Spring 2019 Anime Season First Impressions Review

Being fully aware that it is now May all of a sudden… that means we are a few week’s into the brand new anime season! Whilst I may have had a few weeks hiatus from the blog and my podcast and Twitch streaming – this hasn’t stopped me from checking out the latest shows to hit the internet.

I haven’t done a first impressions review before, but I think this latest season warrants it! So, without further a-do, here is a round-up of some of the shows I have personally been enjoying on Crunchyroll this Spring 2019 season, all my comments are spoiler-free.

This season has surprised me so far, so my hope is as you read on, you could pick up some shows that may have been overshadowed by ones that have a bit more hype (OPM, AOT, etc).

If you enjoy my reviews let me know and feel free to share or get in touch @RayeRayeChan

Also, if you are new here, please check out my Winter 2019 Mid-Season Anime Review

Finally if you want to keep up with what I am watching check out MyAnimeList!

Fruits Basket 2019 1st Season (Episode 1-6)

Yes, yes before you click away from the point blank obvious remaster of Fruits Basket let me just pass my own views on the show. It isn’t just being hyped because its Fruits Basket, it’s being hyped and adored because the show has been gracefully remastered and painstakingly drawn together to make an impact.

If you don’t know about this show, here is a brief (and I am working on the basis of this synopsis to not being an episode spoiler): Tohru is a high school girl and one day she comes across a household whilst camping out in their surrounding land, she is doing this as her Grampa’s house is under construction. After a few introductions with the residents, the Sohma’s, an accident makes Tohru bump into them – only for them to turn into an animal! Turns out, certain members of the Sohma family are cursed to turn into one of a Chinese zodiac animals if in contact with the opposite gender.

In just the first few episodes of the show (and as I write we’ve had six episodes so far), the dialogue and characters are on point to the original manga by Natsuki Takaya, so it’s a glorious thing to know that any show that got caught short of the manga still ongoing could potentially get the time and effort to get remastered.

As the title sequence begins, its logo is clear as day – this is the first season of Fruits Basket, and there are huge expectations by fans for the show to play out the 23 volumes of manga. I personally own these and adore the story, so my expectations are high too.

In short, so far so good! Kyo is still one of my all-time favourite characters in anime, and even more so now that his awkwardness resembles more with the original manga, as does the other characters too. Even Shigure is more calm and collected, and Yuki appears to have more sense of mystery than before. Then there is Tohru, the protagonist is perfect in this show so far – with heart-warming and heart wrenching scenes drawing the viewer in deeper. She is so innocent yet displays a sense of resilience, as well as a sense of need at the end of the latest episode. As episode five and six plays out, is there ever going to be room for a rice ball in a fruits basket – a point that many may well feel a connection to – but there is an element of hope for Tohru with the Sohmas. Episode six is also full of feels as her friendship with Hana and Arisa is shown – pure sweetness – but we also meet a few other Sohma’s too.

All Tohru wants is a warm safe home and a family, so all my fingers and toes are crossed for both her and the Sohma’s happiness as season one unfolds.

Ao-Chan Can’t study! (Episode 1-6)

Whilst the synopsis for this show may put some off, it’s kind of understandable – BUT – you really need to check out this anime, so let me tell you why. After receiving a dirty name (and you’ll need to google what it is, A is for apple though..) from her hentai writing father, Ao just want’s to study, gain some independence, and not have the distractions of her youth. Problem is, she believe’s that everyone around her is filthy, kudos to her novelist father’s influence, so when her class mate Takumi tries to get close to her, she feels he has perverted intentions.

This slice of life show has a brilliant string of comedy and whilst it does have its lewd moments, most of which are complete misunderstandings (unless you add her father into the mix, who seems to be exploiting his daughter at times – bit disturbing and really not a good thing for a parent to do!).

There are a few sweet moments between Ao and Takumi, as we approach episode five, Ao appears to have a sense of jealously when Takumi is approached by another girl, a schoolgirl that Ao knows from her childhood. Then there is the moment in the rain… where Ao demands to know Takumi’s true intentions, which ends up with a deceleration of where he stands. After seeing episode six, I almost threw a pillow at my tablet as it ended on a bit of a will she won’t she moment… thus the frustration of short episodes!

Without going into spoilers, I honestly feel this show will get overlooked by the masses, but I am really glad I gave it a shot! Not just for the story, but also to discover a brand new catchy anime tune – Wonderful Wonder! I’m really looking forward to seeing where this show is going, I just hope it is a happy ending with Ao and Takumi, and especially to get away from her crazy father!

Sarazanmai (Episodes 1-5)

Well, where on earth do I start with this show! I can honestly say it was on my must-watch list (as seen on my MAL and mentioned in my Podcast last month) but I wasn’t anywhere near prepaired for what I witnessed.

So, imagine you are watching Panty and Stocking, and then replace the angels with Kappas, and then throw in a Phantom Thieves (Persona 5) take your heart spin, add some bizarre eyebrow raising policemen dancing together (think the ending credits in Free!) and a splash dash of secrets and desires being leaked/pulled/eaten from a butt – and then you have Sarazanmai.

Confused? You should be! Seriously though, you need to have a pretty open mind to finish the first episode of this anime without dropping a cup of tea all down yourself in shear confusion. It is kind of refreshing though, considering slice of life, isekai and numerous shows on the verge of hentai have taken the spotlight over the last season of anime (Winter 2018). Sometimes we need a show that will blow our brains out a bit, and Sarazanmai does just that.

Not only this, but the show leaks the secrets of the three main cast members during the first few episodes – Kazuki, Toi and Enta. These guys have been through some pretty hard and sometimes nasty stuff. Watching them deal with their problems and secrets throughout is likely set to continue throughout the series – so I just hope that they can all get to a place where they feel happy and connected.

If you are still not sold, check out the recent clip posted by Crunchyroll on YouTube of the policeman dancing…

Why the Hell are You Here Teacher!? (Episodes 1-6)

I can not say that I have been hyped for this show, but it really has made me laugh. The teacher x student love romantic comedy comes hot off the heels of Domestic Girlfriend – but let me be clear, WTHAYHT is a full-on comedy. There are even parts covered up with stickers, yes stickers, so without giving spoilers – the general story is the student and the teacher end up in haphazard positions and a love eventually blooms.

The animation is well-done, and you can’t help but face-palm as the awkward situations get worse and worse. There is are beach scenes, rain scenes, a water fountain scene (you can see where this is going right?) and the first four episodes are dedicated to student Ichiro and teacher Kana, the ‘demon’ teacher who actually has a soft spot for him.

There is honestly not too much more to say about this show, so its pretty straightforward haha! But the opening should give you an idea where it is going, just watch out for the best bit… Darling.

Overall if you are looking for a bit of face palming giggles then this show is for you, it won’t give you enlightenment, but it could make you spit out a cuppa tea. Also, watch out for happy meal toys… dangerous things…

We Never Learn: Bokuben (Episodes 1-5)

WAIFU WARS INCOMING… It’s that time again for the good old war of BEST GIRL. Well, so far in this series there are three girls to cheer for, but more are incoming! But, if you are not interested in a war and more intrigued about plot, here is the story in a nutshell. Nariyuki a typical high school student, except he is striving to be one of the most high scoring individuals in school and is subsequently persuaded to tutor three unique girls to get the allusive VIP nomination. It turns out that the three brainy girls are great in one topic, but awful in all others, so there have been many tutors who have given up on them until Nariyuki is appointed.

So, lets introduce the girls, Fumino is amazing in literature and arts, and it seems she comes from a wealthy family. She wants to pursue science to search the stars for her late mother – but she is terrible at math. Rizu on the other hand is a math genius but is awful at literature, despite the fact that she wants to understand the human emotion – which is pretty sweet as Rizu tends to be awkward in most conversations. Then we have Uruka, she is amazing at swimming but needs to do better in pretty much every other subject so that she can get a scholarship to pursue her dream. Uruka also has a fondness for Nariyuki as they have known each other since they were children.

You can pretty much understand where the show is leading to based on the synopsis, but it is still a refreshing show. There is a respectful amount of time spent on covering each character and the hurdles they are looking to overcome, but it also throws in a dash of awkward encounters between the girls and Nariyuki – which to be fair – is expected. It’s a nice romantic comedy but more time is taken to make the viewer cheer for the cast to acheive their goals – rather than point blank rude accidents.

The animation and music is very easy on the eyes and you can get really comfortable if you’re looking to binge watch the episodes. My hope is that the series ends on a high, but who will be the girl to confess to Nariyuki and get a 100 score for winning his heart? Who knows!

The helpful fox Senko-San (Episodes 1-5)

Do you work hard, do you wish you could just come home to an 800 year old fox demi god cooking your dinner? Then your prayers have been answered! Well, maybe not exactly, but if you watch this anime you’ll feel a little better at least!

I have to admit, I overlooked this show until about a week ago and have since binged the first five episodes in two sittings! I would imagine others may well end up doing the same, thinking this is some strange loli anime, but I can honestly say that isn’t what this show sets out to be.

The main character Nakano, ends up being so drained and unhappy with his situation that a dark cloud forms over his person – this is noticed by the fox gods, and Senko-San decides to fix him. Making a journey to his apartment, Senko prepares dinner and as Nakano arrives at the front door, its pretty hilarious to see him rub is eyes. I really enjoyed this moment, because the story could have easily led Senko to glomp him in a face palming way, but that’s just not who she is, and I really like that about her. Throughout the first five episodes are daily attempts to make Nakano feel better and more relaxed – however I did raise an eyebrow of two when the fur petting began… still it is done much more cautiously that it could have been!

One of the things I have personally taken away from the show is that working too much may be inevitable, but being home is where you need the dark cloud to break away. Cooking meals and having baths and an early bed can do wonders, so I hope the show will make people think about their own way of life. We may not have a fox girl to do everything for us, but we can at least make home a better place right?

Also, if you do nothing else, check out the opening tune – it is friggen adorable! Huuma Huuuu…. Honestly, it was one of my favourite tunes this season, next to Wonderful Wonder (Ao-chan can’t study) and the ending Stand By Me by The Peggies (Sarazanmai) – but if you wan’t something slower paced, chill out to the Op and End for Fruits Basket 2019.

Well, that’s all from me for now! I hope you have enjoyed this write up and please do get in touch @RayeRayeChan with any thoughts, share around and let me know what you are watching this season!

Ja Ne!

Winter 2019 Anime Mid-Season Review

The new season of anime for 2019 is in full swing and as many of the shows on offer breach their half way point, now is a good a time as any for a quick fire mid-season review.

This will be my first time doing a round-up of some of the shows I have personally been enjoying on Crunchyroll this Winter 2019 season, all my comments are spoiler-free.

My hope is as you read on, you could pick up some shows that may have been overshadowed by ones that have a bit more hype (insert isekai show – you can guess which one).

If you enjoy my reviews let me know and feel free to share or get in touch @RayeRayeChan

There are five new shows that I have been following closely this season, so here we go.

My Roommate is a Cat

*Heart-warming and hilarious*

One of my top shows this season has to be awarded to My Roommate is a Cat (I’ll abbreviate as MRIAC throughout to save on repetition!), whilst I had a hunch this show could pull on the heart strings, (I mean just look at the floof cat) I must say I wasn’t entirely prepared for how hard and how soon.

The show surrounds Subaru Mikazuki, a self-shut-in author who tragically lost both of his parents. Subaru tends to shy away from people, and prefers to read his books and write his novels. One day though, whilst visiting his parents grave and laying down an offering of sushi, a cat appears and gobbles up some of the treats on offer. Rather than swiping the cat, Subaru takes the mog under his wing and brings it home – therein Subaru acquires a roommate who he eventually names Haru.

This awkward coupling is highlighted through the first half of its season, both seeing the world through Subaru’s eyes but also Haru’s. As the series progresses, more people are introduced to the show, including Subaru’s editor and a local pet shop owner. Haru also gets to tell her tale and it’s this which really brings the show into its own. Her antics are infectiously cute and her impact on Subaru is clearly for the better.

If you like shows with a gentle pace with purpose, but also with a bit of humour and sweetness, then check out MRIAC on Crunchyroll – I guarantee you’ll feel all the kawaii joy in less time it takes for a cat to pounce on some sushi.

Kaguya-sama: Love is War

*Superb pace and craftsmanship – catching title sequence*

LIW

I have to say, Love is War is probably one of the most refreshing new anime’s to take over the Winter 2019 season, thanks to its witty writing, art style, catchy intro and pace. It is little wonder to see the title song grab a place in the Japanese charts, and for there to be some buzz around this show that is expected to run for just 12 episodes.

The show surrounds the student council president Shirogane Miyuki and vice-president Shinomiya Kaguya of Shuchiin Academy and documents the tally over their frequent attempts to get the other to confess their feelings. Thus, love is war really means a battle of wits between the two, followed by hilarious pitfalls put in place unknowingly by Chika, the student council secretary and personal friend of Shinomiya. Throughout the first half of the season, the characters are given room to show their personalities and its pretty entertaining to see both Shinomiya and Shirogane fight it out to trap the other into a confession of love.

As the season moves on, the tally for who has won and who has lost in this game of wit just gets better, but there is also some sweetness on show as the defensive walls drop just a little bit. In one such episode, both pretend to forget their umbrella’s to try and coax the other into sharing an umbrella in the rain. It turns out that Shirogane planned it haphazardly but Shinomiya had planned it days ahead.

All in all if you want a smirk or two please check out this show if you haven’t already!

The Promised Neverland

*Shockingly good – not what it appears to be

TPN

On the face of it, The Promised Neverland may appear to be a show set up for chin scratching mystery, but it doesn’t quite prepare you for its true colours.

Indeed, without going into spoilers (so I’ll keep this relatively breif), the show takes no prisoners in it’s attempt to shock and break down any naive expectations. Just a couple of episodes in, I wasn’t quite ready for ‘the truth’ that the orphanage is built on.

The story itself surrounds a picturesque orphanage in what seems to be it’s own valley, however, Emma, the main protagonist sets out one day with her pal Norman to find out why the children are not permitted past a certain boundary. What follows is pretty mind blowing but the show excels in it’s animated display of terror and pure disbelief. One scene that comes to mind in another anime that filled me with a similar chill is that of FMA and the fate of Nina.

TPN is one of those show a that once you get into it, you could well binge the story and sit on the edge of your seat as you wait for a week to pass for the next episode! I really hope things work out for the kids and will be following the show closely until it’s climax.

You do need to give this show a watch but it’s intensity will likely divide fans who might not be prepared for the truth.

The Quintessential Quintuplets

*Enjoyable if not somewhat predictable*

At first glance, the Quintessential Quintuplets does appear to be a somewhat predictable show about one guy and many girls – what could possibly happen etc… But the thing is, the show is actually written very well and has alot of character and comedy injected into it.

Uesugi Fuutaro is the main protagonist and is obsessed with studying, but due to his financial situation, as in lack of, one day he accepts the chance to be a tutor for the daughters of the rich Nakano family in exchange for a decent wedge of cash. However, there is a clause here, because he has not one student to tutor, but five! Yes you heard right, five sisters who are quintuplets! All of which are bombing their exams and have some serious studying to do.

I think the main reason this show kept me watching was the blooming relationships between the sisters and Fuutaro. You can work out roughly where the show is heading, but you’re never quite sure which girl will have their heart open fully to him. In fact, there may even be a deeper connection than what we are led to believe.

Away from the story, the art style is pretty decent and the opening theme is catchy, but you will have to deal with the harem of girls flirting with the watcher – at least this is how it appears to me anyway! Still, it’s a super catchy tune… watashi!

Safe to say, if you want to sit back, relax and enjoy a romantic comedy – then check out Quintessential Quintuplets as it is alot of fun!

Tokyo Meiji Ranka

*Slow burner, but visually appealing*

MTR

One show I decided to follow this season is Tokyo Meiji Ranka, and whilst it’s a bit of a slow burner, I’m still enjoying what this has to offer as it breaches it’s half way point. Overall it lays a foundation of mystery because the main protagonist Mei, is a girl who can hear voices of ghosts and feels isolated by her unusual ability. On her way home, she stumbles across a magic show and somehow gets pulled onto the stage and is transported to another world during a trick by a mischievous man.

What I like most about this new show is that it has a relaxing pace and doesn’t try to be intense within it’s story telling. The harem of male characters (lets be honest, this is clearly the shows upfront pull) have their own time to shine, but I still feel more could be drawn out from each of them. When Mei arrives in the past she is immediately greated my Ouiga, a dashing guy who takes up most of the story and lets be clear, he does seem to be the guy with the most mystery and charisma about him.

As the story progress, Mei is given more opportunities to grow as a character and this is so necessary from the girl who has little personality at the start. Dealing with different ghost encounters and creating bonds with the men around her makes her much more human. One of the things I like most is her love for food, and the animation is fantastic to express her excitement.

We can’t ignore the opening intro either, it’s jazzy finger clicking tune is very catchy and rather suits the show.

Overall I’m looking forward to see what this show has coming, will Mei stay in past Tokyo, or will she go back to her own time… we will see!

If you enjoyed my review round up please do get in touch, share etc!

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