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*This review includes my thought for the first season as well as the second as I have watched both like a full season altogether.*

Ainu is one interesting history in Northern Japan that you don't usually get on Japanese media. It is a fascinating culture I've tumbled years ago and the dark history of it somehow shows a sad story of discrimination against indigents that you see everywhere in a country. The tribe could be introduced briefly on some anime titles like Shaman King but it was never as in depth as how Golden Kamuy did so, after all the show was set so strongly around ... the Ainu culture.

Golden Kamuy introduces us to what is little known about the tribe, it's traditions and way of life. I cannot tell for sure how accurate the accounts are but it gives us a disparate side of Japan especially that of Hokkaido (and bears) that's quite different from what we know of the Meiji Era. It reminds me of Native Americans and their culture, which could be odd because this is Japan. They talked about hunting and domestic food preparation a lot but it was not boring at all while most of the funny parts were included in these scenes, perhaps you'll fancy animal brain on the first few episodes?

If you have watched a lot of historical genres then you'd know how serious and dark such dramas could be presented, but Golden Kamuy will give you a lot of meme worthy moments without ruining the overall atmosphere. It has a solid plot centering around the stash of gold (true to its title) and the influences of the war and the people who desire it or whatever truth comes out of it. It has not failed me with its storyline, just enough excitement and action for that Thanatos energy. Just enough drama to keep it real and enough exaggeration that defines an anime. The last four episodes were particularly heart-stopping and quick paced. It was just the right amount of revelation and loss to end a season and transit.

The characters stayed true to their natures and motives but it kept me guessing whose side they're on. At least we know the two main characters are our independent factors, keeping it stable.

The animation does not fail as well as I'm inclined to believe the OSTs were carefully placed for each scene. It is enjoyable to watch the OP and ED with the bits of its comedic parts blended in.

If this is food it's definitely "hinna-hinna" worthy!

I see that a lot of reviews are calling the first season of LB mediocre, but I don't think that is the point, if anything, I think this season did a decent job as a prequel to the LB~refrain~.

The story was mediocre, I agree, there was not really a climax and there was so much hole in the plot, the ending was not at all satisfying. But to remind, this is a prequel. I've watched LB with the knowledge that it has season 2 so that all the lacking elements I noticed was bearable, it means I have to expect an answer to its subsequent ... season. What this antecedent show did was introduce the characters.

What makes a story more relatable to the audience is the indepth look at the personal lives of the characters, that way we can grow more understanding and attached to their circumstance. Though there was much more that should be recognized, the story was able to show what makes our character cry, regret, sad, weak... etc. Those traumas that makes these lives drawn together are well illustrated in the different arches. If it weren't for these sketches I don't think Refrain would be as much given credit. This season should be given acknowledgement for its wonderful job of giving profound construction into leading us to its sequel.

The art was good. No complaints there. The sound was too. The tracks did their job into setting the mood, it actually reminded me of Clannad and the OP and ED is more enjoyable listening too than in the second season to be honest.

If you're finding a story here, don't. As I've explained earlier the story is not really the highlight of this season, it is character introduction. It is unfair to compare it to Clannad, because when you do it would lose the more meaningful and emotional story it should exude, it is too much of a comparison. If it becomes too mediocre do not worry, the elements will come together with the second season. The more you get serious into watching this prequel the more it would be personal for you when you watch the sequel.

I only decided to watch Sukitte Ii na Yo because I'm a sucker for romance, despite that, I really did enjoy the show as a show even if there were a few things that should be accounted. To me, it did a fair job delivering the show's point.

Sukitte Ii na Yo is like a combination of Kimi ni Todoke and True tears but more closely similar to Bokura Ga Ita. Though it had a few humor here and there, the anime feels more toward the serious feel. However, it had the typical boy-meets girl kind of plot, thus, the predictability. It had, on the contrary, ... enough moments to swoon the anime's target audience, being a shoujo anime, which are the younger females.

What ruined it is exposition. It had the complete elements of a good story, the continuity of the scenarios flowed without ruining the story line and they introduce a character subtly before letting it enter into an important scene. But the inter-relationship of the characters--where the character believability is most centered--fell. There weren't enough scenarios to portray the development. Their friendship was there, and it showed to be a vital part of the story, and the struggle was there but I so craved--as an audience wanting more intimacy from the charas--for more portrayal of the deepness of all their closeness and elaboration to sustain the character development. The plot might've focused too much on the two protagonists that it left some other potential side stories that could boost the character believability, relatability and lovability only to mediocrity.

Rest assured, still, for that did not ruin the romance. As I've said, there were a lot of scenes that can make you swoon. And that it does not have any unnecessary details that can confuse, it stayed loyal to its path.

I have nothing to comment about the art, it was well made for me. And the OP/ED did a good job into introducing and ending the story feel. The background music was also not interfering or irritating to overpower a scene, only to support, so I think it served its purpose.

If you're looking for romance, like me when I did watch, give this a go but if you're looking for a story I'm not sure if this can satisfy you. Overall, I still enjoyed this and I don't feel regretful I took the time.

Ah. Mawaru Penguindrum. When I first saw this I ignored it because the preview was not interesting enough for me. What won me over is curiosity seeing as how it's given high ratings on a lot of sites I've visited. Still, when I started with the first episode I was hesitant... I remember telling myself how 'cute' this anime is and I didn't like animes that appeal to cuteness. I watch anime because of the story and I'm scared this might end up something like K-ON! (Don't get me wrong, K-On! might be cute but its refreshing and I still loved it.) But I was ... wrong. Mawaru is beautiful.

I could've given the story a 10 instead of 9 but there were some minor points--faint details almost irrelevant but is still part of the story--that was left unexplained. It's almost unnoticeable but to some who could notice would notice it. For me this lost its chance for a 10 because a good story should be able to answer all the "why's" of the viewer that must be contained in the story. Nevertheless, it did not affect how good the story is. It was sooo good that it covered up for that.

So. The story starts with a confusing plot. I almost end up putting it on-hold but it kept me watching because it obviously is holding back some important details that it cannot show yet at the beginning thus don't stop until you get to the middle. The 'cute' start of the anime got weirdness mixed in as the story progressed but it already starts to dig deep. You start to think--and think seriously about what's happened and would be happening. What's so good about this is that the transition was so smooth. I did even forget that I called this anime cute because it plunged to an unexpected seriousness that got me really thinking. The unfolding of the lacking details at the beginning came out ever so smoothly, it was wonderfully executed.

The art was really cute as I've said. It's really anime like with those big eyes and all. There were a lot flashy moments but that is what made Mawaru so distinct. It's not Mawaru Penguindrum without it. For me it was well carried out with the story.

The sound could've also been a 10 but I gave it a nine. The flashy moments made it more flashy because of the sound effects but it supplemented greatly to the emotion it wanted to draw out; however, I didn't like that they repeatedly played ROCK OVER JAPAN at almost every episode whenever Himari starts being her other self. The time it took could've been allotted to more significant details. I liked the song, but it wasn't really worth putting it at most episodes.

Character development's great. Ringo at first was freaky but wait and you'll see later that she's actually a little flower. Every character has their own way of drawing the viewers to them. They own a certain personality that you would not wish weren't there. They're perfect as they are, more so that each of them has an in-depth story of who they really are that can make you understand them deeply. And I felt like they were not trying to appeal with the audience but merely showing off their side of the story.

I enjoyed it so much. And that is because it has its own, just like how a singer should own their song, this one owned its story. It's complicated plot made it a good exercise for my brain, but more than that its story made it worthy to be part of literature. I felt emotions that should be felt when watching or reading that should be felt when we're talking literature.

If after watching it, you got bored. I suggest you watch it again, you might've missed something. To make this series more worthwhile, see past whatever you see irritating. Sometimes it could be so girly, but the story I tell you is not your typical.

Don't say pass!
Okay. C is actually not the best anime out there enough to motivate me to write my first review, seeing as I gave it a 6, but it did. I feel like I wanted to defend it or rather give my side as to why it should be given a chance.

The plot of the story starts off with an interesting premise, not so unique but it showed potential. However, it is not the story line that damaged the show--it is actually quite consistent with the facts--the problem for me is it lacked depth. It was too fast-paced that it didn't give emphasis on ... some matters that could've helped supplement the viewer's understanding of the story. There were a lot of times I had to pause and ask "how did he come to that?" then recall previous scenes in my head to fully grasp the situation. I did get to understand it because, again, all the facts you need to comprehend the story is there.

The art's not the best there is but I actually like it. How the financial district was drawn reminded me of Gankutsuo, but to those who tend to look at the symmetry of the drawing, especially the eyes, might find it disappointing.

The sound was okay for me. Not so memorable.

Because the story lacked depth, it affected the characters. It was confusing how Kimimaro learned to use direct. Wished there was more fighting to show that Kimimaro actually got better enough to stand up to Mikuni. The pace of the story also affected the connection of the viewer's to the character. One of the best way to see whether a character is successful or not is when they were able to elicit empathy from the audience. In most scenes, it just didn't for me.

Even if I gave it a 6, I did learn a few from this show. It's philosophical so it might target your values. It's refreshing to look back at yourself sometimes to check what you put on weight more. If you did not understand where the story is going I suggest you to re-watch it.

Again, it's not the story in itself that's the problem, it's the depth--but everything is in there for comprehension. I wouldn't say that the story is rushed, it's more like they tried to fit in everything on those 11 episodes. But do try to give this series a chance. I'd still recommend it.