Summer 2018 Week 7

Hey look, I didn’t drop anything this week. That said, there are quite a few shows on my line up that aren’t exactly thrilling. Still, those shows that are stepping up are really stepping up and the divide between what is good and what is decidedly average (or less than average) is opening up ever wider as the weeks go on. My thoughts on the Summer shows are below but as always, I’d love to know what you are watching and what you have enjoyed.

Also, if you have a question for me to tackle in my inquiring minds series of posts, please complete the survey here. I look forward to your questions.

What I watched

100 Sleeping Princes and the Kingdom of Dreams (Episode 7)

The averageness of this show continues to be on display. That doesn’t actually make it bad, just difficult to really care about. Still, they do resolve the story they set up last week before sending the main group on their way to the next Kingdom where I’m sure they’ll encounter yet more drama. I’d like a bit more from this anime but I don’t really expect it.

Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (Episode 7)

Once again, the characters kind of bring this down. Even as we flee the Mongols, unite with another force, and prepare for the ongoing invasion, I can’t help but wonder how much better this would be if I had been made to care about any one of these characters. To be honest,  I don’t remember half of their names and we’re 7 episodes in.

Attack on Titan Season 3 (Episode 5)

Right, season 3 of this is definitely getting me back into this story and I’m loving it so far. While there’s still a voice of caution warning me not to get too excited, Attack on Titan has derailed before, I am very much looking forward to the next episode as these first five episodes have definitely delivered. More please and let’s hope the quality doesn’t take a dive.

Banana Fish (Episode 7 – Not Reviewed)

Part of me wishes this was finished and out on DVD so I could simply binge watch it. I’m loving the story and the pacing within episodes, but the week wait in between is kind of a drag. Still, episode 7 delivers yet more drama and sets up more pain for all of the characters as they continue to attempt to take on organisations far bigger and meaner than they are.

Cells at Work (Episode 7)

Who knew watching the body fight off a cancer cell could be that entertaining? While this show remains very much a villain of the week standard kind of story, the novelty and interesting way it manages to personify the human body and its cells continues to be highly enjoyable. Even when tackling an idea like cancer, this show doesn’t miss the mark.

Holmes of Kyoto (Episode 7)

Well, I did at least remember to watch the episode. That was a start. And in honesty this was one of the more focused and action oriented episodes (which is not saying a lot given we spend a lot of time playing a game of guess the fake with amateur appraisers at a party). Still, it remained watchable and I’ll continue next week.

How Not To Summon a Demon Lord (Episode 8)

This was such a great episode as we got a fairly decent fight and finally put Diablo on the defensive. Seeing him react to realising that the world isn’t as easy as he thought it was going to be and despite similarities to the game, there are differences, was really fun. As was seeing him employ lessons learned both as a gamer and within the world.

Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi (Episode 21 – Reviewed for Patrons)

And we’re still kind of just wandering around with side characters while the plot is just kind of there. The ceremony is coming but don’t expect to feel any sense of urgency from anyone outside of Ranmaru who barely appears and Aoi certainly isn’t all that concerned as she putters about, doing her usual thing.

Phantom in the Twilight (Episode 7)

This was a great episode. Not great because I didn’t expect much from it, or great in comparison to other shows; it was just a good, solid episode. It went in an unexpected direction and had a solid enough execution that it didn’t leave me feeling like the rug had just been pulled out from under me. Very happy with how this show is going right now.

Steins;Gate 0 (Episode 19)

We’re time hopping again and while this is a definite step up in the pace and action department I can’t help but feel it is all too little too late. The first Steins;Gate took its time to set up its story but there I was drawn in to the cast and had a lot of fun. Here I’ve just been waiting and I can’t help but feel the payoff doesn’t feel worth it.

The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einhenjer (Episode 7)

In sharp contrast to last week, episode 7 of The Master of Ragnarok spends its entire time on its plot with bare minimal fan service. We learn about Yuuto becoming the Patriarch and about the one who was kind of opposed to it and felt cheated. Of course the natural thing to do when you can’t lead a clan is come back two years later and try to wipe them out.

My Hero Academia Season 3 (Episode 19)

The exam arc of My Hero Academia is certainly going to be remembered by me as a low point in the series so far. While I accept that this show is a shounen, it has normally managed to keep me highly entertained with some interesting ideas and character moments even while going through the normal motions. This arc however, remains pretty blah.

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

Wayne just looks too adorable like this and what was with that other appearance? Phantom in the Twilight has gone from strength to strength, but Wayne as a character is one of the best things to come out of this episode.

Dropped or On Hold

• Angels of Death (Episode 4)
• GeGeGe no Kitaro (Episode 19)
• Hanebado (Episode 1)
• Harukana Receive (Episode 1)
• Island (Episode 4)
• Lord of Vermilion: The Crimson King (Episode 4)
• Planet With (Episode 1)
• The Thousand Muskateers (Episode 1)
• Yuna and the Haunted Hotsprings (Episode 1)

If you want to join in the conversation on Twitter be sure to follow along: Summer Anime 2018

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Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

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