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*No Spoilers*

This anime surprised me. I thought I had it all figured out after the first episode, but there's much more underneath the surface. I went into this in hopes for a romance story, but as it turns out-- ReLIFE is about the adult main character, Kaizaki, re-experiencing a final year in high school, and what he learns from this bizarre occurrence.

The story primarily focuses on Kaizaki, and how his interactions with the people around him help him assess and rebuild himself. Whether it's supporting somebody else, or overcoming his own issues-- the story is always driven towards his progression. Considering ... this, I feel like this story is meant for a mature audience, despite it taking place in high school. There's a direct relation to adults in their 20's who are still trying to find their selves. As a result, the story is filled with life lessons in small gestures, and finding value in the things that can be easily forgotten.

Very notable details in ReLIFE are the presentation, and the tone. All of the characters in this anime are not sexualized in any way, which really is a breath of fresh air. By sexualization, I don't simply mean character design and exchanges between others. It's in how topics are conveyed and presented. Changeroom scenes aren't seen as opportunities to give the viewers "fan service", and the topic of physical assets is minimal, along with the appearance of design. ReLIFE is presented with a more mature perspective to the content, and rightfully so.

There are many stories very much like this one, where the main character is thrown into a place he shouldn't be. Many of these main characters take advantage of their predicament at some point to do something that's not tasteful. Konosuba's Kazuma, Mujaki no Rakuen's Shouta, even Your Name's Taki are a few examples to name. Kaizaki in ReLIFE stays strongly in character, as you learn more about who he was, became, and strives to be moving forward. His manners, way of speech, and even his posture and gestures are notably more adult-like than everybody else-- and people recognize him for it. Even when tested, he doesn't waiver. Yet, he learns from the experience.

A strong-minded lead was perfect for this story, yet somehow as a result, made it very unpredictable. In a good way! All of the key characters played different roles that impacted the story effectively. Although weakness is expressed, it's thoroughly followed with triumph, whether it's a side character's hurdle, or a mountain for Kaizaki. Tying romantic elements into this was a bonus-- a very good bonus. The relations between characters and the story as a whole is wrapped up rather beautifully in the four-episode finale released in the final Blu-ray (available March 2018).

You'll think you know where the story is progressing, but then it'll go another direction in a very sensible way. And when it does go the way you were expecting, it still finds a way to hit you emotionally. I can only consider that as good writing, and probably the best part of ReLIFE. I've taken something away from this positively, and I'm sure I'll always remember ReLIFE's purpose. I don't guarantee everybody would, since this anime is tailored to a very small demographic (Post-grad independent adult that still enjoys slice-of-life). But I still recommend it. This is a really, really good story.

*No spoilers*

I've watched an unhealthy amount of anime through my life, and have seen many series just like this. There's always something to pick at when it comes to an anime like Made in Abyss. Whether it's inconsistent artwork, pacing issues, or even repetitive/questionable background music-- there's always a part of an adventure series that can leave a bad impression in comparison to the rest of its qualities.

Made in Abyss has broken that commonality. There is no element of this anime that deserves anything less than a 10. It is the closest thing to a perfect series that we've gotten so ... far in this industry-- and I say closest only because there's another season on the way.

The art direction is absolutely phenomenal. This studio took a detailed, immersive world, originally presented with bare minimum detail in manga form, and adapted it into something absolutely magical.

The character design is extraordinary. The people our protagonists meet display characteristics that continue to surprise you as the story unfolds their past experiences, and their immediate limits through pure adventure.

The music is breathtaking in every way. With the exception of some character themes, you will have a progressive, transformative listening experience with every step our protagonists take in their adventure. The Australian composer behind this incredible soundtrack, Kevin Penkin, has truly brought this world to life with this work.

I won't spoil the story in any form. I will only say this: The first episode is an effective introduction to this world, and as a viewer, you will recognize the potential this story has to offer from this alone. There is great reward in watching this anime with as little information as possible, because every new moment you experience will feel as if you're right alongside the protagonists in their adventure. I can't say you'll get a feeling like that from many other series.

Made in Abyss truly is one of a kind. It has set the bar high above all other series in a spectacular way. There is not a single part of this anime that I did not appreciate as a viewer, and that is extremely rare for me. What makes me most excited is-- this is only the beginning. A new season (or movie?) is on the way, and the manga is still ongoing (as of Feb 2018). I'm incredibly excited to see where this adventure will take us, and how much higher they could potentially set this bar.

*No spoilers*

FLCL found so many ways to adequately challenge the anime genre at its time, and executed it as successfully as one could within six episodes. Each episode perfectly conveys more detail on these characters' aspirations, and what trouble this poor town is facing on a much grander scale.

FLCL fills each episode to the brim with content, while maintaining a consistent pace that truthfully shouldn't be any slower. Each moment captivates you to see its underlying purpose, which it successfully delivers. I have no shame in considering FLCL to be a masterpiece for its time-- birthing a chaotic yet blissful ... form of pace, while creating a complex yet sensible painting in two hours time.

You'll finish this wishing there was more-- not because there should be. But because you understand as a viewer that there's much more to this world than an odd pairing between an adolescent and extraterrestrial woman. It feels like a side story to a grander tale, yet it is the entire package. And it somehow does it perfectly.

The narrative concept blew my mind as a teenager, and now as an adult I see it for its incredible feat, dominance, and influence for future series after the year 2000. I couldn't recommend this more to any type of anime fan. There's something to take away from this gem for everybody.