Jeoffrey

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off turned out to be quite different from what I initially anticipated (a simple anime adaptation). Even after finishing the last episode, I can't decide if it's something I needed to see or merely something I wished for. While the story does expand and certain characters are explored in more detail, I find myself questioning if I'm enough of a fan of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and its universe to fully appreciate it. From an animation standpoint, it's a solid production. The Science SARU studio, known for their unconventional and visually original projects, did a commendable job with this one as well. The music was enjoyable, and I particularly appreciated the return of the original actors from the movie, which was the main reason why I opted for the English dubbing in this case. However, the overall story didn't fully captivate me. At the end of the first episode, I might have gotten too excited about the fact that this wouldn't be just an adaptation but rather a highly alternative interpretation that would go beyond the original story. Consequently, I wasn't as blown away by its uniqueness as I had initially hoped. While it was an interesting series and enjoyable to watch, I can't bring myself to praise it more than saying it was nice, which, for me, equates to 6.4/10.

I was promised this would be something akin to Slayers, and I'd heard opinions that it might be the only series where ecchi is logically justified, because undressing elves serves a practical purpose here. However, after trudging through ten episodes, I'm throwing in the towel. The main issue lies in the fact that the series didn't strike me as particularly funny, which is a glaring flaw for a comedy. I couldn't spot any resemblance to Slayers either, except perhaps in the animation style, which I did appreciate. You see, Slayers had a comedic charm that resonated with me; it had multiple intriguing ideas that gradually built up, even featuring a meowing tank. However, this series fails to deliver on the promise of a quality retro ecchi (ideally without censorship). Instead, it offers a lackluster journey of a mismatched group attempting to navigate through a strange world (yes, isekai already existed in the nineties), filled with subpar plot twists and gags. It seems my expectations were too lofty, and I'm even more disheartened that after ten episodes, all I can't say anything else than "average." Time to pack up and seek entertainment elsewhere. 5/10

I am sorry, but I am not riding this wave... Yes, I appreciated the interesting approach to the opening exposition of the narrative (of which there is almost none) and the large amount of mystery and intrigue created to pull this whole anime together because of it. However, unfortunately, it is not enough for me. In fact, I had a huge problem with the first episode, where I felt like the main male protagonist finds everything too easy (got that hard, impossible test? Well, the girl next to you just so happens to have a pretty cool sword... Nobody knows how to use it properly, however, you are different, dude... Why? Maybe we are going to find out someday. When? When the dragons arrive in Westeros...). The main male protagonist manages to avoid any mortal danger in a way that feels quite weird and completely destroys any fear about him. It also therefore destroys any sense of suspense and any desire to continue watching it. This is because when someone threatens you and within three minutes, they are killed by someone else, who then threatens you, only to be taken down by someone else entirely, who then in turn... Well, this scene was just "too much" for Jeoffrey and killed his interest not once, not twice but three times. I skipped through the second episode in an attempt to find a character I cared about, a character I could be concerned for, a character I wanted to follow throughout the narrative (however interesting, yet only because we do not really know much...). Unfortunately, I could not find any such character. So I am out and will leave this "wave" for the rest of you - no rating of course, just a few thoughts and impressions. Dropped after the second episode.

Yes, the Japanese Ocean’s Eleven has a lot of style, and there is no question about that. I have to say this was a very satisfying and enjoyable show. The characters were, in my opinion, both very endearing and well-drawn, and I could easily empathize with their motivations even when not based on their pasts. I also liked Edamura. I liked his inner moral dilemmas, choosing between what is right and perhaps what is more right, and I could relate to him quite well most of the time. I did not start to find Cynthia interesting until I really got to know her, although I certainly do not understand the criticisms that she is an irritating character. On the one hand, Abigail is a little bit crazy, and on the other hand, I like her personality which is closed and complicated. I also liked Laurent who is a charismatic, likable guy, and his backstory was probably my favorite. I really enjoyed the whole show and I did not find a single story-arc boring (Los Angeles Connection 9/10, Singapore Sky 7/10, Snow of London 8/10, Wizard of Far East 8/10), they were all decently paced, with good ideas and twists. The animation and soundtrack (who does not like Freddie?) were excellent. I am a happy boy. 8/10.

About as entertaining and inventive as the first season, with standout episodes like the one featuring the cat on the keyboard. It's reminiscent of the internet craze with cats walking across keyboards, typing out gibberish (or was that just in a Twitch chat?). Who knows, maybe one of those cats even penned this review! For you cat lovers out there, this one is a delightful watch. 7/10

Toilet-bound Hanako-kun is a very peculiar anime series. The animation is quite original, although I have been having a hard time getting used to it. It reminds me that quite often an anime series is actually just a manga in motion, which looks and feels weird in this particular show. Also, (as SonGokussj says in his review), on the whole the atmosphere changes all the time, and the changes sometimes feel too unnatural. There are interesting characters, and the individual narratives and the mystery regarding the two brothers are also intriguing. On the other hand, I somehow could not get on with the characters. Yashiro is incredibly naive at times, and her desire for a girly romance and popularity does not really help a guy in the thirty-plus age bracket relate to this show - again, as SonGokussj writes, I guess I am not the target audience. Still, unlike my colleague, I did not give up, my curiosity would not let me, because I wanted to know how it would turn out, and I also wanted to know more about the relationship between the two brothers. I was even interested in how the kind of Twilight-style romance, and maybe even how Mitsuba would turn out, even though once again I was not really into that particular character. It is an imaginative show, and it is even funny, however, at the same time there are things that made me go "meh". After saying all of that, I am sticking with it. I am going to finish the whole of the first season, and then I will probably give the next one a go. I have been conflicted, however, as to what extent this anime series is entertaining, enjoyable and intriguing. Am I awarding it a strong three stars or weak four stars? In the end, on reflection, I am going with a strong three stars, so 6.4/10.

For me, it was a nice nod to Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun, a series that was undeniably unique but didn't quite win me over. Similarly, I didn't fully connect with Hanako-kun and the gang here. The episodes felt short and pretty random, serving more as a quick revisit to this world. 6/10

For some, today marks the end of just one anime series, but for others, it signals the end of an entire era. While I've never been the staunchest fan of AoT in its previous seasons, always finding some reason to withhold that coveted fifth star, I can't deny it this time. I now understand why the ending of AoT is such a monumental event for many. It's a series that, like Pokémon, One Piece, Naruto, and later Sword Art Online, has created a whole new generation of otaku, serving as a gateway to anime for countless viewers who realized that animation isn't just for kids. For them, this is the end of their first true Japanese animated love – a feeling that must be both poignant and surreal. The most notable criticism of this final season, one that's been the butt of many jokes, is its broadcast format. Stretching it out in all ways possible, creating "final season, final part, part 2" or was it "final season, part 3, part 2", is something I'll remember for years to come. But perhaps it was a necessary sacrifice to uphold the series' quality, turning each episode into a grand and meaningful experience. MAPPA spared no effort, even in the realm of CGI, which typically raises eyebrows among anime purists. Yet here, it seamlessly blends into the narrative, leaving only minor details like the pronounced shading of characters using hatching to potentially gripe about. But what's beyond reproach now is the story. The final season is a culmination of everything the author has meticulously laid out in previous seasons, including what was only hinted at in passing. It broadens the scope of the narrative to encompass the entire world, introducing new dimensions and shifting perspectives on events we thought we understood. It's a profound philosophical exploration of morality, humanity, hatred, and war, with countless themes to unpack. Nothing is painted in simple black and white; everything is a matter of perspective. The line between hero and terrorist blurs, depending on who's judging our actions. For the discerning viewer, this last season is a treat to savor, a puzzle finally pieced together to reveal a beautifully complex image worthy of further analysis. The emotions, as intense as ever, resonate deeply as the stakes soar to unprecedented heights – and rightfully so. I found myself genuinely invested in the characters, no longer certain of anyone's fate, which made the loss of some all the more poignant. Surprisingly, I even shed a tear for a character I used to only make fun of in previous seasons. The "finale" itself, spanning the last two episodes, is nothing short of cinematic brilliance – a culmination, explanation, and conclusion rolled into one. Though, to say it ties up every loose end would be a stretch; some mysteries transcend even the end of the series – which is one of the show's takeaways. What more is there to say? For some, today marks the end of just one anime series, but for others, it marks the end of an era. And as Jeoffrey can only attest, there's a lot more to "Titans" than meets the eye. 9.5/10

Honestly, I'm not a fan of the animation style chosen for this anime. The blend of 3D characters against mostly static 2D backgrounds, often lacking detail, gives off an odd vibe that doesn't sit well with me as a viewer. It almost feels like watching a puppet show, with characters appearing artificial and moving awkwardly and sometimes unnaturally. However, animation isn't everything; a compelling story could potentially make up for it. Unfortunately, I found myself struggling to keep focused. Despite being 37 (and supposedly beyond such issues), I felt bored and disconnected from what was happening on screen. The characters failed to capture my attention, and I ultimately found it challenging to make it through the first episode. In such a situation, I see no reason to force myself to continue. It's simply not the right fit for me. I dropped it after the first episode, leaving it unrated.

One of the weaker side stories within the world of TenSura. The narrative felt hasty, with new characters receiving insufficient development. In essence, there wasn't enough space for the authors to fully flesh out their intended storylines. Consequently, I view Visions of Coleus more as a promotional piece for the upcoming third season of the main anime, particularly highlighting important characters who are likely to play pivotal roles in the future. However, these character introductions, often fleeting, may not resonate strongly with anime-only viewers in the end, unlike those who follow the manga. The animation quality is decent, particularly during the battle sequences. Despite the condensed storytelling, there were still elements of merit. Overall, while it surpasses the previous OVA series, it falls short of the movie. I'd rate it a 7/10, indicating a level of enjoyment comparable to The Slime Diaries: That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime.