Welcome to another general discussion thread! Feel free to use this thread to talk about things you have watched recently, questions you have, or recommendations you want to give!
As always, remember to be mindful of spoilers. If you want to know more about how to handle spoilers in this community, check the guide here (also linked in the sidebar).
Love Through a Prism: it’s Netflix-produced, so it’s a batch release. Set in the Edwardian era and structured like a Taisho romance. Screenwriting is serviceable, but the backgrounds are gorgeous and fits the art theme. Also a bonus that they’ve got a proper London-based English dub cast for maximum immersion.
Ganso BanG Dream Chan: Surprised by how funny these can be once you’re familiarized with the characters by either playing Girls Band Party or watching the main series
Current Season:
MF Ghost - still formulaic and still entertaining.
Trigun Stargaze - watched the first two episodes, since it was waiting on my rewatch of Stampede. It was genuinely great to see Milly, and to see the Ceylon tea gag (and the debut of Milly’s gun) played out again, if a bit differently. Broadly, it seems that Stargaze is picking up pretty much exactly at episode 7 of the original - immediately after Lost July - though with the Stampede-introduced differences . Looking forward to it.
Yuusha no Kuzu aka Scum of the Brave - this was just something of a whim, but it’s promising. The mains have great chemistry, so if it’s relatively well written, it could actually be pretty good.
You and I Are Polar Opposites - This is such a good adaptation that I envy the people who haven’t read the manga.
Ikoku Nikki - the highlight of the week, as it has been since week one. I still love absolutely everything about it.
Past Seasons:
First was finishing up my rewatch of Trigun Stampede, to get myself oriented for Stargaze. I was sort of relieved to find that I still like it. To me, it’s neither better nor worse than the original - just different.
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Granted that it is a bit unsettling that it reveals the deep, dark secrets early on, so there’s virtually no goofball Vash before serious Vash appears, I don’t really mind that all that much. That was a fascinating tonal shift the first time through the original, but on rewatches, it was more sort of weird, since goofball Vash seems out of place when you know the rest of the story.
Meryl in Stampede is interesting. In the original, she starts off bossy, then shifts to sort of tsundere, before finally (and admittedly very rewardingly) opening up, and just in time to remind Vash of Rem. In Stampede, she starts off naive and earnest and kindhearted, so there’s no need to break through her defenses - she’s already the positive influence she needs to be. And it’s interesting to see her toughen up, which should make for a satisfying role in Stargaze. And her reputation as “Derringer Meryl” gets some very satisfying context.
I like seeing Zazie get a bigger role - they really need to be integral to much of the story, as the representative of basically the entire planet, and that seems to be the way it’s going.
The best part of Stampede IMO though is Wolfwood, since he gets some much-needed background development. It’s not entirely new, but it goes into more detail than it did in the original, and provides better context for his character.
All in all, and even now, the second time through, I liked it. It’s just good in and of itself, and if the original didn’t exist, that’s all it would be. Since the original exists, it can’t help but be compared (and be reflexively hated by some simply for existing), but again, I don’t think it’s notably either better or worse - just different.
I was a bit burnt out after that, so next, after bouncing around a bit, was a rewatch of Sounan Desu ka aka Are You Lost?, which is a short (12 12 minute episodes) oddity about four schoolgirls who wash up on a desert island.
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It’s an oujosama, a childish jock/genki girl, a meek and earnest meganekko and a quiet and awkward outsider, who just happens to have grown up with a father who was seriously into survival, and took her all over the world and taught her how to survive in the wild. So part of it is of course them trying to survive, but they don’t face any great threats and the one girl is so ridiculously skilled that they do pretty well (with predictable problems caused by the ojousama and the genki girl), so it really works out to be more sort of odd slice of life than anything else. It’s not great entertainment, but it’s amusing and low key and doesn’t require much attention, which was what I needed after Stampede. And a brief note - the series is actually remarkable in one respect - the final episode has a scene that as far as I know is entirely unique and that is… startling. There’s no telling how any specific individual will react to it - there’s a wide range of possible reactions - but it’s guaranteed that you will remember it. And no - I’m not going to spoil it. I’m sure you can find a spoiler on any anime site, but if you’re interested, you’re better off letting yourself be surprised. Probably.
Next, following a sudden inspiration, I rewatched for the I-don’t-know-how-manyth time the original Little Witch Academia OVA. I still maintain that that’s one of the best, if not the best, “episode” of anime ever. There are just so many brilliant moments crammed into those 24 minutes (some of which you’ll only notice on a rewatch).
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Diana in the audience at Shiny Chariot’s show, all of Akko’s reactions, Chariot’s gloriously awkward but showy wand moves, backflipping up onto her broom then riding it like a skateboard, Shiny Arc and the fireworks reflected in Akko’s eyes, Ursula is the first person you see at the school, Akko’s nose, Diana’s “gokigenyou,” the hat the witch in charge of flight training wears, the spot-on Wile E Coyote homage when Akko tries to fly, the Dragon Warrior music and sound effects in the background when Ursula is explaining their dungeon mission, Akko literally on fire with excitement, Lotte and the light fairy, the bully girls turned cowards, Akko hearing the commotion when the minotaur appears and running off screen one direction then immediately reappearing from an entirely different direction, Sucy and the minotaur, the quiet little interlude when the girls float down with their wand mini-broom brush things, the cowardly bully girls immediately turning back into bullies when the dragon appears so small and feeble, then immediately turning back into cowards when it grows, Ursula’s bullhorn spell, Akko stopping Diana from taking off by grabbing the bristles on her broom, Diana’s face when she stops her, Akko finding the Shiny Rod, the moment when Ursula recognizes it, Akko on the back of Lotte’s broom - “I could have flown myself!” “Of course you could have - it just might’ve taken you all day.”, Akko’s wonderfully animated run/slide/run past the dragon to get the stone, the moment when she hears Chariot’s voice, Shiny Arc again and the look on the dragon’s face when it realizes what’s happening, Diana rescuing Akko then going all tsundere when Akko calls her out for knowing what Shiny Arc is, Ursula’s reveal.
It’s just terrific, from the first frame to the last.
Then I was ready for a satisfying challenge, so it was time for one of those series that’s preceded by its reputation, and after a bit of thought, I went with 91 Days. And it was a great choice.
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It’s a period Mafia drama, and period dramas set overseas are generally sort of an odd thing to experience in anime, since the Japanese dialogue is sort of a pointless extra step in the middle of it all. Since I watch subs, they might as well be in the native language - in this case, either Italian or English - and that would fit better. But, though I don’t know enough of it to really say, it did seem that there was something going on with the dialogue in this one - like it was maybe actually Japanese with an Italian accent? In any event, even though they were speaking Japanese, it sort of broadly sounded sufficiently Italian to me that it worked fine.
More than anything else, it was beautifully crafted. The art, music and sound were all exceptional (the beach scene was especially well done). And it was surprisingly well written - it covered a lot of familiar ground, but with intriguing and unexpected twists. It’s brutal and tragic, so I wouldn’t say I “enjoyed” it, but I was very, very impressed and satisfied.
After that, I just wanted to coast, and I ended up rewatching a sentimental favorite - Estab-Life: Great Escape.
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Equa is a marvelous character, and the whole cast works well. It’s very episodic through the first 9 episodes, and some of them are better than others (episode 8 is the standout - quite seriously one of the most beautiful and touching anime episodes I’ve ever seen), but then, surprisingly enough, it pulls everything together - all sorts of unexpected bits and pieces from the past episodes - for the last three, and it’s really pretty impressive. And the reappearance of one of the characters (if you’ve seen it, you know who I mean) is truly epic. The ending tramples all over the limits of my suspension of disbelief, but I can forgive it that, just because it’s enjoyable. And, as always, I was reminded of how much I like the OP.
I started watching Violet Evergarden. Looks very pretty.
Back from vacation! Which means finally having the time to catch up on the first few episodes of airing anime.
As expected, sequels and adaptations that I am familiar with held up well. The only exceptions - i.e. first to be on the chopping board - are Chained Soldier season 2 and Roll Over And Die. In a sea of greatness, anything less looks mediocre by comparison.
Here’s a shout-out to some anime that stood out from the rest:
The Demon King’s Daughter Is Too Kind!! - IMO the anime has done a great job capturing the essence of Dou’s cuteness. I also love the anime-original scenes which expanded upon the lore (unless I have dementia and already forgot the story). Hopefully its current level of quality is kept up for the rest of the season.
The Darwin Incident - The story is kinda edgy but I have been enjoying it unlike Sentenced to be a Hero, not sure why; maybe because its premise is fresh to me? Looking forward to seeing how the story develops.
Tamon’s B-Side - I thought it would just provide some cheap dopamine but I have been finding this anime funnier than expected, week after week. I think I may actually watch this one till the end.
Journal with Witch - After seeing so many members of our community glazing this anime in previous threads, I gave it a shot.
It is one of the anime that I can tell is special from the beginning. In fact, if I were to judge anime purely by how well-written they are, this one would likely be my anime of the season. Yes, better than Frieren and Oshi no Ko (or their previous seasons at the very least). Its writing is just that peak.
Yeah…I think I am going to have to check out Journal with Witch. Too many people in this community have said too many good things about it.
I tried a few of the new shows from this season:
- Sentenced to Be a Hero - A bit edgy for my taste. It has some really cool, flashy action scenes but the characters are frankly a drag. After I completed the first two episodes I got the distinct feeling that I would’ve had a better time watching something else. Not sure I’ll finish this one.
- You and I Are Polar Opposites - A fun, very cute shounen romcom. Made me laugh a few times. It’s probably pretty similar to whatever you imagined when you read the title. Would recommend to anyone who’s into that sort of thing; I’ll definitely be finishing it.
- Journal with Witch - I don’t know wtf is going on with that title. There aren’t any witches, though there is a journal. The Japanese title,
異国日記違国日記 (Journal in Another Country) makes a bit more sense given the visual metaphors that the show likes to use. This is a very grounded story about a woman who adopts her teenage niece after said niece’s parents die in a car crash. It’s quite well-written, and is easily my favorite from among these three shows.
I also watched some sequel shows:
- Frieren - This felt like a return to form; the first episode of the season felt a lot more like the first half of the first season than the second half of the season. I hope they can keep that up 'til the end of the season; I’ve read the manga but that was a while ago so I can’t remember how long these nice short bits go for.
- Jujutsu Kaisen - The Jujutsus sure are Kaisening over there. If you liked previous seasons for the fights you’ll like this season too.
- Oshi no Ko - Fun seeing more of the girls. Also, banger of an OP.
Currently catching up on:
- Umamusume - It’s okay. Not as good as Cinderella Gray or the movie, but okay. I hear it gets a fair bit better after the first season though!
- Golden Kamuy - The only anime I know of where the characters have a canonical dick size ranking chart. Couldn’t have been made for a more excellent story; I love these ridiculous goofballs. If you want to watch crazy people kill each other in Hokkaido this is the good stuff. I just wish the animation were a little better, though it’s generally not nearly as bad as the first episode might suggest. Don’t worry, nothing looks as bad as that bear looked.
So it does, I guess I wasn’t paying close attention; thanks for the correction!
Sentenced to Be a Hero
the characters are frankly a drag
I find it interesting to see multiple members of this community - myself included - shit on its first episode despite how well-received it was among the broader anime community. Looks like we are just not the target demographic.
Jujutsu Kaisen
If you liked previous seasons for the fights you’ll like this season too.
Excuse you, I actually watch JJK for the plot 😤 Seriously though, the conspiracy was what got me hooked; the action scenes are just the icing on the cake. Hopefully there is greater development of the story in this season.
Umamusume
I hear it gets a fair bit better after the first season though!
IMO Teio’s story in season 2 is still the best. I hope you would stick around long enough to finish it.
IMO Teio’s story in season 2 is still the best. I hope you would stick around long enough to finish it.
No need to worry; unless they’re actually bad I usually finish the things I start. It’s not like season 1 doesn’t have its moments; Gold Ship is great and after having watched Cinderella Gray it was fun seeing Oguri Cap in the eating contest.
Caught up on Spy x Family S3. This was the comfort food show I needed after a rough week at work.
Frieren S2 is finally here, and I don’t even need to say anything more. It’s Frieren.
I have a bit of a soft spot for representations of disability in media, so The Invisible Man and his Soon-to-Be Wife caught my attention. I’d heard that the mangaka worked closely with a local school for the visually impaired to research the depiction of a blind MC, and it definitely looks like she did her homework. Adorably sweet and fluffy, might give me diabetes.
Also started on Legendary Gambler Tetsuya (2000). First hand and I’m already complaining that they can somehow make complete reads just a few turns in with so little visible information on the table. But this is how every mahjong anime/manga goes, it’s an entirely different game when characters can draw whatever tile the author wants them to draw, so fine fine I’ll suspend my disbelief. But then you have the whole bit about them improperly shuffling and then keeping track of tiles that got flipped over, and that’s driving me wild because they simply shouldn’t be getting away with not shuffling correctly. You never put a face-up tile in your wall, flip it back over and gently reshuffle a bit more. Call the other players out if they do this. Can’t even use the fiction excuse for that one, just no.
Alright, the winter season is fully underway this week. Some impressions:
- Frieren - We are so fucking back. Glad none of us got too emotional when season 1 ended, otherwise this reunion would be awkward…right? Great start to the season.
- You and I Are Polar Opposites - Fantastic series so far. I have super enjoyed the main couple, but I think the cast of side characters have also been great. I love how supportive they have all been, no questions asked. Also, the VA for Suzuki is killing it; probably my favorite voice performance so far this season.
- Oshi no Ko - Great start that sets the stage for what is to come. Looks as gorgeous as ever with a great MV in the premiere as well.
- Chained Soldier - So far so good. Yuuki continues to be an object of interest to everybody.
- The Demon King’s Daughter is Too Kind - Episode 3 comes with a third sing-along segment. I hope they keep this up.
- 'Tis Time for Torture, Princess - The second season is just as needlessly well-produced as the first. I really enjoyed the first season and I am looking forward to more.
- Samurai Troopers - Episode 2 was a big drop-off for me compared to the premiere. The story just isn’t making a lot of sense. They are trying to redeem the main character (red warrior), but everybody just seems to be ignoring what happened in the first episode.
- Tune in to the Midnight Heart - Episode 2 kind of showed the formula for this series. The MC does his best to help a girl solve some problem or overcome an obstacle, and in return gets some affection points with said girl. However, the MC is the most interesting character by far, setting itself apart from most other harems out there.
The Demon King’s Daughter is Too Kind
Episode 3 comes with a third sing-along segment. I hope they keep this up.
I certainly wasn’t expecting these Disney-like / kids’ cartoon-like singalongs.
This is one of the most creative use of the animated medium IMO. You can’t have such segments in printed form, but can easily do so in anime. The studio / director / etc understood the assignment when it came to this adaptation and did so in a way that not only value-add to the underlying story, but also captures the essence of it.
I am so glad that it was adapted as well as it was so far.
