Spring 2019

Bungou Stray Dogs 3rd Season
BonesFollowing the conclusion of the three-way organizational war, government bureaucrat Ango Sakaguchi recalls an event that transpired years ago, after the death of the former Port Mafia boss. Osamu Dazai, still a new recruit at the time, was tasked with investigating rumors related to a mysterious explosion that decimated part of the city years ago—and its connection to the alleged reappearance of the former boss.
Due to circumstances out of his control, he is partnered with Chuuya Nakahara, the gifted yet impulsive leader of a rival clan known as the Sheep, to uncover the truth behind the case and shine a light on the myth of Arahabaki—the god of fire who might just lead Dazai to the case's solution.
Meanwhile, in the present day, it is business as usual once again for the Armed Detective Agency. Their peaceful break will not last for long, however, as enemies old and new gather their strength and prepare for another face-off.

Carole & Tuesday
BonesIt has been 50 years since mankind began its migration to the terraformed Mars, where they live in comfort due to advancements in AI. Carole lives in the metropolis of Alba City, working part-time by day and playing keyboard by night. Tuesday has run away from her home in Hershell City to escape the grip of her wealthy family, and instead hopes to pursue music with her acoustic guitar.
After a fateful encounter, the two decide to perform music together. Up against the AI singers that dominate the music world, the two of them believe that together they can convey their feelings through their songs. Will hard work and luck be enough for the duo to create the biggest miracle that Mars has ever seen?
Carole & Tuesday: An Epic Ode to Harmony and Hope – An In-depth Review
Hello fellow Otaku!
Today, we’re escaping Earth to the vivid, bustling planet of Mars as we dive into the colorful world of “Carole & Tuesday”. Directed by the legendary Shinichiro Watanabe and animated by Studio Bones, this extraordinary musical anime has struck a chord with audiences worldwide. But will it strike a chord with you?
Synopsis
On a terraformed Mars, we follow the journey of two distinctly different girls who unite through their love of music in a society dominated by AI-created pop. The title characters, Carole, a streetwise orphan, and Tuesday, a sheltered rich girl who runs away from home to pursue her music dreams, meet by chance. Finding a shared musical harmony, they decide to join forces and make their mark in the glitzy, cutthroat Mars music industry.
Their journey is filled with trials, triumphs, laughter, tears, and most importantly, unforgettable songs, as they strive for their big break. All while the society around them faces socio-political challenges mirroring our society’s own issues, hinting at the universal and unifying power of music.
Review
“Carole & Tuesday” is that perfect mix of slice-of-life, drama and music. It’s a heartfelt, cinematic journey which paints pictures with its music and makes you feel the characters’ highs and lows.
Its central disaster (pardon the pun) and stroke of genius, is the harmonious mingling of two wildly different girls united by a shared dream. The very tangible bond between them, represented by melodic, soulful music, is the deep and beating heart of this anime.
The storyline is not just a linear journey to stardom, oh no, it appropriately waxes and wanes with its human (and not so human) characters, confronting the viewer with relatable issues. Topics such as immigration, societal division, and freedom of expression are carefully layered within the narrative, making it both personal and universal.
Another highlight is the music. Even without the excellent plot and characters, the music in “Carole & Tuesday” would stand alone as a fantastic album. Each song deeply resonates with the storyline, adding texture and amplifying emotions experienced by the characters. There’s a diverse blend of genres including pop, rap, rock, and even classical.
The animation quality is excellent with beautiful landscapes, compelling character design, and detail that breathes life into Mars’ artistic rendition. However, it’s really in the emotional moments – the tears in the eyes, the tension-laden silence, the cathartic release of a song – where the animation shines the brightest.
In conclusion, “Carole &Tuesday” offers a soulful ride bountiful in emotion, music, quirkiness, and charm. It might not have the heightened battle scenes we often see in anime, but it flaunts a captivating story driven by musical ambition, friendship, and humanity’s latent potential.
So, whether you should rent, buy, or stream “Carole & Tuesday”? The answer is a resounding YES. This beautiful ode to hope and harmony is worth every note, and a gem that you’ll surely want to revisit again and again.
So, go ahead… tune in, turn on, and let “Carole & Tuesday” play out its melody in your heart.
Until next time, fellow Otaku. Keep animating your world!
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Diamond no Ace: Act II
MadhouseThe hallowed ground of Koshien Stadium is the "field of dreams," where the ambitions of high school baseball players come true. After emerging victorious in the autumn tournament last year, Seidou High School baseball's team has finally earned the right to compete there for the first time in seven years. Beyond the spring tournament looms the battle to decide who is the best team in the nation — the Summer Koshien.
With the third-year players due to retire after the summer tournament, the team has to integrate the experience of the seniors and the potential of the newcomers to overcome familiar and new opponents alike and win the coveted national title.
Meanwhile, pitcher Eijun Sawamura is as determined as ever to earn jersey No. 1 and seize the position of "ace" from his persistent rival, Satoru Furuya. As the team prepares for their greatest challenge yet, Sawamura and Furuya carry on their struggle to lead their team to glory and become the star of the game: the true "Ace of the Diamond."
Review: Diamond no Ace: Act II ✨
Diamond no Ace: Act II brings back the journey of our favorite determined protagonist, Eijun Sawamura. He continues striving to become Seidou High School’s best pitcher and bring his team to victory on the national high school baseball championship. It builds upon the relationships, development, and drama from the first season while introducing fresh opponents and challenges.
The story kicks off right after the dramatic events of the first season, featuring a Seidou High that’s recovered, rebuilt, and ready to bounce back. Sawamura, Furuya, and the team are more determined than ever. Packed with emotional moments, action-packed matches, and layered character development, Diamond no Ace: Act II showcases both the triumphs and tribulations associated with high school sports, friendship, rivalry, and personal growth.
Plot Quality
The narrative pulls you deeper into the world of high school baseball, unraveling each character’s unique essence along the way. There is therefore an inescapable charm about the narrative’s pacing and progression. From the intense training sessions to the heart-stopping matches, everything forms a cohesive, engaging storyline that will keep you riveted till the end. It doesn’t shy away from showing the human side of its characters, rendering its narrative realism even more palpable.
Character Development
Diamond no Ace: Act II takes character development to the next level. Each character, beginning from Sawamura to the new faces, is well thought out and distinct. They all have their own dreams, challenges, and obstacles to overcome. Sawamura’s growth into a reliable team ace is an absolute joy to watch being both believable and heartwarming. The complexities, strengths, and vulnerabilities of each team member add to depth, making it more than just another sports anime.
Audio and Visuals
A robust auditory and visual experience is pivotal to any sports anime, and Diamond no Ace: Act II doesn’t disappoint. The animation is dynamic, detailed, and consistent, effectively capturing the intensity and energy of baseball. On the audio front, the background scores and voice acting complement the action on-screen seamlessly, amplifying emotional intensity and tension wherever needed.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Diamond no Ace: Act II is a strong follow-up to its predecessor, jam-packed with emotional depth, thrilling baseball matches, and heart-hardening character development. It skillfully captures the essence of perseverance, teamwork, and passion for sports. Whether you’re a seasoned anime lover or a newcomer, this series is bound to grip you with its charm. So if you’re on the fence about whether to rent, buy, or stream Diamond no Ace: Act II, I’d say go for it! There’s a world waiting for you in Seidou High School, and it’s worth every minute of your time.
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Fruits Basket 1st Season
TMS EntertainmentTooru Honda has always been fascinated by the story of the Chinese zodiac that her beloved mother told her as a child. However, a sudden family tragedy changes her life, and subsequent circumstances leave her all alone. Tooru is now forced to live in a tent, but little does she know that her temporary home resides on the private property of the esteemed Souma family. Stumbling upon their home one day, she encounters Shigure, an older Souma cousin, and Yuki, the "prince" of her school. Tooru explains that she lives nearby, but the Soumas eventually discover her well-kept secret of being homeless when they see her walking back to her tent one night.
Things start to look up for Tooru as they kindly offer to take her in after hearing about her situation. But soon after, she is caught up in a fight between Yuki and his hot-tempered cousin, Kyou. While trying to stop them, she learns that the Souma family has a well-kept secret of their own: whenever they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex, they transform into the animals of the Chinese zodiac.
With this new revelation, Tooru will find that living with the Soumas is an unexpected adventure filled with laughter and romance.
FRUITS BASKET 1ST SEASON REVIEW
Story Synopsis
“Fruits Basket” is an enchanting tale of transformation and acceptance that manages to beautifully combine the supernatural with the mundane. The fantastical world systematized by Natsuki Takaya tells a story of Tohru Honda, a high school student who, after the tragic death of her mother, ends up homeless. She serendipitously stumbles upon a peculiar family, the Sohmas, and uncovers a strange family secret: they transform into the Chinese Zodiac animals when hugged by someone of the opposite sex!
As Tohru starts living with them, we see a mix of human relationships, personal growth, and how the Sohmas navigate around their curse. Alongside its humor, drama and romance, Fruits Basket drops deep philosophical metaphors about cherishing life, identity, and acceptance—making it a genuine comfort to watch.
In-Depth Review
For starters, the anime adaptation of “Fruits Basket” is a nostalgic trip for all its manga fans and a second chance to relive the Sohma family’s paranormal tale, now with a more into-the-details precision that honors its original material!
Visually, “Fruits Basket” is a feast! With the animation courtesy of TMS Entertainment, it beautifully breathes life into the panels that we have come to love. The color schemes are warm and vibrant, and the character designs are modern without leaving the nostalgic value behind.
The voice acting is another notable strength of the series. Whether it’s the heartfelt lines of Tohru or the sentimental words of the Sohma family, each character has a distinct voice that matches their personality, making the characters feel even more alive.
As far as music and sound design go, it’s impeccable. The OSTs are beautiful, purposeful, and play at just the right moment, making the emotion-drenched scenes even more meaningful. Not to mention, the hauntingly beautiful OPs and EDs that resonates with the series’ mood.
In a nutshell, “Fruits Basket” is an intricately woven story with an overwhelming charm that crawls under your skin and makes you form a peculiar attachment to its characters. It’s a heartwarming journey that isn’t afraid to reflect on life’s harsh realities while keeping the magic of hope alive. Definitely a must-watch!
So, should you rent, buy, or stream it? Well, the answer is simple, my fellow anime enthusiasts, “Fruits Basket” is worth every penny. Buy it or stream it, but don’t miss out on this gem!
THE ANIME CRITIC’S FINAL THOUGHTS
Fruits Basket is a heartwarming and captivating story that flawlessly blends romance, drama, comedy, and a dash of the supernatural. With its deep characters, charming animation, and immersive music, it is bound to capture your interest from the get-go. So, if you’re someone who enjoys a good plot with strong character development, this series is for you. Watch it, enjoy it, love it. Until next time, anime lovers! Signing off, The Anime Critic.
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Kidou Senshi Gundam: The Origin - Zenya Akai Suisei
SunriseWhat was the tragedy that decided the fates of Char Aznable, the man later nicknamed the "Red Comet" as an ace pilot of the Zeon forces, and his sister Sayla Mass?
The two siblings' journeys, brought on by the sudden death of their father Zeon Zum Deikun who was a leader of the Spacenoids, are depicted in the four episodes of "Chronicle of Char and Sayla."
The Zabi family who seize control of Side 3 and lead the Principality of Zeon, the early days of many renowned Zeon ace pilots who later fight in the One Year War, the secrets of mobile suit development, conflicts with the Earth Federation Forces, and the road leading to the outbreak of war—all will be revealed.
(Source: Official Website)
Kidou Senshi Gundam: The Origin – Zenya Akai Suisei Review
One of the latest additions to the illustrious Gundam franchise, Kidou Senshi Gundam: The Origin – Zenya Akai Suisei, traverses back to pre-One Year War days. The story follows the young years of our infamous anti-hero, Char Aznable. But there’s a significant twist – before he was the Red Comet of Zeon, he was a happy go lucky boy named Casval Rem Deikun, the son of the ideological leader of the Independence Movement, Zeon Zum Deikun.
As we delve into the life of Casval, his sister Artesia (later known as Sayla Mass) and the series of unfortunate events that led to the birth of Char, things take a political and intense turn. Through the chaotic world of politics and revolution, the series wonderfully weaves the story of how an innocent child ends up becoming a fearsome pilot and a cunning tactician.
Review
Gundam: The Origin – Zenya Akai Suisei is not just a mere prequel, it is a standalone brilliant artwork that showcases the intricate details of a broader space warfare universe. Whether you are a decades-old Gundam fanatic or a newbie to this mecha universe, this anime strikes a perfect balance to keep you thoroughly engaged.
From the get-go, the plot carries immense depth with political intrigue, familial relationships, and the strive for independence beautifully intertwined into a compelling narrative. It capitulates the essence of the original Gundam series, while introducing a fresh perspective to keep the viewers intrigued.
The artistry behind this anime is astoundingly beautiful. The animation is top-notch with dazzling space and battle scenes. The painstaking details in each frame, the thoughtfully crafted environment, characters, and mobile suits, add a whole new level of depth to the series. It’s something definitely worth appreciating on a large TV screen or even a home theatre.
The character development is another aspect where The Origin truly shines. The series offers a profound insight into Char’s transformation from Casval. You are constantly engaged in the evolving dynamics of his character and the complexity surrounding him.
Let’s talk about sound design. From voice acting to soundtrack, Gundam: The Origin is an absolute audio delight. The voice actors have done a phenomenal job in adding life to the characters, especially the protagonist Char Aznable. The soundtracks are equally alluring, giving the anime an epic space opera vibe.
So, should you rent, buy, or stream it? Given the depth of the story, the beautiful animation, and the breathtaking sound design, Kidou Senshi Gundam: The Origin – Zenya Akai Suisei is undoubtedly worth investing in. Whether to rent, buy or stream, may depend on your personal preference, but whichever you choose, you’re undoubtedly in for an exceptional anime journey.
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Kimetsu no Yaiba
ufotableEver since the death of his father, the burden of supporting the family has fallen upon Tanjirou Kamado's shoulders. Though living impoverished on a remote mountain, the Kamado family are able to enjoy a relatively peaceful and happy life. One day, Tanjirou decides to go down to the local village to make a little money selling charcoal. On his way back, night falls, forcing Tanjirou to take shelter in the house of a strange man, who warns him of the existence of flesh-eating demons that lurk in the woods at night.
When he finally arrives back home the next day, he is met with a horrifying sight—his whole family has been slaughtered. Worse still, the sole survivor is his sister Nezuko, who has been turned into a bloodthirsty demon. Consumed by rage and hatred, Tanjirou swears to avenge his family and stay by his only remaining sibling. Alongside the mysterious group calling themselves the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjirou will do whatever it takes to slay the demons and protect the remnants of his beloved sister's humanity.
Introduction & Synopsis
Desolate ordeals and a brave heart mark the warrior’s path in “Kimetsu no Yaiba” (Demon Slayer), a mesmerizing spectacle that has swayed the anime-loving audience off their feet. The narrative embarks with Tanjiro Kamado, a hardworking and compassionate boy living serenely in the mountainous landscapes with his family, carving out a simple yet meaningful life. However, fate strikes an unprecedented blow when a gruesome tragedy befalls the Kamado household, metamorphosing Tanjiro’s life forever.
In a turn of events no one could foresee, his loving family is mercilessly slaughtered by demons, leaving just Tanjiro and his sister, Nezuko, who tragically metamorphosed into a demon. Spurred by the merciless massacre and in a desperate attempt to restore his sisterhood, Tanjiro takes up the formidable mantle of a “Demon Slayer”. Thus, the stage is set, and a stirring tale of bravery, love, friendship, and loss unfolds in this Japanese odyssey, captivating hearts across the globe.
Detailed Review
From the beautifully portrayed backdrops to the emotive expressions of its characters, “Kimetsu no Yaiba” doesn’t hold anything back to immerse viewers in its gripping storyline. The visually arresting animation is lined with meticulous details, capturing dramatic sequences and high-octane fights with an engaging flair. The unique and layered characters, each with their intriguing backstory, impart a compelling depth to the narrative. Tanjiro’s character arc, persistently battling adversity, pulls viewers in, making it hard not to root for him.
The story progression is fast but stabilizes with each arc, using a blend of flashbacks and real-time narrative to endow each character with depth and intention. These snippets of backstory offer rawest emotions without overshadowing the present storyline. These informative digressions strike a perfect balance, casting light on the past’s wounds while fuelling the character’s resolutions for the future.
But a good anime is not just about an engaging story and exciting fights; it also requires an amazing soundtrack to boost the emotional impacts. Guess what? “Kimetsu no Yaiba” has got that covered too! The sound design in this anime has been impeccable. The background score during suspense or action scenes raises the goosebumps, while the more poignant moments are subtly underscored by beautiful melodies that tug at the viewer’s heartstrings.
Verdict
Whether to stream, rent, or purchase “Kimetsu no Yaiba” boils down to personal preference, but as The Anime Critic, I highly recommend experiencing this anime firsthand. It provides an intense roller coaster ride of emotions, interspersed with unexpected turns of events. Enriched with a compelling story and backed by stupendous artwork, every scene in this anime screams effort and dedication. Whether or not you are a hardcore anime fan, “Kimetsu no Yaiba” is a phenomenal addition to the genre and is sure to leave an indelible imprint on its viewers.
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Kono Oto Tomare!
Platinum VisionGen Kudou, a koto maker, believes that his delinquent grandson Chika would never understand the profoundness of the traditional musical instrument. In an attempt to make up for his naivety and understand the words of his late grandfather, Chika tries to join the Tokise High School Koto Club.
Even though the club is in dire need of members, new club president Takezou Kurata is unwilling to easily accept Chika's application due to his bad reputation. Nonetheless, after seeing Chika's seriousness and enthusiasm, Takezou allows the problem child to join, along with koto prodigy Satowa Houzuki and three of Chika's energetic friends. Kono Oto Tomare! follows the merry band of musicians as they aspire to play at the national competition.
The Anime Critic: Kono Oto Tomare! – Review
Hello Anime buffs! Today we are diving into the depths of music, friendship, and deep-seated high school drama in the beautifully crafted anime: Kono Oto Tomare! Combining a melodramatic performance with an emotional story laced with character development, Kono Oto Tomare! is a uniquely layered anime that you just can’t scroll past when browsing online.
The series merges the school life genre with a twist of traditional music, centered on a club known as the “koto” club, a specialized group focusing on the classical Japanese string instrument – the koto. Our unlikely protagonist – Chika, a rebellious teenager with a rough exterior — becomes a member of this dwindling club that was previously shunned and overlooked. Alongside our main protagonist, we have the reserved and elegant Club President, Satowa Hozuki, a prodigy of the koto, whose profound understanding of the instrument breathes new life into the club.
Animation, Characters & Voice Performances
Animation quality in Kono Oto Tomare! is nothing short of stunning. The subtle nuances in the character expressions, the vivid detailing of the koto strings, and the breathtaking shots of emotional high-points truly enhance the viewing experience. The character designs are admirable, each reflecting their respective personalities exquisitely, and presenting a genuine portrayal of their journeys.
Each character, right from the delinquent Chika to the prim and proper Satowa, has a depth and complexity that unfolds with the series progression. Their voices, both in the subbed and dubbed versions, have been rendered exceptionally well, often aligning perfectly with the emotional subtleties of the scenes.
Music
Given that the central theme of this anime revolves around a traditional Japanese instrument, this review would remain incomplete without a mention of its music. The music of Kono Oto Tomare! is just entrancing. The beautifully composed and executed koto music pieces tug at your heartstrings. The opening and closing themes of the series also manage to encapsulate the essence of the series quite well, further enhancing its appeal.
Verdict
Kono Oto Tomare! is an anime that effortlessly presents you with a colorful palette of emotions – be it laughter, tears, or warmth, through its well-written characters, compelling storyline, and soul-stirring music. It’s not simply an anime about playing an instrument, but one that explores human emotions, struggles, and growth. If you are searching for an anime that is rich in characters, drama and music, Kono Oto Tomare! is simply unmissable.
If on the fence about whether to rent, buy, or stream Kono Oto Tomare!, I must insist that this is potentially a series worth owning for your collection. For those who prefer to stream first, it is definitely watch-worthy. Give it a go and let the magic of the koto music resonate with your soul. So, till the next anime review, this is The Anime Critic, signing off!
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