Me when Kizumonogatari III Oppai scene.
My favorite genres are comedy and mystery/thrillers. I also take an interest in slice of life at times.
My rating system is based primarily on my enjoyment of the series. A low rating doesn't mean that I think the series is bad, trash, or unappealing. Better to ask my thoughts of the show specifically. My tags will give you a glimpse of what I truly think of it. Actually don't look at them.
10: Masterpiece, glued to my screen. Will recommend to anyone regardless of their tastes.
9: One of my favorites
8: Thoroughly enjoyed the concept, enthralling characters, humorous
7: Good show, but lacks any sort of lasting impact
5-6: Some aspects executed nicely, but overall dragged down by a multitude of plot holes, pacing issues, or 1-dimensional characters
I don't rate anything below a 5 unless it
really sucks like Is it Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon.
Sorry but not really
Other interests: I formerly spent lots of time dabbling in FPS games like Paladins and CS:GO, and also have a passion for poker. I also enjoy rhythm games and have been grinding DJMAX Respect V. I also play Rocket League and Mario Kart on switch. I spend most of my time doing this when I'm not watching anime. Find my steam linked below! You can also find me on discord. DM me here first.
All Comments (226) Comments
I know (British style) fish and chips is not so widespread in the US, but maybe you could try a quality fish burger with a side of french fries. That would be the nearest equivalent. Put some tartar sauce on the fish burger, and you'll feel like you're in delicious in dungeon! I've not worn Nike in a long time, opting for Adidas instead, but maybe I'll get a pair of both fairly soon, as I am in need of some new (casual) footwear.
I like the phrase you used, 'shonen/superhero/mainstream trends', and it's nice to see someone else using that style of forward slash/virgule punctuation, that has become a big (or noticeable) part of my MAL writing style in recent years. Yeah, that's a good phrase to sum up the type of scene or category, that things like BnHA and KnY belong to. I'd agree, that Yaiba is the mainstream anime equivalent of vanilla ice cream. If it's a high-quality or luxury vanilla though, is open to debate. I think, there's vanilla flavor in different anime genres/categories, as well. Like, SAO would be the vanilla isekai, Violet Evergarden the vanilla drama, and Kimi no Na wa the vanilla movie. What are your thoughts regarding vanilla? I think it can be nice and leave you well satisfied when it's made from the finest quality ingredients, like Evergarden or Kimi no Na wa are.
I was just recently saying to another MAL friend, that I'm enjoying the new American dub for Spice and Wolf (I think the main VA's have refined their craft and are now masters of their trade), and the lush and beauteous artwork is a clear improvement on the original. And then there's the new (different from the original) Kevin Penkin OST, that every now and again, puts me in mind of the Made in Abyss OST (some of the best anime music, ever). And there's an enjoyable rapport (including some witty repartee) between Kraft and Holo. So, all-in-all, there's a lot to like about it. It's hovering between a 7 and a 8 for me, currently.
I have been quite consistent in picking up several (currently airing) seasonal anime every 3 months, and among those, there will almost always be at least one brand new thing, in addition to sequels of any franchises I'm already invested in. I noticed that with Dungeon Meshi, the MAL rating didn't start off that great (under an 8), and it might have even dipped by the midway point, but then it really started to rise as it drew towards the end. This (scoring pattern/gradient) made me think that it might be a series that gets better, or the pieces will all fall into place, the further you get through it. And in a way, that turned out to be true, as more of the unique dungeon lore is revealed and elucidated upon as you get further through it. You mention that Marcille is a hater, and that is repeatedly used to comic effect, in how she reacts to all the delectable looking monster dishes Senshi rustles up, but at the same time, I never get board of that (the one where Laios wants to prepare and cook the little flying familiar she's created, is one of the best reactions). And then it's even funnier when she varies her reactions, and starts enjoying the food, or starts getting enthusiastic about it. I'm only one episode from the end now, and I feel certain it's going to get an 8/10. How are you progressing through it/the labyrinthine dungeon, so far?
Actually, it was a surprising coincidence to receive your reply just a day after I was thinking about you (I noticed your profile avatar appeared in my friends panel). And I was thinking back to that 4 for $4 joke, and I thought that maybe I had been a bit clumsy or insensitive there, and caused some offence or annoyance. So, I wanted to apologize and try to explain as best I can, what I actually meant by 'giving off a 4 for $4 vibe.' I think one of the main reasons is that you're from the States, and I know it's a bit of a naughty/lazy stereotype thing, but I do associate that type of fast food culture with the USA. It's very visible over here as well, but that's because UK culture has been heavily influenced by the States. At the same time, I'm not (or wasn't) trying to be derogatory in any way, because for some people, some hot tasty food, with meat (protein), and some calories (carbs) is really what they need if they're expending lots of energy and feel physically depleted. And the affordable price ensures that it's not outside the price range of nearly anyone in a Western society. There was a time when I had a lot less money than I do now, and I used to get a £2 (like $2.50) meal combo of burger, fries, and soda, and I think the iron and zinc (nutrients) did me good. It was a better/wiser choice nutritionally than just having cup ramen (noodles) - sorry, Naruto! And also with your username being PrimeHype, it kinda puts me in mind an advertisement (like 4 for $4), or an intermission in a baseball game, where people might want to snack on a burger or hot-dog. 'Here's the Prime Hype folks, get the best bacon cheeseburgers you've ever had, right here!' I don't know if I'm making things better or worse with this explanation lol, but it would be like you saying to me: 'you totally seem like a fish and chips every night kinda person.' And I wouldn't be offended by that at all, and might reply, 'well, maybe it's more like every other night.' Hey, just to let you know or re-remind you, I am half Middle Eastern, so feel free to make any jokes about food/cuisine if you want ;)
I think I had been a bit harsh with some of my past judgments of BnHA as well, but Season 6 did make me think that it's not as cheesy/cliche as expected or presumed, and even when it treads water it's at least watchable, and is worth carrying on with to the very end. And Season 6 did seem to be where it peaked with the grittiness of the story, and there was some surprising moments of depth, pathos, and poignancy. I used to be a Bleach and Naruto head, back in the day (10 - 13 years ago), and even though I've moved on with my tastes, maybe it is nice to see what the newer/more modern version of that type of superhero/superpower action series is doing. I don't want to be totally ignorant of the more recent and popular anime trends. Especially, as I don't do JJK (couldn't get passed episode 4), I'm not big on Yaiba, I'm skeptical about Slime, I'm ignorant of One Piece, I really didn't like Shield Hero, I was disappointed by Frieren, I'm not sure if I'll like JoJo's, and I've been unimpressed by what I've seen of Mob Psycho, Jobless Reincarnation, and Haikyuu!! So, if I can at least have some sort of positive experience with some of the new/more recent big things, I can feel like I'm not a totally out of touch, old-timer. The main reasons to be optimistic about the recent/current anime scene (in my opinion), would be: Oshi no Ko, Beastars, Dr. Stone, Golden Kamuy, Spy x Family, Dress-Up Darling, The Apothecary Diaries, Yuru Camp, Shangri-La Frontier, and Dungeon Meshi. What would be your top picks of new/recent/current anime that are still ongoing?
I'm always glad to meet another Dr. Stone advocate or enthusiast. I don't think I'm going too far in saying I think it's the cleverest shounen out there, and it's refreshing to see a MC that triumphs and overcomes adversity, not by determination/strength/self-belief/or the power of friendship, but instead by intelligence and the power of scientific knowledge and invention. There are some clever ideas at the center of it, and it blends in some lighthearted tomfoolery/buffoonery (for comic relief), and some thrilling action elements and menace, as well. And then there's Kohaku, who's a good strong fiery female support (for this type of show), and I really like her voice and 'personality' in the dub.
From what you're saying it seems like we both have an affinity for Dungeon Meshi, and I'm watching it in American dub, as well. It seems to work really well in that (dub) format - being consistently amusing, and easy to digest. It puts me in mind of a sword and sorcery fantasy setting like Overlord (but a more irreverent or semi-comical version), blended with a monster cooking element. And more of a complex plot and intrigue is slowly being revealed (I'm on episode 10), which has enough subtly and intelligence in it to warrant the seinen demographic tag. At the moment, Marcille is by far my standout character, and I might even decide to put her in my top 10. I enjoyed seeing the Falin flashbacks that Marcille was having, and it added a new level or dimension, seeing them and their previous way of life and environment, before life in the dungeon. I've already added Season 2 to my PTW, and I hope I'm not speaking prematurely when I say, I think Meshi could be one of the brightest and most unique star's of the new anime generation.
Alright, you convinced me. I’m going to give it another try after finishing from me to you season 2! Surely the 3rd time I’ll be able to get through it, LOL
HEAVY on the wacky scenes and dialogue, LMAO. I have to take constant pauses when reading the CSM manga, questioning if they really said or did that. You need to catch up in the JJK manga because…OMG, it’s a bumpy ass ride. Yeah, I wouldn’t mind watching oshi no ko season 2, but I’m not really interested in the manga. I haven’t seen Vinland Saga season 2 yet, but I finally watched the first season in January! My favorite would have to be JJK season 2, particular episodes were absolutely breathtaking and I like the Shibuya arc!
no end in sight good god..
I feel like this happens a lot on mal or anywhere sadly. Especially when people disappear for a long time without responding.......totally not talking about me right now. I mean....a level 5 computer that's something I could never even think to accomplish. Do you still play chess? Have you beaten a higher level computer?? :o I did when it first came out with my friends and siblings, then like most games that blow up, it got boring. Now I've got genshin and HSR to spend my free time, on top of anime and manga.
Ohh episode 7! I may or may not have had Steins;Gate stuck on hold at episode 4 for the past.....year? I haven't found the motivation or brain capacity to continue it...
Hataraku Maou-Sama was so good and I loved the characters so much!! I was happy that it didn't have the annoying or weird humor and that the characters were actually interesting.
Any anime that you recently finished that you want to talk about? I've been keeping up with airing anime and I'd love to talk about the ones you liked and disliked! Oo, we can talk about chainsaw man, dr. stone, oshi no ko, zom 100, and jjk season 2 (trying not to cry thinking about it rn) since we have those in common haha~
Yeah, so-and-so's death was quite affecting and unexpected. Season 6 did get mean and moodier than ever before and there was a depth and expansiveness in the storytelling. Just when some doubts and misgivings were starting to surface in some viewers minds, they were laid to rest by multiple big progressions and revelations.
And tbh I was more emotionally moved by
As you alluded to, I think the finishing line is now in sight with BnHA, and I have a feeling that the nest season will be the last. Overall, I think the pacing has been good. It wasn't overly protracted like the first Bleach series, or packed with loads of padding and superfluous filler (like some other big name franchises), but neither was it rushed and skimmed over like the SAO anime series, Aincrad arc.
I think we both gave the latest Dr. Stone an 8. What did you think of it? How do you think it compared to the previous seasons? I think one of the key features was the main crew (Senku, Kohaku, and Gen) discovering where the petrification beam was coming from, and that it was revealed there was a human antagonist/mastermind behind it all, and it wasn't just a freak accident of nature - like I first believed. There was a fair amount of science and discovery/invention like the previous two seasons and one of the highlights was when Senku gets the tropical island girl to get some fruits like coconuts and citrus, and starts creating shampoo, conditioner, and make up for Kohaku - so she can infiltrate the palace through her alluring appearance. One of the emotional high points was when you saw a flashback in time to Senku's adopted father as he worked hard to amass platinum from sifting in the river bed, and when he finally collapsed face down in the river, but was at peace because he could see the reflection of the stars in the water. It really harkened back to the astronauts in space, crash landing to earth and establishing a community arc which we saw in the first season. I don't think it was far off the standard of quality of the first 2 seasons, and giving it score of 8 (one point less than I gave Seasons 1 and 2) had more to do with there only being 11 episodes (less than half of Season 1) - but unlike Season 2's 11 episodes, there was no emotional climax or conclusion (like Tsukasa's reconciliation with Senku). So, it's all up to the next part to see how things play out regarding the antagonist responsible for the petrification beam. It has been a consistently high quality and entertaining series I would say, with not much to fault it on, and it's among the handful of shounens that I still really enjoy, at my present time in life - which is a fair bit older than the average MAL user.
Regarding the Beastars curveball, I'm honoured that you've always valued my perspective on these things and I admit there is a fine line between something coming across as outlandish or nonsensical, and shifting things up a gear to set up a cliff-hanger for the next season - like with Link Click. It could be argued that
I guess it just depends on the viewer being lenient or indulgent towards one and critical/harsh with the other - and that would have to do with each person's personal bias and subjective outlook. I'll admit that I was more lenient towards Beastars and more critical of Link Click, and with you it was the other way around. And I think the same pattern is true with lots of anime, and unless something is objectively perfect - enjoyment or perceived depth and meaning will always depend on there being an indulgence or optimism/generosity of sorts on the part of the beholder.
It's a shame about that spoiler for BnHA. Was it revealed that Mineta finally goes plus ultra and gets all sticky inspecting the girls bedrooms, or that Bakugo's ice lolly melts off the stick while he's eavesdropping in the 2nd movie?
I've taken OddTaxi out of my top 20 now but it's still holding onto its 9 score. I think it really earned that score and if there was ever to be more of it, then as a franchise, there's a chance of it re-entering my top 20. In my current top 20 there are no 12 or 13 episode series and a lot of them are franchises with multiple instalments. It's just that something larger scale carries more combined weight and gravitas for me personally than a strong 12/13 episode one-off series.
I guess with the French there could be allusions to eating frogs and snails or raw beef, or smelling of garlic and onions. Lol. Pretty unpleasant stereotypes tbh. Or being cheese eating surrender monkeys (an old one) which is a bit silly because a lot of cultures eat cheese, or numerous cheeses. There's a French parody episode in The Simpsons if you've ever seen that. Like almost a Pierre et Jean/Manon de Source (the movie and novel) scenario with these two evil farmers. As for Canada, it's fries, gravy, and cheese curds, or poutine as they call it.
I don't think the first 5 Vinland season 2 episodes compare with the first season but it's still been pretty decent and kinda has a general air of quality and artistic gravitas about it, and I don't mind a change of pace and the insights into Torfin's psychological damage and trauma because of war. I think it's interesting to see the way in which Thorfinn has changed compared with how Canute has - when you see him appear that is, and then contrast them. There's something quite moving about that and sometimes you see similar things in real life as well. Like there's a wheel of fortune, and sometimes the wheel turns and some people find they're at the top and others at the bottom, through a cruel turn of fate, or through circumstances completely outside their control.
Yeah, Beastars is a polarbear-izing seiries but I'm glad you watched both seasons and you wrote to me when it was still fresh in your mind. I respect different opinions and I understand why there might be worthy and plentiful reasons for that, and it honestly doesn't hurt me when people criticize one of my faves. A 7 is an OK score and I'm glad that you didn't feel it was a waste of time.
Moving on what you thought was good about it. The same. I got through the Japanese and English dubs super quick because they were so engaging and enjoyable. Yeah, the drama is well executed and delivered and there's a nice blend of different genres and elements that have the potential to appeal to a wide range of people. There's the mystery at the centre, and then the psychological elements, the romantic and sexual relations, drama, action, comedy, and slice of life. Likewise, it always kept me riveted and there was never a point where I drifted off or felt bored. Yes, we were caught up in Legoshi's identity crisis or quest to better understand himself and the world around him. To better understand and adjust to the carnivore herbivore dynamic. In some ways he was railing against the stereotype of the predator role he was supposed or expected to play. Yes, maybe there is a parallel to some people in todays world - finding it difficult to express or accept who they really are or battling against others expectations or preconceptions about them. Agreed, Pina was a nice introduction and was amusing in the way he goaded and antagonized the culprit, but it also made you afraid for what might happen. There was a real sense of danger about it, especially after some of his thinly veiled allusions and confrontations with Riz. Also, I must add, there was superb voice acting in both language versions. For example, Patrick Seitz brought a lot of menace and gravitas to Riz and made the character seem convincing in his psychopathy and how he was just a hairs breath or a jar of honey away from losing control and going on a grizzly rampage. The OST was jazzy and chilled out and also beautiful at times and all the OPs and EDs were good tunes that fitted the vibe or energy of the series.
Moving on to what you deem the questionable. Regarding Louie and Ibuki, at the end where Ibuki wants to kill him. Well, it was because Louie said he was stepping down as gang leader and leaving the shisigumi - and Ibuki just couldn't let him walk away without there being any consequences or retribution, especially after what he had done to some other members and the former leader. It made perfect sense to me because I was always under the impression that Louie was on very thin ice and the other members could turn on him if he wasn't 100% loyal and didn't do a good job of being their leader - and this was highlighted by the way he had to pretend to eat and enjoy meat together with them to help gain all the lions in the gangs acceptance and approval. Regarding Haru, well, I thought she came across as sympathetic in some ways (the other animals bullying her) and even though she was promiscuous at the start (hey, a lot of young/middle-aged women are nowadays) when her romance with Legoshi started to develop she changed those ways and became celibate, patiently waiting for Legoshi to find himself and work out and through what he needed to (his issues and identity etc), before consummating their feelings and love for each other. I thought it was quite a beautiful and unconventional love story.
And the bad. I'm not sure if it was suggested by someone else or it was indeed felt necessary by the mangaka - to include a big final showdown and fight, but it was certainly enjoyed and appreciated by me. I'm by no means a fights person but the tension between Riz and Legoshi reached a point where something had to happen. They couldn't just talk it through rationally and then go their separate ways. The enmity ran too deep. It's what the main current of the story was leading up to. Also, with Riz threatening Pina and some of the scenes depicting Riz's retrospective thoughts and feeling about Tem, well, the pressure was building and just looking for an outlet. Actually, the fight in the shower, and then when it was interrupted by the cleaning lady, was almost or equally as dramatic and intense as the final outdoors fight, for me personally. Wow. Rarely does an action scene in an anime have that effect on me these days. I don't know why but I just found it really gripping and exhilarating! I kinda get what you mean about character contradictions though, especially if something seems serious or true to life, but at the same time, surely there must be some room for innovation or spontaneity. I think it's perfectly reasonable to suspect that something unpredictable or new may happen at any point in the story. I think it was even more dramatic and affecting when Legoshi ate Louis leg because I'd never have imagined that would take place. Never ever! It completely took me aback and it's sometimes nice when a story completely shocks or astounds you like that. When it completely throws you for a loop or catches you off guard. Is it any more shocking or crazy seeming than the very end of Link Click when the female lead is suddenly possessed and then tries to kill the main guys, after seeming loyal and trustworthy for all of the series up until that point?
Oh, I didn't know that there was a studio change. Maybe that's one of the reasons why people have been rating it so low? Yeah, it really sucks. Then it just feels like you wasted your time even though you saw it coming. Aaah me either lol, I know people love it but, I just haven't gotten around to watching it I guess lolol. Hmm okay, I watched Saiki K subbed but, now I'm kinda interested to hear what the dub sounds like :o Aw, that sucks :/ Same but, I've been watching it for like 3 years and I still haven't finished it ughhh. Nice, I need to get back into it.
It's been alright lol. Been working way too much but, that can't be helped I guess haha. How about you? :) Oh, I completely understand that! Still haven't gotten a break from mal but, I'm not as active as I used to be. Thanks :)) It's nice talking with you, as always! That's what I like about it!! Eeek, thanks, I appreciate that!!
Mm...Steins;Gate OST was pretty decent but maybe not very top-tier for me personally. I'd say the music in AOT was an integral part of the 'experience' and the thrill. I'm not sure if you've seen Tower of God but the OST is very fine and the composer Kevin Penkin also did an amazing job with the Made in Abyss OST. Very emotional and beautiful. I know it's a shounen but Naruto Shippuden's music adds so much tension and drama to the big action spectacles and also introduces a strong emotional undercurrent with lots of heartwrenching and tear-jerking pieces. Also, Yuki Kajiura's scores for Magica Madoka and SAO are integral to the enjoyment and are closely interwoven with the fabric of the story. Also, Beastars OST is very sharp and well-executed and I've seen interesting YouTube videos analyzing the way the music was constructed and how it's utilized.
Yeah, I'd certainly agree that you have to be in the right frame of mind for something like BnHA. I feel like that myself. If I'm not in the mood I'd probably end up hating it. I was in the right headspace for the majority of the rewatch though so that's why it went down quite well. It completely dominated my watching for like a month and I got myself geed up and invested in it as much as I possibly could. The effort paid off because if I had approached it cynically it would have been a chore to get through. Maybe you'll be able to see it in a better light again sometime in the future...or not lol. I don't mind Mineta myself though. He adds some humor together with Bakugo. It needs some of those irreverent moments, I think.
What you said about Odd Taxi kinda makes me want to do a rewatch myself. I think some of the subtleties and layers escaped me on first viewing. I needed an AOT rewatch myself before viewing Final part 2 because it had been some years since I began my journey. It does give you a fresh understanding and richer appreciation of the story. Of the backstories and the world-building. Yeah, Erwin was iconic. That tense decision-making scene (to save him or Armin) was really epic and exuded a solemnity that's rarely matched by any anime.
I hope you have a good experience with those detective/police series I recommended. They are pretty good or surprisingly good even, in spite of their ratings. Let me know what you think when/if you get around to them.
I think I have caught wind of some of this Brit bullying. I got the impression they take the mickey out of the Canadians and French quite a lot as well. Am I right about this? Is there anyone that people in the US have a particular liking for? Well, that's a funny question because some people, or quite a lot of people perhaps, wouldn't even think of me as being British (either by ethnicity or nationality) because I'm half Middle Eastern. They might well consider me as some type of foreigner judged on my appearance before I can speak or even after I speak - even if I've lived here all my life. What can you do?
Thanks for the Vinland promo. I like the song that's on it. I wonder if it will be the new OP or ED. It would be cool if gets used. Also, the clips from it whetted my appetite. 'Let's see if you're better than us or not!' Intrigues you as to what's to come!
Ah, I see. Ngl, I ended up dropping Devil is a Part-Timer. I know people love that anime but, no matter how much I tried, I just couldn't get through it. I know people were super hyped for the sequel so, I can definitely imagine that it was a huge let down for people. And I just saw that the second season has a much lower score than the first season sooo yeahhh, doesn't seem like people liked it lol. Still haven't seen Konosuba or Kobayashi's Dragon Maid :o I've heard good things about both. I really like Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki Kun, Saiki K, Gintama, and Sakamoto Desu Ga. Haven't seen a lot of pure comedy anime but, these are the ones I like the most.
I've been okay. How about you? It has been a while!! Thank you so much! It took way too long and cost me some sleep but it's fine goijbfndodufivbh hahaha :')