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May 13, 2024
Chibi Debi (Chibi Devi) is an episodic, cute, feel-good type of manga. The first couple volumes set the story and introduce the characters, the last volume wraps up what little central plot exists, and everything in between is cute baby devils doing cute baby devil things. If you want to implode with cuteness as you watch a baby devil and his human family grow up, then Chibi Debi is for you.
For anyone learning the Japanese language: This is my first manga I've read all the way through in Japanese. The language is extremely simple, much more so than more popular starter manga like Yotsuba to.
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After reading, I believe Chibi Debi is a great way to get into reading manga in the Japanese language, for people who know basic Japanese.
The reason I gave Chibi Debi a 7 is because, even though it accomplishes its goal extremely well, I expected there to be a stronger central plotline based on events that occurred early on in the series. Instead, questions are left open-ended for the entire series and then explained away abruptly in the last volume. Also, some questions, or areas of the plot that could've been explored further, are kind of forgotten and ignored.
That being said, I am glad that i read Chibi Debi. I would definitely recommend it to someone learning Japanese (or not) as an easy-to-read, fun adventure, that will probably leave them feeling happy. On the other hand, if someone prefers manga with complex or well-developed central plotlines, rather than manga that are episodic and somewhat repetitive, they should look elsewhere. This is 11 volumes of babies doing baby things. It's not very deep.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jun 14, 2023
Since the first seasons of "Attack on Titan" and "Tokyo Ghoul" aired in 2013 / 2014, a plethora of anime have been released which attempt to answer the same philosophically and ethically grey question: When two populations are so utterly at odds that the only solution seems to be complete eradication of one side, what is the correct way forward? In "Attack on Titan", this conflict manifests in the struggle for racial supremacy between Eldians and non-Eldians, with both sides marred by centuries of brutal, unfair oppression. In "Tokyo Ghoul", the paradigm sees Ghouls, who rely on humans as a food source for existence, clash
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with humans, who view their lives as more than that of a mere meal. This pattern of one side versus the other, with no apparent room for any middle ground or compromises, has been seen numerous times in the real world as well, with the most obvious example being the oppression of Jews and other persecuted peoples under the Nazi regime during World War II.
In "The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace", the author attempts to answer the same question as the anime mentioned above, although in a more supernatural and less human-centric way. The core conflict revolves around an eternal war between Demons, who merely by existing threaten the wellbeing of humans, and Idaten Deities, whose meaning for existence lies in protecting humans from external threats. What primarily sets this anime apart from similar anime is its use of extreme gore and brutal sexual scenes to pull viewers deeper into the depravity of the conflict. This is war in the truest sense of the word, where both sides are willing to do anything to ensure the success of their people, even if that means complete, merciless domination of the other side.
Some viewers have likened this show to the "plot with porn" anime that have become more popular in recent years, such as "Redo of Healer", "Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World", and "Futoku no Guild". While this comparison is understandable due to there not being many mainstream anime with sexually explicit scenes, it detracts from the true and intended essence of the anime. This is a story about an intense struggle between natural enemies. The mature content that comes along with it is a natural product of the environment, as well as a symptom of the show's non-human beings, who are shown on multiple occasions to lack a sense of human morality.
I would be remiss not to mention the anime's beautiful production quality. MAPPA has proven repeatedly in recent years that their animation, directing, sound effects, and OSTs are well-developed enough to rival any other major studio. The vibrant colors, active pacing, and aggressive POVs of this anime allow the content to range from hilarious, to intriguing, to horrifying, sometimes all in the course of a single episode. The opening sequence encapsulates these features well by sticking to the general aesthetic of the actual show but also cranking the peculiarities of the animation style up to max.
The most obvious issue with the anime is the fact that it is incomplete. Further content is desperately needed, and an eventual resolution to the main plotline that doesn't conflict with the show's callous nature, yet brings satisfaction to the viewers, will be critical. Aside from that, however, there aren't many complaints to be had. Squeamish viewers who aren't interested in graphic depictions would be best served staying away from his particular anime, but anyone okay with mature content will be pleasantly surprised by this underappreciated, unique, artsy, and sometimes-comical-sometimes-horrifying hidden gem.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jan 31, 2023
"Kimi ni Todoke" is a slow-burning romance following a socially awkward highschooler who spends her time discovering herself after years of seclusion. The art is cute, the character development is gradual but realistic, and the relationship dynamic is simple yet engaging enough to not be boring. However, the show suffers from sluggish progression of the plot and an eternal tease of a climax that is always anticipated but never seems to come.
The goal of the primary romance plotline is obvious from the first episode, but not nearly enough progress is made toward that goal by the end of the first season for viewers to feel
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satisfied. Because of this issue, it is difficult to recommend "Kimi ni Todoke" over other anime in its genre. If you are looking for an anime that focuses on social awkwardness, "Bocchi The Rock" is far better. If you want slow romance, "Fruits Basket" accomplishes that while adding powerful drama that "Kimi ni Todoke" is lacking. If you want something simple and cute, simply watch any other moe slice-of-life anime.
Put more simply, although "Kimi ni Todoke" is a fine show on its own, it fails to stand up to its peers in any of its genres. The author slow-rolling the development of the main characters' relationships makes things even worse. It takes far too long for anything satisfying to happen, and when highly anticipated events do occur, they are sadly underwhelming.
If you are struggling to find a slow-burning, cute, simple romance, then "Kimi ni Todoke" is a fine anime to pick up. However, if you are looking for anything else, you probably won't find it here.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jan 12, 2023
No amount of bleach poured into my eyes can save my mind from the eternal stain of "7 Seeds". There is so much wrong with this show that it is difficult to put it all into words. If I could prevent my past self from watching this anime, I definitely would.
The most insidious factor plaguing "7 Seeds" is the constant, wildly unrealistic string of minor, plot-advancing events. Falling 20+ meters onto a pile of rocks and not being harmed at all, killing tiger-like beasts with a rock and a stick, bursting into fire after lightly touching the flame of a lighter... Normally in an anime,
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if an unexplainable event happens a single time, it can be overlooked as a momentary lapse in the writer's judgement. When it happens multiple times an episode and is instrumental to the progression of the central plotline, the show becomes a joke.
Perhaps even worse than the ridiculous string of unrealistic events are the characters' backgrounds and dispositions, which make the story impossible to enjoy. The organizers of the 7 Seeds program were so wildly incompetent that they somehow managed to send multiple serial-killers, rapists, and sadists to repopulate the Earth. As if that weren't enough, they MADE some of the kids into these monsters before sending them off. How is it possible to be so terrible at your job that you are incapable of simply selecting a decent and competent human being?
The production quality is of course also atrocious. There are a handful of nice scenic views scattered about, but for the most part, it is obvious that this anime was created by Gonzo. When is the last time they managed to make something that actually looks good? Maybe the Afro Samurai sequel in 2009? It is amazing they're still making anime at all, if "7 Seeds" is the best that they're capable of.
The reason this anime might deserve a 3/10 rather than a 2/10 or 1/10 is because it does have some redeeming qualities. A small amount of the characters are actually respectable, decent human beings who are capable of challenging the unknown in daring and inspirational ways. Also, deciding to keep the focus moving between such a large cast of main characters was ambitious, with a lot of potential upside. Unfortunately, the idiotic decisions routinely made by many of the characters and the repulsively sadistic tendencies of some of the other characters (who are supposed to be upstanding citizens from good families) make the show impossible to properly enjoy.
Although I have yet to watch the second part, I would not recommend this show to anyone, under any circumstances. If you want to watch something terrible for comical appeal, go watch "King's Game" or "Ex-Arm". Those shows are at least bad enough to be funny. If you instead want to watch what "7 Seeds" tried in vain to be, then a couple good contenders are "Btooom!" and "Dr. Stone". Just don't watch "7 Seeds", unless you want to be regretting it for days.
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Jan 5, 2023
"Akebi's Sailor Uniform" is a spiritual successor to the mind-numbingly pleasing moe slice-of-life genre that "Lucky Star" and "K-On!" immortalized. The show is more sensual than most anime like it, but the beautiful, dynamic fluidity of characters' movements makes most flashy scenes appear as art, rather than fan service. The realistic and complex details in the background shots further add to the stunning aesthetic of the show.
Traditionally, moe slice-of-life anime tend to have a washed-out, crayon-like aesthetic ("Is the Order a Rabbit?", "Kiniro Mosaic", "Hanayamata"...). This recurring style is clearly by design, as it assists in bringing out cuteness, childishness, and innocence. "Akebi's Sailor Uniform"
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sets itself apart by instead opting for a lively art style with lots of movement and detail. Luckily for us, Clover Works seems to have succeeded in this gamble, giving old fans of the genre something new, refreshing, and stunning.
If you are looking for a simple, happy show full of cute girls doing cute girl things, with a bit of an artsy sensual side, that is exactly what you will get with "Akebi's Sailor Uniform". The alluring artwork and nimble hand and limb movements that most moe shows lack is a welcome plus that may even appeal to individuals who are not regular appreciators of the genre. However, if you tend to stick to shows with complex plotlines or conflict of any kind, then you will certainly not find what you are looking for here.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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