The hugely popular anime "Kemono Friends" aired from January to March 2017, and it's still going strong!
It was a huge hit, with some fans calling it "an anime you can watch without using your brain," and others finding it soothing, while others even questioned whether it was "unexpectedly dark."
The series has also been the subject of much discussion, including the director's departure...I'm sure there are many people eagerly awaiting to see what happens in season two.
So, in this article, we'll rediscover the charm of Serval, the hugely popular character from Kemono Friends!
Serval is cute and caring towards her friends. She has many famous quotes, too!
Let's take a look right away.
What is the anime "Kemono Friends"?
This may be obvious by now, but let's review "Kemono Friends."
The "Kemono Friends" anime refers to the anime series based on the original "Kemono Friends" by the Kemono Friends Project.
This hit anime began airing in January 2017. It was created using 3DCG, with 3D characters and hand-drawn backgrounds.
The story is set in "Japari Park," where girls called "Friends" are human-like animals who live. The story follows a young girl named "Kaban" who wanders into the park and embarks on an adventure.
What is a Serval?
Now, let's take a look at the character "Serval"!
It goes without saying that she's one of the most popular characters in the Kemono Friends series.
By the way, the original animal, a serval (serval cat), is a medium-sized carnivore of the Felidae family, Felidae genus.
In the anime, Serval-chan has a bright, positive, and innocent personality. She meets the lost protagonist in a desert area and is carrying a bag, so she is named "Kaban(chan)."
She has sharp claws, is fast, and has excellent hearing and smell, but can be a bit clumsy. Her special skill is tree climbing.
What is the appeal of Serval-chan?
Now, let's take a closer look at Serval's charm!
Curious
Serval is cheerful and curious.
She's always excited about new experiences and things she hears, exclaiming, "Wow!" "Amazing!" "So fun!"
Kemono Friends, with its many innocent lines like these, has become a hot topic online.
Serval has the power to heal those around her, lightening the mood just by being there.
Kind and caring towards her friends
Serval never speaks ill of others or blames others.
She recognizes the individuality of each of her Friends and finds their strengths. Kaban is one of the Friends discovered by Serval.
Serval's Famous Scenes!
Now, let's take a closer look at some of Serval's most memorable anime scenes!
(Contains spoilers from episodes 1 to 12)
Episode 1: "The Sabanna Chiho"
As mentioned earlier, Serval has a cheerful, innocent, and kind personality. She quickly becomes friends with various Friends in the park.
The scene where she first meets Kaban-chan is extremely famous.
Serval chases Kaban, who has somehow wandered into the park, hoping to play hunt with her.
"Don't eat me!"
"I won't eat you!"
(From the first episode of the anime "Kemono Friends," "A Savanna Territory")
This is the first and most memorable scene. Kaban, fearing an attack, uses her bag as a shield and trembles.
However, Serval, who was just playing hunt, quickly moves away from her, demonstrating that she has no hostility.
"I'm sorry! I love playing hunt! You're a beast who doesn't really like playing hunt!"
(From the first episode of the anime "Kemono Friends," "A Savanna Territory")
Serval is considerate and respectful of others, and never forces them to do anything.
"It's okay! Each Friend has different strengths!"
(From the first episode of the anime "Kemono Friends," "A Savanna Territory")
This is what Serval says when Kaban apologizes for having trouble climbing a cliff. There are many different Friends at the park, and they all support each other and understand each other's differences.
"I'm starting to understand your strengths! You're sure to be a wonderful animal! I'm looking forward to it!"
(From the first episode of the anime "Kemono Friends," "A Savanna Territory")
When Kaban says she can't remember what animal she is, Serval encourages her to go to the library to look it up.
As they adventure together, Serval begins to notice Kaban's strengths.
Episode 4 "Desert Region"
After arriving in the desert region, Serval and the others look out the bus window.
"Wow! There's so much sand!"
(Quote from Episode 4 of the anime "Kemono Friends," "Desert Region")
This line caused a huge stir online.
When most people see a desert, they think, "There's nothing there." But here, Serval says, "There's so much sand!"
Even if you're looking at the same scenery, words that are spoken with the energy of "There's nothing there" or "There's no XX" are different from words spoken after clearly looking at something that is there.
This line became even more talked about as it is an anime that makes you realize something important.
Episode 12 "Amusement Park"
As the story nears its climax, Kaban finds herself in a predicament.
After saving Serval from being eaten by a Cerulean, Kaban ends up being eaten herself.
Serval regains consciousness and is stunned. But she refuses to give up.
"Of course! I'll save Kaban and we'll go to all kinds of places again!"
(Quote from episode 12 of the anime "Kemono Friends," "Amusement Park")
This is Serval's response to Boss saying, "The trip with the three of us was fun."
Even though Brown Bear tells her to move on, Serval refuses to give up.
"No! I can't take Kaban! I can't take Kaban...! Hey, give me Kaban back! Give her back! She's timid, but she's kind, thinks about all kinds of things for kids in trouble, and is a hard worker... We still have things to talk about... and places we want to go together... Aaaah!!! Give it back!!"
(Quote from episode 12 of the anime "Kemono Friends," "Amusement Park")
Of all the memorable scenes in Kemono Friends, this is probably the most touching.
After this, all the Friends we've met so far appear and fight together. And finally, Kaban-chan is rescued.
"Oh, it's Kaban-chan, right...? You know...? Do you remember what we talked about the first time we met?"
"Ummm... ah... please don't eat me."
"No, I won't eat you!!"
(Quote from episode 12 of the anime "Kemono Friends," "Amusement Park")
Here, the conversation from episode 1 is repeated.
With all the plot twists resolved and a touching ending, this final episode left fans in tears.
That concludes our introduction to Serval-chan's charm through quotes from famous scenes. We can't wait to see what other memorable lines will appear in season 2.
The voice actresses are also popular!
『けもフレ』サーバル声優の尾崎由香、アニメ『少年アシベ』OPテーマでソロ歌唱 https://t.co/K9qE9vcznV pic.twitter.com/ZnvB1btJ3N
— Billboard JAPAN (@Billboard_JAPAN) March 30, 2018
Serval is voiced by voice actress Yuka Ozaki.
This was Ozaki's first regular role in a 30-minute anime, but her role as Serval made her a huge breakthrough!
She's so adorable, isn't she? She also played Serval in the stage play "Kemono Friends."
She even performed a live voice recording of Serval on the New Year's Eve program "Akeome Seiyuu," which aired on New Year's Day 2018!
We're sure she'll be getting more work as a voice actress in the future. We look forward to seeing her continue to excel.
Summary
That concludes our introduction to Serval from "Kemono Friends"!
The cheerful and kind Serval has many memorable quotes. Rewatching the anime reveals a whole new side to her charm.
The release date for season two has yet to be decided, but we're excited to see what happens next.
