Review of Black Clover

The Storyline does at first sound like any other Shounen show which has Magic, Rivalry and Never giving up but I will say it does have some unique elements. This show is amazing at showing growth in a fast or slow-paced depending on the situation. Only in the first few episodes am I shown that people aren’t strong just out of “I have magic, so I am strong”. Even with the magic they must learn to harness it and adapt to it. Nearly every character bar few have their downfalls, or I guess another way of putting it, a weakness. The thing is this show then SHOWS how they train and get over each hurdle that gets in their way. An example without spoiling is Noelle who can’t fly due to circumstances, but she doesn’t just give up and let it be; she perseveres. The fighting scenes are good, and the emotional scenes are for the most part decent.

The Animation at times could be a total mess but at other times it could be MAGICAL and amazing. In normal situations when they are standing around or doing minimal things the Animation is just like in any other Anime; nothing too amazing and it doesn’t affect my viewing of the Anime. When fight scenes occur you expect a certain quality and at times it was met but then at other times it would be REALLY bad, to the point I am disappointed. Luckily it was good more than bad. The Sound element is a story. I don’t like hating on people but to begin with the “VA” for Asta was the most annoying voice ever. I will though give credit where it’s due; I feel not only did I just get used to it but I think the “VA” improved massively. There was 13 openings and 13 endings, and I only hated a few songs all together. Many of the songs were fitting and catchy and then a few I adored. My 3 favourite openings were opening 3 & 10 “Black Rover” & “Black Catcher” respectively by “Vickeblanka” and opening 12 “Eien ni Hikare (永遠に光れ)” by “TOMORROW X TOGETHER”. My 3 favourite endings were ending 4 “four” by “Faky”, ending 10 “New Page” by “INTERSECTION” and ending 13 “Beautiful” by “TREASURE”.

The Characters were all unique. Asta is one of the main characters and off the bat we see he is different to everyone else. That being that while everyone else can use magic to some degree, he just can’t. No matter how much he trains and tries; but do you want to know what, he never gives up. Yuno is another main character and is the total opposite to Asta. He is blessed with a massive amount of magic and can do it with ease. Although I say opposite, I do have to say he also works hard to get to where he is. Their personalities are also opposites and at times both can be entertaining but also both can be annoying. The last main character is Noelle; born into royalty but unable to control her power. She is also someone with great amount of magic just like Yuno but is unable to control it as well. Just like the two main guys, she doesn’t give up but instead she trains and doesn’t let anything or anyone stop her. Even her own family see her as weak but with the help of friends she wants to prove them wrong. Other characters in this show that I love were Yami, Finral and Nero.

Overall this show had moments where I really wasn’t into it but then the moments that did deliver managed to outshine and make me forget about the weaker parts. From the fighting to the powerful speeches. This Anime was amazing, and I can’t wait for the Movie and then hopefully we will get a season two. If you like Bleach or Fairy Tail then you will most likely like this.

9/10Story

      

7.5/10Animation

      

8/10Sound

      

9.5/10Characters

      

8.9/10Overall

 

Review of Sk∞

The Storyline is about Skateboarding, and I have never been into skateboarding. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate it, but I haven’t really been too into it. Well, I wasn’t till I watched this. Not only was this show focused on the sport side to it, but it was also about relationships and had plenty of drama. The drama in this show was intense at times; it helped that it was written really well as I felt the emotions I needed to feel. I cried at times and then I laughed at times. The pacing was done remarkably well, and I was hooked into the plot/storyline so quickly.

The Animation is colourful, bright, and amazing. The animation while skating was done so well, I was invested into the sport more because of how good It looked. The Sound was top tier in all aspects. The background music was epic and fitting. The opening song was catchy and addicting. The ending song was catchy and became a meme all on its own. The voice actors were remarkable, and I also checked out some scenes in dubbed; so different yet amazingly good.

The Characters were all unique and weird; and I mean the good type; in most cases bar one. Reki is one of the main characters. He has an awesome personality and I really related to him in many ways. One of the ways I related to him was when he sees others do better than him and he suddenly felt like he isn’t good enough. There’s been many times in my life where I was proud of something I can do or have done and then have people do better than me, so then I feel like what I did isn’t good enough anymore. Langa is the other main character, and he was just a fresh of breath air. He is amazing and he learns things quickly. His trust in Reki right from the start was what made me like him. I will point out that I do prefer Reki but only by a bit. The relationship between the two main characters was one of the main elements in this show, and no matter how you view this relationship as; it was a strong, real, and pure. The other characters who I did enjoy was Miya and Shadow. Miya because it helped with developing the main characters and Shadow because he’s funny.

Overall I loved this show with all my heart and I really hope that the news of “more” SK8 content is either a Second season or a movie…or maybe we can be lucky and have both. If you are fans of Haikyuu!! and Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club then this Anime is for you. 

10/10Story

      

10/10Animation

      

10/10Sound

      

9.2/10Characters

      

9.9/10Overall

Review of Pretty Boy Detective Club

 The Storyline sounded kind of dumb, I’m not going to lie. Although after the first few episodes I kind of ate my own words. I was more hooked into this show then other shows that I thought was going to be AMAZING. I liked the concept that every few eps were a new “Arc” “main plot” but still throughout there was a major plot going on. They managed to balance the genres of “Comedy” and “Mystery” in a balanced way so that it wasn’t boring or had funny moments in awkward places unless it was needed. The concept about the main characters certain unique trait is well done and honestly, I wished I had it. Although I am glad that although sometimes you may have something that you excel in, you may have some things you lack, or it may lead to something going wrong. The pacing for most of the time was good but I found some arcs could have been shortened, while others extended.

The Animation is what drew me in to begin with, not the description. With brightly coloured animation it was hard not to look away. I never saw any issues with the Animation at all and I think I would have noticed if it had been something drastic. The Sound for this Anime was good, and I found the VA’s did an excellent job portraying their characters. The opening is one of the catchiest songs I listed to that season. The different ending songs sang by the VA’s were all sweet and nice but nothing very memorable.

The Characters I think was the other thing that got me to pay attention to this Anime. With all the characters looking and acting all unique.  Although I liked all the characters in this Anime, I can’t really talk about everyone, but I can talk about a couple. Mayumi is the main female protagonist where most the attention is focused on. She has the most beautiful eyes and purple hair. I love her personality and the way she tries to do stuff on her own but can also accept help. Manabu is the main male protagonist and I also never clicked until it was revealed. He is a child, not even a teenager and he act like an adult. I am assuming the way to look at is, he has a body of a child, the age of a child but a mind of an adult. Oh, how I wish I could be a child still. He is funny and I do like his look on things and how he puts certain things in perspective.

Overall, my opinion on this Anime is “Never judge a book by its cover” …I swear I said this to a previous Anime review…When will I learn. I loved this show and although it wasn’t perfect it was still very much enjoyable. If you loved Ouran High School Host Club and Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE! then you will enjoy this ride. 

8/10Story

      

9.5/10Animation

      

9/10Sound

      

9/10Characters

      

8.8/10Overall

Review of Given

The Storyline I knew was going to have themes of BL (Boys Love) along with Music; but I never imagine it would grab me and not let me go until I felt so many different emotions for different reasons. I knew going in it was going to have some dark, adult themes due to the tag of “noitaminA”. Look up the tag and you will understand. I did enjoy this plot, it managed to have deep and dark issues which is realistic but then it also had its happy moments too. The happy moments really did help balance the emotional pain you start to feel during this whole ride. There were no issues with the pacing as I never felt for once it was going too slow or too fast.

I don’t think I really noticed any issues with the Animation but then I also never saw anything too impressive. I think the only times I found myself paying attention to the Animation was when it’s focused on the instruments and when they are playing on stage. This show wasn’t about the animation so in my head; it did what it needed to do. The Sound was always going to be an important element in this Anime due to the Music genre. The drums, guitars etc all sound wonderful and in tune. The singing in this show is also beautiful and for some reason I feel the rawness in the singing. The feelings I experience when listening to the lyrics of a certain song is certainly something. The opening song is amazing and at first, I didn’t know the translation, so I was just going with how it made me feel and my own interpretation but then after a while I found out the English translation of the song lyrics and it made me love it even more. I love when the opening songs relate to the show and it’s not just some random song for an Anime. I also felt the ending song was pretty and emotional, especially after seeing the English translation.

The Characters were all unique but of course have one thing in common: Music. Ritsuka Uenoyama when first introduced is just an average guy, who likes Music but has lost passion in all the things he used to love. At first, I wasn’t really connecting with him but with time and progression as a character I started to connect and love him as a character. Mafuyu Sato although as with Uenoyama I didn’t relate to at first, I did love him from the moment he entered the scene. I think it was because there was a sad/mysterious backstory to him that made me want to know everything and I enjoyed his presence. Akihiko and Haruki were the other two main characters that was introduced to us. Although they were “Secondary” characters, they were just as important and enjoyable as the other two. They were likeable, unique, and very interesting. There weren’t really any characters that I hated but there was some that I found annoying. There was one girl I wasn’t impressed with when she took something too far; not going to spoil it but you will know what I mean if you watch it.

Overall, I adored this show and enjoyed the ride. The drama side to this show was what surprised me, but it was certainly a good surprise. There is also a movie out, though while watching this I didn’t know. The movie is centred more on the two main secondary characters. I feel if you enjoyed shows like Anonymous Noise or Junjou Romantica; you will most likely enjoy this one. 

9.5/10Story

      

8.5/10Animation

      

10/10Sound

      

9.5/10Characters

      

9.7/10Overall

Review of Tower of God

The Storyline got me hooked instantly and although at time it could be slightly confusing; the next episode would then explain what I was previously confused about. The pacing was amazing, and I never thought at anytime that it was being rushed. The way they did the layout in the final episode was unique and amazingly done. I watched this two times; one in subbed and one in English dubbed so I guess that goes to show just how much I liked this show.

The Animation although at first, I found to be very weird and strange; in time I grew to enjoy it and love it and to see it as a unique element to the whole show. The fighting with said Animation was done really well and I honestly am glad they chose to do such a unique Animation. The Sound being that I watched this in both the original and English dubbed I must say both impressed me. I loved the whole cast of the original voice actors, but I will give credit to the English voice actors where credit is due. They did such a great job at portraying the characters. The opening and ending songs were sung by “Stray Kids” and I loved the songs so much. I also loved how they sung it in English for the English dubbed. I was constantly playing the opening song over and over again.

The Characters were all unique and I found myself liking more and more of them as the episodes went on. While I was starting to like more and more, I was also starting to hate others more and more. I am sure you know the main target of my hatred if you have seen this show already. Pacifist Bam is the main male character in this show. I call him that name for a reason. He really will do anything in his power to prevent violence from occurring if the issue can be resolved in a friendly, non-violent way. Which is basically the opposite of EVERYTHING this show is about. He is strong and he can fight. I love him because of this trait. He isn’t too weak that he needs help, and he doesn’t show off his strengths in a show-off way either. Khun is the other main male character introduced to this story. His analytical skills are above the rest, and he doesn’t do too bad in a fight. You get to know a lot about him in just a short amount of time and I really do like him as a character. I do love both Bam and Khun but I feel sometimes Khun just edges that little bit closer to being better. I do want to quickly say that I also loved Rak for his comedy and also Lauroe for being the biggest sleepyhead known to man and basically being me.

Overall I really loved this show and even though I did get confused at times, I didn’t let that ruin my experience. I really really want a second season but whether we will or not is in the hands of Crunchyroll. If you loved Hunter x Hunter or Bleach then I really think you would enjoy this show.

9/10Story

      

9/10Animation

      

9.5/10Sound

      

8/10Characters

      

9.5/10Overall

Review of The Case Files of Jeweler Richard

The Storyline is a mixture of being unique and not being unique. The unique part being the title of the show… Mainly the word “Jeweler” but the other main element is the bond between the characters and what they go through as a whole. If you said to me a while back that I would be watching something which is to do with “Jewels”, I would not believe you. The pacing of this show was perfect, and I never once thought it was being rushed or too slow. When they wanted me to be emotional and feel a certain way, I would be feeling it. This was an almost perfect Anime.

The Animation was done well, and the jewels were Animated in a way that made them look so realistic and pretty. The Sound, aka the opening song was very fitting and nice, but it was the ending song that stole my heart. It was magical and just simply perfect for the show. The feelings that I was already feeling due to the episode was elevated by the ending song.

The many Characters that were introduced in this show was mainly all loveable bar a few and they were all written well. I only want to go into detail about the two main characters as their journey together and separate was the important part of the whole show. 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.

Overall I really loved this show, and it really does go to show. Don’t judge a book by its cover…well in my case don’t judge the title by its…title? I really enjoyed the fact it went from 0 to 100 and I loved every moment. The ending of the show was good, but I would love to see a second season. Though if it never happens. I'll survive. If you loved Given or Yuri!!! on Ice then you will most likely enjoy this show.

9/10Story

      

9/10Animation

      

9/10Sound

      

9/10Characters

      

9.6/10Overall

Review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

The Storyline at first glance just seems like an average Shounen show about someone fighting for someone or something important. I was right with the fact it’s about someone fighting for someone but the way it’s shown and portrayed has elements of being unique. This show managed to drag me into a plot that I never knew I needed but so grateful for it. The pacing wasn’t too slow or too fast and I never thought it was boring or dragging. The action in this show was top tier and even when the episodes weren’t centred on the fighting/action it was instead used to develop the story, characters and have moments of comedy.

The Animation was top tier, but I wouldn’t expect anything less when it comes to studio “ufotable”. From the fighting, the elements when attacking and the opening sequence the Animation quality never wavered. It’s very rare I would be in awe and stunned by the amazing quality. The overall Sound quality was fantastic in many cases. The voice actors did an amazing job portraying their roles, especially in the most intense scenes. The sounds they used when fighting was epic, especially when the elements are used, e.g., Water from the main character. Even though this was a two season Anime it only had one opening and one ending but quite frankly I was really happy with that decision. Especially as the songs were sung by LiSA. She really does have an epic voice and it was perfect for Demon Slayer.

The Characters were all remarkably diverse and different but of course I do have my favourites. Tanjirou the main male character is such a sweet guy, and I really couldn’t help but be on his side through thick and thin. I find that with a lot of Shounen Anime the main character is portrayed in a dumb, foolish, and out their kind of guy. This was different in this show. He was out-going, caring and not annoying. He is respectful to everything and tries to show kindness to everyone even if they didn’t deserve it at times. Nezuko is his sister and I just love her. She is pretty, cute, and amazing and I love her bond with her brother. The cute little clips of when she’s smaller and being all adorable is enough to melt my heart. You know how I said that the main character wasn’t annoying etc. They left that in the form of Zenitsu & Inosuke. Do not get me wrong; I love these two characters but now and then they can really get on my nerve for different reasons. They also made me laugh at times, so I guess that’s a give and take kind of situation. I think I need more developments on these two characters. There were many more characters in this show that I liked but I need more screen time if I am to write more about them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this show and it had me hooked right from the start to finish. The epic soundtrack to the remarkable animation quality and the emotions packed into each episode; this Anime is one of my all-time favourites. As of writing this review, a movie is out and a season two is on the way soon. If you enjoyed Anime like: My Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Jujutsu Kaisen or if you just want a good solid action/drama Anime, then this Anime is for you.

9.5/10Story

      

10/10Animation

      

9.5/10Sound

      

9/10Characters

      

9.8/10Overall

Review of Banana Fish

The Storyline hit me in the face and wouldn’t let me rest. Trust me when I say, this ANIME had me all over the place. I was addicted to it from episode one and I needed that next episode ASAP. The wait every week for the next episode was the hardest I’ve had to wait for ANY episode for ANY Anime. My emotions went from high to low in a matter of moments. I never thought in a million year that a show with gangs and guns and so much violence from the get-go would hook me in and not let me go. This show is very mature and is only for adults; so if you are a young soul, please don’t watch this. When I saw the tags such as “Sexual Abuse” and “Physical Abuse” I was kind of torn whether I should watch this or not. I am glad I gave in and watched it because the story was so much more than those tags.  The pacing was done really well; I never felt like it was being rushed or being too slow. There most likely only one episode in the 24 Episodes that was slightly boring or not as good as the others but having one like that is normal for any Anime. I thought Attack on Titan and Fullmetal Alchemist was good at cliffhangers but it had nothing on Banana Fish. The cliffhangers that this show flung at you were the worst yet the best ever. I was such an emotional wreck, and it was mainly due to those said cliffhangers. The emotional scenes were just as good as the action’s scenes and once again I really can’t fault this storyline at all, even if the ending hurt like hell.

The Animation was actually really unique and although it’s not as SOLID as other Anime I have watched it did its job and I have to say the facial structures were done really well. The Sound was just as good as everything else in this Anime. The voice actors were amazing with their said roles, and I must give credit where credit is due. Even though the bad guy’s suck, they are good at voicing their disgusting personas. The opening and ending songs were amazing. All 4 songs used were perfect for the Anime and now when I hear them; I instantly thing of this Anime and the emotions come flooding back. If I had to choose a favourite opening and ending it had to be the songs sung by Survive Said the Prophet; “Found & Lost” and “Red”.  The lyrics from the latter song; “Is this the sacrifice for the broken losing the purest of what's in your heart” just makes me feel things and it just hits me right in my heart.

  
The Characters in this show were some very interesting and crazy personas. I have mentioned above about bad guys and how much they suck. The worst although hard to choose between all the horrid characters was definitely Dino; the reason being is something I can’t really go into detail with as I would end up spoiling so much. Let’s just get one thing out of the way; I wouldn’t save him even if I would get a million pounds. Ash, Eiji and Shorter were my three favourite characters and just so happens to be the main three characters. Shorter is just a really cool guy and even though he didn’t really know Eiji, he still went out of the way to help him and be there for him. You know that saying “Opposites Attract” that 100% sums up Ash and Eiji. Ash is a gang leader, criminal, and crazy guy and Eiji is a sweet, innocent cinnamon roll and I would climb through hell to save him kind of guy. They instantly connected, whether you see it or not; I saw it right there, the moment they spoke to eachother the first time. The lengths each other would go to, to help each other out was crazy, especially for Eiji. The character development for Eiji was the best development I have seen in a really long time. I know this Anime isn’t classed as BL (Boys Love) but I know for fact the feelings Eiji and Ash had were so much more than friendship and even though they never fully announced anything it was really cute and amazing that they showed hints of it.

Overall this Anime was a rollercoaster ride and it will 100% be one of my all-time favourite Anime. The character developments and amazing soundtrack was two of the main reasons why I fell in love with this Anime more than I thought I would. I highly recommend this Anime if you love Anime such as 91 Days, Yuri!!! On Ice and Durarara!! Or you just want to dive into something wild and crazy.

9.8/10Story

      

10/10Animation

      

10/10Sound

      

9.8/10Characters

      

10/10Overall

Review of Yuri!!! on Ice

 The Storyline produced so many amazing moments, from sad to annoyed, disappointed to happy. The pace of the 12 Episode series went at a good speed and there was only one episode that didn’t focus on the main plot and that’s a good thing. Having that one episode to just gather our thoughts and feelings was a blessing. I never thought that ice skating could be so amazing and beautiful. When I first dived into this, I never thought it would have romance and that it would be between the two main male characters. I love it. I loved that the show took risks and it worked for me.

The Animation was normal, nothing too fancy but definitely not rubbish. It was pretty watching ice skating in Anime rather than with real people. The overall Sound of the show was amazing. From the opening song to the insert songs used in the performances and to the ending song. The sounds used for the skates hitting the ice to the voice actors being perfect for each character. I watched this in original Japanese with subtitles, and I did try to watch it in Dubbed but certain voices for certain characters made me laugh each time they opened their mouth. I couldn’t take it seriously, hence why I stuck with subtitles. To this day, the opening song is still catchy and memorable. I only need to hear the first few notes and boom, I know it’s from this Anime. 

The Characters were all unique, fascinating, and gorgeous (although a few I could live without). Yuuri was a character that I easily fell in love with. His innocence and fragile state were something that I could relate too, with some degree. I knew once I saw him, he would be taking on a journey of change and growth in which that was shown throughout the show. Victor was interesting from the get-go, and although he was confident and outgoing, I knew that there was more to him than this persona he shows to his fans and friends. Yuri (Yurio) was a character I instantly hated, but then throughout the show I started to really like him and enjoy his presence. The romance between Yuuri and Victor didn’t feel too forced in my opinion, but I know others may disagree. I loved them and loved how it was all portrayed.

Overall this Anime managed to balance the show with Drama, Sport, Romance and a little bit of comedy. I loved this show with all my heart and can’t wait for the Movie and hope that it will eventually get a second season. 

10/10Story

      

8/10Animation

      

10/10Sound

      

9/10Characters

      

9.8/10Overall

Review of Zetsuen no Tempest (Blast of Tempest)

 The Storyline was actually really interesting, not only was it paced correctly had interesting themes but it also paid homage to William Shakespeare and two of his works; “Hamlet” and “The Tempest”. You had one of characters quote from “Hamlet” and she also said that the situation between the male main characters is similar to a situation in “The Tempest” and you also have the fact that “Tempest” is in the Anime name. I like the fact they had elements of his works in this Anime, although I haven’t read either of the books.

The Animation and Sound was actually pretty good. The Animation never had anything disastrous about it from what I remember and I don’t remember any sound issues either. The first opening song is my favourite song from the whole show. It was addicting catchy and just went well with the Anime and a bonus it was sung in English.

The Characters were all different, that much I can say right off the top of my head. Hakaze was an interesting female character and was really strong willed and never gave up. I felt that this Anime wouldn’t have been complete without this unique compelling character. I didn’t really like Mahiro to begin with as I just felt like he was being a jerk. I know he lost someone precious to him but I don’t know. I did start to like him but I just didn’t like him as much as other characters. Yoshino was an analytical, interesting character who I did actually like from the start but at time wasn’t really sure if he was doing and saying the right thing. I love the fact he was smart but I felt like that dragged him down at times. There are other characters but if I kept typing I will end up going forever.

Overall I really enjoyed this Anime a lot and it was the right amount of episodes. I think at times it was slow but a lot of Anime suffer from that so nothing that surprised me.  I would have loved it if it was English Dubbed but unfortunately it isn’t and I doubt it ever will. 

9/10Story

      

9.5/10Animation

      

9.5/10Sound

      

8.5/10Characters

      

9.1/10Overall

Review of Haikyuu!!

 The Storyline being sports Anime isn’t really unique, but I am not sure if there is any other volleyball Anime out there, and if there is, please let me know. All I know is, I am very very very not a sporty person, so when I find an Anime that’s to do with sports that I like then it means it’s good. The pace was brilliant and the storyline ended was typical but yet I was grateful as I knew that there was going to be a second season.

The Animation was perfect and amazing especially the times when they were making really good shots to the other side of the court. The Sound was just as good, plus a bonus being the opening and ending songs were really good and suited the Anime down to a T.

The Characters  were interesting to see the least. No really I like the majority of the characters and I loved how each one brought their own personality and traits. The main character Hinata was definitely my favourite character from the whole series. I loved how wacky and young at heart he was and how he did whatever it takes and he never gave up to get to a stage of his career being a part of  a volleyball team. I also like his noises he makes “wooahh” “wow”. Also like his hair… maybe… and I love how short he is…. maybe…

Overall I really loved this sporty Anime and I can’t wait for the second season to come, as I know it’s hopefully going to go on the line of other sport Anime I have seen… 

9/10Story

      

10/10Animation

      

10/10Sound

      

8.5/10Characters

      

9.3/10Overall

P.S. Some of these Reviews that I am posting, was old Reviews, when I used to write Small Reviews. So some reviews I write will be long and some will be short. :)