Quick Anime Review

Afro Samurai (2007) | Rating: 3.5/5
One thing you're gonna hear a lot on these Quick Anime Reviews is that they're part of an anime challenge. I participated in MyAnimeList's Anime Challenge last year and I watched so many series and it really helped me get through my "Plan to Watch" list. Ever since I heard the hype surrounding Samuel L. Jackson doing an anime, I was very curious on checking this out and...I'm glad I did. This OVA is far from perfect, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Jackson plays two roles in this series and it shows that he can do his normal shtick, but also dial it down for a more intimidating and serious demeanor. The characters and story are interesting, but from episode to episode, I just wished there was a little more detail...or something. I do look forward to checking out the sequel movie, Afro Samurai: Resurrection in the near future.


ARP Backstage Pass (2020) | Rating: 3.5/5
This idol anime was a little different than what I'm used to and it took me a little time to adjust to the format. At first, I was thinking about completely dropping it, but the characters really kept me going forward and overall, I don't regret sticking to it. While this isn't my favorite male idol series, I did enjoy the approach of having these characters be interviewed on their backstory and how they were formed and at the end of the episode, they comment on it, showing off their colorful personalities. I enjoyed the music and the CGI animation was very well blended with the traditional. I also liked the balance between their onstage and offstage personas to get a real feel for why they act the way they do during certain situations like competing against one another or adjusting to a new genre. Also, the shorts were pretty amusing as well.


Beastars: Season 1 (2020) | Rating: 4/5
I started off watching this show with BlipMasta5, while checking off another prompt on my challenge. In the end, we both finished the show on our own time. This show was plastered everywhere on my Facebook with tons of furry memes about enjoying it. Meanwhile, I was happily watching BNA. It took me a little while to get into this show and I was surprised how adult it was. As things progressed, I slowly understood all the jokes and praise the show received; it was like a mature version of Zootopia. The dynamics of all these characters' issues were a bit more complex than simple predator/prey. It mixed in normal high school issues with labeling, assuming gossip was fact about people (or should I say animals), family pressure, and perfectionism. I'm glad to hear that this show has received a second season as the end left me wanting just a little more.


Zombieland Saga (2018) | Rating: 4/5
For some reason, I thought I talked about this show already in a Monthly Favorites post, but I have been slacking on those, so it might be in a draft somewhere. Since I didn't, I friggin' love this show! Once Truck-kun made contact with Sakura, it was all uphill from there. The characters were extremely enjoyable and I'm glad we were able to learn about most of them. Hopefully, in the second season we get a little more backstory on them and the manager. The songs and story were tons of fun and made me smile (or feel something deeply) with every episode. There was a good balance of diversity among the characters that make it easy to find a favorite among friend groups (or cosplay groups). The animation was well done and there's plenty of memorable moments to talk about [Rap battle, anyone?]. Hopefully, this'll be a series that anime fans can talk about for years to come.


Yuri!!! on Ice (2016) | Rating: 4/5
My dearest friends, I have finally watched this show (for a challenge) and I very much understand why so many people love. It was truly a beautiful story that happened to have a little gay element in it. It didn't focus on any sexual tension or crush, but the whole story was about having confidence in yourself and finding inspiration with those who truly love and support you and not in necessarily a romantic way either. The show was heartwarming and watching it 4 years later was definitely worth the wait. I enjoyed the choreography on the ice and the various characters from all over the world. I'm surprised it has taken this long for them to jump on a follow up, because this definitely competes with the hype of shows like Free!. It did something different for its audience that play with the dynamics of shipping because "these teammates are so close", but instead this show makes the character relationships feel very natural and realistic. I appreciate that! I very much anticipate what Yuri!!! on Ice The Movie: Ice Adolescence will have to offer us in the, hopefully, near future.

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