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"If this is all that it takes to tear us apart, maybe we weren't all that close to begin with."

Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Zoku, otherwise known as OreGairu 2, has been my single must watch of this season. There are other good anime, sure, but this one takes the cake. Why? Because of it tells a story that is so believable, understandable and relatable that it is difficult not to connect with it in some way. It depicts characters who are deep, and full of emotion. High school is a time of growth and learning, and OreGairu 2 allows you ... to take that journey hand in hand with the characters. I know for me, at least, it resonated deep and was an unforgettable experience.

Story: 8
I suppose that the story itself is rather normal: but that's the beauty of it. In an anime like this, which attempts to connect to the viewer, the best way to do so is create a scenario that is very believable and then focus on the character development and interaction. The story is rather plain, but it receives high marks because of the way that it fits in with the theme and tone of the anime.

Art: 9
The art is great. Not much to say here. An improvement from the previous season, the backgrounds are serene and well drawn, and the facial expressions are so well done and convey so much feeling and emotion without needing to tell to your face. The characters are all designed well and their appearances often match their personalities quite well, making them recognizable. Overall, if I had to sum it up, I would say that you could take any background from this series and make it your wallpaper. Furthermore, the characters are all well designed and well drawn.


Sound: 9
The OST is what it needs to be when it needs to be. It is calming and peaceful when it needs to be, lighthearted and upbeat when it needs to be, and sad and dramatic when it needs to be. I had no qualms whatsoever with the OST, as it greatly contributes to the feeling of the show. Furthermore, the voice acting is on point. All of them do so well at conveying emotion and feeling for their characters. The main trio is especially worth mention, as I feel that Yui, Hikigaya and Yukinoshita are voiced perfectly. For the role that they have and the personality they have, they are simply perfect. Also worth note is the OP, Haru Modoki. Having been introduced to the vocalist, Nagi Yanagi through Owari no Sekai Kara, I instantly fell in love with her voice. Take my favorite Japanese singer, and couple that with a beautiful song full of emotion and you have what I believe to be an opening in contention for OP of the year.

Character: 10
I don't believe that the characters of this anime could get anything less than a 10. They are so fleshed out and well thought that they feel like real people. Often times anime loses focus on the characters and they feel very 2D. Not a lot of development, very predictable, cliche and above all boring. Having an anime like OreGairu then becomes so refreshing. Somehow, OreGairu achieves something that very few anime do. It not only fleshes out its main trio, but also develops its supporting cast. Sure, the main trio is the focus, and receives a lot more attention. But the side characters are also very well thought out. Yes, the main three are amazingly done, but I believe that you could take any of the side characters and make them a main character of another series. For me, the notable side characters are Iroha (probably my favorite from the supporting cast) and Hayama. Both of them are fleshed out to a degree and are honestly unpredictable, making them so interesting. The interactions between all the characters also make this series shine. It contains a very mature tone, and honestly may not be for everyone. It isn't full of nonstop action and fanservice. Rather, it contains the characters who make decisions and face the consequences. It faces a stark reality that it is impossible to make everybody happy, and that in life, you will have to make decisions that have downsides. Furthermore, it gives a rather not subtle criticism of social norms, much like the previous season. Overall, these characters make the show, and are the sole reason that this anime is so good.

Enjoyment: 10
OreGairu is so relatable and understandable. I genuinely felt for each of the characters and their dilemmas, even if I haven't personally underwent what they did. OreGairu tells a tale of love, heartbreak and friendship. It details the struggles of life, inner turmoil and the dilemma of priorities. Somehow, OreGairu takes romance, school life, drama, comedy and slice of life, a combination that we have seen a lot of before, and creates what I believe to be a classic. I truly believe that OreGairu will become one of the classics of this period, representing well the potential that anime has. Yes, it is a mature anime, but that is not a bad thing. I thoroughly enjoyed this anime, and will wholeheartedly recommend it to pretty much anybody.

Overall: 10
What can I say? With the characters being as good as they are, beautiful art and deep themes, OreGairu is a must watch of the season and may be one of the best to come out in recent years. For me, it ranks up there with Clannad and Anohana, other animes of the same genre which are considered to be classics. I really really hope that there will be a season 3, as there is source material remaining in the LN which I haven't read, and that the ending of OreGairu 2 was essentially a cliffhanger. If you haven't seen OreGairu, then I highly recommend it, as it takes you on a journey that is priceless and irreplaceable. Of all anime I've watched, these are some of the characters I care about the most, and I hope for those of you who watch it, you can find something here for yourself.

~Thanks for reading the review! If you could rate helpful or not, that would be great for me. Any advice and tips are also very helpful. If you want to chat about anime, I'm typically online a few times a week, so feel free to message me. Thanks!~

My first experience with Yamada-Kun to 7-nin no Majo was with the manga. Seeing it as one of the popular ones, and my favorite tags of comedy, school life and romance, I decided I would give it a whirl. Immediately hooked, I read about 50 chapters before stopping to go to sleep. However, after that, I was bogged down with school work and the like and I never got around to continuing it. I didn't have time for anime or manga at that point and went on about a 4 month break. However, recently the stars aligned and summer started and I had time to ... watch. So with all the episodes out, I decided to binge the entire thing and be done with it, even if it isn't as good as the manga. So without further ado, here's my review of Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo.

Story: 7
The story isn't unique, nor is it a masterpiece. However, it has its merits. The school romcom genre is already well established, and it isn't the first time that we've seen one mixed with supernatural. It also isn't the first time that we've seen an anime centered around kissing. And the characters in the harem (my opinion, others think that harem isn't correct) aren't the most unique either. But I can get to that later. The story, with only information from the title and the first episode, is centered around our male protagonist, Yamada Ryu, the delinquent of the school. Upon his introduction, we are also introduced to Shiraishi Urara, whom I consider the female protagonist. Unlike Yamada, who is a violent, lazy delinquent, Shiraishi could be described as the ideal student: quiet, studious, and attractive. In essence, they are polar opposites. The plot arises when Yamada walks up the stairs and pushes Shiraishi aside. While doing so, they both trip and fall down the stairs. After blacking out, Yamada wakes up in the infirmary, only to realize that he is now in Shiraishi's body instead of his own. After some time, they realize that switching bodies is achieved through a kiss. Based on the title, we can assume that there are 7 witches, each with their own power. The strength in the story isn't the plot itself, but the execution of it. While the plot is certainly interesting, it's nothing we haven't seen before. However, the way it is executed is what sets it apart. The anime doesn't take itself overly seriously. It knows when it should be a lighthearted comedy, and it knows when to be a more serious, supernatural mystery story. Overall, the plot is interesting and is delivered well, but is no masterpiece.

Art: 8
Now I dabble a bit in drawing manga style characters, but I'm no judge of great art. However, even I can tell that this series looks good. Many of the backgrounds are well drawn, and the colors are typically bright and pop out. But the main point of this art score is the character design. The characters are all designed uniquely and are easily differentiated from each other. All the characters are designed in a way that makes them hard to forget, and they are all unique from the other students to signify their importance to the story.

Sound: 7
For me, the soundtrack was for the most part good but forgettable. I wouldn't mind listening to the soundtrack while watching, but I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it again. So you would think that sound would be a bit lower, and honestly, I would put it around 5 or 6. However, the OP and ED are extremely catchy, and for those alone, I put sound at 7.

Characters: 7
As I said before, the characters aren't exactly original. You've got the tsundere, the kuudere, the loli, the older sister, etc. etc. However, for the most part, they are fairly likeable and undergo some form of development. Because the series is condensed into 12 episodes, the development happens much faster and sometimes feels awkward and forced. The only two witches who I think get any sort of notable development are Shiraishi Urara and Odagiri Nene, who is personally my favorite of the bunch. For the rest, their motives are typically defined by a single point, which is often just given rather than explained. As such, the characters are fun, but typically lack depth outside of this one point.

Enjoyment: 9
I try not to be the biggest critic, and there are merits to this anime. While there are flaws, if you go in with the right expectations and try not to think too much while watching, you'll come out most likely happy and satisfied. The ending resolves most of the problems, even though I could literally see it coming a mile away. Sure, it's predictable and cliche, but there is a lot of fun to be had here. Take it for what it is: a fun, supernatural romcom with a sprinkling of story. If you expect more from it, you will likely end up disappointed.

Overall: 8
Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo was a fun watch and had me laughing at times. It was a good experience, and I can happily say that it is most likely worth your time. It's no masterpiece, but then again, most shows aren't. It ranks fairly highly among my recently watched anime, even though I haven't watched that many recently. If you need a deep, plot driven drama, then this isn't for you. However, if you need a lighthearted romcom with supernatural elements, check out Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo. You won't be disappointed.

~Thanks for reading my review! I'm still fairly new to this whole writing reviews business, so any advice or tips is entirely welcome. Also, rating helpful or not would be, well, helpful for me to see if I'm writing these correctly. If someone wants to talk anime with me, feel free to message me. I'm typically online at least a few times a week.~

Nisekoi is an adaptation from a manga of the same name, which I have read all 125 chapters that have been released so far. It is still publishing, so I can only wait for more. There are 20 episodes as of now that I have seen, and more are coming (hopefully in a season 2!). For those who just want to know whether to watch or not, I will lay that to rest now: WATCH IT. Anyways, formalities aside, let's get into it.

Story: 7
The story isn't something unusual, but it also isn't an overly clichéd idea either. While it may lack complete originality, ... it does its job perfectly. Unlike some romantic comedies, which take a few plot points and only use that, Nisekoi embraces its plot and it plays a large part of every episode, though not for the entire thing. The story, up to now, has introduced new points, but quite honestly isn't really going anywhere. For that reason, it receives a 7.

Art: 10
WOW. It's a good thing I was sitting down when I first saw this because it blew me away. That is something to be proud of. While there aren't any real action scenes, you knew it had to be good coming from Studio Shaft, well known for its Monogatari series, as well as its Ef Tale series, Arakawa Under the Bridge, and Puella Magi Madoka Magica, all which have amazing art.

Sound: 7
The music works well to set the scene, and the OP and ED are both catchy and upbeat, following the nature of the show. However, for me personally, there aren't really any stand out tracks, and beside the OP and ED, nothing really left a lasting impression.

Character: 8
The characters for the most part fit very unoriginal stereotypes. However, they fit those stereotypes very well and bring the best out of the roles. There is the shy, innocent one, the tsundere, the other tsundere, and another who is hinted at the end of 13 (no spoilers). The character designs are all very good and the voice actors did a perfect job of bringing these characters to life. My personal favorite is Onodera, but based on the recent manga chapters, I'm not too sure how my list will pan out.

Enjoyment: 10
This anime fits all my favorite genres, it has amazing art, good music, a compelling story, great and lovable characters, and an overall smooth and enjoyable feel. What's not to love? This anime is definitely the one to watch for the rest of the Spring season which begins soon.

Overall: 9
While my enjoyment is a perfect 10, it is easily understandable that some may not enjoy this because of its light hearted nature and its lack of overly serious or complex ideas. However, taken at face value for what it is, it is a great romantic comedy slice of life, and definitely one that lovers of this genre should watch.

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Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai. We still don't know the name of the flower we saw that day. From here on out I will refer to it as AnoHana.

Being a fan of slice of life and for some reason sad anime, I have inevitably heard many tales of AnoHana. And after finishing many anime of the same genre, such as Clannad, Kanon 2006, Angel Beats and 5 Centimeters per Second, I finally sat down and opened up AnoHana, episode 1. And the journey began.

Story: 7
The story is undoubtedly interesting and well executed. Without any spoilers, the story revolves ... around a group of friends who separated after childhood due to the death of one of their friends. The ghost of their dead friend returns in the first episode, and the story begins from there. However, only one of the gourp, Jinta, can see her. While I can't say why the ghost of their friend (I will call her Menma from now) has appeared, for part of the anime, it becomes a mystery as to why. And after you figure out why, it brings in another mystery that the friends work to solve. The interactions between the characters as they try to believe that their friend is actually there. It keeps you intrigued the whole time to figure out Menma's secret and also what the happened in the past between the friends. However, it only receives a 7 because of what seems like some gaps in the plot which are there for good reason, but are still hard to ignore. I'll drop a section with spoilers right below so if you want to see my thinking, go ahead and read it. If not, then just skip on.


*****SPOILERS*****
In the last episode, there are friends in the group who still don't believe that Menma is there. However, she proves her existence by writing notes and also interacting with the world around the friends, proving that Jinta is not responsible for what is happening, and that a ghost is. However, while keeping this tactic unused until the end to make it more dramatic and emotional, I found myself screaming inside to just interact with the environment. Move a cup, write a note, do something. There is an explanation as to why writing a note may not work, but it doesn't stop Menma from attempting something else.
*****SPOILERS*****

Art: 9
The art in AnoHana is stunning and visually pleasing. The character designs are perfect, and the animation is fluid and smooth. There don't seem to be any rough edges, and the style is done in a way that keeps the characters somewhat moe without straying from a sense of realism. The backgrounds are beautiful and complement the anime very well, often attributing the emotions that one will fell while watching this anime. I expected nothing less from A-1 Pictures, who have produced Sword Art Online, OreImo, Black Butler, and Sound of the Sky, which all have fluid and well done animations.

Sound: 8
The soundtrack is very touching and emotional. While none stand out to me at the moment from the background tracks, both the OP and ED at this moment are enough to make me tear up. Both are very catchy, and the music in the ending scene is used absolutely perfectly.

Character: 10
The characters in AnoHana are what make this show shine. From all the characters we get the story of growing up with their own guilt and regrets regarding the death of Menma. The characters each undergo a fair bit of development, be it the acceptance of feelings towards or between other characters, or the acceptance that Menma is dead, and that nothing you do will change it. The idea of having to let someone or something go is a feeling many of us are versed in, which was an excellent move by A-1 as it gives the viewers something to connect to and latch on to. This is not the only feeling that we can attach to, however. The show contains many relatable topics, like unrequited love, moving on, trying to fit in, or trying to forget. All come together and create what can only be considered as an amazing work of art.

Enjoyment: 10
AnoHana brings the tale of a group of friends who cannot escape the past, and their endeavors to both come to terms with it and reorganize their lives. While it contains the supernatural "ghost" idea, it is still a very realistic story of people who are trying to come to terms and accept what has happened to them. It also shows how people connect and how difficult it is to deal with emotions. The characters are all relatable in some way or another, and by the end it, you will be left in both awe, and tears. AnoHana is a complete package that provides all that you need, plus a very satisfying yet sad ending that ends the series perfectly.

Overall: 9
While AnoHana contains little to no straight up action, it does action in its own way, through the dialogue and interactions between characters. Adding to this its great soundtrack, splendid art, amazing characters and a story that draws you in, I can safely say that AnoHana is one of the anime greats in its genre. It brings a show on the same level as other big names like Clannad and Angel Beats, and while it has its flaws, no show is perfect. but AnoHana gets pretty close. AnoHana, the flower we saw that day, is a work that is definitely not one to be ignored, and for those who love the genre and could use a good cry, I couldn't recommend this anime more.

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Maga-Tsuki in my opinion is a harem that has a fairly unoriginal plot in that it focuses on the "goddess coming to Earth and falling in love" scenario that I myself see quite a lot in the world of anime and manga. However, having an unoriginal plot doesn't mean that this manga is doing anything wrong, or that I disliked it. On the contrary, I am enjoying it and can see myself enjoying it for the rest of its publication. Let's look at why:

Story: 6
As mentioned above, the story itself is nothing overly interesting, with one of the plot keys being instantly relatable to ... that of Double Arts by KOMI Naoshi. To those of you that read both, you will know what I mean. Aside from that though, as of yet, there isn't anything overly original. However, that is okay since it is a school life manga.

Art: 9
The art is great, with the characters being well drawn and flushed out, while not being overly detailed to the point that you feel like you're reading a piece of fine art. The characters are cute and funny when they need to be, and also comical and serious at the right times. I also like the character designs, especially that of our main character's childhood friend Akari. The backgrounds, while sometimes lacing detail, give of a surreal environment that closely matches the goddess premise that this story takes place in.

Character: 7
The characters are all quite good, having distinct personalities and backstories behind some of them that add depth to the character. Only being 16 chapters in, there is character development happening, but whether that will continue is hard to say. The characters are good, and the only reason I give a 7 instead of 8 is because they all fit the stereotypical roles, with possibly the exception of one. You have the tsundere, the childhood friend and the overly innocent one, as well as the overly serious one (The overly serious one has only made one appearance up to where I have read, so I cannot say for sure that she is part of the harem). However, that is not to say that they do not execute these roles well, which they do.

Enjoyment: 8
Being the kind of manga reader and anime viewer that I am, I really enjoy romantic comedies and slice of life. I don't know why, but I do. That's why, while this story up to now lacks too much serious plot or drama, I am fine with that. The comedy does its part and is funny. The art is great and the characters have wonderful personalities. I also love a great romance, and while it is a harem, each of the girls have their own legitimate reason for loving our main character, and it isn't hard to find at least one to sympathize with and root for.

Overall: 8
If you're one for high action, scintillating dialogue and deep, philosophical/psychological real world connections, this isn't for you. This manga so far embraces its identity as a romantic comedy slice of life, and therefore does not appeal to those who do not enjoy those genres. However, if you enjoyed things like Nisekoi, Chuunibyou or perhaps the less well known Mahoraba, then this is definitely something to throw on your watch list because they are all very similar, and are all great reads/watches.

Note: Akari for the win!
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