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Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e 3rd Season (2024)

This is where my journey began, we entered April 2024 and I thought is it time to start this, I awaited the new season to start, gander at the previous season and saw this in its 3rd season and thought, you know what, Let's go!!! The show I watched in order, I binged it, got to this point on the 08th of April 2024 after going for it between work, I am not disappointed.

The show has progressed, fast, hard and heavily. So much happens, maybe the first 2 episodes were not the best but they ... were not the worst. For someone who hasn't read the novels I was confused by the hate for the paper shuffle but then it did seem rushed, apparently that was a good thing, so let us take it as a blessing. The rest of the season rocked, it got deeper and remember WATCH OUT FOR AFTER CREDIT SCENES. Sometimes they happen and sometimes they don't, sometimes they add little and other times people get asked out!! The stakes have never been higher in this season and it shows.

The art looks better than ever, more polished but the same style, great job for getting the same studio, that's 4 out of 4 now for Studio Lerche. This show has kept the same style the entire way through, it feels like watching a show with the same actors each time because you have seen them grow without anything wacky happening in the art.

The voices are still superb, and the background music and intro/outro are great. The best, however, is that quiet bit of instrumental you get when a big thing is happening with the progression of a character.

The characters grow and grow and grow, but never once do they forget who they are as hard as that may be. Some people think they are done, and what can they do now, but they pull it back thanks to the cast, especially Ayanokouji. Other's come out as villains and are defeated but they will be back, they always come back. Ayanokouji goes through so much, deals with so much and even has an amazing scene after the credits of the final episode that makes him look so genuine that you can't but rewatch that moment. Watch it.

The show has hit season 3, I want it to hit season 4, I want it to be completed, I want to see them graduate and even have a nice OVA to show the future with a time skip. Equally, I would love to cross over, I'd love a show to cross the characters into others like with 'Your Name' and 'Weathering With You'. This show deserves to be remembered, it needs to continue. Let us hope for season 4 and beyond.

Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e 2nd Season (2022)

Okay, loved season 1, kind of glad I didn't wait for this as it's a few years down the line of anticipation. For the record, I watched season 1 and immediately moved on to season 2.

In season 2 the story progresses further with much deeper interactions and side characters getting much more action. The action of side characters is great because instead of just getting a, 'Oh that character went through some stuff' or maybe a 5-second flashback you get to see them progress. You realise everyone here is pretty messed up and the school ... has much more meaning than a normal high school. It is a school of reform in the harshest way possible.

The artwork has moved on and looks even better than the 2015 PV, and the 2017 season 1. It is a very similar style of anime which is great, too many shows change so dramatically between seasons. This is a fantastic effort by not just Studio Lerche but also the fact that they were able to keep the series so far 3 out of the 3 parts (PV included all by the same studio). The show is going to age well, I will be able to come back to this in years to come.

The sound still has fantastic voices, perfectly set with the same actors taking on their roles.

The characters like I say develop, we have some enemies understood more deeply, we have allies ruined, we have people that are trying to survive. This school is a brutal environment which makes for great entertainment. I love the development of the class and the fact everyone understands they are in a precarious position. It's class A or nothing.

Season 2 ends and I am hyped to carry on my journey with this franchise.

Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e (2017)

Saw this show ages ago and thought to add it to the list, then 2024 came about and it was like damn season 3! Let's go it must be good! I was not disappointed, it is a great show.

The story is a great take on a classroom with a lot of competitiveness and things that matter. Teachers praise you for being good and are awful when you are not, what a great idea. I love the point system and I love how the show is a battle to the top. The school is portrayed as the place ... to be but also seemingly a place with mystery behind its students.

The artwork looks great, the PV from 2015 is a bit harsher than this and less polished so by comparison it has come a long way. The show for 2017 looks great and is something that will remain. I like that no one is outrageous whether it is body sizing or facial expressions or hearts in their eyes. The show just gives everyone a really deep set of eyes which is kind of dull and intimidating but also they just look like students with some unusual but not outrageous haircuts.

The voices are matched up perfectly, everyone has their place Kikyo especially has a great voice. Ayanokouji has the perfect voice for the character. I think if his voice was wrong it could have derailed the show. The general sound is fitting and well done.

The characters are all pretty dark as the show goes, everyone has a past and you understand the school has a reason behind its selection. This is a place of personal growth as well as a great learning school. I would love a real school to have this level of competitiveness behind it.

Ultimately, this was a great show to come back to, and I am glad I finally got on board with this show.

Sousou no Frieren (2023)

I was so sad to let this go, that I refused to watch its final episode for a week. I honestly think this will become a true classic of anime and it is a culmination of what was needed for a fantasy show.

After years of people so overpowered and destroying the land for little reason or weak people that get strong in 2 episodes we finally have a show where it is a relaxing journey with someone who knows when to rein in their power and not overdo it. You get to see the beauty of magic and its destructive power ... in such a calm way. This show is exactly what I wanted and by its rating what many others wanted. Imagine refusing a duel because you know it's a waste of time and life, and seeing that person's realisation that it is true.

The story is deep, imagine being so old you forget to cherish your memories and are given a chance to act upon them one last time and set off on a great journey with new companions to right the wrongs of the past. This show is deep and emotional showing that just because you can outlive everyone, doesn't mean it isn't going to be difficult once you realise what you have lost.

The animation is spectacular, it looks incredible and feels amazing. When any of them especially Frieren does anything you can feel it pulse through you. This show will age superbly, I can imagine showing my children this show and them enjoying it in the future. I just hope more comes out before then.

The soundtrack is incredible, it hits hard when it needs to. The explosiveness of magic booms through surround sound and is perfect. The voices are fitting and well rounded, no one sounds silly and no one sounds too perfect.

Characters are incredible to see develop, they all come on so much from when they start and even the side characters or ones you see only for a few episodes. You can understand them and feel their journey. Frieren comes along so much from her beginning and with the flashbacks you can understand who she is, you feel comfortable watching her and wish you got to travel with her.

Overall, this for me is a modern classic and masterpiece. I want it to continue and I want to see it fully animated, the show is worth every second. Some say it is slow, some say it isn't full of action. If you agree with that then this is not the show for you. You need to be patient and wait for the rewards.

Mahou Shoujo ni Akogaret (2024)

This show isn't good because of the story or anything deep, it is just easy to watch and funny to see. The show is as perverted as you want it to be whilst also being hilarious at times. The show requires little to no effort to watch making it a good start to 2024.

The animation is great for now, will it age well? Perhaps not so much but otherwise it is a great ride. The style is very generic but has rewatch value.

The sound is standard, nothing crazy but the voices are done superbly. I honestly think if the ... voices weren't so good it would have sucked.

The characters are all pretty interesting. The good girls have their personalities from sweetness to crudeness, to being a submitted sex slave. Honestly, that is how it is. The bad girls are anything from sadistic, to perverted, to lonely. This makes the show great, the extra girls you get are a dreamer and a loyal friend with a boss that hasn't figured out who she is and the big sister type. The show is wide enough that you can enjoy it from various aspects.

Ultimately, this is an easy watch from start to finish that requires absolutely no effort. 8/10. I wouldn't even mind a season 2 but then it's not that sort of show.

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP (2023)

....

Sorry I mean Megumi no Daigo: Kyuukoku no Orange (2023)

This show, honestly, I am so glad it is over. I don't know what people were thinking about commissioning this since there are so many better stories you could do. The show suffers badly from its storyline, lets watch people do a job but make it slightly over the top for entertainment but keep that line. They could have made a show about watching accountants do accounting and suddenly a last-minute client turns up and the music starts. It would be the same vibe as this show.

This is my worst show ... of 2023. It was not needed and it was boring, like literally boring. Also, it did not need a summary episode, I don't care if a show is 12 episodes or 500, a summary is just laziness. I'd rather the studio give people a week off than do a summary, especially this one, it was like propaganda to remind you that you shouldn't watch this.

The animation itself is the only redeeming factor, it looks good, and it is nicely done for 2023/2024. Will it stand the test of time? Absolutely not, This show will be trash in the future, it doesn't have the aesthetic to come back to and certainly not the story.

The sound is okay, doesn't give you the impression of fire fighting or disaster relief but more just basic sounds that don't go through you. This show needed the sound of concrete crumbling to feel like it was coming down beside you but on my surround sound still sounded like it was behind the screen.

The characters are edge lords, they want to be edgy, and they think they are fighting to be the demon lord of edginess. Everything they do is over the top, something you can't do in real life to that extent without serious issues. Is this real? no. Is it trying to be? Yes. The only difference is trying to build in huge issues that are occurring but they just don't land. People get into elite units from day 1, while others get recruited into other units like they are joining MI5 but then sit behind a desk suddenly after they had a traumatic childhood. It just doesn't land, it just doesn't feel like anything but trying too damn hard. They try to show a few different perspectives about coming together because they are friends but also want to sort the issue themselves until they finally realise they need to rely on others, it just hurts to watch. It works in other shows, just not this one.

Overall, I hope this never comes back, I hope it disappears into history. Not all history needs to be remembered. The only thing it had going for it was the current animation level. 2/10. The closing scene is also cringe 500%

Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen (2024)

A good return but not quite as edgy as it used to be. The show is becoming a bit generic now which is still enjoyable but also goes away from its core. The show tries to tick the boxes of girls, fun, school and action. This whilst it is fine also gives a few issues when you think about it. The last time we saw this show it was deep and serious, a bit of battle occurred and people changed and suddenly now it is back to being goofy. That said, it does get deep and dark again but it ... happens so quickly between the main character being a weak simp most of the time that it just sort of fades.

The art style is slightly different but looks polished and good for the year, I preferred the older style they used.

The sound is fine, the battles sound okay and the background music is fine.

Characters develop but then it was expected, they go hard but always get overshadowed by the main character being a simp that wants everyone to be friends and believes in everyone, just sort of kills the vibe. One day maybe he will grow up.

Overall, I have mixed feelings about this one. It is good but also slightly ruined and repetitive now. 7/10.

Katsute Kami Datta Kemono-tachi e (2019)

A show of high potential that failed and doesn't need to come back. A classic 12-episode intro to manga/novel. The show has a pretty good first couple of episodes but then it falls hard. I like the storyline of hunting the monsters and not all is as it seems and so on. I enjoy the usual story of weapons that everyone needed and when they win are discarded. Much like the fate of heroes in some fantasy settings. This is the US Civil War with monsters.

The art honestly looks good if it was made in like 2012 but for 2019 ... it looks dated, grainy and just plain old. If that is what they wanted to do then great. What it does is make it something I don't think will be rewatched and in 5 years will drop off anyone's list if they haven't got around to it.

The music is fairly fitting but overly dramatic at times. Shouting is not the best and the show lacks any emphasis behind any action it does, sounds very flat.

The characters want to be deeper than they are. They try to set them up but then they fall apart too quickly. One minute they have absolute dedication and the next just like meh I am done.

The show had potential and in the end, it was rushed at the end with a plot that didn't provide enough interest. The fights are good, it is mostly enjoyable but at the same time, it does very little for me in progress or development. 4/10.

Another: The Other - Inga (2012)

Mixed feelings here. As an OVA goes it is a good ride, interesting and good for extra development that links well to the main story. It covers a good period and gives details that are helpful in the main story.

The art still looks amazing and the sound is great.

The issue with this OVA for me is that it is partly shown in the main show. I think if you watch this first it spoils the main anime, if you watch the main anime and come to this afterwards then it can feel a little bit dull. I did ... the latter, whilst I enjoyed myself it was just a stretched-out flashback from the main show that I didn't think I needed to have.

For me this is a 5/10, I don't think it was needed in the grand scheme and could have been better for an OVA showing a backstory of the main issue.

Another (2012)

Honestly, I wish it was longer! I remember seeing clips, I remember other shows parody this show as well.

Another is a great ride, it has moments where you think about if they just spoke up so much could have been different but it does create great suspense. Horror anime is difficult, it always has been very difficult to make it work, but this is the right sort. You have a show that is creepy but yet straightforward, it isn't trying too hard to be scary but more gory.

The artwork for 2012 looks fantastic! it honestly looks amazing.

The sound is ominous, and ... creepy and suits well. The way everyone speaks is realistic and people have conversations that sound normal and not like they are just in a horror.

It is crazy how people to start with are just so accepting of what is happening and when bad things happen it's just another day. Everyone develops nicely and it is a show that draws you in.

The only real criticism is the fact many of the plot points were delayed because people didn't speak up. It is also great to see how obvious it is at the end! The great thing about the show is it has the potential to keep going. Hopefully, the Another 2001 sequel will get its adaptation one day.

9/10.