#31: My brain dump
I haven't done something from the list of blog ideas in a while, so you might be just a little disorientated. Not to worry though! This will be one of those super passionate cringe posts you might want to skip. Here, I'll even make it easier for you. Simply click on THIS LINK and you'll be taken away from this dreadful post.
I'll be writing about a bit of everything in this post, but it's all going to be branching out from this idea of "my brain dump".
...
Actually my mind's at a blank right now. The emotions and thoughts that I had welled up inside me suddenly dissipated and I don't know where to start or what to even say.
Relationships (at least around this age) are dumb. I don't condone high school relationships at all, but it seems that every person makes a really big deal about it. When I look with retrospect to my past attempts and failures, I feel... unmoved.
I'm still learning. They say life is a lesson, and if that's so, I must have only gone through the first five minutes of class. It's evident that I don't know anything at all, but I think that it's okay. I make a lot of serious mistakes and I'm usually faced with severe repercussions (but I guess that's where the learning comes in).
I need to open my own doors. In reality I've done nothing towards finding my own opportunities. I lack the will to go out and do something for myself, instead opting to have people push me into doing things or having them do it for me. It might work for a little longer, but definitely not if I want to have my little splash on the world.
Being a tiny bit sick sucks. I hate it when you don't feel completely sick, but instead you have minor symptoms that bug you all the time. Being sick in general doesn't go well with me.
Decided to post something, seeing as I haven't done one in a bit. Came in with the intention of making a really long and in-depth post, but ended up falling flat on my face (sorry about that). The way my day is going so far, I'm feeling like a 7. So I'll bid you farewell until next time.
"Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another." - John Dewey
July 30, 2015
July 23, 2015
Summer 2015 First Impressions (Part 2)
- WARNING: THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAINS SPOILERS -
And we're back with the follow up of Part 1, this time covering the rest of the anime airing this season. There are some exciting and action paced entries, from God Eater (which I was, personally, extremely hyped for) and Rokka no Yusha, along with some of the more weird shows, including Ranpo Kitan and the short Okusama ga Seitokaichou! At any rate, let's buckle down and get ready to see what Part 2 has in store.
This Season (Part 2):
God Eater
Jitsu wa Watashi wa
Joukamachi no Dandelion
Makura no Danshi
Monster Musume
Okusama ga Seitokaichou!
Ranpo Kitan
Rokka no Yuusha
I Rate: 7.7/10
I Rate: 7.5/10
I Rate: 7.5/10
I Rate: 6.3/10
I Rate: 8.2/10
I Rate: 7.0
I Rate: 8.3
I Rate: 8.3
God Eater
Jitsu wa Watashi wa
Joukamachi no Dandelion
Makura no Danshi
Monster Musume
Okusama ga Seitokaichou!
Ranpo Kitan
Rokka no Yuusha
One Sentence: ufotable brings us a very different and vivid art style, telling the story of a word overridden by monstrous beings called aragami.
While ufotable is said to have spawned glorious art in UBW, this time around they have definitely brought in a more... different style of animation. The reason why I'm covering the artwork first is because it did kinda affect how I perceived the show and how much I enjoyed it. Watching the first episode was somewhat stressful for me, as I couldn't get used to the style. It felt unnerving the whole time. Getting around to the second episode, I somewhat dreaded doing so, but I found that it didn't bother me as much and I got used to it. While the first episode left somewhat of a bad aftertaste in my mouth, the second not nearly as much, especially since things are picking up, bringing us to the content of the anime.
Really there's not too much creative space when you're going to create an anime that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, overrun by some sort of disease or monstrosity. For that reason, I'm going to refrain from trying to bash on how unoriginal or overused the premise is. All the typical tropes are there: a rookie main character bursting at the seams with potential, a tough veteran who just can't be beat, a stern and big-chested commander lady, yadayadayada.
There's no problem with this, because God Eater is just fine as it is. The action scenes are great in themselves, and it's an exciting show. Mind you, it's not anything godly or particularly good, but nothing about it is done wrong. There's certainly room for growth in the story, and God Eater will, more likely than not, turn out as a good watch.
Best Girl: Sakuya
One Sentence: Light-hearted comedy that involves a boy who can't keep secrets and a girl who's actually a vampire.
Honestly this show is enjoyable mostly because of how absurd it is. I mean, it's about a boy who has an inability to keep any secrets, a vampire girl who seems shy, an alien from another world, and a pair of talking glasses. From the OP and ED it seems that we'll also be getting at least two other girls, and it's safe to say that they'll have their quirks too.
Fitting right along with the weird way that the show is set up, we also have a slightly weird style of art going on (fits perfectly in my opinion). It looks like everybody is kinda on drugs or something, but props for some characters that really just pop out at you.
Watch it because why the hell not?
Honestly this show is enjoyable mostly because of how absurd it is. I mean, it's about a boy who has an inability to keep any secrets, a vampire girl who seems shy, an alien from another world, and a pair of talking glasses. From the OP and ED it seems that we'll also be getting at least two other girls, and it's safe to say that they'll have their quirks too.
Fitting right along with the weird way that the show is set up, we also have a slightly weird style of art going on (fits perfectly in my opinion). It looks like everybody is kinda on drugs or something, but props for some characters that really just pop out at you.
Watch it because why the hell not?
Best Girl: Shiragami the vampire ayyy
Joukamachi no Dandelion (3/12)
One Sentence: Strangely original anime about life for a huge royal family, and who will be crowned in the upcoming elections.
Yet another strange entry for this season, this time revolving around royal siblings who are all "fighting" (in quotations because some of them are just indifferent) for the crown in upcoming elections. It's another light-hearted anime that you can feel good about watching. All the siblings are pretty unique (oh did I mention that each of them have their own super powers?) in their own way, and it adds some variance to Joukamachi no Dandelion.
Our main character (actually there's a lot), Akane, wants to live a quiet and regular life. She's especially scared of the numerous surveillance cameras scattered around the city (for protection of the family), and her main goal is to become king so that she can remove all of them. It's kind of ironic because it's the exact opposite (haha, wow so funny).
Not joking though, the comedy, while tasteless at times, isn't half bad. Art is a bit different (you can see it for sure in the eyes), but nothing drastic. All in all, the show is decent, and it's a matter of what suits your taste buds. Would recommend you try it if you're looking for something to fill your Thursdays.
Yet another strange entry for this season, this time revolving around royal siblings who are all "fighting" (in quotations because some of them are just indifferent) for the crown in upcoming elections. It's another light-hearted anime that you can feel good about watching. All the siblings are pretty unique (oh did I mention that each of them have their own super powers?) in their own way, and it adds some variance to Joukamachi no Dandelion.
Our main character (actually there's a lot), Akane, wants to live a quiet and regular life. She's especially scared of the numerous surveillance cameras scattered around the city (for protection of the family), and her main goal is to become king so that she can remove all of them. It's kind of ironic because it's the exact opposite (haha, wow so funny).
Not joking though, the comedy, while tasteless at times, isn't half bad. Art is a bit different (you can see it for sure in the eyes), but nothing drastic. All in all, the show is decent, and it's a matter of what suits your taste buds. Would recommend you try it if you're looking for something to fill your Thursdays.
Best Girl: rooting for the good old "Aoi nee-san"
Makura no Danshi (short, 2/12)
One Sentence: Why.
My friends and I watched this together for... for some reason. The guys aren't even of high calibre, but it's a pretty surreal experience, especially since I'm a guy.
The first guy (see right) is also pretty... I dunno. It's unsettling. He makes me feel uncomfortable if anything.
My friends and I watched this together for... for some reason. The guys aren't even of high calibre, but it's a pretty surreal experience, especially since I'm a guy.
The first guy (see right) is also pretty... I dunno. It's unsettling. He makes me feel uncomfortable if anything.
Best Girl: ?!!!?!?!!
Monster Musume (3/12)
One Sentence: Cute girls, art that looks better than average, and a slightly different male lead are aspects of Monster Musume that I use when trying to justify why I'm watching it.
Monster Musume is one of those anime that scream "I'm absurd and unique, come watch me" right at your face, and actually do it right. One example of an anime that did it not-so-great was Koufuku Graffiti. However, fortunately for us, Monster Musume has done it well enough so that we can actually watch without feeling terrible about ourselves.
Look, I'm not going to hide anything. This anime has stolen my heart, and along with it, the sole spot as the guiltiest pleasure of the season. The show is a tease, full of ecchi, awkward moments, and stereotypical harem scenarios, but it's just so weird that it's fun to watch.
So just why is Monster Musume so weird?
The show is about DATING ANOTHER SPECIES OF GIRLS. I mean, you've got a (clingy) snake, a (loli) bird, and a (servant) centaur. Not to mention that we're about to be introduced to a god damn slime in the next episode. Monster Musume is so bizarre that it works.
Just watch it and enjoy it.
Monster Musume is one of those anime that scream "I'm absurd and unique, come watch me" right at your face, and actually do it right. One example of an anime that did it not-so-great was Koufuku Graffiti. However, fortunately for us, Monster Musume has done it well enough so that we can actually watch without feeling terrible about ourselves.
Look, I'm not going to hide anything. This anime has stolen my heart, and along with it, the sole spot as the guiltiest pleasure of the season. The show is a tease, full of ecchi, awkward moments, and stereotypical harem scenarios, but it's just so weird that it's fun to watch.
So just why is Monster Musume so weird?
The show is about DATING ANOTHER SPECIES OF GIRLS. I mean, you've got a (clingy) snake, a (loli) bird, and a (servant) centaur. Not to mention that we're about to be introduced to a god damn slime in the next episode. Monster Musume is so bizarre that it works.
Just watch it and enjoy it.
Best Girl: Miia cause I sure as hell don't want Papi, and Centorea just doesn't cut it (also Miia's pretty cool)
Okusama ga Seitokaichou! (short, 3/12)
One Sentence: Don't watch this in your living room or... I dunno... don't watch it in general?
There's a reason why it's rated "R+ - Mild Nudity" on MyAnimeList, and for that same reason I don't particularly enjoy watching it. Nothing fun about it, and the girl really really isn't that cute in the first place. Mindless eight minute shorts every week if you're interested in that kinda stuff.
There's a reason why it's rated "R+ - Mild Nudity" on MyAnimeList, and for that same reason I don't particularly enjoy watching it. Nothing fun about it, and the girl really really isn't that cute in the first place. Mindless eight minute shorts every week if you're interested in that kinda stuff.
Best Girl: there's literally nobody else (introduced so far) but the president, and I don't even like her that much
One Sentence: It's that rare, well produced, edgy mystery anime that involves a group of kids solving various crimes (imagine a much darker Hyouka, with much less comedy and no romance) that we get every year or so.
I'm incredibly thankful that Ranpo Kitan is actually a thing this season. Everything about it is made and created with caring hands, resulting in an immersive and engrossing watch.
Let's start off with the opening and ending. Both sound amazing by themselves, but the visuals are also pretty unique, with a grungy feel to it. I particularly like the OP, which I think fits Ranpo Kitan perfectly.
So far we've covered two mysteries/cases, and both of them were great in their own way. The two were extremely different in how they were handled, yet they shared the similarity of how they were portrayed. The first case serves as an introduction to the main characters, and how Kobayashi (our lead) gets into solving mysteries. It involves a teacher who had his body parts cut up and rearranged, and the framing of Kobayashi for said crime. Straight from the get-go, the anime doesn't mess around. Very good first episode.
The second episode is more of a sad one, and really shows how well Lerche can handle getting emotions and feelings across the screen. In fact, now that I mention studio Lerche, I see that they're also producing some of my other favourites this season, Gakkou Gurashi! and Monster Musume. Not to mention they also did Ansatsu Kyoushitsu back when it was airing.
As a fan of mystery/thriller/horror anime, I'm pretty pleased with Ranpo Kitan, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the season (hopefully it'll be 24 episodes) has to show.
I'm incredibly thankful that Ranpo Kitan is actually a thing this season. Everything about it is made and created with caring hands, resulting in an immersive and engrossing watch.
Let's start off with the opening and ending. Both sound amazing by themselves, but the visuals are also pretty unique, with a grungy feel to it. I particularly like the OP, which I think fits Ranpo Kitan perfectly.
So far we've covered two mysteries/cases, and both of them were great in their own way. The two were extremely different in how they were handled, yet they shared the similarity of how they were portrayed. The first case serves as an introduction to the main characters, and how Kobayashi (our lead) gets into solving mysteries. It involves a teacher who had his body parts cut up and rearranged, and the framing of Kobayashi for said crime. Straight from the get-go, the anime doesn't mess around. Very good first episode.
The second episode is more of a sad one, and really shows how well Lerche can handle getting emotions and feelings across the screen. In fact, now that I mention studio Lerche, I see that they're also producing some of my other favourites this season, Gakkou Gurashi! and Monster Musume. Not to mention they also did Ansatsu Kyoushitsu back when it was airing.
As a fan of mystery/thriller/horror anime, I'm pretty pleased with Ranpo Kitan, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the season (hopefully it'll be 24 episodes) has to show.
Best Girl: Kobayashi...?
Rokka no Yuusha (3/12)
One Sentence: All around great fantasy-adventure themed anime that has a bit of everything, including comedy and romance.
Alrighty, so for our last anime we have Rokka no Yuusha, an adventure-esque anime about six heroes (dubbed the Braves), who are called upon when the demon lord rises once again. We've got our premise set, and the anime establishes this right away, in a short sequence shown at the start of every episode. With this in mind, we embark on the first episode, taking us to some sort of a tournament at a royal palace. All of the sudden, our main character, Adlet Mayer, interrupts the tournament and proceeds to 1v2 the tournament finalists in a stylish and cunning fashion. Of course, he does this so that he can proclaim himself "the strongest in the world", but subsequently gets jailed for it.
It's already a huge and exciting first episode, showing us what the relatively unknown studio Passione can do with action and fighting scenes (which, by the way, are great). There's also hints of comedy and a blossoming romance, only adding to Rokka no Yuusah's limitless potential with new characters (since all the Braves haven't been introduced yet).
I really like Rokka no Yuusha, and hope that it'll turn into something even better as the season progresses. With something like a huge epic and adventure happening, I would like it to be a longer season than 12, but maybe a second season is in store. The relatively short season is one place where I can see the anime falling.
Alrighty, so for our last anime we have Rokka no Yuusha, an adventure-esque anime about six heroes (dubbed the Braves), who are called upon when the demon lord rises once again. We've got our premise set, and the anime establishes this right away, in a short sequence shown at the start of every episode. With this in mind, we embark on the first episode, taking us to some sort of a tournament at a royal palace. All of the sudden, our main character, Adlet Mayer, interrupts the tournament and proceeds to 1v2 the tournament finalists in a stylish and cunning fashion. Of course, he does this so that he can proclaim himself "the strongest in the world", but subsequently gets jailed for it.
It's already a huge and exciting first episode, showing us what the relatively unknown studio Passione can do with action and fighting scenes (which, by the way, are great). There's also hints of comedy and a blossoming romance, only adding to Rokka no Yuusah's limitless potential with new characters (since all the Braves haven't been introduced yet).
I really like Rokka no Yuusha, and hope that it'll turn into something even better as the season progresses. With something like a huge epic and adventure happening, I would like it to be a longer season than 12, but maybe a second season is in store. The relatively short season is one place where I can see the anime falling.
Best Girl: why-the-hell-does-she-have-bunny-ears-actually-it's-really-cute Nashetania
July 21, 2015
Summer 2015 First Impressions (Part 1)
- WARNING: THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAINS SPOILERS -
Overall the summer anime of 2015 is giving me mixed feelings. Some of the stuff that are showing right now are pretty good, and I have tons of good things to say about them. However, there's also a bunch of anime that I don't particularly like. While this is a common occurrence in any given season, my thoughts and opinions are a lot more "passionate" and stronger for this one in particular (meaning that this entry will be quite long).
I won't be covering leftovers from last season, since I already did so in the concluding post.
Let's hop to it and start yet another anime review, this time, of summer 2015.
This Season:
Akagami no Shirayuki-hime
Aoharu x Kikanjuu
Charlotte
Classroom Crisis
Danchigai
Gakkou Gurashi!
GATE
Aoharu x Kikanjuu
Charlotte
Classroom Crisis
Danchigai
Gakkou Gurashi!
GATE
One Sentence: Fantasy anime that follows the adventure of Shirayuki, a young woman who receives unwanted attention because of her rare red hair.
One of the better entrances to this season, Akagami no Shirayuki-hime shows loads of potential, and already has given a great performance with its first two episodes. We've already caught a glimpse of what the show has in store for us, with its enticing action scenes and superb art.
I personally love the characters. They each have their own little quirks and charms, and while we've only been introduced to two leading roles, I'm sure that there are other diverse characters to come. The mood and atmosphere are conveyed exceedingly well, and I just find Akagami no Shirayuki-hime a well done anime.
The art looks gorgeous, especially any nature scenes or backgrounds, and I found myself enjoying it extremely so. OP and ED are fine in their own rights, and the soundtrack is above par. While this anime won't be scoring anything much higher than an 8.00, it's definitely a solid watch.
Best Girl: the energetic and charismatic Shirayuki
Aoharu x Kikanjuu (3/12)
One Sentence: There's something about the mixture of: a girl-who-is-actually-a-boy-trap, one good looking host, a doujinshi artist/oktau, and survival games that really works well together.
Aoharu x Kikanjuu is a fast paced and exciting show, and so far I'm loving every single bit of it. It's pretty much like any other anime of its kind, which involves a group of friends trying to overcome obstacles in a hobby (ex. Kuoroko's Basketball, Haikyuu!!). Generally these are received pretty well, because the anime gives viewers somebody to root for, and while Aoharu x Kikanjuu hasn't quite hit the big-tournament-that-everybody-loses mark, it's bound to. In fact, we already saw in the latest episode that the trio are setting up for the invitational and that we have our antagonists established.
Like Akagami no Shirayuki-hime, the characters that we know of so far are intriguing and great to watch in their own respects. The main character, Tachibana, is a tomboy who is actually thought by others to be a guy, and has a very strong sense of what justice is. While this may be a turn off to some viewers, I think that it adds to the comedy (which isn't bland and timed well here) and adds to the show.
The opening and ending both are accompanied by fitting music, and I have to say that the OP was fantastic. I liked the song quite a bit and the OP did well to the portray what the show was about. Can't wait to see what comes out of this later on.
Best Girl: I just like Kanae because of her looks
Charlotte (2/13)
One Sentence: Promising show by P.A. Works, about kids who have supernatural powers throughout their adolescence.
Charlotte seems like the kind of anime that is perfectly funny for the first, let's say, 3/4 of the season, and then it takes a turn for the more feely and serious side, eventually leaving you in complete despair and tears. In a way, it kinda sounds like another one of the P.A. Works' more memorable show, Angel Beats.
The anime starts off the first episode by introducing the viewer to the main character, Yuu. He seems like a bit of a narcissist, and has a terrible personality (setting him up for a huge intervention or something later on). Yuu has the power to swap bodies with somebody for a few seconds, and using this power he rises to the top of his class in academics and gets into a prestigious institution. There he is discovered by Nao, and ultimately has to transfer to a special school for kids with abilities.
So far everything has set up for comedic and enjoyable watch, and we've already had our first sort of issue solved (with the archery captain and his photo memory or whatever). Nothing really pops up at me when thinking about Charlotte, but it can definitely go somewhere.
Charlotte seems like the kind of anime that is perfectly funny for the first, let's say, 3/4 of the season, and then it takes a turn for the more feely and serious side, eventually leaving you in complete despair and tears. In a way, it kinda sounds like another one of the P.A. Works' more memorable show, Angel Beats.
The anime starts off the first episode by introducing the viewer to the main character, Yuu. He seems like a bit of a narcissist, and has a terrible personality (setting him up for a huge intervention or something later on). Yuu has the power to swap bodies with somebody for a few seconds, and using this power he rises to the top of his class in academics and gets into a prestigious institution. There he is discovered by Nao, and ultimately has to transfer to a special school for kids with abilities.
So far everything has set up for comedic and enjoyable watch, and we've already had our first sort of issue solved (with the archery captain and his photo memory or whatever). Nothing really pops up at me when thinking about Charlotte, but it can definitely go somewhere.
Best Girl: Nao because she's cute at the right times and seems to be serious at the right times
Classroom Crisis (3/?)
One Sentence: Uninteresting anime that seems to be going nowhere because of a lack of development and character.
I'mabout eight minutes into done episode 3 and I can still say that Classroom Crisis is a complete dud that is tasteless Classroom Crisis may have a small glimmer of hope into becoming a very decent watch. I saw some improvement in the third episode, and now that some of the randoms side characters are gone, I'm expecting a much more thorough introduction to the leads. However the first two episodes were a mediocre sight, and here's why.
The characters are uninteresting and I feel kinda underwhelmed by what should be the main conflict in the show. None of the people pop out at me and there have been wayyyyy too many unimportant characters introduced, making me dread Thursdays. The conflict that has been presented is the looming demise of a special class of engineering kids, and it doesn't seem exactly urgent. If I had to say all of the problems in one sentence, it'd probably follow something like: "Nothing is executed properly and for that reason it's a poor watch."
Now, there were good things that actually happened in the third episode. We have a new character introduced, and ironically she's the one who seems the most dynamic and fleshed out right now. The cold and stony Nagisa shows weakness and a chink in his armour during the last few seconds of the episode, and ATEC (the abbreviation for the group of special engineering kids) facilities have been downsized. Something actually happened.
While Classroom Crisis is still far far away from being any good, at least it might turn out to be a very okay watch. Personally I think that the next stretch of episodes will turn out pretty well, only to have its progress dismantled by a bad ending, but if Classroom Crisis manages to surprise me, then that's all for the better.
I'm
The characters are uninteresting and I feel kinda underwhelmed by what should be the main conflict in the show. None of the people pop out at me and there have been wayyyyy too many unimportant characters introduced, making me dread Thursdays. The conflict that has been presented is the looming demise of a special class of engineering kids, and it doesn't seem exactly urgent. If I had to say all of the problems in one sentence, it'd probably follow something like: "Nothing is executed properly and for that reason it's a poor watch."
Now, there were good things that actually happened in the third episode. We have a new character introduced, and ironically she's the one who seems the most dynamic and fleshed out right now. The cold and stony Nagisa shows weakness and a chink in his armour during the last few seconds of the episode, and ATEC (the abbreviation for the group of special engineering kids) facilities have been downsized. Something actually happened.
While Classroom Crisis is still far far away from being any good, at least it might turn out to be a very okay watch. Personally I think that the next stretch of episodes will turn out pretty well, only to have its progress dismantled by a bad ending, but if Classroom Crisis manages to surprise me, then that's all for the better.
Best Girl: I don't like anybody too much, but it goes to Mizuki
Danchigai (short, 2/?)
One Sentence: I was sitting on the couch and had nothing to watch so I picked this up, and it didn't turn out bad at all.
I'm not going to lie, one brother, three sisters, and slightly bland comedy actually makes for a decent watch (for whatever reason). Maybe it's because it's my dirty pleasure, or maybe it's just because I didn't have particularly high standards while watching.
Really it's, nothing more than a bunch of mindless stuff happening, revolving around siblings that never have their parents around. Watch it if a) there's nothing else and you have four minutes to spare, or b) if you're into this kinda stuff.
I'm not going to lie, one brother, three sisters, and slightly bland comedy actually makes for a decent watch (for whatever reason). Maybe it's because it's my dirty pleasure, or maybe it's just because I didn't have particularly high standards while watching.
Really it's, nothing more than a bunch of mindless stuff happening, revolving around siblings that never have their parents around. Watch it if a) there's nothing else and you have four minutes to spare, or b) if you're into this kinda stuff.
Best Girl: Onee-chan Mutsuki Nakano
Gakkou Gurashi! (2/12)
One Sentence: Moe slice of life infused with zombies and dark psychological undertones (the last part may be stretching it a little bit).
Gakkou Gurashi! makes a tremendous and memorable splash into this season, with it's twist ending in the first season and it's unorthodox style. I absolutely love everything that has been done with this anime and I really can't wait to see how the rest of it goes.
My favourite thing about Gakkou Gurashi! is how effectively they play the psychological aspect of Yuki. It's apparent that Yuki is in some state of shock, still believing that she's living her days as a regular student, and deceives herself to believe so. To represent this, the near entirety of the first episode is played from Yuki's mind, with everything normal. There are subtle hints, that indicate that not all is as it seems, and at the very end of the episode it's revealed (in a dramatic and great fashion) that the four girls are actually in a zombie apocalypse. In episode two, there's constant changes between the mind of Yuki and reality, providing contrast.
Even though the style and appereance of Gakkou Gurashi! is moe SoL, it doesn't affect how well the undertones of psychological stress are portrayed. It provides quite a dark and scary undertone to the lighthearted air of your typical moe SoL, something that hasn't been done yet.
Gakkou Gurashi! makes a tremendous and memorable splash into this season, with it's twist ending in the first season and it's unorthodox style. I absolutely love everything that has been done with this anime and I really can't wait to see how the rest of it goes.
My favourite thing about Gakkou Gurashi! is how effectively they play the psychological aspect of Yuki. It's apparent that Yuki is in some state of shock, still believing that she's living her days as a regular student, and deceives herself to believe so. To represent this, the near entirety of the first episode is played from Yuki's mind, with everything normal. There are subtle hints, that indicate that not all is as it seems, and at the very end of the episode it's revealed (in a dramatic and great fashion) that the four girls are actually in a zombie apocalypse. In episode two, there's constant changes between the mind of Yuki and reality, providing contrast.
Even though the style and appereance of Gakkou Gurashi! is moe SoL, it doesn't affect how well the undertones of psychological stress are portrayed. It provides quite a dark and scary undertone to the lighthearted air of your typical moe SoL, something that hasn't been done yet.
Best Girl: Rii-san is just so perfect
GATE (2/24)
One Sentence: Show seems very boring with few interesting elements, and to add on, the main character is an otaku (for what reason?!?!) and a nobody.
Before I say anything else, I really want to state that I don't get why the main character has to be an otaku. It adds literally nothing to the story, and if it's to serve the purpose of adding a relatable character to the anime, then it's doing a poor job. MC Mr. Otaku makes dislike the show even more, adding onto the already bland premise.
Having a random gate being opened up, that leads to a different realm of time and space, seems interesting, but it seems that GATE is geared for pandering of the fans. This is (at least for now, can't say anything about the rest of this tiresome 24 episode format) evident, with its focus on the three girls who are currently being introduced.
But we're only two episodes in, and there's still a lot of time for things to change. Who knows? Maybe GATE will become one of the more interesting watches this season, if it focuses more the civilization and relationship between the two realms. It's a big if, but definitely possible. For now though, it's forgettable.
Before I say anything else, I really want to state that I don't get why the main character has to be an otaku. It adds literally nothing to the story, and if it's to serve the purpose of adding a relatable character to the anime, then it's doing a poor job. MC Mr. Otaku makes dislike the show even more, adding onto the already bland premise.
Having a random gate being opened up, that leads to a different realm of time and space, seems interesting, but it seems that GATE is geared for pandering of the fans. This is (at least for now, can't say anything about the rest of this tiresome 24 episode format) evident, with its focus on the three girls who are currently being introduced.
But we're only two episodes in, and there's still a lot of time for things to change. Who knows? Maybe GATE will become one of the more interesting watches this season, if it focuses more the civilization and relationship between the two realms. It's a big if, but definitely possible. For now though, it's forgettable.
Best Girl: haven't met any yet, but judging from the OP it'd have to be the blonde elf girl
- CONTINUED IN PART 2 -
July 19, 2015
We're Halfway There
And the flow of bad drawings continue
I put a considerable amount of work into this one in particular, clocking in at nearly 3 hours, which is saying something. But I think that this drawing turned out pretty well, and it's one of the few that I have finished.
Summer's halfway done /:
It isn't super terrible, but it's still sad. The days have been going by really slowly though, so I'll try to take time and appreciate the wonder that is summer vacation. There hasn't been a lot of stuff that I've done, but at least I have done some things ^^
Hmm, nothing else to say here. I'm an 8 right now, and I'll seeya in the next post.
"What you do today can improve all of your tomorrows." - Ralph Marston
I put a considerable amount of work into this one in particular, clocking in at nearly 3 hours, which is saying something. But I think that this drawing turned out pretty well, and it's one of the few that I have finished.
She's based off Rii-san from Gakkou Gurashi!, with some minor adjustments to her outfit and colours (so I wasn't actually completely copying the reference, I had some creativeness involved). Tried getting some experience with shading and shadows with this one, but I'm still working on it.
It isn't super terrible, but it's still sad. The days have been going by really slowly though, so I'll try to take time and appreciate the wonder that is summer vacation. There hasn't been a lot of stuff that I've done, but at least I have done some things ^^
Hmm, nothing else to say here. I'm an 8 right now, and I'll seeya in the next post.
"What you do today can improve all of your tomorrows." - Ralph Marston
July 14, 2015
Some More Memes
Here's another disproportionate drawing for ya
I don't know what to say about this one.
I don't know what to say about this one.
Waiting on the Provincial marks
Now my summer has been supplemented with random sessions of throwing a frisbee around I can finally say I've been doing something else besides sitting and rotting away at home. Additionally I'm also waiting on my English Provincial mark to come out (last one of the year), so that's something else.
Okie dokie, it's a little post tonight. I'm feeling like a rock solid 8, and you'll hear from me next post.
"I've always tried to go a step past wherever people expected me to end up." - Beverly Sills
July 10, 2015
Template Update :)
So I finally got around to updating the design of the blog
How do ya like it? It didn't take too long to do (especially since I stole the Karen gif from the previous banner), and I rather like it this time around. At least it's something different. It's another 10/10 fabulous template design by bloggercandy.com, and I'd like to extend a small (and what will probably be unheard) thanks to whoever runs it.
Also here's a little thanks to the good ol' Cass for picking the colour red.
I'll also be updating my personal bio page and in general I will be cleaning up the blog.
And the AP exam scores are out...
When I took my first AP exam two years ago, I had this really cute notion that my score would come to me by mail. I would open up the envelope and unfold it to see my score in a great big giant clean font. Unfortunately that doesn't happen, but I kinda wanted to share that.
For all the "studying" and "review" that I did, I actually got a more-than-satisfactory mark (pssst, it's a 4). After the exam I thought that I had actually done pretty well on it. I was still a bit on edge and jittery from the exam, but it felt great to get it off my back. As time passed I thought about what my potential mark could be, and I concluded with a 3. I received this pleasant surprise the other day and it has put me in an absolutely spectacular and delightful mood.
Nighto kiddies
I've been neglecting this blog and some other journal-esque things lately, so I'll try to commit to them from now on. With that said, I will hopefully see you again sometime soon (preferably not over a week later). Tonight I'm feeling like a high 8. Still haven't eaten dinner so I'll most likely go ahead and do so right now. Goodnight~
"Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud." - Hermann Hesse
How do ya like it? It didn't take too long to do (especially since I stole the Karen gif from the previous banner), and I rather like it this time around. At least it's something different. It's another 10/10 fabulous template design by bloggercandy.com, and I'd like to extend a small (and what will probably be unheard) thanks to whoever runs it.
Also here's a little thanks to the good ol' Cass for picking the colour red.
I'll also be updating my personal bio page and in general I will be cleaning up the blog.
And the AP exam scores are out...
When I took my first AP exam two years ago, I had this really cute notion that my score would come to me by mail. I would open up the envelope and unfold it to see my score in a great big giant clean font. Unfortunately that doesn't happen, but I kinda wanted to share that.
For all the "studying" and "review" that I did, I actually got a more-than-satisfactory mark (pssst, it's a 4). After the exam I thought that I had actually done pretty well on it. I was still a bit on edge and jittery from the exam, but it felt great to get it off my back. As time passed I thought about what my potential mark could be, and I concluded with a 3. I received this pleasant surprise the other day and it has put me in an absolutely spectacular and delightful mood.
Nighto kiddies
I've been neglecting this blog and some other journal-esque things lately, so I'll try to commit to them from now on. With that said, I will hopefully see you again sometime soon (preferably not over a week later). Tonight I'm feeling like a high 8. Still haven't eaten dinner so I'll most likely go ahead and do so right now. Goodnight~
"Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud." - Hermann Hesse
July 1, 2015
Spring 2015 Concluding Thoughts (Part 2)
- WARNING: THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAINS SPOILERS -
Welcome back to the second segment of this anime post. This time around we'll be covering the rest of the anime that wasn't in the last post. Here's MaL, and I hope that you enjoy this post.
Note: From now on all anime posts at the start of the season will be titled "[Anime] Season Year First Impressions", while all posts at the end of the season will now change to "[Anime] Season Year Concluding Thoughts".
This Season (Part 2):
One Sentence: Definitely not your typical romcom, with great humour, art, and all-around lovable characters.
For me, Ore Monogatari!! is a top contender for best anime of this season. I picked it up somewhat late in the season, and only after my friend pushed me to do so. Looking at the cover, I couldn't help but feel apprehensive about what type of anime I was getting into. The MC looked like a huge ape, and I never would have thought that it would be so good.
The great thing about Ore Monogatari!! that separates it from the huge mess of romcoms today is the fact that there's actually a stable relationship happening. In your generic romcom, you'll have the two main characters, who experience certain things together, all of it having some sort of romantic and comedic theme (hence the name romcom). Usually it's heavily implied that the MC and the main love interest hook up at the end, or at best, they get two episodes to themselves.
Ore Monogatari!! completely skips everything like that and brings in a new and refreshing style of romcom. Straight from the get go the couple of Takeo and Yamato are established, and the show doesn't hold back on displaying their lovey dovey actions and their awkward, yet cute, affection for each other. The draw of this show is an awkward and loving couple going through funny things with their third wheel best friend.
All the characters are really well done, and every person feels realistic and unique. Art and animation fantastic at conveying emotions and feelings, while providing a cute feel to the show. OP and ED are pretty nice to listen to, although nothing completely over the top. Really glad that Ore Monogatari!! gets 24 episodes, as that provides plenty of time for an anime that is already well produced. Definitely recommend anybody to watch.
Best Girl: I would be joking if I said anybody else besides Yamato
Oregairu 2 (13)
I Rate: 8.5
One Sentence: Oregairu returns for a powerful showing, focusing on the more serious undertones, while still maintaining the same comedic feel.
Highly acclaimed for its first season, Oregairu comes back for a second season, this time under Studio feel. While the differences in style were there, it did not hinder the show at all, and I can even go as far as to say that it fit the second season of Oregairu much better. Most of the same characters are there, although we see Totsuka and Zaimokuza grab much less screen time, in favour of other characters. This time around however, Oregairu 2 hits home with its more serious parts.
We start off Oregairu 2, which follows right after the events of the first season. Everybody resents Hikigaya for what he did, and as per usual, he's taken the fall by himself.
Hikigaya gets a lot of growth as a character, probably the most out of the three. He is the one who seems to be struggling to most, as throughout the show he has somewhat of an identity crisis. At the start of the second season he is shown again, solving problems by harming himself. However as the season progresses, he starts to rely on Yukinoshita and Yuigahama more and more, eventually to the point where he finally realizes that he can't do everything by himself. It shows drastic change in personality and attitude, and I think watching Hikigaya fight his way through life is definitely the best part about Oregairu 2.
A difference between this season and the first was the heavier focus on the romantic part of Oregairu. During the last few episodes (starting from the Valentine's Day event), we can see that both Yukinoshita and Yuigahama are making small advances and gestures. While Yuigahama has accepted that she does have feelings for Hikigaya, Yukinoshita continues to have difficulty coming to terms with that, and doubts herself.
All of the romantic troubles of the love triangle is portrayed spectacularly in the last episode, when Yuigahama confronts Yukinoshita. By facing Yukinoshita, she is trapping her in a corner, trying to force her to confess to Hikigaya, acting as a catalyst for their relationship. In turn, she is hurting herself, and Hikigaya can see it clearly, because he has done this so many times. Hikigaya finds discomfort in knowing what Yuigahama is doing, and steps in to prevent Yuigahama from getting hurt. He does so, knowing that one day the love triangle will be their despair, but decides to face that when it comes.
The amount of detail to the small things in Oregairu 2 add up, creating a swirling and complex mess of high school life. Everything, down to the word, is done with near-perfect intention, which is what makes this anime such a good watch.
Best Girl: Yukinoshita, although I seriously shipped Hikki and Iroha for a while
Owari no Seraph (12)
I Rate: 7.4
One Sentence: Cool and new dystopia anime about the remains of human civilization fighting against vampires.
Really great hook of a first episode came with Owari no Seraph, starting off the anime with a bang. In my opinion the first episode is the only one that is really outstanding, as it was executed phenomenally and left me craving for more.
The premise of Owari no Seraph is interesting enough so that you can watch through some of the more boring episodes. Additionally, the characters seem pretty nicely done, and have room to grow. Nothing wrong here. All of them are worth rooting for.
However sometimes it feels like all Owari no Seraph has to offer is above-average animation an interesting plot. At times the show feels off, and some things were not done as well as they could have been. I could find myself at times seriously disliking the show, however it's worth it to note that I had more moments of complete enjoyment.
Owari no Seraph has great potential, with its upcoming season. It ended off this season with a cliffhanger sort of style. While everybody knew that Mika was going to come back, I rather like the inevitable clash between him and Yuu. It's one of the better aspects of the show, as Mika is fighting against Yuu in an attempt to save him, making for something quite interesting.
Another great part of the anime is the way that the sides of the humans and the vampires are displayed. Initially it's easy to tell that the vampires are the "bad guys", but by the end of the season it's not so evident any more. This is due to that lieutenant guy (Gurren or something) testing drugs on Yuu, with the intention of creating a superbeing to fight the vampires.
So everything banks on the second season.
Best Girl: Shinoa
Plastic Memories (13)
I Rate: 7.9
One Sentence: Set in a world with androids called Giftia, we watch relationships and bonds torn apart, while others form and blossom.
My thoughts on this show can be summed up in one phrase, derived from the title of the anime: Plastic Feels. My feelings are "plastic", and they will expire, just like Giftia. Here's why.
Plastic Memories was one of the more interesting entries of this spring season. It's been a while since I've really cried over an anime, the last times being for Shigatsu wa Kimo no Uso and AnoHana, and this show was enough to tide me over. There isn't a whole lot wrong with Plastic Memories, but small problems are there, and enough to hurt its rating.
First off: characters. Our MC, Tsukasa, is pretty simple enough. Then we have the love interest of our MC, little Isla, who just so happens to be a Giftia. Throw in a tsundere coworker (Michiru), a bossy and older lady (Kazuki), and we really have everybody of importance here (not that it's bad like this).
Tsukasa is the kind guy who goes out of his own way to help out others, while completely breaking down and getting serious when his loved ones are at stake. He doesn't change dramatically over the course of series, except there are hints of him becoming more mature and having a new mindset in the last few minutes of the finale.
Isla gets a whole truckload of development, as it's obvious she changes from a shy and quiet Giftia to a loving and open one. While she does grow quite a bit, it's much too quick (12 episodes) for viewers to really get attached, unless they completely relate with her. It's not the studio's fault (I mean, Aniplex did their best with the time) at all, just something to keep in mind. This is where I think Plastic Memories really falls.
Michiru has a tragic past, being raised by a Giftia father and seeing him executed. It gives a cold side to her, while she is also caring of others and naturally loving. Great depth, but again, she gets no more than an episode or two about her. Once again, the problem of having a shorter season comes in, and there is really nothing I can say.
Kazuki plays the role of catalyst and a plot device, however she does so effectively and in a way that doesn't completely ruin her part. It's shown that she has history with Isla, however that is never really elaborated on, something that could've been interesting.
The biggest flaw in Plastic Memories is a lack of attachement for the characters. The show moves too quickly and all over the place to really get a grip of what's happening. While the finale and Isla expiring were powerful in their own right, it could have been much more impactful. However this doesn't take away too much from the show itself, validating it for a watch.
Best Girl: Isla
Re-Kan! (13)
*I have dropped this series, at 7/13 episodes
I Rate: 5.9
One Sentence: For some reason this show really doesn't work with me.
Typically I'm pretty alright with these kind of shows. Every once in a while I enjoy just sitting back and mindlessly watching a SoL, but there are two main reasons why Re-Kan! doesn't sit well with me.
First are foremost, the art. It looks really bland and uninteresting to me. I also don't like the way that the hair is highlighted and how shadows are shown. It makes for a very weird and icky feeling, enough so that I really can't bear to watch it. This is the main reason.
The second reason is the content of Re-Kan! The show is about a girl who can see ghosts and spirits, and her daily adventures with them. It sounds somewhat intriguing, which is the reason why I picked up this show. Putting the art aside, the comedy is also bland and uninteresting. Re-Kan! tries to be touching and unique, but it can't hit the mark, instead failing miserably.
Best Girl: honestly I dislike all the girls in this show, but the one I dislike the most is Uehara
Shokugeki no Souma (24, ongoing)
I Rate: 8.5
One Sentence: OH BOY OH BOY COOKING OH BOY OH BOY CUTE GRILLS OH BOY OH BOY.
In all truthfulness, Shokugeki no Souma is the guilty pleasure that any person would be ecstatic to have. This anime does everything right, and in a way that keeps viewers interested and on the edge of their seats. Go ahead and crown it the anime form of Master Chef, because it's that intense and brilliant.
Let's start this off with the overall atmosphere and mood of the anime, and how it's all brought together by different aspects of Shokugeki no Souma. The art is colourful, cheery, and vibrant, qualities of the show and many of its characters. We have an OP that's intense and fitting for the show, along with a cute and poppy ED. All the characters are represented by their hair colour (which in general, just adds to the show), and the anime is not afraid to be different. In fact, all of these things indicate that it's screaming at you to notice it.
Now for the characters. One of the appealing things about Shokugeki no Souma that keeps you watching is the fact that you're rooting for an "underdog" type of guy, Souma. He comes from his family dinner, and immediately is classed as inferior because of this. So naturally it feels satisfying when he completely whoops every other insignificant person in the butt. However it's not just Souma going around beating everybody. He hits walls and challenges, which are created in unique and interesting circumstances. Seeing him overcome them is a part of the viewer cheering him on. In this way, Shokugeki no Souma is very engaging.
All the other characters are close friends with Souma, and each are very easy to like. While most of them (save a few) are there for comedic relief and plot progression, there are a specific few who are being focused on. Right now it seems to be Souma (obviously) and Tadokoro, but who knows how long that will stay around? There are hints and foreshadowing around other members of the Polar Star dormitory, including naked-apron senpai and turtleneck-no-eyes guy, implying they'll come into play later on.
Shokugeki no Souma is another competitor for best anime of this season. It's fun, intense, and unbridled in its content, doing whatever it pleases. It's crazy, and in the most beautiful and masterful way.
Best Girl: Tadokoro still in the lead, but she's waning (I think her spotlight is dimming)
Yamadakun to Nananin no Majo (12)
I Rate: 8.2
One Sentence: Clannad-esque anime where the MC goes around helping the seven witches at his school, each with their own power and troubles.
I really enjoyed watching Yamadakun to Nananin no Majo, as it was a lay-back-and-relax type of anime, with great comedy and an interesting storyline. Everything about it was just done without mistake, resulting in a very solid anime that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anybody.
Every witch and all other important characters pretty much get an episode to themselves. They each are plagued by their own problems, and the main character, Yamada, helps each of them one by one, in an attempt to learn about all the witches. All the witches have their own hair colour, making it super easy to differentiate them (not that you couldn't anyways), and each have their own little quirks and personalities, leading to a show filled to the brim with depth.
The OP and ED are both fitting for Yamadakun to Nananin no Majo, but I want to single out the OP especially. Not only the song itself (which is, by the way, great and catchy), but the actual accompanying animation. The art and the faded look of the whole thing looked great and super nice, while filling the purpose of introducing all relevant characters and their emotions. You can already tell a lot about each person, just from the OP.
I liked the style of Yamadakun to Nananin no Majo a lot. The colours fit perfectly, and the art was nice to look at. While the plot wasn't anything out of the ballpark, it was more than adequate for the show.
Best Girl: pink haired Maria Sarushima
For me, Ore Monogatari!! is a top contender for best anime of this season. I picked it up somewhat late in the season, and only after my friend pushed me to do so. Looking at the cover, I couldn't help but feel apprehensive about what type of anime I was getting into. The MC looked like a huge ape, and I never would have thought that it would be so good.
The great thing about Ore Monogatari!! that separates it from the huge mess of romcoms today is the fact that there's actually a stable relationship happening. In your generic romcom, you'll have the two main characters, who experience certain things together, all of it having some sort of romantic and comedic theme (hence the name romcom). Usually it's heavily implied that the MC and the main love interest hook up at the end, or at best, they get two episodes to themselves.
Ore Monogatari!! completely skips everything like that and brings in a new and refreshing style of romcom. Straight from the get go the couple of Takeo and Yamato are established, and the show doesn't hold back on displaying their lovey dovey actions and their awkward, yet cute, affection for each other. The draw of this show is an awkward and loving couple going through funny things with their third wheel best friend.
All the characters are really well done, and every person feels realistic and unique. Art and animation fantastic at conveying emotions and feelings, while providing a cute feel to the show. OP and ED are pretty nice to listen to, although nothing completely over the top. Really glad that Ore Monogatari!! gets 24 episodes, as that provides plenty of time for an anime that is already well produced. Definitely recommend anybody to watch.
Best Girl: I would be joking if I said anybody else besides Yamato
Oregairu 2 (13)
One Sentence: Oregairu returns for a powerful showing, focusing on the more serious undertones, while still maintaining the same comedic feel.
Highly acclaimed for its first season, Oregairu comes back for a second season, this time under Studio feel. While the differences in style were there, it did not hinder the show at all, and I can even go as far as to say that it fit the second season of Oregairu much better. Most of the same characters are there, although we see Totsuka and Zaimokuza grab much less screen time, in favour of other characters. This time around however, Oregairu 2 hits home with its more serious parts.
We start off Oregairu 2, which follows right after the events of the first season. Everybody resents Hikigaya for what he did, and as per usual, he's taken the fall by himself.
Hikigaya gets a lot of growth as a character, probably the most out of the three. He is the one who seems to be struggling to most, as throughout the show he has somewhat of an identity crisis. At the start of the second season he is shown again, solving problems by harming himself. However as the season progresses, he starts to rely on Yukinoshita and Yuigahama more and more, eventually to the point where he finally realizes that he can't do everything by himself. It shows drastic change in personality and attitude, and I think watching Hikigaya fight his way through life is definitely the best part about Oregairu 2.
All of the romantic troubles of the love triangle is portrayed spectacularly in the last episode, when Yuigahama confronts Yukinoshita. By facing Yukinoshita, she is trapping her in a corner, trying to force her to confess to Hikigaya, acting as a catalyst for their relationship. In turn, she is hurting herself, and Hikigaya can see it clearly, because he has done this so many times. Hikigaya finds discomfort in knowing what Yuigahama is doing, and steps in to prevent Yuigahama from getting hurt. He does so, knowing that one day the love triangle will be their despair, but decides to face that when it comes.
The amount of detail to the small things in Oregairu 2 add up, creating a swirling and complex mess of high school life. Everything, down to the word, is done with near-perfect intention, which is what makes this anime such a good watch.
Best Girl: Yukinoshita, although I seriously shipped Hikki and Iroha for a while
Owari no Seraph (12)
One Sentence: Cool and new dystopia anime about the remains of human civilization fighting against vampires.
Really great hook of a first episode came with Owari no Seraph, starting off the anime with a bang. In my opinion the first episode is the only one that is really outstanding, as it was executed phenomenally and left me craving for more.
The premise of Owari no Seraph is interesting enough so that you can watch through some of the more boring episodes. Additionally, the characters seem pretty nicely done, and have room to grow. Nothing wrong here. All of them are worth rooting for.
However sometimes it feels like all Owari no Seraph has to offer is above-average animation an interesting plot. At times the show feels off, and some things were not done as well as they could have been. I could find myself at times seriously disliking the show, however it's worth it to note that I had more moments of complete enjoyment.
Owari no Seraph has great potential, with its upcoming season. It ended off this season with a cliffhanger sort of style. While everybody knew that Mika was going to come back, I rather like the inevitable clash between him and Yuu. It's one of the better aspects of the show, as Mika is fighting against Yuu in an attempt to save him, making for something quite interesting.
Another great part of the anime is the way that the sides of the humans and the vampires are displayed. Initially it's easy to tell that the vampires are the "bad guys", but by the end of the season it's not so evident any more. This is due to that lieutenant guy (Gurren or something) testing drugs on Yuu, with the intention of creating a superbeing to fight the vampires.
So everything banks on the second season.
Best Girl: Shinoa
Plastic Memories (13)
One Sentence: Set in a world with androids called Giftia, we watch relationships and bonds torn apart, while others form and blossom.
My thoughts on this show can be summed up in one phrase, derived from the title of the anime: Plastic Feels. My feelings are "plastic", and they will expire, just like Giftia. Here's why.
Plastic Memories was one of the more interesting entries of this spring season. It's been a while since I've really cried over an anime, the last times being for Shigatsu wa Kimo no Uso and AnoHana, and this show was enough to tide me over. There isn't a whole lot wrong with Plastic Memories, but small problems are there, and enough to hurt its rating.
First off: characters. Our MC, Tsukasa, is pretty simple enough. Then we have the love interest of our MC, little Isla, who just so happens to be a Giftia. Throw in a tsundere coworker (Michiru), a bossy and older lady (Kazuki), and we really have everybody of importance here (not that it's bad like this).
Tsukasa is the kind guy who goes out of his own way to help out others, while completely breaking down and getting serious when his loved ones are at stake. He doesn't change dramatically over the course of series, except there are hints of him becoming more mature and having a new mindset in the last few minutes of the finale.
Michiru has a tragic past, being raised by a Giftia father and seeing him executed. It gives a cold side to her, while she is also caring of others and naturally loving. Great depth, but again, she gets no more than an episode or two about her. Once again, the problem of having a shorter season comes in, and there is really nothing I can say.
Kazuki plays the role of catalyst and a plot device, however she does so effectively and in a way that doesn't completely ruin her part. It's shown that she has history with Isla, however that is never really elaborated on, something that could've been interesting.
The biggest flaw in Plastic Memories is a lack of attachement for the characters. The show moves too quickly and all over the place to really get a grip of what's happening. While the finale and Isla expiring were powerful in their own right, it could have been much more impactful. However this doesn't take away too much from the show itself, validating it for a watch.
Best Girl: Isla
Re-Kan! (13)
I Rate: 5.9
One Sentence: For some reason this show really doesn't work with me.
Typically I'm pretty alright with these kind of shows. Every once in a while I enjoy just sitting back and mindlessly watching a SoL, but there are two main reasons why Re-Kan! doesn't sit well with me.
First are foremost, the art. It looks really bland and uninteresting to me. I also don't like the way that the hair is highlighted and how shadows are shown. It makes for a very weird and icky feeling, enough so that I really can't bear to watch it. This is the main reason.
The second reason is the content of Re-Kan! The show is about a girl who can see ghosts and spirits, and her daily adventures with them. It sounds somewhat intriguing, which is the reason why I picked up this show. Putting the art aside, the comedy is also bland and uninteresting. Re-Kan! tries to be touching and unique, but it can't hit the mark, instead failing miserably.
Best Girl: honestly I dislike all the girls in this show, but the one I dislike the most is Uehara
Shokugeki no Souma (24, ongoing)
One Sentence: OH BOY OH BOY COOKING OH BOY OH BOY CUTE GRILLS OH BOY OH BOY.
In all truthfulness, Shokugeki no Souma is the guilty pleasure that any person would be ecstatic to have. This anime does everything right, and in a way that keeps viewers interested and on the edge of their seats. Go ahead and crown it the anime form of Master Chef, because it's that intense and brilliant.
Let's start this off with the overall atmosphere and mood of the anime, and how it's all brought together by different aspects of Shokugeki no Souma. The art is colourful, cheery, and vibrant, qualities of the show and many of its characters. We have an OP that's intense and fitting for the show, along with a cute and poppy ED. All the characters are represented by their hair colour (which in general, just adds to the show), and the anime is not afraid to be different. In fact, all of these things indicate that it's screaming at you to notice it.
All the other characters are close friends with Souma, and each are very easy to like. While most of them (save a few) are there for comedic relief and plot progression, there are a specific few who are being focused on. Right now it seems to be Souma (obviously) and Tadokoro, but who knows how long that will stay around? There are hints and foreshadowing around other members of the Polar Star dormitory, including naked-apron senpai and turtleneck-no-eyes guy, implying they'll come into play later on.
Shokugeki no Souma is another competitor for best anime of this season. It's fun, intense, and unbridled in its content, doing whatever it pleases. It's crazy, and in the most beautiful and masterful way.
Best Girl: Tadokoro still in the lead, but she's waning (I think her spotlight is dimming)
Yamadakun to Nananin no Majo (12)
One Sentence: Clannad-esque anime where the MC goes around helping the seven witches at his school, each with their own power and troubles.
I really enjoyed watching Yamadakun to Nananin no Majo, as it was a lay-back-and-relax type of anime, with great comedy and an interesting storyline. Everything about it was just done without mistake, resulting in a very solid anime that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anybody.
Every witch and all other important characters pretty much get an episode to themselves. They each are plagued by their own problems, and the main character, Yamada, helps each of them one by one, in an attempt to learn about all the witches. All the witches have their own hair colour, making it super easy to differentiate them (not that you couldn't anyways), and each have their own little quirks and personalities, leading to a show filled to the brim with depth.
The OP and ED are both fitting for Yamadakun to Nananin no Majo, but I want to single out the OP especially. Not only the song itself (which is, by the way, great and catchy), but the actual accompanying animation. The art and the faded look of the whole thing looked great and super nice, while filling the purpose of introducing all relevant characters and their emotions. You can already tell a lot about each person, just from the OP.
I liked the style of Yamadakun to Nananin no Majo a lot. The colours fit perfectly, and the art was nice to look at. While the plot wasn't anything out of the ballpark, it was more than adequate for the show.
Best Girl: pink haired Maria Sarushima
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
