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Oct 12, 2024
Uzumaki was supposed to release back in 2020. For almost five years, we waited, like a ghost in the mist, unseen yet there. Based on Junji Ito critically acclaimed manga, deemed by many as Ito's magnum opus, expectations were very high. Uzumaki is set in the fictional Japanese town of Kurouzu-Cho and follows Kirie Goshima and her boyfriend Shuichi Saito as they start realizing that something truly strange is happening to their town. Unlike traditional horror stories, Uzumaki rely on obsession, madness, and the horrifying unknown to terrify its audience. Alas, when the anime finally aired, it was a huge failure and instead of being
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filled with fear, my head was filled with a spiral of disappointment.
The black and white CG animation was a unique and creative way of inviting us into the surreal world of Ito’s inked horrors. But after a studio change during production, the quality of animation went straight into the wall. What began with great promise became a real horror, the characters movements felt so robotic. It felt like watching a marionette spectacle, unnatural, awkward and slow, like the characters were moving at 10 FPS.
Another major issue was the anime’s pacing. It is not possible to adapt 600 pages in a four episode mini series, the story felt incredibly rushed. They cut so much panels, key moments leaving little room for atmosphere and immersion. They condense so much into one episode that the psychological horror that made the manga so compelling was lost, replaced by a rushed plot that struggled to capture the depth and intensity of Ito’s work.
And so, Uzumaki which was to be a grand epitaph to Junji Ito’s genius, failed to meet the expectation it had set. This is not a bad anime but it's not great either. Some scenes still gave the that grotesque, ridiculous vibe but this is no where near the manga.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Sep 29, 2024
The Elusive Samurai is one of the best anime of summer 2024. There were plenty of things to like about it: its setup, the fun main characters, the animation and more. Sure, there were some problems here and there not surprisingly, but it didn’t really matter.
The anime is a classic revenge tale with a twist. The MC isn’t a badass samurai who one-shot everyone. Instead, he excels in agility and we're going to follow his evolution from a sheltered prince to a warrior. A simple plot isn’t enough without good characters, and thankfully this anime delivers. They each bring something unique to the table
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and their interactions with Tokiyuki felt natural and actually useful to the narrative. The villains were definitely my favorites, they were total bastards but they had a hilarious side that made their scenes really entertaining. Yorishige was the only one who annoying. It is clear that the mangaka intended for him to be that way.
The artistry of this anime is where it truly shines. The vibrant and colorful animation really stand out, especially in contrast with the brutality of the story. The detailed backdrops of a historical Japan was so nicely done. Character designs are quirky yet historically appropriate. Action scenes are particularly well-executed, the choreography was fluid and smooth. Some scenes are honestly among the best I’ve seen in any anime. However, there are moments where CGI is used that could have been better. It’s not awful, but you’ll notice it feels a bit off.
Although the humor is generally effective, there are moments where it falls flat. Especially the shifts from serious darker scenes to a sudden comedic relief. I think the show could benefit from more subtlety in its comedic moments. By the middle of the series, the jokes start to feel more natural, blending in with the story without feeling forced.
In conclusion, The Elusive Samurai is a good addition to the historical anime genre. Whether you’re a fan of samurai stories or just looking for something different, The Elusive Samurai is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Sep 25, 2024
Tengoku Daimakyo is an anime that mixes post-apocalyptic survival with mystery, comedy and a touch of sci-fi, giving you a blend of genres that actually works. Set in a future where society has crumbled due to some unknown catastrophe. Heavenly Delusion follows two parallel storylines: one inside a facility where kids are raised in a controlled, almost utopian environment and the other following two teens, Maru and Kiruko, who wander the ruins of the world looking for a mysterious place called "Heaven."
The world of Heavenly Delusion is an interesting one. Imagine a teenager who doesn’t even know what sex or gender really is, suddenly being
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forced to give birth. A brother’s brain is put into his sister body and you can bet he didn’t ask for that to happen. A woman body being kept alive, piece by piece, through wires and machines. In Heavenly Delusion, people are seen as tools . Their bodies are used to serve someone else idea of a greater good, like parts to be salvaged and repurposed. The show hits on deep questions like what is humanity? what the point of survival? and where do we find hope in a messed up world?
The title Heavenly Delusion might mislead you at first. It suggests something beautiful but much of what happens in the series is far from "heavenly." Instead, it shows the struggle the characters endure, making you realize that heaven might not be what it seems. Fortunately, Maru and Kiruko relationship offers us some light. They have a bond that help balance out the darker moments. The animation is stunning. The contrast between the beautiful, peaceful facility and the ruined, chaotic world outside is really well done. You can feel the tension and eeriness in both settings.
This show can be slow at times. Some episodes may feel like they are dragging as they focus more on character interactions and slow burn mysteries. One of the best things is its approach to storytelling. Instead of just throwing all the answers at you, the anime makes you search for them. So, if you are willing to be patient, you find yourself thinking, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming”. Heavenly Delusion is worth the watch. This season didn’t conclude the story. So, hopefully, that means we’ll get another season in the future.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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