Spring 2015 – Week 13 Anime Review

Last week: the vivid and dazzling display of emotions of Kumiko in Hibike Euphonium!, Fate/stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works demonstrating the necessity of an epilogue for an anime, questions regarding the Nagato of the Disappearance arc in Nagato Yuki-chan no Shoushitsu, and the best possible ending for Plastic Memories.

Spring 2014 – First Impressions (Part 4)

This post reviews: Ping Pong the Animation, Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin, Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka?, Knights of Sindoria, Escha & Logy no Atelier: Tasogare no Sora no Renkinjutsushi, and Mekaku City Actors.

Autumn 2013 – Week 2 Anime Review

This week: newfound respect and appreciation for Nadeko in Monogatari Series Second Season, comparisons of KILL la KILL to Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and Panty & Stocking, the mismanaged emotional aspects of Coppelion, and questioning how the profession of modeling impacts the themes of heroes and justice in Samurai Flamenco.

Summer 2013 – Week 10 Anime Review

This week: social commentary on social media in Gatchaman Crowds, questioning the ability of transformation in Uchouten Kazoku, realizing how Tamayura ~more aggressive~ is beginning to feel more like Aria and wondering what else Monogatari Series Second Season could’ve done with an older Hachikuji.

Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita – 11

Given the unorthodox and distinctive art style of Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita, the anime is able to utilize a number of aesthetic techniques to offer us a refreshing and remarkable appearance to its characters and their environment.  Continuing to impress me throughout the anime is the innovative display of lighting and colors, illusions created from a bizarre array of peculiarly-shaped polygons of varying sizes and colors, layered in an arrangement to form the backgrounds, enhance the mood, and structure the setting that is Jintai.  And with a variety of breathtaking shots of the scenery and numerous scenes where the lighting deepened the emotion, it’s about time to provide recognition and acclaim to such a dazzling artistic technique.

Dog Days’ (S2) – 6

The central theme of Dog Days is that of friendship.  Through every episode, the characters enjoy their magnetic relationships, comprised of delightful conversations, enticing groomings and pettings, and satisfying, light-hearted combat that leaves every character feeling safe and with a smile on their face.  In the off chance something “bad” is happening, it’s usually a simple conflict between friends that quickly resolves itself with each side realizing their errors, understanding each other, and strengthening their bond to an even greater level than before.  It’s how Dog Days’ remains so cheerful, charming, and peaceful all the time.  So consider myself overjoyed for the appearance of the Demon King, a selfish, perverted renegade who does not care about friendship or anyone’s feelings and came to disrespect everything about friendship and those considerate, compassionate impressions in Dog Days’.  Finally, someone brave enough to challenge this theme and provide that spark of conflict which can allow for Dog Days’ to change or progress.

Usagi Drop – 8

You can see a whirlwind of emotions within Masako throughout the entire episode.  Whether she’s exhausted, irritated, astonished, regretful, or jealous, you can clearly see those feelings on her face and in her body language.  Of course, you can see the emotions of every character in this series, so that’s nothing new, but Masako has generally been stubborn and impassive since her introduction four episodes ago.  But that façade melted away and she journeyed through a series of emotions when she finally saw Rin again.