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I take my time when I watch anime, savoring the experience as I go. What could be binged in a week, becomes a months, or at times, years long endeavor. “Itazura Na Kiss” has been a series 8 years in the making for me, finally coming into fruition recently in its full culmination. This series’ best exemplifies my evolution in personal tastes, growth in my own life, and a more thorough appreciation of complex characters in a story. “Itazura Na Kiss” is full of complex characters, meaningful plot points and adventures that line its path. In many ways, the series is a microcosm of life ... itself, painting a picture depicting the reality of a mature love story.

Love stories can often run together, or only display a small part of the picture. Many times, we look through a small window and in turn are treated to a lesser story. Lesser does not so much speak to quality, as much as quantity with respect to what we as viewers experience. Pacing can determine so much of what makes a story so engaging, yet also leave us deeply dissatisfied with what we don’t see coming into fruition. This is often my gripe with love stories, but one that is not so with “Itazura Na Kiss.”

Our story goes into the divergent lives and experiences of Aihara Kotoko, and Naoki Irie. Though the same age and students at the same school, their similarities end at that point. Kotoko is a klutz by all conventional metrics. Disorganized, chaotic and floundering in most situations, her kind heart and strong work ethic go a long way to patch up some of the misgivings in her life skills. Irie on the other hand represents the traditional model of success. High marks, many talents and a future brimming with potential, his cold and distant personality almost serves as an asset towards both his rational and tactically oriented aims. When Kotoko’s house is brought down by an earthquake, she and her father receive shelter from the good graces of the Irie family. Much to the chagrin of the elder son Naoki, the absent minded and polar opposite Kotoko is a resident in his home. Kotoko has long had a crush on this elder son, and hopes that her pursuits may yield a positive outcome through the extra time and investment that comes with mutually lived and shared experience. The misadventures, miscommunications and frankly relatable situations that fill this journey of love are altogether entertaining, as are the other components of this series.

The love stories that resonate most with me are the ones of a complementary nature. The human heart is confusing, often pursuing what the brain seems to disdain. While our brains look for the similarities, our hearts seek out the differences, knowing that someone who balances out our extremities brings out our best. This perspective has made all the more sense in my own life as a recently married man. My wife and I vastly differ in our temperaments, life experiences, and perspectives on certain issues. While a marriage should be founded on the bedrock of certain shared values, different interests and social inclinations open both hearts and minds as two people grow together. This best represents Kotoko and Irie’s shared journey. As a bubbly extrovert and warm hearted optimist, Kotoko tempers Irie’s cynical and calculated disposition. Some viewers may see Irie as a mean hearted or narcissistic character, but I disagree. The cold and emotionally distant characteristics of a rational mind can stem from a lack of experience, a lack of challenge, or the boredom of “always being on top.” When confronted with jealousy in his life, Irie struggles immensely, not understanding the experience or himself because he had never dealt with it previously in his life. While Irie is rich in book smarts and academic knowledge, his emotional intelligence is lacking throughout the story. The beauty of this story is displayed in how both of our characters grow. Kotoko’s emotional intelligence, patience and care chisel away slowly at the emotionally cold heart of Irie. On the flipside, Irie’s steady presence, work ethic and drive motivate Kotoko to pursue her dreams and persevere through her academic shortcomings. Stated most simply, Irie gives Kotoko a mind, while Kotoko gives Irie a heart. When the two work together, nothing can stop them.

The pacing of this story allows for many plot points and foils to work within the narrative. While most love stories are relegated to a high school, or college campus, Irie and Kotoko’s story stretches for 10 years throughout the series. This allows for many challenges to arise, yet also many joys to be mutually shared. The milestones that are so common in our own lives are depicted in ways that are realistic and satisfying in this anime. The length of time elapsed in the series is also showcased through the character development of the couple. At times, it can seem like one step forward and two steps back. But life often works that way. We grow, we mess up, pick up the pieces and keep learning. The same mistakes and struggles may prevail, but gradually improve with time and communication.

I talked previously about our main characters and the imprint they leave on the plot, but the many supporting characters and their role in Irie and Kotoko’s story cannot be understated. Whether they serve as strengths or deterrents to our main characters, they serve their roles well, and account for the fleshing out of certain integral moments in the story.

I like the animation, and the subtle stylistic differences that are represented on different characters. In some ways, animation styles for these characters mirror personalities. Some faces look more intense, while others are soft and kind. These characteristics are well displayed through the external features of said characters.

The soundtrack is catchy, and the ending theme “Katoumoi Fighter” often runs through my head. No complaints with respect to the music, opening or closing themes.

It took me a long time to really enjoy this anime, and to resonate with its story in a truly personal way. 8 years has been worth the wait, and I’m thankful for the newfound perspective and understanding that has brought about this outcome. I recommend “Itazura Na Kiss” to those who enjoy mature, realistic love stories that warm the heart.

Overall - 9

The metrics of a well executed anime are usually fairly easy to quantify. Whether it's a well paced story, convincing character portrayals, or an interesting backdrop that contextualizes it all, what's "well done" can be safely viewed as such in most respects. This is what makes "Shuffle" such a fascinating series' to me, and one that I love all the more. Not because it falls into these metrics, but because it works well outside of them. The great mystery of "Shuffle" is how its imperfections are the point. It's not "so bad that it's good," it's "so unassuming it's refreshing..." I will concur that this ... point may be poorly explained, but I'll elaborate further.

"Shuffle" tells the story of Rin Tsuchimi, a conventional harem anime male MC by most respects. He's a nice guy, albeit dense in that harem protagonist fashion that we enjoy from time to time. He is well regarded because of his kindness, though it also makes him a bit of an inadvertent flirt. He lives in a world where devils and gods coexist with humans on Earth, blending seamlessly into the fabric of their society. Through happenstance and past memories, the daughters of both the king of the gods and the king of the devils recognize Rin as a hero from their childhoods. With a shared desire to know Rin more deeply, and eventually court him in marriage, things couldn't seem more complex for our male MC. But other human crushes seek to lay their claims as well, bringing about a nice guys nightmare. The notion of meaningful decision making becomes an integral part of this story. Rin's maturation and development sees him knowing who he is, and what he wants with time. Within this loose plot line, "Shuffle" goes everywhere. It's a rollercoaster, so buckle up.

Rather than a strong overarching plot, "Shuffle" delves with varying plot points, stories and character arcs, with varying levels of success. I like to think of it as a show with multiple acts, as groups of episodes portraying a single story before moving onto further material. This being said, the intertwining of stories, and the juggling of plot lines that takes place in most anime is not so in "Shuffle." The multitasking is poorly done, which may seem like an admonishment, though that is not the case. In emphasizing the singularity of a given plot point, there is far more buy in to the emotional investment involved. Instead of thinking about everything else that may be transpiring in the series', we are treated to the story at hand, usually going into depth with just a few characters at a time.

In the early going, the atmosphere of the show is positive, brimming with youthful optimism, fun and frivolity. This is where Rin's home life is explored, he meets new friends, and enjoys the frivolities of icebreaking with his initial harem. Maintaining this sunny disposition would be a stagnant disappointment, and a character development crime. Which is why we're treated to the varied attitudinal exhibit that comes with the further sections of the series. The show grows pensive, as diverging worlds collide in mysterious ways. The supernatural and magical elements account for a great deal of mystery, intrigue and suspense. No longer is the show open ended in its school life tropes. We go further into darker themes of bitterness, revenge, anger, jealousy and obsession. As the reality of Rin's feelings shift towards one, the pain of the others is both inevitable and ugly. This ugliness manifests itself in ways that are realistic, yet unhinged. The story progresses further into themes of forgiveness, gratitude, hope and looking towards the future. The beauty of the atmosphere as portrayed by "Shuffle" is that it is never ambiguous. Nor is it ever shared with another aesthetic. When we're privy to the joy, it's not often shared with the sad or perturbed entailments of the story. The situational atmosphere of this show is clearly portrayed in a way that involves me, and sells me on each and every story represented therein. Black and white is the name of the game, and it's a benefit to both the stories and the characters.

With respect to the characters, they range in memorability and their roles throughout Rin's journey. They are all well portrayed, entertaining and contribute to my enjoyment of the series' in one way or another. Shigure Asa in particular is my favorite. Confident, bubbly and adventurous, she takes on the world with a smile, and boldly overcomes challenges in a way that's easy to root for. Kaede is a fascinating character, full of layers to unpack, yet a heart that seeks for good. Sia and Nerine, though supernatural, play the part of human teenage girls, seeking to enjoy life and get their man. Rin, as I mentioned earlier, a good guy who grows a lot. He learns not only who he needs to commit to, but how to commit in the process. I could talk further about the characters for much longer, but I will abstain.

The soundtrack is beautiful, and integral to my life at this point. I've listened to the music of "Shuffle" through many seasons, both good and bad. The sonic landscape created for "Shuffle" is potent, and the songs match so well with the moments they represent. Certain songs serve as motifs for reoccurring situations throughout the series'. Whether it's Rin waking up the in the morning, a romantic exchange, or even the entrance of certain characters, the music that follows suit is welcome and enjoyable in those contexts.

Overall, "Shuffle" does not check the boxes of what one may consider a traditional anime masterpiece. The stories are all over the place, not all of them work well together, and some plot points don't do much to really further the entailments of the other stories to come. I would best describe this series as "another mans treasure..." which it certainly is for me. The imperfections allow the characters to shine, and for a messy story to work itself out in a way that's rewarding and beautiful in the end.

Final rating - 9

When engaging with a story, more often than not a specific overarching theme takes center stage. A love story will often showcase a singular narrative of two people finding each other, and growing with one another day by day. An action story may have a plot cleverly devised, with characters subject to the intricate mechanisms and foils that come with any good story. The scenarios and happenings of a story should bring about meaningful character development and growth. But perhaps, the inverse may carry more weight. While stories may move characters, in "Kimi ni Todoke," characters move the story.

Distinguishing between plots that move characters, ... and characters that move plots can be tricky. In "Kimi ni Todoke," however, this matter is made clear in the immense character development that occurs in the series. Situations do not merely arise, with characters subject to a scenario. Characters create the scenarios, and the plot is moved wholly by the responses and interactions of these characters, for better or worse. With this distinction in mind, let's pursue the specifics of these characters, their stories, and how they interplay with one another for a deeply satisfying culmination.

Sawako Kuronama is our main female protagonist, and a deeply layered character. Introverted, yet open. Sad, yet hopeful. Wise beyond her years, yet incredibly naive. This juxtaposition of qualities makes her a highly complex individual for peers and classmates to understand, a target for gossip and ridicule. In her shyness, she hesitates to initiate relationships with others, yet still yearns for that level of connection. As time passes however, she makes some new friends who see past her aloof and distancing reputation. She meets a boy who is quite her opposite, yet a complimentary compatriot as all lovers should be. This boy loves Sawako's quiet wisdom, hope in the midst of her struggles, and empathy for all. These qualities that Sawako has, create a strong plot point for not only the boy she loves, but also a girl who despises Sawako.

When considering the qualities of others, both in anime and our daily lives, there is immense polarization with respect to certain temperaments, characteristics and attributes. The qualities one loves, another will despise, even altruistic and noble qualities. Sawako is by all means altruistic and selfless in most respects. But she is also sheltered, not yet jaded by the cynicism that blinds so many in her world. High school especially, is a time of disillusionment and insecurity. Sawako's personal insecurities are channeled towards positive reinforcement for others. She modestly denies her own strengths, in order to build up another whom she may value more. This comes into play when a girl loves the same boy Sawako loves. Sawako's rival manipulates, deceives and demonstrates immense jealousy when dealing with Sawako, in the hopes that playing dirty will win her prince. For this girl, Sawako's gestures of kindness seem disingenuous, insincere and boastful. Even as Sawako received vitriol and hate, her kindness remained unwavering. How can this be? And how often do we in our world advise others, or ourselves to fight back or redirect hate towards those who may spew hate at us? The adage "an eye for an eye..." comes to mind, especially when forced into a proverbial corner. But we see a response that stands counter to this logic from Sawako. This posture that she holds drives this story, growing her and those around her in meaningful and potent ways.

This anime made me think about how we as humans interact with one another, and how we can check our cynicism at the door. Are we frustrated with the seemingly small minded naivety of someone who turns the other cheek? Or are we inspired by the altruistic and loving motivations of those who choose to pursue peace with others? While "Kimi ni Todoke" is a love story at its core, it is more than anything else, a character study, with Sawako at the center. The other characters and subplots work well in this larger story too. Her friends have their own love stories, temperaments, insecurities and scenarios they must tackle in their own ways. Good stories should draw parallels to our own lives and make us think about our responses to similar situations. "Kimi ni Todoke" does that and more, in a way that's straightforward, yet subtle, and altogether beautiful.

Factors outside of the story itself are all quite well done. The soundtrack is beautiful, with both beginning and ending themes being quite catchy. The color palette is soft, and the overall flow of the series is soothing. Aesthetically, the series is relaxing, and operates at a slow pace, taking its time with specific plot points.

Overall, my experience with "Kimi ni Todoke," was eye opening. It made me consider my own social presuppositions, as well as the qualities one should value and consider noteworthy in others. Perhaps naivety should not be the end goal, as much as a simple, kind soul that yearns for the best of others. I highly recommend it for those who love profound character driven stories, or just romance in general. You will get far more than just a love story. If you're open to that prospect, I believe you will love this anime all the more.

Overall - 10

Tension and release, conflict and closure, or perhaps more notably a "happily ever after," are all characteristics paramount to a satisfactory narrative. In our own lives, we imagine things working out successfully at their conclusion. We reassure ourselves that "things will get better..." or that "the pieces will fall into place." We understand that our stories may be rife with hardship, but we always want to see ourselves as victors in the end. This theme of "arrival" underlies our lives, as well as the fictional stories we enjoy. In some ways, the stories we engage with perhaps make up for what our own lives may ... lack, and it is that escape that gives us solace.

But what if our tensions don't bring about release? What if our conflict doesn't bring about a conclusive and straightforward closure. We find at times, that life is far messier and more complex than we may ever imagine it being. We are human, fallible, and make poor decisions far too often. And upon making those poor decisions, we struggle to adequately say "I'm sorry..." or "Let me clear the air." Fear, pride and shame all underlie the motivations for both our poor decisions, as well as our urge to hide such actions. In many ways, "Nana" is a narrative of decisions, their consequences, and their realistic ends, for better and for worse.

Our story starts with two young women who cross paths while taking a train to Tokyo. Nana Komatsu is an optimistic, bubbly and naive young woman who grew up in a relatively provincial small town. She hopes that Tokyo will afford her new opportunities, employment, and stability for her relationship with boyfriend, Shouji Endo. Nana Osaki is a complex, passionate and hardened young woman, who has considerably more life experience than her same named counterpart. Her journey to Tokyo likewise is borne of opportunity, as she dreams of being a famous punk musician. Despite sharing a name, their worlds, temperaments and experiences couldn't be any more contrasting. Many stories showcase the powerful dynamic of opposite personalities, but none do so quite as convincingly and meaningfully as "Nana" does. Through extensive conversation, and sheer happenstance, they find themselves roommates at an old apartment building in Tokyo. The story of this series in essence, is the story of shared experiences between these two women, their friends, lovers, and whomever crosses their paths. And as time goes on, we more intimately understand both the strengths and weaknesses of these characters, and the role that decisions make in their respective life story.

Without going into depth as to the specifics, "Nana" is an exposé of life's harsher realities. More often than not, these realities are preventable, yet commonplace and tragic. We encounter scenarios that we may relate to, or perhaps have experienced in our own lives. We've been heartbroken, we've been at a loss for words, and we've hurt those that we love at one time or another. The profound decisions and crossroads that "Nana" conveys are in a sense less about the initial decisions made by these characters, but more about the next course of action. When making a mistake in life, what comes next? Do we speak of our wrongdoing in earnest, with soul bearing vulnerability? Or is our suffering cyclical as a result of our inaction? This series goes into the psyche of individuals with complex, difficult and heartbreaking baggage. Often times, we can take this for granted as viewers. When watching "Nana," we can think the next course of action is so clear, without really living the experience of our characters. These character portrayals are powerful though, and we are invited into their conscience, so as to further understand their motivations. We may not always agree, but we may at the very least understand.

As for the characters in "Nana," I cannot say enough about their power, their complexity and their convincing portrayals throughout this series. Both Nana's are extremely well portrayed, share a powerful bond, and demonstrate both the strengths and weaknesses of their respective personalities. The supporting characters are all extremely important too! The members of Nana Osaki's band, and the friends from Nana Komatsu's art school, all of them are well placed characters, showing the indispensable value of friendship in the midst of both the good times, and the bad. There's real emotional investment to these people, what they're about, and everything that they share in together.

The soundtrack is perfect. Nana Osaki's band rocks, and the edgy undertones of the soundtrack give an air of rebellion, discovery, and young shenanigans! That's what makes "Nana," in the midst of all of its hardships, an absolute blast!

The only reason this series receives a 9 is for a bit of a selfish reason on my part. The importance of release to any type of tension, and a beautiful ending after a long tunnel of tumult, is what holds it back in my preferential realm. What "Nana" gives, is a realistic ending on account of the story, and the actions of our characters. For that, it is a masterpiece of character portrayal, serving itself most nearly as a cautionary tale. This ending isn't a tragedy, but it certainly isn't rosy. Many times, a story will deliver the ending we've hoped for, or an ending we feel is right from our hearts. In a way, the ending of "Nana" is much like life itself... it doesn't always go as planned, but it demonstrates what all we have control over.

Overall, "Nana" is a masterpiece. I was moved, challenged, and enriched by this anime, and recommend it to anyone who loves powerful, character driven stories.

Overall - 9.

*SPOILER ALERT*

(Preface)
The lens of nostalgia can sometimes act as thick wall, running counter to objectivity, or evolving preferences. It's to say that the memories of what we love, may in fact be more satisfying than the things we love in actuality. It isn't to diminish the values or merits of something we hold dear. It's to understand the power of our sentimentality to heighten the emotional potency of something that may mean a lot to us. I preface this review in this way for a specific purpose. In many ways, my satisfaction in watching series' that were new to me, paled in comparison ... with revisiting the classic staples that have moulded my preferences. It's normal to have favorites, and to derive great joy in them. But to let the favorites of the old, stagnate the satisfaction of the new? It had been a bit of a struggle in my anime watching. It brought me to a place of frustration, yet simultaneous open mindedness. It was a place of "This stinks... but I have nothing to lose." And this sets the backdrop for my first experience with "Toradora."

"Toradora" tells a relatively familiar story, romantically speaking. Ryuuji Takasu is by all accounts, a fairly ordinary guy. He's got a good heart, a relatively chill demeanor, and to flip things on their head a tad, the face of a stone cold killer. His home situation is slightly dysfunctional at best, and his social landscape is primarily relegated to his best friend Yusaku Kitamura, because most others are afraid of him. Our other main character is Taiga Aisaka, she's got an aggressive streak and a bit of a Napoleon complex. Ryuuji and Taiga's paths cross coincidentally at school one day, when Taiga mistakenly puts a love letter meant for Ryuuji's best friend, into Ryuuji's school bag. Embarrassed by the whole ordeal, Taiga becomes aggressive with Ryuuji, until the two vow to help each other with their respective love lives. Ryuuji has a crush on Taiga's best friend Minori Kushieda, and to keep the "wrong school bag" situation under wraps, Taiga agrees to help Ryuuji with his crush, while Ryuuji repays the favor.

With the relative simplicity of the overarching plot, there's a lot of opportunities for the story to branch out, and the characters to evolve. Additionally, there's a lot of different directions a story like this could go, without any one particular way being the "right" way. Some anime may really delve deeply into how well the characters get to know their crushes. The story could pave the way for a "happy ending," in that the initial aim of our characters was met. Our protagonists ride off into the sunset with their early series' crushes, and reap the joys of that experience. A well constructed anime can depict many different endings competently and effectively, no matter which way it may go, that's not in question. In the case of "Toradora" however, what really stood out to me, was the realistic direction it took with respect to the dynamics of a relationship, and how love tends to unfold in the real world.

"Toradora" can really be boiled down to the sentiment that; "The essence of love, must be deeply rooted in friendship." While Ryuuji and Taiga work towards their goals of love towards their crushes, they simultaneously mutually share in meaningful experiences with each other. Being neighbors, they eat meals together, go on walks together, and share mutual friends at school. Though they are not to be thought of as a couple, on their terms, they are by all accounts sharing in life with one another. Love being rooted in friendship stands in stark contrast with the relational dynamic one may have with a far off crush. The awkward exchanges and jitters are at times less indicative of love, and more akin to incompatibility or a lack of meaningful time spent together. When romantic interests are put on pedestals, they cease to really be peers that we may enjoy for who they are. They instead become ideas and placeholders for a standard we feel like we cant attain. It isn't to say that we can't or shouldn't go out with these people, it's to say that the attitude and posture behind these relationships is wrongheaded. This is what "Toradora" seems to expose, and I love that it does so.

As the series goes on, our protagonists come to the realization that true love implies comfort, and is deeply rooted in the experiences that they have shared with one another. Both Ryuuji and Taiga become good friends with their respective love interests, but never in a way that's convincing or indicative of anything further romantically speaking. Love is in the ordinary and the mundane of the little things. It's in the banter, the laughs, the mutually shared joys and stresses that pave the path of life. This is what Ryuuji and Taiga share. And it's only in pursuing the flipside of their shared experience, that they find that there is no other romantic reality worth pursuing. Strong relationships are built similarly in the real world too. When we look first to date a crush, or an ideal person from afar, we discount the important and essential bedrock of friendship. The sparks exists for but a time, and without the knowledge and shared experience with another, there is no bedrock. The most successful relationships start perhaps with the hope of dating in the long term, but hold tight to the joy of friendship in the meantime. This is the nature of Ryuuji and Taiga's relationship. And any romantic ambitions they had towards each other, took a great deal of time, and introspection to truly come to light. In this way, "Toradora" tells a story of two divergent souls, who find their way towards each other.

With respect to the characters, I cannot say enough to truly describe how much I love all the characters in this series. It's not to say all of them are lovable, as much as its to say that the creators did a wonderful job depicting them convincingly and meaningfully. Taiga is a tsundere that achieves the delicate balance of aggression, and softheartedness. Her anger is rooted in fear and insecurity, not malice, and this becomes clearer as the series goes on. Some tsundere's can be over aggressive, to the point where we can't see the deeper sensitivities that exist. This is not the case with Taiga, and it makes her a character that's both relatable, and convincing. Ryuuji is a great guy, and a perfect counterbalance to Taiga's aggression. He's fairly reserved, very kind, and has a protectiveness towards Taiga that underlies their relational development. The supporting characters are all fantastic too. Taiga's best friend Kushieda is competitive, driven and emotionally complex. Ryuuji's best friend Kitamura is a cool dude. Academically driven, student council president, ladies man. All of these characters have a diverse set of experiences, strengths, flaws and other characteristics that make them unique, and valuable to the story.

The visuals in this series are beautiful, and the color palette gorgeous. Nothing to complain about there.

The music is lush, emotionally moving, and fitting for each moment of the series. The music did a fantastic job of evoking a strong emotional reaction from me in tandem with beautiful scenes.

In getting back to the nostalgia preface from the beginning, "Toradora" has pulled me out of a rut, so to speak. It has revealed to me the absolute joy of enjoying the new of a moment, and not always just the former of the past. I've been challenged to embrace newfound stories, instead of longstanding memories. Both are so needed and necessary. The old we love will pave the way for the new we come to enjoy, and "Toradora" has been the "new" that I've been searching for for a little while now.

All of this being said, "Toradora" is the best anime I have ever watched, and my favorite of all time. That's right. If you look back on my first review, I reviewed my "favorite anime of all time." I didn't think I would ever watch anything I love more than "Chobits," but I'm thankful to have been proven wrong. Nostalgia is a warm blanket, but can also simultaneously serve as its own set of blinders. I'm thankful to have dropped my guard, and to have been whisked away by a story that moved me deeply, in a way many others cannot.

Overall - 10.

*SPOILER ALERT*

When dealing with ecchi anime, more often than not, you know what you're going to get. Though one dimensional most of the time, ecchi delivers the goods on entertainment, fan service, and comedy. There's an inherent understanding that one isn't looking for a transcendent masterpiece, or inspired story when pursuing a series within this subgenre. So when a series delivers on these ecchi staples, with a solid dose of profundity, depth and character development along the way; it's a testament to the versatility of an often maligned subgenre.

"B Gata H Kei," tells the story of a high school girl named Yamada. Popular, ... beautiful and confident, she owns her reputation, and takes great pride in her queenly status. However, behind that facade, lies a romantic inexperience that haunts her. And even with great popularity and social standing, she puts all of her proverbial eggs into the basket of sex and lustful desires. Thus, she decides to channel her feelings of disappointment into determination, mapping out a trajectory towards sexual activity, first with just one partner, and eventually with many others.

Early on, Yamada meets a fellow classmate named Kosuda by chance at a bookstore. Aware of her own inexperience, Yamada looks to use Kosada's lack of experience to her advantage, seeing him as a springboard into further sexual opportunity. This lack of sexual experience manifests in both of their journeys, as both of them struggle to reconcile the lusts of physical affection, with the mental and emotional realities that hold them back. There's a lot of nerves, a lot of questioning, and a lot of emotional confusion on their journey, which is all too indicative of normal adolescent dynamics when it comes to this matter.

What makes this series so good, is the nuance and emotional sensitivity it gives to these greater questions of love vs lust, and the mental vs the physical, as it pertains to an adolescent understanding of romance. As the series begins, we see Yamada so confident in her assertions and desires towards a sex driven lifestyle. But with time, and an honest understanding as to the weight and implications of sex, there comes fear, restraint, and perhaps a greater understanding of the role love plays in that process. Kosuda represents in Yamada's life someone genuine, kind and patient. He's not the most manly guy by conventional metrics, but his heart and care for Yamada slowly change her from someone who desires solely sex, to someone who starts to desire love. Seeing where love and sex intersect in this series is a key and integral part to Yamada and Kosuda's character development. Understanding where fulfilling erotic desires is only as satisfying as the person that you're sharing those passions with.

What this show ultimately conveys as far as I can tell, is the honest and messy journey that comes with adolescent sexuality and romance. When Yamada rushes into the sex, she instead finds someone that she loves. There's denial, confusion and frustration, as Yamada has to reconcile her desire for sex, with her feelings of romance. At one point in the series, she talks about the fear that comes from romance. Sex doesn't always have strings attached, where the emotional implications of romance are messy... especially when both parties are so young. The way "B Gata H Kei" deals with these themes is funny, honest, and heartwarming. There's a lot of depth and development that's unearthed in both Yamada and Kosuda. There's lessons learned, laughs shared, and the understanding that love must come first when seeking any type of sexual blueprint.

The supporting characters were all entertaining, adding their own charm, quirks and humor along the way. Takeshita in particular was a beacon of wisdom and patience in Yamada's journey. She offered timely advice, and spoke truth to Yamada when she didn't want to hear it, or believe it. Kanejou served as a formidable rival to Yamada, and provided an entertaining villain plot. All the other characters were good in their own way too, all ranging in their growth in the series.

The soundtrack was very good. Soft guitars and piano's are commonplace, especially in heartwarming and tender moments. The opening and ending both have catchy songs. Nothing to complain about there.

Overall, "B Gata H Kei" captures the range of an ecchi series when done right. There's a lot to unpack in it on a psychological level. Matters of how the desires of the body don't always intersect perfectly with the readiness of the mind. How mutually shared love is important in any type of sexual relationship. And also how confusing all of these conundrums can be as an adolescent. How the series tackles these complex themes is highly entertaining and dare I say, poignant. "B Gata, H Kei" is just about as good as it gets in ecchi, and I recommend it for those who are open to venture into the occasional well made ecchi.

Overall - 9

Often times, when I watch an anime, I look forward to a pleasant escape. My viewing tends to center around slice of life shows or entertaining stories to distract me, instead of stories that solely beckon me inward, towards varying aspects of my own life.

I first watched "Angel Beats!" in the winter of 2012, around Christmas time actually. Life was good, and I immensely enjoyed the series on my first watch. 2012 was a great year, full of memories, friendships and fun. It far surpassed many other years prior, and life was seemingly moving upwards and onwards, to bigger and better things.

All this ... is to essentially say that, while I grasped the themes of "Angel Beats!" and was moved by the story itself; it was never really a story that I could relate to. While watching the series, I became invested in the lives of various characters, all broken in their lives, who are forced to fight, and ultimately overcome their personal demons. They were characters that I loved and rooted for because of the resilience they exhibited when facing insurmountable emotional odds. While such circumstances were never really my own, I valued the lessons I learned from this series. The depth of these lessons was yet to be discovered.

During late 2013, I started experiencing a lot of depression and anxiety. It's easy to write off these feelings as typical adolescent stepping stones. And being that I was 18, it was a somewhat comforting thought to agree with that notion of normalcy in dealing with these feelings, but the mental and emotional pain I bore was still an incredibly heavy burden to bear. I was in a difficult relationship, I was seemingly unraveling during my senior year of high school, and I was constantly worrying about the future. In a sense, many of my feelings didn't have much of a set in stone "reason" or "root" as to why they were not only occurring, but persisting constantly for much of my late adolescent life. Not knowing why I was feeling what I was feeling added an additional layer of anxiety to my already frazzled mind. I lived in fear that I was incurable. It sounds quite melodramatic for those who haven't experienced it, but that is what I felt in those moments.
These feelings went on in their most heightened form for around a year and a half. By the summer of 2015, I had finished my freshman year of college, and my mind started to settle down in a lot of ways, thankfully. The time in between was merciless, but it was also a time full of growth, memories and friendships that I'll cherish forever.

It was during this extended time of tribulation that the themes of "Angel Beats!" not only made greater sense to me, but became a very real part of my life. The idea of "overcoming" is the biggest takeaway that "Angel Beats!" gives, and this theme plays out in the lives and stories of every single character in this series. Their earthly lives were rife with difficulty, pain, strife and struggles of all sorts. Whether it was abuse, neglect, immobility, or varying other ailments, life proved itself challenging to all the characters in this series. Some of these challenges and experiences are perceivably, for us in the real world, unable to be overcome. Whether it's the death of a loved one, or clinical depression; one who faces these obstacles is stuck in a vicious cycle of pain that seemingly persists no matter what. I was in this position for quite a while, and it was "Angel Beats!" that helped me realize that I COULD overcome my circumstances. I looked at the friendships that were formed between broken people, and how they shared in positive, affirming experiences, though they had experienced a great deal of suffering.

When I was depressed, I felt the inclination to hole myself up, and run away from social circumstances that might have made me feel initially uncomfortable. A big takeaway from "Angel Beats!" was the necessity and value of friendship, especially when I wasn't in the mood for it. For as much I thought I wanted to run away from everyone and everything, I wanted, deep down, the love and companionship of good friends. And thus, I made many good friends during my freshman year of college, friends I'm still close with to this day. It was these experiences, not my depressing feelings, that I remember most, and hold onto most tightly. Overcoming something never happens in a day, and it was gradually through the help of many good friends, fond memories, and the usual workings of time, that I finally caught a vision of what "overcoming" might look like.

I still face challenges. But I've grown more resilient. My experience with this series has been so much more than just that of an entertaining series. "Angel Beats!" has changed my life. It has given me a perspective that I always carry with me; "Anything can be overcome." I truly believe that anything can be overcome by the power of love, companionship, friendship and open hearts. Coming to peace about something that happens in your life isn't just about admitting the pain that occurred, it's also about recognizing how it's molded who you are, and how you've grown from it. It's being thankful for those circumstances because they've shaped you. It's being thankful for the friendships that come in the midst of our most broken and vulnerable times. We might not always feel the impact of these friendships in our moments of utmost pain, but their impact in retrospect has been truly powerful in my own life.

With all this being considered, watch this series. It's the perfect marriage of hilarious entertainment, and soul searching depth. There are lot's of lessons to be learned, and if your story is anything like mine, it could be a story that changes your life.

Overall-10

SPOILER ALERT EVEN THOUGH THIS SERIES HAS NO PLOT

This is bar none, the worst anime I have ever seen. That's right. "Mars of Destruction," "Eiken," and "Pupa," can safely be considered masterpieces compared to this cancerous monstrosity of an anime. Allow me to elaborate upon my position...

I love slice of life anime, and have always been a big fan of series' that deal with everyday people doing everyday things. The simplicity of a slice of life concept allows for us as viewers to relate to any given character, and really get to know them, since the entirety of a series hinges on them and ... their life, without any specific overarching plot. Essentially, I love the character studies that are done in slice of life anime. We have the opportunity as viewers to participate in, and get to know a given character, or characters, who live lives much like ours, and can relate to us on various levels.

"Himouto! Umaru-chan," falls into this descriptor I have laid out, and we do get to know our characters pretty well in their mundane, everyday lives. Umaru, the main character in this series, is a model student, gorgeous, and well loved by her classmates. By all conventional metrics, she is the epitome of a successful adolescent. She is responsible, diligent, respectful and sophisticated. Or so we think... Umaru has a well kept secret. When classes are over, and she returns home for the evening, she is a complete WEEB. She is an avid gamer, anime watcher, and junk food eater. As anime fans ourselves, this may seem like the dream sometimes, right? Umaru can definitely be relatable to us in terms of the interests she holds, and the enjoyment she derives from said interests.

This is where my beef begins, and pretty much ends too. This is the entirety of the show. Umaru faking her school life, going home, and doing weeb stuff. That's it. As I mentioned previously in slice of life anime, I look to partake in a character study. I look to see the growth in a character as a series progresses. I look to the characters, because they define the story. If there is no character development, there is no story. This is where "Himouto Umaru-chan," falls apart. As a character, Umaru is not only one dimensional, she is also incredibly annoying! Immature, bratty, spoiled and entitled, she embodies everything that is wrong with anime culture. There are frustrating and annoying characters in many series' that I enjoy; however, these characters are often clearly defined, undergo changes, and move in a certain direction, for better or worse. They may be stagnant in their annoyance, but we can see many sides of them as a series progresses. This is not the case with Umaru. We are treated to the exact same character in every single episode. And being a show defined by the actions of its characters, we are by extension treated to the exact same episode, over and over and over again.

I held on to hope in this series for so long. I waited earnestly for some type of character development or turning point. But alas, I waited in vain. There are moments where Umaru seems genuinely sympathetic, caring and vulnerable, especially when interacting with her older brother and guardian. These moments are her most interesting, as they show a side of her that seems more real, and deep. I don't mind that she does her weeb stuff, but I've wanted to further get to know Umaru the person. We get to know Umaru's interests, Umaru's tantrums, Umaru's favorite snacks, but we never really know for sure just who Umaru is.

This being said, I hate this anime. I can't stand Umaru, I can't stand her older brother that spoils her. I feel bad for Umaru's friend Ebina, and I can't stand Umaru's creepy video gamer friend. There is absolutely nothing to like here. Even the theme song is super annoying. Yep, this series just gets on my nerves. I don't recommend it to anyone.

Final score-1

I've been watching a lot of Harem anime lately, and I'm not fully sure as to why. Whether it's the zany misadventures, the hilariously awkward scenarios, or the countless love stories connected to the male protagonist; I've enjoyed the lighthearted, straightforward fun that comes out of this sub-genre!

"To Love-Ru," is no exception to this pattern. Highly entertaining, hilarious, incredibly wacky and chock full of fan-service; this series perfectly encapsulates what good harem anime is all about! Given that we've discussed a bit in terms of the nature of the show, let's talk a bit about its story!

Rito Yuuki is our main male protagonist, ... and a young man who is a bit down on his luck. He has a big crush on a girl in his school named Haruna Sarenjei, who subsequently, unbeknownst to Rito, also has a crush on him. Though they are friends, Rito cannot muster up the courage to confess his feelings to her, ultimately leaving him feeling dejected and defeated. In the midst of all this, a young princess named Lala from the planet (yes, planet,) Deviluke is fleeing her homeland in hopes of avoiding an arranged marriage. In the midst of her pursuit, she ends up on planet earth and ultimately... Rito's house! Shocked at this development, Rito frantically tries to keep her a secret, especially from Haruna! In haste, love, and perhaps a bit of desperation, Lala declares herself to be Rito's fiance, which was ultimately made official by a planetary contract with Deviluke. Lala is super cute, super funny, and any guys dream girl, right? Wrong. She is not Haruna, and our poor male MC is left to wonder if he can ever be with Haruna after the events that had just taken place.

Outside of this basic plot synopsis, the story is quite loose and operates in more of an episodic fashion than anything. Rito ends up making quite a bit more friends, primarily female, ranging in their memorability and pertinence to the story. The plot as laid out above, sets up the zany adventures that Rito partakes of with his friends, or perhaps more fittingly, his harem. They do everything from fighting aliens, building robots, and going to the center of the earth, to chilling at the beach, (because every anime needs a beach episode!) and saving the world from mass destruction. The episodic nature of this series allows for quite a bit more leniency in just how much variety and differentiation can be present with each and every episode! The subtle story lines are just that, subtle, which is perfect for this series. The wackiness and overall uniqueness of this series in its singularity is something so, so refreshing for a harem series. The planetary/alien theme isn't super common within the genre, and going outside of the typical trappings of school life is also a welcome change of pace from the norm!

Another really awesome thing about "To Love-Ru," is the likability of the characters. In any harem series, it can be really hard to like just about every girl, or even the male MC. Often times, the MC can be a one dimensional pervert, bereft of any depth as it pertains to male/female relationships. On the other hand, many harem girls can be seemingly bitchy, uninteresting, obnoxious or like our male MC, one dimensional. Though I'm pretty lenient in my harem character studies, there's usually at least that one character that bothers me and falls into these aforementioned categories. I can say with confidence that this is not the case with this series. While these characters range in their memorability, they are all largely likable, kind, funny and genuine. Qualities like these can sometimes be put on the back burner so as to appeal the solely the fan service or awkward scenario's between the MC and the harem. "To Love-Ru," balances these factors excellently, giving us a lot of fan service and zany scenario's, teamed up with some well developed and likable characters!

Specifically, Rito, Lala and Haruna really take the cake for the most likable characters in this series! Rito is good a guy who likes girls for the right reasons, not always gawking at their bodies and external features. He's mild mannered, quiet and respectful, always looking out for the needs of others before his own. Lala is a fitting companion for Rito, though quite the opposite in many ways! She's lively, vibrant, hilarious, bubbly and honestly, a bit of a klutz! She always shows Rito affection through verbal affirmation, physical touch and various other means of flirting. In this way, she's much different than a lot of harem love interests. She doesn't incessantly beat up Rito and doesn't embody the typical Tsundere personality that a lot of harem female MC's exhibit. Haruna reminds me a LOT of Onadera from "Nisekoi," (such a GREAT series!) She has a lot of similar qualities to Rito, thus they are quite conversationally compatible, sharing in an awesome friendship that develops throughout the series. We see these characters and their qualities throughout the entire series, but we also see them grow as people as the series progresses. Additionally, we see different sides of them in response to different scenarios whether good or bad, allowing for a decent amount of depth within most of the characters, especially these main three.

The soundtrack to this series is very catchy and fitting for the genre, and the opening theme, "Forever We Can Make It," is my favorite opening song of all time! It is super upbeat, fun and catchy, in a way, like a microcosm of the entire show. The closing theme is also solid, and likewise, upbeat!

The visuals are solid, but fairly average stylistically speaking. The color palette for this series is great though! It's all very vibrant and colorful, to match the overall optimism represented in the show.

In conclusion, "To Love-Ru," receives an 8 for all of its merits and how they work well within the genre. Though I appreciated the episodic nature of this series, and the liberties it gave to various smaller stories, I didn't enjoy every single episode. Some episodes were long winded, or uninteresting. This is natural with shows that operate in a more episodic way, and it's not something I really hold against "To Love-Ru," to a large extent. For the most part, this show was hilarious, fun, wacky, heartwarming and highly entertaining! Being that this show didn't set out to be a masterpiece, I didn't expect it to be such. Within the confines of the genre it exhibited, "To Love-Ru," stands tall as one of the finest harem series' of all time in my book! I highly recommend for fans of good harem anime, romantic comedies, or just something wacky! You probably won't be disappointed.

Final score-8

I'll start off this review by simply stating that D-Frag is probably the funniest anime I've seen in quite a while. In many ways, the sole enjoyment and charm of this series is derived from its comedic antics, hilarious character portrayals and situations. I'd most liken it to Baka and Test's younger sibling because of it's smaller scope and greater focus on running jokes and mindless entertainment.

So with some brief inklings as to what type of experience you're in for as a viewer to this series, what's it actually about?

Kenji Kazama is a young delinquent at his high school and has a known ... reputation for being tough, calloused and intimidating, whether in fights, or everyday conversations. Most people would sooner stay away from him than try to be his friend. The comedy and insanity insinuates when a group of girls with some VERY interesting and colorful personalities forcibly recruits him to the school's lackluster and widely disregarded "Game Creation Club." The namesake tenant of the club however is fairly disregarded, and more often than not, the group isn't making games! The various personalities and social differences within all these different characters make for a truly fantastic social experiment, but also some GOLDEN humor! Whether it be the shy, eccentric and slightly dis-associative club president Roka Shibasaki, or the dense, proud and borderline Tsundere personality of Takao (her nickname being "boobs" due to her large bust size! :P). There is a character for everyone in this series!

While the characters all have their varying personalities, conflicts and insecurities within the context of their daily lives and in the Game Creation Club, they retain their likability. This is a HUGE praise I have for this series. While the show doesn't go into too much detail as far as character development is concerned, it is clear that real, genuine friendships develop between the characters, and they work together well despite of their conflicts and differences. The most humorous interactions, and ultimately the ones that account for much of the shows plot development, are those involving our main male protagonist Kenji. Always reluctant and subject to the will of the crazy girls all around him, he's that character who'll just yell about everything and make things tons of fun for us audience members! Being recognized for more than his typical delinquent identity however, he grows to truly love being in the club despite the nature of his antics throughout the show. ;)

In a lot of ways, as far as plot and character development is concerned, this series is most nearly episodic in its presentation. Smaller plots can underlie certain small groups of episodes without bludgeoning us with overwhelming twists and tensions. D-Frag is a FUN watch with an ending that best suits it in terms of its simplicity and scope.

In conclusion, D-Frag is without a doubt one of the funniest anime I've ever seen, (top 5). And it's an essential watch for fans of great comedy!

Overall-9