Likely systems

We’re still very much in the world-building stage of Gachiakuta. And if you like world-building and consider it a core principle of shounen, that’s a good thing (I do). It reflects the patient nature of Urana Kei’s narrative style. Given that this was her first serialization that’s somewhat surprising (if you don’t lock them in …

I was half-expecting a “you’ll float too” there for a minute. The bar is high, but this arc may be the best run of episodes Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun has had in anime form. The sense of import is palpable, because we’re cutting very close to the bone where the core premise is concerned. But beyond …

After a fairly weak little run of episodes, that was a nice rebound for Ame to Kimi to. Not perfect, but squarely back in the groove of what this show can do well. I think this is one of those series that fares better when it keeps its focus narrow rather than trying to go …

In last week’s Bisque Doll post I said “being annoyed in the final analysis is better than being bored where anime is concerned”. And this episode went about systematically putting that to the test. I guess I’d still say it’s true – anything dealing with the part of the story that’s actually engaging is better …

After a one-week hiatus (due to a 24-hour telethon, not any sort of production delay) Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu jumps right back into the thick of it. The key story element here is Kurebayashi-san, the one external figure who Yoshiki has chosen to confide in. But she’s just a small part of a larger puzzle, …