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Another weekly general thread! I know everybody has this time of the week set aside as their favorite, so here it is. Like usual, feel free to use this thread for any kind of anime/anime-adjacent topics you might want to discuss.

As always, remember to be mindful of spoilers. If you want to know more about how to handle spoilers in this community, check the guide here (also linked in the sidebar).

  • wjs018OPM
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    27 days ago

    Instead of writing about currently airing shows this week, I wanted to write about something else I did instead. Oshi no Ko was on break this past week, but I still needed my fix, so I went back and watched season 1, episode 1 instead. That then started me on a bit of a journey of going back and watching some of my favorite episodes for a couple shows of the recent past. So, I am going to put my thoughts behind spoiler tags below for each one.

    Oshi no Ko Season 1, Episode 1

    Even knowing about Ai’s fate at the end of this episode/movie, the way this story unfolds is so well done that it still hits emotionally.

    After rewatching this episode, it reaffirms to me that my absolute favorite character in this whole series is Miyako, the twins’ adoptive mother. She is so much fun to hate with her introduction and even her turnaround is driven by incredibly shallow motivations. However, over the course of the first episode, she steps up and becomes the mom that the kids need. The cherry on top was her recognition that she couldn’t ever hope to replace Ai for them, but that she is simply going to do her best to support them in her own way.

    Honestly, she is too good for some young, handsome guy, and I am happy that as we jump forward in time, she is an independent, successful businesswoman that still raised two children. It stands in contrast to typical Japanese societal expectations and, as Gotanda would say, is (hopefully) a sign of the times.

    Oshi no Ko Season 1, Episode 6

    Episode 1 got most of the attention back when this show aired, but this was the standout episode of the season for me personally. It hit pretty close to home as I have dealt with somebody close that has come approached the metaphorical edge in the past (though not due to bullying or social media like Akane).

    The standout moment in this episode for me (unsurprisingly) happens as Akane is standing on the precipice, about to take her final step. Her hair is gently blowing in the breeze, the city lights are twinkling with some soft bokeh, she has a content grin on her face, it honestly looks gorgeous. Then suddenly it isn’t. There is a hard cut to Akane standing in the pouring rain, drenched, with unkempt hair, and a mix between a scowl and a grimace as the music also suddenly cuts to just the sound of the rain; falling down to the earth, just like Akane is about to. The sudden cut does an excellent job of contrasting the elegant solution to her problems that Akane imagines her death to be with the ugly truth of what it is she is about to do. I can’t get enough of it.

    Just as an aside, this same kind of sudden cut is used elsewhere in the series as well. Most recently, it was used in season 2, episode 7 when Akane is upset with Kana because Kana is not living up to her acting potential.

    Frieren, Episodes 9-10

    Episode 9 is an absolute visual feast. I don’t have too much to add to my original comments on this episode except that I really wish Linie were still around. Her fighting was so much fun. Though, I guess Ubel kind of fills this niche later on in the season.

    By comparison, Episode 10 doesn’t have much in the way of action animation, but instead is a storytelling tour de force. I already wrote a lot about this episode back when it aired. Thinking about this episode some more, it is really a lore dump more than anything else. It is packed full of flashbacks and lore while the combatants are simply standing and chatting. The execution of this exposition is so incredibly well done though that it manages to build expectation the whole way through rather than get boring. Finally, the payoff is short and sweet, leaving us in shock.

    Fortunately Milet is there to help soothe us with the sudden ED at the end. For the record Milet, I was not alright after this episode. Not even close.

    Frieren, Episodes 25-26

    My favorite part of episode 25 (just like when it aired) was the Serie flashback when Frieren delivered the will of Flamme. I absolutely love the way that the Serie/Flamme relationship is depicted through Serie’s flashbacks. It is done in a way to take advantage of the animation medium and, frankly, works much better than the manga version. I can also see how Serie’s feelings towards Flamme echo the interest she will later show in Fern during the third test.

    The Frieren vs. Frieren and Fern fight in Episode 26 is just a phenomenal visual spectacle from start to finish. However, upon rewatching, I also had a new appreciation for the Ubel/Sense “fight” and flashback. The way that they depict magic and visualization through Ubel is just so well done. Magic visualization is a recurring theme through the rest of the series and Ubel provides such an comprehensible way to develop an intuition for the complex game of magical rock/paper/scissors that mages undertake in the world of Frieren.

    Delicious in Dungeon Episode 11

    This episode is just a phenomenal climactic battle. It really feels like a boss battle. When this episode aired, I gushed about the OST. Upon rewatching, that is still the thing that jumped out at me the most. In particular, the way the OST is used in this episode compared to the other shows/episodes in this post is so different.

    As a point of comparison, Frieren episode 9 is also a life or death battle, but the OST helps give that episode and this episode such different feelings. Just such an excellent way to aurally signal to the viewer that everything is different now. There is a much darker element to this show that has always been lurking there if you really looked for it, but is now in the forefront.

  • SnowGator@lemm.ee
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    26 days ago

    Completed:

    • Hell’s Paradise - Well the big surprise was I thought this was a single season show. It mostly definitely is not. Still, I ended up much more satisfied than I was for the first half. Initially felt like an excuse for extreme bloody violence. By the end, I liked several of the characters quite a lot and am very curious where the story goes. If there’s a season 2, I’ll likely continue.

    Current releases, following weekly (roughly organized by decreasing interest):

    • Oshi No Ko S2 - No new episode.
    • Makeine - Still great. The curious thing for me in this anime is it flirts with common tropes, but then subverts it somehow that makes it not bother me. I wish it just avoided certain situations completely, which would make this a much easier recommendation to non-regular-anime-watchers.
    • Pseudo Harem - Great episode. This couple is adorable.
    • I Parry Everything - Another episode where the stakes just keep going up, and it gets beyond the level of absurd I thought it could do.
    • Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings… - More anime tropes I find very boring, but at least it was only part of the episode this time. When it focuses more on the relationship of the main couple, it’s much better.

    Watched part of, but not up to date:

    • Dungeon People - 6 episodes. Fun and easy watch. The content sometimes surprises me. It looks like it’d be relatively safe for kids, then something happens or is referenced and I realize it’s more adult than it looks.
    • Days With My Stepsister - 4 episodes. Watched because it keeps hitting very high on the weekly charts. I’m super leery of the subject, but it’s surprisingly mature and realistic. Veerrrry slow though. It’s good enough I’ll keep going, because I think it started really climbing the charts for its later episodes.
    • Wistoria - 3 episodes. Watched because it’s been higher on charts. Fun story, good animation, likable characters, interesting world. Ya I’ll probably keep going.
    • No Longer Allowed In Another World - 1 episode. Watched because charts. The obsession with suicide is very off putting (I don’t think this subject should be handled to lightly…), and then I learned the MC is based on a real person (who actually died by suicide) and that made it feel really icky to me. I’ll admit, I laughed several times in the first episode. But I dunno if I’ll keep going.
    • esc27@lemmy.world
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      25 days ago

      Yeah. I felt the same about “No Longer Allowed in Another Word” at first, but it grew on me. I think it took about four episodes to establish itself.

  • Endmaker
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    27 days ago

    Completed the following:

    My Dress-Up Darling

    Heard plenty of praises for it before. It moved up my priority queue thanks to the latest manga chapters.

    It is good as expected and I can see why everyone likes Marin. In fact, I’d say she carried the show quite a bit. Wakana does not have as much of an impact but he’s decent too.

    Like most other seinen romances that I’ve consumed, there’s a lack of unnecessary drama. For example, at the end of episode 10

    episode 10 spoiler

    it looked like Wakana was going to cause a rift in their relationship over a small issue. I thought the episode is going to end with a looming drama as a cliff-hanger, which I’d find annoying. But Marin just straight-up spoke up about it, crushing the drama before it even begin, all in a span of one minute.

    Those shounen and shoujo romances can learn from this (though at that point, they would probably be considered seinen and jousei).

    It’s among my potential top favourites at the moment (i.e. score of 9 / 10). Looking forward to the next season.

    Coincidentally, I picked up the manga The Story of a Succubus Who Came to the Human World. It looks like it’s inspired (or referenced) by the succubus manga from My Dress-Up Darling. Real cute and wholesome.


    WorldEnd: What are you doing at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us?

    Kinda like Captain America but in a fantasy world.

    This anime surprisingly fulfills many of my criteria for a Gundam-like show. At one point, I was half-expecting the talisman to float around and attack enemies like funnels / dragoons / gund bits.

    Not sure if it’s because the anime tried to adapt too much of the source material in too few episodes, but I find that there’s a lack of explanation and depth when it comes to characterization and world-building.

    Due to its flaws, I’ve gotta give it a 7 or 8 / 10

    • wjs018OPM
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      27 days ago

      I have read most of the Dress-Up Darling manga, but dropped it when I caught up to what was released at the time. I did see about the most recent developments, so I might have to hop back in and catch up. One of my complaints about the manga is that it went on such deep dives about the cosplaying details and techniques that it seemed to completely forget the main plot for entire chapters. Does the anime manage to smooth out this pacing to help keep the story moving?

      • molave@reddthat.com
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        27 days ago

        The anime pacing was good from what I remember. I appreciated the deep dives of creating cosplay clothing without detracting from the romance.

        spoiler

        Me: “Gojo, did you lose?”

        Gojo: “Nah, I won.”

        • wjs018OPM
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          27 days ago

          That’s good to hear. I liked the info as well, but felt like the balance was off in the manga.

  • wjs018OPM
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    27 days ago

    Weekly ranking roundup:

    1. Anime Corner - Full Results - Weekly Winner: Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
    2. Reddit Karma - Weekly Winner: Makeine
    3. Anime Trending - Weekly Winner: Days With My Stepsister

    Credit to /u/Abysswatcherbel for making the chart for reddit karma and /u/Nooble5 for the Anime Trending chart.

    One show that I feel like these rankings are really missing is Dungeon People. It is down at #37 on AC, unranked on AT, and #29 in reddit karma. I have really enjoyed it a lot. I am not claiming it is the best show this season by any means, but it is a really solid, dungeon SOL with likeable characters.

    • thejoker954@lemmy.world
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      27 days ago

      I tried dungeon people and was liking it, but the whole father situation was just handled so damn weirdly that it just pulled me out.

      • wjs018OPM
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        27 days ago

        I agree that the father storyline is the weakest part of the show. It used to bother me more, but I have been able to largely ignore it (much like the show does) after a couple of episodes.

  • zabadoh
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    19 days ago

    Is it too early to start thinking about next season? (Credit and blame to MAL)

    Fall 2024 Lineup:

    Japanese English
    Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 3rd Season Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3
    Uzumaki Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror
    Blue Lock vs. U-20 Japan Blue Lock Season 2
    Dandadan Dandadan
    Seirei Gensouki 2 Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Season 2
    Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou Season 3 Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Season 3
    Bleach: Sennen Kessen-hen - Soukoku-tan Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Conflict
    Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka V: Houjou no Megami-hen Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? V
    Shangri-La Frontier: Kusoge Hunter, Kamige ni Idoman to su 2nd Season Shangri-La Frontier Season 2
    Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online II
    Ao no Hako Ao no Hako
    Ao no Exorcist: Yuki no Hate-hen Blue Exorcist: Beyond the Snow Saga
    Dragon Ball Daima Dragon Ball Daima
    Tensei Kizoku, Kantei Skill de Nariagaru 2nd Season As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I’ll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise S2
    Kamonohashi Ron no Kindan Suiri 2nd Season Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions Season 2
    Kimi wa Meido-sama. You Are Ms. Servant.
    Kekkon suru tte, Hontou desu ka 365 Days to the Wedding
    Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7
    Rekishi ni Nokoru Akujo ni Naru zo I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History
    Ranma ½ (2024) Ranma ½ (2024)
    Raise wa Tanin ga Ii Yakuza Fiancé
    Hitoribocchi no Isekai Kouryaku Loner Life in Another World
    Amagami-san Chi no Enmusubi Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister
    Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Kyoto Douran Rurouni Kenshin Season 2
    Maou 2099 Demon Lord 2099
    Yarinaoshi Reijou wa Ryuutei Heika wo Kouryakuchuu The Do-Over Damsel Conquers The Dragon Emperor
    Nanatsu no Taizai: Mokushiroku no Yonkishi 2nd Season The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse Season 2
    Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru. If My Wife Becomes an Elementary School Student.
    MF Ghost 2nd Season MF Ghost 2nd Season
    Party kara Tsuihou sareta Sono Chiyushi, Jitsu wa Saikyou ni Tsuki Party kara Tsuihou sareta Sono Chiyushi, Jitsu wa Saikyou ni Tsuki
    Houkago Shounen Hanako-kun Part 2 After-School Hanako-kun Part 2
    Sayounara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei Good Bye, Dragon Life.
    Hoshifuru Oukoku no Nina Nina the Starry Bride
    Maou-sama, Retry! R Demon Lord, Retry! R
    Ao no Miburo Ao no Miburo
    Chi.: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
    Love Live! Superstar!! 3rd Season Love Live! Superstar!! 3rd Season
    Saikyou no Shienshoku “Wajutsushi” de Aru Ore wa Sekai Saikyou Clan wo Shitagaeru The Most Notorious “Talker” Runs the World’s Greatest Clan
    Mecha-ude (TV) Mechanical Arms
    Goukon ni Ittara Onna ga Inakatta Hanashi How I Attended an All-Guy’s Mixer
    Nageki no Bourei wa Intai shitai Let’s be treasure hunters!
    Kabushikigaisha Magi-Lumière Kabushikigaisha Magi-Lumière
    Touhai: Ura Rate Mahjong Touhai Roku Touhai: Ura Rate Mahjong Touhai Roku
    Youkai Gakkou no Sensei Hajimemashita! Youkai Gakkou no Sensei Hajimemashita!
    Acro Trip Acro Trip
    Haigakura Haigakura
    Trillion Game Trillion Game
    NegaPosi Angler Negative Positive Angler
    Kamierabi 2nd Season KamiErabi GOD.app Season 2
    Shin Tennis no Oujisama: U-17 World Cup Semifinal The Prince of Tennis: U-17 World Cup Semifinal
    Mahoutsukai ni Narenakatta Onnanoko no Hanashi Mahoutsukai ni Narenakatta Onnanoko no Hanashi
    Shi Cao Lao Long Bei Guan Yi E Long Zhi Ming 2nd Season A Herbivorous Dragon of 5,000 Years Gets Unfairly Villainized
    Hamidashi Creative Hamidashi Creative
    The iDOLM@STER Shiny Colors 2nd Season The iDOLM@STER Shiny Colors 2nd Season
    Ooi! Tonbo 2nd Season Tonbo! Season 2
    Tono to Inu Tono to Inu
    Puniru wa Kawaii Slime Puniru wa Kawaii Slime
    Kankin Kuiki Level X Lockdown Zone: Lv. X
    Kinoko Inu Kinoko Inu
    Hyakushou Kizoku 2nd Season Hyakushou Kizoku 2nd Season
    Neko ni Tensei shita Ojisan Neko ni Tensei shita Ojisan
    Kagaku x Bouken Survival! Kagaku x Bouken Survival!
    Asatir 2: Mirai no Mukashi Banashi Asatir 2: Mirai no Mukashi Banashi
    Delico’s Nursery cours 2 Delico’s Nursery cours 2
    • wjs018OPM
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      21 days ago

      Is it too early to start thinking about next season?

      You are like 12 hours early. The week 38 thread I am posting soon is going to be the Fall season look ahead. I need to sit down and look through the shows and pick what I want to try to watch yet. I anticipate my work schedule is going to pick up some more in Q4, so I might have to make some tough choices.

      All the credit to you for formatting that big of a markdown table.

    • zabadoh
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      21 days ago

      Whew, Fall 2024 looks stacked with good shows!

      I’ll be anticipating:

      • Re:Zero S3
      • Uzumaki
      • Blue Lock S2
      • Dandadan
      • Shangri-La Frontier Season 2
      • SAO: Gun Gale Online II
      • Mechanical Arms
      • Trillion Game

      Maybe:

      • Acro Trip (because riffing on magical girls)
      • Chi.: Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite (because Madhouse)
      • MF Ghost 2nd Season (because racing)