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

Battle Game in 5 Seconds - Episode 1 - What on earth is this... {SPOILERS}

I wasn't going to start watching anymore "Summer" Anime but then something called me to this Anime; not sure why and after this one episode...still not sure why. 

I will praise it on the fact not once in this first episode was I bored or losing interest. I was pulled into this crazy story and I wouldn't know how to leave even if I tried. 

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

So you have this guy named "Akira" who is a gamer and very analytical and he's currently walking to school while playing "Tetris" on his phone with girls behind him talking about how he's a weirdo. Don't worry, the girls didn't hurt his feelings as he speaks in his mind that he agrees with that statement. Suddenly this random big dude jumps out of a van and just RUNS AT HIM; attacking him etc. "Akira" then steals a bike and rides off. With his quick thinking he manages to find an isolated building which is falling apart as it was in the middle of being demolished. HOW LUCKY WAS HE that a building was just there... ready for him...ready for his quick thinking. He uses his brains to defeat the enemy but then ends up being killed buy a strange, interesting "girl" named "Mion". At this point I am confused and just lost for words for what I just witnessed. 

Moving onto the second part of the episode. More people like "Akira" also got attacked/killed and now there is a huge group of them. They have been killed, therefore they currently don't exist, therefore they don't have any rights etc. They get told by that "Mion" character that they all have a unique gift/power and they are basically test subjects. They also have handcuffs on them which stops them using their power unless it's unlocked. I do like the premise of the handcuffs and I do like how this whole situation is explained but WHAT THE HELL!!!!. 

Onto the last part of this episode. Onto one v one fights and I do love these fights. The fight is now over. HONESTLY couldn't they have not made this fight last just a little longer. It was "Akira" and anther dude who I don't know the name of. He has a power that makes his woods stick into a sword and at this point we didn't know "Akira's". At first it really looked like the main character was going to lose but nope. He wins. His power is "Whatever your opponent thinks your ability is". Make sense of it if you can. To make it simple. He has to make someone believe a power is his power then it will become his power. In this case; he made his opponent think about someone else's ability and made it out that it was also his and then it suddenly was his and he used it to win. I REALY LOVE THIS. I don't recall a time I have seen this before in an Anime. FOR THIS and only this does it mean I will be sticking around for a journey I never thought I was going to go on. 

Episode 1 Rating:  4/5 Stars

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

Spring 2021 Anime...

What can I say about Spring Anime other than the fact I didn't really watch much this season compared to the last season. With this season; I'm finishing less than last season too. 

The one Anime that I still haven't finished...

MARS RED (I don't know why I can't finish this...maybe I will "soon")

I don't know why but I can't finish this just yet. From what I have seen up to "Episode 6" it's not a rubbish Anime but it's something that I keep pushing to the side and I would rather be watching or doing something else. If anyone has seen this and really thinks I am being stupid not finishing this; let me know. I am in love with the Ending song which I have on my Spotify playlist. "And when the night falls upon, I just can't ignore the urge, Don't wanna hurt you, my love, But my heart can feel this urge".

My Rating: N/A

Anime Planet AVG Rating: 3.4/5 Stars

--------------------------

Moving onto the Anime that stole me away and dragged me into their world and wouldn't let me stop thinking about their world.

Fruits Basket the Final (I haven't cried this much since "Clannad")

The amount of times I should have learnt to have tissues on hand and never did. Even my fiancé warned me and he doesn't even watch this. If you have seen my past posts, you will know I have rated Fruits Basket highly ever since the reboot of this franchise. This season is just as good, if not better than the last two seasons. The start of this season is picked up right from the ending of Season two, when we got a big shocker. The emotional rollercoaster I went through watching this season was intense. The pacing of this final season was doing really well and even though this had less episodes than the previous two seasons, not once did I feel that was a bad mistake. The 13 episodes in this season was more than enough to conclude every characters storyline and to finish it without anything being missed out. All the characters had a chance to shine and in some cases; out shine the main characters. Tohru is still my cute innocent cinnamon roll who deserves EVERYTHING and more. I watched this in dubbed so I just want to hand it to the amazing English voice actors who did such an amazing job at their roles. I will say a massive shout out to the VA's of Yuki and Kyo who I felt went above and beyond in a certain scene in one of the episodes that just SHOOCK ME to my core. The opening song was also a good fitting for the show although I did prefer the previous season's opening's and the ending song was catchy. I also found it fitting that a certain clip of the ED just as the song is starting changes depending on what happened in the episode. Overall I really enjoyed all season and loved this season in particular. I can't wait for the spin-off (prequel) for this Franchise. 

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Anime Planet AVG Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

First Season Rating: 5/5 Stars

Anime Planet AVG Rating: 4.4/5 Stars

Second Season Rating: 5/5 Stars

Anime Planet AVG Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

SSSS.Dynazenon (In my mind, so underrated)

I loved it. I was always going to watch this as I remember how much I enjoyed SSSS.Gridman. Although this isn't a classed as a sequel, it is the same franchise and same universe. A little like how "Iron Man" is in the same universe as "Captain America" but they aren't sequels. I always felt like something was missing in Gridman and I think I found it in this. From the plot, pacing and character development; this was a strong upgrade from Gridman. The fighting in this was amazing and the only downfall for me was I wished the fighting was longer but I do understand they only had 12 episodes to start, develop and finish. All the characters were important to the plot and I wouldn't really say there was "one" main character but rather say a group of main characters. My favourite two main characters were Yomogi and Yume most likely due to how they were develop separately and together. They needed each other to grow stronger and to see their weaknesses and strengths. Having someone who you can rely on through thick and thin is such an important thing and it was showcased really well in this Anime. The opening song was catchy and upbeat and the ending song was really fitting. Overall I was deeply surprised by how much I got into this and felt this was an Anime that I see sticking with me for a while. 

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Anime Planet AVG Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Moriarty the Patriot 2nd Season (Crime has never felt so good)

Didn't think it could top last season. I was wrong, so very wrong. From the start to finish I was hooked and waiting every week to watch the next episode was hell. The storyline is continuing on from season 1. The pacing is done really well so I never thought it was going to fast or too slow. So many intense scenes happened in this season and they done really well. Not only did they continue to develop characters that we were already introduced too in season 1 but they managed to introduce more characters and also develop them. My favourite characters in this season were Louis and John, mainly because they are just as important to this show than everyone else and yet I felt they got the least amount of attention. I think all the voice actors in this show did a really job and I was mesmerized by the acting in certain scenes. The opening song was catchy and addicting and the moment it was released I had it on my Spotify playlist fast than you can say "Catch me if you can, Mr. Holmes.". The ending song was also good but it will never beat the season 1 ending. Overall this season and most likely final season was such a blast to watch and the finale was epic. If another season were to happen; I will 100% be watching it. 

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

Anime Planet AVG Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

First Season Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Anime Planet AVG Rating: 4.4/5 Stars

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Other Anime that was amazing and was just as good or even better than I had hoped:

• Pretty Boy Detective Club - 4 1/2 Stars

Cute, funny and even at times emotional - close to being 5 Stars.

• Tokyo Revengers (First half) - 4 1/2 Stars

Angst, violence and VERY emotional - some things just dragged it down from 5 Stars.

• My Hero Academia 5 (First half) - 5 Stars

Deku.

Thank you for reading and I can't wait to put out more posts.

 

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