
Review: Chain Chronicle: Haecceitas no Hikari E.01
By Shanel Kamara
Hmmm, so admittedly, I was going to write another review of this week’s episode of Shouwa, but in the end, I decided against it. Sometimes it's good to change things up and Chains Chronicle: Haecceitas no Hikari - an anime rendition of the role-playing game produced by the illustrious video game company, Sega, available on the Android and PlayStation Vita, was just the ticket. Honestly, out of all the genres, fantasy is probably at the bottom of my list when it comes to selecting what type of anime to watch. For some reason, I just find most fantasy shows to be too predictable or conventional, even when the plot line is supposedly unique and original. Fantasy shows tend to cast females in subordinate roles despite being as strong as their male peers are and the heroes tend to be predominantly young males of ordinary descent. However, now and again it is good to set aside one's preconceptions and give these things the benefit of the doubt.

Review: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen E.07
By Shanel Kamara
It's official; I am completely hooked on Shouwa! I loved the unexpected twist this episode. I knew the death of Konatsu’s parents was a delicate matter that weighed heavily on the characters minds, particularly Konatsu who blamed Yakuma for the demise of her father and Yakumo who blamed himself for not being able to save Konatsu’s parents despite being in such close proximity to them. However, I never suspected that the truth regarding the manner in which they died was different to what actually happened.

Review: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen E.05
By Shanel Kamara
Oh My Gosh! that last scene in Shouwa featuring Yakumo and Sukerou had me on the edge of my seat; I wish the preview would not keep me in suspense regarding Yakumo. I have a love-hate relationship with cliffhangers. They stir up your anticipations but force you to accept the fact that you will have to wait to find out what happens next. I suppose in a way that is good, though because it means that the show is keeping you engaged. Lately, I have noticed that most of the shows I tend to prefer feature cliffhangers or plot twists. It may sound a tad cliche, but Shouwa is unlike any series I have previously watched.

Review: Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi E.03
By Shanel Kamara
Before I delve into the review of this week’s episode of Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, I would advise anyone who has not watched the previous season or the last two episodes, to watch them. This review will not contain any real spoilers, but in order to grasp what is going on, you need some knowledge of who the characters are and how they relate to one another. For instance, even though Yotarou is married to Konatsu, he insists on calling her “sis.” They are, in no way, related to one another. Moreover, they are not childhood friends. I could go into a lot of detail about how these two met and so forth, but I will leave it to anyone who is interested in catching up by watching previous episodes.

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen E.02
By Shanel Kamara
This show is one that I will definitely not tire of watching. The explanation of how certain characters connect to the protagonists and their role in the preservation and development of rakugo is sound. I thought how minor character, Higuchi Eisuke from season one, who Yakumo - in his younger years - briefly encountered while on tour with his master, reappeared this season as a supporting character, was brilliant.

Review: Yuri on Ice!! E.11
By Shanel Kamara
How exactly is a wedding band a charm? I am a little mystified as to how the purchase of wedding rings cannot have some implication to the type of relationship a person has with another. However, I do realize, that in spite of the aspects of realism evident in this show, this anime is a piece of fiction, put simply.

Review: Yuri on Ice!! E.10
By Shanel Kamra
The countdown to the end of the first cour of Yuri on Ice!! officially begins. Over the past several weeks, nearly every episode of the series to air has received predominantly positive attention. The original anime has created quite a stir among audiences, quickly gaining a massive fan base especially among the female demographic. Currently, I am on the fence as to whether I am glad or sad to see the end of this show - even if it is only temporary.

Review: All Out E.01
By Shanel Kamara
Muscles, a token female, and a whole lot of testosterone, and tears; unfortunately, All Out is just another typical sports themed anime that boasts of no defining features or unique traits. To be frank, I partially expected it to be so. Although All Out is undeniably a sports themed anime show, I actually think of it as a shonen series.

Review: Cheating Craft E.01
By Shanel Kamara
What comes to mind when you see the words ‘cheating’ and ‘craft’? These words on their own have very distinct meanings but combined they formulate one unique definition. Next, try to visualise what the title Cheating Craft could suggest. I am willing to bet that whatever preconceived notions or thoughts you had about this anime show, this anime show is guaranteed to flush them down the drain or drastically flip them over.

Review: Udon no Kuni no Kiniro E.01
By Shanel Kamara
Udon no Kuni no Kiniro would be a typical slice of life anime series, if it were not for the element of fantasy blatantly apparent in the series. Several anime shows have dealt with the topic of an older single male looking after their child, such as Amaama to Inazuma (a 2016 summer series) or adopting a child out of pity, despite having no experience with children.

Review: March Comes In Like A Lion E.01
By Shanel Kamara
Okay, so unlike Fune Wo Amu, what drew me to 3 – Gatsu No Lion (in English March Comes in like a Lion) immediately was the style of animation and the fact that the original source, of the anime series, is a manga by Chica Umino, the author, and creator of the award-winning Honey and Clover series.

Review: Nobunaga no Shinobi E.01
By Shanel Kamara
Wow, I was not expecting to find out that, Nobunaga does in fact have a mouth and that it just looks like he does not have one most of the time. Episode 1 introduces Chidori's master, who belongs to the Fuma clan and Sukezou, a fellow ninja who is in love with Chidori. Chidori and Sukezou leave Chidori's master in hope of finding Nobunaga and serving him. While the two are on their journey, Chidori recounts how she met Nobunaga once before and how he saved her from drowning in a river. She expresses feelings of doubt about Nobunaga recalling their previous encounter.

Review: Nobunaga no Shinobi E.00
By Shanel Kamara
I loved this! The plot, characters, and simple yet effective animation style drew me in immediately. Due to the plots setting, and the fact that several anime shows have already dealt with the topic of the warring states period in East Asia, Nobunaga's reign, samurai's and ninjas, I thought that this show might be the same as the others; but I was wrong. This show has the potential to be truly exquisite; the balance between humour and seriousness is apparent. I realised by the end of this episode that, although at times Chidori seemed a bit naive and a bit of a joke, she was in fact a competent, brave, and formidable ninja girl.

Review: Fune wo Amu E.01
By Shanel Kamara
Okay, so the artwork is not what drew me in at first, what did it for me was the novel and compelling storyline. There have been several types of anime under various genres, such as slice of life, comedy, shonen, etc. that have mainly dealt with professions including the police, detective agencies, espionage, manga and anime production, but never till now has there been one about publishing or more specifically about the editing and publishing of dictionaries. To be honest, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of editing is the editing of news, magazines, books, films, and shows. I have never once considered the intricate procedure involved in editing dictionaries.

Review: Yuri!! On Ice E.02
By Shanel Kamara
I definitely intend on seeing this show through to the end. The prospect of watching characters develop, grow, and transform completely is not only exciting but also inspiring. The third episode airs next week and I already feel, as though the primary message that this anime is conveying is that change is only possible for those who strive for it.
Review: Yuri!! On Ice E.01
By Shanel Kamara
Yes! Finally, the long awaited release of another novel and unconventional anime. Honestly, I am not surprised to see another niche and female stereotyped sport-themed anime show after the success of the equally unique show, Cheer Danshi!! It is great to see a steady rise in these non-conforming and thought provoking type series.The anime focuses on the protagonist Yuuri Katsuki, a Japanese Ice figure skater who experiences utter defeat at the Gran Prix Finale Ice Skating Competition.

Review: Nyanbo E.02
By Shanel Kamara
In today’s episode, the nyanbo focus on fixing the UFO. In order to do so they attempt to implant different objects into it, but due to several failed attempts decide to go outside and search for the potential right pieces that could fit into the centre of the UFO. While searching outside, they meet the nyanbo idol group, known as ‘Nyanbo Angel’s’, made up of Sabara and Kijitora who expect their undivided attention but are disappointed to fid out that the other nyanbo’s are too busy to pay them any mind.
Review: Nyanbo E.01
By Shanel Kamara
The first thing that came to mind when I saw the promotional picture for this anime was a cardboard Amazon box or more specifically the Amazon robot known as Danbo. The next thing to spring to mind was how cute the opening song was. Although the style of animation is different to that of Bananya, I thought the premise was very similar. Both series have a cat theme, all the characters originate from somewhere in space, and people are unable to see or detect them.

Review: Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibougamine Gakuen - Kibou-hen E.01
By Shanel Kamara
A wonderfully hopeful and inspirational ending to an anime series filled with despair. Despite the fact that while watching this series I was often left speechless, shocked, and saddened, this episode, by far, left the biggest impression on me. To me, the last episode was bittersweet. Admittedly, I partially felt sad to see the end of the Danganronpa series.
Review: Hakuouki: Otogisoushi E.04
By Shanel Kamara
In this episode Chizuru's twin brother, Kaoru attempts to drive Chizuru into despair by stealing the gift - a packet of dango- she received from Kondou-san for her hard work. Despite Kaoru's sinister intentions, the plot he conjures up is tame, at best, and funny. I doubt a lost packet of dango could drive anyone to despair. Nevertheless, Kaoru's plan falls through, and he ends up praising his sister in spite of his failure to cause her grief.In the second half of this episode Chizuru (for some inexplicable reason) appears to be troubled (it’s not because of Kaoru's plan though).
FEATURED POSTS
Archive
- April 2025 2
- March 2025 2
- February 2025 3
- January 2025 6
- December 2024 2
- November 2024 1
- October 2024 1
- July 2024 4
- June 2024 3
- May 2024 2
- April 2024 7
- March 2024 7
- January 2024 3
- December 2023 2
- November 2023 4
- October 2023 6
- September 2023 5
- August 2023 12
- July 2023 4
- June 2023 3
- May 2023 2
- April 2023 3
- March 2023 2
- February 2023 1
- January 2023 3
- December 2022 2
- November 2022 3
- October 2022 3
- September 2022 2
- August 2022 1
- July 2022 6
- June 2022 4
- May 2022 14
- April 2022 15
- March 2022 9
- February 2022 5
- August 2019 1
- January 2019 2
- August 2018 12
- July 2018 188
- June 2018 159
- May 2018 204
- April 2018 156
- March 2018 178
- February 2018 180
- January 2018 176
- December 2017 112
- November 2017 143
- October 2017 152
- September 2017 210
- August 2017 180
- July 2017 199
- June 2017 150
- May 2017 129
- April 2017 184
- March 2017 180
- February 2017 178
- January 2017 195
- December 2016 164
- November 2016 135
- October 2016 163
- September 2016 219
- August 2016 248
- July 2016 267
- June 2016 242
- May 2016 160
- April 2016 199
- March 2016 163
- February 2016 145
- January 2016 175
- December 2015 105
- November 2015 166
- October 2015 130
- September 2015 147
- August 2015 135
- July 2015 183
- June 2015 190
- May 2015 140
- April 2015 275
- March 2015 198
- February 2015 430
- January 2015 198
- December 2014 144
- November 2014 187
- October 2014 239
- September 2014 193
- August 2014 289
- July 2014 334
- June 2014 308
- May 2014 244
- April 2014 253
- March 2014 268
- February 2014 232
- January 2014 254
- December 2013 302
- November 2013 276
- October 2013 349
- September 2013 262
- August 2013 325
- July 2013 349
- June 2013 303
- May 2013 373
- April 2013 416
- March 2013 124
- February 2013 16
- January 2013 26
- December 2012 24
- November 2012 17
- October 2012 18
- September 2012 22
- August 2012 13
- July 2012 20
- June 2012 12
- May 2012 23
- April 2012 20
- March 2012 9
- February 2012 20
- January 2012 96
- December 2011 93
- November 2011 73
- October 2011 52
- September 2011 54
- August 2011 37
- July 2011 1