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Jun 3, 2021
The characters look almost identical to their Fairy Tail counterparts, and THAT'S FINE, because Edens Zero is clearly much more than a Fairy Tail ripoff. I want to write this review to give my thoughts on a series that has received much (often unjustified) criticism.
The elephant in the room is of course the character designs. Any one who has watched Fairy Tail (or Rave Master) will recognize that Mashima's art style hasn't changed much. People who call it lazy or unoriginal need to realize that the author is currently publishing two manga every week/month. For the sake of efficiency I forgive someone who has
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been in the industry for over two decades for using designs he is familiar with. In many ways he also manages to improve them, giving cool new outfits and forms to the characters.
Eden's Zero easily surpasses Fairy Tail, in my opinion, in terms of its story. In the first two episodes alone, we get a deep dive into the main characters backstories, as well as short, satisfying action sequences (unlike the often dragged out fights in fairy tail). Shiki Granbell's backstory is emotionally powerful, and makes you care about him and his goals. The sudden death of all of Shiki's friends and family at the end of the first episode shocked me because of the unexpected dark and serious mood. Eden's Zero places it's focus on friendship without letting plot armor stand in the way of emotionally satisfying narratives. Shiki also is more humble and intelligent than Natsu, who I found irritating and unlikable. In the first episode alone he gets more character development than Natsu did in several dozen. His goal to make friends may be simple, but it feels relatable in a wholesome and optimistic way. Also, the animation is not one of the best of this season, but it has some sakuga worthy moments. And the music and voice acting is solid as well.
Speaking of friendship, if you want something entirely without the cliches about the "Magic of Friendship" then this is not for you. The general themes are similar, but they are expanded upon in interesting ways. The quest to find mother, the universe's god, is intriguing in the same way Luffy's quest for the one piece is. I am willing to try to enjoy Eden's Zero as much as possible despite not loving Fairy Tail as much as I wanted to. If you loved Fairy Tail than I have no doubt you will love this, and if you didn't then I think it can offer a more enjoyable experience. For me, who tries to enjoy everything I read or watch as much as I can, this is a 10/10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 24, 2021
TLDR:
This is a manga about boobs, and about a horny teenager with a chainsaw as a head who will go to hell and back to touch some.
Intro:
I haven’t read a ton of manga compared to a lot of people on this website, but I have read many people would consider to be masterpieces. Berserk, Vinland Saga, Monster, One Piece, 20th Century Boys. All of these tell grand stories on par with any great work of literature. But in spite of that, something about Chainsaw Man absorbed me in a way no other great manga could. Let me tell you about my favorite
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childhood book series called Skullduggery Pleasant. The name isn't itself important so much as the reason I loved this series: dark humor, bizarre plot, expressive and memorable characters, excessive gore, and the no fucks given attitude of the author. Chainsaw Man managed to deliver in all of these aspects in a way no other manga series had ever done for me.
Characters/Enjoyment:
Now coming around to boobs, for a story that revolves around such an absurd concept, CSM delivers some amazing character writing. Denji as a protagonist has simple and relatable goals: He wants to kiss a girl, he wants to touch some boobs, he wants to eat good food, and to have a girlfriend. In essence he wants to live life to the fullest, indulging in everything it has to offer. Yet time and time again he is forced to go through hell just to get these simple things. In moments of stellar art and solid choreograph, Denji puts his life and very humanity on the line for his dreams.
There are many bizarre enemies, funny and ridiculous characters, and standout panels that are simultaneously completely bizarre and nonsensical but very fitting for the story.
In terms of supporting characters, they are just as fun as the protagonist himself. Denji, Aki, and Power form the standard anime trio in perhaps the funniest and most enjoyable way I’ve seen. I mean, in what else do the two male leads have a testicle kicking competition right after they meet. There is so much chemistry between them and it makes later events all the more emotional.
And without spoiling I can assure you that the main antagonist will not disappoint.
10/10
Plot:
The plot is as wacky as the premise, but it is never shallow. The author slams down the pedal and does not slow down from chapter one, filling the story with constant twists, unexpected revelations, and high octane action. Nevertheless, the author takes care to provide meaningful character development and a fair share of scenes that will break your heart.
10/10
Art:
The amazing artwork the series is accompanied some of the most creative and badass designs I’ve seen.
10/10
Conclusion:
This series is fundamentally a piece of speculative fiction that sets out to answer the question: What if every one of humanities fears was manifested as a real life devil?
And I think Chainsaw Man answers this question in an astoundingly funny, creative, thrilling, and heartbreaking way.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Apr 15, 2021
Attack on Titan is my favorite fictional series and one I consider to be one of the greatest stories in any medium. The ending, however, caught me off guard, and I was confused, bewildered, angry, and sad. This is a series with which I have a deep and personal connection.
No Spoilers:
Everything leading up to and the beginning of the final arc was near-perfect. The use of foreshadowing is unparalleled in any other work of fiction I have read. The complex characters, and the complete moral ambiguity left me questioning who to root for. The political themes are extremely poignant and relevant to today's
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world. I interpret the series as an allegory for all of human war and conflict. The art is outstanding as well, and continuously improves throughout the series. 10/10
Spoilers:
In addressing the ending, I want to start with Ymir. She was one of my favorite characters not so much for her personality but what she represented. I didn't initially like that she "loved" Karl Fritz. It felt strange and forced, and morally reprehensible. Now however, I like the twist. It suggests that Ymir was manipulated to be in love with her oppressors, like how so many people today are in love with their own oppressors (eg. capitalism). Mikasa was necessary to show Ymir that one could overcome said oppressor, and that is what allowed her to finally end the curse of the titans.
Mikasa has become a phenomenal character in the last few chapters. Her love for Eren conflicted her morality and her good nature, leading her to make questionable choices (tackling Armin). All Eren ever did was hurt her and push her away. She was able to stand against Eren in all of his power and overcome him, the one closest to her, making it perhaps the hardest battle in the series.
Speaking of Eren, I was conflicted. I personally like that he is still a selfish and bratty and awkward kid at heart. It's realistic and fitting with his character. Eren's line "I don't know why I did it" seems at first glance lazy or inconsistent writing. But what Isayama is really getting at is Eren's fundamental desire for freedom, which he cannot explain in words. That is the desire which led him down such a dark path. He also confirms that he did intend to destroy all of humanity, which means that ultimately, I don't think this ending is in any way a copy of Code Geass' brilliant "Zero Requiem. " We also knew already Eren cared deeply about his comrades, so of course he knew that they would benefit from his actions and defeat. I'm not sure how people see this ending as inconsistent. Eren is responsible for his own mothers death...I always thought that was true so I'm glad it was confirmed. Eren wanted to live and he wanted to be free. But the ultimate tragedy is that he never was...or maybe he was free, that's a question which still lingers.
Some of the dialogue was awkward...If Armin's line "Thank you for turning into a mass murderer..." is a reference to "sometimes you have to turn into a monster ..."" then I have no problem with that, because that just a reference. And he already confirmed that he does NOT agree with Eren's methods. Reiner sniffed a letter, an obvious callback to his days as a soldier crushing on Historia. I take it as a sign Reiner has finally found his true self and can be open and happy with friends.
Paradis continues as a military regime, providing the right amount of ambiguity to the ending. War may continue forever...or people may finally be free. Some people hoped the final panel would be Eren saying to a baby "You're Free". That would destroy the ambiguity, because Eren can see the future, and it would be an endorsement of mass murder, which is not the author's intention. Instead, the final panels are of Mikasa at the tree, which ties back perfectly to the first scene in the show, Eren crying whilst under a tree, hearing Mikasa say goodbye.
The biggest message in the final chapter, and perhaps the entire manga, comes in Armin's lines. Isayama knows that one story can't solve all of humanity's problems in the real world. No matter what ending he picks, it is bound to have flaws. So instead he ends Attack on Titan, HIS STORY, by stressing the importance of THEIR STORY. Conflict is inevitable, Armin says, but at least maybe if they can listen to the story of Eren, Armin, Mikasa and the others, just maybe if WE as readers can listen to great masterpiece which is Attack on Titan, something can change.
Attack on Titan is a masterpiece.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 21, 2021
If you think this is just "another generic shounen" you are completely wrong.
Jujutsu Kaisen Completely Surpassed my expectations and changed my views of anime as a whole
Story: Jujutsu Kaisen is darker than any other shounen jump i've watched. It's themes and tones are mature and complex, and the story is full of fast paced, almost non-stop action, that never sacrifices emotional depth. Even if the first few episodes deceive you into thinking this is Bleach 2.0, it is certainly NOT.
Art: It would be a 10/10 for Gojo's beautiful eyes alone.
Every episode is a sakuga showcase. The occasional dazzling hand to hand choreography that
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drew me to Naruto is present in every episode. The cursed techniques are colorful and explosive, the action is dynamic and fluid. Also the character designs are sick as hell.
Characters: I'll focus on my three favorites of JJK's phenomenal cast.
Yuji Itadori has the same core personality of many shonen protagonist which made me dismiss him initially. But the real emotions he displays and suffering he goes through flesh him out into a real and interesting protagonist. He's a cheerful fun loving teenager, yet he is forced to go through great trauma which eclipses the pain of most other protagonists, giving added layers of maturity to the series.
Gojo Satoru is also a stand out character, who despite resembling Kakashi on a surface level could not be more different in personality. Besides being hilarious in every comedy scene (comedy being another strength of the series) Gojo exudes arrogance and disdain for the older generation of sorcerers. He hates the conservative establishment and seeks to educate a more progressive youth which enriches the series with political themes.
Sukana being both the main villain and the main characters "inner demon" is a necessary subversion of tropes. Where Kurama, Hollow Ichigo, and others merely manifest their rage through the main characters, often powering them up in the process, Sakuna actively hurts Yuji at every turn. He's by no means the kind of demon which can be befriended.
Sound: memorable tracks enhance the fight scenes and the Openings and endings are super catchy.
Enjoyment: The Comedy of Grand Blue, the emotions of Hunter X Hunter, the Animation quality of Fate/Zero, JJK easily captured my heart for an immeasurably enjoyable time.
Overall JJK made me realize that the tropes present in most shounen can continue to be subverted or improved upon in meaningful ways. My view towards other series improved as well, as I am now more willing to enjoy their strengths and keep an open mind. 10/10 Masterpiece for sure
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 21, 2021
In spite of its flaws I think Naruto is a masterpiece.
I just want to preface this by saying Naruto is what got me into anime. And because of that I have strong emotions attached to the series. But even as I have watched many more anime, some of which I think are far better than Naruto, this series has always been something special to me. And that is not because of my emotional attachment, but the incredible writing which Kishimoto consistently displays.
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Naruto Shippuden gets a lot of hate these days and it's somewhat understandable why. A poor final villain and a final arc which
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dragged on, combined with a underwhelming sequel left a lot to be desired. But much of that hate comes from fundamental confusion about this complex series' themes, characters, and philosophies. Naruto Shippuden remains a great, often underrated, shounen, and a generally amazing anime overall, given you skip the filler.
Story: The story starts off strong from the timeskip. The introduction of the akatsuki serves as a menacing and badass villain introduction. The first arc starts strong, building up tension to a climax, although it does struggle with it's pacing. The second arc is a satisfying and awesome way to reintroduce Sasuke as a character, and display his growth. Shippuden peaks in its writing from the Hidan and Kakuzu arc through the Five Kage Summit. Emotional character deaths, one of anime's best villains in Pain, and exceptional character development for the many characters serve as one of the most entertaining stretches in anime I have watched. Despite the initial quality, the 4th Great Shinobi War dips significantly in quality. The writing feels repetitive, and slow. I lost interest at some points and couldn't tell what was filler and not. Kaguya was one of the worst twists in any anime I have watched, but between that mess, there were still entertaining fights and moments. It did not ruin the series and is still solid overall.
Animation: The animation normally ranges from mediocre to ok, but during important fight scenes (Kakashi vs Kakuzu, Sakura vs Sasori, Naruto vs Pain, Kakashi Vs Obito, Madara vs Shinobi Alliance) it delivers some of the most memorable hand to hand combat I have seen in anime. The animation alone often makes decent fights from the manga top tier.
Sound: The music is one of my favorite soundtracks in any anime period. The sound effects also work well. Incredibly memorable, emotional, exciting, and intense.
Characters: Characters are perhaps Shippuden's strongest point. Kakashi, Gaara, Pain, and Itachi are characters people normally point to as their favorites. Even the often misunderstood female characters are well-written, especially Hinata, whose struggles with self-confidence I personally identify with.
I’m going to focus on just one character as an example of how incredible the series is:
Sasuke Uchiha . People criticize him for flip-flopping on his goals. But Sasuke always has realistic, thematically relevant reasons to do so. He is a dynamic character, who falls into hatred and revenge only to discover his purpose and attempt to lead the world in his own direction. He is exploited and tormented by adults like Itachi and Obito, and struggles to find his purpose. He hates the world and its corruption, and contemplates destroying the very village he grew up in. He hates himself and his weakness, and experiences depression, ptsd, and survivors guilt. But upon reanimating the Hokage and realizing what a true shinobi is, he prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice, in a Lelouch V Brittania like fashion, and take the world's hatred onto himself. In the end, he realizes he only wanted people to understand him, and that he could never find peace through loneliness. And after going on a journey for redemption, he resolves to protect the very village he wanted to destroy with his life.
Here's why I personally find Naruto and Sasuke's rivalry/relationship so compelling:
Even if you don't consider them rivals Naruto and Sasuke's relationship does a good job representing opposing real world philosophies, Sasuke's views could be compared to philosophers like Thomas Hobbes who believe that dictators are necessary to control humanity's evil nature, while Naruto represents a more optimistic outlook which argues for people's inherent goodness. It's a competition of ideals rather than just people
Regardless, it's more complex than who is stronger. Perhaps you could even argue their rivalry is w/ fate itself, with both of them needing to overcome the destiny that they would fight and die in order to shape their ideal of a future. They continually fought agains the destiny which wanted to drive them apart and cause conflict yet they ended up becoming bros. I do think their rivalry is flawed however, and I wish it concluded with both making concessions to each other's arguments
Enjoyment: 10.
I waited until my birthday, October tenth, to watch the final fight which is also on that day, 10/10, which is Naruto’s birthday.
This series’s strengths so overwhelmingly outweigh its flaws that just like Naruto and my birthdays it is a 10/10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 16, 2021
Rooster fighter in an unironically exceptional manga with great potential for the future.
The premise may seem silly; a shounen about a badass rooster fighting monsters. But the execution is sublime.
Story: It only spans 3 chapters so far, but has managed to capture both deep emotion and humor in a short amount of time.
Characters: The protagonist, despite being a rooster, manages to feel badass and mysterious.
Art: It is reminiscent of the One Punch Man manga, and the action scenes are exciting and well executed, full of puns and one liners.
Enjoyment: I wholeheartedly enjoyed the first three chapters as a refreshing and novel experience.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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