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Oct 15, 2023
Fourth time's the charm, right? Surely Adult Swim and Production IG will get it right! Serving as the direct sequel to FLCL: Alternative, this is set to be the final FLCL series by Adult Swim. Will the sequel project go out with a bang or a whimper?
We follow our protagonist Masaki and an eccentric girl named Harumi, who have locked themselves in a strange tower. Masaki has the ability to see these strange ghost-like beings that seemingly no one else can. The two venture into this mysterious tower to find the answers they're both looking for.
The series starts out with quite a bit of promise,
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surprisingly. It has this "Boy Meets Girl" vibe, with the two being completely polar opposites. With Masaki being the quiet, reserved type while Harumi being outgoing, eccentric, and unpredictable. This leads to a somewhat charming relationship that helped drive the series forward. As the story goes on, Harumi helps push Masaki out of his comfort zone. Masaki was somewhat of an outcast due to his ability to see these ghost-like beings. But when he told others about it, they thought he was crazy, leading him to lead a lonely life. Harumi seemingly accepts Masaki, regardless. This leads to Masaki beginning to open up and start feeling things he hasn't before. This is where Shoegaze excelled, as it was able to keep the spirit of the original series and the "coming of age" theme, while still being original.
While not completely required viewing, watching FLCL Alternative prior to this will help fill in the gaps with this story. As this does partially focus on the protagonist from the prequel, Kana, who is now 27 and jaded with the world. The events at the end of Alternative are a huge part of what happens in Shoegaze.
If you haven't noticed, I've yet to mention Haruko. That is because she does not appear in this series, making it the first to be Haruko-less. Harumi stands in as her sort of spiritual successor, as she has the same kind of vibe and mannerisms. And honestly, the show is likely better for it as it helps make it feel more original.
For some positives, both visually and musically it's close to the original and arguably one of the best out of the four sequels. Good character designs and it properly implements the music of the pillows well, unlike Grunge. It brings a lot of great pillows tracks and it reminds you of just how good of a band they are.
Where Shoegaze fails is its final episode. The story becomes muddled, poorly written, and nonsensical. It attempts to introduce elements in the final 10-15 minutes, making it feel like a mess. When the viewer begins to ask questions like "What's going on? Who is that? What is happening?", you know the writers have failed. There's a difference between leaving things up to interpretation and the story just not making sense. This is the latter. Like all the sequels, it misunderstands the elements and themes of the original while still attempting to emulate them. Strangely, this is another series with only three episodes. While the first two sequels had six episodes, both Grunge and Shoegaze have three. And I believe the series suffered for it. The limited run time is, I think, a partial factor in the bad final episode.
Ultimately, Shoegaze is a series that leaves you thinking, "what if?". A lot of missed potential here, as Shoegaze was, at least for the first two episodes, was able to get the "coming of age" theme without copying the original. But the ending was fumbled, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers, such as "Why did I even watch this?". Like most FLCL sequels, Shoegaze will ultimately fall into obscurity.
FLCL is a series that was groundbreaking and influential, and its effects are still felt even today, not just in Japan, but the entire animation industry. With four bad sequels, I believe it's finally time to give it the rest it deserves.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Sep 23, 2023
The original Fooly Cooly was like lightning in a bottle. It was something that can't be replicated, and remains one of the most iconic series in the history of Japanese animation. But here we are, with Adult Swim's third attempt to capture lightning in a bottle with another series.
Grunge takes place on a different planet, seemingly a post-apocalyptic dystopia setting where crime is rampant and people are trying to get off the planet, but with limited shuttles left. With this being a different planet, not only are there humans, but there are also rock people for some reason. No other explanation is given on the
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setting. Following a group of three kids, each episode is shown in their own perspective of a single night.
My biggest personal issue with Grunge is its blatant lack of originality. The first two sequels, Alternative and Progressive, were at least original. This takes so many beats and scenes that were outright pulled from the original, it's almost embarrassing. I can pick out shot after shot that are directly taken from the original that it almost feels plagiaristic. And even when it steals good things from the original, it has no idea what to do with them.
Visually speaking, this is the biggest departure from all other series to this point; opting to use a stylized 3DCG instead. Most times it looked cheap, stiff, and ugly. Haruko was arguably the best looking character, but she got the royal treatment compared to the rest of the cast.
As for the characters themselves, they were so bland, that I struggle to remember their names. No real personalities, no features that stand out, and only a single episode of development for each of main three protagonists. We see another familiar face besides Haruko with Commander Amarao. But he's practically irrelevant and more like a punchline. Haruko on the other hand was what stringed all the episodes together. Clearly she is the anchor for the series, and without her, it's not really Fooly Cooly. They used her as much as possible, it was strange to say the least.
The music, arguably one of the most important aspects of FLCL, was awkwardly implemented. Despite the quality of the pillows, they were poorly used. Songs were shoved into scenes randomly and they end early or fade away awkwardly. Not a flattering way to use what is still a phenomenal band like the pillows.
The biggest crime of this series is that I feel like it's not saying anything. Usually there is some kind of message that the viewer can takeaway, but in this case, it feels like nothing happens. This leaves the audience shrugging their shoulders and asking why they spent an hour of their time watching this. I'm also in that boat.
No originality, nothing to say, and boring; the very antithesis of what Fooly Cooly is supposed to be.
Reviewer’s Rating: 3
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Apr 1, 2021
They say that good things come to those who wait. And after the sheer excellence that the first season of Yuru Camp delivered, fans were chomping at the bits to have more. And now after 3 years of waiting, the long awaited sequel season has come at what I believe is the perfect time. With the world being in utter chaos, we needed something that slows things down and shows the beauty of the world in which we inhabit.
Season 2 kicks off directly after the end of season 1, with the girls just ending their Holiday vacation and enjoying the New Year’s sights. As the
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season progresses, Yuru Camp tackles topics such as earning money for new equipment and how vitally important it is to be informed and prepared; but it also gives development to its characters making this more than just “cute girls doing cute things”.
While the story itself is still nothing majorly significant, watching this overwhelming charming cast of characters do anything continues to be an utter joy to watch. And that’s what Yuru Camp is, a character driven show. All the girls have terrific chemistry with their own quirks and personalities. Their charm is undeniable making Yuru Camp the soul soothing and relaxing watch that it is.
As I stated earlier, the girls do get some development learning new things about how to camp on your own, the importance of being prepared when camping with knowledge of the camp site, weather, local rules, and so on. This helps the show from feeling stagnant or stale, watching the girls learn and grow gives a feeling of progression.
Visually, Yuru Camp stays consistent with the first season. Because it takes place in the real world and the locations they visit are real places, the artists actually trace photos taken from these places to ensure that they are as accurate as possible. I also think that’s important too, as being accurate to real world locations can help travel and tourism to these wonderful places. From mountain vistas, lake landscapes, scenic cities and towns, to ocean views, Yuru Camp is a varied visual treat showing off the natural splendor of the Land of the Rising Sun. I would be remiss if I forget to mention the delectable food that’s made as well. Local delicacies from the places the group travels to, camp hot pots, and even cup noodles all look delicious and savory.
The characters are as cute as ever with rounded and soft looking designs that helps emphasize the comfiness that this show exudes in spades. But this season feels as though they incorporated just a few more visual cartoony gags, which is OK in my book, it enhances the already stellar comedy. The color palette is bright and colorful making the show look so lively.
Animation wise, Yuru Camp has its moments, but ultimately doesn’t have too much to write home about. There are no high movement scenes, but the animation does its job, especially during comedic scenes using chibi or exaggerated art styles to hit home the jokes, which are again terrific. Honestly the best shots are usually the still frame ones that feature the broad landscapes mentioned previously.
I don’t think I can overstate the excellence in Yuru Camp’s soundtrack. Jaunty tunes, peaceful melodies, silly songs, and hauntingly tranquil pieces fill the show that only enhances the viewers’ enjoyment. Using instruments such as violins, marimbas, acoustic guitars, wind instruments, and even just straight up whistling gives this score an earthy feel, which is very appropriate for the show. If I had to compare it to something, I would say it's reminiscent of the soundtrack found in Animal Crossing. Peaceful, calm, and uplifting music that can be listened to again and again, bringing a smile to one’s face with every listen. I highly recommend anyone reading to go listen to it if they’re able. You won’t regret it.
Yuru Camp’s sequel season came when we needed it most. In a time where lies, deceit, and hatred are the currency of the realm, Yuru Camp shows the importance of kindness, friendship, extending a helping hand to others, and enjoying the natural wonders around us with those that we hold dear. The joy and laughs this series offers is abundant and undeniable, and I’m very eager to go camping once again with these girls in the near future.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 26, 2021
"The next great Shonen!" is a phrase that gets tossed around a lot. Seemingly every year, multiple times in fact, we hear that phrase, saying that this new show is the real deal and will finally fill the void that the likes of Naruto, Bleach, or HunterxHunter left behind. Now it's another discussion entirely if those shows are actually great Shonen or not, but once again we find ourselves with another series that many claim to be the next big thing. And while it may be the next popular thing, does that popularity actually translate to quality as well? Most of the time, it does
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not.
Adapted from the manga of the same name, Jujutsu Kaisen follows the high school student Yuuji Itadori who has the keen ability to see curses. The world is full of curses from people who have passed on with regrets, and these curses stick around and can range from being minor annoyances on regular people's lives to being deadly ones who kill those who are unlucky enough to cross its path. To defend against these curses, Jujutsu Sorcerers use their abilities to exorcise them from the world.
Jujutsu Kaisen goes for a much darker theme more than your average Shonen. With grotesque looking curses and people dying left and right, it certainly stands out from the crowd in that respect. The story itself however, is as run of the mill as it is forgettable. Yuuji becomes a vessel for the strongest curse in the world, making him one big target in the world of Jujutsu Sorcery.
But like most Shounen, it focuses more on its characters and the challenges they must overcome to push the story forward. Unfortunately, if your characters aren't likable or compelling, that can be a major problem. Jujutsu starts off fairly strong for the first number of episodes, however as more characters are introduced and as the story goes on, the quality worsens.
Yuuji is your cookie cutter protagonist who just happens to have a massive amount of power for some reason. We're never told why, we just have to roll with it. He has two teammates, Megumi and Nobara. Megumi is the seasoned student Sorcerer who's been taught since a young age, and Nobara who has some experience of her own, but came from the countryside with not nearly as much experience in the big city.
Megumi is far and away the best character in the series. He's not cocky or full of himself, he struggles with things making him believable and likable, and many tell him he has incredible potential, but he needs to learn to not hinder himself with self-doubt. Nobara on the other hand is confident, but not all that likable. Being so sure of herself makes her a little hard to bear at times.
We get introduced to more characters and most are akin to brick walls, with little personality or likable traits. The other major issue would be how strong they all are. Usually characters need to have weaknesses, so they can have room to grow and improve. However, our group of characters have virtually none of that. Enemies are decimated, leaving no tension in any of the fights. In fact, I would say JJK has some of the most well animated boring fights I've ever seen. When the enemy poses no threat, how can the viewer be invested in what's going on? The sheer power and teamwork that is displayed in some fights feel almost unjustified, with no training or strategizing shown on screen prior.
The antagonists are just as boring as the protagonists. With zero charisma and posing little threat to the heroes, they fail to serve their purposes making them practically worthless. Usually villains have tricks up their sleeves or moves that the protagonist can't immediately counter which gives the fight weight and tension. But in the second half of the show, all of that is thrown out of the window. I don't think I ever worried about any of the heroes losing or even dying once, because I knew that their unparalleled strength and teamwork that seemingly came from nowhere would defeat any foe. It made for a very boring watch.
But I have to give credit where its due, Jujutsu Kaisen is simply one of the best looking animated series in years. Studio MAPPA has solidified themselves as action giants in the industry. Fights are well choreographed, well shot, and well directed. Linework is clean, and during fights, dynamic and interesting. This is a very visually appealing show. The art style is a little on the plain side, but there are a few nice designs here and there. I would say the gnarly designs of the curses are what steal the show.
Now while the fights are visually appealing to watch, I find that there are actually too many action centric episodes. Going back to characters for a moment, Jusutsu needs to slow down and let the characters interact with one another. It helps make them more likable, more human, and let's us better understand who they are and what they fight for. It also helps improve character dynamic and chemistry. But it just doesn't take the proper time to do that, which only adds to its character issues.
Audio wise I don't think there's much to write home about, the music used some traditional Japanese instruments which was a nice touch, but there wasn't a singular track that ever jumped out at me. The voice work was well done, with the vocals from Gojo and Nobara being stand outs.
Jujutsu also tries to subvert common Shonen tropes which I can appreciate. Clichés such as explaining abilities or techniques mid battle, or villains not needing to live in a dark evil lair.
The genre of Shonen can be harsh and unforgiving, with it being arguably the most popular and easily accessible kind of genre out there for anime. Meaning series in that genre can either be incredible successes or massive failures. Jujutsu Kaisen is no doubt popular, but that popularity does not translate to quality. When you have overpowered and unlikable characters, boring and tensionless fights, and a story that's easy to forget; you get a mediocre Shonen at best. If Jujutsu just slowed down, gave itself a chance to breath, and expanded on its 1 dimensional characters, you could have yourself a pretty well made Shonen that tries to buck the cliched trends set by its predecessors.
Until then, Jujutsu Kaisen has to face its demons, or in this case curses, before it has the right to be in the conversation of the "next great Shonen."
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Sep 29, 2020
The Pokémon franchise is what many would call an outlier. Its success can only be described as historic, and one of the very few franchises that bridges the generational gap. Pokémon has continued to capture the hearts of young and old alike through creativity and fun. As it nears its 25th Anniversary (also Pikachu's Pokedex number), Game Freak and Nintendo surely have some exciting things up their sleeves.
To kick off the celebration, Game Freak showed off a music video that fully encapsulated the spirit and wonder of the Pokémon world. Animated by the legendary Studio Bones, it kicks off with reference to what could be
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the very first easter egg in the entire franchise. An almost shot for shot sequence from the classic movie, "Stand By Me", which of course was what was playing on the protagonists' TV in their room in the original Red and Blue. From there, it felt like being shot out of a rocket, as every game, protagonist, villain, legendary, starter, gym leader, and professor was shown and given the spotlight. The sheer amount of detail and things happening on screen was staggering, making multiple views absolutely mandatory.
As we travel through Pokémon history, we also follow two new characters and their partner Pokémon, Pikachu and Eevee. Their designs are unique and wild, which perfectly fits the tone of this stunning music video. We see instances of them growing up with their partners and setting off on their own Pokémon journeys. They both have distinct personalities, as well as their Pokémon, making them very memorable.
Visually, this was absolutely stunning. The sheer amount of detail, references, and care is abundant. This was clearly made by fans, for fans. Colors are vibrant and bold, the animation was fluid and gorgeously detailed, making this total eye candy. I think one of the most pronounced visual aspects of the video were the key battles and vital moments from each game. Be it finding Blue in the final room of the Elite Four, Gold facing off against Red on Mt. Silver, Wally running towards Brendan/May for one final fight; the list just goes on and on. That was hugely important, as it really felt that every game got a chance to shine and show what made it special.
All of this was accompanied by one of the most popular Japanese Rock Bands of the current era, BUMP OF CHICKEN. Bump has done various anime Opening and Ending songs, making them widely known across the world. The song used here, Acacia, really puts their best qualities forward with the upbeat and positive style they're best known for.
This music video will go down as one of the greats, where love and care were clearly put into every frame. As Pokémon kicks off its 25th celebration, we use this to fondly look back on the experiences and friends we made along the way. I'm ready for another 25 fantastic years of Pokémon.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 28, 2020
In the West, Anime and Manga are often conflated with Hentai. This is because of their often use of pervy jokes, skimpy and risque outfits, and at times, even nudity. So generally, the medium is looked at as a perverted one. This is due to the differing values between Japan and the West. While the West is more than happy to show violence, killing, and gore, sexual things are often considered taboo. This is the exact opposite of Japan; sexual subject matter is fine, as it's a natural thing we all feel. While violence is often censored or used sparingly. These cultural differences are why
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there are a multitude of Anime and Manga with at least some sexual content.
Then, there is of course the Ecchi genre that's dedicated to all things pervy. There's a pretty wide spectrum for the genre; series that are fairly mild all the way to being borderline Hentai. You start with more mild series like Food Wars and Fairy Tail with quick and often censored shots, then up to series like Highschool DxD and To Love Ru where boob flashes and groping are commonplace, finally all the way up to the extreme envelop-pushing Prison School and Shimoneta. I personally never thought something would eclipse Shimoneta or Prison School, but once again, Japan has surpassed my expectations and introduced us to perverted masterpiece that is Interspecies Reviewers.
Interspecies Reviewers was so perverted and rife with controversial material, it was dropped by its English licensor Funimation and even multiple Japanese television stations. But make no mistake, this series is a titillating tour de force.
Here we follow Stunk, a Human male, and Zel, a male Elf as they go on a quest to sleep with every kind of species in the wide and diverse world they inhabit. They accomplish this task by visiting Succubi Brothels, then they review the Brothels and post their thoughts at local Inns and Taverns; hence the name Interspecies Reviewers! One day, they come across the rarest species of all, an Angel by the name of Crim. They befriend Crim and show him(her?) the world of Succubi Brothels.
I think this show's strongest aspect is its sheer originality and creativity. The girls range from ultra busty cow girls, to on fire salamander girls, to undead cuties, and everything in between. Many of these species are known to anime fans as "Monster Girls". These have grown in popularity in recent years thanks to many manga, anime, and eroge games. But this series takes it to a whole other level with how unique each species can be. This was a vital aspect that the mangaka/writers HAD to get right if they wanted viewers to come back, and they absolutely nailed it. Every week was a total blast seeing what wild and crazy species the gang would jump into bed with next. Be it busty cuties, sexy and slimy hotties, or creepy but alluring babes, the girls were a feast for the eyes.
Continuing with the sheer originality and creativity point, another part of the show was actually reviewing said species. While we got plenty of bed action like sucking, thrusting, licking, and everything in between; the hilarity came from the various visual gags the writers used to get the opinion of each character across. After each hot and heavy scene, we would be shown the gang writing and talking about their thoughts of brothel they were currently partaking in. Varying from subtle to in your face gags, the visuals used to describe their feelings of pleasure, or at times displeasure, were genius, hilarious, and wildly entertaining.
Visually, this was of course, very appealing. The art style was soft and cute and sexy all in one. If I could compare it to something, I would say that "soft" feeling was similar to a show like Sora no Otoshimono (another ecchi masterpiece). The designs were unique, cute, sexy, and just plain hot. Of course for a show with this subject matter, this was an absolutely essential aspect to the overall success of the series. The animation, while nothing spectacular, was good in its own right. Great jiggle physics and often above average motion when things were getting hot and heavy.
The story itself is simple, yet intriguing. Going from brothel to brothel reviewing their personal experiences is just downright entertaining. Again, thanks in part to its creativity for each species. This never tried to be anything more than it is, a show about sex, and it wore that as a badge of honor.
While the soundtrack was not something I would call outstanding, the music was appropriate where necessary. Nice baby-making piano and jazzy pieces to help set the mood for each sexual situation. The real draw was the terrific performances by the actors, both male and female. Moans of pleasure, hilarious one liners, and overall very believable performances helped make this even sexier than it already was.
The characters themselves were all lovable in their own way, each with their own fetishes and preferences that helped make things more diverse depending on what you're in to. It never got boring because of this. Stunk, our relatable human protagonist preferred them young, beautiful, and busty. While Zel, our Elf protagonist didn't really care about looks, but more about mana, but still enjoyed his fair share of cuties and large busts. Other side characters liked things such as collars and masochistic fetishes, others were worried about smells, while Crim, our third protagonist was more innocent and was forced into things with a sort of "virgin" perspective.
On the subject of Crim, I think he's(she's?) a little divisive. Often in Anime/Manga, Angels are shown to be hermaphrodites. With both functional male and female parts. This is the same with Crim, who looks both girly and a bit boyish as well. I personally, wasn't a fan of Crim because I wasn't interested in watching a girlish/boyish child having intercourse. But in the end, Crim was a "necessary evil" as they are used a vehicle for the viewer to help understand the world of Interspecies Reviewers better. Because Crim was new to the world, Crim would often ask questions about customs, cultures, and so on.
As someone who has seen his fair share of ecchi, I can confidently say Interspecies Reviewers has cemented itself as a masterpiece in the ecchi genre. I have not seen a series that has pushed more boundaries or has been more unique than this show. Entertaining, extremely sexy, unflinchingly confident, and downright hilarious, Interspecies Reviewers will always make me want to come back for more.
Now let's go to Paradise!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 16, 2019
You're probably reading this review on a computer or smart phone, using an internet connection inside a building with a set, comfortable temperature. Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a computer, phone, building, or air conditioner? What about the things that power them? What about the internet or a connection to a cellular tower? Often we take for granted these miraculous amenities we indulge in every single day. But what if all of it was gone in a flash?
Dr. Stone is very different than your average shounen story. This is a story of survival, perseverance, and hope. But most of all, Dr.
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Stone is a story of human spirit and ingenuity.
The story follows Senku Ishigami, a genius high schooler who is obsessed with learning how anything and everything works, with the dream of one day reaching space. His good friend Taiju on the other hand isn't very bright, but is a genuine and nice guy who only wants to confess to the girl he loves. However, before he could finally admit his true feelings, a flash of green light enveloped the world, turning every single human to stone. Thousands of years have passed, and thanks to the forces of nature and a little bit of luck, Senku and Taiju are finally released from their stony prisons. They now live in a world completely foreign to the one we live in today. No buildings, no phones, no power, no anything; humanity has been reset, with all of our work and knowledge lost. The genius Senku and the relentless Taiju are now working together to solve the mystery of humans turning to stone and restoring humanity back to its former glory.
From beginning to end, Dr. Stone is a delight. Its comedy is well executed and its explanation of how things work is fascinating. Its story of survival is what immediately jumps out to me as interesting. Most shounen consist of epic battles, power-ups, and lots of yelling; but Dr. Stone pits Senku against the forces of nature armed with nothing but his knowledge and wit. With limited resources he has to start at the very beginning, making primitive tools from rock and wood.
Luckily, Senku isn't your run of the mill low IQ, always hungry shounen protagonist. Throughout his life Senku dedicated himself to science, learning anything and everything he could about the world and how things worked. Right from the git-go, Senku is interesting, unique, and just damn fun to watch. With this knowledge Senku, with the help of Taiju's strength of course, is able to jump thousands of years simply knowing how to make more advanced tools.
Senku continues to up the ante making more miraculous things out of materials that you never thought possible in this "Stone World". He meets a cast of colorful characters who, more often than not, are used to help him make said things. To avoid any potential spoilers, I'll refrain from speaking anymore about story details. But I can say, watching Senku and his friends build technology, filled me with excitement and pride for the human race, and how far we've come with our amazing inventions. Every episode brings something new to the table and never feels boring, as you never know what you'll learn next.
Visually, Dr. Stone can be hit or miss. The studio was clearly trying to emulate the manga's sometimes very detailed art. At times, it looked really off and silly. Not to say the art is bad, but it can come off as wonky at times. The character designs are varied, but sometimes looked inconsistent, especially with the female characters. With that said, the girls are still cute, and Senku has this iconic look to him with his crazy hair going from white to green. The animation felt a bit limited, but with the use of comedy, they utilized exaggerated designs, chibi characters, etc. These visuals helped emphasize the brilliant comedy, and the comedy was a huge part of the series' charm.
The sounds of Dr. Stone really supported the setting of the "Stone World". Instruments consisted of acoustic instruments, with wood sounding flutes, drums, and bells. It gave off a very "Earthy" sound, it sounded natural as if everything was made from materials you could find out in the wild. The acoustic guitar riffs were especially nice and they stood out to me the most, especially during exciting moments.
The voice acting was great, or as great sounding as someone who doesn't speak Japanese can tell. Senku's actor had a stellar performance. The English dub has the same quality, with Aaron Dismuke delivering an excellent performance as Senku.
The colorful cast of Dr. Stone are a huge pillar of the show's success, with Senku being the central figure. As I said previously, he isn't a run of the mill protagonist. His intelligence and determination really set him apart from other characters. He isn't a completely virtuous character either, often using underhanded tactics to fool others and achieve his goals. This is one of the many things I love about his character. The supporting characters of the fearless Chrome, the strong and practical Kohaku, the adventurous and helpful Suika, and the relentless Taiju are all also very enjoyable. No one felt useless or unneeded, each one brought something to the table and made the show all the more fun to watch.
With all of this in mind, Dr. Stone was a very enjoyable watch. Some explanations felt long and drawn out, other times the show felt like it was dragging. But those complaints are few and far between, as this never failed to invigorate my spirit with it's detailed and clever story. If there's one thing that this made me realize, it's that we really do take the technology and amenities we use every day for granted. Seeing Senku work so hard to create something we view as commonplace really puts things in perspective. The appreciation for the everyday modern miracles was the most powerful lesson from this show for me.
Ultimately, Dr. Stone doesn't redefine the shounen genre, nor does it take any huge risks. It's inconsistent visuals can hinder it at times and the soundtrack is great, but not entirely memorable. But its unique premise and stellar main character really help set it apart from most properties in the genre.
Dr. Stone is a story of human spirit and ingenuity. With determination, perseverance, strength, and courage, humanity can accomplish anything. In these divided times I think it's an inspiring message that we can all get behind. And I ten billion percent can't wait to see where Senku takes us next.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Sep 19, 2019
Anime is known as the medium of extremes, both to its benefit and detriment. Extreme designs, animation, plots, and so on. But with so many anime out there reaching all kinds of extremes, it can be difficult to break out from the crowd and truly feel original. So why not make something that most would say is the exact opposite of what anime fans are interested in? That idea might just be crazy enough to work; and for "How Heavy Are The Dumbbells You Lift?", it certainly does.
Creating a show about working out has to be difficult, especially with an audience who has zero interest
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in the subject. But throw in cute girls, a great art style, fantastic comedy, well placed ecchi, and genuinely entertaining educational moments, you can't help but be sucked in to such a crazy, but hilarious series.
The show follows Hibiki and her friends as they dive into the world of weight lifting and exercising. Anime girls exercising is something that piqued my interest simply because of how out there it was, and I quickly found myself loving it every single week. A big reason is because of the characters. Hibiki, our main character, eats a little too much, but wants a beach body for the summer. She joins the gym on a whim thanks in part to her friend Akemi, who is obsessed with muscles. The cast continues to get crazier and more hilarious as the series goes on. This includes the attractive, yet insanely muscly, gym trainer Machio. Which I'm sure you can already tell just by his name how macho he really is.
The characters have a great synergy with one another that was very entertaining. This is thanks to how well written the comedy for this show is. With the hilarious focus on outrageous muscles, the various ways to workout, and the hi-jinks that ensue, every episode was always an enjoyable watch. It embraced its absurdity and used it to only make the show funnier. It never felt too tried hard, nor did this ever take itself seriously.
But to my surprise, I found myself really enjoying the educational part of the show too. From lessons about basic workouts, to proper form for each workout, safety precautions, various ways to workout without going to a gym, and more, the educational part never felt like a detriment to the show. Lessons were perfectly weaved into the show based on what was going on in the story.
Visually, it was a pleasure to look at. The girls are insanely cute, and the art style is just downright attractive. Characters like Machio with highly defined muscles all looked accurate and detailed. The animation wasn't bad and I would say that this was above average in the visual department.
Sound was great due to terrific performances by the cast. Stand outs would be Hibiki's actress, Ai Fairouz, Machio's actor, Kaito Ishikawa, and Gina's actress, Nao Touyama. These are just 3 stand outs in an already excellent cast. The Opening and Ending themes are fantastic, both being as equally entertaining to listen to (with many of us adding them to our workout playlists). The soundtrack itself never really stood out to me. I don't really remember any specific tracking sticking out to me, save for the super catchy song that played during Machio's lessons. The sound design was great, as it utilized comedic sounds to help emphasize jokes.
Whether you're on the beach, walking down the street, at home with no equipment, or whatever the case may be, How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift shows that you can workout any time and anywhere. It presents it in a clear and easy to understand way that's both funny and entertaining. It promotes and encourages a healthy lifestyle, which is a great message for a show to have.
The comedy and visual style are excellent as they embrace their absurdity with a barrage of jokes that don't let up. The charm of the cast quickly grows on you too, which only amplifies the humor. If you're a fan of comedy and something that's a little different, I highly recommend checking out this show. I believe in time, it will become a comedy classic.
Nice Bulk!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Aug 26, 2019
I think many people misunderstand what a non-canon anime movie is. A movie for an on-going series must be a self contained story that does not affect the source material as to avoid ruining the continuity of the original work. With that in mind, most anime movies are nothing more than popcorn-fare that are only meant for the enjoyment of the fans of the series. So walking into a film and expecting the storytelling of Bebop will leave you very disappointed, every time.
The Arrow of the Orion was yet another non-canon anime movie with a self-contained plot and heroine with no real development for the
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characters. As someone who's watched his fair share of Naruto, Bleach, etc. anime films, I knew full well what I was getting into. Mainly for non-canon movies like this, what I look for is 1. How entertaining is the film? and 2. What does the movie do to make itself unique?
The movie has Bell and the gang help a Goddess in need to defeat an ancient evil, but the quest is not all as it seems as the Hestia Familia begin to unravel the unsettling truth behind the quest and the Goddess who offered it.
This plot is pretty standard. It's doesn't really stand out and most people can guess what's going to happen before it even happens on screen. I was however, very happy that we are finally exposed to the world outside the city of Orario. While most of it was fairly generic backdrops, it was still nice to get out of the city. I would say the plot is the weakest aspect of the film. But for a non-canon film, this isn't necessarily a deal breaker. Personally, I'm just happy we get to spend more time with these characters.
I myself am a big fan of the Danmachi franchise. I like many of the characters and find the world interesting. Even Bell, who can be considered a "generic protagonist", is someone I find both endearing and someone I love to cheer on. I very much enjoyed the first season and I can't wait to see where the second season takes us.
With that in mind, I found that this movie did a great job with character interactions; most were fun and entertaining. I love this cast, and seeing them further joke around and talk is something I'll always find enjoyable. Hestia especially has really great screen presence. Jokes hit most of the time and I found myself smiling during the groups' antics. But as I've said, there isn't any room for any real development for characters in a film like this.
You'll be hard pressed to find a movie that doesn't have improved visuals over its TV counterpart, and this was no different. The animation for multiple action scenes was stellar. Danmachi also has a very appealing art style. The design for the movie-only character, Artemis, was as great as the regular casts'. The group also got some nice movie outfits which were a nice touch. The only real downside was the mediocre CGI that was used for the monsters in the film. Unfortunately, this has become an industry norm that I've more or less have gotten used to. Regardless, Danmachi has always had solid visuals in both animation and art, and that continues in this film.
I think one thing this franchise doesn't get enough praise for is its sound design. The sound design for this was outstanding. Some standout sounds came from the final fight, as well as during special powerful attacks. But even more common sounds, like when someone defeats a monster, sounds terrific. The sound is strong and very bass heavy, but some others sound alien and weird; I just love it. The soundtrack was also good. If you're familiar with the TV series' OST, the movie's soundtrack sounds very similar. I think the franchise as a whole has had above average music, especially during fight scenes with the violin segments.
While this movie doesn't break any new ground and plays it pretty safe with its simple story, I still enjoyed myself. If you're not a fan of the franchise, or you dislike non-canon movies, then I'm not sure why you're here. But if you're a fan of this franchise and just want to see more of Bell, Hestia, and the whole gang, then grab your adventuring gear, because this film is worth your time.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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May 15, 2019
Director Tatsuki has been on a turbulent journey these past few years. He became a household name after the unparalleled success of Kemono Friends in 2017. Kemono Friends was a no name franchise from a failed mobile game and manga until the airing of the anime, which turned it into the industry giant it is today. That was largely thanks in part to the talent of Director Tatsuki. The man is a master of mystique and a world building wonder. He incorporates adorable characters into dark and sometimes even twisted stories, but in a meaningful and endearing way.
After the success of Kemono Friends, we
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all thought the sky was the limit. But thanks to corporate greed, Tatsuki was kicked to the curb when they thought his usefulness had ended. Following this incident was a massive social media outcry from not only Japan, but around the world. Despite the hardship,Tatsuki and Studio Yaoyorozu picked themselves back up and went to work to tell another compelling story. This time, with an entire fandom in tow.
Kemurikusa is a brand new series by Tatsuki and animated by Studio Yaoyorozu. It's set in a dystopian world following the sisters Rin, Ritsu, and Rina. I have to preemptively say, there are a large amount of similarities to the first season of Kemono Friends. Obviously because they both share the same director, but it's something worth pointing out. This time around the story is much darker and bleaker than Kemono Friends. The characters are constantly trying to survive as they attempt to find water and fight off Red Bugs. They come upon a mysterious person named Wakaba, who may very well help them find the paradise they've longed for.
The characters are the first thing I want to touch on. I found this cast of characters delightful and a joy to see them interact with one another. Tatsuki is incredibly good at making adorable, likable characters. They contrast very well with the dark, mysterious, and dystopian backdrop. And again, like Kemono Friends, the characters have a synergistic relationship with one another. The sisters have special powers and are able to fight the Red Bugs, while Wakaba is both intelligent and is able to think outside the box thanks in part to his insatiable curiosity. This relationship works so well because it allows everyone to be useful, and no one is left to irrelevancy. Rin is serious is always on the lookout for the enemy, Ristu is motherly and kind, Rina is goofy, innocent, and childlike, and finally Wakaba is easy going, sometimes air-headed, and easily frightened. It's a nice mix of personalities that you are quickly charmed by. Seeing these cute, endearing characters struggle in this twisted world only made you cheer for them more.
Continuing on the story itself, it's a story of survival and trying to find a better life with the ones you love. The plot strings you along the entire time as there are numerous mysterious elements that keep you hooked. This is another aspect Tatsuki is very good at; his stories never lack mystique. How did the world get this way? Where did everyone go? What's the story behind the mysterious, yet powerful Kemurikusa leaves? Because of the survival element, tension was consistently present. The characters' lives were constantly in danger as they walked into the unknown; be it from fighting off Red Bugs or running out of water.
I did however, find myself bored a handful of times. At least one or two times an episode it's nothing but showing the characters walking and getting around difficult terrain. While it is interesting to see the world unfold in front of us, I just couldn't shake my feeling of boredom at times.
There are a number of things that I don't feel as though they were explained well enough, which left me feeling a little disappointed. However, the entire story is contained in the 12 episodes. Which to me, is a breath of fresh air. There always seems to be room for a sequel nowadays, but this resolves the entire story from beginning to end which gives you a feeling of fulfillment and completeness.
Visually, this was a big step up from Kemono Friends. Studio Yaoyorozu now has more experience, and it shows, but this may have also got more funding behind it as well. While it still retains the simple looking animation, the character designs are attractive and the animation is much smoother and more intricate. However, the animation still looks rough at times and at best it's only middle of the road, at least for industry standards. I think what helps set it apart is the art style, which is cute and round. It's basically becoming iconic at this point.
As for backgrounds, it was filled with crumbling buildings and structures, empty cars filling some streets while others are completely barren. You'll see a variety of structures like an amusement park, a residential district, an industrial district and more. What happened to what appears to be this once great society? Tatsuki uses this to his advantage as a "show, don't tell" technique that he did so well in Kemono Friends.
The music wasn't anything to write home about. It served it's purpose as I don't have anything particularly positive or negative to say about it. And from what I can tell of the voice acting, it was great. Everyone had a distinct and innocent sound to them that I just loved.
It's been a long road for Tatsuki since the end of Kemono Friends. But I can happily say he has another winner on his hands. At the time of this review, volume 1 of Kemurikusa has sold 15,000 units. Kemurikusa is an interesting world with a great cast of characters. The story leaves you with a sense of satisfaction and is an overall enjoyable experience. While it does lag behind in couple of key aspects, Kemurikusa is still a memorable show that I found myself loving by the time episode 12 rolled around.
After the way he was treated, it's terrific to see a director like Tatsuki land back on his feet with Kemurikusa. His blending of cute and dark along with a twist of mystery, Tatsuki has found a successful formula that works, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for the future.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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