AniB Productions

Review: Oshi no Ko (season 1)

One of 2023’s most hyped shows gets scouted.

Review: Oshi no Ko
Studio: Doga Kobo
Years aired: April 2023-June 2023 (season 1)

Some minor spoilers ahead, mostly for the prologue opening film.

AniB’s thoughts:

I had to think carefully for a while about this show before truly committing fully to this review. Oshi no Ko required thoughtful reflection between its unusual cinematic opening and the rest of the season that followed in tow, the immense amounts of hype and popularity that followed along with it as a seasonal release in 2023, and the pressure such expectations created not just for the series, but for me, the viewer and critic in this case. Such a phenomena is not an uncommon thing necessarily, but it does put more pressure on a writer in general when those words are meant to entertain and perhaps inform those who read them. And so I won’t bury the lede: Oshi No Ko is a very good series- but has some meat left on the bone to be called truly “great.”

Now there is nothing wrong with that context in particular, especially armed with the knowledge a season 2 is coming, so a number of plot threads still will have to see their resolution there. The second series to be adapted from Aka Akasaka (Kaguya-sama: Love is War), Oshi no Ko certainly comes with expectations- and off the bat the opening prologue movie is truly excellent, establishing an investment into the characters and the series, while choosing to focus through Aqua’s point of view on his life, unexpected reincarnation and the mystery of the charismatic individual he calls his mother: Ai, the star idol of the group “B Komachi”. It serves as a compelling entryway into what comes next and is as effective a hook as you’ll find with any series.

Ai is the character the mysteries and plot of the entire show at large revolve around. A talented rising idol star, Ai’s genuine allure was unmistakable as was her face, notable especially for her unusual star-shaped pupils. Behind the smiling public persona though was an individual unsure of herself, searching for love and spinning lies into her own truth as she made others happy but not herself. That said, she worked hard and was committed to her two children, who she believed greatly in. The mystery of the events that led to her death and her shrouded backstory, including the shadowy man who was the twins’ father, is at the center of Aqua’s narrative in particular, but it drives everything else as an undercurrent in the story.

Outside of the opening movie, episode 6 in particular stood out. Featuring a talented young stage actress named Akane, who was cast as part of a group of young actors and influencers for a romance dating reality show, she was struggling to gain popularity and felt spurned to try and take drastic measures. This episode is compelling but sobering about the dangers of internet social culture and the mental health and well-being of someone (in this case Akane) but the episode can be both upsetting and yet hopeful at the same time. It comes in a bit unexpectedly tonally so while alerting its existence is a minor spoiler, proceed with caution.

Overall, Oshi no Ko presents a well animated, interesting character drama set against the backdrop of the entertainment industry with an element of suspense and mystery. Unresolved plot threads still will hopefully find their resolution in a second season and on the whole, it accomplishes well what it sets out to do. You may be slightly disappointed if you’re expecting the greatest show of all time, but on its own merits and as a setup for more? I’ll gladly hop back in line for seconds.

Animation: One of the standout elements of the show, the level of detail is commendable. You feel a dramatic weight to movements by people in this series and their actions, falling in line with the deliberate way those in entertainment carry themselves. Character design is eye-catching and memorable and there’s even noticeable variation in outfits for the main characters. Action sequences have some good heft to them and the animation beyond just looking good actively enhances the overall presentation of the series.

4.5/5 points.

Characters:

Much of the show (and all of the prologue) is seen through the eyes of Aquamarine Hoshino (normally just called Aqua), a one-time doctor/idol otaku who died an untimely death while treating the idol Ai only to be reborn as one of her twins. Fully retaining his memory, knowledge and skills from his previous life, he is seen as precocious by those around him and after the events of the prologue, devotes his life to finding out everything he can about his mother- and the mysterious father who he nor twin Ruby knew. Possessing a natural gifted disposition towards acting despite his claims to the contrary, he’s masterfully talented in many regards and closely looks after his sister.

Ruby is also another reincarnation, this time of a little girl named Sarina who was one of the doctor’s patients. While sickly in that life, she introduced “B Komachi” and Ai to the doctor and fell in love with him, things that she never forgot. As Ruby, she retains her love for Ai, not just as a fan but as her daughter, and is steadfastly determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps as an idol. In contrast to her brother, she’s outgoing and optimistic and has a much more idealistic view of the world around her.

A famous one-time child actor, Kana Arima has been steeped in this world since she could talk. Possessing talent and experience in spades, she became smitten with Aqua at a young age after he came in and showed her up at a movie filming session. She remained impressed with him upon reuniting. Kana’s a very practical individual due to the many hard experiences she had after her child actor days and is slow to open up truly to people, preferring to guard herself closely (despite her talent.) She winds up playing a major role in particular after Aqua and Ruby meet her at the high school they enroll at.

Appearing a bit later into the season, MEM-cho is a well-known streamer who is originally introduced to Aqua through a dating show he lands a role in. Outwardly energetic, she shows great understanding and savvy of the industry and becomes an important connection overall for the Hoshino siblings.

There are many other supporting characters but a few worth noting, such as Miyako Saito, the one-time girlfriend of Ichigo Saitou (Ai’s original production manager/Strawberry Productions) who becomes the guardian and later essentially adoptive parent of the Hoshino twins as well as the lead production manager in the future. There’s also Akane Kurokawa, who I briefly touched on in my thoughts- who is a hard working, gifted stage actress. Many more characters exist in this cast which help flesh out this world but it’s best to discover them for yourselves if you haven’t watched the series- and if you have, you know how complex the chain of relationship webs can get.

The characters are arguably the greatest strength of Oshi no Ko given how strongly they drive the entire premise and intrigue of the show. There is more room for this cast to grow, but they are interesting to watch on screen and their interactions form a major driving focus for the viewer.

4.5/5 points

Story: A character-driven drama, this narrative weighs more if you wind up investing in these characters on the whole as interesting. Fortunately this show is able to accomplish that with a powerful hook and sets it convincingly enough with the continued interactions and chains of events that occur as a result. There are still unresolved plot threads that need to see their conclusion in a season 2 (which is coming) but the setup so far has been stellar and for arc-specific resolutions they often have compelling answers. A compelling setup indeed.

4/5 points.

Themes: This show has very mature themes, mostly revolving around personal presentation and mental image as well as the nature of the entertainment industry and its shiny exterior and grimy interior politics. There are also other compelling ideas woven in such as the decision to choose to give birth to illegitimate twins as an idol, commentary on the age of the internet and of course, some murder mystery stuff as well. However, despite these impressive themes there’s often some melodramatics attached to it and in some cases it could be interpreted as slightly heavy-handed in the most sensitive of moments. As a result, a bit more tact and development is needed for a truly outstanding score here.

3.75/5 points.

Intangibles: One of the biggest complaints I’d levy at this show is that it does feel like it could be shoehorned into being a period piece over time. It’s very “of the moment” (as in 2023) particularly on its views and exploration into the impact of the internet and social media, and while that’s highly relevant at this time, it remains to be seen how well those sections of the narrative will hold up over time. In general, the sound direction is good in this show and the brilliant opening prologue movie is a great tone-setter for the rest of the season. The OP and ED are also rather memorable both musically and visually. There is a full length English version of the OP on YouTube that’s worth checking out lyrically just to have a better idea into Ai’s mindscape.

3.75/5 points

Total 20.5/25 (82%): Oshi no Ko has several standout attributes but has elements that may date it quickly as time rolls on. However, the animation and characters along with some of the thematic plot bits in particular make the show worth exploring with a potential for greater payoff knowing a second season is on the way. A strong entry in its own anime release season, it’s a fine show that should appeal strongly to those who enjoy character dramas or human psychology, or for someone seeking a twist on the idol format.

Like what you see? Big fan of Oshi no Ko? Leave a comment!

Review: Clannad: After Story

An emotional masterpiece, years later.

Review: Clannad: After Story
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Years aired: 2008-09

FULL SPOILERS AHEAD. Go watch Clannad if you haven’t already. The grading section though will be spoiler-free.

AniB’s take: It’s been a long time coming to finally work my way through one of Kyoto Animation’s finest works. An adaptation of a VN, this review focuses specifically on the second season of Clannad. Originally conceived and adapted as a high school romance with comedic elements, After Story continues the focus on the relationship between Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa from the first season. The first 9 episodes flesh out a few more of the supporting cast with their own focus arcs, familiar to the format as well established in Clannad before hitting the “meat” of the story between Nagisa and Tomoya.

Without a shadow of a doubt, this relationship as depicted on screen is a real contender for the best romance in any and all anime. Challengers can apply, but like Akio’s pitches, good luck getting a home run over this couple. After Story intensifies and deepens the reality of the romance beyond the scope of the high school days and the show actually morphs into a drama about life- not that it ever wasn’t, but rather befitting the club that Nagisa worked hard to establish in her high school days. And that journey is full of both triumph and sorrow: from confronting the past to Tomoya’s constant struggle against adversity.

Speaking of him, Tomoya is an outstanding protagonist. Deeply flawed but also deeply capable of love, he’s an everyman who beneath his often skeptical, gruff exterior lies a gentle heart and one that bleeds for the people he loves the most- in this case Nagisa, and later Ushio. His past, present and future always seem to have him find adversity in the midst of happiness, but it is love that pulls him through the worst moments of his life. Now, did he get a mulligan of all mulligans in the final episode with the wish granting thing? Sure, but let’s talk about that next.

The other world was a strange constant through the series. The floating lights said to be the desires and wishes of the people in this world…the surreal landscape with the nameless robot and the girl. It was a slow burn and these sequences worked for the longest payout imaginable, with scenes back even in Clannad that made it seem like a strangely incidental but improbable story. As it turns out, the foreshadowing is there in bits and pieces: Ryou’s fortune telling, Kotomi’s explanation and research about parallel worlds, and even Tomoya’s seemingly inexplicable play idea that he gave to Nagisa in the first season. The final revelation that the girl was in fact Ushio with the robot being Tomoya is quite the twist nonetheless, even for a seasoned anime viewer like myself. I don’t think this ending is a cop-out by the way: if anyone had learned, grown and truly deserved it by the end of the series it was Tomoya. Nothing was more heartwarming than seeing the family united just as they had always dreamed…their own big dango family.

There is probably a whole other long-form essay one could write about the brilliant little details of this show: Nagisa’s graduation speech, the transition panel in episode 18(?) where it’s fully revealed the skipping girl in the ED isn’t Nagisa but Ushio; the long-burning resolution about Tomoya’s father and the closure everyone so desperately needed there, the unexpected return of the real Fuko Ibuki from a coma to play a role towards the end, or even something like Yoshino’s backstory that he told Tomoya. There’s a laundry list that I will spare in a review format, but the show’s attention to detail and the development of its cast in not only a thorough but realistic manner is downright impressive.

There are few criticisms to levy at what is a gem of a show, although the most minor of these would be that outside of Kyou, we don’t see much from Tomoya’s old friends in the Ushio arc of the show, although they do get their ultimate fates revealed in a musical “where are they now?” sort of presentation in the last episode. There’s also the reality that episodes 10-23 alone would have been a 10/10 season without the preceding arcs, but even those had some substance to them worth watching. Quite a bit of these criticisms could be explained by the nature of a show adaptation from a VN taking a specific route, but they are ultimately small nitpicks against something that is fairly special in all manner of being.

END SPOILERS.

Animation: Kyoto Ani’s always had excellent work and this is no different from its era, although this show definitely feels a bit older style wise than some of their other works from a similar era (like K-On! a year later). That said, there’s still some incredible attention to detail conveyed in the animation: One thing I enjoyed was how the seasons were well utilized in the art to represent both the mental state of Tomoya and the reality of his situation at any given time…and for those of you who love the cherry blossom symbolism, this show loves it too. 4/5 points.

Characters:

At the center of this show is the romantic relationship between Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa which was first established in the first season of Clannad.

I went into some of the specifics already in my thoughts section on these two, but the very short version is that they are an incredibly complimentary duo. Nagisa has a positive, never-say-never attitude even in the face of her frail constitution and is willing to try things even when they seem scary. She is the embodiment of the great love her parents put into raising her and her warmth has both a familiar and cute feel to it. These aspects play off Tomoya’s often jaded and cynical outlook on things in life, which in turn was colored by his experiences with his dad, who had become a severe alcoholic. Tomoya though still is a kind individual at heart and would do anything for the people he really cares about- and that is coupled with a stubborn, prideful streak that really comes out when he’s determined to make a point or truly motivated to chase something in his mind and heart.

Outside of the main duo, the famous OP of this show also introduces a number of other female characters who would be main heroine options in the VN: Tomoyo Sakagami, Kotomi Ichinose, and Kyou Fujibyashi. This is a continuation from the style of Clannad’s first season OP, which also included Fuko Ibuki. The original season also featured more of these girls as it completely focused on the high school portions of the cast’s lives; but when the main arc of After Story begins they fade to supporting characters at best.

In addition to the girls, Akio and Sanae Furukawa (Nagisa’s parents) have a major supporting role, continuing from the first season. Kohei Sunohara, Tomoya’s closest friend in high school, continues as comic relief for the first part of the season as well and even receives his own small arc.

In general: incredible main characters, the supporting cast in each arc and for the show overall tends to be robust and fleshed out (not to mention often capable of both great humor and very emotional moments themselves) and the character development is wonderfully organic and beautifully paced. This section deserves all the plaudits it gets. 5/5 points.

Story: 5/5 points. I could write yet another essay on how amazing After Story’s narrative is, but let’s spare the obvious monologue incoming and cut to the chase. The shortest version of saying this is possible: It’s a hell of a story. Wonderfully paced, poignant and with characters whose lives you can invest in with said tale, the viewer is able to connect on both a personal level to individual lives as well as the overarching narrative flawlessly. A lot of mini stories over time continuously overall in Clannad and After Story but they make one big story…which is true to life in a nutshell. All of our lives are individual tales but they weave a robust tapestry together when collected. So too it can be said for our wishes and desires, a major thematic thought in this show. And speaking of which…

Themes: An incredibly rich show thematically that deals with issues you rarely see tackled so poignantly or at all in the first place. High school romance turned to marriage, an alcoholic father whose backstory was even more bittersweet than realized, death of a mother in childbirth, the importance of hope in life (and a very Christian value at that!), the love of family that is even reflected in the show’s title (thanks for that tidbit, reader) and even something as simple as “things change and we continue to grow up. Accepting change happens is inevitable; it’s what we do with it that matters.” 5/5 points.

Intangibles: It’s always the little things. The show uses recognizable motifs that it sets up in key moments, patiently brings key details along with moments at times that don’t seem to make sense until they do, but the show also isn’t some puzzle box of vapid stupidity. It’s coherent with more than enough turns to keep the viewer highly engaged. Add in an incredible memorable OP and ED as the cherry on top. 5/5 points

Total: 24/25 (96%): Clannad: After Story still lives up to a lofty reputation years after its release. A great show truly shows its stuff with the test of time and like the vow Tomoya and Nagisa made to each other, it was meant to endure. Still a standout among standouts in Kyoto Animation’s library, this series is a hearty recommendation, although one definitely should still watch Clannad season 1 for the fullest context here.

Like what you see? Big fan of Clannad or Kyoto Animation’s works? Leave a comment!

Review: Girls’ Last Tour

Ruins of a future world meet cute military girls.

Review: Girls’ Last Tour
Studio: White Fox
Years aired: October-December 2017

AniB’s thoughts:

Imagine the countless apocalyptic thrillers that have been written, in both print and on screen. Mankind has always maintained a morbid fascination, even a curiosity towards death and certainly towards the idea of doomsday, a concept that has ended humanity fictionally countless times over depending at what narrative you’re looking at. However, at least in anime form, there is precisely one of those stories that actually not only decided to deal with the long-after, but more specifically- made it into a slice of life anime. Welcome to Girls’ Last Tour, an adaptation from the manga of the same name.

The series follows the seemingly endless journey of two girls- Chito and Yuuri- as they ascend slowly up the ruins of a long-dead city. And long-dead it is- think futuristic Japan but then if the future too had come to its conclusion. One might think this description immediately lends itself to this series being a somber show, but contrary to that, the interaction of our protagonists with each other, their constantly changing environments and the fact that they do in fact remind the viewer at every turn that humanity can still exist with a smile even in the ruins of history, proves rather uplifting.

Along the way, the journey itself turns out to be the point of the show. In that sense, whether it’s a ruined cityscape or just the everyday moments of one’s life, there is something very human about just moving forward one step at a time, and all the little moments and experiences we have, even if they seem pointless in the greater scheme of things. Girls’ Last Tour is full of these kinds of moments: some turn out to be unexpectedly relevant as the story progresses but others are just languid, casual moments that can be funny, humanizing and perhaps more importantly: somewhat pointless. Yet that itself serves a point about the journey itself being hardly linear or perfect, and in turn helps build up the viewer’s ability to connect with Chito and Yuuri in their travels.

This series was a very thoughtful kind of watch. Technically it is a iyashikei, a subgenre within the slice of life realm that features characters living peaceful lives in calming environments, usually with uplifting effects. SoL fans may enjoy how unique it is from other offerings in the genre and those who enjoy sci-fi and futuristic settings may also find this series something different from the usual fare. I don’t think it will have the greatest appeal to people just looking for a show that’s all flash and no substance, but there are plenty of popular series to scratch that itch.

The one major criticism I would levy at this show is that it was left a bit-open ended. I understand the anime did not adapt everything from the manga at the time, but it would have been nice to see the girls reach their overarching goal through the series, which was to reach the highest level of the city they travel up and in the whole show. However, this does not detract from the rich relationship between Chito and Yuuri that is the backbone of the show and the ending we did in fact receive is still satisfying in its own way, just not maybe as resolutely complete as one would hope. Still, the overall presentation is well above average bordering on greatness.

Animation: This show looks pleasing, as you’d expect of something from 2017. The backgrounds and settings are the main highlights of the show, often conveying the depth and scope of the setting while playing into the imagination of the viewer. There’s a sense of mystery and wonder conveyed with curiosity which is then matched by the characters on the screen as they encounter each setting for the first time along with the viewer. One particularly standout thing in this production was the integration of the 3-D elements. Often it will be jarring in mainly 2-D anime, lacking depth and texture, but it actually really brought the vehicle the girls used to life in particular. 4/5 points.

Characters: This series is very minimalist, as Chito and Yuuri are largely the only two characters for most of the show with the occasional supporting character appearing in their journey.

Chito is the more cautious, rational and level-headed of the duo. A short girl with bangs and twintails, she’s the main driver of the vehicle the duo travels in. She’s literate, able to read and write and thus values books and knowledge of the past. Often wary of the constant unknowns in their perilous journey upwards, recklessly charging head-first into things is usually not her style.

Yuuri on the other hand is carefree, spontaneous and likes to dive feet-first into situations without thinking too hard about them. As a result she’s often skirting the line of very dangerous situations but also tends to be the push Chito needs to confront her fears and risk-adverse nature. Adventurous to a fault she lives every moment without regret in her own unique way.

Since the two are a complimentary duo, there are a lot of symbolic things that show the contrast: Yuuri has long blonde hair and blue eyes that look European or Scandinavian in descent while Chito has raven black hair, and the typical features of Japanese ancestry. Yuuri knows how to wield and use a rifle while retaining information specifically on food and only food- one of her true passions. Chito on the other hand tends to retain information on everything else, including many things Yuuri often dismisses as useless and generally refuses to bear a weapon at all.

While there are other characters who appear at certain points in the narrative, this show is carried largely by the interactions of these two, both with each other and the world around them. It’s a great thing that it’s a fantastic relationship to watch on screen and certainly a prime example of a very well done friendship. 4.75/5 points

Story: Fundamentally as discussed in the thoughts section, this is a journey story, but not in the classic mold of a shonen or a hero’s epic. It’s a journey of two lives in a very different time and place, and everything entailed in that unique time and place, one that still didn’t have a definite ending but a steady sense of purpose in living. The themes and the relationship between the leads are what drive the mystery and intrigue behind the past story of this world, the speculation on what was and the current state it exists in now: it’s a story that can’t be told without those vital components helping to drive it and therefore it becomes more than what it would have been. 3.75/5 points

Themes: This show’s other innate strength aside from the core relationship between the leads no doubt is the scope and thoughtfulness of the themes it presents with a sort of curious maturity. Through the eyes of Chito and Yuuri we experience the world as they only know it: a broken empty husk of the past with things we take for granted as lost, ancient knowledge and technology. Questions about the order of things, about life and mortality, about the knowledge of the past and perhaps the loneliness of being some of the only humans left traveling once densely populated cities. It’s both a journey filled with re-discovery of lost things and reflections on that which never could be brought back. 4.5/5 points

Intangibles: This show has a very good understanding of atmosphere. Music is used selectively, often opting for ambient sounds based on setting and scenario, and the sounds of conversation between our leads. When music is used it’s often with great consideration to impact within the scene. The show manages to pace itself well enough from segment to segment to not feel too same-y at any given juncture, although the setting just by its nature at times does feel never-ending. Overall it’s a good show around the edges, and the attention to small details and callbacks also serve as a good point in its favor. 4/5 points

Total: 21/25 (84%): A unique viewing experience, Girls’ Last Tour is often thought provoking, funny and slightly melancholic at the same time. For those who enjoy standout character interactions, Chito and Yuuri are fantastic. Overall a very good show, particularly as a genre pick.

Like what you see? Watched Girls’ Last Tour? Leave a comment!

Review: Keep Your Hands off Eizouken!

An anime about making anime in a delightful fashion.

Review: Keep Your Hands off Eizouken!
Studio: Science Saru
Years aired: January-March 2020

AniB’s thoughts:

A well-received show back in the winter season of 2020, Keep Your Hands off Eizouken! was one series I never had a chance to really cover until now at the renewed urging of a great friend who’s got a lot of anime expertise. I had been aware of the rather popular meme shot of the main cast from the show’s opening, Easy Breezy but didn’t really know what to think of it. Furthermore, the previous offering I’d watched from director Maasaki Yuasa was 2018’s Devilman Crybaby, a show I’d reviewed with some scathing criticism that definitely in part stemmed from a personal distaste on the source material. But this piece is not about that show but rather, Eizouken.

If you were looking for a master class on how to maximize one’s efficiency in the standard 12-13 episode cour of anime, this might be the poster child for it. Not a single frame of animation is wasted, the storytelling is crisp and snappy with a lively pacing, and the plot feels engaging and fun with enough stakes to make every interaction feel like it matters. But more importantly: it’s a love letter to the medium of animation itself while also being completely meta about it. Fundamentally Eizouken is a show about 3 high school girls from decidedly different backgrounds with very different personalities meshing together to begin their own anime production club (the titular Eizouken) and subsequently, the projects that they produce are at the forefront of the show’s 3 tightly packed arcs.

The show also avoids the eminently common trap of not overextending itself with its cast in such a tight number of episodes. While longer-running shows have the luxury of not having to be so reductive in their approach to character development, many a one-season show runs afoul of the trap of “main character has a quest, supporting characters get a focus episode and then fade to the background” and at the end what’s left is pretty generic slop in terms of characterization. Eizouken on the other hand keeps focus tightly on the main trio of characters (Midori Asakusa, Sayaka Kanamori, and Tsubame Mizusaki) allowing their interactions with each other and the world around them (and with animation) take center stage. Subsequently the show’s other supporting characters work when needed without mistaking their role: support. This goes from Parker Domeki, the lone Audio Club member who becomes the Eizouken’s pseudo-4^th member as a sound engineer; Sowande Sawaki, the sharp and watchful secretary on the school’s student council, and the occasional appearance of Mr. Fujimoto as club advisor, whose incredibly laid-back disposition makes him good comedic balance with timing.

If the commendation about the pacing and characters weren’t enough, the animation itself is just wonderful in Eizouken. A show about animators making animation does a lot of showing, not telling- and they actually have distinct styles for each “phase” if you will within the series’ episodes: from the regular style used for the real world characters and people, to the sketchbook style that reflects Asakusa’s inner mind as well as the smooth line and movements conveyed from Mizusaki; and then the distinctly soft edges of the actual productions the group produces in each arc which are indeed works of art in themselves. And behind the stellar animation the very plot takes care to actually touch on all the major aspects of animation production within this show: from backgrounds to movement details, to the hard financial realities of actually making anything while having someone to keep the creative minds on track, a role Kanamori plays to perfection.

It’s hard to believe how one year’s shows start to become older quickly but Eizouken is one that should continue to hold up well into the future, with a certain timeless charm to its story and characters. Hopefully it does not get lost for viewers further in the future in the constant churn of seasonal shuffle, but at least to this reviewer: it did not. A hearty recommendation indeed.

Animation: Already discussed in my thoughts, the animation of this show both shows a great attention to detail and is actively contributing to the storytelling on the screen. Eizouken understands the medium it’s working in and it’s not just about looking nice: it’s about doing things only animation can do- like taking you to a world beyond your reach. In turn, that plays perfectly into the very plot of the show. 5/5 points.

Characters: A small cast that maximizes the development of its main three members in the time it has, with all of them feeling equally important in the plot and even in any given episode.

Asakusa is the first character we’re introduced to in the series: a short girl with a massive imagination, she’s both the director and storyboarding artist for the Eizouken club. Sporting a distinct camo fishing hat and matching backpack through the series, her bursts of imaginative thinking on the worlds and plots of the anime the group works on are iconic. Coupled with her boundless enthusiasm and upbeat personality, she’s always fun to watch on screen, but she needs a balance. And that balance is…

The glue of the trio, Kanamori is a natural businesswoman with an eye for the pragmatic and the opportunistic. She’s also the most grounded of the group, and is singlehandedly responsible for driving the economic and social media success of the club through her natural savvy. Always speaking with unabashed realism, there are few more intimidating things then when she flashes a smile- because it means she’s cooking on a plan. But in turn, she proves to be a most reliable, loyal comrade, as Asakusa would put it.

Finally there’s Mizasaki. A teenage model who came from wealth (her parents are both renowned actors) she is somewhat naive to the ways of the working class world, but not stuck up or pretentious in the slightest. Her passion burns brightly for movement and detail in animation work, which also tied in with the modeling background she had- and so she’s in charge of the character work for the Eizouken. Mizasuki feels a strong need to prove her passion in making anime to her parents (a plotline that sees some resolution in the show) and often gets caught up in Asakusa’s day-dreaming antics as well, leading to Kanamori often needing to keep the two of them on track to complete projects.

If it wasn’t evident, it’s an excellent little cast. They were able to fully flesh out these characters in 12 episodes and without any of them being relegated or feeling underdeveloped. I imagine with more time some of the supporting cast mentioned in the thoughts section would receive further development, but there was absolutely nothing to complain about here. 5/5 points.

Story: Split into three tightly paced arcs, the show’s overarching plot concerns the formation of the Eizouken and the subsequent execution of the club’s activities (which also feed into each girl’s own desires and ambitions.) Within the arcs themselves though there are fun subplots, different little unique bits of characterization and problems to maneuver through, and typically the solutions feel collaborative- as in one person alone can’t solve the arc’s issues, which is pretty realistic to teamwork in real life careers. There’s something clean and straightforward about the show’s progression as well- this isn’t a tearjerker or a suspense thriller, but what it is it executes to near perfection. That context is important. 5/5 points.

Themes: Fundamentally Eizouken is about the joy of animation and the work one has to put in to realize their dreams and ambitions. It’s a story that can resonate with mostly anyone, especially so to long-time animation fans, and I would not be surprised if this show also was a favorite of people in the industry either. I’m not sure the depth of the themes reaches the highest stratosphere of what a show can do, but this is hardly an indictment on what otherwise proves to be a clean, smooth work in almost every meaningful regard. 4/5 points.

Intangibles: In the entirety of this review from start to finish, the note about “attention to details” is an ever-present identity that cannot be parsed from the success of the overall story and production that was conveyed. This extraordinary detail extends as well to the music and sounds: the audio is also used smartly to advance the storytelling, but it’s like a great chef preparing a virtuoso meal: Much went in but nothing was wasted. 5/5 points.

Total: 24/25 (96%): A rare show deserving all the praise headed its way, it is a technical masterpiece that can be best summed up as “it’s an outstanding show about people making a medium you’re already watching.” Maybe that’s a bit reductive, but there are few things more beautiful than something simple that is elevated in every way by how it was made. Keep Your Hands off Eizouken! qualifies.

Like what you see? It’s been a long time. Feel free to leave a comment!

Review: Harukana Receive

A sports anime with a lot of sun-splashed heart.

It has been a long time coming for new content on here. No, I’m not retired from writing nor have I given up the proverbial bit of running AniB Productions, but it has been a long hiatus, not unlike the manga version of my personal favorite anime in Hunter x Hunter. With May’s arrival though, new beginnings are a theme of spring, and summer hearkens right around the corner- so what better show to return with than one that featured beach volleyball? That’s right- it’s Harukana Receive, back from a few years ago- and originally watched by yours truly in November of last year (2021). Don’t let the seasons fool you though- a good show is a good show no matter the year, time or place. The same could be said for a review actually- so without further ado, let’s get into it.

Show: Harukana Receive
Studio/years aired: C2C, July-September 2018

AniB’s thoughts: Indeed, it has been a while I last sat down to write a proper review and seen it to its finish. Perhaps surprisingly then the restart is a rather inauspicious entry from the summer 2018 season- Harukana Receive, a sports anime that revolves around the stories of a group of girls who play competitive beach volleyball in Okinawa. While the anime community at large seems to move season to season transiently, it continues to serve an important role in reviews to not forget even the recent past for some good fare, and this show qualifies.

The first thought long-time readers might be thinking is “isn’t this show rather fanservicy for you?” You might be right…but context matters. This is at its heart a show that is topically about beach volleyball, and from anyone who watches the Summer Olympics every four years, or perhaps even played knows, bikinis are the standard uniform of the sport. Fortunately, the show’s appeal goes beyond plenty of butt shots- and perhaps to its credit, some savvy self-aware humor exists as well to this end.

Sports anime has also been a relative rarity in these reviews in the past- and in fact this is the first outright review of the genre on here. It’s an interesting topic since I’m actually a real-life sports fanatic, in particular with allegiances to the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres- so watching anime of sports hasn’t usually crossed my mind, despite knowing there are some other famous series that exist in the space, like Haikyuu (another volleyball anime!) and Kuroko no Basket (basketball). However, Harukana Receive was not only able to capture my attention, but keep it with a combination of excellent animation, a strong cast and a solid bit of storytelling. It didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it certainly would be a welcome watch for anyone wanting a taste of summer, some feelings of youth and a splash of competition with genuine character
growth.

SPOILER SECTION:

Beyond the show’s exterior lies a character-driven story that while not groundbreaking, has an interesting set of dynamics at play for each of the main cast. Perhaps most interesting is Kanata’s own personal struggles in dealing with loss- both that of her parents and of her original volleyball pairing with Narumi Toi. This is in contrast to Haruka, whose naive optimism of a new move to Okinawa and her initial ignorance of not only the sport of beach volleyball but any of these deeper-rooted issue her cousin has dealt with sit in sharp contrast. In turn, it is exactly their differences that help the other along through the show’s run- Kanata’s steady hand as the experienced partner who trains with and helps develop Haruka into a full-fledged beach volleyball player, and the latter’s determination to be the partner Kanata deserves, one who commits to her on the court and off it as a friend.

It would be a shame to not mention the Thomas twins (Claire and Emily) in this analysis, but as the main foils to the titular characters, they prove to be worthy rivals and teammates at the same time, with a playful sibling dynamic and a goal of their own. They selflessly help train the duo who ultimately winds up defeating them in the anime’s keynote match- a sobering reminder that even among those close to each other, the gridiron, pitch, field or court can be a place to settle all scores, make dreams come true or crush them. And isn’t that the essence of sports in general? You have fun hopefully, but as a football coach named Herm Edwards once said in a presser: “You play to win the game!”

END SPOILERS
_________________________________________

Animation: Harukana Receive is a very eye-catching show, in more ways than one. A bright palette brings out the nature of the show and the character models themselves are attractively designed- you can buy them as volleyball players. One can feel the bright, sun-splashed heat of the beach and the Okinawan summer in this show, and the intensity of the actual matches that are played with each hit of the ball and dive to the sand, and the animation does a wonderful job of conveying it. There’s a little bit of 3-D rendering in this show like many in the past decade, but it works fine. High marks all around.

4.5/5 points.

Characters:The story revolves around the story of two previously distant cousins turned best friends: Kanata Higa and Haruka Ozora, the titular “Harukana” in the show’s name.

Haruka comes from Tokyo to Okinawa at the start of the series. She is an energetic girl, with natural height and a simpler nature, which extends to her way of thinking. Excited initially by the pristine beaches of Okinawa, a fated volleyball match upon her arrival hooks her into the sport and soon her partner on the pitch- Kanata. Clumsy at first but burning with a desire for improvement and natural promise, she grows into a real beach volleyball player over the course of the series.

Kanata on the other hand is a native Okinawan. In contrast to Haruka, she’s much shorter in stature, and possesses both a keen analytical mind and natural kindness. Once a formidable beach volleyball player in her youth, a series of tragic events in her life caused her to go away from the game, until Haruka helps revive that fire in her. While Haruka is dealing with the more technical aspects of becoming a full fledged player, Kanata navigates the mental and spiritual side of not only a comeback to the sport, but herself and the person she wishes to be in the present and future.

This section would be amiss without the dynamite duo from America- the Thomas sisters. Emily and Claire are a pair of formidable beach volleyball players, and the twins unsurprisingly share potent teamwork in a game. However, their personalities could not be more different: Emily is gregarious, outgoing and has a habit of teasing her friends, especially her sister, whereas Claire is more thoughtful and reserved in thought- though relishes the opportunities to get back at her sister when she can. The duo serve as both fast friends for Haruka and Kanata, and later as training partners and club teammates, which fosters the beginnings of a heated, but friendly rivalry.

A few episodes into the show Akari Oshino appears. A one-time child actor, she joins the volleyball club initially with the intent of becoming an idol but does start to engage in and truly learn the game in more time. She winds up acting as a glue character for the group, giving her new friends special scrunchy bracelets to signify both their friendship and unshakeable bonds, even in competition.

There are a few other characters, like Narumi Toi and Ayasa Tachibana, a pair of top ranked volleyball players nationally, Kanata’s grandmother and the Thomas twins’ mother, plus a few other girls who the main cast wind up playing in the story but this is the main cast. Small, but effective, they drive the show. Narumi in particular is rather important to the story, but for those who haven’t seen this show, it’s better to discover her story yourself.

4/5 points.

Story:
A basic story with some nice character twists and motivations that make it worthwhile. The sports part of the the story where Kanata and Haruka become an actual legit beach volleyball pairing is fun to watch unfold, and their eventual triumphs as they gain more experience and trust with each other is satisfying to see. This show was straightforward in many respects but managed to pair a very likable cast with a good story and that was worth the price of admission to stay, particularly if one only appeared in the first place to see cute girls in swimsuits.

As mentioned, the main cast stayed small, but it felt like everyone had a role to play and a their own little arcs playing out at the same time. This show does utilize some flashbacks in some key moments, which in this case do narratively advance the plot in a direction that works, providing the viewers with greater context of these characters through showing us- rather than long-winded exposition.

Finally, a critical part of a sports anime: The games themselves! These matches are actually really engaging. As previously mentioned in the grading, they are well animated and scored, with the intensity of each moment shining through narratively. The end result proves to be very entertaining.

3.5/5 points.

Themes:
If there was one overarching thematic note through this entire show, it was trust. From Haruka’s decision to play with Kanata, to Kanata’s own issues with her former partner Narumi, and even Claire and Emily’s trust in each other as sisters and partners, this was constantly front and center. While it is absolutely a critical component to success in sports it also is important to success and well-being in life too- and the characters reflected this important value in their own arcs and interactions. Other themes did exist like the experience of new ways of doing things, the willingness to learn in different ways from many of the characters and a general desire to exist in the present moment rather than being trapped in one’s past. It was definitely a bit more fleshed out than expected but also not ground-breaking necessarily, but thematically it felt on par with any good “slice of life” anime.

3.75/5 points.

Don’t Insult the Viewer (Intangibles): Fanservice has always been a touchy topic in these reviews, but it’s justified here by both the subject material (it’s beach volleyball!) and a show that actually packs both strong characters and a solid story. The musical score also does a really nice job of accentuating the action and helps draw the viewer into the action of a sport they may not know much about. It would not be shocking at all to me if many a viewer came to the show originally because it featured cute girls in bikinis but stayed because it genuinely was a good show beyond its looks. An overall pleasant viewing experience.

4/5 points.

Overall: 19.75/25 (79%): Maybe it’s a slight overrating, but Harukana Receive proved to be a pleasant surprise that was much more than skin-deep in its storytelling. This show will probably never appear on a “best of” list, but it is a fine genre pick and in general, is an enjoyable watch with realistic stakes, sports physics grounded in reality and some sweet character moments. Most people probably don’t live near a beach, but maybe you’ll get a taste of summer and a hankering to play some volleyball after watching this show.

____________________________________________
Like what you see? Have you watched Harukana Recieve? Enjoy sports? Leave a comment!

I’m back at last!

The editor in chief returns~

Hello dear readers,

It’s been a long, long time, hasn’t it? A year ago the first season review of Dr. Stone dropped here on AniB Productions and that was it until today. Trust me when I say I never expected a year without writing, but life throws some funny curveballs, both good and bad. Personal tragedy and triumph mixed together into a frenetic year and a half, and unfortunately the output of this blog suffered as a result. I still logged back in now and again to answer comments, but nothing new ever came to fruition. When life gets tough, your priorities shift a bit from the latest debates on the anime of the season or the best new Western animated film. Heck, I can profess in most ways I’ve been an absentee to the past year of these trends-with a few exceptions.

However, today’s first post of this year is not to announce the end but recommit to writing as often as is possible for AniB Productions- for the few long time readers who may have stuck around and for the many new faces that might pass through. In the latter case, I urge you to stay if you’re enjoying what you’ve seen or read! Don’t be shy- comment and I’ll see it. Usually I do respond to everything posted here, and posted pieces have come about before from reader requests and ideas. The rest however, comes from whatever catches my fancy- be it interesting characters, themes explored somewhere, perhaps even the musical scores- and of course, the reviews that have been here since the start. It’s not always just the current season or show either- there’s still an important belief that I hold in not forgetting where the medium has come from, and so any era might pop up on here still.

Ultimately, it is exciting to return at last. The past year has changed my life in many ways, but the unflinching commitment to quality on here has not. Every piece posted here from the past and going forward will still continue to be held to my own exacting standards, and it’s all so that you, the reader may enjoy the experience that much further. At least some of this long hiatus was caused my own belief that the writing wasn’t quite up to snuff, but also that the passion needed to be present as well. As a tip to any aspiring writer: you don’t need to always “feel” inspired to write something, but the most essential quality is seeing it through once it’s begun. Everyone has great ideas, but they remain just that without the drive and motive to see them through.

I hope we can all enjoy both the past and exciting future for AniB Productions! It’s been a long journey to return, but the next chapter is just beginning,

Sincerely,

Christian- aka “AniB”

Review: Dr. STONE

A smashing breakthrough for an anticipated adaptation.

Hello dear readers,

I hope everyone reading this is safe and well! It’s been a busy past few months, and while it’s been another long hiatus, life events took some precedence. Hopefully though, this is the start of a more consistent writing schedule again. To kick things back off is a highly acclaimed series from its first season, and it couldn’t be more exciting to finally cover it. Enjoy!

The Lowdown:

Show: Dr. STONE

Studio/years aired: TMS Entertainment, 2019-

AniB’s thoughts:

Well, well, well. After hearing about this series for a while, the time was finally right to plunge into a new adventure show- and Dr. Stone is a great pick. This genre has always been something I’ve enjoyed watching, and after a lot of recent “slice of lifes” and the foray into isekai that the last number of reviews had, it was worth going back to my roots. As a result, there was something nostalgic about watching this show- namely finding a grand adventure that felt well paced and enrapturing all the same.

One of 2019s’ breakout series, Dr. Stone was adapted from the manga of the same name and features a far-flung future Earth where humans had been mysteriously petrified for millennia due to a strange attack that occurred in the present. The long period of elapsing time had destroyed most traces of civilization and in turn, sent the world back to the Stone Age technologically. However, this series is anything but primitive in its storytelling as a brilliant student-scientist named Senku Ishigami awakens from his petrification, determined to bring humanity all back from nothing.

It’s definitely a different ride than say a Hunter x Hunter, or even a Fullmetal Alchemist but the unique, interesting premise along with the excellent lead that is Senku and an adequate supporting cast that grows well into their roles is simply enjoyable. Perhaps even more enthralling is the science lessons wrapped into a fun package of inventions from our lead, be it from a pulley system made of bamboo to an inventive take on ramen. It’s impossible to not enjoy the interactions that occur though the show, and a good balance of humor and seriousness is struck. In turn, the storytelling feels very natural and the show’s big moments so far flow with the right gravity and mood.

The premise works brilliantly given the clear scope and eventual end goal of the series, and similar to some of the best shonen series, Dr. Stone doesn’t have power creep as an issue- instead choosing to make the power of might- led by the powerful Tsukasa- be pitted against the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Senku’s fledgling Kingdom of Science. The character introductions are paced well, starting with the initial arc’s setup of the situation, and the eventual reveal of Ishigami Village, the locale that becomes the main setting for the remainder of the season.

If you’re looking for a show that stands out from the shonen fray in recent years, this is a fantastic pick, and one that has exciting potential in a second season that’s been confirmed. Here’s hoping it can continue to be a big hit as the decade gets under way!

Animation: Modern 2-D animation. It looks great as you’d expect, but what really stands out is the science- as the animation of Senku’s inventions are both well-paired with the explanation and visually interesting. The show’s bright palette suggests this take of a far-flung post-modernity isn’t all that bad…until you realize the monumental task in front of the characters. And speaking of them, the designs in this show are great- a perfect reflection of both the individuals and personalities mixed with the circumstances.

4.75/5 points.

Characterization: Leading the way is Senku- a take on the teenage genius character. Unusual to this type is a starring role however- and Senku performs brilliantly. With distinctive hair and single-minded determination to achieve his grand goal, he’s equal parts mad and gifted scientist with a wholehearted devotion to his craft-but also to his friends and the people who trust him. Initially he starts on his own, but with the revival of Taiju Oki, his best friend, his plans start to take a real leap forward.

Speaking of which, Taiju is a passionate, stubborn and simple guy whose emotions run near the surface- but also the kindest person as well. With a massive crush on another friend of his- Yuzuriha Ogawa- he’s waited a long, long time for that confession…

**SPOILERS**

Yuzuriha for her part wound up as Taiju’s inspiration to keep his consciousness for millennia. When unfrozen from her petrification, she’s a kind, perceptive individual who proves to be useful in the new world- and might just reciprocate Taiju’s feelings…

A large portion of the cast comes into play after Senku’s deception and escape from Tsukasa- the so-called “Strongest High School Primate” in the old days. Physically without peer in strength, he proves to also have a capable and quick thinking mind but a very different philosophy from Senku, leading to irreconcilable differences and the formation of his own faction to oppose the latter.

Kohaku discovers Senku after a run-in with Tsukasa, who despite her martial prowess, she can’t defeat. A girl with impressive martial skills and a quick mouth, she quickly proves her worth and loyalty. She cares deeply for her sister, who is sick with a mysterious illness but also serves as her village’s priestess and keeper of the mythology stories…

After being led to the nearby village, Senku meets Chrome, a self-proclaimed shaman who actually is a fledgling scientist between his discoveries and habit of collecting raw resource materials in his hut. He quickly becomes Senku’s right hand man after some initial distrust, and proves himself as resourceful and a quick thinker in his own right, to the point that he’s actively help drive Senku’s inventing as the season progresses.

In addition to these two, Senku becomes close with the whole village over time, discovering that these people were descendants of a certain group of individuals who avoided the petrification. While many of these individuals probably could also be involved in this section, they form a delightful supporting cast that’s worth discovering for yourself.

**END SPOILERS**

While many more individuals probably could also be involved in this section, they form a delightful supporting cast that’s worth discovering for yourself.

4.5/5 points.

Story: Frozen in time for over 2000 years, the petrified Senku awakens to a Japan that has become overrun by nature’s reclamation- and the initial goal to make some clothes, a shelter, eat and get started on his goal- reviving all of humanity, and with it, the vast technology and scientific knowledge that had been lost as well.

The story actually begins with Taiju’s revival- both an experiment and a need for manual labor from Senku, but it’s through his eyes viewers first experience the work and meet our main protagonist- an interesting choice to be sure. While this constitutes minor spoilers, it’s when the two team up that Senku’s progress on his goal really begins to grow- until a situation forces him to revive a certain someone…

Talked about in some detail above, it’s an engaging and interesting setting on which the characters are laid out. A real treat so far!

4.75/5 points.

Themes: Perseverance in the face of impossible odds and the iron will of those who have a goal that cannot be denied- these are at the core of Dr. Stone. Thanks to the unique setting and premise, it’s a world where the classic “survival of the fittest” idea is pitted against the unyielding will of scientific progress in a race against time, along with the further mystery of what was the nature of the calamity that befell the planet…

3.75/5 points.

Don’t Insult the Viewer (Intangibles): Dr. Stone excels with a balance of seriousness and humor that works very well, backed by an aesthetic that’s very interesting- namely the rapid re-emergence of science in a Japan covered in forests and nature.

5/5 points.

Overall: 22.75/25 (91%). A compelling entry into both its genre and the medium as a whole, Dr. Stone is sure to entertain with its quirky mix of science, premise and a great cast of characters.

Like what you see? Big fan of Dr. Stone? Leave a comment!

Review: Re:ZERO-Starting Life In Another World

A highly popular series gets the review treatment.

The Lowdown:

Show: Re:ZERO- Starting Life In Another World

Studio/years aired: White Fox, 2016; season 2 is set to release later in 2020
AniB’s thoughts:

The second of the so-called Isekai Quartet shows makes an appearance in review form at last on here! With the highly anticipated second season around the corner, now seemed like the perfect time at last to cover this show. Before I get underway though, don’t expect me to compare this production to KonoSuba, which was previously reviewed on AniB Productions; aside from being isekai and featuring a former-shut in as their main protagonists, they are very different shows.

Where to begin? Plenty happens in this show that would constitute heavy spoilers, but what starts off as a generic looking show in the first two minutes quickly morphs into some unexpected events and encounters- namely Subaru’s chance encounter with a certain girl- and the plot goes from there. To stand out in what has become an incredibly over-saturated genre is difficult, but Re:Zero managed to accomplish this task with some compelling world building, characters that received some real depth and development, and at the center of it all, Subaru Natsuki- the main protagonist whose unique “superpower” is an actualized butterfly effect called “Return By Death”- and works exactly as that name suggests.

That isn’t to say it’s all praises for this show. While Re:Zero has a satisfying first half and conclusion, the middle of the show was a painful slog. While the intended outcome for the viewer had some excellent payoff in the final number of episodes, and depicts a side of humanity rarely explored to the depth it is here, it was unnecessarily drawn out on the part of Subaru and for the viewer. I’m sure some will argue that it’s probably like that in the LN this show’s adapted from, but it does not change critique of a pacing issue when it arises.

If there’s one other main criticism, it doubles as a curiosity and it’s something that I’d expect a second season to resolve- namely the reason why Subaru was summoned to this fantasy world. The very core premise of isekai in general- the nebulous reasons for why their protagonists wind up in another world at all is often flimsy at best, even in the best of the genre, and the world-building or the characters or both even can make us forget this to an extent…but doesn’t change that it can be a weak point. Despite what I said at the start of my thoughts, I will indulge in one point from KonoSuba: that show did a terrific job of setting up the why by making its entire beginning the events of Kazuma’s untimely and pathetic death as a staging to introduce Aqua and set up the world the duo wound up bumbling into. For Re:Zero, at least for now, the reasons for being remain nebulous, aside from whatever hints Subaru’s core mechanic- “Return By Death”- provides us.

Is this show worth watching? Absolutely, with a few caveats. The first is a stern warning to those with weak constitutions or under the age of 17- this isn’t a light-hearted jaunt in the slightest the whole way through, and while fantasy violence is nothing new overall, the context can be shocking at times. The next would be related to the first point- that it is worth pulling through the middle section to reach the end, but it can be exceedingly difficult. The end result is a season book-ended by a strong start and an even stronger finish built by an entire 25 episode’s worth of buildup, or at least a dozen episodes, depending on how you look at it, really. Finally…the highs are really high in this series and are enough to overpower a lot of other more minor shortcomings. Any more information though it’d be a major spoiler- so now onto grading!

Animation: A modern 2-D anime, with a few 3-D shots thrown in. The former is excellent as you’d hope, from various fight sequences to character design, albeit incredibly vivid in some certain depictions. Everything feels fluid and smooth and there’s a good understanding of lighting as well for different contexts and times of day. The little bit of 3-D isn’t anything special but serviceable.

4.5/5 points.

Characters: As outlined in my thoughts, the lead character of the show is Subaru- a former shut-in NEET from Japan who left a convenience store one night and instead of going home, wound up in Lagunica- the massive kingdom in which the story takes place. At first, Subaru has an unwarranted ego and a inaccurate set of assumptions about his situation, but quickly begins to realize things are different than he assumed as the scope of his situation is revealed, along with the first “realization” of his special ability.

There are many important characters in this show, but Subaru’s role revolves mainly around Emilia- a kind, silver-haired girl who he professes his undying love to in rather awkward fashion after she saves him from a few thugs in an alleyway. As it turns out, there’s more to Emilia than merely kindness, starting with Puck- a cat-like spirit she’s contracted to and possesses magical abilities of his own. The pair’s relationship is a bit shrouded in mystery how it came to be, but it’d be accurate to say that it’s complex.

While these two are the main focus of the story’s plot, there are several important characters introduced as the show goes on, from a certain pair of well-known twin maids and a magical librarian to some extremely powerful knights, a deranged villain or two, and in the show’s opening arc, a girl named Felt, who despite her age is an exceptionally skilled thief. Honestly, this review would need a very large spoiler section to adequately cover the people and roles in this show, but despite the temptation most of them would constitute giving the plot away- and as viewers of the show reading this know, it’s best to experience meeting everyone the first time as their roles are revealed. You’ll be surprised, amazed, horrified and heartwarmed all in the same show by this cast. The major character development, particularly for Subaru, proves outstanding, although there are certain parts I’d like to be pushed even further in a season 2.

4.5/5 points.

Story: In some ways, this show is a typical isekai, but in many other regards it is not. It’s a story that runs the gamut of emotions, and is by and large the story of Subaru even as other actors get involved in their own personal motives and goals. As far as the plot goes, the pacing is breakneck for a good amount of the show, which makes it difficult to watch in one go, but a much needed and important breather of sorts ends the middle section of Re:Zero as it transitions into a 3rd act. While the material presented is very solid and receives an excellent conclusion, there are still some major unanswered questions, which as a viewer keeps one engaged for a second season. If you like action, horror, romance and time manipulation shenanigans, you’ll probably love this plot as well.

3.75/5 points.

Themes: Foremost in the discussion of this show has to be humanity- namely, Subaru’s humanity. It is explored at every level as the series progresses, and proves an emotional roller coaster every bit as steep as you might expect. It’s clear to say thematically Subaru is and isn’t the same person he was to start as a direct result of experiences he has.

Aside from that, the “humanity” discuss stems also to a discussion about love, acceptance, duty, honor, pride and all manners of conduct. It’s unusual to see a deep dive like this show, let alone in this genre does here- and I’d say everything else revolves around it. Can it get overwhelming? Yes. However, it’s not cheap or contrived, which is greatly appreciated.

4.25/5 points.

Don’t Insult the Viewer: Interesting keynote visuals in the openings reflect the arcs they’re in…when the OPs actually play. This show has more cold openings than I can remember specifically in an anime, but remember that breakneack pace that was mentioned? I guess a lot happens…The pacing and imagery can be a bit too much at the show’s lower points honestly, and prevents a full ringing endorsement of the material within intangibly for all audiences. The OST’s fine, though perhaps most infamous for the “sound of the witch.”

3.5/5 points.

Overall: 20.5/25 (82%): A cut above the standard isekai, Re:Zero proves to be a bit of a crazy ride, with very high highs and very low lows. The end product however is one worth watching- albeit at a pace that suits you, and it can be understood why a season 2 is (was) highly anticipated. It’s not a casual kind of watch, so be prepared to commit if you wish to see it and haven’t already.

Like what you see? Big Re:Zero fan? Leave a comment!

Review: BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense

An enjoyable watch that surprised modest expectations.

The Lowdown:

Series: BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense

Studio/years aired: Silver Link, 2020- (a season 2 is confirmed and pending)

AniB’s thoughts: Piggybacking off the recent fun piece about naming series after absurd naming conventions in light novels as well as the winter anime season wrapping up, the first review of 2020 (and of a show from this year as well) is none other than BOFURI! After hearing some compelling feedback from some longtime readers, the simple concept of a girl who doesn’t play games stumbling into an overpowered MMO build was too hilariously intriguing to not check out. From my experience, the MMO, fantasy-esque genre does not usually produce compelling shows on a consistent basis, but BOFURI proves to be irresistible fun and a very pleasant surprise. For 12 episodes it kept up a good pace backed by a lead character who was compelling to watch her every move, and a universe, while simple and standard on some level, that offered the same excitement of exploring the unknown with these characters and all that came with it.

In a word, “fun” is the biggest selling point here, which the show gets amazing mileage from. The characters in this show are not very deep outside of Maple and her best friend Sally, but in many ways it matters little to the plot and pacing, which while simple, prove intoxicating in the ability to make a viewer want to see what happens next. Maple’s unpredictability becomes a focal point not just for the audience, but the in-show watchers and even the game developers themselves, amazed and frustrated in equal measure at how a genuinely sweet and naive girl is breaking the game they built so thoroughly.

It’s a breath of fresh air to have a show is both genre-savvy and doesn’t take itself too seriously at the same time. And while it’s still fine to have and acknowledge the the types of shows that either have higher stakes, more graphic action or darker premises, it’s surprisingly rare to just get something where the goal is nothing more than “the players have some fun, for themselves and each other” as a basic premise. BOFURI is a reminder in that way that simple ideas can still lead to amazingly enjoyable shows- and well executed ones at that. To grading!

Animation: Modern 2-D animation. In a breath of fresh air, a lot of action scenes and sequences that may had been recast in clunky CGI from shows in recent years are done in 2-D here- and it really pops. The fights in this show are satisfyingly flashy and fulfilling, but also fun- which happens when a show doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s almost intoxicating to get such a cheerful show within this genre given the push towards dark fantasy over the last several years- and that fun shines through. This aspect continues to the brightened colors and attractive character designs the show uses, and all of it is visually impactful.

4.75/5 points.

Characters: As the extended title of BOFURI suggests, the main character is the one who decided to “max out her defense”- Maple. In real life, she’s known as Kaede Honjou, a girl who appears to be in junior high school and has never been a gamer in her life prior to attempting New World Online (a virtual reality MMO, the main setting of the show), at the request of her friend Risa. A sweet, kind girl but naive and slightly airheaded, she dons the name “Maple” in-game and starts playing her way-not knowing the first thing about the game, or standard conventions!

Risa, her friend from real life, joins Maple a few days later in the game under the name Sally. A cool note here, which is lost in translation is that “Sally” is an anagram of “Risa” in Japanese lettering, which unfortunately didn’t come through in English. An experienced gamer compared to her friend (who she teams up with), Sally possesses smarts, savvy and some excellent reflexes as she pursues an entirely different character build from Maple’s.

The main concern here is the lack of depth and basic nature among the cast’s overall development, but with such a strong and quirky lead in Maple/Kaede, it proves to be no detriment to the overall enjoyability of the show. Sally/Risa also receives some characterization, and as the gamer who convinced her best friend to get into the game, she’s a force to be reckoned with all her own. The other top players in the game prove to be more friendly than appearances or reputations initially let on, and while fierce competition, are gracious in defeat. A number of other players have interactions with either of the girls that also prove important as the show moves along (the outcomes of which might constitute spoilers, so watch the show!)

While it would be nice to see further development in the majority of the cast for season 2, simplicity can be a good aspect, and one could argue that the shallow nature of most characters is like that of a real MMO, as opposed to how Maple and Sally know each other in real life. BOFURI in turn isn’t trying to be a hardcore character drama or something that it’s not, instead playing to its strengths. The end result is refreshing.

3.5/5 points.

Story: A rather straightforward by easy to follow tale where a non-gamer girl enters a new MMO game and proceeds to discover and progress through it in her own way, having fun. That really is the basic premise Bofuri operates on, but this scope gets expanded as the world gets bigger and Maple progresses eventually from being a virtual nobody. It’s not going to fool anyone in terms of complexity, but it does exhibit once again the ability for simple premises to be upgraded by good to great writing and a lead character who is strong.

3.5/5 points.

Themes: The overarching drive of many categorical points in this review has been at the simplicity of the show- and in that sense, the themes are fine, but they aren’t going to blow your mind either. It’s not that kind of show, but the basics are there and executed adequately: strong friendship, camaraderie, good sportsmanship, and as mentioned several times, fun. How often can we forget that enjoyment itself can be a goal of a pastime- especially in games and competition? It’s true that we “play to win the game,” but something so fundamental is a reminder here.

3.25/5 points.

Don’t Insult The Viewer: This show oozed intangibles, largely stemming from the general sense of “fun” it projects through every episode, and stellar fight sequences that tapped into the genre tropes and the animation style very well. One may also find that Maple is irresistible to watch- a unique blend of inexplicable moments and cuteness.

5/5 points.

Total: 20/25 (80%): A great way to open the new decade of animated fare, BOFURI was a fun romp. A show like this one is a welcome breath of fresh air when it comes, and the second season will be awaited with good expectations. This is a show worth watching.

Like what you see? Watched BOFURI or plan to? Leave a comment!

Let’s make a pretentiously long title for an anime series AKA Give it a Light Novel Title Challenge!

A fun post marks the return of AniB Productions today! I feel as if I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, but I also wanted to preface this piece by wishing everyone safety and good health amid the global COVID-19 crisis. With my current biology studies, I am all too aware of the risks scientifically this poses, so continue to use social distancing and best hygienic practices wherever you may be. Stay safe, readers!

On a lighter note, I’m happy to accept the nomination from ospreyshire at Iridium Eye Reviews to come up with some ridiculous titles for shows. In a twist of irony, when I read osprey’s post at his blog, the exact three series I thought of were the ones mentioned as examples:

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny-Girl Senpai

Is It Wrong to Try and Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon (aka DanMachi)

That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime

This is definitely a fun idea to give some other anime that pretentiously long light novel-esque title treatment! I will note briefly the series above are all worth a look, at least from an anime POV, though Rascal may be the best of the three series listed. With any luck, a serious review for any of them may appear sometime, but not yet…as we’re gonna pick some seriously silly titles. Before we do though, the rules (credit to osprey again, I’m gonna copy this part):

Choose up to five anime, manga or visual novel series that have a short title.

Light novels that have shorter titles (Date A Live for example) are also allowed.

Give these series a new title based on those classic overly long Light Novels we love!

If someone has already picked a series you wanted. It’s OK! Let’s see your own take on the title!

Link back to the original post so I can read people’s suggestions, I’d love to read everyone’s ideas. (it’s this post right here)

Include Give it a Light Novel title in your tags so everyone including myself can find them all easily.

Nominate around 1-6 bloggers.

Without further ado, I present some familiar shows rebranded in the most ridiculous fashion:

Assassination Classroom
becomes
“My Delinquent Class Learns to Study And Kill our Alien Octopus Teacher!”

It won’t be that easy, kiddos.

Little Witch Academia
becomes
“If Believing Is Your Magic, then Why Can’t I Do It?”

Akko attempt #256 to fly on a broom. She’ll never say die, though.

Hunter x Hunter
becomes
“The Friends I Made On the Quest to Find My Dad Are All Dangerous!”

“What did you do to me?”

Monster
becomes
“Can The Decisions You Make Seal Your Fate?”

Kenzo Tenma sure finds himself in difficult situations more than he wished.

K-ON!
becomes
“Our Music Club Is Actually A Daily Tea Social!”

Despite her best efforts, Azusa did get caught in the Light Music Club’s pace.

Alright, some nominees to continue this fun challenge!

Like what you see? Leave a comment!