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APH is based off of a now long-running webcomic by Japanese-American artist Hidekaz Himaruya.  The series has numerous side-stories, but the basic conceit is that every country in the world is anthropomorphized, mostly as bishounen, and the countries are played-up stereotypes of what the country is famous for.  This can lead to numerous funny twists: Russia is my personal favorite character, due to the successful capturing of Russia’s brooding near-evil personality with his outward jollity and good humor.

The anime version has had a rocky road.  It was nearly cancelled completely when Korea threw a huge fit over the portrayal of the Korean character in the series.  The anime had to completely drop the character "Korea" for the show to continue.  Much of the edgier subplots had to be toned down.  The episode where China and Japan grow up together was relatively faithful up until its tragic conclusion: whereas in the original manga, Japan cruelly betrays China, who had taught Japan to write and count, and stabs him, leaving a lasting scar, in the anime they close before then, with China and Japan arguing over what the rabbit on the moon is doing.  Obviously, the negative portrayal of Japan was not something that the makers of the anime thought that Japanese kids would like to see.

As a graduate-level history student, I approve of Hetalia, especially the manga version.  While it occasionally takes some liberties, more often than not, it accurately captures historical events.  I’ve been especially impressed with Chibitalia, an arc that deals with the Medieval period and the Renaissance.  The Holy Roman Empire came off surprisingly well.  I eagerly await the adaptation of my favorite plot arc, the War of Austrian Succession.  Prussia is such a badass.

Anyways, 5 out of 5.  Come for the bishounen (and bishojo, like Hungary!), stay for the insightful historical information..

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