Black-haired Oliver Horn walks through the forest of talking flowers to the spectacular castle that hosts Kimberly Academy, a magical school in a somewhat Napoleonic-era world in which swords and wands are used equally to make spells. A parade of fantastic beasts is currently in progress. The participation of a troll, though, sparks a discussion… Read More First Impression: Reign of the Seven Spellblades
Two girls are on watch in a city of towers high up in the mountains. That is, one is faithfully scanning the horizon (and scenting the air), while the other is racing about, making her way to the tippy top of the tallest tower in pursuit of thrills as she leaps from the window and… Read More First Impression: Smile of the Arsnotoria the Animation
Eniale & Dewiela, Vol. 1 Eniale is an angel. Dewiela is a demon. But the two of them are buddies. It’s an Odd Couple situation with two celestial ladies who love fashion, babies, and being over the top to cause the world to spiral. The humor of this series lies in the absurdity of it’s… Read More Otaku Reader’s Corner: KH3, Eniale & Dewiela, and Reset!
Amid shots of gorgeous scenery, a handful of elementary and middle school-age kids attend the Japanese equivalent of a one-room country schoolhouse. Silliness ensues, periodically interrupted by more landscape shots. The heart of Non Non Biyori is Renge, a precocious and hilarious first-grader. Then there’s Hotaru, a former city girl whose family moved out to… Read More First Impression: Non Non Biyori, Season 3
I feel rather conflicted about Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Vol. 1. But first, I should explain what the story is about. Failed Knight is set in a parallel universe where Jedi knights Mage-Knights exist. These warrior-wizards are, as one might expect, a cornerstone of military power and heavily influential (a magic samurai led Japan… Read More Review: Chivalry of a Failed Knight (Vol. 1)
Tanaka-kun is Always Listless (Japanese: Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge) might be the first slice-of-life anime that I’ve chosen to watch without the recommendation of others. I generally seek excitement to keep my attention. But I’ve had plenty of excitement in my life lately. This season, I wanted more of that soothing vibe I picked up from Grimgar last season.… Read More Annalyn’s Corner: Tanaka-kun and Becoming Your Ideal Self
It’s still the middle of the school year for most students. But I know from experience that the anxiety about the future can start long before graduation day. I started dreading growing up way before the college hunt began, and I think it contributed to my anxiety, especially by senior year. College played out differently for… Read More Annalyn’s Corner: When It’s Time for Change