Uh-oh – Binbougami! Ga goes serious? This was a moment you knew had to come sooner or later – it happens in the life of almost every anime comedy, even the really hard-edged ones like Mitsudomoe. I didn’t necessarily expecting a character-based episode that borders on heartwarming (actually, it swarms […] Read more
In terms of raw emotional impact, Natsuyuki Rendezvous definitely upped the ante this week. I was already bought into this series’ quiet, subtle charms, but this was the first time I really felt the full force of the premise. It’s interesting that the series’ most compelling character so far – […] Read more
I don’t mean to throw superlatives around frivolously, but that might just have been the funniest episode of Shirokuma yet. Two flat-out winners this week, with both chapters completely succeeding as comedy and offering just enough sincerity. First off we had a classic situation comedy starring Grizzly-san. I’ve personally never […] Read more
I guess the upshot of this week’s Kingdom is more or less “youth will be served”. As expected, the focus of this week’s episode was mostly on the introduction of the “fearsome men of the mountains” to the story (and it was refreshingly free of bad CG for the most […] Read more
I can’t recall another anime about youth sports so willing to be politically incorrect. The aftermath of Masaru-san-chan’s visit to his old coach confirms that he’s quite unlike any other youth coach in sports anime. Indeed, the verdict is in – and if it isn’t “win at any costs” it’s […] Read more
That this episode of Uta Koi would be viewed from a decidedly modern lens was obvious from the opening moments. Ama tsu kazeKumo no kayoijiFuki toji yoOtome no sugataShibashi todomen Let the winds of heavenBlow through the paths among the cloudsAnd close their gates.Then for a while I could detainThese […] Read more
So begins the “Three Destinies” Arc and with it, the home stretch for Gundam AGE. OP4: “AURORA” by Aoi Eir I just want to reiterate how depressing the situation is for Kio, and the humanoids of the solar system. The poles of influence in his world: A genocidal, hate-driven old […] Read more
The three episode hurdle for Tari Tari is cleared, with some room to spare. Of all the series I’m watching at the moment, the formula for this one may be the most straightforward. Five kids at a school (yes, all five were actually involved this time) trying to make their […] Read more
This week on Hyouka: nothing much happened. And thank goodness for that. OP: “Mikansei Stride (未完成ストライド)” by Saori Kodama I’m more convinced of it than ever – when it comes to Hyouka, less is more. The series is far sillier and stranger than you might guess at first glance, but […] Read more
I can’t recall another anime that’s surprised me as often in three episodes as Jinrui has. This episode was so unlike anything I’ve seen in anime that I almost don’t know where to begin to describe it? To say that Jinrui was Suitai Shimashita isn’t very commercial is the understatement […] Read more