Fall 2018
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 5: Ougon no Kaze
David ProductionIn the coastal city of Naples, corruption is teeming—the police blatantly conspire with outlaws, drugs run rampant around the youth, and the mafia governs the streets with an iron fist. However, various fateful encounters will soon occur.
Enter Giorno Giovanna, a 15-year-old boy with an eccentric connection to the Joestar family, who makes a living out of part-time jobs and pickpocketing. Furthermore, he is gifted with the unexplained Stand ability to give and create life—growing plants from the ground and turning inanimate objects into live animals, an ability he has dubbed "Gold Experience." Fascinated by the might of local gangsters, Giorno has dreamed of rising up in their ranks and becoming a "Gang-Star," a feat made possible by his encounter with Bruno Bucciarati, a member of the Passione gang with his own sense of justice.
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Ougon no Kaze follows the endeavors of Giorno after joining Bruno's team while working under Passione, fending off other gangsters and secretly plotting to overthrow their mysterious boss.
SYNOPSIS
Jojo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 5: Ougon no Kaze (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind) is the fifth installment in the iconic JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series. Carrying on the legacy, the story takes us to the heart of Italy, where we meet Giorno Giovanna, a young man with a dream bigger than life itself – to become a “Gang-Star”. However, his path isn’t as straightforward; deep-rooted in mafia battleground, intrigue and gripping actions he inherits a stand, named ‘Gold Experience.
In an attempt to control the mafia and liberate the city from its criminal clutches, Giorno finds help in the unlikeliest quarters – a team of Stand users, formed of Bruno Bucciarati, Leone Abbacchio, Guido Mista, Narancia Ghirga, and Pannacotta Fugo. Together they rise against the Passione, an underground mafia group and what unfolds is a tale of gritty determination, unexpected alliances, and riveting battles.
REVIEW
The journey that unfolds in JoJo Part 5: Golden Wind is undeniably an eclectic mix of outlandish adventure, unyielding friendships, and high-octane action. The unique approach to storytelling, coupled with intricately designed characters, all contribute to the addictive nature of Golden Wind, making it impossible not to binge-watch.
The battles are clever, with diverse Stand powers that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It treads beyond the physical battleground, into the realm of wits and psychological warfare. Every character’s Stand reflects their personality, adding depth to their role in the storyline.
The character development is stellar; the transformation that Giorno undergoes from being a petty thief to a driven icon of change and leadership forms the backbone of Golden Wind. His associates, rather than mere side characters, have their fleshed-out arcs and stand in the spotlight with their highly impactful moments, creating a perfectly balanced, well-rounded narrative.
The animation is top-notch, with vibrant colors and dramatic shifts in art style to align with the intensity of the scenes. The background scores, sound effects, and opening-ending themes contribute heavily to the mood and ambiance of the storyline, giving life to crucial plot twists.
On the flip side, Golden Wind’s quick pacing may admittedly feel overwhelming at times, asking for viewers full attention at all times. However, it rewards those who invest their time and intellect into grappling with the rapid, sometimes unpredictable, yet profound trends in its storytelling.
Golden Wind ends up being not just an anime but a spectacular saga that maintains the grandeur of its preceding parts while steering the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure to new heights. Certainly, the subtleties, nuances, and complexities that lace this epic mafia story might not be for everyone. Yet, for those fancying a taste of high-tier action mingled with a sophisticated narrative, JoJo’s Part 5: Golden Wind offers a gripping ride into darkness teeming with unexpected twists and turns.
Whether you choose to rent, buy, or stream it, make sure not to miss out on this standout addition to the Jojo’s series. It’s an epitome of anime wonder given its balance of extravagant style and profound substance. Trust me, when you dive into the world of Golden Wind, you’re in for a wild, unforgettable time!
FINAL VERDICT
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 5: Ougon no Kaze scores a solid 8.5/10. This vibrant, energetic, and utterly addictive spectacle of a series is a must-watch for any anime fan. Don’t just take my word for it, embark on this unique journey and experience the golden adventure for yourself!
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Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru
Production I.GFormer ace runner of Sendai Josei High School, Kakeru Kurahara is chased away from a convenience store for shoplifting. Shaking off his pursuer, he runs into Haiji Kiyose, another student from his university. Haiji is impressed by Kakeru's agility and persuades him to live in Chikusei-sou, the run-down apartment where Haiji resides along with eight other students. Having lost his entire apartment deposit at a mahjong parlor, Kakeru accepts the offer reluctantly.
However, Haiji reveals a secret during Kakeru's welcoming party: the apartment is actually the dormitory of the Kansei University Track Club. He unveils his ultimate goal of participating in the Hakone Ekiden—one of the most prominent university marathon relay races in Japan. Unfortunately, all the residents apart from Haiji and Kakeru are complete running novices. Worse still, none of the inhabitants are even remotely interested in being involved with Haiji's ridiculous plan! With only months before the deadline, will the fourth-year student be able to convince them otherwise and realize his elusive dream of running in the Hakone Ekiden?
Overall Synopsis
If you’re a fan of the ‘coming-of-age’, ‘underdog’, or ‘sports and camaraderie’ genres in anime, then the ‘Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru’ (Run with the Wind) is poised to win you over. The story begins with Kakeru Kurahara, a gifted runner with a broken spirit, entrapped by his past. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Haiji Kiyose, a dedicated university student with a dream that seems impossible: to compete in one of Japan’s most prestigious university relay marathons, the Hakone Ekiden.
The ingenious premise of Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru isn’t about winning or being the best but about the characters and their individual and collective journey towards the seemingly far-fetched goal set by Haiji. Such a poignant narrative not only presents an array of unique characters each battling their personal and otherwise demons but also interlaces their stories seamlessly with the overarching narrative of the Hakone Ekiden.
Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru Review
When it comes to the world of sports anime, Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru reignites the passion and revisits the story concept with a fresh spin. Each episode leaves you with a sense of anticipation, a profound understanding of the characters, and a heartwarming connection to their narrative arc.
While the plot revolves around running, it cannot be pigeonholed as a simple sports anime. Its relatively realistic portrayal of running distances and training regimes sets it apart from many of its contemporaries, eliminating the occasional overindulgence in fantastical portrayals.
Character Development: Arguably, one of the most prominent strengths of this anime is the character development. Each member of the running crew battles their insecurities and complexities while bonding over a mutual quest, rendering a sense of unity and friendship that stands as the core theme of Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru.
Animation and Soundtrack: The animation is by no means flashy but stays true to the realistic depiction that forms the soul of this anime. Coupled with a poignant and soul-stirring score, the anime transcends beyond a narrative to an immersive experience. From the pace of running to the emotive expressions, every detail is articulated with meticulous precision, successfully weaving a compelling narrative.
The Verdict Whether you are an avid anime fan, a casual viewer, or a sports enthusiast, Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru offers a blend of human emotions, gripping narrative, and an endearing cast of characters, making it a must-watch. Though it hurdles the conventional sports genre, it doesn’t alienate newcomers but presents a story that resonates universally.
In conclusion, whether you choose to stream, rent, or buy Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru, you are in for superb storytelling, vibrant character development, and a poignant exploration of humanity’s strength and resolve. It’s not just about running; it’s about the journey. An anime truly worth its run!
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Miniforce
SAMG EntertainmentCute yet mighty! Mini animal rangers transform into super power Force-Bot to save endangered friends!
In the ruthless world of animals, big strong animals dominate and feed on the small and weak. To buck this natural system, small animals form a secret organization "MINIFORCE." Rigidly selected mutants with special powers: Volt, Sammy, Lucy and Max become top secret rangers to save their small village Bluebell from the hand of human villain Nein and his underling lizard Pascal.
Animals in danger? No problem! When Force-Gem alerts, it's time to get suit on! With Mini Force and their transforming mechanics, it’s time to sweep!
(Source: Samg Animation)
RErideD: Tokigoe no Derrida
Geek ToysThe year is 2050. A young engineer named Derrida Yvain became famous thanks to his contribution to the development of the "Autonomous Machine DZ" at Rebuild, the manufacturing company founded by his father. One day, Derrida and his colleague Nathan discover a flaw in the DZs and try to warn their boss, but are ignored. Although Derrida and Nathan are aware of the danger, they reluctantly decide to put off taking any measures, and instead go to Nathan's daughter Mage's birthday party. The next day, after enjoying a peaceful day, Derrida and Nathan are suddenly attacked by unknown forces. At the end of the escape, Derrida falls into a cold sleep machine and 10 years later, he wakes up to a devastated world in the middle of a war. While Derrida is attacked by a group of out of control DZs, he almost gives up, but he recalls Nathan's last words.
"Take care of Mage."
Despite the harsh fate that has fallen upon him, Derrida sets off to seek Mage.
(Source: ANN)
Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
CloverWorksThe rare and inexplicable Puberty Syndrome is thought of as a myth. It is a rare disease which only affects teenagers, and its symptoms are so supernatural that hardly anyone recognizes it as a legitimate occurrence. However, high school student Sakuta Azusagawa knows from personal experience that it is very much real, and happens to be quite prevalent in his school.
Mai Sakurajima is a third-year high school student who gained fame in her youth as a child actress, but recently halted her promising career for reasons unknown to the public. With an air of unapproachability, she is well known throughout the school, but none dare interact with her—that is until Sakuta sees her wandering the library in a bunny girl costume. Despite the getup, no one seems to notice her, and after confronting her, he realizes that she is another victim of Puberty Syndrome. As Sakuta tries to help Mai through her predicament, his actions bring him into contact with more girls afflicted with the elusive disease.
Introduction
Hey, all you anime nerds out there, gear up for another in-depth review by your favorite, The Anime Critic! Introducing the dazzling and unexpected world of the one-of-a-kind anime series, Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai, or in English, “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai”. Believe me when I say that this is a series with a heart-pounding storyline, loveable characters, and a delightful blend of humor, romance, and supernatural elements. Below is my review, free of spoilers, and with all the details you need to decide whether to stream, rent, or outright buy this anime masterpiece.
Synopsis
Our story revolves around a not-so-average high school boy, Sakuta Azusagawa who sees Mai Sakurajima, a renowned starlet in a bunny girl outfit, in the library. And the shocker? He’s the only one who can see her! Why? That’s what our protagonist is determined to uncover. This is the initial onset into the world of “adolescence syndrome,” a mysterious phenomenon causing teenagers’ fears and desires to materialize in very peculiar ways.
As Sakuta gets closer to Mai, he discovers similar cases of “Adolescence Syndrome” among his peers, a situation that will take Sakuta and his friends on a journey of understanding, acceptance, and the enigma of growing up. Each arc of the series introduces a new character with a unique syndrome to be solved, with the exploration of topics like invisibility, body swapping, time looping, and other such bizarre happenings.
Review
This beautiful cocktail of romance, comedy, and the supernatural had me on my toes from the first episode. Despite the title, it isn’t an ecchi harem anime; it’s a sincere and thrilling exploration of adolescence. Each episode skillfully unfolds part of the grander puzzle, keeping you hooked with its well-paced narrative.
The characters are the core strength of this series. Sakuta, our dry-witted and relatively apathetic protagonist, doesn’t fall into the typical high school boy trope. He’s real, earnest, and unlike many male leads, capable of expressing his feelings beautifully. Mai is far from your cliché celebrity character, showcasing depth and vulnerability in her portrayal of a girl longing for normality.
And let’s not forget about the fantastic supportive cast who contribute to the richness of the story. Each character’s individual tale of adolescent syndrome adds a fresh and unique element to the storyline, blending in seamlessly with the underlying theme.
Artistically, the animation is clean and crisp. The realistic portrayal of scenery, specifically the school setting and local township, draw you into the anime’s world effortlessly. The soundtrack beautifully complements the narrative, and the opening theme “Kimi no Sei” by the Peggies is absolute ear candy!
Final Thoughts
“Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai” masterfully fuses elements of fantasy and reality in a grounded, relatable setting and is an absolute treasure for anime fans. It taps into the drama, chaos, and wonders of youthful adolescence with sensitivity and wit.
So, is it worth your time? Absolutely! Rent, buy, or stream it; it’s a guarantee you will be entertained and emotionally engaged from start to finish. Don’t underestimate this anime because of its unusual title or suggestive imagery, dive in, and you’re in for a treat. “Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai” is a heartfelt gem you won’t forget anytime soon. Happy watching, folks!
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SSSS.Gridman
TriggerYuuta Hibiki wakes up in the room of Rikka Takarada and notices two things: he has no memories, and he can hear a mysterious voice calling his name from a nearby room. On further inspection, he finds a robot—which introduces itself as Hyper Agent Gridman—behind the screen of an old computer. Much to Yuuta’s surprise, Rikka cannot hear Gridman, nor can she see the ominous monsters looming over a thick fog as it envelopes the town outside.
Another giant monster materializes in the city and proceeds to wreak havoc. Amidst the confusion, Yuuta is once again drawn to the old computer and merges with Gridman. Suddenly, he appears in the middle of the battle and is forced to fight the monster. Together with Rikka and fellow classmate Shou Utsumi, Yuuta forms the “Gridman Alliance” to defeat the monsters plaguing the city and find whoever is responsible for their emergence.
Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken
8bitThirty-seven-year-old Satoru Mikami is a typical corporate worker, who is perfectly content with his monotonous lifestyle in Tokyo, other than failing to nail down a girlfriend even once throughout his life. In the midst of a casual encounter with his colleague, he falls victim to a random assailant on the streets and is stabbed. However, while succumbing to his injuries, a peculiar voice echoes in his mind, and recites a bunch of commands which the dying man cannot make sense of.
When Satoru regains consciousness, he discovers that he has reincarnated as a goop of slime in an unfamiliar realm. In doing so, he acquires newfound skills—notably, the power to devour anything and mimic its appearance and abilities. He then stumbles upon the sealed Catastrophe-level monster "Storm Dragon" Veldora who had been sealed away for the past 300 years for devastating a town to ashes. Sympathetic to his predicament, Satoru befriends him, promising to assist in destroying the seal. In return, Veldora bestows upon him the name Rimuru Tempest to grant him divine protection.
Now, liberated from the mundanities of his past life, Rimuru embarks on a fresh journey with a distinct goal in mind. As he grows accustomed to his new physique, his gooey antics ripple throughout the world, gradually altering his fate.
CREATE A REVIEW: TENSEI SHITARA SLIME DATTA KEN
In the vast scheme of the cosmic universe, what odd quirk of fate would transform a middle-aged corporate worker into a superpowered slime in a fantasy realm? That’s the unique and intriguing premise of the immensely popular anime series, ‘Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken’, or ‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.’
The story follows the humble Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old Tokyo resident abruptly plunged into a fantastical and unfamiliar world of magic and monsters. His biggest surprise is being reincarnated as an all-powerful slime, a simple glob of goo renowned as the lowest of monsters in RPG-type fantasy settings. Yet Satoru, now known as Rimuru Tempest, is anything but basic in his odd, appealing new form.
STORYLINE
Speaking as The Anime Critic, I enjoyed how the narrative steers clear of cliched isekai norms. Instead of focusing solely on heroism or villainy as expected in such stories, ‘Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken’ explores themes like nation-building, coexistence, and diplomacy where different species find common ground. It’s an intriguing churning pot of politics, intrigue, battles, and humor that rarely fails to entertain.
CHARACTERS
Where the show truly shines is in its vast cast. Rimuru’s empathetic, intelligent, and pacifist mentality echoes throughout his interactions and defines his leadership style, making him a refreshing protagonist in the packing of overpowered heroes common to the genre. His relationship with the vast characters strengthens the storyline, contributing to some of the series’ most poignant moments.
ANIMATION & MUSIC
Visuals and music are no slouches either. The animation by Eight Bit studios is vibrant and colorful, adding depth to the world and the characters. The background designs, whether desolate wastelands or burgeoning cities, are always a sight to behold. On the musical front, the series delivers an array of catchy openings and closing themes, with the background score always on point to enhance the tension, magic, and hilarity of scenes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
All in all, ‘Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken’ is a must-watch for any anime fan, injecting new life into the isekai genre with a unique outlook peppered with humor and heart. Whether you choose to rent, buy or stream it, you’ll find yourself thoroughly hooked. Whether through genuine laughs, epic battles or emotional characterization moments, the anime ensures you’re always invested in what this curious little slime gets up to next!
So in short, don’t let the title throw you off. This series has tons to offer and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Dive into this delightful world where ‘Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken’ makes reincarnation seem not so scary, and even a bit of fun!
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Yagate Kimi ni Naru
TROYCAYuu Koito has always been entranced with romantic shoujo manga and the lyrics of love songs. She patiently waits for the wings of love to sprout and send her heart aflutter on the day that she finally receives a confession. Yet, when her classmate from junior high declares his love for her during their graduation, she feels unexpectedly hollow. The realization hits her: she understands romance as a concept, but she is incapable of experiencing the feeling first-hand.
Now, having enrolled in high school, Yuu, disconcerted and dispirited, is still ruminating over how to respond to her suitor. There, she happens upon the seemingly flawless student council president, Touko Nanami, maturely rejecting a confession of her own. Stirred by Touko's elegant manner, Yuu approaches her for advice, only to be bewildered when the president confesses to her! Yuu quickly finds herself in the palm of Touko's hand, and unknowingly sets herself on a path to find the emotion which has long eluded her.
A Glimpse Into Love and Self-Discovery with Yagate Kimi ni Naru: A Review
Story Synopsis
At heart, Yagate Kimi ni Naru (Bloom into You) is a poignant narrative that delves into the complexity and beauty of self-discovery and young love. Our story revolves around Yuu Koito, a first-year high school student, who remains perplexed about the enigmatic concept of love, despite receiving a confession from a junior at her middle school. Loomed over with expectations fostered by shoujo manga, she can’t seem to comprehend her lack of fluttering emotions, further amplifying her agonizing enigma about love.
The delayed gears of Yuu’s heart begin their motion when she stumbles upon the elegant student council president, Touko Nanami, declining a confession with the same ambiguity she herself feels. This encounter uplifts our narrative onto a hilltop where both the characters, with their evolving camaraderie, embark on a profound exploration of emotion and identity.
The Review
Animation and Art
Kicking off the review, let’s talk about the animation. To put it simply, it’s breathtaking. Studio Troyca has outdone themselves in making each frame a piece of art. The attention to character expressions, body language, and fluid movements effortlessly bolster the emotional weight of the narrative. The scenic backgrounds radiate tranquility and create an atmosphere that perfectly reflects the thoughtful tone of Yagate Kimi ni Naru.
Characterization and Plot
The characters and their development are undoubtedly this series’ strong point. Both Yuu and Touko are perfectly imperfect characters that elicit strong emotional responses. Their relationship, denuded of melodrama and embellishments, evolves naturally, making their bond tangible and deeply affecting. What’s appealing is how the anime dissects the intricacies of their emotions – right from their wavering confusion, timid acceptance to radical self-confrontations.
Soundtrack
The audio work in Yagate Kimi ni Naru is equally unmatched. The background scores, with their subtle orchestral and piano compositions, impeccably resonate with the depicted emotions and settings. Also, the opening and ending songs elegantly encapsulate the theme of the show and are undeniably an auditory delight.
The Verdict
To wrap it up, Yagate Kimi ni Naru is a beautifully crafted anime that delivers with its empathetic characters, spectacular animation, and soul-touching music. It’s an emotionally satiating journey that critiques some standard tropes of the yuri genre while breathing life into a heartfelt love story.
If you are searching for an insightful anime that explores romantic love and self-growth, Yagate Kimi Naru comes highly recommended. Purchasing, renting, or streaming this title would undoubtedly be time and money well spent.
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