Overview: Kodai Shoujotai Dogun V

 After the success of 2009's Kodai Shoujo Dogu-chan, 2010 sees the arrival of a new series, Kodai Shoujotai Dogun V. Yazawa Erika returns as Dogu-chan, overseeing a squad of five other Dogu girls.

Kodai Shoujotai Dogun V

 If you watched Dogu-chan as it aired, then you'll have a good idea of what to expect: light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek entertainment, with a sizeable helping of fanservice. Dogun V models itself after classic harem anime and manga, with an ordinary boy - played by Samurai Sentai Shinkenger's Suzuki Shogo - suddenly surrounded by five scantily clad, perky girls.

 Momose Misaki's Doji-chan is our main woman this time around, and she plays her role with cutesy aplomb. Doji-chan's four comrades, all with confusingly similar names (prepare to begin straining your ears to work out whether it's Dore-chan, Doro-chan or Dori-chan who's in trouble this week) all embody various "types" of girl sure to appeal to Dogun V's male audience. I can't tell you that the sexy nurse or the lovably clumsy Kansai girl are particularly original character types, but Dogun V isn't pretending to be deep stuff.

 Suzuki Shogo returns to the relatable everyman role that earned him a fanbase in Shinkenger, and for the most part pulls it off. I mentioned earlier that Dogun V takes inspiration from harem anime such as Tenchi Muyo! and Love Hina; fortunately Suzuki's Shota has so far managed to avoid the slightly pathetic wetness of protagonists like Tenchi.

 Don't expect any deep thoughts or philosophical reflections on life, but Dogun V is a fun way to waste an afternoon. If you're a fan of harem anime, 2007's Cutie Honey The Live, or just girls in skimpy clothing then Dogun V is worth checking out.