Published back in 2006 by the famous anime editor Ken Akamatsu, and released in 2008 by Funimation, these two specials are based off of the second release of Negima, so you may be confused by a character or two. Both of these specials have their own separate, yet equally entertaining stories.
In the Spring special, Negi is sitting at his desk late in the night studying magic as usual. Asuna comes along, and promptly takes the book he was studying. After saying something hurtful and sneezing (which immediately shredded Asuna's sleeping clothes...and undergarments), Asuna keeps her distance from Negi. 3 days later, Negi is on an airplane owned by his classmate Ayaka. Seeing that he was upset by something, she decided to take him on a trip to a private island to try and make him feel better. If wasn't for Kazumi (an ace school reporter) snooping in, then Ayaka trips would have just been with herself and Negi. Instead, all 31 of Negi's students are onboard with them, causing a partial ruckus, and ruining Ayaka's plans. Needless to say, much in the way of fanservice, silliness, and seriousness ensues, with the obvious end result of Negi & Asuna getting over their problem.
The Summer special focuses on another of Negi's relationship with one of his students, but is no less dirty, silly, or serious than the Spring special. Two of Negi's students, Yue and Nodoka, are practicing magic in a small courtyard. After showing Yue a spellbook detailing a ritual about the Red Thread of Fate (in Japanese mythology, the Red Thread of Fate is tied to your pinkie, and the other end is tied to someone that is fated to be with you), Nodoka convinces her friend to perform the ritual. After performing it, a red thread appears on her pinkie, and shortly thereafter, Negi & Asuna coming flying through the window, and they are just as shocked as Yue & Nodoka are. With some explaining, Negi says that the red thread that appeared is nothing more than a simple party trick, which will disappear in a matter of hours. During this time, the entire class is invited to a bath and spa built by Ayaka, who wanted Negi to enjoy what the place had to offer. Just like the Spring special, doses of silliness, fan-service, and seriousness are used to play everything out, and in the end, the red thread spell dissipates.
The animation of the Spring and Summer specials is based off of the second showing of Negima. Everything with each special looks very stylized, clean, and stunning in some sort of fashion. This next bit may sound creepy, but each of the girls look gorgeous. Given the use of boob-related fan-service, none of the girls have any overly large breasts, although some of them are a little...gifted. Each of them has a face that is easily recognizable, and a physical quirk that cannot be forgotten. As for Negi, he looks like a 10-year old kid should: short, somewhat scrawny, and a little unremarkable.
The dubbing of the Spring & Summer Specials is top notch. There is not a moment when I heard a sound screw-up. Each of the girls, and Negi, sound exactly like I would think they would be if they came from this country. The music in the specials is also well done, with a variety of silly, tender, and dramatic pieces with the rights scenes to move the story along.
Perhaps one of the biggest strengths of the Spring & Summer Specials, and to the normal show, is the characters. Negi behaves much like a kid, yet he has moments where he acts like adult. He is also very kind, helpful, and a little bashful when the girls are a little more exposed than normal. Nodoka is very shy, but when her friend Yue pushes her in the right direction, can be very strong. As for Yue, she is a very smart person, but is very lazy when it comes to studying, and sound plain when she talks. All together , the girls, and Negi, are very likeable, and memorable.
One final point is availability. Since the Spring & Summer Specials were released back in 2008, it is still easily found online or in a store. I had bought my copy at Best Buy, where I believe it was 15 or 16 dollars, excluding tax. As to online sources, prices will vary, regardless of whether it was used or new.
If there are any low points, it is this one thing. Compared to the first showing, the Spring & Summer Specials (as well as the second showing) have a small number of editorial changes. Asuna, for example, has two eyes that are the same color, while in the original has two different colored eyes. These changes aren't truly terrible, but for those who like originality, this may be something that might not click with you.
Negima Spring & Summer Specials get a 9 out of 10. It's charming, funny, full of unforgettable characters, and is readily available, but the few minor editorial changes may confuse you.
Hope you enjoyed the review. Be on the look out for a major announcement by the end of this month. Until then, Stay Otaku!
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