Yu, whose delivery captures the character’s frantic, desperate energy perfectly. The chemistry between the main cast promises to be one of the series’ biggest strengths.
Why You Should Watch
Bad Girl stands out in a crowded season of fantasy and isekai anime with its fresh, modern high school comedy vibe. It’s an ideal pick for fans of:
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Character-driven, over-the-top comedy
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School-life series with romantic subtext
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Light, episodic anime perfect for casual viewing
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Fun, snack-sized humor with strong female leads
Its humor feels modern and self-aware, leaning into the ridiculousness of its premise while delivering genuinely sweet moments about friendship and self-acceptance.
Final Verdict
Bad Girl looks set to be one of Summer 2025’s most entertaining comedies. With its delightfully chaotic lead, sharp comedic timing, and quirky take on adolescent romance, it captures the spirit of a four-panel manga adaptation while offering something a little different in the current anime landscape.
If you’re after a lighthearted, fast-paced show with a charmingly clueless heroine and a healthy dose of school hijinks, Bad Girl should absolutely be on your watchlist.
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