Jeoffrey

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.

Meiji Gekken: 1874 ends up being a bit of a letdown, especially for someone like me who has been intrigued by the beginning of the Meiji period ever since the first Kenshin. Unfortunately, this series fails to deliver anything particularly memorable. The story lacks those powerful, standout moments it seems to be striving for, leaving it feeling rather lackluster overall. The quality of the action scenes is, at best, average. I didn't feel that gripping tension or excitement during most of the battles, making it hard to become invested in the fate of those in combat. What did I ultimately glean from this experience? Perhaps just the reaffirmation that "A traitor is worse than an enemy" Or the realization that even though one hand can't clap, it sure can shoot a bow flawlessly... Okay. In essence, I found myself with very little to take away considering the number of characters and the scope of the story compressed into ten episodes. To make matters worse, many twists were easily predictable, like how Sumie would end up which I called from the get-go. The main protagonist, unfortunately, came off as rather unremarkable to me. Instead, I found myself more drawn to characters like Kyoushirou and his group out for revenge. The most likeable character for me has to be the sword master Koto, even though her role in the story was somewhat limited. On the flip side, I don't have many outright criticisms either. The series isn't dumb; it just falls far short of the interesting and epic tale it aims to be. I'll give credit where it's due — there's nothing that particularly annoyed me. Mostly, I just see wasted potential, especially in those lackluster battles. It's a bit of a grey, mediocre, at best slightly above average series. I made it to the end, but I doubt it'll stick with me a month from now. 5.2/10.

This one was a major letdown for me, probably one of the biggest disappointments from the winter season. I'm usually a fan of Studio BONES, and this was their anniversary project, so I was expecting at least a 7+/10 experience. Instead, what I got was a half-baked Blade Runner mixed with mecha suits straight out of Ultraman, and a main duo of girls who were trying way too hard to have chemistry (because Motonobu Hori gave us Carol and Tuesday), but even that fell flat. Their relationship lacked a solid foundation, leaving me wanting more in terms of their interactions and gradual development to make me believe in their feelings and trust for each other, especially during those moments when it seemed like they were just pbetraying each other. The same goes for the other nine Neans, supposedly once part of a big family with very fragile relationships that were supposed to carry the weight of the story towards the end. But building connections to characters and believing in their bonds based solely on a few flashbacks just didn't work. Take Rouge and Cyan, for example - trying to establish a deep sisterly bond in two episodes is just not realistic, and I couldn't buy into it. It feels like character development was rushed because the creators tried to cram in as many fights and classic sci-fi questions about the line between human and robot, and what free will means (basically Mars: Become Human)... but even that felt rushed. There were so many characters, so many side plots that I initially enjoyed, but they mostly turned out to be inconsequential. And the final twist, thanks to all those side plots, lost its impact. Building up the mysterious puppeteer behind it all was unnecessary because it was obvious who was under the mask from the start, especially since the story didn't provide any other viable options. And with all these layers and twists, the core of who is really behind everything falls completely flat, because the viewer is so tangled up in all the "onion layers" without proper exposition while being told that the story is still clever and delicate... It needed at least 24 episodes to fully explore and unfold everything, to allow the viewer to experience every layer of the story thoroughly and make it all meaningful. The beginning was promising, capturing that cyberpunk atmosphere perfectly. Everything seemed simple yet full of potential. Actually, the only thing I found lacking after the first episode was the underutilized music side (I was expecting some booming synths, a distinctive soundtrack, given the Blade Runner vibes). Some later episodes were decent, showing me the setting and developing characters, but it all started to feel overcrowded from around the fourth episode. It seemed like the creators weren't sure where to focus their attention, throwing too much into the pot at once, and it started to burn and fall apart. As I mentioned, the ending wasn't particularly surprising, and when it did try, the twists felt forced or had no emotional impact on me. Or they were accompanied by a line that made me want to facepalm ("The one who killed me was me!"). But okay, enough of the negativity. Let's mention some positives. Animation-wise, the series was impressive. The fight scenes were good, especially in terms of the use of colors and effects. I did manage to relate to the main duo at times, but it wasn't always easy. That's about it. Metallic Rouge was supposed to be this grand project, something I was looking forward to, something I believed Studio BONES would put effort into. But in the end, it was just a messy and half-baked series with a promising start but a dull and unimpressive finale. Rouge MIDStar - 5/10.

I would like to be able to say that I enjoyed Mr. Villain's Day Off, after all, it had a calm and pleasant atmosphere, along with a likable main character. However, the fun factor of each episode seemed to vary quite a bit for me. Maybe it's because I'm not particularly keen on pandas, and this series had too many of them for my taste. The humor, too, only landed about half the time, leaving me laughing less than I had hoped. That said, there were standout moments that I genuinely liked. The robotic cat's scenes were a highlight, as were the endearing child romance of the tree ghosts and the family dynamics among the Rangers. On the flip side, scenes at the villains' headquarters or visits to the zoo and supermarket fell flat for me. Despite its inconsistencies, the show works well as a low-key Sunday watch. It's perfect for unwinding and relaxing, and I'd give it a solid 6.4/10.

Die, die, die, and you too, die! If I had a shot for every "shine" from the hero this season, my liver wouldn't make it to spring. What's even more disheartening is that none of those "die" moments carry even half the weight and power as when Frieren ordered Aura to kill herself. But that's not what bothers me, nor the fact that the hero is so ridiculously OP that you don't even fear for him for a second – as Anos Voldigoad or Cid Kagenó have shown, there's still work to be done with that. What also doesn't bother me is the fact that the series is an incredible mishmash of everything possible and impossible. Trying to follow any coherent story amidst all this clutter isn't easy. Fortunately, the main storyline isn't too complicated. This whole thing is a crazy mix of various ideas and twists. On the other hand, it's funny in its own way. Here, you truly don't know what you'll get in the next episode, minute, or second – there's only one rule: if you even think of slightly upsetting the hero, you die! And the hero kills anyone and anything; imagination knows no bounds. I appreciate originality, so I could forgive the below-average animation. But there's something that made this series hell on earth for me. There aren't just one, but two of the most annoying characters I had to endure this season! I'm sorry, but the protagonist's ancestor and the chubby classmate with Hiro Shimono's voice ruined any positive impression and dragged the whole experience down to below-average waters. Almost everyone was dying, but I had to put up with these two until the end. The whole torment seemed to be intended as a comedic element, which killed everything for me, even the desire for a potential next season (where both would likely return). For me, 4/10. Die Danoura Mokomoko, and die Daimon Hanakawa!

Ninja Kamui immediately piqued my interest with Song-hu Park at the helm, the same director behind the gripping first season of JJK. Known for his knack for choreographing exhilarating fight scenes, Park and his team deliver solid work here, seamlessly blending traditional animation with CGI. The fight sequences pack a punch, brimming with power, impact, and energy that kept me glued to the screen. The main character, brought to life by the stellar voice acting of Kenjirou Tsuda, drew me in with his compelling backstory and a motivation reminiscent of John Wick's. He exudes just the right amount of coolness to keep the entertainment flowing. However, my enthusiasm waned when it came to the story. While the beginning showed promise with its well-executed revenge narrative and intriguing ninja lore, it took a detour into the realm of mechanical suits and corporate villains, with the corporate world and a younger version of Steve Jobs as the primary antagonists. What began as a strong and straightforward plot gradually became convoluted, delving into themes that failed to hold my interest. It's disappointing to learn that the creators had to extend the episode count to 13 to accommodate their entire story, as I believe a tighter narrative with perhaps just 12 or even 8 episodes would have served the series better. Maintaining the pace and quality of the initial episodes without the unnecessary layers would have made for a more engaging experience. In the end, Ninja Kamui offers decent action and entertainment value, but its tendency to overstretch, overexplain, and rehash certain themes relegates it to a one-time watch for me. Unfortunately, it falls short of leaving a lasting impression. 5.5/10

This charming, and funny Yuru Yuri spin-off gives us a peek into the daily lives of Oomuro Sakurako and her two sisters, along with their circle of friends. It's a collection of various stories woven into a single film, each offering its own charm. Trust me, those 40 minutes will breeze by like a summer day. My favorite character surprisingly isn't one of the Ómura sisters, but Misaki whose height just isn't feeling well today and who's most definitely not afraid of the dark or rain. This feisty, competitive tsundere stole the show for me, adding a hilarious dynamic to every scene she graces. I'd happily watch an entire series centered around her, Hanako-sama, and their classmates. The animation and music are as delightful as ever, keeping true to the Yuru Yuri series' signature style. I thoroughly enjoyed it and eagerly await the sequel. 8/10

Sand Land feels like the anime version of Mad Max, infused with a dash of fantasy and sci-fi from the mind of the late, great author of the Dragon Ball series, Akira Toriyama. Toriyama's signature humor style and overall atmosphere are unmistakable, reminiscent of the original Dragon Ball. Despite its simplicity, the series never loses its charm, keeping viewers engaged with straightforward yet intriguing storytelling. The characters, particularly the seasoned fighter and current sheriff Rao, are compelling and likable. However, the animation, especially the CG character animation, leaves much to be desired, like a sort of 2.5D. While it occasionally shines, it often feels heavy-handed and unnatural (such as Ann's hair), detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, the world's potential feels underutilized, failing to captivate enough to warrant further exploration or rewatches. Overall, Sand Land is a pleasant watch, earning a 6/10 from me. For fans of Akira Toriyama, it's likely a must-watch, but I suspect they will appreciate the series much more than I did.

Sasaki and Peeps follows the story of an overworked forty-year-old man who, one fateful day, purchases a magical bird from a store. Suddenly, he finds himself able to travel between two different worlds, accompanied by a group of underage girls who cling to him for reasons unknown. The last part may be some weird preference of the author, but considering the fact that Sasaki only has eyes for his P-chan, there's no cause for alarm or the need to call the FBI. Initially, the premise of traveling between worlds didn't strike me as particularly interesting. It immediately brought to mind at least two other anime (I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement) that, in my opinion, didn't quite succeed with a similar concept. So, I entered Sasaki and Peeps with cautious skepticism, albeit intrigued by the fact that the main roles were voiced by my favorite voice actors (Tomokazu Sugita and Aoi Yuuki). Thankfully, the extended first episode served as a strong introduction, quickly revealing the series' true essence. What unfolded was an original and captivating blend of themes. The world contains individuals with supernatural abilities, alongside wizards from a fantasy realm and magical girls from a mysterious dimension. These three distinct concepts of working with supernatural forces intersected in intriguing ways, and I was genuinely curious to see how it would all unfold. I wasn't disappointed. The series skillfully portrays how, despite the different techniques involved, the outcomes are often similar. Wizard Sasaki adeptly plays the roles of a talented esper and a "magical man," and everyone, myself included, believes in him. The transitions between worlds, the trading, and the establishment of new connections felt organic and logical. I found myself enjoying the narrative, at least in its early stages. Initially, the series felt fresh, creative, and engaging. However, as it progressed, I began to feel that it was losing momentum. Some parts seemed rushed, especially the storylines in the fantasy world, which felt somewhat incomplete. It's possible that there was excessive cutting from the original source material, leaving certain aspects underdeveloped. In the second half, I occasionally felt that the overarching story direction lacked a more solid foundation. Nevertheless, the final episode, along with the post-credit scene, managed to salvage the overall impression. The inventive confrontation and intriguing final cliffhanger reminded me of why I was drawn to the series in the beginning. Despite some stumbling blocks and the less successful storyline involving saving the merchant Marc, I'm willing to overlook these flaws. I'll give it a weaker 4 stars, landing at around 6.7/10.

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...