Humor stands out as one of the most intriguing cognitive experiences, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly why people laugh. While it’s simple enough to trace laughter to the punchline of a joke, what makes something comedic often appears subjective.
Rather than go into definitions of humor and its mechanics, it’s fair to say that the most effective jokes operate on multiple layers. Some achieve this through a surreal blend of deadpan and satire, as seen in Springtime for Hitler, while others rely on a mix of slapstick, screwball antics, and dry wit, like The Black Knight.
Anime humor is hard to explain but impossible to ignore (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)The more depth a joke has, the wider its appeal. While fully understanding every layer of a joke isn’t necessary, the greatest comedies benefit from incorporating multiple dimensions into their humor.
The Challenge of Recommending Anime Comedies
Recommending comedies, particularly within anime, presents a unique challenge. Humor varies greatly from person to person, and when anime fans suggest comedic series, they often struggle to articulate what exactly makes a scene funny.
This issue isn’t exclusive to anime enthusiasts—many people can point to a comedy they enjoy but find it difficult to explain why it works. Sometimes, jokes resonate for reasons different from those originally intended, or viewers may be unaware of the deeper layers that contribute to the humor.
Slapstick, exaggeration, and low-brow comedy can be highly entertaining, but these elements need to be strong enough to carry an entire series. This is why, when recommending anime comedies such as Kill la Kill, the emphasis is placed on how effectively they build and layer their humor.
What makes Kill la Kill so effective isn’t just its extreme exaggeration, but the fact that this very exaggeration serves as a satire of the hyperbolic nature of shonen anime. Those familiar with the genre will quickly pick up on these parallels, making the comedy even more impactful.
One Punch Man and the Power of Layered Humor
A lengthy introduction sets the stage for the discussion ahead. One Punch Man delivers an exceptional brand of humor, but much like Kill la Kill, its comedy thrives on layers, depth, and a strong foundation built on world-building and memorable characters.