Season Overview

Welcome back to another week of the 2018 Autumn Anime Season. Below you’ll find my summarised thoughts on what I’ve watched this week with links to reviews.
It has been a wild week with some really great and emotional episodes as well as some real duds, and as always I would love to know your thoughts on the season.
In a few more weeks I’ll be opening the poll for best and worst of the season and I’m really looking forward to this one because there are sure to be a lot of diverse opinions (too many good shows).
By the way, as we are now less than 60 days from the planned release of the 2018 version of the ebook ‘Thoughts on Anime’, I’ve been working with the 2017 edition to make it available in more formats. If you would like to help support my blog or catch up on some of the posts and anime I wrote about last year, you can buy it here.

Thoughts on Anime 2017

A collection of reviews, top 5 lists, features that appeared on the site during 2017. Available in EPUB, MOBI, or PDF forms. No Images.

A$4.00

A Certain Magical Index Season 3

Episode 7

Episodes 6 and 7 continue this one’s somewhat meandering plot. I get that we have these separate arcs and that the overall narrative kind of runs under them, but sometimes I really do lose track of whether anything we’re watching is important or why. There’s just too much going on in this story and too many characters. All very messy despite being fun.

Banana Fish

Episode 20 – Not Reviewed

Eiji and crew’s rescue attempt may have had more than a few holes in it, then again they didn’t have Ash to plan so who is surprised, but it was dramatic, fun, and gave us more than a few good moments. While it is hard to believe we have fighting on this level in the streets and sewers without massive police involvement, Banana Fish maintains the feels that have made it so engaging from the beginning.

Bloom Into You

Episode 7

There’s only so many times you can say an anime is gorgeous, but it does remain true of Bloom into you. The characters are also really getting fleshed out now as they learn more about one another and are feeling their way through the changing relationships. This one remains a very solid watch. Patrons can access the post using the link, password on Patreon.

Conception

Episode 7

Well, this show is… Actually saying it is getting worse is probably inaccurate. It is more that after seven episodes my tolerance for its style (which wasn’t high to start with) has worn fairly thin. So while before I kind of enjoyed bits of the episode in between the cringe, now it is all just cringe.

Dakaichi

Episode 8- Will be reviewed with Arthifis

Right, so this was definitely the low point of this show so far and amazingly not because it decided to push the relationship but because it did what so many anime do. It sent its characters to the beach but didn’t do anything even remotely compelling with the story while they were there. Apparently just watching characters eat ice-cream and playing volleyball is supposed to be riveting, or seeing Junta’s jealousy max out. Sorry, but no. Very dull episode.

Goblin Slayer

Episode 7- Will be reviewed with Arthifis

Looks like we are back to over the top and sensationalised violence. I actually really loved this sequence when reading it but found it really hard to watch. It isn’t that the violence is worse than in episode 1, although it kind of is, it is more that I’m far more attached to these characters and they haven’t been careless, so watching them get trapped and nearly slaughtered kind of hurts. Still loving the show though.

Jingai-San No Yome

Episode 8- Not Reviewed

That question of why does this exist isn’t going away anytime soon. This week the various monster type creatures act as cheerleaders at the athletics carnival, we get a cute montage of events, a relay race and then the main pair walk home. That is literally all. I’m tilting my head and staring very intently but struggling to find any kind of point.

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Episode 8

Futaba’s mystery is solved relatively simply, but perhaps simple is good. Certainly the episode is and we continue to get some excellent character performances from a cast that just keeps getting stronger. Also, the preview for the next episode looks fantastic so I’m looking forward to it.

Release the Spyce

Episode 7

This one is rapidly dropping down my list of anime I am interested in. I almost considered dropping it and picking up Zombieland Saga again. Honestly, if they want a story about the power of friendship and believing in yourself that is fine, I can get behind that. But they need to do a better job of it. In the meantime we’re left with a fairly messy mix of sub-par spy story and sub-par cute girl story.

Run With The Wind

Episode 8

The fallout here was a bit unexpected. Instead of the less able team-members being discouraged, they seemed finally ready to go. Instead it is Kakeru who seems most affected by his result at the race and his already prickly personality has taken a turn for the worse. It is your usual sports/team drama but Run With The Wind remains very in control of its characters delivering a pretty satisfying viewing experience.

Skull Face Bookseller Honda-San

Episode 7

This one continues to work provided you have any interest in how book stores work, love books, or just really love overly emotive skeletons. I caught up on episodes 6 and 7 this week and both were fairly good for what they are but given it isn’t an overly ambitious anime in the first place, what they are is more or less slices of daily book shop life with some silly comedy thrown in.

Sword Art Online Alicization

Episode 7

I enjoyed this week’s episode, though that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its problems. So far, Alicization seems to be struggling with getting any forward momentum  as it seemingly can’t decide whether it wants to deal with the drama of the real world and Kirito’s injury or whether it wants to just kind of do slice of life stuff inside a video game. It’s still good fun, but there’s definitely going to need to be some balance soon.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Episode 8

So they say the story is finally starting. That’s fine. We’re only 8 episodes in, no rush. Still, it has probably been worth it because while I was fairly detached from this series, all this build up has slowly drawn me into the world and the characters and I will admit I was actually kind of excited as Rimuru stood looking over the village and out to the world. Looking forward to what happens next.

Tsurune

Episode 5

While a training camp isn’t exactly an innovative idea, Tsurune pulls it off with its usual attention to detail, characters, and just a general control of pacing. It isn’t exceptional, but it delivers its story with conviction and has a well polished execution. This is my calm and relaxing viewing of the season and I really enjoy the calm it brings.

Voice of Fox

Episode 6

A superb effort here as Voice of Fox really nailed the dramatic conclusion to Sky’s harassment of Hu Li. This isn’t overly subtle, but nor is it trying to be. Instead it opts for exploring the drama of the situation and it does it beautifully really making me feel for Hu Li’s situation even as things seemingly get worse and worse for him.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary

Episode 7

The visuals were a bit better these last two episodes, assuming you ignore the fight by the river where the rive kept disappearing from the generic fight animations we’ve seen multiple times. The conflict between Yin and Ning has come to a head and Ning has made a choice that is pretty much guaranteed to end badly for everyone. As much as this anime isn’t amazing, it remains fairly interesting week after week.

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

Dropped or On Hold

Thanks for reading
Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Or, use one of my product affiliate links.
DRAGON’S CROWN ART BOOK

Okay, I am still hopelessly behind this week with watching anime (due to Supanova last weekend) but I’ve been working at catching up with some double episode reviews and that will continue next week to fill in anything I’m behind on. As we hit the midseason, I’m just going to say we’ve been absolutely spoiled for choice this season and I’m kind of loving everything, even some of the shows I know aren’t so great are really entertaining me at the moment. Still, my standouts at this point in the season are Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, Bloom Into You, and Banana Fish.

No surprises that of the shows I’m watching that I know aren’t particularly good, Conception is scraping the bottom of the barrel consistently delivering the worst thing I kept watching each and every week (and that includes Jingai-San no Yome which is a three minute short that has no plot).

Anyway, I’d love to know your thoughts on the Autumn Anime Season so let me know what you have in mind for best and worst of the season at this point in the comments below.

What I watched

A Certain Magical Index Season 3 (Episode 5 – Not watched this week)

Yep, still totally lost as to which group is which but the episode was enjoyable anyway. It is more like a series of fun moments than an actual coherent story, but it looks like they are slowly filling in enough that the links are coming into place. Still, I would probably be enjoying this more if I were to rewatch season one and two and pay a bit more attention.

Banana Fish (Episode 19 – Not Reviewed)

Is anyone surprised that Ash has finally cracked? I’m more surprised it didn’t happen sooner. Okay, Banana Fish is full of stupid people who have stupid plans, and none of it makes any sense at all when you step back and think about it for even a minute, but it is nicely dramatic for dramas sake and I really have a lot of fun each and every episode.

Bloom Into You (Episode 5 – Reviewed for Patrons – Not watched this week)

This anime continues to be gorgeous and incredibly well put together. While this still isn’t my favourite type of story or tone, I’m genuinely impressed by Bloom Into You so far and I really hope it can maintain this quality until the end of the season. Patrons can access the post using the link, password on Patreon.

Conception (Episode 6)

Episodes 5 + 6 were reviewed together this week and I will never fall behind on this show again because watching a double episode was almost more than I could take. If you wonder why I haven’t dropped this fairly vapid story that shoves innuendo into pretty much every line, it is most definitely curiosity at this point to see whether they will stop making dirty jokes long enough for the plot to resolve.

Dakaichi (Episode 7 – To Be Reviewed with Arthifis)

Both episodes 6 and 7 were really good in their own ways. I really enjoyed seeing the conclusion to the Takato/Ayagi situation even if it was melodrama for the sake of it in episode 6. And then episode 7 gave us Junta’s perspective of their meeting so his obsession makes a little more sense, though he’s still kind of just in love because he is.

Goblin Slayer (Episode 5 – To Be Reviewed With Arthifis)

No matter how you slice it, the events this week are definitely the calm filler in between missions and while I enjoy watching these characters interact, and I certainly enjoyed seeing the newbie adventurers taking on the rats, there isn’t a lot to say about this week other than it sets up the next adventure. Still, fun.

Jingai-San no Yome (Episode 7 – Not Reviewed)

A super fast montage of summer vacation with and then we are back to school and meet the last characters from the theme. And that’s about it. I mean, there’s some blushing, some declaration about wives and the suspension bridge effect, a test of courage, and some other stuff but none of it is really doing much other than existing. This anime continues to make me wonder, ‘why?’

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai (Episode 7)

Another solid couple of episodes from Bunny Girl Senpai and while the formula is pretty much established the quality of the writing and the interesting characters more than carries this one. As a new arc begins for this anime I can’t help but be excited and interested and wanting to know where it will go this time.

Release the Spyce (Episode 5 – Not watched this week)

The spy stuff here remains pretty pedestrian, though we do get to see the girls use the invisibility cream and infiltrate a lab so I guess that’s kind of spy like. And the club girl aspect of this is working well enough but isn’t really developed enough to be satisfying. There’s definitely some good points to this show but the balance isn’t quite there.

Run With The Wind (Episode 7)

This week the boys took on their first track meet. Yep, that went about as well as expected. Still, it is yet another important step if they are going to become a track team let alone if they are actually intending to compete in Hakone (which seems even more ridiculous right now than it did). Still, some good moments this week.

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-San (Episode 5 – Not watched this week)

This show is almost worth watching just for Honda-San’s expressions. He’s the most expressive skull I’ve seen in a while at least and his over-reactions are pretty golden. That said, the repetitive nature of this one, plus the short form meaning we’re not getting much in the way of plot development, mean this one is strictly an amusing curiosity rather than a must see.

Sword Art Online Alicization (Episode 6)

After a fairly strong episode featuring Asuna, Sword Art Online Alicization decides to put anything resembling interesting narrative on hold while it expositions the audience to death. I appreciate that set up is needed and exposition is fairly standard in this series, but wow this episode really stretched the friendship.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Episode 7)

And I’ll finally admit that part of me is really is into this now. I think I’m still very casual about watching it and I’m not expecting a lot, but I do enjoy each week and it has slowly built up a world and a cast that are interesting enough. Shizu definitely helped this week as she’s fairly interesting though I’m hoping she gets fleshed out more than just angsty back story.

Tsurune (Episode 4)

Episode 4 hits a bit of a slow patch as we get into the usual sports anime shenanigans of forming a team and of course this story is playing very strongly off of Onogi’s fairly oppositional attitude. Problem is, it isn’t very compelling and it is fairly obvious that these boys will get over it sooner rather than later so this is perhaps the weakest episode so far.

Voice of Fox (Episode 5)

Voice of Fox continues to walk that fine line between being dramatic and being overly dramatic. This week the tension comes almost entirely from Sky as he really steps up his harassment of Hu Li challenging him to find him in three days or he’s going to ‘out him’. For Hu Li, this is definitely no laughing matter and it makes for some fairly interesting viewing.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (Episode 5 – Not watched this week)

The award for most off-model characters this season is definitely going to Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (at least of the shows I am watching). The first episode definitely revealed issues with the presentation of this show but episode 5 brings so many of those issues into the forefront. Pity, because underneath the disaster prone visuals and animation there’s a fairly solid story unfolding.

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

Dropped or On Hold

These titles aren’t necessarily bad and some I might even pick up again later but for whatever reason I’m not watching them right now (and yes, some of them are bad and will never be finished).

• Anima Yell!
• As Miss Beelzebub Likes
• Bakumatsu
• Between the Sky and Sea
• Himote House
• Hinomaru Sumo
• Merc StoriA
• Ms Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood
• My Sister, My Writer
• Radiant
• Space Battleship Tiramisu Zwei
• SSSS.Gridman
• The Girl in Twilight
• Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight
• UzaMaid
• Zombieland Saga

And if you want to follow along with my watching during Autumn check it out here on Twitter.

Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Or use one of my affiliate product links:

There’s a few anime I’m behind on at this point because of travel and the like but I will hopefully catch up next week. That said, it was a great week for anime and I had a lot of fun with so many of the shows.

This week I started thinking about villains and realised that what my season is probably lacking is a really good bad guy. So I’m curious as to whether my readers have a favourite villain this season. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

What I watched

A Certain Magical Index Season 3 (Episode 5)

Yep, still totally lost as to which group is which but the episode was enjoyable anyway. It is more like a series of fun moments than an actual coherent story, but it looks like they are slowly filling in enough that the links are coming into place. Still, I would probably be enjoying this more if I were to rewatch season one and two and pay a bit more attention.

Banana Fish (Episode 17 – Not Reviewed)

The reunion of Ash and Eiji is a little more low key than I would have expected, it is still adorable but fairly understated given we get right back into things. Yut Lung has paired up with Golzine and so apparently has some guy who is actually good at his job of tailing people and also shooting (and apparently taught Ash a few tricks). Things are definitely escalating.

Bloom Into You (Episode 5 – Reviewed for Patrons)

This anime continues to be gorgeous and incredibly well put together. While this still isn’t my favourite type of story or tone, I’m genuinely impressed by Bloom Into You so far and I really hope it can maintain this quality until the end of the season. Patrons can access the post using the link, password on Patreon.

Conception (Episode 4)

Episode 4 gave us a pretty cute story between Itsuki and Pisces but the rest of the episode remains pretty dreadful. Pretty much every moment Mana is on screen just becomes a bit of an ordeal to watch and I’m wondering if my eyes might roll right out of my head while watching one of these scenes.

Dakaichi (Episode 5 – To Be Reviewed with Arthifis)

With things more or less settled between Takato and Junta, it makes sense that we are now introducing a real jerk into the story. The guy works because he is actually making Junta look pretty good by comparison, and we get to see more of Takato at his actual job which is still kind of fun. Of course they leave us with a cliff hanger ending on this episode though.

Goblin Slayer (Episode 5 – To Be Reviewed With Arthifis)

No matter how you slice it, the events this week are definitely the calm filler in between missions and while I enjoy watching these characters interact, and I certainly enjoyed seeing the newbie adventurers taking on the rats, there isn’t a lot to say about this week other than it sets up the next adventure. Still, fun.

Jingai-San no Yome (Episode 6 – Not Reviewed)

While this relationship still seems incredibly baseless, there’s no denying that this week was super cute. Hinowa asked to go through with a ceremony and ring exchange to be documented as proof of his relationship is a bit weird, but his reaction and happiness were fantastic to see. Not to mention, I think he perfectly captured the giddy joy a lot of people feel around marriage.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai (Episode 5 – Not watched this week)

This one is definitely making its mark as a show that isn’t going to drop the ball. While episode 4 was a little bit of a slow down as we transitioned into the new arc, episode 5 picks things up again and gets moving full steam ahead. While the tone is different with more Sakuta and less Mai, there’s some solid character and plot work on display here.

Release the Spyce (Episode 5)

The spy stuff here remains pretty pedestrian, though we do get to see the girls use the invisibility cream and infiltrate a lab so I guess that’s kind of spy like. And the club girl aspect of this is working well enough but isn’t really developed enough to be satisfying. There’s definitely some good points to this show but the balance isn’t quite there.

Run With The Wind (Episode 6)

The slightly weaker episodes continue though I think this is more my personal preference than an actual reduction in quality. The King focus didn’t help because I wasn’t much of a fan of his character and when you couple that with fairly ordinary visuals this week (not bad, just nothing that made me take notice) it just felt like a lesser episode.

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-San (Episode 5)

This show is almost worth watching just for Honda-San’s expressions. He’s the most expressive skull I’ve seen in a while at least and his over-reactions are pretty golden. That said, the repetitive nature of this one, plus the short form meaning we’re not getting much in the way of plot development, mean this one is strictly an amusing curiosity rather than a must see.

Sword Art Online Alicization (Episode 5)

Taking Kirito out of the equation doesn’t seem like it would lead to an interesting episode, and yet Asuna really stepped up here. Not to mention, they finally addressed the question viewers were left with at the end of episode 1 of what happened in the real world and while I’m sure there’s more to learn, this was a great episode.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Episode 6)

This one remains fun enough but for a number of reasons isn’t clicking with me. It is a shame because for what it is, it’s quite well done. The introduction of new characters this week was entertaining enough and seeing the progress the goblins are making in building their village is fun. Still, I get the distinct impression I’m not going to really remember this one after it ends.

Tsurune (Episode 3)

The pleasurable viewing experience continues as this anime finally assembles its team and they begin preparations for a tournament. Still, the majority of this episode is dominated by Minato and his emotional trauma and how others respond to him. In a less deftly handled show it would come off as incredibly cheesy but here it just works.

Voice of Fox (Episode 4)

Again we have a series of fairly unlikely events coming together but it is obvious Hu Li is starting to crack under the pressure of keeping his secret. This week his voice shakes during his performance and it is only some underhanded work by one of the team that puts the next singer out of commission that allows them to win and move on.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (Episode 5 – Not watched this week)

The award for most off-model characters this season is definitely going to Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (at least of the shows I am watching). The first episode definitely revealed issues with the presentation of this show but episode 5 brings so many of those issues into the forefront. Pity, because underneath the disaster prone visuals and animation there’s a fairly solid story unfolding.

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

Dropped or On Hold

These titles aren’t necessarily bad and some I might even pick up again later but for whatever reason I’m not watching them right now (and yes, some of them are bad and will never be finished).

• Anima Yell!
• As Miss Beelzebub Likes
• Bakumatsu
• Between the Sky and Sea
• Himote House
• Hinomaru Sumo
• Merc StoriA
• Ms Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood
• My Sister, My Writer
• Radiant
• Space Battleship Tiramisu Zwei
• SSSS.Gridman
• The Girl in Twilight
• Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight
• UzaMaid
• Zombieland Saga

And if you want to follow along with my watching during Autumn check it out here on Twitter.

Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Or use one of my affiliate product links:

You may notice my list thinned a bit this week. While I haven’t completely dropped Space Battleship Tiramisu, I’m probably going to let it go a few weeks and then catch up on three or four episodes in a row and so on, so I won’t keep it on my weekly update list. I’ve also kind of dropped Zombieland Saga, though I’ll probably do catch up views of that as well and end up doing a full season review once it is done. Probably. In the meantime, there’s still plenty on my list this Autumn and plenty of fun to be had.

Now, one thing I’ve noticed this Autumn is a distinct lack of mascot characters, or maybe I’m just watching the wrong shows. So, have you come across any cute mascots this season?

What I watched

A Certain Magical Index Season 3 (Episode 4)

This week I had the distinct pleasure of completely losing track of the plot and having no idea at all what was going on. It kind of reminded me of trying to watch Tokyo Ghoul RE again, only here I kind of have a slight hope that maybe, just maybe, this one intends to eventually come back to making some sort of sense.

Banana Fish (Episode 17 – Not Reviewed)

The reunion of Ash and Eiji is a little more low key than I would have expected, it is still adorable but fairly understated given we get right back into things. Yut Lung has paired up with Golzine and so apparently has some guy who is actually good at his job of tailing people and also shooting (and apparently taught Ash a few tricks). Things are definitely escalating.

Bloom Into You (Episode 4 – Reviewed for Patrons)

It is nice to see some of the other characters getting some screen time and getting fleshed out a little. While Yuu and Nanami’s romance is pleasant enough, it was about time to get some additional personalities onto the screen and the rest of the student council do a good job filling this role. Patrons can access the post using the link, password on Patreon.

Conception (Episode 3)

Yep, this one is firmly dedicated to being pretty trashy in its dialogue but not actually following through in any note worthy way, which kind of makes you wonder who the audience is supposed to be. They aren’t doing enough with the plot for people interested in the story and there isn’t enough delivery on the fan-service for that to be the draw. Oh well.

Dakaichi (Episode 4 – To Be Reviewed with Arthifis)

These two seem to have settled into a happily dysfunctional relationship and they might even get to a real happy relationship at some point if one of them stops acting completely crazy and the other stops pretending he doesn’t like it. Tropes aside, the episode this week was really fun to watch though continues to balance somewhere between creepy and sweet.

Goblin Slayer (Episode 4 – To Be Reviewed With Arthifis)

Another goblin nest, this one complete with a surprise boss to fight at the end. There’s probably a lot to discuss in terms of whether or not Goblin Slayer’s approach to fighting is honourable or whatever, but you can’t argue with his success rate so far and I like that he does consider the strengths of his companions in forming his plans.

Jingai-San no Yome (Episode 5 – Not Reviewed)

This one keeps getting weirder. This week the two minutes we get feature Hinowa walking beside Kanenogi while a butterfly lands on Kanenogi’s nose and Hinowa gets jealous, before we have a short bathroom scene where Hinowa invites Kanenogi in. We still have no context for why random creatures are paired with these kids or anything else so this just remains a kind of mystery wrapped in a fairly bland package.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai (Episode 5)

This one is definitely making its mark as a show that isn’t going to drop the ball. While episode 4 was a little bit of a slow down as we transitioned into the new arc, episode 5 picks things up again and gets moving full steam ahead. While the tone is different with more Sakuta and less Mai, there’s some solid character and plot work on display here.

Release the Spyce (Episode 4)

Going through the motions was how I described this last week and to be honest episode 4 does nothing to dispel that illusion as we’re hit with a mentor-student rift that is simplistically resolved in episode. Almost nothing happens this week to advance an overall plot and while this remains watchable enough, it is just kind of there.

Run With The Wind (Episode 5)

They actually are starting to look more like a traditional team with training and everything, but that actually is probably why this episode isn’t as strong. There’s still some great individual moments, but as we get closer to the standard sports club kind of feeling what made this show feel a bit different kind of dissipated a bit.

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-San (Episode 4)

Honda-San delivers a very relatable drama this week as he goes off to training and wow could I feel his pain when being asked to practice smiling. Still, this one isn’t planning to go beyond observations about Honda’s life and while it is interesting enough it feels like this could have been pushed a little further and really had something to say.

Sword Art Online Alicization (Episode 4)

The key to a fun Sword Art Online episode: give Kirito a sword and a target. That is all. Seriously, that’s all it took to get things moving again and for me to remember just how much fun Sword Art Online can be with its messy but flashy animation, overly dramatic music, and Kirito ready to take on pretty much anything. Awesome fun.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Episode 5)

Is it just me or does this guy look really similar to the guy from the Sword Art Online episode? Not really the point. I actually enjoyed episode 5 a lot more and feel the world is now getting fleshed out enough that I’m getting kind of curious about it all. Hopefully this show continues to build on this because there’s some interesting ideas here.

Tsurune (Episode 2)

Really enjoyed this follow up episode. It is a pretty relaxed viewing experience but one that I feel has quite a bit of care and love behind it. I’m really getting drawn in to this and I want to get to know all of the characters a lot more. So far this one has just been a sheer pleasure to watch and one I’m keen for more of.

Voice of Fox (Episode 3)

They are stretching their premise about as far as they can get away with it and it is starting to show some wear and tear as this episode relies really heavily on happenstance to make it work. Plus I question the company in charge given you would think you’d have a pre-recorded version of the audio just in case. Still great fun though.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (Episode 5)

The award for most off-model characters this season is definitely going to Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (at least of the shows I am watching). The first episode definitely revealed issues with the presentation of this show but episode 5 brings so many of those issues into the forefront. Pity, because underneath the disaster prone visuals and animation there’s a fairly solid story unfolding.

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

Dropped or On Hold

These titles aren’t necessarily bad and some I might even pick up again later but for whatever reason I’m not watching them right now (and yes, some of them are bad and will never be finished).

• Anima Yell!
• As Miss Beelzebub Likes
• Bakumatsu
• Between the Sky and Sea
• Himote House
• Hinomaru Sumo
• Merc StoriA
• Ms Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood
• My Sister, My Writer
• Radiant
• Space Battleship Tiramisu Zwei
• SSSS.Gridman
• The Girl in Twilight
• Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight
• UzaMaid
• Zombieland Saga

And if you want to follow along with my watching during Autumn check it out here on Twitter.

Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Or use one of my affiliate product links:

Hello week 3 and I know I should have actually made a firm decision about my watch list but I have three titles to choose between for the last slot in my review schedule and to be honest I can’t figure out if I want to drop them or not. I’m torn between Zombieland Saga, The Girl in Twilight and Space Battleship Tiramisu. It is weird because these titles all have some good points about them, but I’m just not really feeling them either and I’ve got quite the long watch list this season. I think this week will determine which ones end up dropped (though I might continue to watch even if I don’t continue to cover them). The other option of course is just doing a compilation post with whichever ones I have watched that week…

Anyway, this is how my viewing week went and I’d love to know your thoughts on the shows so far. Also, which characters are you enjoying so far this season?

What I watched

A Certain Magical Index Season 3 (Episode 3)

Yeah, A Certain Magical Index hasn’t changed and I enjoyed seasons 1 and 2 enough to buy the DVD’s despite all the logical holes in the plot and the slightly repetitive nature of the set up and resolutions. It’s a fun show and so far season three is doing exactly the same. Lots of jargonistic talk before smack down fights. If you watched 1 and 2, this is more of the same.

Banana Fish (Episode 16 – Not Reviewed)

Eiji is missing in action this week, but that’s okay because everyone else is trying to escape from the facility. This would be a more impressive feat if everyone working in said facility would actually do their jobs instead of hitting on Ash or just being completely stupid. Still, it was a fun enough sequence, and Ash losing his temper was hilarious.

Bloom Into You (Episode 3 – Reviewed for Patrons)

I will admit, this anime is pretty well made and remains interesting enough despite being outside of my usual kind of story. It is all about the small details added into the scenes and the character interactions that keep me focused on the plot even while it moves fairly slowly. Patrons can access the post using the link, password on Patreon.

Conception (Episode 2)

You know what really annoys is that underneath the incredibly trashy premise that isn’t even going to fully deliver on being trashy, there’s actually a half interesting story with the labyrinth and trying to defeat the impurities. I somehow doubt this story will actually ever end up satisfying anyone but it remains a curiosity.

Dakaichi (Episode 3 – To Be Reviewed with Arthifis)

Junta continues to be a bit of a problem mostly because his actions just aren’t smart regardless of who his partner is. That said, Takato’s professionalism during the interviews and photo-shoot as well as his private cake eating freak out post credits were just kind of awesome. While there are some problems here, I’m still having a lot of fun with it.

Goblin Slayer (Episode 3 – To Be Reviewed With Arthifis)

And we finally have the rest of the team in place. This is where weekly watching is going to hurt because not a lot goes on in this episode, but it is good solid set-up for what is to come. I will admit though, if I hadn’t read the source, this episode would certainly be a bit of a lull, and that’s an odd kind of choice for an anime in episode 3.

Jingai-San no Yome (Episode 4 – Not Reviewed)

Another episode, another new character and still not enough time to do anything. I’m actually curious as to what they will do with this eventually but I will admit the short format is really stopping me from actually getting into this story so far because four weeks in and very little has been able to happen. Still, what is there is kind of interesting.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai (Episode 4)

I wondered if the next arc of Bunny Girl Senpai could possibly hold up to the first three episodes. And while’s still okay, the problem here is that they are more upfront about the mystery rather than making you wonder if it is really happening and there’s a definite absence of Mai and Sakuta after the first half. Still, good fun.

Release the Spyce (Episode 3)

The power of team work rah-rah messaging is in full force. That doesn’t make the episode not fun but it very much is establishing that this show is pretty happy to just go through the motions. Still, it is entertaining even if there isn’t really anything new about this and the characters are still working well enough.

Run With The Wind (Episode 4)

This show continues to be a fairly excellent watch even if it has about as much emotional subtlety as a brick to the face. It is just visually good to watch, the characters – whether  I like them or not – are being slowly but surely developed, and the overall plot is coming along nicely. All and all, very little to complain about.

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-San (Episode 3)

A far more amusing episode this week and one that also gives a bit more insight into the book shops workings. It seems Honda-San is going to continue in small little vignettes about life working in a book shop so entertainment will vary from section to section depending on how amusing you find the delivery of a certain part. That said, episode 3 hit the mark for me.

Space Battleship Tiramisu Zwei (Episode 4)

And this continues in exactly the same way it always has. I will admit, episode 4 made me laugh a couple of times at the characters because it really did stick its jokes this week, but that doesn’t make the anime as a whole any better. I’m not going to continue writing episode reviews of this one but will keep watching.

Sword Art Online Alicization (Episode 3)

Kirito continues to get used to his new environment and tries to figure out how things work. The one thing he doesn’t seemed to concerned about is leaving which seems a little odd but he is at least asking some sensible questions about how other things operate within the world. Still, by the end of this episode it looks like we’re going to start kicking things off again, so looking forward to it.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Episode 4)

And episode 4 is more of the same. There are some good ideas here and some interesting aspects to the characters and the world, but so far this anime isn’t drawing me in. I still feel like I’m waiting for it to finish setting up and get going, but I might need to draw the conclusion that this is what it is.

The Girl in Twilight (Episode 4 – Not Reviewed)

This one I’m also dropping weekly reviews of. I may cover an episode if something particularly note worthy happens but mostly this one has just kind of become a little bit bland (which is a terrible way to feel about a story that jumps dimensions but alas it is how I feel about it). Still, I’m not actually dropping the show just yet so maybe it will grab my interest again.

Tsurune (Episode 1)

Another sports anime on the line up and this one gives a fairly solid first episode making me want to watch more of it. It kind of helps that I like archery (more than a lot of other sports at least given my interest in most sport is zero). While there is nothing amazingly new here story-wise, this was a great first episode and I’m looking forward to more.

Voice of Fox (Episode 2)

No singing this week (shame) but episode 2 does a nice expansion on what we know of the main character and the set up and seems to be doing a good job of providing information without hitting us with endless exposition. As a result, this one is so far pretty fun to watch and is covering a lot considering the thirteen minute episode length.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (Episode 4)

And this continues to build its story nicely. While this one won’t exactly be blowing anyone away anytime soon, it is becoming quite an enjoyable story in its own way and as they continue to set the characters up to collide it all looks like it should progress nicely (or terribly if you think about what is likely in store for the cast).

Zombieland Saga (Episode 4)

Yeah, this one isn’t picking up. It seems they had a great opening concept and now we’re just meandering through fairly dull group bonding and initial performance kind of territory. There’s really nothing that stood out this week, except how much I hate Kotaro as a character. This one gets one more episode and then I may be saying goodbye.

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

Dropped or On Hold

These titles aren’t necessarily bad and some I might even pick up again later but for whatever reason I’m not watching them right now (and yes, some of them are bad and will never be finished).

• Anima Yell!
• As Miss Beelzebub Likes
• Bakumatsu
• Between the Sky and Sea
• Himote House
• Hinomaru Sumo
• Merc StoriA
• Ms Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood
• My Sister, My Writer
• Radiant
• SSSS.Gridman
• Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight
• UzaMaid

And if you want to follow along with my watching during Autumn check it out here on Twitter.

Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

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