Teogonia
Short Synopsis: A young boy sets off on a journey through a fantasy world after memories of his past life awaken within him.
Lenlo: It’s a bit sad, but the biggest thing holding Teogonia back has to be its production. The designs and what not are fine, but the whole thing moves like a half-assed powerpoint presentation. For a series built around combat, around the defense of a village against the endless hordes of monsters, that’s a real problem. And I don’t think the narrative is enough to overcome that, despite the early hints that the monsters aren’t what they seem and that those in charge may not be as benevolent as they would have you believe. There are some bits here and there I’m curious about, the “flashbacks” to our world, the use of magic, these little seeds filled with energy they eat to get stronger. There’s bits and pieces here, hints, as to something interesting. But the way it’s presented could make anything dull.
Potential: 20%
Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi
Short Synopsis: A shy college student who loves to eat joins a fraudulent Food Culture Research Club on campus.
Wooper: HibiMeshi (or “Food for the Soul,” if you prefer the localized title) doesn’t offer a whole lot to get excited about in its first episode. It’s set at college rather than middle or high school, but the trademark P.A. Works character designs make the girls feel no different than any old extracurricular club-bound quartet. Several of them do have part-time jobs, which I’d say is the show’s best chance at building something concrete for itself, since their restaurant work ties into their food-focused circle. Jobs aside, all we’ve got is yet another socially anxious protagonist who joins a club to push herself outside her comfort zone, along with sadly mediocre meal prep animation. That last item might be the real killer here, as food porn in anime has taken some huge strides over the years, and this show doesn’t seem to have kept up. And it’s explicitly about food, too – or it seems to be at first glance. The twist at the end of this premiere informs us that the Food Culture Research Club was created under false pretenses, as its founder simply wanted a dedicated space to goof off, but it seems obvious that the series will be a culinary one in some capacity. I mean, the opening scene sees the main character watching a video about a Hokkaido chicken ranch. As of right now, I’m not sure what the point of that twist was, or why I ought to watch another episode of HibiMeshi other than its general pleasantness.
Potential: 20%
Ranger Reject S2
Short Synopsis: Season 2 of Ranger Reject.
Lenlo: It’s back and I’m loving it. Ranger Reject ended the previous season on an awkward note, with a dead Keeper, an escaped Boss, and a mediocre exam arc, so I was a bit concerned about how this new season would go. Aside from the weird sister-complex though, as well as the annoying boob jokes, I was pleasantly surprised. I love getting to see the slowly collapsing/fracturing Rangers, how the Keepers are falling apart due to interpersonal conflicts, and the confirmation that there are multiple Boss monsters still at large in the city. It feels like Ranger Reject is starting to expand its plot, like it’s getting into the secrets of the setting now that D is finally in with the Rangers. Even the production has appeared to improve, with some good looking scenes both in and out of combat. All things considered, I’m happy with Season 2, and I hope it’s able to take this strong start and continue it for the rest of the season.
Potential: 60%
The post Spring 2025 Impressions: Teogonia, Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi, Ranger Reject S2 appeared first on Star Crossed Anime.
