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Jan 11, 2025
This one has glimmers of genuinely interesting plot and character dynamics, but it very quickly abandons these to essentially episodic, non-consequential encounters with the various, albeit attractive, characters.
First, if you are struggling with porn use, I do not recommend this manga and you shouldn't read it. Nearly every chapter includes some degree of lightly censored nudity or sex.
The art is very well done and the pacing of intimate scenes is definitely the author’s strong suit. Highlights of the central “drama” involve the male MC and Ms. Lee. Ms. Lee has some occasionally interesting hang ups about their relationship and some clearly deep sense of
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abandonment from her prior relationship and her age which is subtly alluded to. Another lust interest, the male MC’s childhood friend, is genuinely interesting in her steady rise to celebrity while the author introduces a potentially slimier side of influencer culture (this seems to be abandoned as of chapter 92, more on this later). Ms. Lee’s daughter is (unsurprisingly) introduced into the mix and her various poor deductions on top of deception by the male MC and Ms. Lee makes her a somewhat unfortunate character.
However, this all becomes stupid very quickly because the male MC has virtually no consequences to his actions, nor hardly any moral qualms about his sexcapades because he’s a “young guy” with a high sex drive. He’s not a very interesting character, and as the number of lust interests stack up (very rapidly) after chapter 50, he ends up just being somewhere between a sleezy douche and a sociopath. At this point, the author seems to mostly give up on a narrative and just creates situations for MCs body count to increase. The introduction of an (attractive) doctor character was completely unnecessary and ultimately just serves to make the male MC a worse human being.
Overall, good art, stupid/abadonded plot decisions.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Nov 11, 2024
Now that more than two chapters have been released from my initial review, more than enough time has passed to make a fuller evaluation of for Beat & Motion. While promising from its start, the series has continued its trajectory of being a stand-out series worth reading.
The author continues to have a remarkable grasp of using visual metaphor to capture the up-and-down experiences of the characters. Additionally, while the over-arcing narrative has been mostly linear in terms of success for the main characters, there's a potent sense of anxiety in their day-to-day pursuit of those goals that aims to draw the reader into the
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shoes of the main characters. This structure can really speak to anyone who has pursued any performance-based, risky field like art, music, or even sports.
The leads also have a charming, easy-to-root-for relationship that continues to come together quite satisfyingly.
It will be interesting to see where the manga goes moving forward since it has been characterized by mostly good vibes peppered with anxiety. An honest critique could be that the characters have experienced significant success within the first 40 chapters. Though they are still little fish in a small pond, it does seem as though they're moving on a relatively fast track towards their end goals. Yet, there is still plenty of time for the author to set up some heartbreaking situations, which would only benefit the overall message of the story.
I would highly recommend if you're a fan of slice-of-life and romance and if you're interested in the psychological world of artists (I would personally extend this out to athletes as well though this is not a sports manga).
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 31, 2024
Blue Box is an exceptional sports-romance-drama thing that is a must read (now also a watch) for any romance fan. It is cute, goofy, heartbreaking, and hype wrapped up into a nice little blue box (ha). The artwork is wonderful and Kouji Miura is one of the best character writers I’ve read for the genre. She’s been particularly skilled at writing rivalries, pulling out good qualities from characters with glaring flaws, and giving the reader reason to root for everyone.
You may be disappointed if you’re wanting a stronger emphasis on the strategic elements of games or matches for the main characters because, as Mother’s Basement
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points out, the sports aspect generally takes a backseat to the drama between characters. However, the more recent chapters have a heavier emphasis on the games and these have been some of the best moments of the manga so far.
While my experience as a college athlete certainly enhances my appreciation for this series, I can’t recommend this series enough and it’s on my short list of physical manga I plan to buy. All chapters are available to read at www.viz.com under their subscription.
Also, whatever "blue box" is referring to is still up for speculation to my knowledge.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Oct 25, 2024
The premise of Nozoki Ana is extraordinarily stupid with a plot hole WAY bigger than the story’s infamous peephole (just call the police, your parents, and landlord anyway despite being blackmailed?), but I’d be as much a liar as the MC if I said this story wasn’t simultaneously thrilling and emotionally gripping, especially for smut.
First, if you are struggling with porn use or are not comfortable seeing nude female bodies, I do not recommend this manga and you shouldn't read it. Literally every chapter includes some degree of nudity or sex.
As Gigguk has already pointed out, Emiru is what keeps the story genuinely interesting. Her
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mysteriousness, cleverness, obstinance about the rules, and consequent maliciousness is offset by unexpected displays of compassion and bravery that make you question all of your (correct and healthy) assumptions about Stockholm syndrome. Similar to Makima from Chainsaw Man, Emiru puts the reader in a dilemma where this person is clearly not trustworthy, but even after all she does is still likeable.
Kido to some is a typical, indecisive harem protagonist, but I disagree. He’s quite decisive, he just makes consistently poor decisions and regrets them. Yet, it’s useful to keep in mind (and be reminded) these poor decisions are done under a constant state of duress for most of the story. Despite that duress being avoidable, the author’s commitment to the premise turns what could be a bland protagonist into something more like a psychological case study for how one may respond to this situation (emphasis on “something more like” given these situations are mostly timing when he has sex). Consequently, his escapades with love interests at odds with his complicated relationship with Emiru create some interesting moral quandaries prompting questions about privacy, truth-telling, duress and romance, and sexual trauma.
There’s more to say about the other characters, who I would say are generally well-written and multi-dimensional. Yet, despite being unexpectedly emotional and well-written, it is still smut so by principle I can only give it a mixed recommendation. Lastly, please do not become voyeurs hoping that you’ll find the love of your life if you decide to read this manga. You will go to jail.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Oct 17, 2024
I will dare to say it: Days with My Stepsister is an important anime. I'm not saying it is the new FMA: Brotherhood and it won't be a sales powerhouse, but it is a grounded and honest examination of the often fetishized step-sibling relationship in anime. Despite some production quality blips and some rushed but important character interactions in the last two episodes, Days with My Stepsister comes to a mature and satisfying conclusion in relation to the complex psychological problems of gaining a step-sibling later in life.
If you are looking for another incest-bait anime, this show will likely not satisfy that itch (though it
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may, who knows). However, I do think that this show is worth watching as a sobering palette cleanser from all that Domestic Girlfriend (aka peak), Oreimo, and 変態 I know you read and watch.
Pros:
(1) The climax of episode 12 was remarkable.
(2) Relaxing and slow-paced. Contemplative atmosphere.
(3) Really interesting cuts between past memories and contemplations of characters
(4) Great use of lighting.
(5) Psychologically interesting, even if I wish the characters themselves were a bit more dynamic.
(6) Beautiful, somber soundtrack
Cons:
(1) Characters movement can be noticeably awkward, most notably by how slowly the characters move.
(2) Character faces can be noticeably inconsistent.
(3) As already mentioned, the last two episodes contain some rushed characters but important character interactions that I wished were introduced earlier in the show.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Sep 25, 2024
Black Clover both is and is not just another bland shonen fantasy adventure.
In terms of plot, Black Clover does an excellent job establishing mysteries to maintain interest, foreshadowing future events, and building to the bigger picture of the story. Within each arc prior to the end of the Royal Knights arc contains a few offhand, isolated interactions between major characters foreshadowing future reveals, while the Elf Reincarnation arc is the culmination of these occurrences and the catalyst for future story direction. Paying attention to these scenes can help offset the story’s primary weakness, which I will get to later.
It does take a
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while before things really start to set in motion (approximately 150 chapters). In the meantime, Black Clover is primarily driven through its incredibly drawn fight scenes. The sheer quantity of full-page, nearly double-page, and double page panels are astounding, and Tabata is extremely skilled drawing magic effects and battles. Also, in agreement with Geoff from Mother’s Basement, the ½ cloaks representing the Magic Knight squads are both cool and give plenty of space for characters to show off their personal style.
If there’s a drawback to Black Clover, it would likely be its character writing. While it would be dishonest to say that Tabata is a poor character writer, I think it is fair to say that it isn’t his strong suit. Tabata does a good job making characters layered, even if their one predominant feature (Asta’s determination, Noelle’s tsudere-ness, Veronica’s drinking, Charmy’s eating, Gaude’s sister complex) tends to peek through more frequently than not. Characters aren’t forgotten about and can hold their own, but Asta does end up pulling most of the weight in battles. Yet, compared to something like One Piece, Bleach, or even Fairy Tail, Tabata relies heavily on Asta’s unwaveringly positive attitude and ambition to almost mystically bring the Black Bulls together, rather than organically bringing them together through individual conversations, banter and surprising reveals in personality or character. Consequently, Black Clover leaves some gaps in the natural progression of friendships and romances. However, this isn’t to say that all the characters are relatively weak. Yami is a standout, as well as Luck, and Fuegoleon and Mereoleona Vermillion.
All this to say, Black Clover’s plotting and art alone are enough to justify giving it a read. Tabata has an impressive vision for the series, and despite its weaknesses is a unique addition to the shonen battle manga world.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jun 9, 2024
Bleach, though deserving criticism, is a thoroughly satisfying read even for its weaknesses, length, and with a relatively rushed ending.
It certainly deserves criticism for having both excessively long arcs and frustrating character management. It is easy to imagine Kubo losing traction with weekly readers when he goes several weeks without anything interesting from the introductory cast (Ichigo and human friends) only to see those characters get their ass-kicked by bad guy number 8 out of 15.
Its character management is a more nuanced topic, given that it makes sense with the size and scale of encounters that the main human cast (Orihime, Uryu, and
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Chad) would have a limited role. However, Kubo consistently provides too-little, too-late for their interpersonal dynamics, which can be understandably very frustrating for someone interested in a more, for lack of better wording, personal series. As Geoff from Mother’s Basement points out, this quality can dilute the hype someone may expect from a shonen battle manga, even for intentionally hype scenes (exception: Kenpachi).
Yet, ironically, the casts’ diversity is also among Bleach’s many virtues. Despite seeming less-character focused, characters are generally unique, interesting, and are written in a manner that presupposes a whole life about which we, the readers, are only getting a small glance. Same goes with the story’s world. It seems vast, mysterious, always subject to change and not fully understood by its inhabitants. Needless to say as well is Bleach’s tremendously cool style and art quality. The sheer quantity of cover pages, outfits, poses, fight scenes, extreme close ups, and two panel pages makes this manga a treat for the eyes. Additionally, contrary to a common opinion, I personally wasn't bought in until after the Soul Society arc (though Hueco Mundo was a slog). Some volumes can be read through in 15 - 30 minutes, and Kubo becomes very deft at managing his cast while keeping the pace moving, even if sometimes you wonder "why is that character here in this moment?" The Thousand Year Blood War arc in particular wastes no time jumping into its action and provides a sufficiently satisfying conclusion, even if it could have been perfect with another few chapters.
Consequently, it’s a shame that Bleach dropped off in popularity after the Arrancar arc (source: https://www.jajanken.net/en/sakuhins/Qv1nJDx0jK). A lacklaster anime adaptation (sans Thousand-Year Blood War) and Kubo's story structure fitting a completed product versus a weekly publishing schedule definitely went a long way damaging Bleach's reputation. However, its weakness doesn’t detract from what Bleach is as a completed story. After reading it, you won’t be able to unsee its influence on modern works, especially something like Jujutsu Kaisen. Its length is challenging and honestly the beginning through the Soul Society arc is probably the most difficult. However, this series is well-known for a reason and is certainly worth the time and effort.
8.5/10
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 20, 2024
Every reader who is blessed to read the masterpiece that is Domestic Girlfriend is inevitably confronted with an important question. No, it’s not whether the “Magnum Opus of All Literature Ever” deserves such a lofty title – that’s a given. Rather, the question is how it manages to do so, and in the process reduce titles like Berserk, Oyasumi Punpun, One Piece, Slam Dunk, and Vinland Saga to comparatively “mid” at best.
Some may say that Domestic Girlfriend overstays its welcome or that it drags its drama on for too long. These people are clearly unenlightened and haven’t read this magnificent work of art. Yes, it
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may be exhausting and you may need to take breaks while reading it. However, that’s only because the density of its content must be pondered for its brilliance because it easily overwhelms our feeble brains. There are no superfluous panels, dialogue, or plot points, especially when one character sticks a pill in another character’s butt, or when characters turn into puddles, when no one can identify the female who is having non-consensual sex with other characters, or when another character is passed out drunk and topless. These connect to the deepest themes of the human experience and every re-read deepens one’s insight on philosophy, science, love, and suffering.
Others may say the ending is terrible. I repeat, these fools are unenlightened and haven’t read the story. One is not merely moved by the story of Natsuo, Rui, and Hina; they become the story and live it out. Upon reading it, we become Natsuo, wrestling with our affections for our new stepsisters while struggling to be a writer and fending off the affections of other women over the course of many years until chapters 274 - 276. No one who hasn’t read Dome x Kano can understand this statement, while all who have read it can. Once you’ve acquired this knowledge, then one can see why the ending worked as it did.
Therefore, it is not an open question whether one ought to read Domestic Girlfriend. The question is when. What is stopping you from achieving enlightenment? What are you scared of? Actualization? The Good Life? Theosis? However, there is only so much I can say. Rather, I'll let you soak in the dialogue of this opening scene and ask yourself whether you can smell just a hint of its power:
“Don’t get the wrong idea, okay? This doesn’t mean we’re dating or anything. We aren’t going to exchange numbers. This is probably a one-time thing.
"(thinking) I feel so out of it. Even though none of this seems real… it’s without a doubt happening. Just a moment ago, I lost my virginity."
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 1, 2024
It is probably not an exaggeration to say that this anime is legendary among Western audiences. While the most obvious reasons for its infamy jiggle in front of your face for 12 episodes, I hope my review can point out other plot points that make this stupid, fun ecchi series so memorable. (reading time ~ 3 minutes)
First, if you are struggling with porn use or are not comfortable seeing nude female bodies, Season 1 of this anime will not help and you shouldn't watch it. Every episode includes nudity, including the opening.
(1) The dub’s script and voice acting is very fun and good-spirited. The
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script is full of inuendos and one-liners that both sound natural and land way more than they miss. The delivery by the VAs is bombastic and ridiculous, as a story of this nature ought to be.
(2) Though the show is certainly not subtle in very obvious ways, it deserves praise for genuinely thoughtful storytelling and character writingThe lore of the devil, fallen angel, and angel factions post-Great War appeals to my religious sensibilities and I thought it was interestingly incorporated into the grand scheme of the story, even if it’s primarily to appeal to a certain type of fetish. Granted, the world is probably underutilized for the sake of oppai, but I think it is difficult to argue that the events of the story fall pretty naturally into place because of the world in which it is set. The plot does not bite off more than it can chew with its two major arcs, and it doesn’t rely on deus ex machina to solve its problems, even if it is inconsistent in its execution.
(3) I’ll be clear that this is not a masterpiece of fiction, but it should be praised for its relatively subtle character interactions. Interludes like Issei’s prayers to God, or his ridiculous alarm clock, Asia’s headaches when reading Scripture, Issei and Kiba transition from enemies to bros, Rias and Akeno discussing Issei’s failure as a devil, or Issei’s various failed pacts seem suprisingly grounded and well-paced. Moreover, Issei still is not very strong even by the end of Season 1. He only has a portion of his power unlocked, and was only able to beat Riser through a clever deal with the Red Dragon Emperor. While I don’t know whether it manages to maintain this pacing, it is refreshing to see that Issei still has growth as a fighter.
(4) Finally, If you can ignore the fact that Issei proclaims his devotion to Rias continuously, yet proves how fickle that commitment is as soon as another set of boobs are in front of him, and Rias’ blaise attitude towards this inclination, it’s difficult to come away from their relationship doubting they care for each other, the team, and the Gremory cause. Issei truly isn’t just a horny teenager (though he is CERTAINLY a horny teenager), but someone reckoning with a life that he’s been given and not meeting expectations of his gift. Rias is tender-hearted and patient toward him as he struggles, but is also sincerely moved by Issei’s valuing her over her name and her house.
Is this show stupid? Yes. Is it exactly what people think of when they think anime is weird? Was the battle animation, for the most part, spent on jiggle physics? Yes. Does some dialogue feel very rushed? Yes. However, I think it deserves its status as, I don’t think I’m exaggerating, the most popular ecchi in Western anime. It really does have more to offer than “plot”, but it certainly has more of that than anyone would ask for.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Feb 21, 2024
In my preliminary review of season 1, I stated that I wasn’t sure whether The Dangers in My Heart successfully portrayed its characters sympathetically enough to root for them. By episode 4, I didn’t like either Kyoutarou or Anna and I didn’t think the intention of the show was clear. I greatly preferred other seasonal romances airing, and though I thought that the show had “the potential to be brilliant”, I had serious doubts whether it would meet this expectation. ( previous review: https://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?id=481768)
In line with its currently high MAL rating, I now think The Dangers in My Heart has made its intention clear and
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is paying off the often painful introductory episodes better than I could have anticipated. As I should have expected from one of Teasing Master Takagi-San’s directors, Kyoutarou and Anna are charming, awkward, raw, and unbearably cute, even for an older fan like myself. The pain starting out was definitely worth it to see these two break past their weaknesses while figuring out how to confess to each other.
The episode direction for this series is particularly stellar. Starting in season 1, episode titles were unorthodoxly displayed towards the end of the episode, usually preceded by an emotionally intense scene and a beautiful, swelling musical score. This pattern has been perfected and has really created some emotionally powerful scenes.
There has also been no dip in animation quality, which I originally praised.
Overall, this second season has made this series a must-watch for romance fans. I stand by the first few episodes being unpleasant, but it does work to make Kyoutarou and Anna’s relationship much more charming later.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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