Toradora! English Sub & Dub

About Toradora!

Here is what Toradora! (とらドラ！) is about, retold in plain terms: a comedy, drama and romance anime by J.C.STAFF (2008). The premise: Ryuuji Takasu is a gentle high school student with a love for housework; but in contrast to his kind nature, he has an intimidating face that often gets him labeled as a delinquent. On the other hand is Taiga Aisaka, a small, doll-like pupil, who is anything but a cute and fragile girl.

Another thread: Equipped with a wooden katana and feisty personality, Taiga is known throughout the school as the "Palmtop Tiger. One day, an embarrassing mistake causes the two pupils to cross paths. Ryuuji finds out that Taiga actually has a sweet side: she has a crush on the popular vice president, Yuusaku Kitamura, who happens to be his best friend.

As a comedy title, timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. Voice work is led by Rie Kugimiya as Taiga Aisaka and Junji Majima as Ryuuji Takasu. If you count yourself among viewers who want something light between heavier series, put it on your list. With 25 episodes in total, there is enough room for the story to develop.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by J.C.STAFF, so the studio's house style defines how Toradora! looks and moves on screen. Within the comedy category, timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. A 7.7/10 score points to a dependable, well-liked series. On the casting side, Rie Kugimiya voicing Taiga Aisaka gives the lead role a recognizable voice. It aired in 2008, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.