Mieruko-chan ‒ Episode 9

Mieruko-chan, a stalwart innovator in the world of horror anime, steps its game up this week with a spine-chilling foray into an oft-ignored venue of terror: pre-packaged convenience store pastries.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/mieruko-chan/episode-9/.180122

What Was Cowboy Bebop Really About?

So Netflix put out their live action Cowboy Bebop a couple weeks ago and, as expected, it was a colossal dumpster fire. Ember Reviews breaks down how the live-action series' major failure is misunderstanding the point of the original.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/watch/2021-11-30/what-was-cowboy-bebop-really-about/.180144

My Alcoholic Escape from Reality

It reads especially poignant in a year where vices are readily available and more tempting than ever, and offers a peculiar comfort in a world filled with tragedy, heartache, and uncertainty.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/my-alcoholic-escape-from-reality/.180046

This Week in Anime - Is Komi Can't Communicate All Laughs and No Heart?

Komi is just one unique character is a sea of quirky potential friends. Does the anime handle its cast with care or does the mental health angles just become another joke in this gag comedy?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-11-30/.180116

Monday, November 29, 2021

Komi Can't Communicate ‒ Episode 6

This week's episode takes a break from the show's main plot of introducing new friends for Komi to meet and instead focuses on the friends that she has already made thus far.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/komi-cant-communicate/episode-6/.180022

Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut ‒ Episode 9

For a series that's had a fairly cozy pace so far, I'll give the show points for not getting complacent, in trying to branch out its ambitions a bit. Shoot for the moon, and all that.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/irina-the-vampire-cosmonaut/episode-9/.180061

Gundam 00 Director Seiji Mizushima Talks About His New Hula Dancing Anime

I thought that maybe the characters should be trying hard—making an effort—to achieve something. Like not something larger than life but something that could be done by the girl next door—a character that you can relate to.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2021-11-29/gundam-00-director-seiji-mizushima-talks-about-his-new-hula-dancing-anime/.179594

One Piece ‒ Episode 1001

Episode 1001 shows everything that is right and wrong with Wano in roughly twenty minutes.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/one-piece/episode-1001/.180054

Yuki Yuna is a Hero: The Great Mankai Chapter ‒ Episode 9

It's kind of remarkable how much my overall opinion of the endless bummer that was Yuna's storyline in the Hero Chapter could be brought up just by spacing things out and having some secondary focuses.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/yuki-yuna-is-a-hero-the-great-mankai-chapter/episode-9/.180019

Top-Selling Light Novels in Japan by Series: 2021

Demon Slayer sells 776,320, followed by That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Apothecary Diaries, Re:ZERO, Detective Is Already Dead

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-11-28/top-selling-light-novels-in-japan-by-series-2021/.180077

Mars, Cesare's Fuyumi Soryo Launches New Work 'Soon'

This year's 52nd issue of Kodansha's Morning magazine revealed on Thursday that Fuyumi Soryo will launch a new work "soon." The same issue ended Soryo's...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-11-27/mars-cesare-fuyumi-soryo-launches-new-work-soon/.180035

Ranking of Kings ‒ Episodes 6-7

I knew folks enjoyed these types of shows, but could never quite figure out the excitement of seeing a character unlock a new power-up outside of a few examples in the original Sailor Moon series. I'm sorry, I get it now.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ranking-of-kings/episodes-6-7/.180017

The World's Finest Assassin ‒ Episode 8

This episode of The World's Finest Assassin is 100% character-building for Lugh. He is finally forced to be honest with himself and what he wants for his second chance at life in this fantasy world.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-world-finest-assassin/episode-8/.179956

Banished From The Heroes' Party ‒ Episode 8

Oh sure, unlike last episode, this one is easy enough to follow. However, character motivations are just kind of dropped on us suddenly and the climatic moments need more time to build and sustain tension.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/banished-from-the-heroes-party/episode-8/.179955

Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon's Judgement Episodes 13-24

In the final moments of the season, the writing rushes towards its conclusion and unfortunately the rest of the show suffers for it.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/seven-deadly-sins/dragon-judgement/episodes-13-24/.179893

Muv-Luv Alternative ‒ Episode 8

Well, that escalated quickly. No sooner had the specter of disparate agendas and discord within the flight's ranks been raised, then the crew finds themselves in the middle of dealing with an actual military coup.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/muv-luv-alternative/episode-8/.179952

Does it Hold Up? Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

This uncertainty towards a shadowy entity on the periphery of our society, manipulating its many tiers, is exactly the framework which is utilized within the classic anime series. Is its messages still relevant nearly 20 years later?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/watch/2021-11-26/does-it-hold-up-ghost-in-the-shell-stand-alone-complex/.180015

This Week in Games - Punching It Up

with Christmas just around the corner, most of season's the major new releases have already hit shelves, and now it's simply a matter of finding time to play them all. But even though the United States has a holiday weekend, the news isn't stopping just for us.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2021-11-26/this-week-in-games-punching-it-up/.179975

Revisiting G no Reconguista, And Looking Back On 'Happy Tomino'

Tomino's relentless criticism of popular titles in the industry as well as his own works cast the image of an artist forever striving towards some kind of magnum opus that we could point to as an encapsulation of his decades-spanning career.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-11-26/revisiting-g-no-reconguista-and-looking-back-on-happy-tomino/.178495

Sasaki and Miyano Anime Reveals January 9 Premiere

The official website for the television anime of Shō Harusono's Sasaki and Miyano manga revealed on Friday that the anime will premiere on Tokyo MX, KBS...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-11-26/sasaki-and-miyano-anime-reveals-january-9-premiere/.179994

World's End Harem Anime Reveals New January 7 Premiere Date

The official website for the television anime of Kotaro Shono's World's End Harem science-fiction manga announced on Friday that the anime's new premiere...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-11-26/world-end-harem-anime-reveals-new-january-7-premiere-date/.179993

The Summit of the Gods

If possible, I recommend watching this film in theaters (with a jacket and a mask) and lose yourself to the grand beauty and brutality of Mount Everest.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-summit-of-the-gods/.179013

Anime NYC 2021 - My Hero Academia Composer Yuki Hayashi

His discography includes hit anime like Precure to Haikyu! and follows a particularly unique trajectory. Hayashi made his American convention debut at Anime NYC and made some time to discuss his work with Anime News Network.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2021/anime-nyc/my-hero-academia-composer-yuki-hayashi/.179869

This Week in Anime - The Ghost of Digimon Future

Digimon superfan Jean-Karlo gushes about the newest Digimon series, Ghost Game and how it revitalizes the franchise with its unique designs and spooky vibes.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-11-25/.179941

The Heike Story ‒ Episode 11

With the last sea battle between the Heike and the Genji, the war for the throne, at least this portion of it, has come to its conclusion, and what a terrible one it is.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-heike-story/episode-11/.179942

takt op. Destiny ‒ Episode 8

The show was looking a little rough, lately, and this dose of well-executed popcorn entertainment is just what the doctor ordered.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/takt-op-destiny/episode-8/.179940

Cowboy Bebop Live-Action

It barely peeks beyond the soft, sanded-down edges of the MCU and its ilk. When it's not straight-up incompetent, it's dull, safe, and sterile—words that should be anathema to “the work, which becomes a new genre itself.”

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/cowboy-bebop/live-action/.179908

Digimon Ghost Game ‒ Episode 7

Digimon Ghost Game continues to go strong with its monster-of-the-week format while simultaneously giving us a few drops of interesting world-building along the way.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/digimon-ghost-game/episode-7/.179914

My Senpai Is Annoying ‒ Episode 7

Little did I know that this episode would instead be about characters relating and forging connections with each other through potentially unorthodox setups, which feels appropriate.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/my-senpai-is-annoying/episode-7/.179913

ANN Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Trying to find the perfect gift for the otaku in your life? Why not check out Anime News Network's curated list of anime, manga, video games, and collectibles? Everything from the most popular series to classics is right here!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-11-24/ann-holiday-gift-guide-2021/.179363

Interview: Naruto Series Composer Yasuharu Takanashi

Naruto is a legendary anime, but without a doubt, the music helped catapult it to success. Jacki Jing talks with composer Yasuharu Takanashi now that the music is available for streaming and download stateside.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2021-11-24/naruto-series-composer-yasuharu-takanashi/.179101

Anime NYC Sees Big Conventions' Return to Form

If this year's Otakon convention felt like a local, more intimate gathering then Anime NYC's take over of the the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center was a return to large-scale cons—growing pains included.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2021/anime-nyc/sees-big-conventions-return-to-form/.179871

Mieruko-chan ‒ Episode 8

Frights, feelings, and ghastly funnies abound in this week's especially menacing installment of Mieruko-chan.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/mieruko-chan/episode-8/.179875

AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline ‒ Episodes 7-8

“This mech show is different, it's about the characters, not just the robots!” is such a tired line that it's become a punchline in and of itself, and yet AMAIM is out here proving it still has some applicability.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/amaim-warrior-at-the-borderline/episodes-7-8/.179885

Blade Runner: Black Lotus ‒ Episode 3

It's the third episode, and I'm still not entirely sure what I think about Black Lotus. It continues to be solid for the most part – and occasionally knocking on the door of great – but has yet to truly excite me.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/blade-runner-black-lotus/episode-3/.179874

Doing His Best to Confess GN 1

Doing His Best to Confess while it does rely on characters of unusual cluelessness, also pairs it with an incredible earnestness that ends up making things cute rather than patently ridiculous.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/doing-his-best-to-confess/gn-1/.179160

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train Arc ‒ Episode 6

Well, we've finally arrived at the grand apex of Mugen Train's ambitions here with “Akaza”, and now that I've seen it, all I can say is: “That's it? Really?”

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-mugen-train-arc/episode-6/.179873

This Week in Anime - Is takt op. Destiny A Poor Man's Symphogear?

Stunning character design, cool fight animations, and a beautiful soundtrack isn't enough to win over musician Steve Jones this week. Instead, takt op. Destiny only serves to remind him another music-themed anime...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2021-11-23/.179666

Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut ‒ Episode 8

Now what? With the vampire having made it to space by the seventh episode of the series, that's the question hanging over both the characters and the show as Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut heads into its next story arc.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/irina-the-vampire-cosmonaut/episode-8/.179813

Hula Fulla Dance

When it comes to anime coming-of-age stories, most are set in high school. Hula Fulla Dance, on the other hand, sets its coming-of-age at the most pivotal time in a person's life: when they enter the working world for the first time.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/hula-fulla-dance/.179486

The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated! ‒ Episode 16

Druj isn't quite pleased to see that Jahy has A) a new friend and that B) said new friend is the magical girl that kind of wrecked everyone's day in the first place.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-great-jahy-will-not-be-defeated/episode-16/.179817

The Best and Worst of Fall 2021, Nov 12-18

Platinum End is finally rewarded for its steady effort toward this season's "Chaos Dragon" award. Check out our weekly user rankings!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/weekly-ranking/2021/fall/.179872

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation 2nd Part ‒ Episode 19

Although this episode loses marks for me because of the cartoonishly evil prince at the end, it does have a conceptually interesting foundation: The tension between Rudeus and the Man God.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/mushoku-tensei-jobless-reincarnation-2nd-part/episode-19/.179823

Anime NYC 2021 - Love of Kill Premiere

Love of Kill is an interesting show that seemingly tries to blend a variety of different genres together within its first episode.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2021/anime-nyc/love-of-kill-premiere/.179830

86 Season 2 ‒ Episode 18

The members of Spearhead Squadron remain the most interesting cast members, but they're most in their element when they're actually doing something and making their own decisions.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/86-season-2/episode-18/.179825

Award-Winning Composer Kevin Penkin On Creating The Soundtrack For Grow:Song of the Evertree

Kevin Penkin rose to prominence within the anime scene after his evocative and captivating soundtrack for the Made in Abyss anime. His latest project is the magical sandbox video game Grow:Song of the Evertree.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2021-11-22/award-winning-composer-kevin-penkin-on-creating-the-soundtrack-for-grow-song-of-the-evertree/.179137

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Komi Can't Communicate ‒ Episode 5

It's nice to see that episode five gets us back on track with more of the relatable wholesomeness that I think the show excels at.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/komi-cant-communicate/episode-5/.179798

Gintama: The Final

Gintama has always been earnestly self-aware, irreverent without being cynical. Gintama: The Final is a continuation of this core identity, laughing and crying and falling and cheering all the way to the end.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/gintama/the-final/.179765

Anime NYC 2021 - Orient Premiere

Compared to its predecessor, Magi, Orient feels a lot more basic from its storytelling, to its overall design sense, to even the animation quality. While that certainly makes it easy to understand, there also wasn't any strong definitive wow factor.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2021/anime-nyc/orient-premiere/.179797

Sakugan ‒ Episode 7

It's a classic setup for these kinds of road trip adventure series, and makes for a pretty fun side story as our central quartet make their way through the barren desert section of the underworld.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/sakugan/episode-7/.179794

Lupin the 3rd Part 6 ‒ Episode 6

The twists that wrap up and explain the plot of Lupin's adventures in Edogawa Ranpo's 1930s technically make the whole plot more 'realistic', but still come off no less bonkers in their execution.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lupin-the-3rd-part-6/episode-6/.179791

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon - The Second Act ‒ Episode 8

Yashahime has never been what you'd call a truly serious story, but every time a weird-looking monster shows up, I have to wonder if the whole thing wouldn't feel like it had higher stakes if the creature designs weren't so damn goofy.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/yashahime-princess-half-demon-the-second-act/episode-8/.179785

Platinum End ‒ Episode 7

I really wish I could feel bad for Mirai. He is, in pretty much every sense, the most consistent victim in this whole mess.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/platinum-end/episode-7/.179757

Yuki Yuna is a Hero: The Great Mankai Chapter ‒ Episode 8

This Hero System origin story for Yuki Yuna Is a Hero has been more uneven than the Sentinels arc, I think, but that's also been to its benefit overall.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/yuki-yuna-is-a-hero-the-great-mankai-chapter/episode-8/.179759

The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary

The Strange Adventure of a Broke Mercenary is a bit humdrum, but when it does show its hand near the end there's a huge amount of promise in what's to come.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-strange-adventure-of-a-broke-mercenary/gn-1/.179102

takt op. Destiny ‒ Episode 7

Also, need I remind you that his Musicart is literally a murder-horny roller derby demon named Hell?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/takt-op-destiny/episode-7/.179698

The aquatope on white sand ‒ Episode 20

Kukuru is still trying to find her place in Tingaara as she continues an internal – and often external – tug-o-war between settling into her current responsibilities and her desire to continue taking care of sea creatures.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-aquatope-on-white-sand/episode-20/.179694

The Night Beyond the Tricorner Window GN 9

Of all of the volumes of Tomoko Yamashita's The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window, this is the first one that truly made me think of Mikado and Hiyakawa as a potential romantic pair.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-night-beyond-the-tricorner-window/gn-9/.179358

Hiroshi Fujioka Looks Back at 50 Years of Being Kamen Rider

"My encounter with Kamen Rider is the biggest thing that ever happened to me—it really changed my life. But more than that, I think it even changed history."

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2021-11-19/hiroshi-fujioka-looks-back-at-50-years-of-being-kamen-rider/.179484

This Week in Games - Bobby Kotick Retire Bitch

Hearing week after week about new layers of Activision's awfulness is mentally exhausting. But it's important to address. Simply trying to ignore it while focusing on announcements or releases solves nothing and helps no one.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2021-11-19/this-week-in-games-bobby-kotick-retire-bitch/.179642

The World's Finest Assassin ‒ Episode 7

In his own mind, Lugh sees himself as completely pragmatic—untainted by emotion or a drive for personal gain. Everything he does is for his ultimate goal of defeating the hero. But is this really true?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-world-finest-assassin/episode-7/.179680

Muv-Luv Alternative ‒ Episode 7

After some strong presentation in the past couple episodes, Muv-Luv Alternative seems to have returned to needing to cut down on its storytelling flourishes.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/muv-luv-alternative/episode-7/.179667

Seirei Gensouki - Spirit Chronicles Omnibus 1 - 3

You've watched the anime, but how do the original novels measure up? Rebecca checks the first six novels out in their new omnibus release format.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/seirei-gensouki-spirit-chronicles/omnibus-1/.179251

Blade Runner: Black Lotus ‒ Episodes 1-2

My hope going forward is that Elle's story expands and goes outside the ordinary. “The cyberpunk you've come to expect” is simply not an engaging enough hook on its own.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/blade-runner-black-lotus/episodes-1-2/.179673

The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made ‒ Episode 7

Seiichi may be perfectly happy to add the RMS Donkey Diddler to his Fleet of Shameful Perversion, but I wonder how much further into depravity he can descend before his soul is damned forever?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-fruit-of-evolution-before-i-knew-it-my-life-had-it-made/episode-7/.179479

The Heike Story ‒ Episode 10

Biwa standing in the ruins of a burnt-out Fukuhara. It's stark, and that, more than any other image of the episode, captures the reality of life for the Heike.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-heike-story/episode-10/.179659

Mononogatari Manga's TV Anime Confirmed

Manga creator Onigunsō confirmed the planned television anime adaptation of their Mononogatari manga on their Twitter account on Thursday. Onigunsō drew...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-11-17/mononogatari-manga-tv-anime-confirmed/.179671

1986 Saint Seiya Anime Leaves Netflix in December

Netflix is listing that the 1986 Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac) anime series is leaving the service. December 14 is the last day that all 114 episodes...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-11-17/1986-saint-seiya-anime-leaves-netflix-in-december/.179661

Interview: Cowboy Bebop Costume Designer Jane Holland

"Immediately after getting hired, I consulted the youth in my world who watch anime! And they issued a warning, 'Māmā Holland, don't f*** it up'. I took them seriously."

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2021-11-17/interview-cowboy-bebop-costume-designer-jane-holland/.179362