Back to Arcanon's Profile Arcanon's Profile

The second anime installment to the hit music/idol franchise Love Live!, Sunshine follows the story of second year high school student Takami Chika as she chases her dream.

All of her life, Chika has always been normal.

"To have been absorbed in something you love. To have a dream of what you want to become... I never had that."

Chika thought that she had to be special to be like that. But that changed when she saw µ's for the first time.

"Even though they were normal high schoolers like me, they were shining!"

Chika was moved. She realized the wonders of school idols, and decided to do it with ... her friends. She wanted to have a goal, and she wanted to work hard for it. She wants to shine.

Being the most anticipated anime for Summer 2016, many are quick to hate on it. You'll often hear claims that it's just a rehash of the first series, that the plot is the same for both. But what makes up a plot, anyways? Is it how things go, the events that happen; or is it the reason, the "why", to the things that happen? I'll let you decide for your self.

As this is the second anime series under the Love Live franchise, you'd expect it to more or less have the same strengths and weaknesses in the overall animation. Like the clean character designs, and the god awful 3DCG when dancing. Surprisingly, though, Sunshine is all strengths. Sunrise (the animators) delivered an overwhelming upgrade to its aesthetics. The art is really detailed and clean. Characters are refined, and the scenery and background are really spectacular. The animation is smooth and fluid, and the 3DCG now fits into the sequencing with better motion and design. Also, the water is really really marvelous. It resembles more the School Idol Movie than it does the original series.

The sound is understandably outstanding. The voice acting fits the characters personalities, and feels natural to listen to. The sound effects are consistent and doesn't overpower the main dialogue, and the ambient sounds pay close attention to detail. There's always the low and soft sound of water moving and waves crashing when they're near a body of water, and there are random seagull squawks every now and then, as expected of a seaside town. It makes you feel like you''re genuinely there. The background music fits with the atmosphere, and carries the many emotions of the show. As for the songs, you can expect it to be great. The opening and ending themes are catchy and tells the story of them as they start out. The songs are good as it is, but gets even better with the emphasis they put on them.

The concept for the story is pretty straightforward, and that is good for a fun show about girls following their dreams and having fun. This isn't meant to be a deep and complex story. The pacing is perfect. Events happen and change at a decently slow speed, which gives more time for the characters to interact, and for their feelings to show and intentions to take shape. With this, the development of each character is clear. Also, Sunshine goes to great lengths and makes excellent use of its elements in emphasizing their characters struggles and accomplishments, creating these beautiful and touching moments unexpected to the viewer, making it that much more of an enjoyable and memorable show.

I loved the first series, and I went into Sunshine knowing that I would also love it. It could have just been me being biased, or it could have just been them riding the immense wave of popularity left by µ's, so I wondering if they could really do it. But I honestly didn't expect it to be this good. It's been breaking a lot of my expectations, and I have high hopes for this series. I want to see the heights they'll take this golden opportunity to and make a name for themselves. Already, they are shining, but I believe they'll become greater and brighter.

What does it mean to be an idol?

At first, I was hesitant in picking up the iDOLM@STER. The first episode was dull and boring. I mean, sure, it introduces the characters, but it's some person filming girls. Unless you're into that stuff (not judging), you don't really have any reason to continue to the next episode, because it doesn't offer anything to grab your attention.

That was my initial impression, but as I forced myself to go on with the series, I grew more and more thankful that I didn't completely drop it. It was surprising- everything was. By the end, I felt content. It had ... grown on me, and I wholly welcomed it.

Given the premise: "to become a top idol", the story outline is pretty linear. Every time they reach a new height, they slide down a bit, only to get back up higher. Although that's the case, the story wonderfully used the elements of the idol industry to highlight each character's traits, and use them to raise each one up even higher.

The characters are pretty diverse, though pretty generic. Each one has their own selling point, and everyone sort of compliments each other. This relationship between the cast is what powers their push to the top. When put under the spot light, they dealt with it in their own, unique way. Seeing the characters grow and claim their personalities as their own is what made me love iM@S the most.

A-1 Pictures did this series good. The art has this fun contrast that makes it memorable and visually appealing. The characters are drawn simple and plain, while the scenery and backgrounds are made detailed and extravagant. The animation was clean and fluid to an extent. That may seem pretty average, but what surprised me is that everything, except the audience at certain scenes) was drawn by hand, even the dance scenes. Props to them for that. Though that's pretty typical for them, I guess.

For an anime about idols, the music was quite underwhelming. For the most part, their songs were used as background music. It was hard to fully appreciate the music when something else is happening, especially when there's dialogue at the same time. The focus of the viewer is put more into what is seen, making most of the songs forgettable.

With my point above, I made it seem like the idols are their music. Maybe. But, what does it really mean to be an idol? It doesn't matter as long as you're having fun.

The iDOLM@STER is a spectacular show that revolves around the idea of idols as a career. It showcases the struggles of getting into the industry, and the problems that come with rising to popularity, and how it affects people and their relationships. The experience is fun, and the bonds that are built along the way are lasting. Everyone's feeling reached out and touched me, and I'm sure your's too if you give them the chance.

"Is the goal near? No. This is just the beginning". 9/10

Meeting new characters, seeing them grow, and having fun with them. Being there- being part of everyone's adventure at Wagnaria is an adventure itself. Everything has been memorable and precious.

I don't know how to explain this sensation in my heart, but I'm overflowing with joy. The finalie was so fulfilling and satisfying; it was perfect. The only way to end such a wonderful show.

This feeling that Working!! has given me will keep me warm for a long time to come.

"Thank you! Please come again."

*This is the review of Working!! as a series, and not just this episode in particular*

The story was light, but also has ... depth. It had the right mix of elements- making great use of a family restaurant setting to bring about its slice of life and comedy, and the skillful portrayal of characters and their growth bore tension and romance.

Despite having different personalities, different circumstances, anyone can come together and be as one for their dreams. Shining alongside each other, these girls showed their love, their burning manly spirit, for yosakoi.

Hanayamata's a nice show.

The art is pretty well done. All those beautiful colors gives the show appeal, and the smooth and continuous animation makes watching cute girls dance all the more fun.

Music is definitely great. While the soundtrack was just average, I liked the ED theme, and loved the OP even more.

They did a good job with the characters. There was a good amount of growth with each one, and it had a ... good grasp on the relationships of everyone.

Story is simple. The emotions are there, but wasn't really executed well enough to make full use of it. Calm and sweet; Touching and surprising.

Imagine Koufuku Graffiti, but instead of eating, they kiss.

If you don't know what I mean, then to sum it up: Cute girls do random things where nothing really happens, and the only saving grace is that they kiss each other. A LOT.

Sakura Trick is the yuri anime where the scenes aren't borderline hentai, nor heavily ecchi, yet still manages to be lewd just by kissing. And that's crazy (in a good way).

The story is that of a generic slice-of-life. There's not much to expect from it, but that's not the point. If you're looking for a deep and complex plot, it's not here. The ... whole driving force of the show is the girl-love and emotional growth of the characters. And it did well in that regard.

Aside from the weird faces, the art is pretty solid. Character designs are fine, and backgrounds with actual scenery look beautiful.

Everything was slow at the start (others may find it boring), but as the episodes pass, and as conflicts or hurdles arise, the show gets better and better.

At the end, everything was so good. The last episode was beautiful.

It's sad, really. I wanted to indulge in more yuri, but the next thing I know, it's already finished.

Oh, and they also kissed each other for all the right reasons.

There are a lot of beautiful things in this world, but not many are as wonderful as removing the thorns stuck on one's heart, then embracing more flowers right after. It's so beautiful that it brings a tear to your eye.

Anohana is the simple, yet beautiful flower in the meadow.

The story shows the skillful use of the past, in how one gives meaning to it, to display one's current disposition. Which, in turn, gives the characters' backgrounds more depth, and enriches the interaction among each other.

The art is good. It isn't grand, nor is it dull. It's serene, yet feels ominous.

Sound is also good. ... Voices had impact (I especially liked Menma's voice), and the themes felt right.

Overall, Anohana is a work of art. It's in the execution of elements that really made a difference in the end.

The review for the anime has ended, and from here on out, I would be reviewing how people perceive the show. Feel free to stay and read, but there are spoilers ahead, although very vague.

Whenever I see an article with Anohana in it, it's almost always being compared to anime like Clannad: After Story, Angel Beats, and the like; It's categorized as a sad anime. But that's not really the case.

The show has the ambiance of a serious battle than that of a clock that doesn't work anymore.

Anohana is a tearjerker. Sure, but there isn't really anything sad about it. If anything, it (or the only part that had any real emotion in it) fills people with joy.

You see a group of friends having just conquered the demons of their past, lay their feelings bare as they see off the flower that they've held on to for so long.

"MITSUKETA!". Just remembering this scene is enough to fill me with joy. It fills me enough to make the bowels of my being cry out.

I am wet with joy.

REDLINE was awesome. Even though the story is perfectly good on it's own, the movie's strong points are its phenomenal visuals, the best that I've seen, and its godly soundtrack.

Sometimes things would get too abrupt. A few key instances were thrown into the story without any info about it. Although they give an explanation for it, the story could've really made use of a little more depth on relationship of the characters, and their backgrounds.

But I guess the simplicity of the story is one of its charms. If we had more food for thought, then we would have less time to appreciate the spectacularly prepared ... feast for our eyes and ears.

In the end, my heart was satisfied to no limits. Redline was an extravagant experience.

A very enjoyable, well-rounded show that wonderfully tells a story through emotions, color and flowers.

Imagine an anime being born from the visual appeal of No Game No Life, the moe from YuruYuri, and the plot of Madoka Magica having a threesome.
Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru is that anime.

The art is so crisp and clean, flaunting all those magnificient colors and oftentimes showing the beautiful contrast between hope and despair.

The music is really lovable. It's lively, yet ominous at the same time.

There were also these subtle references that I always find entertaining and interesting to spot. Just knowing that something is a reference to something ... else is fun and gives you a sense of achievement.

Enter the hero! Enter the hero! Enter the hero!

The art for this show is unique; it stands out. At first you may find it weird and offsetting. But as the episodes pass, you'll find a certain comfort, a certain familiarity with it. The rough art style grows on you, then you'll find yourself loving and wanting more of it. Sometimes, different is better.

As you delve into the rich story of the show, you're accompanied by its music, its soundtrack. It surrounds you, and sets the atmosphere perfectly for any scene. Superb opening and ending theme songs also greet and bid you farewell respectively at each ... episode. In a word, the music is phenomenal.

The characters are Ping Pong's strongest point. All are of different backgrounds, and of different experiences who are met with each other through Ping Pong. They have their own personality, yet how each one complements or clashes with the others' was gracefully executed. Encounters change people.

Ping Pong: The Animation is not about the sport; it's about the people playing it.

The charm of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time lies in the subtleties of the story. It will calm your soul with its magnificent art, please your being with sublime music, excite your mind with a deep and rich story, and make your heart experience a cornucopia of emotions, moving you all the while.

The movie showed how our actions can greatly affect others, and teaches us what it means to move without direction, to act without thinking, because time waits for no one.

Time travel exists. Those of previous days, those of current times, and those of the next generations: All of us moves toward the ... future at the pace of a second per second. But if you get the chance to go back in time, would you?