Based on the manga of the same name by Shinobu Ohtakacreator of the Arabian Nights-inspired series Magi and the battle comedy Sumomomo, Momomo, Orient‘s first twelve episodes are both comfortably within shounen norms and just different enough to give it an edge. The story follows what we could say is the basic shounen formula: two … Read more
There’s a chill in the air at Nijigasaki High. Winter is creeping in, and upon its winds rides change. Anyone who’s watched an anime set in high school knows that winter is the harbinger of many things: cute scarves and other cold weather accessories for the cast, Christmas/New Years episodes, and most of all it … Read more
As Shaman King enters into the back half of this reboot, the show enters into a seemingly hopeless battle on two fronts. The first being Yoh trying to find a way to put a stop to Hao’s ambitions, as stopping him with force becomes less and less of a viable option. The second, unfortunately, is … Read more
As a rule, I don’t tend to like Christmas episodes, so if one works for me, it must be pretty special. That feels like the case with this one – while it doesn’t veer too far out of the schmaltzy feel-good norm for Christmas-themed stories, it still plays with that enough to make it Deaimon‘s … Read more
And we’re back! After an extended weekend, I came down with a nasty cold that knocked me out for most of the week. Suffice to say, I’m disappointed I didn’t get to write about episode eight immediately because our boy Jumpei sure stepped up to the plate, didn’t he? Call me cynical, but after so … Read more
In retrospect, it’s fortuitous that I didn’t have the time to review last week’s episode on its own, because “Producing Hiyori” works much better when paired with the conclusion provided by “My Childhood Friend.” The makeover arc seems to be an inevitability in any piece of media that stars an even slightly plain-looking girl, and … Read more
How would you rate episode 1016 ofOne Piece? Community score: 4.3 How would you rate episode 1017 ofOne Piece? Community score: 4.7 Another strong episode of One Piece. Obviously it’s nowhere near the same level as 1015 was, but it would be unfair to ding it on that account. 1015 was a celebratory milestone and … Read more
Jumpei is in full ballet training now as Dance Dance Dancer Continues to tackle themes of abuse and sets the stage for a philosophical discussion about art itself. Our wild hero has his sights set on dancing but his late introduction to ballet means he has none of the foundation required and lacks the respect … Read more
After the disaster that was Double Decker! Doug & KirillI was inordinately nervous about the second season of Tiger & Bunny. Really, could anyone blame me? Tiger & Bunny The Movie -The Rising- added little to the series’ narrative, the director was booted off the project, and Netflix offered little in the way of promotional … Read more
If there’s one thing Waccha PriMagi! isn’t afraid to do, it’s to have a variety of characters who don’t just embody a single trope or stereotype. Matsuri, our main heroine, may actually be the least interesting and nuanced of the bunch with her perky attitude and overwhelming enthusiasm for all things PriMagi, and this second … Read more
