How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom ‒ Episode 9

The remainder of the episode is largely focused on the three dukes. This is where the series gets back to straining any sense of realism or practicality, for myself anyway.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/how-a-realist-hero-rebuilt-the-kingdom/episode-9/.176858

The ANN Aftershow - My Villain Academia: Villains Aren't Born, They're Made

Jacki, AJ, and Lynzee discuss Toga's psychological state and how much of her fate is the unfortunate result of not conforming in a society that requires it.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/aftershow/2021-08-31/.176870

Battle Game in 5 Seconds ‒ Episode 8

The fact that it took the series until this week to impart some information about Team Blue to us is symptomatic of Battle Game's overall difficulties with performing the kind of character juggling act required to make a story like this work.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/battle-game-in-5-seconds/episode-8/.176835

Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story ‒ Episode 18

Madoka Magica may get a lot of mileage out of its slick, dreamlike visuals and its theatrical character drama, but there's something to be said about when an anime finally gives us a good idea of what the hell is going on with its plot.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/magia-record-puella-magi-madoka-magica-side-story/episode-18/.176832

One Piece ‒ Episode 989

Usopp and Chopper are both favorites of mine and it's great seeing them get buddy time together.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/one-piece/episode-989/.176674

Uncle From Another World GN 1

Make no mistake, Uncle From Another World is derivative, and it pretty well knows it. The plot is predicated on assumed audience familiarity with the isekai concept, with a lot of the humor therein stemming from subverting expected tropes.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/uncle-from-another-world/gn-1/.176370

This Week in Anime - Get G-Recked

Gundam Reconguista in G, or G-Reco, sees the mega-franchise's founder Yoshiyuki Tomino return to the director's seat and boy is that a loaded statement. Jean-Karlo and Nicholas attempt to figure out what the hell is going on in a show that features a religion centered around elevators.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-08-31/.176828

Mieruko-chan Horror Comedy TV Anime Premieres on October 3

The official website for the television anime of Tomoki Izumi's Mieruko-chan horror comedy manga revealed on Tuesday that the anime will premiere on October...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-08-31/mieruko-chan-horror-comedy-tv-anime-premieres-on-october-3/.176856

Appli-style Launches Magazine Dedicated To Virtual YouTubers

Appli-style recently announced the publication of VTuber Style, the first magazine specially dedicated to coverage of Virtual YouTubers (or VTubers). The...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-08-30/appli-style-launches-magazine-dedicated-to-virtual-youtubers/.176666

The Detective Is Already Dead ‒ Episode 9

Maybe I was giving Dead Detective too much credit to think that it would at least depict the event of its own title with a higher level of execution than it had gotten me used to.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-detective-is-already-dead/episode-9/.176782

Girlfriend, Girlfriend ‒ Episode 9

Did I seriously get emotionally flustered and blown away by an episode of Girlfriend, Girlfriend? Yeah I think I did!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/girlfriend-girlfriend/episode-9/.176788

anohana Stage Event Reveals the Characters' Fates 10 Years Later

The "ANOHANA 10 YEARS AFTER Fes." event on Saturday featured a stage reading that reveals what happened to the main characters 10 years after the end of...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2021-08-30/anohana-stage-event-reveals-the-characters-fates-10-years-later/.176785

Moriarty the Patriot GNs 3 & 4

Both volumes are strong, mostly because they really shine a light on who William, Louis, Moran, and Fred are.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/moriarty-the-patriot/gn-3/.176529

The History of Getter Robo and What It Influenced

Getter Robo is one of the few progenitors of mecha anime as we know it today, so why do Western audiences know so little about it? Scott Freisthler introduces the formative robot series and how it has shaped mecha anime.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-08-30/the-history-of-getter-robo-and-what-it-influenced/.176496

The Best and Worst of Summer 2021, Aug 19-25

After weeks of solid performance, Kageki Shoujo finally takes the top spot! See how all you favorites fared in our weekly user rankings.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/weekly-ranking/2021/summer/.176781

Like the Clouds, Like the Wind Streaming

Now available to wider audiences, the movie can finally speak for itself and reveal what it is: a charming film with lovely animation and a story that is too big to be told in 75 minutes.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/like-the-clouds-like-the-wind/streaming/.176512

How Anime Dubs Were Made During COVID

Abhi from The Cartoon Cipher walks us through how simuldubbing adjusted during the pandemic and the positives and negatives of this new work-from-home approach.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/watch/2021-08-29/how-anime-dubs-were-made-during-covid/.176766

Rean Schwarzer Figure from Kotobukiya

Take a close look at Kotobukiya's highly anticipated Rean Schwarzer Figure, the second in their The Legend of Heroes series of figures.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/advertorial/2021-08-28/rean-schwarzer-figure-from-kotobukiya/.176447

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! X ‒ Episode 9

This week on My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! X, yet another person gets kidnapped. It really makes you wonder about what kind of security the kingdom of Sorcié has.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/my-next-life-as-a-villainess-all-routes-lead-to-doom-x/episode-9/.176763

The Case Study of Vanitas ‒ Episode 9

All of this makes Roland's shock and delight at Noé's intelligence and reasonableness both a lovely surprise and cause for alarm.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-case-study-of-vanitas/episode-9/.176761

Edens Zero ‒ Episode 1-2

This seems to be the best-looking adaptation of Mashima's work that we've seen thus far, with bright colors, crunchy sound design, and brief yet slick animation cuts that really adds a sense of weight to some of the action.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/edens-zero/episode-1-2/.176752

My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 109

Toga's paradoxically the League member we've seen the most of, without actually knowing anything about her before now.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/my-hero-academia/episode-109/.176764

Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won't Lose

Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won't Lose is an insult to your intelligence. Even if you're looking for a "trashy" romcom, this is not the show to watch.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/osamake/romcom-where-the-childhood-friend-wont-lose/.176455

Why Do We Hate 3DCG Anime?

The fact that there are more CG series overall these days also means that there are more opportunities for disappointment. Anime fans are frequently regarded as being “Anti-3D”, but clearly this disdain isn't equally distributed.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-08-28/why-do-we-hate-3dcg-anime/.159670

Friday, August 27, 2021

The aquatope on white sand ‒ Episode 8

Really, the events of episode 8 cement a simple truth: Gama Gama's not just a part of the community. It's a place of learning and healing within the community as well, and a place of immense kindness and inspiration.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-aquatope-on-white-sand/episode-8/.176710

BEASTARS Season 2 ‒ Episodes 11-12

One of the best(?) parts about being a fan of BEASTARS is constant state of critical whiplash that you must exist within to even process the narrative fundamentals of Paru Itagaki's weird-ass world.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/beastars-season-2/episodes-11-12/.176709

Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy- ‒ Episode 8

Lately, I get the feeling that Tsukimichi can't quite tell what kind of anime it wants to be, and it's made the viewing experience a little, well…odd.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tsukimichi-moonlit-fantasy/episode-8/.176708

Teasing Master Takagi-san Anime Listed With 3rd Season, Film in 2022

Shogakukan's website is listing the 16th compiled book volume of SĹŤichirĹŤ Yamamoto's Teasing Master Takagi-san (Karakai JĹŤzu no Takagi-san) manga with...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-08-27/teasing-master-takagi-san-anime-listed-with-3rd-season-film-in-2022/.176741

Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy - Kingdom

The merchandise-mandated drafting of all the new beast-bots into the story of Kingdom makes this one feel immediately different from its predecessors.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/transformers/war-for-cybertron-trilogy-kingdom/episodes-1-6/.176418

Netflix Lists Baki Hanma Anime in September

Netflix is listing that TMS Entertainment's Baki Hanma anime.will debut worldwide in September. Baki Hanma will be the third Baki series on Netflix, and...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-08-27/netflix-lists-baki-hanma-anime-in-september/.176735

Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU ‒ Episode 10

I was really hoping the arc would end in this episode, but I'm willing to allow it in favor of the new info we got this week.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/higurashi-when-they-cry-sotsu/episode-10/.176707

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S ‒ Episode 8

The next two segments are where the emotions hit and we get to see some vulnerability from both Tohru and Ilulu.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/miss-kobayashi-dragon-maid-s/episode-8/.176698

How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom ‒ Episode 8

The latter portions of the episode managed to be more poignant than I anticipated. The musings on humankind's tenuous relationship with nature, forced to exist in a delicate balance where we cannot exert too much or too little control, were particularly astute.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/how-a-realist-hero-rebuilt-the-kingdom/episode-8/.176675

KING'S RAID: Successors of the Will Streaming

King's Raid is another one of those mobile game-based sword-and-sorcery fantasies that's a bit too ambitious for its own good.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/king-raid/successors-of-the-will/streaming/.176438

This Week in Anime - The Sparkling Stage of Kageki Shoujo!!

In Kageki Shoujo!!, the drama isn't just on the stage. Nick and Nicky look at the series' character arcs, how it handles its sensitive topics, and how it reflects on Takarazuka.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-08-26/.176652

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 2 ‒ Episode 44

Despite the battle being overwhelmingly one-sided, the show continues to generate some decent drama by pairing the weaker of our supporting cast with the strongest of those on Clayman's side.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/that-time-i-got-reincarnated-as-a-slime-season-2/episode-44/.176633

To Your Eternity ‒ Episode 19

To Your Eternity is not a cynical story, but this latest Jonanda Arc has been all about forcing Fushi to confront all of the things in the world that can make a person become hardened and selfish.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/to-your-eternity/episode-19/.176626

I Belong to the Baddest Girl at School GN 1

It's a fun little manga, and since it largely avoids any mean humor, it's a nice piece of goofiness to pick when you're in the mood for a couple that can't figure out if they're coming or going.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/i-belong-to-the-baddest-girl-at-school/gn-1/.175762

The Realpolitiks of How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom

This season has certainly been saturated by isekai, but none is more interesting to me than How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom. Out of all the anime...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-08-25/the-realpolitiks-of-how-a-realist-hero-rebuilt-the-kingdom/.176328

Seirei Gensouki - Spirit Chronicles ‒ Episode 8

In what is perhaps the least surprising twist of the season, it turns out that Rio is, in fact, a prince. Gosh. Sure didn't see that coming.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/seirei-gensouki-spirit-chronicles/episode-8/.176577

The ANN Aftershow - Is the League of Villains ACTUALLY Evil?

The series switches gears for My Villain Academia and we finally get the backstory on Shigaraki's frightening power. Multiple plot threads are introduced to show us just how the League of Villains crossed paths with the Meta-Liberation Army. It's a LOT, guys.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/aftershow/2021-08-24/.176616

The aquatope on white sand ‒ Episode 7

“Ice Cream Toast,” keeps the good times rolling as Kukuru and Fuuka come up with another plan to help prevent Gama Gama's looming shutdown.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-aquatope-on-white-sand/episode-7/.176571

Kageki Shoujo!! ‒ Episode 8

“Kaoru's Summer,” delivered exactly what I wanted: a return to Kouka post-summer vacation, and another glorious character study.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kageki-shoujo/episode-8/.176570

The Decagon House Murders Novel

Although anime and manga fans are more likely to know him as the author behind the horror story Another, The Decagon House Murders is probably the literary work Yukito Ayatsuji is best known for.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-decagon-house-murders/novel/.175922

This Week in Anime - Is Water Polo Anime RE-MAIN Worth Watching?

This MAPPA-animated series follows the typical sports series formula with an added mix of amnesia thrown in. Is there anything unique about it its Speedo-wearing cast?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-08-24/.176581

Ultraman Anime Season 2 Premieres on Netflix Next Spring

The "Anime Ultraman Season 2 Kickoff Event" announced in Tokyo on Tuesday that the second Ultraman anime season will premiere next spring on Netflix worldwide....

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-08-24/ultraman-anime-season-2-premieres-on-netflix-next-spring/.176603

The Best and Worst of Summer 2021, Aug 12-18

My Hero Academia overcomes its weak early episodes to overtake One Piece in the cumulative! Find out where your favorites rank this week.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/weekly-ranking/2021/summer/.176567

Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story ‒ Episode 17

“Are You Okay With That?” is another great example of how the creative team behind Magia Record have continued to learn from the past mistakes of the muddled first season to create a Madoka Magica spinoff that is worthy of the name.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/magia-record-puella-magi-madoka-magica-side-story/episode-17/.176527

Happy Kanako's Killer Life GN 1

The way Happy Kanako's Killer Life portrays the world of professional killers with the sort of simple, grounded presentation as you would expect from an office comedy is another effective element of the whole joke.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/happy-kanako-killer-life/gn-1/.176132

Growing Pains: How To Your Eternity Expresses the Experience of Being Human

With each tragic event, failure, or disappointment, Fushi becomes stronger, smarter, and kinder. And yet, I don't think To Your Eternity is expressing a sentiment as simple as “pain is good.”

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-08-23/growing-pains-how-to-your-eternity-expresses-the-experience-of-being-human/.176163

Fena: Pirate Princess ‒ Episode 3

The point of this episode seems to be mostly to show us that just because Fena has escaped and is now with people who want to protect her, she's certainly not truly safe.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/fena-pirate-princess/episode-3/.176525

The Honor Student at Magic High School ‒ Episode 8

Basically, Airi, Shiori, Miyuki, and Eimi are all given jobber matches—i.e., matches against people who serve no other purpose than to get stomped on—in order to showcase their overwhelming prowess. It's the simplest way to make the girls look powerful and get us hyped about seeing them face off against each other.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-honor-student-at-magic-high-school/episode-8/.176515

My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 108

. Now, it's time for My Villain Academia, starring not a plucky teenage boy, but a miserable and misanthropic 20-something who really needs to learn how to moisturize.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/my-hero-academia/episode-108/.176513

Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun Season 2 ‒ Episode 19

While this episode could have been even wilder and zanier and gotten away with it, overall the visit to Chez Valac is pretty great.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/welcome-to-demon-school-iruma-kun-season-2/episode-19/.176506

I'm Standing on 1,000,000 Lives. ‒ Episode 19

This week's episode has quite a bit going on, introducing the newest party member and sending the gang on their next quest, and it delivers all of it with shockingly strong efficiency.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/im-standing-on-1000000-lives/episode-19/.176495

Villainess: Reloaded! Blowing Away Bad Ends with Modern Weapons LN 1

She's the kind of character for whom the term “Mary Sue” was invented, a girl who is so amazing and perfect and worshipped by every single person who meets her.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/villainess/reloaded-blowing-away-bad-ends-with-modern-weapons/ln-1/.176316

Shueisha to Host Jump Festa '22 as Hybrid Event

This year's 38th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that Shueisha will hold the Jump Festa '22 event as both an online...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-08-22/shueisha-to-host-jump-festa-22-as-hybrid-event/.176518

How Does Piracy Affect Korean Webtoon Artists?

A common argument in favor of piracy is that unofficial distribution gives artists free exposure. However, the artists themselves don't see it that way.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-08-22/how-does-piracy-affect-korean-webtoon-artists/.176285

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level is an exemplar of the "slow life" isekai subgenre, where the point is that nothing much happens because the protagonist wants to spend their new life chilling out.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ive-been-killing-slimes-for-300-years-and-maxed-out-my-level/.176376

Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy- ‒ Episode 7

If Tsukimichi were a show that had the technical chops and sense of grandeur to push a story like this to its limits, we might have had a real stunner on our hands.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tsukimichi-moonlit-fantasy/episode-7/.176486

Sonny Boy ‒ Episode 6

It seems like every week I wax poetic on the way Sonny Boy uses its already weird conceit to strut into even more complicated conceptualizations, so please trust me when I say that this episode is the wildest one yet.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/sonny-boy/episode-6/.176484

The Case Study of Vanitas ‒ Episode 8

Vanitas is definitely playing a long game of some sort; the question is how much he's leaving out when he talks about his goals. That certainly calls Vanitas' relationship with Noé into even more question.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-case-study-of-vanitas/episode-8/.176481

This Week in Games - Pokemon Origins

This trailer for Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl hits every sweet spot for players with fond memories of Sinnoh, showcasing all the stuff that made that particular generation unique. Ball decorations! Union Rooms! Super Contests!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2021-08-20/this-week-in-games-pokemon-origins/.176450

BEASTARS Season 2 ‒ Episodes 9-10

Depending on who you ask, BEASTARS' refusal to commit to any one specific genre or mood is either its greatest strength or its Achilles' heel.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/beastars-season-2/episodes-9-10/.176453

The 6 Best Baseball Anime Episodes

Time to indulge in anime's favorite past time! Open up a box of crackerjacks and find your seat because we're going to hit this one out of the park.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/watch/2021-08-20/the-6-best-baseball-anime-episodes/.176480

Peach Boy Riverside ‒ Episode 8

After waiting a month to see the outcome of whether Sally's chooses to join with Mikoto or Sumeragi, the series immediately cops out of every element of it in the most obvious, yet awkward ways possible.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/peach-boy-riverside/episode-8/.176449

Tropical-Rouge! Precure Episodes 13-24

Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure may not have the serious pathos of Healin' Good Pretty Cure or the large cast and slightly darker storyline of Kira Kira Pretty Cure a la Mode, but it makes up for that in sheer enthusiasm.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tropical-rouge-precure/episodes-13-24/.176401

Vampire Visual Kei Anime Visual Prison Premieres on October 8

The official website for Visual Prison, the original television anime from Uta no Prince-sama and Symphogear series creator Noriyasu Agematsu and Aniplex's...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-08-20/vampire-visual-kei-anime-visual-prison-premieres-on-october-8/.176466

Higurashi: When They Cry – SOTSU ‒ Episode 9

A wrench is thrown in Satoko's plans this week as the remnants of her humanity struggle with the guilt she's feeling while the "witch" part of her wants to continue stomping across her relationships.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/higurashi-when-they-cry-sotsu/episode-9/.176446

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid S ‒ Episode 7

First, and perhaps I've neglected to comment on this extensively in past reviews, but Kyoto Animation delivered some fantastic sequences this week.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/miss-kobayashi-dragon-maid-s/episode-7/.176444

The End(s) of Evangelion EXPLAINED

Tune in live at 4pm PDT/7pm EDT on Friday on YouTube and Facebook to discuss the endings of Evangelion, including the TV series, the original End of Evangelion film, and the franchise's conclusion Thrice Upon a Time.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/watch/2021-08-19/the-end-of-evangelion-explained/.176442

The Slime Diaries

This clash of cultures and the receptiveness of the townspeople leads to plenty of situations that are equal parts amusing and wholesome.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-slime-diaries/that-time-i-got-reincarnated-as-a-slime/.176322

This Week in Anime - The Once and Future Shaman King

When we say Shaman King pulls magic from all corners of the world, we aren't exaggerating. Jean-Karlo and Steve tap into the first season of the new remake and get something far wilder than they imagined.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-08-19/.176407

Love Live! Superstar!! ‒ Episode 4

Keke and Kanon may be passionately pursuing their musical dreams, but Sumire is here to take the spotlight, by force if necessary.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-live-superstar/episode-4/.176378