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Studio changes are not so common and are often accompanied by unstoppable criticism and complaints. In the near past we have two quite illustrative examples: Studio Deen taking over Nanatsu no Taizai and MAPPA continuing the adaptation of Shingeki no Kyojin.

In the first of the two cases mentioned above, what we all already know happened. Studio Deen failed to live up to the work previously done by A-1 Pictures and delivered a mediocre product, to say the least (although it should be noted that Marvy Jack, a small studio, also bears part of the responsibility for the disaster). On the other hand, MAPPA, although ... not without its critics, mainly because of the use of CGI, gave a great example of how a change of studio can mean giving a different air to the series and end up benefiting it.

In this instance, I personally believe we have here another example of the second case. Bibury Animation Studios, a studio that hasn't made many anime, -and which I certainly didn't know about- was tasked with adapting the second season of Gotoubun no Hanayome (The Quintessential Quintuplets) and boy, did it not disappoint. The change is quite noticeable, the series went from a more or less generic style to one much more focused on the detail of the characters. Likewise, the colors, attributes especially distinctive among the five sisters, took on more importance and were depicted with a sparkling and beautiful glow. The result of the latter is a majestic enhancement of the characteristics of each one's hair and hairstyle, as well as the features that distinguish their respective outfits. As if that were not enough, there was an enormous effort in portraying their expressions and all that these entail (such as the shine in their eyes, their smiles, their tears and their blushes) with as much attention to detail as possible.

I have an inexplicable love for these girls. Seriously, I don't know how to define it. It's just another romantic comedy, it's just another harem, it's Yoshitsugu Matsuoka making girls fall in love here and there again, but it makes me laugh like few other series have. If I had to try to explain it, I'd go straight to the fact that each of them is a surprisingly independent and charismatic character. Each of them is a perfectly delineated universe. Each of them is special in its own way. Each of them works well separately and when they join the whole they enrich it with their own features. Their names (and with that the kanji of the number that represents them), their personalities, their colors, their hairstyles, their ways of dressing and their voices are so strongly imprinted on me that I remember them effortlessly. And I love that.

In conclusion, I want to be treated with as much love as Bibury Animation Studios has treated the quintuplets. I have nothing but applause and laughter to offer for a job so well done.

P.S. There was one complaint that was made to the new studio and it was related to the lower limbs of our group of protagonists. Honestly, when the first promotional image came out I also criticized it, but as the season progressed I realized that the impact that detail had on the series was close to zero.

This text contains small spoilers. You're in no danger if you choose to read this and haven't seen the second season, although it might change the way you watch it a bit.

What, were you really expecting a war? Fights? Let me chuckle a little. You don't seem to know what this is about. It was obvious from the get-go that the "war" would be resolved using the head, with strategy... with science.

As contradictory as it may seem, science is the closest thing to magic we have in this world. Using this tool, this body of knowledge, we can cure and eradicate diseases, communicate across ... unthinkable distances, take humans into space and even make accurate predictions about the future. Magical, don't you think?

Dr. Stone shows this magic in a unique and incredible way. The setting, a stone world with humans who do not know the power of science, is ideal to highlight the importance and beauty of each of the rediscoveries. But you already know this, after all, if you are reading this is that you saw the first season.

The situation is different now, conflict is just around the corner and the future of civilization is at stake. We have been preparing for this since the last episodes of the previous season, as Senku prepared at that time his best weapon: communications. The gunpowder, swords and even the tank and dynamite that make their appearance in the final stretch of this second season are only ways to keep the enemy at bay, but do not represent a real threat, as Senku's goal is not, and never was, to hurt or kill, but to unite. As the chapters progress we also realize that those we called enemies are not out to harm either: Nikki is an adorably rude fan of Lillian's music, Ukyou's only requirement to help is that no one dies, and Tsukasa really only seeks to create a better world.

Regarding the latter, Tsukasa is an antagonist I can't entirely disagree with - who wouldn't seek to make this a better world if presented with an opportunity as good as this? Likewise, his method (not reviving the "bad guys") doesn't seem far-fetched to me either, although destroying the statues might be a bit far from necessary. On the other hand, honestly, Senku's goal of reviving everyone and having everyone think together how to survive seems idealistic and naive to me (if you can give Senku that adjective), since you only have to take a look at today's society to see what the result of that is. As happened in the penultimate episode of the season, both ideas must fight hand in hand and support each other to reach an agreement and achieve the greater goal: to survive and regain civilization.

Story aside, TMS Entertainment once again delivers steady and consistent animation. While it is true that some fight scenes are almost static, I don't think you can find any other objection to the work the studio is doing with this series. Musically speaking, the soundtrack is accurate for an environment like Dr. Stone and what a wonderful opening and ending themes this season has given us, especially the latter, which I have repeated over and over again in my playlist. On the voices side I want to highlight the amazing job Kobayashi Yuusuke (Subaru in Re:Zero, Arthur in Fire Force) is doing playing Senku; seriously, could he do it better? He perfectly represents the whole personality of our protagonist and exalts each of his characteristics impeccably. In this last aspect it is certainly also nice to hear Nakamura Yuuichi as Tsukasa's voice.
In conclusion, in all honesty, I couldn't have asked for anything better when combining two of my great passions. Dr. Stone is, personally, a work of art that hits the spot in each and every aspect. Without a doubt, a 10 billion/10 billion lock for me.

P.S. How amazing was it for people less than two centuries ago to be able to use a telephone? Probably as surprising as it was for the villagers of Ishigami 3700 years in the future.

This review contains separate paragraphs with and without spoilers so that everyone can read it without problems.

At the end of last year I watched the main series of Hataraku Saibou (Cells at Work in English) and found it quite educational and interesting. I don't remember if it was while I was watching it or shortly after, but they announced, in addition to a new season, a spin-off called Hataraku Saibou Black (or Cells at Work: Code Black in English).

From the first moment we noticed the difference: this time we enter a body that is far from healthy. Alcohol, tobacco, stress and lack of ... physical activity have condemned the body and each of its cells to work harder than usual in a hostile and disease-prone environment. Our protagonist is AA2153, a cell that has just graduated and become a full-fledged red blood cell ready to deliver oxygen to the entire body. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm immediately clashes with the body's situation and generates many conflicts with himself and others that he must learn to solve with the help of his fellow erythrocytes and other cells in the body.

It is thanks to the nature of the erythrocyte, which moves throughout the body delivering oxygen, that we begin to explore the impact that this lifestyle also has on other cells such as leukocytes, which must be more vigilant than ever because of the diversity of viruses and bacteria that invade; as well as on the cells of the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and even the scalp. Each suffers in its own way, weakening the functions of the organs they compose and increasingly endangering the fragile life of the body they inhabit.

Continuation without spoiler:

The first few episodes grabbed me, the series became incredibly interesting to me and I didn't want to wait a week to be able to watch one more. However, the same thing started to happen to me as when I watched Hataraku Saibou: I started to get a bit bored because each episode had - more or less - the same structure as the previous one. Fortunately, this started to change as the series was approaching the end. Certain events started to occur and made it very clear the cruelty of the world in which these cells were living and working. Fatigue, burnout and depression were no longer general body issues, but something with which the very cells that make up the body were terribly affected.
The last two episodes are very well done. In these the body faces its biggest challenge yet and will have to resort to a lot of outside help to keep it going, while the cells can only hope for the best. This is when medical treatments and interventions take center stage to protect the body from the worst possible ending.

It should also be noted that there is a scene at the end of the ending of episode 13 that changes absolutely everything. Don't miss it.

Continuation with spoiler:

The first few episodes grabbed me, the series became incredibly interesting to me and I didn't want to wait a week to be able to watch one more. However, the same thing started to happen to me as when I watched Hataraku Saibou: I started to get a bit bored because each chapter had - more or less - the same structure as the previous one. Fortunately, this started to change as the series was approaching the end. The death of AC1677 shocked me. I knew, certainly, that something like that could happen in this body, but I didn't think it would actually happen. Even when it did happen I thought that in the next episode he would show up alive and it would have all been a big scare, but it wasn't. What wasn't a surprise was that the season finale was a heart attack, the worst problem so far, and one that brings the body closer to death than ever. Cells get the message to stop working and many begin to accept their fate. This is where medical treatments and interventions take center stage: CPR, defibrillators and stent wire keep the body alive.

It is worth noting, too, that little twist the series takes after the credits of the last episode end. The body is now much better (possibly due to the care being taken in a medical center), but, contrary to the wishes of the protagonist cells, the situation suddenly changes when they are sucked into a syringe and transported to another body that, to their bad luck, is in worse condition than the previous one. Undoubtedly something I did not expect and left me with a great desire for a sequel. However, I am left wondering if a body that has just survived a heart attack is fit to donate blood.

End of spoiler.

Leaving aside the story, let's talk about other aspects that are also important. In terms of animation, I don't think LINDENFILMS has done a bad job, but I don't think they have achieved anything worthy of distinction either. The animation is consistent throughout the 13 episodes and there's really no reason why it should be spectacular, but it's just fine. Regarding the music, there is really only one theme song that I can remember (although I couldn't find its name), so the musical area is not outstanding either. Personally, I didn't enjoy the opening and ending themes, I think I was expecting something different from these two. Moving on to the voices, I want to highlight Enoki Junya (Yuzaki Nasa in Tonikaku Kawaii, Itadori Yuuji in Jujutsu Kaisen) because I think he did a very good job portraying the emotions our protagonist goes through. Also, I'm hearing him a lot lately, so it wouldn't be weird if he continues to have main roles in more series in the near future. Definitely someone to keep an eye on, or an ear in this case. Likewise, it was very gratifying to hear Tsuda Kenjirou, one of my favorite voice actors, as the narrator of the series, as it's not just that I like his voice, but this time it's added that he's the one who brings in the educational part by explaining what happens with cells, viruses, bacteria, etc. in each situation.

In conclusion, I liked it a lot. I needed that change without losing the essence of the working cells and I think it is very well achieved from the point of view of the story and the characters. The key moments remind the viewer that this time the environment is hostile and sinister and that danger lurks at every instant. Also, even though the animation and music were not outstanding, I can't complain because they were not bad. Finally, I hope that, just as other series have had an impact on their audience, this one will help to raise awareness about the dangers of unhealthy habits. Do it for your platelets, at least.

Final score: 7/10.

*This review does not contain spoilers*

Anime is like music: there is something for everyone. You can choose between action series, comedy, fantasy, romance, sports, mystery, psychological, among many others. An anime, of course, is not composed of a single genre, but is a mixture of several of these. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru (Oregairu for friends) is a romantic comedy. Or at least that's how it is presented to the viewer. In reality, it is a story of evolution, development, acceptance and personal growth.

I started watching it because it literally has "Love Comedy" in the title and I love that genre. ... However, I came across something strange and I was about to leave it after only 5 or 6 episodes. Yes, I was watching a comedy, but I couldn't find the romance and it was hard to relate the main character to any of the girls who make up the main cast. Similarly, I did not understand their actions and, on several occasions, I despaired over the way they did some things. Luckily I decided to continue watching and thanks to that I had the opportunity to meet such well written characters with so much chemistry between them.

Hachiman, Yukino and Yui make up our trio of protagonists. They are not the conventional group of friends who do crazy things during their high school years (preparatory, in this case), but on the contrary, their relationship is forced, artificial and weak due to the personal reasons of each one. Their way of being, their way of acting and even their way of speaking make up a wall towards the outside that, they think, gives them protection. "I want something genuine" becomes the theme of the series as it progresses and shows us why each character (not just the protagonists) is the way they are. They reveal their sorrows, their problems, their fears and concerns, as well as how difficult it is for each of them to express what they really feel. We have to pay a lot of attention, because the characters communicate, give messages, with everything they do. A look, a gesture, a silence or even meanings between the lines express much more than the very words our protagonists pronounce. But if the above were really easy then Oregairu would not stand out so much for its realistic component.

The process that each one of them goes through to open up little by little to the others is magnificent and leads us to a masterly conclusion. This third season shows us the last resource they have left in the face of the "danger" that the relationship they have formed presents to each other's wall: separating. This last season takes us through the end of the long journey of personal growth of our protagonists and shows us the conviction they need to accept their mistakes, do what they really feel and achieve the authenticity they were depriving themselves of.

Conclusion: 10/10. Hachiman, Yukino and Yui are so human that it is very easy to identify with quite a few of their traits and go through with them the process of discovery and personal acceptance that they face. And it is because of that that the two final episodes are so rewarding and painful at the same time. Without a doubt, one of the best animes I have seen. Yukino besto waifu. Komachi besto imouto.

"Your favorite anime is out there waiting to be watched".