seasonal

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.

A Certain Magical Index Season 3

Banana Fish

Bloom Into You

Conception

Dakaichi

Goblin Slayer

Jingai-San No Yome

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Release the Spyce

Run With The Wind

Skull Face Bookseller Honda-San

Sword Art Online Alicization

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Tsurune

Voice of Fox

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

Dropped or On Hold

For those who want to follow my rambling thoughts during the season: https://t.co/dwY6ZcFmzy

— Karandi (@100wordanime) November 18, 2018

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.

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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.

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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.

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Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Or use one of my affiliate product links:

This season is definitely a bit odd as some shows that initially didn’t interest me have really picked up their game and other shows that grabbed me instantly feel like they are dropping the ball a little. Despite that, there’s a lot out there to watch this season and it has been fun trying to keep up with everything. I will say the show I’m most surprised by how much I’m enjoying it is Run With the Wind and the show I’m probably most disappointed with right now is Zombieland Saga. I’d love to know which shows have managed to hold your interest as we’ve moved into the second and third episodes.

What I watched

A Certain Magical Index Season 3 (Episode 2)

After initially ruling this series out after it wasn’t available in my region in then became available and so I’ve added it to the list. While the first two episodes here are nothing special, it is all pretty much exactly what you would expect from this series after two previous seasons so no real change here and still good fun if you enjoyed it before.

Attack on Titan Season 3 (Episode 12)

Attack on Titan Season 3 finishes this week, only not really because part 2 of the season will come out next year, and so we are left with a half-season that is probably the most solid Attack on Titan has ever given us, and still feeling slightly disappointed by that. Sigh. Well, at least it made me not want to drop the show even as it continues to string viewers along.

Banana Fish (Episode 15 – Not Reviewed)

I know none of us actually believed Ash was dead, but they could have dragged out the suspense a little bit longer. This is the first time the rapid pace of events in this show has kind of bothered me but it just felt like a pointless thing to set up given no one believed it from the start and it was more or less instantly ended. That said, Eiji really stepped up for a bit.

Bloom Into You (Episode 2 – Reviewed for Patrons)

This still isn’t really my kind of anime but there’s definitely some effort and attention put into the execution here. This was one of the anime that tied in the patron poll for the pick to be reviewed for patrons only and I’ve gone with this one because I think it will give me quite a bit to write about each week (at least I hope so). Patrons can access the post using the link, password on Patreon.

Conception (Episode 1)

Maybe I’m just curious how many titles that aren’t normally my thing I can fit into the list this season given I’m picking up yuri, comedy and now a most definitely trashy harem. I didn’t hate this first episode though I didn’t find a lot to applaud about the execution of it either. Still, there’s something vaguely interesting here so I’ll give it another week.

Dakaichi (Episode 2 – To Be Reviewed with Arthifis)

Insecure but proud actor Takato remains a complete delight to watch in this second episode. I will admit, Junta doesn’t do a lot for me as a character and is more just a necessary prop for this story to work around (maybe he’ll improve as this continues), but I really enjoy watching Takato and I’m having a great time with this anime.

Goblin Slayer (Episode 2 – To Be Reviewed With Arthifis)

World building, more characters, discussion about tactics for killing goblins… The second episode isn’t as sensationalised as episode one but it is a solid follow up in this story and one that focuses more on the central characters rather than in introducing the horror of adventure. That said, there are still plenty of dead goblins here.

Jingai-San no Yome (Episode 3 – Not Reviewed)

This really feels like someone actually made a first episode to a show and then someone else came along and snipped it into two minute parts and slapped a song at the end of them. If you watch each part that’s come out altogether so far, it isn’t a bad intro to a story, but spread out over three weeks and in such small parts is kind of weird.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai (Episode 3)

Have I mentioned how much I’m loving this anime so far? Admittedly, given they wrapped up a main plot line at the end of episode 3 there’s now that wonder about whether where they go from here can possibly be as good or whether this show peaked, but I’m really, really happy I decided to ignore the title and try the show. It has been solid entertainment.

Release the Spyce (Episode 2)

A typical train the newbie into being a super spy in one episode sequence, only they made it a little more plausible by giving a two month time frame. Momo goes through some great changes as she focuses on achieving the goal of becoming a spy and the group as a whole were pretty fun. This show still isn’t doing much that is overly unique but it is still good fun.

Run With The Wind (Episode 3)

Alright, this is one of the better anime I’ve picked up this season in terms of establishing characters and the execution. Realistically, this is a very solid and well made anime and entertaining enough even though I don’t care in the slightest about running anything, let alone a marathon. You win, Run With The Wind.

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-San (Episode 2)

It’s the season’s best anime about a skeleton book-seller. Okay, the only anime this season about a skeleton book-seller. I’d say the only anime about it in general but then someone will dig up an old anime and prove me wrong. However, there’s a reason I delayed getting to a point. This is watchable and that’s about it.

Space Battleship Tiramisu Zwei (Episode 3)

While the characters continue to act in a manner that makes no sense and the overall plot is still there but once again we realise this show is more interested in cheap laughs than developing its actual good ideas, season 2 of Space Battleship Tiramisu has all the same hang-ups season one had. Watchable, but that’s all.

Sword Art Online Alicization (Episode 2)

This is a much slower start to this story than I expected, and yet I don’t mind it. This week spends more time getting Kirito orientated inside the game though that leaves me wondering when we’ll find out what happened in reality (though I assume we’ll get there sooner or later). Enjoying Eugeo’s character so far though.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Episode 3)

I’ve kind of come to the conclusion that I’m just not loving this show as much as some viewers seem to be. Sure it is interesting enough but outside of the novelty of a slime main character nothing else is really standing out about this show as it goes through the usual kind of set ups. Still a good show and one I hope will pick up.

The Girl in Twilight (Episode 3)

The Girl in Twilight seems like it is going to remain fairly inconsistent in terms of how much I like it. Episode 1 was great and then episode 2 happened. This episode isn’t as good as episode 1, but it certainly made me think twice about dropping the show. So I think I’m going to stop looking for great and just have fun with it and hope.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (Episode 3)

A much better episode this time around after episode 2. I just still don’t feel that anything in last week’s episode needed to be explicitly shown given we already more or less knew all of that information from what was implied in episode 1. However, episode 3 pushes the story forward and was pretty entertaining. Nice recovery.

Voice of Fox (Episode 1)

Voice of Fox was a title that caught my attention when looking at the write ups of new shows but then I didn’t think I’d be able to see it and forgot about it. Finally getting to see episode 1, I’m kind of happy I did get to see it. While not exactly fighting for the top spot this season, it set up a pretty decent story in the time it had and I’m looking forward to more.

Zombieland Saga (Episode 3)

A fun first episode can’t make up for a poor follow up and Zombieland Saga really suffers from losing the element of surprise and having to stand on its own merits in episodes 2 and 3. As the zombie girls get used to waking up and that they are zombies, all the while learning to work together and perform, a lot of the fun gets sucked right out of this series.

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.

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Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Or use one of my affiliate product links:

Here we are at the end of the first ‘official’ week of the Autumn season. Okay, official only in so far as I declared it to be so. It looks like Bloom Into You will become the show reviewed for patrons only this season so future reviews of that will be password protected. My watch list is still crazy long and with some first episodes not yet out and a lot of episode 2’s not yet viewed or reviewed I’m honestly going to say that there’s still a lot of movement going on with my list for this season. Hopefully later in the week I’ll post my actual schedule for reviews this season once it is a bit more formalised.

Anyway, enough of that. It is time to check out the shows I watched this week and to find out what you have loved early in the season and what didn’t work for. Hopefully everyone has found something to watch this season and I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below.

What I watched

Attack on Titan Season 3 (Episode 11)

This seems to be another mid-season stall for Attack on Titan. That said, it could just be setting up the next thing, but this episode felt really empty of purpose. Maybe it is intentional, maybe I’ll look back and like how this episode fit in with the overall sequence, but I know I wasn’t overly caught up in watching this week.

Banana Fish (Episode 14 – Not Reviewed)

A new OP and yet more of the same emotionally driven story and this one really has some hard hitting moments. Not to mention leaving us desperately wanting to know what is going to happen next. While logically there are more than a few gaps in the narrative, it really works on hitting you in the feels each and every week.

Bloom Into You (Episode 1)

This one seems to be another one of those pretty solid anime that just doesn’t really appeal to me. The first episode is actually quite a good first episode and I really appreciate it visually and how it establishes its story. That didn’t stop me feeling just a little bit bored while watching. I’ll give this another episode but I might end up passing.

Dakaichi (Episode 1 – To Be Reviewed with Arthifis)

Okay, I’m saving most of my thoughts on this one until Arthifis and I do our first impressions post but can I’m just going to gush for a little bit and smile idiotically before pointing out that this was so much better than I expected. I was totally caught up in this episode and on second watch took way too many screen caps.

Goblin Slayer (Episode 1 – To Be Reviewed With Arthifis)

I was wondering how close to the source they were going to get with this one, and apparently they aren’t going to tone it down much. Admittedly, they are still doing a lot of shadows and just slightly off-screen violence but there was more than enough on-screen here to make this slightly uncomfortable (which is exactly what it’s trying to be). Solid start.

Jingai-San no Yome (Episode 2 – Not Reviewed)

Is it wrong that I’m fascinated by this even though in two ‘episodes’ we’ve barely seen four minutes of actual story and almost nothing has happened? I really don’t know why this hasn’t hit my drop list and yet I know I want to watch the next episode of it despite knowing that very little is likely to be revealed in that episode either. Weird.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai (Episode 2)

The follow up episode did not disappoint and now I’m even more caught up in this show than I was after the first episode. More mysteries, more details about the characters, and just more interesting dialogue that may not sound natural but is really kind of fun to listen to. There’s something really compelling about Bunny Girl Senpai.

Release the Spyce (Episode 1)

Release the Spyce is fairly ordinary so far, but ordinary in a very fun way. Team of girls who fight crime recruit Momo, the pink haired ordinary girl with no confidence, into their super secret organisation. Other than the stopping to eat spices before a fight there’s nothing really distinguishing this yet, but that didn’t stop the episode being fun enough.

Run With The Wind (Episode 2)

So I gave this a second episode and while one of the characters has really pushed my buttons and I still don’t think I’m interested in an anime about running, this anime has managed to be impressively competent in its execution so far. This one has earned a spot on my watch list this season, though I do anticipate having some trouble completing it.

Skull-face Bookseller Honda-San (Episode 1)

This one is a comedy/slice-of-life which means its longevity on my watch list is pretty low (even with the appeal of book shop setting and skeleton protagonist). That said, with only 11 minutes to an episode this first one didn’t wear out its welcome and was actually quite pleasant viewing. Nothing earth shaking but a nice break from some of the other titles I’m watching this season.

SSSS.Gridman (Episode 1)

While this was actually not a bad beginning, given the studio and given the number of things that could go wrong, I’ve decided I probably won’t be reviewing week to week (though is something happens that I want to write about I will certainly do a post). Still, I’m not sure I’ll make it through a season of this.

Space Battleship Tiramisu Zwei (Episode 2)

Episode 2 is pleasant enough in progressing the story (such as it is) and building on the relationship between Subaru and Isuzu by introducing the father. That said this episode is heavily relying on a reoccurring joke so your enjoyment is kind of tied up with how amusing you find old guy getting spam email.

Sword Art Online Alicization (Episode 1)

Yep, Sword Art Online is back and I have to say this first episode kind of works if you already like the show, probably doesn’t work if you don’t, and if you’ve never watched the franchise this is not your starting point. That said, I’m super excited and I know this one is going to be a massive time commitment but I’m in.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Episode 2)

The first half of this episode just kind of felt a little bit half-hearted, but by the second half, as the slime emerged from the cave, it kind of felt like we were finally moving things along. So while I’m still not singing this show’s praises, I’m curious enough to keep going and I really hope that it continues to pick up as it feels like this should be more interesting than I’m currently finding it.

The Girl in Twilight (Episode 2)

I gave this one another episode and there was a noticeable dip in my interest as we moved through some fairly mundane stuff that might be better if I liked any of the characters before transitioning to clunky exposition. This gets one more week as I am still curious about the premise but I’m not overly hopeful at this point.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (Episode 2)

Not a great episode given the whole thing was essentially a flash back that revealed nothing of particular note that hadn’t already been kind of obvious. That said, I’m still interested in this one. It hasn’t been amazing, and there’s a lot that could be criticised, but it is watchable enough and given the genre and style it’s kind of appealing so I’m in for now.

Zombieland Saga (Episode 1 – No new review)

This is a weird start to an anime but one that certainly entertained. Girl who wants to be an idol is unfortunately killed. Ten years later she awakens as a zombie and is now going to be part of an idol group who are apparently going to save Saga, though how is still a question unanswered. Still there’s a lot of fun to be had with this first episode.

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!
• Bakumatsu
• Between the Sky and Sea
• Himote House
• Hinomaru Sumo
• Ms Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood
• My Sister, My Writer
• Radiant
• 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.

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Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Or use one of my affiliate product links:

And the new anime season is starting! It is a time of great excitement because everything has so much potential and there’s so much to try. Admittedly, we still have a lot of shows to air their first episodes so this is really just a run down of what has been tried so far but next week will be the official first post of the season. I’d love to know what you are watching so please share your experience with the first episodes of the season in the comments below.

For those who missed it you can see my favourite and least favourite shows of the summer season as well as the results of the reader poll in my best of and worst of the season posts. And just a reminder to patrons that you only have until next Saturday to vote for the show that will be covered this season for patrons only. In the event of a tie I’ll pick the show that interests me the most. After the vote closes all future posts regarding the chosen show will be password protected for patrons.

What I watched

Attack on Titan Season 3 (Episode 10 – No Episode this week)

Banana Fish (Episode 13 – Not Reviewed)

The conclusion between Ash and Arthur is as dramatic and fantastic to watch as I could have asked for. Still, Eiji steals a lot of the second half of the episode as he fights against being sent away again, and we also see Ash remembering a conversation he had with Eiji about death (though when that conversation could have taken place is a bit dubious).

Dakaichi (Episode 1 – To Be Reviewed with Arthifis)

Okay, I’m saving most of my thoughts on this one until Arthifis and I do our first impressions post but I’m just going to gush for a little bit and smile idiotically before pointing out that this was so much better than I expected. I was totally caught up in this episode and on second watch took way too many screen caps.

Frankenstein Family (Episodes 7 + 8)

This one remains an odd little story but there’s enough going on and enough to think about even while the episodes themselves are quite relaxed in their pace and tone. The family dynamic works well and there are enough curiosities to keep things interesting even when not a lot is going on. Kind of having fun with this.

Jingai-San no Yome (Episode 1 – Not Reviewed)

With only three minutes, and only half of that episode with the other half being theme song, this didn’t do much which is why I am not going to even attempt to write a whole post on one episode. I’m curious though about the story of the student marrying some creature that I’ll keep watching for a bit, but I won’t be reviewing episodes of this one.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai (Episode 1)

This is probably the first new title of the season where I had an instant ‘yes’ kind of moment. It isn’t amazing or going to blow you away with this first episode, but I just really got drawn in to the characters and the potential mystery here and basically it just clicked. So while I get other viewers may not be as thrilled, I really was happy to see this first episode.

Run With The Wind (Episode 1)

There’s definitely some reservations with this one as it really isn’t the kind of show I like, one of the main characters is seriously annoying me after one episode, and really I’m just not convinced that the plot is going to grab me. That said, there were enough positives in this first episode that I kind of want to give it a little more time before I decide.

Space Battleship Tiramisu Zwei (Episode 1)

I thought I was done with season one of this short form anime but apparently my curiosity is going to get the better of me and here I go plunging into a second season. I don’t know if this will stay on my watch list as I will happily pass on this one if there are better shows to watch and my list is full, but for now I’m pencilling it into the line up.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Episode 1)

If generic isekai is your thing than this first episode will be a go for you. For me, I’m going to wait until we get a bit more into the story to decide if I’m sticking with this one. The first episode was not overly impressive but it also wasn’t terrible so it at least earned a bit more time on my watch list before I call it one way or the other.

The Girl in Twilight (Episode 1)

The Girl in Twilight seems to have a lot of cliches in its set up but still seems to be a little bit different at least in the direction it might take some of these. It could fall back on the old standards but I’m kind of hopeful for something a little bit different from it. Definitely giving this one another week or so before I decide.

Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary (Episode 1)

This one isn’t exactly amazing but the first episode certainly didn’t make me run and hide and I’m kind of keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that episode 2 is a passable follow up. This is the kind of story I’d like to enjoy but so many of them become really terrible and there were enough issues in episode 1 to have me a little concerned even while I’d like to be hopeful.

Zombieland Saga (Episode 1)

This is a weird start to an anime but one that certainly entertained. Girl who wants to be an idol is unfortunately killed. Ten years later she awakens as a zombie and is now going to be part of an idol group who are apparently going to save Saga, though how is still a question unanswered. Still there’s a lot of fun to be had with this first episode.

Episode of the Week

Character of the Week

Dropped or On Hold

• Bakumatsu
• Between the Sky and Sea

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

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Thanks for reading.

Karandi James

Consider supporting the blog by:

Or use one of my affiliate product links: