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*Based on the first 7 episodes of the show

China, also known as the king of economic growth. Many industries are growing and flourishing and there is one that has recently set foot in China, the anime industry. Until now with little success however with shows such as Bloodivores and Cheating Craft. But spring 2017 brought a ray of sunshine with it, a blooming flower that might be the start of a new anime era. Yes it is Quan Zhi Gao Shou, The King’s Avatar, an anime that presumably looks like it is about eSports another growing industry. In a sense it could be the Avatar ... of the King.

So what is the show about? It is about our Main Character Ye Xiu, who is known as the God of Fighting in the MMORPG Glory, the main game of the show. He has won three championships in the first three years of the game with his team Jiashi but their results have been declining and no results have been made ever since. Our MC takes the blame by having to retire and losing his account, the God of Fighting character, due to the scheming of a cardboard cutout villain as he supposedly is not good enough anymore. It takes 1 year for a professional player to be able to return to the pro scene and come out of retirement, the chances of our MC returning are slim as he is already 25 years of age which means his reactions and reflexes are deteriorating and are important assets for a proffesional gamer. Luckily The game is so popular that it is opening it’s 10th server for the 10th anniversary on the exact same day where our MC starts his journey to return to the pro scene once more. He creates a new account and starts from scratch to get back to the pro scene once more, I think.

So we quickly jump away for the eSports side of thing which I find dissapointing but is not necessarily a demerit. A story about a person losing his way of life and trying to reclaim it against all odds is is a basic formula but can be very endearing when executed correctly. If only.

This is the part where I proceed to shit on the show.

1) Visuals

So let me get this straight, the first episode looks absolutely stunning. Both the handdrawn parts and the CGI. But it is as if all the budget has been put into this single episode. The further we get into the show the more and more the visuals degrade. We start getting awkward movements, stock footage and terrible CGI.

It is no news that CGI has a negative connotation to it in the anime community and something like Berserk (2016) does not improve the situation. But it is not as if CGI can not be good, just take a look at shows like Ajin and Sidonia no Kishi. Heck we can even look at the latest episode of Attack on Titan (Episode 7 of Season 2). But the CGI in Quan Zhi Gao Shou just turn the show in a completely different one. It doesn’t even look like the same show when they switch between handdrawn scenes and CGI ones. This contrast is a jarring one and definitely negative.

There is however something more, the expressiveness of the characters.

“Anger does not need to be shown on the face.” – Ye Xiu

Nope definitely not, but it would be nice if we actually do see something on your fricking face for once mr.MC since anime is visual and we can’t read your thoughts. ever thought about that huh? It is things like this that hinders the immersion of the viewer but is also an aspect of something which I like to discuss as well, the characters.

2) Characters

So we are 7 episodes deep into the show, what do we know about the characters in this show. (I can literally end this section here since we know jack shit but lets not do that)

MC-kun:

Likes the game Glory
Did not want to show himself in public or be used as a commercial product
Wants to get back into the pro-scene
Is selfless
Wait, wait, what can we deduce from this. First of all that he is a hypocrit since for 10 years he stayed anonymous but decides to tell someone he meets for the first time that he is the God of Fighting. And we know that he wants to go back to the pro scene, but what is his reason? We get some vague hint in episode 7 but that is it. We know nothing at all about his motivations or him as a person. The only thing he has going for him is that he is way too OP and can never lose which makes me wonder why was he even kicked? His OPness also results in zero tension since he can’t lose so he will make it back eventually. It’s just a matter of how many episodes does it take.

And what about the side-characters, bland, boring, no personality, etc. Except for one, the netcafé boss which currently employs the MC, who is a major eSports fan and naive and… wait no nothing more actually.

The characters are absolutely garbage in this show which must mean that the story is carrying the show right? RIGHT!?

3) Story

Alright so you’ve been given a brief intro into what the show is about, basically almost all of it happened in episode 1. The rest of the show has our MC playing the game getting first kills on boss monsters in the new server or breaking dungeon clear records with his band of friends that accumulates throughout the show. Which is basically what happens. There is zero progress in him making his return which is actually not that weird since he is that OP, he doesn’t need to do anything. When the year is over he can just come back.

Okay.. soooo.. the visuals are.. meh, the characters are absolute garbage and the story is non-existent. You must tell me the setting is interesting! Definitely dear reader!

OFCOURSE NOT

4) Setting

The setting is divided into two parts, the netcafé where our MC games and works and the game itself. The netcafé is just a netcafé so we don’t need any explanation for that but what about the game itself, it’s been around for 10 years so it must be pretty extensive. We are presented with one race, humans divided in classes. How many you ask? No clue since they don’t tell you. We have a battlemage, elementalist, brawler, gunner, blademaster, etc. the standard things.

Then what about the dungeons and bossess, there must be some story behind those. Nope. Nothing, zero explanation. At this point it seems that us not knowing as viewers is actually expected. I mean the game exists for 10 years but the players who play it don’t know jack shit about it. “Wow what is that weapon! is it customized!?” Oh you only want rare materials, no problem. Wait what! HE CRAFTED HIS ARMOR! HE CRAFTED IT HIMSELF WHAT IS THIS SORCERY.

Basically that is what the show comes down to, the MC knows a lot about the game and the rest of the cast is just a total noob, even the supposedly good players.

I don’t think you need my verdict on this show at this stage but let me tell you:

It’s trash. But if you are into eSports it does have some scenes that can resonate with you.

4/10

Antagoniz3r signing off,

Taken from: https://antagoniz3r.com/2017/05/15/spring-2017-quan-zhi-gao-shou-the-rise-of-china-and-esports/

Studio Feel has given us an anime about two average, shy, middle school kids. Akane and Kotarou. A show which initially might strike one as mundane and boring, yet it does the studio’s name justice. It makes me feel.

At the point of writing we are only 4 episodes in, but it has already struck a cord and has made me love it. Why, and how did it accomplish this so fast? Let me tell you by talking about two things which show why I love it:

1.Relatability
2.Love

1). Relatability.

Tsuki ga Kirei is a show which brings you back to your middle school self accompanied with the dose ... of awkwardness and embarrassment you might have experienced. This is a strong point of the show, it makes you relate to the main characters and feel like you are a part of their growing relationship.
The ability to make you relate to the show is important as it gets you invested into the show and characters themselves which the show does brilliantly.

Something which a lot of people have experienced is the feeling of joy after receiving a text or whatsapp by someone you're interested in. This joy is perfectly encapsulated into the show in just a few seconds but makes you immediatly relate to what is happening.

But something which the show does as good as making it relatable is by portraying love.

2). Love

what do we define love as? Having romantic and sexual feelings towards a person? Perhaps. But what is most important is how does love start? It is by taking interest in someone and undertaking actions to get to know that person better. It is this point that is expressed within the show.

Something which the show does well in regard to this is that it emphasizes the importance of undertaking action as love does not just come falling out of the tree right into your lap. As such the growing relationship is built up strongly as both parties undertake action to get to know each other despite being shy and nervous in general.

This is an important part as it illustrates love as being equal. It is not about one party chasing another. The show fully embraces the notion of undertaking action for love and it coming from both sides which makes it feel so real and genuine.

One last point is that the show avoids the typical cliché drama plots you often see in romance anime which not only makes the show, relatable and lovable but also refreshing.

The art enhances the feeling of real and genuinity apart from the occassionaly jarring CGI background characters.

Nonetheless Tsuki ga Kirei is a show which is worth watching for anyone, even if it is not to someone's liking it is worth checking it out. You might just end up relating to something what is happening on screen.

*This review has been adjusted from my blog post, if you want to get an even more personal view on the show i suggest checking it out.

https://antagoniz3r.com/2017/05/04/spring-2017-tsuki-ga-kirei-why-i-love-it/

Break Blade 4: Sanka no Chi.
The land of disaster.

It is the 4th installment of the Break Blade series.

The story continues and Rygart is still in the process of becoming a "cold-blooded killer", it is not that he is changing but he wants to change. This said, the war is progressing and more and more battles occur, some new characters introduced, but for the rest. it continues the way it was heading.

As for the art, as you already might know since your on the 4th movie of Break Blade, is top-notch, very detailed and smooth making those battle scenes look better then your ... average anime.

"Fate" by Kokia, this OP fits perfectly and bears the emotions of Break Blade. But i'd rather aim towards the seiyuu and effects'. The seiyuu do their work pretty damn good, but some just felt off sometimes, thus destroying a little of the realistic feel it would give off and making it harder for the viewer to get into the movie. But opposite to that you have the effects, when the characters are talking it is like an average anime, but when the fights start it takes a drastic turn and the sound explodes. Don't get me wrong, not in a bad way but in a good one. Every sound effect fits and is not annoying to the ears, added to that we have the extra loudness of these sound effects making the fights just that bit better.

The character department stays almost the same, ofcourse we have Rygart wanting to change with some succes. But the accent in this episode is on Sigyn, she is the one that we find out the most about.

The enjoyment level as always is high, it is just a better anime then the standard for me.

Overall i give it a 9.

Beelzebub, a story about a ruthless defiant who doesn´t care about his fellow man at all, paired with the baby of the demon king.

At first i was skeptical about it, but still gave it a try due to the ratings that the manga had. And if i may say so, i wasn't let down the least.

The mixture of action, comedy, supernatural and maybe a little drop of romance makes up a delicious meal.

The story begins with Oga being chosen as the parent of the demon king's son, Beelzebub IV. Oga who sees Beel-bo as nothing more than a nuisance tries to get ... rid of him and in the process beats up some of the strongest delinquents in the school that he is attending, Ishiyama. Although it might not look like it at sometimes, the bond between Oga and Beel-bo is growing and getting stronger. As seen when Oga refuses to give Beel-bo to a group of robbers when they say that they are just going to use him.

The Art and Sound go well together and the seiyuu's were perfectly chosen.
As for the art itself, it is what i'd call your average style. something that we have all seen once or more.

And then we arrive at the characters, alot of typical characters but some with a little twist to them. The real surprise is the main character Oga, he doesn't look like your average shounen "i need to protect" character. Oga looks evil in any situation even if he tries to be nice. but that is just physically, Oga is portrayed as ruthless but as said many times he is not the ruthless defiant who doesn't care about his fellow man. In times it is shown that he helps others even if it might mean trouble for him. As seen when he kicked a police officer in his nuts and threw him into the garbage can to prevent Kunieda Aoi from slapping him.

A 10, yes i gave a 10 for enjoyment. Why? Since it never ceases to make me laugh and look epic at the same time. Whenever it is out on Sunday morning (for me) i usually watch it even before One Piece.

Overall: 8, because the story is not really that deep yet, so the first 7 episodes are given an 8. I cannot know what happens yet since i don't read the manga but i'm pretty sure it'll only get better.

I hope you guys and girls will give Beelzebub a try now, and when you do i can assure you that you will like it.

Indoctrination, teaching someone to accept doctrines uncriticall.

This is a part of Break Blade 3: Kyoujin no Ato.

Story: The story continues as to where the second left off. Throughout the serieswe get to see Rygart changing, taking people´s lives becomes easier. That is only one effect of war. Misery is also one, friends have to fight each other people get killed and their families are left behind. Prisoners are taken.
In break blade 3, the story is mainly about the cause of war and the effects of it

Art: The art is outstanding! It is very detailed and the colors are nice and vivid. On top ... of that, the animation is just awesome, it is very smooth and just neat to watch.

Sound: Wow, wow! Almost the only thing you can say, if you start watching it and hear the sound you will be very pleased. Compared to your average anime it is easily 10 times better. The sound really feels realistic.

You also have the Opening, it's a calm opening but if you use that song and put it under a video with disasters of war it would be a very sad video.
The opening is a perfect fit.

So this is the second movie of the series called Break Blade.
The action starts right away and as you can see, the animation and art is pretty good. maybe some weird movements here and there, but overall it's outstanding.
We get to know more about the characters, mostly about lee and cleo. and i think that cleo is not as a bad shooter as everyone thinks she is.

Which i found the main point of this episode was the decision of Rygart. His feelings get hurt and he's left with a choice. leave the kingdom or fight for it.
Fighting for it would mean that ... he has to leave his old self behind who is against all this fighting and he would accept the possibility that he might die.
Or run away live on, but know that your friends will forfeit their lives.
Can he or can he not live on like that?
That will be answered in The second movie of Break Blade.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. The remake of Full metal Alchemist. If you have seen the first series you might be hesitant to start watching Brotherhood, mainly because you have already seen it. Which is not the point really.
I myself was hesitant about it. the first few episodes were almost the same as the original and i had almost dropped it but around episode 15 if i recall right. Brotherhood kicks it up and takes on a different story then the original. A much better one. If you watch one episode you'll keep watching.

I would also like to point out some things about the art, sound, characters ... and overall again.

Art:
The details that are drawn especially of the faces are magnificent, they captivate those certain emotions, and it looks badass.
Only seeing the art is already an enjoyment in itself.

Sound:
Great really great, very realistic voice acting and some sad moments brought me to the brink of tears, also due to the sound being played.

Characters:
Very good, some awesome unique characters. i would almost say that all characters of this series could be a favorite. I like all characters in this series and everyone is different. there may be some that i dislike but it's none of the main characters/sub-main characters.

Overall:
It has a hint of romance, action, adventure AWESOME animation. oustanding art. And a mastermind writer. The story is a diamond amongst diamonds.
The start was not that great for me due to already having watched the first series. But when it starts it won't stop and every episode is the very definition of f****** epic.
One final thing, after watching brotherhood i gave the original an 8 instead of 10. and seeing brotherhood all the way through and comparing it with the original wants me to give the original a 6 or 7. of all the 100+ anime i've seen this takes the crown without breaking a sweat.

Ok, so at first when i started watching this show i was like ok..?
That's it? it had a bit of comedy and some lame summoning system.
But i sticked to it and was blown away, the characters in this series are very awesome and it most definitely is one of the best comedy series i have seen.

It also has a hint of romance in it which is very nice since i like seeing such things.
If you want to have fun watching a series and have a laugh this is it for you.
Don't expect to much of a storyline, this is just sheer enjoyment. ...

One thing i really loved about Baka test was the concept of the horrible food. It looks delicious but it's taste is deadly. Pretty different then the other anime which the food looks like a purple/green/blue blob with weird smoke coming off it.

I highly recommend this to anime fans, since it's definitely worth to watch it.