- Last Online4 hours ago
- GenderMale
- JoinedNov 11, 2020
RSS Feeds
|
![]()
May 2, 2025
I highly enjoyed this book not just for the cute anthropomorphic cat characters but how it handled social issues like the types discrimination and prejudice we see everyday in our society. The best way to describe the actions and conflicts in the story is if each character drew a line in the sand or really a circle. There are four main cat characters, a handful of human characters and one minor cat character. Each one deals with the discrimination that comes with being a cat in society differently.
Before I continue, its important to understand how the manga uses the idea of "cat" as a
...
stand in for basically any thing that is "different" or the things that people have biases against and how that affects those who the biases are directed too. While the manga doesn't go into a deep exploration of these complex social issues, it is not afraid to be painfully blunt about it either. Things like consent, work place discrimination and harassment, parental expectations, and even our own personal boundaries are examined and laid bare for the reader to see. At times it can uncomfortable to read because of how obviously oblivious the characters can be in this story when they interact with the feline cast.
To better understand how this story handles these topics, let's return to the line in the sand metaphor. Starting with the main character, Hachisuke, whose line is a comfortable distance. Not to close but open enough to let in those he trusts. Early on that trust is broken which serves as a recurring conflict in the story and also a source of personal growth for our main character.
Second character is Makio who is a feline model something very common in this setting which is not necessarily a good thing. He's my favorite character because while Hachisuke is the most relatable and down to earth, Makio isn't afraid to be flexible but while also respecting and protecting his friends. One of my favorite parts of the series is near the end when Makio questions whether or not he should remain as a feline model fearing it will continue to perpetuate feline stereotypes and stigmas but after being reassured by Hachisuke, continues doing it because its not about what others want, its about what he wants. It's his choice. If he is comfortable doing it and being in the spotlight, then the others should and do support him.
Thirdly is the male calico cat named Mike. He has less of a line in the sand and more of a series of dots in a row. He has zero boundaries or respect for the boundaries of others. While this does change, it's interesting to see why he acts like this. Through flashbacks and dialogue we learn he was raised to be a kitten model and being exploited by humans is all he knows. His parents don't believe he can be anything but a feline model despite he has no desire to follow that road but can't bare the thought of disappointing anyone or expressing his own feelings. Similarly to Makio, you want to respect Mike's choice to get along with humans in his own way, it is clear early on in the story that his utter lack of social awareness is actively harmful to himself and has a negative affect on the cats around him.
The fourth cat is Kurono and he has less of a line in the sand and more like a brick wall. Angry, bitter, and easy to lash out he doesn't use hate being exploited and discriminated against humans but looks down on cats who choose to consent to being petted and babied by them. This causes conflict with Mike who is his polar opposite. What makes Kurono interesting is how inflexible he is and how he alienates himself not only from humans but other cats. His bad attitude causes problems and he knows it but doesn't know how to change. In a strange way, like Mike, he also doesn't respect other's boundaries or their choices.
The fifth cat, Muko, is not one of the main four but a secondary cat character who runs a bookshop where several events in the story take place. Strong, independent, and a little sour her line is very small and doesn't have a lot of room for anyone she doesn't agree with. She's quick to point out others social failings, and will not sugar coat her feelings. She can come off as abrasive but being looked down on a feline and female shop owner, her story is not uncommon.
The main human character duo are a good inclusion to the story because they add a unique perspective to the story. Yoshihito is Hachisuke and Mike's supervisor at their job. While he tries his best to be kind to the felines, he comes off as a wannabe "savior" and ally. This tendency to both walk on eggshells and also align himself with the problems with the felines, comes off as uncomfortable to the very cats he's trying to help. A common occurrence in real life which makes it important to be included in his story. The well meaning human simply doesn't know how to respond correctly to problems he can never truly understand. This causes friction with Muko who is quick to point out his failings and put him in his place even when that in of itself isn't helpful or productive. Their dynamic is one of the best in the story because of how honest it is. One who wants to help but tries too hard therefore overcomplicates things and the other who despite her annoyance appreciates the effort.
The second humans is one introduced early in the series and is named Hitomi. After a night of drinking, Hitomi pets Hachisuke believing she has his consent. She ends up scratched by Hachisuke and Hachisuke ends up fired from his brief job at the modeling agency. This causes a rift between the two and traumatizes Hitomi who, as a woman, has had her fair share of harassment, is mortified that she did the same thing to another person. It's with Hitomi that the story stops using allegory altogether at one point and showcases the problems victims of sexual harassment face including victim blaming and finger pointing. Long story short, Hachisuke forgives her and she strives to be more knowledgable about feline culture and their problems. A bit on the nose but points for showing how research and effort go a long way to bridging social gaps and alleviating social injustices bit by bit.
The biggest emphasis the story has is that none of this is easy but at the same time it is easy to respect each other and the boundaries, the lines in the sand we create. Those lines can be too big or too small and that's when its up to us to try to strengthen and break down those walls a little by communicating with each other. That's what I like about this series. Different characters, with different perspectives all communicating and growing to create a better society. The series can be overly blunt with its messaging and some might find the messaging itself mishandled or misguided but for me, I appreciate the story that was being told and the message it was sending the reader.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
What did you think of this review?
Nice
 0
Love it
 0
Funny
 0
Confusing
 0
Well-written
 0
Creative
 0Show all
![]()
Mar 23, 2025
An absolute love letter to the cheesiest corniest most beloved beautiful story telling tropes and beats in all of anime. One of the best anime original anime I've ever seen and one of the best anime I've seen in a good while. Solid 9/10. It would have been a 10/10 Masterpiece it played the story too safe. It was predictable a lot of the time and very by the book. You could follow the three arc structure it had going episode by episode which while could be intentional seeing how the show was based on a movie within the story. If that was the case
...
then bravo for such meta storytelling. An absolute love letter to the cheesiest corniest most beloved beautiful story telling tropes and beats in all of anime.
The characters were phenomenal. Some more than others. Memmeln felt very under utilized despite having her own personal tragedy and character growth but it was so short and felt like too easy of a change for someone with such deep seated anxiety and issues. The Bird Director was probably the biggest disappointment. She was neither an ally or an enemy. Just a random inclusion despite being such a significant figure when it came to "A Tale of Perishing". Her inclusion had a lot of potential as an antagonist but it never went anywhere and frankly if was removed all together nothing would change. Luke, Unio, Justice, and of course our heroine Natsuko win the gold star for not only being just great characters but each having their own well rounded character arcs and development. This show was not carried by the plot or the references to other anime, but these characters.
Shifting to the plot, it was very by the book. A character like Natsuko struggling with pressure that came with success and her own shortcomings sent to a world where she is given god like powers and omnipotence as she struggles to use said powers and knowledge to change a fate written in stone. She did everything she was supposed to do for a character. She struggled, grew, evolved, and in the end over came her short comings established in the first episodes. It was well executed, handled, and animated with incredible skill and grace. It was also safe. Nothing really stood out about her character or the story as a whole. The anime reference and easter eggs were a nice touch for any anime fans but overall the plot was standard, safe, and predictable. Everything from beginning to the last scene was exactly what one would expect from a series like this. It was amazing, beautiful, and exciting to watch as well.
In a lot of ways, Zenshu's predictability is part of its charm. It truly is a love letter to the 3 arc structure of story telling and all those movies, shows, and stories that follow it. It was not trying to rewrite the rules because it was celebrating them. This series is a celebration of anime and animation.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Feb 2, 2025
This movie I've wanted to see for a few months and I have mixed feelings. I enjoyed it and it was cute but it dealt with some serious heavy themes with all the grace and nuance of a cinderblock thrown into a wood chipper. One paper it should be an emotionally resonating film but every character, every story beat just fumbled it. I mean by the end of the film everything worked out but it didn't feel very satisfying.
On the surface you have a young character abandoned by her dead beat father and left at her grandfather's house, a man she has literally never
...
met, in a town she is unfamiliar with while still coping with the lost of her mother. Yet the film doesn't handle these ideas with any substance instead having the characters wander around aimlessly without any clear motivation or reason for doing anything. While it's clear Karin is after something, it's only clear what it is halfway through the movie. There should have been more clear understanding for the audience what her goals were beyond simply not wanting to be around anyone and lashing out at everyone. I'm not expecting the emotionally damaged 11-year to be a well-spring of emotional depth but I would have liked it better if she was less of a brat. Communication is lacking in this film.
The pacing of the movie was very rough with scenes and moments that either dragged out too long with awkward character interactions or simply failed to move the plot along. Karin and Anzu did several bad things not only were there zero repercussions but it didn't flesh out their characters in any way that we didn't already know. Anzu is not very bright and Karin is angry at the world.
The real problem with the movie was the scene after Karin and her mom escape the underworld. Not only was that entire sequence terribly paced and awkward but poorly executed. Her mom was taken back as should have been and Karin got some sort of closure. Those things happened and everything was resolved but the entire thing felt unearned. It was too easy and lacked emotional impact. The entire movie lacks emotional impact despite dealing with Karin's emotional growth and coping with her mother's death and her father's reckless behavior.
I did say I enjoyed the movie. Like the cast despite their flaws were entertaining to watch. Anzu was a fun character who was reliable when he wanted to be. The grandfather was a good person and I wish he was more relevant in the movie. The forest yokai characters were fun and i did enjoy them coming the rescue even if their presence was completely pointless against Enma's demons. To put it bluntly, Anzu carried this movie while the human cast hindered it more than anything. Most of the characters just felt like they were just going with the flow of the story instead of taking an active part in the narrative.
The ending especially felt unearned. Karin finally broke down and openly sobbed in front of Anzu after struggling to keep her emotions bottled up throughout the entire film. Even when she told her father that she was staying at the temple with her grandfather, on paper should have been a powerful moment of agency and growth, but the execution of it lacked impact.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Jan 20, 2025
The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store is several things besides a anime movie. It's a metaphor for darwinism and evolution as well a reminder for what the Earth has lost due to the selfishness of mankind. Its a story about a women struggling to adapt to her new job at a department store for animals of all shapes and sizes.
The film showcases several species of animals from small to large to giant. The ones the films chooses to focus on are the ones that don't exist anymore. The animals that either couldn't adapt to their environment or were cruelly hunted to extinction. Each animal
...
provides a lesson for our heroine as well as a reminder of their own existence. The best thing this movie does is that is takes the idea of darwinism and survival of the fittest and shows it through the lens of shopping at a department store. The best parts of the film weren't the ones where Akino struggled then overcame the challenges brought forth by the animal customers but the times where she didn't do it alone. Two prime examples were the barbary lion and japanese wolf segments. In both cases it took a group of animals and humans respectively to solve each case. A beautiful metaphor for that idea that the lives of creatures are supported by others. Humans coming together to solve problems and maybe if animals had that same level of support they could as well. But that is just human ego talking but it's a nice thought. When different creatures come together maybe things could have been different. Maybe different species could have relied on the skills of others to survive against a threat that no individual animal or species could have on their own.
Metaphor is the most important aspect of this film. It is even brought up within the film that the entire department store itself is a fantasy playground. A place where animals of all kinds can come and be waited on by humans in an attempt to apologize for their wrongdoings. A place where survival of the fittest doesn't exist and animals can shop not for anything the need to live but simply for the joy of it. Truly a first world blessing.
The movie itself was well animated with beautiful unique backgrounds and well drawn animal characters. They were anthropomorphized buy not in a human way. They were simply themselves but bipedal for the most part which is an important distinction to make for a film like this. They have that sense of realism blended with the fantasy of the department store. Another reminder that these are real animals that do exist or at one time did.
The human characters were probably the weakest aspect of the movie aside from Akino. Mr. Todo provides comic relief and commentary but his otherwise cartoony antics do little to either move the plot or add conflict. Granted there is enough conflict working in retail without having your manager breathing down your neck. The other concierge's felt more like filler to add more human elements to the story without adding anything more the plot or conflict. It was actually Mr. Maruki who had the most impact of the minor human cast. An example of how cruel age and experience is in survival but how not being able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment is detrimental to one's chances of survival. Despite being seen for a brief section of the film, he is a paradox of a character but that's what makes him so critical to the story as a whole. He mattered not just for the plot but for the message and theme the movie was trying to convey.
The animal characters were of course the strongest aspect of the movie. Providing insight to their real life counter parts behaviors through the lens of department store shoppers. The variety and circumstances each one conveyed was nothing short than enjoyable to watch. They even included every retail worker's nightmare in the form of an impossible to please shopper. The fact that the movie takes place around Christmas was a very nice touch given the setting. There were so many little things that make this movie so great.
The ending was the best part. All the story line came together and we got to see all of Akino's hard work come to fruition. The lions filmed the past characters we met and we the audience got to experience a beautiful scene of al the different animals being showcased. A message of "we are still here". There were some parts the film's metaphor and message that were heavy handed. The fact that Great Auk went extinct the same year the first department store opened in Paris was a slap in the face. How many of those animals showcased were killed for satisfy the same human greed that first store was built for. The ice sculpture breaking as a symbol for the end of a species life. Nothing last forever. Life is a fleeting melting ice. But instead of being sad about it, move forward and try to find joy in the present. That is my personal feelings to what the movie was trying to convey. But I might not be correct and there may be no one correct interrelation of the movies message. That's what makes it a truly beautiful film. The subtext is whatever the viewer wants it to be. It can be examined in multiple ways and from multiple perspectives. To me that is the making a great story and a better film.
The Concierge at Hokkyouku Department Store is many things. It is a gift to all the animal species killed by humans, a legacy to their existence so they may never be forgotten, and an apology.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Jan 19, 2025
Frankly a forgettable series with no plot or substance.
The series describes itself as a series about the dating life of the two lead characters and while that is true, those dates are simply uninteresting to read through. Wholesome, relaxing, and ultimately forgettable. I found myself forgetting the events of the previous chapter the second I moved onto the next one. The sheer lack of conflict, stakes, or spice really made me want to put the series down (again).
The characters themselves should be the driving force of a series that has no plot. But they are not. The "hook" that the boyfriend (who I
...
don't think was named) is a cat? He has a cat head at least which is pointless. Like the reason I picked up the series in the first place was because he has a head of a cat or is a cat or something along those anthropomorphic lines but the matter of his feline appearance is neither revenant to the story, their relationship or even brought up that often. The entire point of him being a cat seemed solely to catch the eye of the reader but offers nothing once the reader begins reading the series. (He doesn't have any other noticeable feline features like paws or a tail which is a personal strike against it.) The fact he doesn't talk in the series is another strike against it. Again this series has zero plot so the characters are carrying it. The fact that the entire series is nothing but one sided conversations is the most and only impressive thing about it.
To put it bluntly I started reading this series in 2022, read four chapters and dropped it. Three years later I forced myself to finish it because it was a short series. I did and I will wake up tomorrow having forgotten everything about it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 2, 2024
I'm going to start by saying Beastings is a good anthology. The stories as they stand individually and separately are very well written, colorful, and humorous. It is the fact that series is in full color that makes this anthology shine. The artwork is truly a sight to behold with rich details of both the cast, and how their species characteristics are shown off. No corners were cut when it came to the "beasts" of Beaststrings. I cannot stress enough how gorgeous the characters are from beginning to end. Say what you want about the plot, and trust me I will, the eye-candy alone makes
...
this a worthwhile book to read. The humor is great as well but that is more subjective.
It is when the individual stories try to come together to tell an overarching narrative that Beastrings as a whole falls apart as it's spread too thin among its large cast and attempt at an interconnected story. To understand this series as a whole we need to look at the stories individually.
Part 1 The Mayor's Story: This first story does a good job introducing the reader to Juso City, the main setting of the book, the conflict which is a vague demonic threat, and of course the first main characters we are introduced to being the mayor and his two secretaries. All in all I say this story is the weakest of the book plot wise as it spends more time introducing lore, different aspects of the city, and the city's inhabitants rather than focusing on the mayor's story which itself is nothing special being a strange vigilante story that is light on the vigilante and more serves as a vehicle to inform the reader that there is a threat to the city that needs to be stopped. It is at the end of this that the reader gets the first taste of the "lewd fantasies" that randomly pop up throughout the story which are both jarring and questionable for an anthology rated teen readers.
Part 2: The Zodiac This is the most unique part of the anthology by which it could be an anthology in it of itself. We are introduced to several characters one after the other, each an animal of the Zodiac (6 of them anyway) and each one has their own gimmick. The thing about this is while it is weak on plot, it makes up for in both humor and character relationship. Each Zodiac story is a story about love. Mostly romanic love beside the first which is about parental love. As the reader moves through each story, the relationship and the characters get more and more complicated. More conflict and story in added in each chapter starting at the first which is the most shallow and ending with fourth which is the best because it has the most complete story arc. That is not to say that the first is bad, in fact is is quite funny for being a short skit and the same goes for the second. They're cute for what they are which are very short micro stories. The third part is focused more on relationship between two characters but what I liked about this one is that is takes the time to focus on the beast's biology. When you have characters that are essentially anthropomorphic animals, it is critical that their biology is taken into account and that is what the third part does which I applaud. The fourth and final story notes Zodiac arc, is the best and most elaborate as it feels like a complete story with its own conflict, climax, and resolution. The characters themselves are also hilarious and the best in the Zodiac arc. The first two sections are actually connected which is what I expected from the entire arc, but the third and fourth are separate from the others which is a shame. The arc could've benefited greatly if each section bled into the next.
Part 3: The Witch and the Wolf: If you are like me and you adore the interspecies relationship trope, then this is the section for you. A classic fairy tale like budding romance between an elf witch and her wolf butler. It is very, for the like of a better word, tropey but still the best arc in the anthology. The characters are both flawed, well-meaning, and struggle with their respective desires as well as their feelings for each other. One wants to be a witch while the other just wants to protect her but is afraid of getting too close because of their different life spans. The real highlight of this part is the wolf's background. They are the only species in the anthology where the reader gets to see the world outside of Juso City. The wolves have their own culture, land, and lives all to themselves and the book does a good job as introducing both the reader and the elf to this culture without it feeling forced or disingenuous. Out of all the characters and plots in the anthology, this one felt the most real and grounded.
Part 4: The Bard and the Dragon: This is the most odd part of the anthology. It combines a lot of typical fantasy elements with an urban coat of paint and the result leaves you scratching your head. You have a bard who wants to start a band and a dragoniod who is a professional wrestler but also wrestler is his adventurer class? They are a strange pair but that doesn't take away from the chemistry they have with each other or the struggles they both face. They both have dreams, pasts that need to be confronted, and problems that can't be faced alone. They need each other even if they don't want to admit it. At this point in the story, the events of all four parts are starting to converge together as the story returns to its original conflict of the demon invasion. This leads directly the fifth part of the anthology.
Part 5: The Final Battle: This is when the anthology is at its weakest overall. The ending feels tacked on at the last minute in an attempt to tie the four parts together and give the series its final climax. The only problem is that while the events from the beginning of the anthology come full circle, the entire battle seems needless and confusing. Not to mention it's over almost as quickly as it begins. Like I said it feels like a last minute addition to take a bunch of stories that happen to take place in the same setting, and have their respective plots connect in a meaningful way but ultimately fails to do so. Honestly the ending is whatever because it is needless.
I cannot stress enough how good the artwork is.The characters, action scenes, settings, and even the most mundane panels are look amazing. While the plot and conflict overall is weak, the characters are not (both in personality and physical prowess). The characters are what matters. Their flaws, their personal connections, and how they work together is what makes the series shine so brightly, not some loosely connected conflict. The romance, the bonds, the relationships no matter what form they take is the takeaway from this series no matter how spread thin they may seem.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 25, 2023
The best way to describe this series/season is sweet with a bitter aftertaste. A classic story of a girl desperate to achieve greatness in a sexist society and finds a reluctant ally in the form of a fairy slave which they form a genuine bond. It's sweet, fluffy, and more than often cliche. To understand this series, we have to break it down by its individual parts.
Part 1: This is the part that was the best of the three. Its classic take on the reluctant warrior protecting the rambunctious and strong-willed love interest is a tale as old as time. What I liked about this
...
is that at no point during the first few episodes did any chemistry between the two seem to take place. By the time feelings formed it felt genuine and earned. No love at first sight, no awkward nonsense, but only Anne's commitment to earning Challe's respect. Jonas was an excellent third wheel up to the point of his eventual and obvious betrayal. Even how they introduced Hugh Mercury was a nice touch leading to the reveal of his prominent role in the kingdom. It was a slow burn leading to an emotionally fueled betrayal, heartbreak, and resolution before we reached our climax. To say the least, a near perfect story. If the show ended there, I would have given the series a higher rating.
Part 2: Let me start off by saying while this part was very emotional and heartbreaking, it was weak in numerous ways. It started off with an interesting side story as we are introduced to Keith and his shop. From a storytelling perspective it was a good way to break up the acts with a minor but still important story after the emotional rollercoaster of the first act. It was afterwards when we enter the Duke's story that things take a sour turn. The story relied heavily on recycled story elements from numerous other works and itself. Jonas once again being a jerk felt unneeded in this act and could have easily been replaced by a stronger newer character. The introduction into the kingdom's politics felt out of place rather than interesting world building. The only strength in this act was the heartbreaking tale of the duke and his lover whom he was obsessed with reunited with. I cried but was also unswayed in my opinion that this act was exceptionally weak.
Part 3: More drama surrounding Jonas and the Radcliffe clan. To the series credit, Jonas was a minor character in this act and even began on the path to redemption which would have been stronger if he hadn't sunk so low in the previous act. This act's strength came from the world building. This time we got good world building as the kingdom's sexism is now on full display as well as some interesting and tragic lore surrounding the human's relationship with the fairies. Unfortunately, the story again relies heavily on villainous cliches and eye-rolling romantic drama now that Anne and Challe are one step away from being an official item. Misunderstandings and betrayal abound and while each were resolved quickly and painlessly, their inclusion in the first place does hurt the story overall. The ending was the most bitter of all with a cliffhanger that only feels justified knowing that the story continues onward.
While the story was the weakest part of the show, the animation was the best. Beautiful watercolor backgrounds, gorgeous sugar sculptures that I only wish could be real, and the subtle strokes of animation during the crafting scenes that show how much care went into the creation of the sculptures as well as highlighting their importance to the plot. Anne and Challe were the other highlights of the series. Both strong characters with a romantic relationship that felt earned and nurtured over the course of the show that is only strengthened by their rough beginning. Enemies to lovers may be a frowned upon trope among many critics but I personally will never tire of it when done well. The other characters range from okay to great to cringey at best. What the show needed was a strong antagonist because the ones we saw were as fragile and dull as the sugar sculptures they created.
Final thoughts, not the best fantasy romance but it was one that I watched from start to finish solely to watch Anne's dreams come true and to watch her and Challe's relationship continue to grow and blossom.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 23, 2023
While I originally gave this a 7 out of ten a more accurate score would be 7.5 out of ten. I will say it is better than your average fantasy/isekai it has great highs but those highs are few and far between, and filling the gaps are not lows but long dragging scenes of dull dialogue and exposition. The series itself starts off strong, a classic scene of rejection with our heroine crashing into the gala only to emphasize her chaotic and flippant nature. This is the first of many scenes, where our characters go against the expected norm that has been established by its
...
predecessors in the genre. The characters are each strong, unique, and interesting in their own ways but they hare handicapped by a show whose plot revolves around spending less time doing anything that would be exciting and more around dialogue and exposition. Yes we get it, the princess can't use magic, magicology is a "sin", and they're gay. These are things that get shoved in the viewers face each episode. What is missing is a key element and that is the fact that this show is still an isekai. While Anis's inventions, love of magic, and other small details are sprinkled in the series to emphasize that this show is an isekai, those elements are few and far between as well as serve little to the plot or characters as a whole. If they were removed, she would be a normal princess with no magic but a love of magic who was still creative to make an electric teapot, then nothing would really change within the story. It is only at the end that she reveals to Euphillia that she remembers her time on earth and emotions that we had no clue existed come pouring out. If she was this troubled by her past memories, that should have been hinted at or shown earlier than in the last five minutes of the series.
One of the series greatest strengths is its animation and combat. Fluid fights with beautiful animations and colors that add a glamorous tone to the series. Each of the three majors fights, while shorter than the last, are well animated and honestly more needed within the series to break up the monotony.
One of the series greatest weaknesses is its pacing. As stated above, the epic fights and actions scenes are few and far between and filling those gaps are again monotonous repetitive dialogue and expositions. That isn't to say that they are all like that, no far from it. There were several key scenes where the cruel and power hoarding nobility showed their true colors in obvious cartoonish ways but also in subtle more disgusting ways that hurt to watch Anis have to suffer through. This is again where the series shines and dims depending on the scene.
Getting back to the fights, there were two that stood out the most in the series. The first being the dragon fight where was by far the highest point of the series as a whole. While simple and straightforward in nature, it was incredible from start to finish. But along side that fight was the duel between Anis and her brother, Prince Algard. This is where i was the most concerned expecting and dreading that the series would fall into a painful cliche. Much to my relief we avoided all cliches and even surpassed my expectations. Lainie, was a victim from beginning to end, and Algard proved to be a sympathetic antagonist who was driven by his warped desire to bring about his own revolution to the kingdom. The relationship between Anis and Algard, was put on full display as the rift between became painfully apparent. Tears were shed and hearts were broken, which was more than I could have asked for.
Finally, the romance. To me the romance between Anis and Euphie felt forced. There was little to no romantic chemistry between them. Throughout the entire series, they felt more like best friends rather than lovers. This was mainly on Euphie who felt like she was forcing herself to have feelings for Anis both for the princess's sake as well as for at the sake of the show. None of it felt genuine. These are two strong, well made, characters with their own sparkling personalities and traits being shoved together despite the fact that the show doesn't make it feel like they belong together.
To summarize my thoughts, this was an above average fantasy anime but a below average isekai. The highs were high but the spaces between them were long and I often found myself either distracted or wishing for the episode to end faster. There is not enough yuri in the world to make up for slow pacing, dull dialogue, and boring tertiary characters. If i were to recommend something, it would either to read the manga or light novels. If you really want to watch the show, find some clips on youtube.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Jul 20, 2022
Sonny Boy as a show is an exercise in how to create a masterful illusion. Underneath the teenage drama, superpowers, and talking animals, there is nothing but an empty void disguised by bright colors, special effects, and endless number of distractions to keep the audience from realizing that there is nothing to Sonny Boy but vague thematic messages about life and entering adulthood. One could say the entire show is reflection of itself because everything in the show could be used describe the show itself. Let me explain what I mean. You have characters talking about how they are hollow shells in which they need
...
to escape. A black void that surrounds them and exists within them which again is a good way to describe the lack of substance in the series as a whole. The miniature stories, themes, and messages in the series are both infinite and only exist in the minds of the viewer much like the worlds being continuously spawned in the story. It can be whatever you want it to be if you choose to believe it so.
Sonny Boy doesn't hold your hand or explain anything about how the worlds are structured or anything works. It's the exact opposite of stories that spend five minutes explaining everything to you in long exposition dumps but that's not a good thing just an equal but opposite problem. Scenes are skipped, little information or explanation is given, most of the time zero explanation for events are given, and things just happen without cause. You're supposed to figure it out yourself. (I guess that's another metaphor for adulthood). Its like a teacher giving you the material and expecting you to figure it out on your own with no assistance then groans if you don't understand. Instead of trying to explain they point at the material and screams how it's "right there" and it's our fault for not understanding it. Then just walks away. That's not how you tell a story, make an anime, and a pretty pathetic way of looking at life.
I read comments on MAL that do explain the general overall themes and symbolism of the show and they make sense but the entire thing was made very niche audience and I'm not sure if that was intentional or if it matters. The entire thing felt like an exercise in pointless if someone still has to spoon feed you the answers. It basically sacrificed basic story telling, deep narrative plot, meaningful character development, and even the overarching mystery itself to shovel symbolism and abstract themes down your throat in the most surreal methods possible. There was no substance just flash and colors without anything holding it together. A show made for sole purpose of showing off. That is the one thing it succeeded at.
The little plot that exists within the series is simple: Get back home. Even that is lost as the show goes on as characters are introduced only to be forgotten or lost. Conflicts introduced are cut and go nowhere. Settings shift continuously with little to know explanation to their significance or purpose. Plot points are added as quickly as they are taken away leaving nothing left that resembles a coherent story. Its a failure as a story but succeeds at show.
Visually its well done with a variety of well drawn backgrounds, characters, and assets in each scene. But the over reliance on special effects, visual set pieces, abstract images is again why I find this series to be exceedingly frustrating. It's all an illusion to cover the fact that any perceived depth or dense storytelling exists solely in the mind of the audience. One could say this is a masterful stroke of art. A show that could have an infinite number of meanings, themes, messages, and everyone get something different out of it. I'm sure an infinite number of arguments could spawn from watching it. But that's all it is, abstract storytelling with nothing substantial behind it.
The most insulting part of the show were the characters. The little growth the main characters, Nagara, Mizuho, Nozomi had was both limited and basic. SO much so that the entire adventure seemed pointless and over the top to accomplish as little as it did. The rest of the cast were easy forgotten and deserted as the scope of the series slowly focused on the main group while the rest who at the beginning seemed important and like they would effect the plot in some substantial way, were simply cut out and lost. There were so many moments where characters were set up to be important to the conflict or the story only to wander off or completely shift in their personalities. Some were left behind, others didn't change at all, and most made me question their inclusion in the first place. (Another metaphor for life perhaps that some people will grow while others stay the same and we all drift apart and forget each other).
The entire thing is frustrating because it embodies everything that is wrong with type of storytelling. On one side you have those standing around breaking down why everything was so great and wonderful and put together while simultaneously remarking how it could have been better. Then the other side of people who can't even enjoy any part of it because it barely even tried to accommodate them. If you have to dangle a shiny object in the form of a talking dog and cats to keep people's interest then you messed up.
Like I said it was an exercise in pointless because if people don't understand what you're trying to tell them or get them to engage with your work then you screwed up. If you wanted to watch a show that is nothing but kaleidoscope of bright lights, strong visuals, and micro themes then this is a perfect show. If you just want to watch a show that makes you feel smart for sitting through all 12 episodes then this is a good show. But if you want a show where narrative story telling and character is what matters then you're better off watching something else.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 29, 2022
Despite what the narrator says this is NOT a story a romantic comedy about a guy and a girl who used to be a guy, but a story about two life long friends going on an adventure. A buddy comedy would be more accurate to call it than a romantic comedy. A road trip in another world with a lot of baggage.
This is a satirical isekai fantasy and does not try to pretend or delude the audience by pretending to be anything but that. Between mocking romantic tropes one would find in a traditional rom-com to obvious cracks at more popular isekai stories, the
...
show is full of jokes designed to make the most harden isekai fan laugh. And it does a good job. The characters are where the show shines with its straight-laced lead of Jinguuji and its wacky gender-bent "heroine" Tachibana, the two are a classic comedy duo trying desperately to avoid catching feelings for one another until they get their real feelings sorted out. While the show lacks a deep or meaningful plot, it makes up for that by showing the audience a pretty deep look into the complicated relationship between childhood friends. Like I said this is a buddy comedy. If you've been friends for someone for long enough there will be hidden resentments and envy on both sides. This show does a good job consistently hinting and flashing those resentments throughout the season until finally the curtain is pulled back and the two leads are forced to face each other and come to terms with the fact that, like a romantic relationship, even a platonic friendship is complicated. Jealousy, envy, how one is raised, how one grows up, and of course gender dysphoria form a labyrinth for the characters to navigate which at times can be more daunting than any demon lord.
There isn't much of a plot beyond traveling to the demon lord and the shenanigans that ensue due to Tachibana's beauty so I'm not going to say much beyond that is the shows weakest point. If you want a deep fantasy tale with original ideas and concepts, look elsewhere. If you want to laugh at two 30-something year olds acting like teenagers in another world then this is the show for you.
Lastly I want to give a few shout-outs to Schwartz and Lucius who came through in the end. At first you look at them both and think they're just one-off jokes. HAHA look at the Kirito character, laugh at his foolishness. Yes he is foolish but he is far for a one-off joke character. He actually grows and matures more than even many main isekai protagonists you see in other shows. He had a more than significant place in the story and that is in no small part thanks to Lucius who serves as a much needed buffer, teacher, and support for Schwartz which allows him to grow from a painfully obvious joke character to a real character.
I want to give a nod to the door to Tachibana's apartment. You see something that silly and think okay that's cute but whatever. But it actually was used as a real tool than just a cheat skill which deserves praise.
This is a satirical isekai comedy but the characters make it so much more. Tachibana gives the audience a look at the complexity of gender identity which is never an easy subject to examine. Jinguuji is a refreshingly intelligent and sturdy no nonsense character that is nice to see in this genre. Schwartz is an example of how even the most obvious of gags can be so much more if effort is put into development them. The elf queen was fun to watch as well. So this is a story that while disgusted as a rom-com about two dudes trying to avoid falling in love with each other and more about two dudes who are trying to work together to achieve a common goal while preserving and unraveling 20 years of complicated friendship. That to me is worth watching.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
|
