Jeoffrey

It's dumb, it's chaotic, yet surprisingly lively. The series boasts an interesting concept — a story about reincarnation into a world that looks like a video game the hero once played. While I've encountered similar premises, the twist of reincarnating directly into the actual video game, complete with video game mechanics, is a unique take. Chinese creators excel at drawing inspiration from popular games and anime, crafting something new and original, akin to Genshin Impact not being a mere copy of Zelda. Packed with pop culture references, the series cleverly twists video game mechanics, exploring how characters could leverage their gaming tools in the actual game world. Some resulting ideas are entertaining, while others are plain silly. Humor in the series follows a similar pattern — some jokes hit the mark, while others induce an awkward silence. Nevertheless, the energy the series exudes, coupled with the dynamic nature of most characters, managed to keep me engaged. There's always something happening, leaving little room for boredom. While animation-wise it doesn't stand out, being overshadowed by the likes of Genshin Impact, it remains watchable and grows on you after a few episodes. Character overacting wasn't an issue for me, as I watched it with Japanese dubbing, which felt solid and in line with regular anime. Is the plot confusing? The intentional chaos doesn't make it challenging to grasp the main points, and occasional twists even managed to surprise me. Despite not being a child, I found myself enjoying the series, not just for its vibrant visuals and constant action, but also for the plethora of references and the authors' ability to conjure up a slew of crazy, stupid, unique, and weird ideas. 6/10

In the midst of epic events and the journey of a mighty heroine to vanquish the dark society and the lord of demons, a young man and his group persistently carry on with the task of killing goblins. It ain't much but it's honest work. Legends say that wherever Orcbolg shows up, a horde of goblins is sure to follow — dead goblins, to be precise. Rumor has it that when asked on a date, his only concern is, "Will there be goblins?" This is Goblin Slayer, after all — what else did you expect? While the series has multiple standalone stories unfolding in classic Goblin Slayer fashion, I would have preferred one or two narratives with more depth and complexity. The relentless pace of goblin-killing scenarios, ranging from "training of young heroes interrupted by goblins" to "wedding celebrations interrupted by goblins," or even "escorting a priestess to the city interrupted by goblins" left me yearning for a more detailed and cohesive storyline. The narrative often felt like a high-speed train ride, with stories starting and ending abruptly, leaving me with the sense that essential pieces were missing, which the editor not so skillfully removed and left just the bare essentials and some good old goblin slaying. Yet, there's an undeniable satisfaction in witnessing goblin slaying. These unlikable and dangerous creatures, as showcased vividly in the first episode, make for compelling adversaries. Despite the series' warning about potentially disturbing scenes, I found the goblin-slaying acts more gratifying than distressing — perhaps I might have some sadistic tendencies in me, or I might be the next Goblin Slayer. Overall, my enjoyment paralleled that of the first season, even though it presented itself as a collection of fragmented stories. The grand background I described in the opening sentence remains evident, and it feels like a matter of time before everything intricately intertwines. At least it felt like we were really close to that in the last episode. 6.3/10

I won't avoid SPOILERS, so don't read this if you haven't caught up with the series! This season left me with a mix of impressions — thankfully more engaging than the previous one featuring the dull turtle and a questionable multiverse. We do get a dragon this time, though its forced entry into the story feels utterly absurd. The dragon becomes a threat because Naofumi and co. can't keep an eye on its diet, but okay. The storyline shifts focus to the other heroes, but there's nothing particularly noteworthy about them. One takeaway for me was the realization that becoming a wielder of a cardinal weapon seemingly requires a certain level of idiocy. Naofumi is lucky enough to be a one-eyed man among the blind, so he's not such an idiot as spear, sword, and bow. That's it, that's what the charisma of the main character is all about! The main message this season delivers is that the most reliable way to turn a selfish idiot into even a slightly normal person is to shut them up, preferably through some proper Bitch who will drain him, abuse him, and he won't even notice because he's an idiot! Naofumi went through this experience in the first season, but watching the same process unfold with the other heroes in a cookie-cutter fashion was tiring. What's even worse for me is the fact that I didn't enjoy the redemption of these three "heroes" at all. Or do you think they deserve to be in the village now? And Naofumi believes them, lets two of them go home immediately, while when an unknown girl appears at his doorstep, he hesitates to take her to the village, saying he can't trust her. But he starts trusting these idiots immediately after they go through the tragic "Bitch experience" (after all, shared experiences bring people together), and they are all depressed because of that woman, so everyone deals with it by instantly focusing on another woman. And I can't decide whether to put the guy with the spear and his obsession with Filo in the box labeled Pedo or Zoo – but who cares, it's so "hilarious" how he flatters her... And that last episode, what the hell was that? Okay, I can overlook the open shipping of Naofumi and Raphtalia, although I don't like it when the dynamics of relationships in a series change from father/daughter to husband/wife. A bigger problem is that the whole plot for the future fourth season is set in motion because Naofumi and co. don't pay attention to what clothes Raphtalia wears! This is the second time they haven't paid attention to something like this, or rather, the whole exposition and subsequent twist look like they were just made up on the spot! Damn, how I would like to be on the Shield Hero's team and live in his village, the safest place in the whole kingdom – only attacked twice this season. Those damaged houses might be repaired someday... It was a season full of experiences that I'll be laughing about for a few more years, but it wasn't all bad. Animation-wise, it was decent, except for the awkward CGI on the big dragon. Kevin Penkin's music, while commendable, didn't quite reach the heights of his work in Made in Abyss. I even liked the opening part in the colosseum and the rescue/recruitment of more new members to Naofumi's party. Despite all the clutter and a bunch of random plot twists, there's still the right fantasy feel that I expect from such anime, which is why I haven't given up on the hero with the shield yet. However, this season, for me, lands at a maximum of 4.8/10.

A heartfelt tale chronicling the lives of four brothers navigating the aftermath of losing their parents. The narrative delicately explores how each sibling copes with the loss, establishing their roles within the family and unveiling the challenges they face daily. While each brother boasts unique traits, their characters are thoughtfully developed, making their individual journeys relatable. Surprisingly, the six-year-old Gakuto emerges as a mature and sensible figure, a result of being thrust into adulthood prematurely due to the tragedy. His bond with the grandpa-next-door adds a charming layer to the story, highlighting how spending time with older figures can accelerate one's maturity. This reflection, though speculative, seamlessly fits into the narrative, adding depth to the characters. Similarly, Minato, though perceived by some as an annoying and less intelligent boy, reveals himself as a beacon of positivity. His efforts to uplift the spirits around him serve as a coping mechanism, showcasing the nuanced ways each sibling deals with their shared grief. The anime masterfully captures the essence of family dynamics, depicting the siblings' unwavering support for each other and the broader community they inhabit which extends beyond blood ties, involving neighbors who consistently lend a helping hand in times of need. Amidst life's challenges, the series paints a hopeful picture, portraying the world as a kinder place. While the show is enjoyable and offers moments of relaxation, it may not leave a lasting impression in the viewer's memory. Despite its warmth and occasional emotional impact, the lack of dramatic intensity or exceptional entertainment prevents it from becoming truly unforgettable. I couldn't decide until the last episode whether to give it 3 or 4 stars, but the emotional depth and stylistic captivation tipped the scales in favor of the latter. 6.6/10 

What a pleasant surprise! After the initial season and subsequent OVA, I had nearly lost hope of reconnecting with this enchanting world, reminiscent of the magic I felt during the very first OVA episode. Yet, this series defied expectations in a way I deemed nearly impossible. It's astounding to think that to reignite my fascination with The Ancient Magus' Bride, all it took was the addition of a magical academy. But that's precisely what happened. What changed, you may ask? In the OVA series, I distinctly voiced my concerns about The Ancient Magus' Bride, noting how the authors fail to fully flesh out the world and construct a compelling narrative around it. Well, consider those concerns a thing of the past. The expansion and deepening of the world by introducing the magical academy worked wonders. Suddenly, the world gained newfound depth and dimension. No longer confined to a simple exploration of mythical creatures in the countryside, the story blossomed into a grander scale. It no longer revolved solely around a select few characters; instead, we were thrust into a vast magical realm where wizards attend a school , which is not just a lame imitation of Hogwarts like in Mashle, and has its own set of rules offering a captivating blend of the mundane and the mystical. This wider canvas introduced me to a plethora of new characters and storylines, branching out and converging in unexpected ways. Finally, I found myself fully engrossed, eagerly anticipating each new development. What's more, many of these storylines found satisfying resolutions, a testament to the series' adept handling of its characters. Well, maybe with Philomela it was also influenced by the fact that I had in mind the story of Chise and I saw various small parallels thanks to which I was able to feel sorry for the first one and admire the second one. It turns out that even that empty first season might not have been completely empty for me. An excellent story with a satisfying ending, the magical world is finally truly magical, but also deep and engaging, and I want to know more not only about its creatures but also about all the people who are in it. And while the change in studio did become apparent (I never noticed such a stark contrast in the OVA series), the visual quality, unfortunately, didn't quite match the excellence of the first season by WiT Studio. While commendable in their efforts, Studio Kafka seemed to be running out of breath towards the end of the second part. They occasionally relied heavily on computer effects and encountered minor hiccups, and it was slightly less visually captivating this time. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed this season. I eagerly await what lies ahead (the continuation has been confirmed), and after seven years, I'm delighted to once again award The Ancient Magus' Bride with the highest rating. 8.7/10.

Call me shallow, but if I really don't like the animation style, chances are I won't stick around for more episodes. Surprisingly, that wasn't the sole reason I stopped watching this series after just one episode. I vividly recall the exact moment I dropped it. What caused it? The hero's "fart no jutsu"! Despite a few folks insisting the series is funny and holds great story potential, it'll take me some time to shake off that cringe. For now, my watchlist is brimming with other series where the character designs aren't off-putting, where everything isn't oddly grey, and where I won't constantly feel like ninjas are lurking in the shadows. Unrated.

Giant robots destroying monsters while also handling paperwork, the cost of ammunition, and other logistical challenges of a not-very-thriving business sounds like an intriguing premise on paper. Despite not being a huge fan of mechs, I decided to give the series a shot. Unfortunately, the robot itself didn't strike me as anything special, and the creatures it battled were equally underwhelming. Even the humorous jab at bureaucratic hurdles like paperwork (contracts, insurance, licenses...) before the action kicked off failed to captivate me enough to keep watching the show. Hence, I opted to drop it after just one episode. Perhaps I'll revisit it someday during a slow anime season, as the series didn't rub me the wrong way — it just failed to hook me from the get-go. Unrated.

Dr. Stone is ramping up the craziness, shifting away from serious science and diving headfirst into action-packed twists. This season kept me on the edge of my seat; I doubted Senkuu's ability to navigate the challenges until the very end. He truly faced danger several times, heightening the suspense. If you're seeking scientific explanations, it's time to hit up YouTube tutorials or crack open an encyclopedia, because Dr. Stone is all about pure shonen excitement, constantly raising the stakes without a moment to spare. But Senkuu, and humanity by extension, seem to thrive on these challenges. As a member of humanity myself, I can't help but feel a surge of pride witnessing their triumphs— it just works. I've come to realize that the wilder and perhaps even more outlandish the plot gets, the more entertained I become. It's taken three seasons, but I'm finally settling on a solid 7/10 rating. What's next on the agenda? Perhaps a journey to the Moon, or even beyond — to places where no one has gone before...

I don't like it when a story initially presents a father-daughter dynamic between the main characters, only to pivot towards a romantic relationship as the girl grows older. This shift in relationship dynamics tends to feel off to me; it disrupts the balance of their connection, whether or not they're biologically related. To me, family isn't solely defined by blood ties but by the bonds we forge. For this reason, I doubt I'll ever finish reading the Usagi Drop manga, as I've heard about its direction. Similarly, I dropped this series after just the second episode. It didn't quite meet my personal three-episode rule, which I tend to stick to when evaluating shows. Hence, I leave it unrated.

I'll start with the obvious - when stacked against the cream of this year's fantasy crop, "S-Rank Heroine and Co." looks like a poor relative. The animation style feels dated, sporting a faded color palette and battle effects reminiscent of the 90s. The fights themselves are handled as economically as possible in terms of action and movement. Still, credit where it's due—the creative team managed to extract maximum impact from minimal resources. Despite its shortcomings, the animation remains coherent and surprisingly passable. However, if you're expecting a top-tier fantasy spectacle, prepare for disappointment. Then again, spectacle isn't the series' primary focus. From the trailers, it's evident that the show centers around family dynamics — specifically, the relationship between a father and his daughter. And in this regard, it delivers admirably. Belgrieve emerges as a compelling character, always ready to lend a helping hand — because he also used to be an adventurer. Angeline, his daughter, exudes an endearing charm and really loves her father, maybe a little too much, so even though she's about 17, she often acts like she's 12 in the presence of her father. While some may find it amusing or adorable, others might see it as grating or contrived. Personally, I find myself somewhere in between on this matter. The supporting characters serve their purpose aptly — the likable ones endear themselves to the viewer, while villains evoke either mystery or disdain, making their punishment all the more satisfying. As the protagonist's family grows, akin to the Torretos, the ensemble remains well-balanced, thanks to the generally solid characterizations. What truly piques my interest, however, is the protagonist's enigmatic past. I crave more insight into the series' darker undertones — a facet that captured my attention most. If properly developed in a potential next season (which was somewhat lacking in the first), it could elevate the series beyond its current 6/10 rating.