12 Days of Anime (2015) – Day 11 – D’Arby the Gambler

I first stumbled across JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure many, many years ago, in the mid-2000s, when I kept coming across references to Jotaro, Dio, and Stardust Crusaders around the internet. At the time, I did limited research into the series, but quickly discovered the appeal and charm of the franchise. It was at that time that I watched bits and pieces of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure OVA (1993), including what became my favorite moment in the series thus far: the “fight” with D’Arby the Gambler.

Winter 2015 – Week 12 Anime Review

This week: one of the primary reasons why Shirobako is one of my favorite anime of all-time, questioning other factors outside the arbiter’s control in assessing souls in Death Parade, contrasting the younger and older pilots in Soukyuu no Fafner – Dead Aggressor: Exodus, and my issues with the overpowering symbolism in Yuri Kuma Arashi.

Guilty Crown – 9

The most unfamiliar component of Guilty Crown thus far has been the underdeveloped setting.  The anime is situated in the years following the Apocalypse Virus (Apoc Virus) epidemic, an event that devastated Japan and which lead to the current timeline in which the GHQ governs the recovering nation, the Funeral Parlor retaliates against their oppression, and Voids are the physical manifestations of people’s hearts.  But the series has done little to clarify these crucial matters that structure the world and the plot of this anime, and that has left us in the dark regarding many issues with the setting.  Fortunately, episode 9 provides some answers on these issues in addition to expanding on essential matters like the Apoc Virus and its relationship with Voids.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica – 10

And now for something completely different.

Episode 10 of Puella Magi Madoka Magica provides us with Homura’s backstory, depicting her metamorphosis from her frail, timid, and emotional former self to the Homura we’ve grown to love and cheer for.  The previous timelines through which she lived help us understand Homura a little more, as well as show us some interesting storylines involving her relationships with the various characters.  But that wasn’t the best part about the episode.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica – 6

Everywhere I look (probably 1-2 sites), I always hear about how evil Kyubey is and how wonderful Homura is.  After episode 6, I’m beginning to lean the other way.  In fact, I’ll argue that Kyubey is not evil and Homura really isn’t all that good, either.