Jeoffrey

The fifth season may have been shorter than my usual expectations, but it left me thoroughly satisfied. It showed what kind of general Shin wants to be, revealing the trials his unit faced, and most importantly, his evolving perspective on warfare. What gripped me most was the stark contrast between Shin's army and Kan Ki's forces — what they were willing to sacrifice for victory, the ingenious methods an army of former bandits could conjure, and the chilling realities of war that they brought. This series truly shines in portraying the moral dilemmas of war. Although it is clear who you're supposed to root for, I found myself torn between Shin's idealism and Kan Kiho's pragmatic approach, which felt more grounded in the historical context. The final episode didn't disappoint either. Ei Sei's vision for uniting the seven kingdoms and his impassioned speech struck a chord, making his quest for unification all the more compelling. His emotional appeal made perfect sense, and I continued to find myself rooting for his cause. Of course, we can't forget the epic battles, led by generals driven by intriguing motivations. This time, the focus on forested terrain with hills added another layer of strategic depth, with devious deceptions keeping me on the edge of my seat. Overall, Season 5 delivered another excellent experience for me. 9/10

With all the buzz surrounding Solo Leveling before its release, I admit I expected a bit more. Initially, I couldn't quite see what all the hype was about. The whole premise of gates from another dimension opening into our world felt like a cliché, and the first few episodes seemed like a generic edgefest with the most obvious cliffhanger. The protagonist gaining abilities that make everyday life like a video game didn't really grab me either, and the nurses watching his gradual transformation were about as interesting as watching paint dry. Even in terms of animation, I wasn't hyped up at first. I'd seen screenshots from the manhwa and comparisons to the anime adaptation, and my initial impression? The anime didn't quite convince me. The fights started catching my interest around the battle with the giant snake, and the story really picked up when it delved into the gray areas of these portals to another world — what could happen in them and who you need to watch out for. While I still wasn't too keen on the video game mechanics, I saw them as an easy way to track the hero's progress for the viewer. The animation gradually improved; by the second half, it was really something to watch, and I enjoyed many of the battles. However, comparing A-1 Pictures' work here to MAPPA's on the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen, which I consider the gold standard of anime action, what A-1 Pictures delivered here is solidly A-tier — it could have been better. What also didn't quite click for me were the characters. The main protagonist is cool, and I enjoy following him, but he's pretty much the only character I feel like I know anything substantial about. With most of the other side characters, I know roughly who they are, but after twelve episodes, I still have minimal insight into their personalities. Summing it up, this series gradually won me over. It hasn't reached the level of hype for me yet, but as a decent introduction, it worked relatively well, and it really got going in the second half. I'm interested in seeing more, expecting more, and hopefully, the second season won't disappoint. For now, Season 1 gets a 7.4/10 from me.

Ragna Crimson isn't afraid to dive into the edgy, dark side, often immersing you in rivers of blood and a tale filled with loss and suffering. Yet, amidst all this grimness, the series manages to hook you with moments of hope and determination, creating a thrilling rollercoaster ride. What truly captivated me in this rather uncomplicated battle between people and dragons, though, was the depth of the characters. The main characters aren't simply painted in black, white, or gray; they're richly colored with unexpected nuances and contradictions. I found myself unexpectedly drawn into the story of  Ultimatia and Voltekamui, falling for the eccentric armless princess Starlia, who sees our hero as a sexy sword. Crimson's chaotic yet calculated nature intrigued me, as did Ragna's struggle, which went beyond being a mere dragon-slaying trope like Eren. The question lingers: do dragons truly deserve death? Once human, often with extraordinary stories, now monstrous, each dragon carries a tale of their own, making them more than mere monsters. The characters truly stole the show for me — their development, interactions, and complexities kept me thoroughly engaged. The battles were another highlight, some executed brilliantly, while others made me think of the advice: "If you can't animate something dynamically and in detail, deceive the viewer's attention with the help of colors." So, in terms of colors, it was a real treat. I particularly enjoyed effects like lightning, hand-drawn to perfection, which gave the series a unique, almost retro feel. While this style might not appeal to everyone, I found it refreshing and immersive. In the end, Ragna Crimson is a success in my eyes — an edgy, well-crafted series. Unlike other shows, it knows what it's doing, confidently presents its narrative, and delivers on intriguing characters. 7.8/10

I had high hopes going in, but The Dangers in My Heart surpassed all expectations. The final episode was nothing short of brilliant, earning a solid 10/10 from me. The way the two main characters bared their hearts, revealing why they fell in love, felt so genuine and beautifully fitting with everything we've seen throughout not just this season, but the entire series. From the very first season, the show had me hooked. It delved into the gradual transformation of two vastly different personalities finding their way to each other. The second season brilliantly builds upon this foundation, deepening their relationship, throwing new obstacles in their path, and culminating in a breathtaking finale. What stood out the most for me? Perhaps it was how the main character, despite his insecurities and fears, ultimately grasped what needed to be done at a crucial moment, revealing a surprising maturity. On the other hand, the main female character, often seeming confident but struggling with her own uncertainties, felt incredibly relatable. The series beautifully portrays the conflicts of adolescence — the clash between the weight of adulthood's responsibilities and the carefree naivety of childhood. It's a delicate balance that's masterfully executed, making everything the characters do feel utterly believable. Moments like Ichikawa's confrontation with his past self are some of the series' most powerful. Both main characters are exceptionally well-written, with their own strengths and weaknesses. Watching them grow, both individually and in their relationship, is what kept me rooting for them throughout. Sure, it gets cringy and awkward at times, but that's part of the charm — reminiscent of those first romances we've all experienced. The animation is top-notch, complemented by an even better musical score. In short, I was thoroughly enthralled by the show. I hope for more episodes because this feels like just the beginning of a relationship that promises to be as intriguing as the journey to it. 9.5/10

If you were a fan of the first season, this one will likely hit the same notes for you. On the other hand, if the first season didn't quite grab you, this second one won't do much to change your mind. There's a faction of viewers out there who claim Mashle is the pinnacle of comedy, citing the opening of the second season as a musical masterpiece. Humor, much like musical taste, is incredibly subjective. That's why I'd prefer it if die-hard fans of Mashle didn't try to make me laugh, explain a joke, or play their favorite songs for me. I seem to be in the minority here because I didn't find Mashle's humor to be the least bit funny. This season failed to elicit even a chuckle from me — not once. Many jokes fell flat, feeling awkward and out of sync with my sense of humor. Some moments, like when Mashle's friends turned into kids or certain parts of the last episode, made me cringe so hard it felt like a part of me was quietly dying. The attempt at humor severely dampened my interest, and honestly, I'm not sure if I'll stick around for another season. The opening song, which received praise from many, didn't resonate with me (although I loved the previous songs from Creepy Nuts in Call of the Night). It felt repetitive and uninspiring, so I ended up skipping it — it just wasn't my style. Additionally, the insertion of hip-hop as background music for various scenes didn't sit well with me and clashed with the epic, symphonic fantasy motifs. Moving on to the story and fights, this season left me underwhelmed. While the plot was straightforward and some questions were answered, the resolutions felt simplistic and often clichéd (cue the "Luke, I am your father!" moment). I missed the light-hearted and inventive ways Mashle navigated the lack of magic in the first season. Here, it seemed like the solution was always to do things with bigger force, with Mashle bulldozing through obstacles. The physical and magical fights also lacked the impact and execution I enjoyed in the first season. Perhaps my standards have shifted due to newer anime, but what Mashle presented felt average at best. In conclusion, "Mashle: Braindead" simply didn't resonate with me and entertained me even less than the first season. It just goes to show that this anime isn't my cup of tea and it feels like much of what made the series unique has been exhausted. With that said, if the first and second seasons didn't impress me, it's unlikely the next one will, so I'll leave it to the die-hard fans. I give this season a 4.5/10.

I decided to give this series a shot, even though the trailers made it seem like utter nonsense. Why? Because it was directed by Chizuru Miyawaki, the genius behind much of my beloved Gintama. I hoped it might be funny, surprising, or at least decent. Two episodes in, and I have to admit, the miracle didn't happen — it's just nonsense!

Imagine stepping into a bar while completely sober. You glance around and think to yourself, "Well, this looks dreadful." There are a few regulars, clearly already deep into their drinks, chatting away about things that seem like utter nonsense to you - you're not from around here, after all. Then, out of nowhere, a beer-bellied fellow starts describing his obscene fantasies and questionable experiences with women. You can't shake the feeling that none of it actually happened, and you start wondering why you even walked in here in the first place. After a short while, you decide to turn on your heel and leave without even ordering anything. That's how my experience with Snack Basue felt – a moment with an anime that's tragically lacking in animation quality, with unlikable characters who dive into Japanese politics, actors, and other stuff that might excite die-hard Japanophiles, but not your average viewer, even if they're an anime fan. Then came Morita's ramblings, and I felt an overwhelming sense of cringe wash over me. It was at that moment I realized I didn't want to continue watching this. The series held no value for me, in fact, it was a pretty unpleasant watch. So, it was only logical to drop it after the first episode...

When I first heard about this "battle healer," I expected just another run-of-the-mill isekai anime. But to my surprise, this series managed to exceed my expectations in almost every way. Right from the first episode, I was drawn to the array of likable characters. Our trio of heroes from our world are all distinct and cool in their own ways, making it easy to connect with each of them. The inhabitants of this fantasy kingdom are no exception, whether it's the relatively sensible king, the kind-hearted princess, or the leader of the healers, Rose. Visually, the show is quite appealing, with engaging interactions between the characters. The main hero undergoes genuine training here (no becoming overpowered within five minutes!), and I appreciated the reasonable explanation of why healing abilities combined with combat training are so impressive. The concept of how these abilities can be utilized, in line with the series' title, was also intriguing. The story itself has clearly been crafted with care, much like the characters. It has a solid plot that keeps everything together and left me curious about what would unfold next. While the animation could use some improvement, I found it decent overall, and the music in the series added a nice touch. Overall, I'd give it a 7.3/10, and I would definitely be interested in seeing more episodes.

What a delightful surprise! This series turned out to be incredibly likable from start to finish. Even the trailers caught my attention, especially with what seemed like top-notch animation. However, I couldn't help but worry that it might try to emotionally drain me with the main character's tragic past, as the trailers heavily hinted. To my relief, the first few episodes set a relatively pleasant tone. The reveal about the heroine's past came, if I recall correctly, around the third episode. And you know what? It was presented in a way that I found okay. There was no forced attempt to make me pity Ivy for her hardships. Instead, I found myself rooting for her because of how she bravely overcame those challenges. She's a character who walks forward in a genuinely likable way. This "weakest tamer" managed to impress me in many other aspects as well. I particularly appreciated how the isekai aspect was incorporated here — it felt fresh and original. The whole journey was a joy, from the various stops to the depiction of society and the detailed cities. Everything felt believable, like the child kidnapper organization being portrayed not just as a couple of individuals but as a well-structured group. The cast of characters was another highlight for me. Despite the complexities of the world and the presence of villains, there were still plenty of good-hearted individuals. Even those who made mistakes had the chance to redeem themselves at the right moment. Instead of the expected somber tone promised by most trailers, I got the opposite — a series that left me in a good mood, filled with hope and smiles. It was one of the most pleasant experiences of the entire winter season, despite touching on some serious themes. And the animation? It was downright beautiful. The gorgeously colorful palette used throughout, especially in the visually stunning opening, was a feast for the eyes. Coupled with a pleasant drawing style and excellent music, it all came together for a strong 4 stars from me. I'm truly hoping for another season. 8.3/10

Gushing Over Magical Girls has been the talk of the town this season, splitting the anime community into two distinct camps. On one side, you have those who find the series repulsive — its overt explicitness combined with the young age of most of the girls here leaves a sour taste, harvesting more contempt than praise. Parents wouldn't trust their kids with these fans. Then there's the other side — the ones unfazed by the explicitness, seeing the characters as just animated figures, and even some who actively seek out such content. Some dub themselves men of culture, others coomers," and yes, there are likely a few pedobears in this mix. But is the series really just about these two extremes? Does your view of the show hinge solely on how you appreciate animated erotica and where you draw the line? To some extent, yes, we can't ignore this aspect, so everyone can place themselves on that spectrum. But life isn't just black and white... For instance, at my age, I've been gravitating towards the MILF category in adult videos for a while now. Yet, in my youth, I watched my fair share of anime, so this series doesn't particularly shock or excite me. Though it's true that some scenes went a tad further than I needed. Scenes like the sexualized diaper exchange or the bizarre family play, the final "fun" with an octopus, or any kind of tentacles are simply not my cup of tea. So why watch if the series' focal point, this "fan service," doesn't resonate with me? Partly out of curiosity, but mainly because beneath all the erotica, this series has an intriguing concept, well-drawn character psychology, and many situations felt refreshingly original and unexpectedly fun. We've seen stories from the villain's perspective, and there's probably a story about villains in the mahou shoujo universe. But blending this viewpoint with themes of self-discovery and sexuality is a fresh take. Surprisingly, it all fits together logically and works decently. I found myself understanding the characters, their quirks, and fetishes — nothing here happens without reason. Even the odder scenes, like the diaper exchange, have their justifications, reflecting the psychological state of characters like little Korisa, who clearly lacks a stable family. Everything the main heroine, Utena, does, is based on her understanding of the magical girls, as well as the dichotomy of good and evil. She doesn't want to see them suffer but believes they can overcome trials with unwavering character. Her journey to understand her heroines reveals sides not easily seen by others. Kiwi's obsession with Utena stems from a desire for attention, as Utena was the first to truly notice her. I could go on analyzing each character, but in short, the series excels in depicting their psyches and isn't overly complicated. What does the series offer? Insights like the thin line between admiration and obsession or the fact that depravity isn't always obvious — no one has "damaged" written on their forehead. So, despite not being one to revel in eroticism, I couldn't dismiss this series entirely. It had something that kept me watching till the end. If you don't have all your blood rushing to your genitals while watching, and your brain is functioning normally, and you're not blinded by anger either, the series offers food for thought. Its originality, how it breaks the magical girl mold, and what it's willing to show came off as entertaining and fresh. When I factor in the excellent performance (her first major role) of Fuuka Izumi as Utena, giving the character a wide range of emotions and expressions with her voice, I'll give it a 6/10 despite my significant reservations.