Summer 2016
Mob Psycho 100
BonesEighth-grader Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama has tapped into his inner wellspring of psychic prowess at a young age. But the power quickly proves to be a liability when he realizes the potential danger in his skills. Choosing to suppress his power, Mob's only present use for his ability is to impress his longtime crush, Tsubomi, who soon grows bored of the same tricks.
In order to effectuate control on his skills, Mob enlists himself under the wing of Arataka Reigen, a con artist claiming to be a psychic, who exploits Mob's powers for pocket change. Now, exorcising evil spirits on command has become a part of Mob's daily, monotonous life. However, the psychic energy he exerts is barely the tip of the iceberg; if his vast potential and unrestrained emotions run berserk, a cataclysmic event that would render him completely unrecognizable will be triggered. The progression toward Mob's explosion is rising and attempting to stop it is futile.
The Anime Critic Presents: Mob Psycho 100 Review
What happens when you mix psychic powers, adolescence, and a fraudulent mentor into a whirlwind of paranormal activity? You get the wildly popular anime– “Mob Psycho 100”, a creation of ONE, the same mind behind the sensation “One Punch Man”. This anime takes you through a fascinating glimpse into the extraordinary life of an average middle schooler named Kageyama Shigeo or widely known as “Mob”.
Our protagonist, Mob, possesses immense psychic power. Many would form a grandeur perception of such a life colored with supernatural escapades, but for Mob, it was anything but ordinary. Subjugating his powers under a tight leash to avoid accidental mishap, he leads a plain, unimpressive social life, craving some ‘mundane’ adolescence fun, friends, and attention of the girl he has a crush on. When he’s not at school, he plays assistant to a self-proclaimed psychic, Reigen, exposing charlatans or sometimes wrestling a wayward spirit.
Animation and Artwork
“Mob Psycho 100” stands apart not just for its thrilling storyline but also for its unique animation style. The contrast between simple character designs and extraordinarily vibrant, manic explosion of colors during psychic battles is a modern spectacle to behold. The raw, rough edges and phenomenal animation during the epic action sequences give it a visual character that’s rarely seen in other anime, making it a must-watch for aesthetics alone.
Characters and Development
A show is only as good as its characters, and “Mob Psycho 100” doesn’t disappoint. Mob’s character evolution from a reserved, plain boy to the beacon of growth and change is handled commendably. The supporting characters like Reigen, Mob’s boss and a genuine con artist or Ritsu, Mob’s younger brother who craves for powers, each shine, adding layers to the narrative. But it’s ultimately Mob’s struggle and evolution that will steal your heart.
Plot and Pace
“Mob Psycho 100” lays out a fascinating blend of comedy, action, supernatural, and slice-of-life aspects. The show is brilliantly paced, constantly raising the stakes, and delivers story arcs that keep you glued from beginning to end. With humor fused naturally into high-tension situations, the anime maintains a perfect balance that never disappoints. Each episode is just as engrossing as the last, signifying brilliant storytelling earnestly woven into Mob’s life and adventures.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, “Mob Psycho 100” is a roller coaster bound to leave you breathless. From a unique art style that brings a breath of fresh air to well-developed characters and a compelling narrative that keeps your eyes glued to the screen, it’s a cult classic that every anime enthusiast should take the time to watch. So regardless of whether you choose to rent, buy or stream this show, it’s an investment that you’re not likely to regret. Try it out – dive into the world of Mob, and see how the ordinary can indeed be quite extraordinary.
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Orange
Telecom Animation FilmNaho Takamiya's first day of her sophomore year of high school is off to an uneasy start. After waking up late, she receives a strange letter addressed to her. However, the letter is from herself—10 years in the future! At first, Naho is skeptical of the note; yet, after witnessing several events described to take place, she realizes the letter really is from her 26-year-old self.
The note details that Naho's future life is filled with regrets, and she hopes that her younger self can correct the mistakes that were made in the past. The letter also warns her to keep a close eye on the new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse. Naho must be especially careful in making decisions involving him, as Kakeru is not around in the future. With the letter as her guide, Naho now has the power to protect Kakeru before she comes to regret it once more.
Anime Review: Orange
Hey there, fellow anime enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting review by The Anime Critic. Today, we’re diving into the heartfelt world of Orange, a captivating anime that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. So, if you’re wondering whether to rent, buy, or stream this gem, keep reading to find out!
Synopsis:
Orange revolves around the life of Naho Takamiya, a high school student who receives a mysterious letter from her future self. The letter urges her to take certain actions in order to prevent the regrets and grief that lie ahead. Alongside her friends, Naho sets out to change the future by altering the course of their lives.
As they navigate the complexities of friendship, romance, and adolescent challenges, the characters are confronted with difficult choices. With the weight of their uncertain future constantly looming over them, Orange explores themes of love, loss, and the power of friendship in such a beautiful and heart-wrenching way.
Review:
Let me start by saying that Orange truly excels in delivering a compelling storyline that hooks you right from the first episode. The anime does an incredible job of gradually revealing the hidden secrets and building suspense throughout each episode. Every twist and turn had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next development.
The characters in Orange are incredibly well-written and relatable. Naho’s journey, as she navigates the challenges of high school and deals with the letters from her future self, is both poignant and heartwarming. The portrayal of her internal struggles and growth is masterfully done, making her a character that you can’t help but root for.
What sets Orange apart from other anime is its exploration of deep themes. It tackles the subject of mental health with sensitivity and grace, shedding light on the impact of depression and suicide on individuals and those around them. It’s a bold move for an anime to tackle such heavy topics, but Orange manages to do it with finesse, leaving a lasting and thought-provoking impact on the viewer.
The animation style of Orange is beautiful and visually stunning. The vibrant colors and attention to detail bring the world to life, while the character designs are unique and memorable. The background music is also a standout feature, perfectly complementing the emotional moments and enhancing the overall viewing experience.
In terms of pacing, Orange strikes the perfect balance between intense and contemplative moments. It knows when to slow down and allow the characters to reflect, and when to increase the tension to keep you engaged. I appreciated how each episode was expertly crafted, leaving me eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Now, onto the burning question: should you rent, buy, or stream Orange? Well, if you’re a fan of heartfelt and emotionally driven stories with relatable characters and beautiful animation, then this is definitely an anime worth owning. Its exploration of deep themes and powerful storytelling make it a must-watch for any anime lover.
Orange has the ability to touch your heart and stay with you long after the final episode. So, grab some tissues and get ready for an emotional journey that will leave you pondering about life, love, and the choices we make.
That wraps up our review of Orange! I hope you found this informative and helpful in making your decision. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Happy streaming, everyone!
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ReLIFE
TMS EntertainmentDismissed as a hopeless loser by those around him, 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki bounces around from one job to another after quitting his first company. His unremarkable existence takes a sharp turn when he meets Ryou Yoake, a member of the ReLife Research Institute, who offers Arata the opportunity to change his life for the better with the help of a mysterious pill. Taking it without a second thought, Arata awakens the next day to find that his appearance has reverted to that of a 17-year-old.
Arata soon learns that he is now the subject of a unique experiment and must attend high school as a transfer student for one year. Though he initially believes it will be a cinch due to his superior life experience, Arata is proven horribly wrong on his first day: he flunks all his tests, is completely out of shape, and can't keep up with the new school policies that have cropped up in the last 10 years. Furthermore, Ryou has been assigned to observe him, bringing Arata endless annoyance. ReLIFE follows Arata's struggle to adjust to his hectic new lifestyle and avoid repeating his past mistakes, all while slowly discovering more about his fellow classmates.
SPARKLING REVIEW: RELIFE – A DEEP DIVE INTO YOUTH [DISCOVERY EDITION]
Synopsis: Regaining your Youth is Only a Pill Away
At 27 years old, Arata Kaizaki has a repetitive daily routine, stuck in a part time job, desperately seeking full-time employment but having no luck. His situation seems all the more bleak compared to the successes of his peers. A chance encounter with a mysterious man named Ryo Yoake, who introduces him to the ReLIFE project, suddenly offers him a chance to start over.
For Arata, this experiment offers a glimmer of hope, a chance to do things differently. By swallowing a tiny, innocuous pill, Arata is transformed back into a 17-year-old high school student and tossed back into the whirlwind of youth. Under the constrictions of this year-long experiment, Arata must navigate high school and also figure out the purpose behind this unique journey.
Review: A Refreshing Step Back into Time
As the Anime Critic, I would boldly declare ReLIFE as one of the most distinctive and heartfelt tales in the anime universe. With a core of relatable and engaging characters, this show manages to explore the trials of youth combined with the responsibility of adulthood within a single premise.
From the start, viewers will find themselves tethered to Arata’s journey, captivated by the earnest highs and bitter lows he experiences while trying to relive his high school years. The transformation is not easy or as idyllic as Arata initially expects, instead it is filled with realistic conflict, a critical aspect ReLIFE nails perfectly.
Character Development: Mature yet Youthful
The character development in ReLIFE is stellar. Kaizaki is as real as they come – burdened by the regrets of his past, troubled by the challenges of adapting to a life that was once so familiar yet feels so foreign now. The array of high-school teens that surround Arata are also masterfully built, each a distinct personality with their struggles and dilemmas.
The relationship between Arata and Yoake, the ReLIFE project staff watching over his progress, is another intriguing facet, balancing mentorship and friendship delicately. These relationships and character arcs are what shape the narrative, leading the viewers through an emotional roller coaster that consistently delves deeper on both physical and emotional levels.
An extra applause to the writers who managed to merge the comedic aspect within the drama, thus making it enjoyable without watering down the serious themes.
Animation & Sound: Visceral Experience
From the sleek transformation scenes to the detailed emotions captured in each character’s faces, the animation in ReLIFE is visually pleasing. The sound, too, deserves praise. The soulful OST enhances the drama on screen, as every scene is magnified by the stirring background melodies that perfectly embody the agony and joy of the characters.
Overall: A Must Watch
ReLIFE is an emotionally charged roller coaster of a show that connects with viewers on multiple levels. If you are a fan of dramas that effortlessly blend comedy, friendship, and character evolution, this anime is for you.
Whether to rent, buy or stream would depend on your viewing habits. However, taking into consideration its worthwhile rewatchability, purchasing ReLIFE could be a great investment. So, go ahead and immerse yourself in this heart-touching tale of second chances and discovery. Get ready to view life through the lenses of adulthood and adolescence merged in a beautiful synergy.
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Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan
Egg Firm, J.C.StaffTo the average person, psychic abilities might seem a blessing; for Kusuo Saiki, however, this could not be further from the truth. Gifted with a wide assortment of supernatural abilities ranging from telepathy to x-ray vision, he finds this so-called blessing to be nothing but a curse. As all the inconveniences his powers cause constantly pile up, all Kusuo aims for is an ordinary, hassle-free life—a life where ignorance is bliss.
Unfortunately, the life of a psychic is far from quiet. Though Kusuo tries to stay out of the spotlight by keeping his powers a secret from his classmates, he ends up inadvertently attracting the attention of many odd characters, such as the empty-headed Riki Nendou and the delusional Shun Kaidou. Forced to deal with the craziness of the people around him, Kusuo comes to learn that the ordinary life he has been striving for is a lot more difficult to achieve than expected.
Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan: The All-seeing, All-knowing, and All-hilarious!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have psychic abilities? To be able to teleport, read minds, apply telekinesis or simply clairvoyance? That’s the life Saiki Kusuo leads every single day. Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan, also known as The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, is a comedy, slice-of-life anime that revolves around the high school life of Kusuo Saiki, a psychic plugging his ears with strange devices and always wearing two antenna-like hairpins.
Despite having an array of mind-boggling abilities at his disposal, Saiki isn’t interested in the limelight. He wants to live an ordinary life, free from the troubles his powers could bring. But a carefree life as an average Joe isn’t exactly in the cards for Saiki when you consider his outlandish classmates, each with their own oddball quirks and hilarious misadventures that push Saiki to the limits of his patience and sanity!
Story and Characters
Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan triumphantly delivers a unique twist to the saturated high school anime genre, parodizing and standing out with a protagonist who’s not as ordinary as he’d prefer to be. The episodic storyline while simple, is refreshingly engaging, often diving into Saiki’s efforts to navigate his ‘disastrous’ life without revealing his unique abilities, yielding uproarious results.
The characters of Saiki K exemplify the word ‘variety’. Be it Kaidou with his ‘Chunibyou’ syndrome, or the ever-oblivious yet lovable Nendou, each character is creatively designed to add a dose of humor. This level of characterization lends considerable weight to the comedy, keeping it fresh and engaging.
Animation, Sound, and Artwork
Saiki K’s animation, produced by J.C. Staff and Egg Firm, is fluid, charming, and elevates the comedic timing of the scenes. The series employs a vibrant color palette that seamlessly complements its energetic, humorous atmosphere.
In terms of sound, Hiroshi Kamiya’s deadpan delivery of Saiki’s inner monologues is a standout, perfectly capturing the character’s exasperated, nonchalant demeanor. The background music cleverly synchronized with the storyline aids in heightening both the humor and pacing of the series.
Overall Evaluation
Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan is a true comedic gem and a must-watch for any anime fan who enjoys a hefty dose of hilarity intermixed with supernatural shenanigans. It’s an exciting roller-coaster ride that gives new meaning to ‘psychic abilities’ and how they can turn a life into one comedic circus that keeps you laughing at every absurdity Saiki faces.
Whether you choose to rent, buy, or stream Saiki K, you are in for an absolute treat. For the love of all things telepathically comedic, add this delightful series to your queue and sit back for a fun-filled ride. See life through the pink glasses of Saiki Kusuo, as you enjoy this hilarious roller-coaster ride of the disastrous life of a psychic.
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Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara
J.C.StaffThe qualifiers of the Autumn Elections are now over, and only eight talented chefs remain. Now, they face off in one-on-one food wars, each with their own unique themes. Met with both new judges and new opponents all with their own specialties, Souma must stay on his toes if he hopes to make it to the top of both the Autumn Elections and Tootsuki Culinary Academy.
Anime Review: Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara
Before we delve into the action-packed, aromatic world of Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara, let’s take a minute to set the stage. The captivating storyline of Ni no Sara brings us right back to where season one left off, continuing the journey of ambitious young chef, Soma Yukihira. Soma, after enrolling in the esteemed Totsuki Culinary Academy, engages in cutthroat culinary battles known as Shokugekis, testing his mettle against some of the best young talent in the culinary world.
In Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara, the stakes are higher, the culinary battles are fiercer, and the recipes are even more mouth-watering! This season focuses on the Autumn Elections – a prestigious cooking showdown among the top students. The show continues to delve deeper into each character’s unique cooking styles, life experiences and how these factors weave together to influence their culinary creativity.
Review
Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara not only sizzles but excites, heightens, and teases your palate in ways you never thought possible from an anime. The plot continues to intensify in this season, driven by the boundary-pushing culinary battles. You’re constantly on edge, trying to guess each competitor’s next dish and secret ingredient!
When it comes to character development, the makers of Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara have left no stone unturned. The characters, each rich with their unique culinary styles and backgrounds, continue to evolve. We are treated to new depths of the characters, enriching our understanding of their motivations, fears, and desires. Expect to see your favourite characters in a new light!
The animation quality has stayed consistently excellent throughout Ni no Sara. The vibrant high-end graphics and the meticulous attention to detail in every design aspect, from the characters to the mouth-watering dishes, adds to the overall immersive experience of the show. Simultaneously, the dynamic soundtrack further enhances the high-energy, high-stakes atmosphere of the culinary battles.
The comedic moments in the series provide a brilliant respite from the otherwise intense competition. The clever integration of humor keeps the show balanced and keeps the audience engaged by not taking itself too seriously, which is a breath of fresh air in this genre.
Verdict
I would highly recommend Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara to all anime fans, not just the foodies. With its engaging storyline, robust character development, superb animation, and notable soundtrack, this anime series indeed deserves to be in your watchlist. Whether you’re planning to stream, buy or rent, rest assured, it is a decision well made. Just ensure your pantry is well-stocked, because trust me, once the episodes roll, so will your hunger pangs!
Rating: 8.5/10
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