I don't usually take recommendations when it comes to what anime I watch, but when I went to AN Entertainment's panel at Anime Expo 2004, I was compelled to take a leap of faith and check out Risky Safety. And what would you know, they weren't just making empty plugs for their licensed series.

With only ten minutes per episode to work with, Risky Safety could've gone the same way as Hanaukyo Maid Tai or Momoiro Sisters; a feasible concept with a lack of time to engage any otaku. Instead, it works very well because its uplifting ethics are featured by characters that experience the same situations that real people do. Although they trudge knee-deep in angst at times, the characters' trials involve learning about indecisiveness, sadness, good and evil while making you look at some morals from an alternative perspective. When it isn't dipping into drama, there's a comedic aspect of the series that doesn’t always hit the proper buttons... with exception for the parodies. Featuring subtle jabs at Space Battleship Yamato, Rurouni Kenshin, Fatal Fury and many others, these gags are absolutely hysterical, if you catch them. And all the while, Iwatsubo Rie's seiyuu performance, as both Risky and Safety, is topnotch; she truly makes the characters what they are with her astounding vocal skills.

One flaw that was readily apparent was that the second story arc involving Fazzy is incredibly slow, and there doesn't seem to be a reason behind why. Granted, the overall pacing isn't what I'd call fast by any stretch of the imagination, but this arc seemed especially sluggish. Also, some episodes ended too sharply for my liking. Given the short episode length, it's understandable why some end so suddenly, but their endings are akin to driving a car into a concrete wall. I feel that there should've been some breathing room between the last bits of dialogue and the ending credits.

If you're interested in a short shoujo anime that's fun for all ages, consider Risky Safety. With some touching drama and comedy, as well as the great duo Risky and Safety, this is a series that'll leave you with a smile on your face.