Back to Puri20thboy's Profile Puri20thboy's Profile

Kiraware Majo Reijou to Dansou Ouji no Konyaku is a GL manga with elements of fantasy, drama, and comedy. The story follows Evy, a disgraced noblewoman born with dark magic, who is often referred to as a witch. Her fiancé breaks off their engagement to pursue someone else and asks Evy to become his servant. This is when Ciel, a prince from another country, intervenes, taking Evy as his fiancée and bringing her to his homeland. There, Evy discovers that Ciel is actually a woman.

The premise of this work is far from original, as it mirrors many similar stories, with the only difference being that ... both leads are women. It also follows the classic trope of the protagonist initially disliking the prince but gradually falling in love, which is common in this genre. If you’re looking for something fresh, this manga doesn’t offer much.

As for the protagonists, they are typical stereotypes of prince and princess characters with little depth. That said, Ciel's backstory with her brother who had to flee due to using dark magic as well adds some context to her initial interest in Evy. Ciel’s inferiority complex toward her brother is a noteworthy element, though it’s not well resolved. On the other hand, Evy is a flat character whose only significant development is her gradual affection for Ciel.

I decided to read this manga because I liked the character designs of the protagonists and wanted to enjoy some yuri content. However, beyond that, there isn’t much to praise about the series, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! is an OVA about two boys who, bored with their lives, decide to take advantage of a school transfer to reinvent themselves as delinquents. At first, they don’t get along at all, but over time they end up becoming really good friends.
Even though it has 10 episodes of about 40 minutes each, which seems like plenty of time to develop the story and characters, the anime sticks to typical archetypes and doesn’t try any kind of growth or evolution. I get that it’s supposed to be a comedy, but personally, the tone didn’t really work for me. I only laughed once ... at the hair joke, and even then, it wasn’t much. Compared to other comedies, I’d say it hasn’t aged well.

The fights, which are a big part of the anime, don’t have great animation even considering when it was made. What really annoyed me was how, in several scenes, they cut to a passing train instead of showing the fight, and the fights themselves always end way too quickly. On top of that, most of the characters that Mitsuhashi and Itou face are just generic delinquent stereotypes. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem in a comedy, but since the humor doesn’t land, it just ends up feeling boring and repetitive.

The main characters are also pretty stereotypical. Mitsuhashi is the biggest example he cheats all the time to win, isn’t honest, and makes fun of other people’s bad luck, especially Imai (the leader of another school and supposedly his friend). On the other hand, Itou is more honest and loyal to his friends and girlfriend. He doesn’t pull pranks and often helps others, but this also means he gets dragged into fights. Since he refuses to cheat, he loses a lot and always ends up being saved by Mitsuhashi. While their dynamic could have been interesting, it stays super shallow and doesn’t go anywhere.

The worst part is definitely the ending. It’s completely open probably the most open ending I’ve ever seen. Honestly, it feels like they could’ve stopped at episode 5 or even earlier, and it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. There’s no character development, no closure to any of the storylines, and no real conclusion.

In the end, Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! just isn’t a very good OVA. It doesn’t work as a comedy because it’s not funny, the characters are poorly written, and the ending is incredibly unsatisfying. While it might have some nostalgic value for fans of its era, I don’t think it has much to offer for modern viewers.

Space Dandy is a bizarre yet entertaining anime with fascinating and imaginative worlds, alongside insightful messages and reflections characteristic of this genre. The story follows Space Dandy, QT, and Meow as they travel in an outdated spaceship, hunting rare aliens to sell for cash. The animation, with its simple designs, enhances the expressiveness of the characters, and the use of color is exemplary, as is its unconventional direction.

The series is rooted in absurdism, suggesting that life is inherently meaningless and should be accepted as such. Space Dandy embraces the irrational, presenting wildly strange elements, from planets and colors to character designs and surreal settings. The ... randomness in this anime is one of its defining features, which contributes to its unique appeal.

Each episode presents a self-contained story, unrelated to prior events. For instance, in some episodes, like the very first one, the main characters die, but they appear alive again in the next episode, with no explanation given. This lack of continuity makes it clear that each episode exists independently, so even the characters' deaths have no real impact. In every episode, they embark on new adventures, whether racing, visiting new planets to find rare aliens, or simply repairing the ship.
The characters in Space Dandy are well-crafted. The protagonist, Space Dandy, is hedonistic and lives by the principle of not going against the flow, meaning he avoids things he doesn’t enjoy. He’s charismatic and loves visiting the "Boobies" bar. Meow, a cat-like companion, often accompanies Dandy and also enjoys visiting the bar, though he is generally more rational and a bit lazier. Meow doesn’t have the same charisma as Dandy, but he has depth, especially in one episode that explores his family and his touching relationship with his father. QT, a vacuum-cleaner robot, is the most rational member of the crew. However, due to its lack of emotions, it’s harder to relate to QT, and in the episode where it falls in love with a coffee maker, its feelings aren’t convincingly developed, which weakens its character.

The animation style is as eccentric as the anime itself. The simple character designs make their expressions more dynamic, while the creative use of color enhances the visual impact. Additionally, the unique angles and framing add a distinct flair that complements the absurdist tone of the show.

My main critique of this anime is that, because each story is self-contained, emotional moments sometimes fall flat due to limited character development within a single episode. Some episodes, such as episode 5, are genuinely moving, but the one-episode format doesn’t always allow for deep emotional resonance.

I recommend Space Dandy if you’re looking for comedy, absurdity, and occasional moments of genuine emotion. Its absurdist approach and standout animation make it captivating, and it features a highly charismatic protagonist.

Haibane Renmei presents itself as a series rich in depth and symbolism. The story begins with Rakka, our protagonist, being born into a peculiar world inhabited by the Haibanes and humans, beings with wings and a halo who, though they appear human, live by mysterious rules. These Haibanes emerge from cocoons, and while inside, they have a dream that determines their name. Thus, the name “Rakka” (meaning “fall”) comes from her own dream.

The series' presentation is impeccable: first, we see her dream, then her emergence from the cocoon, and later, the painful process of her wings growing. The series takes its time introducing us to ... its world a city with a 20th-century feel, surrounded by walls from which no one is allowed to leave, except for the enigmatic Toga. This isolated city instantly creates an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery.

The first episodes have a slower pace, showing Rakka adjusting to her new environment. We observe her everyday life as she tries different jobs alongside other Haibanes and learns about the strange world she now inhabits. Although these episodes are calm and slow, they introduce elements that will become important later on.

From the sixth episode on, where the concept of “taking flight” is introduced, the series shifts drastically in tone. What initially seemed like a simple and cheerful story turns into a deep, emotional tale exploring themes such as guilt, forgiveness, identity, and courage. The theme of guilt, in particular, is explored with a level of realism and excellence. Each emotional conflict is developed authentically and resolved powerfully, especially in the discussion between Reki and Rakka in episode 13, one of the series’ most memorable and impactful scenes.

The main characters, Reki and Rakka, are exceptionally well developed; their growth is so profound that at times they feel like real people. Although the secondary characters are less complex, they play an important role in moving the story forward and enriching the series’ world with their own contributions.

However, my biggest issue with Haibane Renmei is the number of unresolved mysteries. While some mysteries can be left open to the viewer’s interpretation, others, such as the true nature of the Haibanes or the reason for their loss of memories, are too significant to be left unanswered. These key mysteries could have added even more depth to the narrative if they had been explored further.

Despite its ambiguities, I wholeheartedly recommend Haibane Renmei. This series invites viewers to ponder deep questions, offers a captivating world, and has protagonists whose evolution and depth are rarely seen.

This manga is a relaxing, enjoyable read without any pretentious elements, and there’s almost no drama. It’s a very cute story with great protagonists, though the side characters don’t add much, except for Shuu’s brother, who’s a good addition.

In the second half of the manga, Shuu begins to develop feelings for Youko. However, despite this, their relationship makes no real progress in the remaining chapters. The ending is disappointing; several story elements are left unresolved, like Shuu’s love for Youko. It feels like a rushed conclusion.

Despite the ending, the rest is very enjoyable. The relationship between Shuu and Youko is cute, and Shuu has great ... character development.

When I started reading Watashi no Yuri wa Oshigoto desu!, I didn't have high hopes because the premise felt like the typical protagonist with a fake facade. But after a few chapters, I realized I was wrong.

The Café Liebe is actually super interesting because it sets the stage for all these different relationships, like the "sister" roles the characters take on. Even though these relationships aren't real, they hold a lot of weight. It's basically a café where they have to act, but it’s fascinating to see how they behave outside of those roles.

Then there’s Hime, who’s honestly the best character in the manga. She’s ... all about putting on an act and doesn’t want to work—she just wants to marry someone rich (and has never been in love). But she ends up working at Café Liebe, where she meets someone connected to a trauma from her past. Hime goes through some amazing character growth as the story progresses.

Yano is the coworker from Hime’s past, and I think she’s just as deep as Hime. Her character is well-developed, especially once you understand her feelings and her own past. The relationship between Yano and Hime is really well done, and both characters grow because of each other.

Then there's Kanoko, Hime's best friend, who’s secretly in love with her. Knowing that Hime can't love anyone back, Kanoko sticks around as her best friend anyway. But as she sees Hime changing because of Yano, she really starts to struggle with her feelings. Kanoko is a super complex character, and her thoughts and actions make her really stand out.

Sumika, who also works at the café, has a cool character arc where she goes from hating romance to loving it, which is fun to watch.

One of my main issues with the manga is that there are certain arcs where it focuses so much on specific characters that it kind of forgets about others for like 30 chapters or more. Even with that, the manga is still great.

It’s a yuri story that focuses on drama but has some really beautiful moments too. The characters are so well-written, and they feel real.

Toumei na Usui Mizuiro ni is a very enjoyable manga that could be even better if it were longer. The protagonist, Ritsu, is in love with her best friend, Ichika, but Ichika starts dating Ritsu's childhood friend.

Ritsu is a very good protagonist because of her behavior and thoughts regarding Ichika. Ichika, however, is not as developed as the other characters. If the story were longer, we could delve deeper into her character. Shun (the boyfriend) and his dialogues with Ritsu are incredible. He’s a good character that helps us understand Ritsu better.

It’s an adorable manga with a deep protagonist. If you like yuri, I recommend ... it.

"15-sai" is a manga that has nothing good to offer except for Anna's struggle between love and pleasure

The story involves complex relationships among its main characters, who often fail to empathize with each other, except for Miku. Despite being in relationships, characters frequently they have intimate acts with others, notably Anna in the first 15 chapters.

A significant issue in the manga is Miku's actions after Anna breaks up with her. Miku remains in love with Anna and attempts to interfere in Anna's relationship with Ema. However, Miku's feelings shift, and she falls for Yoshino the next day.

Yoshino is a cold character who acts without empathy, ... such as attempting to break up a relationship and kissing a 14-year-old out of jealousy. Her motivations, especially her on-and-off relationship with Ema, remain unexplained.

Ema, after breaking up with Yoshino, has an inappropriate behavior with Anna, despite their close relationship and Anna's young age. Ema eventually falls in love with Anna, though her motivations are not well-explained.

Anna has intimate acts with multiple characters until she realizes her love for Ema, although she continues her interactions with Miku. Her struggle between love and pleasure is a well-executed aspect of the manga.

The manga concludes unsatisfactorily, with Anna and Ema not dating despite mutual feelings, suggesting the beginning of their romance.

Ashita, Kimi ni Aetara is a chaotic manga where almost nothing makes sense. The story begins with Rinko-chan planning to confess her love to her childhood friend, A-chan, because A-chan was graduating the next day. However, while contemplating the confession, Rinko falls asleep. When she wakes up, 15 years have passed, and A-chan now has three daughters, though it turns out she’s not a good mother and neglects them.

In chapters 2, 3, and 4, there are conflicts involving A-chan’s daughters due to Rinko’s "amnesia." The start of the manga is decent; it's fine. The daughters are flat characters, and they remain that way throughout the ... story. Additionally, A-chan’s motivations are confusing at first, but they are eventually explained.

Following these chapters, the story introduces several instances of time travel. While the reasons behind the time travel are explained, they don’t make much sense. The first time travel event in chapter 1 occurs after a death, but not every subsequent time travel is caused by death. Sometimes, Rinko travels back in time, and other times she doesn’t, making the mechanics inconsistent.

Then comes the best chapter of the series is chapter 9. It provides insight into A-chan’s behavior and helps some elements of the story fall into place, though many plot points still remain confusing.

In chapter 9, it’s revealed that A-chan agreed to start dating Rinko, but she didn’t love her initially. However, during a date, Rinko died, and A-chan realized she truly loved her. Desperate to save Rinko, A-chan prayed to God and was sent back in time multiple times. However, each time she expressed her love to Rinko, Rinko died. As a result, A-chan eventually stopped showing affection to her.

My biggest issue with the manga is that after countless attempts to make Rinko happy, they finally meet in a place that exists outside of time neither the past, present, nor future. A-chan explains everything to Rinko, but instead of accepting her love, Rinko apologizes and says she also wants to be with A-chan's daughters. The ending shows A-chan, Rinko, and the daughters together, which doesn't make sense since, throughout the story, Rinko dies whenever A-chan shows her love.

Kanojo no Kuchizuke isn't anything special; it's basically a comfortable and adorable read. One thing that makes this manga a little bit different is the first meeting and how, in just the first chapter, we see them start dating.

There's not too much drama in the story. Some of it is caused by Sacchan due to Ayane's past, and the drama is normally resolved in one chapter or less.

The most interesting character is Ayane because of her past, which we learn about in chapter 10. However, we already knew something was going on because of some of her actions. Sacchan is less interesting, but he's still ... a good character with his thoughts, and I like his personality. They make a cute couple. Then there's Sacchan's best friend; in chapter 3, we saw that she was in love with Sacchan, and I think the way it was introduced was really good (even though I don't like that kind of thing). However, after that chapter, it became mostly irrelevant. It would have been better if they had explored that more deeply.

Basically, if you like cute and adorable mangas, I would recommend it. It has some drama, but it's important because thanks to that drama, the relationship progresses.