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What an IMPROVEMENT from season 1. It was almost like a completely different series. We still have the comedy, but now with longer episodes to truly flesh out the ideas and execution of the story. It's kind of danmei/BL, but I don't think that's really the important part.

STORY - 9/10 - Hello? The plot came back and said it's flashback time. We have some cute moments between Jinghua and Duanmu Xi, but the focus is mainly surrounding Duanmu Xi's character and his past. And boy, is it traumatizing. I asked for fluff, not angst like this. Why did they do this to me? I want ... off on this roller coaster ride right now. Regardless, I was glued to my seat and further blown away as the drama unraveled every new episode. Real talk though, when are we gonna circle back to LuoYue? Can we please get a season 3 even though it will be censored like no tomorrow? Please come back to the negotiation table, donghua team and Pingzi!

SOUND - 8/10 - Ehhhhhhhh the Chinese OP is nice. I never skip it. It fits the vibe of the story. Sad. Angst. Longing. The visuals are also very beautiful underwater. Most of the show soundtracks are the same as last season. Battle theme 2 is always a bop given how the rapping makes it so lit. I don't really have an opinion on the JP opening though.

CHARACTER - 9/10 - Jinghua has a minor role this season. That's ok. I still enjoy the development between him and Duanmu Xi as they get closer together. Their intentions towards each other is very pure and heartwarming. You can feel the genuine concern that they have for each other and I breathe every single one of those heartfelt moments. It is selfless. It is not asking for anything of the other in return. It is just wanting to make the other person happy. I think that's what really resonates with me, because that is what love is, whether platonic or romantic. Their relationship is always joked about as a married couple, but the subtext is overtly there. Also pretty sure the author can't straight up state it officially given the censorship issues in CN right now.

Zhangxuan also grew on me as a character as well. He appears in Duanmu Xi's life as a mentor, a meaningful force that developed Xi into the person that he is today. I found his motivation and story to be an intriguing part of the season. He was not "competing" for screentime with Jinghua, but rather, he had an important role throughout the season that enriched every thing else coming down the pipeline.

ENJOYMENT - 9/10 - This did me in. I'm ready for more angst. I can no longer get off this ride. I am reading the manhua now. The English version only has 160 / 500+ chapters translated. Oh boy.

OVERALL - 9/10 - If you've already made it through the hot mess that is Season 1, you might as well start Season 2. It is SO much better.

This review is based off the Chinese version, because the Japanese version of the show combines 2 episodes into 1 episode, making it very rushed and cutting scenes out. I tried to watch the JP version, but it doesn't really feel the same as all of the cultural references made in the OG Chinese version. The plot has potential to be good, but the execution of it really fell flat with me. Not sure if it's because each episode was only 15 mins long, but it really deserved more time on screen. Although I suppose that may be an issue with budgeting.

STORY: 6/10 - ... Could be better execution from the directing side, but again, budgeting issue I guess because season 2 is LOADS better in terms of storytelling and art even though it's the same guy directing the show. Most dialogues and events felt rushed and I got confused with how fast paced it was going.

ART: 7/10 - I love chibis. They're cute, but the art isn't anything that's too consistent with frames missing.

SOUND: 9/10 - THE CHINESE OPENING IS A BANGER SOUNDTRACK. I LOVE IT. I HAVE IT ON REPEAT. IT IS POPPIN. IT IS SO CATCHY. You'll come to understand that it describes Jinghua and Duanmu Xi's relationship quite well. On another note, the ending theme is nice and soothing, also another one of my favourites from this show. Battle theme 2 is also very hype with the rapping in the background.

CHARACTER: 7/10 - Bruh everything was so rushed that it felt forced in the show. Couldn't find an attachment to the characters until ~season 2~, but that's excluded from this review. Jinghua is a bundle of joy and makes so many cultural references. I love his energy. Can't say much for Duanmu Xi though, since he's your typical stoic, mysterious MC (TBC in Season 2 hahaha). The side characters are shallow at most without much screen time, and Qin Siyao is just cast aside as a third wheeler for the majority of the show. With that said, I couldn't feel much of Jinghua and Duanmu Xi's bond. Their motivations are skimmed over real quick. Heck, I have more interest in Luoyue and YangNing's past instead. So. Many. Unanswered. Questions.

ENJOYMENT: 8/10 - Despite all the issues with animation, quality, storytelling, this was honestly so FUNNY. The comedy is great. Random insertion of various languages in Korean, Japanese, English, LOL references, Song Joong Ki, crossovers from other donghua like Fox Spirit Matchmaker, and our favourite quote "YOU CAN YOU UP. NO BB". Serious. This gets better. The minor fanservice we get is nice too. Like, literally this series has KISS scenes! It's a donghua too! Absolutely wild to see how loose the censorship laws back then when it came to media. RIP. Maybe that's also why season 3 is bust.

OVERALL: 7/10. I would just watch the show if you enjoy the comedy aspect. I recommend the Chinese version if you can still find it, despite how obscure it is. The drama gets touched upon briefly and continues in season 2. Or if you enjoy BL/Danmei, you may or may not like it. They kinda remind me of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji with their own twist. Their love for each other is not overtly stated, but they truly do care for one another.

Sports anime? More like a Boys Life anime. I learned nothing about rugby but wholeheartedly enjoyed the character interactions and Natsusa being a snarky, lovable gremlin. For only 12 episodes, there was a lot of potential for the plot to be fleshed out more and for the character stories to be explored fully. Instead of a focus on the sport anime genre, this show falls into more of a slice-of-life category, so if you're down to relax and watch some chaos ensue from Natsusa's shenanigans, here you go.

STORY (8/10): For an original TV series, it COULD be better, but maybe if we get a season ... 2, then perhaps the pacing may see some improvement. There's some plot around the team assembling, internal conflict and friction between main and side characters. It wasn't necessarily tiring, but you could understand the frustrations and motivation of the people involved. There were several moving parts and many characters, so I feel like a bit more screen time could have been dedicated towards the main trio to fully tell their story. Understanding that the rugby team is big and the fact that we need to gain some perspective on each character involved to feel some empathy, for a 12 episode story, I think it may have been easier to just either make this 24 episodes so we can connect better or just skimp out on the non-main characters. I like the premise of where the story is going, however the animation team could have gone deeper so they can pour salt over our wounds. There's definitely more left to be desired.

ART (9/10): I like the art. It's aesthetically pleasing. It's the whole reason I started watching it. Natsusa is pretty. Yuu is cute. Yasunari looks badass. Seiichirou exudes ikemen energy. Ibuki.... is Ibuki. Plus I need to pinch all the junior's faces please. Also the ending credits theme has the softest art. Hnnnnng.

SOUND (7/10): Nothing too remarkable about it. I like the music box BGMs since it adds a touch of sweetness. Best song out of the 3 ED themes has got to be "Kimi to Iru Nara". It grabs your heart and puts it on chokehold. Whoever the heck directed Episode 8 knew what they were doing because the storyboard/music/art direction for that episode got me still thinkin about it.

CHARACTER (8/10): I started watching this show because I saw a clip of Natsusa being an obnoxious, snarky brat and I wholeheartedly love him for it. He is a refreshing change to the typical short / cute boy. He's got bite. He's got an attitude. And he doesn't want your patronizing sympathy. And he is 10000% a bully. He's hilarious. Plus, his interactions with Ibuki are the best. Short man has zero chill and is savage. Although Sei is a guy with little words, he is a sweetheart who deeply cares about Natsusa. I don't think there was enough air time to build on all of the other characters though, like Ibuki and Sei. They have solid premises and an interesting backstory that isn't discussed in detail because of the limited episodes.

ENJOYMENT (9/10): The show literally went ham within the first 20 seconds of the first episode. Our main boy gets into a car wreck and you get to see the moment that completely messes up his neck for life. That can actually happen to people in reality who end up suffering with chronic pain or relapses, and I think that was what drew me to the show at first. Every time he suffers, I physically wince from the pain on his behalf since I also personally injured my neck in the past and it is not fun. It's tragic. It's devastating. It's life-changing but admirable how Natsusa still tries to remain in the world of rugby as a manager even he can no longer be on the field. It's frustrating and can be a harsh reality for athletes or even regular people in our day to day lives. We're all one accident away from a potentially life-altering event that could impact our mobility. I don't recall watching any anime that focuses on these types of impacts about a character suffering from some disability/chronic pain, and that's what I appreciated about Number24. It's not like the typical sports anime with crazy superpowers (except for Ibuki and Sei's incredible skill I suppose-- but I don't follow rugby in real life to comment on how realistic their talent is). It's just a bunch of college dudes doing a sport they truly love. It's about basking in the sweet camaraderie of teamwork. It's about collectively working towards the same goal. It's about learning to let things go. Even if the show is rushed and we didn't get to see a lot of plot in detail, I feel that it was in the right direction. With more budget and HOPEFULLY a season 2, we can probably expect a jump in quality.

Overall (8/10): If you enjoy slice of life/character interactions and not an in-depth explanation of the sport, give this a try. Natsusa carries the cast with his humor and evil tendencies. The main trio are my favourite. There is untapped potential for how good Number24 could have been with all of the ideas introduced in the show, but I'll give them some credit for an original production. Also, the ship fuel has been fantastic. Much wholesome. Very comedic. I don't even care if they are platonic or baiting. This was so fun to watch and I hope we get a season 2. Their story is not finished!

STORY: Do you remember the bubbly warm feeling when you watch a heartwarming shoujo anime? This is it. Sasamiya is one of the most wholesome shows this season. It is a slice-of-life story about two boys quite different from one another, an upperclassman "bad boy" and a fudanshi. Buckle up, friends, because you're in for a SLOW BURN and tooth rotting fluff with how SWEET these two boys are. I was skeptical about the quality of the anime, because my experience with BL in anime has mainly been Junjou and so I was expecting the stereotypical fetishization seen in traditional uke and seme roles. ... Absolutely blew me away how healthy the relationship between the two main leads are. No brainless drama. Just love. And wholesome communication and healthy boundaries. I can't name many BL's out there that do this without the seme usually forcing themselves on to the uke.

ART: Holy guacamole. The animation is FANTASTIC. The art is true to what the manga is like, and that's some top notch art. Seeing life breathed into the characters is so dang beautiful. Honestly, the first time I saw the trailer I thought Miyano was the cutest cinnamonroll on earth. The use of bubbles and sparkles is excessive, but it kind of adds to the charm of the show in a way! Also, whoever the heck directed the last 5 minutes of episode 8 deserves an award because I was at the EDGE OF MY SEAT THE ENTIRE TIME. The artistic direction with the use of the background piano BGM synced to the tension in the scene juxtaposed against the flower imagery is genius.

SOUND: Nothing too remarkable about it. Standard sound effects. What really caught my attention was the piano BGM at the end of episode 8. That fit the moment so well.

CHARACTER: BLESS the writing. These boys are not your typical uke and seme. I like how Miyano is not the typical uke stereotype nor too submissive. He is not afraid to voice his opinion and lays out what the boundaries are. Like anyone who questions their own orientation, Miyano is visibly confused when the possibility of being in a relationship with the same gender comes up, but he actually puts some thought instead of out rightly denying it. These two respect each others' boundaries and if any lines are crossed, they will catch themselves on it and apologize. That's what I love about Sasamiya so much. These boys are in their teens, so they are bound to make mistakes. The fact that they are able to acknowledge these mistakes and respect the other's boundaries / wishes makes it so enjoyable, and who doesn't stan a healthy relationship? I know I do.

ENJOYMENT: The slow nature and the slice-of-life storytelling might not be for everyone, but it's portrayed much better in the anime than it is in the manga in my opinion. I've had a great time watching how Sasaki and Miyano's relationship develops in the show. Give me the slow burn. I'm all here for it.

OVERALL: Do give it a try! The show literally feels the same as a shojo, but with two male leads. Nothing explicit. Nothing ick. Just love at its' purest form.

People are doing this show an extreme injustice if they refuse to watch it because they see a summary that the novel has the slow burn romance between two male leads, but this is not the main point of the show at all and it never detracts from the main storyline.

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is a story about a tragedy, justice, family, and to some extent, love. It is honestly one of the best shows I have watched in a long while. Nowadays, I've just been watching shows for the sake of finishing the show, but GDC has had me at the seat of my ... pants since Season 1. I binge watched the entire thing over the course of the past two weeks, because dang--

Story: 9/10. The story is a banger. S1 had me hooked all the way to S3 now. Wanjie Pian, or S3/Final Season is essentially the climax of the story. We're done revisiting the past from the past seasons, and now we inch closer to resolving the mystery behind the demonic hand. The first few episodes surrounding the Yi City arc are definitely rushed. Since I had watched the donghua first, I was very confused and had to dive into the novel material to figure out what was going on. I suppose this is because we are limited in the number of episodes this season and the finale is just beyond the horizon.

Art: 10/10 - My goodness, there is a massive improvement in the animation quality for this final season. There are a number of epic or important scenes where you can tell that it flows SO SMOOTHLY, that your heart stops. The backgrounds, the fighting scenes, even the emotional ones have you feeling tingly. I would say it's almost on par with some of the best anime studios out there. You can even find a clip of the behind-the-scenes of that one footage where Wei WuXian does the badass motion with Jin Ling's sword in the Yi City arc. Or even scenes with the fluttering of the Lan sect headband. I would recommend watching the season 3 trailer uploaded by Tencent and you will know what I mean but a massive increase in quality, lighting, colors, fluidity of animation, etc.

Sound: 9/10 - The opening and ending themes are great. The ending theme especially makes me want to lie down and weep because the singer is not only delivering a beautiful song, but the lyrics and song title are profound once you understand the meaning of it. Soundtrack for battle themes and other songs are not bad this season, though season 1 was quite lit (Lookin at you, "Drunk in a Dream (erhu version), Dream Comes Along, and Cloud Recesses")

The voice acting has also been top notch this season-- Lan Zhan, especially. His Chinese voice actor has been doing a spectacular job of conveying his feelings. He's nailed down the "moe" factor in his drunken state (eg: "Back to Gusu"). Also, is there a way to say "Wei Ying" expressively? Lan Zhan's VA has the role down pat. The sorrow, the hurt, the pain is oh-so-intricately laced into the delivery of his lines. My heart aches from the depth of emotion. Wei Ying's VA has also been great too, but I think my heart has been captured by Lan Zhan's outstanding performance this season.

Character: 9/10 - Only for the Yi City arc because it felt rushed and I didn't really care about Xue Yang / Xiao Xing Chen / Song Lan that much. It was hard to bond with those characters only from watching the donghua itself, and yes, I understand it is because we are on a tight schedule with only a couple of episodes left until the finale.

On the other hand, wow, Lan Wangji/Lan Zhan. Without any spoilers, you can see how he has changed over the years between S1 in the past until now. Our guy has gone from stoic and reserved, not really taking any action to someone who will fight for what he believes in. I love it. Those 13 years have done our man good. He is also a hilarious drunkard.

Finally, Wei WuXian, our precious A-Xian. Our good boy who did not deserve the boundless tragedies that fell upon him. He's absolutely hilarious. He keeps on going. Sometimes you see the flicker of hurt in his eyes and all you want to do is swaddle him in a pile of blankets and protect him from the world because he is too good for them. Although there is some deviation from the original novel, that's to be expected, but the animators are still able to convey the bond and heartwarming interactions between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.

Enjoyment: My partner and I have both been enjoying this series since S1. You'll like it. We've been anticipating the next part of the plot to unfold. We enjoy the suspense, the mystery, and the whole Chinese cultivation aspect of it :)

Overall: 9/10.