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Often lauded as a masterpiece, Monster is a gripping thriller which follows the carnage caused by the psychopathic villain Johan Liebert. And in the same way that Johan toys with his victims, the show dances around its audience. Truth is doled out in driblets, a whiff here and a taste there. In short, Monster is a show that should have spanned 40 episodes, yet is stretched over almost double that length.

That is not to say that Monster feels especially slow. It has no fillers. In fact, there's nary a moment without tension and fraught drama, even if it must be forced into a scene. If ... a character's life is in danger, she may sprint away from the safety of a crowded area to a nicely secluded one. Just as a crucial bit of information is about to be revealed, somebody interrupts. And as noted in many reviews, when there is a gunshot, the scene will often cut away so the audience has to wait to know what happened.

Balancing out these artificial elements is the organic character-driven drama which is ultimately what carries Monster to its finish. The protagonists writhe and struggle. Each has his own agenda and way of thinking, and when a character dies, it is abundantly clear how high the stakes are. Even if some plot elements are absurd and clearly used for emotional manipulation, these characters keep the show grounded.

As it wades through underworld of central Europe, the show introduces many interesting and mature themes which are far from the common anime fare. Racial elitism and social experimentation come to the fore, along with questions of good and bad, right and wrong. And of course there are the ideas of justice, atonement, and redemption.

While the strong characters and themes compensate for many of the show's small irritants (such as the fact that the wanted criminal Dr. Tenma never changes his appearance or name), I found a few decisions to be particularly frustrating. First, the protagonists are indecisive at the most critical moments. It's fine to struggle through certain decisions, but once the choice is made, it is hard to watch their resolve waver when it is needed most.

Second, the show is fixated on childhood trauma. This is a common trope in anime, and I understand that these particular characters suffered in Soviet brainwashing centers, but I don't need to know how many meals they were served. Knowing that the villain Johan is a mass murderer, is it really necessary to psychoanalyze his favorite children's books? Lastly, the ending was unsatisfying. As if 74 episodes were not enough to address everything, the series closes with asking new questions.

In terms of artwork, Monster is nothing to be envied. The washed out colors portray a bare and dreary world, and the majority of the runtime is spent talking with the two-frame wagging jaws.

Monster is a show which grasps at greatness. It is riveting, a true psychological thriller which doesn't rely on violence or gore to compel its viewership. I found it a good anime and worth watching. Ultimately, though, it suffers from systemic flaws which keep it from being a masterpiece.

Overall: 7/10

"Barakamon" is a sweet slice-of-life comedy about a young professional calligrapher who, upon retreating to a remote island to develop his style, meets the friendly neighborhood children. Although the characters are charming enough, I found the humor of the series to be weak. It was predictable and, at times, forced. Thus I would recommend watching its oft-compared work Usagi Drop instead. If you've seen that already, then give Barakamon a try!

Story [6/10]: As a rule of thumb, it's best not to expect too much plot from a slice-of-life anime, and Barakamon is no different in that regard. What it offers is completely expected, but sweet ... nonetheless. Unfortunately, the show uses much of the same imagery and tropes as most anime: beaches, fireworks, and festivals. Most of the plot devices are trivial occurrences.

Pacing [5/10]: Following a very rushed first episode, the anime slows down to a crawl and not much happens until near the end.

Art [7/10]: Aside from a few artistic risks, Barakamon does not really stray from the standard style. The animation is clean and crisp.

Sound [6/10]: The music was forgettable (so much that I remember none of it). The island dialect is pretty odd to listen to, but adds to the backwards charm of the show.

Character [6/10]: While the main character Handa initially comes off as the typical standoffish genius that indigenous to anime high schools, he quickly loses this composure. He displays a refreshing variety of traits, including klutziness and fervor for his art, which are sometimes inconsistent but mostly seem to work. Through the series, he loosens up and his relationships develop, but the other characters don't get such close treatment by a long shot. Even the little girl Naru barely receives any character development.

Enjoyment [6/10]: As a whole, I liked Barakamon well enough and would've enjoyed it much more if I'd found their comedy to be humorous. It does not rank as a must-see, but is a light and heartwarming time filler!

Overall: [6.5/10]

Since there are already so many reviews extoling the merits of "Steins;Gate", I will focus on why it falls far short of a masterpiece.

My main issue with Steins;Gate is that it is an typical anime melodrama wrapped inside a sci-fi shell. That is, its main plot device is the main character's stupidity. I was excited when reading the synopsis that the protagonist Okabe Rintarou is a self-proclaimed mad scientist, only to find that he is an emotionally stunted college student who literally couldn't use the Scientific Method if his life depended on it.

By treating this anime as simply a drama which uses time-travel wherever convenient, ... it becomes a lot less frustrating to sit through. I would recommend giving it a try with this caveat in mind!

Story [7/10]: Gaping plot-holes aside, the story is a fun and wild ride. It takes a lot of the run-of-the-mill drama tropes and give them a time-travel spin. For example, changing some past event conveniently wipes the memories of everyone but Okabe of some relationship-developing event, just like amnesia.

Pacing [7/10]: As infuriating as it is to watch the main character act so irrationally, the pacing of the story itself doesn't drag out.

Art [7/10]: The coloring of Steins;Gate is muted, as if viewed through polarized lenses, to give the show a darker and more serious tone (similar to movies like The Matrix). Its character drawings are elongated, so that except for the obese hacker Daru, the cast would be severely anorexic. These stylistic details aside, the artwork is well-done.

Sound [4/10]: Steins;Gate has very little background music, so the majority of the sound comes from the voice actors. Thus it was painful how annoying the two main male characters sound. When Okabe is in his mad scientist persona (i.e. most of the time), he adopts the most annoying pretentious way of speaking.

Character [4/10]: Although Steins;Gate is one of the few anime that takes place after high school, it might as well be a middle school anime considering Okabe's emotional and intellectual maturity. From the writer's point of view, what's worse is that he is inconsistent. At times (when convenient to the plot), he is trusting to a fault, but at others he is completely closemouthed. Sometimes he is cold and callous towards someone in one scene, then caring in the next.

The other characters are handled better, if only because their development largely takes place when they change some aspect of the past - that is, their character development is all behind-the-scenes. I did appreciate the relationship development. As fitful as it is, it's still better than any other anime.

Enjoyment [6/10]: After realizing that this was not going to be a smart sci-fi show, I was better able to handle its ridiculous time-travel shenanigans and the irritating main character. It also wrapped up all the threads to a nice ending. Overall, it is worth a try!

Overall: [7/10]

Comedy is a most finicky beast, and "Nichijou" rides it with as much finesse as I've ever seen. Not that every joke lands, and of course there will be those who find none of the humor to be funny. However, with its range of comedy and overall skill, this series is a must-try!

The show is a compilation of short bits, distributed between the handful of main characters and their high-school antics/experiences. It plays out more like improvised skits than situation comedy, but somehow maintains a consistency between bits that allows for character and relationship development. Amazingly, Nichijou offers fresh jokes each episode and each bit ... no matter how short is given a thoughtful ending (unlike a lot of improv).

Story [7/10]: Let's be real, neither comedy nor slice-of-life leaves room for much plot. Add in the fact that Nichijou is a high school anime told in bite-sized chunks, and the story is pretty much at an impasse. Therefore I was amazed to find that show does have an undercurrent of plot! The small storylines are neatly woven together, even finding such a proper and touching ending that no few anime shows lack.

Pacing [9/10]: I really admired the pacing of Nichijou. Each bit lasted from 30 seconds to a few minutes, but there were strategically placed breaks as well - moments of Zen, if you will. This was pure genius.

Art [8/10]: The art style of Nichijou resides somewhere between standard anime forms and chibi, so that all the forms are androgynously cute. Everything is brightly lit and colored to match the lighthearted tone, though be ready for endless sweat beads on the more anxious characters.

Sound [9/10]: Nichijou is one of the few anime where you can tell how much fun the voice actors and sound crew are having, and their joy is contagious.

Character [8/10]: Although the series is told in short segments, the characters still come alive piece by piece - each bit gives another snapshot of their personalities. It is surprising that the main characters are in fact complex, given how simplistic the anime seems at first. Each is playful and, frankly, adorable but has clear imperfections as well.

Enjoyment [10/10]: There's not much else to say except that I loved this series. It is definitely not for those unfamiliar with anime humor and style, and even for those who are, it has a lot of purely Japanese jokes (e.g. puns and cultural humor). I didn't follow some of these, and can only imagine how much better it would have been if I could!

Overall: [9/10]

Reading the synopsis and reviews, I really wanted to like "Planetes". Even given how slow the first ten episodes were, I kept hope alive and watched to the end, waiting for the magic which seemed to have charmed so many viewers. There is a lot to be said for the series: its vision for the future is exceptional, for one. Yet in spite of it all, I did not particularly enjoy Planetes and consider it a middling series. Overall, I would recommend giving it a try!

There were several major issues with Planetes which dulled its overall efficacy. First, like much anime, the show attempts too ... many different genres. At first, it displays the everyday trappings of life as a space janitor much like a slice-of-life, and then it delves into drama with action/survival elements, and finally plays with political and philosophical themes. All this while trying to work a romantic subplot. By tossing so many things in the air, they inevitably fall flat.

Story [7/10]: Described in general terms, the plot of Planetes covers quite a bit of ground. The story follows a new space janitor Tanabe and her mentor Hachimaki during an time when space exploration and settlement is monopolized by a few world superpowers. During all this, a romance blossoms between the two lead characters, one which is infuriatingly riddled with anime clichés - love triangles, lack of communication, etc.

Pacing [4/10]: Considering the vast scope of the story, precious little is meted out in each episode - especially early on, where the episodes are spent exploring the characters with only minor hints toward grander themes. I personally had a hard time with how dialogue-heavy the show is, especially with its abrupt scene changes.

Art [9/10]: The artwork was movie quality. It takes a realistic approach to the animation - none of the pointed faces, overlarge eyes, or exaggerated body shapes - and doesn't skimp on the environment either. The details in movement allow the show to communicate subtly.

Sound [7/10]: The music in Planetes was rare and forgettable (I don't remember a single scene with accompanying music), but otherwise the sound work was very well done.

Character [5/10]: A large portion of the show is spent on the characters, from both the Debris Department (that is, the space janitors) and assorted friend groups. However, with this large cast, only a few are given more than a defining trait. More detrimental to the show, however, was that I could not stand the male lead Hachimaki. It was infuriating to spend so much time watching his stubbornness lead to one problem after another, when he has no redeeming qualities. This is exacerbated by the weak attempt at romance. How can we to understand the main character Tanabe's attraction to this loathsome creature?

By the end of the series, I no longer really cared if the characters died.

Enjoyment [5/10]: I found Planetes ambitious and impressive, but ultimately unfulfilling. This in large part has to do with the characters (read: Hachimaki) and their lack of redeeming qualities. That being said, I would still say that the series deserves a try; annoyances aside, the show has a lot to offer.

Overall: [6/10]

The second season of "Shokugeki no Souma" picks up where the first left off. If you liked season 1, then you should find season 2 about as entertaining, and I would recommend giving it a try! I will focus this review on the differences between the two seasons; please see my review on season 1 for a full discussion of the series' merits.

Separated into two main arcs, Shokugeki season 2 begins by completing the food tournament from season 1. This section doubles down on its sensory overload with foodgasms and gushing monologues describing the dishes. Personally, I felt this to be uninspired and saccharine (hence ... my lower overall rating). However, the second arc accommodates for this by investing in character development. In total, Shokugeki remains fun and sets up well for another upcoming season.

Story [5/10]
Pacing [7/10]
Art [7/10]
Sound [7/10]
Character [6/10]
Enjoyment [6/10]

Overall: [6/10]

It was an honor to watch "Usagi Drop". The series is, in no uncertain terms, a masterpiece! I very seldom give such a high rating, but do so now because Usagi Drop goes far beyond its peers, regardless of genre. Sit back and enjoy a truly mature anime and its beautiful portrayal of life. Also, remember that each episode has a scene after the ending credits.

Story [8/10]: Being a slice-of-life anime, Usagi Drop doesn't have a goal-oriented plot. It is a story about a man and his newly adopted daughter Rin over the course of half a year. Although this was portrayed to perfection, I ... deducted points for not completing the romantic subplot.

Pacing [10/10]: Every episode of Usagi Drop is filled with such care that there is no dull moment. Quite apart from having constant action, this is accomplished with the subtly crafted interactions which speak volumes towards character development.

Art [9/10]: Just as the show is about a dull and colorless life being filled with the adoption of a child, each episode begins in faded watercolor and fills into a more standard anime palette. The artwork itself is excellent, and furthers a major motif: the quiet beauty of the everyday.

Sound [9/10]: The mellifluous soundtrack which accompanies Usagi Drop is a pleasure to listen to by itself.

Character [10/10]: As expected from the genre, the characters and their relationships make the show what it is. They are all developed into full personalities and given a chance to develop over the series, even the minor characters, and everyone is realistic and lovely.

Enjoyment [10/10]: I enjoyed every bit of Usagi Drop, and hope that future shows can strive for this level of sophistication. This is a must-see!

Overall: [9.5/10]

"Shokugeki no Souma" is an anime which sells on sensory overload. It combines the visuals and sounds of cooking with rapturous descriptions of taste, smell, and texture of the food. By keeping up a steady stream of food events, Shokugeki doesn't strive for depth or any lasting impact. It is a good anime for light entertainment, so if you're looking for something easily digestible and fun, I would recommend trying it!

Personally, I wasn't sure what to expect from the ecchi elements, but besides a couple gratuitous bath scenes, they can be summed up in one word: foodgasm. It is an artistic choice to depict gastronomic ... pleasure using sexual imagery (mostly of women, but there are men as well). Over-the-top perhaps, but I did not find their use to be heavy-handed.

Story [6/10]: In a world where eating produces sexual gratification, we follow the protagonist Souma into an elite cooking high school with an enormous attrition rate. The plot follows the sports genre, where Souma is pitched into competitions against other food specialists for either prestige or survival at the school.

Pacing [7/10]: By keeping the plot simple and the characters light, Shokugeki is paced faster than the average anime. I found it very watchable in this respect. The most repetitive aspect of the show was their description of each food as it is tasted.

Art [7/10]: Get ready for sumptuous foods and balloon-breasted women everywhere. The sex appeal is on the gratuitous side, and it is used in much of the show's humor (so if that's not your type of humor, this may not be fit to watch). However, I did not find it distracting - it all fits into the style of the anime. Also, the environments in the show were very well done, considering how large many of the spaces are, and give off a dramatic ambience.

Sound [7/10]: Cooking sounds are mixed in with a decent soundtrack; nothing notable either good or bad.

Character [5/10]: The weakest aspect of Shokugeki lies in its characters. The recurring cast numbers over 20, and while there are enough visual identifiers to tell them apart, only two characters actually get the screen-time to develop at all. Everyone else is given one or two identifying traits and left alone. Similarly, the relationships are kept very simple and one-dimensional.

Enjoyment [6/10]: Shokugeki is not a work of art, and never tries to be. It is uncomplicated fun, and worth trying. Because of its simplicity, I think it's possible to enjoy at 1.5x speed.

Overall: [6.5/10]

"Akatsuki no Yona" is a rehash of the story of the rightful king: a deposed ruler is cast out of the kingdom by some evil despot, only to return leading a group of elite warriors. A similar adventure tale of camaraderie and heroism can be found in many adventure animes, especially those in the fantasy genre. Akatsuki comes out with an absolutely pitiful rendition of this story, and I would highly recommend avoiding it! If you've seen Avatar: The Last Airbender, there is no reason to watch this anime (and if you haven't, then you should see it instead). Also, as of writing this, the ... story remains unfinished without a second season in sight.

Story [3/10]: As stated above, the plot is predictable and, since with so much stuffed in the short span of one season, it is winnowed down to the bare minimum. I deducted points for how reliant it is on clichés no matter how forced they are, simply to draw out an emotional response from the audience.

Pacing [4/10]: The pace of Akatsuki feels jerky. A lot has to happen within the relatively low episode count, yet the show still tries to work in comedy, tragic backstories, and random supporting characters. This ambition backfires, making the main plot lurch along while we get monologues and filler material.

Art [4/10]: Considering it is an action-adventure series, the artwork in Akatsuki was a disappointment. I was looking forward to intensely animated fight scenes, but what we get are: single-frame drawings of enemies flying through the air, the hero doing poses, and mid-fight monologues. Most of the humor is accentuated with some comedic effect (e.g. "glare" with lightening between two characters).

Sound [6/10]: While the music was nice, the sound effects were somewhat offputting. I found the humor decidedly awkward because they kept emphasizing lame jokes with these effects - especially when the music and tone right before was serious.

Character [4/10]: A major driving force in this anime is the fact that the heroine Princess Yona blithely attracts everyone to her (through a combination of personality and magic). She is surrounded by her harem of loyal fighters without any thought of caution or betrayal, even though they are literally strangers. Akatsuki constantly builds sexual tension between her and the men, but in classic anime style ruins every moment with some random coincidence and Yona's complete obliviousness. The resulting relationships are feeble.

Besides Yona, the main characters remain more or less caricatures defined by their primary attribute. True, the show is careful to provide tragic backstories - but this is not enough to give a character a full personality.

Enjoyment [3/10]: Akatsuki takes a workable plot and makes a heap of mistakes in execution. From its still-life fight scenes and endless monologues to awkward humor and underdeveloped characters, the show is a letdown.

Overall: [3/10]

If you're considering watching "Nagato Yuki-chan no Shoushitsu" because you are a fan of the Suzumiya Haruhi series, pause now and reconsider. This anime is a blatant attempt to milk the viewership of its predecessors, tossing the cast into an utterly mediocre high-school anime and forgetting everything that made the original series good in the first place. Even the characters are changed to fit into this most mundane trope: Kyon is now a typical male love interest, Nagato a shy girl, and Haruhi a forgettable side character. Disposing of these key personalities as well as any supernatural underpinnings, Yuki-chan is a disappointment. I would recommend ... avoiding this anime!

Just as a note, the series description implies that Yuki-chan takes place in the alternative world seen in the Disappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi film. That may have been the inspiration for this series, but that's as far as the connection goes.

Story [3/10]: Shy female protagonist is attracted to the male lead, who starts to show reciprocated feelings, but random coincidences stop them from confessing to each other. Does this sound familiar? Yuki-chan takes this mediocre trope and works it to death. Only the final plot arc seems to have any forward momentum, but that is obliterated by the empty finale.

Pacing [4/10]: Yuki-chan is paced just a tad better than the Endless Eight arc. In fact, you might say that the development of Nagato's character proceeds at around the same rate.

Art [7/10]: Nothing spectacular, the artwork in Yuki-chan certainly can't salvage this series.

Sound [6/10]: The soundtrack is standard fare for high school anime.

Character [4/10]: Not only are the characters plain and undistinguished, they also overwrite the fun personalities created in Melancholy. The show spends plenty of screen time on the relationship between the two main characters without forming a strong emotional connection between them. In fact, the single rooftop scene in Disappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi between Kyon and Nagato is more satisfying than the entirety of Yuki-chan.

Enjoyment [4/10]: I watched the entirety of Yuki-chan waiting for them to bring back the refreshing elements of Melancholy, to no avail. Even worse, Yuki-chan is unable to stand on its own merit. Avoid this series and consider it time saved.

Overall: [4/10]