This was another truly astonishing episode of Hyouge Mono, at turns surprising, moving and hilarious. It’s certainly safe to say there’s no other series like it. It’s going to be a long time before I forget the opening scene, which picks up immediately where the last episode left off. The […] Read more
“Dear Santa Claus” Another delightful short visit from Rin and Daikichi, this time themed around Christmas. I like the fact that these little extras don’t worry too much about story, but rather depict simple scenes from daily life. The best part of this one is watching Daickichi figuring things out […] Read more
It’s (not really) true: “It’s a communist chocolate hellhole and I’m here to stop it ever happening.” Read more
It’s ironic that for most of this series’ run, I’ve admired Mawaru Penguin Drum technically and felt somewhat detached emotionally. Because as we enter the final arc, Ikuhara has thoroughly captured my emotions, but I can’t help but think that the show has gone slightly off the rails from a […] Read more
When Sena ran out of the house screaming “Universe!!!” I immediately thought of those immortal words Inigo Montoya said to Vizzini – “I do not think it means means what you think it means.” That was probably my favorite Haganai episode so far, but I’ll freely admit I’m biased – […] Read more
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