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The Fall 2024 anime season is stacked with sequels and a few anime of the year contenders that this series would be buried under it.

It is not some unexpected gem, it has a similar premise with most other isekai stories of its ilk, and the animation is nothing special. What it has going for it is that it is indeed entertaining, and merits waiting for the latest episode week in and out. It is certainly the only series I watch weekly after the other new series I started were unable to catch up with my interest.

In being a generic isekai, it actually pokes fun at ... the entire genre. It subverts expectations by giving us a likeable "loner" lead, who treasures his solitude, is not as edgy as the one in Arifueta or Failure Frame. If one would actually bother to watch the first three episodes, it is easy to see why Haruka, our main protagonist, would prefer to survive on his own in the forest. The entire class he was summoned to this other world devolved into cliques as vapid as the next. The only group with good heads on their shoulder were the otaku group.

I really like how the creative staff made the most out of its middling animation to tell a solid story, like how the main protagonist made the most of the leftover skills he got after his classmates had their picks of the bunch. It is an underdog story that you would naturally root for the hero.

Now that the third season just ended, it ended on the same note that has been the theme for the entire season: meetings.

Meetings are not bad, because they are an efficient way to deal with exposition and world building. Thus, despite having too many meetings, the pace of the overall story has been brisk. The animation is decent, if nothing spectacular, up to season two levels, with some flourishes here and there.

Now that a fourth season was announced as the third wrapped up, I hope it can surpass it. Simply because it is not a high bar to cross. A solid action piece here and ... there and I might just forget about this third season.

Overall, it is a solid addition to the overall TenSura overall plot, with the worldbuilding that is the hallmark of this series. Thus, anime-only fans should enjoy it.

In my case, I'm also a manga reader, and this season catches up to the recently ended story arc. Given the timeline of anime development on a per season basis, I wouldn't mind the anime story leaving the manga story in the dust. The manga will have plenty of time in the intervening gap between development to build up its lead again.

Recommended for anime only fans. Mixed feelings for manga readers who supplement their reading experience with the anime.

Suicide Squad Isekai is not Warner Bros. first go around at an anime featuring its characters. There is already the memorable Batman Ninja.

However, it is the first time it combined the popular isekai genre with these assholes, pardon the language, from the Suicide Squad.

So, it has your Japanese occidentalist fantasy setting, with elves, beatmen, dragons, and a whole lot of magic. It even has a loli death god for a final boss. The American contribution is the ultraviolence this particular set of characters have a penchant for. This version of the Squad even have their own magical girl transformation scene.

The animation is ... superb, about as well as can be expected from the Studio Wit. The producers must pull out the stops because this is a collaboration that can’t fail.,

However, the story is all over the place. There are several story points that remain unresolved, and it felt like the plot was just going around in circles. It is not as obvious when you are watching an episode weekly, but when you are binge watching, it will feel repetitive at times.

This is a good show to watch with your brain off and just enjoy the quality animation poured into it. If you are a DC comics fan who enjoys a bit of guilty pleasure isekai stories, this is for you. If you want to watch the hypnotic Amanda Waller dance number at the end credits, give in and enjoy it.

The Savior's Book Café Story in Another World was that fantasy romance manga that looked like a shojo romance but was serialized in a seinen magazine.

Predictable Mary Sue Protagonist: Tsukina, the female lead, fits the Mary Sue archetype too neatly. She possesses magical powers, runs a book café, and is universally liked. Her lack of flaws makes her less relatable and reduces tension in the story.

Underutilized World-Building: Despite being set in another world, the story doesn’t fully explore its potential. The remote location of Tsukina’s café away from the central plot (the royal palace) diminishes the impact of major events, rendering them mere ... afterthoughts.

Shallow Characterization: While Tsukina’s slice-of-life activities are charming, the supporting characters lack depth. The knight Il, who shares Tsukina’s love for books, has chemistry with her, but their interactions remain surface-level. More nuanced character development would enhance the overall experience.

Too Kind Monarchy: The kingdom where the characters reside stands out for its understanding and benevolent monarch. However, this utopian portrayal feels unrealistic, especially in an isekai setting. A touch of complexity or conflict within the ruling system would add depth.

Rushed Pacing: Despite having only 26 chapters, the story’s pacing feels hurried. While the ending is satisfying, some plot points could benefit from further exploration. A more balanced progression would make the journey more fulfilling.

In summary, “The Savior’s Book Café Story in Another World” offers a pleasant romance with minimal commitment, but it misses opportunities for deeper world-building and character development. Still, if you seek a quick read with a conclusive ending, it’s worth considering.

A short manga series tends to communicate that the series wasn't getting the attention neccessary to prolong its serialization. Not with this case, since the intention for this series was to be shorter than most titles being simultaneously published on the Manga Plus app.

The series in question is "Set It and Forget It', a fun and wholesome series about a single female office lady and her versatile electric and programmable rice cooker.

Ordinary people tend to use their rice cookers for one thing: to cook rice. But Fuko has hacked the functionality settings of her rice cooker, which she nicknamed "RC-kun", to be able to cook ... dishes along with the rice.

These are real recipes one can prepare with their rice cooker along with the rice. The recipes are included with every chapter and written in a simple and straightforward manner that one could imagine it would be an easy dish to prepare if one were to follow the steps.

The recipes are the key to this series. The story and art are good. The female character designs are cute and pleasing to look at. But those alone with put this story at a rating of 7 at the max. Rating both the story and recipes included would push the rating to 8 or 9.

So, a short run is not an indictment of the quality of the manga. In this case, a short run can allow the creators involved to prepare for longer running series in the future. The artist especially has the very useful skill of drawing cute and pretty female characters.

Lack of High Stakes in Season 3
The third season seems to follow a similar pattern to the first season, lacking the tension and high stakes that could elevate the plot. While the animation quality is high, the absence of significant challenges may disappoint some viewers.

Unlikable Characters
Season 3 introduces a couple of unlikable characters who bring their family drama into the school. This subplot can be distracting and detract from the overall experience.

Pacing and Remake Concerns
With four novel volumes covered in the third season, the pacing is brisk. However, there’s a risk of it feeling like a slow remake of the first season. Balancing pacing while ... maintaining freshness is crucial for keeping the audience engaged.

Despite these criticisms, the show remains popular in Japan, likely due to its quintessentially Japanese elements and the intriguing dynamics of the magic clans. Fans of this franchise would no doubt enjoy this show. The high-quality animation almost guarantee that at least it is watchable.

Untapped Potential
“THE NEW GATE” starts with an intriguing premise, drawing inspiration from popular light novels like “OVERLORD” and “Sword Art Online.” However, despite its solid world-building and a likable protagonist in Shin, the anime fails to fully capitalize on its potential.

Generic Isekai Appearance
On the surface, it appears to be just another generic isekai story. Yet, the show manages to rise above clichés through well-executed storytelling. Unfortunately, this uniqueness doesn’t translate well to anime viewers due to pacing issues and low-budget animation.

Competition and Disappointment
In a competitive seasonal lineup, “THE NEW GATE” faces strong newcomers like “Kaiju 8” and a “Spice and Wolf” remake. While manga and ... light novel readers might find some enjoyment, they may ultimately be disappointed by this adaptation.

Remember, opinions may vary, and mine is just one voice, but these are the key points to consider when evaluating “THE NEW GATE.”

A Satisfying Conclusion
“Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl” serves as a poignant coda to the anime series, effectively wrapping up the narrative. Despite the ongoing source material, this movie delivers a complete story in one sitting. Fans of the series will find closure and resolution, making it a must-watch for those invested in the characters and their emotional journeys.

Seamless Integration with the Series
The film seamlessly continues the story from where the anime series left off. It doesn’t feel like an afterthought or an unnecessary addition. Instead, it enriches the existing plotlines, providing answers to lingering questions and deepening our understanding of ... the characters. Viewers who followed the series will appreciate how well the movie integrates with the established universe.

Visual Excellence Visually
“Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl” surpasses the series. The animation quality is top-notch, with vibrant colors, detailed backgrounds, and expressive character designs. The emotional moments hit harder due to the heightened visual impact. Whether it’s the serene beach scenes or intense confrontations, the movie’s aesthetics elevate the storytelling.

Emotional Rollercoaster
Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster. The film tugs at heartstrings, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connections. The characters face dilemmas that resonate with real-life struggles, and their emotional arcs are beautifully portrayed. Without giving away spoilers, I can confirm that the waterworks are indeed inevitable.

Critique: Pacing and Source Material
While the movie provides closure, some viewers might feel that certain plot points could have been explored further. The pacing occasionally rushes through pivotal moments, leaving us craving more depth. Additionally, fans of the light novel or manga may notice deviations from the source material. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise satisfying experience.

In summary, “Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl” is a heartfelt conclusion that balances emotional impact with stunning visuals. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, this movie is worth the watch. Just keep those tissues handy!

This manga had some nice fan service panels and pin-ups. In fact, some of these fan service images figure in the plot. Alas, at least one panel suffered unnecessary censorship in the omnibus edition released by Yen Press.

The Logical With is Sakuta's friend, Rio, the one who has free rein of the chemistry love, brewing coffee in a lab coat and all. She had a pivotal role in the first two stories of the Bunny Girl Senpai series, helping Sakuta diagnose and treat the respective "adolescent syndrome" of Bunny Girl Senpai and Petite Devil Kouhai.

This time, the bespectacled Rio is the one on the receiving ... end of Sakuta's help, when her own teenage anxieties manifested in the emergence of her doppelganger.

I really like how the focus of this story is the triumvirate of friends Sakuta formed with Kunimu and Rio. This series doesn't have to be about romance, though the underlying plot of Sakuta and Mai and developing relationship and it is growing pains is always welcome. But the friendship of the three is its own special thing and deserved this spotlight.

The mangaka did a great job adapting the light novel and they have cute style that fits the vibe of the Bunny Girl Senpai universe. Cute style I mean that it results in cute versions of the girl characters, even Kunimi's annoying girlfriend.

A near perfect anime adaptation of a beloved manga.

It keeps the story faithful, the panels are basically the storyboards, the original design used as the character guides, and with the flourishes and techniques that anime directors have in their arsenal.

The voice acting is on point, and that is very evident in the last two episodes where the characters switch racial appearances and quirks. The voice cast nailed it perfectly each time.

I called it "near perfect" because this was just half the story. At least, we can expect another season thanks to the announcement after the last episode aired.

This is an anime that can stand on ... its own merits, even if it does have a great manga story as its source material.

Highly recommend, with the advice not to watch this on an empty stomach.