A place to share my ramblings and passions in regards to anime, manga, and Light Novels. Lots of spoilers for series so be warned (try to mark spoilers as best I can).
Otherside Picnic Omnibus 4: Funeral of The Accomplices
It's hard to really find a succinct way to describe the contents of Otherside Picnic at the best of times, and as time goes on that complexity only grows. Because of that, though, the series continues to get better.
Exploring more and more of the principles of the Otherside and their reality, seeing characters continue to grow and develop- it's all part of the same incredible package.
Originally, I was just going to write about the omni as a single entity, but I found volumes 7 and 8 to be far too good to be able to do that, so instead I've separated them out into two different posts.
Being perhaps the most synergistic pairing in the omni release so far, it's a decision that might not make sense (until you see how much writing there is).
The simple answer to that is Otherside Picnic continues to be an incredible read, even as it evolves and tweaks its form. The more complex answer is that there's a world of things to discuss in all sorts of fashion, which I touch upon in both reviews.
Taking a major step forward, Sorawo and Toriko resolve themselves to having a funeral for Satsuki Uruma, aiming to finally be free of her.
Otherside Picnic volume 8 makes the terrors of the UBL look trivial against Sorawo's latest fear: Toriko herself.
Taking the groundwork from the first volume, Sketchy volume 2 runs away with skateboarding, lighting up a path filled with skating culture and passion for our main characters to explore.
Though full to the brim with fish-eye lenses and skating tricks, Makihirochi doesn't neglect the roots of the series- both in terms of learning to skate, and the social dynamics that brought each of our characters towards skating as a sport and hobby.
Sporting its far lighter tone despite still covering similar content, this second volume has more than a bit to say- much of which I talk about in the full review at Animehouse.
Departing from the narrative development of its debut, Sketchy volume 2 dives headfirst into skating culture.
It's a bit crazy to think that if volumes were swapped for years, Call of The Night would now be old enough to drive. Despite that tenure though, Kotoyama still delivers impressively strong work- though with a few caveats in this volume.
Nailing the major moments but slipping a little with the in-between pieces, volume 16 details the climb towards the final climax of Kiku and Mahiru's story- setting up our final arc in the process.
Full to the brim with Kotoyama's wonderful emotional expressions, Call of The Night volume 16 continues to express Kotoyama's incredible unique and fluid evolution as a mangaka- which I explain in detail in the full review at Animehouse.
Bringing the school trip towards an emotional crescendo, Call of The Night volume 16 focuses on the intersection of love and hate.
I Read The New Viz Originals One-Shots So You Don't Have To
That's right, Viz Media has dropped four new manga one-shots (which they previously announced here). The fact remains though, here stands four new series to check out from 4 sets of North American creators.
It's a lot of choice, a surprising amount of range, and a very good question:
Which are worth reading?
The obvious answer is, "all of them, as you should form your own opinions".
The answer that is given here though is to check out this blog post outlining each of the four one-shots alongside their strengths and weaknesses!
Having released 4 titles at once, come get an idea of which Viz Originals One-Shots from the release are really worth your time.
Witch Hat Atelier Anime Information To Be Unveiled at Anime Expo
In a shockingly odd move, we'll be seeing information about the Witch Hat Atelier anime (that still exists, surprisingly) at this year's Anime Expo.
The confusion piles up as they're bringing some of the production staff along as part of Shirahama's entourage- most likely a director, character designer, or producer.
Even weirder is the fact that this in-person reveal will be the first proper information we're getting about the Witch Hat Atelier anime. Whether that's just a key visual, studio, or just the staff brought along we've no idea.
I'm incredibly excited, much like everyone else, but this reveal feels like such an incredible anomaly that it's hard to truly gauge potential or value that might stem from it. For that, I suppose we'll have to wait until July 4th.
Welcome To Demon School! Iruma-Kun Volume 8: End of Terminus
Following the previous escapades of the Abnormal class, this group of misfits faces down their most hellish challenge yet- end of Terminus exams!
True to form for the series, Nishi makes full use of the setting to create a fun and meaningful experience with exams and learning, even sneaking in quite a few bit plot devices.
Yet another riot of a volume, Iruma-Kun volume 8 ties a neat bow on the first term of school for Babyls, and drags readers closer to the bigger picture for the series- which I talk about in detail in the full review at Animehouse.
Following end of Terminus exams, Welcome To Demon School! Iruma-Kun volume 8 sees the Abnormal class excitedly make for summer vacation.
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Volume 1: Sweet Things
Romance manga are at a dime a hundred dozen, and within that the Romeo and Juliet narrative archetype remains surprisingly common.
Despite its overuse, and subsequent reimaginings, the iteration present in The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity volume 1 doesn't have enough thoughtfulness nor theatrics to successfully extricate itself from the masses.
Subsisting off of fondness for the concept- and Mikami's impressive art and character designs- this is a manga that romance fans will slip into very comfortably... but it won't offer much else.
Detailed in the full review at Animehouse, this first volume remains nothing new, relying on the past interests of readers to successfully sell itself.
Relying on Saka Mikami's artistry, The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity volume 1 is a very middle-of-the-road read.
What happens when super studious and upper-crust Keiichiro Katsuragi and has-been delinquent Yuri Hasegawa start dating? Of course, a legal battle for the right to do the deed begins!
A riot of a first volume built upon an incredibly strong foundation, Let's Do It Already! volume 1 flips back and forth like a metronome between excessively active humor and heartfelt (and sometimes a little steamy) romantic moments between the pair. Attempting to close the gap between the two sides of their romantic partnership, Keiichiro and Yuri explore each others worlds and their challenges, making for a great initial volume- which I talk about in more detail in the full review at Animehouse.
Crossing prude with prurient, Let's Do It Already! volume 1 is a manga about attempting to overcome the "Com" in RomCom.
Pride Month Manga Recommendations: Currently Releasing
It's the first day of Pride Month, so why not find some LGBTQ+ manga to read to kick off the start of June? Take a look through this thread of 10 currently releasing manga and light novels to find a new series to pick up, starting with-
The Summer Hikaru Died - Soon To Be an Anime!
Yoshiki and Hikaru were best friends, until Yoshiki notices a change in the boy and comes to find out that he's been replaced by some sort of monster that proclaims his love for Yoshiki.
A fittingly disturbing affair, The Summer Hikaru Died does wonderful work as a horror manga, and expertly intertwines Yoshiki and "Hikaru's" emotions and feelings for one another with the dark and foreboding tone of the series.
Whisper Me A Love Song - A Currently Airing Anime!
Yori Asanagi is a girl better at guitar than love, but what happens when underclassman Himari Kino falls in love with that guitar work? Well, a string of misunderstandings appears that sets in motion this love song of a story.
Whisper Me A Love Song is certainly a bit close to cliché or melodramatic, but with Takeshima Eku's art, it becomes quite the appealing series. Certainly for fans of a more typically-styled love story, Whisper Me A Love Song is a very fun read!
I Married My Female Friend - from the author of Doughnuts Under A Crescent Moon
One day at a festival, Kurumi and Ruriko made a "promise" to each other: in 5 years, if neither found a partner, they would get married. That period elapses, and Ruriko comes racing back to Kurumi with a marriage certificate in hand.
I Married My Female Friend is both a lighthearted yet emotionally aware manga that feels like a spiritual successor to Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon, skipping the challenges of finding love & heading for the difficulty of being in love.
Seaside Stranger - Also A Major (Animated) Motion Picture
A story of two young men estranged from their parents, Seaside Stranger finds a difficult love blossom on a remote island that begins as confinement for the pair as they work through their challenging feelings and pasts.
Kii Kana's art is really something, and studio Hibari's adaptation is equally beautiful- extracting the most out of this dramatic (and steamy) romance. I might add though that it's not quite for those brand new to BL thanks to explicit content, but it's a great read nonetheless.
Otherside Picnic - Both An Anime And Manga
Sorawo Kamikoshi, a university student, spends her free time exploring a creepy pasta-esque dimension she calls the Otherside where she meets Toriko Nishina as the two narrowly escape the clutches of death, starting their journey.
While it's certainly quite the slow-burn of a romance, Iori Miyazawa's horror-filled world is bursting with passion and discomfort in equal amounts, making for a riveting read with a romance that feels impressively real. There's also an anime.... but it doesn't quite deliver.
Cinderella Closet
Haruka's a "plain jane" who left the countryside to live a bright and fashionable life in Tokyo- which she struggles with before meeting her "fairy godmother" Haruka- a young person with an incredible eye and interest for women's fashion and makeup.
In a sense, Cinderella Closet is a very loud depiction of romance in "the big city", throwing curve balls and both romantic & emotional challenges at every turn. In the end though, it remains a very positive and encouraging story with each turn, making for a great read.
The Contract Between a Specter and a Servant
On the worst- and final- day of Masamichi Adachi's life, he's hit by a car and left to die in the streets at night... until the enigmatic Shino offers him a contract to save his life.
While in the same genre as Otherside Picnic, this light novel certainly leans more into traditional horror as it explores a tense but intriguing relationship between Masamchi and Shino. A unique and engaging (re-released) light novel, it's an easy choice for fans of horror!
I Want To Be A Wall
Though Yuriko and Gakurouta are married, no love blossoms between them, as Yuriko is asexual (and a fan of BL) and Gakurouta stills holds feelings for his oblivious (male) childhood friend close to his heart.
Sporting a wonderfully unique concept, I Want To Be A Wall is a story that more so focuses on the wedded couple's humorous day-to-day lives than anything. A very light and enjoyable series, it's very easy to recommend to just about anyone.
Confessions of a Shy Baker
Toshimitsu Yamamura owns a real estate company and is a baking fanatic- spurred on by the sweet tooth of his boyfriend Gonta. One day however, Toshi gets pushed towards advertising his services as LGBTQ-friendly, forcing him to reconcile with how this move that would help others might out himself as gay.
A manga that delicately balances the societal struggles of being gay with a bright and heartwarming romance centered around baking, Confessions of a Shy Baker is a great jack all of trades manga.
Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide
Overly serious Asahi Suzumura and equally laid-back Mitsuki Sayama made each other a promise: together, they'll travel around the world, and when they return to Japan they'll get married.
A beautiful story that throws readers out into the world through destinations and stories, this is a manga that does everything it can within its pages. A forbidden love, a forgotten partner, struggles with laws that forbid love- together they explore this world and each other.
And that's all the recommendations for today, if you have any more you'd like to add feel free to share them here!
The first of (currently) a pair of anime originals from Pine Jam, Just Because! is something that I was given in r/Anime's monthly anime swap in their Discord server, and something that I was genuinely excited to watch.
That was the wrong approach. Just Because! is certainly full of the juvenile wonder of Pine Jam- struggles and all- but it's undermined by challengingly opaque writing throughout, and a blindingly terrible and confusing finale.
In its own way it's certainly a unique experience, but through all of the information I discuss in the full review, it's a series that I simply can't recommend others to watch.
Unless you sport a sadistic streak, Just Because! is an anime far better left swept under the rug than being suckered into watching.
It's not quite the worst-case scenario, but a Sakamoto Days anime has been announced with a few other pieces of information, creating a whirlpool of concern rather than hype.
Under TMS Entertainment, and some... interesting choices for staff, the PV is unable to shirk the weight of that concern, allowing darker clouds to gather on the horizon of this series.
Of course, it's one of several trailers so it's not dead on arrival by any means, but as I explain in a full post at Animehouse, it's far better to plan for storms than to expect sunshine with this adaptation.
Revealing a PV, studio, and staff, a Sakamoto Days anime has appeared... with a few reasons to be hesitant about its quality.
As a bit of a preface, it was announced in this article that the animation studio Science Saru would be purchased outright from CEO Eun-young Choi on June 19th of this year.
It's big news, and definitely has been eliciting quite a few knee-jerk reactions to it, so I wanted to throw my 2 cents out there in a bit of a more casual format.
First of all, Science Saru was not bought because of financial struggles. Just in 2023- largely thanks to the success of the Scott Pilgrim anime- Science Saru recorded nearly a doubling (90%) in terms of their operating revenue as a studio.
It's a massive number, and helps to prove that the studio is not strapped for cash in any sense. By the same token though, it doesn't necessarily mean that the purchase was made in 110% good faith from both parties- but I do want to make a case that it is the most probable reasoning.
After all, Eunyoung Choi hasn't yet announced that they'll step down after the purchase, and Toho is allowing Science Saru to remain as a subsidiary of their growing animation division.
Similarly, look at what Toho Animation is doing as of late. They made massive waves with their work in The Apothecary Diaries, and are angling to place webgen wonderchild China (yes, that's their full name) as a cornerstone of their studio. From there, you just have to consider the trailer for the Godzilla-centered original anime First Line, as well as China's long time partnership/friendship with Moa Ang (who's the character designer for Naoko Yamada's Garden of Remembrance), and you realize that between the two entities there is a strong creative bond.
Piecing it all together, it really just feels like there's a strong backing from creatives on both sides of the field. With that in mind, it really feels like this buyout is about Science Saru having access to more funds, a greater talent pool, and more opportunity.
In a sense, it's hard not to. As of right now, Science Saru has four announced anime projects- two movies (both from Naoko Yamada), and two very big TV anime series. Considering the sheer popularity of Dandadan, and the mythic history of Ghost in The Shell, and you come to the natural conclusion that you really need every tool at your disposal to find success.
All of this is really just some rambling to put my thoughts together on the move, and Saru's future, but the more I continue to look closer and closer, the harder it is to explicitly pin ill intent on either party in this transaction. Toho is breaking into the animation market with the anime boom, and Science Saru wants to take themselves to the next level. It's a natural conclusion in this industry (almost). So rather than being overly pessimistic, I'm more so looking forward to what Toho is able to provide for Science Saru, and what kind of work we'll be seeing down the road.
With about as weird and abrupt a start as you could imagine, Friday at the Atelier volume 1 is a story that... develops, into a mix between a slice of life and romance only after office worker Emiko Tamaki voices her desire to have a final meal of saury before she chooses to die.
It's eccentric, odd, and it certainly plays into the surreal nature of the world that Tamaki finds herself gravitating towards- but is perhaps a manga that won't find a massive audience over here.
A sort of mixed bag of subdued expectations, this first volume does well to set the tone for the future, and provides would-be readers with a lot of content to take in- which I take about in more detail in the full review at Animehouse.
An artist that likes to draw fish & a woman with an appetite for saury as her last meal meet, and with it Friday at the Atelier volume 1 sta
The odds of Blood Blade really surviving in a traditional Japanese publication aren't very likely, and because of that I'm ever thankful that this is an English exclusive series.
Full of blood and gore, excessively crazy circumstances, and ideas that could only ever be humorous, this second volume remains as much a riot as the first, but confidently steers the series more and more towards Oma Sei's ideal version.
It may be too campy for some, but within that, Sei is putting on display some truly commendable work, that I just can't help but talk about.
With no other way to describe it than "Kick ass", Blood Blade 2 hits the stage and shows off a volume stained a beautiful dark crimson.
It's been what feels like far too long since volume 11, but regardless Witch Hat Atelier Volume 12 is finally here and brings with it a world of information.
Action, danger, doubt, history and mystery, and so much more. Volume 12 continues to prove Shirahama's incredible work across the board, and remains a measuring stick for countless other series.
A world of content sandwiched between two covers, this volume was an absolute treat to read, and even more to talk about in the full review at Animehouse.
Witch Hat Atelier volume 12 brings the tensions of Silver Eve to a boiling point, and unmasks a new realm of magic in the process.
Hirayasumi is a manga I've had my eyes on for a long while. When it was first gaining popularity a few years ago I had all sorts of people recommending it to me, but I had absolute faith it would get licensed in English.
It certainly took a while, but it's here, and it's a wonderful read. Slice of life as a genre has a very wide range, but if you wanted something that was the most pure distillation of that genre, this would be it.
A manga that follows not even the daily life, but the daily steps of our pair of relatives (and lead characters) is a perfect example of slice of life. There is no greater meaning to the moments, there is no higher calling- it is just this duo living their lives as they please, and the amount of comfort that comes from reading about it is just wonderful.
If you're more curious about the "deeper" corners of this debut volume though, feel free to check out the full review on Animehouse.
Hirayasumi volume 1 arrives as a pinnacle of feel good manga, and has Keigo Shinzo show their impressive prowess off.
The Apothecary Diaries Volume 1: Too Much Confidence
Yes, it's been a minute, but let's gloss over that. The Apothecary Diaries was one of the most popular anime of last year- and for good reason.
Because of that, I've been intensely curious to see how the light novel from Nastu Hyuuga stacked up against its adaptation, and, well... let me say it this way:
the light novel doesn't give you a reason to read it
Yes, it really is true. The anime outdoes Hyuuga's original work by more than just a single stride. It's an impressive feat powered largely by Naganuma's deft hands at work, but Hyuuga still deserves credit for providing the foundations for that success. It's just that Hyuuga themselves were unable to bring out the best in the work, and I explain that in detail in the full review at Animehouse.
The Apothecary Diaries volume 1 proves a single unquestionable fact: the anime is far more worth your time than the light novel.
