Galvanized into ACTION: Anime and Manga Reviews

Showing posts with label Anime and Manga Reviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Anime 2024

Animes that I watched this year:

Berserk

K-ON

Solo Leveling

Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga

A Sign of Affection

Bungo Stray Dogs

ReLife

Mr. Villain's Day Off

Plastic Memories

Serial Experiments Lain

BARTENDER Glass of God

Wind Breaker

Kaiju No. 8

SSSS Gridman

Haikyu

Toradora

Sword Art Online

Days with my Stepsister

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian

Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!

SHOSHIMIN: How to Become Ordinary

Bocchi The Rock

Neon Genesis Evangelion

That time that I reincarnated as a slime

My Hero Academia

Oshi no Ko Season 2

2.5 Dimensional Seduction

Uzumaki

Himouto Umaru-chan

Ranma 1/2

Dandadan

To Me, The One Who Loved You

To Every You I've Loved Before

Currently Watching:

365 days to wedding

Bleach

Blue Box

ReZero

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Wind Breaker

WIND BREAKER

13 Episodes

Date aired: Apr 05, 2024 to Jun 28, 2024

Duration: 23 mins

Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama, School, Shounen

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Another new anime with a strong pilot episode. It's about delinquents and gangs. This time, the main character is strong - definitely has some lame characters but it has potential.

I enjoy the whole season. It's about battle and standing up for your friends. They fought over some conflicts and had them resolved in the end.

I love how the village loves the gang, they respect them as they are the ones who protect the city. The gang has fun and weird members. It's not the type of gang in Tokyo Revengers. And this is not delinquents. They are actually good kids.

Now, I want our boy to be on the top behind is shyness. I wonder how the story will proceed.

//sebajisoka

Kaiju No.8

12 Episodes

Date aired: Apr 13, 2024 to Jun 29, 2024

Duration: 23 mins

Genres: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Shounen, Super Power

Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Kaiju No. 8 has a promising start. For some reason I can feel some AOT impression, but a comedic one. Plot is not new but interesting.

The animation is nice. It's good on it's own. It's fun. You can always bet on the hero.

The story revolves around a guy who wanted to be a part of the defence force against monsters. The thing is, he always fail. But one day, a small Kaiju entered his body though his mouth and it became a source of his power. He became Kaiju No. 8

Now, he joined the force with this monster within him hidden. He was eventually found out at the end of the season.

I'm wondering how will they pull this off next season. How would they use him for battle.

//sebajisoka

BARTENDER Glass of God

12 Episodes

Date aired: Apr 03, 2024 to Jun 19, 2024

Duration: 23 mins

Genres: Drama, Seinen, Slice of Life, Gourmet, Iyashikei

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

The strong first episode for an anime about the bartender seems like a slice of life but interesting. The story is about the hunt for a bartender for a recently opened hotel. The management searched and after just a few episodes, they knew who it was.

The story revolves around this guy who can create the glass of God. An amazing bartender who managed to create drinks based on what the client needs.

I don't drink but the mixing of these alcoholic drinks is amazing. It's a ford of art. They have a mix for every person. It's impressive and they really showcased this nicely.

This show is a one-chill show.

//Bartender

//sebajisoka

Friday, May 31, 2024

Plastic Memories

13 Episodes

Date aired: Date aired: Apr 05, 2015 to Jun 28, 2015

Duration: 24 mins

Genres: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life

Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

I've been avoiding this anime for a while. Maybe because I had an idea that it would be sad. I'm still traumatized by Your Lie in April and I want to eat your pancreas.

The story is about androids that can be purchased by people in replace of regular people. 1st episode is really sad. Has hints of a dramatic ending, and comedy, and despite being sci-fi, it's also a Slice of Life.

Almost every episode will make you cry. Even if the ending of the episode is predictable, they know how to use the right music at the right time. They know how to make you cry.

It's a drama anime but it's a peaceful one. The build-up all makes sense. You'll hate it because you know what's coming.

"I hope that one day you will be reunited with the one you cherish."

-Isla

//PlasticMemories

//sebajisoka

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Season: 24 Episodes

Date aired: Sep 29, 2023 to Mar 22, 2024

Duration: 28 mins

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen, Iyashikei, Demons, Magic

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

What an anime. It gave us a different take on a Fantasy anime. When I first watch this show, all I can feel is, this is a Slice of Life anime in a Fantasy world. But after few more episodes, it feels like I'm watching me, playing my favorite fantasy game but I already finished the major quests and just completing the side missions.

Freiren is a lovable character. She's calm and soft spoken and as an Elf, he has al the time in the world. What I like about the concept of the show is how Freiren often look back in a day where she had this memorable adventure. Her experiences and her battles. Also the friends that she gained.

Her life may be long but it feels like it's a sad one. People that she encountered will pass away sooner, their lifespan is like only a year to her lifespan.

This gave me some thoughts to ponder. Life is short, we better live with each other in harmony. Specially with your love ones.

Anyway, the season didn't end with just that, it slowly transition to the typical fantasy show that has battles and competition but with a touch of the Frieren brand.

This is one of the best shows that I watched recently.

“Despite knowing, with all my heart, how short human lifespan is… why didn’t I try to get to know him better?”

//sebajisoka

Solo Leveling

Season: 12 Episodes

Date aired: Jan 07, 2024 to Mar 31, 2024

Duration: 23 min

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power, Isekai, Magic

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

This is probably the first Manwha that I'm aware of that I watched. And one of the most anticipated show in recent memory and I can understand why. The show is good, it has a really good watchability and it's fun.

The story revolves around a weak guy inside this world where random dungeon exists. Those dungeon should be completed to avoid risk to the world. Now, there are hunters whose primary job is to hunt down dungeons, there are several levels of hunters depending on the level of monsters in the dungeon.

Now, our hero is just weak. But a certain incident changed his life.

His journey is fun and exciting. There are lots of things that he cannot explain but as he levels up, we slowly begin to understand what's happening. Reveal after reveals and we are on the end of the show. I'm not that invested enough to hop in the manga but I'll definitely wait for the next season.

"I Feel Like Something Within Me Is Lost Every Time I Get Stronger."

//sebajisoka

Mr. Villain's Day Off

12 Episodes

Date aired: Jan 08, 2024 to Mar 25, 2024

Duration: 24 min

Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Shoujo, Slice of Life, Iyashikei

Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Mr. Villain's Day Off. This show just arrived out of nowhere. It's a recommendation from a friend. The title of the show is fun and intruiging. It assumes that being a villain is like a normal day job of 9-5.

The show is soothing. A fun and slow show about a day in a life of a villain. On the job, he's a monster but on his day off, well, he's as innocent as it can be.

The journey is cute and really funny. The mind behind this show is a genious and has a really playful mind.

You should watch this show if you're feeling stressed out or something. It's that comforting.

//sebajisoka

A Sign of Affection

Season 1: 12 Episodes

Date aired: Jan 06, 2024 to Mar 23, 2024

Duration: 24 min

Genres: Romance, Shoujo, Slice of Life, Iyashikei

Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

I watched this show somewhere in the middle of the release. I don't have any idea what is this about. All I know if that this is a Slice of Life and it's good. So, I joined the fun and right off the bat, they showed us that the story will revolve around a girl with a hearing disability.

I was impressed upon knowing this. There was this moment of realization about the title of the show. It's a love story connected through signs.

It's a good show. They introduced us to the world of sign languages, if you pay close attention you might pick up some important signs that you can use in the future. They show us a daily life and stuggle of someone with this specific disability.

The story and phasing is nice and slow and I enjoy it. I was rooting for her friend instead of the actual partner but it is what it is.

You look so happy when you're with Itsuomi-san. It's gotta be love! You're like a different person from yesterday! You were glowing!

~ Fujishiro Rin || A Sign of Affection

//sebajisoka

Monday, April 1, 2024

ReLife

Relife

Season: 13 Episodes

Season 2: 4 Episodes

Special: 2 short episodes

Date aired: July 2016 - March 2018

Duration: 23 min

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Seinen, Slice of Life

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

If you're given a chance to start over. To build yourself up in this specific point in time to make things right and change the course of your life. Would you do it?

In this life, you only get one chance. Things that you did, will have a ripple effect to the future. And for those missed opportunities, those unsaid feelings. How would you deal with it if the previous opportunity is actually the last one?

This is what the show is about. A lesson that you'll learn towards the end.

I watched this show due to an indirect recommendation by a friend. It's about going back to high school to change some decisions made at the time. But you will not go back in time, you will be in the present time with a new identity and body. You will enter high school with the knowledge that you have now and will try to learn as much.

I enjoy the show so much. It has high watchability and what's happening is interesting to me. A highly recommended show - underrated for sure.

The ending has a heartwarming and satisfying feeling.

//sebajisoka

Bungo Straydogs

Bungo Stay Dogs

Season 1: 12 Episodes

Season 2: 12 Episodes

Season 3: 12 Episodes

Season 4: 13 Episodes

Season 5: 11 Episodes

Date aired: Apr 07, 2016 to Sep 20, 2023

Duration: 23 min

Genres: Action, Comedy, Mystery, Seinen, Super Power, Supernatural

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Bungo Stray Dogs is one of the animes on my watchlist that's been sitting for awhile. So I decided to start the series and see what's the hype is about.

I started it with a great expectation, it's been recommended by my friends for awhile, but upon watching the first few episodes, it felt like it's a generic story.

Dazai is probably the famous one, way more than the protagonist, Atsushi. But my favorite is the smart one named Ranpo. He's not an ability user but he feels like one due to his insane observation skill.

They were amazing moments in the show, there are memorable fight scenes and plot twist. The plot twist in the end is unexpected for me. An overall good show. If you're into investigation type of show, you might enjoy the later season, I promise.

//sebajisoka

Monday, January 22, 2024

K-ON!

K-On

Season 1: 12 Episodes

Season 2: 26 Episodes

Specials: 2 Episodes

Movie: 1 Episode

Date aired: Apr 03, 2009 to Dec 03, 2011

Duration: 24 min

Genres:Comedy, Music, School, Seinen, Slice of Life, Iyashikei

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

A perfect example of an Iyashikei. People live in a peaceful time and no conflict will make you emotional. It's fun to watch anime and it's as simple as it can be.

Each character stands out on their own and they shine during their queue. Well, Ritsu would like that shine but definitely not Mio.

It's an anime about this light music school club. We journeyed with them from starting the club, little problems like having few members of 2 to buying stuff as a person that likes music and also plays some instrument. This show is straightforward and relatable. I love it with all my heart.

Their day-to-day life and cute little struggles and challenges are really calming at this point. The comedy will make you giggle and it's impossible not to smile when watching them.

I really like this one episode in Season 2 EP 9: The scene is participating in a local talent show as a duo of Yui and Azusa. A cute little number and has a touching scenery. A really simple day in a park while people are enjoying the music.

You'll definitely enjoy their music. Yes, aside from all the adventures. All the school performances and their music are a definite must-have in your Spotify playlist.

At some point, I realized that this is how heaven would look like. We live our daily lives with no conflict and no sin. Just peace.

All I can think about now is how can I obtain all their figures.

Anyway, K-ON is an ideal world. No bullying. Just people having fun and fulfilling their dreams. supporting each other.

“To the me back then, you don’t need to worry. You’ll soon find something you can do, something you can set your heart on.” – Yui Hirasawa

//sebajisoka

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Perfect Blue

Date aired: Feb 28, 1998

Duration: 81 min

Movie

Genres: Drama, Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Avant Garde

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

This is an old anime that has been sitting on my watchlist for a while. The only reason that I picked this up is because, I'm assigned to take care of our baby, and to entertain myself, I wanted to watch something. However, I'm only halfway through an anime I've been watching and want to finish one now, so a movie is perfect.

Perfect Blue is the first one to appear on my watchlist. I started the movie with no idea of what was coming. I didn't watch the trailer or read the synopsis.

It opened up to a Power Ranger type of play with a classic anime art style. I had no issues with it but I expect good things when they animate it this way. Things are slowly building up to something, there's a lot of premonition.

Then, we went to the climax, and boy, I'm confused. It's beautifully put together, yes it's confusing and yes, that's what made this show great. It plays with your mind, makes you think, and fools you.

You thought you already knew everything all along but it's all a lie. It's an illusion.

//PerfectBlue

//sebajisoka

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Berserk

Monster

Date aired: Oct 08, 1997 to Apr 01, 1998

Duration: 23 min

25 Episodes

Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Military, Seinen, Supernatural, Demons

Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

I've been hearing Berserk ever since I started watching anime and it is one of the old anime that looks like a classic but you do not have the eagerness to start.

Well, after reading so many recommendations. I started the series. At the time, I'm wondering why do they like this. It does not feel anything special. But, I gave the show a chance and watched it like a normal series. Weekly. Then, just this year I decided to binge the remaining episodes and I can't get my hands off of it.

The ending is insanely beautiful and tragic. I was surprised by the sudden change of theme. But they pulled it off amazingly.

I immediately hop into the manga to continue the experience and they say that this is how you consume Berserk, through the manga. And it did not disappoint. I regret not consuming this sooner.

//Berserk

//sebajisoka

Monster

Date aired: Apr 07, 2004 to Sep 28, 2005

Duration: 22 min

74 Episodes

Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Seinen, Thriller, Suspense

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

I can't believe that I only watched this now. This show is only for the mature. The elements of this anime are just insane. It's one of the best, suspense and psychological anime out there and a classic.

The story revolves around a Japanese Doctor, Dr. Tenma. One of the finest young surgeons of the generation. There's almost nothing that he can't do. He met this kid who was shot in the head and tried to do an operation with him and succeeded. But this is where his nightmare begins.

He became a suspect in the killing of his own director and it skyrocketed to many killings and each episode is getting more and more interesting. All you want is to know how will it end. How will the people know the true killer and the mystery behind it all?

This is a journey. A definite must-watch.

I woke up from the dream. There were so many visions I had of the end, but now I'm picturing a different ending altogether; a clearer vision of the true ending.

//Monster

//sebajisoka

Monday, January 1, 2024

ANIME FIGURE COLLECTION 2023

First Anime Figure you bought this year

This was a pre order the previous year that was released earlier this year.

Latest Anime Figure you purchased.

Banpresto Colleseum Figure. One of the best in terms of quality.

Cutest Figure

'This lovely family from Spy x Family. A gift from a friend in Japan.

Figure of antagonist

Of course, Sukuna

Figure that took you forever to find

Never seen anyone that have this figure and it took me forever to find it until I was not searching for it and it appeared in my timeline.

Figure of a Sensei

No other than All Might

Figure that you own that you got the worst deal on (aka paid too much)

Overvalued due to rarity but I'm not 100% on this figure. Should have payed 1/3 the price.

Favorite Female Character

The Chizuru Mizuhara.

Favorite Bunny

There should be no one else.

Favorite male Character

No caption needed

Figure that gives you nostalgia

For Naruto anime's 20th anniversary, they created this figure to represent the past and present. It gave me all the feels when I saw this.

Ultimate Grail

I never planned on buying this but I've been looking at this figure from the promo campaign and It's one of the best figure out there. So I bought it. It's now rotating on my display cab,

Favorite Photo of figure