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.

Dog Days’ (S2) – 3

Fanservice and ecchi are rarely associated with lighthearted or innocent themes.  Instead, it’s frequently employed as a cheap method to heighten sexual tension, to hastily advance romantic subplots, to be the content for stereotypical otaku humor, or to simply sexualize a character for the enjoyment of fans.  Because of these varying reasons and due the anime that use them, fanservice and ecchi have become condemned or detrimental elements to anime and are often a target of criticism because of how they degrade or slander the show.  Dog Days’, however, is able to maintain its lighthearted nature despite the constant presence of fanservice and the surge thereof in recent episodes.  How is it that Dog Days’ is able to use its fanservice in a way that mitigates many of these negative aspects and still finds success in its uplifting and heartwarming themes?

Dog Days’ (S2) – 2

Despite being an anime comprised of intense fighting and prolonged wars, Dog Days’ manages to maintain its fun and lighthearted personality.  Though one would figure that these various battles and conflicts would detract from this dominant theme, the wars play a positive part in supporting this atmosphere and are a principal aspect in promoting the enjoyable, good-natured spirit between the characters.  So how is it that something so heinous and brutal as war is so entertaining and beloved in Dog Days?

Jormungand – 1

Though not always the focus of scenes or dialogue or necessarily even apparent at times, Jormungand incorporates a diverse assortment of heavy, serious themes.  Throughout the episode, various subjects arose and articulated thoughts and ideas on weapons dealing, assassinations, victims of war and death, among others, from the perspective of the characters.  And in the face of all this, Jormungand displays a lighter mood than its story would indicate.  Just how does Jormungand pull off that feat?

Nisemonogatari – 10

Everything in Nisemonogatari is serious business.

…but only if you’re Araragi Koyomi.  For everyone else, life in Nisemonogatari is somewhere between light-hearted and meaningless, a string of sunny days in which to simply enjoy life and nothing more.  Though there are days that contrast this norm, they only appear as a singularity in these characters’ lives and the rest is spent in merriment and amusement.  With lives like these, you have to wonder if it’s really the girls who are cursed and vexed or if it’s just Araragi.

Shinryaku!? Ika Musume S2 – 12 (Finale)

The second season of Shinryaku!? Ika Musume retained the same charming, soothing, and above all amusing themes from the first season.  But unlike the first season which needed to build its world, mold its characters, and establish central themes, this anime had a foundation already completed and went from there, almost like a baton was passed from season one to season two for it to complete what was started.  And now that the second season has concluded, let’s evaluate how the continuation of Ika Musume performed.

Shinryaku!? Ika Musume S2 – 1

What’s the best way to end a perfect day?  Or really, any day for that matter?  With Shinryaku!? Ika Musume of course!  The loveable and addictive anime restarts with its second season and that familiar trademark of bizarre comedy returns with another one-two-three punch-out for an easy and enjoyable comedy anime.  You can already tell how I feel about this anime, can’t you?