Anime _MEGA's Anime Reviews

[_MEGA]

Nerawareta Gakuen

MAL Link

Kenji Seki's daily routine was set in stone. Every morning he walks his dog at the beach to get a glimpse of his crush, Kahori Harukawa, as she rides the waves on her surfboard, and walks to school together with his childhood friend, Natsuki Suzuura. Everything changed on a sunny spring morning when he stumbled across Ryouichi Kyougoku, a handsome new transfer student who claims to be a psychic, musing about how amazing it was that he was finally on Earth…

Nerawareta Gakuen tells the relationship-driven story of how Ryouichi's presence sets the wheels of fate in motion for Kenji. Not only are his ordinary days challenged by growing jealousy from seeing Kahori falling for the young psychic, but his friend Natsuki seems to be troubled by problems of her own. And then he still has to deal with whatever plans Ryouichi has in store for him.

Source: MAL

The story focuses on the relationship between the four characters Kenji, Natsuki, Kahori, and Ryouichi. At least, I think that's where the focus is. A lot of the story was kind of a mess. The premise of Ryouichi returning to the past to save humanity is interesting, but his motivation is rather lackluster. It seems as if he didn't really care all too much from the beginning. Also, as the relationship dynamics (which were rather forced to me) were developed, the drama associated was a bit over the top. As the plot continued, it just became more and more obnoxious to follow and a lot of it didn't make much sense. In fact, it leaves a lot unexplained.

The relationship between Natsuki and Kenji was fine at first, but as it developed throughout the film it started to make less sense and became bothersome just to follow. None of the characters really seemed to have any sort of background outside of a small tidbit of their past. I feel if the characters themselves were a bit more developed, their interactions would have been more interesting.

I will just briefly comment on the art and animation. It was very beautiful and very fluid. Because the story does focus on saving humanity on Earth so they do not have to take refuge on the moon, I do like that there was a lot of emphasis, at least early on, on the natural beauty of the Earth.

For a sci-fi film, it really lacked on the sci-fi. Romance and drama was a bit forced, but the art was very nice. Mediocre film.

4/10

 

[_MEGA]

Papa no Iukoto wo Kikinasai!

MAL Link

Segawa Yuta is a freshman of a university. He lost his parents when he was small and was raised by his sister Yuri. Yuta has been living alone since Yuri got married to a middle aged man when Yuta was a junior high student.

One day, Yuri visited Yuta's apartment and asked him to take care of her three daughters while Yuri and her husband were on a trip. He unwillingly accepted the job but the plane Yuri took went missing. In order to prevent the daughters from being adopted separately by relatives, Yuta decided to take in all three girls.

A life of a strange family in a tiny apartment begins.

Source: MAL

This series starts off a bit sour. As you can tell by the description, Yuta ends up taking in all three girls. At the ripe age of 18, he's now a father figure of three young girls. The story revolves around his new life as their guardian while continuing to be a successful student. As time goes on, it turns into more of a simple, and mediocre, slice of life with a nice cutesy art style. Some forced drama appears here and there but for the most part, nothing much seems to happen. Everyone just keeps on hanging in their with their daily life.

I'm going to start with the middle sister because I liked her role the most. She was more so there as a bit of optimism after the death of her parents and really helps brighten the mood in most situations. She seemed to be the most dynamic of the three sisters. Aside from Sora's crush on Yuta, which feels very underdeveloped and underwhelming, the youngest sister Hina grows a lot during the show. Losing a parent must be incredibly traumatic at such a young age. Initially, she is still waiting for her parents to return and wants to see them, despite knowing she cannot. However, with the help of Yuta and her sisters, she is able to accept the events and move on. And, slowly, over time the four really start to feel more like a family of siblings looking out for each other and less of a guardian/children relationship.

If you're bored and want some light loli stuff, give it a watch. I will shamefully admit I enjoyed watching it. It wasn't very good, but personal enjoyment is the most important!

3/10

 

[_MEGA]

Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta

MAL Link

In order to uncover the "end of the sky," as spoken of in ancient mythology, Kal-el Albus is sent to Isla, an island in the sky. There he attends Cadoques High's Aerial Division, where he enjoys a carefree life with his schoolmates. That is...until a surprise attack by the air tribe drags Isla into a bloody war.

Source: MAL

Koiuta is actually one story of many within a series all written by the same author. The only other to be adapated into an anime, in the form of a film, was Toaru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku. The stories take place within, roughly, the same amount of time in the same universe. While you don't need to know anything about the other to enjoy the series, you'll notice a lot of similar designs and references. Koiuta, I feel, came up just a bit short. Going into the story, I had a feeling I was going to be able to enjoy the adventure of the characters as they fight to reclaim their kingdom from the corrupt leaders. While that appeared to be the overarching story, not much really seemed to happen in regards to that. It seems as though the story lost momentum after only a few episodes, make the rest a bit confusing to understand.

There are a few redeeming aspects of the show I really did like though. Maybe I was just in that kind of mood, but it was refreshing to see the heroes not always win. In fact, they are probably losing more often than winning. It creates hardships and teaches the characters to overcome these in order to become stronger/better pilots. Additionally, from a world building perspective, the world itself seems to be rather large. Even without knowing anything about other stories within the series or universe, this series alone brings in other empires/nations all fighting each other or trying to create peace treaties. When you learn that the world is bigger than just one group or one nation, I think it makes the story much more interesting.

Rather average show, but might it might be just the kind of niche show you're looking for.

5/10

 

[Snipeye]

What other anime is up in the queue?

 

[_MEGA]

What other anime is up in the queue?

I have Tonari no Kabitsu Kun, Usagi Drop, W Wish, Yumekui Merry, Ajin, Ashita no Joe, Macross, and Isshukan Friends in queue for some reviews. The main issue is I've been studying in Japan since the start of this year so my free time has been occupied by school, friends, immersion, and traveling around Japan. I probably go somewhere new every other weekend. On the off weekends I spend my time lingering in either Kyoto or Osaka, both about 40 minutes away from where I live. Sadly I do return June 1st to America, thus opening a lot of free time.

I do have a little draft of Tonari and W Wish, I just need to flesh it out a bit and double check a couple of scenes to make sure it's accurate. Hopefully after I return to America I'll have the type to start updating this some more. I don't even want to think about what I still have to catch up on....

Thanks for still having interest

 

[Samurai_TwoSeven]

I just finished watching The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, I really enjoyed it. And Mega, if you ever find yourself in Tokyo. VISIT AKIBAHARA!!! The heart of the Anime entertainment. Gods my friends were so jealous when I visited Tokyo last September

 

[Shush]

Yumekui Merry is probably one of the older animes I actually liked.

 

[_MEGA]

I just finished watching The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, I really enjoyed it. And Mega, if you ever find yourself in Tokyo. VISIT AKIBAHARA!!! The heart of the Anime entertainment. Gods my friends were so jealous when I visited Tokyo last September

Yeah, I've been there. Actually spent 8 days in Tokyo and surrounding areas for my spring break. As much fun as it was, it was also slightly boring I guess. I definitely suggest going for those who are there for the experience, but I think my mistake was I stayed a bit too long. You can pretty much do all you want within a day if you're fast. I honestly enjoyed the electronics spread across Akiba more than the anime. Akiba was actually built up, originally, from electronics as opposed to anime and the selection of the stores is incredible. Saw a crazy three-headed-flashlight. Was going to buy it if it wasn't $100 lol

Yumekui Merry is probably one of the older animes I actually liked.

Not sure if I would consider Yumekui Merry old just yet. Don't think it even has 10 years on it yet As we get closer to things near 2000, like Serial Experiments Lain or, if you want to get super old and see anime as it started gaining momentum, Ashita no Joe would be old.

I'll be back in America next Thursday, so probably that weekend I'll post some things after I rest from the flight and get settled back in.

 

[Euphoric]

I just saw one from 2016 called 91 days, its set in 1920's prohibition in the United States and follows the story of a young man who gets involved with crime families for certain reasons. I personally enjoy crime stories so I fell right into it. Also in the middle of watching psycho pass right now.

 

[_MEGA]

I just saw one from 2016 called 91 days, its set in 1920's prohibition in the United States and follows the story of a young man who gets involved with crime families for certain reasons. I personally enjoy crime stories so I fell right into it. Also in the middle of watching psycho pass right now.

If you liked 91 days, you'd probably also like Baccano! if you haven't seen it. And, even though it's not really a crime show, Gankutsuou might be up your ally. The overall theme is rather similar to 91 days I suppose.

 

[Shush]

For the current season, my favorite by far is RE:Creators. Hbu?

 

[_MEGA]

Probably Tencent's newest production Quan Zhi Gao Shou or Natsume Yuujinchou. Most of the other shows this season were a little disappoint, average at best, and maybe a couple slightly above average. Those 2 have been pretty strong. Anime Tencent tries to make usually turns into a disaster, but this one is going rather well. I've been enjoying it a lot. It's probably not as known as it's a Chinese studio using Japanese animation techniques, but definitely falls under the anime umbrella.

 

[Shush]

ohhh a few of my friends actually like Quan Zhi Gao Shou and Natsume as their top picks. I probably enjoy the battle royal anime the most and it is probably why it is my pick. ALSO the OP for is amazing, probably have like 500+ replays for those 90 seconds >.>

 

[Snipeye]

Mega, I just happen upon to a GREAT anime called Restaurant to Another World. It's so relaxing, calming, and the stories that it presents... You can't help but smile at how things work out. If I had give you an idea, it's like an anime version of Shinya Shokudo (which is a great Japanese TV show that aired for two, or three seasons). Let me know what you think of it.

 

[_MEGA]

Mega, I just happen upon to a GREAT anime called Restaurant to Another World. It's so relaxing, calming, and the stories that it presents... You can't help but smile at how things work out. If I had give you an idea, it's like an anime version of Shinya Shokudo (which is a great Japanese TV show that aired for two, or three seasons). Let me know what you think of it.

It's definitely enjoyable. It's nice to see this refreshing twist on the "Isekai" formula as I like to call it. Instead of people traveling to these other worlds, the other worlds are coming to us. So far this season I'm really enjoying Tsurezure Children, Made in Abyss, and Ballroom e Youkoso.

Going to try and start posting some reviews again. After getting back from Japan life has been nonstop crazy.

 

[_MEGA]

Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun

MAL Link

Shizuku Mizutani is apathetic towards her classmates, only caring about her grades. However, her cold view of life begins to change when she meets Haru Yoshida, a violent troublemaker who stopped attending class after getting into a fight early in the school year. He is not much different from her, though—he too understands little about human nature and does not have any friends. Much to Shizuku's surprise, he proclaims that she will be his friend and immediately confesses his feelings towards her upon meeting her.

Because of her lack of friends and social interaction, Shizuku has a hard time understanding her relationship with Haru. But slowly, their friendship begins to progress, and she discovers that there is more to Haru than violence. She begins to develop feelings for him, but is unsure what kind of emotions she is experiencing. Together, Shizuku and Haru explore the true nature of their relationship and emotions.

Source: MAL

The story of Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun is one of a young girl and her monster. Well, this monster is actually her classmate. Shizuku and Haru are like two halves of a whole. They compliment each other nicely and they play off each other very well. The story and progression is tied with the progression of their relationship as well. As both are, initially, borderline socially inept, they begin to learn how to behave and interact not only with each other, but also their close circle of friends they gain. Their relationship, like most, has its ups and its downs, but as they pull through the tough times they begin to realize how special it is to have someone so similar to themselves they can rely on. There's not much else to say other than it simply having a very cute story to it.

I think, for me, one of the benefits of the characters is how realistic and relate-able they are. Even if you do not relate to them in many aspects, there might be one small detail you do. Or you may even know someone in a similar position. I know I've met a few Shizuka-like people while going through school. While taking some events with a grain of salt, the relationship of Shizuka and Haru have with each other, their friends, and family, all feel like something you could see in a normal life. The supporting characters, such as Asako Natsume and Souhei Sasahara, do just that. They support the main characters so well that, in return, the main characters also support these characters during their times of strife. Everything really blends together well.

This manga and show are actually a personal favorite of mine. If you've seen and liked shows like Toradora or Kimi ni Todoke, this may be right up your alley.

7.5/10

 

[_MEGA]

W Wish

MAL Link

The main character, Junna has a twin sister Senna. He is an ordinal student of an elite school. However, in the past, a traffic accident deprived him of his parents and his memory. Junna survived the accident, and he has lived only with his sister though he has been looked after by his relatives.

And present...
The life with Senna in the same high school is so pleasant that he can forget the severe past. Because he has been in the world where there is only Senna, his lives in this town, such as the beginning of a new life, new environments, and the meetings, are so refreshing.

However, he begins to recall the memories he lost in the accident. Though he enjoys happy and pleasant days, he is tossed by the past, the present, and the future. What is the truth hidden in his memory?

Source: MAL

W Wish starts off as a nice and cute show about two siblings making their way after an accident killed their parents. They grow up together, go to school together, and just keep living one day at a time. However, Junna' memory begins to deceive him and this is where the story gets rather messy. We begin to see the world the story takes place in may not be the exact world that Junna belongs to. In fact, he is actually in an artificial world created by his own wish. Junna then begins to struggle between choosing the life in the created world, being all he knows after the accident, and returning to his own world.

While the story itself is a mess and sloppily put together, I found the actual premise very interesting. This is a story I think could have succeeded if the events were ordered slightly different. Perhaps having an explanation of the world from the beginning, and having that be the overarching theme of the story would have been more interesting. I feel that presenting the idea at the end of the series made for a very weak story. It really is a shame as this story, to me, just was ordered in the wrong way.

While it may sound weird, albeit me giving this show a rather low score, I think it would be an interesting watch to see how this story develops. The episodes are actually only 12 minutes a piece so it's a quick watch. I think that also may be part of the issue: there was simply not enough time to develop the characters and story enough to keep it dynamic and appealing

I'm gonna be honest, I wanted to write this review for one main reason. The artist for the opening is actually one of my personal favorites. You may recognized Ayane's voice from the ending for the Steins;Gate movie. Her role in this anime is for the opening. While I don't think it matches the overall pace of the show, I don't mind listening to it. She's a much larger name within the visual novel community as opposed to anime community, doing numerous tracks for various visual novels, but I absolutely love her voice. I'll leave one of my favorites down below.



3/10

 

[_MEGA]

I'm curious if anyone would be interested in like a mini seasonal review sort of deal. Basically I would go over the numerous shows I watched throughout the season and list a thing or two I liked or did not like about them. No scores or detail reviews, but maybe just a "is it worth watching if I like XYZ genre" sort of thing. For anyone maybe interested in that, please give me your thoughts

 

[Snipeye]

I'm wayyyy late on responding to this, but I think a nice summary review for the season is a great way to figure out what shows are worth spending your time watching. Some shows on CR that have been very popular I actually end up hating because it's too stupid or over the top (seriously, Fastest Finger First, so many things are over-the-top silly that is more annoying than funny). You got good taste so I trust your recommendations.

 

[_MEGA]

Alright, I think I'll get one of those together when the current season ends. Sorry I've more or less ignored this thread. I have been pretty busy with university and the recent hurricane coming through cut my power for a bit. I'll try to get back to this hopefully soon™. Also got tons of anime to catch up on!