October 2024
Anime Reviews
Alright, first things first. ~Reviews are subjective and personal. Don’t take then too seriously. Find reviewers with whom you share similar values/taste and keep your mind open.~
Cool, now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about how I review anime. I vehemently oppose singular scores and don’t have the time for long form reviews. I find that many people have a particular facet of a show that is a better predictor of interest than an overall average, though I have provided both. Let’s walk through each bit:
Overall: I add this score because sometimes the overall feel of the show is not represented by the sum or average of its parts. For better or worse. For example, My Hero Academia does essentially everything well, but the grating fan service nearly kills the show for me personally. So, the overall rating does not reflect an average.
Sub-categories: Here is where I hope you can glance at a review and get a feel of what it is about and what it is doing well. As a story and writing-driven watcher, there is space. However, many of the blockbuster anime (Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man, and Jujutsu Kaisen) focus on characters and world design.
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- Character (are they unique, intentionally crafted, 2D/3D, etc)
- Writing (is it unique for each character, does it express in a unique or skillful way; does it leave you thinking about it?)
- World Building (do you feel like you are in a small story within a vast world?)
- Story (does it exist? Is it compelling? Is it novel?)
- Fan Service (I hate it and use emojis to express how bad it is lmao)
Enjoy!
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My Hero Academia
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service:🤢
Content Watched: S1-S7
Summary:
A superhero-admiring boy enrolls in a prestigious hero academy and learns what it really means to be a hero, after the strongest superhero grants him his own powers.
Review:
It is no small feat to bring an anime to 7 seasons and still keep things relatively interesting and fresh. I paused at season 4, which based on conversations with other folks seems to be a very common pause point. Season 1 was excellent in setting up the primary conceit, a bit of the lore, and introducing a massive cast of exceptionally colorful side characters. Even a pretty awesome villain too. Season 2 exemplifies why I love this anime so much. They lean into the school aspects. You are able to enjoy the insular, small world of going to class and trying to be a good friend and let the world dynamics loom for another episode. It’s so refreshing and reprieve from series that just get darker and darker and further from school/classmate dynamics over time. Season 3 MHA has a nice series of milestones (enrollment, class competitions, licensing exams, becoming pro) that feel like a natural motivation. So, dropping these back into the story as we hear side-plot points like All Might and All4One creates excellent balance between narratives. It’s really cool to see the last vestiges of the old Hero world fall in favor of the new (Midoriya) 3 seasons in! Season 4 brings us outside the inner-fold of UA and into the world of licensing and internships! It’s quite charismatic to have a window into the logistical, rather than just flashy fighting, of the professional hero scene. It matters in the scope of world-building – these are the rules that define all future interactions. This work is essential in letting us as viewers understand the stakes! Omg the end of the year festival was SO CUTE. I do feel that Season 4 burned people out because of MHA’s tendency to overwhelm with backstory and motivations all at once instead of gradually rolling them out. It feels like all of the character development is an after-thought from the writers. Just shove it all in right before a big fight so the motivations are stupidly clear now. Season 5 is proper drama. For the first time, we see a season dedicated to the mechanics of the fight against evil, some organic character development/back-story (which finally takes center stage), and a very intriguing conspiracy! I think a cornerstone of MHA is the duality of Midoriya’s empathy and the personal growth of the League of Villain characters – it feels good to put these tensions against each other in a way that morally murky. Season 6 is BOMBASTIC. All of the tension built up in Season 5 is unleashed in a torrent of crazy crazy crazy! The first half covers a massive battle which gives you whiplash tracking all of the revelations and assumptions of past seasons. In the aftermath, we have moody Midoriya, akin to Spiderman 3, but it doesn’t overstay its welcome. This show isn’t a depressive dystopian show, but we needed a break from the highly saturated school moments and the intense, but still colorful, massive fight scenes. I think this season was essential in keeping the viewers engaged.
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Sasaki and Miyano
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 😌
Content Watched: S1
Summary:
A slice of life anime about Miyano, a boy obsessed with Boys’ Love (BL) manga, coming to terms with his feelings for upperclassman Sasaki.
Review:
A touching, true-to-life story of romance where the only roadblock is yourself. The tension between the main characters is palpable and thrusts emotions of your youth right back to you. The themes of characters not putting labels on their attraction, playing with cross-dressing, and opening space to process stand out. Heartwarming with a delightful ending.
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After School Dice Club
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 🥲
Content Watched: S1
Summary:
The story of three students discovering their passion for board games. They each lean on each other as they overcome their goals, including making their first game.
Review:
Overall a clever series with fun character dynamics. I think the series peaked with the vacation as it really united the characters together. The info dumping can get in the way of the story. One episode of fan service does leave a bad taste in your mouth for an otherwise thoughtful show.
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Hunter x Hunter
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 🤢
Content Watched: S1-S3
Summary:
Gon, a young boy who lives on Whale Island, dreams of becoming a Hunter (equivalent to a mercenary/assassin/body guard) like his father, who left when Gon was still young. As Gon enters the real-world he makes friends with Kilua and Kurapika, who join him on his quest. Gon must learn new skills and fight increasingly powerful baddies on his quest to find his father. Experience a delightfully rich world of colorful characters and creative powers fueled by unexpected motivations.
Review:
The story of Hunter x Hunter is the arcs. If you watch all three arcs (Hunter Exam, Heaven’s Arena, and Greed Island), then you undoubtedly have a favorite and one that left you wanting. I personally found the first arc the most compelling. Competitions lend themselves to compelling narrative. The clever tasks and interesting characters and world design really shine. The focus of children as the main characters was refreshing and original, thanks primarily to Killua. The Greed Island arc had the most potential, but lacked greatly in the strengths of the first two arcs. The lack of a compelling villain (really, the bomber?) and a lackluster ending leaving a lot to be desired. Overall, the world building and stunning cast of characters cement this series in the canon of anime series.
I am leaving out the Chimera Ant and follow-on arcs because they are so fundamentally different to the spirit of the first three arcs.
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Adachi and Shimamura
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 🥲
Content Watched: S1
Summary:
Adachi and Shimamura are two girls in their first year of high school. Both delinquents, they meet by chance in the gym loft while skipping class. They become fast friends and soon after Adachi develops feelings for Shimamura. Adachi fights against herself to come to terms with and eventually express those feelings. Shimamura on the other hand is battling her own issues with depression and the responsibilities of being the eldest sibling.
Review:
A classic queer story of disentangling feelings of friendship and romance. Of having your body bursting with emotion, but with no idea of how to properly express those feelings. The resulting relationship is chaotic, but endearing. Adachi’s story is one of exploration for bravery in the shadow insecurity and low self-esteem. Shimamura’s is one of depression, distraction, and finding joy in the monotony. My heart aches with each episode, but it is a good ache. The B-plot of Mino and Nagafuji has a lot of potential, but is under-explored. I feel anxious watching how the relationship is represented visually. The ending leaves you wanting of season 2, so hoping to see that soon!
This would undoubtedly be a perfect anime if it weren’t for the questionable visual direction. While there are aspects of the writing to nitpick, the focus on the underage girls’ bodies is so discomforting at times it takes you out of the narrative.
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Spy x Family
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 🥲
Content Watched: S1
Summary:
Lloyd is a spy, but his most difficult task yet is to find a child and wife in order to infiltrate the most prestigious academy in their country to reach his mark. Lloyd adopted a daughter, Anya, and quickly finds a woman to pretend marry, Yor. However, Anya can read minds and Yor moonlights as an assassin. Lloyd has no idea.
Review:
The plot is a time worn classic. The utilitarian relationship turned romantic has also been done. This is a double-edged sword. Spy thrillers are classic for a reason, but can feel repetitive and disinteresting if they lean too heavily on tropes. Luckily, just as you are getting bored of the generic character archetypes, they do something unexpected resulting in humor and surprise which keeps the show fresh. Anya is truly the star of the show. Her unique motivation (being an orphan attempting to keep her family together) and special power (mind reading) provide very real moments alongside easily the best humor the show has tor offer. Overall, the show feels safe and I hope in S2 they take more risk with the characters.
What is with Yuri’s relationship to Yor?
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Kaguya-Sama: Love is War
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 😰
Content Watched: S1-S3
Summary:
What happens when the only way you can talk with your crush is with psychological warfare? Kaguya comes from Japan’s elite, Miyuki from the working class. Joined together by their duties on the student council, they quickly develop feelings for each other. However, they are both too stubborn and proud to make the first move. Kaguya and Miyuki use every trick in the book – psychology, planting evidence, manipulation – to get the confession they strive for. Fight!
Review:
This anime is a refreshing take on the teen romance genre. Each aspect of a growing romantic relationship you come to expect (sharing food, texting, asking out) becomes a psychological battle to be fought in the open. This show keeps you guessing at every turn for how the characters are going to tow the line of progressing their relationship while not showing their cards. The concept is brilliant and the characters and writing follow through. The conniving dialog, smart rebuttals, and meta commentary all make for a fun and energetic show. A truly innovative anime!
S2: The concept that defined the show becomes more of a gimmick in season 2. You can only spend so long playing with the tension of early romance before it becomes tired. However, the silver lining of this season is that long-standing characters receive much needed character development. There is an unfortunate increase in fan service for season 2. Overall, season 2 served an important purpose: to determine what season 3 needed to focus on.
S3: Season 3 leans into the strengths revealed in season 2. Much of the narrative surrounds characters under-explored in previous seasons and it is welcomed. The tension between Kaguya and Shirogane takes a needed shift which opens up new excitement for the couple. Ishigami becomes the star of season 3. With needed expansion of his backstory and the introduction of a love interest, it’s hard not to root for him. The ending feels satisfying. You have enough closure and new threads to immediately want season 4.
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Demon Slayer
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 🤮
Content Watched: S1-S4
Summary:
Review:
Demon Slayer has all of the tell-tale signs of a blockbuster anime. An incredible world, brilliant character design, equally brilliant demon design, deep Japanese culture/tradition, and bleeding edge animation and art. I am personally infatuated with the serene, rural landscapes and the woodblock-inspired fighting animation. Tanjiro’s motivation to return Nezuko to being a human is strong with a lot of narrative potential. This alongside Tanjiro’s insistence to see the humanity in all humans and demons provides intriguing tension. The story can feel formulaic at times, but the structure is comforting and it allows the show to shine.
Overall, Demon Slayer is simply fun to watch. The writing isn’t anything special, but that’s not why you’re here. If you love other period anime that breathe life into the rich cultural history of Japan, then you will also love Demon Slayer.
S2 (Mugen Train Arc + Entertainment District Arc) Update: I finished season 2 of Demon Slayer and my thoughts about the series have changed substantially. Unfortunately, for the worse. All of my most beloved aspects of this series (the story, Tanjiro & Nezuko’s relationship, the pastoral landscapes, and mysticism) slowly shrink away in favor of my least favorite facets (fan service, Zenitsu and Inoskue, and a heavy reliance on battle animation). Even after two-ish seasons, Zenitsu is insufferable and Inosuke is bland. While it is forgivable to introduce one-dimensional, comic relief characters, it is unforgivable to not provide these two characters with any meaningful growth. They detract from the story, pull you out of the world, and for many will ruin the show altogether. The fan service escalates and just sucks. Demon Slayer didn’t need any of these additions and yet, they are increasingly evident in the show.
S4 Update: We are back! While issues persist with Zenitsu and Inosuke, they play relatively minor roles in the following two seasons. I have to say S3 (the Swordsmith Village Arc) felt quite redundant as far as the setup of the season (new upper-rank demon + new hashira + save the day), the ending was INCREDIBLE. The writers finally gave us substantial lore to make the world feel deeper and more storied. S4 is truly a departure of the entire series formula. I am so impressed and grateful to have a reprieve from one big battle per season and get some character development (even Zenitsu), new scenery, and more conversation and background of characters without needing a battle!
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Yuri!!! on ICE
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 😰
Content Watched: S1
Summary:
Review:
Yuri!!! on Ice has delightful characters and a compelling setting. Overall, it’s hard not to enjoy the story when you inevitably binge it. There are surprising plot twists and a lovely storyline about finding love for yourself and with those around you.
My primary issue is that everything about this show is rushed. The plot spans multiple global figure skating competitions in one season. The main character bounces back and forth with their motivation. Numerous characters are introduced rapidly. You don’t get to know them well, which for a singles figure skating competition is a missed opportunity. When there are recurring characters, their character development is rushed through either training montages or backstory vignettes. The result is that the stakes don’t feel that high. You can’t get too attached. I hope in follow-on seasons, they slow down the narrative and let the characters breathe.
The only real complaints about the show that I have are with the fan service (completely unnecessary and awkwardly done) and the overdone homo-erotic interactions. I adore gay romance and tension, but each interaction feels inauthentic and not written by a queer person.
A good watch if you are in between animes with so much potential!
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Claymore
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service:
Content Watched: S1
Summary:
In true anime fashion, this is a story where demons roam the land and half-demon, half-human heroes are charged with protecting humanity (Demon Slayer, Tokyo Ghoul, etc). Set in medieval times, the theming is Western inspired. Claymores’, the half demon heroes, wear large pauldrons and wield long, broad swords. Akin to The Witcher, Claymores’ are stigmatized, but serve humanity by being dispatched to kill Yoma (full demons) by “The Organization” for a fee. The story covers increasingly difficult battles with creatively-designed demons, conspiracy with the mystery surrounding the “Organization,” infighting amongst the Claymors, and a life-long vendetta.
Review:
For the time, this was one of the highest quality anime of the era. It exhibits all of the telltale qualities of a blockbuster anime: strong character and villain design, a large and diverse world, and enough story to keep intrigue as you move from battle to battle.
Claymore, the manga, was released in 2001. If you are watching in the post-streaming era, then the pacing is likely to feel slow and the characters underdeveloped. When I watch this in 2023, I feel like there is an incredible amount of untapped potential. The ranking system and distribution across the world are fascinating and deserve more time to become fleshed out. Besides having another Claymore die, how do they climb ranks? Why do certain regions have reputations or require certain rankings? Each Claymore has a special ability and/or nickname. However, they live by reputation and the use of the special moves in battle. It would be interesting to see the level of investment in these powers akin to quirks in My Hero Academia.
The understated attitude of the whole show does set it apart from other anime of its era, such as One-Piece and Naruto. It creates a level of cool charisma few shows evoke. The themes are mature and feel akin to the darker moments of Full Metal Alchemist.
Overall, the show is very easy to watch and its pacing is refreshing compared to the insane speed of narrative brought about by streaming services. It is easily a classic and sure to show-up as one of the top anime of all time.
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