The prison mystery wraps up – sort of – in a mostly satisfactory and highly entertaining manner that plays something like a cross between 60’s sci-fi and early Hitchcock. I can’t help but wonder whether much was changed from Ango’s original story, or Ango was simply a remarkably visionary writer. […] Read more
In terms of narrative, this might have been the most polished episode of any so far for Guilty Crown. Still, it lacked some of the charm that the sillier moments have somehow tended to impart. If you like a series because of its flaws rather than in spite of them, […] Read more
Directed by Takamatsu Shinji (School Rumble, Ginatama)? Check. Miyu Irino, Sugita Tomokazu and a star-studded supporting cast? Check. Killer OP? Check. I was always looking forward to Danshi Kōkōsei no Nichijō, but watching the three PVs – really mini-episodes – has me sky-high for this one. If you go by […] Read more
I think this was the episode that closed the deal for me – I’m now officially crazy about this series. There’s a lot of stuff about Mashiroiro that’s unusual. For one thing, no matter how hard I look I can’t find a character I don’t like. It’s not as if […] Read more
Kimi to Boku – 09 Kimi to Boku has really turned into a pretty decent slice-of-life series. I don’t know why I didn’t realize it sooner, but Kaname is almost a perfect tsundere – I guess even a group of guys is allowed to have one, but he really […] Read more
I know this is just an anime, and the way we interpret it is a matter of opinion and subject to personal tastes. But I’ll say this – anyone who wants to argue that Chihaya doesn’t belong with Taichi, I’ll fight you right now. Name the time, name the place […] Read more
After a retro-styled episode last week, Shinryaku Ika Musume returns to its normal S2 pattern by giving us three more conceptual and linear chapters, but they did retain that twisted element that was somewhat more subdued until last week’s episode. First off, we have a story of Ika-chan home alone, […] Read more
For Amano Yukiteru, it’s a mixed-up, muddled-up, shook-up world, except for Yuno. Well – mostly because of Yuno. I anticipated a storm of Yuki-hate when looking forward to this episode of Mirai Nikki, and though I’ve intentionally avoided visiting the usual places where such things are debated I’m fairly confident […] Read more
Well, the pieces have certainly all come together but I’m still nowhere near certain how they all fit together. As big as this arc is, I’m not sure even two cours is going to be enough to finish it properly. Rurouni Kenshin needed 30+ episodes for its Kyoto Arc, after […] Read more
Shakugan no Shana III – 08 This was very much a continuation of last week’s fast-paced episode, and seems to confirm that we’ve moved past the setup phase and into full-on conflict. That battle is playing out on many fronts, with the Crimson Denizens attacking Outlaw all over the world […] Read more