The Summer anime season is in full swing, here are my initial thoughts based on the first episode of all of the shows I had earmarked as watching plus a few bonus entries.
Suicide Squad Isekai
The cast of the Suicide Squad movies have found themselves in a different if overly familiar situation. A portal has been opened between Earth and another world and the hardened criminals, looking at extremely long prison terms, are thrust into the new world on a mission that they may not survive. Nothing goes as planned and the 5 super criminals get captured by a faction of humans, following the crash landing of their transport helicopter. Trapped in a strange fantasy-like world, with only 72 hours before bombs in their necks go off, the misfits have to use every trick in their book to overcome the odds to get out alive and hope for freedom back home.
I am not a fan of super hero stories, especially DC ones, having at one point in my childhood, been a huge X-Men fan. But something about the ludicrous and fun loving nature of the Suicide Squad movies has appealed to me. As well, I am not a fan of isekai and this appears to be a cheap cash grab on the surface. The first three episodes were released early on Hulu so I dove in and had a great time. The characterization is fantastic and sticks with the tone of the live action movies. The story is fast paced, doesn't cling to the normal isekai tropes and has so far been enjoyable so far. It looks like everyone involved put a lot of heart into this job, which is not the shallow cash grab it appears to be.
The series is streaming on Hulu.
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
Alya is a beautiful and confident high school student, with a Russian father and adoring fans. She only has eyes for the otaku, Masachika, who sits next to her but she would much rather tease him. She thinks she can play coy by saying things in Russian and telling him it means something else, little does she know but he understands enough to parse out what shes really saying.
I'm pleased that the idea of the boy she likes knowing what she's saying is how the story is going instead of him being absolutely clueless. The dynamic of him trying to hide he understands her is far more interesting than the other way around. For a first episode, this was solid all around. It did well to establish the core concept of the story, adequately introduced not only the main characters but a number of secondary characters. I was concerned that the premise of the show wasn't going to be enjoyable after a few episodes but with him understanding her there is a more complex narrative that can be spun.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Oshi no Ko season 2
Oshi no Ko picks up a few months after the end of the first season. Aqua has decided to join the cast of a 2.5D Stage Play, Tokyo Blade, in order to get closer to someone who his deceased mother had personal contact with. He throws himself deep into the den of wolves and will need to use all of his tactical skills to make sure he doesn't lose focus of his goal.
The first season of Oshi no Ko was a roller-coaster ride of a story that ended with things beginning to come into focus. The entire reason to continue watching the show is to find out who is responsible for killing Aqua and Ruby's mother, the teenage mother idol Hoshino Ai. Right away we are introduced to a large cast of new characters who's motivations and personality ticks we will need to understand for the story to take on the complexity it demands. We shall see how this season pans out but I suspect this will not be the end of the story, I feel there will be a third and final season at the end of things. Unless I am wrong about how long this part will be.
This series is streaming on HiDive.
Days With My Stepsister
Yuta's father suddenly marries a woman he met at a bar one night. He tells the boy that he will be getting a younger sister. in reality, his new step-sister is barely younger than him. Saki is a lonely beautiful girl who considers herself lucky that her step-brother isn't some out of sorts weirdo. Yuta is diligent and earnest , working hard to save up money for college. Saki has lived a life of solitary reliance, given that she has spent much of her life living opposite her mother, who works nights. She is acclimated to being alone and fending for herself and is unsure how to deal with the sudden drastic change in her environment. Yuta is conscious of her presence but does not want to cause any issue and is eagerly willing to continue living as he has, mindful to not get into her way.
We have had countless raunchy, fantastical step-sister romances in the past. This one is quite a different breed. Morose and subdued. Saki's upbringing appears to be that of seclusion and living on the edge of poverty as her mother apparently supports them in some sort of hostess or waitress/bartender line of work. She hints a few times when discussing things with Yuta that he's better off not getting to involved in hr life, for his own sake, like she is some sort of delinquent with a troubled social life. Yuta seems to be quite ignorant of anything superficial around him and approaches his new strained situation with caution. The show is very subdued, at least with the first episode. The only character that exhibited any amount of enthusiasm for life is Yuta's father who seems a bit reckless and awkward. I fear that this show may just be really boring...but time will tell if it can generate any interest beyond a non-traditional step sibling romance.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Ramen Akaneko
Awkward human Tamako gets hired at a cat run and employed ramen shop, Ramen Akaneko (Red Cat Ramen) based on a recommendation from her aunt. The restaurant is completely operated by talking cats who are well aware of the work it takes to ensure their hair does not get into the food. Tamako was hired partially on the need for a human to frequently brush the staff. She finds it only somewhat difficult to acclimate too but is grateful for the opportunity given to her, especially given how toxic her previous employer was.
This was a cute and amusing first episode that did well to establish the characters, their personalities and the concept of the show. Biggest complaint is that the artwork is low quality and awkward CG made to like to traditional animation. But this isn't the type of anime you would expect to have ground breaking realistic artwork, it just feels like there was minimal effort in the design. The story is wide open but it will be interesting to see where each episode take it as the personalities and motivations of the characters are slowly revealed. Though...aside from being a unnatural work place story, its hard to see how much new material can be added to this story beyond what was demonstrated in this first.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Pseudo Harem
Nanakura Rin, a new student runs into an upper classman while looking for the schools dram club, in hopes of joining. The older boy introduces himself as Kitahama Eiji, the head and sole member of the club, eagerly accepting her application. When he leads her to the club room she mysteriously finds it full of people. This is the first of many jokes that Eiji has in store for the new girl, who greatly impresses the real head othe club with a test read of Romeo and Juliet. Nanakura becomes smitten with her weird senpai and the two grow closer. He admits to her that he dreams of having a harem and to make it up for him, she continues to change her personality to match standard dating sim tropes.
This is one of the cutest anime I have watching in a long time. It has little substance to it other than consistent and amusing flirting between the two main characters. The story moves between different points in time effortlessly and doesn't waste any time with unneeded exposition. It is literally all about these two playfully teasing each other and growing closer. This is going to be a really enjoyable series to watch. Even though it lacks any sort of central plot or motivation, the well crafted banter between the two MC's is so enjoyable you just keep watching to see what else happens between them. The character designs are...odd, but I'll chalk it up to adding to the charm of this show and move on.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Twilight Out of Focus
Tsuchiya Mao and Otomo Hisashi are room mates at an all boys high school. As they move into their second year, things begin to change for Mao. Hisashi comes off as a loner delinquent but has a secret he works hard to keep from everyone around him, a secret that he revealed to Mao early in their first yar as room mates. Hisashi is gay and in a long term relationship. Mao has never had any problem with his room mates sexuality or in protecting his privacy. Things become complicated when the second yer brings a special film project for the club he is in. They are going to be filing a BL story and the writer/director of the project specifically asked Mao to see if his room mate would be interested in playing the lead roll. Uncertain of how to broach the subject with out arousing suspicion, Mao waffles. In the end Hisashi is approached about it by the director and agrees to go along with it. While he struggles with why he hesitated so much a thought occurs to him, that he may be falling in love with his room mate after all of this time.
I was uncertain about jumping into this one, not being a fan of the way the character designs looked in the preview as well as coming off of a terribly boring BL, Tadaima, Okaeri. But this first episode was a fantastic set up for what feels like a really juicy solid drama. My hesitation over the character design was mostly washed away as the show unfolded, appreciating the choices and level of quality around them. I think this is going to be a good romance that will do well to wash away the taint of the previously consumed BL.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Senpai is an Otokonoko
Aoi Saki confesses her feelings for an older girl in school, Hanaoka Makoto only to find out Makoto is a boy who dresses as a girl in school. Saki had fallen in love with Makoto to such an extent, their gender has little to do with it. The revelation that Makoto is a cross dresser enhances the desire, given that he represents the best of both worlds in Saki's mind. There are just two problems. Makoto has never had any romantic feelings and can not go out with Saki, for concern over being unfair to her. Makoto is also overtly aware of their reputation in school, as all of the second and third years know full well his secret. He is a social outcast and does not want Saki to receive any negative attention by being associated with him. To compound her mission, Makoto has a childhood friend named Taiga Ryuji who goes to extreme length to protect his friend...who he may have feelings for him.
On the surface this series could have been a socially blind and made this a ridiculous and cringe worthy punch down comedy punching down on being trans. Instead we get a story that seems to be equal parts comedy and drama. Makoto struggles with peer rejection and even rejection and disgust at home over his true self. Ryuji is well familiar wit this and does everything he can to protect his childhood friend, but there is only so much another teenager is able to accomplish when faced with real authority figures. Saki is absolutely the comedy of the series with her op front and unabashed enthusiasm. Makoto is the wounded loner who is just trying to be real to himself and survive the grind-house that is adolescence. I think this will end up being a sweet and endearing series.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
My Wife Has No Emotions
Takuma is a young professional who has little time to take care of himself so he bought a house keeping robot. He struggles with whether this appliance would be a suitable stand in for a real relationship.
There is a lot to unpack with the concept and execution of this show based solely on the first episode. Mina is a facsimile of Yamato Nadeshiko, the idealized subservient girl. The ultimate otaku fantasy girlfriend. Obedient, timid, existing solely to please the man. Not sure how many episodes of this I can stomach...but we shall see. Also, Mina apparently is not governed by Asimov's 3 laws of robotics.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
2.5 Dimensional Seduction
Okumura's otaku paradise comes under threat when a first year girl wants to join the manga club. After graduation he was left as the sole member and is eager to accept the isolation. It will allow him to continue enjoying perverted manga and other peripheral goods to his hearts content. Through a few roadblocks in his life, he has sworn off pursuing a real woman, choosing to instead fall for imaginary women who can't reject him. He's no sure anymore when he learns the first year girl, Amano, shared similar tastes in manga and anime. Her goal is to cosplay as a character they both love and have him be her principle photographer.
This feels so much like a cheap knock off of the fantastic My Dress-up Darling. Okumura is a pathetic, stereotypical otaku and Amano is a little too removed from reality. Too much of this feels like it serves no deeper purpose. My Dress=up Darling had a lot of character and heart, evken if there were some questionable moments, but at it's core it was sincere. This just feels like masturbation.
The series is streaming on HiDive.
Dungeon People
Clay has been searching the dungeon for her father since he disappeared years earlier. She has gotten deeper than the guild officially recognizes and is charting unknown territory. A wall gets demolished during a fight with a Minotaur, who turns to her and asks for a pause in combat. Stunned by what transpires, she is further astonished when an innocent looking girl enters the exposed room and apologizes for the situation. She then explains to Clay that she is the dungeons manager and she has a proposal for her. She wants to recruit her to work with her running the dungeon. After loosing to the girl, Clay agrees to work for her, in hopes she will find some trace of her father.
We have plenty of dungeon crawling adventure anime but how many times have we gotten one that showcases the behind the scenes operation of a dungeon? Honestly, I can't think of any. So far this is a super cute anime with fun character designs. Not sure how long the gag can last but I have high expectations for this one.
The series is streaming on HiDive.
Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary
High school students Jogoro and Yuki were friends in middle school and are relieved to be int he same high school. Jogoro's friend from elementary school, Kengo is also a co-ed. Jogoro appears to have an inate ability at slving mysteries and Yuki has been by his side for many of them in the past, they look ahead to the future that lays before them and wonder what will happen.
It honestly really hard to get a good read for what this show is about with the introductory episode. A lot of this is really speculation based upon the slow unfolding of the characters. It appears that a lot of the story may be devoted to revealing the characters them selves to the viewer along with what ever things they stumble into that they decide to resolve. This comes from a novelist of note, who is also responsible for the novels that the anime Hyoka was adapted from. If anything, the animation for this is top notch with a simmering melancholy to the tone of the show.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
My Deer Friend Nokotan
Torako is the idea high school girl, excellent grades, well loved, talented at sports. She hides a past as a delinquent and has strove to keep it from being discovered, for fear of loosing her current status and ranking. All of that comes into jeopardy with appearance of a transfer studded names Nokotan...a weird girl deer hybrid who can detect Torako's true personality and flaunts it without heed. Torako comes to an agreement with the odd girl and part of the bargain leads to her taking up the mantle of president of the newly formed Deer Club. What kind of twisted reality will Nokotan imbue on the reformed thug?
This is the series I anticipated the most and the first episode almost didn't live up to my expectations. That doesn't mean it wasn't a crazy ride. I did enjoy this show, it will be interesting to see how it unfolds and I can't wait for more antics. It just wasn't hectically paced like I was anticipating. But don't let my desires get in your way of enjoying this crazy new comedy.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Tower of God season 2
Six years have passed since Bam's betrayal at the hands of Rachel. Through following another character, who is struggling to pass the test on the 20th level, we see what this time has done to Bam. He is stronger than he used to be, brooding and more sure of himself. He has joined a criminal organization known as Fug, who are openly opposed to the towers royal family. What is Bam and Fug's goal and how much has puberty hit him?
The long awaited return to this fantastic manhwa adaptation. Luckily for me, its been so long since I read this part, I've mostly forgotten whats going to happen. The animation has greatly improved and the hype is very very real! Get ready for some awesome shonen tournament style action!
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Plus Sized Elf
Elfuda traveled to Earth from her world and has become addicted to modern junk food, to the point where she has gained too much weight to allow her to pass back through the portal to her homeland. The portly elf is now caught between the love of Earth's delicacies and her desire to see her land again. She seeks the help of a dietician to help give her the guidance she needs to get back into shape.
I had read the manga years ago when it was on Crunchyroll's manga app and was a bit amused when it was given an anime adaptation. To be honest there is little actual substance to the manga and that carried over into the anime, with the addition or some more obvious fan service. Don't get me wrong, I got nothing wrong with the body imagery fetishized in this series, I like the ladies thick, but there is honestly little substance to this 'story' so its gone on the cutting block after the first episode. At least everyone got the answer as to why HiDive made a statement about the anime being uncensored on their platform and I'm happy the production is being honest with its self in what it wants to become instead of the restraint in the manga.
The series is streaming on HiDive.
Love is Indivisible by Twins
Naori and Rumi are fraternal twins and each harbor feelings for their childhood friend Jun. Rumi, he more athletic of the two, strikes first and asks Jun to go out with her. Even though Naori approves of and supports her sisters progress with Jun, she struggles with what that means for her feelings. She and Jun are similar, both incredibly intelligent and studious, deeply discussing literature since young. Naori's abilities have always isolated her from the per group, something she's never really been bothered by. She has understood that Rumi has also liked him for a long time and decided to hold off on her desires to see what her sister would do with hers. Rumi abruptly ends their relationship, bewildering Jun and leasing Naori to reflect on what will happen next.
I wasn't exactly looking forward to an apparently low hanging ecchi romance but I wasn't prepared for how wrong my first impression was for this series. This is a brooding drama that has the potential to be a great soap opera of betrayal. From the initial episode this seems far superior to the story telling in a similar title...Domestic Girlfriend but only time will confirm that for sure. I am quite enthusiastic to watch this show now as the first episode was a strong introduction to the story and its characters. Just remember. Naori has the mole next to her eye and Rumi has the mole next to her mouth. I suspect it will come in handy.
The series is streaming on HiDive.
VTuber Legend: How I Went Viral After Forgetting to Turn off My Stream
Rookie VTuber, Kokoroni Awayuki struggles to make an impact after 3 months of streaming for a living. One night she forgets to shut off her own stream as she blows of steam by watching of streamers while pounding high alcohol chuhai. Unknown to her, the viewers of her stream are hearing all of her unhinged and off the cuff comments on the what shes watching. Word quickly spreads and the number of people tuning into her stream has greatly increased. When she wakes up the next day, responding to a call from her manager, she finally learns that her stream has been live this entire time. The cat is out of the bag for what shes really like and she has to decide how she wants to proceed with her attempt at a streaming career.
This is another unexpected one to check out for the season. I did so at the suggestion of a friend and I was not disappointed. The concept is amusing as hell and Awayuki's drunken personality is quite amusing. I fear for her liver though! It will be interesting to see what course this story will take and if we ever get to see what the real person behind the VTuber looks like.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
ATRI: My Dear Moments
Set the near future, after a sudden and unexplained change in the ocean levels have inundated communities in coastal regions, high schooler Natsuki struggles to survive in a changed world. A shady older woman has partnered with him in attempts to salvage anything they can for quick cash. Using his grandmothers repaired sub he dives into the water that enveloped his home, searching for her laboratory. Instead he finds a realistic humanoid robot named Ari, who was owned by his deceased grandmother. The older woman wants to sell her for a tidy profit, but the quirky robot says she has one final task to complete that she doesn't recall the details of.
This is based on a virtual novel and its hard to not see that once its known. The first episode really played out like you would expect in something made at the dawn of the bishoujo virtual novel boom. You can even pick out decision tree branches in different parts. The three woman we've been introduced so far fit firmly into stereotype dating sim characters. There is the mysterious and forceful older woman, the awkward childhood friend and the quirky younger sister style character with Atri herself. You know what though, I'm going to give this series a chance and see what happens. I'm mildly curious about the mystery aspect of this.
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines
Kazuhiko, a newer student in his school, doesn't have any friends and barely interacts with his peers. He loves light novels, consuming them with veracity but otherwise floats through his days. He encounters classmates in the middle of a public breakup at a family dinner and the girl that gets dumped, Anna, noticing him, comes to his table to vent. Not willing to cause a scene he sits there as she vents about the situation, while he offers curt replies grounded in reality. The next time they meet in school he brings up the amount of money she owes him for all the food she ordered and couldn't pay for. She negotiates to pay off her debt by making him lunches, which means he has to continue spending time with her as she sorts out her romantic failings. This is the sort of stress he has been trying to avoid.
This may be one of the most amusing series of the season. The animation is very clean and fluid, with a lot of detail put in to not only the focus characters but the people in the background. This show has a lot of life, something you only expect to see in a theatrical production. The personalities of the characters introduced so far are large but realistic. Kazuhiko doesn't fill the roll of a passive observer whom the viewer injects themselves into. Something about the delivery and premise established in the first episode makes it seem like this may be the best show of the season. The understood premise is that Kazuhiko continues to find himself as the unwilling sounding board for va variety of girls in his school when they have relationship problems. Kazuhiko's realist personality makes it amusing as he tries to make the person in front of him see the rational side of things and just wants to be done with their problem as quick as possible. He's the apathetic version of Saukta from Seishun Buta Yaro. Man, this is going to be fun!!
The series is streaming on Crunchyroll.
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