Majisuka Gakuen is an interesting series, which was something of a surprise for me given that it's basically a vehicle for AKB48. Yes, it's violent and bloody, and follows a very linear and predictable path, but I found the dark humor that pervades the series to be very engaging.

The acting, for the most part, isn't going to win awards, but that's actually fine given the type of show, where over-acting is often a good thing. This isn't supposed to be realistic, it's supposed to be fun, in much the way a shonen manga can be fun. You have the usual concepts you find in shonen manga--loyalty, the reluctant hero, all kinds of odd characters who each have their own unique style--but I think it's the fact that the series doesn't really get too serious that makes it likable. You have delinquents who grill meat in class everyday, delinquents who dress in goth-loli fashion, and even a few who seem to have supernatural powers; how can that not be entertaining?

I honestly enjoyed watching this series, even if it was something other than I expected. The writing and production values were very good, even considering the campyness of the material.

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