Amun’s Seasonal Snapshot

Hello, and welcome to Amun’s Seasonal Snapshot post!  Thanks to the kind folks who helped me decide on what to do.  Without further ado, here are the shows that I’m watching this season and whether or not you should join me – I’ll give them grades to help you decide.  There are some shows I’m about to drop, some that are decent, a few good ones, and one that’s simply head and shoulders above the rest (bet it’s not the one you expect).

I just haven’t had time to watch

There are so many shows this season – it’s insane.  A few that I just haven’t had time to get to are Trigun, Flaglia, and Hikari no Ou.  By all accounts, those are some of the best of the season, but I didn’t do their first episode blurbs, so I’ve been behind from week 1 (kinda funny how that works out for us writers).  There are several shows that I’ve started, but I’m a bit back on too: DanMachi (I know, I know), Revengers, Suger Apple Fairy Tale, Spy Classroom, and In/Spectre.  Also, I’m still behind from last season (I need to finish out Mob and Bleach), so it’s been a feast of anime for sure.  Should I prioritize those over others that I’m watching?  Let me know!


About to be Dropped

Ningen Fushin (D-)

Ningen Fushin no Boukensha-tachi ga Sekai wo Sukuu you desu (these names are out of control) started off fine.  Not the best premise, but “cynical, untrusting party saves the world” isn’t the worst premise of the season.  Unfortunately, the production quality has fallen to dramatic lows – it’s really bad.  No idea what happened, but there isn’t nearly enough plot (or “plot” if you know what I mean) to carry this level of animation.  One more bad episode and I’m out.

Otonari no Tenshi (D+)

Otonari no Tenshi was a show I hyped a bit on my first episode preview – it reminded me a lot of the Key shows from last decade (guess it was just the use of the word “Tenshi”).  Unfortunately, this middle section has started to sag (there’s a getting older joke in there somewhere).  The plot development is going as boringly expected, but I think the real issue is the show’s straying out of realistic bounds and into a weird fantasy fulfillment.  There just isn’t any drama here – it’s a live-in wife without the ring.  Okay, sure.  It’s lukewarm mush, and unless something promising develops in the next few episodes, I’ve got other things to watch.


Doing Decent

Tomo-chan (C)

I like Tomo-chan and shows like it: Shikkimori-san, Aharen-san, Toradora, Kaguya, etc.    There hasn’t been any major problems and the characters are quite likable.  Actually, I’d say the side characters are carrying this – Gundo especially.  There’s plenty of conflict with some sweet moments thrown in.  This isn’t breaking into the top 5 of the high-school gimmicky romance by a long shot, but it’s enjoyable enough to continue on.

Isekai Nonbiri (C)

There are many isekai this season.  So many, sooooo many.  Honestly, several of them are decent – Isekai Nonbiri is probably the weakest, but still watchable.  Sure, it’s a traditional farming tour with a unnecessarily large harem, but there are some fun aspects.  I really enjoy the pets – the spider is definitely my favorite.  Nothing’s really happening, and it’s pretty laid back, but it’s a farming isekai – what did you really expect?

Handyman in Another World (C+)

On the other end of the spectrum from Isekai Nonbiri, is Handyman in Another World.  Each episode is a collection of shorts – some of which are wildly unrelated (very odd), but the main group has solid characters.  I’m very partial to overpowered characters that have a glaring weakness – I think every party member has that in Handyman (maybe not the knight I guess).  I also like the isekai subgenre of emphasizing the importance of a “glue guy”, without whom the party ceases to function.  The relationships are good too as we see little snapshots of the world and the adventures.  A bit more rapid fire than the other iseaki, but Handyman comes in nice sized bites that don’t require too much cerebral effort.  One of my favorites so far this season.

Kubo-san (C+)

News is that Kubo-san is going to be taking a hiatus due to production issues, and I certainly understand that.  Last episode had some really rough character drawings, but that aside, the overall story has been the cute, gimmick based show that was advertised on the tin.  Again, not going to be a show that’s memorable past the season, but I really enjoy seeing how Kubo-san is corralling our protag into her amorous clutches.  Atta girl.


Stars of the Season

Buddy Daddies (B)

Buddy Daddies was projected as a low rent Spy x Family.  I’d say in some ways, it’s better (yeah, fight me).  I tired of Anya’s juvenile behavior and “fake” being a family – so far (I’ve seen through episode 4), Buddy Daddies is resolving the issues in the open rather than trying to pretend through it.  That’s more interesting on-screen than a false family; the struggles of living together out in the open is much more…buddy-like, one could say.  Action so far has been decent (albeit a bit unbelievable), and the characters are spot-on.  This show is just doing what it’s designed to do – and doing it well.  I hope this continues, as so far, these hitman/parents are exceeding my expectations.

Tsundere Akuyaku (B+)

I predicted Tsundere Akuyaku as the dark horse of the season, and while my expectations are tempered a bit, I still feel pretty good.  The biggest problem I see is there are too many good characters competing for screentime – that’s a problem most shows would kill for.  The dual world isekai is interesting (although there’s at least 1 other show this season utilizing it), but all the characters are endearing and the plot is proceeding well-enough.  The drama of this world trying to break into the other looks to be explored soon, so I can’t wait.  I was a fan of My Life as a Villainess, so this is right up my alley.  If you’re a few back, don’t fret – it hasn’t fallen off yet.

Bungou Stray Dogs (A)

I always forget how good this series is.  Maybe it’s because I forget and have low expectations that I’m pleasantly surprised each time.  The backstory of Rampo and the President was FANTASTIC.  I loved the film noir style start and the origins of Rampo’s glasses (very important last season, if I remember right).  This season definitely looks to focus on the core pair of the Armed Detective Agency, and I am 100% here for it.  Although, I’d like to have some Demon Snow x Weretiger too, pretty please.

 


The Clear Favorite

My Hero Academia (S)

Wow.  Just wow.  My Hero Academia is on a tour de force this past and current season.  This is a bit like Marvel’s Avengers, where all the previous storylines are coming together for the big climax.  To use an American sports analogy, I compare MHA to Lebron James’ argument for the GOAT – continued excellence over an insanely long period of time.  Just like Mr. James, MHA is aging spectacularly, with the battles of the “hero” generations continuing the wars of their predecessors – absolutely fantastic.  The legacies of the number one and number two heros….man, I could rant all day.  If you’re current on the series, and you can only watch one show this season – watch My Hero Academia.  Also, that OP is fire!

 


If you made it this far, thanks for joining me!  I’ll check back in next time with my updates.  If you want me to do a particular show, let me know in the comments!

3 thoughts on “Amun’s Seasonal Snapshot

  1. You are aware that Anya is a fuckjng child right? Do you really expect her to act nature at her age! Also there us more to Apy x family if you really looked at it instead of being impatient with it.

    Also what exactly is the appeal of Tomo? It is just another stupid romantic comedy in High school because apparently most anime think high school is the entire world.

    1. I’m not debating the veracity of Spy x Family’s depiction of the Forger family – I think it’s pretty realistic. I just personally get a bit tired of a child’s antics being the centerpiece of a Spy show. That’s not to say it’s not a good show (it is), but my personal enjoyment of it is less when Anya is the main driving force instead of Yor or Loid. Case in point – last season’s tennis tournament arc is one of my favorites so far in SxF and Anya wasn’t featured. That’s not to say I hate Anya – I think she’s a great addition in small doses (especially her interactions with Desmond). I get that Operation Strix depends on her, and so does SxF as a whole – I just connect better with some of the other characters. I think I’m more critical of SxF, since I can see the fantastic story, characters, and world that exists – I just feel it’s being misused sometimes by relying so heavily on a child, with all of the child’s (realistic) limitations. To me, Anya should be the spice of the show, not the main course – I’m far more interested in Loid, Yor, and overall world. Personal preference though.

      You’re not wrong on Tomo – high school romance shows do feel that (weird how in the United States, college is the pinnacle of youth, but in Japan it’s high school). Basically, I just like Tomo’s characters. The almost-genderbender gimmick is amusing to me, and the central conflict of “Will Jun realize I’m a girl” is lighthearted enough to be enjoyable. It’s fluff, no question, but I don’t hate it. I liked Shikkimori-san, and tons of people blasted it left and right shrugs. I completely understand if it’s not your cup of tea though.

  2. Small update: I caught up on In/Spectre last night and it’s still good. It’s definitely still a “tell-not-show” anime, but it’s engaging enough to sit through a drawn out hypothetical explanation that’s immediately disproven. I’d put it solidly in the B+/A- range, with the only deductions coming from excessive dialogue. Still in the upper half of the season for me, though.

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