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People die when they are killed...unless you're a demi-human. Ajin is set in the backdrop of bureaucratic Japan where we follow Nagai Kei as he discovers after nearly being isekai'd by Truck-kun, he's a demi-human and returns from death's door.

Critiques out the way first: Ajin's beginning chapters are ass. They aren't bad by any stretch of the imagination--compared to the vast sea of manga out there, it's a pretty damn good introduction. But compared to the greatness that is the next 80% of the manga, the opening chapters are pretty fucking weak. The issue with the opening chapters is that the author has no idea ... what he wants to do with the characters he wrote out. They all appear one dimensional and lack any coherent sense of depth--much like your average shounen series.

Yet, as time progresses and the chapters move along, you begin to piece together the stories each character is trying to tell. Each character has a very evident sense of motivation and you know what's driving these characters to do what they're doing. They're self-aware of the actions they take may not be the most morally accurate, but its just so painfully human you can't help but empathize with them in the situation.

Unless you're Sato, Ajin's main antagonist. What makes this villain so damn good is not that he is the cleverest motherfucker on the street, no, it's also because he's a gamer. Sato is the personification of those fucked up thoughts--the crazy what-ifs you sometimes catch yourself fantasizing about. Sato's the same reason why people love the Joker so much. Sato takes those what-ifs and embodies them into reality. His violent tendencies paired with his wit makes every one of his preparations so interesting. Its this stark juxtaposition between Sato's chaotic and violent whimsicality and the organized, rational nature that is Nagai Kei that make each conflict so compelling to read.

By the end of the series, you'll see entire stories being conveyed in three textless panels. From facial expressions, to the way the panels are framed, the reader can grasp the rich history from characters they might've only spent very little time with--giving them incredible nuance despite the unfamiliarity.

Ultimately, it's Ajin's ability to convey many things in a single story that makes it such an incredible piece of work. It's never shoving things in your face but it asks the reader to really take the time to understand what's trying to be communicated across the page. Read the series or Imma have to crack out the belt

I have never been so shellshocked by an ending since Magi. Why? Because both the endings have been total ASS. I've been putting off my review as I digested my emotions.

Beastars was my underdog pick when it came to that next "sleeper" hit. I knew due to its subject matter (anthropomorphic animals), it probably wouldn't have become something as big as a regular shounen series. It comfortably sat in this niche that was neither superbly mainstream nor was it unpopular. Initially, I had highly recommended the series to many of my buddies due to its excellent art, interesting characters, and what I found to be ... absolutely stellar world building.

The world of Beastars is so charming and dynamic. The history and lore teased briefly in the few chapters always had me curious for the entire history. How did the Beastars come about? What exactly is the sea world like? How's life outside the main city? I've never been as enamoured with a world and I could only compare such passionate curiosity with the world of One Piece.

Yet, it ended on such a weird, whimper of a note. Beastars ended with so many questions left unanswered and a world left completely unexplored. It was such a wasted opportunity that I can only imagine that the author has found themselves burnt out of the creative process and had axed the series themselves. Beastars...such an unfortunate finale for what could have been one of the classics. This will be a series I've find myself thinking about for a while and I keep shaking my head at "what could've been".

All in all, I'd read if you're curious but just mentally prepare yourself for the inevitable: "Really? That's it?"

Because yeah, really. That's it.

Apparently, "with great power comes great responsibility".

Hina in Hinamatsuri is a powerful esper who essentially forces Nitta the yakuza to take her in. The two together find themselves among a memorable cast and ridiculous circumstances that make you wonder "how are they gonna worm out of it this time?"

Hinamatsuri was a joy ride from start to finish and I've, like countless others, found myself laughing out in public much to my dismay. Setting crippling social standings aside, Hinamatsuri is an excellent example of comedy manga done right. The reason why it this series is so successful is due to comedy's essential mantra: "write characters and ... the jokes will come naturally".

Every character from Nitta & Hina to the rest of the spectacular cast (my favourite is Hitomi) has their moment to shine. Every chapter finds the cast in an absurd scenario and therefore requiring equally or more absurd solutions which lead to more hilarious scenarios. It's the chemistry between the writing of the characters and how they interact with each situation that makes Hinamatsuri so charming.

Nonetheless, due to Hinamatsuri's thrill ride nature, there was little time to stop for scenery. Many of the more emotional and serious tones are outright shafted for a cheap gag, ruining the mood. The early section regarding Anzu's character development, in my opinion, was a great way to establish not only character development but creating a "heart" in the series. There is very little of heart in the series as it is traded in favor of jokes and a quick laugh. Furthermore, the ending climax felt slightly underwhelming in the grand scheme of things with a few things feeling like it was rushed in a last minute frenzy.

Ultimately, with a greater power comes a greater responsibility--and it's frankly the characters' lack of responsibility that makes for the most entertaining circumstances. Despite its lacking in some more heart in its heartfelt moments, no one can argue the charm and the familial sense of home that the series has going for it. It is an excellent series that despite the somewhat lack-lustre climax, felt phenomenal in respect to the journey since chapter 1. Hinamatsuri is a first-class manga in its own right and you'll find yourself right at home if you give it a chance.

Should You Watch: Sword of the Stranger?

This movie.

It was badass.


First two minutes, BAM, arrow in your neck. Because fuck you that's why. The way the body knocks forward a little as it got shot with the second arrow was absolutely spectacular. No man, woman or child, animated this movie and made it out alive. If they did, their souls are now Satan's.

Sword of the Stranger is a movie that screams blood, sweat, and tears and its screams demands your full attention. Every fight in this film is elegantly choreographed and shot with precision. That's it, that's the review. It's a sick ass movie with sick ... ass fights. I don't know how to convince you to watch it otherwise. Nonetheless, there are some minor flaws with the movie. Main samurai guy's arc isn't explored fully to the point where the viewer can be 100% satisfied and I don't really give a damn about the kid. I'm rooting for dog.

To the anyone who said they fell asleep while watching this movie because it's too long and boring--

I'mma put you to sleep myself you edgy ass looking ass motherfucker

Should you watch: Sword of the Stranger?

Yeah, it's a pretty cool movie. 9/10 not bad could be better

Should you watch: A Place Further than the Universe?

I like cute girls doing cute things. But more than cute girls doing kawaii shit? I love penguins. This show combines the two.

This is a good ass show.

A Place Further than the Universe was one of the few series that I waited weekly for instead of waiting in order to binge it all. In a season where shows must utilize cliffhangers to bring back viewers, A Place Further than the Universe has no need for such wimpy shit. Each episode in this series is so uniquely different and each, while carrying on the story from the ... last episode, convey a different emotional message that tugs on what makes you tick. A Place Further than the Universe revels in its ability to draw audiences towards its characters and their interactions. A good show writes good stories...but a great show writes characters and ultimately, the story can write themselves.


Moreover, this show is absolutely stunning. Each episode just as gorgeous as the first and just as mesmerizing as last. They shower you in the glory that is mother planet earth and continue to sink you into the wonders of the world, teasing your childlike curiosity into the forefront.

I became a kid again when I watched this show. I remember playing pokemon for the first time in my life and I'd put my DS in a ziploc bag and play while I showered. This is that show for me--that sense of adventure, mystifying beauty when you overcome hardship to encounter something equally beautiful. The journey, the destination, and the friends made along the way--A Place Further than the Universe brilliantly encapsulates the joys of youth into a message you will always remember.

Should you watch: A Place Further than the Universe?

watch it now or I'mma beat you with this stick

Should you watch: Assassination Classroom S2?

I had this sick ass pudding cake when I was in Taiwan.

Like it was magnificent--I could feel my arteries clogging up and the demons below grasping at the little years I had left, but god damn it, it was a good ass pudding cake.

Assassination Classroom is that pudding cake. Is it a good show objectively? Objectively, no. The animation can end up a little jank, the soundtrack is not terribly memorable, and the writing is can be a bit childish.

Yet, Ass Class wears its corny dialogue on its sleeves like a badge of honour because ultimately, you're here for the ... characters. Main guy, Trap-kun (lowkey he kinda cute), blue hair looking fucker. You expect the series to completely revolve around him and it kinda does to be honest, but it doesn't. Ass Class is a class and the series gives plenty of spotlight to most individuals so you can really have this sense of progression since the first season. Karma grows to become more mature, Karasuma and Bitch-sensei begin to develop a sense of teacher-student connection, Trap-kun got hotter---

You progress with this class and every achievement they make, you are right there every step of the way. From taking wackass classes to going out of space, there's never a dull lecture in the Assassination Classroom.

Should you watch Assassination Classroom S2?

Hell yeah. I watched it like, 5 times.

Should you watch ID:Invaded?

If you find yourself in a distorted world that is fundamentally different from the one you "came from", logic wouldn't be the first thing that comes to mind.

ID: Invaded is a charming little series that held my interest from start to end, so I'd recommend everyone to give it go. That being said, there are certain notes that fall flat in comparison to its more gritty counterparts like Ghost in the Shell and Psycho Pass.

You follow this pink hair guy, his name's Sakaido or something, and he's "a messed up detective, different from those other messed up detectives--this one is messed ... up messed up--ooo yea, he got a backstory--like a BACKSTORY BACKSTORY" - Detective Gumshoe.

He's a supposed brilliant detective that deducts mysteries in the unconsciousness known as ID Wells. The most gripping issue is how the writer's think that utilizing logic in a non-logical world like the human subconscious could work out. It clearly doesn't. There are a lot of gaps to jump and if you're into solving puzzles with the detective--don't bother, they don't make much sense half the time.

Regardless, this series is a lot of fun. There's not a lot of character development and some side characters get the pipe when it comes to that, but our main pink hair anime man gets a nice little arc that might bring a little tear to your hair. Sometimes, you get the feeling that ID:Invaded is trying hard to be something it's not and it pulls you out of it. Furthermore, its conclusion feels a little shallow and unsatisfying.

Ultimately, ID:Invaded is fun. Don't think too much about it and you'll have a good time. It's not a classic police, crime, thriller, psychological shit to be hailed, but it's entertaining.

Should you watch ID: Invaded?

Yeah.