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Oshi no Ko episode 6

Rating: A- “Egosurfing” (the apt title for this episode) is the act of looking one’s self up on social media to see what others are saying about you. While it can be a very gratifying experience when people are saying complimentary things about you, it can be crushing when they aren’t and positively toxic whenContinue reading “Oshi no Ko episode 6”

Oshi no Ko episode 5

Rating: 4 (of 5) In a recently posted interview on ANN, the writer for the source manga, Aka Akasaka, explains how he came up with the idea for this series and the process he went through to gather sufficient insider details to make the effort feel realistic. I recommend it as a complementary read forContinue reading “Oshi no Ko episode 5”

Spring ’23 Isekai Round-Up

Posted: Tuesday May 9, 2023 With some series hitting their sixth episodes this week, we’re now approaching the midway point of the Spring 2023 season. That means it’s time to take a look at this season’s crop of isekai series, most of which I am following this season to some degree. Which ones are moreContinue reading “Spring ’23 Isekai Round-Up”

Oshi no Ko episode 4

Rating: B+ The writer for the source manga, Aka Akasaka, is probably even better-known as the creator of the acclaimed Kaguya-sama: Love is War source manga. That manga series got a live-action adaptation in 2019, prior to its highly-regarded anime form, and that first adaptation is widely-regarded as a bust, with an IMDb rating ofContinue reading “Oshi no Ko episode 4”

Oshi no Ko episode 3

Rating: B+ Since episode 2 aired, news has broken that the first episode of Oshi no Ko was HIDIVE’s biggest debut ever, and also that opening theme “Idol” is topping multiple Japanese music charts. (It’s also currently the top-rated show for the Spring 2023 season on MAL, even over the new season of Demon Slayer.)Continue reading “Oshi no Ko episode 3”

Oshi no Ko episode 2

Oshi no Ko delivered one of the best and most impactful opening episodes in years (though admittedly its extra-long length gave it an unfair advantage!), but because of the way it ended, episode 2 was the one which would really set the pace for its long-term direction. Seeing the latter convinced me that this series,Continue reading “Oshi no Ko episode 2”

Review: Suzume

Suzume is the latest movie from acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai, and it would be unmistakable as one of his projects even if you didn’t know the director going into the movie. It has all of the hallmarks of a Shinkai project: stunning sunsets, fantastically detailed backgrounds, themes about making connections despite separations by time, space,Continue reading “Review: Suzume”

Special Preview: Oshio no Ko

Streams: HIDIVE on Wednesdays Debut Rating: 5 (of 5) EDIT: Also see here for an official music video linked to the debut, though it should be watched after watching the debut since it is spoilery. Wow. I read the first volume of the source manga a week before, so I knew all of the twistsContinue reading “Special Preview: Oshio no Ko”

Spring 2023 Preview Guide

Last Update: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday 4/19 Welcome to my seasonal Guide! (For the debut schedule, see here.) I expect to cover every full-episode series that will be debuting this season and several of the sequels, including Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch!, Konosuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World!, The Ancient Magus’ Bride, TONIKAWA, Demon Slayer,Continue reading “Spring 2023 Preview Guide”

Winter 2023 Wrap-Up

I had hoped to get a couple more full-series reviews in before the Spring ’23 season hits in earnest, but it looks like I’m going to run short on time for that. Thus, I will instead provide thoughts and ratings on a number of series that I either have or am following through to conclusion.Continue reading “Winter 2023 Wrap-Up”