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The fact that this cinematic masterpiece is criminally underrated genuinely baffles me. Orb: On the Movements of Earth is an extraordinary anime that deserves far more recognition. From its unique and deeply engrossing plot to its breathtaking execution, this show is a work of art that stands out in every possible way.

The story is unlike anything I’ve seen before—richly layered with philosophical depth, emotional weight, and a fascinating exploration of human curiosity, science, and fate. The pacing is masterfully handled, keeping the viewer invested in every moment, while the world-building is intricate and immersive.

The animation is absolutely stunning, with fluid movements, detailed backgrounds, and beautifully ... designed character expressions that perfectly capture the emotions of each scene. Every frame feels purposeful, almost like a painting that adds to the overall storytelling. The cinematography and visual direction create an atmosphere that pulls you into its world effortlessly.

The music is another standout aspect, elevating the emotional beats of the show with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. From soft, melancholic piano pieces to grand, orchestral arrangements, the OST enhances every moment and leaves a lasting impact.

The character writing is phenomenal. Each character is given depth, individuality, and a clear sense of motivation. Their perspectives are thoughtfully portrayed, making it easy to connect with their struggles, ambitions, and emotions. The dialogues feel natural yet profound, and the relationships between the characters are developed in a way that feels both authentic and impactful.

This is easily a ten out of ten from me. It’s a rare gem in the anime world—intelligent, emotional, visually mesmerizing, and philosophically intriguing. If you haven’t started watching it yet, you’re seriously missing out. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling and top-tier animation.

With a total of 25 episodes planned, Orb: On the Movements of Earth is still currently airing, which means there’s still time to hop on this incredible journey before the finale. Don’t let this masterpiece go unnoticed

Revisiting All-Rounder Meguru (ARM) reaffirmed its strengths while making some flaws more noticeable. The story follows Meguru, a well-rounded but unremarkable fighter, and his ambitious childhood friend, Takeshi. Their contrasting approaches to MMA create an engaging dynamic that remains one of the series’ best aspects.

ARM’s grounded, technical fights still hold up, especially in grappling exchanges, making each battle feel fluid and satisfying. The supporting cast is also a standout, with characters that feel like they exist beyond Meguru’s journey. However, pacing issues—especially mid-fight backstory dumps—felt even more jarring on a reread.

Meguru’s lack of ambition, while intentional, makes him a dull protagonist compared to the fiery ... Takeshi. The female fighters have an interesting presence, though their matches often feel even more brutal than the men’s. The romance and comedy still didn’t land for me, but the ending remains satisfying.

ARM excels in technical MMA action and side characters but struggles with pacing and a passive lead. It’s a solid, well-grounded fighting manga but never reaches top-tier status.

TL;DR: Great action and cast, but pacing issues and a dull protagonist hold it back. A solid but not exceptional MMA manga.