Thursday, November 21, 2019

My Anime Crossed-off List for 2018/2019 & Review (Part 1& 2)

Hello there. How are you doin'? Mimi's here.

This post is long coming, but I'm glad that its finally here. I got admit, 2018 had been a rough year for me as anime binge-watching wasn't a fun thing for me to do anymore. I guess this have something to do with anime released in 2018 being such a bore and not particularly interesting. However, 'not interested' doesn't means that I haven't watched any at all. I watched quite a few and I think it will be fun for me to share it in here for future reference. Since my 2018 anime list is too short, I also decide to included 2019 anime list as well hence making this post longer than usual. Anyway, I'm done talking now so without further ado - here goes my latest anime list for the last two years.


My 2018 Anime Binge-watching Collection

1.) Itou Junji: Collection (NEW) 

Image credit: Google image

Year Released: 2018
Date Watched: around Jan 2018

Reason Why I Watched This: Junji Itou. One of my favorite horror mangaka from Japan.

Memorable Character: None (Various of Characters on each Episodes)

My Review: 
Beginning late 2012 till now, I have been a huge fan of the Master of Horror Manga; Junji Itou sensei. There hasn't been any work of his that I haven't seen, manga-wise speaking. From so-so to good, good to great, and great to awesome; I seen them all. There's nothing that Junji Itou haven't or wouldn't try in his work. I had a couple of my favorite chapters, and nothing, and I mean it - NOTHING more interesting than seeing some of my favorite ones starts playing on the screen when the anime comes out early this year. Still, I feel a bit disappointed that the anime studio only decided to adapt 12 episodes (I would love it to be 24 episodes). Anyway, 12 episodes went by so fast and I was optimistic if they wanted to bring this show back (given if there's a demand and budget for it of course) because I'll definitely watch it. Anyway, if there's one thing I dislike about this anime, than that would probably be about one of the character, Souichi. I think his character is pretty annoying and to think that he made multiple appearances on the series seems like a waste of scene. Let's just hope they leave him out for the next installment of the series in case they planning to make more. 

Rating: 3.9 /5.0 (I do hope that this anime would make a comeback somewhere near the future.)


2.) Boruto: Naruto Next Generation (NEW)
Image credit: Wallpaper Abyss - Alpha Coders

Year Released: April 2017 - present
Date Watched: Jan 2018

Reason Why I Watched This: I was just finished reading Naruto Shippuden manga and I thought, hey what's next? Found Boruto (Naruto's and Hinata' son) arc is actually out there and the rest is history. I gotta say, this series kinda reminded me of Legend of Korra a little bit (with more advancement in technology and all), but hey - that's just me.

Memorable Character: Sarada Uchiha, Boruto Uzumakiand Himawari Uzumaki.

My Review:
With over 100+ episodes and in counting, I wasn't sure either to include this anime into this list or not. But, I already watched over 60+ episodes, so I guess this review counts, right? Anyway, so what is my initial opinion about Boruto: Naruto Next Generation. I think the Boruto storyline is okay, but perhaps Boruto himself is a little too 'perfect' for my taste. As initially introduced, Boruto is brilliant and can get away with a lot sh*t pretty easy. Not helping the matter, he's is the son of Hokage (looks like our homeboi Naruto finally made it afterall). He didn't struggle to be accepted by the villagers (like Naruto did) nor does he have to study or work hard to achieve his dream (he's a natural-born genius). If the kid is not doing some boring mission or studying for his exam, he can be seen playing video games with his friends Shikadai (Shikamaru son) and Mizuki (Orochimaru son) at fast food restaurant. Not like it's any of his fault though. Boruto and the next generation are born under peace and prosperity of the ninja world, which obviously contributes to the boy sense of entitlement. Luckily, this arrangement won't last forever (that would make for a boring show) as Boruto is in for what might be the greatest trial in his spoon-fed life after his beloved village gets destroyed, but that story arc are so ahead in the future. As for now, his 'devil-may-care-less/ *tsundere' attitude is in for our treat. 

As much as Boruto loves tsundering on his own father, a few stolen moment between Baruto and Naruto is still there to be enjoy and look forward for. We all know that Naruto lose his parents at a young age, so it's nice to see him hang out with his own children (despite being tired all the time when he got home). Anyway, if I'm being totally honest - I only watches Boruto because I wanna know more about the rest of Team 7 (including Kakashi-sensei) after they get married and settles down. I know that doesn't sounds like I'm giving Boruto much of a chance, but I did sat down for 60-ish episodes and let me tell you - I haven't found a single traits on Naruto's son to be likable nor endearing. Still, this anime is great for continuity, so for those who love Naruto or any of other characters in Naruto and Naruto Shippuden - this anime would be great for throwback.

Note:
Tsundere: A japanese term for a character development process that describes a person who is initially cold (and sometimes even hostile) before gradually showing a warmer, friendlier side over time.

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

3.) Shingeki no Kyojin / Attack On Titan (S03) (Continuing new series)

Image credit: Google image
Year Released:  2018
Date Watched: Nov 2018- Jun 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: Oh don't mind me, just continuing from where I left off. I wasn't exactly thrill about this but I know I need to finish what I had started.  
Memorable Character: none

My Review: 
Season 3 continues with Eren Jaegar journey as one of the soldier to protect the city and also serves as first gateway story on the titans origins. There's a few important information spread all across third season (regarding Eren's father and Eren suspicious titan origins) among others. For once Eren didn't take the lead and we got to see the story in a wider picture through the eyes of other characters. Now, to be detailing too much on this review would be a crime since it would e revealing much about new season from this series so I want to take a backseat right here. All I can say is that it's a great season all around and I'm pretty excited for the upcoming season whenever the studio releases the next one.

Rating: 4.2/ 5.0

4.) Yamishibai (S06) (Continuing new series)

Image credit: Google image

Year Released: 2013 - present
Date Watched: Aug 2018 

Reason Why I Watched This: I had watched this anime around four years ago and just continuing new series.

Memorable Character: None

My Review:

I had reviewed about this anime on this post before, and now I had come back for more. Yamishibai S06 is currently still airing in Japan and I found some of the episodes is pretty hair-raising. Like my previous review, I would also be leaving a couple of my favorite episodes from the series.

1.) "Rat - Nezumi"(S03E03) - A boyfriend and girlfriend move into a cheap apartment that might laden with rat infestation. The girlfriend heard a lot of noises and worried about their safety but the boyfriend told her that she got nothing to be worried about. When the boyfriend leaves for a couple of days on a business trip, little did he knows that his girlfriend life might be in danger. 

2.) "The Fourth Man"(S03E09) - Two highschool girls asks their teacher about the story of the Handshake Man. It's said that there's multiple of Handshake Man, and all handshakes needed to be accepted except the fourth one who's going to bite of their hand. The third student, Haruko is a bit skeptical about the story and thinks its stupid. Her little sister ask her to accompany her to the school to fetch her notebook. Along their way back, Haruko met a couple of people who strangely asks for her handshake and she begins to wonder if the story might be true...

3.) "Cuckoo's Clock"(S03E11) - While visiting her grandma house, a cuckoo's clock caught a girl interest and she beginn waiting for it to come out from the wooden door to see the bird inside. Her little obsession started to take a dark turn when she begins to resemble the cuckoo's bird she admires.

4.) "Tongue"(S04E01) - A Salaryman overheard two girls talking about a dead cat and feels pity of it. To avoid it being run over, so he buried it near the tree. While the girls walk by, he overheard the girls muttering that something could follow you home if you take pity on it. Later he went home and while watching a TV, begin to hear a cat meowing. As he went to bed early, the meowing starting again and he begin to feel something licking his face. Thinking it might be the cat, but it's so much more than that.

5.) "Red High Heel"(S04E04) - A Salaryman missed his last train and forced to take a taxi. As he managed to hail one and get in, he noticed a red heeled slipper on his foot. He asks the driver if the passenger might have lost her shoes, but the driver didn't turn around and told him to get rid of it instead. As the salaryman look at the taxi driver confused, he repeats with an impatient and angry tone. Then both men hear a sound that keeps coming closer and closer, as if someone is running. What the salaryman sees terrifies him and he begin to think that the taxi driver might be involved in a crime.

6.) "Wrong Number"(S05E01)

A woman married to Masude, an elite salaryman, complains about him never being at home to spend time with her and his son, Hirofumi. The phone rings and when she answers it, a woman she hadn't heard before says she'll not be there for a while. Confused, she asks the woman on the line who she's trying to contact, but the woman hangs up. The phone rings again and the caller continue to pester Mrs. Masuda by asking about her son. Eerily, her knowledge about what's happening shocked Mrs. Masuda to her corner.

That's so far my favorites out from this season. Overall it's pretty okay, though it's incomparable with the first three season. Personally, I think every season serves a couple of good episodes and I'm really excited to see what next year have in store for me.

Rating: 4.1 / 5.0

5.) Himotou! Umaru Chan R (S02) (Continuing new series) 
Image credit: Steamit
["Look who's back, bitches!!"]
Year Released: Dec 2017
Date Watched: Jan 2018

Reason Why I Watched This: I had watched this anime around two years ago and just continuing new series.

Memorable Character: UMA-RUUU-chan!!

My Review:
I had made a review about this series two years ago and I had come back for more. Season 2 fells almost the same as Season 1, and the storyline is quite the same. I read the manga to keep myself occupied and I already can tell that the anime is following closely with what they did on the series. I know the 2nd season is coming based on the initial reception on 1st, but I'm not really sure if it's going to come back for more (crossing my fingers). Anyway, I had talk more than enough about this anime before, so if you're interested to know about my opinion on it - feel free to click on this post.

Rating: 4.1 /5.0

My 2019 Anime Binge-watching Collection

6. My Roommate is A Cat (Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue)


picture credit: Google image

Year Released: Mac 2019
Date Watched: Sept 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: After almost 1 1/2 years, I'm down with a search for new anime series. It's been a while since I start a new series, so I was aiming for something simple but sweet. By mere luck, I stumble upon this series and manage to I finish it in just 3 days! 

Memorable Character: Haru (the cat) and Subaru Mikazuki

My Review: 

As stated on the title, this anime is about a guy by the name of Subaru Mikazuki who lives on his own after the death of his parents. It's was quite a tragic lost, and Mikazuki was left with empty feeling inside. His long-suffering literary agent (Mikazuki is a writer btw), tries many ways to connect with the guy, but Mikazuki isn't ready. That is, until a cute little stray cat (that he later named as Haru) begin to appear in his life. Starting from there, Mikazuki life starts to improve to better and he started to open up to people once more.

Frankly, this anime wasn't exactly the best thing to watch out there, but if you're like me aiming something simple - then perhaps this is the anime for you. I found myself entertained (even just a little) with Mikazuki and Haru daily life and this anime manage to left me with a sweet a warm fuzzy feelings inside. Anyway, if you like cats - then maybe this anime is the one for you. 

Rating: 3.8/5.0

7. The Promised Neverland (Yakusoku no Neverland)


picture credit: viz.com

Year Released: Mac 2019
Date Watched: Nov 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: Hunting New Anime Season. Lol.

Memorable Character: Norman, Emma and Ray.

My Review: 

I never thought the day would come for me to sit down and watch an anime that is based upon Soylent Green movie. I know that movie exist, but I know better than to dab my foot into that territory because for some stupid reason (thanks a lot Youtube!) I found the ending first before even watching the entire movie. Okay, enough with that intro - let's talk about this anime shall we? So, what can I say about this anime? First of all, it's creepy. Yeah, I know there's a lot of kids on the photo above, but that doesn't discount the fact that this anime is hold a dark banner under its name.

Now, let me set up the whole story of this anime without giving too much of information about it. We got these three kids; Emma, Norman and Ray - the star student living in an orphanage called Grace Field House. These kids are wise beyond their age and seems like a well-rounded kids. They were obedient, nice and friendly with other kids. For a while, things seems to be all games and fun for them at the orphanage. However, there were some odd exams and with that place being an orphanage and all - kids tends to come and go at any given time.

Innocence were broken one day, when one of the younger kids were going away and left their toys at the orphanage. Emma and Norman decided to retrieve it and went outside in order to give it back. However, it's beyond their wildest imagination of what is happening once they're outside the younger kid was not being given to a new family, but instead - given as a sacrifice to a faceless monsters. Shocked by this revelation, you can only imagine how these youngster are feeling once they had to go back to the orphanage they fondly call as home all of these years.

So, that's the brief summary for this anime. I'm pretty sure I don't have to tell you more. You can guess what's coming next. My only advice is to not watch it with others coz you don't want to be bawling your eyes out with them watching.

Rating: 3.7/5.0 (I'm not really a great fan of gory anime, so I can't a rating higher than this)

8. Yuru Camp

picture credit: tinymelody.com

Year Released: Mac 2019
Date Watched: Nov 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: I was looking for an anime that have a simple, laid-back and chill anime this year and what a coincidence  - this anime also have that on it's title: Laid-back Camp.

Memorable Character: Shima Rin

My Review: 
As stated before, I was all for relaxing anime this year (with a few exception). This anime struck a chord with me as it's the most chill-back anime I seen in a while. Now, why did I say that? Well, for starter - this anime have zero interest in romance or being action packed. It focuses more on the sitting-by-the-fire-like-old-people chill crowd and the activities that they do while camping around the mountains areas. This anime have a lot of other characters, but for some reason only Shima Rin caught my attention. I don't know what it is - maybe her couldn't care less attitude, or the fact that this girl always ties her hair in a bun like an obasan 'old lady' (ouu, my kind woman), but there's something about her that make her distinguishable than other characters. Also, did I mention that she likes to travels alone using her mini scooter and can built her own tent when the occasion calls for it? Hell yeah to independent woman. Anyways, I finished this anime in about two days and I didn't regret it one bit. 

So, for those who are looking for laid-back anime to fill up their time - this one might be for you! 

Rating: 3.9/5.0 (There's 2nd second season coming. I'm pretty interested to see where their next journey is)


9. Yamishibai 7

picture credit: medium.com

Year Released: 2013 - present
Date Watched: June 2019 

Reason Why I Watched This: Catching up with the latest season from this series.

Memorable Character: None

My Review: 
I had reviewed about this anime on this post before, and now I had come back for more. Yamishibai S07 have finally finished airing in Japan and I found some of the episodes is pretty hair-raising. Like my previous review, I would also be leaving a couple of my favorite episodes from the series.

1.) "Delivery - Haitatsu"(S07E01) - A guy agrees to house-sit for his friend for a few days. The friend later call him to inform him that a package will arrives later that day. When the package finally arrives, he signs for it only to be told by the same friend that another package will be arriving the same hour next day. He stay behind the house for another day to pick up the package but suddenly grew suspicious of the content inside once his friend fail to pick up his phone.

2.) "Paintings - Kaiga"(S07E04) - A guy walks into an art exhibit because it's free and he's bored. Once he entered 'A New World' exhibit, he found a strange receptionist in front of the door who told him to take no photo while he's inside. However, the guy did take the picture anyway when she's not looking. He uploaded the picture on his social media and suddenly felt watched.

3.) "Public Phone - Koshudenwa"(S07E07) - A door-to-door saleswoman gets a call from her frantic little sister who is using a public phone. Her sister told her to come quickly or else something is gonna get her. Suddenly, a scream can be heard. The saleswoman found the public phone and discover a lot of phones on the floor. Suddenly, the phone rings. She picks it up and hear her sister voice on the other end. To makes matters worse, a strange creepy figures begin to pound on the public phone door. She hear a voice from the public phone instructing her to use the phone card on the top of the phone and call someone else for help...

4.) "The Woman in the Elevator"(S07E09) - A woman and her son enter the elevator that already have a man carrying a garbage bag on it. The son begins to whine for candy, making the woman loses her composure. Then, the elevator suddenly gets stuck. The man instructed the woman to not to worry and press the emergency button. The surveillance man told them that he saw all three of them; and also another woman standing beside the man. Curious, the woman told the man that there's only three people inside. The elevator suddenly open again and the three of them went outside. The woman suddenly remembers that it's not a garbage day that day.

5.) "Refrigerator"(S07E13) - The story of a family told in a perspective of one of the appliances in their house; refrigerator. This quickly went to dark pretty quick.

That's so far my favorites out from this season. I can't believe that this series already collected about 7 seasons already. There wasn't a lot of episodes that I'm crazy about, except for those mentioned above. Nevertheless, I'm still excited to see what next year have in store for me.

Rating: 3.2/5.0 (not the strongest season, but enough with decent episodes)


10. Restaurant to Another World (Isekai Shokudo)

picture credit: pinterest.com

Year Released: Sept 2017
Date Watched: Nov 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: I realize that this anime is going to be another yet Shokugeki ni Soma based on the synopsis. I love food-based anime as much as laid-back anime, so this one is really right up on the alley with me.

Memorable Character:  -

My Review: 
There's a lot of food involves in this anime. From simple curry rice, to spaghetti, parfait and all type of western cuisine - you can find it here. The story is about a restaurant call 'The Western Restaurant Nekoya', a small restaurant situated in unsuspecting corner of a Tokyo shopping district. This restaurant offers a lot of western style cuisine and opens during business hours though closed during holidays and weekends. However, unbeknownst to anyone - the restaurant also open on Saturdays in which it opens a special doorways to another world inhabited by elves, dragons, animal men and other amazing creatures. Many of these creatures later become patrons to the restaurants. 

Simply said, this anime is a feel good ones. It doesn't have a lot of dialogue except "Dear customer, what do you like to have?" or "It will be serve to you shortly" and friendly conversations among patrons about their favorite dishes from the restaurant. This anime was aired around 2 years ago, but I don't mind if it's making comeback anytime soon.


Rating: 3.4/5.0


11. The Helpful Fox Senko-san

picture credit: funimation.com

Year Released: Mac 2019
Date Watched: Nov 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: Yet another feel-good anime that I feel the need to watch.

Memorable Character: Senko-san

My Review: 
The last time that I enjoy an anime which involves kitsune 'foxes' in it was 'Kamisama Hajimemashita' around 2012. It's been 7 long years since then and when I found this anime, I have a feeling that this might be something right to my alley. This anime tell a story about a young salaryman Kuroto Nakano who unhappy and have a very stressful life. His life mainly circulates around his office (in which he works around 12-14 hours a day) and home. One night, after another long day at work - Kuroto come home only to find a 800 years old demifox by the name of Senko - waiting for him. She's sent there solely for Kuroto so he re-learn how to live and find happiness again.

There wasn't much comments on this series as it's pretty simple from start to finish. I guess if there's like a small, small complaint about this series would be about how repetitive some of the episodes can be. Here's how it goes down... Kuroto comes home from work -> Senko-san greeted him -> Kuroto takes a shower and a bath -> Senko-san prepares the meal -> She watches him eat -> rub-rub Senko-san tail time!!. I mean, there's nothing wrong with that, but after 9 episodes - it does makes you wanna rip the hair off from your head. Anyways, that's just me being just a little bit dramatic after not using profanity in this post for so long (refer my 1st Anime Crossed-off List here, you will understand). That's it guys for entry number 11. Now let's move on to the next one, shall we?

Rating: 3.5/5.0


12. Kaguya-sama: Love is War

picture credit: theouterheaven.net

Year Released: 
Jan 2019
Date Watched: Nov 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: Netflix recommendation.

Memorable Character: Kaguya Shinomiya & Miyuki Shirogane

My Review: 
With the demographic for anime is mostly aim for anime/manga fans are around 12-18 years old, it's no surprise that most of it are dominated by high school romances. Every season, fans would be presented with new romances that comes in every shapes and form. But, none of them are quite like this one. Shinomiya (the girl) and Shirogane (the guy) likes one another; but they're too shy to admit it. In a twisted, but kinda-sweet way - they decided to devise a plan to drive out confessions from one another. It's a simple anime with even more simplistic ideas - though when it comes to teenage and heartbreaks - there's only one clear winner.

So far I'm around episodes 7 in this anime. I found it a little bit boring after a while. I get it; this anime got a template that needed to be followed but there's few anime out there that had successfully done this without making me feel bored at all. There's something about this anime that makes it off putting a little. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm still looking forward to finish this series.

Rating: 3.9/5.0



13. Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku

picture credit: alphacoders.com
Year Released: Apr 2018
Date Watched: Nov 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: One of anime highlights from 2018. I gotta see what it's all about.

Memorable Character: Hirotaka Nifuji and Narumi Momose

My Review: 
Even though I am a self-proclaim otaku*, I'm not well-exposed to its world. Through a few researches here and there, I realizes just as human comes in all shapes and sizes; otaku is just the same. There are anime/manga otaku, cosplay otaku, game otaku, Idol & Jpop otaku, and the list goes on and on. This anime right here is the prime example of gamer otaku. Nifuji (the guy) and Narumi (the girl) are gamer otaku who works as salaryman in an undisclosed company. Their lifestyle as an otaku doesn't make it easy for them to find love. Both had known each since they were both young, but it wasn't until Narumi arrival at the same workplace as Nifuji that they started thinking about dating people with same interest (otaku). Eventually, Nifuji propose to Narumi that they should become boyfriend-girlfriend to save them from later trouble. 

So far I only watch around 6 episodes from this anime and my initial thoughts about it were good. I think it's quite interesting anime that touches on otaku (a pretty sensitive topic for some people, even among Japanese) and how they deals with struggles to be accepted among society. I don't have much to complains about this anime and I'm looking forward to finish it soon!

Note: 
Otaku: People who are obsessed with a hobby to the extent it becomes a major part of their identity.

14. Kobayashi-san Chi no Dragon Maid 

picture credit: Google images

Year Released: Jan 2017
Date Watched: Oct 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: One of the most highlighted anime on 2017. I know its been two years, but I gotta check what it's all about.

Memorable Character: Tohru (the dragon)

My Review: 
I seen the review about this anime two years ago but never care to check it out. That is... until now. After subscribing to Netflix a couple months ago, I discovered this anime and decide to give it ago. I mean, what's there to lose, right? The first episodes went by so fast and by the time I realize it - I'm already at episodes 6! Now that's what I call a good anime... 

The story is about a salary woman by the name Kobayashi who works in an office. Kobayashi is a closeted otaku (ehem ehem, sound familiar? refer no.13) and one of her interest are dragon girls in maid outfits (I guess everyone have their own preferences, right?). Another hobby that she have (aside from dragon girls in maid outfits) are drinking and eating at a bar with her co-worker. As fate have it, in one drunken night she made a promise with someone (or something) to take them home. Guess who showed up in front of her doorstep the next morning? A big-fucking-size-of-a-building dragon! Kobayashi was stocked, but she allows the dragon to stay with her in her one-bedroom apartment as part of their pact. The dragon even have a name; Tohru. Hence, begins the life of a dragon and its new master in the same apartment cohabitation and comedy ensues.

So, I finished this anime is just 2 days. It wasn't a hard anime to follow nor makes me queasy after watching it for so long. In fact, I dare to stay that I quite enjoy myself. Honestly, I'm also looking forward for the second season to come in 2020.

Rating: 4.0/5.0.


15. Tada-kun Can't Fall in Love

picture credit: wallpaper cave

Year Released: April 2018
Date Watched: Nov 2019

Reason Why I Watched This: Synopsis reels me in.

Memorable Character: -

My Review: 


The last but not least anime in this review is 'Tada-kun Can't Fall in Love'. Frankly, I still haven't finish watching this anime but I already watched the 1st and 2nd episodes. I don't have much to complain and think it's pretty good. This anime come from the same company that made 'Himotou Umaru-chan' and 'Senko-san'. Since I'm a fan of both aforementioned series,  I'm quite excited to see what the rest of this anime could offer me.

Rating: -/5.0.

So, I guess that's it guys for my anime crossed-off list for 2018/2019. It's already November 2019 so I might do my next anime cross-off list in 2020. Please look forward for it. Thank you for reading this entry and have a nice day! Jya-nee.


Yours Truly,
Mimi Said