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Jan 14, 2025
The manga "Another" undeniably carries a high level of eerie vibes, immersing readers in a haunting atmosphere. However, it falls short of delivering the visceral fear and gruesomeness that one might expect from a horror story of this caliber. While it has its moments, the overall execution leaves much to be desired.
The story revolves around the tragic death of a student 26 years ago, which sparks a chain of calamities tied to Class 3-3. The students' failure to acknowledge their peer's death seemingly cursed the class, resulting in an "extra seat" every year—a mysterious presence of someone who shouldn’t exist. This leads to a series
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of untimely and often violent deaths. To mitigate this calamity, the students devised a grim solution: ignore one of their classmates entirely, in hopes of maintaining the proper number of people in the class.
(Comparison to the Anime)
For those who have already watched the anime adaptation, the manga may not feel as engaging. While the anime includes additional content—notably the "beach arc"—the manga omits these elements, leading to a less appealing narrative. The deaths depicted in the manga are also less gruesome and impactful compared to the anime’s more vivid portrayal.
One notable difference lies in the depiction of Misaki Mei. In the manga, Mei is portrayed as a more mature and composed student. Conversely, the anime opts for a more doll-like, petite design for Mei. Both interpretations have their merits, but the manga's portrayal offers a slightly different perspective that some may appreciate.
(Physical Presentation)
The physical edition of the manga (a combined 4-volume release) deserves praise for its unique presentation. It includes colored pages with a distinct texture, contrasting with the standard manga paper, which adds a tactile and visual novelty to the reading experience.
Regarded as one of the most popular horror animanga titles, Another as a manga doesn’t quite match the impact of its anime counterpart. While revisiting familiar moments was enjoyable, the experience lacked any truly captivating elements to set it apart. For readers new to the story, the manga might serve as an adequate introduction. However, for those who have already experienced the anime, it may feel underwhelming. As my first manga review I hope I did justice to the various concerns that you as a reader might want answered.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Dec 29, 2024
Lockdown Zone delivers a gripping premise but falls short in execution. The story kicks off with high school student Ryouka waking up to discover her building under lockdown due to the presence of a dangerous entity, X. With only her childhood friend Shuuhei for company, they must unravel "the mystery" and find a way to escape. The setup is filled with potential, creating an eerie and tense atmosphere that keeps you on edge.
The short length of the series works in its favor, as the limited cast of characters keeps the narrative focused and easy to follow. As the episodes progress, the mystery deepens, and there’s
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a slow build in understanding the situation at hand.
However, the anime's biggest flaw is the lack of content to fully complement its intriguing setup. The minimalist animation style, while fitting for the tone, leaves much to be desired in terms of visual storytelling. With so little action or dialogue to carry the plot, the series feels somewhat hollow. It’s as though the framework of the story is strong, but it needed more substance to truly engage viewers.
Ultimately, it offers a brief but suspenseful ride that, while enjoyable in moments, doesn’t deliver the depth or emotional payoff expected from its premise. It’s a decent watch for those seeking a quick mystery, but it won’t leave a lasting impact.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Nov 12, 2024
Mom, I'm Sorry is an emotional roller coaster that beautifully combines fantasy with harsh reality. Cuican(whom I will refer to as Henry) is a young man who, only upon facing the imminent loss of his mother, realizes just how much she means to him. In an act of profound sacrifice, he bargains with a lifespan dealer, surrendering four decades of his own life to restore his mother’s youth and health, transforming her into a vibrant 20-year-old with a second chance at life. From here, Henry dedicates his remaining, limited days to making sure his mother lives life to the fullest—even if he has to hide
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the true cost from her.
One of the show's standout elements is how it portrays the mother-son relationship. Having been sick most of her life, his mother never had a chance to truly experience her youth or live for herself. Her struggle is made more poignant when we learn that she, too, made sacrifices for her own mother, giving up her hard-earned college savings to help a parent who wasn't particularly kind to her.
The series does an excellent job of exploring the theme of appreciation and forgiveness. Henry's journey is as much an apology as it is an attempt to make amends for the time he took his mother for granted. His character development is one of the most compelling aspects of the series: he grows from an indifferent son to a compassionate, selfless young man, deeply aware of the importance of family, friends, and life itself.
While the show effectively captures the essence of love and sacrifice, some aspects feel rushed. With so many events packed into each episode, there were times when it felt as though the emotional impact was diluted. Perhaps stretching the story over more episodes or an additional season would have allowed for deeper, more resonant storytelling. That said, my perspective shifted by the final episode—it managed to pull everything together beautifully, leaving a lasting impression and satisfying my expectations.
Overall, the story felt like a letter from a son seeking forgiveness and redemption, a beautiful yet bittersweet story about love, family, and the ultimate price one is willing to pay for a loved one’s happiness. It’s a series that will tug at your heartstrings, blending lighthearted humor with profound themes that are likely to leave you in tears.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Nov 3, 2024
True Beauty offers a unique take on self-acceptance and the social pressures surrounding beauty through the story of Lim Jugyeong, a young girl who transforms herself with makeup to fit in and escape bullying. This anime is based on a popular Korean webtoon, which has already gotten a South Korean tv series adaption. Third times a charm?
While I enjoyed many aspects of True Beauty, especially the friendships she formed and her journey toward self-acceptance, the anime fell short of consistently capturing the charm and depth of the original work. The pacing was one of the most significant issues, feeling rushed and leaving out key story
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elements that gave the webtoon its emotional weight. As a result, the anime sometimes felt disjointed, making it hard to stay fully engaged.
Another point of criticism is the dubbing quality across different languages. Surprisingly, the English dub became my preferred choice—it brought life to the characters and helped maintain immersion. The Korean and Japanese dubs, however, lacked that same vibrancy, and the Korean dub had noticeable sound quality issues.
Despite these drawbacks, I found myself rooting for Jugyeong throughout her high school journey in becoming a goddess and exploring love and friendship for the first time, and I appreciated how the story highlighted her growth beyond her appearance. The moments of genuine friendship and budding romance were somewhat well-executed. Ultimately, while True Beauty isn’t perfect and could have benefitted from better pacing and adaptation, it’s still enjoyable. It’s a relatable story of learning self-worth and finding acceptance.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Mar 28, 2024
Hitorijime My Hero embarks on a sort of dual narrative journey. The series endeavors to dissect themes of belonging, forbidden love, and and self-discovery. We learn about the life of a high schooler grappling with the complexities of rekindled friendships and emerging feelings, and another student who finds unexpected guidance and love in his relationship with his friend’s older brother.
The first storyline revolves around a close friendship tested by unspoken affections and conflicting emotions. However, this relationship dynamic uncomfortably broaches the topic of being compelled into a sexual orientation or rushed into coming out this raises concerns about consent and mutual respect. While the
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intention is to portray a charming and humorous relationship, it often veers into uncomfortable territory. Though as the story progresses, what unfolds is a relationship that is somewhat fun and has endearing moments, including lighthearted jealousy and playful banter, which lend a sense of wholesomeness to their dynamic.
In the second narrative, we delve into the morally ambiguous territory of a relationship between figures of authority and their students. Despite attempts to romanticize the connection, the portrayal overlooks critical ethical considerations, presenting a troubling message regarding the boundaries of appropriate conduct. Surprisingly, this time, that's not my primary worry. My biggest concern is that The “love interest” warns the student against falling in love with him, yet paradoxically, when the student begins to distance himself and seek affection elsewhere, the “love interest”, out of jealousy, urges him not to hide his true feelings and proceeds to initiate a kiss. I would like to mention that shounen ai is something I am not very well versed in but something I’ve found interesting in as of recently, I’m not quite sure whether this is a common theme or not.
The progression of both storylines is swift. The narrative concerning the childhood friends, swiftly evolves from a tale of awkward reunions to a more complex exploration of unrequited love and self-realization, sacrificing the potential for a more nuanced development of their relationship. The anime also chose to tell its two distinct stories sequentially, had it tried to gradually unfold them side by side, it could have enhanced the pacing.
Despite its moral and narrative challenges, it does not skimp on moments of levity and genuine human connection. The occasional comedic interludes and well-animated expressions bring a much-needed lightness to the otherwise concerning narrative. I enjoyed the mention of “homonym” and when a certain someone said, and I quote “they’re gonna take my shirikodama” which refers to a mythical ball said to reside within the human anus.
The anime's approach to exploring the depths of human relationships, identity, and acceptance is commendable, albeit flawed in execution. The portrayal of love, wrapped in layers of controversy and moral questions, ultimately finds an unexpected footing within its own unconventional, comedic rhythm. This amalgamation of humor and drama doesn't always harmonize with traditional romantic ideals, yet it crafts a distinct space where affection, in its myriad forms, flourishes against the odds. In doing so, the series carves out a niche for itself, presenting a story that resonates with those intrigued by love's multifaceted and often perplexing nature.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Mar 25, 2024
Tis Time for Torture Princess is an unexpectedly delightful anime that turns the traditional concept of torture on its head. The Princess, Commander of the Imperial Third Legion, finds herself subjected to the most unconventional forms of torture by the demon lord's army. From gourmet meals to spa days and the company of adorable animals, each episode is an inventive and humorous take on what constitutes true suffering. The princess is then coerced into divulging the kingdom's most trivial secrets.
The anime shines with a diverse cast of characters, each bringing their unique form of torture to the table, enriching the story with their backgrounds and
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quirky personalities. The demon lord is depicted with an innocent charm that belies his fearsome title, portraying him in a light-hearted, almost endearing manner. The princess’s sword, Excalibur, is fully loaded with witty commentary and humorous observations that provide a constant stream of laughter, making it hard to catch your breath between his clever quips and sarcastic remarks.
The voice acting and soundtrack brilliantly complement the show's comedic tone, with Excalibur's witty banter being a highlight.
Its animation is crafted with attention to detail and a clear affection for the genre, making use of exaggerated expressions and visual gags to amplify the humor.
What sets this anime apart is its heartwarming core; despite the premise, it's a story about finding joy and adventure in unexpected places. The princess, with the ability to escape yet choosing to stay, and the demon lord's unnecessary quest for a secret, both reflect a deeper commentary on freedom and strength. Overall, it is a breath of fresh air, perfect for viewers looking for a lighthearted, comedic anime that doesn't take itself too seriously but is crafted with a lot of care and love.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Mar 21, 2024
Ishura plunges viewers into a vibrantly chaotic world, freshly rid of its demon king, yet shrouded in mystery over the victor's identity. This premise sets the stage for a thrilling narrative, where candidates from different lands and realms vie for the coveted title of the true hero. The allure of Ishura lies in its adept fusion of myriad skills and the philosophical diversity it brings through its characters, blurring the lines between heroes and villains in an intriguing moral play.
Its presentation of main characters, deftly weaving their unique backgrounds and motivations into the fabric of its story. Despite the vast array of personalities, almost each
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character has been given enough depth and development to stand out, contributing significantly to the narrative's complexity and allure. There were certain characters that lacked backstories, sidelined, receiving minimal screen time and depth which disappointed.
The show's ability to blur the lines between heroes and villains enriches its storytelling, allowing viewers to connect with characters on various moral spectrums. This nuanced portrayal ensures that the protagonists are not just participants in the battle for recognition but are compelling individuals whose journeys and conflicts drive the narrative forward, making them memorable. Ambitiously, The City of Aureatia presents a board with 29 officials, a choice that admittedly can overwhelm. While each character adds their unique flavor to the story, the sheer number feels like a daunting catalog to keep track of.
The voice acting is commendable, breathing life into the extensive roster of characters, each introduced with enough intrigue that has kept me hooked. The soundtrack effectively matches the series' mood, with sound effects that align well with on-screen events. The audio contrasts between calm and intense scenes, supporting the narrative without overwhelming it.
The animation stands out as a mixed bag. On one hand, the overall quality and settings captivate. However, the CGI on the wyverns, while understandable from a production standpoint, is slightly jarring against the backdrop of otherwise sleek animation. This does little to detract from the engrossing fight scenes, which are a spectacle of choreography and gore.
Don't be daunted by the first 5 episodes! While they might seem overwhelming, they're essential in laying the groundwork for the world and its characters. These initial episodes are packed with information to immerse you fully. So, stay patient and keep watching. The setup is crucial for understanding the complexities of the diverse cast you're about to get deeply invested in. The narrative depth and thrilling developments awaiting beyond these introductory episodes are well worth it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Mar 20, 2024
Losing Money to Be a Tycoon presents a fascinating twist on the typical rags-to-riches narrative, it offers a captivating journey through the unconventional world of Pei Qian, an ordinary office worker thrust into an extraordinary situation, back to a time when he was still a broke college student . With its blend of humor, strategy, and unexpected challenges, this donghua kept me engaged throughout the series.
At its core, the series explores the age-old adage of "money makes money" but with a clever and unexpected twist. Instead of striving for profit, Pei Qian finds himself navigating a world where success is measured by losses. This
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premise sets the stage for a series of hilariously inventive schemes as Pei Qian grapples with the paradoxical task of intentionally losing money without breaking the “Fortune Conversion System’s” rules.
The quirky ensemble of characters drives the show's humor through their dynamic interactions and the unintended consequences of their actions. Pei Qian finds himself perpetually thwarted by his overly competent and loyal team. His frustrations and schemes set the stage for much of the comedy. The characters' genuine care for each other and their boss and their collective misinterpretation his true goals create a comedy of errors that is both amusing and endearing.
Visually, Im impressed with its vibrant animation and expressive character designs. The series strikes a perfect balance between comedic exaggeration and grounded realism, creating a world that feels both fantastical and relatable. Each episode is filled with clever visual gags and subtle details that give off additional layers of humor and depth.
I will say, it does get somewhat repetitive at some point in the series, but its comedic aspect has never failed to make me crave more. As someone who enjoys comedy, entrepreneurship, and all things gaming I found this donghua to be incredibly light and entertaining. DO NOT let the first episode deter you, it is the only episode where I felt slightly confused. After the first episode the mood shifts from "information dumping" to "lighthearted comedy" .
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Sep 24, 2022
Let me save 4 hours of your life by telling you to not watch this anime. Nothing is consistent, plot is weak, barely any character development, we didn’t need that love interest at all. The last episode was by far the worst episode, the only reason I finished watching this anime was to get rid of it from both my on hold and watching.
Furthermore, I absolutely hated the flash backs, not only were they tacky and uninteresting, they were also constantly repeated and the borders of my screen looked like crappy water colors mixed together.
The main power ranger characters felt like a copy of
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the Hashira from demon slayer only if the Hashira were a bunch of weirdos. Pink hair and Blue hair were probably the only characters I felt half interested in but not interested enough to learn their names.
Reviewer’s Rating: 2
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Jul 20, 2022
(No Spoilers)
Story: 10
The level of depth that this anime contains amazes me; every step, every breath. I’m not one for ballet yet I felt so emotional watching this. The way they portrayed the main antagonists at the start and how they ended the anime was perfect.
Art: 8 (I do not base my opinion on how an anime looks)
I love how the mood changes and so does the scenery and I’m a simp for close up eye shots, their eyes sparkle so much I feel like I was getting blinded by a ray of light. Also loved the added theatrics when they danced and how they
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showed us what they were trying to portray (as non ballet experts)
Sound: 9
I do feel as if at times I would’ve rather not have a certain song play as it disturbed the focus I was giving to the story but overall the song choices were great, and I’m a sucker for classical piano.
Character: 9
Everything that’s every happened in Loū’s life and how his experience progressed with him and Miyaki adding to the layers of conflict between friendship and relationship. The decision that Junpei had to make says a lot about his character and how strong his personality is. The other “friendships” that the main cast had made either from ballet school or school also interacted in a way I enjoyed.
Enjoyment: 10
I almost never write reviews you know it’s good when I grab my keyboard and write away my thoughts. I watch anime to enjoy not critique, but if an anime makes me cry (which most of them do) I sense the responsibility to write about it.
Overall: 10
Do I have to continue? Go watch it you weeb.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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