Anime

The Grimm Variations

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Lately, I’ve enjoyed the trend of anthology mini-series. When I saw this one advertised on Netflix it intrigued me as Grimm’s Fairy Tales have always been a point of interest for me. This anthology anime takes 6 Grimm Brothers stories and twists them to create a psychological thriller. Each episode opened with seeing Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm interacting with their little sister Charlotte as she asks them about their latest story. That story then ends up being the source material for the episode. One of the cool things I found out about this show is that each episode had a different animating team behind it. I felt like this added to making each episode its own unique standalone. It was nice to see a mix of popular stories like ‘Cinderella’, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’, mixed with lesser known stories like ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’, ‘The Town Musicians of Bremen’ and ‘Pied Piper of Hamelin’. For me, this show started out very strong with their ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ episodes. These two episodes are definitely my favorites overall. Each taking a very interesting turn on the stories that one might not expect. They started to lose me a bit with ‘Hansel and Gretel’, though I enjoyed the concept they took with it. ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ was my least favorite episode overall. It was the slowest paced of them all, and the modern day setting felt like it took too much away from the fantastical elements of these stories. I was the least familiar with the ‘Town Musicians of Bremen’ story, but upon some quick research before watching the episode I was able to make much more sense of the tale they were telling. Finally, ‘Pied Piper of Hamelin’ was the prettiest animation of them all, having animators who have worked for Ghibli films on the team. Overall, I’d say this show was great, and it would be a good rewatch during the spooky season.

My Love Story with Yamada-Kun at Lv. 999

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My favorite genre of anime will always be the shoujo genre. Being a hopeless romantic, I love seeing all the different love stories there can be. Especially lately with a lot of stories coming out focused on characters who embrace nerdiness. This anime fits beautifully into that trend as of late. The story follows Akane who gets broken up with and later, after a turn of events, meets Yamada who is a well-known streamer. It also turns out that Akane and Yamada happen to be a part of the same guild in an online game, and from there their relationship grows. Not only are our main characters interesting, but all the other characters too. I loved each of the guild members. Though I will admit, at first I was despising Runa…but she grew on me eventually. Each episode keeps you interested and is full of both humor and heartwarming moments. We get to see Akane recovering from her break-up and finding confidence in herself within the guild. As well as seeing Yamada and her slowly grow in affection. I especially appreciated getting a look from Yamada’s side as his feelings grew. Most shoujo we get a really good look at the female lead’s feelings, but only bits and pieces from the male lead. In this anime I felt like we got to see the full growth from both sides of the relationship. The animation of this show was also very pretty and I liked how it shifted slightly between being in the online game and in the characters’ real lives. Overall, I thought this anime was great. I’ve already picked up the manga to see what these characters get up to next, and I can only hope that it can be renewed for another season soon.

Buddy Daddies

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I’ve been absolutely in love with the trend of ‘adults with dangerous jobs taking in a small child’. ‘Buddy Daddies’ follows two assassins for hire, Kazuki and Rei, who become the caretakers for a little girl named Miri after a series of unfortunate events. This unlikely trio are absolutely adorable together. We’ve got the grumpy and sunshine characters in Rei and Kazuki, paired with the curiously adorable Miri. Every episode was engaging as we see the two men try and balance their work while having a kid to take care of. This show is very honest with the struggles of raising a child. From trying to find a good school, to the amount of money it takes to raise a child, as well as the struggles that come between parents and their kids. It’s full of comedy, thrills and the heartfelt joys of family. Each character is multi-faceted, and has their own motivations and troubles. I especially liked seeing more about Kazuki’s past and losing his wife. Which when looking closer, explains a lot of why he was so quick to accept the idea of raiding Miri and trying so hard…He’s trying to make up for the future he lost when his wife died. The animation in this show is great and gives the perfect mix of coziness and intensity depending on the situation on screen. I’m sad that this was a limited series, and as such, one season is all we get. But, for one season, this show told the story it meant to and left you satisfied with the ending. Overall, this was a great show, and I’d happily rewatch it again.

Kuroko’s Basketball

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I had wanted to watch this show for years. When I first started watching sports anime with Haikyuu!, I kept hearing about Kuroko’s Basketball. Finally watching it, I see why people compare the two. Both shows make you truly like all the players, even the ones on the opposing teams. I don’t mean to keep bringing up Haikyuu!, but for me, Haikyuu! Is truly an epitome of sports anime…and Kuroko…while good, also left much to be desired. This is entirely my opinion of course, and it is a good show on its own merit. But having watched Haikyuu! First, I felt less impressed by Kuroko’s Basketball. A lot of this show focused on our main character’s past teammates from the generation of miracles, and not a whole lot on his current teammates. I understand that the generation of miracles are all important characters to the show’s plot, but I’d have liked to learn more about Seirin’s current team. Another thing I wish was a bit different is that I don’t think Seirin had enough downfalls. They were already a good team before Kuroko and Kagami joined. So it doesn’t feel like their talents have as big an impact. Overall, Kuroko’s Basketball is a fine show, but I don’t know if I’d rewatch it again.

Little Witch Academia

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This show had been on my TBW for a long time. If I remember correctly, what originally caught me was the cute style of the animation. After watching, this is definitely a cozy, low-risk fantasy. Following a girl, Akko, attending an academy for witches and her many mishaps along the way. Akko, though not gifted with much magic, is still determined to achieve her dreams and this makes her very loveable to me. I wholly enjoyed all of her friendships in the show. From her two roommates, Sucy and Lotte…to her rival turned friend, Diana. The plot line isn’t too intense, usually following episodic stories with some overarching plots throughout the show. The main overarching plot being Akko trying to find the lost magic words and access a special kind of magic. I also really enjoyed the recurring character Andrew too. He may seem stuck up at first, but as we saw him interact more with our characters you began to like him more. The teachers at the academy are also, for the most part, likeable. Of course, like all school shows, we have the teacher who always seems to be trying to bring our MC down. But even she was a fun character. Overall, this was a pretty average show. It was fun and enjoyable to watch, and I’d recommend it to those looking for a chill fantasy.

Chainsaw Man

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When I first heard about this show I wasn’t fully convinced I’d like it. I haven’t watched a whole lot of gory shows so I wasn’t sure. However, the power of the ‘Popular Anime’ pressure finally got to me…and I’m glad it did! This was a really good show. The animation seems to be true to what MAPPA has been doing lately, and it’s a cool style to the world of anime. This first season, though only 12 episodes, feels like so much happened..but then also like not a lot happened at all. I enjoy our main trio of Denji, Aki and Power. Though poor Aki must feel like a tired dad sometimes looking out for the other two. As someone who hasn’t read the manga, I’m concerned for Aki’s future for a few reasons. (Not just cause the curse devil told him he’s got only two years left) He seems to have a lot of background trauma that I feel we’ve only begun to see. Makima is a character I am not completely sure of. She seems overall fine, but something about her just puts me off. I’m sure a lot more is to come with the next season, and I’m excited to see Denji grow more. Overall, this was a very good show, and I’m both excited and scared for what’s to come.

I’m the Villainess so I’m Taming the Final Boss

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Normally I don’t like isekais, but this one I definitely enjoyed a lot. The whole concept, while being one thats popular lately, is interesting and played out nicely. Aileen is a great heroine. She’s got the personality of a typical villainess, but also the heart of a true heroine. The way she cares for Claude, the other friends, and all the demons makes my heart happy. Also, Claude is such a nice love interest. The author was really feeding those that love the misunderstood ‘bad guy’. I also enjoyed how as we saw the story change in Aileen’s favor, Lilia and Cedric became more villainous. Let’s be honest though, Cedric was always a jerk…like not the kind of prince deserving of Aileen or even Lilia for that matter. All three arcs covered in the show had their own merits, though the third is my favorite. Aileen not giving up on Claude, not only because of her love for him, but also for the wellbeing of the demon kind was…chefs kiss… Also, don’t get me started on how ADORABLE the demons were. I need me a Fenrir demon plushie…so cute! Overall, this was a very good show and I hope they make more seasons.

The Way of the Househusband Season 2

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Season two of this show was just as fun and cute as the first. I really love the whole concept kf this show and think it’s a really nice slice of life show. You can have this on in the background as you work and enjoy both the show and getting your work done. Tatsu is a great character who isn’t hard to like. I love seeing his yakuza side come out when he’s trying to deal with everyday problems and chores. Also, his relationships with the other characters are all so cute. First, he is such a simp for his wife, even if it isn’t in the typical way. Second, Masa and how he looks up to Tatsu in both the world of yakuza and in the normal world is ADORABLE. Finally, his relationships with all the other community members…from the ladies in that little club, to the other yakuza members he runs into, and my favorite..the kids! It makes me really want to see Tatsu and Mika have their own kids at some point. Overall, this show is pretty average, but very enjoyable and fun to watch.

Heroines Run the Show

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This was an overall very cute, relaxing show to watch. The premise, while slightly cliche, is played with in a nice way. Hiyori isn’t a typical “nobody” main character whose thrown into the glamorous world of idols. She has goals and is an overall liked person. While Yujior and Aizo (our idols) have the impression of her being pretty plain, as we see them get to know her, they realize how interesting she really can be. I will say I did think our two idols were big jerks at first and I really did not like them. As the show progressed and we saw more into their personalities, I could see some appeal beginning. I would’ve loved to see more of Hiyori’s friendships though…especially with Nagisa her childhood best friend. Her two girl besties, Chizuru and Juri, were cute..and I loved that twist with Chizuru in the end. Rumor has it that a second season is coming of this show, which I look forward to. I’d like to see them explore more of Hiyori, Aizo, and Yujiro’s growing bond..as well as see Hiyori doing more to achieve her track dreams. Overall, this was a pretty average show that I’d recommend to those looking for a chill idol anime.