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.

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.

If you were a fan of the previous seasons like I was, this one won't disappoint. The school intrigues continue, with our main hero facing even more formidable enemies. Some have been vanquished, but their influence lingers, especially since the school year ended and a whole class graduated (though I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of some characters). It's still like watching a strategic game of chess; the series maintains its intelligence and believability, keeping me hooked to see what unfolds next. The mystery of the white room gets a bit more clarity, side characters undergo interesting developments, and others surprise us with their true nature. The ending left me amused and slightly puzzled, unsure if it's genuine romance or just another social experiment by the main character. I'm particularly curious about the direction this will all take. For me, the third season earns a solid 8/10.

Isekai and time travel themes (regression) are all the rage in anime lately, but this series' blend of the two left me more puzzled than intrigued. Despite my immense respect for doctors, especially surgeons,  Doctor Elise just didn't quite grab me. At times, it felt like a medical mystery à la House M.D., with the creators unafraid to dive into surgical scenes. It's clear the original authors have a solid grasp of medical knowledge. However, even with all this, the series failed to fully capture my interest, especially in a season where a similar girl also used past-life knowledge in the seventh time loop, and also dabbled in romance with a prince, and waded into the intrigues of the local nobility. Unlike Elise, this other series had more oomph, looked visually stunning, and its characters were more endearing to me. I just couldn't help comparing the two (perhaps unfairly to some, but it made sense to me). While Gekai Elise is a decent series, it doesn't quite hit the 4-star mark for me. 6.3/10

I really appreciate how this series takes the chaos of high school life and puts it into relatable video game terms. It's like a guidebook for the socially awkward, offering up tips and tricks that could genuinely work. Most of what the series presents feels believable to me, and that's part of what makes it so enjoyable. The first half of the second season, with its focus on bullying, was particularly captivating. The solution to the problem, centered around gradually shifting the overall atmosphere within the class, felt genuine and likable. It was an engaging and satisfying arc. Moving into the second half, where the main hero finally chooses his girlfriend, I found myself somewhat conflicted. My main issue lies in the portrayal of rational thinking in matters of romance and emotions. Love doesn't always follow a logical path, and while there were some good pieces of advice sprinkled in, I struggled to fully buy into the portrayal of romance as so calculated and drama-free. This second half felt a bit off to me. Even though everything tied up relatively neatly, and the winning girl made sense to me as a girlfriend for the main hero, as a romance, it just didn't feel as heartfelt as I hoped, though that might be more reflective of my own romanticized notions. Despite this, my overall impression of the second season remains positive. It's an above-average series with plenty to offer, and I wouldn't rate it any lower than 7/10.

Seriously, whoever created those 3DCG monster models needs a lifetime ban from working on a computer. The dragon, the skeletons... it's the kind of terrible that should never be allowed in anime. Now that I've got that off my chest, let's dive in. The story was enjoyable, though not exactly groundbreaking. The first episode had a neat twist, but after that, it felt rushed at times. The resolution of the main heroine's romance, for example, seemed to happen out of nowhere, which felt unnatural. The ending didn't leave me with any great sense of satisfaction either. I did like the main heroine, though. She reminded me of a slightly smarter version of Mashle in a skirt. The narrative style from her perspective, with those internal dialogues, made her more interesting and likable to me. Of the other characters, Patrick stood out. This was largely because the three men around  Alicia — prince, magician, soldier — seemed so poorly written in comparison. They were so bad they brought to mind The Rising of the Shield Hero, where the protagonist's charisma stands out because the other heroes are insufferable and dumb. With that kind of "material" here, Patrick really shined. As for the humor, I chuckled occasionally, though sometimes it was a bit hit or miss. At least there weren't any moments where a joke felt outright stupid or cringey. In the end, it's a pretty decent series, but it has some glaring flaws in terms of pace, animation, and characters. It entertained me more than it bored or annoyed me, but I can't give it more than a 5.5/10.