Summer 2018 Week 8

Week 8 seemed to bring a theme of protagonists in chains (or maybe that was just Banana Fish and Attack on Titan) but there was definitely drama to be had this week while watching anime. That said, with a number of shows really hitting their stride, the weaker shows this season are looking very week with Holmes of Kyoto hitting its most dull point yet and even Angolmois starting to crumble under the weight of just too many issues with it overall execution. That said, I had a great week with anime and in case you missed my twitter blitz over the last couple of days, my blog hit quite the milestone in August as I hit 10,000 views for the month. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make that happen and if you are interested in supporting the blog be sure to check out this post.

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What I watched

100 Sleeping Princes and the Kingdom of Dreams (Episode 8)

100 Sleeping Princes is determined to leave as little impact as possible. It makes itself so average and unremarkable, so dull and yet not boring enough to drop. This episode show cases exactly why this anime cannot be recommended as the characters sit and talk and one of them remembers bits and pieces that may later become important. That is all.

Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (Episode 8)

Well other than the traitor at least it seems that all the Japanese have finally decided to stop fighting amongst themselves and actually play nice. It only took 7 episodes of them being attacked by Mongols to draw that conclusion. Otherwise this show is kind of just doing what it needs to do. There’s flaws and it isn’t as great as it could be, but it remains reasonable.

Attack on Titan Season 3 (Episode 6)

Season 3 of Attack on Titan continues its very strong run of quality episodes and I am very much enjoying it. There’s reveals a plenty this episode but it still leaves us with so many questions. The characters are coming together and I’m looking forward to next week because it is looking like it might be fairly explosive.

Banana Fish (Episode 9 – Not Reviewed)

There are some shows that seem to exist just to make their characters suffer and episode 9 of Banana Fish certainly does just that. While it makes for an emotionally moving experience, it is also very overwrought and so it sometimes lacks the necessary nuances to go from being a momentary impact into something that will have long lasting affect on its audience.

Cells at Work (Episode 8)

This episode focuses entirely on Red Blood Cell finally trying to find her own way around the body (though White Blood Cell is definitely keeping a close eye on things). It is adorable and funny with the usual balance of education and entertainment well maintained. While not as exciting as some episodes, this was pretty quality viewing.

Holmes of Kyoto (Episode 8)

This is the winner of the I really should have dropped you because you are boring but now I’ve made it this far I won’t, award. No, that isn’t a real award, but it should be. Seriously, Holmes of Kyoto has been bland and fairly flat from the beginning but this last episode in particular took dull to a new level.

How Not To Summon a Demon Lord (Episode 9)

There was a lot of set up in this episode as we transition to dealing with the next issue, Rem’s demon lord. That said, this show remains very fun to watch though the fan-service isn’t going anywhere so if that’s a turn off then this show is not going to work for you. This one has remained a pleasant surprise and I hope it can maintain its quality until the end of the season.

Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi (Episode 22 – Reviewed for Patrons)

I really feel something more motive like would have helped this episode out. Learning that Raiju is being obstinate just because he can be and he is bored isn’t exactly compelling. Then again, Aoi’s desire to help just because isn’t exactly a great motive either. As we approach the end of the season, I can’t say I’m all that hyped for this one.

Phantom in the Twilight (Episode 8)

Not quite up to the excitement of the previous episode, this one felt more like a rest or pause while it positioned the characters for the next big thing. It wasn’t bad, but as an individual episode it was great. That said, this series as a whole has become a lot more enjoyable than expected and I’m fairly optimistic about where it will go next.

Steins;Gate 0 (Episode 19 – No episode this week)

The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einhenjer (Episode 8)

I think this one has more or less cemented itself as an anime with an interesting idea and no clue what to do with it. There are good moments along the way with this story, but pacing, characterisation, the overall plot, even the setting, are all left underdeveloped and just kind of there. It’s a little disappointing that it can’t be more, but it is what it is.

My Hero Academia Season 3 (Episode 20 – Strictly Filler)

If I thought a filler episode might inject some of the fun and sense of adventure back into this show that seemed to be jettisoned with the current arc, I need to rethink that. To call this average would be generous. It really is nothing but filler and makes the most grievous mistake of not even being entertaining as filler.

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

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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