Summer 2015 – First Impressions (Part 4)

This post reviews: Himouto! Umaru-chan, Gakkou Gurashi!, and God Eater.

Summer 2015 – First Impressions (Part 1)

This post reviews: Gangsta., Okusama ga Seitokaichou!, Ranpo Kitan: Game of Laplace, Classroom Crisis, Gate: Jietai Kanochi Nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, and Wakaba Girl.

12 Days of Anime (2014) – Day 5 – Shingeki no Kyojin Picture Drama

The anime specials that are included as bonus materials on BDs and DVDs are frequently overlooked and underappreciated as individual anime. Yes, these specials are certainly subpar compared to their respective parent anime, but considering their limited animation budget and restrained writing, it’s unfair to categorize these shorts in the same venue as we do with TV anime. In fact, quite a few of these BD/DVD specials succeed as genuinely entertaining in spite of these restrictions, supplementing these serious TV anime with lighthearted comedy and mild fanservice. And if you want an example of an effective and rewarding BD/DVD special anime, look no further than the Shingeki no Kyojin Picture Drama, a 9-episode series with the main cast as chibi characters enduring constant hardships during their days in the military training program.

Autumn 2014 – First Impressions (Part 1)

This post reviews: Terra Formars, Gundam Reconguista in G, Denki-Gai no Honya-san, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, Madan no Ou to Vanadis, and World Trigger.

Spring 2013 – First Week Impressions (Part 2)

This post reviews: Hataraku Maou-sama!, Photo Kano, Yahari Ore Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru, and Aku no Hana.

Winter 2013 – Week 5 Anime Review

This week: why I don’t consider Senran Kagura an ecchi anime anymore, wondering about the comedy in Zetsuen no Tempest, the diversity of karuta opponents in Chihayafuru 2 and remembering the forgotten Reiko in Shin Sekai Yori.

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?