Migi & Dali
Short Synopsis (Anilist): The boy’s name was Hitori. A stork brought the angel into the lives of a middle-aged couple who were not blessed with children. His parents were kind, his house spacious, and his meals hot. But to protect the happiness he had received, Hitori continued to hide an important secret from his parents…
I’ll admit, any show that opens playing Clare de lune over the scene of a murder on Christmas Eve automatically has my attention. Partly because I love the song, partly because it’s a ballsy way to start. Written by Nami Sano, the author of Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto, I had no idea what to think of Migi & Dali. Would it be a comedy with some dark undertones like Sakamoto? Or would it be more of a legitimate horror with some wackiness involved? Whatever it was, I knew it wouldn’t be “normal”. And after watching this pilot I can confidently say… I still have absolutely no idea what I just watched. This is easily one of the most unnerving series I have watched in a long time, from the way it presents itself to the very premise itself. It’s creepy in the same way a doll moving on its own is cute but you know it shouldn’t be doing what it is, that it shouldn’t work. That was sort of my experience with Migi & Dali. It’s completely harmless pranks, but it’s presented with incredibly sinister undertones. Combine that with an opening scene and an ED hinting at far more than we know and… Well I have to stick with it. I have to know, to stare into this abyss and see if it stares back into me. Hopefully it’ll be good and pay back my dedication.
Potential: 70%
A Playthrough of a Certain Dude’s VRMMO Life
Short Synopsis (Anilist): Tanaka Taichi is just an ordinary 38-year-old who enjoys video games. He starts a new virtual reality multiplayer game called One More Free Life Online, naming his character Earth. Unlike his fellow players, he decides to master the most menial of skills in the game. He cooks the finest meals, overbrews complicated potions, and hunts monsters with handmade weapons. His fantasy life begins!
Certain Dude has the unfortunate problem of airing in the same season as Shangri-la. As a fellow VRMMO Isekai anime, the two are inevitably going to be compared to each other. And unsurprisingly, Certain Dude does not come out well. I could talk about the bland visuals, the dull narration, the mediocre characterization of basically everyone we see, even how they are blatantly color coded. Instead however I’ll just point you to the single comparison between these two shows that epitomizes their differences: The character creation process. Where Shangri-la’s was full of life, color, movement, and actual jokes, Certain Dude’s was 2 minutes of absolutely nothing. And that sort of comparison extends from the leveling process to the combat. In other seasons, maybe you could have some fun with it. But in Fall 2023 I see absolutely no reason to give this a second glance.
Potential: 0%
I’m in Love with the Villainess
Short Synopsis (Anilist): The world turns upside down when a corporate drone wakes up as Rae Taylor, the heroine in her favorite otome game, Revolution. Rae is elated at the opportunity to court Claire François, the game’s villainess and the object of her affection. Armed with her knowledge of the game and events to come, Rae sets out to make Claire fall for her. But how will the villainess take Rae’s romantic advances?
This is… fine? Villianous didn’t waste any time on any bullshit, jumping right in with being stuck in the game and the professions of love. Admittedly romance isn’t my favorite genre, but I’m always down for one from the girls perspective, especially one that plays it as straight as Villainous appears to be. And by straight I mean that the lead knows exactly what they want from the start, no pussy footing around the subject. It’s also a little funny how easily the “lead boys” are brushed aside, as well as our lead being a hardcore masochist. Usually this is presented in a much creepier fashion, but here it’s treated much more light heartedly. Overall Villainous seems cute, I had a bit of fun with how earnest the romance was without any creepy or ecchi bits. If you like romance more than I do, or are specifically looking for a Lesbian one, this would probably be a good bet for you. As for me? Not really up my alley, even if I understand why some could appreciate it.
Potential: 35%
