Jeoffrey

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

The romantic tension and chemistry between the characters felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for them. Some jokes genuinely made me laugh out loud. However, despite these positives, the series didn't leave a strong impression on me. Perhaps it's because the humor occasionally veered into silliness. The main heroine had her cute moments, but she didn't quite win my heart. As for the devil, he was decent, but nothing particularly memorable. While there were some interesting ideas and plot twists, a significant portion of the series fell flat for me, like the subplot with the boxers. Overall, The Foolish Angel Dances with the Devil is a decent series with its moments, but it didn't convince me that I need to see more. 5.7/10

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.

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

Generic fantasy just about sums up my thoughts on this anime. It had a few elements that caught my attention, like homunculi and mana possession, but then others just seemed like utter nonsense to me such as the dungeon management and the gacha system for monsters. I'll admit, I found some enjoyment in the first and last few episodes, but the middle sections left me feeling indifferent. The main hero had his moments, but he's not exactly a character that'll stick in my memory for long. And the rest of the cast? Well, they were just kind of ordinary and unremarkable. As for the battles, there wasn't much to write home about. I will say I'm thankful that the damage indicator numbers didn't overwhelm the screen constantly, like in some Asian video games. It could have been much worse. Overall, this anime feels like a bland, unimpressive average to me. I doubt I'll remember much about it in a week. 4.9/10