Jeoffrey

Sometimes you wait years for an amazing anime series, and other times you're lucky enough to get two in a single season. Just from the trailers, you can tell The Apothecary is something special - beautiful, dynamic, and incredibly detailed animation that's a feast for the eyes. The colors in this series deserve constant praise, showcasing an impeccable aesthetic sense. And the music? Simply mesmerizing. The first opening is nothing short of perfect; Kevin and the others did an amazing job on the accompanying soundtrack, and not just the beautiful traditional sentimental Chinese motifs woven throughout. But what really stole my heart in this series is one character in particular - Maomao. She's an absolute gem, easily one of the best female characters in anime, period. You can't help but love her - not just for her positive traits, but also for her quirks and odd hobbies. Charming, intelligent (she even knows the answer to Snape's question "Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"), entertaining, sarcastic, and full of energy. The chemistry between Maomao and Jinshi is electric, though it's not quite romance yet (despite Jinshi's hopeful wishes). Their interactions never fail to bring a smile to my face. Aoi Yuuki's voice acting for Maomao is top-notch, reaffirming her status as one of the best Japanese voice actresses out there. She breathes so much life into Maomao that she practically carries the entire series, much like she did with Kumoko the Spider. But it's not just about the main characters and their chemistry. I found myself immersed in all the mysteries, palace intrigues, and the seamless blend of detective story and soap opera elements. I cared about the fates of the supporting characters, cheered for a soldier to earn his dream courtesan, and found myself rooting for characters I initially doubted. The authors did a fantastic job of selling their stories, making me genuinely invested in their outcomes. In short, The Apothecary isn't just a visual masterpiece; it's a captivating story with depth and heart. I'm thrilled to hear they've announced a second season, and you can bet I won't be missing it. 9.9/10.

What happens when a boy (maybe) gets Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings mixed in with a stack of generic manga comics? Well, it might just inspire him to write a fairly average, run-of-the-mill manga where the main quest involves collecting rings and, perhaps some wives as well. But since it's all just ecchi, we will never get to see the wedding night, at least not in the first season. In this story, the main antagonist isn't some dark king, but rather the protagonist's own shyness and a series of cockblocks who always seem to show up at the worst times. It got me thinking about why I was never a huge fan of classic ecchi; the erotica and nudity which never seem to go anywhere feel just pointless to me. At least the series steers clear of excessive bloodshed and there's no censorship in the form of a divine light. The main character isn't a total dork, and even the girls aren't entirely pathetic. While the plot can feel a bit repetitive at times, akin to Ash collecting Pokémon, it didn't completely turn me off. Still, as I reflect on whether I'd dive into a second season at this moment, I'm not entirely sure. For now, I'll settle on a slightly below-average rating of 4.7/10 for the first season.

The best anime about a disabled girl still remains A Silent Voice and the best romance of this anime season is the second season of The Dangers in My Heart, however, Yubisaki to Renren still stands out as a remarkable anime romance with beautiful animation, captivating music, and a truly charming and adorable main heroine. Even the main hero is intriguing and refreshingly unique by the standards of typical Japanese anime, but considering his story, it's actually quite logical. Japanese people in general are very reserved and value their personal space very much. However, Itsuomi is an extrovert who doesn't seem to have much regard for personal space. He'll casually sling an arm around a stranger's shoulder on the street or playfully tousle a girl's hair upon first meeting her. For a Japanese person or even an average introverted viewer like myself, this behavior might come off as borderline creepy. However, it all makes sense when you consider Itsuomi's background. Raised in Germany since childhood, his extremely extroverted nature reflects a different set of cultural norms regarding behavior. This contrast is also evident in how affectionate Itsuomi is. It's a portrayal that seems to reflect the Japanese author's imagination of the average energetic German (or European in general) — a character sometimes depicted as a bit over-the-top and eccentric, even to us. Personally, I found Itsuomi incredibly likable. I appreciate open and honest characters who speak their mind, and I admire his efforts to explore the world and become a part of the heroine's life. The dynamic between the two romantic rivals, and even the societal views on a disabled girl, when one would prefer to keep her closed somewhere safe, while the other would like to show her the beauties of the world, was a fascinating aspect of the show. I only wish it had been further developed. The theme of unrequited love and how the characters navigate it is also well-executed. However, if I were to offer one minor criticism, it would be the lack of drama throughout the series. It almost feels like love and romance are portrayed as a leisurely stroll through a rose garden, viewed through rose-colored glasses in fifty shades of pink. Every rivalry and problem seems easily resolved with a calm, mature conversation or a few tears. It was all a bit too saccharine for my taste. While it did match the heroine's nature and all her blushing, I didn't notice any strong moment that would make me 100% sure that I wouldn't forget about the series. One notable detail that caught my eye from the trailer was the prominently drawn lips on the male characters. I initially thought this might be for better portrayal of lip reading, and while it is used once in the series, much more emphasis is placed on hands and sign language. Despite these critiques, Yubisaki no renren did not disappoint. It was a delightful romantic series deserving of my 8/10 rating. I hold back from a perfect score because I believe it could have delved deeper into certain aspects, which would make it stronger and more compelling. Nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable watch and definitely worth your time.

Undead Unluck is an incredibly unique, captivating, and entertaining show. I can't help but appreciate a series with such original superpowers; if you have ever found yourself wondering what X-Men would look like if reimagined by a Japanese creator, this series is largely the answer to that notion. The concept of "using all body parts in combat" took on a whole new meaning here, adding a fresh twist to the action scenes. The characters are incredibly memorable, each intriguingly drawn, and the main duo, in particular, is exceptionally likable. Their chemistry is palpable, making their interactions a joy to watch. The story is ingenious and meticulously crafted with attention to small details. For instance, the subtle hints that something is amiss in this world (like where the stars have gone) are cleverly woven throughout, allowing viewers to piece together the mystery before it's fully explained. What adds to the charm is the series' comic book feel, and its meta aspects towards the end only enhance the intrigue (seriously, who is the narrator?). The animation is solid, complemented by appealing music that sets the tone effectively. For me, it's a solid 4-star rating, just falling short of the highest mark because Undead Unluck didn't quite captivate me as deeply as some other series from the past two anime seasons, which I inevitably compare it to. 8.4/10

I have immense respect for rescue workers and I always appreciate any work that pays tribute to them. Take, for instance, the movie The Towering Inferno, a classic tribute to the work of firefighters. This sentiment led me to give this show a chance. Another factor was the narrator, Kenjiro Tsuda, whose voice could soothe me from morning till night. And so, I persevered through many episodes, until the nineteenth, when I reached my breaking point. Firefighter Daigo! Rescuer in Orange has one glaring and fatal flaw. Nearly every episode recycles about 30% of its content through flashbacks. Subtracting the opening and ending, viewers are left with roughly 12 minutes of new story and shots, interspersed with the old material. There's nothing inherently wrong with stretching or fillers if done skillfully, but here it feels like no effort was made. The constant repetition of the same pseudo-dramatic shots, reminding us of previous episodes within the first few minutes, is tiresome. For example, the scene where Daigo dislocates his shoulder to crawl under the rubble is shown about four times throughout the series. As if that wasn't enough, the series includes two recap episodes. Whether the creative team is unable to build atmosphere without constant flashbacks or underestimates the audience's intelligence, I'm not sure. However, this approach kills the pace and the intended atmosphere, eventually becoming comical. It reminded me of the stretched-out fillers in Naruto Shippuden, One Piece, or even the extended battles in Dragon Ball, where at least there was a sense of something new and original. Beyond the flashbacks, what truly turned me off were the characters themselves. They lacked depth and their dramatic motivations made me question if a psychologist would realistically allow them into the rescue corps. The main heroine suffers from survivor syndrome, and the main hero seems to bear chronic responsibility for his father's actions, coupled with a lack of self-preservation. There were instances where their recklessness bordered on absurdity, especially in situations like the flooded basement storyline. Ultimately, the show falls short as a tribute to firefighters for me. I will commend it for its interesting and quality portrayal of firefighter training. However, even with that, after nineteen episodes, Firefighter Daigo! Recap in Orange receives a maximum of 3.5/10 from me.

Despite knowing next to nothing about mahjong, I decided to dive into the series, thinking, who knows, maybe I will learn how to play it... Sadly, the series lost me right from the start, especially with the introduction of the yellow bird mascot. Something about it just threw me off, and I had a feeling that if I kept watching Chonbo, it would only distract me from the mahjong focus. Unfortunately, no other character managed to make up for that jarring impression. After some contemplation and weighing all possible game strategies, I had to make the call: it's a drop after the first episode, and left unrated.

The biggest issue I have with this series is that, frankly, it falls short compared to gems like Kamisama Kiss or Fruits Basket. While it shares a similar concept of a young girl encountering the supernatural (here, represented by a cast of handsome boys), it just doesn't hit the mark for me. The main heroine felt rather generic and uninteresting, and unfortunately, the same can be said for all the heroes. Why should I invest in the romantic endeavors of characters who fail to captivate me? Adding to this, I couldn't find any deeper mystery or even a small twist in the story that would pique my interest for what comes next. The chemistry between the main couple also fell flat, which is a significant drawback. Animation-wise, it's just average. Now, I don't want to completely write off the series. It's not that anything specific annoyed me; it's more that I didn't find myself truly engaging with any aspect. Perhaps this series isn't primarily aimed at my demographic, even though I can appreciate a good shoujo. Unfortunately, this one didn't meet my expectations. I'm calling it a drop after 3 episodes and a 3.5/10.

Sousou no Frieren is being hailed by many as the best anime released to this day, a modern masterpiece that comes as close to perfection as possible. For those yet to encounter the nearly immortal elf, you might be wondering, "Is it really that good?" Speaking as someone who has been immersed in anime for 14 years, having seen around 1700 anime series and films, I can confidently confirm that Sousou no Frieren is indeed one of the best anime I have ever seen. It's a series that left a magical and indelible mark on me. The first episode alone had me in tears, a testament to how deeply it resonated with me. And each subsequent episode continued to deliver something powerful and unforgettable, right up to the very end. There wasn't a single weak episode; what some may mistakenly label as filler episodes are purposeful passages that serve to build the characters and the entire world. Most of these moments are also present in the manga, so it's not filler by any means! The overall atmosphere is simply incredible. It's a contemplative series that delves into the idea that the journey is more important than the destination. Each episode is brimming with thought-provoking wisdom, delivered not just through dialogue but through beautifully depicted scenes that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. And let's talk about the battles — both physical and magical — they are nothing short of spectacular. The dynamics, strength, emphasis, and speed in these fight scenes, especially those between a human and a dragon, are some of the best-animated sequences I've ever witnessed. There's a grace and aesthetic to the power and colors that make these magical clashes truly mesmerizing. Imagine combining the essence of series like Kino's Journey or Girls' Last Tour with the world-building and character depth of Mushoku Tensei (minus any controversial character issues), and then adding in fight scenes akin to Chainsaw Man (since the same team worked on most of them), along with an intricate magical system with its own complex rules — that's Sousou no Frieren in a nutshell. It excels in every aspect it touches upon. Yet, what I find even more intriguing than how good Sousou no Frieren is, is why it's such a standout work. To me, this series is a profound reminder that Madhouse not only continues to exist but remains at the pinnacle of Japanese anime production. I recall the days when I eagerly anticipated each new Madhouse series, knowing I wouldn't be disappointed, or, actually, I would, as one of the common memes was "Madhouse doesn't do second seasons." The first crucial element for any successful anime is a top-tier animation studio with seasoned professionals, and the show certainly delivers on that front. But there's another crucial factor, perhaps even more vital than the studio itself: the director. The director is the guiding force, the one who steers the ship, makes critical decisions, and sets the tone for the entire production. Keiichirou Saitou, known for his work on Bocchi the Rock!, proves once again that his talent is no fluke. He has the ability to take a solid manga about a girl band and turn it into a cult classic, as well as elevate an above-average fantasy manga into a legend. Saito's connections and reputation among animators allowed him to assemble an exceptionally talented team. He is known for granting his team creative freedom, which attracted many talented individuals to work under him. Moreover, Saito possesses an incredible sense for the material he works with, paying attention to even the smallest details. The director also showcased the talent of many capable animators by allowing them to direct some episodes of the series. A look at the individual episode directors reveals a beautifully balanced mix of experienced creators, including one of the founders of Madhouse, alongside new names. The entire production seemed to run smoothly, evident not only in the absence of delays — every episode was released on schedule. In one interview, Evan Call mentioned that he often had visual material, sometimes even entire episodes, while composing the accompanying music. This allowed him to craft music that perfectly matched the scenes he was scoring. Speaking of music, a quality soundtrack is another essential aspect that Sousou no Frieren excels in. The series features a fantastic first opening theme by Yoasobi, showcasing the duo's ability to turn everything they touch into a hit. Having such a well-known name on the team, especially after the success of Idol from Oshi no Ko, was a smart marketing move. While the music doesn't always perfectly align with the episode's mood, it's undeniably great. However, what truly complements Frieren is the ending theme by Milet. Cleverly split in half within the series, it becomes a constant companion throughout. I fell in love with this song, finding myself capable of playing an hour-long version while working, and never tiring of it. However, it's not the opening or ending themes that stand out as the best song of the whole series for me. Even the background music in is flawless. It compelled me to search for the OST on Spotify, and when I'm not listening to Milet by chance, I find myself listening to the hour-long version of the Zoltraak track on YouTube, which has become my favorite musical motif from the entire series. I also realized that Evan Call is a composer to closely watch and that the music for Violet Evergarden might not be the pinnacle of his work, as I had previously thought. Let's sum it up. What makes this show so exceptional? It's because the production was very healthy here, managing everything exceptionally well. A talented and respected director assembled a team of highly skilled animators, many of whom were granted creative freedom and responsibility, including the music composer who truly understood the purpose of the music. The result was flawless animation, a brilliant soundtrack – a true gem was created. I could delve further; I haven't even explored the story, or mentioned how elegantly and cleverly the series handles time, how the pace of the story mirrors the interest and perception of the main heroine (and gradually slows down as a result). The portrayal of the main heroine herself, who appears somewhat emotionless yet is one of the most sensitive characters, is also noteworthy. The use of flashbacks is masterful, and even though the hero Himmel is dead, he remains the central figure of the story. Not to mention the exceptional romance portrayed here! But is it necessary to delve into these details? Experience it for yourself; you won't regret it. For some works, not even a 5-star rating or a 10/10 is enough...

I was expecting much more from Mr. Slave than the average plot that every other anime about special academies seems to churn out, mixed with elements reminiscent of Arancar's arc from Bleach... Unfortunately, the not-so-well-done 3DCG animation sticks out like a sore thumb. The studio didn't even bother to mask it as 2D to blend it into the environment as Ishura did so well this year. It's not a pleasant sight, especially during the fight scenes, which lack the impact they should have had. To make matters worse, Chained Soldier falls short even in areas where it should excel, such as the S-M and ecchi elements with Utena yearning for magical girls. This aspect of the anime feels lackluster compared to others that have tackled similar themes, lacking the inventiveness, boldness, and entertainment value. So, the eroticism here is quite mid, the fights are mid (visually below average, action and choreography average at best, effects merely average), and the story follows suit. Are there any redeeming qualities? The characters are fairly decent, including our titular Mr. Slave. However, even with this, the series doesn't earn more than a 5.1/10 from me.

The tale of Rentt Faina, to put it simply, falls under the category of "okay but not great". I do appreciate the storytelling style it employs, gradually unfolding the narrative while showcasing the evolution of the main character and shedding light on the workings of the local hero association. Everything seems to flow naturally and logically, with the protagonist undergoing slow but understandable changes, rooted in clear motivations. This anime isn't bad by any means, and the only aspect that didn't quite resonate with me was the opening, although that's easily skippable. However, the series failed to fully captivate me; it kept my interest on a surface level. Despite presenting several relatively intriguing storylines, it didn't quite sell them to me in a way that left me yearning for more or contemplating them afterward. Similarly, my connection to the main character and most supporting characters remained superficial — they were, as I mentioned, "okay but not great" in my book. Reflecting on what the series lacked, perhaps more action or emotionally resonant storylines could have made a difference. I wished for something more, something that would evoke a deeper emotional response, beyond what I felt during the finale... Unfortunately, that depth was missing for me this time. It's also worth noting that I inevitably compared it a bit to a certain fantasy series, which aired this season on Fridays. This might have influenced my perspective. So, in the end, I'll settle on "only" 6/10.