Tasteless_Critic_Takes Reviews

Viral Hit: First Upload (2024) Season 1, Episode 1

A unique and bold adaptation of the manwha

[10/10 · 11 April 2024]

Lookism, another Taejun Pak manwha received an adaptation around a year ago. It was so bad I was ashamed, a pathetic attempt which I'm glad to have forgotten so fast, and the episodes had neither the engagement nor the faithfulness to the original story to grant the watcher a true insight into the brilliance of the original work. I think while I say "brilliance" that is not considering that Lookism was Pak's earliest major work and that the early storytelling is somewhat lacklustre anyway, but they ruined the show completely, changing character names and designs so badly I could not see the original work in this episode. So now we come to Viral Hit, a more contemporary work which I've read from release. Despite my disappointment with the Lookism adaptation, I was still excited for this. I felt this could be adapted far better. Was I right? Well it's only taken one episode for me to conclude so.

While I'm not going to tell you this was some transcendence for anime in the adaptation quality, from the very beginning I saw promise in this episode. The direction it had taken to adapt manwha was very simple but something not many shows dare do - it relied on similar frames to the original work but in doing so designed the characters well, while also creating smooth and simple movement needed to animate the characters. The comedic tone for the opening was SPOT ON. SPOT ON. The facial expressions, the music and the voice acting coalesced into some deeply engaging and funny moments while also succeeding in doing what any first episode should do in introducing us to the main characters of the early show. While the show was "Japaneseified" slightly the plot was a perfect copy, probably paced at the right speed for a manwha adaptation. The actual episode was objectively fine, the animation was definitely good for the budget I expect the show to work on but then again this early episode does not have the test of animating the aspirational fights Pak always puts in delinquent manwha. The real thing that pleased me was just seeing the episode do the manwha justice. I sat there for the whole episode with not a moment of lapse in my engagement, brought back to first reading the original work and I just KNEW that this was what I was looking for. I saw that the studio really had worked to understand the characters they have in it, and adapted very faithfully with a very unique license to the pacing and storyboarding, as well as the angles chosen in each moment. As a result, the original story as well as the studio's licensing shone through in what was a great debut episode.

I can assure you guys this does get even better and hope people will give the show the respect it deserves. I am a sucker for a delinquent manwha though so bear with me!

Mashle: Magic and Muscles: Wahlberg Baigan and the Magic of Darkness (2024) Season 2, Episode 9

Another Episode Which Shows Why You Should Stick With Mashle

[10/10 · 16 March 2024]

Mashle is a story for me which improves over time, and as a manga reader it becomes even clearer just how much better the storytelling develops as time goes on in an anime serialisation so well-made and to the theme of the show.

This episode was a simple story: the themes in it derived from other such shows, but the purity and simplicity of the messages always make me happy. I feel like the messages are similar, but "live for other's sake" is a fascinating notion and to have this explored in the way Mash explores is unique, because they integrate these ideas into a fight rather than delivering them afterwards.

So while it's absurd, while there's rap music in the background and while the show didn't start incredibly once more I have to reiterate that this show is incredible and worthy of all the praises it receives.

10/10.

Classroom of the Elite: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. (2024) Season 3, Episode 8

Maybe not the best moment in the show but goodness me it's up there.

[10/10 · 21 February 2024]

I seriously never quite understand why I like this show so much. It's so melodramatic it's hard to take it seriously but somehow I STILL ENGAGE AND FALL FOR THE STORY HOOK LINE AND SINKER.

This episode was just really good - the thing is about COTE while usually in spoiler-less reviews you praise the animation, the OST, the character development - this show I can't really do that. The characters are static - few actually change besides maybe Ryuuen or Horikita, but they're so well written it makes up for that. The animation isn't needed but the art is fantastic. I can't remember the OST. All you get is an insanely implausible yet insanely good plot. The show is like a genre in itself.

One thing I can accredit today besides the insane plot is the quality of voice acting. It's at times like this where your voice actors really come through and today the main checkbox was filled to more than what was needed. I cannot emphasise the emotion of the voice acting at one moment today. It was just incredible.

As always, the plot was charming completely and we have had the best episode in the season only a few episodes in. This makes me think we're going to get more. This is shaping up to be the best season of the show yet.

10/10. Not disappointed for a moment.

Persona 3 Reload (2024 Video Game)

I've been waiting for this!

[10/10 · 12 February 2024]

As a player who could not stand to play portable when he tried it last year on the switch, P3R is a breath of Fresh Air to me, making the original P3 more accessible to the modern audience. I have not even completed the game yet, so I can guarantee this is pretty spoiler-free, but nevertheless I will highlight the game as best I can being about 30hrs in.

The main traits as to why I love this game all revolve around the quality of story made modern through better gameplay. The story of P3 is incredible, and when the graphics are good and the dub acting far exceeds that in the original (especially for Fuuka) this becomes incredibly obvious. I like the fact the game isn't afraid to make characters less likeable or nice to define them properly as characters, and the realism in that you will not be best buds and have a social link with everyone in S. E. E. S. (the main cast of the game) - the fact the game does this adds to its realism, but the changes made in P3R to better incorporate characters into the setting without giving them a strict link aids the quality of the character building, something which Persona does so well time and time again.

The plot itself is unique, well-directed and with twists and turns throughout - I am yet to get to the point in which a clear main antagonist, and yet I feel the menace and stakes. I love how the game makes you save random civilians in Tartarus, and these minor details once again, immerse me into the game. These features in many ways make me enjoy this game more than the previous Persona games, allbeit that is controversial.

The graphics and acting, as mentioned have stepped up. A great new feature is that social links have consistent voice acting, making them more immersive. And some of the acting in this game is incredible, let me tell you - the character variety from monks to random kids to running prodigies to just a straight up dog is wild. The graphics are incredible, especially in Tartarus with the exception of when you're in cutscenes with unnamed or lesser characters, who they don't bother to render, and in many of the places around town where the people are like faceless silhouettes - this being said, when compared to the alternative of low framerates and loading speeds I can live with this.

Finally, and I think the best change is the improvement in gameplay. Original P3 gameplay is... frustrating, to say the least. It's not particularly difficult necessarily, it's just that so much random stuff can wipe your team it's unfairly imbalanced because of many of your team's low damage outputs. In P3, not only is the damage tweaked (i.e. We still take a lot but we can deal a lot with the right buffing) but the new "Theurgy" mechanic is a strong idea, giving us a new win condition for many fights. None of the characters feel unusably weak because of this, and it allows you to shape your teammates around their Theurgy, fixing many issues in the original gameplay I encountered.

Other minor ease of access tweaks coming with a more modern game aside, this is about it for the changes! Not many really, but they make a difference when playing. This is a game I have invested some 30hrs into over through the past week or so and I do not regret it.

10/10. Already a very good game.

Solo Leveling: The Real Hunt Begins (2024) Season 1, Episode 6

Cannot Express How Glad I Am

[10/10 · 10 February 2024]

I think this is the best Manwha adaptation of all time already. I said it. That's saying a lot.

Solo Levelling had gone above and beyond with the level of care taken through the adaptation - the detailed and calculated story mapping to a screen adaptation has worked excellently - this episode very well demonstrated that.

What was so good about this episode then? Well the answers are obvious: the animation, acting and pace.

Everything in the animation department today was perfect. The fast movements in the first part of the episode seamlessly went to a slower fight dynamic with a steady pace, and when watching the episode, it is very understandable that this was a necessary alteration to make to well-adapt the material, and that the way they did this just makes the episode feel so good to watch.

The voice acting also aids how the episode worked. Sung Jinwoo has been cast perfectly, by an actor well between serious and menacing but also soft - a well-defined, high-quality performance was exactly what was needed (also what Purdy needs at the Superbowl this weekend) and I have to say this was a great showing from the actors. The other actors, friend and foe were excellent and I cannot praise this enough - it is a testimony to a good voice actor when you can feel the emotion even if you don't speak the language they're acting in.

And, finally, the pacing was perfect this episode. Things moved fast but without skipping details - and that is harder said than done - this is a job well done, and we should not neglect the work put into storyboarding episodes because it makes or breaks any episode.

Overall 10/10. No complaints, and a massive bank of praise.

Mashle: Magic and Muscles: Finn Ames and Friends (2024) Season 2, Episode 5

A surprisingly profound episode for such a comedic show.

[10/10 · 4 February 2024]

Mash, as a manga reader, is actually a very intelligent show with many good fights which actually discuss within them very important topics about what it means to be human. I think this episode perfectly exemplifies why, when people say that Mash is overrated, that they have neither given the show the chance it deserves nor the recognition of the deeper ideas behind its plot.

This episode was very much focused on the idea of pain. That pain is actually the sole determinant of what makes us human. The more pain we feel, the more human we become, and the strong are not necessarily those who feel the least pain but those who overcome the most. This idea was applied in quite a simple concept - a fight between a strong character, and a weak one.

I was amazed by this episode. The fact such a doctrine can be spewed out nonchalantly by the show in a small episode reminded me why this show deserves so much respect. This episode was incredible! And yet, in creating such a heartfelt and more nuanced episode, the show still maintained its lightheartedness to the end. I don't think I've ever felt more contented to see a person be beaten in a fight, not out of hatred for a character, but for hope through their pain and anguish they will become a stronger person. In the sense that the idea applied to the episode carries in the outcome, this is nothing short of a masterclass of an episode.

I will reiterate - this episode is incredible for one within quite a simplistic show. And therefore this an undoubted 10/10 as it goes so beyond the baseline for a simple action-comedy show.

Solo Leveling: It's Like a Game (2024) Season 1, Episode 3

Was that really 23 minutes?

[10/10 · 20 January 2024]

I genuinely am surprised to see this adaptation be so high quality. Once again, I've really felt like the episode I've just watched was faithful to the webcomic and high quality.

So far, I cannot say I fault the solo levelling anime. This episode was perhaps the most engaging so far as it was more lighthearted (so less of a matter of engagement and more in enjoyability) and certainly established the preface for the rest of the show. I have to say, I always appreciate when a show like this does PvE combat style faithfully and doesn't have to give every enemy a backstory. It shows the author feels confident that the dynamics of their fights are sufficient alone, and even if it was 4 minutes of watching very minor combat, I felt like the episode made this exciting somehow. Really actually, as I write this, I realise not much happened this episode! And yet it was so interesting!

This kind of tells you what I felt about this episode - it was really interesting and well adapted! Animation and art was great as always, I love the character design and always appreciate good eyes in a show, and I feel like the show has continually stayed faithful to the source so far - this makes me confident for the next episode which I'm going to struggle to wait a week for!

10/10. Why? I simply can't fault the episode, even if it wasn't action-packed!

Solo Leveling: If I Had One More Chance (2024) Season 1, Episode 2

The episode the first one should've been

[10/10 · 13 January 2024]

Every bit of the content of this episode, for me should've been in the last episode. Why? Because I couldn't wait a week for these incredible moments.

This episode is probably what will make you stick in solo levelling or quit it entirely. It defines Sung Jinwoo as a character and shows us the ideals of the show - the idea that all things fall to power unparalleled. The symbolism in this episode is something which really shouldn't be brushed on; every moment of this episode has some significance in a way, and I think actually is far more intelligent than we give credit for.

I know Solo Levelling is a similar plot to every single generic "I'm a hunter's guild max level OP skill cheat hacker couldnt beat the tutorial item spamming potion drinking newbie rookie pro player advanced player level grinding hardcore gamer dude" manwha. So many shows struggle to design a character different from Sung Jinwoo. Why is this the show that got serialised into a physical graphic novel and anime, despite living in such a common and generally low quality subgenre of webcomics? This episode tells you - it is simply a better story than the majority of "noob gone pro" manwha and actually has some interesting ideas and started the genre in Korean webcomics entirely. This show is the pinnacle of the genre and this episode just proved how good it was.

Credit where credit is due, as always - the voice actors really needed to shift in this episode, and they absolutely did. The animation is where I expect for the show, and I was pleased to learn the show is a 24-ep adaptation. Any fears I had from the last episode have been completely put aside - I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a second episode of a show this much.

10/10 - deserved of higher praise and certainly better than most of the episodes of similar fantasy anime.

Solo Leveling: I'm Used To It (2024) Season 1, Episode 1

The caliber and faithfulness of the adaptation is there

[8/10 · 6 January 2024]

Few manwha adaptations I have seen have been recognised as deserving of credit from all people - Nobelesse, Tower of God, God of Highschool were some of the most prominent webtoons out there and yet the adaptations they received lacked in quality in some degree. I hope this adaptation does not have the same issue; judging on first impression this does not appear to be the case.

Solo levelling's first episode was rather standard industry quality - the plot, the characters were introduced with clarity and coherence - the power system briefly explained, the nature of the MC made clear and the basis of the beginning established. This is essentially checking all the boxes for an opening episode of a show - the necessary.

Animation was very nice - I think the team were faithful to character design but licensing was quality and it wasn't a rip from the original material but maintained the faithfulness. And I think the story was told excellently thus far - however I wish this had been a doubled length episode if I had to nitpick.

Evidently the opening sequence to Solo Levelling is very iconic. The scene this ended on will continue at the start of the next and that's frustrating for me - I know my take may be nitpicking or unpopular but the part that comes next has one of the most iconic moments in Solo Levelling and this episode didn't show that. The pacing in this sense for me was wrong and while I know people hate to see someone criticise but this minor change would've made this a dynamic, unique and quality opening which generated more enthusiasm for the show than ever.

Nevertheless, I cannot complain - the episode didn't actually put a foot wrong besides maybe the pacing, which is subjectively my complaint, not an objective flaw in the show - I was very satisfied with the product the show gave.

In short, a wonderful episode, but it just lacked the quality to go further - 8/10 and I'm sure the next episode is going to be a 9 or 10.

Classroom of the Elite: The strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice. (2024) Season 3, Episode 1

A pretty good start!

[7/10 · 3 January 2024]

I have to say I have definitely been waiting for the renewal and airing of this season of Classroom of the Elite. I'm always confident this show will deliver the plot and action I have expected from it since it released, even if it's a bit of an absurd show. This episode reminded me of what I've missed.

This episode had no-nonsense - it's not been long since the last season so no recap, no intro at the start, just thrown into the plot and the basis of our next "special exam". While I don't really know how the season with play out, I can see Ayanokoji will be interacting with more of the key players in the COTE school, of which I couldn't tell you considering I've forgotten their names.

As always the episode has great quality - the art-style isn't massively unique, but the way eyes are drawn and character design are strong suits of the show's artistic licensing. I think the brand of the show is distinctive and the plot is always fun.

I can't really say that much about the episode itself as a massively phenomenal one because it's simply just a buildup to the beginning of this season's plot - this isn't a means to discredit the show as such, as all shows need these kind of episodes just to lay the groundwork if things get complex. Overall the episode was, as I have stated, pretty good. 7/10 - what I'd expect from this show at minimum.

The Kingdoms of Ruin (2023)

Black Air Force start goes to just trash

[4/10 · 18 November 2023]

This stuff kinda disappoints me. I hate to say it but this show already went to nothing in about 5 episodes. They just ran out of ideas and tried to do too much. I just wanted a slaughter and we got something boring as hell.

I hate when shows do this. Now I would've been very happy for a 12 episode run of this guy bringing down an empire using violent gun magic like Americans when they discover oil in a sketchy morals third world dictator led country. But no. They didn't do it fast enough. So we have another dustbin show.

I won't even grace this new review (as my old 7/10 did) with the details on anything but the fact that this show is terrible and not worth its money. I don't think it's a 1/10 by any means but I would certainly say this is below average and therefore not watchable really. Don't waste your time and just watch the Eminence in Shadow or Misfit of Demon King Academy or Overlord for the edgelord genre because this isn't it. 4/10 if generous.

Shangri-La Frontier (2023–2024)

Revised review - this show is great

[9/10 · 15 October 2023]

My previous review of the series is listed below:

SLF is a pretty unserious, low stakes and carefree exploration into the fantasy genre, which doesn't exercise massive stupid rules of the world on you, just shows you a guy diving into a good game, a bit like a dark souls style VR game, having fun. You don't get the stupid parts of an isekai no one likes but it feels a bit like it's set in an isekai world, and while the worldbuilding and characters don't show anything new to you, I think the plain and simple idea is refreshing in itself and low effort.

Episodes of the show go down easy - you don't have to devote your whole soul to reading into the plot, there's good production quality and music, and so far no blisteringly irritating characters. Looking for a chilled out show that isn't boring? This is it! You literally will not get bored watching these early episodes at least - things unfold fast and well, and with a small amount of comedy to keep it light and a standard MC who realises gaming is a hobby and anything but edgy, it's just simple to watch.

The most notable thing about this show for me? Nothing! Let me reiterate how formulaic and standard it has been thus far, and yet it's not remotely boring. I can't quite place my finger on what's so interesting about it. It almost has an air of uniqueness to it.

In what could've been summarised in 3 sentences - good show, not special but still worth your time. Better than most of its genre.

Now this was what I had to say 3 episodes in. I was thinking this show had potential but would succumb to shameless fanservice or the like within a couple episodes and the ideas would run out. We're now about halfway through tje first season, and I have to say this show is worth investing your time in.

Shangri-La Frontier may not seem immediately special, but the fact the intensity of the show is so huge when it wants to be despite no "you die in game you die in reality" or such tropes makes me think it is special. It's not a shameless trope or a generic show because it isn't forcing itself to do more to make the concept interesting.

The show is genuinely entertaining. The characters are all quite funny and while there hasn't been a major male character besides Rakuro himself the women in this show are treated as human beings. The worldbuilding is literally incredible - I was a skeptic at first but they genuinely have thought everything and the combination of sci-fi and fantasy is well balanced. The enemies are well designed like the author was actually trying to make a fleshed out real game rather than just having slime number 2 followed by the main character fighting solely in PvP for the rest of the show. They've made it clear now that they are invested in making a realistic game where the progress in PvE in the show is going to be a part of the plot.

So I really think I needed to amend anything I stabbed at last time I reviewed - this show is special, is actually original and I can feel the intensity and hype without the stakes of death on the line because it's well written. It's also not trying to drop sob stories on people which is great.

9/10. Genuinely higher caliber than expected.

Black Mirror: Nosedive (2016) Season 3, Episode 1

A concept not to far from reality, in SOME ways.

[7/10 · 23 August 2023]

Nosedive is an a great episode of Black Mirror, which is not as dark as your typical episode, but still handles very sensitive issues (that they basically made up off reality) around social media.

Normally, I hate any depiction of social media in film or tv. It's usually very superficial, very over exaggerated and feels like it's been written by a person who doesn't understand the root issues of social media; this was an exception to that trend, and I will say for the most part (allbeit I do have criticisms) Nosedive handles these issues very well.

The main preface of the episode is a dystopia in which online rating of social media management along side real life interactions determine a person's worth and influence in the social hierarchy. It's definitely not a massive stretch, and highlight the toxic culture behind trying to present an idealised image of oneself to others. The episode follows a woman who does exactly that, and highlights the issues she faces.

The main good thing about this episode, as is often the case with black mirror, was the concept's execution; the clever idea was one thing but how they show a range of creative ways in which such a thing can cause issues and misery. They speak on how social media can mean we suppress our true thoughts to be superficial and dishonest, and the message it tries to present is that living this way will never make a person happy. It's true, a simple but good allegory.

Now the main complaints I have with the episode were that it could've benefitted from being longer, as I felt like we missed on the whole true idea of a gradual nosedive, and the ending. The first comment I made is quite self explanatory, but I myself am going to go down in rankings for the second comment; I would like to make myself clear that I understand that there was a reason for the ending as it was, however I don't think for me it was ideal. Really, no one but the main character received any retribution for their actions and foolish behaviour. I assume the idea is their penance for their lives is to be trapped in the cycle of maintaining a strong self-image, but there isn't a sense of consequence or that real sharp black mirror close that so many of these episodes have. I have to say, I felt quite disappointed, although the sentiment was nice. The other issue is I don't quite agree with the message conveyed. It seems to be a commentary on sensitivity and fragility due to social media, and for me that is not as strong a notion as the rest of the episode's takeaways. People can't just insult people all the time, and the episode acts like the solution to problems is to double down on your honesty and be brutally honest. I'm no Buddhist, but I believe really that the best way to act is between what the ending conveyed and what the beginning presents us with in our protagonist. That's a personal touch, and it's really a challenge not to be subjective with Black Mirror, as they want us to think critically about our world and its dangers.

Acting was great from the lead, and various others. I feel like the score was weak and this also didn't help give the ending the impact it needed, but it was still better than a lot of stuff. I think the cinematography and style was great, and apart from that, it's hard to say. I can't exactly criticise the episode more than I have, and while I hate to be harsh, it's important to give people my reasoning for rating the episode lower than its 8.3.

A good episode, but by no means Black Mirror's best. 7.4/10 (yes, I get that's literally exactly like the episode and I'm showing the reality now, you're reading my review so succumbing to the hoard mentality too, if you have a problem why did you read this essay)

Rurouni Kenshin: The Two Hitokiri (2023) Season 1, Episode 7

Probably the best thing I've watched since Vinland Saga

[10/10 · 18 August 2023]

This episode was amazing. Literally amazing. And for something like this to come so early in the show, I am extremely excited to see what the future holds.

This episode's preface requires careful consideration on how to pull it off. There is undoubtedly an aspect of menace that was needed, but to execute that without straying too far from the character in question is a heavy ordeal for the artists, and more significantly, the voice actor.

Filling a classic role of an iconic character is not easy by any means. However the fact remains that in all aspects, Kenshin's actor has already filled the role perfectly, understanding the sensitive contrast between Rurouni and Hitokiri. The bridge here was perfect, and the episode really gave us a taste of those differences and the menace that lies dormant within Kenshin.

The animation here was acceptable too. There's nothing too ridiculous about the fights, and a bit like Vinland Saga, that's what makes the format so great. It's high action, with pacing like any other anime, but it doesn't have these absurd sequences of explosions and flying. It's simply a swordfight, and the animators respect that and are not straying from the actual nature of the show.

Overall, I'd go as far as to say this is the best episode that has and will release this summer, and it's painful that people are missing out on this.

Rurouni Kenshin: And Then, Another (2023) Season 1, Episode 5

Probably the best episode I've seen this early in a show.

[10/10 · 3 August 2023]

This episode is the perfect way to go in depth to a character, and the perfect way to handle the serious topics and issues of Japanese History.

While I'll not pretend to be a scholar of Japanese History, I can see clearly from this show the aspects of historical fact in the show; similar to Vinland Saga, they integrate historical fact and plot in this show exceptionally.

The preface of this episode concludes on the last; it manages to quickly introduce the backstory of a character without letting it occupy the whole episode, and I have to applaud the show for not censoring the harsh reality of the brutality of a historical tyrant; if only brief, it really effectively showed the brutality of the Bakumatsu, while giving us some insight into why a characters acts so.

It feels very hard to write reviews without spoiling the episode, but the notable thing about the show is how down-to-earth and light it can be. It can be brutal, but it isn't so harrowing as it should be (that it isn't - I love how Kenshin says that) and the characters all seem likeable when appropriate probably because of the direction and voice acting, even if a character appears "useless". But hey, when a character needs to be hated the show can do that too.

I can't really say much as we're not far into the show, but this could be a very popular adaptation. I love these modern reboots of older shows when done right (like in the case of HunterxHunter) and I'd love to see this for Yu Yu Hakusho or another anime.

【Oshi No Ko】: Pressure (2023) Season 1, Episode 10

Arima Kana is so relatable

[9/10 · 25 June 2023]

I really found the episode's preface here very intriguing. Once again this show just entertains me for 20 minutes perfectly.

It's kind of weird for me to relate to a girl my age's behaviours and actions, but Arima was very interesting as the focal point this episode. I totally understand her extroverted personality which dwindled as people were cruel to her and now she's kind of quiet except around people she knows. I understand the self-deprecation too, and while I have no understanding of the idol world or media, I really am finding her character hits home on some level for me. This was the focus of this episode, and credit to them: for such a ridiculous and kind of unbelievable show preface there is yet again another character I find extremely interesting.

I really enjoy the general mood in the show. I like how Aqua and Ruby are paralleled in their ability to bring out things in other characters, and their similarities to Ai Hoshino. Aqua is the lying, deceptive half, who can act and pretend, and Ruby is the innocent hard worker, who inspires people with her charisma. They both always draw people and curry favour, and yet they're so different in how they do it. It feels so well-thought out seeing Ruby and Kana's interactions when compared to Aqua and Kana.

Overall, this episode was great, especially as it doesn't focus on the main character. I always say a show is good if it can be interesting without relying on the protagonist, and this certainly passes the quality check in that department. I really look forward to every episode, once again, and I have to say the adaptation is faultless (though I haven't read the source material) and seems really good.

8.9/10.

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku: Umbrella and Ink (2023) Season 1, Episode 12

Absolutely Amazing Episode

[9/10 · 24 June 2023]

MAPPA have had a lot of uncertainty in the quality and choices made in regards to the adaptation of Hell's Paradise, and while I've never had any complaints, I believe this episode lays these complaints entirely to rest.

This episode was great. A very interesting combination of action, new understanding of the plot and systems the show operates on, and a decent amount of flashbacks created a well rounded and wholly entertaining episode which really did not feel 20 minutes long. The content didn't feel rushed but didn't feel slow, it was all just at the right pace, and the fighting was very entertaining.

I feel like this show is really setting alight right now. This climax has been entertaining, and I'm really appreciative of the plot and the quality of source material - no doubt I will be referring to the manga at the end of this season. I really like how there can be a spectrum of characters and each has some interesting qualities, and I felt like the villain in this episode was very menacing.

Overall a 9.1/10.

Vinland Saga: Two Paths (2023) Season 2, Episode 23

The best episode of any anime I've ever watched

[10/10 · 12 June 2023]

WHAT. AN. EPISODE. WHAT. A SHOW.

We have just witnessed the end of the first chapter of Vinland saga. This episode may not be the last in its season, but it concludes the farming arc of Vinland as we move on in the story. And boy was this a perfect episode.

This episode focuses on Thorfinn and how he changes people. We see so many characters have development all come together, and it leaves us so satisfied to see the likes of Gardar and Snake and Throfinn himself find closure in this story plotline. We see that Thorfinn has already atoned for much of his sins in this episode, and the promise he has made is what founds the rest of the show.

MAPPA were not holding back here - artstyle was stepped up to top level. The eyes on the characters, the facial definition, the music and, most prominently, the SKY and colours were amazing. I have never see such a visually beautiful and artistic episode of anime.

I think this episode emphasizes how love and peace, not war, can change a man for the better. And that is a truth. A fact and something we all can agree on.

Vinland Saga: Emperor of Rebellion (2023) Season 2, Episode 22

I HAVE NO ENEMIES

[10/10 · 5 June 2023]

This is to an extent the biggest part of the story yet. This episode is what the foundations of the rest of the show build upon.

This episode was a vital part of the plot - the interactions between the characters, and the duality of Thorfinn and Canute and their development from the first season was amazing. And while Thorfinn became a slave, we see how free he truly is in this episode.

Adaptation from the manga can be very difficult to achieve. The panel I'm covering is of course the 'I have no enemies panel' - I don't really think the anime stayed perfect to this to be honest, but the music and timing of it were still amazing. It was a bit lacklustre for such an iconic panel. But when that's the only fault I can point out, it just testifies to the general standard of the anime, and the message the panel conveyed still stands.

I do feel there is also a slight case to be made about pacing here - I feel like the 100 punches could've happened last episode, but I'd much rather see it steady than let the episodes snap too short and feel rushed, so it's not a criticism.

As usual, music, art, and in particular the voice acting stood out as brilliant. Einar's actor this season as a whole really deserves credit as one of the performances of the show, and Thorfinn and Canute also really shine in their roles.

Overall the episode was great; I've mentioned the streak of good episodes and this has continued it very well - all that remains now is the end of the arc, and hopefully the start of another.

9.4/10. Not perfect but damn close.

Vinland Saga: Courage (2023) Season 2, Episode 21

I'd now go as far to say this will be the best sequence of episodes in anime

[10/10 · 29 May 2023]

Vinland really won't stop its streak of amazing episodes: this one was yet again immaculate.

I was led to believe Thorfinn would get good screentime - partially, I was right, but ultimately Mappa aren't willing to rush these episodes. They're taking they're time into the arc's very climax, ultimately probably the interaction we'll see between Thorfinn and Canute at some point in the show.

Instead, this episode was more focused on the Ketil family. It was a very interesting thing to see - the juxtaposition between Olmar and his brother is insane. However, I think the really prominent motif throughout the episode was the development of every character.

In the episode we saw mild flashes and reminders to earlier this season. It's been only about 20 episodes and we've seen the dynamics and relationships between characters expand and develop. The most prominent example is Thorfinn and Einar, but Canute has developed, as has Olmar, and even Ketil changed. We see the realism here: people change, some for the better, and some people have a downfall.

I think once more the episode reiterates that Thorfinn is correct in every way: we have no enemies, nobody has any enemies, and false pride and honour is a pathetic justification for slaughter and pillage. The actions conveyed through the warriors in this episode, and the images we see later in the episode, gruesome and uncensored, once more make the show feel... real. Just a cut above other anime in that everything changes and grows in a human fashion.

Even the intro comes in at the perfect time this episode - I feel like the intro in so many anime is carelessly placed - for example I've been watching the brilliant assassination classroom recently and even in another 8.8 rated brilliant show it feels so much less calculated than Vinland; and hey, assassination classroom is one of the best consistent anime I've watched of recent.

Overall, the show never fails to impress. Yes, it's very easy for a show to get a very high rated individual episode, but to flawlessly maintain momentum like this show is a privilege only to the best of shows.

10/10. No words. Deservedly receives meticulous care from MAPPA and praise from the audiences who engage in this beautiful story.

Vinland Saga: Pain (2023) Season 2, Episode 20

Every episode ceaselessly makes all other anime feel inferior.

[10/10 · 22 May 2023]

It's been about a month and a half since Vinland dropped anything less than a 9/10 in my eyes. And it show no sign of stopping.

This episode is composed perfectly. It starts with rage, then to upset and calm, then to rage once more, and by the end we see something building for the next episode. The episode came back to the same words we've heard before in past episodes, and it continued the one theme of calm in both seasons. That message is one echoed in every part of the story. And this is why we love the show, because every episode links.

The next episode I'd predict exceeds even this, and this episode made me cry a lot again. As a dude, I would never have felt comfortable to admit that, but this show reminds us we're human, we have pain, and we have no enemies. We learn to grow and endure, but express our words along with the characters.

The music and use of pathetic fallacy in this episode really enhanced the composition and impact once again. Anime has that over manga and those details are crucial to any good adaptation of a show. And Vinland Saga today showed why it's a great adaptation.

We're seeing something build in long and short term and yet the present is great too. Yukimura's story planning is probably one of the best things here. It's not all over the place, it's streamlined, and unlike high energy shonen, it progresses at the pace it needs to.

Overall, this episode once more was basically without significant flaws. I feel like we neglect just how difficult it is to map these episodes out, and yet MAPPA's employees make it seem so easy. It's not easy being perfect.

Einar and Thorfinn seem very real, and next episode, we'll no doubt be seeing Thorfinn in the most detail since S1, and probably an interaction between him and Canute (which everyone should've seen coming.) Watch the show, and learn from it.

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku: Student and Master (2023) Season 1, Episode 8

Are the Asaemon cutting onions?

[10/10 · 20 May 2023]

This show really is amazing. I really wait for every Saturday evening so I can watch this show, because it's so good. Honestly.

This episode was a sideplot, but actually was integral to the functionality of the show . It revealed some interesting plot points, but also was emotionally intensely in touch with itself.

Mappa's animation was great again here (this show would not work without Mappa animation) and the flashbacks of the episode built everything well.

This episode is quite sad though, or at least tragic. It really does set that tone of 'hell's paradise' to the audience in everything it does. I would love to see more of Gabimaru, but I'm patient.

Overall, a good episode.

Vinland Saga: War at Ketil's Farm (2023) Season 2, Episode 19

Probably amongst the best successive episodes in anime

[10/10 · 15 May 2023]

The consistency of this show this season has been immaculate. Everything has not failed to miss out on disappointing me.

This episode is what it says on the tin. Not much Thorfinn or Einar, but Ketil and warriors. We see the two arching plotlines of the season truly clash for the first time, with the warrior invasion of the farm, and I'm hoping (really hoping) we'll get to see Thorkell, or Thorfinn come into a major role in the show.

Overall? This was a great episode. It had the tinge of anti-war while showing the feelings of brotherhood and unity sought out be warriors. The animation was great, the pacing was great, to the extent where I have to repeat myself in reviews time after time after time. I just feel like, when episodes are so plot-orientated and excellent, there's really not much to acknowledge without giving spoilers.

Really, why would you read reviews and not watch the show? Absolutely great episode and I can't wait for next Monday.

Mashle: Magic and Muscles: Mash Burnedead and the Unpopular Classmate (2023) Season 1, Episode 5

It's just funny

[9/10 · 13 May 2023]

I can't really describe just how hyperbolic this show is. It's such a mockery of so many things, tropes in Western and Eastern Media, etc.

These past 2 episodes have focused on 2 such tropes from the west: The generic Tough Guy and the Femme Fatale - they show once more, like with every trope, how deadlifts just negate everything, and even how Mash is a true advocate of gender equality in this episode.

The other thing it really mocked from the west was also the Harry Potter sorting. I won't say how it makes fun of it but we all wondered how total dunces end up in a house. I think however this was the less funny half of the episode.

The Anime trope that's been in play in the MC complex character- I think it's good yeah, but in the manga they just exhibit the character better later in.

I would always put these at an 8 or above really because they're engaging. I wouldn't call this a 9.0 but it's not an 8.0 so I'm rounding up.

Good episode.

Vinland Saga: Way Home (2023) Season 2, Episode 17

Crying my eyes out

[10/10 · 1 May 2023]

This episode left me physically sobbing. It was just so emotional.

Recent episodes have just banged, and this sub-arc of the show has been great, from start to finish.

I really could not say that Thorfinn is the main character of Vinland anymore. No one is the main character, we just see the story around where Thorfinn goes and is at that moment in the story. He's really interesting, yes, but episodes like this show he's just one of the infinite things that makes this show good.

I'm not one to usually cry at films or tv shows: this however left me physically sobbing my eyes out. Hell I even sat through the outro, which I never do, just to contemplate the whole thing.

I don't care if this episode was predictable, it's not about that, it's about how Vinland builds things that can make you sob your eyes out this badly.

Overall, a top 3 episode in the show. A top 40 in anime for sure. You need to watch this season, because it may differ from S1 but everything is still equally beautiful.