Never Have I Ever despite being a high school drama, hit the ball out of the park in terms of popularity. And this is because the soul of the show catered to an audience that for the longest time felt like Casper the Ghost in terms of mainstream representation. The journey of a high schooler of Indian, more specifically, south Indian origins, provided for unique and authentic storytelling. This very fuel has also been the driving force behind the closely guarded anime community.

For old anime viewers, it does not take long to notice that the series has the potential to become an anime. With its high school setting, iconic dialogues, and sparkly-eyed main leads, it beats us how there is not already a manga based on the series. And while traditional manga artists may have slept on the series, fan-favorite- digital artist duo, Hanavbara were not willing to commit the same crime. This made way for the Never Have I Ever anime.

It is not exactly an anime based on the series. However, the artists, popularly known for their vintage anime-inspired pieces, immortalized some of the series’ iconic scenes on their digital canvas. And this especially hit home for the star of the series, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. The 21-year-old actress joined Netflix to talk about her anime-infused childhood and was surprised by Hanavbara’s take on her series.

“I love their work,” Ramakrishnan said while also stating she has them hung up in her room. And to see herself through their eyes, painted in 90s anime glamour, was a surreal experience that brought her to tears. But amidst all this, she gave some pretty solid advice to anime newbies.

“Don’t….” Never Have I Ever actress has words of wisdom for anime newcomers

Anime, despite being a genre, has some of the best stories to tell in each one. It’s as the Little Mermaid would say, ‘A whole new world.‘ And this was rightfully pointed out by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. However, the community unanimously agrees to certain animes just being a class above the rest. And Attack on Titans is one of them.

 Maitreyi Ramakrishnan seems to be a believer in saving the best for the last. “Don’t start with Attack on Titan,” she said to those who were recently swept in by the anime wave. She instead recommended Demon Slayer, which recently aired its season finale and announced the upcoming Hashira arc as a “gateway anime.” To add to her masterful anime advice, Ramakrishnan recommends watching Death Note with your grandmother.

Did you think Never Have I Ever has anime series potential? Let us know in the comments below.