This is a twofer review (aka Letter of Complaints) for Aries and Orion.
In terms of art style, the new series has it in spades. It's not perfect, but it is most certainly quality. Watching the Reloaded special episode (23 in Orion), it was awesome to see some of the old strange designs ironed out for past characters. Unlike the original, the pacing of the story has ramped but not because the over arching storyline was complicated, but rather poor pacing of character growth. Like the original series, lots of characters don't get much development (ie. Handa, Shourin), but this
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is especially so given the shorter run time for this new series. Many characters just don't seem to belong or should be where they are given the pacing and lack of character development. I will go through it in some detail, but that will be past the spoiler warning below. The overarching story is way more believable than the last few story lines we had in recent Inazuma Eleven. It's 5th Sector, but more grounded. That said this is a show predominantly for young children so it's not the most crazy story line ever. Overall, I would say the greatest appeal of the show is in the new characters with the aftertaste of the classic Eleven characters. Though the true villain was honestly different, most that led to that was less than ideal. I believe the show would've done much better if it invested more character development (Haizaki & Hoshinari) into the stories they did start rather than ending them abruptly and frequently.
tl;dr: Cool new art style and cool animations with cool new characters and returning characters! But be warned, they are bogged down by not-so-cool new characters. Also this is an alternative timeline pre-Alien Academy, post-Zeus.
----SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT----
Inakuni Goods:
In Aries, Inakuni works very well as a close, tight-knit group of friends, but given the pacing most don't get much time to develop individually. Those that did had varying results. Unexpectedly, Iwato, the new Kabeyama, is one of the more interesting characters from Inakuni. He has multiple gag partners and even teams up with Aphrodi and Hiroto. Michinari also had a great moment with Endou and I really wished they continued that instead of "Junk Food Funny Time with Goujin" in Orion. Finally we have Umihara, whose design I love very much. She had some interesting internal conflicts, but none were given much time to develop. There have been multiple times where her character development starts, but the plot had to move forward before we could get to see a well paced progression both in Aries and Orion.
These characters aren't from Inakuni but I figured this would be the best place to mention. Haizaki Ryouhei and Nosaka Yuuma (and by extension Nishikage) are the de facto main treat of this new series. They brought an interesting storyline that carried all of Aries and most into Orion.
tl;dr: Overall, I think there are a few decent new characters additions, but most were discarded in Orion and for some reason those that shouldn't have were. (Umihara, you should've came back earlier...)
Inakuni Bads:
Goujin Testsunosuke is funny(?) I suppose, but he is really just a punching-bag gag character that is in debt. The cost of keeping this guy in the story was to have lackluster team. He shares the forward position with 5 other characters that are way more relevant and interesting than him. I would've preferred if he was benched like Megane in the original series. Similarly, I honestly don't understand why Mansaku and Hiura are on the team. Especially Mansaku, who really hasn't done anything since learning his first hissatsu. For the most part, these Inakuni members don't truly interact with anyone but themselves. However, these members pale in comparison to these two characters:
Inamori Asuto is just a copy-pasted version of Endou, with the added plot relevant detail that may or may not resemble Luke Skywalker. The problem with his character is simply the fact that he has little character growth and what growth he could have gotten is either non existent (Aries) or is swept under the rug (Orion). The writers demand that he must get screen time, but there really isn't much to write about for him. The more interesting details about his character, like how life was back at Inakuni or what he thought about his fake father is treated too lightly. This would not be that much of a concern if he was a supporting character like everyone else from Inakuni. The biggest deal breaker for me is the fact that all his lines are literally things that Endou would've said, who now has to shut up and just stare. This simple fact makes it pains me. This worked in GO and Chrono Stone because Endou had justifiable reasons to take a backseat and let the children pave their own path, but here it feels more like Endou isn't being the captain he truly is and his spirit was programmed into a talking robot.
Mikado Anna is a terrible character. Her role in Aries was disgusting to watch and she has no purpose in Orion. Managers of Inazuma Eleven have been declining in quality since the original series and Anna takes the cake. The three managers from the original series all had plot related relevance to varying degrees. In GO, they were around but their character brought liveliness to the commentary. Ootani Tsukushi (who really does look like a background character) serves the bare-bone requirements. Anna, however, takes being dislikable (like Natsumi initially) to incomprehensible. Her conflict like the Inakuni members doesn't even go anywhere. Honestly, it kind of feels like they sort of forgot about it because they were to busy thinking about winning the next match. Instead of redeeming or doing something cool for the team (like Natsumi) she proceeds to care about the enemy?? Her obsession over Nosaka is simply put really irritating to watch. All managers of the past have showed team spirit and comradery in all past series. Anna lacks this. She simply dos her dues and moves on to more loftier concerns about Nosaka, an enemy villain at the time, rather that those suffering on her own team. He nosiness in Nosaka's business and stalker behavior is unlikable. If they wanted to add this romantic plot they should've have done it in Orion, which did not happen as Nosaka straight up rejected her at the end of Aries. It is such a waste of a nicely designed character.
tl;dr: Less than stellar character development and pointless character developments made moot.
Return of the Originals:
To be honest, I think they did pretty well in terms of the balance between screen time for the old and new characters. Kidou was effectively utilized in Aries and smoothly exited in Orion. His role is similar to Gouenji in the original season 3. I don't know how much better they could've handled Gouenji, but they most certainly didn't have to cut Endou that much. Endou is basically a shell of his former self given how much screen time he had in the original. As I mentioned before, Inamori has basically poached his character (episode 44). Times when it should have been Endou to pull the team together, it was Inamori doing the mood-making. It feels especially disingenuous when he runs off with his "dad" in Orion. Endou had the same situation with Daisuke in the original and considering the pacing of the show, Endou running off to spend quality time would have been way more justifiable. There are also some nice new character developments for (not dead) Kira Hiroto and (not Gran) Kiyama Tatsuya. It is simultaneously fan-service and actual plot at the same time. The Fubuki twins are the same, but on a much smaller scale. Saginuma was pretty much shafted. It was great to see one of the coolest characters there, but he really just suffered most of the way through and left to dry.
tl;dr: Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with how they handled the OG characters, but Endou.
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Oct 5, 2023
Inazuma Eleven: Orion no Kokuin
(Anime)
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This is a twofer review (aka Letter of Complaints) for Aries and Orion.
In terms of art style, the new series has it in spades. It's not perfect, but it is most certainly quality. Watching the Reloaded special episode (23 in Orion), it was awesome to see some of the old strange designs ironed out for past characters. Unlike the original, the pacing of the story has ramped but not because the over arching storyline was complicated, but rather poor pacing of character growth. Like the original series, lots of characters don't get much development (ie. Handa, Shourin), but this ... 
Mar 30, 2023
It is impossible to hate this manga if you are familiar with the original Idolm@ster. The story is about everyone's favorite secretary, Kotori Otonashi and how she got into 765 Production. Though she has received some lore bits over the many years, I'd say this is an essential read for anyone who wants to know more about her and 765 Pro. I believe that this is an modestly interesting read for anyone, but I highly recommend at least watching the 2011 anime to gain context and the full experience.
The story revolves around Kotori's introduction and exploration into the idol business, which her ... 
Jun 16, 2022
Clockwork Planet
(Manga)
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I must preface this review with the fact that I have not read the original light novel which this manga is based off of. As such, I suspect many things I say here about the pacing and plot may not be the case for the light novel. I highly suggest reading it as I believe that this story is an interesting read (though I have not read it myself, but I do intend to!). Anyways, here's my review for this manga (see the tl;dr at the bottom if you don't want to read everything). Minor spoilers by the way.
Clockwork Planet takes place ... 
Jun 8, 2021
I have since watched all episodes. I stand by what I wrote.
"It's bad." is awfully subjective and arrogant. I'm not gonna lie, this show is no Jujuju Juju, nor does it have the aesthetic of Fumetsu no Anata e. But I can guarantee that this show is relatively more interesting than Eden Zero (that's also a very subjective bar). If you are tolerant of somewhat shallow characters and want to waste time, I think you should give this show a go. Personally, I was somewhat entertained, but it was by no means thrilling in any way. For reference, I gave this show ... 
Jan 7, 2021
Platinum End
(Manga)
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Simply put, Platinum End is a story about a boy who commits suicide, but is saved by an angel so that he may participate in a battle royale to become God.
Disclaimer: Platinum End takes a very cynical view on the concept of God. If you love listening to Pastor Dave preach every Sunday, I would not recommend this to you. Tl;dr Platinum End is philosophical and presents interesting questions on the role of God, but suffers from a lack of character depth. However, I thought it was interesting and I think you should give it a chance and read with the ... 
Jun 23, 2020
At this point, I can't help feel that "Isekai" is a term that means "Educated modern guy reforms the cavemen" or "Genius is born in an archaic society."
Who our main character was doesn't really matter, what does matter is the setting. Our main character, Wendlin von Baumeister (something like that), is the 8th son of a poor, low-ranking noble he is fated to a commoner lifestyle. Luckily for him, he is a prodigy that receives an magical education from another prodigy. The story details his exploits climbing up from the bottom of society. Story: Compared to the original light novel and the manga ... 
Jun 23, 2020
Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle
(Anime)
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It's no mystery that this is a terrible show to watch. However, I do not intend to put blind hate in this review. It is clear after doing a bit of research, that this show is not intended for your average anime watcher.
Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle, as the name implies, is a prequel to a bigger story. From that I assume that this story will require prior knowledge of the main story. As such no one who has not played the original game will be able to provide a fair review (in my opinion). Overall: I, and many others, think that ... 
Oct 9, 2018
The☆Ultraman
(Anime)
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Honestly this is review is not free of bias, I watched this show when I was five and I absolutely loved it as a kid. I will do my best effort to be not biased, but do take this review with a grain of salt.
Story: The story is pretty simple. Our hero gets possessed by an alien who calls himself Ultraman and he goes around and beats up Kaiju that threaten Earth. The story does have progression despite how it might seem at first. I cannot say much because spoilers, but the ending is pretty spectacular. However, getting there can take lots ... 
Oct 9, 2018
Back to the Kaasan
(Manga)
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I personally enjoyed this series for how short it is. I started reading this thinking it was a romcom, then assumed it was a joke manga. However, the unexpected conclusion and the story that lead up to it is truly worth the read. I am amazed how attached I got to some of these characters despite the manga's wackiness.
Story: 7 The story is based around our main character Yuu who has one mission: to find a way to fix his mother who is in a deformed vegetative state. But luckily for him, he awakens the ability to "time slip" where he can ... 
Sep 29, 2018
Hataraku Saibou
(Anime)
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This show should not be viewed for its story. It is a personification of our bodies that is brimming with character. On the surface, Hataraku Saibou is very much a bland edutainment series, but in some moments you can see a lot of humanity.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who is suffering in high school biology class and anyone who is simply looking for a good Killer T(ime). Story: Hataraku Saibou does not have the most interesting story. You can easily generalize it with this formula: 1. Everyday life ruined by wound. 2. Red gets scared. ... |
