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"God of lightning, please grant me your vengeance. STRIKE THEM DOWN!"

That sums up my feelings for Aggetsuko Final Season, as Netflix decided to give it the chopping block. It is a step up from the previous Haida-focused season. Although the first half is on Haida, the second half is about Retsy and campaigning for the Rage party.

I was a fan of all the new character introductions favorite being Shikabane. The interactions between Haida and Retsuko felt natural, and they pushed one another to strive to be better people. Just like a real relationship should be. Seeing Haida become a hikikomori and wasting his time ... and money on online games felt relatable and realistic. We see them as well as meet each other's parents.

My complaints come in the second half as it seems to speed up Retsuko's whole campaign for politics. Honestly, Haida alone could have been a season by himself trying to get out of his slump and get a job. The Retsuko campaign should have been its season. Another criticism is that they should have never gotten together at the end. It's more of them just settling with one another because why not. Their relationship is the most toxic when we look at their past, always bringing out the worst in one another and never being communicative with each other. Lastly, the fact that they returned to the status quo. That's what left me most disappointed, being that it was ending might as well end on a high note or different than what it did. Overall, I loved the series for what it was and will miss it.

Eureka 7: High Evolution 3 is an abomination to the franchise itself. Just put the franchise to rest now.

This movie doesn't tell us anything besides throwing us in. There are Nirvashes that aren't piloted by anyone fighting Scub Corals. For some reason, Anemone is chief of an organization called A.C.I.D which is part of Blue Earth. Also, there's Green earth which they're fighting against as well. Eureka is an agent of A.C.I.D. Furthermore, Dewey Novak for whatever reason has superpowers. After saving Iris, Eureka is tasked with taking her to Hawaii their base of operations.

This story is oddly a Slice of Life with Dewey ... Novak trying to kill Eureka and Iris. Seeing Eureka and Iris trying to bond doesn't work because of Iris's unbearable personality that consists of only crying and screaming. More unbearable is that somehow this is still tied up with the original series and the movies even the spin-off movie Pocket Full of Rainbows. The plastering of advertising in this movie throws one off as well, from Bandai Namco, Studio Bones, Coke, CNN, BBC, and Skateboards.

If I had to guess, Eureka 7 was the first timeline. All the movies, even spin-off movies, are other timelines created by Eureka herself with the intent of getting her own happy ending. Dewey Novak was trying to fight his fate. Being that these stories/timelines are written by Eureka. It's Character vs God essentially. What makes no sense, is how Iris will eventually become Eureka herself. The only thing it had going for itself was the animation and music. As a long-time Eureka 7 fan, please put the series to rest. I wanted more, but not like this, Eureka AO was better than this tartar sauce.

Once again diving into the autobiography of Nagata Kabi has been an interesting read into the psyche and thought process of someone with mental illness. This time around she's become a more positive mindset and even driven to a certain extent. Rather than it being an experience or a more hands-on situation, it's more of a psychological one. Coming to the conclusion that she needs for herself to be happy first, and once achieving that she'll find happiness later in a relationship. I've enjoyed how consistent the art style has stayed throughout the series and seeing the growth of a person right before our eyes. ... I'll continue to read Nagata's autobiographies if she continues making them, they're such a treat to read.

"I will do anything to be Mika's first."

Just like the title of the manga 'I'm dying for your virginity.' is at the start one of the main focal points of our protagonist Tooru to continue traveling into the past to be Mika's lover. Let's rewind a bit, shall we? The manga starts us with a not-so-charming, good-looking, nor decent protagonist named Tooru he's in his '30s and through some stroke of luck was able to get together with Mika. Mika is a very charming individual that way out of his league, even so, they're together. Although there is an obsession with him about not being ... her first time eats at him at his core. I'm going to address this now so readers that don't want a read story for this reason alone, to let you know that it actually gets addressed later on. Anyhow, due to his unlucky circumstances, he gets hit by a train and finds himself in his high school days. Every interaction, small or large affects his outcome in the future, it goes from being Mika to being someone or not at all with anyone.

This is the journey we entrusted upon and seeing the growth of Tooru as a person from having no friends, to being somewhat of a decent person. The art goes to the extremes where in one panel it's adorably cute, and in the very next Tooru is being his disgusting old self. It's such a diverse and unique style that it flips from one to another. This manga isn't for the faint of heart as there are extreme and even uncomfortable situations. Even so Tooru as faulty as he is a chad nonetheless and massive props to him.

“If one feels it is fun now, one will be able to enjoy life the most. Everything will change over time, so we must treasure the happy moments before us.” – Akari Mizunashi

All's well that ends well. When I watch Aria it's for that compassion of sitting back and enjoying the scenery, not having to think too profoundly of things. That's what it's always been about taking in the moment and enjoying the small moments that life has to offer. So being this the final installment of the series, we begin our journey with the next generation of undies. Ai, Anya and Azusa uncover the ... secret as to why Aika won't inherit Akira's Gandola. Only to go on the journey and discover the depths of Akira's and Aika's relationship two very ordinary undies that had to strive and work harder than the rest. Since they never had any special talent to call their own. A wonderful tale of hard work and persistence can sometimes be more than enough to make worth a title or task that you wish to accomplish.

Much like the rest of the series, its calming and slice-of-life aspects do wonders for the show. Ever since the release of these trilogy installments of movies the animation has taken a turn, not for the worst I'd say. Although different and vibrant it still has that heart and care of the world Neo-Venezia and brings our cast in a different light we hadn't seen before. As much as I'd prefer the series to go full circle and end with an Akari story we got this one. However, this ending is just as pleasant and more than fitting enough. As we finally say our last goodbye to the world of Neo-Veniza with all its wonders and most importantly its cast of characters.

“Lots of things change with the flow of time. But there are things that never change. Things that are precious because they change, and things that are precious because they don’t change… Both are precious. Don’t you feel the same?” – Akari Mizunashi

Before reading this, mind that there will be spoilers of all the seasons, just in case new watchers are curious if the series gets better over time.

After keeping up with the series for three seasons, I can say, with a heavy heart, that it is not what it used to be. The series that once had me hooked and blasting through two seasons is now a chore to watch. It lost the components that gave it heart and made it so binge-able.

With the first season, it was all about Myne’s family and friends. The world-building was essential for the plot, since we are ... seeing the new world along with Myne, trying to figure out how it works and the rules that govern the world. She joins a guild where she can bring items and recipes from her previous life. Her main problems were dealing with her devouring and how she can prove that she knows what she is doing, even though people look down on her as just being a child. Season two was about her being a part of the Church and how to solve her devouring problem by giving them her mana as a blessing. She became a blue-robed priestess and was in charge of the orphans. Also, her attendants tend to make it a challenge for Myne.

As for season three, it becomes more political between the Church and the nobles. Myne is trying to find a middle ground between the two. It seems everyone has taken a step back in relevancy except Myne, with her parents taking care of a new baby to Benno just taking over the guild duties for her products. Even the threat of the High Bishop, which posed a problem, to Myne now just sitting in his room getting information from Delia, and it does not look like he is even interested in Myne anymore. When it comes to the personal problem of this season, it tries to juggle everything from previous seasons and then more. There is no more dedicating any time or dedication to the cast that we fell in love with at the start, Myne’s family and friends.

The animation is the same as before. New characters introduced are more detailed and have unique characteristics. The music stayed relatively the same throughout the series. Nothing wrong with that.

Overall, it is a big letdown compared to previous seasons. I'm not a light novel reader, I do not know if there is enough content or if there are not enough episodes to convey the original adaptation. Each season, we get fewer episodes, making me wonder if they are skipping over episodes. It lacks heart that it had previously, and for that reason why it's my least favorite season thus far.

To Your Eternity.

"Joan, I want you to do something for me. Remember me forever."

An orb came was placed in this world by a deity, to observe and change. When it comes to change, it's the unique characteristic for it can to object/thing/person through touch the first time. After that it's only allowed to change when it's surrounded to death, that living creature/person dying. It's reason for living? We don't know yet. It lives to for a same reason a person does to stimulate its curiosity,
experience, learn, and to grow.

When orb comes into this world, its first contact is a rock. So, for decades, maybe ... even centuries, it stays that way until a wolf dies on top of it. It was dying to a wound on its leg, the landscape of endless winter snow. The rock copy itself match-for-match, even the injury. Experiencing things for the first time ever pain, cold, fatigue, anguish, and fierceness of the world but like all living things, it moves forward. Eventually, find a single-hut with a white-haired boy that recognizes the wolf instantly, thus they being their companionship.

The boy has one goal, it's for him to continue moving forward to follow the footsteps of the villagers that went off without him. So they begin their journey of the boy and his wolf, Joan. Their joinery is faced with many hardships only to find that villagers didn't make paradise. They had died on the way there. Through the journey itself the white-haired boy got a leg injury himself, loosing motivation he decides going back to single-hut. It was their white hair boy passed, thus the cycle continues the boy take the form of the white hair boy...moving forward once more.

When it comes to the animation is superb, each detail eccentric and showing us so many emotions through characteristic of the faces. When you see them in pain, you can feel their pain. This anime is a journey, an experience, and wonders of growing through pains and joys of life.

-Spoilers-

It was around the third arc island arc where the story seemed to drag itself out, overstaying its welcome. Not really caring for the cast of kids on the island, myself. That alone was enough to bring the show to mediocre.

Thrice Upon a Time

It's been nine grueling years since Evangelion 3.33. We lost a lot of Eva fans along the way here. A conclusive and definitive ending to Evangelion. I have to say Utuda Hikaru’s One Last Kiss is the staple song for this movie. The animation was visually memorizing, although it did have some heavier, not so great CGI moments. Does it answer every question you had about the series nicely? No, but it leaves with a sense of peace and tranquility that you can move from this franchise and should, just like how our cast has.

-Major Spoilers-

The first half of the movie ... is Asuka, Shinji, and Rei going about in this world after near fourth impact. It slows down the pace, and I found that fitting and wonderful. Seeing humanity alive in villages and Kensuke alive along with possibly being together with Asuka was fitting. As well as Touji getting together with Class President and having a kid. Not to mention Rei Q learning the wonders about being alive and what it’s like being human. All those adorable interactions and reactions was priceless. Rei Q brings Shinji out of his depressed state and gives him confidence to push forward. It was a much welcomed change.

Like all things, the plot moves onto the second act and Rei Q was only able to be in her current physical form for such a short time before turning into LCL. Willie begins to initiate their last attack towards Nerv as they commence to start another impact. Shinji tags along with Willie, this time from his own free will, with this new confidence. Where he can't take back his actions, good or bad, that brought him here, but he must continue to move forward if he wishes to protect what he loves the most. The people in the village and his friends.

A few problems do arise though, why so many Eva Units? A barrage of them when it came to fight scenes. It could have done with less of them, many of the fight scenes were very clustered and hard to follow alongside with. Also, why so many spears? They just never run out of them.

Anyhow, our main antagonist is Gendo Ikari and after all this time we get the long awaited chat between father and son. A psyche into the mind of the man where we knew nothing about other than him want to start instrumentally to be with Yui. He is just an older Shinji, that chooses to isolate himself from people because he doesn't like them. Then uses his headphones to tune out the world and keep to himself, until finding himself someone that he can be intimate with and himself. That accepts him for who he is, that's refreshing and relatable. At that moment is when you realize that he's the center of it all. End of Evangelion was Shinji's story to accept himself and continue to move on forward, and he's already done that, but Gendo has not. We see the true nature of Gendo that he seeks to be with Yui but Yui was always with him and that was through the person he's ignored all his life, Shinji Ikari. At that realization, that's when you felt the most empathy for someone like Gendo.

If you ask me, this is a continuation from the T.V Series and EOE. Shinji acknowledges that for when he's chatting to Rei in one of the sequences, he breaks the meta and even refers to Evangelion. He won't rewrite history nor will he rewind time, but move forward and make a new world where there no Evagelions to being with.

-Just some random observations as well, that may or not be true.

1. Giant humanoid non-animated Rei seem to be in correlation to Gendo talking about what we distinguish as imagery and fictional. Just like the last beach scene, when we get the rough sketches with Shinji. If we think about it, they’re just still images but when put it together it becomes an animation. A.K.A. Eva imaginary.

2. Mari last name is Jscariot who was a disciple and one of the original Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. Gendo and Mari, perhaps Mari and Fuyutski?

3. As Ayanami was a clone Yui, Kaworu was a clone of Gendo. Being that they both enjoy the piano. Shinji admitting that Kaworu is like a father figure to him. Kaji also calling him commander in the flashback sequences.

Is this jaw-dropping defining movie as EOE? No.
Does it answer all of our questions? No.
Is it perfect? Not by along shot.

It does serve a fitting end, giving us closure and not that grim ending we always get, and it lets us say our last goodbye to the cast of characters. Giving us peace with them.

Good Morning. Goodnight. Thank you.
Goodbye, all of Evangelion. Goodbye, Shinji Ikari.

My Alcoholic Escape From Reality.

Nagata Kabi, seeing the author draw out a manga of their real experiences, is comforting seeing how they got there and where they're going. Although, it goes to say Kabi previous experiences felt more personal and emotional tied together. Often dealing with loneliness and depression. This is moving forward after having a hit wonder with their previous manga series, 'My Solo Exchange Diary' & 'My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness.'

At this stage in their life, Kabi-San is still dealing with anxiety and fears that she chooses to resolve by drinking their problems away. Only to develop an acute pancreatitis and having ... to deal with it for the rest of their life. Oddly enough, I find that all the more enjoyable being that I have a fatty liver, however it wasn't' caused by excessive alcoholic consumption. So this really stuck home with me because my doctor would constantly ask if I was a drinker or smoker, which I'm neither of. Anyhow, the artwork continues to improve and is why I love reading Kabi-San work, there's warm feeling about her art-style that I'm fond of. A welcoming sequel that readers of Kabi should read and see her rehabilitation through this part of her life.

Look Back. - Spoilers Ahead

This being the first work I've read from Fujimoto won't be the last. The small takes on Shark-Kick, even his own manga 'Chainsaw Man' and the art style just bring it all home. When I look, at 'Look Back' I wonder to myself if it's a tribute to KyoAni Artist that died during the fire. Being that, it's closely timed to the 2nd year anniversary of that incident. Perhaps it could also be seen as Fujimoto him looking at his pass self, with the two main leads Fuji-no and Kyo-moto that spell out Fujimoto. That being said, it's a bitter-sweet ... tale of wishing to have spent more time together with that a certain, but life gets in the way. You two branch out taking different paths in life and that splits you apart as well.