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~ Spoiler alert under Characters section ~

Incest they say. I say not. But it really depends on how you define the word "family".

Reading the whole title of Tsurekano will definitely stir you up and the community. Some are relating it to Domestic Kanojo but I couldn't care less. If only I was able to watch it so I could have a comparison but unfortunately, it doesn't pique my interest.

The title did intrigued me so it is one of my most anticipated shows for Summer 2022. Luckily, it doesn't disappoint. It might not be unique or remarkable for some but it is still an enjoyable watch. ... Enjoyable if you know and can relate to the feeling of childhood romance and if you try to understand the circumstance of the characters.

Story:
What we have here are ex-lovers that became stepsiblings, your typical girl bestfriend and ex-lovers came worst enemies. They are your typical scenarios/relationships even in real life (except for the 1st one). They are able to deliver it without giving exaggeration. "Wait, you used to be lovers and now you're stepsiblings? That's weird and difficult!" Indeed. And that's how how the story develops as the ex-lovers still harbors the same feelings for each other while already sharing the same last name. The two are also both in consideration of protecting their "new" family. Now, it is up to the author of how the resolution will be which kinda stirs up an excitement.

Characters:
We all know from the synopsis that our mains are ex-lovers and this is because their relationship that time is not mature. We can't deny the fact that relationships blossomed in childhood is not as sturdy as to when we get old and it is full of first time experiences. Basically, it is our mains' first relationship. Even adults struggle on their first experience in a romantic relationship, how much more you expect a child could handle it.

The series include snippets of their past in most episodes so we will be able to give judgement and compare as to how they process their thoughts then and now. Mizuto is your typical quiet and loner-type of guy which is a result of his past. As for Yume, I can't say much because she is quite same with Mizuto, being an awkward, shy-type of a girl. They are connected by their same trait and hobby, which is being a nerd. Cutting the long story short, they became a couple and ended breaking up because of them being naive and also, I'd like to add their pride.

I'd like to commend the character of Mizuto as he was able to portray being a gentleman and his' undeniable "love" for Yume even though they are ex-lovers already and despite showing indifference due to his' past. As for the high praises, it would be for Yume. If we will consider the rough moments of when they are still a couple, it is because of Yume why their relationship went further downhill during when Mizuto attempted to reconcile with her but she just gave an "okay" but emits a mood that they are still not okay. Since then, we were able to witness the development of Irido Yume compared to Ayai Yume during the whole journey. Yes, she might still have some annoying habits but it is crystal clear of how Yume is way better than before. What makes her even spectacular is her resolve at the final episode during the fireworks festival.

*Just an additional insight. Mizuto and Yume's atmosphere is forced and conflicted which makes it unlikeable for some. Well, that's how should it be knowing their past and now, they are living under the same roof. As for Higashira, the girl bestfriend, which earned more favor or should I say most of the crowd and insists that she is way better pair for the male MC, let me tell you this, that personality of hers is suited best for that role. Their chemistry is best to be as bestfriends. Nothing more, nothing less. But, just as what Mizuto said, if Higashira came first than Yume, then the story will be different. (You might be thinking that I'm bias to Yume but you're wrong. Sorry, I'm team Minami)

Art:
Nothing to say much. Character design is common but still good. As for the other elements such as background and sceneries, it is just fine as well, neither remarkable nor awful. There are certain parts for some episodes (like the background at the river in the final ep) which are not pleasing but overall, it's not of a big deal since budget seems to be limited for this project.

Sound:
OP and ED is pretty enjoyable. DIALOGUE+ is know to have delightful songs so no doubt that for Tsurekano is also good. Futari Pinocchio is also worthy to be added to my osu! beatmaps.

Verdict:
It's a pretty decent series that I was able to enjoy. Pacing is just fine and will not leave you confused as to what's going on since it is not complexed, just very straightforward. Tons of anime/LN/manga references which contributes to this series charm and gives off reminiscing vibes. Resolution at the final episode is just right and acceptable which is a thumbs up and gives satisfaction.

It is recommendable for people who makes romcom as their cup of tea. I'd say not to just focus on the main characters current relationship and superficial details but also to their development.

I was a bit excited when Rikekoi got a sequel since I will be able to taste another unique romcom experience that I had during its 1st season but rather, it leaves a bad taste following the conclusion of this season. (Spoiler-free review or maybe just a speck)

Let's start with the good points that this season have. Tbh, I couldn't tell much but giving rise to the supporting characters' exposure is a good decision since it would latter be too boring if the story only spins around our mains. Not only that but also because the supporting characters did pique the interest last season such ... as Kanade, Kosuke and Ibarada and it is good that we were able to learn more of them during this season.

I hate to say it but the negative points far way outshined the little good points this season have. First things first, Himuro is a main character of this series however, during this season, you won't sense her being a main character unlike Yukimura who still able to portray his character role. The way how things went this season is inconsistent and were not able to retain the true concept that the 1st season has. It's aggravating to make Himuro this insignificant to the plot.

Iirc, this was supposed to be a wholesome romcom with quirky characters but everything went downhill when the pretentious drama was included. I'd understand that it needs to have a change of pace not to make the series bland in the long run however, a good drama should have a better timing, execution and good writing which they were unsuccessful in delivering.

Now, unto the best part *insert sarcasm*, what makes this season atrocious is the finale. Idk what's in the mind of the writer but everything's messed up. A successful finale should have a sensible conclusion which I couldn't find in this show. Everything turned upside down, a total 180° turn that fucked up the minds of the viewers. In addition, the resolution that was given to Kanade's conflict is just out of the blue like a rushed decision or maybe they're trying to experiment if a love triangle will be effecting to prolong the story which I doubt to be successful. I guess what the writer is aiming for this one is to be included as a nominee for "MOST AWFUL ANIME FINALE" which will earn a spot for itself.

TL;DR. While there are a lot who dislikes Kanade which I couldn't care less because they tried it for the forced drama, it is aggravating to have this season butchered especially by the mindfucking finale.

I was able to finish this series just recently and it left me an interest to write a review for it. While I was able to play its visual novel (the first visual novel that I was able to finish), I’d like to give my cents worth.

Aokana is a unique sci-fi, sports anime which revolves around the value of camaraderie, which the anime adaptation gives emphasis. What makes it unique is the concept of the sport involved which is the “Flying Circus” (FC). Just imagine a dogfight between 2 fighter jets but instead of the jets, humans themselves are involved with the help of gravshoes ... for them to fly. Basically, it’s a human dogfight with addition of racing in the sky, that’s how FC works. It was introduced here that humans are capable of flying almost freely with the help of gravshoes.

I was surprised that the anime adaptation went on a different side compared to the visual novel. Though the only difference of the two is the thought of the story, the anime adaptation didn’t fail to retain most parts of the visual novel. What surprised me is how the story flowed on the anime. In the VN, the main protagonist is Masaya and the story revolved on himself and his relationship with the 4 heroines (Asuka, Mashiro, Rika, and Misaki). What we had here in anime is Asuka as the main protagonist and the story revolved on the friendship built in their club and with their rivals. In addition, in the VN, Masaya’s the one who reached a hand to Asuka in her first flight while in the anime, Misaki’s the one who introduced Asuka in flying. After their defeat in the FC Summer Tournament, the anime followed Asuka’s route in the VN in conclusion to the series.

Story:
While the main key of the VN is the romance (aside from the sports), the anime didn’t disappoint despite removing the romance part. The story became interesting and enjoying about the development of the 4 main girls together with their friends/rivals. The love for the sport, passion to grow, fear of losing, regrets and trauma of the past, envy and anxiety for those better than them, which are some of the keypoints tackled that were able to execute in the anime. They were able to deliver the story of the VN straightforwardly without sacrificing important details.

Art:
The art and character designs are not as beautiful as from the VN but it’s still commendable as they were able to replicate the designs from the VN and weren’t massacred. Aokana is very colorful in the VN considering that contrails are everywhere in the sport and Studio Gonzo was able to do a great job in making it possible in the anime.

Sound:
The choice of OP and ED theme fits the series but not as good as from the VN. The insert song “Wings of Courage” from the final match between Asuka and Saki is a banger and really sets the mood for that specific scene. I was surprised that they prepared a different ED (Kimi to Ito Sora) for the final ep. If you love Ray and Mami Kawada like me, you’ll surely enjoy the songs of this anime.

Verdict:
Obviously, I really enjoyed this anime. I only have a little personal disappointment since I came from the VN first but still, this one’s a good watch. This anime will have you the thought of fun in flying and being one with the sky.

There might be some parts which seems to bore you especially in the beginning but they were necessary to build up the excitement and tension in the mid and later part of the anime. I’d say that I could recommend this to those who likes light series with competition that doesn’t have any romance element. It’s a pretty flexible anime worthy of any type of viewer. I could guarantee that it won’t disappoint you.