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Nov 10, 2023
Quick note/TLRD: this review is based on someone who has read the manga so it's not as much of a review about plot more so a review about the adaptation. (by no means is the manga a master piece but it's an enjoyable BL)
It is basically a fan service recap of the manga with erotica, some character development scenes, and the entire later half of the first volume removed
The manga has 2 more volumes which develops their relationship further
The animation isn't great
also I recommend reading the manga over watching the anime as a substitute to the manga. it is not a good substitute.
It's not a
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bad watch if you have already read the manga though
Edit: also they sorta changed Saikawas personality, he was a bit of an asshole to Sayama in the beginning and messed with him a lot.
For one 30 min episode and presumably low budgets it's ok. The anime adapts just the first volume of the manga which feels incomplete not because it only adapts the first half of volume 1 but because of how short the anime is. Many scenes in the manga are either shortened or cut out altogether which makes everything feel a bit undeveloped and rushed. especially since there were more chapters in the first volume that show more of Saikawa's personality and how he views Sayama. If you want to enjoy this, the manga is better and after the first volume it goes further into their relationship as it develops.
To go further in depth, the voice acting is really good especially with the A list voice casting being done by the voice of Loid from Spy Family and Senku from Dr. Stone. Though the animation is not great at all and leaves a lot to be desired. It is passible in some parts but in many others it's straight janky and hard to ignore. Some body movements and arm movements feel as if they just used a transform tool on a still image. By no means does an anime need amazing animation like Sasaki and Miyano or Blue Lock which both are mostly slide show anime's but with better art. But it needs good story telling and pacing to really carry it like in those two anime's which this adaptation has neither.
Everything just feels rushed and moved too fast because the manga even though the manga isn't super long, the anime feels even shorter than the manga with the pacing being even faster than the manga. They outright shortened some dialogue interactions between the two and even parts where Sayama feels jealousy seeing Saikawa smile towards others or when he questions why Saikawa kissed him. It should have gotten 1-2 more episodes to help it full flesh out more of the first volume and to add in the rest of volume 1. Doing that would have helped it feel more as if the characters had time to develop their personalities and relationship with each other with more dialogue that is missing and adding back in the cut content in the later half of the first volume.
The anime also cuts out all of the erotica content which usually is a pro than a con. It allows more people to be able to watch it but it is sort of a double edged sword in this case because they have some bit of alluding to more explicit content without really delving deeper into it and how it plays into the two leads romantic relationship. Since so many erotica BLs get adapted at this point they should have outright cut any sort of context instead of trying to meet the middle. This is more of a nit pick than anything since the manga is erotica after all.
Altogether I'm mixed about this anime, the manga is much better since it has more interaction and hijinks instead of constantly jumping into them kissing and confessing in the next 5 minutes. It isn't good to watch if you haven't read the manga but if you have it's fun to see your favorite BL be animated even though it's a bit janky. It's more fan service or a recap than anything. definitely the manga is better, just read that instead.
also if anyone wants to watch this anime it is on billi billi with english subs, you just need a vpn and to connect to a jp server to access it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Apr 12, 2023
Overall rating, 8.5 if I could give it that.
Many people online stated this was a Spy x Family like anime that can fill that void of wholesomeness we all need from time to time. Well the Spy x Family part was incorrect as all hell but the wholesomeness is completely accurate. The anime is a really well thought out wacky family story that has dark undertones but it's more mature than Spy x Family that is better for a more mature audience for sure. P.A works really outdid themselves for sure with the amazing animated sequences and story telling to bring a very cohesive story
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on two yakuza members, Kazuki and Rei taking care of a kid who is one of their assassination targets, Miri in the most heartwarming way possible. Though the beginning was definitely rocky and quite irritating to watch at some points due to Miri's initial personality being annoying but later after the first 7 episodes with its slightly off pacing at the beginning it became AMAZINGLY good.
Story 8/10
(Note: first half more of a 6.5/10 later half is a 9/10)
The story starts off really good with it hooking in anyone watching with the start of everything which is already a good sign of a promising anime and it honestly blew expectation after the first 5 episodes. The characters backstories were well fleshed out giving them a sense of real motive for their every action. The anime prefaces that Kazuki and Rei are not good people to begin with and have a dark upbringing but we follow their journey to improve and become regular people in society, they aren't beyond saving. Kazuki being a man who lost his family learning to love and take care of a family and Rei who was trained to become a killing machine who never knew or felt love from a family gaining love and a family to take care of is a really hard thing to convey especially with only 12 episodes. But the anime portrayed everything in a serious tone when it needed it to be without making it feel cliché or campy at all. The writing and development for them feels fluid as we see them start as hopeless to warming up and being more open, then seeing their backstories and why they were so broken but for them to grow and change as people.
With how amazing their character growth is the same can't be completely stated about Miri. Miri is quite irritating in the beginning episodes with how her silly goofy nature gets really tiring. Yes she is a kid but any kid would understand that when there are guns being fired they are in trouble or in danger. To slightly compare Miri to Anya, she was kidnapped in the first episode and understood she was kidnapped and in danger, and whenever there was danger even if she was taking it too lightly she at least understands there is a bit of severity to situations that can cause death, Miri is completely oblivious to the point where its really appalling. Later though they tone down her very eccentric nature as she settled down making her more at least a bit likeable with her mature moments mixed with childish behavior. More could have been done with her in the end since it feels as if she's more of a plot device than a full blown character at times, she's there to cause trouble in the first 3 episodes and is the device used to just develop Kazuki and Rei making the focus almost completely on those two over a full family bond. (note they did fix this in the later half but she's still a static character but that's not necessarily a bad thing)
For the overarching story they for sure did an amazing job with the conflict and side characters. The two conflicts being an internal struggle and external force that really connects into play and doesn't feel forced whatsoever. The internal conflicts that are presented is Kazuki and Reis past and backgrounds and molded them into the line of killing. They have to move past that as they take care of Miri's day to day needs while still being contract killers and learning that there is more to life than just doing the wrong thing and taking a dark path. It really gives a sense of pain that well not everyone can actually relate to but feels relatable in the way that they are people like anyone else and needs to overcome their problems and grow as people. For the external conflict it's really well established and isn't ham-fisted conflict that just appears out of nowhere. It all ties back into Rei's backstory and after they overcome their own inner demons they now have to fight through one last hurdle which is Rei's family who's out to get rid of Miri and Kazuki and to force Rei to be who he was meant to be, a coldhearted assassin. It solidly builds up to that point and is an amazing satisfying dub when they finally prevail in the final episode and start a family living modestly.
Which leads into the ending, the ending is astonishingly well done and wraps everything beautifully. We get to see Rei and Kazuki go into a death wish mission and seeing Rei's arc as a character fully complete and finish was just a treat. And that last sequence we see a grown up Miri and where they are now 10+ years after the main story takes place just makes everything so worth it in the end watching through all the good and bad moments of the anime.
Animation 8.5/10
Art style 7/10
Character designs 9/10
(as an artist I nitpick but don't let the character design and art style part dictate the review, its just a preference)
The animation is really good and consistent throughout the entire anime. there is CG but it's nothing that remove emersion unless you are actively looking for it. The action is solid and fluid and its far from being a slideshow anime like Blue Lock. It's not on the same levels as more recent entries like Spy x Family from Wit/cloverworks, CSM from Mappa, Trigun Stampede from Orange, or Tsurune from Kyoto but it's for sure up their in top notch quality. When the scenes don't require much animations it doesn't get dragged out and when fight scenes and domestic life scenes the animation begins to shine. It's more on the goofy side which for sure allows P.A works to have fun and let loose compared to CSM but it doesn't have that same over the top crazy camera work and choreographed fluid animation like the ones listed above earlier. It's not pushing any standards but it's perfectly fine where it is as a solid middle ground of entertaining but not immersive scenes which it doesn't have to be.
(hot take in coming)
The art style is something that isn't super uncommon to see. It follows the same very simple and not very detailed art style that is super saturated and bright which has been slowly fading out lately for more darker desaturated and detailed animes or more pastel colors. It's a nice change of pace and is pleasing to look at but subjectively it's ok. It's not the same super bright and saturated look that gives atmosphere like from Tsurune or anything Kyoto makes but it's good.
And for the character designs, they are more unique for sure. You won't see the same generic japanese anime highschool boy number 7,415 here. The hair styles, facial features and clothes they were are very different and fits really well in line with their personalities. For instance, Kazuki has blond hair wears a red pull over, blue jeans, and a green overcoat already giving out the idea that he's very social with the brighter colors, making him more animated in personality. he also has loose clothing that gives him a more chill laid back feel but with the green more muted coat means he hides himself and who he really is underneath with an exterior only showing that little bit of what he's willing to present. And Rei wears either a full black suit or a blue jacket and dark blue pants giving him a more cool and dark vibe, the clothes are tighter as well making him more stiff and cold feeling. all in all really solid designs, whoever made this clearly knows what they are doing and needs a raise.
Altogether a really solid anime that is definitely a solid watch especially if you want something that isn't a turn your brain off anime that you are looking for to get invested in. Just bare through the beginning, it's super worth it at the end.
TL:DR
The overarching story is good though rocky at the start, the characters are really well written making it worth investing in and it's not an industry pushing anime but it's got solid animation. 8.5/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Feb 28, 2023
The Angle Next Door is very uninspiring and boring. This romance anime claims to be a romcom but comedic it is not. It fails to capture any laughs in a well timed manner and if anything it's just tropey and unrealistic. There are many rom coms that aren't realistic but it can capture anyone's attention with how wacky it is or with how relatable it can be but the way this goes, a girl who suddenly becomes the best domestic mother type to an unappealing guy who was nice to her once is not fun nor relatable. It is sweet at times for sure but
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with how irritatingly tropey with the mother suddenly thinking her kid got a girlfriend, it's not really worth watching any further.
What also doesn't help is how boring the main characters really are. Shiina has some decent character backstory but she's just that all perfect girl with no real flaws besides her not really having any friends who she can trust and Amane is your typical very average kid who doesn't have anything really going for him. Those descriptions are very similar to Komi can't communicate but the way that one is written is to take those tropes up to 11 and use it as means to be their main issues they have to overcome or be dictated by. In this case it's just there and the main focus is how sweet the relationship is supposed to be.
The anime is sweet at times and it can be heartwarming but that's really it. Everything else is just very boring and the character and relationship development isn't really there. It doesn't realistically form or develop like Horimiya, the pace is just thrown out the window as Shiina just immediately starts cooking and cleaning for Amane while she keeps stating that they aren't a thing... as she proceeds to not tell his mom that they aren't a thing as she keeps pushing them. Its a very unrealistic, boring and uninspired anime at the end of it and i cant bring myself to watch anymore of this.
Extra: I've watched a bit more, I've never watched an anime that makes me so frustrated that I had to go to the kitchen and make myself a sandwich to feel better. Animes are supposed to be exciting, fun or just entertaining, this one made me genuinely pissed and annoyed 2/10 now
Reviewer’s Rating: 2
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Feb 4, 2023
Quick disclaimer this review will be based on the CN version instead of the JP version. The JP dub takes out many of the best references so it wouldn't be fair to review it based off of an inferior version.
9/10 Overall
Panini Gray Raven is certainly a gem. It's not a very episodic anime that most are usually used to but instead it's a self contained short. Anyone can easily watch this anime even if they don't play the game because of it being just shorts. It's hilarious in many ways especially with how the animation direction is purely just nerds being nerds with their references
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and memes from both pop culture and from PGR. If you are trying to watch something that is more action based or story based you won't find it here but this anime offers it's own unique slice of life takes from our favorite characters and exaggerates their funny traits.
The main notable thing of this anime is the characters individual meme traits being accentuated up to 11. Take out all the depressing main story and plot development of all the characters, now throw it out the window and all you are left with is their fun side traits. What is left is just pure comedy, an example is look at lucia, she has forgotten her past when she was betrayed and "lost" her sister, now she's just a bad cook. Lee has a brother he looked out for and is very aloof, now we got someone who just gets lost a lot. Liv is a kind nurturing person, well just turn that up to 11. And of course some honorable mentions are Kamui who is just a slacker who plays video games and says kimochi yokata and Chrome being an even bigger babysitter. It's just a melting pot of adorable traits that mixes in well with it's light hearted stories and style.
Another major point of the anime is the references. We are all aware that Kuro Games is just full of weebs with the references already in the game. Many of the characters are already inspired by already existing characters in games and incorporate some straight shameless references like in stronghold 14 or 15 you fight the Jojos. Now they just put all of that weeb energy into an anime with references to Naruto, JOJO, Star Wars, A WHOLE ASS GUNDAM, Cyberpunk 2077, and even the dancing coffin meme. They reference it in so many ways from seamlessly adding it into the animation to outright making it part of the side plot. It's definitely one of those animes where when you see the references it puts a smile on your face.
Of course it's not a masterpiece in any way and the gripes that this anime has is it's more slow episodes. The story beats in each episode range from being hilarious to just being a snooze to sit through. It can go from an entire episode about kamui needing to use a toilet in the most bizarre plot line and incorporate a sharingun so seamlessly into a toilet flush but at the same time it can be a boring episode about how to be more feminine with Ayla, Bianca, and Nanami. Of course the amines pacing is non existent because it s a bunch of self contained episodes but for an anime where you want to randomly watch an episode for laughs, it certainly has its more forgettable episodes as well. Because of how it's self contained though, it's easy to just skip the episodes that aren't really needed and just enjoy whatever episode you would want to just casually watch.
The animation and anime are pretty good as well. It's a chibi anime so like Lucky Star it wouldn't need much but seeing how detailed the character designs are in PGR and how well they were able to translate it all and still deliver an anime that isn't a slide show is pretty nice. The characters are adorable, the animation is smooth, and all together the art is very clean and pleasing to look at.. Artistically there is always something to look at and be engaged on when watching it from just a pure art and animation standpoint.
Lastly the music, the intro music is really fun and catchy and epic. The use of 8bit really drives home the idea that it's a guilty pleasure anime more than watching a genuine well rounded anime like Spy x Family or JoJo. And most of the other music incorporated in is mostly just from the game which is already really good thanks to Vanguard sound and other artists that have worked on the OST for PGR. There isn't really much more to add onto it since it's only 2 new original tracks with the rest being already pre-existing OSTs from the game.
All in all its a fun recommendation, because it's very short and doesn't really require full knowledge on the actual game it can easily be watched at any time and anywhere on youtube when anyone has spare time. If you have knowledge of those characters and the game it's even better to watch because you get to see your favorite characters be as goofy and light hearted which lets be honest, we don't get to see that with how depressing the actual story in PGR is.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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