Anime Reviews

Akira Remembers to Appreciate Family

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Deadย Ep 9 Review

Zom 100 is unlike most zombie apocalypse stories that came before, and that has to do with its main themes. The whole story’s an argument that people are spending too much of their lives working and doing what society expects of them instead of doing what they want. As a result, many people never get to do the things they want in life until it’s too late. That’s nothing new to this story, but this week’s episode adds another layer to this concept. It’s hard enough when people need more time to do what they want. Now add that they may not have the time they want to spend with their loved ones before they’re gone.ย 

This review will get pretty deep, so put tissues on standby.

The Magic of a Treehouse

As Akira and his group nears the end ofย their trek to his hometown, they run into a literal roadblock. The only tunnel leading to Gunma is sealed off on both sides and infested with zombies. Nothing can get out or get in. Thus, the trip to “Kanto’s best-kept secret” continues on foot, leading the group to run into a carpenter being chased by a zombie boar. After saving his life, the carpenter, Masaru Kumano, explains why he’s out in the woods. He’s building a treehouse to keep himself safe from the zombies, something that Akira and Kencho eagerly join in on. Both because it’s on Akira’s Bucket List, and the simple fact that most kids dream of having a cool treehouse.

Tragically, Kumano reveals that the treehouse is not just for safety, but a tribute to his dead son. He always promised that they’d build a treehouse one day, but he lost his wife and son when the zombie plague broke out. This leaves him filled with melancholy over the fact that he didn’t spend as much time with his kid as he wanted.

This moment defines the tone of the rest of the episode, as it makes Akira reflect on his own relationship with his parents, who he hasn’t seen since he left to work in Tokyo. Many young adults leaving home for the first time (and even the ones who remain at home) can feel guilt over not showing enough gratitude to their parents, or getting to do everything they want with them. That was even before the zombie outbreak; with the chance of survival far lower now, Akira’s more determined than ever to make things up to his parents.

I won’t lie: this episode made me think about my own relationship with my parents, and what I can do to help them as we all get older. Anyone acutely aware of the passage of time and how their parents might not always be around may end up feeling the same.ย 

Gunma is the Perfect Anti-Zombie Stronghold…Until Now

Regardless, Akira leads his group to his hometown of Gunma, and he isn’t joking when he calls it Kanto’s “best-kept secret.” It’s the perfect stronghold to ride out a zombie apocalypse: limited routes to get in, self-sustaining food supply, and plenty of people around make it a veritable redoubt. Akira and his friends could take refuge there forever if they wanted to. Alas, trouble’s already brewing in the form of a group that serves as evil twins to Akira and his friends.

Many refugees from the cities wound up making their way to Gunma following the zombie outbreak, which isn’t a problem at first glance. However, four of those people have come with the intent of destroying the village by unleashing the zombies on everyone. The reason why? Simply for the sake of it.

Meet Kanta Higurashi, a nihilistic NEET and Akira’s evil counterpart. The anime doesn’t reveal his full backstory yet, but it spends the final moments of the episode establishingย whyย he and his group are dark reflections of Akira’s group. Like the protagonists, they were people who either wanted more out of life or were dissatisfied with society and their place in it (or lack thereof.) Whereas Akira and his friends are using zombie virus to better themselves and live their best lives, though, Kanta’s group doing the opposite. They’re indulging in their worst vices and acts of petty vengeance against those they think wronged them. There will likely be those who use the end of the world to embrace their worst aspects, and Kanta’s group is a frightening example of what can happen.ย 

Too bad we don’t know when the next episode will air.

Support the People in the Anime Industry

Zom 100 has been continually plagued by numerous delays since it’s premiere. As a result, what should’ve been a surefire hit for the summer season has likely not live up to its full potential. Now, it’s suffering its most considerable delay yet as the final three episodes of the first seasonย are delayed indefinitely.ย 

There’s a dark sense of irony to this. For an anime about bashing abusiveย working conditions, the anime industry isย one of the worst placesย for people to work. The last few years have seen a growing awareness of how bad it is working in the anime industry, with people even being hospitalized from sheer exhaustion. Now, that kind of work environment could costย Zom 100ย a spot as one of the best anime of 2023.

The anime opening was actually incomplete when the series premiered. This latest episode is the one that includes the full opening.

There’s no telling when this popular anime might return, but for now, the best fans can do to support is to spread awareness about how great it is. Anyone who’s hated their jobs can emphasize and identify with Akira and his friends, and maybe it can encourage more people to prioritize their own wellness in this chaotic world. That, and it can help spread awareness of how the anime industry needs serious reforms.

I Give “Treehouse of the Dead” a 4.5/5

Guten Tag, Fraulein Beatrix!

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Deadย Ep 8ย Review

There comes a time in the lives of many otaku’s, weebs, and Japanophile’s where loving Japan from afar isn’t enough. They have to take the time and save the money to see the land of the Rising Sun for themselves. Unfortunately, life has a way of throwing people curve balls, like a zombie apocalypse. However, as Zom 100’s philosophy has repeatedly espoused, it’s better to follow your dreams than live without them. As Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka continue their trek across Japan, the young woman they run into loves Japan so much, not even zombies will stop her from enjoying it. Guten tag, fraulein Beatrix! 

Shizuka may have competition on the “Best Waifu’s” list for 2023.ย 

As a side note, the show updated the opening to include footage of their adventures in Tokyo, and a zombie dance number that would make Michael Jackson proud. 

Beatrix Amerhauser, Japanophile Extreme!

After he managed to tell off his worthless former boss and leave him crying on the road, Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka continue their trek across Japan to Akira’s hometown. Shizuka’s finally more open with the others, joining them in scratching off items on their bucket list. Their road trip winds up taking a detour, though, when they see a truck being attacked by zombies. Before Akira can do his hero thing, though, the driver comes out clad inย samurai armorย and uses a naginata to skewer all the zombies!ย 

Meet Beatrix Amerhauser, a 21-year-old German student and die-hard Japanophile. She’s dreamed of coming to Japan since she was a child, but by the time she arrived, the Zombie apocalypse was underway. Like the rest of the group, though, she refuses to despair, wanting to experience as much of Japan as possible. Given her attitude, it’s inevitable that she chooses to join the group.

Beatrix is a very worthy new addition to the show’s roster. Much like Akira, she has this fearless attitude that drives her to do things others would call crazy. She’s just as athletic, too, using her samurai armor and naginata to mow down zombies like it’s nobody’s business. At the same time, she’s also knowledgable like Shizuka. She knows more about Japanese culture than some Japanese do!

Also, like Kencho, there’s a few moments where she’s not afraid of stripping naked, albeit because there’s hot springs involved. In other words, she fits right in with the group.

Hot Springs and Sushi Galore

Introductions to Beatrix aside, this episode is noteworthy for adapting stories into one episode. The first half that introduces Beatrix also sees the group fight a horde of zombies for the chance to try authentic sushi. The second sees the group indulge in a common fanservice staple: hot springs and open-air baths.ย 

Anyone who’s watched a comedy-based anime will know what a hot spring or open-air bath entails. And like many examples, Akira winds up getting in one at the exact same time that Shizuka does. What makes it funny, though, is the fact that Akira’s more interested in enjoying himself than seeing Shizuka, much to her disbelief. It’s a good way of subverting the classic hot-spring scenario by having the man not be a pervert about it. 

Humor aside, their unexpected time together does lead to a tender moment where Shizuka opens up to Akira more. Despite writing him off as an impulsive idiot at first, she’s come to admire how uninhibited he is. She even admits that she’d hope to date someone like him one day.

That’s right; Akira and Shizuka shippers just got a ton of fuel for their cause!

All in all, this episode was a very light-hearted affair. After the heavy stuff that viewers had to endure in the previous two episodes, it’s nice to get a reprieve. Despite being a zombie story, Zom 100 remains, at its core, a comedy series. That, and the episode introduced us to yet another waifu for 2023, Beatrix Amerhauser. Now fans are going to have to debate who’s better: Beatrix or Shizuka?

Let the arguing begin!

I Give “Sushi and Hot Springs of the Dead” a 4.5/5

Sylphie Steps Up and Gets Her Man!

Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews , , , , , , , ,

Mushoku Tensei S2 Ep 11 Review

Rudeus Greyrat might be considered intelligent by everyone he meets, and they’re right. Even barring the fact that he has all his memories of his past life to work with, he’s a brainiac. However, when it comes to love, he’s got the IQ of Naruto Uzumaki. It took him years to realize Hinata loved him, and it didn’t help how shy she was about her feelings. However, Sylphie doesn’t have the luxury of waiting that long for Rudeus to wise up and figure out who she is. Thus, it falls to her, Ariel, and Luke to come up with a plan to get him to realize the truth. Sylphie steps up to get her man!

Sylphie, Ariel, and Luke Decide to Go for the Jugular

Ever since the library incident, things have been tense between Rudy and “Fitz.” Despite knowing that “Fitz” is a girl and the key to curing his ED, his respect for “him” is too great. Combined with his low self-esteem and self-deprecation, he refuses to act on his feelings. He even denies knowing anything about “Fitz” to Luke when he confronts him about it.

However, this is the last thing that Ariel, Luke, and Sylphie want.ย 

While the series makes it no secret that Sylphie has loved Rudy since they were kids, the depths of her feelings become obvious in this episode. When asked about her intentions, Sylphie can’t help but describe her fantasy of sleeping with Rudeus and having kids, knowing how great his sex drive is. It makes up for the lack of focus on her inner concerns regarding all the women in Rudy’s life by being hilarious. And the look on Ariel’s face says it all: “Sylphie, you got it bad!”

Ariel’s own interest in this matter is two-fold. While she doesn’t hide the fact that she wishes to recruit Rudeus to her faction, she also wants her best friend to be happy. For all her political savviness, Ariel truly is a kind person. So, the three devise a plan to help Sylphie confess that is, frankly, insane.

Sylphie Plans to Do What?!?

The plan remains the same across every version of Mushoku Tensei. Sylphie asks Rudeus with a fake plan to get a flower in the nearby woods, then a sudden storm forces them to take shelter in a cave. There, Sylphie hopes to recreate the moment when Rudeus found out that she was a girl, hoping that it will jog his memories of her. 

Much of the episode’s humor stems from the series of misunderstandings that have plagued them since coming to Ranoa, though. Sylphie and her cohorts are operating under the impression that Rudy’s forgotten about her. Thus, they’re resorting to recreating one of the most embarassing moments in both their lives. The humor stems from the fact that viewers know that, in truth, Rudeus never forgot about Sylphie. Next to finding his Mom, finding Sylphie has been his biggest priority for years. The only reason he didn’t recognize her is due to her now-white hair and the fact that she never told him. Had she done that, it would’ve saved them both a lot of time.

Making the situation even funnier is that Rudeus’s dependability leads him to get in his own way. First by almost clearing up the rain, then by refusing to look at “Fitz” as she undresses. Plenty of viewers will no doubt be ready to pull their hair out at how dense he’s being.

It’s all worth it in the end, though.

In the manga, this scene is interspersed with Rudeus memories of Sylphie as he proceeds to undress her, a sign that he’s finally catching on to her true identity. While the anime doesn’t do the same, it makes up for it with the lack of music, highlighting the importance of what’s going on. When he finally figures out who she is, though, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief. It’s been a long and difficult road to get to this moment, but seeing Sylphie break in tears of joy as she confesses her love in Rudy’s arms makes everything worthwhile.

Not the Best Time to End the Episode

Then, the episode ends on a cliffhanger. We don’t see or hear Rudy’s response to this confession. It’s meant to give people something to look forward to in the mid-season finale, but it unintentionally undercuts the importance of what happened. The light novels and manga ended this moment by having Rudeus return her feelings and the two proceeding to have their first kiss. Not including that here makes the moment feel anti-climactic in nature.

Regardless, it’s genuinely satisfying to see Sylphie finally step up to get the man she loves. While some may take issue with how she could’ve saved a lot of time by telling him from the getgo, it’s important to keep in mind two things. First, she was under the impression that Rudeus had forgotten about her after all that time. Secondly, had she done so right away, then Rudeus might not have fallen in love with her the way he did.

When they were kids and Rudy found out Sylphie was a girl, he wanted to stay with her and mold her into his dream girl, which is all sorts of messed up. By getting to know her as “Fitz” for over a year, Rudeus genuinely fell in love with her. 

For now, anime-only fans will have to wait another week to see how things turn out. For those who’ve read the manga and light novel, though, they can be content with knowing that whatever pitfalls this episode had will get overshadowed by what’s to come next week. Good on you, Sylphie. You did it!

I Give “I Want to Tell You” a 4.8/5

Shizuka Tells off Akira’s Fat Boss

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Zom100: Bucket List of the Dead Ep 7

There are a lot of horrible people in the world. People who will take advantage of others and use them for their own benefit. As it turns out, this is something Akira and Shizuka have in common with each other. Both have had people stronger than them walk all over them, and it’s become Shizukaโ€™s biggest berserk button in life. So when she sees Akira being used as a slave by his old boss, she steps up. What happens in this weekโ€™s Zom100 is a tribute to everyone whoโ€™s ever dealt with abusive bosses and parents.ย 

Akira is a Mindless Zombie!

It’s now been several days since Akira was forced to start working at Kosugiโ€™s truck stop, and things are getting worse. Every second he spends under Kosugiโ€™s thumb, the more he forgets his character development. Which means it’s easier for Kosugi to use his abusive โ€œcarrot and stickโ€ enslavement to keep him there. What makes this so hard to watch is that people get subjected to this every day of their lives.ย 

Kosugi is truly the worst boss a person could have. Not only is he a fat, parasitic slave-driver, he’s also a sexist pig. He makes Shizuka serve him beer after refusing it from an older woman. Then, he starts ogling Shizuka, making lewd remarks and licking his lips like a predator. This man is a human version of Jabba; the perfect target for the โ€œMe, Tooโ€ movement. The first chance Shizuka gets, she tells Kencho they’re leaving.

It’s what Shizuka does next, though, that breaks her ice queen facade for good.

Shizuka Had a Jerkwad of a Dad

Unlike the working-class Akira, Shizuka comes from a wealthy and privileged background, courtesy of her CEO father. She was caring and wanted to become a doctor and help people. The problem was her father was an abusive control freak who didn’t see her as her own person; he saw her as just an extension of herself and made her do whatever he said. He even took a stray puppy she adopted and had it put down. He broke her just like Akiraโ€™s job broke him.

However, seeing Akira living his life so earnestly and happily awoke something in her. That innate desire to do what she wanted came rushing back. Akira brought out the best in her, and she repays that by standing up for him and telling everyone Kosugiโ€™s a fat, no self-esteem waste of human flesh. It’s a moment that everyone who dealt with abusive relationships in life dreams of fulfilling, and it works. Akira stands up for himself.

Akiraโ€™s timing couldn’t be better, either. Some of the zombies get into the truck stop, and while Kosugiโ€™s flailing around, Akira steps like a real boss. He comes up with a plan to get rid of the zombies while Kosugi does squat. As a result, everyone gets fed up with the Japanese Jabba and leaves, leaving him all alone like he deserves. And he will probably be eaten by zombies soon enough

Don’t Be Afraid to Follow Your Dreams

The moral of the episode: if your job or the people you work for are unbearable, then leave. It might mean risking your security and safety, but some things are better than being worked like a zombie. That, and it might mean that the job you want is still out there, or, as Shizuka tells Akira, it doesn’t exist yet. The fact that she says this to the person she looked down on shows that heโ€™s finally won her over. She is an ice queen no more!

Quick sidebar, but I’m hoping that Shizukaโ€™s father died in the zombie outbreak. He’s the kind of parent I hate, and the world is better off without him.ย 

I Give “Truck Stop of the Dead” a 4.5/5

Rudy & Sylphie Need to Date Already

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Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation S2 Ep 10 Review

When the year comes to an end and the time comes for anime fans to list their top waifu’s, Sylphiette stands a good chance of being one of them. Not only is she mighty, but she is beautiful and kind, but rivals Rudeus in magical power. However, therein lies her biggest hang-up: she’s hopelessly in love with Rudeus, but too scared to reveal her secret identity as “Silent Fitz.” In contrast, Rudeus is starting to realize that he’s falling for “Fitz”, but that only confuses him about his sexuality. These long-lost best friends need to wise up and take the chance soon, though, or they may never get another chance.

Rudy is Living the High School Life he Never Had…With One Exception

Rudeus has been attending Ranoa University close to a year now, and his life couldn’t be better. While some consider this part of the story slow and uninteresting, fans should remember this is something Rudy never got in his first life. The traumatic bullying her endured led him to drop out of high school and become a shut-in until his death. In his new life, though, he’s getting to experience everything he never could. He’s got friends, he’s respected (and feared), and doing well in school. In other words, he’s got almost everything denied to him in his first life.ย 

The one thing holding him back, though, is his impotency. He’s researched it as much as possible, but he can’t find a cure for it. He mentions he can’t even pleasure himself at this point. However, the anime doesn’t do as good a job conveying how serious this is as it could have. In the light novels and manga, there’s a scene at this time where Rudeus accidently tells his classmates about his ED. The sympathetic looks they give him hammer home how painful this is for him. What the episode does do right, though, is show how distant he’s growing from “Fitz” lately.

And neither teenager likes this.

Sylphie Cannot Spit it Out

Mushoku Tenseiย makes it no secret that Sylphiette’s been in love with Rudeus for a long time now. The light novels take it a step further by showing how she’s loved him practically since the day they met. However, despite her joy at reuniting with him after so long, her own insecurities prevent her from telling him who she is, despite getting Ariel’s blessing. Now, that’s causing much internal grief.

Whereas the anime stumbles a little with Rudy’s ED, it does a good job of subtly showing Sylphie’s growing jealousy of the people Rudeus spends time with. She could handle the conventionally attractive Lilna and Pursena calling him boss since she understood the context. However, it’s seeing him spend time with Nanahoshi for reasons she can’t understand (and Rudeus will likely never explain) that sets her off.ย 

Again, the light novels go into more detail about Sylphie’s thoughts, showing her imagining Rudeus marrying and starting a family with Nanahoshi. To her, this is her greatest fear. Yet she’s doing a Hinata and refusing to take that next step.ย 

The worst part of it is that Rudeus is starting to figure out “Fitz’s” true identity.

Just Make Out Already, You Two!

Despite its shortcomings, the episode makes it clear that Rudeus has fallen for “Fitz.” He initially struggles with this due to the implications regarding his sexuality (not that there’s anything wrong with that,) but a cliche “love interest falls on top of you” scenario makes him finally realize that “Fitz” is a girl.

More importantly, though, is how his body reacts: for a brief moment, his impotency’s gone.ย 

At this point, anime-only shippers must feel frustrated over the lack of progress. However, like with many things inย Mushoku Tensei, this romance works best as a slow burn. Rest assured, the day of reckoning is coming, and it’s coming soon. Like, maybe even next week. The payoff, though, will be more than worth the wait.

Trust me, guys. I’ve read the light novels. It will be worth it.

I Give “These Feelings” a 4.5/5

Who is Silent Sevenstars? The Answer Freaks Rudeus Out

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Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation S2 Ep 9 Review

One of the biggest mysteries in theย Mushoku Tenseiย is the cause of the Mass Teleportation Incident. It destroyed Fittoa, led to the death and stranding of countless people, and affected the lives of everyone Rudeus knows. One of the big reasons why Rudy went to Ranoa University was the hope of learning the truth about it. In this week’s episode, he finally manages to gain a big clue when he meets a certain someone known as Silent Sevenstars. However, the person he meets isn’t just someone he didn’t expected, but someone who freaks him out.

Rudy Gets PTSD Flashbacksย 

It’s been months since Rudeus started attending Ranoa University, and both of his goals have hit a wall. He’s no closer to curing his impotency, nor has he managed to learn more about the Mass Teleportation Incident. At ‘Fitz’s’ suggestion, he decides to consult with their mysterious classmate, Silent Sevenstars. They’re someone who have created countless things that he recognizes right away as things from his world, making him suspicious about their true identity. However, not even he was expecting to learn who this person was. Silent Sevenstars is the young woman who was with…Orsted.

Seeing this living reminder of one of the worst moments in his new life, Rudeus understandably has a panic attack. Whereas some series would use it for comedic purposes,ย Mushoku Tenseiย plays it solely for drama. His near-death experience at the hands of Orsted deeply traumatized him, so much so that he passes out from shock. Thankfully, Sylphie continues to be the angel he needs in his life by watching over him until he comes to. It’s then that Rudeus learns some vital information about the incident that changed his life.

Nanahoshi Shizuka Got Isekai’d the Old-Fashioned Way

The surprises keep coming, as Silent Sevenstars reveals their true identity. Her real name is Nanahoshi Shizuka, and she’s a Japanese girl. The same girl whom Rudeus saved from Truck-Kun as the last act of his first life, though he keeps that knowledge to himself. What’s more important, though, is that, unlike Rudy, Nanahoshi got isekai’d the old-fashioned way: by summoning.ย 

Here is where Rudy gets his first big clue about the Incident. While Nanahoshi doesn’t know who summoned her or why, both of them piece together that the Teleportation Incident was a side-effect. A backlash resulting from teleporting someone from another world. In other words, it wasn’t Rudeus’ fault.

Nanahoshi also explains that Orsted found her and took her in as his companion a la Doctor Who, teaching her everything about this world and giving her the means to protect herself. Unlike Rudy, she can’t use magic, which makes it hard to defend herself. She also limits using her knowledge to her advantage because, truthfully, she doesn’t want anything to do with this world.ย 

Nanahoshi is an excellent contrast and foil to Rudeus in the story ofย Mushoku Tensei. Both got Isekai’d, but by different means. Both are considered knowledgable, but Nanahoshi only uses it for her own benefit. Most importantly, though, Rudeus wants to stay in this world, whereas Nanahoshi wants to go home. Despite their differences, though, they both agree to work together to learn more the Incident and find a way to get her home.

Spoiler alert: don’t expect them to learn the full truth about the incident. That’s something whose purpose they’ll never truly grasp.

Sylphie Just Wants Rudy to Love Her

The other major plot point of this episode revolves around Sylphie and her growing frustration over Rudy seemingly not remembering her. Granted, she never told him her true name out of fear that he really didn’t remember her, but it continued to hurt her. Seeing him spending time with Pursena at the episode’s start only adds fuel to the fire, but it’s the events of this episode that almost fan it into an inferno.ย 

Seeing Rudy and Nanahoshi speak in a language she doesn’t understand (nice touch), Sylphie starts to grow upset and jealous. When Nanahoshi poorly explains how the Teleportation Incident might have been her fault, though, sheย snaps. She lashes out at Nanahoshi while venting how the Incident took everything from her and Rudeus. She acts like it’s more because of how much Rudeus suffered for it, but her attitude gives it away. Deep down, she’s resentful of being separated from Rudeus by his parents and then the Teleportation Incident. She’s spent eight years apart from her best friend and great love, and the sight of the person she thinks repsonsible sends her into a murderous rage. If Rudy hadn’t explained things, Sylphie might have killed Nanahoshi in cold blood.

As the episode ends, there’s this moment where Sylphie’s struggling to keep up with him while walking. From a narrative standpoint, this is symbolic of how Sylphie feels this growing distance between her and Rudy. It’s something she desperately wants to avoid, but she’s too scared to tell him the truth. If she wants to be happy, though, then she needs to tell him soon, or she might lose him forever. Hopefully, the first half of the season will end with them figuring things out.

All in all, this episode serves as further proof whyย Mushoku Tenseiย works best as a slow burn. There was no action, but the drama kept people riveted until the very end. It’s why the anime remains so popular this year.ย 

I Give “The White Mask” a 4.5/5

Love is in the Air on Mushoku Tensei

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Mushoku Tensei S2, Ep 8 Review

Rudeus’ love life has never been the most stable. His first girlfriend left to get stronger without explaining things. Then the next girl he tried to date got mad at him for something that wasn’t his fault and left. However, that hasn’t stopped him from getting involved in the love lives of his classmates, whether he wants to or not. First, he has to deal with Cliff, and then the Doldian Duo’s issues get him in trouble. 

This is fun.

Cliff is in Love With the Last Person You’d Expect

Cliff Grimoire is many things. He’s the grandson of a Pope, a gifted mage in his own right, and ever since Rudeus arrived at school, his biggest hater. The main problem is his jealousy over Rudeus being better than him and the object of Eris’ affections. However, all that changes one day when he gazes upon Elinalise.

The next thing Cliff knows, Eris is an afterthought, as he’s head over heels with Elinalise. He sees her as this beautiful, chaste goddess. Those who know her, though, know she’s anything but, thanks to her curse. That becomes an issue when Rudeus witnesses a bunch of guys beating him up after he picked a fight with them for spreading what he thought were lies. Then Cliff swallows his pride and asks Rudeus to introduce him to Elinalise.

Both Rudy and Elinalise are taken aback by this. The latter even shows she has standards by scolding Rudeus for doing this. Despite her interests, she knows how badly this could affect someone like Cliff. Rudy even had to ask “Fitz” for advice before going through with this. But Cliff insisted.

What makes this work so well, though, is that the outcome defies everyone’s expectations. Instead of being upset about the truth, Cliff doesn’t care. He even vows to find a way to lift Elinalise’s curse. The next thing Rudy knows, the two are going steady and making out in the classroom!

Good for Cliff. That man might end up being that guy, after all.

Rudy Runs From a Bunch of Eager Beastmen

Rudeus’ time dealing with his classmate’s love lives doesn’t end with Cliff, though. The Beast people’s mating season begins, and all over Ranoa, Beast People are challenging each other for the right to partner up, except for Lilna and Pursena. Since they’re both Doldian Princesses, whoever wins against them could win the right to lead the Doldia tribe. As a result, they seclude themselves in the dorms, and tell Rudeus to take care of things.

The main issue is this: since Rudeus thoroughly humiliated them and Fitz, who had previously bested them, he became the alpha of their “pack.” Since he’s their alpha, anyone who beats him would win the right to Lilna and Pursena. In other words, poor Rudeus has an army of Beast Men chasing him around campus.  

At least he did, until a four-armed Demon showed up wanting to fighting Rudeus for the sake of it. Enter Badigadi, one of the Demon Gods and fiancรฉ to Kishirika. AKA, the woman who gave him his magic eye.

Now he wants to fight Rudeus because Kishirika says he’s got more magical potential than Laplace, the Demon God.

The Rudeus vs. Badi Fight Skipped One Important Piece of Dialogue.

From the moment Badigadi’s introduced, he’s shown to be everything Rudeus isn’t. He’s loud, boisterous, laughs a lot, and would feel right at home in a series like One Piece. In other words, he’s everything that Rudeus isn’t. Yet, like many of the people he meets at Ranoa, Badi will play a role in Rudeus’ life from this moment on. Especially after Rudeus manages to one-hit KO him in their duel.

While getting to see the full extent of Rudeus’ power was impressive, it feels undercut by the anime’s decision regarding something. For whatever reason, they chose to omit a bit of dialogue regarding Rudy’s encounter with Orsted. In the original light novels and manga adaptation, Badigadi dropped the jovial act the second he heard that Rudy fought Orsted and survived. That was meant to convey how dangerous the Dragon God is, and why Rudy’s continual existence is a miracle. 

Other than that, though, this did a good job of showing how strong Rudeus is. 

The Entire Episode Was Hilarious

I won’t lie: I found this entire episode to be hilarious. From the most unlikely of couples forming with Cliff and Elinalise to the boisterous Badigadi, there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments found. While his love life remains pitiful, one can’t deny that Rudeus is getting the school life that he never got to enjoy in his first life. 

The best part is that Badigadi’s enrolled at Ranoa as one of Rudeus’ classmates.ย 

I Give “Fiance of Despair” a 4/5

Sayonara, Tokyo…and Welcome to Hell, Akira

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews , , , , , , , , , , ,

Zom100: Bucket List of the Dead Ep 6 Review

After another round of delays, Zom100 is back and about to be bigger than ever. With Tokyo finally losing electricity, resources running low, and more zombies showing up, Akira and Kencho have no need to stay in Tokyo. Itโ€™s time for them leave the city and find greener pastures. However, a man from Akiraโ€™s past threatens to derail Akiraโ€™s new life. A man who, in this writerโ€™s honest opinion, belongs in one of two places: in jail, or dead in a gutter. 

I am being serious. This person is worth less than pond scum.

Sayonara, Tokyo!

With the power now out and the apartment out of water, Akira and Kencho have little to gain by staying in Tokyo. The zombie hordes are becoming too big a problem to ignore, so they decide itโ€™s time to leave. Their next stop is the Kanto countryside and Akiraโ€™s hometown, Gunma. In addition to their decision to leave making sense from a logical stance, it also makes sense from a narrative standpoint. Having the series take place in a single location would risk losing its initial appeal. Having them leave gives more opportunities for storytelling.

That, and it leads to the duo running into Shizuka once more, to her chagrin, and Akiraโ€™s joy. 

Even though Shizuka acts like an ice queen and tries to be all business, the trioโ€™s search at an RV show makes it clear: Akira is rubbing off on her. She ends up letting her sillier side slip, proving that sheโ€™s not as cold as she makes herself out to be. Besides giving her more character, it also endears her to the others. And when the trioโ€™s forced to flee in an RV from zombies, the matterโ€™s settled. Sheโ€™s part of their group, whether she likes it or not. Welcome aboard, She-Spock.

Too bad things go wrong right outside the city.

Kosugi is Trash

So the trioโ€™s driving on the highway when, all of a sudden, they run over a spike strip, leaving them stranded and Kencho injured. The culprit is a group of literal highwaymen led by none other than Akiraโ€™s worst nightmare. The man responsible for making the last three years of his life Hell, a man who is the absolute worst: his former boss, Kosugi.

If Zom100 is an argument against the exploitative nature of capitalism, then Kosugi is the worst aspects of it personified into a piece of trash. Shizuka sees right through him: he sabotages anyone leaving the city so they’ll be stranded, then forces them to work for him in exchange for his “help.” In other words, he’s running an extortion racket, and everyone knows it. So, Akira has to go back to working for him for two days while they fix his ride. At least, that’s what it’s supposed to be.

It’s here where the depths of Kosugi’s abusive nature take center-stage. Everytime he talks, he’ll either be yelling at his workers for not doing their job the way he wants. Worse, he’ll yell at them if they show any initiative, like when Akira tries to freeze some beer for everyone, and he calls it a waste of energy. Then, to add insult to injury, when everyone’s happy about it, he takes full credit for it. 

Kosugi is the worst aspects of corporate culture personified. He’s sleazy, sexist, and knows how to mix abuse with empty praise so that people like Akira will become dependent on him. No wonder why Akira’s job was absolute hell: this man doesn’t deserve to be the boss of anyone. If anything, he deserves to be in jail. 

Akira Needs to Stand Up for Himself

Sadly, the episode ends on this bleak note as Akira, despite his best efforts, is falling back into the same zombie-like mentality he possessed at the beginning. If this keeps up, then he’s going to be a wage-slave again. The saddest part about this is the fact that these sorts of things happen in the real-world only makes this harder to watch.

That said, I enjoyed the lightheartedness at the start of the episode, especially regarding Akira and Shizuka. The ice queen’s not so above it all.

Also, there were cameos from the zombie land saga in the zombies!

I Give “RV of the Dead” a 4/5

Rudeus Goes on a Crusade for His Roxy Doll

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mushoku Tensei is a series that has courted controversy from day one, mostly due to the behavior of the main character. When Rudeus was first reborn into this new world, he wasn’t a good person. He was a lazy bum that used his young age to get away with things that would land him in jail. He’s a flawed protagonist trying to become a better person; that’s the whole point of the series. However, even though he’s come a long way since starting his second life, he still tends to do things that some call controversial. For example, when he learns that one of the figurines he created got destroyed, he goes on a crusade to avenge this slight. 

In his defense, though, if someone came and destroyed something you worked long and hard on, you’d also react with hostility.

The Accused has Trampled on the Idol of the Goddess Roxy

It’s been a month since Rudeus and Zanoba bought Julie from the slave pens (and essentially adopted her), and her lessons are going well. She’s a smart, hardworking, and already starting to get the hang of wordless magic. Life’s going well for the three (and Sylphie, whose still crushing on a clueless Rudeus.) That is, until Rudy asks Zanoba to look at his masterpiece, the figurine he made of his beloved master, Roxy and…see for yourself.

Some people would consider Rudy’s hostile response to seeing the figurine destroyed as a major overreaction. Those who know him, though, see this as in-line with his character. Remember, Roxy was the whole reason he overcame his fear of the outside world; her teachings were all that kept him going after Dead End split up. So when he learns that Lilna and Pursena smashed it after besting Zanoba…he rallies the banners (Zanoba and Julie) and declares they’re going on a crusade.

To his credit, Rudeus handles things in the most efficient matter, not letting his anger overtake him. In addition, the curb-stomping shows just how strong he really is compared to most people. Traveling back from the Demon Continent did wonders for his strength.

The Crusade Leader Shows Remarkable Restraintย 

What Rudeus does to the Doldian Duo is something that, under any circumstances, cannot be condoned or justified. Holding two girls captive in your bedroom as he conducts his trial is not something that should be done. The fact that he also gropes them briefly is also not something that should be condoned. None of this should be done to another person without their consent (people do do this stuff for enjoyment; let’s not judge them.) Even Rudeus can’t justify it to himself when he realizes he could use magic to fix the Roxy doll.

While many will complain about this online and saying this makes Rudeus a scumbag, they’re forgetting a few key things. Firstly, he is a scumbag, but one that has taken great strides towards becoming a better person. Put Rudeus in this exact scenario before Eris left him, and he would’ve happily enjoyed it without a care. Instead, he shows remarkable restraint, only resorting to scaring them so bad that by the time he frees them, they’re calling him “Boss.” Given their nature as delinquents, this will save him a lot of headaches soon.

Also, before you judge him, ask yourself: if you found out that someone had taken something you poured your heart and soul into and destroyed it, how would you react? Would you not react similarly to Rudeus and want to go John Wick on the one responsible?

Sylphie is on the Top Waifu List of 2023, no Challenge

The one good thing from this whole crusading phase that Rudy went through is that he wound up growing closer to Sylphie, or, as he knows her, Fitz. The opening of the episode makes it a point to show how much Sylphie’s taken after Rudy, even having a similar exercise routine in the morning. Plus, she doodles a picture of him in class, which is adorable.

In a way, this whole episode serves as an argument as to how Sylphie is perfectly matched to Rudeus. When he tells her about what he did, she doesn’t freak out or report him, but instead listens and even offers to ensure that Lilna and Pursena learn their lesson for good. Seeing the two acting so mischevious together is heartwarming in and of itself, but when they’re both alone in his bedroom afterwards, things almost become romantic. It’s only Sylphie’s fears that keep her from revealing her identity then and there. Still, this whole experience is a good thing.

I’ll be honest: after seeing how miserable Rudeus has been for years, seeing him spend time with his first friend like this brings a smile to my face. This is probably my favorite episode of the season to date.ย Bonus points for seeing how adorable Julie is!

I Give “The Kidnapping and Confinement of Beast Girls” a 4.5/5

Akiraiger is Here to Save the Day!!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews , , , , , ,

When youโ€™re a little boy, you dream about becoming the coolest thing when you grow up. Things like it being realistic, or even physically possible, arenโ€™t that big a concern. Whether itโ€™s being an astronaut, a Jedi, a race car driver, or a superhero, if itโ€™s cool, most little boys are going to want to be one. And thatโ€™s what Akira now wants to do for his bucket list: heโ€™s become the superhero Akiraiger.

This is gonna be fun!

The Superhero Akiraiger Appears

So after remembering this time from his childhood where he dressed like a superhero and beat up some bullies, Akira decides nows the perfect time to become one for real. Despite the fact that heโ€™s got no powers, no brilliant mind, or a ton of money. Yet he wants to be one anyway, and heโ€™s got a lead.

At the Shinagawa Aquarium, they this special suit made from titianum mesh and steel fibers built to withstand bites from crocodiles and sharks. In other words, if he wears it, Akira will be zombie bite-proof. Thus, Akiraiger and his partner, the Blonde Nudist (Kencho dyed his hair and strips to attract zombies) are born.ย 

Sadly, thereโ€™s a flaw with Akiraโ€™s plan: his new super suit doesnโ€™t stop things from biting into him. Thus, he still gets bit, and it hurts. The upside, though, is that his first outing leads him to save a group of people that includes a familiar face.

Shizuka is Like an Ice Princessโ€ฆat First

Shizuka, the girl that Akira ran into on his beer run, makes her return amidst a group of survivors running that he saves. And even though sheโ€™s grateful for the rescue, she remains a veritable ice princess. She starts psycho-analyzing Akira and tearing down all his rationale. For example, she pegs him as this insecure guy whose doing this to boost his self-esteem. And that heโ€™s risking his life and Kenchoโ€™s life for something stupid! Itโ€™s brutal to watch!

This episode does a good job of highlighting the contrasts between Akira and Shizukaโ€™s mindsets. Theyโ€™re like Kirk and Spock; Akira is the one with the crazy plans and letโ€™s his gut and emotions guide his actions, while Shizuka is the one who relies on logic and rationale. She sees no point in working with Akira because she thinks heโ€™ll get them killed. Ironically, itโ€™s Alriaโ€™s willingness to act on emotions that saves her life when theyโ€™re cornered by a zombie shark.ย 

No, Iโ€™m not joking. Thereโ€™s a great white shark turned into zombie that ate divers that are also turned into zombies. And now the diversโ€™ legs are sticking out of the shark and using it to hunt for fresh meat. Itโ€™s the kind of thing thatโ€™s both hilarious and terrifying. It works!!

Shizuka and Akiraiger Will Return

So, in the end, Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka take down the zombie shark with a plan that would make Captain Kirk proud. Akira wears her down enough to get her contact info, and they all head their separate ways. Shizuka says that she doubts that sheโ€™ll ever see them again, but sheโ€™s in the opening and credits. Sheโ€™s going to come back. However, it seems that Akira and Kencho canโ€™t do much more in Tokyo, and the plagueโ€™s getting worse. Thus, they decide to say Sayonara Tokyo and head into the country for Akiraโ€™s hometown.

Zom 100 Episode 5-Shizuka Embarrassed

This was another funny episode from one of the best anime of the year. The only problem is that it got delayed a week due to some sort ofย athletics competiton, which cost it some momentum. The good news, though, is that the dub is now out for all to enjoy. Given how it has Zeno Robinson voicing Akira and Xander Mobus as Kencho, I’d say its in good hands. As for Akira, he’s doing a great job of living his life to the fullest, and I salute him. Also, I ship Akira and Shizuka. The sparks are there!

I Give “Hero of the Dead” a 4.5/5