Jeoffrey

Under normal circumstances, Hidamari Sketch would be a pleasant and slightly above-average slice-of-life story about a group of girls attending an art school and living in a dormitory. The girls are likable, and the teacher is absolutely adorable, but the overall premise isn't groundbreaking. What sets Hidamari Sketch apart and makes it unforgettable is its visual execution. Hailing from the Shaft studio, a name synonymous with distinctive animation in the anime community, Hidamari Sketch embodies the essence of "shaftism." Packed with typical Shaft expressive techniques and animation style, the series boasts a truly unique and irreplaceable atmosphere, exuding a strong personality that lingers in your mind. Not everyone may appreciate it, though. The way the series plays with details, backgrounds, and colors – sometimes looking incredibly cheap and other times beautifully and elaborately done – or how the authors incorporate real objects into animated shots can leave some viewers perplexed. The unconventional editing might make people stare, or shake their heads, but the undeniable creativity and originality are hard to overlook. Moreover, many of these artistic choices make sense; as a seasoned anime viewer, I usually understand why a particular detail is there and why there is hardly any background in a specific scene. Perhaps it's because I've seen a lot of anime, including quite a bit from Shaft, so my brain is used to it, and more importantly, enjoys it. I appreciate the storytelling style as well; the episodic jumps between different school days without much continuity strike me as a great idea. In short, thanks to these aspects, what would have been a slightly above-average and likable slice-of-life transforms into something great, crazy, and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it, recognizing that this series isn't for everyone, and I would gladly dive into the next season. 8/10.

Mushrooms! It is as if the Godlike Quentin Tarantino finally went crazy, dropped a shit ton of magic mushrooms, and started making anime series... I am not going to lie, at first, I was not that into it, the characters did not really grab me, and all the excessive gore combined with the absolutely insane comedy and ridiculous situations where the mood and atmosphere change every few seconds seemed very bizarre. Sure, the narrative involves a brilliantly conceived mystery, and to be honest, even now at the end of the first season I cannot figure out exactly what/who Caiman actually is. The world it is set in has its own charm, with Hole being a real hole and the Sorcerer's World a total freak show, which again must have been invented by someone who probably took way too many magic mushrooms. Unfortunately, I was not too keen on the inclusion of the 3D animation and had to get used to it being so jarring at times. However, as the episodes went on, Dorohedoro started to get under my skin more and more, and ultimately I now consider it one of the best anime series of the anime season Winter 2020, with huge potential for a second season. Is it the incredible imagination that someone infused the show with that makes everything so insanely (un)natural? Or could it be that everything is so really well thought out and yet so crazy that there is no chance of knowing what is going to happen next? It is helped a lot by the character design, a lot of screen time and attention is given to each of the characters, so we can really get to know most of them, and start to really like them. Moreover, I can say that this works for the characters around Caiman, and also En and his "family". The backstory of each character, how everything is connected, and how they act in certain situations, just makes them more likable from episode to episode, even though you know that none of the characters are actually good guys - the same feeling I got from Pulp Fiction, for example. In the end, I have to say that no one has managed to make me laugh as much as Ebisu did this season, although I was not very impressed with her at first! The narrative meanders beautifully and has its twists, is wonderfully complicated and involving although, it still finds time for plenty of preposterous interludes, or sometimes some completely ordinary situations like from everyday life, which give it even more complexity. As far as the action scenes are concerned, the fights are awesome, the movement is pleasantly fluid, and the fact that magic can heal any wounds means they can be incredibly brutal and gory. To top it all off, the soundtrack is really excellent! Dorohedoro was a huge surprise for me in anime season Winter 2020, and I am now looking forward to the next season and want to know the answers and how it all turns out because I just cannot figure it out on my own without getting high on magic mushrooms myself. 8.2/10.

Sometimes, it just so happens that foreigners create a better animated show about samurais than the Japanese themselves right before that. I appreciate that the series doesn't shy away from blood, violence, or nudity. There are several interesting and unexpected twists that kept me engaged throughout. The pacing is good, and there's a noticeable chemistry between the characters, allowing me to overlook a few logical flaws. Animation-wise, it's a pretty solid effort with a style that fits the overall atmosphere. The camera mostly knows what it's doing, showcasing shots effectively. The music is generally fine, especially when it sticks to traditional Japanese motifs. However, the sixth episode takes an odd turn, feeling as if Amie Doherty suddenly thought she was directing a new Mortal Kombat and someone convinced her that a mediocre cover of Metallica is exactly what the samurai series needs = the music in the sixth episode is mostly horrible, or rather, it doesn't fit at all. Nevertheless, I had a pretty good time with the show. Although I'm not entirely sure if I'm eagerly anticipating another season. I have certain ideas about where the series could go, and a continuation in the style of "The Blue-Eyed Samurai in London" doesn't really appeal to me. Still, considering what I saw, I'd give it a 7.5/10.

The last anime I watched in 2023 left me with some mixed feelings. On one hand, I found Terakomari quite likable; she struck me as cute and endearing. In both design and behavior, she even reminded me a bit of Taiga from Toradora!, a character I really adore. However, on the other hand, I was somewhat bothered by the fact that half of the characters seemed fixated on getting intimately close to the heroine, leading to occasional cheap fan service and various innuendos. Given the physique of the main character and my lack of interest in costumes and maids, it becomes a bit of a hurdle for me, something that doesn't quite resonate. The concept of death, or rather "when you die, you'll be back in a while," doesn't particularly appeal to me either. Thanks to it, there's a lack of fear for anyone, nothing feels final, and I understand the dark organization's motive to break this system – which might not be where the story intended to lead me. At least the characters don't behave entirely irresponsibly, and the series consistently emphasizes that nobody actually wants to die because dying, in general, isn't pleasant. What did work for me was the humor, or simply the whole premise built on the weakest vampire having to behave like the strongest warrior in the world. It brought a smile to my face at the beginning, along with some other gags that revolved around it. The animation surprised me; while it mostly looked ordinary, the creative team clearly put effort into important scenes. As a result, some fights actually looked quite vivid, colorful, and intense. I particularly enjoyed the final one with lots of swords, probably because of Unlimited Blade Works. Overall, it's a slightly above-average show for me. 5.5/10.

What can I add to what I've already said in my previous review? My appreciation for this world continues to grow, with more unique variations of dragons catching my eye. I learned some additional rules and uncovered intriguing lore. The animation once again impressed me, and this time, I even took notice of the music. Likewise, the story itself proved to be quite decent. These are the positives. Unfortunately, in this prequel, Balgo is an even dumber character! He's not just a more annoying Ichigo; but Denji after a lobotomy, on a leash... This single character outright ruins the whole experience for me, which could have been above average otherwise. Even that supposedly cool moment when Balgo doesn't behave like a complete idiot won't redeem him in my eyes (unlike Noel). 5.5/10.

While in Japan, there are Shinigami and Hollows, in England, they have witches and dragons. At first glance, it might seem like apples and oranges, but the acronym SSWB  (which stands for Soul Society West Branch) tells a different story. In short, it's Tite Kubo at it again; his trademark character designs are unmistakable. One of the main heroines seems like a more mature (not limited to a specific body part) and taller version of Rukia, while the second one bears a resemblance to Hiyori, accompanied by a short-haired and taller Orihime—here, it's Macy. The similarities continue, and unfortunately, Ichigo, that is, Balgo in this case, seems even more annoying and dumber – a feat that some might find hard to believe. Anyway, I've had a glimpse into an intriguing world; it's like Bleach meets Dragon Hunters, with occasional nods to Harry Potter. Evidently, this world has many rules and peculiar elements to offer. Even animation-wise, it is quite unique; Studio Colorido did a commendable job, capturing me visually. I do have a few qualms about the characters, Balgo being the main problem, but overall, they manage to intrigue me. So, if this is another Tite Kubo project that eventually gets a full anime treatment in the future, even at the length of Bleach, I'll definitely give it a shot. This sneak peek was quite enjoyable. 6/10.

The second season of Jujutsu Kaisen could have been a 10/10 - anime of the year, delivering an unforgettable experience filled with unexpected twists, darkness, and suffering. But no. The animation hell called MAPPA once again went full throttle without any breaks, unfortunately burning out countless promising animators in the process. However, as a consumer, my primary focus should be on the product itself. I did enjoy The Witcher 3, even though many game developers suffered during its creation, and it's still a topic of discussion today. Despite this, I have enough empathy to acknowledge that it's not right. If MAPPA had better scheduling, there could have been at least some space for animators to rest during the second half of the season. We're used to having recap episodes for a six-month anime. What annoys me even more than the fate of the animators is imagining how the product could have looked with better execution and without a change in animation style. Now, at the end of the season, it's clear why there was a change in animation style, why the characters are slightly less detailed, why they no longer have such defined outlines - because when you want to fight with them like crazy throughout the whole season, they are easier to animate/draw, and when something escapes you, it's not such a big deal with those finer outlines. This is the Gainax/Trigger school for me, or rather, I've seen a similar drawing style and its use for dynamic movement in anime from these studios in the past. But back to the problem. If you have an episode where the fights occasionally look completely confusing, in other places, you can see a decrease in frames (even noticing that is a problem), or you realize the insufficient detailing of what little there was to detail, your 10/10 experience slowly falls apart in your hands. When one of the animators declares that one released episode was only 30% finished, it doesn't matter if it still looks better than most of the competing anime that aired that week. I don't want a 30% product; I want to see the 100% version. It annoys me that I can only imagine how great it could have been. That's not cool! Giving the series a 10/10 and raving about it being the best thing I've ever seen is disrespect for human suffering, and claiming that a 30% demo version is better than 100% is nonsense. So, I got rid of the "elephant in the room," let off some steam, and even though I might come back to it later, it's time for praise now. In what way is this season better than the previous one? In the number of battles? Definitely. However, there is a question of quality and quantity. If I put all the fights from the second season next to those from the first season, would they be better? The second season has a different style, faster, more dynamic, more efficient, but slightly less impactful and visually captivating - which again is due to the fact that it's not finished animation-wise. On the other hand, most of the fights are more significant for the story, and much more dramatic. What makes the second season significantly better than the first is the story itself and the handling of individual characters. When the manga readers promised us the "most powerful moments" from the whole source material, they weren't lying. What the story did with Nanami, what it did with Nobara, and how it portrayed them, how animation and music worked in these moments - made them emotionally striking. Unlike the fights, these were the 10/10 moments of the whole season. Simply put, it's dark, it doesn't hold back, and it still makes sense plotwise and from a human perspective. Yuuji himself made an impression on me. He is an indomitable hero facing events that would bring anyone to their knees. The dramatic aspect was perfect. The music aspect was mostly flawless. The tension was palpable. And I'm back at the beginning; this is 10/10 material, an unforgettable experience full of twists, and a possible candidate for anime of the year. But with all the controversy, it just doesn't deserve a full score from me. However, let's face it; with the qualities this series has and as an appreciation for what the animators have ultimately achieved even in inhumane conditions (and now they're probably looking for another job or the nearest tree since MAPPA already announced another season), I don't want to give it less than 5 stars, as it would also be a form of disrespect. But those are the most bittersweet stars I'll give out this year. 8.8/10.

In my view, a solid ending to a slightly above-average show. Once again, the 3DCG animation, while generally tolerable, manages to deliver a few noteworthy moments here and there. However, it doesn't quite reach the level of exceptionalism or stand out as the best in its category. The musical score falls into the realm of average, lacking any particularly memorable tracks. It serves more as a background complement to the atmosphere, that you probably won't even notice and it certainly won't make you search for the soundtrack. The narrative picks up where the series left off, with some logic holes and occasional instances of characters acting silly. The main problem, leading to a global threat in the end, stems from a misinterpretation of a written text. This underscores the importance of not just reading but truly comprehending the message. Despite these narrative hiccups, the world's lore remains a highlight for me. Most of it is presented interestingly and acceptably, even though certain aspects were hinted at in the series. While the film isn't exactly mind-blowing, save for the ending, it lands as a decent watch, earning a 6/10 rating from me.

A delightful celebration of human imagination and creativity, this anime is a warm trip down memory lane for those who experienced the quirky charm of the '90s and still remember things like floppy disks, non-flat monitors, and computers running on operating systems other than the ubiquitous Windows, working with BIOS and even 8bit and 16bit animation. It's a celebration of otaku craziness, whether your passion lies in cute anime girls, graphic novels, or historical technology. There's a plethora of collectibles and fan-worthy content to enjoy. Adding a dash of time travel into the mix, the causality of which becomes dysfunctional with even the smallest involvement of the brain. However, there's the challenge of tolerating a heroine whose voice resembles a chipmunk that overdosed on helium – it might genuinely hurt your ears.  Aoi Kogu, known for her work in Kaguya, showcases her versatile voice acting, but unfortunately, Konoha feels like another version of her Paimon voice from Genshin Impact, which, let's face it, can be a bit grating. While the series has its enjoyable moments, there's an equal measure of frustration. Konoha's often baffling behavior and the series' handling of the consequences of time travel left me less than impressed. The involvement of a mysterious higher power in the form of Echo 1 to 3 felt rather strange. On the positive side, I found myself recalling forgotten historical tidbits and recognizing retro games and anime like Di Gi Charat and Kanon. Despite my aversion to the main heroine, the last episode managed to move me a bit, leading me to label the overall experience as mildly above average. 5.5/10.

Best season of Tokyo Revengers, featuring the highest stakes, the greatest dangers, and the most sacrifices. Our hero is at the top of his game, and I thoroughly enjoy witnessing his unwavering determination. Finally delving into the main antagonist's motivation is intriguing, but the series falls short in evoking any pity for him. Kisaki stands as an example that while genius is admirable, lacking empathy can be a downfall. Izana, though not as impactful as Taiju from the previous season, brings an interesting aspect to the story. However, what didn't sit well with me, or rather left me genuinely disappointed, was how Takemichi's secret was revealed to the others. Anticipating it had to happen, I expected a better execution. The ending feels somewhat abrupt, hinting at a possible continuation, but I'm unsure what extensive issues they still aim to address. Despite this, the season was eventful, delivering several unexpected surprises — a solid drama overall. I'd rate it 8.4/10, marking it as the best season of Tokyo Revengers, but it narrowly missed a 5-star rating from me.