Anime + Manga Titles

Snow White with the Red Hair – Episode 23: “The Future Because of Who You Are”

Is it a little shoujo in here, or is it just me?

23-9

“Come for the calm, stay for the comedy” is becoming my new Snow White pitch as of late. Strong interpersonal dynamics and a newfound emotional closeness have been the through-line of the last few episodes, turning this more into an ensemble production than a two-person show, and one with a hearty dash of humor to boot. Add to this a BONES team that knows its way around a silly face as well as they do a quiet, honest moment between friends, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for one delightful fairy tale. Seems a shame we have to close the book so soon.

Continue reading →

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju – Episode 11

You know, if we stop watching now, we can pretend they lived happily ever after…

Screenshot_2016-03-18-20-11-26

My goodness, was that a delightful episode. While Showa Genroku makes for a fascinating character study, it’s not what you’d call a “feel-good” series–our protagonist’s dour outlook, our cast’s ongoing struggles, and our knowledge of the eventual conclusion weigh too heavily on the story, infusing it with a quiet sorrow even in its brighter moments. This week, though, for perhaps the first time since the premiere (or at least since Kikuhiko’s first triumphant performance), we had an episode that was positively resplendent with joy. My grin was nearly as wide as Konatsu’s.

Click here for the full post on Anime Evo!

Snow White with the Red Hair – Episode 22: “The Spring of Intent”

A retainer’s work is never done.

22-1

We return to the palace and our characters’ return to their daily lives, which means navigating relationships professional and personal and trying to find that tricky balance between duty and desire. Fortunately Shirayuki and Zen have not only each other, but a bevy of friends and coworkers to support them in their journey–including one new ally who could make all the difference in turning their quiet fairy tale into a political reality.

Continue reading →

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju – Episode 10

One big, happy family…

Screenshot (297)

In an episode that begins and ends with apprentices, it’s no wonder this week’s Showa Genroku is all about inheritance—the legacy we leave, what we try to pass on, and what ends up getting left behind. This is true of genetics, yes, but also of traditions, from religious ceremonies to social norms to scientific knowledge to storytelling and other art forms. Just as the human race depends on progeny for survival, human cultures depend on good teachers and willing students.

Click here for the full post on Anime Evo!

Sailor Moon Newbie Reviews: Episodes 190-191

*headdesksbeds* indeed, Usagi.

Screenshot_2016-03-07-16-47-07

Our teams are still struggling to see eye-to-eye–and in some cases not “struggling” so much as “working very hard to NOT do that thing.” I was pumped when the Outer Guardians returned to the cast at the beginning of the season, but their role in the story has been so limited and aggravating that I almost wish they’d stayed in Time Prison/on their couples road trip instead. Still, despite Team Xenophobia’s best efforts, Team Moonie is slowly but surely winning over Team Lights thanks to a combination of friendship and empathy. Now if only they could do the same for their own allies…

Continue reading →

Snow White with the Red Hair – Episode 21: “When I’m With You…”

Nothing like a quiet night in. …Right?

Screenshot_2016-03-07-13-24-37

The gang takes refuge from a rainstorm to spend an incognito evening together, but what looks to be another comfy episode turns into a busy blast from the past. A new character arrives with a job offer in hand, and Obi takes center stage to show that, while you may not be able to erase your footprints, you can still choose to take a different path going forward. Prepare your heart for imminent warming.

Continue reading →

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju – Episode 9

Showa Genroku is the Crocodile Dundee of winter anime. “You call that art? Now THIS is art!”

Screenshot_2016-03-04-18-13-12

I had a moment after this week’s episode where all I could do was stare at the end credits while making little half-articulated “wow” noises. That was a beautiful, haunting, painful, stunning 22 minutes, so riveting that I straight-up forgot to take notes my first time through. Regardless of how the next few weeks pan out, after an episode like that I feel confident in saying that SGRS has already established itself as something truly special, an achievement in character writing and visual direction, using its art and music and phenomenal vocal performances to create a whole even greater than the sum of its fantastic parts. Two days later and I’m still trying to lift my jaw up off the floor.

Click here for the full post on Anime Evo!

Sailor Moon Newbie Reviews: Episodes 188-189

The moon and stars aren’t breaking up—they just need a little space.

Screenshot_2016-03-01-22-08-53

Nothing like secret identities to throw a wrench into the beginnings of bee-yoo-ti-ful friendships. We’re making the shift from magical girl sitcom to superhero drama this week, as is our seasonal tradition, which means big reveals and even bigger angst. Although really, when it comes to end-of-season hardships, the heroes got nothin’ on the villains. If you thought maintaining a personal relationship was tough as a good guy, try being a minion. Crow’ll tell ya. It is rough.

Continue reading →

Snow White with the Red Hair – Episode 20: “The Temperature of a Smile”

Dust settles gently around here.

Screenshot_2016-02-29-11-35-17

The past few episodes tricked me into thinking Snow White was a more conventional (albeit still quite good) shoujo fantasy, but this one was quick to remind me in no uncertain terms that it is, for better or for worse, very much its own story: A relaxed, low-key fairy tale about personal choice and defining oneself. As I said in the first cour, that’s not going to work for everyone, but love it or bored by it, I think you’d be hard-pressed to argue that Snow White isn’t doing exactly what it wants to do, audience expectations be damned. And, for me at least, that’s definitely “for better.”

Continue reading →