Spring 2024 anime

Finished Grimm Kumikyoku today. Final impressions probably such: all stories were good SA Ns the first one they were lacking something: Little Red Riding Hood and Bremen Town Musiocians was just to siomple and straightforward (took the original story as a base, did a take in totally different genre), Hansel and Gretel was good but a bit to slow for my taste, Elves and Shoumaker was way to onfusing (I got plausible and realistic explanation for it but only after reading comments), and Pied Piper of Hamelin would have been better if not a weird magical ending.

Overall impression probably is: 1 > 6 > 4 > 3 > 5 > 2.

Oh, and minor details: Charlottes seiyuu voiced a bunch of other red-haired greren-eyed characters here: creepy doll in 1, old lady in 2, Gretel in 3, Piper in 6 (maybe she appered in other two but I missed it) and both brothers also had cameos: as journalists in 4, and as cheriff aides in 5 (unless I missed more again).

Edited by Nachtwandler on Apr 26th 2024 at 1:04:34 AM

Threadless Talk

• Astro Note: Gathering a bunch of quirky individuals under one roof is a surefire way to nail that 90s romcom energy, then you add the "alien royalty searching for macguffin" and the wackiness multiplies fivefold. Just imagine: our characters trying to deliver a lunchbox, which is compromised by a thieving robot pelican, that our local space princess can only thwart with a rocket launcher she pulls out of hammerspace. It is unabashedly weird, and I am eating it all up. Still betting the key Mira is looking for is in that cellar full of jars of plum wine. There has to be a reason the leading man is a cook, apart from it being his excuse to stay in the sharehouse. Definitely continuing.
• Blue Archive: I have to wonder if there's anyone watching this that hasn't played the gacha game. The show tries its best but the setting simply does not hold up under scrutiny. This is really a franchise about appreciating the cute girls that sometimes do cute things and sometimes engage in firefights and sometimes beat back extradimensional horrors. The point is, well, the point is the cute girls. There is a gamut of positively adorable girls, ranging from classic prickly tsundere to go-getters whose idea for paying off debt is by robbing a bank, to an airheaded poser that badly wants to appear as hardboiled mobster. Please fall in love with them and spend money in the digital slot machine to try and get them. Definitely continuing.
• Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again: Has thankfully done away with the awkward incest jokes, and focused on the relationship between gramps and granny. Their love for each other is steadfast, and while they mostly follow their usual routines, they also do end up trying new things thanks to their surprise return to youth. The people around them are quite amusing too, particularly when they get shaken by how hot the Saito couple are. The series isn't afraid to throw curveballs either, such as reverting grandpa back to an old man, or having the old couple discuss their fears about possibly outliving their children and grandchildren. I hope that last bit isn't foreshadowing... Continuing.
• Grimm Variations: Finished the first three episodes along with my girlfriend, and while decent for background noise, we don't have any drive to continue. The twists on these classic fairy tales were neat, but that's it, they aren't interesting beyond that. 50-50 on continuing.
• Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai: This comparison popped into my head: if you had Ichikawa from BokuYaba, took out all his worst stalker-ish, stealth-knight tendencies and transplanted them into a new flesh body, you would get Hananoi. He rubs me the wrong way, and sure that is the intent, but nevertheless I do not enjoy his presence. And oh, I love Kana Hanazawa to death, but even she can barely make Hotaru interesting. And obviously, not liking the two leads is kind of an issue for a love story centered on those two characters. Dropped.
• Henjin no Salad Bowl: So it seems this is basically a slice-of-life anime, with the reverse isekai elements adding a magical zest to the goings on. While the character interactions have been amusing, I would be lying to say the anime has made me laugh out loud, or indeed made me feel any type of strong emotion. I honestly think this show could have benefited from a stronger hook, like say, Kaburaya pursuing a case that's run cold years ago. Of course, there's still the rest of the season so something like that could pop up, especially with our otherworld denizens not being the most secretive about their supernatural abilities. There's explicitly an in-universe cult searching for their mystical savior, they seem primed to mess things up. Continuing.
• The iDOLM@STER Shiny Colors: Still in the process of introducing all the subgroups, and there's quite a few, but hell they're already easier to remember than those nobodies from the Million Live cast. Admittedly, it kinda helps that the OG girls aren't present for me to fanboy over. So far, the girls and songs have been alright. I'm a fan of Antica's goth punk vibes. The 3DCG, not so much. It's a little stiff. Continuing.
• Kaii to Otome to Kamikakushi: There's always been an interplay between sex and horror, but I think this anime's "sexy" fanservice is out of place. The camera loves to linger on Sumireko's bountiful bosom, even when it doesn't make sense for the attention to be focused there. There's also a bunch of gags from outdated ecchi anime, such as buttons popping off Sumireko's tracksuit because for some reason she keeps it zipped up. It's a bit of a shame the horniness feels so misplaced, too, because the horror elements are legitimately solid. The Curiosities that the protagonists are searching for are dangerous not only for their reality-rending effects, but because they feed on their users' deepest, darkest insecurities. The ghosts that actually need busting turn out to be the psychological, rather than the paranormal, ones. Continuing for now.
• Kami wa Game ni Ueteiru: Falls into the usual waterloo of this subgenre: the games suck. Take the second game they play, for instance. It's introduced as a simple matter of getting the dragon to mention the key word. Okay. Oh but wait, the arbiter forgets to mention a huge hint until a ways into the proceedings, tee-hee. Then he pretty much spells out the keyword, because why bother. Except there's another hidden rule where they need to hit a scale on the dragon's tail to make it... shoot lasers and anger the flying whales so those whales will... allow people to ride on their backs? What is this variety show/Mario Party nonsense doing here? It just makes the game unsatisfying to follow, and our infallible protagonists fell less like they're smart and more like they've secretly been handed cheat sheets. So much potential for this premise, wasted. Half-heartedly continuing.
• Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai: Huh, I forgot to do a First Impressions post for this. Guess this will be it! Anyway, sure, the citizens of this empire can turn into three-legged crows, but that's a minor, supernatural blip in what is otherwise a standard royal palace drama. Passive aggressive tea parties, succession wars, you name the trope, it's there. The show at least had the sense to pivot the main POV from the naive, sheltered empress candidate to the crafty and stubborn aide to the heir apparent, because said aide can actually get things done, even though he's overburdened. I'm rooting for that kid. Continuing for now.
• Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf: Color me surprised that the slave collar goes off by the third episode, which is good because it was unnecessary. Imagine that, writing a romance without the trappings of slavery! Too bad the love story itself isn't that enthralling. Zagan improves a little from initial impressions, but by and large he's still one-note, his inner monologue constantly jabbering about how socially awkward he is. Nephy on the other hand kind of melts too quickly for my tastes. Just a couple of romcom tropes later and boom, she's this constantly blushing love interest. If you're gonna make someone a slave, at least take that part of the backstory seriously. May drop at any time.
• Mission: Yozakura Family: If you ask me to picture a battle shonen from JUMP, something like Yozakura Family would come to mind. You could tell me it was serialized in the early 2000s and I wouldn't bat an eye. Funnily enough, being a straightfoward action shonen helps differentiate it in the current climate, where stuff like Kimetsu no Yaiba, JJK and CSM are what's in vogue. I especially adore the character designs, a combo platter of weird and wacky wardrobe choices, such as a guy spending most of his time in a giant, high-tech trash can, who'll casually hang out with his older sister who just looks like some bum who woke up late. I imagine the first slew of episodes will be more comedy-focused as Taiyo goes through his training, and the action will slowly ramp up as he becomes stronger. Hopefully the romantic subplot gets a ton of attention too; I was rather glad Taiyo and Mutsuki got together quickly, and I'd love to see them grow together as a couple. Definitely continuing.
• The New Gate: This is 90% bargain bin sale level of isekai. So bad it's good. Continuing for the lols.
• One Room, Hiatari Futsuu, Tenshi-tsuki: Speaking of the early 2000s, this time we get the typical harem romcom, complete with unassuming male lead whose bare minimum level of decency is enough to get all the girls swooning over him. At least one girl has the excuse of being a literal angel who's naive to the way of mortals, but the others are pretty much just there to pad out the count. On that note, the haremettes don't fare much better than the MC, as they're the same archetypes you've seen a bajillion times before. Another reason this reminds of early 2000s harem is the forced ecchi shenanigans. Seriously, learn to lock the door, ladies. Dropped.
• RINKAI!: I hate to say it, but this is boring as heck. The writers fail at building tension, whether it's waiting to see who passed the qualification exam, or establishing which of the rivals will be formidable. There's also a dire lack of cycling action, though I presume it's because we are still in the early, training phase. I'll hang around a little more to see if things pick up once the actual races start. May drop at any time.
• Sasayaku You ni Koi wo Utau: So sweet it's on the verge of cloying, and yet I can't get enough of it. It helps that Kino is pure adorable, not unlike a hyperactive puppy meeting its new toy. So I can understand where Yori is coming from. I enjoy seeing these two hang out, but what really caught my attention was Yori deciding to stop dragging out the initial misunderstanding, and straight up tells Kino that she wants to go out with her. I really thought they'd spend at least half a season poking fun about that, and now I'm eager to find out what happens next. I am a bit wary of Yori's friend having an unrequited crush on Yori but I suppose we have to add a splash of drama in there somehow. I also have to say, the visuals here are superb. Great use of warm colors and close-up shots for the more intimate moments. It's all crafted to give you a hit of dopamine. Definitely continuing.
• Seiyuu Radio ni Uraomote: If Sasayaku You ni Koi wo Utau is the sweetness of peach, then Seiyuu Radio ni Uraomote is the bite of orange. Utatane and Yuhime bicker with all the energy of a married couple, and the only thing missing is the post-fight kissing. There's some great friction between the two, with Utatane nursing her insecurities about not being as successful as Yuhime, even though she's been in the VA biz for longer. However, Yuhime also has her vulnerabilities, which she believes Utatane has already overcome. It's that sense of begrudging admiration that makes their relationship so entralling to watch unfold. And with more trials headed their way (like a stalker poking his nose where it doesn't belong), that's more fire to forge their friendship from. And perhaps more? Definitely continuing.
• Shinkalion: I've said it before, I adore how earnest this anime is about trains. It's below average in just about every other respect, but you can't beat its love for trains. I'm just waiting to see if any crossover material makes it in. I think someone mentioned Evangelion and Godzilla joining the Shinkansen fun? I hope they join the anime too! Continuing for now.

You likely missed it, but there is a thread for Mission: Yozakura Family. However, it's a general one for both anime and manga, and the most recent posts are a non-spoilered discussion about endgame plot details (since the series is in it's final arc) so going there has a risk of spoilers. I will ask on the thread to hide those details, but who knows how that goes.

Also, you got the siblings order wrong since Shion is younger than Shizo. In order (with colour hair noted for ease of identification), there is Kyoichiro (black), Futaba (white), Shizo (green), Shion (purple), Kengo (blonde), Mutsumi (blue) and Nanao (bucket).

Oh, I forgot to mention it but it was in the back of my mind. I am aware Yozakura Family has a thread, but I wish to avoid spoilers as much as I can, so I'm avoiding it. So I just included my impressions in my roundup here.

EDIT: I forgot about Sand Land, but I've only watched a single episode of that, because my girlfriend wants to watch along with me, and Shogun kind of stole that thunder.

Edited by fillerdude on Apr 27th 2024 at 9:16:31 AM

Yeah if you want you can check out the episode list of the original Shinkalion for the Hatsune Miku and Eva episodes.

The movie has both and Godzilla in it, but it would be best to watch the entire OG Shinkalion show to know who all the characters are.

Edited by OmegaRadiance on Apr 27th 2024 at 1:25:47 AM

Ok, all shows I wanted to check are either started or aired 4 eps so I can put some updates for now.

Girls Band Cry: I really feel bad noone licensed it on English because the show is pretty good. At least normal translation is available in timely manner now. This show actually gives me what I hope one of the shows below will do: musical So L with chracters that actually look alive and the music that fits my taste. Also, the plot is not that cliche: like in the last episode, for example, they played the whole trope about haviong to choose between passion and obligation pretty realistic way. Yes, CGI is not for everyone and the girls are newbies in the voice acting (though, for me only Subaru sounds a bit odd).

I wonder if they can actually play their instruments like most of Bang Dream girls?

Highspeed Etoile I tried to drop this show twice already, but first I decided to give it another chance and when they made two episodes that were not about racing for the most part (it's funny how the racing is the most boring part of the racing anime). So I am still watching it. It sometimes happens with me: I pick up the show and it is not that good but not bad enough for me to drop it and I continue watching it simply bacause I picked just a few shows and have time.

Jantama Kan!!. It started late and it comes on YT with official subs again. Not much to say, it is a fan and a bit absurd short comedy with a touch of mahjong just like the first season.

Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf. As a fan of novels and the previous adaptation I am satisfied. Not much to add. But I need to continue reading the novels (all the main books and "Parchment and Wolf" vol. 1 arrived to my current place).

Shuumatsu Train Doko e Iku?. This is the odd one. One of the more odd works of the director but it is intriguing so interesting to watch.

Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai. It was one of the most promising shows of the season but lost some charm after ep. 1. ep.4 actually got back some of it so I still have hope. Not a fan of generic J-Pop songs but at least Kanos seiyuu can sing herself (for "Ya Boy Konming" they had to hire separate singers for both heroines). We'll see if it can at least keep this level.

P.S.: Quite ironic that it is the second season in a row of me totally ignioring GL titles. Normally I give them a chance even if they don't look good.

Edited by Nachtwandler on Apr 27th 2024 at 4:21:50 AM

Yatagarasu is so fucking good but as a result of adapting the two volumes together the ladies court is having less screentime and there's been a lot of cuts so far. Yukiya's little surprise dive had a completely different context at least in the manga and while I can understand it feeling repetitive a lot more of Asebi's ignorance and her struggles in the palace are highlighted. It's also a bit harder to really highlight how badly the prince is neglecting the court ladies when we can actually see what the fuck he's up to.

Also there's a particular scene that almost made me cry because of endgame spoilers, I'm really looking forward to seeing people's reactions to it.

@fillerdude; You say The New Gate is bargain bin isekai but you need to remember its only a year older than Mushoku Tensei. Its one of the grandfathers of the modern isekai genre. That's kind of the problem with making these super old (by anime standards, obviously 2013 isn't that ancient) series into anime. The tropes present in them that would have been considered fresh then are kind of stale now.

Edited by Silentedge89 on Apr 27th 2024 at 6:22:35 AM

Thanks for the heads up. I'll probably check out those episodes from the OG after I finish up this new one.

I actually quite like Subaru's voice. It's not a typical seiyuu voice, if that makes sense?

Episode 4 made my interest in the anime shoot up considerably. It's unfortunate that a lot of content was cut, but at the same time it will have probably been tough for me to watch more of the side of the court ladies.

I mean, regardless of whether it's old or not, it's still bargain bin. I read the manga for this a decade back and had pretty much the same impressions.

Honestly the court ladies portion is really fun though the gorgeous art of the manga may have enhanced that. I didn't understand all the politicking but there are so many parts that are very "Wait, what's going on here..." and as I mentioned before while Asebi is our audience surrogate in order to explain setting rules, all the women are important.

Edited by Mami on Apr 27th 2024 at 6:04:45 PM

Yeah I suppose without seeing the actual content for myself, I can't really speak as to whether or not I would have liked it.

At least, for what it's worth, I don't think the anime has skimped too much on details, and I'm considerably more invested now compared to when I did my roundup.

EDIT: Gah, I forgot to talk about Wind Breakers, but I guess there’s really only two things to talk about that: I’m looking forward to the tournament arc, and no way in hell you’re actually gonna convince me Kotoha is only 16. She should be in school!

Edited by fillerdude on Apr 28th 2024 at 2:07:41 AM

Did Mysterious Disappearances just draw the short straw this season of "Crunchyroll licenses more shows then they actually have time to dub?"

I think The New Gate is just old, not really bargain bin. Seinfeld is Unfunny is a trope for a reason.

I've watched the first episodes of Spice & Wolf and Yatagarasu, both looked solid, although Jellyfish is my pick of the season so far.

I guess I'll give Konosuba a try but I'm afraid I have grown out of the humor, I couldn't even finish the OAV.

Okay, change "bargain bin" out for any of these adjectives: boilerplate, mediocre, low-quality, rote, uninspired. We're not only talking about the story here: the animation ranges from poor to passable, the soundtrack is forgettable, the direction is perfunctory.

I think the animation looks bad yeah. I agree with that.

Another anime I missed in my threadless talk: Tsukimichi Moonlit Fantasy has been dragging its feet a little. Makoto seems to have lost a few IQ points, opting for inaction way too often, leaving cliffhangers to fizzle out with a whimper. Plus the way the narrative tends to humble-brag about him has started to get grating. It’s possible this high school arc is just a dud, though. Seems like we’re gearing up for Makoto to restore a country, which should prove far more interesting.

Tadaima, Okaeri: Still wholesome as ever and I happened to have a day after which I needed that. Random out of context comments:

• Gee, that was dark, Masaki. At the same time, there has unfortunately probably been plenty of people who carried a child after being discriminated against who have had similar thoughts.
• Hinata is a cutie, as expected of Hikari's little sister. And allows us to find out that people's castes aren't immediately known at birth. I wonder if the fact she shares Masaki's hair color means anything, though (everybody worth mentioning with dark hair has at least been implied to be an Alpha, so far, and both have orange hair).
• Yuki and Matsu really felt like they existed to be a Honorary Uncle pair this episode.
• Talk about grandpa getting low-key Laser-Guided Karma for his early treatment of Masaki.

Edited by Nazetrime on May 1st 2024 at 9:17:39 PM

I watched the first two episodes of Whisper Me A Love Song and DAMN if it's not adorable. Super cute story with super cute yuri romance. Also love the puppy energy that Kino gives off. Definitely continuing.

Initial Reactions: BNHA S7
And in comes Star!! I may know what is to come, but just seeing it animated and voiced is pretty cool!

And with that, the list of the anime I'll be looking forward to this cour is complete!

Why is MHA airing so late in the season?

Because before that episode was BNHA Memories, 4 episodes of mainly recap that took up the first 4 weeks of the cour. As for why that had to happen, it was a decision from above.

Edited by thuse on May 4th 2024 at 11:08:10 PM

Tadaima, Okaeri: Main draw this week was seeing Masaki bond with his in-laws. Also, Hiromu and his father recording a cute child/grandchild happening with different levels of technology while sitting next to each other was a sight gag waiting to happen. Looks like the mid-season episode is going to be dedicated to finally seeing some of Masaki's side of the family.

And now, some Mid-Season Reactions!!

Kantei Skill: My fave of all the charas here has got to be Rietz after what happened in EP 2!
Kami wa Game ni Ueteiru: Pretty ... engaging on my end, but did the recent episode seriously decide to make the game a cross between Sugoroku and (I reckon) Shadowverse complete with dialogue from literally any card game anime in recent memory?
Tsukimichi S2 2nd cour: I can't seem to follow through with this... Guessing it's because it can't seem to steal my attention or something, IDK...
Shuumatsu Train: This journey along the Seibu Ikebukuro Line has been pretty interesting with my favorite scene so far being Reimi as King Kong!
Dai-Nana Ouji: Oddly enough, the sadomasochism from Lloyd when it comes to magic is the one thing keeping me in this... It's Sylpha wanting Lloyd that just ... NO...
TadaOka: The most sugar-filled anime so far given the cuteness radiating from Hikari and the general fluff of the Fujiyoshi family and the surrounding people!
Dekisokonai: The Brett & Craig arc had it's ham and cheese, but at least it was bearable! Now let's see what this next arc for the latter half of the series is gonna offer us...

Edited by thuse on May 6th 2024 at 6:48:41 PM

Anyone else not getting episode 5 of Go Go Loser Ranger!?

Has it been delayed outside the US or something because episodes 1-4 are showing up but still no sign of 5.