Winter 2019
Dororo
MAPPA, Tezuka ProductionsThe greedy samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu's land is dying, and he would do anything for power, even renounce Buddha and make a pact with demons. His prayers are answered by 12 demons who grant him the power he desires by aiding his prefecture's growth, but at a price. When Kagemitsu's first son is born, the boy has no limbs, no nose, no eyes, no ears, nor even skin—yet still, he lives.
This child is disposed of in a river and forgotten. But as luck would have it, he is saved by a medicine man who provides him with prosthetics and weapons, allowing for him to survive and fend for himself. The boy lives and grows, and although he cannot see, hear, or feel anything, he must defeat the demons that took him as sacrifice. With the death of each one, he regains a part of himself that is rightfully his. For many years he wanders alone, until one day an orphan boy, Dororo, befriends him. The unlikely pair of castaways now fight for their survival and humanity in an unforgiving, demon-infested world.
Anime Review: Discover Ghosts, Demons and Enlightenment with Dororo
INTRODUCTION
Life is a never-ending journey where we constantly strive to understand who we truly are. However, how would those revelations look when the process of self-discovery is inextricably haunted by evils and spirits of the past? Welcome, my fellow Otaku enthusiasts, as we delve into the tale of a ronin cursed and a child orphaned: Dororo.
SYNOPSIS
Set against the backdrop of the Sengoku period, Dororo intertwines the supernatural with the essence of humanity. Our protagonist, Hyakkimaru, was born devoid of 48 body parts, sacrificed to 48 demons by his power-hungry father. Saved and nurtured by a kind man, Hyakkimaru grows up learning to fight the ghosts of the past (quite literally!). His prosthetic limbs hold hidden weapons, aiding him in his quest to confront and recover his lost body parts from those demons. On his journey, he meets Dororo, an agile and mischievous orphan. Unaware of Hyakkimaru’s intriguing predicament, Dororo forms an unlikely bond with him, embarking together on this journey of battles, ghosts, revenge, and self-discovery.
REVIEW
There’s just so much to talk about Dororo! Starting off, the story concept is engrossingly unique – it seamlessly merges historical reality with demonic lore. The episodes flow with a brilliant story-arc that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Yet, Dororo isn’t just an action-packed slugfest, it stimulates deep contemplation about ethics, the horrors borne by war-stricken societies, and the cost of desire.
Taking center-stage in this anime is our battle-hardened protagonist Hyakkimaru. Despite his physical impairment, his relentless spirit and unbending will to regain what he lost is deeply inspiring. The juxtaposition of his grim stoicism and Dororo’s innocent exuberance makes their relationship a heartwarming element. Quiet moments of camaraderie are just as engaging as their confrontations against otherworldly monstrosities.
Animation quality is top-notch – Studio MAPPA and Tezuka Productions have truly outdone themselves, painting a vivid picture of a war-ravaged Japan. The character development is complex and leaves you emotionally invested in their destiny. You feel Hyakkimaru’s pain as he battles, you sympathize with Dororo’s lonely past, and meet a plethora of unique characters along the way.
The sound department is no less commendable, with the music beautifully capturing the essence of Dororo. From the engaging battle themes to the somber tones during the more emotional scenes – it adds a new layer to the viewing experience.
FINAL VERDICT
So, should you entertain Dororo? An emphatic yes! It’s an expansive canvas of struggles, hope, vengeance, and perseverance that will elicit emotions you didn’t know an anime could evoke. This is the anime that confirms why we love this medium so much. A perfect blend of narrative prowess, animation excellence, and emotional depth, Dororo deserves more than just a mere watch; it warrants to be experienced. Whether to rent, buy, or stream, do not miss the immersive journey that Dororo offers. After all, a very human story lurks behind those demonic battles.
In the words of Dororo, let’s hit the road, Hyakkimaru-san, we’ve got a lot more to see! Anime out!
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Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen
A-1 PicturesAt the renowned Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are the student body's top representatives. Ranked the top student in the nation and respected by peers and mentors alike, Miyuki serves as the student council president. Alongside him, the vice president Kaguya—eldest daughter of the wealthy Shinomiya family—excels in every field imaginable. They are the envy of the entire student body, regarded as the perfect couple.
However, despite both having already developed feelings for the other, neither are willing to admit them. The first to confess loses, will be looked down upon, and will be considered the lesser. With their honor and pride at stake, Miyuki and Kaguya are both equally determined to be the one to emerge victorious on the battlefield of love!
Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen Review
Synopsis: The Game of Love
Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai, or Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, is a comedic slice-of-life brain-game featuring two unbelievably intelligent characters, Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane. These two, who sit at the very top of the student council at the elite Shuchiin Academy, are thought of by many as the perfect couple. However, despite their growing love for one another, neither of them wants to be the first to confess, believing that the one who does so would lose their power to the other.
Their daily interaction, a constant silent duel of wits and wiles to make the other one confess, grows more and more hilarious as each episode proceeds. With the addition of another cast like student council secretary Chika Fujiwara and treasurer Yu Ishigami, whose goofy and naive nature contrasts with our main characters, these ingredients have created a perfect recipe for a hearty comedy.
A Love Story in the Guise of a Strategy Game
“Love” for Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane is portrayed as a strategic battle, and it’s this unconventional center that weaves this hilarious and heart-tugging narrative. It’s a comedy, yes, but it’s also a masterclass on the diverse forms affection can take. Each episode is a blitz of tactical countermeasures, cunning traps, and unexpected plot twists.
Character Development: Pawns in the Game
As our leads continue to wage war with one another, their characters don’t just stagnate; they grow. With their vulnerabilities being slowly revealed, we then understand why they are so hell-bent on winning this game of love. Their development both as individuals and as a pair is subtle yet impactful, creating a wonderfully rich story behind all the comedic antics.
Art and Sound Design
The anime’s art design is top-notch with a pleasing color palette and detailed settings. Character designs are on point and the expressions, especially those of Kaguya, are worth praising. The music and voice acting also deserve a nod – they perfectly complement the mood, whether it’s a comedic scene or a serious, emotionally charged one.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen is not your ordinary love story. It’s a comedic battle of wits wrapped in the sheer sweetness of budding love. It’s intelligent, hilarious, and, at times, heart-wrenchingly honest. If you are looking for an anime that breaks away from your usual slice-of-life high school love story and presents something unique and thrilling, this one is well worth a watch.
Whether you should rent, buy, or stream it depends on your consumption preference but one thing’s for sure – once you start watching Kaguya-sama, you will find it incredibly difficult to stop! An anime this good is worth every penny and every minute spent on it.
Final Score: 9/10
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Mob Psycho 100 II
BonesShigeo "Mob" Kageyama is now maturing and understanding his role as a supernatural psychic that has the power to drastically affect the livelihood of others. He and his mentor Reigen Arataka continue to deal with supernatural requests from clients, whether it be exorcizing evil spirits or tackling urban legends that haunt the citizens.
While the workflow remains the same, Mob isn't just blindly following Reigen around anymore. With all his experiences as a ridiculously strong psychic, Mob's supernatural adventures now have more weight to them. Things take on a serious and darker tone as the dangers Mob and Reigen face are much more tangible and unsettling than ever before.
Hello there anime lovers, your favorite critique guru “The Anime Critic” is back again with another in-depth review! Today, we will be venturing into the land of captivating storyline, exceptional characterization, and thrilling action with ‘Mob Psycho 100 II’. If you’re wondering whether to rent, buy or stream this remarkable piece of work, trust me, you will find this review more insightful than a sage’s prophecy! So, let’s get started!
Synopsis
“Mob Psycho 100 II” is the highly anticipated sequel to the much-loved season one of “Mob Psycho 100”. We return to the life of Shigeo ‘Mob’ Kageyama, our not-so-ordinary 8th grader with incredible psychic abilities. The story unfolds as Mob continues his journey of self-discovery and growth under the guidance of his fraudulent yet somewhat wise mentor, Arataka Reigen. This time, the stakes are higher, the threats more dangerous, and the battles more exciting! The anime delves deeper into Mob’s psyche, blending humor, action, and high school drama quite effortlessly.
In Season 2, Mob’s struggle to balance his ordinary life with the extraordinary powers further intensifies. As he tries to keep his powers under control, he also strives to make a few friends, join a club, and win the heart of the girl he has a crush on. But, as we all know, things don’t always go as planned, especially for a psychic teenager. Moreover, there’s a brewing storm conspicuously pointing towards Mob’s direction, setting up a thrilling stage for battles both within and outside.
Review
A cocktail of riveting story, complex characters, and stupendous animation – “Mob Psycho 100 II” is a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in grandeur! The narrative unfolds with an increasingly exciting pace, keeping the viewers hooked from the start to the end.
The characterization in this season deserves thunderous applause. Mob, as a protagonist, grows exponentially, grappling with dilemmas and emotions that shape him into a more relatable and likable character. His relationship with Reigen forms the crux of the narrative, presenting a mentor-mentee bond layered with humor, support, and occasionally deceit. The interactions between these characters bring out the nuances of their personalities, adding depth to their personas.
The storyline is intricately woven, beautifully mirroring the turmoils and triumphs of adolescence. It treads like a well-paced roller coaster ride, delivering thrilling action sequences, hilarious comedy bits, and heartfelt emotional moments.
One cannot review ‘Mob Psycho 100 II’ without talking about the exquisite animation. It’s vibrant, energetic, and full of life that captures the essence of the narrative. It’s an artistic explosion of color and movement, leaving the audiences awestruck and mesmerized.
In short, “Mob Psycho 100 II” is a triumphant sequel that ups the ante in every aspect, leaving the viewers hungry for more. Don’t just rent it; it’s a great investment to buy, or better yet, stream it to allow the storm of Mob’s extraordinary journey unfold in the comfort of your homes. Believe me when I say that Mob will crack open a psychic tempest you will love to be a part of!
Till the next review, this is “The Anime Critic” signing off. Stay tuned, and keep feeding the otaku within you!
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Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari
Kinema CitrusThe Four Cardinal Heroes are a group of ordinary men from modern-day Japan summoned to the kingdom of Melromarc to become its saviors. Melromarc is a country plagued by the Waves of Catastrophe that have repeatedly ravaged the land and brought disaster to its citizens for centuries. The four heroes are respectively bestowed a sword, spear, bow, and shield to vanquish these Waves. Naofumi Iwatani, an otaku, becomes cursed with the fate of being the "Shield Hero." Armed with only a measly shield, Naofumi is belittled and ridiculed by his fellow heroes and the kingdom's people due to his weak offensive capabilities and lackluster personality.
When the heroes are provided with resources and comrades to train with, Naofumi sets out with the only person willing to train alongside him, Malty Melromarc. He is soon betrayed by her, however, and becomes falsely accused of taking advantage of her. Naofumi then becomes heavily discriminated against and hated by the people of Melromarc for something he didn't do. With a raging storm of hurt and mistrust in his heart, Naofumi begins his journey of strengthening himself and his reputation. Further along however, the difficulty of being on his own sets in, so Naofumi buys a demi-human slave on the verge of death named Raphtalia to accompany him on his travels.
As the Waves approach the kingdom, Naofumi and Raphtalia must fight for the survival of the kingdom and protect the people of Melromarc from their ill-fated future.
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari: Rising Above Expectations
The anime series, “Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari,” English title, “The Rising of the Shield Hero,” unfolds a complexly woven narrative inspired by the Japanese light novel by Aneko Yusagi. Our protagonist is Naofumi Iwatani, an otaku from modern-day Japan who mysteriously gets summoned to a parallel world. Unfortunately for Naofumi, he is quickly vilified due to being the least liked “Shield” Hero among four cardinal heroes. Coupled with false accusations that tarnish his image, Naofumi starts his journey filled with prejudice and hate.
As cultured viewers would expect, this doesn’t dampen the spirit of our protagonist. Instead, this hostile environment weaves the path for an unlikely Hero’s journey, as Naofumi becomes relentless, resourceful and far more cunning. What makes this journey gripping is the constant evolution of characters, potential alliances, betrayals and the critical handling of prevalent social issues, making it a roller coaster plotting that appeals to a wider demographic.
Story and Characters
“Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari” or “The Rising of the Shield Hero” is an anime that throws a curveball against traditional isekai themes. While there are four summoned heroes, Naofumi’s advent is not one of glory and honor but instead smeared with prejudice and adversity. This negative projection fuels his character development and portrays a deeply woven persona that is far from the traditional cliches.
Plot Progression
The plot shows an impressive advancement by repeatedly pinning down our protagonist only to witness his remarkable rise each time. This calculated plot progression ensures a steady build-up of suspense that keeps any viewer hooked.
Quality of Animation
The animation, produced by Kinema Citrus, showcases a striking refinement in the character’s details, magnifying the anime’s immersive environment. Battle scenes are lavishly detailed, carrying a well-executed dynamism that ensures an incredible visual treat.
Soundtracks and Voice-overs
The soundtracks perfectly resonate with the storyline, injecting emotions into critical scenes. The voice acting, especially Naofumi’s, is top-notch with a convincing portrayal of his struggles and emotions that helps in deepening the viewers’ connection with the characters.
Final Words: Rent, Buy, or Stream
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of isekai or anime that resolves around character development, “Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari” is an anime that shouldn’t be missed. Each episode offers a piece of the puzzle that gradually completes a brilliantly intricate storyline that tugs at your curiosity. If you’re planning to watch then streaming would be the immediate and convenient option. However, consider buying a copy, because the odds are, you’re going to want to rewatch this gem of an anime series.
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Yakusoku no Neverland
CloverWorksSurrounded by a forest and a gated entrance, the Grace Field House is inhabited by orphans happily living together as one big family, looked after by their "Mama," Isabella. Although they are required to take tests daily, the children are free to spend their time as they see fit, usually playing outside, as long as they do not venture too far from the orphanage—a rule they are expected to follow no matter what. However, all good times must come to an end, as every few months, a child is adopted and sent to live with their new family, never to be heard from again.
However, the three oldest siblings have their suspicions about what is actually happening at the orphanage, and they are about to discover the cruel fate that awaits the children living at Grace Field, including the twisted nature of their beloved Mama.
Review: Embracing the Unexpected in Yakusoku no Neverland
Living life without the fears and complexities of the outside world may seem like a dream, and that’s precisely the life that the children enjoy in the Gracefield House. Nestled amidst the serene landscape, this home acts as an orphanage to over three-dozen kids brought up under the parental charm of “Mama” Isabella. In this seemingly idyllic world, three geniuses, Emma, Norman, and Ray, lead blissful lives gnawing at the intricate puzzles and tests framed by Mama Isabella. However, what lurks under the sheets of this perfect life is an unimaginable reality that surfaces one unfortunate evening, forever altering their fates.
Yakusoku no Neverland charts an emphatic journey of courage, strategy, and survival as the trio attempts to decode the secrets of their existence and escapes from their prophesied fate. Brimming with uncertainty and relentless challenges at every corner, the anime engages the viewers in a stirring narrative of a group of children embarking on an endeavour to elude their ‘Promised Neverland’.
Story and Plot: A Rapid Unravelling
Yakusoku no Neverland ensures you remain glued from the get-go, every episode gradually peeling off another layer of intrigue and suspense. The story progression is highly impressive; it briskly moves forward while maintaining the careful balancing act of revealing just enough information to keep intrigue levels high. The surrounding mystery is not cheapened with unnecessary plot twists, but, are instead thoughtfully intertwined into the narrative to enhance the complexity and richness of the story.
Characters: The Heart of the Anime
The anime’s characters are well fleshed-out, with each of them given distinct personalities and emotionally resonant arcs. Emma, Norman, and Ray are a unique blend of brains, strategy, and heart, each showcasing a different approach to overcome their harrowing predicament. Complementing these central figures, the hiervarchy within the orphanage imbricate a sense of realism and depth in their struggle for survival, making you root for them all the more.
Art and Animation: A Masterstroke
The artwork in Yakusoku no Neverland is beautiful, and the animation is fluid. The character designs are distinctive, and the hauntingly beautiful contrast of the vibrant outdoors and the grim undertones of the orphanage setting draw you towards the screen, making it an audio-visual treat. With a steadily gripping narrative, the presentation matchlessly complements it triggering spine-chilling moments throughout the series.
Music and Sound: Acing the Atmosphere
The music in Yakusoku no Neverland is expertly integrated; it enhances the tense atmosphere by instilling a consistent sense of dread through sharp and edgy tunes. The voice acting is top-notch; the emotions are palpable in each line delivery, further enriching the viewer’s experience.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch
So, should you rent, buy, or stream Yakusoku no Neverland? The verdict is a resounding yes. It is definitely worth investing your time in. With its thrilling plot, relatable characters, beautiful art, and spine-chilling music, it’s an experience that’ll linger long after you’ve finished it. So if you’re looking for an intellectually stimulating and emotionally touching series, Yakusoku no Neverland is definitely your go-to anime.
Happy watching, and, be prepared to embrace the unexpected… because in this show nothing is as it seems!
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