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Story/characters:

If the synopsis wasn’t clear enough this anime is a pure comedy of the simple kind and isn’t something you are supposedly to take seriously. This is a show that is driven by its cast of wacky characters who all have their various quirks that makes them both funny and endearing.

For example, we have the great Jahy who attempts to carry a veneer of class and authority but is actually a terribly insecure girl that is afraid of being shown up and is not beyond lying (terribly I may add) to hide her glaring shortcomings. Naturally she falls into numerous predicaments where her flaws are ... painfully exposed and the stuff she gets up to in digging herself out the hole are funny to watch. Whilst the comedy is not sophisticated by any means (it is rather childish actually) I never got bored with these comedy moments. She is essentially the driving force to this series so if you like Jahy then you will like the show and with her having a rather simple and predictable personality it won’t take long before you work out whether you like her or not.

This is not to say she is the only funny character as the rest of the cast also has their moments. The other big characters are Jahy’s landlady and boss who both have their moments of comedy (and madness) also. Both these girls naturally take a liking to Jahy but the calm and happy demeanour of her boss means she often acts as the voice of reason (there is not much reasoning amongst this cast) while her landlady is more impulsive and temper driven. With Jahy’s pride and her superiority complex against humans she naturally comes to blows with her landlord who is not much different to her in temperament.

Beyond this main cast the supporting cast is also strong and it is likely you will take to one (or more). If I am honest a lot of them are pretty insane in their own ways with more than one character exhibiting some masochistic tendencies. It is not just their personalities that are likeable but the relationships they form with Jahy or other characters that often leads to some very amusing and wholesome moments. This is especially so in the later parts of the show when the entire cast is assembled.

This series does not hit the mark all the time though and I must say the number one demon was rather underwhelming. The jokes and gags that centred around this character was not very funny to begin with and it quickly got repetitive. Fortunately, they were not a main character so it was no biggie and by that point of the anime there are other players who can cover up this shortcoming. Speaking of shortcomings don’t expect to see a whole load of character development and growth in this show outside of Jahy is limited. This lack of growth does mean that there is a chance you may grow weary from some of the gags told in this series as the personalities don’t change only the scenarios.

Speaking of scenarios, in terms of plot this basically covers the daily problems of Jahy and her quest to bring back the dark realm. In many ways it runs like a slice-of-life show albeit one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It is a story that is told at a relatively pedestrian pace so if you expect quick plot developments then you will be disappointed. It isn’t the main purpose of the show though and with the amount of comedy and crazy moments this show throws at you it is a point that is easily overlooked.

In terms of ending, things are wrapped up fairly tight and in the midst of some rather absurd scenes we do get a final explanation as to what happened in the early moments of this anime. This explanation also gave us a nice insight into the mentality of certain characters giving us a good idea on why some of the early craziness came about. It is not earthshattering so don’t expect greatness here but I did think it ended well enough and more importantly, at the right moment as going further with this anime’s setup would have meant the shows antics would have gotten old.

Animation/music:

Animation is fairly solid but never outstanding. There are scenes when the animation quality takes a dip and those lapses increase in frequency as the series progresses with moments when the character modelling look almost as wonky as the character’s personality! It is never bad though and with this being a simple comedy show it is never the main focus of the anime.

The animation in the opening and ending sequences are stronger and all of them, with their striking colouring schemes, are delightful to watch. Music wise there is greater variation in quality and I felt the first OP/ED pair was better than the second set. I particularly liked the first opening beat "Fightin★Pose" by Yui Ogura which was a great way to kick off episodes. Both ending themes were good with the first "Tsumari wa Itsumo Kujikenai!" by NEGI☆U edging it although I did still like "Pedals" by Miho Okasaki. The second opening "Seikatsu Konkyuu Dame Dinero" by Sumire Uesaka was the weakest of the lot.


Summary:

If you want a series where you can switch your brain off and just enjoy the ride then Jahy is certainly a show that can fit that bill. Don’t expect any sophistication or depth in this series as it is a simple comedy with characters that are off the wall. If you want some deeper (even on a comedy level) then best to look elsewhere as you won’t get that here.

Whilst the story is slow of the mark and can often meander along getting distracted with silly antics that occur on a very frequent basis this can easily be overlooked by the fact the cast from The Great Jahy are all very likeable in their own ways. What is more, as the series progresses things generally gets better as the cast expands and the interactions widens meaning jokes get less repetitive as there is more variety.

If you like cute girls and wholesome moments then you will particularly like this anime as for all Jahy’s swagger, on a fundamental level she is a kind sweet girl. This innocent nature is not just limited to Jahy however as there are several “villains” with some very redeeming qualities and that’s before we even consider Jahy’s “underling”. In the end I would recommend this anime if you like your characters to be a little crazy and are looking for something to unwind or settle down after watching some heavy or dark anime series.

Story 7 – In terms of overall story it won’t win awards but the important thing is the various scenarios and antics Jahy and her gang find themselves in. More often than not these set-pieces work. What was also nice is the fact most of these good moments don’t rely on the standard slice-of-life tropes. It meanders but there is progression and things do wrap up nicely and at an appropriate time.

Characters 8 – Biggest strength of the show. Key element in enjoying the series with the anchor being Jahy herself. If you like Jahy then you will like the show it is that simple. Watch an episode or two, if need be, to decide. The other characters are generally very solid with only one weak character in the entire cast.

Animation 7 – Good for the most part but there are a number of moments when things do go south. This only increases in frequency as the series progresses. Fortunately, the opening and ending sequences are of a higher standard and the musical score is strong also. The music used in the episodes were also notable in generating the appropriate moods.

Overall 7.5 – The Great Jahy will not gain universal appeal and its simple characters and storyline means this will not be for people who want more substance from their anime. If you don’t care about mindless thrills then this will be a series that will be appealing to you. Most of the girls in this series are pretty crazy and dumb plus the chemistry they have make this a comedy that hits the mark on a consistent basis. This is for those who like simple comedies with a decent number of wholesome moments.

Story/characters

If you ever saw the first season of Restaurant To Another World then you know what to expect as in many ways this series plays in a similar fashion. Unlike most anime out there, the true rock stars of this show are the drool inducing cuisine that is shown on a frequent basis. The range of food is impressive and the number of recipes shown actually exceed the offerings in season one! So, if you are true gourmet fan or simply want to draw inspiration for your next meal then this show will certainly deliver on that front!

The structure of this series continues to be ... largely episodic so there is no real need to watch this in any order and unlike season one there is less in the way of character development meaning there is no real loss in starting from the middle or even the end of this anime. This series is easily accessible to all with this being a newcomer friendly series. That means missing the prequel is no hinderance as you won’t be lost even when the old patrons feature as often, they get their reintroductions.

New diners are introduced and their varied backgrounds also provide entertainment when the story occasionally shifts its focus from its “main cast” (the food). What also works here is that many of these new patrons know the older diners allowing new relationships to form seamlessly as well as provide a remainder or even introduction to old faces. It works quite nicely however outside a few notable exceptions the character development in season two is more limited. More noticeable than that though is the relative lack of world building which was a more prominent feature in the first season.

This lack of world building and limited character development does mean that the show is more reliant in the food taking your attention. For the most part this works as many of the meals shown are great but I must admit that by the season’s end there is a sense of repetition as you see scenes play out in largely the same way over and over again. In fairness maybe it is not a fault of this season per say but more the fact the same story narrative has played out in the same manner over two seasons now. On the plus side there is a sudden big moment near the end that results in the series ending in a more upbeat note which was a nice touch.


Animation/music:

While the animation remains strong, I am not quite sure it is quite on the same standard as the first season. We still do get some nice scenic shots but it is not in the same frequency as before meaning we could not appreciate the fantasy type setting of this alternative world to the same degree as before. In fairness a lot of this is the result of the subtle change in story structure that is more fixated on the Nekoya restaurant than on world building. Fortunately, the great food close-ups continue to inspire some stomach inducing roars and remain the defining feature of Restaurant To Another World.

In terms of opening and ending sequences season two is an improvement in both fronts. Animation is strong and the music upbeat suiting the overall tone of the series very nicely. I particularly liked the ending song "Samenai Mahou" by Nao Touyama although there was also a lot to be had with the opening "Onnaji Kimochi." by Kiyono Yasuno.

Summary:

If you are a fan of the first season then this is certainly worth a watch. The great thing about this anime is the low bar for entry as there is no need to watch any of the first season or even previous episodes as this is almost completely episodic in nature. This strength is also its weakness however as this easy accessibility means the character/story development has suffered. This all means Restaurant To Another World is more heavily reliant on the cuisine being the thrusting force in providing entertainment to the series.

Fortunately, this largely works as the dishes are as good as ever and will consistently make you want to salivate at what you see. With the increased number of meals shown this is a definite plus. Like before this is a series that is good to watch with a meal or even as a source of inspiration in the kitchen.

Restaurant To Another World 2 is a series I would recommend for food lovers, people who like to cook or anyone who was a fan of season one. If you fit any group then this carefree ride will definitely be something you can enjoy and savour. For anime fans who want something a little off the beaten path this is also a good shout and with its easy accessibility this makes it all the more appealing to watch.

Story 6.5 – Largely follows a similar script from its prequel with entertaining backstories on the various Nekoya customers. It is a simple setup that largely works and while predictable manages to inspire the same good feelings on a remarkable number of occasions. Unfortunately, the degree of worldbuilding is not as prominent as before.

Characters 7 – The additions continue to add flavour to the series with their interactions with older cast members in season one that serves as both a reminder or an introduction to veterans and newcomers. It was a feature that is executed well. This larger cast does mean that character development is more limited outside some exceptions. Although that exception is notable!

Animation/music 7 – All things considered this delivers the same quality in the animation/music department when compared to season one. On the plus side the opening/ending sequences are improvements while the Nekoya dishes continues to be a source of delight. On the negative side we do not enjoy the same level of stunning scenic shots meaning the sense of fantasy and wonder is not as prominent as before.

Overall 6.5 – A worthy successor to season one. This continues to be an easy series to watch as no demand is placed on the viewer in watching in any order. No need to watch season one, no need to watch from episode one. You just go where the wind blows knowing you will be entertained. Food lovers, wannabe chefs or those of a quirky deposition will enjoy this. Seeing as the formula is largely the same as before, the impact of Nekoya is lessened somewhat as it is beginning to show signs of staleness. I don’t think another season would work unless some big changes are made to the anime’s storyline.

Story/character:

The season opener gets out the gate all guns blazing and it becomes immediately apparent that this cast is filled with a number of stunning women. If you are one who likes eye candy then you will certainly enjoy the opening forays as we see a bunch of action-girls kick butt with no shortage of teaser shots. These moments send a clear signal on what the target audience is so if you do not take a fancy to such things then it is best to drop the show as while the tone does change later on these are the primary draws to this series.

That’s not ... to say there are no other redeeming qualities to World’s Finest Assassin. To the shows’ credit they do deliver a main character that is driven and accomplished and is not simply your standard NEET/loser MC who gets shoved into a fantasy world. As the name of the series implies, he is a skilled assassin but what really makes him stand out is his anti-hero personality who is a cold and calculating man who is not afraid to get his hands dirty. This adds a fresh twist to the standard isekai formula as the early choices he makes and the way he conducts himself means you are seeing something new and different; it is not a simple rehash of the usual isekai affair. This calculating even manipulative personality does have its flaws however and this issue is put in the spotlight when he manipulates some key characters. It won’t go down with everyone but personally I had no issue with it considering the circumstances of the event.

What can prove to be more problematic however is the pacing of the show as whilst the end goal is clearly defined early on, much of the series is devoted to explaining how he recruited the girls to form his team. Whilst these introductions and backstories were welcome (although a note should be given with one which I will explain later) the issue here is by the time we are done with the introductions we are almost past the two third mark. This meant the time devoted to the actual promised plot line is rather limited. I will say that if you have concerns over the opening plotline being forgotten then rest assured the final confrontation does come albeit at a very late point in the series running.

As for the ending itself, it is as dramatic as it is sudden. The final fight ends with a blast and the nature of the conclusion was surprising but it is not something that is totally out of the blue given that this sequence is rooted to earlier events that took place in the show. To eagle eyed viewers, you can spot the early cues so there are rewards to be had in keeping your eye out for the finer details. There is even a twist tossed out to add some further drama but personally I did not like it.

Perhaps the biggest weakness of World Finest Assassin is the character relationships for whilst the backgrounds and characterisations of the individuals weren’t bad it is their interactions that left me head scratching. You see, many of the girls simply fall head over heels with our MC and whilst some explanation is given for this undying devotion it was not entirely convincing. What was also hard to grasp was the romantic aspect added towards the end which was never given enough screen time. As a result, the relationship was hard to understand and feels even forced given he spends way more time with other loyal companions.

As a final note I would say one notable character comes with a very troubled background so if you are sensitive to matters like rape and child abuse you may want to skip this. It is not a main theme of the anime so do not worry about this being a lingering issue. It is just that there are two episodes that take a decidedly grim, perhaps even depressing tone that can be hard to stomach. In fairness those scenes are treated in an appropriate manner although some criticism could be levelled on the lasting impacts these events later in the story.

Animation/music:

One of the finer points of the series is its animation. The character designs are all appealing and was one of the big draws to watching World’s Finest Assassin. If you like cute and beautiful girls then it will count doubly so as pretty much the entire cast of women in this show can be considered attractive (even the MC’s mother is a hottie). In terms of action scenes, it also delivers well so if you like action then those fans are also well served. The only aspect that was left wanting was the various CGI shots that looked very out of place fortunately this was limited to various horse carriage scenes and some foot soldier animation making it relatively easy to overlook.

The animation sequences for the opening and ending parts are also very strong with the contrasting black and white tones used in the opening theme that do an effective in conveying the contrasting morals of our main man. The opening track of "Dark seeks light" by Yui Ninomiya is a bit of a mixed bag with me with some parts of the songs being difficult to stomach whiles other bits being good. The ending song "A Promise" by Aira Yuuki on the other hand was a more enjoyable but all in all the opening and ending parts were very good and added to my overall enjoyment of the anime.

Summary:

This is a series that caters to action fans who have a taste for good old eye candy. If that is your thing then lots to be had here as most of the cast is simply breath-taking in the looks department. The fact that the standard of animation is high in both the character modelling and action scenes means the impact is all that bit greater which will please its target audience even more.

In terms of story development there is a lot of early promise with its interesting premise but for the most part it fails to deliver as much of the anime screen time is devoted to character exposition. Whilst this is nice, I felt it took too much time from the series. I would also say some caution should be exercised as the story does cover the issue of rape at some point. The other weakness is the suspect character chemistry with most of the cast holding an unnatural devotion that breaks immersion. This was not helped with an unconvincing love story. All things considered this was a pretty good series but won’t be appealing to people outside the core audience it was intended for. The fact this story is left incomplete means it begs a second season or a reading of the light novel. This show would have certainly have been better if it was covered in two cours.

Story 7 – The fact the main protagonist is ordered to kill the hero of this new world adds an extra dimension to the tired isekai formula. Whilst most of this early promise is squandered what we get instead is some interesting character exposition. The ending is also dramatic and whilst the events are seemingly random it is all foreshadowed with various earlier scenes littered throughout the show. Does beg for a sequel so keep that in mind when watching this.

Characters 6 – Outside of the interesting main character much of the cast is pretty bog standard. You have probably seen it before and the undying loyalty from the girls whilst useful for fanservice does hurt immersion and believability. I also questioned the romantic relationship that seemed forced/tacked on.

Animation/music 8 – Strong point of the series. You get very nice character models that makes this an easy series to watch. The big standouts are the great range of beauties that ensures if you are after fanservice then there is plenty to be had here. World’s Finest Assassin also produces some very strong opening and closing sequences.

Overall 6.5 – If you like action or fanservice then this is a show I would recommend to you. If that is not you then best to stay away. That is the simple bottom line. Much of this series follows the standard tropes of isekai series with its overpowered MC, an increasing cast of cute girls that fawn over him and everyone else also loving him. The biggest changes to that formula are the MC’s personality who sparks some life in the usual formula but is that enough to get non-isekai fans onboard? Personally, I don’t think so.

Story/characters:

The premise to Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut is outlandish and watching this series requires one to suspend their disbelief over the idea of inserting a vampire on an otherwise realistic storyline. Not everyone can achieve such a feat and this premise is bound to turn people off. It was not an issue for me as I have learned anime can get a little wacky and hey! So long as all the craziness is provided right at the start, I am willing to give it a go!

If you can overcome that obstacle then you will be surprised at how closely this series follows real events of ... the space race. This adherence to facts is made clear in the first episode as we are told the true fate of our unfortunate dog Laika who perished early on in her Sputnik-2 voyage. These little details are not limited to this fact however and if you play close attention to events and characteristics of certain individuals then you will find there are startling similarities to their real-life counterparts and events making this a series most suitable for space anoraks who are aware of all the finer points in the space race.

As such outside some big creative decisions this is largely a hard science fiction story so don’t expect any glaring departures from reality outside the big elephant (vampire?!) in the room. Due to this realism a lot of the early episodes in this show are devoted to Irina’s cruelling training regimen that as time progresses gets increasingly harsh. Again, many of the events seen here are stuff the real cosmonauts did before flying into space.

Now the concern many will have with “training” episodes is they are often dull affairs that are a necessary evil to watch before getting to the good stuff. Fortunately, this isn’t the case here as much of the training is used effectively to capture Irina’s growth and subsequent development for she doesn’t just grow physically but mentally as well as the trials and tribulations cast a spotlight on her various strengths and weaknesses.

This arduous journey also enables her main handler to slowly develop a teacher-pupil relationship that naturally goes from a relationship of relative distrust to that of mutual respect. It happens slowly but is done in a convincedly manner as the way Irina overcomes her weakness is tackled in a believable way adding potency to the budding relationship.

Naturally as the big day slowly approaches the drama escalates as a number of events are thrown in adding a sense of unease to the overall show. On top of that, various ominous hints concerning certain characters are dropped. All of this is then underscored by the fact many of the characters vying for glory are ruthlessly competitive to becoming the top space cadet. This combination of events means we are left wondering over the fates of not just Irina but also Lev.

This all culminates in the natural big event when Irina is shuttled into space and we are left pondering not just the outcome of her mission but also the ramifications that come from it. What comes next is perhaps the part when the drama reaches its final crescendo as we learn what is the ultimate fate of not just Irina but also her compatriot Lev. Emotions run high as not only are we left guessing on the motives of some key individuals; we are also unsure how even Lev will react to the unexpected situation he finds himself in.

These loose threads, even though hinted at are never really resolved until the final moments in the anime when it decides to throw down all its cards. It is in many ways breath-taking and is likely to stun people. I personally thought it was brilliant but then I could see this rubbing people the wrong way. What I can say is it is no ass pull ending as all of the actions in this final scene had been hinted and foreshadowed in earlier episodes. It is cleaver and is a clear case of keeping tabs of on-going events and never make any rash judgements.

Animation/music:

This series draws heavily from the Soviet Union’s Vostok space program with the rockets and capsules depicted being an exact copy from its real-life counterparts. Most of these pieces are represented in CGI but it is done in a way where it fits well with the rest of the animated scenes. Computerised imagery is also deployed in some of the motorcycle and training scenes but again this is done with a degree of skill so it is never an eyesore.

Character models are good and this was used particularly well in conveying the various emotions of Irina who, I must admit was the star of this show. This means of conveying emotion was also effectively used on other characters adding a greater impact to various key moments. The opening and ending animation sequences are both strong also. As for the music, the opening and ending where both decent but I found the ending song "Arifureta Itsuka" by Chima to be the stronger of the two although "Hii no Tsuki" by ALI PROJECT was also a good effort.

Summary:

This is a hard sci-fi series that while taking some extreme liberties in certain areas does follow the events of the space race with a remarkable degree of accuracy. If you are space buff who is well versed in events then you will get an extra kick out of seeing the similarities between the anime and the real Vostok space program. Saying that these accurate subtleties are not key to the plot so people less versed can still enjoy the story for what it is. And what we do get are a good number of strong points.

The plot, on the whole, is very strong as whilst things do not get off to a flyer, things get better as the stakes slowly increase and this all culminates in a strong finish that will leave many very satisfied. Better than that though is the strong mains of Lev and Irina who are both strong individuals with a great drive that is easy to admire. They don’t fall under the classic anime tropes and the fact neither falls into the Mary/Gary sue archetypes either means we are not rolling our eyes on how perfect they are. It is this great yet flawed characterisation that makes them such powerful characters that it is not only easy to root for but also makes it effortless to understand how the various side-characters can appreciate the manner and type of goals they pursue.

If you are a fan of realistic sci-fi stories with a good dose of romance then there is a very good chance you will like this. To me, it is one of the surprise hits of the autumn 2021 that I would recommend viewers to see. Good plot, great characters and lots of enjoyable moments make this a breeze to finish!

Story 7.5– The outlandish premise got me interested but the good story got me hooked. The sense of realism of actual events was a big boon but the definite strong point comes in the second half of the series when all the drama goes up a notch. The strong ending ensured this series left a lasting impression.

Character 8.5 – It is not often that the two romantic pairing are both as strong as this. While we could argue Irina does have some tsundere tendencies her tenacious nature and ability to follow her dreams regardless of what people say or do is admirable. Lev also comes to his own which is a welcome change to the spineless male MC that are so pervasive in anime. The supporting cast are also strong adding an extra oomph to the story at all the right moments.

Animation 7 – Character models are strong and the various expression of the characters was often amusing particularly for Irina. The CGI used for the various rockets, motorcycles and infrastructure whilst noticeable is done well enough. This is accompanied by some pretty solid opening and closing sequences in both the animation and musical department.

Overall 8 – Biggest stumbling block is the wild vampire premise in an otherwise realistic space-based plot. If you can overlook that bombshell then you will likely enjoy this series especially if you have a penchant for science and romance. Lots to like here and with the good ending I feel many people will enjoy this series. One of the silent hits for the 2021 autumn season.

Story/characters:

Unlike a lot of anime series that go all out with their opening episode, Faraway Paladin takes a different tact as it goes out of its way to take a slow and measured approach when telling its story. A considerable amount of time is taken fleshing out not only William but also his undead “parents” trying to give them distinct personalities and motives.

The slow pacing whilst effective may not be to everyone’s taste and if you are one who like fast paced action from the get-go then it is recommended you give this series a miss. If you can stick with it then there are ... positives to be had as quite a lot of care is applied in character and world building. What is also noteworthy are the cryptic comments dropped by various characters which generates a sense of mystery and tension that will leave you pondering on what happens next.

Eagle eyed viewers will be rewarded for the lines and exposition provided will prove critical in understanding the conclusion to this strong opening arc. This arc also has long lasting effects in the latter part of the series as all the comments made here have future relevance so it really pays to keep those comments in mind even beyond the conclusion of this opening arc.

It is after this opening segment where the sense of adventure begins in earnest as we see William embark on his lifelong quest which is driven by what has come before. It is at this moment where I felt the show lost its sense of direction, at least to some extent. Whilst I am not going to say it was outright bad (I did enjoy the subsequent arcs) the thing missing was a clear-cut goal which was always left somewhat ambiguous. This lack of a defined end point meant there was no clear idea where the series was heading. This lack of direction meant we are denied the opportunity for the story to build-up to some climatic point to keep viewers really engaged. This directionless story was not helped by the fact that the conclusions of later arcs never had the same impact as what we got in the opening act of the anime.

Still, if you liked the style of storytelling then you will likely enjoy what happens next. Like before, a good amount of time is devoted to world building as William’s horizons are expanded greatly now that he is out in the real world. On top of that many of the key characters introduced are given a considerable amount of screentime so we can really get a good handle on their personalities, motives and life outlook.

This slow build-up whilst requiring a degree of patience remains effective and I would say the casting, for the most part, is solid and there isn’t a character that is likely to inspire hate or even annoyance. There are no dumb characters so if you are concerned about Faraway Paladin going down the harem or ecchi route which is so common in the isekai genre then rest assured this doesn’t happen here. It is a serious show that focuses on its story and characters. In fact, if there is one disappointment I had with the show it was that some key secondary characters were not fully expanded on and their motives, even by the seasons end are still shrouded in mystery.

Speaking of endings, things are left rather open ended as while there was a climax it was far from conclusive as it was clearly stated that William has a few more hurdles to jump through before achieving his goal. His uncomplete mission, coupled with the fact that some key characters still have opaque motives means that a second season (which is coming) has a lot of potential avenues it can go. I suspect, judging by the style of storytelling this will likely prove to be a more enjoyable affair as many of the fundamental concepts have now been covered meaning that the second season can focus more on driving the plot forward and upping the ante and drama.

Animation/music:

Big weakness of the show. Faraway Paladin will not gain any fans with the quality of animation which was largely subpar throughout the entire series. Character models suffer from a lack of details even in close-ups and this basic look only looks worse in the more distant shots when the characters almost take on a sketchy look. It is bothersome and this poor animation is made all the worse in the action scenes when we get shoddy CGI and moments when the proportions of characters seem to go out the window.

Fortunately, the opening and ending animation sequences are better and the songs used better still. Out the opening or ending tracks I felt the ending "Shirushibi" by Nagi Yanagi edged it although the opening beat "The Sacred Torch" by H-el-ical// was also a good effort. These strong sequences prevents Faraway Paladin getting a poor score on the animation/music score.

Summary:

Faraway Paladin is an isekai series that tells its story in a slower and more methodical way than you will see in most anime. If you can bear with this slower pacing then you will enjoy the piece-meal nature of revelations being delivered which are not only relevant but add to the sense of tension and drama. This type of story telling is most effective at the beginning.

Unfortunately, this style does not work to the same degree in the later parts of the story as there are no grand villains or goals to drive the story narrative. Instead of end goals we get lots of world building and the addition of extra cast members, several of which are likely to entertain viewers. In many ways this season has set the platform for a second season which will hopefully utilise these tools to deliver an even more enjoyable show.

If you are a fantasy lover who is interested in a character driven series with no harem/ecchi antics then you will likely enjoy Faraway Paladin. The only thing worth noting is the animation which is largely subpar.

Story 7 – A consistent feature of the plot is its relative slow pacing as it takes it time to provide exposition on either the characters or the general world lore. Any points raised even if seemingly trivial at the time often has future relevance so it pays to keep alert. On the less positive side there is less direction later on and the ending is left open to a second season so don't expect a lot of closure.

Characters 6.5 – Time is spent fleshing out the main characters so we gain a good understanding of their background and personalities. This also extends to some of the secondary cast adding some depth to the casting. The fact some key players have some ambiguous end goals serves to give you an incentive in watching season two.

Animation/music 4 – It leaves a lot to be desired with the character models consistently lacking in detail. This only gets worse in the action scenes where the quality often drops and the CGI used is poor. It won’t win any rewards that is for sure fortunately the opening and ending sequences are better in quality especially the music which was actually pretty good.

Overall 7 – A story-driven show that rewards people who follow the small details. Faraway Paladin is more serious in nature so don’t expect a lot of comedy moments or silly harem/ecchi elements. The opening acts are the best part of the series although there is sufficient worldbuilding and intrigue that those who reach the end of this series will look forward to future season two developments. You just have to be patient with the pacing and in particular the animation which won’t be to everyone’s tastes.

Story/characters:

Just as a little orientation, despite this being a sequel there are significant number of events that overlaps with previous seasons with some scenes even occurring concurrently. As such it is recommended you make yourself familiar with the Washio and Hero chapters as those seasons are most crucial in understanding what is a confusing series to follow. Although if you can, it is recommended you watch the original season as well.

With the conclusive ending we got in the Hero chapter veterans of the franchise are probably asking what can the Mankai chapter could do to extend a story that very clearly ended? Well, this season ... largely achieved this feat by delving into some side-stories offering viewers a more complete picture of the Yuuka Yuuna world.

The Mankai chapter covers two side-stories through two arcs which culminates in what is essentially a rehash of the Hero ending and then caps things off with an epilogue of sorts. Excluding the rehashed ending, the goals of the series sound reasonable enough right? Well, like most ideas, the power lies in the execution and in this case, it was less than stellar.

While the season opener starts of in a cheerful typical Yuuki Yuuna fashion it is when we get to the first arc when we begin to question the direction of the series. Now to the shows credit, the series does try something new but the issue here is the way things are presented. A lot of new characters are introduced in quick succession and this makes it tricky to keep abreast of all the events going on.

What is more, since this was only an arc and not an entire season, we are not given enough episodes to connect with all the new girls due to time constraints. It is these time constraints that mean many of this cast are left underdeveloped. On the positive side we do learn a bit of background on Karin Miyoshi and gain a greater understanding on why she was initially so uptight and competitive with the Yuuki Yuuna gang. All things considered this arc was a mixed bag and my wish was for more time to be given as by the time I grew attached to the characters; it was off to the next arc!

In this second arc we take a deep dive to the past in what is essentially a prequel arc as we go back right to the beginning of the Yuuki Yuuna universe. If you thought the first arc was rushed then things get taken to another level as we are introduced to yet more characters. Again, this arc suffers from similar issues to what occurred previously only this time the problems are much more prominent due to the compressed timeframe used to convey events. Moreover, unlike the first story we gain less from this arc as the only real gain from adding this arc is a little background on why the final big fight had to happen.

After those arcs are covered all the narrative from previous series (and characters) converge leading to the big moment. Now this is the moment when newcomers or veterans’ opinions are likely to diverge massively. For veterans of the franchise the final climax will likely go down poorly as it is essentially a recap of the Hero chapter with many scenes even recycled. It was a lazy shortcut and will make those long-lasting fans feel robbed but if you never watched the Hero Chapter or merely forgotten it then this climax will play out better for you. After this we get an epilogue that covers events after the big fight. This was better as we got to see many of the girls after everything was said and done but, if I am going to be honest, it was not enough to fully redeem the various shortcomings of the series.

Animation/music

If you have seen previous iterations of Yuuki Yuuna then you know what to expect as the standard here is largely the same. The vibrant coloured battle scenes return and like before there is some CGI that, while a little glaring, is not too offensive. Unlike other seasons there are no transformations sequences which could be a disappointment if you love magical girl series for that sort of thing. The Hero units deployed are less flamboyant so don’t expect advances there but on a more positive note we get the sentinel units that add a new flavour to the franchise. I wouldn’t call it the best thing ever but the action scenes played here was decent and different to what we saw before.

Animation in the opening and ending sequences are of a higher quality though. In this regard they are almost equal although I did prefer the opening song "Ashita no Hanatachi" which did a good job of getting me in the mood for each episode. The ending song "Chiheisen no Mukou e" delivers a more calming effect to settle any nerves you may have had. Both songs are voiced by the seiyuus of the main Yuuki Yuuna gang with those being Haruka Terui, Suzuko Mimori, Yumi Uchida, Tomoyo Kurosawa, Juri Nagatsuma, and Kana Hanazawa.

Summary:

The big issue with the Mankai chapter is it attempts too many things in too short a time frame. If the arcs were split into actual separate seasons, the stories told would have been far more enjoyable. As it is the way this season has been constructed means it is a confusing series to follow as not only are there multiple storylines to follow but the number of characters introduced is quite staggering. The fact some of these girls looked very alike only added to this confusion.

It is these multiple storylines and new cast that means not enough development is given for either the story or characters to progress adequately. It is this rushing and lack of development and cohesion that left me getting a sense this was just a rushed job, or worse, a money grab. This feeling was only reinforced by an ending that is largely pulled straight from the Hero chapter. It just left me a bit deflated and whilst I did enjoy the final epilogue ending (maybe it is not the final ending?) it was a case of too little too late.

All things considered I feel the Mankai chapter may actually be more enjoyable for newcomers who have not been spoiled but then again it just makes the learning curve even steeper. What I can say with more certainty is this season was the weakest in the Yuuki Yuuna franchise.

Story 4 – The overriding problem Mankai chapter suffered from was pacing. By sticking two substantial arcs in one season we got a rushed job. If more time was devoted to each arc, then the impact these stories had would have been greater. This is especially the case with the second "prequel arc" when not nearly enough time was given. The biggest sin is left at the end though as the climax of the show is simply lifted straight out of the Hero chapter. If you watched that then any sense of tension would be lost.

Character 6 – The girls (even the new ones) are all likeable but due to the sheer number of characters introduced most are covered in the most cursory manner. Another unfortunate effect is just as we got attached to a given cast it was off to the next part of the story. Plus, if you liked the main Yuuki Yuuna cast then the screen-time they get is considerably less than before which could be a bummer also. Still, there are various quality interactions to keep viewers engaged and there are a lot of girls you can root behind.

Animation/music 7 – Solid and consistent. If you saw the previous seasons then you know what to expect. CGI is deployed more often than the previous chapter but the notable omission is the transformation sequences. Opening and ending animation sequences are both good with enjoyable beats to boot.

Overall 5 – If truth be told this season was not needed. What is more, the Mankai chapter would have fared far better if instead of trying to advance the story narrative or even linking to the Hero chapter it focussed on telling side-stories or prequels as its sole ambition. By going down this route I could see real potential in delivering some really enjoyable stories. Alas this option was not taken and this show suffers from trying to do it all and failing in becoming too ambitious.

As such I could not recommend Mankai chapter to Yuuki Yuuna fans although ironically newcomers may get a bigger kick out of this. Be warned for if that is you then the learning curve is all the higher and you will need to understand the underlying stories and characters from scratch. It can be done but requires you to focus even harder. If you a die-hard magical girl lover then maybe this will be worth pursuing but for all other people better to leave this one alone.

Story/characters:

One disclaimer I will lay out from the get-go is this anime is in essence a yaoi series. If you are adamant about not watching such things then turn away. However, if you can look beyond that fact what you will get is an anime with a good storyline, gripping mystery and a level of character development that is not often seen in most conventional anime.

These great developments are not immediately apparent in the first few episodes though as the show goes out of its way to showcase its two main male lovers. To me that is not a bad thing (outside the crazy dialogue) ... but what I did find disturbing was the abusive relationship dynamics between this pairing. It makes for difficult viewing as it becomes abundantly clear early on that one of the men is a control freak who treats his partner like a possession and has massive jealously issues. The fact there are supernatural elements thrown in only fuels an extra dimension to this abuse.

Yes, it is that bad and makes for difficult viewing but if you persevere, then you will be rewarded as a good explanation is provided as to why this relationship dynamic came about. I don’t want to spoil by explaining the details conveyed as it forms an integral part of the story narrative suffice to say I found it to be convincing.

This type of relationship building is not all the show has to offer though as this anime is thick with supernatural activity. The cases start small with some strange phenomenon that the men encounter. Using their different abilities in creative ways, the cases are solved and we slowly learn about various paranormal activities that go on. What is more, our main duo are not the only people with special powers as we are soon introduced to other characters who have an affinity for special powers.

What motives these people have and what they represent form part of the mystery early on and it is this factor that helps you overlook the troubling Mikado/Rihita relationship. As we learn more about these secondary characters the mystery that unfolds only becomes deeper as a bigger curse that afflicts more people becomes the driver of this story.

It is at this point when the story reaches its element as not only do we learn the fundamental dynamics of our yaoi pairing but we also come to understand the weaknesses and shortcomings of other major characters. The anime then becomes a story of personal discovery as most of the cast attempts to overcome the various demons that plague them. If you are a fan of physiological thrillers then the final segment of Tricornered Window will be the most satisfying part of the series but even if that is not your thing so long as you like mysteries then you are likely to find the final episodes gripping affairs.

The climax and ending delivered is also satisfying as it provides good closure and nothing is left hanging. More importantly, many of the characters have grown a healthier outlook on life especially when it comes to Mikado and Rihito. The fact the abuser has overcome his massive insecurities is a major relief but what was also very satisfying is how the other party has developed into someone who is stronger and less mentally frail. I suppose if you are a lover of romance (who likes all type of love) then this type of ending would also be very wholesome.

Animation/music:

I never saw the manga but get the sense the animation style draws heavily from it. The reason I mention this is because I was not the biggest fan of the style but at the same time if the studio is being faithful to the original manga artwork then I have a hard time to criticise it. I will say there are numerous scenes when the detail was lost in the character models which also impacted in some key scenes. The standard of animation may not be the best around but it does a good enough job to convey the mood of most horror scenes.

The animation sequences for the opening and ending sequences are also of a similar standard i.e. nothing to write home about. I didn’t think the relatively upbeat opening "Saika" by Frederic was the most suitable song to use given the nature of the series although the sombre ending “Breakers" by Wataru Hatano was not only superior but fit the theme of the show better.

Summary:

At its core Tricornered Window is a yaoi series but beyond the love story that forms the centrepiece of the anime there lies a series with good supernatural/mystery elements that is likely to garner the interests of a much wider audience. The fact I could get over the opening episodes even with the obvious abusive relationship dynamics is testament to how strong the mystery element pulled me in.

If you can get over this initial hurdle what you will get is strong character development as we explore the past background of most of the major players in this series. We may not like it but we will come to understand why the people act the way they do and what weaknesses they have that compels them to act in often irrational ways.

It this deep dive into the various character mindsets that means this series will be most appealing to those who like their anime steeped in psychological dialogue. Still there is enough mystery to be had that even those who like those elements will get good mileage out of Tricornered Window. If there is one regret I had over this show it is that – and this is unfortunate – it is the thought that if the main pairing where heterosexuals or even yuri then this show would likely have been received more favourably in the anime community.

Story 7 – The early paranormal cases in the story do a good job in creating intrigue and is the hook that keeps you going despite the questionable relationship but as the anime progresses the stakes naturally increase elevating the drama both from the story and character dynamics involved. The ending is solid as all the loose ends are covered to a satisfactory degree.

Characters 8 – Gets off to a very shaky start as not only are some of the pick-up lines comically bad but the relationship dynamics are highly suspect. Fortunately, this apparent shortcoming is addressed properly and the inherent weaknesses in the characters personalities become the main fuel that guides the story narrative. The developments do not stop with the main pairing though as time is taken to explain the motives and shortcomings of the secondary characters and antagonist. There are no two-dimensional characters in this series.

Animation/music 6 – The biggest weakness in this show as there are numerous moments when the quality of animation does dip and the character modelling loses detail. This even occurs during key moments. The animation sequences for the opening and ending is only so-so and I felt the opening song did not suit the tone of the series although the ending piece was a better effort.

Overall 7.5 – The biggest pain points this series has are found in the opening acts when you need to endure some questionable relationship dynamics. This can easily put people off. Despite this, there are good enough mystery moments to keep you engaged and when the backgrounds of our protagonists are explored in detail that is the moment when Tricornered Window takes a turn for the better. It is here when reaches the series reaches zenith and all the drama is resolved once and for all. If you are fan of supernatural mysteries or physiological thrillers then I would recommend this to you.

Story/characters:

The premise does make for some sombre reading but if you think that this series will be a dark one that explores the issues of depression and other difficult topics you would be mistaken. While those issues do crop up every now and then what becomes immediately apparent is the unbridled optimism and energy that projects from Yuzuki.

Her cheerful demeanour has the effect of changing the whole tone and direction of the series as all the dark moments (and themes) are in essence washed away. Now this can prove to be a double-edged sword. While there will be some who would far prefer a cheerful, ... wholesome and bright romantic tale others will be put off by the personality of Yuzuki. You see Yuzuki is a girl who smiles, is selfless to a fault and ALWAYS thinks of others before herself and naturally, can do all the household chores with great finesse. In short, she is the perfect waifu and to those of a more cynical disposition, a wish fulfilment character.

It is this factor alone that I feel prevents this show from garnering universal appeal as not only does Yuzuki’s “perfect” personality make it hard to relate to it does break your immersion as you always question how a person can act the way she does. This is especially so if you consider her background. More than that, though her bright personality, as mentioned before, has an effect of brushing aside the darker elements of this anime. Now to some that maybe considered a good thing but the fact this series presents the issue depression, family abandonment and even child marriage/sales mean there was an opportunity to tackle a lot of hot topics that are rarely touched on seriously in anime. If handled well this could have elevated the status of this anime. As such to me this sweeping under the rug marked a missed opportunity.

Saying all that, this is not to say Taishou Otome is a bad anime. There are several positive aspects to this show that means it is worth watching particularly if romantic stories are your thing. For a start the historic setting gives this anime a unique feel and the vibrant colours used for the kimonos are striking and well made. More significantly, the cast is strong and the variety of backgrounds they come from means we are presented with good explanations with the way they behave so whilst we may not always agree with their actions we can understand where they are coming from.

In fact, I would say that when the supporting cast play a more prominent role is when the series really shines. We always get a good backstory from each character presented so while things may not always start on a sound footing by the time the character arc ends you develop a sense of understanding and empathy for them as you know that fundamentally they are good people suffering from challenging environments.

The final episodes manage to create the biggest source of drama as a major real-life event occurs meaning the lives of some major characters are at real stake. This drama is actually a departure from the rest of the series as all the drama up until that point was limited to character drama. This change of pace worked although, given the upbeat tone that followed before, the outcome was never really in doubt. At least for me that is. Still, despite the predictable outcome the resulting resolution led to growth and ultimately an epiphany of sorts with everything ending on a wholesome happy note which is par for the course in romantic anime.

Animation/music:

Animation in Taishou Otome is one of the more delightful features of the anime as we get treated to numerous great background shots. The fact it depicts Japan from the 1920s also adds a sense of wonder which I am sure will please many. The colours used for the kimonos is also noteworthy and the various chibi comedic shots are effectively deployed to generate mood effectively. I am also happy to say the quality remains consistently good and there are no noticeable declines even at the seasons end.

This good animation also applies in the opening and ending sequences as both are well made with the opening being the better of the two. The opening beat of "Otome no Kokoroe" by GARNiDELiA also does a good job in setting the mood for the series but the ending was also commendable as well. The ending track is "Makogoro ni Kanade" by Shunichi Toki.

Summary

Taishou Otome is a simple romantic tale that tells the love between a young couple and whilst there are hints of deeper darker topics these themes do not ultimately make a big mark to the series. If you wish to get the most enjoyment out of this then it is best not to think too deeply over the details. You are just supposed to enjoy the wholesome moments and the nice cheerful characters that feature heavily here and not much else.

There is a lot of good things to take from this show particularly if you get to episode five when the supporting cast take up a larger part of the screentime. However, the cheerful and “perfect” nature of Yuzuki will prove a barrier to some. It is this flaw that prevents Taishou from garnering universal acclaim and becoming a true romantic classic.

If you are a fan of the romantic genre then you are likely to dig this and the number of wholesome moments will be enough to satisfy people who like such shows. Just don’t go into this expecting some serious social commentary or the tackling of deep social/personal issues. If that is your shtick then you got to hunt elsewhere.

Story 6 – The unique historical element will reel people in but in many ways the meat of the show tackles a simple romantic tale between two young people. Any of the deeper more challenging subjects such as depression/family abandonment or even bridal sales are things swept under the carpet so if you came in expecting something deep you will be disappointed. What we get instead is a wholesome historic romantic story. Enjoy it for what it is.

Characters 7 – For the most part the varied character backgrounds add a flavour to the series that keep things fresh. In more than one instance it is likely your initial opinion will prove to be false and this has the effect of keeping you on your toes. The big weakness comes in Yuzuki whose perfect nature makes her harder to relate to and breaks immersion.

Animation/music 8 – The vivid colour scheme used is a delight to behold and the great backgrounds also provide some decent eye candy. The fact this series is based in the 1920s also adds another flavour giving this show a unique feel that makes it stand out from the crowd. The opening and ending sequences are also well made and complement the rest of the series nicely.

Overall 6.5 – Despite what the premise may suggest don’t go into Taishou Otome expecting this to be a dark anime or one that challenges some deep/difficult issues. This is a simple romantic story where it pays not to think too deeply about the more complex issues that are hinted throughout.

If you can do that then you will likely get more out of this. If on the other hand you are unable to do this then it is best to give this a miss. This show definitely caters to those who are suckers for romance or people who like their shows to have a nice cute waifu. If either of those two things apply to you then Taishou Otome would be a series I recommend.

Story/characters:

The premise sounds corny and is a storyline that has been done to death but in many ways the opener to Takt Op. Destiny appears to redeem itself with dazzling scenic views and a great sense of adventure as the main characters embark on a long American style road trip. It this unique setup that is likely to get you interested in learning more and the second episode only reinforces this view as we get a good amount of backstory on Takt and Cosette that really has viewers itching for more.

Unfortunately, it is at this point when the anime stumbles as the story from here ... on travels at a very pedestrian pace. It is not like the series goes bad but if you are after an action series with a grippling and powerful storyline then you have come to the wrong place. Instead of expanding on the Takt Op world and the lore what we get is largely a character driven series that focuses chiefly on Takt and his partner Destiny.

To the show’s credit the development in both Takt and Destiny is remarkable considering that they both started as almost gag personalities in the season opener with both exhibiting one-track minds. Over the course of the series though both characters show considerable maturity in their actions and by the seasons end you can really root for Destiny who develops from a mindless robot-like personality to someone you can really emphasise with. Whilst the same cannot necessarily be said of Takt his growth is undeniable and he really does respond and learn from the various near misses and disasters that surrounds him. To top things off there are some romantic elements by the end so if that is your thing that will be an added bonus.

The secondary cast are also pretty strong as unlike the main pairing they are likeable from the start. This strong secondary/weak main dynamic actually worked quite well as the interesting backgrounds and personalities of the secondary characters meant they largely carried show through the earlier opening phase but when Takt and Destiny began to develop the secondary cast took a backseat so the mains could flourish. This dynamic ensured that throughout the shows running there was always a character to keep viewers engaged.

The big weakness with the casting was the antagonists who were underdeveloped and their motives questionable. Those questionable actions never really made sense and instead of future episodes providing clarity we get more confusion as the actions made did not make logical sense. Those illogical actions even had a detrimental impact on the shows ending as while the antagonists final act was similar to a famous marvel movie villain the thing that made it fall flat was the final actions contradicted the moves made earlier on. It was puzzling and disappointing but if there are any positives it was that the ending did provide closure.

What made these narrative shortcomings easier to overlook though was the overall theme of exploration as the characters visit various places in the states and the scenery and towns, they visited were great to watch. Although the series is based in 2047 Takt Op. draws a lot of inspiration with 1960s America with the classic muscle cars, white picket fence housing and the designing of various diners, restaurants and motels. These unique backdrops make Takt Op. standout from most anime series as not many shows are based in America and the few that are do not involve exploring various parts of America in this fashion.

Animation/music:

The animation in Takt Op. is for the most part strong as the vivid character designs for the various musicarts were always creative and a pleasure to see. They all looked distinct and was something I looked forward to watching. These good character designs were bolstered by the great scenic shots we got at various points of the anime but also by the unique backgrounds we saw as the characters visited various diners/motels and American style houses. Despite this series taking place in the future, it did draw a lot from 1960s USA.

If there was one disappointment, I had with the animation it would be with the action scenes as the level of detail seen during those moments dropped dramatically reducing the impact and enjoyment of those scenes which was unfortunate considering this is an action series.

Another weakness that was pretty ironic considering the musical theme of the anime’s premise was with the musical score of Takt Op. Both the opening and ending tracks were largely forgettable and even during the anime there was no music that really stood out for me. I was disappointed and thought more effort should have been put here. For those curious the opening song is "takt" by ryo (supercell) feat. Mafumafu, gaku while the ending is "SYMPHONIA" by Mika Nakashima.

Summary:

Takt Op. is an anime that bills itself as an action/fantasy series but if you go into this show with that expectation, you will likely become disappointed. What you get instead is a character driven show that even hints at romantic moments near the shows end. This drama and the memorable picturesque scenes that litter this series make these the two biggest redeeming points of Takt Op.

As good as those points are they cannot cover up the obvious weakness this anime suffers from that are its pacing issues and lacklustre ending. As such, it is hard to really engage in Takt Op. from a narrative standpoint so I would not set big expectations over the storyline despite what the opening two episodes would suggest.

It is this weak storyline that means I could not recommend this Takt Op. to most anime fans. There are better series out there and if you really have an itch for musical/action anime then I would suggest Symphogear or any Macross title as both deliver a better experience than this. If you are a fan of character/driven action series though then you will likely get more out of this than I did but even then, don’t expect to be knocked off your chair.

Story 4 – The opening two episodes are strong but unfortunately, story wise, this is the high point of Takt Op. as the series suffers from a stagnant plot that only gets going in the final episodes. Even here though the ending left something to be desired especially if you consider the contradictory actions taken by the series antagonists in the previous episodes.

Characters 7 – The personalities of Takt/Destiny are almost comically bad at the start but the growth both characters experience is so remarkable that by the seasons end the pair are effectively carrying the series. The secondary cast are also strong and fortunately they are good from the get go meaning they take the slack when the characters of Takt and Destiny are still found wanting.

Animation/music 7.5 – The great scenic shots and the unique American backdrops make this one of the more memorable aspects of the anime. Like the cast, it is one of the main reasons to watch Takt Op. as the environments shown are consistently gorgeous. The same can’t be said over the action scenes and musical score. The latter weakness is particularly unfortunate considering the musical theme of this anime.

Overall 6 – Takt Op. starts with a bang and offers a lot of initial promise. Unfortunately, a lot of that potential is left unrealised due to its lacklustre narrative. The main things that prevent Takt Op. from becoming a poor show is the casting and character growth of the mains which is above average. The animation whilst poor in the action scenes are an overall boon due to the way it effectively captures the sense of adventure that Takt Op projects.

All things considered this isn’t a series I would recommend unless you are a fan of the Takt Op. games. If you want to watch a musical/action anime then I would take shows like Macross over this.

Story/characters:

Comedy is a very subjective thing and maybe it is just me but I found the comedy in this series to be seriously lacking. The vast majority of the jokes fail to land and the humour is heavily reliant on Komi’s inability to speak. Now this style of comedy is not guaranteed to be bad for example I did enjoy watching WataMote which had a similar premise with protagonist who suffered from crippling social anxiety. The difference however was in that series we got to hear the protag’s inner thoughts so could relate and perhaps even sympathise with her numerous mishaps which did get pretty ... cringeworthy as is the case in Komi Can't Communicate.

In contrast to WataMote, we get a more detached experience in Komi Can’t Communicate as we only see Komi’s calamities from a third person perspective of Tadano. It this detached feeling that acts as barrier in us getting attached to her; we could have learned more and even got more laughs by hearing Komi’s inner headspace. This problem is then compounded by the fact the main thrust of jokes is simply to laugh at how nervous and overwhelmed Komi is in any given situation. It is a joke that is repeated to a nauseating degree and the way it is repeated so often almost makes you want to feel sorry for her rather than laugh.

In fact, it is these poor and unfunny jokes that meant I got more joy from the secondary cast. Now I am not saying they are great but they were generally more entertaining than Komi and her partner Tadano. In this class of misfits, we get a girl who is a masochist and loves to treated like a dog and generally likes to be humiliated. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I am sure there are those who would like her. We also get the other extreme of a lesbian yandere girl who has a huge crush on Komi. Yandere’s are always a mixed bag for audiences so you gotta ask yourself if that is your thing. There is more to this wild cast but those are the things that stick out. If you like mad and socially inept characters then you could well enjoy this.

This social ineptitude does have its own problems though as we don’t get a whole lot of character growth. It is this lack of growth that means each character becomes a running gag that gets repeated endlessly. But even going beyond the comedy act this lack of growth also has the side-effect of stifling the romantic undertone that runs through this series as it goes all goes at a snail pace. Now, let me be clear that romance is not the main driver of Komi Can’t Communicate but the way it was handled means it will frustrate viewers who are into this.

What is also hard for me to understand was how everyone in Komi’s class could adore her so much. To me Komi is a flat one-dimensional character who is only defined by her great fear of talking. We never get to see what her hobbies or talents she has; she is simply a passenger to ongoing events. This fawning over Komi also had the effect of undermining the basic premise of the show of obtaining 100 friends although seeing how uninspired this idea was perhaps that is a good thing.

Animation/music:

Animation in Komi Can’t Communicate is one of its stronger suits and it is this unique panelled feel that seems to draw great inspiration from the Manga. It is different and it is great. What is also amusing is the various contrasting styles used to convey Komi’s various expression not to mention her cat ears that depict moments of excitement. It is effective and is a feature that should prove popular to various viewers.

The quality does decline noticeably with the first episodes being clearly superior better than what follows later. Indeed, as we progress through the Anime, we begin to see a number of extras getting the no eyes treatment but despite this dip in quality the animation remains decent. If there is one thing that can be said about the use of panelled shots is the volume of text applied which could be perceived as a potential eyesore. I do feel peoples’ opinion could differ greatly here. The opening and ending sequences were good but nothing to shout about. The opening song is "Cinderella" by Cider Girl while series has two endings. The season opener uses "Sympathy" by Kitri while the other episodes are "Hikare Inochi" by Kitri.

Summary:

Komi has difficulty communicating and I have difficulty understanding how this series is so well liked. The jokes are unfunny and are overly reliant on a very small repertoire that quickly gets nauseating. There is little growth in any of the characters and whilst there are a few wholesome/funny moments it is not nearly enough to save this show.

There are far funnier slice-of-life series out there like Kaguya-sama, B-Gata H-kei, Midori no Hibi and WataMote that make watching this series a questionable affair. Skip this unless you are avid fan of the Manga series as this was a poor effort at comedy.

Story 3 – This is a comedy series that was not funny. This show would have fared better if Komi was the primary protagonist instead of Tadano but alas that was not the case. There are a few wholesome romantic moments later on as Komi begins to open up but these moments of joy are punctuated by long periods of drab.

Characters 4 – While the mains of Komi and Tadano sometimes had some their moments, I felt the chemistry between the pair did not more harm than good. It is the secondary cast that add flavour to this series but due to their questionable interests this won’t appeal to everyone. I did find them amusing and the scenes that focused on them primarily tended to fair better than the ones that relied on Tadano or Komi but if you are relying on the sides to carry a show what does that say about the cast?

Animation/music 7 – Has a unique/distinctive style that is likely to appeal to quite a few people. The animation quality is not maintained and does get progressively worse as the series goes on unfortunately. Moreover, the amount of text that plaster the screen could be a deterrent for some. There will be contrasting opinions but props for trying something different.

Overall 4 – The greatest sin in a comedy is not being funny and that was largely what Komi Can’t Communicate was for me. The way this show handled Komi’s social problems was poor and the lack of jokes not only made Komi become a very flat character it also made it difficult to understand how everyone could adore her to such a fanatical degree. It broke my immersion. There are some romantic elements thrown in but it is not substantial enough to get you buzzing. Bottom line is there are better shows out there and my advice would be to avoid this unless you enjoyed the Manga.