Anime

Netflix ‘One Piece’ Gets an Unprecedented Season Two

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Why the Live-Action One Piece Getting a Second Season is a Big Deal

Over the years, Netflix has tried to adapt popular anime into a live-action format, only to fall flat on their faces. Their live-action Cowboy Bebop got canceled less than a month after first premiering. And their film adaptation of Death Note was hated so much, the director deleted his Twitter to avoid the death threats. Needless to say, anime fans are adamant about any adaptations being true to the source. Then, Netflix decided to team up with mangaka Eichiro Oda to adapt his legendary series, One Piece. And despite the stigma surrounding live-action adaptations, One Piece succeeded where so many others failed. It was good! It didn’t reach the same levels of comedy as the original story, but it captured the spirit of the series in a way few had.

The show’s success is apparent to Netflix and fans alike. At the time of this writing, it’s consistently remained in the top ten most-watched shows on the platform. In addition, it’s garnered more popularity than the Ahsoka miniseries. Fans waited years for that to come out, and One Piece blew it out of the water. Thus, it comes as no surprise when Eichiro Oda himself announced on social media that the series would be getting a second season.

An Unprecedented Decision

This decision is unprecedented. While live-action adaptations of anime have gotten sequels in movie format, such as Ruronori Kenshin, to the best of my knowledge, it’s never happened to a show itself. In a recent interview with Deadline, executive producers Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements admitted that they already have a roadmap planned out for six seasons of the show. If it does well enough, though, they have plans for twelve seasons. If that’s true, then Netflix could attempt to adapt the entire series over the next ten or so years. 

Those familiar enough with One Piece will know how Herculean a task this is. One Piece is a series with a thousand-plus chapters under its belt, and a near-equal amount of anime episodes. In other words, there’s a lot of material to cover. If the people at Netflix are truly investing in this for the long haul, then they’re going to have make a lot of hard decisions. How much of the material will they choose to adapt per episode? Assuming they choose to give season two the same number of episodes as the first one, they will have to condense a lot of material. At best, they’ll be covering the Loguetown arc all the way up to the end of the Alabasta Saga. That’s a tall order to fill!

Then there’s also the manner of how much this will cost them. As One Piece progresses, the fights become more elaborate and fantastical. Considering how many of the opponents that Luffy and the others will be facing from this point onward will have Devil Fruit powers, they will have to find a way to adapt them to live action. That means a lot of money will go towards special effects and related issues. One of the future Straw Hat’s alone will have to be created entirely by CGI. Adapting most of this will cost a lot of money!

Fortune Favors the Bold…and the Crazy

Regardless of the cost, though, it seems likely that Netflix will be willing to pay whatever they have to ensure that their adaptation of One Piece is a success. Despite some nitpicks, the show has largely been a success, capturing the spirit of the anime and manga in live-action form. Countless people worldwide are getting into One Piece thanks to the live-action series. Before, many would refrain from getting into the franchise, intimidated by its sheer length and size. The live-action series serves as a mean for newcomers to get into One Piece without having to spend days binging the anime or manga, making it an appealing alternative for those lacking free time. 

As for Oda, he’s getting the chance to retell one of the greatest stories in recorded human history: his story. It’s not even complete, and it can already stand toe-to-toe with legendary, centuries-old tales. With the right planning, advertising, and Oda’s steady hand, it could become the big show to watch in the 2020s. Even if it isn’t, though, One Piece has already secured its legacy for generations to come.

That, and there’s no way it could do worse than the end to Game of Thrones.

Sylphie Steps Up and Gets Her Man!

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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. 

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 Shizuka’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 week’s Zom100 is a tribute to everyone who’s ever dealt with abusive bosses and parents. 

Akira is a Mindless Zombie!

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

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 “Me, Too” 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 Akira’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 Kosugi’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.

Akira’s timing couldn’t be better, either. Some of the zombies get into the truck stop, and while Kosugi’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 he’s finally won her over. She is an ice queen no more!

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

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. 

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 Tensei 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. 

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. 

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. 

At this point, anime-only shippers must feel frustrated over the lack of progress. However, like with many things in 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 the Mushoku Tensei 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 Flashbacks 

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, Mushoku Tensei 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. 

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. 

Nanahoshi is an excellent contrast and foil to Rudeus in the story of 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. 

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, she 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 why Mushoku Tensei 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. 

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 fiancé 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. 

I Give “Fiance of Despair” a 4/5

Sayonara, Tokyo…and Welcome to Hell, Akira

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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. It’s time for them leave the city and find greener pastures. However, a man from Akira’s past threatens to derail Akira’s new life. A man who, in this writer’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 it’s time to leave. Their next stop is the Kanto countryside and Akira’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 Akira’s joy. 

Even though Shizuka acts like an ice queen and tries to be all business, the trio’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 she’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 trio’s forced to flee in an RV from zombies, the matter’s settled. She’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 trio’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 Akira’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 Restraint 

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. 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 you’re a little boy, you dream about becoming the coolest thing when you grow up. Things like it being realistic, or even physically possible, aren’t that big a concern. Whether it’s being an astronaut, a Jedi, a race car driver, or a superhero, if it’s cool, most little boys are going to want to be one. And that’s what Akira now wants to do for his bucket list: he’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 he’s got no powers, no brilliant mind, or a ton of money. Yet he wants to be one anyway, and he’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. 

Sadly, there’s a flaw with Akira’s plan: his new super suit doesn’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 Princess…at 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 she’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 he’s risking his life and Kencho’s life for something stupid! It’s brutal to watch!

This episode does a good job of highlighting the contrasts between Akira and Shizuka’s mindsets. They’re like Kirk and Spock; Akira is the one with the crazy plans and let’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 he’ll get them killed. Ironically, it’s Alria’s willingness to act on emotions that saves her life when they’re cornered by a zombie shark. 

No, I’m not joking. There’s a great white shark turned into zombie that ate divers that are also turned into zombies. And now the divers’ legs are sticking out of the shark and using it to hunt for fresh meat. It’s the kind of thing that’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 she’ll ever see them again, but she’s in the opening and credits. She’s going to come back. However, it seems that Akira and Kencho can’t do much more in Tokyo, and the plague’s getting worse. Thus, they decide to say Sayonara Tokyo and head into the country for Akira’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 of 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

Ranoa University Welcomes You, Rudeus!

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

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation S2 Ep 5 Review

When the new season of Mushoku Tensei started by focusing on Sylphie, I had a problem with that. I thought revealing “Fitz” was Sylphie early on would ruin the surprise for when they reunite at Ranoa University. After seeing the new episode, though, I take it back. It makes their reunion hilarious to watch. While some may complain about the idea of Rudeus attending school instead of going on a big adventure, they have to remember this isn’t your carbon-copy isekai, it takes its time to focus on the cast and lore. 

Admittedly, as someone who read the light novels, I know they do miss out on a few things. In a first for the series, though, the show now has a dedicated opening sequence rather than just the song.

Welcome to Ranoa University, Rudeus! 

After months of traveling with Elinalise (and learning to tolerate her sexual escapades), Rudeus has finally made it to Ranoa University like he always wanted. Granted, a lot has changed for him since he wanted to attend as a child, and his reasons are… embarrassing. However, dreams don’t always turn out the way people envision them when they’re young. What matters is that Rudeus made it, and on a scholarship, no less. He also ends up reuniting with his childhood friend, Slyphie, when asked to duel “Fitz.”

Some people might complain about how Rudeus doesn’t remember the first friend he ever made when he sees her. They may also complain about not recognizing the wand Fitz uses is the one he gave her. However, a few things should be kept in mind. Firstly, it’s been almost ten years since he’s seen Sylphie. Secondly, she’s deliberately disguising herself as a boy, and her hair’s changed color. As smart as Rudeus is, he’s still a teenage boy. 

As previously stated, though, the fact that Rudy doesn’t recognize his best friend makes his attempts to be respectful amusing. If only the same could be said for the introduction to his classmates in the special students class.

The Special Students Introduction falls a Little Flat

In the previous review, I mentioned how many of the people Rudy meets at Ranoa will play important roles in his life. Knowing that, one would think it would do a good job of establishing who they are and how they’re connected to him. To my dismay, they don’t do as good a job as they could; or fully include everything from the light novels.

First, we have good old Zanoba, whose just happy to see his kaster again. After the debacle with his brother, both got sent abroad, and Zanoba is now attending this school. There’s a part in the LN where Rudy hits him with a stone cannon and he just plows right through it.

Then we have the resident Beastmen, Linia and Pursena, AKA the cat and dog girl. They’re both cousins from the Doldia tribe, with Linia being the daughter of the chief, and thus, Ghislaine’s niece. However, Rudeus never mentions any of this, or how her Dad owes him for a previous misunderstanding. 

Then we finally have Cliff Grimoire. He hates Rudeus’ guts, and it has to do with a run-in he had with Eris a few years ago. There’s another article that will discuss it, but it boils down to her not shutting up about how awesome he is, and he got envious. Sadly, the anime also cuts out a part when Cliff mentions Eris calling Rudeus “small,” which he takes the wrong way. It’s not much, but it’s a funny example of how bad his self-esteem is. 

Can’t Wait to See Rudeus and “Fitz” Learning about Each Other

Minor plot points aside, the episode remains a good one for one reason and one reason alone: Rudeus and Sylphie reunite after years of being apart. Going to Ranoa University together was the whole reason Rudeus went to tutor Eris. He may not know it yet, but he’s already living out his dream. Unfortunately for him, Sylphie doesn’t plan on telling him who she is yet. It might be due to her shyness around the boy she’s liked since they were little, or maybe she wants to tease him, or both. Regardless, Sylphie isn’t talking. However, this might end up benefitting Rudeus more in the long run.

Because Rudeus has no clue that Fitz is really Sylphie, she’s got the chance to make him fall for her. She’s already working at it, too. When a misunderstanding leads to the girls dorm trying to lynch Rudeus, she’s the one who ends up saving him. She even manages to tease him a little, enough to make him blush.

Say what you want about the “childhood friend romance” trope, but there’s a reason why it’s good. The show may not be big on action for awhile, but now we get to see Rudeus have the school life he never had in his past life! Enjoy your time at Ranoa University, Rudeus!

By the way, the dub’s out for season two. Just saying.

I Give “Ranoa University of Magic” a 4/5