Monday, November 30, 2020

The Gymnastics Samurai ‒ Episode 8

The Gymnastics Samurai has never been shy about its themes being based around the people we interact with in our lives, since the show's real plot effectively kicked off with a ninja following the Aragaki family home.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-gymnastics-samurai/episode-8/.166821

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon ‒ Episode 9

Man, it sure is strange to see the opening of this week's Yashahime addressing a lot of the issues that I've been noting over the past 8 weeks!

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/yashahime-princess-half-demon/episode-9/.166822

Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club ‒ Episode 9

My hope is that after so many mandatory heartfelt conclusions we can get to some good, old-fashioned goofy antics for an episode or two before heading into the final stretch.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-live-nijigasaki-high-school-idol-club/episode-9/.166820

TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You ‒ Episode 9

The final part, then, about the laundry and buying replacement clothes is all about some of the more embarrassing aspects of learning to live together, and that part is cute in its own way.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tonikawa-over-the-moon-for-you/episode-9/.166817

Haikyu!! To The Top ‒ Episode 22

Never underestimate the power of the dumb guy – if there's one lesson I've learned from shounen manga and anime, it's that.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/haikyu-to-the-top/episode-22/.166790

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? III ‒ Episode 9

You shouldn't ever have to choose between doing what's right and doing what's easy, but unfortunately the former is very rarely also the latter.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/is-it-wrong-to-try-to-pick-up-girls-in-a-dungeon-iii/episode-9/.166787

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear ‒ Episode 8

I had hoped that when Yuna went out into the greater world, she would find others that could match her in strength and discover she had been little more than a big fish in a small pond.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kuma-kuma-kuma-bear/episode-8/.166720

Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 2020

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba takes record top 22 spots, followed by 3 One Piece books, more Demon Slayer, SPY×FAMILY, Attack on Titan

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-29/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume-2020/.166844

My Hero Academia's 3rd Anime Film Confirms Returning Main Staff

My Hero Academia the Movie 3, the tentatively titled third My Hero Academia anime film opening next summer, unveiled its main staff on Monday. Kenji Nagasaki...

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-29/my-hero-academia-3rd-anime-film-confirms-returning-main-staff/.166840

Friday, November 27, 2020

JFF Plus Online Film Festival Screens Pigtails, Sumikko Gurashi, Drawer Hobbs, 8 More Anime in U.S. in December

Other films include: 'Gon, the Little Fox,' Tokyo Marble Chocolate, Li'l Spider Girl, NORMAN THE SNOWMAN -The Northern Light-, Kick-Heart, NORMAN THE SNOWMAN-On a Night of Shooting Stars-, The Girl from the Other Side, Moon of a sleepless night

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-11-28/jff-plus-online-film-festival-screens-pigtails-sumikko-gurashi-drawer-hobbs-8-more-anime-in-u.s-in-december/.166796

Premium Bandai's Black Friday Lineup

From Gundam to Demon Slayer, Love Live! to Ghost in the Shell, there’s something for everyone at Premium Bandai’s Black Friday Sale!

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/advertorial/2020-11-27/premium-bandai-black-friday-lineup/.166715

This Week in Games - Shibuya Style

In this abysmal hell year, it might not seem like there's much to be thankful for, but I must strongly disagree. This year, I'm thankful for all of the folks who spoke up against abusers and bad practices in the game industry.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2020-11-26/this-week-in-games-shibuya-style/.166723

This Week in Anime - Why You Should Try Heaven's Official Blessing

The series is just one of the latest offering as China pivots to domestic animation. Jean-Karlo and Nicky check out the show and how it handles the source material's subtext.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2020-11-26/.166714

Digimon Adventure: ‒ Episode 25

Out of basically nowhere, this week's entry sends Taichi, Yamato, Takeru, and their adjacent monster friends plummeting through the sky atop the hapless Eldoradimon for virtually the full length of the episode.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/digimon-adventure/episode-25/.166602

The Day I Became a God ‒ Episode 7

In general this just isn't an episode with much to talk about – it's The Day I Became a God in a holding pattern, ticking a few more days off that doomsday counter and inching the plot with actual progression forward the teensiest bit.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-day-i-became-a-god/episode-7/.166631

Arifureta - From Commonplace to World's Strongest LE

Despite being adapted from a relatively strong series of isekai power fantasy novels, where the protagonist has to actually work to get his powers rather than just lucking into them from the start, Arifureta - From Commonplace to World's Strongest's anime is not particularly well-written or well-animated.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/arifureta-from-commonplace-to-world-strongest/le/.166092

Black Clover ‒ Episode 153

While I would not go as far as calling this a throwaway episode, episode 153 is nonetheless firmly part of a stall between major arcs.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/black-clover/episode-153/.166676

Golden Kamuy Season 3 ‒ Episode 8

One of the potential challenges of Golden Kamuy is that the main cast is both large and interesting. They are not blank slates, and it feels like we never quite get enough time with them.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/golden-kamuy-season-3/episode-8/.166527

What Can We Expect From the Staff Changeover for Attack on Titan The Final Season?

Attack on Titan The Final Season is coming out next month, and it's getting an extreme makeover. The core staff has changed completely, including the director, character designer, and almost everyone else in charge of the visual look of the show.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-11-25/what-can-we-expect-from-the-staff-changeover-for-attack-on-titan-the-final-season/.161044

Talentless Nana ‒ Episode 8

There's fun and schadenfreude aplenty in trying to follow two chess experts exhaustively assaulting each other's defenses, and this episode proves Talentless Nana to be most tense and most compelling in this mode.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/talentless-nana/episode-8/.166635

Kageki Shoujo!! The Curtain Rises

Kageki Shoujo!! The Curtain Rises is a real treat: a drama that consistently resists the urge to indulge in histrionics, a shoujo-style manga that draws from tradition while remaining fresh and modern.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kageki-shoujo-the-curtain-rises/.165468

Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ‒ Episode 8

Her Highness in no way wants to go see the Demon Castle's Cursed Dentist to deal with her cavity. And if she has to see him, couldn't he just treat her cavity without looking in her mouth?

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/sleepy-princess-in-the-demon-castle/episode-8/.166632

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations ‒ Episode 175

Team 7 wraps up its latest mission and fights one of its toughest battles in an action-packed Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/boruto-naruto-next-generations/episode-175/.166608

This Week in Anime - Is Magatsu Warheit Zuerst Worth Watching?

Nick and Steve check in on the mobage adaptation about two guys on the opposite sides of war filled with political conspiracy and mutants?!

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2020-11-24/.166674

The Irregular at Magic High School: Visitor Arc ‒ Episode 8

After watching, re-watching, and re-re-watching this episode, one thing has become strikingly clear: this is the most confusing episode of the season so far.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-irregular-at-magic-high-school-visitor-arc/episode-8/.166606

Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club ‒ Episode 8

After weeks of generally subdued character conflicts and emotional payoffs, the glorious dramatics of this franchise finally make a return from an unexpected source.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-live-nijigasaki-high-school-idol-club/episode-8/.166604

Moriarty the Patriot ‒ Episode 7

Giselle's entr'acte is perfect for Moriarty's plans to expose Enders' murderous ways: Giselle dies at the end of act one of the ballet and act two opens with a danse macabre wherein Hilarion is frightened out of the forest by the ghosts of maidens who died of broken hearts.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/moriarty-the-patriot/episode-7/.166601

The Gymnastics Samurai ‒ Episode 7

This week's episode of The Gymnastics Samurai cold-opens with Leo the ninja doing a lavishly-animated impromptu ballet routine in a park in the middle of the night while those suspicious agents in suits look on in awe.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-gymnastics-samurai/episode-7/.166591

Fire Force ‒ Episode 45

This action-heavy episode of Fire Force splits its focus between two different mini-boss fights.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/fire-force/episode-45/.166590

Jujutsu Kaisen ‒ Episode 8

Nobara and Megumi carry the story for the most part this week as they run into a couple of senior students from Jujutsu Tech's rival school named Mai and Toudou, which immediately results in Shit Going Down.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/jujutsu-kaisen/episode-8/.166589

TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You ‒ Episode 8

Nasa has consistently pitched them as being odd, and the parents even admit to being oddballs themselves, but the surprise here is that they are nowhere near as extreme as expected.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tonikawa-over-the-moon-for-you/episode-8/.166588

I'm Standing on 1,000,000 Lives. ‒ Episode 8

For a few episodes now, I'm Standing on 1,000,000 Lives. has been flirting with being a better show, and this episode is no different.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/im-standing-on-1000000-lives/episode-8/.166587

I'm Standing on 1,000,000 Lives. ‒ Episode 8

For a few episodes now, I'm Standing on 1,000,000 Lives. has been flirting with being a better show, and this episode is no different.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/im-standing-on-1000000-lives/episode-8/.166587

Akudama Drive ‒ Episode 7

This episode has everything. There's a horrific backstory that confirms and fills in some important blanks. There's a sudden yet oh-so-inevitable betrayal. Two characters want to live on the moon.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/akudama-drive/episode-7/.166585

Assault Lily Bouquet ‒ Episode 7

The new girl's mysterious origins – seemingly hatching from an egg that the team stumbles across among some Huge wreckage – lend the mysterious atmosphere posing as much of the plot through this episode.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/assault-lily-bouquet/episode-7/.166567

This Cuddly Kirby Plush is Also a Heater

Premium Bandai is releasing a new Kirby plush which will literally warm your heart. By connecting it to a USB, it can also function as a heater. In just...

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-11-22/this-cuddly-kirby-plush-is-also-a-heater/.166484

Wandering Witch - The Journey of Elaina ‒ Episode 8

Despite the name, “The Ripper” is somehow more ridiculous (and anachronistic) than the grape-stomping foot fetish bit from last week.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/wandering-witch-the-journey-of-elaina/episode-8/.166566

Haikyu!! To The Top ‒ Episode 21

Maybe there isn't a whole lot more that could have been done with that, but it does feel a little bit like Suga's not given quite as much time as his complex emotional relationship with the current match merits.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/haikyu-to-the-top/episode-21/.166564

One-Punch Man Artist Posts More Art By His Talented Daughter

One-Punch Man and Eyeshield 21 manga artist Yūsuke Murata has some incredibly talented kids walking in his footsteps. On Twitter, he recently posted a...

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-11-20/one-punch-man-artist-posts-more-art-by-his-talented-daughter/.166531

The God Of High School: The Gods and Demons [Video]

Leo Rydel looks back on the summer action hit to explain just what is going on The God of High School's lore, from its Gods to its demons.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-11-20/the-god-of-high-school-the-gods-and-demons-video/.166562

Get the Case Closed Movie “The Crimson Love Letter” on Digital This November!

Fans of the long-time Case Closed franchise in the United States and Canada can rent or purchase The Crimson Love Letter on Google Play, iTunes, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, and Amazon Prime Video.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/advertorial/2020-11-20/get-the-case-closed-movie-the-crimson-love-letter-on-digital-this-november/.166230

2020 Anpanman Film Rescheduled to June 2021 After COVID-19 Delay

The official website for Eiga Soreike! Anpanman Fuwafuwa Fuwari to Kumo no Kuni (Soreike! Anpanman the Movie: Fluffy Fuwari and the Cloud Country), this...

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2020-11-19/2020-anpanman-film-rescheduled-to-june-2021-after-covid-19-delay/.166519

The IDOLM@STER Voice Actress Mayumi Kaneko Announces Marriage

Voice actress Mayumi Kaneko announced on her Twitter account on Wednesday that she has gotten married to a man outside the entertainment industry. She...

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-11-19/the-idolm@ster-voice-actress-mayumi-kaneko-announces-marriage/.166494

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear ‒ Episode 7

I laugh every time I think about Emi Miyajima and Yūko Kurose coming into the sound booth, saying “kuuuu” three or four times and being told they're done for the week.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kuma-kuma-kuma-bear/episode-7/.166489

This Week in Games - Scramble Spirits

Well, it appears that, once again, Square-Enix is hinting at a thing. And it's very obvious what game this announcement is related to if you've played it.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2020-11-19/this-week-in-games-scramble-spirits/.166481

This Week in Anime - Begonia, I Hardly Knew Ya

The 2016 film by the Legend of Korra's studio is now streaming for free on Tubi TV. Jean-Karlo and Nicky look at the emotional ode to Chinese mythology in This Week in Anime!

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2020-11-19/.166474

Interview: D4DJ First Mix Cast

Yuka Nishio, Aimi, Risa Tsumugi introduce their characters and the the hypnotic and exciting practice of DJing in Bushiroad's newest project D4DJ.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2020-11-18/d4dj-first-mix-cast/.166325

Horimiya Anime Premieres on January 9

The official Twitter account for the television anime of Daisuke Hagiwara's Horimiya manga revealed on Wednesday that the anime will premiere on January...

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2020-11-17/horimiya-anime-premieres-on-january-9/.166441

Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle ‒ Episode 7

A few weeks ago I questioned whether or not the demons realized that Syalis was their captive. Well, this week we get an even more pressing question: does the princess realize that she's been captured?

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/sleepy-princess-in-the-demon-castle/episode-7/.166408

The Day I Became a God ‒ Episode 6

I don't know if you can afford to be taking the long-running shonen approach to storytelling, guys, but at least I feel better about where this story might be going now.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-day-i-became-a-god/episode-6/.166367

The Irregular at Magic High School: Visitor Arc ‒ Episode 7

Last episode revealed that the parasite was awakened by Honoka's unrequited love for Tatsuya—specifically, her desire to be needed by him—during their Valentine's Day gift exchange.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-irregular-at-magic-high-school-visitor-arc/episode-7/.166385

Monday, November 16, 2020

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon ‒ Episode 7

Never has Yashahime's flailing about felt more noticeable or irritating than here, in “Meeting Through an Apple,” an episode that is almost impressive in the lengths it is willing to go in order to waste everyone's time.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/yashahime-princess-half-demon/episode-7/.166364

TONIKAWA: Over The Moon For You ‒ Episode 7

While a fair amount of it is fluff, the episode does accomplish the important purpose of getting Chitose off of Nasa and Tsukasa's case – at least for now, anyway.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tonikawa-over-the-moon-for-you/episode-7/.166356

The Gymnastics Samurai ‒ Episode 6

I have been futilely wrestling with the show's sense of pacing and direction for the past few weeks, arguing with its priorities in characterization and conceptual focus.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-gymnastics-samurai/episode-6/.166351

Man Arrested for Selling Modified Nude Madoka Magica Figures

According to the police, the suspect's bank account indicates that he earned approximately 5.8 million yen (approximately US$55,500) from figure sales between 2018 to 2020.

source http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-11-16/man-arrested-for-selling-modified-nude-madoka-magica-figures/.166384