I confess I feel a bit let down by the way this part of the story has come to an end. If you’re ever seen dog racing (which is kind of a disgusting spectacle, IMHO) you know that it basically involves dogs (usually greyhounds, occasionally dobermans or whippets) chasing a […] Read more
This season seems to be all about series that make me question my own feelings when watching them. On paper, you could hardly think of two series more different than Gin no Saji and Watamote, but they have a very important quality in common in addition to the fact that […] Read more
“Are You Worried?” So, there ends the prologue, seemingly, and now begins the real story of Mix. But will the big question on everyone’s minds be answered anytime soon? I think more than with any other mangaka, familiarity is a vital component of Adachi Mitsuru’s appeal. Frankly I’m not sure […] Read more
Watamote is certainly sticking to its guns – if you’re looking for moderation and restraint, look elsewhere. Sometimes I try (don’t ask me why) to explain the appeal of anime to non-anime fans. It’s never an easy process and rarely successful in terms of communicating the point, but looking at […] Read more
Don’t let anyone kid you – the weather here in the summer truly is awful. But it’s still a great damn place to be. With my first visitor from America (against my advice, in August) here, I spent much of the last week engaged as host and tour guide. Remarkably […] Read more
Given the choice between Sanada and the Queen Dowager, I think I’d rather negotiate with him. Mushibugyou – 19 I confess I’ve grown so fond of Kuroageha now that when she’s absent, something seems missing. But there’s plenty to fuel the engine that drives this episode, even as she’s separated […] Read more
“Barrage” This is certainly uncharted territory for Mori Kaoru in Otoyomegatari, and maybe ever. Our sweet little domestic period piece has become an action thriller, and in far more serious terms than the little skirmish when Amir’s family came to wrest her back from her child groom. We knew this […] Read more
It’s flawless and brilliant episodes like this that make being an anime fan such a wondrous experience. It’s not easy to put into words just why, but that was probably my favorite episode of any Summer series – must be a manifestation of my idiot blood. Uchouten Kazoku was definitely […] Read more
Sorry, Bunnies – better late than never. Ginga Kikoutai Majestic Prince – 18 Certain things have been very consistent with Majestic Prince, among them superb battle choreography and a tendency to lapse into annoying cliche. And this episode certainly had both. Was it really necessary to have Suzukaze scold Team […] Read more
Crank the intensity meter up to eleven for that one. Still hopelessly backlogged and I’m going to be playing catchup for a while, so short posts look like the norm for a few more days. That said, it’s been a pretty solid weekend for anime, and Attack on Titan continues […] Read more