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Stylish Setup, but Substance Struggles to Keep Up

Your Forma sets out with a compelling premise, a futuristic world where memories can be extracted and investigated, but quickly finds itself bogged down by its own weighty ambitions.

The series opens in medias res, dropping viewers into a dense cyberpunk setting with minimal orientation. While that can work for some, here it feels more disorienting than intriguing. The show leans heavily on technobabble, often overwhelming rather than immersing, and its mystery elements fall surprisingly flat. In several cases, the “brain dive” mechanics feel unnecessary, uncovering clues that should’ve been easily spotted by standard detective work.

Characters are another weak ... point. Echika, our emotionally distant protagonist, maintains a cold, monotone presence. While her android partner Harold is meant to offer contrast and levity, his personality quirks feel more like preprogrammed gimmicks than genuine charm. Their dynamic, central to the show’s progression, lacks real tension or warmth.

The pacing doesn’t help. Early episodes rush through developments, offering little room to build suspense or emotional investment. Plot points land with a thud instead of a punch. Despite its sci-fi aesthetic, the structure slips into formulaic “case of the week” rhythms, making it feel like a generic procedural in futuristic clothing.

Visually, the animation has its moments, but consistency is an issue. Episode 3 in particular suffers from rough cuts and uninspired visuals that undermine the intensity the story tries to deliver.

Final Thoughts
Your Forma has the framework of a smart, stylish thriller, but its execution struggles under the weight of its own concepts. It may still find its stride in later episodes, but so far, it’s more form than function.

You ever get the feeling that something about you isn’t quite right, but you can’t tell what?

What immediately stands out is the visual direction. The animation is stunning, not in a loud or overproduced way, but in how carefully it's composed. The color palette, the line work, the lighting, it all carries a warm grain that feels like a love letter to 90s anime, yet it’s undeniably modern. Every frame feels touched by human hands. Honestly, this might be, aesthetically, the most beautiful anime series. It’s not just technically well-done, it’s visually evocative, soaked in nostalgia without ever slipping into imitation.

The show doesn't hand you ... answers. It lets you feel the weight of what isn't said. The characters, especially Kujirai, move through their routines like people chasing shadows of a life they can’t quite remember. And as the story quietly fractures, you start to question what’s real, what’s remembered, and what’s manufactured.

It’s romantic in a haunting, almost hollow way. Every interaction feels like it's been lived before. There's tension, not in action but in memory, like everyone is playing a role they didn’t agree to but somehow know by heart.

Three episodes in and I’m already invested in whatever this story is unraveling. It doesn’t just tell a mystery, it makes you feel like part of one.

If it keeps this level of storytelling and aesthetic finesse, it could end up being something really special.

Dandadan – A Comedy First, Action Second.

Dandadan is, first and foremost, a comedy. Anyone approaching it with the expectation of a conventional shounen action anime may find themselves disappointed. The series is driven by an eccentric, over-the-top comedic style, characterized by exaggerated reactions and an unrelenting chaotic energy. In many ways, it evokes the spirit of Mob Psycho 100 and FLCL, though not necessarily to its advantage.

At its core, Dandadan leans heavily into absurd humor, which may not resonate with all viewers, as comedy is inherently subjective. The show blends supernatural action with slapstick, flamboyant expressions, and crude jokes—most notably an abundance of penis-related humor—which ... can come across as juvenile or even off-putting. While it is not explicitly an ecchi anime, it certainly flirts with the genre at times. One such instance involves characters shedding their clothes under the pretense that they are "too heavy," a moment that borders on gratuitous fanservice and feels largely unnecessary within the context of the story. For those who do not appreciate nudity as a comedic device, such scenes may detract from the experience.

Animation & Visuals:

Visually, the series boasts a strong presentation. The animation is vibrant and dynamic, effectively complementing the frenzied nature of the narrative. Certain fight sequences are particularly well-executed, featuring fluid motion and striking visual effects that enhance their impact. However, the overall quality of these action scenes is inconsistent; while some are genuinely impressive, others feel overly chaotic or lack the same level of polish, making them less engaging than they could be.

Characters:

The characters themselves adhere to well-worn archetypes without much deviation. Okarun (Ken Takakura) embodies the familiar role of the shy, nerdy, and initially powerless protagonist. Momo Ayase serves as the strong yet endearing female lead, her spirited personality acting as a foil to Okarun’s timid demeanor. Aira Shiratori, another female character introduced later, follows a similar pattern. Predictably, the narrative integrates harem elements, as both Momo and Aira develop romantic interest in Okarun. This dynamic feels somewhat contrived, adding little originality to the character relationships and making their interactions rather predictable.

Ultimately, Dandadan is an energetic and chaotic spectacle that thrives on exaggerated humor, supernatural action, and a touch of raunchiness. For those who appreciate its brand of comedy, it may prove to be an entertaining ride. However, for viewers who find its humor unappealing or are put off by the occasional ecchi elements, the series may struggle to leave a lasting impression.

Picture this scene: you find yourself thrust into a thrilling pursuit across rooftops illuminated by neon lights, with the brisk wind rushing past you while enigmatic figures engage in fierce clashes with unparalleled finesse. This exhilarating sequence merely sets the stage for Ninja Kamui, an anime that delivers relentless action alongside poignant emotional impact. This impactful debut marks the first original series from director Sunghoo Park, known for his work on Jujutsu Kaisen, and it boldly showcases "Ninja Kamui's" commitment to action and intensity with a mix of bloodshed and graceful choreography.

In the inaugural moments of Ninja Kamui, viewers are immediately ensnared as they are ... thrust into an intense pursuit. Through the eyes of Joe, our introspective protagonist, one is hurled into a frantic dash across rooftops, relentlessly pursued by assailants. The sequence is unrelenting in its brutality and swiftness, impeccably establishing the ambiance for the ensuing episode: somber, raw and merciless.

In Ninja Kamui, animation is executed with unwavering excellence. The combat sequences unfold akin to macabre ballet performances, wherein every movement flows seamlessly and resonates with significant force. Viewers will find themselves grimacing at the sound of bones being crushed by powerful kicks, gasping in awe at gravity-defying leaps, and perhaps even cheering as Joe elegantly dispatches his adversaries with lethal accuracy. It's a visual extravaganza that tantalizes the senses and leaves one yearning for further immersion.

Sure the storyline isn't particularly original, centering around a protagonist driven by an intense fury ignited by the tragic loss of all that he cherishes. But if you're critiquing the show solely based on this aspect, then you'd likely dismiss a significant portion of anime, particularly isekai genres. However, the focus should shift towards how well this storyline is executed. Additionally, it's unrealistic to anticipate complex narratives and character development in such shows. If that's what you're seeking, there are numerous other series available and I would be more than happy to suggest a few. But shows like Ninja Kamui are primarily enjoyed for their action, though it's reasonable to expect a certain level of competence in character development and plot structure.

Ninja Kamui offers a visceral and stylish initiation into a realm where vengeance reigns supreme. With its unrelenting brutality, adrenaline-fueled sequences, and captivating style, this anime promises to enthrall viewers craving an electrifying experience. However, it's important to brace oneself for the intensity of the violence depicted, as Ninja Kamui boldly diverges from the conventions of traditional anime, offering a gripping narrative that pushes boundaries and leaves audiences yearning for further exploration.

Undead Girl Murder Farce is an anime that plunges its viewers into a world of mystery, and supernatural suspense. This series, while not for the faint of heart, offers a captivating experience.

The first episode, directed by Mamoru Hatakeyama, delivers a visually striking experience with its dark and mysterious art style. Hatakeyama's deliberate pacing and clever shot composition build tension effectively, seamlessly blending the mundane with supernatural elements. I really loved the cinematic way he approached some scenes and made unusual decisions in how to frame them, it reminded me of the Monogatari Series. The dialogue is concise yet engaging, revealing key plot points without sacrificing ... mystery. The sound design enhances the foreboding atmosphere, making the episode a promising start to an intriguing and chilling series. It is safe to say that the first episode is one of the best first episodes in all of Anime. Alas, you'd notice the difference in some episodes where the storyboard was not done by Mamaoru, EPs 3,4, 8,9 and 10. Nevertheless, these episodes were still very enjoyable.

Undead Girl Murder Farce two leads have a very good chemistry, and that’s every part thanks to the dialogues and voice acting, Besides, The show introduces a captivating array of characters, featuring unexpected encounters with legendary figures such as Sherlock Holmes, Arsène Lupin, (voiced by Miyano which is a blast), and Moriarty. These iconic characters from literature inject a thrilling dimension into the series, seamlessly blending the supernatural with classic detective elements.

The soundtrack deserves special mention, as it effectively enhances the suspense and tension throughout the series. The haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes contribute to the immersive nature of the anime, effectively pulling the audience deeper into the mysterious world it creates.

Although I do not watch this type of shows for the action, and it is my first time watching a Lapin Track's work so I did not know what to expect, however, the animation sequences during intense action scenes are fluid and well-executed, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Overall, it is a must see, especially if you are in to this type of anime, because sadly, we rarely get these nowadays, let alone a good one.

This isn't a formal review; it's more of a concise explanation. I suspect many people didn't grasp the ending of the movie, especially those who were expecting a lighthearted romance anime.

In reality, it was Naomi who was struck by lightning and declared brain dead all along, while Ruri was the one attempting to save him. Essentially, everything depicted in the movie was essentially a dream within a dream.

While both the OVA and the entire movie were animated in 3D, the scene before the credits shifted to 2D animation. This suggests that the simulation exists in 3D animation, while reality is represented in 2D. Hence, any ... scenes presented in 3D form aren't real – why else would they switch to 2D animation at the end? It wouldn't make sense otherwise.

Throughout the movie, Ruri was the same crow observing Naomi for three months. It was implied that whoever delves into the past can alter their avatar as they see fit.

Ruri ventured into the past to gather data and synchronize Naomi's memories in an attempt to rouse him from his comatose state. Additionally, she was the one who guided him using the crow avatar from the movie's beginning to its end.

Please note that this is simply my interpretation and shouldn't be taken as definitive.

I'm deeply dissatisfied with the first part of Re:Zero's second season.

While I appreciate the mystery aspect and the unanswered questions surrounding Subaru being the chosen one, which encourages viewers to think and develop theories, there's one crucial element that should have been explained long ago: how the checkpoint system functions. Arbitrarily placing Subaru wherever the narrative demands without proper explanation feels like lazy writing.

This season has numerous flaws; the characters' interactions come across as cringeworthy, particularly Subaru's, who now resembles a typical harem protagonist. Even Patrasche falling in love with him seems implausible. Furthermore, it's disheartening to see Subaru constantly blaming others for prioritizing their ... own well-being when he himself is prepared to go to any lengths to save Rem, Emilia, and his loved ones. Hundreds sacrificed their lives battling the Hakugei to protect Emilia, yet Subaru failed to consider sacrificing himself and triggering a restart to save her without further casualties. His overly dramatic displays of emotion feel insincere to me. Ultimately, people act in their own self-interest, and Subaru should recognize this reality.

Much of the drama in the show could have been avoided. For instance, Subaru's dramatic plea to Elsa to stop killing Beatrice feels pointless when he could simply restart after everyone else has died. It's disappointing and pathetic.

The dialogue feels unnatural and amateurish compared to the first season, which was a major draw for me. One of my favorite episodes was the one where Rem confessed her love to Subaru, which was essentially a prolonged dialogue between them and was executed brilliantly.

The downside of having high expectations for a show is that even if it's just okay, you end up disliking it. That's precisely what happened to me after watching Nanatsu no Taizai: Imashime no Fukkatsu. I had anticipated it to be exceptional.

The dramatic structure fell short, filled with too many backstories and clichéd drama. The dialogues were particularly unbearable, lacking depth and very predictable.

In my opinion, the characters in Nanatsu no Taizai have never been strong. Ban is consistently portrayed as angry, Diane comes off as a crybaby cute wannabe, and Eli is simply annoying. Overall, the cast is one of the weakest aspects of ... the show.

Despite its flaws, the art style and fight scenes managed to salvage the anime from being a complete disaster.