Overlord IV ‒ Episode 9

More than just showing us that Nazarick is a diverse place, this episode also provides an opportunity for Ainz to demonstrate his true talent: he's a fantastic boss.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/overlord-iv/episode-9/.189168

Interview with My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU's Wataru Watari, Masazumi Kato, Chado Horii

The light novel series' author shares insights on the series' international popularity, "We actually get fan letters from across the sea, too. What can I say? They're like a source of power for us!"

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2022/otakon/interview-with-my-teen-romantic-comedy-snafu-wataru-watari-masazumi-kato-chado-horii/.188238

Uncle From Another World ‒ Episode 5

Welp, after a two-week break, we're back with more Uncle From Another World—and it sure hits the ground running with the return of our secondary heroine Mabel.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/uncle-from-another-world/episode-5/.188779

Love Live! Superstar!! Season 2 ‒ Episode 7

This week's episode manages to provide some much-needed comedic texture to the student council president, while also delivering some of the most unique fanservice in the entire franchise.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-live-superstar-season-2/episode-7/.189164

The Maid I Hired Recently Is Mysterious ‒ Episode 5

I can't tell if these themes of found family are what the show is building towards, especially when it's also simultaneously really laying on the romantic implications between our two leads.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-maid-i-hired-recently-is-mysterious/episode-5/.189119

RWBY: Ice Queendom ‒ Episode 9

We didn't fully explore Ruby's dream-within-a-dream scenario and while I can see why that is the case, I can't say I'm not at least a little disappointed.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rwby-ice-queendom/episode-9/.189118

Delicious Party Precure ‒ Episode 25

Everyone else has had episodes or mini-arcs devoted to building them into more solid characters, but Yui's still mostly just “the pink leader one,” and that's a problem.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/delicious-party-precure/episode-25/.189076

A Couple of Cuckoos ‒ Episode 18

Things genuinely do feel all-around stronger in this episode, and it's not even entirely on account of Shion's more energizing presence this time!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/a-couple-of-cuckoos/episode-18/.189065

Lycoris Recoil ‒ Episode 9

How we choose to use the time we're given, who we choose to use it for, has been the growing theme of Lycoris Recoil over its run, and here, the strength of that idea reaches a crescendo.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lycoris-recoil/episode-9/.189064

Saturday, August 27, 2022

7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Novel 1

When we join the story, Rishe has just been reset to the night she's spurned by her jerk fiancé for the seventh time, but she's got a plan to get the life she's always wanted.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/7th-time-loop/the-villainess-enjoys-a-carefree-life/novel-1/.188852

Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer ‒ Episode 8

While it's marred by the show's signature incoherent editing and highly inconsistent art quality, this is again an episode that manages to work by letting the writing and comedy carry things.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lucifer-and-the-biscuit-hammer/episode-8/.189051

Call of the Night ‒ Episode 8

Call of the Night has an actual sense of direction now, but ironically, that seems to have honed its ability to loaf around and goof off.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/call-of-the-night/episode-8/.189049

The Devil Is a Part-Timer!! Season 2 ‒ Episode 7

I'm starting to get a bit tired of situations being resolved through peacocking. Also, why was everybody talking Japanese? What happened to the language of Ente Isla?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-devil-is-a-part-timer-season-2/episode-7/.189043

My Stepmom's Daughter Is My Ex ‒ Episode 8

This episode solidifies the fact that the character arcs in Stepmom's Daughter are more important than the actual romance.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/my-stepmom-daughter-is-my-ex/episode-8/.189044

Crunchyroll Expo 2022 - Interview with CoverCorp CEO Motoaki Tanigo

hololive production's Virtual YouTuber talents have earned millions of fans around the world. ANN sat down with Motoaki Tanigo, CEO of COVER Corp. discuss the company's current plans and future ambitions.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2022/crunchyroll-expo/interview-with-covercorp-ceo-motoaki-tanigo/.188262

The Best and Worst of Summer 2022, Aug 12-18

Danmachi takes the top spot this week while Uncle is taking a break. Find out how your favorite shows performed in our weekly user rankings.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/weekly-ranking/2022/summer/.188881

This Week in Anime - The Politics of RWBY: Ice Queendom

Nick and Chris check out the series reimagining, its attempts to discuss racism, and its sick references to Cool Boarders 2.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2022-08-25/.188956

Interview: The Staff Behind RWBY: Ice Queendom

"The entire project started from that promise with Monty to make something someday, and when we started production, we felt that the time for this chapter in the story had come. "

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2022-08-24/the-staff-behind-rwby-ice-queendom/.187618

This Week in Anime - Is Tekken: Bloodline Worth Watching?

Tekken franchise newbies Nicky and Steve try out the new six-episode anime series to see if the story (and action) hold up.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2022-08-23/.188898

Sunday, August 21, 2022

The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting ‒ Episode 7

Without Yaeka around, Kirishima is noticeably less likable and…harder to distinguish from the other criminals he hangs around, to be perfectly honest.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/the-yakuza-guide-to-babysitting/episode-7/.188847

A Couple of Cuckoos ‒ Episode 17

Maybe A Couple Of Cuckoos could benefit from adding more Shions to its cast. At least, unlike all the other aimless participants in this low-stakes love game, he feels like he's actually trying to make something happen.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/a-couple-of-cuckoos/episode-17/.188845

Lycoris Recoil ‒ Episode 8

This episode is a celebratory showcase of the duality that Lycoris Recoil has honed down to a science.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lycoris-recoil/episode-8/.188843

Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer ‒ Episode 7

After weeks of scraping by on character and theme, we now have an actual plot to rest those ideas on, and more than enough characters to fill out the rest of the story.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lucifer-and-the-biscuit-hammer/episode-7/.188841

Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun ‒ Episode 7

This episode is a climax of revulsion that speaks to all of the series' most deeply-rooted themes while also indulging in a spectacle of suffering the likes of which I doubt has ever been depicted on television before.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/made-in-abyss-the-golden-city-of-the-scorching-sun/episode-7/.188825

Shadows House Season 2 ‒ Episode 7

The fat's well and truly in the fire now, and the Star Bearers' reprimand of John feels less like telling him to stop broadcasting his love for Kate and more like a tacit warning to him that they're watching.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/shadows-house-season-2/episode-7/.188821

Overlord IV ‒ Episode 7

A rushed adaptation of an inconsequential arc makes this episode the weakest of the season so far.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/overlord-iv/episode-7/.188733

Yurei Deco ‒ Episode 7

”The Inhuman Cart" dares to broach the most burning mystery at the heart of Yurei Deco, a question that has haunted the show even more the Phantom Zero conundrum.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/yurei-deco/episode-7/.188730

Love Live! Superstar!! Season 2 ‒ Episode 5

With Natsumi's introduction, Superstar!! sees the return of the kind of duplicitous, cloyingly sweet power that made the world bend the nico-nico-knee a decade ago.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/love-live-superstar-season-2/episode-5/.188724

Tokyo Mew Mew New ‒ Episode 7

It doesn't look like Aoyama will be shunning Ichigo any time soon, which is a nice boost of self-confidence for her and some reassurance for us that Kish won't turn into her primary love interest.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tokyo-mew-mew-new/episode-7/.188723

Netflix Schedules Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Anime for September 13

Netflix is listing Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the upcoming anime series by Studio Trigger based on CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 game, with a September...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2022-08-17/netflix-schedules-cyberpunk-edgerunners-anime-for-september-13/.188743

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

This Week in Anime - The Adorable, Affirming Romance in Josee, The Tiger and the Fish

In the mood for a sweet anime romance film that's firmly grounded in the real world? Nick and Nicky recommend Josee, The Tiger and the Fish for everyone who missed the film's original theatrical run.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2022-08-16/.188690

Classroom of the Elite II ‒ Episode 7

While it might initially seem like Karuizawa is jealous in a romantic sense, that's only the surface level of what is going on here.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/classroom-of-the-elite-ii/episode-7/.188687

One Piece ‒ Episode 1029

1029 is a straight-up half-hour commercial for One Piece: Film Red, and it's impossible to shake the sense of disruption the entire episode brings.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/one-piece/episode-1029/.188686

FUUTO PI ‒ Episode 3

Trepidations aside, this is the action we knew we came for, and also why we invited newcomers along.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/fuuto-pi/episode-3/.188658

Interview: Avu-chan, Voice of Inu-Oh

Masaaki Yuasa's newest masterpiece Inu-Oh hit U.S. cinemas on Friday. To celebrate the occasion, we sat down for an interview with the eponymous Inu-Oh's voice actor Avu-chan of Queen Bee!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2022-08-15/avu-chan-voice-of-inu-oh/.188659

Engage Kiss ‒ Episodes 6-7

There are much better anime airing this season, but when it takes the time to hone its skeevy melodrama, this flavor of orifice-tingling trashiness puts Engage Kiss into a league of its own.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/engage-kiss/episodes-6-7/.188657

Delicious Party Precure ‒ Episode 23

It's frustrating to see Kokone's parents flailing around and putting their careers ahead of their child, but arguably the more important story point is that they do start to try to be better parents.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/delicious-party-precure/episode-23/.188654

Lycoris Recoil ‒ Episode 7

While not an action-packed episode of LycoReco, this one uses its space to really ramp up the drama by delivering on so many of those little lore nuggets that have been dropped up til now.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lycoris-recoil/episode-7/.188647

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? ‒ Episode 6

While I've been able to overlook (or, at least, tolerate) Ayumu's mediocre visuals so far, this week marked the first time that I simply could not ignore how ugly it is.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/when-will-ayumu-make-his-move/episode-6/.188645

Shadows House Season 2 ‒ Episode 6

We'd better savor that sweet moment between Emilico and Shaun on the roof, because things could get messy from here on out.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/shadows-house-season-2/episode-6/.188635

Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer ‒ Episode 6

And really, it's Yuuhi's arc here that keeps the episode from buckling under its own weight. Watching him try to process his grief over Shinonome is really intriguing, and also very in character.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lucifer-and-the-biscuit-hammer/episode-6/.188623

Call of the Night ‒ Episode 6

Shirakawa's brief intersection with the narrative is the best evidence yet of Call of the Night's greater thematic ambitions besides “vampires are cool.”

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/call-of-the-night/episode-6/.188618

Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 2 ‒ Episode 19

Mami's the sole active force in this narrative, and by god is it fun to watch her go about it. I actually cheered when she waited for just the right moment to go full Columbo and ask Chizuru “just one more thing” at the end.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rent-a-girlfriend-season-2/episode-19/.188622

My Stepmom's Daughter Is My Ex ‒ Episode 6

While not as strong as the previous episode, this week's entry is still a solid addition that properly highlights the frustration in character dynamics and expectations between our two leads.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/my-stepmom-daughter-is-my-ex/episode-6/.188590

This Week in Games - Octo-Punch

It's been a big week for fighting games. Join Jean-Karlo for all the hottest EVO news, including King of Fighters, Street Fighter, Skullgirls, and Guilty Gear!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-games/2022-08-12/octo-punch/.188569

Crunchyroll Expo 2022 - Baku Kinoshita Interview

Odd Taxi won the hearts and minds of anime fans around the world in 2021. During his busy schedule, director Baku Kinoshita talked to ANN in more detail about Odd Taxi and what he'd like to do next.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2022/crunchyroll-expo/baku-kinoshita-interview/.188269

Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World ‒ Episode 6

This episode of Harem Labyrinth does have a little more narrative thrust to it, actually centered on that much-ballyhooed slavery element!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/harem-in-the-labyrinth-of-another-world/episode-6/.188560

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Tokyo Mew Mew New ‒ Episode 6

It's the combined earnestness of the girls, along with Mint's clear effort to stop making Zakuro uncomfortable and annoyed, that really gets through to the star.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/tokyo-mew-mew-new/episode-6/.188528

The ANN Aftershow - Eyes, Legs or... What will Riko Choose?

The past and present collide this week as we learn what became of the Ganja corps Three Sages and their ties to the village.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/aftershow/2022-08-09/.188497

Anime Expo 2022 - Interview with SPY x FAMILY Animation Producers Kazue Hayashi & Kazuki Yamanaka

SPY x FAMILY just finished a successful first season, quickly becoming one of the most beloved properties globally. Producers Kazue Hayashi and Kazuki Yamanaka share what drew them to the project.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2022/anime-expo/interview-with-spy-x-family-animation-producers-kazue-hayashi-and-kazuki-yamanaka/.187187

FUUTO PI ‒ Episode 2

A lot of the steps of this story seem predicated on waiting to arrive at those key points in episodes, and FUUTO PI is dragging its feet a bit in getting there.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/fuuto-pi/episode-2/.188458

Delicious Party Precure ‒ Episode 22

Takumi's in the very awkward position of knowing a lot more than any of the girls but not knowing how to deal with it all.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/delicious-party-precure/episode-22/.188450

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer ‒ Episode 5

The gnarled mix of emotions surrounding his sacrifice is ultimately what makes this relatively abrupt end to Shinonome's role in the story still work.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lucifer-and-the-biscuit-hammer/episode-5/.188437

A Couple of Cuckoos ‒ Episode 15

I can't help but be a little disappointed that Cuckoos backed off so decisively from having something actually happen in its narrative for the first time in a while.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/a-couple-of-cuckoos/episode-15/.188436

Lycoris Recoil ‒ Episode 6

The characterization comprising Chisato and Takina's relationship has always been the part this series makes look easy, which is why it's frustrating it can't maintain that same successful energy in its other efforts this week.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/lycoris-recoil/episode-6/.188430

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? ‒ Episode 5

This episode is a solid reminder that Sōichirō Yamamoto really can write excellent little love stories when he puts his mind to it.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/when-will-ayumu-make-his-move/episode-5/.188429

One Piece ‒ Episode 1028

When Luffy is uppercutting and "WE ARE" is blaring, it's hard not to feel that same rush that I felt when I first fell in love with the series.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/one-piece/episode-1028/.188440

Saturday, August 6, 2022

Cute Stuffed Pui Pui Molcars—Now With Tiny Hats!

Banpresto's Ichiban Kuji lottery will be offering a new collection of stuffed Molcars (now wearing driver training signs as hats) in November!

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2022-08-06/cute-stuffed-pui-pui-molcars-now-with-tiny-hats/.188389

Call of the Night ‒ Episode 5

After four weeks extolling the hedonistic virtues of nocturnal living, Call of the Night pulls back the curtain on its most depressing revelation yet: even vampires need to earn money.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/call-of-the-night/episode-5/.188399

Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 2 ‒ Episode 18

Chizuru's dedicated episodes this season have uniformly been the most tedious, repetitive, and anti-entertaining of the lot, so I'm calling it here: Chizuru is Worst Girl. Do not @ me.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rent-a-girlfriend-season-2/episode-18/.188405

Shadows House Season 2 ‒ Episode 5

Interestingly enough, the longer John and Shaun interact with Kate and Emilico, the more independent the two of them seem.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/shadows-house-season-2/episode-5/.188400

Friday, August 5, 2022

Otakon 2022 - Interview with Toshio Furukawa & Shino Kakinuma

Toshio Furukawa and Shino Kakinuma are seiyū royalty as the voices of Piccolo and Videl. ANN caught up with the pair at Otakon to discuss their legacy and current work.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2022/otakon/interview-with-toshio-furukawa-and-shino-kakinuma/.188237

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World Novel 1

Yuuya is at the absolute bottom of the world's hierarchy when he stumbles into amazing powers that rewrite his life. Can his story rise above the basic OP fantasy fare?

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/i-got-a-cheat-skill-in-another-world/novel-1/.188042

This Week in Anime - Why You Should Watch Lycoris Recoil

The girls-with-guns series features enough action movie tropes to keep the over-the-top fun rolling, just don't think about the plot too hard.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2022-08-04/.188341

The Skeptic's Guide to Monogatari

Monogatari seems almost purpose-built to deter newcomers. Kevin Cormack looks at the sprawling anime series to help introduce the curious to its world.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2022-08-03/the-skeptic-guide-to-monogatari/.187165

Overlord IV ‒ Episode 5

All the floor guardians in Nazarick are striving to live up to Ainz's expectations—to be more than they were made to be—in their own ways. What they currently are was not enough to stop their gods from abandoning them, after all.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/overlord-iv/episode-5/.188306

Parallel World Pharmacy ‒ Episode 4

I have to say, I'm really loving this anime so far, and I sincerely hope it can manage to keep up the momentum for the rest of the season.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/parallel-world-pharmacy/episode-4/.188281

Classroom of the Elite II ‒ Episode 5

While Ayanokoji is doling out lessons to Horikita, he's teaching the class as a whole an even greater one: you can't rely on a single person to bring you victory.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/classroom-of-the-elite-ii/episode-5/.188279

This Week in Anime - What the Heck is Going On in Yurei Deco?

Science SARU and Dai Sato's reimagining of the classic The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is closer to the original story beats than it appears, while also asking viewers to discern what's real and what's imaginary.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2022-08-02/.188270

List of Voice Actors Diagnosed With COVID-19 in July

The following is a list of voice actors and actresses who announced they tested positive for COVID-19 during the month of July. The list includes the actual...

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-08-02/list-of-voice-actors-diagnosed-with-covid-19-in-july/.188278

Engage Kiss ‒ Episode 5

Engage Kiss delivers its first legitimately great episode this week with “Fleeting Scars,” and it's all thanks to two characters having sex.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/engage-kiss/episode-5/.188224

FUUTO PI ‒ Episode 1

Obviously I'm a major mark for FUUTO PI, but even by the standards of modern anime first episodes, I can feel that it's only barely getting started with this premiere.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/fuuto-pi/episode-1/.188226

One Piece ‒ Episode 1027

It's kind of funny to think about, but the weakness of the Devil Fruits is seldom a key aspect of One Piece's story.

source https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/one-piece/episode-1027/.188221