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Something I would have appreciated as a teen, and now I'm laughing my head off as a 20-year-old. 'O Maidens' is an endearing letter to puberty, all the awkwardness that comes with it; and an almost deep dive into the complexities of that. I know it's a whole other ball game, but usually when American media dwells on adolescents and sexuality: it's often vulgar and done so for the sake of shock value.

Not saying that this anime doesn't have its share of red flags. But under the amazing writing of Mari Okada, it is as beautiful as the first blossom of spring. There's just ... something so pure (ironic given the main theme) about the narrative & how it progressed. Likewise the main cast of girls, each depicting a realistic account of puberty in their own right- I genuinely can't gather the words why it was so heartwarming to watch.

Coming from someone who grew up in a conservative culture that shuns anything sex-related: it was much appreciated to finally see this aspect of life presented in anime. On another anecdotal note, I've spent the latter half of my youth questioning/experimenting what my romantic and sexual orientation is (understanding they don't have to be one in the same) ; I applaud how this anime doesn't shy away from that aspect and remains respectful of it.

Watching this second season was like going to your annual family gathering. You'll be with familiar faces, cross paths with distant relatives. It'll definitely be hectic and cheery, just a non-stop parade. There will be matters you'll disagree on; but end of the day, it's a heart-warming experience.

Although the story-line feels a bit repetitive from the first season; the main Shimogamo brothers have developed in one way or another. It is like watching your own kids mature & join the 'adult' society, with a flair of mischief.

The OP and ED are absolutely wonderfully, as they were last time. The colour palette of this ... anime screams cuddly-ness, which can also be seen whenever a tanuki's on screen. I'm serious, there's not a lot in anime that'll evoke the same 'aww' I get from kittens or rabbits. But this, this they've nailed.

I think it's fair to say you can go in this anime without much prior knowledge. Personally, it was just so relaxing and the cast genuinely made me feel so welcomed; it's a lovely cup of a tea after an anxious day.

My heart goes out to everyone in this anime; or at least every human character. How it combines the adrenaline of shonen & thrill of psychological horror; it is the perfect marriage of its genre. I'd highly recommend going into this as blind as a bat. But if you had to hook someone in, just say it's 'Chicken Run the anime'.

I know this might come off as an over-enthusiastic fangirl's review, but Yakusoku no Neverland deserves the praise it gets. Part of me is just tempted to dive into the manga. But the animation staff, sound team & all around production crew heighten the ... experience.

Emma, Norman & Ray-need-to-be-protected. Period. At the same time, you feel for Isabella. There's just so much we don't know, and of we think we know, it's just turned on its head.

It plays with a personal, childhood revelation of mine that the adults/your supposed caretakers aren't who they seem. As a kid, not only does that shatter your world view. But honestly, what can you do?

I'm rooting for these kiddos all the way.

I usually turn to 'harem' shows as a stress-relief or guilty pleasure. My oh my did I find a surprise here. In a way, Aobuta does lean into certain tropes and narrative direction; but it has its own special spin and is sure to make that clear.

The chemistry between the main leads drew a phenomenal line between realistic and all out romcom/drama. I used parenthesis when first describing this anime because honestly if anything, it felt like I was watching Sakuta and Mai's relationship unfold before me. Yes, there were quite a number of girls and Monogatari-esque storylines (which is another plus). But if I ... may, the core and heart of the show was our main budding couple.

The concept of the 'Adolescence Syndrome' (with my sub-par understanding of Psychology) may not have truly existed. True, the events that took place were clearly manifestation of the cast's mental woes. But you could also argue, as teenagers, there's a lot of high-strung emotions & things happening in their heads. No, this isn't a 'dream theory', but it's interesting to see if the supernatural aspect was simply the perspective each arc's focus girl (or even just Sakuta).

This simultaneously made my heart full; then tore it apart & tossed the remains into a fire. There really is bittersweet void that lingers & that's the best way I describe this experience. For a series where the foundation is built upon fantasy, action, what you may : these characters & the tragedies unfolding were more real to me than anything I've seen in entertainment, period.

When people are quick to dismiss anime or even animation as childish, weird, etc : may history point back at this & challenge. I honestly cannot explain Fate/Zero the praise it deserves.

There was just so much to take in ... & feel, I was overwhelmed by the end of each 25 min mark. I know a lot of Fate fans will bash on me for starting the series from here, and quite honestly, I'm fine with spoiling me (both in terms of the original verb & the fandom term).

In fact, if this is the only piece of Fate I consume due to work circumstances & busy schedules : then I've certainly witnessed the most explosive of fireworks front and centre.

Even without full knowledge of the Fate franchise, I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish.It is so mature & complex, at times it felt like I was watching a Shakespeare or Greek tragedy the anime. I cannot give enough praise to the art direction or music score either, it was absolutely phenomenal.

Yes, I was confused at times & felt a need to have a literal spider diagram to connect all the plot points & characters. But honestly, even that's minimal to the sheer enjoyment I got out of the first season.

The best way I can explain this is that it's a ... firework that never stops exploding; and is simply out of this world.

I have never related to anything more in my life, and this is coming from someone who has yet to be in the work force. From the misogynistic boss, to un-bearable co-workers, and the small bonds you make : you will not find a more honest portrayal of daily life than this show.

I know some will dismiss the choice to present the characters as adorable, cartoonish mascots. I actually think this is something that works in its favor. If the character designs & art style had been rooted in regular humans (you get what I'm trying to say), that might actually do the series a ... disservice as it'll hit too close to home.

At the same time (and yes, I know that's a bit contradictory), the narrative & development of Retsuko & her company was so down-to-earth; I found it hard to believe so much was going on during a limited time frame. I haven't even mentioned the fine balance of comedy & light-hearted nature, which makes this the perfect viewing after a hard day's work.

Retsuko's stress relief of singing death metal is just as real as any of us finding a semblance of coping mechanisms.

I fell in love with the story as fast as some hopeless romantics do; but I wasn't wearing rose-tinted glasses. In fact, they were immediately taken off & snapped into two. I was exposed to the raw reality, yet, I could still find something to gush about (even if reality was being a total pig about it)

It's quite a slow burn, but that's rather appropriate of how flowers in nature bloom too. Predictable at times, the symbolism was slightly heavy-handed. Personally, there were a few moments & character actions that raised red flags for me.

'Yagate Kimi ni Naru' is endearing in how it tackles the topic of love, dissecting and exploring it in ways akin to the Greek words distinguishing it. I appreciate how its tackled the LGBTQ+ theme, portraying it through a modern understanding of the community.

It's gentle in its reflection of adolescence; and I could go on about the use of the language of flowers, the water motif, etc

Some ... would say it's anti-climatic & too mundane. Which 'to each their own', but I've found that to be a highlight of this series.

Nostalgia's a powerful thing. As a whole, I've been wondering who's the intended demographic for these DigiTri films. The general direction & connecting narrative is almost, just almost, mature & slightly philosophical for fans of Adventure 01/ Digifans who grew up on the series. But at times it still feels campy & cliche enough for the kiddies/new generation to enjoy.

True, I'm a bit rusty of my Adventure 01 & 02 lore. But more so in No.6 :Mirai, the entire plot feels messy & the pacing's pretty slow. These sequel films leave a somewhat strange experience when trying to place it within the original timeline & ... all we've learnt from there.

Again, this could just be the nostalgia speaking, but kudos to the characters & a semblance of development. I really don't mean to spark a fandom war here, but for a children's franchise from the 90's & going forwards : I've always felt Digimon's strongest card was actually getting to know these kids & growing up with them.

The animation won't age well in a few years. But for what it''s worth, I appreciate Toei spicing up the style & visuals. The soundtrack really tugged at my heartstrings. Most notably Braveheart and Butter-fly. You can say it was over-hyped, but in honour of Kouji Wada, you were the light & hope for me. Rest in Peace, you wonderful artist.

Anime as whole has had a bad reputation for not being 'realistic' enough. Yes, there's the debate of 'different people, different strokes' and 'you can't please everyone' etc. This is why I appreciate the WUG narrative as a whole. Maybe I'm stretching it to the original series. But the anime & equally this film isn't shy of portraying the rock-bottom and eventual highlights of the idol industry.

Yes the plot is a bit predictable & there's no real 'ump' to the drama. But that's what makes WUG endearing & to an extent, relate-able.

Coincidentally, I can't exactly give praise to the characters. I understand with such ... a large cast, it's easier to give them a trope or defining trait which captures their entire personality. But sometimes even this feels a tad bland. If you were to remove the faces & voices when they're in a group scene together : it somewhats blends in together & you can't quite specify whose line belongs to who.

I will give praise to the production staff. The girls aren't overly cute.Moments such as when they cry or just doing their shenanigans, it's not top-tier animation. But the facial expression are just remarkably real, as if this is you or a friend. The actual songs of the idol groups respectively, it does its work.