The second you press play, “Playback,” the new opening, instantly fills your senses. The first seconds are a brief recap of things we’ve seen, but soon the gang is back, smiling at the audience by turns as the shadow of Tokiyuki runs. I’m not sure it is quite as iconic as “Plan A” by DISH//,… Read More First Impression: The Elusive Samurai, Season 2
Two superpowered teams of teens compete in a parkour-style capture the flag game, and the territory goes to the winner. This time, fortune does not smile on young Araki’s team, the “Polis Hoppers” (is this a reference to the polis, the ancient Greek city-state, or to the police, or to something else?), and their insignia… Read More First Impression: Mebius Dust
Yuri’s first kiss comes as a surprise. Young Himuro, who was just a friend until a minute ago, turns to her under the blooming cherry blossoms, and she finds herself slowly approaching him too. A rain of shoujo petals frames the moment their lips unite. Later, at dinnertime, her sisters tell her that they already… Read More First Impression: Red River
Ever since he was little, our nameless protagonist has been terrified of ghosts of all stripes. Luckily, ghosts do not exist, and on realizing that, he became invincible! Or so he says. In fact, any rumor is enough to send him into a frenzy and cause him to do the most absurd things to avoid… Read More First Impression: Let’s go KAIKIGUMI!
A voice tells us, “I want to go on living even after my death!” and we see an empty faculty building that seems taken directly from my own memories. The forgotten water bottle under the desk. A glimpse of cafeteria seats under the sun. An open door leading to another open door inside. And ultimately,… Read More First Impression: Love Unseen Beneath the Clear Night Sky
The nineteenth century has been the century of steam, but the twentieth will be the century of electricity! At least, that is the philosophy of Seiroku, a young dreamer who travels with his friends and his little brother Kihachi to the city in a crowded train. Kihachi is timid and fearful, and Seiroku is trying… Read More First Impression: Sparks of Tomorrow
There is no way that Mizuka Tsurumaki will work at anything having to do with a circus. The visuals may fill us with wonder, the music may be epic, the chief performer may mention how there’s a smile on every face, but she is not buying. You see, Mizuka is the daughter of a legendary… Read More First Impression: Grow Up Show: Sunflower Circus
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