The thought of a comedy anime about history seems just ridiculous; I mean, who would watch that? Yet somehow getting people to watch the show wasn’t an issue at all for this convention favorite. Whether you like them or not, you’ll see hoards and hoards of cosplayers from this show coating the con. So for better or for worse, today we look at Hetalia: Axis Powers

I honestly think the reason most people don’t like this show is due to its fanbase. It’s unfortunate when a great series becomes ostracized because of a stigma against the fans. I can admit that I was a fan of the show until joining a group of Hetalia cosplayers, and after that didn’t watch the show for months. But it’s still a great show.

The first episode starts off with a League of Nations looking conference room with all of the human embodiments of the countries around the table. America, running the meeting, starts off on a great foot by suggesting having a giant superhero to shield the Earth to prevent global warming. Japan agrees, sparking Switzerland to lash out at him over agreeing with everything. England yells at America’s stupid idea, followed by France correcting England.

China mocks their childishness, offering them snacks to get them to be quiet. Spain asks Russia to input, who only ends up stating his wish to dominate Lithuania, forcing weak Latvia to agree; an action to which Estonia says is wrong. Poland states he will rule all, and Greece is seen sound asleep in his chair. After all the racket, Germany explodes on them to get them to be silent, and sets ground rules. Italy is called on, who answers cheerily with “Pasta!”

After that disturbingly accurate representation of the world, we switch to the story of the Roman Empire,the man who owned all the riches of the world, then disappeared in one day. Now it’s World War I. Germany is in a forest hunting down descendants of Rome. However he’s surprised how he managed to invade with nothing but a stick. While walking, he finds a tomato box lying on the ground. But this story is to be continued…

Chibitalia is Hetalia’s end-of-episode shorts that tells the story of Italy as a child. Italy was taken away from countries to live with Rome and learn to be an artist, which he excelled at. However when he returned home, the other countries had grown up (Italy remained a child due to it never “growing” as a political power.) The other countries bully him, namely Holy Roman Empire with trying to force Italy to join.

As you may be able to tell, this show is full of stereotype and history jokes that a lot of people wouldn’t get. However, it’s still a show that anyone could find entertaining regardless. If you like history at all, there’s a great chance you’ll like this show as well. The creator of Hetalia also created a similar show, but with Middle-Eastern countries, called Afghanis-tan. Oh, did I mention the episodes are a mere five minutes long each?