Another anime season is upon us, and that means it’s time once again for our first impressions series here at Beneath the Tangles. Over the next several weeks, our writers will be sampling a wide range of new and returning shows and sharing their early thoughts—what excites us, what surprises us, and what might be… Read More Spring 2026 Anime First Impressions
At Rigarden Magical Academy, Will Serfort (a master swordsman unable to actually do proper magic) continues his studies and scores perfectly on his graduation exams. We’re also reintroduced to his friends and various other characters. Will’s goal is to catch up to his childhood friend Elfaria, who is a member of the supreme council of… Read More First Impression: Wistoria: Wand & Sword Season 2
Juzo Ogami is a legendary assassin who has made it to the ripe old age of 39, which is something to be very proud of in that profession. However, when he reflects back on his life, he’s generally not very satisfied. He has done nothing more than kill people—which he doesn’t particularly like doing. And… Read More First Impression: KILL BLUE
In the year 199X, the world had been mostly destroyed by nuclear war. Water, food, plants, and humanity have almost gone extinct. This leaves the remaining people to fend for themselves, piliging and murdering just to get basic sustenance. Everything seems to be a desolate wasteland with nothing but ruins and dust. Ken, a wandering… Read More First Impression: Fist of the North Star: Hokuto no Ken
Shizuku’s father was a renowned wine critic with a collection worth a bazillion yen, and now he’s dead. In his will, the father declares a challenge between his son Shizuku and his adopted son (as of one week prior), the elite wine critic Tomine. They must correctly identify thirteen wines, including the eponymous “Drops of… Read More First Impression: The Drops of God
Botan Kamiina is an earnest, cheerful girl. When Ibuki, the RA at her dorm, goes off by herself during the girls’ visit to Hitsujiyama Park, Botan goes after her, only to discover that Ibuki is purposely drinking alone. Botan, however, asks to join, and Ibuki soon discovers that Botan becomes a little less quiet and… Read More First Impression: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk
Arata Kouda is on his way home from school when he sees a strange penguin/alien-looking creature stealing coins from a vending machine. He is mildly surprised, but quickly makes friends with the eponymous Russian bird. His parents and older brother are a little less accepting, at least initially, of Kujima. In particular, Suguru, the older… Read More First Impression: Kujima: Why Sing, When You Can Warble?
Happy Friday, otaku! I hope you enjoyed celebrating the resurrection of our Lord during Easter last weekend! Speaking of Easter, many of you probably participated in Lent, even if all you did was give up something like junk food, TV, or, in my case, energy drinks for 40 days. Fasting of any kind is a… Read More Train like a Shonen Hero!
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