- Last OnlineNow
- GenderMale
- JoinedNov 5, 2011
Also Available at
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Jul 3, 2021
24 of 24 episodes seen
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180
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
We all have dreams about what we want to do or who we want to be when we grow up. In today's modern world, there are limitless possibilities. One dream I'm sure most people don't want to become a reality is being a spider. I mean, who actually wants to be a spider?
Announced back in 2018, there were some concerns about the production schedule of the series. Promotional material surfaced online but they caused some controversy with the amount of CGI content. It also didn't help that studio Millepensee helms the production. It's a studio that have produced mediocre projects and seems to specialize in
CGI content. Don't believe me? Just check out their infamous Berserk project or Cop Craft. Watching this show at first glace gave me a feeling of uneasiness and it didn't take awhile until I realized what the show really had at its disposal.
Now imagine being stuck in the body of a spider and then thrown into a danger with some of the most dangerous creatures you can imagine in a fantasy world. That's the raw fate of Kumoko, a former high school student who was hit with some misfortune. Kumoko must adapt, survive, and with her new circumstances, she's going to need all the help she can get. Do note that Kumoko isn't her real name but was given by universal fans. Thankfully, she lives up to her name because not only is she a spider, Kumoko also retains all her human personalities and knowledge. In essence, she's almost like an RPG character in a vast and mysterious world.
But that's not all. Kumoko isn't the only character that reincarnated. In fact, a whole group of students got reincarnated and has their new roles set. These include Sophia, Katia, Filimos, Shun, among others. It seems when the author made these characters, they wanted to dress them into RPG skins. Let's face it, we got vampires, elves, princess, heroes, and just about any light novel trope you can imagine. Of course, it's not an original idea although Kumoko remains one of the more unique characters. In fact, why don't we talk about a bit Kumoko and know who she really is?
Kumoko's character and personality is protrayed as a happy-go spider with a hopeful vision of survival. Yes, she feels terrified and overwhelmed at first but is also prone to make sarcasm at any chance she gets. It's to prevent her psyche from being harmed and honestly one of the more unique dynamics about her character. What I mean is that despite being a spider, she thinks like a human and even retains useful knowledge. Kumoko's main goal is to survive and escape the dungeon that she's trapped in. Think of her situation as a video game protagonist trying to beat a level or even the game. The world she is in is one huge game playground and that dungeon is only a part of it. Kumoko's progression also translates into a RPG-like system with skills, development, and learning to level up. It's funny to see just how far she make use of her system and it isn't an easy task to adapt. That's because the monsters in that dungeon are easily some of the most dangerous in the world. Like with its core characters, the author threw in dragons, giant arachnoids, wyrms, and the typical type of creatures you'd find in a light novel. There's even a danger level scale that determines how deadly these monsters are. Kumoko's personal challenge is to survive against these monsters because she's only got herself to rely on. And trust me, it's no simple task. There's no reset button or an "easy mode" like in video games. She has to rely on the skills she learns and her human knowledge. Watching Kumoko overcome such obstacles shows that no matter how small she is, there's always a beacon of hope.
Then, there's the other side. I'm talking about the main core cast besides Kumoko. Unlike them, they took on more advantageous roles such as vampire Sophia or the warrior hero Shun. In particular, we follow the adventures of Shun and his former clasmates as they take on personal challenges of their own. And that doesn't come easy either. This is seen an in early example when they face off against Hugo, a character with dangerous abilities of his own. Every prominent human character in the series has his or her agenda. The bottom line is, when getting transported into a new world, characters needs to learn, adapt, and find their place. That's exactly what the cast has to do in this show to not just survive but ultimately discover their purpose. And true to its premise, this anime aims to entertain with the personalities of the cast. Every relevant character has a role whether they are human, spider, or demon. Among the most prominent character in the demon community is Ariel, perhaps being Kumoko's biggest obstacle. Indeed, Kumo Desu Ga, Nani Ka feels like playing a RPG alongside a spider and a group of daring adventurers.
Although I've mentioned about the art style of this anime, it's still hard to ignore the fact that it's animated in CGI style. Fighting scenes can look a bit clunky at times but qualifies for fast paced action that you should expect. Hilariously, your eyeballs will probably be glued to Kumoko as a spider trying to beat enemies multiple times her size. Watching the fighting scenes in this show convinced me that when she needs to, Kumoko will do anything to ensure her own survival. She has truly untapped potential and with each level up, Kumoko feels like a video game character bought to life.
Set at 24 episodes, Kumo Desu Ga, Nani Ka is not a very easy anime to get into at first, even for a fantasy isekai. There's also the novel series that the anime didn't fully adapt. I mean, how many anime do you know about a main protagonist turned into a spider? Not many I assume. Fantasy isekai these days tends to jump the gun with its themes and indeed, this anime does love to flirt with its RPG-style ideas. However, rest assured that along the way, you'll be entertained with this little spider at the web.
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Jun 28, 2021
13 of 13 episodes seen
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24
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
5 |
| Story |
5 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
5 |
| Character |
5 |
| Enjoyment |
5 |
Imagine going home one day and see a high school girl at your doorsteps. Now imagine that same girl offering you sex for a place to stay. What would you do? Chances are, you'll have a million thoughts running through your head but would you take or ditch her? Twenty-seven years old Yoshida made a daring choice to take a high school girl into his home and thus begins their bizarre life experience, one that neither of them will ever forget.
Based on the light novel of the same name, Higehiro does indeed sparks certain levels of controversy just by the premise and context alone. The
age gap difference is a red flag. High school girl Sayu Ogiwara is essentially a runway and at her age of 17, she lacks the financial support that a teenager needs. To get by, she sleeps with various men and made that same offer to Yoshida. In response, he refuses to sleep with Sayu but does offer a place for her to stay. What does that action tell us about Yoshida already? Honestly, it shows that Yoshida is a caring young man who isn't afraid to take risks. Some guys woul've taken advantage of her or worse, reported Sayu to the police. Instead, Yoshida offers her shelter, kindness, and companionship.
Yoshida is fundamentally a hardworking salaryman who lives by himself until taking Sayu in to his home. He works overtime when needed and seems to have a decent working relationship with his co-workers. In fact, his personality and professional ethnics has attracted the attention of his female co-workers, including Yuzuha Mishima. Unfortunately for her, it seems Yoshida's inexperience with women made him dense about their feelings. Throughout the show, you can see the numerous hints she throws at him, including asking him out or showing signs of jealousy. Yoshida seems so dense that he hardly notices any signs of romance aimed at him until she confessed directly. By this act, you can pretty much say that when it comes to romance, Yoshida really needs more social experience. However, that doesn't mean he lacks a love interest at work. In fact, we see that Yoshida confess but rejected right off the bat by his co-worker, Airi Gotou. It set off a chain of events that ended up with Yoshida taking in Sayu to his home. They say that romance can begin like a fate so perhaps it's also a sign. However, do very aware that Yoshida and Sayu's relationship isn't exactly romantic.
The meat of the show is about Yoshida and Sayu's rather complex relationship. Besides their age difference, it's shown that Sayu hides her vulnerability and believes in a simple way of living her life. She often puts on a facade behind her smile although it's shown in rare occasions in the beginning when she is surprised by other people's kindness, especially Yoshida. As more episodes progresses, we see that she opens up more to others and be more of herself. Thanks to Yoshida's influence, she even gathers the confidence to face her future rather than running from it. Life is a reality and Sayu had her own troubled past with her mother, a fellow classmate, and even herself. On the other hand, Yoshida is rather resistant to Yoshida's charms. Even when asked if he wants to join her in bed, he passes it off as a joke. However, Yoshida does grow as a person when taking responsibility. Previously, he was a very independent person who works hard to get by, a contrast to Sayu's carefree way of living. Now, he realizes the importance of also being a people person. Similarly, Sayu begins to take responsibility by taking care of the house and even getting a part time job. Luckily, she also encounters a co-worker who gets along with her named Asami. Their sisterly bond represents a beacon of light in Sayu's new life as Asami is very protective of her. Thanks to Asami and Yoshida's influence, we finally see Sayu being able to open others like ways she didn't realize she could before.
As a romance drama, you can bet that the show is prone to some emotional outbrusts and sensitive topics. These include underage prostitution, bullying, suicide, and social alienation. When I came into this show, I had this level of expectation with the materials the show promoted. If you're a new viewer, chances are that you may be thrown off by some of the show's plot elements. Most importantly is Sayu and Yoshida dealing with life challenges. Watching Sayu facing her past is one of the most important part of her character growth. At first, she couldn't do it alone and the past comes backs to haunt her. Two examples includes her own strict mother and Yaguchi, a guy she once hooked up with. The latter becomes a main problem that triggers Sayu's vunlerable side until she is finally able to let go of her past. Indeed, Higehiro wanted us to experience what Sayu has been through but honestly, her character and choices are controversial. Let's ask ourselves, if Yoshida refused to take Sayu in, what would of happened to her? Chances are, she'd end up in the streets again and using her body to make a living as she always have. It's a shameful reality when we look at the real picture. There are individuals in our real life society that can be relatable to Sayu. When you examine her character, Sayu is fundamentally a naive girl when taking on the world by herself, or at least was, until Yoshida entered her life.
The real question you may still be asking yourself if the romance truly develops between these two people. Fate tied them together to meet but does it bloom into a true relationship? Unfortunately, this season remains ambigious and doesn't make them into an official couple. Sayu and Yoshida's relationship does develop from strangers to close friends but it's not the type of close where they are considered lovers. So if you're looking for some real romance, prepare for some disappointment. To be fair, this anime isn't truly about romance in the first place. In other words, this show is more about facing life obstacles and challenge themselves to make the best them.
Art style and production quality retains a consistent pacing throughout the series. It adapt straight from the light novels to give our characters an appealing look. Sayu indeed has the look of a high school girl decorated with a charming face and slim figure. Yoshida is also crafted with a handsome face that attracts the attention of ladies. As a salaryman, he retains a sense of professionalism at work and adult at home. If you're also asking for fan service, there's definitely some controversy. This comes from Sayu's early attempts to seduce Yoshida and to be quite frank, it's slightly disturbing to watch. Again, controversy is a word that seems syonyomous to this show at times so be aware.
Higehiro seems like a series that was destind to get an anime adaptation. Controversial or not, Higehiro is one of those shows that tries, to be real as it can be.
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Jun 27, 2021
13 of 13 episodes seen
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38
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
Anime that mixes science fiction and sports drama together aren't very common these days. When you throw characters into a boxing ring, it becomes more of a sensation because you konw, someone is going to get hurt. No, I don't just mean getting hurt in the fight. I mean, someone is going to risk their pride on the line in front of the world. Megalo Box returns for a surprising sequel in Spring 2021.
Indeed, Megalo Box getting a second season almost feels like a miracle. Joe has been established as a character with integrity but also one we came to understand and relate to. From
this season, we see a change in his character, including his name. Now going by the name 'Nomad', the first episodes explores his psychological state of mind and how he lives his new life. Taking place roughly 7 years since the first season, we see Joe living his life not with luxury but one who tries to get by everyday, almost like a survivor. He relies on painkillers that translates into a sort of dangerous addiction. This self-destructive behavior shows that Joe has a hard time letting his past go. The painkillers he takes feeds on his mind to forget, even if it's damn impossible.
And that's the beauty about Nomad: Megalo Box 2. This show is so much more than about throwing punches in a ring. We start off this season with heavy drama that deals with sensitive topics in the sports competitive world. Let's also not forget that despite Joe trying to keep a low profile to himself, he still possess competitive skills in the ring. Sure, he may not be at his prime but Joe hasn't lost his touch either. From the first few episodes, we also meet Chief, a character who inspires Joe to once again rise up and be himself. It's not until a life changing event later when Joe decides to truly move on from his past. Chief represents the source of power that Joe needed this season. He's been running from his past and if it wasn't for Chief, his future would be grim, perhaps even nonexistent. For this season, it gave us a deep dive into Joe's psychological mind, about how he's been dealing with Nanbu's death, and how he moves on. Joe's worst enemy is himself and it's important to see how manages to defeat it.
Joe isn't the only character who underwent changes. One of the more prominent characters who underwent a character change is Sachio, a young boy who has now grown up as a teenager also getting involved as a Megaloboxer. But no mistake, he isn't as skilled as Joe, Yuri, or any other of the elite fighters. More importantly is his feelings towards Joe and how he seem him this season. Other important characters making their appearances includes Edision Liu, a man who wants to prove himself and to Joe that he is a true Megaloboxer. On the other hand, we also meet Mac, a Megaloboxer who draws in some parallel similarities to Joe in his quest of redemption. The season even goes through his past life and how he became where he is in he present time. Even more interesting is how we see technology can influence a person's life, most noticably Mac. You have to know that fighting in a ring with a robotic arm and gears has its risks. This season turns up to the 11 when we realize the real consequences, with Mac being the perfect example of telling and showing.
If you believe in this show to succeed, you're going to need some patience especially with the story pacing. The first half of this sequel is more about Joe's personal recovery from his past and move on with his life. The second half draws in more about the boxing world's truths and consequences. It also sets up for a mega confrontation between perhaps two of the series' biggest names: Joe and Mac. The latter is a character that isn't easy to accept at first but over time, the show truly wants us to understand his character. And indeed, Mac's personality and characterization gives us a deeper insight not just about him but also the Megalo Box world. How can we ever forget the dystopian society that differs so greatly between the wealthy and the poor? When I came into this season, I knew this show would do a lot more than just show us a memorable boxing match.
Similar to the previous season, we got the crude yet aesthetic art style we were familiar with. The most memorable quality relies on Joe's physical features, showing his longer, dirtier hair. His character expressions were also more depressed until he meets Chief. Speaking of which, Chief himself shows traits of a leader and mentor. His general composition and personality is reflected in his expressive dialogues. To say the least, we managed to get a very human story with characters driven by certain ambitions. As with a sci-fi dystopia, the technology in this show has both a simple yet complex way of selling its product. The robotics and technology adds credibility to the unique style of Megalo Boxing. Every move in that ring shows what the capability of such technology in this timeline and by no understatement, it's a sight to remember. The director and producers managed to truthfully animate this season with a goal in mind and that goal was achieved.
Megalo Box may seem like a simple sci-fi sports drama show at first but it proves itself to be a complex storyteller. From the deep character development of Joe/Nomad to the storytelling of Mac, it shows how people can change or influenced by certain people or events. This season may not be very easy to jump into at first but you won't regret taking that step to live the dream again.
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Jun 26, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
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73
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
4 |
| Story |
5 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
5 |
| Character |
3 |
| Enjoyment |
4 |
The one major attraction of anime medium is that we can explore any idea, in any way possible. Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san (Don't Toy with Me, Miss Nagatoro) explores the idea of a fiesty girl who makes it their personal hobby to bully a guy. Just imagine that. We have a show about a girl picking on a guy as a major plot element in 2021.
Watching Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san is the type of rom-com adaptation that you know what you're going to get from day one. The premise speaks for itself as Naoto Hachiouji (better known as Senpai) is teased by Nagatoro every single day. And for
his sanity, let's just say that Senpai would have to put up with Nagatoro antics even if he can never have a peaceful day again. Based on the manga of the same name, it's clear the author wanted to entertain us in the form of an eccentric romantic comedy. I'll warn you though. If you're not into watching a girl toy a guy on a daily basis, then I'd highly suggest to turn back now.
Even as the title suggests, the anime itself isn't sadomastic as it sounds. Senpai isn't Nagatoro's boy toy although he is teased as part of Nagatoro's favorite hobby. The first episode gives us a deep dive into how she operates. With every witty dialogue, she manages to put Senpai into compromising or embarassing positions. Senpai's own insecure personality doesn't help him stand up to Nagatoro either. Or perhaps there's a bit more? Watching the first few episodes also suggests that at some levels, he enjoys being with Nagatoro. Through their character chemistry, there's also some levels of sexual tension. This is evidenced especially whenever Nagatoro tries to use her body to tease Senpai. Other times, she makes sexual jokes alluding to adult references. It's the type of humor that you'll see every episode. And she's not even the sole character behind acting on these schemes.
Meet Gamo and Yosshi, two of Nagatoro's classmates who loves to tease and bully Senpai just as much as she does. Nicknaming our male protagonist as 'Paisen', they're known to call him Virgin at every chance possible. However, one interesting thing to note is that their teases sometimes irritates Nagatoro or perhaps even makes her jealous. At many points throughout the series, it shows that Nagatoro wants to keep Senpai to herself rather than letting others have him. Sure, she treats him like a toy but also wants to protect him for herself. Perhaps 'protect' isn't the right word to use here but Nagatoro has her moments of envy whenever Gamo and Yosshi takes their teases too far. It's physically reflected in her distorted eyes, a contrast to her usual bubbly self. Does that mean Nagatoro likes Senpai? That question may be ambigious and honestly too early to tell from this season alone. Unfortunately, this season didn't have enough time for any character development for Nagatoro. It seems that the anime itself just wanted to tease the audience about Nagatoro's feelings towards Senpai. In later episodes, we see this more evident when she engages in a rivalry with President but this really goes to nowhere.
With such a goofy cast and entertaining premise, you can bet this anime doesn't take itself seriously at all. The show generally follows a non-linear storytelling format with each episode playing out like skits. Each episode contains multiple parts but some of the recurring elements remains the same, most noticably being Nagatoro's teasing habits. The show also tries to throw off the audience on occasions by doing unorthodox episodes such as fantasy/isekai. Watching Nagatoro's relationship with Senpai equates to an owner playing with their toy, at least in the beginning of the anime. While the show always relies heavily on the teasing, it does get more playful later on. And of course, Nagatoro seems to be able to always find some way to tease Senpai with her clever mind. Whether it's physically or emotionally, she's the master at what she does, and is part of her DNA to tease Senpai.
We should give credit to where credit is due. Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san is known for its comedy but it's serious about its artwork style, straight out of the manga. Frames in this adaptation is consistent with character designs appealing to the way they look. Nagatoro is known for using her body sometimes as a weapon on Senpai so it comes to no surprise that the show gave her a slim figure. More importantly is the character expressions. The show adapts a highly expressive way of showing her personality whenever her emotions runs wild whether when playful, jealous, or sarcastic. Nagatoro's playful personality also includes cat traits to reflect just how playful she is. In essence, she plays around like a curious cat. On the other hand, Senpai is protrayed as a nervous character who seems to be fearful of Nagatoro's antics. Who can blame him though? If you were teased by Nagatoro 24/7, you might get anxiety like him too. This show isn't also afraid of throwing in fan service elsewhere especially with the President. Can you imagine who walks around at school with just a towel like that?
Ijiranaide, Nagatoro-san isn't the first type of anime that focuses on a girl teasing a boy and it certainly won't be the last either. Here, we got this anime about a playful girl who loves to toy Senpai like her personal property. However, the big question you should ask yourself is if you want to join the entertainment with her along the way. Do you want to watch a show where the protagonist gets played around every episode? The answer can be both easy or hard to answer but if you look at the bigger picture, it's not difficult to decide. Because the fact is, this anime sells itself exactly the way it is: a huge animated meme.
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Jun 24, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
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36
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
This review contains some spoilers.
If you were around during Anime Expo back in 2018, then you might remember a strange franchise introduced to the world. It's Zombieland Saga, and at the time, most of us didn't know what it was. The producers and staff were very secretive about the project until it's revelation. And that is...Zombieland Saga is comedic horror anime about idols. Flash a year later and we got announcement of the sequel. Now here we are in 2021 with the return of zombie idols who takes...revenge?
No, that's not quite right. If you remember this show for what it was at all, then you'll
know that Zombieland Saga isn't your typical horror. Or in fact, this is hardly horror at at all given the lighthearted context. Franchouchou, the iconic idol group, returns again with its familiar cast and is still a sensation. Why? That's because these girls have shown that even as zombies, they are a talented group. Organized by their ultra flameboyant producer, Zombieland Saga knew what it wanted to show us.
Let's start and say that even after the 2 year break, the sequel still retains a vibrant energy with the colorful personalities of the cast. From Sakura to Saki, or the famous Tae Yamada, every single member of Franchouchou is an important part of the group. Unfortunately, their group has a rocky start at the beginning of the sequel. They have a debt and even Kotaro, their producer has lost hope to regain their former glory. It isn't until a series of events that convinces him to reorganize and give the idols a chance at their careers. Speaking of which, these idols are no longer the newbies we've known before. They have professional experience now but the sequel also explores some of their personal issues. This includes but not limited to Saki dealing with a relationship, Junko's insecurities, or Lily struggling to maintain her idol image. While this anime throws common sense out the window, some of these personal issues can be relatable in real life. In a more lighthearted way, this sequel shows that being an idol always has its challenges, both for its individual members or the group as a whole. And let's not mention, financial issue remained a major problem until Tae Yamada made the save.
Despite the seemingly recurring elements and cartoonish comedy, Zombieland Saga Revenge contains a short arc that stands out differently than any other episodes in the franchise. The Saga Incident (episodes 8-9) throws the characters into the Meiji Era as it explores the life of Yugiri. Not only do we get to see her character origins but also learn about the ancestry of various character altogether. The arc was memorable for its time setting but also with how it presented itself. You'll have to see it for yourself but let's just say that the Saga Incident can make us really understand Yugiri for who she is. Indeed, Zombieland Saga has always been about showcasing its cast without leaving everyone in the dark. It always remembers that Franchouchou is about more than just the group.
Like the previous season, Zombieland Saga Revenge doesn't hold back with its comedy and humor. After all, this is advertised as a comedic horror show with elements of idol performance and drama. Watching this sequel reminds me to enjoy the overall popcorn entertainment just like the first season. With our colorful cast, there's an immense amount of character chemistry with everyone. Thanks to the personalities of certain characters such as Tae Yamada, you'll rarely run out of moments without laughter. In essence, this sequel proved itself to be able to do what it's best at: entertain.
Are you entertained? That's for me to know and you to find out. But as a fan of the first season, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Zombieland Saga Revenge is worth waiting for. Franchouchou is here and isn't holding back again to show the talents of its cast. With every episode, we see the way this show entertain us just as it once did before. Bless MAPPA for creating this franchise because the anime industry needs more zombie idols.
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Jun 23, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
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15
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
There are many anime these days telling stories about self-discoveries. I'm talking about a type of show where a protagonist would undergo a dramatic change after meeting new people, experiencing new events, and changes themselves. Super Cub's main protagonist Koguma is one such character, a lonely girl who takes up a Honda Super Cub and begins her own journey.
Watching Super Cub is much more than just following a girl's life and her bike. Let's remember that Koguma is very lonely and starts out the show friendless with no income, friends, or even a future. A person like this would need to set a serious path
to build their own future if they even want to live in real life. Her physical appearance is also lacking and can be labeled as an 'invisible kid' in class. So in essence, Koguma is often in the background and it's up to herself to stand out. It's a lot harder than it sounds as she has a repressed personality, one who even has difficulty speaking openly to others. The first few episodes shows that Koguma's social skills needs improvement but deep at heart, she is a friendly person. She just lacks friends.
Luckily, fate allow her to meet new people such as Reiko. In sharp contrast to Koguma, Reiko stands out in class as a beautiful girl and easily opens up to others. With a decent knowledge about Cubs, she forges a bond with Koguma through their similar interests. At first, Koguma also has trouble opening up to her but as the series verges on, they build a strong friendship. It's important to note that Koguma's own confidence begins to bloom after meeting Reiko. It's the type of relatable interaction you can discover in anime and in real life. Through their relationship, Koguma is able to interact with others and discover herself in ways she didn't even realize. With that in mind, you should know that Koguma and Reiko's character bond is among the most important in the show.
Joining them is Shii Eniwa, a shy girl who meets both Koguma and Reiko with their shared interest in Cubs. Unlike Koguma however, she has a future planned out with a dream to open a bakery shop. Together, these three are the heart and soul of this slice of life anime. With every episode, we follow their everyday life adventures and discover what they learn. It's interesting to note that even as as slice of life, the anime contains a somber and lonely tone in the beginning of the anime. The first episode is especially noticable for the silence and slow pacing. It's almost an iconic representation of Koguma's personality, being alone in the world and without friends. After forging friendships with Reiko and Shii, the anime begins to brighten more and develops a more charming mood of elegance. As it should, Super Cub knows what it's doing when telling its stories. Even as as slice of life, the show has a deeper and real meaning when showing how lonely life can be when you have no friends or connections. Koguma's life is an example of what a person would be like in real life if they remained friendless. It's thanks to discovering herself and friends that she becomes much more confident.
But I won't lie. Anime like this doesn't have much of a linear storytelling or deep plot. Even as a complex as seems at times, Super Cub remains fundamentally a simple slice of life show. Every episode shows what these characters goes through in the way we live our own lives. It's very straightforward and remains realistic throughout every episode. A prominent element included into this show is the Cubs, where we get to see how the show's bikes functions. Every episode features these bikes and in the beginning, we also get to see how they are maintained on and off the road. Unlike some anime about bikes, this show doesn't include sports competitions or rivalries. It's quite the opposite as the characters all share a common interest and it's what bought them together in the first place. Sometimes, the show may feel like an advertisment for selling a brand but deep down, Super Cub is relatively a simple show that anyone can enjoy
If you got the impression of a somber show in the beginning, then I don't blame you. The first few episodes has a gloomy feel that represents Koguma's loneliness. In fact, I think the director and producers managed to capture the essence of her character through the show's unique artwork. It has a gray-like style of imagery and backgrounds stands out as static as her character moves with her bike. Koguma's character expressions is also noticable that undergoes changes with each episode. As I mentioned before, this anime adapts a character's self discovery and the artwork brings its themes to life.
Almost every season, there's that one show where we tend to overlook and forget easily. Super Cub may not be a mainstream anime but I dare say this is a dark horse of 2021. By that definition, the series knew exactly what it had in mind and followed a roadmap to show what a character journey and self discovery is about. Add in the bikes and we have this unique slice of life, one that may be somber at first, but is a reality check of how people can adapt and change.
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Jun 22, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
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46
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
7 |
| Story |
7 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
Spinoffs made these days carries a certain level of risk and this is especially true for fans of their favorite franchises. This can apply to any media, whether it's anime, live action movies or TV shows, and even video games. Being loyal to a brand is part of our DNA and although not everyone follows that mindset, spinoffs usually at the very least must fundamentally meet the expectations of the what it tries to sell.
What does that tell you about Tensura Nikki: Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken? Well, it is a spinoff and is based on the TenSura franchise set in the same universe. The
main TV anime received not only a second season with two parts but also this charming little spinoff. If you're a fan of Rimuru and his daily adventures, then prepare to bedazzled again.
One important concept you should know about Slime Diaries is that it follows a non-linear storytelling format and is advertised more as a fantasy slice of life than a fantasy adventure. The English title 'Slime Diaries' sells exactly as the way it sounds. It tells and shows the daily life of Rimuru like a diary. Every episode itself feels like diary entry bought to life. And as you can guess, anything can happen in their world that defies the logic of natural order. Facing this concept, you should relax your mind and watch this as a slice of life. That's because Rimuru is back to entertain the audience through his daily adventures.
This is Yuuji Haibara's debut as a director and can we just say how adorably charming the spinoff is? By just glancing at the promotional material, you can say the show is easily decorated with a slate of charm and lighthearted humor. Rimuru returns as the main protagonist alongside a familiar cast from the original series. The personalities of all the cast remains the same and don't expect any real character development. This show isn't here to tell a complex story after all or make a character study of the cast. It's here to relax and make the most of its slice of life themes. Every day in Rimuru's life, we get to see how he helps his community. It's not an easy task but if you're familiar with Rimuru's character, then you'd know that he would often exceed expectations. But Rimuru still retains the personality of a free spirited character. He isn't trying to rule his community with an iron fist but instead geninuely cares about his people. And because of that, Rimuru has the respect and affections from many of his friends.
Watching the returning cast is also a joyful delight especially for characters such as Shion, Shuna, Milim, Benimaru, among others. Because they retain the same personalities, expect hilarious rivalries on screen such as Shion vs Shuna. Characters such as Gobuta also returns with a cartoonish role that makes him look like a fool at times. Rimuru's character interchanges between his human and slime form to give viewers an idea about how he lives his life. Nonetheless, this spinoff offers a simple way of storytelling such as community farming, Summer festivals, and of course, the obligatory beach episode. And by beach episode, you can expect the girls dress to impress, especially Shion. As the season changes, we also get to see how the characters spend their times during Winter. There's really minimal conflict (if at all) compared to the main show. Even when there's drama, it's mostly protrayed as lighthearted comedy, rather than with heavy emotions. Really, just watch this with an open mind, and let this anime be what it is.
Tensura Nikki Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken is the type of anime this franchise needed as a brief break before the second half of the main anime airs agian. If you wanted to experience a diary adventure mixed with slice of life comedy, then right here is the right place. Rimuru shows that anyone can enjoy life in a fantasy world, even if they're just a blue bounching slime.
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Jun 20, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
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78
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
The wonderful thing about the Internet is the amount of freedom we have. And with freedom, we can use our creativity to build worlds, to imagine ourselves in places where we never expected, or meet people from the other side of the globe. What does that tell you about anime? Well, it means writers are able to freely express their thoughts and ideas into their work no matter how ludicrious it is.
Take Sentouin, Hakenshimasu! for example. It's written by Natsume Akatsuki, the same writer who is the brainchild behind the KonoSuba franchise. You remember Konosuba, right? Unless you've been living under a rock, that
series became a light novel and anime sensation back when it was airing. And now, he's back. Mr Akatsuki decided to translate his ideas into this show because freedom allows him to do what and how he wants. Isn't freedom just wonderful?
To be fair, Sentouin, Hakenshimasu! is a completely seperate show and doesn't have any direct connection with Konosuba. So yes, go ahead and watch this without any knowledge would be a fairly straightforward easy thing to do. However, that doesn't mean you won't feel a similar experience when watching this goofball of a show. If you've ever felt the need to turn your brains off, then feel free to jump right in. But I should warn you, this anime loves comedy and the author wants you to laugh every square inch of the way.
As the first episode progressed, we quickly find out just how goofy the main cast is. Let's start with Combat Agent Six, the man with the perverted mind who wants to do lewd acts to his bosses, from the organization Kisaragi. Yeah, you heard me right. Six explifies the type of protagonist who says what's on his mind and does what he wants, or even who he wants. Out of every character in the show, we see him perform the most lewd acts and because it's part of his mission to collect "Evil Points". I don't know how high the author was when he created Six but let's just say that he is about as obnoxious as a protagonist can get. Joining him as a group of female characters including Alice, Snow, Rose, Grimm, and his superiors. The majority of the show follows Six's group to collect evil points and and completing missions. No, it's not an RPG because Six himself isn't into roleplaying. He only seems to care about himself at first but he does get the job done when the time calls for it. Surprisingly, Six is actually efficient with some of his clever yet underhanded tactics. In various episodes, he behaves like a fool but can also be a badass when he wants. I don't mean type of badass that will make his look enemies weak. What I mean is that Six can be very efficient with his combat skills and it's why Kisaragi decided to employ him as an agent on their assignments.
Six doesn't carry this anime all on his shoulders. We can't ignore the pretty android Alice, can we? Out of all the main cast in this show, she is perhaps the most normal and that's saying a lot when you realize she isn't even human. Unlike Six, she demonstrates a serious attitude on her assignments and often berates him for his foolish behavior. Their first meeting in the show starts out rocky but over time seems to get along well enough to get jobs done. Then, there's Snow, the woman with the haughty attitude and executive officer serving under Six. Their relationship in the show is comically toxic. By toxic, I don't just mean it as drama, insults, and names thrown at each other. What I mean is that Snow has to deal with Six for he is if she wants to remain in her position. And as fate turns out, she does warm up to Six and the others as time drags on. That doesn't refrain Six from talking lewd words to her though. Outside of these three, there's also Grimm, the flirtious redhead in the wheelchair. And despite being flirty, she becomes embarassed when lewd acts are performed on her. Many episodes shows that she is a pure hearted girl inside but acts like the opposite outside. And last but not least, there's Rose, a mascot of their group with a massive appetite. It seems when the author created her, they wanted a main character to fill the void of a gluttonious girl. When you package these characters together, you get perhaps the most idiotic group of 2021.
Let's not get too ahead of ourselves though. Outside of Six's group, we also need to know about Kisaragi and their goal. What is Kisaragi? The easiest way to say it is that they are an evil organization. Sure, they are "evil" but to emphasize, the show doesn't protray them as malicious as they sound. In fact, Kisaragi has moral obligations and I dare say that their members aren't evil at all. Freezing Astaroth and Flaming Belial are two members who tasked Six to collect "Evil Points" but the way they protrayed their assignments almost seems like a parody. Evil Points is collected by evil deeds but the anime subverts and downplays as a joke. That is also thanks to Six's actions such as trying to gain evil points by lifting Grimm's skirt. Regardless, I think once you've seen the first few episodes, you'll realize the anime isn't bound on showing how "evil" Kisaragi is at all.
Tagged with some of the familiar genres you'd expect from the Konosuba author, the anime itself loves its running jokes. There's countless recurring gags such as Snow's money fetish, Six's perverted way of living life, or Grimm being the target of sexual harassment. Sexual references and allusions is also common thanks to words being misunderstood. For instance, a conversation between Six and Grimm once gave him the impression of sex when she actually wants to eat him. There's also dick jokes thrown around by Six's perverted mind to the princess Tillis. It seems at every opportunity, this show will make fun of itself in some shape or form, usually the perverted way.
Sentouin, Hakenshimasu! is the type of anime that you can recommend to your friend but I'd be careful if they've never seen something similar like this before. They might get the wrong impression or message of what the author wanted them to see. But if you're watching this show on your own, let's just say that turning your brain off is an understatement. In fact, turn all common sense off because this anime has transcended beyond the realm of normalcy. This is far from a normal show and the author wanted you to be free to experience their work. Isn't being able to express your thoughts like this so freely just wonderful?
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Jun 19, 2021
11 of 11 episodes seen
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366
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
The number 86 doesn't sound very special at first glance, until you realize the dark story behind it. Plagued by an ongoing war for 9 years, you can imagine how both Republic of San Magnolia and Empire of Giad's lives have been shattered. War itself lays the foundation of this show and with it, characters comes to understand what it means to live, survive, and fight. Yet, the story of 86 runs far deeper than just a frontline war. Behind the closed doors of their society has unimaginable secrets.
Advertised as a military science fiction, I first want to mention that above all else, the anime
manages to maintain a stellar force of animated quality. A-1 Pictures can sometimes be a missed bag but make no mistake, this show doesn't step over its toes and overestimate itself. It manages to capture the essence of a military sci-fi by the high quality animation. From the machines, battle sequences, to the character design themselves, every bit of production makes a strong impression. Producer Nobuhiro Nakayama has previously worked on other sci-fi projects such as Heavy Object, A Certain Magical Index, and Accel World, among others. Let's of course not forget about the director, Toshimasa Ishii. He managed to put together a storyboard to compensate with the artistic talents of the staff and make this show into a reality.
However, I do want to distress not to think too hard into this show. While 86 may be somewhat more complicated than the average sci-fi anime you see these days, it's also fairly watchable for new viewers. You don't need a rocket science degree to understand the technological advancements of their world. However, it make take a bit of time to understand what our characters are capable of and why they exist. Off the bat, we have Major Vladilena 'Lena' Milize, who serves as a Handler in the Republic forces. Coming off as one of the most human characters in the show, she treats others like humans than tools. It seperates herself from her superiors and above all, she fights for equality rather than winning the war. Lena's character is portrayed as human by her actions. She often speaks out and challenges morality issues with her superiors. Within her squadron, she tries to forge a bond together even during their toughest times. As such, Lena represents much more than just the average Handler. She's a beacon of hope for the 86 Squadron.
Speaking of which, what exactly is the 86? In general definition, they are pilots representing the Republic of San Magnolia. However, these members are not treated equally as other sectors as result of many complicated events. The show follows a group of elite 86ers (as part of the Spearhard Squad) with Shinei Nouzen as their leader. Taken for granted, Shinei carries a burden of responsibilty for his squad members. This is seen through his actions, when he disregard his own life to fight in what he believes in. Throughout the show, Shinei faces death straight on without fear even when taking inconceivable risks. His actions are not gone without notice as characters have come to respect him as a capable leader such as Kurena. I'm not here to convince you whether Shinei is a likable character or not. His actions can sometimes be questionable but the sheer bravery he shows on the battlefield is undeniably respectable.
With that in mind, 86 deals with war drama elements by showing and telling, a combination that is achieved with its historical background storytelling. From the very start, we learn about the state of their world and how characters are shaped by what they are. Most prominently, Lena and Shinei explifies their leadership role, and they must make important decisions even if they have to do it themselves. It's also important to realize that Shinei's squadron has character bonds within the group. When we see its members outside the battlefield, most of them behave like normal people despite knowing what future may lie ahead of them. It's because of their bond, there seems to also be a glimmer of hope for the 86ers.
It's a 1-cour show, at least for the first half and not only that, this falls short on one episode compared to the standard 12-episode formula. By no doubt, there's content omitted in this adaptation such as the death of a certain important character on-screen. And also, if you came expecting this show to tell some romance, then look elsewhere. Sure, there are some hints dropped from Lena's point of view and her growing affection towards Shinei. However, this doesn't bloom into a relationship. After all, Shinei is the last type of guy who wants a girlfriend in this series. He's a fighter, not a lover. Looking back though and among the Spearhead squadron, their relationship is perhaps one of the most important in the series.
I've already mentioned about the high quality production of 86. But who can forget the music? Hiroyuki Sawano is well known for his previous involvement in sci-i projects such as Aldnoah Zero and Guilty Crown. Here is no different as we see the sheer amount of talent poured into the soundtrack. Every episode is able to synchronize the soundtrack to make scenes impactful. It accomplishes this to make viewers feel what the characters feel, especially during the more emotional scenes. That's important too, because war itself can have emotional impactful on anyone. It feels like the author and producers wanted us to experience what war is like hence the soundtrack enhances that experience.
Science fiction military anime isn't an uncommon trend in today's industry. Darling in the Frankxx, Aldnoah Zero, and the infamous Code Geass are just a few examples. What 86 manages to do is capture the feeling and reality of war, in a way that makes us realize what lives really is like for the characters. From day one, you can see grim reality of how war can change a world and people. Let's just hope the second half of 86 will be as memorable as the first, because this anime is just getting started.
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Jun 18, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
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28
people found this review helpful
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| Overall |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
Life is full of opportunities and the teenage years is no exception as the time to experience growth. What does that tell you about Setsu Sawamura? Is he an opportunist seeking glory or trying to find his own purpose in life? You see, if there's anything in life that's difficult, it's to live in it.
Chances are that if you're the average anime viewer following only a few shows every year, this slipped under ther radar. It didn't achieve mainstream popularity even in its own genre. And let's be honest here, judging on the premise itself gives the impression of a niche type of show. Indeed,
Mahiro no Oto (Those Snow White Notes) packages together a variety of characteristics and genres that mixes music, drama, and most importantly, character growth. With that mind, it's time to take a deep dive into what you're about to see.
From day one, it should come to no surprise that Setsu Sawamura is talented but also a self-disciplined person. He has a music background and protrayed as a gifted shamisen player. But on the personality side, he's not easy to get along with. In fact, Setsu has the mentality of a perfectionist but not in the way you think. He strives to discover himself and deep down wants to reignite his passion of music. Thanks to his flameboyant mother Umeko, he's given an opportunity, the opportunity of a lifetime as he enters Umezono Academy. It's from there where his true journey begins.
I'm not going to try and convince you to like Setsu or not but on the general surface, he is a relatable character. You ever recall a time in your life where you wanted to discover something new in life? A hobby? Achieving a dream goal? Picture yourself as Setsu and you may realize how realistic his character is. However, on the outside, he is a closed shell. He doesn't open up to people easily and acts mostly with indifference towards his peers. There's an understandable reason too given his past with his grandfather. It isn't until he meets Shuri Maeda and other students at his academy that he truly begins to embrace music again. It's rather ironic as well since she started a music club with similar reasons as Setsu. Both characters wants to discover a certain piece of music with a sense of purpose. Otherwise, Shuri's personality is a sharp contrast with her bright and friendly personality. This brings some trouble in the beginning as Setsu has a dead mind set on shamisen. It seems to be the only purpose in life to rediscover himself and to be quite honest, living a life like that sounds almost abysmal.
Now, the shamisen club in this show isn't exactly a group drafted like some NBA team with a collective purpose. Every character is there for a reason but the range in diversity of their personalities is almost laughable. You'd have to be the judge for yourself but let's just say that the shamisen club isn't exactly built for teamwork. In the world of shamisen, every character has to also rely on themselves and not hold back. Setsu knows this from the very beginning so he had that one single minded purpose. It really isn't until he understands why the club is together that he begins to feel a passion of music again. And truth to be told. watching the shamisen club shows that every character needs to improve, whether it's their technical skills or people skills. For the latter, I'm looking at you Setsu.
Looking at this show from a story perspective, you're going to have to embrace yourself for a slate of melodrama. This isn't some happy goofy storyteller trying to make you laugh. Sure, it has its lighthearted moments here and there. However, this is a show made up for drama that appeals to emotions. To be more precise, it appeals to human emotions. Yes, Mashiro no Oto appeals to the inner human emotions that we all experience in every day of our lives. Setsu dealing with the aftermath of his grandfather's death is a prominent example. When watching this anime as a drama, it draws you in by showing what the characters goes through. It's watching how their lives unfold that you can truly enjoy the show together. Likewise, you may also find the witty dialogues and character personalities entertaining. Characters such as Yui, Umeko, Kaito, and Mai all make memorable impressions. Among them, Umeko especially stands out as a commanding woman who displays the 'no nonsense' attitude. Can we just give her a medal with her character debut?
Like most shows with music and competition, there's definitely talent when the characters steps onto the stage. Rivalries even exist at some levels such as Mai's desire to prove herself to everyone, especially Setsu. Others such as Kaji contains the level of determination to go beyond their limits. In one particular episode, he plays despite having a broken instrument to show that anything can be done when they put their heart into their work. That brings back to the topic of Setsu. After joining the club, it seems his heart opens up more with a love for shamisen again. It doesn't happen just over night but little by little, he doesn't let his past hold him back. It's this type of character journey that is worth watching for and if you came here for that, then Mashiro no Oto will be a sweet treat.
Given a show about music, we can see and hear the talent of the cast. Artistically, the performance scenes has an unique vibrant style of showcasing the production quality. Every one of the shamisen performance scenes stands out above its typial animation quality. It feels surreal, magical, and grabs you into to your seat. Even if you're not a music fanatic, those scenes are captivating like a magical spell. Now, I'm not an expert on shamisen but even I can see why this show wants those performances to look more elegant than any others. It's to showcase the important of shamisen and its culture, not just as a competition but a way of life. t's a the heart and soul of the show that gives our characters a purpose after all.
It may be somewhat of a niche show but don't let that hold you back from watching Mashiro no Oto. It's not just a show about music but about personal discovery. Looking at it from a realistic perspective, life itself has limitless possibilities and the cast in this show wants to take opportunities to discover themselves. And if you came into this anime with a similar reason, to perhaps discover something to take away from this show to remember, then you're in the right place.
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