Thursday 30 April 2020

My Top 5 Anime in Winter 2020

A new year of stress, work but most the most fun of all; ANIME, I finished more Anime than I was expecting this season and so it really was hard for me to pick my top 5. As it was hard for me to do my top 5, I have added 2 honourable mentions instead of just 1.

Well here we go!

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Honourable Mention #1
Darwin's Game (11 Eps) – 4 Stars
I have had bad memories of this kind of Anime becoming a total train wreck and I am so glad that although this could have been better; it was not a complete let down. It was entertaining, got me on the edge of my seat at times and made me want the next episode as soon as possible. It was slow at times and I felt some situations could have been removed from the Anime to add more important stuff. The actions scenes were amazing, and I loved that I sensed the danger and lives-at-stake situation.

I really wished I could have got to know other characters a bit more as I feel I honestly do not know anything about half the people I met. I do not even know much about the main character. I do love his mind set and how he handled this whole situation. There were some characters that really got on my nerves, but I am used to that in most of the Anime that I watch now.

The animation was great, and it managed to make certain scenes work. The opening song was good although I do admit I enjoyed the ending song just a little bit more.

Overall, I did enjoy this Anime and I loved having that extra-long first episode. I do want another season as the ending hinted towards more.


Honourable Mention #2
In/Spectre (12 Eps) – 4 Stars 
This was a funny, easy going at times and damn right weird Anime. This had potential to being so much better but at the same time; it was still really entertaining. The first few episodes I was just trying to get used to the style and pacing of the show. Then the middle part of the show was really engaging. The pacing was good, and I was not bored. Then the last few episodes I just felt like it was being dragged on a bit too much and I saw many other people online saying the same thing. They should have cut the certain storyline down to less episodes.

I never really got to know any characters very well bar the main characters. Kurou was an interesting main character and although you do get to know a lot about him and he did play a big part in this show, I kind of felt I needed more from him. Kotoko stole the show and the centre of attention every time she was on screen. She was funny, engaging and really cute at times. I feel like if it were not for her; this Anime would have been a disaster. She was the only character that I felt happy to see on the screen and I felt more for her than anyone else.

The Animation was good, and the fight scenes were done well. I loved the different types of creatures that were also well animated. The opening song was catchy, but I doubt I would go out of my way to listen to it. The ending song was also very catchy, and I loved the Animation that played along with it.

Overall, I really loved this show, but I felt like it could have been so much better if certain things did not happen and other things happened more. Would I want to see more of this show? Yes. To see it improved, but I doubt it will happen. Though I have been wrong before.

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#5
ID:INVADED (13 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars
This Anime shook me. I went into this Anime thinking it was not going to be good, but it ended up being the most improved throughout the series and it was engaging in ways other Anime this season failed. The start was a bit slow and shaky but after a few episodes and after I was used to the style of the writing, the pace, and the characters I was hooked, line and sinker. There is a reason why this is not a 5 Star rating; that is to do with certain things being predictable...

I think this is one of the first Anime where I really was confused with how I felt with all the characters. One moment I like a character, the next I hate them or vice versa. My emotions were conflicted with who was good or bad. All I can say is every character was necessary and every character was written and developed nicely. My favourite two characters were Sakaido and Hondoumachi.

I had no qualms about the Animation. It did its job and I loved how it was animated inside the “Well”. The opening song was catchy and fitting. The ending song for this Anime was one of my favourite endings for the season; its catchy, addicting and just epic. There was also many “Insert” songs that were perfect for the said scenes they played.

Overall, I really loved this Anime and it really was close to be a 5 star. This is an Anime that I will not forget and will most likely re watch in the future.


#4
The case files of Jeweler Richard (12 Eps) – 4 ½ Stars
If you said to me “you will watch an Anime about Jewels and love it” a year or so ago; I would have laughed so hard and went “hell no”. Here I am…after watching an Anime about said thing and I loved this show to the moon and back. Let us get one thing straight. This was not just about Jewels; if it were, I would most likely have giving up on this show. The main element to me was about relationships. Relationships between family, friends, and acquaintances. The pacing of this show was perfect, and I never thought it was being rushed or slow. When they wanted you to feel a certain emotion; you were feeling it. This was an almost perfect Anime.

I loved the many different characters that was introduced in this show, but I want to focus on the two main characters. Seigi is introduced as being a hero; always wanting to help people out when they are being treat wrongly or in danger. I knew in that moment that could be a fault in the future. I loved how kind he is, and I loved how he is willing to do anything and everything to help people. Richard was introduced as a stoic man with an analytical approach to things. He has a way with words and although he does not wear his emotions on his sleeve, you can still tell when he is feeling a certain way. The differences in both their personalities may in most scenarios mean they have nothing in common and nothing to bond over but throughout the whole series they do end up bonding and it creates a magical relationship. Whether you see them as a couple or just as best friend. This is one relationship that is built on a strong foundation.

The animation was done well, and I loved how amazing the Jewels were shown. The opening song was very fitting and nice, but the ending song was magic and simply perfect for this show. The feelings I already had from the show ends up going even crazier the moment the ending song starts.

Overall, I really loved this show and I will never underestimate an anime about a subject I would not normally be interested in. The ending was good, but I do want more from this show, so a second season would be amazing but if not…I can live with that.


#3
Haikyuu!! To the Top (13 Eps) – 5 Stars 
After waiting so long for more Haikyuu!!, I would be lying if I said I was not excited as hell. I have said in previous posts; when it comes to anything to do with sport in real life then I will not engage with it but in Anime it is a different story. From the get-go I am hooked with this new season. The pacing was done nicely, and it flows very well. The Anime managed to successfully show off many moments including serious, comedic and action scenes without it going over the top and without it being too much at one time.

This season managed to develop many characters and its hard to talk about all of them, so I will only talk about a few of them. Hinata is one of the main characters and he has been slowly developing in character development and skills as a player in this sport. I have always loved his personality and we really see him develop in other ways that we have not seen him explore before. I have not always been a fan of Kageyama but in this series I started to like him just that bit more. We also see him develop more and see how he can lighten up at times. Yamaguchi, Tanaka and Shimizu all had moments that shone in my eyes and it was great to see them have a little bit of spotlight even if only for a bit. I love how they all get along and even when they make mistakes, they are still there for each other. True teammates and friendships.

The animation for the most part was done really well, but I did find sometimes they could not quite make certain characters look smooth when in mid-air. Though I know that is most likely tricky. The opening song was amazing and addicting. Though what more do you expect from Haikyuu!!. The ending song was nice and sweet but was not my favourite from this franchise.

Overall, I really loved this series and I can’t wait for the rest of this season as it was split into two parts.


#2
Radiant 2nd Season (21 Eps) – 5 Stars 
The first season was good, but this season was AMAZING. I was already into this storyline from season 1 but this season improved on the storyline, pacing and character development. The problem I had with season 1 was that I thought it was a bit slow at times it should not be and fast at times I felt it should have slowed down. They managed to rectify it in this season. The fight scenes were done well, and I enjoyed every single fight; even when it was not centred on the main character. I felt more emotions; good or bad within this season and my heart found it hard to handle certain scenes.

I must admit my favourite character is Seth. He was VERY annoying in the first season but in this season, he really grew up and I could not help but be emotionally invested in him. Ocoho is one of the new main characters introduced and I really loved her from the get-go; with every other character in this series it takes a while before I like or not like them but with her I was just invested in the character. Her growth in just this one season was impressive. Other characters that made this series that much better were Mélie, Myr and surprisingly Diabal only because of a certain conversation.

The animation was the same as last season; thought I felt it looked cleaner during fights but that might be just me. Once again, this season only had one opening and one ending but the animation slightly changed. The opening would change the character near the end shot depending on the focus of the episode and I felt like the ending animation changed slightly though that could be me going crazy.

Overall, I really loved this season and I really hope that a season 3 is announced because I really want more from this crazy Anime.


#1
My Hero Academia 4 (25 Eps) – 5 Stars
Time for more Plus Ultra! Every time a season ends, we know a new season is just around the corner. Waiting for season 4 was just as hard as the past seasons. The wait was surely worth it. Just from episode 1 I am flung back into this crazy, epic and fantastic world of people with quirks. I love how unique each quirk is and I may say this every season but it’s true all the same. Even on the episodes where little action is done and it’s not as important it’s still just as interesting. There were scenes that was intense, and it had me feeling bad but in a good way and then there was moments that made me laugh out loud. There were also moments that made me cry; happiness, sadness and just being an emotional wreck. The action in this franchise has always been top tier and that quality did not drop in this season. The new storylines were engaging, and the pace of the season was perfect.

I can’t stop loving Midoriya (Deku). No matter what he’s doing; making mistakes or doing things right. He is strong, caring and loving. He always tries to do what’s best and seeing him go through this journey of trying to be the number 1 hero and gaining in skills, powers and techniques. Eri is one of the new characters introduced in this season and she’s so adorable and cute. I love how she doesn’t want anyone hurt because of her and that just reminds me of how far Deku is willing to risk and do to protect his friends. Kirishima also managed to get some spotlight which was amazing; we also  got some of his backstory which also helped me start to really like him as a character. The last character I’m going to talk about is Mirio. He is one of the big 3 in school and he is also someone who would do anything and risk anything to protect the ones he loves. His light-hearted nature is something that I really love about him. I really did start to like more characters in this season but also started to find other characters a little too annoying.

The animation is always good in this show. The fight scenes were done very well and the scenes where they are moving in air or something similar was done amazingly. The two openings for this season were really good but not as good as previous seasons. The two ending songs were amazing, and they were much better than the openings. There was an insert song called “Might+U” that was played in a certain episode that’s amazing and is hands down of my favourite insert songs for any anime.

Overall, this season was just everything that I wanted, and I honestly can’t wait for season 5. With that little sneak peek at the end of this season; it’s got me waiting. I will be patient and I will not dive into the Manga.


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It was incredibly hard to order my 5th and 4th and then to order my 3rd and 2nd. My first was easy as this season of My Hero Academia was amazing.

My next post will be either a Top 5 or an announcement post.  Until then, have a good day.


Tara
xxxx

Sunday 26 April 2020

Anime OST Spotlight #13: Tokyo Ghoul:Re

Anime Title: Tokyo Ghoul:Re
Opening/Ending/Other: Insert Song (Ep 3)
Artist: AmaLee (An amazing singer on Youtube)
Song: Parabellum


Lyrics
I'm waiting, edge of my vision turn crimson
I watch the night fall
Pulse racing, blood running hot
My weapon are ready and drawn
I won't back down, I can't turn back now
I won't leave without my victim's blood shed this time
I step back, seize the moment, and carry on
Changing im, I won't be beat
Running fast, my fingers shake, blood thirsting
And although might fall
I know that it won't be in vain.

I light the flame, there's no escape
I won't be Defeated not once again
Even if I won't see the ending of this battle
I shout to the sky, I'm taking aim
I'll shoot for Victory even if it cost my life
I'd give it all, if only I would win
Glory shall be mine.

The night turns to day
The dark recedes, yielding to light
The ashes are falling now
I feel the tepid calm settle in
I know this won't last
I'm holding my Battleworn self
And waiting for the sky to turn back into blue
I feel the pain sinking in, telling me that I survived.

I've lit the flames, I face the end
I feel relief as I walk through the downpour of red rain
I triumphed
I held out 'till the end, I Vanquished all my fears
As the sun rises, I await Daybreak
The fragile horizon Shattering
I know that this won't be the end
This is just the Beginning.

Though my wounds, they ache
Blood drippimg down
I Crush the Voice inside me, holding me back
I can't escape this calling, bu I'm no longer scared
I'm Reaching out my hand to the sky
Searching on my own
I stand waiting

Thursday 16 April 2020

Anime Recommendation #10: Death Parade

Description:
When two people die at the same time, they're sent to a place that's neither heaven nor hell: a lavish bar between worlds where the stakes are high and the rules are simple: if you win you live again, if you die you're gone for good. Decim is the bartender charged with serving the souls who enter Quindecim. He may make a mean cocktail, but his true profession is to play the role of arbiter: a judge who determines whether or not a soul is worthy of reincarnation. To aid in his judgment, the bar's patrons are forced to play simple games laced with sadistic twists designed to bring their true natures to light. To Decim, judgment has always been black and white - that is until he meets a mysterious young woman whose fate seems impossible to decide. His indecision shakes the very foundation of the games and raises the biggest question of all: who is fit to judge the dead?


Anime: Death Parade
No. Eps: 12
Studio: MADHOUSE
Aired: Winter 2015
Tags: Drama, Afterlife, Bar, High Stakes Games, Play or Die, Psychological, PVP, Supernatural, Thriller, Original Work
Content Warning: Mature Themes, Physical Abuse


Reason for Recommendation:
I remember when I went to watch this thinking I was most likely not going to enjoy as much as I did. My emotions wasn't ready for this Anime and It felt like the emotional roller coaster ride was never going to end. The Animation was wonderful and the addicting opening song was one of the things that sold this Anime to me. All of the characters were well written and developed. If you are a fan of Death Note or Angel Beats then this could be the one for you.


My Rating: 5 Stars
AVG. Rating on "Anime Planet" ATM:  4.4 Stars

Sunday 12 April 2020

Anime OST Spotlight #12: Bleach

Anime Title: Bleach
Opening/Ending/Other: Ending #29
Artist: Aimer
Song: Re:pray


Lyrics
odo kyou kaidan no moto
Te wo furu yo saigo no senaka ni
Aoi ni kawaru raito (light) de, toki ga ugoku
Kasa no nami nomikonda My days

Say a little pray for you and me Mou
Eien wo chikae nai ai wo miokurou

Dare ka no tame ni ikite yukenai
Jibun wo yuruseru tsuyosa wo
Anata ni yori soinakatta koto
Kuya mazu ni irareru hibi wo

Inori wa kumo hikisaki
Kono sora ni kibou toki hanasu

Thursday 2 April 2020

Anime Recommendation #9: If you like The Heroic Legend of Arslan you might like...

If you liked The Heroic Legend of Arslan (Arslan Senki):

As Arslan gathers forces to fight for his cause, his progress is suddenly halted by the warring Princes of the neighboring country, Sindhura. Both brothers believe they have equal claim to the throne, but only one can succeed their father. Sensing the opportunity to form a powerful alliance, Arslan's trusted advisor, Narsus forms a plan to end the feud once and for all. But their detour in Sindhura gives Lord Silver Mask and his followers time to strengthen their own influence back in Pars. The mystery surrounding Arslan's true parentage has loyal Parsians questioning his right to rule. Shocked by the revelation that he may be fighting for a throne that isn't his, Arslan has to wonder: Is blood truly what makes a king Or is the love he has for Pars and its people enough to see him through?



You might like Altair: A Record of Battles (Shoukoku no Altair):

The clouds of war are gathering over the Türkiye Stratocracy as the neighboring Balt-Rhein Empire prepares to aggressively expand its power. 17-year-old Tughril Mahmut is the youngest military leader in Türkiye's history, and he sits on a council sharply divided between warmongers and pacifists. As an orphan who has already lost his entire village in a massacre, Mahmet is among those bidding for peace; but war is coming whether anyone wants it or not. Can Mahmet successfully build an alliance strong enough to defend his nation, or will the tangled web of political intrigue give Balt-Rhein the advantage it needs to bring about the Türkiye Stratocracy's downfall?





Reasons/Similarities:

  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Both main characters are young
  • Fantasy
  • Shounen
  • Both main characters go through a similar journey with some differences
  • Medieval
  • Middle Eastern
  • Political
  • War
  • Based on a Manga
  • Amazing soundtracks (Opening & Ending songs) 


Music