May 2nd, 2024
Spring 2024 Prelims
Anime Relations: Dungeon Meshi
Spring 2024 Prelims
Hi, I watched 4 episodes of some shows from this season! Here’s a quick tier list:
S: Dungeon Meshi, Mushoku Tensei
A: 7th Prince, Jellyfish, Konosuba
B: Salad Bowl, Slime, Train, Yozakura Family, Unnamed Memory, Tsukimichi
C: Loser Ranger, Madome, Astro Note
D: Re:Monster
And here are some blurbs about these shows: (Ordered by MAL average score, descending.)
Stuff I’m Watching
Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 3 (4/11): Konosuba is back! It’s been so long that I’m not sure if it’s as crazy with the animation, but it’s picking up right where we left off, and it’s great. It’s hard to tell it’s being made by a different studio. I didn’t look too much into it, but the directors seem to be the same. Fun!
Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Part 2 (4/12): Mushoku Tensei continues to surprise me. In these 4 episodes, Rudy is . . . a good guy???? And there are great parts with Nanahoshi. And Cliff! Cliff is there!
Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken 3rd Season (4/24): This is the politics and city building I signed up for. So excited for 2 more cours of slime. There's a lotta talking in these first 4 episodes though . . . .
Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai (4/12): The first 3 episodes are a great set-up. Halfway through episode 4 it felt too tropey, but they pushed through it well enough. Doga Kobo is making it look and sound great. I love the characters. Best anime-original show we’ve had in more than a year! Very promising.
Dungeon Meshi (17/24): You should be watching Dungeon Meshi. Why is it below Black Butler on MAL.
Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu 2nd Season (17/25): So far the 2nd cour is better. Maybe it’s just that the OP and ED are more fun. It feels like the stuff happening is more interesting now. It’s not the greatest show, but it’s good enough.
Sentai Daishikkaku (4/12): Wow, Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is even more unique than I was expecting. I have no idea where it’s going. I like the main character enough, but every other character feels like their own special breed of sociopath. It’s unsettling! The audio mixing in episode 1 wasn’t right, but I didn’t notice anything too wonky after that. The production reeks of a mess, with a week delay for episode 5 already. I’m hoping it doesn’t fall apart.
Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf wo Yome ni Shitanda ga, Dou Medereba Ii? (4/12): aaaaaaaa they’re so cute! I like this better than the manga. It looks a little boring and generic when Nephy isn’t on screen, but she somehow brings in a ton of energy. Looking forward to more of the cast joining for more good times.
Shuumatsu Train Doko e Iku? (4/12): Train to the End of the World is a trip from the first scene. There’s a lot of dialogue, and it’s good. The train, OP, and ED look good; everything else is serviceable. The story could be great or awful, depending on how they do it. Go watch episode 1!
Yozakura-san Chi no Daisakusen (4/27): It’s a silly and heartwarming time. So far in the manga I think there have been 3 (maybe more?) “big bad ultimate” villains, which is really 1 or 2 too many. But the main cast of characters keeps bringing me back, and this time, the big bad really does look like the final bad guy. So I have hopes that the anime adaptation could cut out some of the slow parts in the middle. The animation is good and the voices are great, so I am happy.
Unnamed Memory (4/12): This is good. It won’t blow you away, but the dynamic between Oscar and Tinasha is great. The pacing is real quick, so maybe it’ll come to an end in 12 episodes! Which honestly feels too fast, so who knows. Here’s hoping it stays good.
Henjin no Salad Bowl (4/12): True to its name, this show is eccentric. But it’s fun! It’s a reverse-isekai. It’s like Hinamatsuri, but magic instead of scifi, and with less slapstick and more . . . absurdism? Go watch episode 1.
Re:Monster (4/12): Omfg it’s Studio Deen! I watch this trashy show while I eat lunch. It’s a nice alternative to reading the novels because the pace is very snappy. This story inspired many others of its ilk, so it’s somewhat interesting. It’s not very good. I don’t recommend it.
Tensei shitara Dainana Ouji Datta node, Kimama ni Majutsu wo Kiwamemasu (4/?): Holy cow they are going hard on the animation. The magnificent effects, the immersive foley and sound design, the cute chibi characters, the high energy, the peaceful scenery, the incredible OP, the hand-animated horses - I am loving everything. I do not love the emphasis on Lloyd’s thighs, which I imagine is the reason this is so underrated. It’s interesting comparing Lloyd’s design to Kanna from Maid Dragon; does Kanna get more of a pass because she’s a gorl, or do people skip on Lloyd because he’s a boi? In terms of their apparent mental age, I’d say Kanna is more problematic. I digress; Lloyd’s thighs are less of an issue after episode 1, I’m reading way too much into this, and so far 7th Prince is my favorite new show this season.
Astro Note (4/12): This show is just so strange. The OP is amazing, but the show itself doesn’t look like that. The VAs are fantastic, but the character designs and story(?) are very old-school. The pacing is quite good, though; every episode introduces something new and advances the plot in some respect. It keeps me watching. If it starts dragging, I’ll likely drop it.
Stuff I Tried
Kaijuu 8-gou (1/12): The manga has a strong start, and so does the anime. But the adaptation doesn’t elevate the source much. I dropped the manga; I don’t need to watch this.
Wind Breaker (2/13): It looks good, but I don’t think the writing is quite there. There’s a lot to like, I’m just not interested in watching more.
Girls Band Cry (1/13): The style almost works. It has some fuzziness that’s mostly appealing, but makes everything feel floaty, even when you don’t want it to. I see it particularly in the lip syncing, which is slightly off, making it difficult for me to watch. I almost love this show, but I can’t handle that disconnect.
Sasayaku You ni Koi wo Utau (1/12): I like half of the show. The animation is average, Yori is great, and I can’t stand Himari.
Blue Archive the Animation (1/12): They spent all the budget on the opening. Unlike the opening, I wasn’t impressed by the first episode. My rule on gacha game stories stands.
Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha II: Shijou Saikyou no Maou no Shiso, Tensei shite Shison-tachi no Gakkou e Kayou Part 2 (2/12): Nah I can’t take it any more. The light novel is probably so much more entertaining at this point. The visuals and pacing are shit.
Lv2 kara Cheat datta Motoyuusha Kouho no Mattari Isekai Life (1/12): I wanna watch this for Kugimiya Rie in a lead role, but I don’t wanna watch this because it’s slow and generic and not that well-animated.
The New Gate (1/?): My expectations were met.
Vampire Dormitory (1/12): I would keep watching if it had more animation and was paced better and was less dumb.
Stuff I Haven’t Tried
Hibike! Euphonium 3: I’m halfway through season 2! Then I’ve got a couple movies, and then I can watch this!
Yuru Camp△ Season 3: I’d rather go camping myself.
Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf: I am lukewarm on Spice & Wolf since my “friends” started me with the second season lmao.
Kuroshitsuji: Kishuku Gakkou-hen: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Date A Live V: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid 3rd Season: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei 3rd Season: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Bartender: Kami no Glass: Alcohol bad
Tadaima, Okaeri: I am not part of the target demographic.
Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai: I would be so into this if it weren’t so centered on weird crow people.
Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote: I almost want to watch this, but I am not about that drama.
One Room, Hiatari Futsuu, Tenshi-tsuki.: Feels illegal.
Tensei Kizoku, Kantei Skill de Nariagaru: The premise seems so stupid.
Jiisan Baasan Wakagaeru: Eh, it doesn’t look that great.
Nijiyon Animation 2: ~It’s a sequel to a sideshow to an idol show I didn’t watch~
Kaii to Otome to Kamikakushi: Oh wow big boobs and a supernatural mystery, how original.
Tonari no Youkai-san: This has to be a children’s show.
Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai: Eh, it doesn’t look that great.
The Fable: lmao
Boukyaku Battery (TV): Character designs look weird and plot looks generic.
Kenka Dokugaku: Idk this looks too cringe for me to handle.
Ooi! Tonbo: I’ve been liking golf anime and manga! But this doesn’t look great. . . .
> Everything else is irrelevant!
Hi, I watched 4 episodes of some shows from this season! Here’s a quick tier list:
S: Dungeon Meshi, Mushoku Tensei
A: 7th Prince, Jellyfish, Konosuba
B: Salad Bowl, Slime, Train, Yozakura Family, Unnamed Memory, Tsukimichi
C: Loser Ranger, Madome, Astro Note
D: Re:Monster
And here are some blurbs about these shows: (Ordered by MAL average score, descending.)
Stuff I’m Watching
Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 3 (4/11): Konosuba is back! It’s been so long that I’m not sure if it’s as crazy with the animation, but it’s picking up right where we left off, and it’s great. It’s hard to tell it’s being made by a different studio. I didn’t look too much into it, but the directors seem to be the same. Fun!
Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Part 2 (4/12): Mushoku Tensei continues to surprise me. In these 4 episodes, Rudy is . . . a good guy???? And there are great parts with Nanahoshi. And Cliff! Cliff is there!
Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken 3rd Season (4/24): This is the politics and city building I signed up for. So excited for 2 more cours of slime. There's a lotta talking in these first 4 episodes though . . . .
Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai (4/12): The first 3 episodes are a great set-up. Halfway through episode 4 it felt too tropey, but they pushed through it well enough. Doga Kobo is making it look and sound great. I love the characters. Best anime-original show we’ve had in more than a year! Very promising.
Dungeon Meshi (17/24): You should be watching Dungeon Meshi. Why is it below Black Butler on MAL.
Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu 2nd Season (17/25): So far the 2nd cour is better. Maybe it’s just that the OP and ED are more fun. It feels like the stuff happening is more interesting now. It’s not the greatest show, but it’s good enough.
Sentai Daishikkaku (4/12): Wow, Go! Go! Loser Ranger! is even more unique than I was expecting. I have no idea where it’s going. I like the main character enough, but every other character feels like their own special breed of sociopath. It’s unsettling! The audio mixing in episode 1 wasn’t right, but I didn’t notice anything too wonky after that. The production reeks of a mess, with a week delay for episode 5 already. I’m hoping it doesn’t fall apart.
Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf wo Yome ni Shitanda ga, Dou Medereba Ii? (4/12): aaaaaaaa they’re so cute! I like this better than the manga. It looks a little boring and generic when Nephy isn’t on screen, but she somehow brings in a ton of energy. Looking forward to more of the cast joining for more good times.
Shuumatsu Train Doko e Iku? (4/12): Train to the End of the World is a trip from the first scene. There’s a lot of dialogue, and it’s good. The train, OP, and ED look good; everything else is serviceable. The story could be great or awful, depending on how they do it. Go watch episode 1!
Yozakura-san Chi no Daisakusen (4/27): It’s a silly and heartwarming time. So far in the manga I think there have been 3 (maybe more?) “big bad ultimate” villains, which is really 1 or 2 too many. But the main cast of characters keeps bringing me back, and this time, the big bad really does look like the final bad guy. So I have hopes that the anime adaptation could cut out some of the slow parts in the middle. The animation is good and the voices are great, so I am happy.
Unnamed Memory (4/12): This is good. It won’t blow you away, but the dynamic between Oscar and Tinasha is great. The pacing is real quick, so maybe it’ll come to an end in 12 episodes! Which honestly feels too fast, so who knows. Here’s hoping it stays good.
Henjin no Salad Bowl (4/12): True to its name, this show is eccentric. But it’s fun! It’s a reverse-isekai. It’s like Hinamatsuri, but magic instead of scifi, and with less slapstick and more . . . absurdism? Go watch episode 1.
Re:Monster (4/12): Omfg it’s Studio Deen! I watch this trashy show while I eat lunch. It’s a nice alternative to reading the novels because the pace is very snappy. This story inspired many others of its ilk, so it’s somewhat interesting. It’s not very good. I don’t recommend it.
Tensei shitara Dainana Ouji Datta node, Kimama ni Majutsu wo Kiwamemasu (4/?): Holy cow they are going hard on the animation. The magnificent effects, the immersive foley and sound design, the cute chibi characters, the high energy, the peaceful scenery, the incredible OP, the hand-animated horses - I am loving everything. I do not love the emphasis on Lloyd’s thighs, which I imagine is the reason this is so underrated. It’s interesting comparing Lloyd’s design to Kanna from Maid Dragon; does Kanna get more of a pass because she’s a gorl, or do people skip on Lloyd because he’s a boi? In terms of their apparent mental age, I’d say Kanna is more problematic. I digress; Lloyd’s thighs are less of an issue after episode 1, I’m reading way too much into this, and so far 7th Prince is my favorite new show this season.
Astro Note (4/12): This show is just so strange. The OP is amazing, but the show itself doesn’t look like that. The VAs are fantastic, but the character designs and story(?) are very old-school. The pacing is quite good, though; every episode introduces something new and advances the plot in some respect. It keeps me watching. If it starts dragging, I’ll likely drop it.
Stuff I Tried
Kaijuu 8-gou (1/12): The manga has a strong start, and so does the anime. But the adaptation doesn’t elevate the source much. I dropped the manga; I don’t need to watch this.
Wind Breaker (2/13): It looks good, but I don’t think the writing is quite there. There’s a lot to like, I’m just not interested in watching more.
Girls Band Cry (1/13): The style almost works. It has some fuzziness that’s mostly appealing, but makes everything feel floaty, even when you don’t want it to. I see it particularly in the lip syncing, which is slightly off, making it difficult for me to watch. I almost love this show, but I can’t handle that disconnect.
Sasayaku You ni Koi wo Utau (1/12): I like half of the show. The animation is average, Yori is great, and I can’t stand Himari.
Blue Archive the Animation (1/12): They spent all the budget on the opening. Unlike the opening, I wasn’t impressed by the first episode. My rule on gacha game stories stands.
Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha II: Shijou Saikyou no Maou no Shiso, Tensei shite Shison-tachi no Gakkou e Kayou Part 2 (2/12): Nah I can’t take it any more. The light novel is probably so much more entertaining at this point. The visuals and pacing are shit.
Lv2 kara Cheat datta Motoyuusha Kouho no Mattari Isekai Life (1/12): I wanna watch this for Kugimiya Rie in a lead role, but I don’t wanna watch this because it’s slow and generic and not that well-animated.
The New Gate (1/?): My expectations were met.
Vampire Dormitory (1/12): I would keep watching if it had more animation and was paced better and was less dumb.
Stuff I Haven’t Tried
Hibike! Euphonium 3: I’m halfway through season 2! Then I’ve got a couple movies, and then I can watch this!
Yuru Camp△ Season 3: I’d rather go camping myself.
Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf: I am lukewarm on Spice & Wolf since my “friends” started me with the second season lmao.
Kuroshitsuji: Kishuku Gakkou-hen: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Date A Live V: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Shinigami Bocchan to Kuro Maid 3rd Season: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei 3rd Season: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Bartender: Kami no Glass: Alcohol bad
Tadaima, Okaeri: I am not part of the target demographic.
Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai: I would be so into this if it weren’t so centered on weird crow people.
Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote: I almost want to watch this, but I am not about that drama.
One Room, Hiatari Futsuu, Tenshi-tsuki.: Feels illegal.
Tensei Kizoku, Kantei Skill de Nariagaru: The premise seems so stupid.
Jiisan Baasan Wakagaeru: Eh, it doesn’t look that great.
Nijiyon Animation 2: ~It’s a sequel to a sideshow to an idol show I didn’t watch~
Kaii to Otome to Kamikakushi: Oh wow big boobs and a supernatural mystery, how original.
Tonari no Youkai-san: This has to be a children’s show.
Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai: Eh, it doesn’t look that great.
The Fable: lmao
Boukyaku Battery (TV): Character designs look weird and plot looks generic.
Kenka Dokugaku: Idk this looks too cringe for me to handle.
Ooi! Tonbo: I’ve been liking golf anime and manga! But this doesn’t look great. . . .
> Everything else is irrelevant!
Posted by adeeda | May 2, 7:38 AM | 0 comments
April 6th, 2024
Winter 2024 Review
Anime Relations: Dungeon Meshi
Winter 2024 Review
Hi! I “finished” 15 anime from this season and put them in a ranked list below.
1. Dungeon Meshi (First Half)
I’m gonna say it. Delicious in Dungeon is underrated. It looks great, sounds great, and has great writing. I’m predicting now that this will be my AOTY. How is it only sitting at an 8 on MAL? The people truly do not appreciate a good meal.
2. Sousou no Frieren
I don’t need to put Frieren as number 1 because everyone else is already doing it. I didn’t think a MAL score could go that high. In my pondering over what possible faults could be found in it, I read the most-voted (wow, thanks MAL, that’s such a helpful metric /s) negative review, which claimed that:
3. Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su
SLF has a surprising amount of meat on its bones, despite following the relatively simple Sunraku. It’s packed full of action and fun characters, with an intriguing and exciting setting. The animation is often incredible; episode 18 is a tour de force. The story isn’t some grand thing, it’s about people playing a game together–but that’s ok! The stakes are the characters’ own, and if you’ve played a video game before, you can relate.
4. Yubisaki to Renren
A Sign of Affection is warm and fuzzy. If you want a good romance, look no further. The signing animation is great, the characters are great, the colors are great; everything is great. It’s great. Watch it.
5. Sengoku Youko: Yonaoshi Kyoudai-hen
Maybe Mizukami is fated to not be popular. Sengoku Youko, his third most popular manga, is sitting at #34 in popularity this anime season. It’s simply a travesty. This show is unique and compelling, even if it takes its time setting everything up. And it’s actually well-animated (RIP Biscuit Hammer), and this is only the first third of the story! The rest is coming in Summer! You have got to watch this show.
6. Undead Unluck
I am begging for more to be animated. The story only gets better and better. This season has some pacing issues, but they’re likely due to scheduling the ending for a specific point. Which works well! There are just a few more flashbacks than is ideal. I recommend Undead Unluck, it’s wicked sick.
7. Yuuki Bakuhatsu Bang Bravern
Bang Brave Bang Bravern is a super robot comedy! I think that’s my conclusion. Every enemy is silly, Bravern is silly, Smith is silly, Lulu is silly; now that I think about it, the very serious death and destruction sort of stand out like a sore thumb. What a weird show. I recommend watching it without reading my review. Lol. Lmao.
8. Chiyu Mahou no Machigatta Tsukaikata
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic is straight good: it plays all the tropes straight, and it’s damn good at doing it. The audiovisuals are great and the characters are all interesting. The plot is simple, but it’s the small twists that give it its unique charm. The details are good, damnit. Recommended!
9. Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu 2nd Season (First Half)
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy feels so basic, I wonder why I enjoy it. Maybe it only feels basic; it predates many isekai light novels, and it has some unique ideas and characters. The audiovisuals aren’t special, but I’m always having a good time. Maybe it’s actually well-written! I’ll have to report back later when it’s over, if it’s ever over. Your mileage may vary.
10. Himesama "Goumon" no Jikan desu
'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess is a good show to watch every once in a while or when you’re not feeling well. I think in general it overdoes its bit, but PINE JAM makes the bit look very nice. It’s also supremely wholesome, which I appreciate. It really makes you wonder how the humans and demons are at war at all. I think it was around the last quarter of the show when the vampire is introduced when I started actively liking it, rather than enjoying it only in parts. Finally, it was a monologue by the demon lord that really made me appreciate this show:
11. Bucchigiri?!
The backgrounds are exquisite and the character designs are insane. The animation is overall great, with some ups and downs. Bucchigiri?! is a very silly show with great fights. The plot is very dumb, largely because of the immense heel Arajin. If the internet is to be believed, this show was in part designed by committee, which explains some of its misses. I still liked it for its good parts (don’t miss the OP and ED!).
12. Ore dake Level Up na Ken
Solo Leveling is not well-written. Don’t expect anything more intellectual than sick-ass fights and swag-ass characters. Within that realm, though? This show rocks.
13. Sokushi Cheat ga Saikyou sugite, Isekai no Yatsura ga Marude Aite ni Naranai n desu ga.
My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered, No One in This Other World Stands a Chance Against Me! is a funny show. It doesn’t look particularly good, but its rapid-fire bits and gags are very entertaining. I laughed a lot. The too-vast cast of characters has a wide variety of different cheat-level abilities, and they are constantly one-upping the last guy to show up, but they can’t beat Yogiri with his “eliminates the existence of anything and can detect intent to kill” power.
14. Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete
The manga is better.
15. Metallic Rouge
This was a Bones 25th anniversary project. It was supposed to be good! Not . . . this! The audiovisuals are mediocre (barring one Norimitsu Suzuki) and the writing is atrocious. Stay away!
Hi! I “finished” 15 anime from this season and put them in a ranked list below.
1. Dungeon Meshi (First Half)
I’m gonna say it. Delicious in Dungeon is underrated. It looks great, sounds great, and has great writing. I’m predicting now that this will be my AOTY. How is it only sitting at an 8 on MAL? The people truly do not appreciate a good meal.
2. Sousou no Frieren
I don’t need to put Frieren as number 1 because everyone else is already doing it. I didn’t think a MAL score could go that high. In my pondering over what possible faults could be found in it, I read the most-voted (wow, thanks MAL, that’s such a helpful metric /s) negative review, which claimed that:
[Animation/Art/Directing/Soundtrack] is probably the least important category when it comes to making a good anime.
Needless to say, the review system on MAL has fallen off a very small cliff. I myself have a couple nitpicks: the magic system is a little strange, and the overarching plot isn’t very strong. Regardless, I adore Frieren, and was actually fretting over whether to put it or Dungeon in first place.3. Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su
SLF has a surprising amount of meat on its bones, despite following the relatively simple Sunraku. It’s packed full of action and fun characters, with an intriguing and exciting setting. The animation is often incredible; episode 18 is a tour de force. The story isn’t some grand thing, it’s about people playing a game together–but that’s ok! The stakes are the characters’ own, and if you’ve played a video game before, you can relate.
4. Yubisaki to Renren
A Sign of Affection is warm and fuzzy. If you want a good romance, look no further. The signing animation is great, the characters are great, the colors are great; everything is great. It’s great. Watch it.
5. Sengoku Youko: Yonaoshi Kyoudai-hen
Maybe Mizukami is fated to not be popular. Sengoku Youko, his third most popular manga, is sitting at #34 in popularity this anime season. It’s simply a travesty. This show is unique and compelling, even if it takes its time setting everything up. And it’s actually well-animated (RIP Biscuit Hammer), and this is only the first third of the story! The rest is coming in Summer! You have got to watch this show.
6. Undead Unluck
I am begging for more to be animated. The story only gets better and better. This season has some pacing issues, but they’re likely due to scheduling the ending for a specific point. Which works well! There are just a few more flashbacks than is ideal. I recommend Undead Unluck, it’s wicked sick.
7. Yuuki Bakuhatsu Bang Bravern
Bang Brave Bang Bravern is a super robot comedy! I think that’s my conclusion. Every enemy is silly, Bravern is silly, Smith is silly, Lulu is silly; now that I think about it, the very serious death and destruction sort of stand out like a sore thumb. What a weird show. I recommend watching it without reading my review. Lol. Lmao.
8. Chiyu Mahou no Machigatta Tsukaikata
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic is straight good: it plays all the tropes straight, and it’s damn good at doing it. The audiovisuals are great and the characters are all interesting. The plot is simple, but it’s the small twists that give it its unique charm. The details are good, damnit. Recommended!
9. Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu 2nd Season (First Half)
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy feels so basic, I wonder why I enjoy it. Maybe it only feels basic; it predates many isekai light novels, and it has some unique ideas and characters. The audiovisuals aren’t special, but I’m always having a good time. Maybe it’s actually well-written! I’ll have to report back later when it’s over, if it’s ever over. Your mileage may vary.
10. Himesama "Goumon" no Jikan desu
'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess is a good show to watch every once in a while or when you’re not feeling well. I think in general it overdoes its bit, but PINE JAM makes the bit look very nice. It’s also supremely wholesome, which I appreciate. It really makes you wonder how the humans and demons are at war at all. I think it was around the last quarter of the show when the vampire is introduced when I started actively liking it, rather than enjoying it only in parts. Finally, it was a monologue by the demon lord that really made me appreciate this show:
I have thoughts about items from anime being turned into merch. I wish they would stop including pictures of characters. The inclusion of such images ruins the world building. I wish to own the same items as the characters.
So true, demon lord. So true.11. Bucchigiri?!
The backgrounds are exquisite and the character designs are insane. The animation is overall great, with some ups and downs. Bucchigiri?! is a very silly show with great fights. The plot is very dumb, largely because of the immense heel Arajin. If the internet is to be believed, this show was in part designed by committee, which explains some of its misses. I still liked it for its good parts (don’t miss the OP and ED!).
12. Ore dake Level Up na Ken
Solo Leveling is not well-written. Don’t expect anything more intellectual than sick-ass fights and swag-ass characters. Within that realm, though? This show rocks.
13. Sokushi Cheat ga Saikyou sugite, Isekai no Yatsura ga Marude Aite ni Naranai n desu ga.
My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered, No One in This Other World Stands a Chance Against Me! is a funny show. It doesn’t look particularly good, but its rapid-fire bits and gags are very entertaining. I laughed a lot. The too-vast cast of characters has a wide variety of different cheat-level abilities, and they are constantly one-upping the last guy to show up, but they can’t beat Yogiri with his “eliminates the existence of anything and can detect intent to kill” power.
14. Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete
The manga is better.
15. Metallic Rouge
This was a Bones 25th anniversary project. It was supposed to be good! Not . . . this! The audiovisuals are mediocre (barring one Norimitsu Suzuki) and the writing is atrocious. Stay away!
Posted by adeeda | Apr 6, 2:19 PM | 0 comments
February 4th, 2024
Winter 2024 Prelims
Anime Relations: Sousou no Frieren
Winter 2024 Prelims
Hi, I watched 4 episodes of some shows from this season! Here’s a quick tier list:
S: Frieren, Dungeon Meshi, Bang Bravern
A: Sengoku Youko, Shangri-La Frontier, Yubisaki, Undead Unluck
B: Bucchigiri?!, Healing Magic, Metallic Rouge, Moonlit Fantasy
C: Solo Leveling, Undead Adventurer, Himesama “Goumon”
D: Sukoshi Cheat, Magical Girls, Sasaki & Peeps
And here are some blurbs about these shows: (Ordered by MAL average score, descending.)
Stuff I’m Watching
Sousou no Frieren (20/28): Still the #1 anime on MAL, eh? I’m curious how long that will last.
One Piece (1092/?): Putting One Piece here on a lark because I’m watching it weekly for the first time ever, and I’ve been meaning to say some stuff about it. Back at around the 200-episode mark in 2004, the anime slowed down in order to keep up with the pace of the manga but still release episodes every week. But at Wano (episode 909) there was a shift. The artstyle took on thicker, brush-like lines to accompany the Japan-themed island, and the animation quality was overall better, with some episodes getting sakuga out the wazoo from a variety of talented animators. The climax of Wano is really special thematically and animation-wise. The pace was also handled somewhat differently, with special (easily-skippable) episodes sprinkled in that recap things from someone else’s (Barto!) perspective.
Now that we’re past Wano, the artstyle underwent another shift to colored linework, mirroring the fun sci-fi aesthetic of the new setting. The new opening animation is one of the best minute-and-a-half things I’ve ever seen, and I don’t think that’s an exaggeration. The main reason I’m now watching One Piece weekly is so I have an excuse to watch that opening every week.
So yeah, I think One Piece entered its best era with the Wano arc, and it will probably continue its high quality to the end, if what I understand about the animators at Toei is correct. It’s such a shame that the middle ~700 episodes suffer from quality and pacing issues for the most part. If you haven’t let One Piece into your heart yet, I recommend the manga, and also the fan-edit project One Pace until you get to Wano.
Ore dake Level Up na Ken (4/12): Episode 4 finally had some of the good stuff. If A-1 puts that effort into all the major fights, we’re going to be eating well. Solo Leveling is cool even if it’s not good, if you know what I mean.
Yubisaki to Renren (4/12): At first I didn’t like Itsuomi, but he’s growing on me. The rest of the cast is great. The drama is mostly on the side so far, and hopefully that continues. You can actually learn some words in sign language from watching this show. It’s good!
Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su (16/25): The fight with Wethermon has been great so far. I love this show.
Undead Unluck (16/24): I’m very excited for the next arc. It should be wrapped up by episode 24, I reckon. I hope we’ll get more!
Dungeon Meshi (4/24): 100% good and should be higher on MAL. Watch it!
Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu 2nd Season (4/25): The pacing is much better than I remember from the manga. Aside from the 2-episode catch-up on the side-heroes, of course. The animation for Navarre’s fight was real good. I’m excited for the next 2 cours! It should go past where I read in the manga.
Chiyu Mahou no Machigatta Tsukaikata (4/13): It’s almost refreshing, watching an isekai with a seemingly legitimately evil demon lord. I’m hoping that part turns out to be more interesting though, because so far the characters have been excellent and I’ve been enjoying the watch immensely.
Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete (4/13): I dunno. The anime is harder to watch than the manga is to read, and the art definitely suffers. But the voices are good! It’s been a while for me so it’s fun to revisit the start of the story. Not sure when/if I’ll stop watching. If the marketing & sales are to be believed, this could keep going. . . and we really aren’t ready.
Sasaki to Pii-chan (4/12): Well, I like Piercarlo. But otherwise, it might only be the insanity that I’m enjoying. So far, every episode has made the show more complicated. That could be a great thing if done well, but I’m still not sure of that. Also the ED is nightmare fuel.
Nozomanu Fushi no Boukensha (4/12): It’s an odd one. Right off the bat, the CG dungeon does not look good. Getting over that, I enjoy the slow-paced down-to-earth nature of Rentt’s story. However, the game-like dungeons and monsters feel sorta lame and out of place. However! – The characters act realistically in this weird world. So, uh, overall I like it.
Bucchigiri?! (4/?): It feels sorta like Mappa is letting out all the pent-up energy that Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen kept bottled up. For every mote of angst and seriousness in those shows, Bucchigiri?! has two motes of dumb and ridiculousness. The main character is such a scumbag it’s impressive. I really appreciate the detailed, colorful backgrounds. The animation is clean and expressive. The OP and ED are bangers. It’s a lot of fun!
Yuuki Bakuhatsu Bang Bravern (4/12): Criminally underwatched. You, yes you, need to go, right now, and watch episode 1 without looking up anything. You can thank me later.
Metallic Rouge (4/?): Something about Metallic Rouge feels off, but I’m not sure what. It’s pretty good in all aspects, but I wouldn’t call it the best at anything either. I enjoy the characters, but the turn in episode 4 felt strange. I enjoy the 2D “robot” fights, but they don’t quite look pristine. I enjoy the worldbuilding, but the human vs nean dichotomy seems so basic. I probably recommend it! But I can’t say for certain yet.
Himesama "Goumon" no Jikan desu (4/?): Pine Jam is doing a splendid job with the adaptation for this one. I don’t think there’s been a noticeable dip in animation quality anywhere in the first four episodes. In fact, episode 4 was a high point for me so far. The OP and ED are fun, and the story is funny and optimistic. The only low note is the repetitiveness in the first 2 or 3 episodes. I’m hoping the praise I’ve heard for the manga is evidence that the plot continues to move in new directions later.
Sengoku Youko (4/37): After the debacle that was the Biscuit Hammer adaptation, Sengoku Youko is wonderful to experience. The art and animation are crisp, and the sounds and voices are great. As a fan of Mizukami after only reading Biscuit Hammer, it’s exciting getting into a new one; triply so, as this is 3 cours long. Its current MAL score below 7 is a travesty. You should be watching this.
Sokushi Cheat ga Saikyou sugite, Isekai no Yatsura ga Marude Aite ni Naranai n desu ga. (4/12): An SCP entity gets isekai’d. It’s better, funnier, and more thought-through than you’d expect. It’s fun watching other people try to get around his one truly cheat-level power.
Stuff I Tried
Saijaku Tamer wa Gomi Hiroi no Tabi wo Hajimemashita. (2/12): It’s sorta interesting, because it takes it slow with a protagonist that knows so little. But it’s also sorta basic, because in doing so it also explains every little thing to the audience. And it’s slow! And it’s over-animated, which in episode 1 is fine because they made it look mostly good; but in episode 2 it doesn’t look good. If MAL is to be believed, this is the studio’s first TV anime, and it shows. Episode 1 and the OP and ED are pretty impressive, but it seems like the rest of the show won’t always look like that.
Isekai de Mofumofu Nadenade suru Tame ni Ganbattemasu. (2/12): First episode looked good, but animation quality dipped after that. Pretty cute though, particularly the ED made out of felt!
Majo to Yajuu (1/12): I like the leads and maybe some of the worldbuilding, but that’s about it.
Mato Seihei no Slave (1/12): I think it might be the direction that’s bad? The CG is annoying but not a dealbreaker; the real problem is the flow in the action scenes. I’ll probably just go read the manga instead.
Ishura (2/12): Theoretically I like the characters and plot. I do not enjoy the pacing, writing, or animation. I am not sitting through 4 episodes of character introductions just to get to a shitty battle royale.
Meiji Gekken: 1874 (1/?): Eh, it looks fine, but I think it’s just a little too silly.
Hikari no Ou 2nd Season (2/?): Not sure if it’s due to the time since season 1 or not, but I do not want to keep watching. Animation’s stiff and off; I think I would be better off reading the book. But I’m not sure if the story will actually be good, because there’s still way too much mystery. It’s definitely unique though!
Oroka na Tenshi wa Akuma to Odoru (1/12): I didn’t laugh and it looks pretty budget except for the fight scene, which admittedly was pretty good.
Gekkan Mousou Kagaku (1/12): I don’t know what to say.
Stuff I Haven’t Tried
Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu Season 2: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
Kingdom 5th Season: Someday I’ll watch Kingdom.
Mashle: Shinkakusha Kouho Senbatsu Shiken-hen: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e 3rd Season: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
Loop 7-kaime no Akuyaku Reijou wa, Moto Tekikoku de Jiyuu Kimama na Hanayome Seikatsu wo Mankitsu suru: I am sick of “Villainess” anime!!
Urusei Yatsura (2022) 2nd Season: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
30-sai made Doutei dato Mahoutsukai ni Nareru Rashii: Big fujoshi energy
Akuyaku Reijou Level 99: Watashi wa Ura-Boss desu ga Maou dewa Arimasen: I am sick of “Villainess” anime!!
Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
Dosanko Gal wa Namara Menkoi: This feels like that particular kind of show. And not even that great of an adaptation.
Gekai Elise: I like the premise but the animation is not doing it for me.
High Card Season 2: Wait this got a second season?? I guess it must be a split-cour.
Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun 2nd Stage: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Kyuujitsu no Warumono-san: The manga is super cute, but I don’t need to watch this adaptation; probably too slow and not enough animation.
Synduality: Noir Part 2: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Shin no Nakama ja Nai to Yuusha no Party wo Oidasareta node, Henkyou de Slow Life suru Koto ni Shimashita 2nd: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Shaman King: Flowers: I don’t think anybody expected another Shaman King anime. It’d be cool to watch this, but it feels not that great and that it requires too much knowledge from the original.
Cardfight!! Vanguard: Divinez: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Kekkon Yubiwa Monogatari: I don’t think there’s much to say about this one, chief. Just, why is it so “highly” rated? Oh, right, the ecchi tag.
Saikyou Tank no Meikyuu Kouryaku: Tairyoku 9999 no Rare Skill-mochi Tank, Yuusha Party wo Tsuihou sareru: I am sick of “kicked from the hero’s party” anime!!
Momochi-san Chi no Ayakashi Ouji: I thought this looked bad, and MAL seems to agree.
> Everything else is below Sukoshi Cheat lmao
Hi, I watched 4 episodes of some shows from this season! Here’s a quick tier list:
S: Frieren, Dungeon Meshi, Bang Bravern
A: Sengoku Youko, Shangri-La Frontier, Yubisaki, Undead Unluck
B: Bucchigiri?!, Healing Magic, Metallic Rouge, Moonlit Fantasy
C: Solo Leveling, Undead Adventurer, Himesama “Goumon”
D: Sukoshi Cheat, Magical Girls, Sasaki & Peeps
And here are some blurbs about these shows: (Ordered by MAL average score, descending.)
Stuff I’m Watching
Sousou no Frieren (20/28): Still the #1 anime on MAL, eh? I’m curious how long that will last.
One Piece (1092/?): Putting One Piece here on a lark because I’m watching it weekly for the first time ever, and I’ve been meaning to say some stuff about it. Back at around the 200-episode mark in 2004, the anime slowed down in order to keep up with the pace of the manga but still release episodes every week. But at Wano (episode 909) there was a shift. The artstyle took on thicker, brush-like lines to accompany the Japan-themed island, and the animation quality was overall better, with some episodes getting sakuga out the wazoo from a variety of talented animators. The climax of Wano is really special thematically and animation-wise. The pace was also handled somewhat differently, with special (easily-skippable) episodes sprinkled in that recap things from someone else’s (Barto!) perspective.
Now that we’re past Wano, the artstyle underwent another shift to colored linework, mirroring the fun sci-fi aesthetic of the new setting. The new opening animation is one of the best minute-and-a-half things I’ve ever seen, and I don’t think that’s an exaggeration. The main reason I’m now watching One Piece weekly is so I have an excuse to watch that opening every week.
So yeah, I think One Piece entered its best era with the Wano arc, and it will probably continue its high quality to the end, if what I understand about the animators at Toei is correct. It’s such a shame that the middle ~700 episodes suffer from quality and pacing issues for the most part. If you haven’t let One Piece into your heart yet, I recommend the manga, and also the fan-edit project One Pace until you get to Wano.
Ore dake Level Up na Ken (4/12): Episode 4 finally had some of the good stuff. If A-1 puts that effort into all the major fights, we’re going to be eating well. Solo Leveling is cool even if it’s not good, if you know what I mean.
Yubisaki to Renren (4/12): At first I didn’t like Itsuomi, but he’s growing on me. The rest of the cast is great. The drama is mostly on the side so far, and hopefully that continues. You can actually learn some words in sign language from watching this show. It’s good!
Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su (16/25): The fight with Wethermon has been great so far. I love this show.
Undead Unluck (16/24): I’m very excited for the next arc. It should be wrapped up by episode 24, I reckon. I hope we’ll get more!
Dungeon Meshi (4/24): 100% good and should be higher on MAL. Watch it!
Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu 2nd Season (4/25): The pacing is much better than I remember from the manga. Aside from the 2-episode catch-up on the side-heroes, of course. The animation for Navarre’s fight was real good. I’m excited for the next 2 cours! It should go past where I read in the manga.
Chiyu Mahou no Machigatta Tsukaikata (4/13): It’s almost refreshing, watching an isekai with a seemingly legitimately evil demon lord. I’m hoping that part turns out to be more interesting though, because so far the characters have been excellent and I’ve been enjoying the watch immensely.
Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete (4/13): I dunno. The anime is harder to watch than the manga is to read, and the art definitely suffers. But the voices are good! It’s been a while for me so it’s fun to revisit the start of the story. Not sure when/if I’ll stop watching. If the marketing & sales are to be believed, this could keep going. . . and we really aren’t ready.
Sasaki to Pii-chan (4/12): Well, I like Piercarlo. But otherwise, it might only be the insanity that I’m enjoying. So far, every episode has made the show more complicated. That could be a great thing if done well, but I’m still not sure of that. Also the ED is nightmare fuel.
Nozomanu Fushi no Boukensha (4/12): It’s an odd one. Right off the bat, the CG dungeon does not look good. Getting over that, I enjoy the slow-paced down-to-earth nature of Rentt’s story. However, the game-like dungeons and monsters feel sorta lame and out of place. However! – The characters act realistically in this weird world. So, uh, overall I like it.
Bucchigiri?! (4/?): It feels sorta like Mappa is letting out all the pent-up energy that Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen kept bottled up. For every mote of angst and seriousness in those shows, Bucchigiri?! has two motes of dumb and ridiculousness. The main character is such a scumbag it’s impressive. I really appreciate the detailed, colorful backgrounds. The animation is clean and expressive. The OP and ED are bangers. It’s a lot of fun!
Yuuki Bakuhatsu Bang Bravern (4/12): Criminally underwatched. You, yes you, need to go, right now, and watch episode 1 without looking up anything. You can thank me later.
Metallic Rouge (4/?): Something about Metallic Rouge feels off, but I’m not sure what. It’s pretty good in all aspects, but I wouldn’t call it the best at anything either. I enjoy the characters, but the turn in episode 4 felt strange. I enjoy the 2D “robot” fights, but they don’t quite look pristine. I enjoy the worldbuilding, but the human vs nean dichotomy seems so basic. I probably recommend it! But I can’t say for certain yet.
Himesama "Goumon" no Jikan desu (4/?): Pine Jam is doing a splendid job with the adaptation for this one. I don’t think there’s been a noticeable dip in animation quality anywhere in the first four episodes. In fact, episode 4 was a high point for me so far. The OP and ED are fun, and the story is funny and optimistic. The only low note is the repetitiveness in the first 2 or 3 episodes. I’m hoping the praise I’ve heard for the manga is evidence that the plot continues to move in new directions later.
Sengoku Youko (4/37): After the debacle that was the Biscuit Hammer adaptation, Sengoku Youko is wonderful to experience. The art and animation are crisp, and the sounds and voices are great. As a fan of Mizukami after only reading Biscuit Hammer, it’s exciting getting into a new one; triply so, as this is 3 cours long. Its current MAL score below 7 is a travesty. You should be watching this.
Sokushi Cheat ga Saikyou sugite, Isekai no Yatsura ga Marude Aite ni Naranai n desu ga. (4/12): An SCP entity gets isekai’d. It’s better, funnier, and more thought-through than you’d expect. It’s fun watching other people try to get around his one truly cheat-level power.
Stuff I Tried
Saijaku Tamer wa Gomi Hiroi no Tabi wo Hajimemashita. (2/12): It’s sorta interesting, because it takes it slow with a protagonist that knows so little. But it’s also sorta basic, because in doing so it also explains every little thing to the audience. And it’s slow! And it’s over-animated, which in episode 1 is fine because they made it look mostly good; but in episode 2 it doesn’t look good. If MAL is to be believed, this is the studio’s first TV anime, and it shows. Episode 1 and the OP and ED are pretty impressive, but it seems like the rest of the show won’t always look like that.
Isekai de Mofumofu Nadenade suru Tame ni Ganbattemasu. (2/12): First episode looked good, but animation quality dipped after that. Pretty cute though, particularly the ED made out of felt!
Majo to Yajuu (1/12): I like the leads and maybe some of the worldbuilding, but that’s about it.
Mato Seihei no Slave (1/12): I think it might be the direction that’s bad? The CG is annoying but not a dealbreaker; the real problem is the flow in the action scenes. I’ll probably just go read the manga instead.
Ishura (2/12): Theoretically I like the characters and plot. I do not enjoy the pacing, writing, or animation. I am not sitting through 4 episodes of character introductions just to get to a shitty battle royale.
Meiji Gekken: 1874 (1/?): Eh, it looks fine, but I think it’s just a little too silly.
Hikari no Ou 2nd Season (2/?): Not sure if it’s due to the time since season 1 or not, but I do not want to keep watching. Animation’s stiff and off; I think I would be better off reading the book. But I’m not sure if the story will actually be good, because there’s still way too much mystery. It’s definitely unique though!
Oroka na Tenshi wa Akuma to Odoru (1/12): I didn’t laugh and it looks pretty budget except for the fight scene, which admittedly was pretty good.
Gekkan Mousou Kagaku (1/12): I don’t know what to say.
Stuff I Haven’t Tried
Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu Season 2: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
Kingdom 5th Season: Someday I’ll watch Kingdom.
Mashle: Shinkakusha Kouho Senbatsu Shiken-hen: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e 3rd Season: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
Loop 7-kaime no Akuyaku Reijou wa, Moto Tekikoku de Jiyuu Kimama na Hanayome Seikatsu wo Mankitsu suru: I am sick of “Villainess” anime!!
Urusei Yatsura (2022) 2nd Season: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
30-sai made Doutei dato Mahoutsukai ni Nareru Rashii: Big fujoshi energy
Akuyaku Reijou Level 99: Watashi wa Ura-Boss desu ga Maou dewa Arimasen: I am sick of “Villainess” anime!!
Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t finish~
Dosanko Gal wa Namara Menkoi: This feels like that particular kind of show. And not even that great of an adaptation.
Gekai Elise: I like the premise but the animation is not doing it for me.
High Card Season 2: Wait this got a second season?? I guess it must be a split-cour.
Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun 2nd Stage: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Kyuujitsu no Warumono-san: The manga is super cute, but I don’t need to watch this adaptation; probably too slow and not enough animation.
Synduality: Noir Part 2: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Shin no Nakama ja Nai to Yuusha no Party wo Oidasareta node, Henkyou de Slow Life suru Koto ni Shimashita 2nd: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Shaman King: Flowers: I don’t think anybody expected another Shaman King anime. It’d be cool to watch this, but it feels not that great and that it requires too much knowledge from the original.
Cardfight!! Vanguard: Divinez: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t watch~
Kekkon Yubiwa Monogatari: I don’t think there’s much to say about this one, chief. Just, why is it so “highly” rated? Oh, right, the ecchi tag.
Saikyou Tank no Meikyuu Kouryaku: Tairyoku 9999 no Rare Skill-mochi Tank, Yuusha Party wo Tsuihou sareru: I am sick of “kicked from the hero’s party” anime!!
Momochi-san Chi no Ayakashi Ouji: I thought this looked bad, and MAL seems to agree.
> Everything else is below Sukoshi Cheat lmao
Posted by adeeda | Feb 4, 11:17 AM | 0 comments
January 1st, 2024
2023 Anime of the Year
Anime Relations: Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha
Hello! Here’s my top anime from 2023. The (Season) link next to each name leads to my seasonal review so you can read my fresher, slightly longer thoughts about each show.
Top 11 Shows of 2023
1. Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha (Winter)
I can’t lie, Tsurune is the best anime I finished this year.
2. Vinland Saga Season 2 (Winter & Spring)
Oh yeah, we had Vinland Saga at the beginning of this year. It’s real good, folks.
3. Sousou no Frieren (First half) (Fall)
Next year when Frieren is over, I expect it to place higher.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season (Summer & Fall)
I’ve gushed about JJK enough I think.
5. Tengoku Daimakyou (Spring)
animation good
6. Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo (Fall)
I really want to put 100GFs at #8 below Skip & Loafer, but I truly think 100GFs is great, in that classic sense. Nothing like this has been done before, and it’s going to go the distance. This first season is just a warmup; there is more to come.
7. Buddy Daddies (Winter)
Buddy Daddies made me cry.
8. Skip to Loafer (Spring)
I think Skip & Loafer made me cry.
9. Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu (Summer)
worldbuilding good
10. Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru (Spring)
characters good
11. Golden Kamuy 4th Season (Spring)
Golden Kamuy continues to be very good. You should watch Golden Kamuy.
Shamblers Up
12. Undead Unluck (First half) (Fall)
In first place of the zombie shows, Andy rarely shambles around! He’s rocketing all over the place with jets of blood.
13. Undead Girl Murder Farce (Summer)
In second place, Aya cannot shamble, as she is simply a head.
14. Dead Mount Death Play (Spring & Fall)
And finally in third place, Polka wiggles around as a shark plushie.
Honorable Mentions
15. Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su (First half) (Fall)
fun!
16. Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi (Winter)
The food looks so good.
17. Mahoutsukai no Yome Season 2 (Spring & Fall)
Better than the first season! Give it a watch!
18. Overtake! (Fall)
Deserves to be higher! Watch this!
19. Tensei Oujo to Tensai Reijou no Mahou Kakumei (Winter)
Should maybe be lower, idk.
Fun Surprises
20. Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! (Winter & Fall)
Season 2 complements season 1 and makes them both better.
23. UniteUp! (Spring)
Good male idol/music show!
25. Boku to Roboko (Spring)
It’s a short, nobody watches shorts. Watch this one! It has subs now!
26. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Bakuen wo! (Spring)
Interesting in its own right, and a good warmup for more KonoSuba coming in 2024!
37. Isekai Ojisan (Winter)
Funnier than you expect!
Leftovers
21. Birdie Wing: Golf Girls' Story Season 2 (Spring)
22. Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon (Summer)
24. Itai no wa Iya nano de Bougyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu. 2 (Spring)
27. Oniichan wa Oshimai! (Winter)
28. Ousama Ranking: Yuuki no Takarabako (Spring)
29. "Oshi no Ko" (Spring)
30. Helck (Summer & Fall)
31. Lv1 Maou to One Room Yuusha (Summer)
32. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale (Winter)
33. Dr. Stone: New World (Spring)
34. Eiyuu Kyoushitsu (Summer)
35. Jigokuraku (Spring)
36. Hikari no Ou (Winter)
38. Yuusha ga Shinda! (Spring)
39. Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha: Shijou Saikyou no Maou no Shiso, Tensei shite Shison-tachi no Gakkou e Kayou II (Summer)
40. Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou (Summer)
41. Isekai One Turn Kill Neesan: Ane Douhan no Isekai Seikatsu Hajimemashita (Spring)
42. Hyouken no Majutsushi ga Sekai wo Suberu (Winter)
43. Eiyuuou, Bu wo Kiwameru Tame Tenseisu: Soshite, Sekai Saikyou no Minarai Kishi♀ (Winter)
44. Seiken Gakuin no Makentsukai (Fall)
Please make it stop
45. Pokemon: Mezase Pokemon Master (Winter)
I don’t want this.
46. Mahou Shoujo Magical Destroyers (Spring)
You don’t want this.
47. Isekai Shoukan wa Nidome desu (Spring)
Nobody wants this.
Top 11 Shows of 2023
1. Tsurune: Tsunagari no Issha (Winter)
I can’t lie, Tsurune is the best anime I finished this year.
2. Vinland Saga Season 2 (Winter & Spring)
Oh yeah, we had Vinland Saga at the beginning of this year. It’s real good, folks.
3. Sousou no Frieren (First half) (Fall)
Next year when Frieren is over, I expect it to place higher.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season (Summer & Fall)
I’ve gushed about JJK enough I think.
5. Tengoku Daimakyou (Spring)
animation good
6. Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo (Fall)
I really want to put 100GFs at #8 below Skip & Loafer, but I truly think 100GFs is great, in that classic sense. Nothing like this has been done before, and it’s going to go the distance. This first season is just a warmup; there is more to come.
7. Buddy Daddies (Winter)
Buddy Daddies made me cry.
8. Skip to Loafer (Spring)
I think Skip & Loafer made me cry.
9. Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu (Summer)
worldbuilding good
10. Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru (Spring)
characters good
11. Golden Kamuy 4th Season (Spring)
Golden Kamuy continues to be very good. You should watch Golden Kamuy.
Shamblers Up
12. Undead Unluck (First half) (Fall)
In first place of the zombie shows, Andy rarely shambles around! He’s rocketing all over the place with jets of blood.
13. Undead Girl Murder Farce (Summer)
In second place, Aya cannot shamble, as she is simply a head.
14. Dead Mount Death Play (Spring & Fall)
And finally in third place, Polka wiggles around as a shark plushie.
Honorable Mentions
15. Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su (First half) (Fall)
fun!
16. Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi (Winter)
The food looks so good.
17. Mahoutsukai no Yome Season 2 (Spring & Fall)
Better than the first season! Give it a watch!
18. Overtake! (Fall)
Deserves to be higher! Watch this!
19. Tensei Oujo to Tensai Reijou no Mahou Kakumei (Winter)
Should maybe be lower, idk.
Fun Surprises
20. Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! (Winter & Fall)
Season 2 complements season 1 and makes them both better.
23. UniteUp! (Spring)
Good male idol/music show!
25. Boku to Roboko (Spring)
It’s a short, nobody watches shorts. Watch this one! It has subs now!
26. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Bakuen wo! (Spring)
Interesting in its own right, and a good warmup for more KonoSuba coming in 2024!
37. Isekai Ojisan (Winter)
Funnier than you expect!
Leftovers
21. Birdie Wing: Golf Girls' Story Season 2 (Spring)
22. Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon (Summer)
24. Itai no wa Iya nano de Bougyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu. 2 (Spring)
27. Oniichan wa Oshimai! (Winter)
28. Ousama Ranking: Yuuki no Takarabako (Spring)
29. "Oshi no Ko" (Spring)
30. Helck (Summer & Fall)
31. Lv1 Maou to One Room Yuusha (Summer)
32. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale (Winter)
33. Dr. Stone: New World (Spring)
34. Eiyuu Kyoushitsu (Summer)
35. Jigokuraku (Spring)
36. Hikari no Ou (Winter)
38. Yuusha ga Shinda! (Spring)
39. Maou Gakuin no Futekigousha: Shijou Saikyou no Maou no Shiso, Tensei shite Shison-tachi no Gakkou e Kayou II (Summer)
40. Jidou Hanbaiki ni Umarekawatta Ore wa Meikyuu wo Samayou (Summer)
41. Isekai One Turn Kill Neesan: Ane Douhan no Isekai Seikatsu Hajimemashita (Spring)
42. Hyouken no Majutsushi ga Sekai wo Suberu (Winter)
43. Eiyuuou, Bu wo Kiwameru Tame Tenseisu: Soshite, Sekai Saikyou no Minarai Kishi♀ (Winter)
44. Seiken Gakuin no Makentsukai (Fall)
Please make it stop
45. Pokemon: Mezase Pokemon Master (Winter)
I don’t want this.
46. Mahou Shoujo Magical Destroyers (Spring)
You don’t want this.
47. Isekai Shoukan wa Nidome desu (Spring)
Nobody wants this.
Posted by adeeda | Jan 1, 12:08 PM | 0 comments
December 31st, 2023
Fall 2023 Review
Anime Relations: Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season, Sousou no Frieren
Fall 2023 Review
Hi! I “finished” 11 anime from “this season” and put them in a ranked list below. There were a lot of good shows this season, lemme tell you.
1. Sousou no Frieren (First half)
Frieren is currently the highest-ranked show on MAL, I don’t need to say anything here.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season
Despite Mappa’s best efforts, this season of JJK is great. I finished the Shibuya Incident in the manga dazed and confused, and started the next arc in an even worse condition. Watching it animated is so much easier to follow that I am doubly excited for the Culling Game.
3. Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo
Second season confirmed, we’re winning. 100GFs is astounding in its extravagance. And it funny. Thank you Bibury. Highly recommended! With huge caveats!
4. Undead Unluck (First half)
The first few episodes are incredibly good. After that, the animation calms down in general, and more time is taken up by recap at the start of each episode. Regardless, its fight scenes are always superb, and its style is powerful (former Shaft people doing god’s work). As a fan of the manga, I did not foresee this adaptation being so good. I am so, so happy.
5. Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su (First half)
SLF is straight fun with few caveats. The fights are interesting, the game is almost 100% well-designed, and the reaction faces are funny. It can be a tad slow in parts, but the mysteries and discoveries more than make up for that. Highly recommended!
6. Mahoutsukai no Yome Season 2 Part 2
So much of The Ancient Magus’ Bride is so wonderfully done that it really gets to me when normal human voices come out of the werewolves when they just open up their gigantic maws. Nitpicks aside, I want to say this season is better than the first. There are a couple slow episodes, but that’s not new. Philomela can be real annoying, but who cares, the music is fantastic. Highly recommended!
7. Overtake!
This racing/photography/overcoming trauma anime is sensitive and down-to-earth. The characters are realistic and likable, despite their flaws. And hey, what do you know, they grow over the course of the show. The audiovisuals are great, the races are fun, and the final episode is phenomenal. Highly recommended!
8. Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! 2nd Season
Before the final episode I was just going to write a positive review. It’s more silly over-the-top self-aware fun with an idiot main character, what more can you ask for? But the final episode starts an arc I am so glad I wasn’t spoiled for. I need the movie right now, and so do you.
9. Dead Mount Death Play Part 2
Yo the main character’s name is Riz! DMDP is now my favorite Narita work (I have not seen Baccano! yet). This series is intriguing and well-paced with a ton of fun characters. Solitaire is the best. The only low point is the animation quality. I hear there’s not enough volumes left for another season, which is a shame. Maybe in the far future there will be more.
10. Helck
I enjoyed watching Helck, but based on earlier comments I was under the impression the story would be over in 24 episodes. Turns out this is only half the story. The final episode ends with a really good moment that made me feel more positive towards the show, but I cannot recommend it until a season 2 is announced. I am very tempted to read the manga because of some comparison shots I’ve seen; the art is definitely better. I can recommend that: it’s well-written and will surprise you!
11. Seiken Gakuin no Makentsukai
First and foremost: The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy is not good. The visuals are dreadful, the worldbuilding is lame, and it’s very silly. But you won’t find another show quite like this one. The pacing is snappy, the characters are likable, and the plot sort of makes sense. It’s sometimes legitimately epic, and sometimes real funny. I busted my gut to some of the post-credits minis. The real down-bad types on the internet were complaining that this lacked the ecchi they were expecting; I am instead amused. If you can enjoy trash, I recommend this enjoyable trash!
Bonus Content
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
As a big fan of Scott Pilgrim, I enjoyed this spin on the story. The character moments are usually great, and the animation is fun and good. I am a bit apprehensive about the time travel implications, but Super Ramona almost fixed it for me. Recommended, but either watch the movie or read the books first!
Hi! I “finished” 11 anime from “this season” and put them in a ranked list below. There were a lot of good shows this season, lemme tell you.
1. Sousou no Frieren (First half)
Frieren is currently the highest-ranked show on MAL, I don’t need to say anything here.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season
Despite Mappa’s best efforts, this season of JJK is great. I finished the Shibuya Incident in the manga dazed and confused, and started the next arc in an even worse condition. Watching it animated is so much easier to follow that I am doubly excited for the Culling Game.
3. Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo
Second season confirmed, we’re winning. 100GFs is astounding in its extravagance. And it funny. Thank you Bibury. Highly recommended! With huge caveats!
4. Undead Unluck (First half)
The first few episodes are incredibly good. After that, the animation calms down in general, and more time is taken up by recap at the start of each episode. Regardless, its fight scenes are always superb, and its style is powerful (former Shaft people doing god’s work). As a fan of the manga, I did not foresee this adaptation being so good. I am so, so happy.
5. Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su (First half)
SLF is straight fun with few caveats. The fights are interesting, the game is almost 100% well-designed, and the reaction faces are funny. It can be a tad slow in parts, but the mysteries and discoveries more than make up for that. Highly recommended!
6. Mahoutsukai no Yome Season 2 Part 2
So much of The Ancient Magus’ Bride is so wonderfully done that it really gets to me when normal human voices come out of the werewolves when they just open up their gigantic maws. Nitpicks aside, I want to say this season is better than the first. There are a couple slow episodes, but that’s not new. Philomela can be real annoying, but who cares, the music is fantastic. Highly recommended!
7. Overtake!
This racing/photography/overcoming trauma anime is sensitive and down-to-earth. The characters are realistic and likable, despite their flaws. And hey, what do you know, they grow over the course of the show. The audiovisuals are great, the races are fun, and the final episode is phenomenal. Highly recommended!
8. Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! 2nd Season
Before the final episode I was just going to write a positive review. It’s more silly over-the-top self-aware fun with an idiot main character, what more can you ask for? But the final episode starts an arc I am so glad I wasn’t spoiled for. I need the movie right now, and so do you.
9. Dead Mount Death Play Part 2
Yo the main character’s name is Riz! DMDP is now my favorite Narita work (I have not seen Baccano! yet). This series is intriguing and well-paced with a ton of fun characters. Solitaire is the best. The only low point is the animation quality. I hear there’s not enough volumes left for another season, which is a shame. Maybe in the far future there will be more.
10. Helck
I enjoyed watching Helck, but based on earlier comments I was under the impression the story would be over in 24 episodes. Turns out this is only half the story. The final episode ends with a really good moment that made me feel more positive towards the show, but I cannot recommend it until a season 2 is announced. I am very tempted to read the manga because of some comparison shots I’ve seen; the art is definitely better. I can recommend that: it’s well-written and will surprise you!
11. Seiken Gakuin no Makentsukai
First and foremost: The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy is not good. The visuals are dreadful, the worldbuilding is lame, and it’s very silly. But you won’t find another show quite like this one. The pacing is snappy, the characters are likable, and the plot sort of makes sense. It’s sometimes legitimately epic, and sometimes real funny. I busted my gut to some of the post-credits minis. The real down-bad types on the internet were complaining that this lacked the ecchi they were expecting; I am instead amused. If you can enjoy trash, I recommend this enjoyable trash!
Bonus Content
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
As a big fan of Scott Pilgrim, I enjoyed this spin on the story. The character moments are usually great, and the animation is fun and good. I am a bit apprehensive about the time travel implications, but Super Ramona almost fixed it for me. Recommended, but either watch the movie or read the books first!
Posted by adeeda | Dec 31, 2023 4:35 PM | 0 comments
November 1st, 2023
Fall 2023 Prelims
Anime Relations: Undead Unluck, Sousou no Frieren, Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo
Fall 2023 Prelims
Hi, I watched 4 episodes of some shows from this season! Here’s a quick tier list:
S: Frieren, JJK, 100GFs, Undead Unluck, Shangri-La Frontier
A: Dead Mount Death Play, Ancient Magus Bride
B: Eminence in Shadow, Helck, Overtake!, Apothecary Diaries, Spy x Family
C: A Playthrough of a Certain Dude’s VRMMO Life
D: The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy
And here are some blurbs about these shows: (Ordered by MAL average score, descending.)
Stuff I’m Watching
Sousou no Frieren (8/28): God-tier anime. I mean, uh, yeah, it’s pretty good. Very enjoyable . . . is an understatement!!!!
Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season (14/23): JJK is kino. And that’s just the manga! The anime is on a higher level.
Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! 2nd Season (4/12): Run, if you value your life. The frenzy has begun. The moon is red. We are out of time.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (4/24): Maomao is cute, Jinshi is fun, and the animation has a lot of character! I’m not particularly impressed with the story, but everything else is worth it.
Spy x Family Season 2 (4/12): First four episodes are ok. Next up is the cruise arc which will be pretty cool.
Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su (5/25): Holy cow this show is fun. Everything is good. The episodes have begun to have some recap to pad their runtime, but that’s a negligible detractor. Watch this!
Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo (4/?): The 100GFs anime is everything I wanted and then some. The perfect adaptation, it goes above and beyond. So much fun. And you’re telling me it could be 2 cours? I’m ecstatic.
Undead Unluck (4/?): Unbelievably kino. The manga can’t hold a candle to this. I never expected this adaptation to be so exquisite. It has some good-ass people working on it. Please watch this!
Mahoutsukai no Yome Season 2 Part 2 (4/12): Wow this school arc is pretty long. We’re really going to learn about every single character, aren’t we? I can’t complain too much, because it’s always looking and sounding good.
Dead Mount Death Play Part 2 (4/12): I am so excited for this show to continue! The multitudes of puzzle pieces continue to move in interesting ways, and the characters are fun and compelling. The animation isn’t the best, but I don’t care. Watch this!
Overtake! (4/12): The music is hype. The racing is hype! The characters are cute. The art is good. The animation is clean. The story is nice. It’s anime-original. What’s not to like? You should try it!
Helck (16/24): Omg this flashback is so long. How are they going to fit the rest of the story in? I don’t know, but surely there’s still a lot left, right? The ending better be worth it or I will demand a refund.
Seiken Gakuin no Makentsukai (4/12): The animation is stiff, the CG monsters are abominable, and the world is pretty lame. However, the pacing and the characters are not awful. I sorta want to see what happens next.
Toaru Ossan no VRMMO Katsudouki (4/12): I like the story and the concept (I read the manga), but the execution is so bare-bones that I am on the edge of dropping it. Maybe after the next episode . . . .
Stuff I Tried
Dr. Stone: New World Part 2 (2/11): I am watching Dr. Stone for the OP and ED, and this season’s suck. I’ve already read the manga, but if you haven’t, you will enjoy this just like the previous seasons.
Kamonohashi Ron no Kindan Suiri (1/13): This is aight. I enjoyed episode 1. But it’s a little too tropey, the straight man is a little too annoying, and the weird eye thing is a little too supernatural. And it’s looking like I’ll have plenty of other stuff to watch this season.
Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannou desu 2nd Season (1/12): I dunno, I am just not feeling it compared to the first season. Maybe now that the most interesting isekai parts are done with, the remaining bits just aren’t as interesting, so the writing flaws show through more? Also it’s been more than 2 years, maybe my standards have risen!
Hikikomari Kyuuketsuki no Monmon (1/12): Art good, everything else bad. They’re not even real vampires.
Good Night World (8/12): It’s bad. Incredibly contrived and nonsensical. There are a few good ideas, and the portrayal of a dysfunctional family is almost too real, but the rest of the plot is beyond lost.
Saihate no Paladin: Tetsusabi no Yama no Ou (1/?): It’s aight.
Kikansha no Mahou wa Tokubetsu desu (3/12): The audio is good! Most everything else is bad. I liked the characters from the manhwa (Pram Pram Pram Pram Pram Pram Pram Pram!), but the story doesn’t really do it for me. This adaptation gets a big thumbs down.
Boukensha ni Naritai to Miyako ni Deteitta Musume ga S-Rank ni Natteta (2/13): I like the manga, but watching this doesn’t feel as good. Maybe it’s just not a good enough story. The backgrounds and music are good, and it’s still cute, but the animation is particularly average or below.
Potion-danomi de Ikinobimasu! (2/12): Boring, with few redeeming qualities. Plus I get creep vibes from the author.
Bokura no Ameiro Protocol (3/12): I find the outdated video game they created for this show to be quaint, in a good way. People play outdated video games competitively; that’s a thing. However, it’s a little too stiff, just like the regular animation in the rest of the show. The OP and ED are good and the dialogue writing is strong (and Sugita voices a god gamer!), but the vibe is weird and the plot writing is weak. I wish I could keep watching but I can’t.
Kawagoe Boys Sing (3/12): I wanted to watch this because I was in choir through high school. However, it’s really weird. Which could be fun! But it’s too weird. I liked the music, but then one guy got autotuned for his solo and I was out.
Bullbuster (1/12): It’s got a relatable workplace setting except for the ugly CGI monsters. It’s sort of all over the place. No idea what it’s going to be really about.
Kamierabi (1/13): I actually liked most of this except for the terribly-written plot. If episode 1 didn’t have as much bullshit I would be on this train. Wait a sec . . I have just learned it’s being written by the biggest hack on MAL. Goodbye!
Stuff I Haven’t Tried
Pluto: I will watch this soon.
Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku-hen: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Atarashii Joushi wa Do Tennen: Idk the PV just seemed a little weird. I’m sure this is a fine show, but it didn’t grab me.
MF Ghost: I ain’t no Initial D head.
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari Season 3: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Goblin Slayer II: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Season 3: I’ll watch the first season eventually.
Arknights: Touin Kiro: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Ragna Crimson: Seems edgy and also not that good. MAL score isn’t too bad but nobody has told me to watch this.
Yuzuki-san Chi no Yonkyoudai.: Idk looks boring.
Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou.: I have HAD it with otome game anime.
Tearmoon Teikoku Monogatari: Dantoudai kara Hajimaru, Hime no Tensei Gyakuten Story: Doesn’t make sense, but appears to not be full comedy.
Hametsu no Oukoku: Idk looks cringe.
Captain Tsubasa Season 2: Junior Youth-hen: This isn’t a Haikyuu sequel!
Nanatsu no Taizai: Mokushiroku no Yonkishi: They’re still making Seven Deadly Sins????
Houkago Shounen Hanako-kun: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Kanojo mo Kanojo Season 2: This show wishes it were 100GFs.
16bit Sensation: Another Layer: This is such an otaku anime I want to watch it, but the PV did not inspire confidence.
Boushoku no Berserk: Idk looks mega cringe.
Konyaku Haki sareta Reijou wo Hirotta Ore ga, Ikenai Koto wo Oshiekomu: Probably cute . . . and Sugita’s in it . . . . . . but surely this is just a nothing anime, right?
Hoshikuzu Telepath: I am usually burned by 4-koma adaptations.
The iDOLM@STER Million Live!: There is too much idolmaster.
Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle - Rhyme Anima +: The what now?
Paradox Live the Animation: My hatred for mixed media projects overrides my love for PINE JAM 😢
Migi to Dali: Uhhhhh this looks really bad????
Shy: Idk the animation doesn’t look very good.
Megumi no Daigo: Kyuukoku no Orange: Probably real interesting, but isn’t particularly compelling as an anime.
Keikenzumi na Kimi to, Keiken Zero na Ore ga, Otsukiai suru Hanashi.: Idk looks giga cringe.
Kibou no Chikara: Otona Precure '23: Adult precure???? That piqued my interest, but the PV did the opposite.
Under Ninja: Looks very interesting, but I have the feeling it’s not up to snuff.
Dekoboko Majo no Oyako Jijou: I am here for the premise but not the execution. Also it’s from a 4-koma.
> Everything else is irrelevant!
Hi, I watched 4 episodes of some shows from this season! Here’s a quick tier list:
S: Frieren, JJK, 100GFs, Undead Unluck, Shangri-La Frontier
A: Dead Mount Death Play, Ancient Magus Bride
B: Eminence in Shadow, Helck, Overtake!, Apothecary Diaries, Spy x Family
C: A Playthrough of a Certain Dude’s VRMMO Life
D: The Demon Sword Master of Excalibur Academy
And here are some blurbs about these shows: (Ordered by MAL average score, descending.)
Stuff I’m Watching
Sousou no Frieren (8/28): God-tier anime. I mean, uh, yeah, it’s pretty good. Very enjoyable . . . is an understatement!!!!
Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season (14/23): JJK is kino. And that’s just the manga! The anime is on a higher level.
Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! 2nd Season (4/12): Run, if you value your life. The frenzy has begun. The moon is red. We are out of time.
Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (4/24): Maomao is cute, Jinshi is fun, and the animation has a lot of character! I’m not particularly impressed with the story, but everything else is worth it.
Spy x Family Season 2 (4/12): First four episodes are ok. Next up is the cruise arc which will be pretty cool.
Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su (5/25): Holy cow this show is fun. Everything is good. The episodes have begun to have some recap to pad their runtime, but that’s a negligible detractor. Watch this!
Kimi no Koto ga Daidaidaidaidaisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo (4/?): The 100GFs anime is everything I wanted and then some. The perfect adaptation, it goes above and beyond. So much fun. And you’re telling me it could be 2 cours? I’m ecstatic.
Undead Unluck (4/?): Unbelievably kino. The manga can’t hold a candle to this. I never expected this adaptation to be so exquisite. It has some good-ass people working on it. Please watch this!
Mahoutsukai no Yome Season 2 Part 2 (4/12): Wow this school arc is pretty long. We’re really going to learn about every single character, aren’t we? I can’t complain too much, because it’s always looking and sounding good.
Dead Mount Death Play Part 2 (4/12): I am so excited for this show to continue! The multitudes of puzzle pieces continue to move in interesting ways, and the characters are fun and compelling. The animation isn’t the best, but I don’t care. Watch this!
Overtake! (4/12): The music is hype. The racing is hype! The characters are cute. The art is good. The animation is clean. The story is nice. It’s anime-original. What’s not to like? You should try it!
Helck (16/24): Omg this flashback is so long. How are they going to fit the rest of the story in? I don’t know, but surely there’s still a lot left, right? The ending better be worth it or I will demand a refund.
Seiken Gakuin no Makentsukai (4/12): The animation is stiff, the CG monsters are abominable, and the world is pretty lame. However, the pacing and the characters are not awful. I sorta want to see what happens next.
Toaru Ossan no VRMMO Katsudouki (4/12): I like the story and the concept (I read the manga), but the execution is so bare-bones that I am on the edge of dropping it. Maybe after the next episode . . . .
Stuff I Tried
Dr. Stone: New World Part 2 (2/11): I am watching Dr. Stone for the OP and ED, and this season’s suck. I’ve already read the manga, but if you haven’t, you will enjoy this just like the previous seasons.
Kamonohashi Ron no Kindan Suiri (1/13): This is aight. I enjoyed episode 1. But it’s a little too tropey, the straight man is a little too annoying, and the weird eye thing is a little too supernatural. And it’s looking like I’ll have plenty of other stuff to watch this season.
Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannou desu 2nd Season (1/12): I dunno, I am just not feeling it compared to the first season. Maybe now that the most interesting isekai parts are done with, the remaining bits just aren’t as interesting, so the writing flaws show through more? Also it’s been more than 2 years, maybe my standards have risen!
Hikikomari Kyuuketsuki no Monmon (1/12): Art good, everything else bad. They’re not even real vampires.
Good Night World (8/12): It’s bad. Incredibly contrived and nonsensical. There are a few good ideas, and the portrayal of a dysfunctional family is almost too real, but the rest of the plot is beyond lost.
Saihate no Paladin: Tetsusabi no Yama no Ou (1/?): It’s aight.
Kikansha no Mahou wa Tokubetsu desu (3/12): The audio is good! Most everything else is bad. I liked the characters from the manhwa (Pram Pram Pram Pram Pram Pram Pram Pram!), but the story doesn’t really do it for me. This adaptation gets a big thumbs down.
Boukensha ni Naritai to Miyako ni Deteitta Musume ga S-Rank ni Natteta (2/13): I like the manga, but watching this doesn’t feel as good. Maybe it’s just not a good enough story. The backgrounds and music are good, and it’s still cute, but the animation is particularly average or below.
Potion-danomi de Ikinobimasu! (2/12): Boring, with few redeeming qualities. Plus I get creep vibes from the author.
Bokura no Ameiro Protocol (3/12): I find the outdated video game they created for this show to be quaint, in a good way. People play outdated video games competitively; that’s a thing. However, it’s a little too stiff, just like the regular animation in the rest of the show. The OP and ED are good and the dialogue writing is strong (and Sugita voices a god gamer!), but the vibe is weird and the plot writing is weak. I wish I could keep watching but I can’t.
Kawagoe Boys Sing (3/12): I wanted to watch this because I was in choir through high school. However, it’s really weird. Which could be fun! But it’s too weird. I liked the music, but then one guy got autotuned for his solo and I was out.
Bullbuster (1/12): It’s got a relatable workplace setting except for the ugly CGI monsters. It’s sort of all over the place. No idea what it’s going to be really about.
Kamierabi (1/13): I actually liked most of this except for the terribly-written plot. If episode 1 didn’t have as much bullshit I would be on this train. Wait a sec . . I have just learned it’s being written by the biggest hack on MAL. Goodbye!
Stuff I Haven’t Tried
Pluto: I will watch this soon.
Tokyo Revengers: Tenjiku-hen: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Atarashii Joushi wa Do Tennen: Idk the PV just seemed a little weird. I’m sure this is a fine show, but it didn’t grab me.
MF Ghost: I ain’t no Initial D head.
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari Season 3: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Goblin Slayer II: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Season 3: I’ll watch the first season eventually.
Arknights: Touin Kiro: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Ragna Crimson: Seems edgy and also not that good. MAL score isn’t too bad but nobody has told me to watch this.
Yuzuki-san Chi no Yonkyoudai.: Idk looks boring.
Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou.: I have HAD it with otome game anime.
Tearmoon Teikoku Monogatari: Dantoudai kara Hajimaru, Hime no Tensei Gyakuten Story: Doesn’t make sense, but appears to not be full comedy.
Hametsu no Oukoku: Idk looks cringe.
Captain Tsubasa Season 2: Junior Youth-hen: This isn’t a Haikyuu sequel!
Nanatsu no Taizai: Mokushiroku no Yonkishi: They’re still making Seven Deadly Sins????
Houkago Shounen Hanako-kun: ~It’s a sequel to a show I didn’t like~
Kanojo mo Kanojo Season 2: This show wishes it were 100GFs.
16bit Sensation: Another Layer: This is such an otaku anime I want to watch it, but the PV did not inspire confidence.
Boushoku no Berserk: Idk looks mega cringe.
Konyaku Haki sareta Reijou wo Hirotta Ore ga, Ikenai Koto wo Oshiekomu: Probably cute . . . and Sugita’s in it . . . . . . but surely this is just a nothing anime, right?
Hoshikuzu Telepath: I am usually burned by 4-koma adaptations.
The iDOLM@STER Million Live!: There is too much idolmaster.
Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle - Rhyme Anima +: The what now?
Paradox Live the Animation: My hatred for mixed media projects overrides my love for PINE JAM 😢
Migi to Dali: Uhhhhh this looks really bad????
Shy: Idk the animation doesn’t look very good.
Megumi no Daigo: Kyuukoku no Orange: Probably real interesting, but isn’t particularly compelling as an anime.
Keikenzumi na Kimi to, Keiken Zero na Ore ga, Otsukiai suru Hanashi.: Idk looks giga cringe.
Kibou no Chikara: Otona Precure '23: Adult precure???? That piqued my interest, but the PV did the opposite.
Under Ninja: Looks very interesting, but I have the feeling it’s not up to snuff.
Dekoboko Majo no Oyako Jijou: I am here for the premise but not the execution. Also it’s from a 4-koma.
> Everything else is irrelevant!
Posted by adeeda | Nov 1, 2023 9:23 PM | 0 comments