Dragon Ball is the template for the modern Shonen manga, and that means most mangaka learned from its successes as well as its shortcomings. And one of the franchiseโs biggest shortcomings has to be how Goku comes to outshine almost every other character. Thatโs expected since heโs the main protagonist, but at some point, the franchiseโs default strategy for dealing with the big bads became โwait for Goku.โ Even TeamFourStar pointed this fact out in their abridged series. Thankfully, the franchise has started to learn from this in recent years by giving other characters the chance to show what they can do. And with Goku reduced to chibi-sized for the duration of Daima, his party can show that theyโre not just there to keep Goku on the right path. They can fight, too, as Supreme Kai proves in this episode!
So I was Wrong about the Plane
At the end of the last episode, I speculated that Kibito’s prescence had something to do with Shin’s plane not working. However, it was something simpler. A rock used for the energy converter isn’t working, thereby making the plane useless. Which also makes me question why they even bothered to have it? Thankfully, Hybis, one of King Kadam’s men, shows up to give them a ride. Before the episode’s out, the team of Hybis, Bulma, Vegeta, and Piccolo have made it to the Demon Realm. Kibito stayed behind to watch the Lookout with Popo.
Honestly, this is much better than having to wait longer to see how Bulma and the others make it to the Demon Realm. Even better, it solves the issue of not having the right pin # for Mr. Warp. Way to think on your feet, Toei!
Meanwhile, Goku’s party continues to have a string of bad luck as the Gendermerie return looking for Goku. He’s able to elude them thanks to his Instant Transmission, but then they try to arrest Panzy because they (rightfully) suspect her for attacking them in that village. Another fight ensues, and the trio of Goku, Shin, and Glorio proceed to beat everyone unconcious. However, their plane gets destroyed in the process, once again hindering their travels…
…is what you’d think I’d say! However, they find an extra Gendermerie plane and decide to steal that instead. As a bonus, this will mean that fewer people will try to stop them.
This fight, while nowhere near as epic as what we’re used to in Dragon Ball, is still good. The reason being that, unlike in most cases, Goku can’t handle everything on his own. For the first time since he was a kid, he’s in a position where he has to rely on his friends to help. And after years of being considered weak compared to the Saiyans, Shin reminds us just why he’s a Supreme Kai in the first place. He may be young by his race’s standards, but he’s still fairly capable.
As if to highlight the greater emphasis Shin has in this series, the next thing that he does is get rid of the collar Panzy’s forced to wear around her neck. The series already implied it, but this episode confirms that the collars the Third Demon World resident’s wear suppress their magic and can be used as tracking devices. Dr. Arinsu created them back during Dabura’s reign, so this is something that’s been going on for a longtime. It further emphasizes how unfair a place the Demon Realm is, and that it’s high time for a regime change. Given how this is a Shonen series, there’s a good chance that by the time Daima ends, those collars will be a thing of the past. Especially since Shin tells Panzy that the magic he used to break her collar can be used by anyone. Shin and Panzy could be the key to liberating the people of the Demon Realm in the near future!
In addition, this episode also reveals Shin’s true Glind name, Nahare. Just like Goku has his Saiyan name, Shin has a Glind name. Neat!
The series is now seven episodes in, but it feels like the pacing hasn’t picked up at all, though that’s about to change. The episode ends with Goku and the others making it to the first of the Tamagami warriors that guard this dimension’s Dragon Balls so that he can fight them. Given what the preview for the next episode has to say, it looks like we’re in for a good fight. And while I don’t doubt the strength of the Tamagami…it’s Goku. The man is going to fight actual gods in the near future, can solo most characters in all of fiction, and has fought Superman three different times. He may not have won any of those fights, but he did put the Man of Steel through his paces. He can handle the Tamagami.
What is Glorio after? We know next to nothing about this enigmatic gunslinger from the Demon Realm, but given how he gave Goku and Shin the means to go after Gomah, he seems trustworthy. Despite Goku trusting him, Supreme Kai has remained noticeably on guard around him. On the surface, it could be because of the underlying tension between the different worlds of the Demon Realm. But as this week reveals, Shin might be onto something about Glorio, as we learn who heโs actually working for.
Glorio’s True Loyalties?
After Panzy joins the party and they set off in a new ship/plane, the group has to make an emergency landing. A consequence of their ride being unable to handle all that weight. So, while Goku goes to use the bathroom, they have to ditch half of their supplies. That, and soldiers from Gomahโs army come looking for Goku. His decision to stand up to the Gendermerie has made him a wanted man. Itโs only a matter of time before Gomah realizes that Goku followed him home, and tries to throw everything he has at him. If not thanks to his army, then due to a certain someone very close to him.
When Glorio first appeared, he claimed to have been hired by King Kadan to bring him the one who beat Majin Buu. However, Kadan himself said Glorio only came to him with the idea, meaning he was hired by someone else. That someone else gets revealed when, after making camp for the night, Glorio makes a phone call to his actual employer, Dr Arinsu. AKA Shin and Degesuโs older sister and chief scientist for Gomah.
Quick aside, this episode also confirms how the Glind, Supreme Kaiโs race, are born from plants. Cool bit of lore there.
๐ธNew information that adds even more depth to the characters' stories : _ It is well confirmed that Kaioshin's race, the Glinds, are born from trees. There are 5 of these trees and they would give 5 different types of Glinds ! _ Son Goku doesn't wash his hands after shitting. pic.twitter.com/uEAJUuI4DE
For the record, the fact that Dr. Arinsu hired Glorio behind Gomahโs back should not be surprising. Given how she gave him the idea to use Earthโs Dragon Balls to make Goku and his friends kids, I suspected she knew that would make them get involved with Gomah. The fact that she already traveled to their Universe ahead of Gomah corroborates this. My working theory is that sheโs pulling strings to ensure that Goku takes down Gomah for her own benefit. Or she could just be luring the Saiyan into a trap. Either way, this means that Shinโs concerns about Glorio are more justifiable now.
Does that mean that Glorio is a direct threat, though? Thatโs uncertain, as we soon learn why.
When a Minotaurus Demon (cool reference to Greek Mythology) shows up wanting to eat the party, Goku and Glorio argue over who will fight him. So, the two decide to have a sparring match to see who will be the Demonโs opponent, much to their โenemyโsโ irritation. Though, given who heโs dealing with, the Minotaurus isnโt much of a threat.
Weโve gotten glimpses of how capable Glorio is in a fight, but this sparring session is when we truly start to see what he can do. As expected, he does manage to put up a good fight against Goku, even managing to knock the Power Pole out of his hands. Whatโs more, we get to see what kind of magic Glorio uses: heโs got lightning magic! He can fire it off like ki blasts, generate it from his fingertips like heโs a Sith Lord. He can even turn it into a weapon like a whip!
๐ธThe animation itself is quite good. The start of the fight between Son Goku and Glorio is a little weak in terms of visual prowess, but we quickly move up a gear as soon as Kaioshin suggests to Son Goku to become more serious ! pic.twitter.com/ue8kSMTiDb
Itโs clear that Glorio is indeed strong. Right now, Iโd say heโs likely one of the strongest in the Demon Realm. However, Goku makes it clear that, even in his kid form, heโs still stronger. The fact that he can still go Super Saiyan is a testament to that. It also puts into perspective how powerful the adult Goku would be compared to the people of the Demon Realm. Gomah may have underestimated Gokuโs strength, but the show had to nerf him for it to work. Otherwise, he would likely steamroll through everything, and that wouldnโt be any fun!
Oh, and the Minotaurus pulls a Mr. Satan and bails.
OK Dragon Ball Daima EP 6 was the best episode now for me, a big 10/10 โ !
๐ธToriyama's humorous touches are at their peak, it feels so much like Dragon Ball from the 80s๐
So, while fans now know that Glorio is sus, I donโt think itโs much of a problem. My guess is that even if something bad happens, it will be because Glorio had to fool Goku. Which, given that itโs Goku, wonโt be that hard. However, Goku has a habit of befriending those who start out opposing him, so I think Glorio will warm up to him with time.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, thereโs good news and bad news to end the episode. The good news is that Bulma finished fixing Shinโs ship. The bad news? When Kibito, Vegeta, and Piccolo go to use it, it shuts down almost immediately. Though I suspect it might have something to do with Kibito, mainly because the ED shows Bulma being the one to go to the Demon Realm. This will just justify that.
Itโs taken a while, but it seems like Daima is starting to pick up steam. I suspect things will start to get a little more exciting over the next few episodes as we get into this for the long haul. Iโm not complaining; this is Toriyamaโs last gift to us, so I want it to last as long as possible.
If you’re an anime fan, you might have heard of Truck-Kun. If you haven’t, it’s an internet meme used to describe the act of sending characters to another world via hitting them with a truck. Or anytime an essential moment in the plot is set in motion when someone’s hit by a car. Or when any character gets hit by a truck or vehicle in anime. It’s become so widespread that it’s now a universally recognized trope. Many even consider Truck-Kun to be their own character. However, thanks to Crunchyroll, Truck-Kun may be getting a younger sibling in terms of internet memes. Introducing…Title-Kun!
Origin of Title-Kun (I think)
Unless you prefer to watch it on TV, another streaming service, or pirate it, then you probably watch your anime on Crunchyroll. Ironically starting out pirating anime like many other sites, after going legit, Crunchyroll has become the go-to place to watch anime legally in the West. It’s not hard to understand why, though. They’ve got hundreds of titles that get constantly updated, their shop, are big enough to have panels at the most significant conventions, and a dedicated series of YouTube channels. They’ve pretty much cornered the market on anime in America.
Speaking of their YouTube channels, though, lately, people have started to notice a trend in how Crunchyroll names its videos.
The Work of Title-Kun
I don’t know when exactly it started, but the titles for many of the anime clips Crunchyroll posts on YouTube have gotten very creative. Sometimes, they’ll be perfectly normal sounding. Other times, they will be very descriptive regarding their content, to the point where it’s considered funny. For example, this clip showing Gear Fifth Luffy throwing Kaido’s attack back at him? “Uno Reversing Kaido’s Fire?”
The moment from “No Longer Allowed in Another World” when Sensei talks down the Dark Lord’s daughter? “Rizzing Up the Dark Lord With My Unwillingness to Live.”
A clip from Fairy Tail: Hundred Year Quest where Natsu fights a ghost Dragon Slayer? They gave it a Danny Phantom reference so overt, they had to change the name. The list keeps going on!
Many people who watch Crunchyroll’s YouTube channels have noticed the increasingly descriptive (and funny) titles the videos are getting. As a result, more than a few people have made jokes about it in the comments. Chief among them are saying that whoever comes up with the titles should be getting a pay raise.
Then a few days ago, I saw a clip for a new romcom anime called “Tying the Knot with an Amagami Sister,” and I saw what one of the comments said:
“Title-Kun is getting WILD these days… “
Spread the Word of Title-Kun
That’s when I knew that this was no longer a simple joke. It was ascending to meme status. And I am all for it!
Don’t ask me why, but I really enjoy how much fun Crunchyroll seems to be having with how they title their videos. Besides referencing internet slang and movies, it just shows a generally high level of creativity. That’s something I’m always looking to see in the things I enjoy. And if the history of Truck-Kun is any indication, then if the meme keeps growing, it will start to be used to describe shows with crazy, descriptive titles. It’s up to us to ensure the meme spreads that far!
When Dragon Ball Daima was announced last year at NYCC, fans were thrilled. For the first time in years, Dragon Ball would be getting a new series, and Akira Toriyama was the one who wrote it. It felt like a dream come true!
Then, in the spring of this year, the world would end up losing Toriyama. Dragon Ball Daima would be the final work that he would contribute to the world that he had created. Suddenly, it became more important than ever that Daima was a huge success. And so, the world waited with bated breath for the day when it would premiere, ready to honor the memory of a man who inspired millions of its people. Th
Iโm glad to say that Toriyama didnt disappoint with his final work. He cooked us a feast of thrills and laughs.
Since this is the first time Dragon Ball has had an anime in a while, a good portion of the premiere is devoted to getting everyone up to speed with events up to the defeat of Majin Buu. While some might see it as an issue, itโs essential for two reasons. Firstly, it establishes that this will take place before the events of Super, so no Super Saiyan God or Blue. Secondly, it introduces us to the leading antagonistic group.
Meet Gomah, Degesu, and Dr. Arinsu, the new King of the Demon Realm, the Supreme Kai of the Demon Realm, and a Core Person of the Demon Realm. While much of the rest of Universe 7 and parts of the other Universes have already gotten fleshed out, the Demon Realm has remained notably unknown until now. I think Toriyama wanted to correct that by making the primary setting of Daima, and if thatโs the case, Iโm glad he chose to do so before he died. He even gave them their own Dragon Balls and guardians to protect them, and retconned the Namekians point of origin to be from the Demon Realm. So, congrats Piccolo. Youโre now a slug alien demon!
The main plot of the episode is that Gomah has watched how powerful Goku and the others are and fears them to be a threat to his rule. So, he and Degesu (and another Namekian) travel to Earth to use the Dragon Balls to make Goku and everyone else kids so they wonโt be a threat. In essence, itโs the plot of GT but on a larger scale. By the time the credits start to roll, we can already hear everyone beginning to shrink down to the size of kids. And the kids shrinking down to the size of babies!
I know that this is supposed to be serious, but I still canโt help but find it funny. Toriyama took the plot of GT, the series that was made without his direct involvement, and made it ten times better. Thatโs essentially him saying โYouโre doing it all wrong, you guys. Let the master show you how itโs done!โ Given how Daima is meant to celebrate the franchise 40th anniversary, though, it makes sense why Toriyama would want to tell a story like this. He tried to get the series back to its roots, and it glad he got to do so before he died.
This was an excellent start to what will likely be one of the most giant anime of the year. I have no clue how long Daima will run, but I know that Iโm going to enjoy it every step of the way.
Summer’s over, so it’s time for the cozier part of the year to begin. Fortunately, when we’re not outside enjoying the changing weather and prepping for Halloween (and Thanksgiving), we can enjoy plenty of anime beneath the comfort of a warm blanket. And this year, it looks like the anime community is going to feast! And since I enjoyed talking about what I was looking forward to watching in the summer, I decided to make that a trend here at the D&A Anime Blog. That being said, I’m RJ Writing Ink, and here are all of the anime I’m looking forward to watching for the Fall 2024.
As was the case with my list for summer 2024, this will only include anime that premiere in the fall. Anything that premiered before then will not count. I would also like to note that there will be big anime coming out that I will not be covering by me not being interested in them. In other words, no Bleach: Thousand Year War, even if it’s going to be one of the big ones.
Something is not right with the town of Kurouzu-cho. These mysterious spirals are starting to appear on everythingโfirst on objects, then the environment, and then on people. As people start wondering what the heck is going on, paranoia and fear begin to set in as the curse of the Uzumaki threatens to devour all.
Up until Toonami and Adult Swim aired the first teaser for this a few years ago, I had no idea that Uzumaki and its mangaka, Junji Ito, even existed. The repeated delays haven’t helped, as I haven’t been particularly motivated to read the manga. That being said, I’ve heard people sing its praises and call it this masterpiece of Japanese horror. And with Halloween coming up, I’m going to need some scary shows to watch, and something tells me this will be perfect for that. Here’s hoping I’m not traumatized!
Re:Zero-Starting Life in Another World Season 3 (10/02/24), Crunchyroll-
After three years of hiatus, one of the Seven Summits of Isekai is coming back! With Mushoku Tensei on break until its next season and Reincarnated As a Slime winding down its latest season, it’s time for Re:Zero to step up to the plate with that high-quality isekai goodness.
I wish that I could say more about this anime, but the hard truth is that I’ve never watched it before. I know it’s one of the all-time greatest isekai, so I consider it part of the Seven Summits. But beyond reading the synopsis for the episodes on Wikipedia, I’ve never had time to watch it. However, with the new season premiering with a 90-minute special, this fall might be the perfect time for me to get into it. Given how it was one of the series that helped kickstart the isekai craze we live in, it will be good.
Dan Da Dan (10/04/24) Crunchyroll-
A girl who believes in ghosts but not aliens, and a boy who believes in aliens but not ghosts. When both make a bet to see who’s right, it turns out that they’re both right. A spirit possesses the boy, and aliens abduct the girl and discovers she has psychic powers. Now they both have to deal with the paranormal together while navigating the pressures of being in high school. And I’m not sure which is easier.
I know almost nothing about this series, but from what I’ve seen in the trailers and heard about online, it sounds like complete and utter chaos. And I love it! I’m a big fan of paranormal things such as ghosts and aliens, so having a series dealing with both sounds like a good way to create some interesting stories. Additionally, the series is being produced by Science Saru, who made last year’s Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Given how much I liked that series, I’m willing to give this one a look. Also, with Nokotan now over, I’m going to need a new source of vitamin crazy in my anime diet.
Is it Wrong to Try and Pick up Girls in a Dungeon Season 5 (10/04/24), HiDive-
With how much the founders of this blog love Hestia and think she’s bestia (and she’s up there in my book), I would be remiss to not include the new season on here.
It’s the time of the Goddess Festival in Orario, AKA the time when people pay respects to the Goddesses of fertility that bring the city and its labyrinth to life. And it just so happens that Bell receives a letter from his friend Syr asking him out on a date to the festival. And with Bell’s track record of getting involved in big events, there’s a good chance that things are bound to get nuts.
I wish I could say I would watch this since I do like DanMachi, but there are two problems. First, I haven’t kept up with anything past season two. Second, my schedule for the fall is already pretty booked, as you can see. The fact that it’s only on HiDive and not Crunchyroll doesn’t help matters, either, but with the Internet being what it is, that’s more of a nuisance than a problem.
Ranma 1/2 (10/06/24), Netflix-
Urusei Yatsura made a modern-day comeback with its own remake a few years ago. Now it’s Ranma 1/2‘s turn. For those who don’t know, never watched the previous anime or read the manga, the series revolves around Ranma, a young martial artist thrown into an arranged marriage with the daughter of a man his dad trained alongside. There’s just one catch: Ranma’s cursed. When he’s splashed by cold water, he turns into a girl. And when he’s splashed by hot water, he goes back to being a boy. Hilarity ensues.
I’ve never seen the original anime or read the manga, but I have heard that the former gets flak for all the filler due to outpacing its source material. However, there are two reasons why I’m giving this a shot. Firstly, the manga finished back in 1996, so there’s no chance for history to repeat. Secondly, I’m a big fan of the mangaka, Rumiko Takahashi, thanks to her other works like Urusei Yatsura and Inuyasha. The art style and the way she utilizes exaggerated facial expressions are both entertaining to look at.
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest Season 3 (10/14/24) Crunchyroll-
Hajime Nagumo and his team of overpowered women have returned for another season. As the now strongest man in the other world continues his quest to find a way home, they get sidetracked by a mission to the neighboring Hoelscher Empire. With his friend Sheaโs people being threatened by the Empire, Hajime teams up with the Rabbit Men to put them in their place.
First, I am well aware of Arifureta’s shortcomings, especially regarding the pacing in its first season. Secondly, Iโm also aware that itโs a power fantasy where the protagonist gets OP abilities and a harem of girls that all love him for one reason. But it’s a guilty pleasure because I like how badass Hajime is. And unlike most of his fellow summons, he sees their task of saving the world for the nonsense it is and refuses to be used like that. Here’s hoping the anime keeps doing a better job of adapting the light novels!
And now, the best for last!
Dragon Ball Daima (10/11/2024) Crunchyroll-
The next chapter in Dragon Ball is coming this fall, and it looks to be taking the franchise back to its roots. Taking place sometime between the defeat of Kid Buu and the end of Dragon Ball Z, Daima centers around a conspiracy that shrinks Goku and his allies down to the size of kids. With no other alternative, Goku retrieves his old Power Pole and goes on a quest to the Demon Realm to set things right.
This is likely going to be the anime that people are going to be focusing on this fall, and for good reason. Outside of the additional movies (and the anime based on Dragon Ball Heroes), this is going to be the first anime in the franchise since Super finished its run. Secondly, with series creator Akira Toriyama’s passing earlier this year, Daima will be his final contribution to the world he created. With many fans still mourning the legendary mangaka’s passing, odds are we’re going to throw our full support behind it.
It’s also coming out the same day as the highly anticipated new game, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. That can’t be a coincidence, and it’s going to make that weekend all about Dragon Ball.
Bonus-Naruto x TMNT Crossover Comic (11/13/24)-
Starting in November, VIZ Media and IDW Comics are teaming up to bring the Ninja Turtles and the Hidden Leaf’s number one, hyperactive, knuckleheaded ninja together in a limited series! According to the official synopsis, the set-up involves the Turtles’ friend April O’Neil meeting up with the Hidden Leaf’s Lady Tsunade, only to be targeted by the Foot Clan. Naturally, the Turtles will get involved, bringing them into contact with Naruto and Team 7 in this story of east meets west.
I know that this isn’t an anime, but I’m putting it on here anyway for several reasons:
I’m a big fan of Naruto and a casual fan of the Ninja Turtles, so I am understandably excited.
I think the idea of the famous Turtles teaming up with one of the greatest Shonen heroes of all time is excellent.
November will officially mark ten years since the end of the original Naruto manga. That can’t be a coincidence, and I’m feeling nostalgic.
Good times.
Do you agree with my picks? What anime are you looking forward to this fall? Let us know in the comments down below and enjoy the season!
Earlier in the summer, I made a list of the anime I looked forward to watching during the season. But now that enough time has passed, I can honestly say there are anime that I regret not including on that list. A prime example being one of the latest successes to come out from the legendary Shonen Jump, The Elusive Samurai. Coming from the mangaka who created Assassination Classroom, something that I greatly enjoyed watching, I knew that I was going to enjoy this series, and I’m happy to say that I was right. Not only is it beautifully animated, it tells the story of a seemingly atypical Shonen protagonist. I say seemingly because, as you’ll soon learn, this boy may not be a great fighter, but who needs to fight when you can dodge and outrun your opponents until the fat lady sings?
The Elusive Samurai and His Origin Story
The year is 1333 AD, Medieval Japan. Tokiyuki Hojo is the young heir to the Hojo clan and the Kamakura Shogunate, AKA the de-facto rulers of Japan. But he’s not interested in being a lord, though; all he likes to do is play hide-and-seek with his exasperated teachers. All of that comes to an end, though, when Takauji Ashikaga, one of his family’s retainers, betrays them to the Emperor. Before the first episode ends, his home is
razed to the ground, his retainers dead or on the run, and his family slaughtered.
All’s not lost, though. Thanks to the help of Yorishige Suwa, this really sketchy priest who claims he can see the future, Tokiyuki escapes with his life. With Yorishige as his mentor and a group of young, eccentric retainers by his side, he vows to rebuild his family, take back his home, and get revenge on those who betrayed the Hojo clan. There’s just one problem: Tokiyuki is a lousy fighter; all he’s good at is running and hiding.
As the series demonstrates, though, that’s the best skill he can have in his era.
Tokiyuki is No Coward-He’s a Road Runner
At first glance, Tokiyuki Hojo doesn’t seem like your typical Shonen hero, much less one from Shonen Jump. From the outset, he’s not skilled in combat or has the latent potential to become so. Nor is he loud, boisterous, confident, or as cunning as protagonists like Luffy, Goku, or Naruto. In fact, most people see him as a coward for preferring to run and hide rather than face his enemies head-on like Samurai are expected to do.
Here’s the thing: Tokiyuki’s no coward, and he’s not a weakling, either. Early on, the series does its best to demonstrate how his Ultra Instinct-level dodging ability is the best thing he could have in his violent era. Moreover, Yorishige correctly recognizes that, far from being a coward, Tokiyuki is someone who genuinely enjoys the thrill of the chase and the risk of getting caught. In the second episode, he uses this to great effect by dodging an enemy combatant to the point where he can’t defend when the boy goes in for the killing blow.
To sum it all up: Tokiyuki is like the Road Runner or Jerry the Mouse if they had Ultra Instinct. He gets excited by the thrill of facing death, and he’s capable of being more cunning than most give him credit for. Coupled with his friendly attitude, he’s able to endear himself to allies that can make up for his shortcomings. In other words, he’s got a few things in common with some of the best heroes from Shonen Jump’s roster.
Amazing Animation and Art at Work!
Tokiyuki is only half of the series overall appeal, though. The other half is thanks to its amazing animation. The series is brought to life by Cloverworks, a studio that’s already well-known for its work on Bocchi the Rock, Spy x Family, Darling in the Franxx, and several other series, and it shows. The animation for the characters is incredibly fluid, especially during the fight scenes. Additionally, it also does a good job of bringing together some of the more surreal moments of the manga to life. I.E. when two of the retainers hunting Tokiyuki look like they’re communicating through their superhuman eyes and ears. It makes as much sense in context, trust me.
The real appeal of the show’s artwork, though, is how it captures Feudal Japan in all its blood and beauty. The series is a historical one and most of the cast is based on real-life figures. However, since records of that era are scarce, the mangaka’s not afraid to include more supernatural elements of Japanese culture, leading to some pretty impressive backgrounds and characters. It’s a really good-looking series!
Lastly, we have the OP and ED. Any good anime needs to have a memorable OP and Ed, and The Elusive Samurai delivers on that promise. The OP itself is very upbeat and exciting, despite how grim the series itself can get, while the ED is this bizarre Japanese hip-hop talking about the history of the Kamakura Shogunate. And like the rest of the series, both are beautifully animated.
Overall, I really like The Elusive Samurai, and have greatly enjoyed watching the series thus far. It’s got some interesting characters, good music, great animation, and to top it off, it’s a historical series. As someone who loves reading about history, that alone gets me interested. If you haven’t already, I’d highly recommend you go watch it.
Now that Tanjiro is healed, itโs time for him to commence his anime training arc! To prepare for the final battle against Muzan, the Demon Slayer forces everyone to endure training from the Hashira. The reason boils down to the idea of the chain only being as strong as its weakest link. Having the Hashira get stronger wonโt mean anything if the rest of the group canโt fight worth a darn. However, itโs not until Tanjiro joins the training under Tengen Uzui that we see how far the Corps needs to go. That shows just how strong Tanjiro is compared to the regular Slayers.
Can they promote Tanjiro to Hashira already?
Tanjiro Aces Boot Camp
In the real world, many elite special forces are known for their skill and prowess on the battlefield. Thereโs a good reason for that: they have to be the best to survive, which means they have to train their bodies until they collapse from exhaustion. And the training camp the Demon Slayer Corps is going through is like that, but on steroids. When the audience catches up with the Slayers working under Uzui, they are pushed to their physical and mental limits. Itโs like Hell for all of them.
The series has made it no secret that Tanjiro is stronger than most Demon Slayers despite only being a rookie. Seeing how he outpaces all of them in Uzuiโs boot camp demonstrates how big the gap is between him and the others.
Only he would reminisce so fondly about being cracked like a glowstick ๐คฃ
Itโs actually funny to see how much better Tanjiro is compared to most of the Corps. Whereas the others are winded, out of breath, and barely able to complete their exercises, Tanjiro is the opposite. He barely breaks a sweat and does everything with a big grin. Thatโs how far ahead he is of the rank-and-file. But it gets to the point where the other trainees feel disheartened by the gap in strength.
Strength Through Unity
Iโve never undergone a training camp like the one the Hashira are running, but even I know theyโre not working everyone like this to be cruel. Any good military instructor knows that soldiers need to be tough to survive on the battlefield. And since theyโre fighting actual Demons, the Demon Slayer Corps canโt afford to rely on a small handful of elites to win. They need everyone to work together to bring down Muzan.
Lucky for the trainees, they have inspiration in the form of Tanjiro. In a late-night training session with Uzui, Tanjiro shows everyone how strong he has to be to fight a Demon. And seeing him hold his own against a former Hashira lights a fire in everyone that refuses to go out.
The rank-and-file of the Demon Slayer Corps may never reach the same level as the Hashira and Tanjiro, but thatโs not the point. They know they wonโt reach that level, but they realize they donโt care. They can still support the Hashira and ensure that theyโre ready for the final battle.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and thanks to Tanjiro, that link has gotten a little sturdier. His task done, Tanjiro moves onto the next part of his training with the Mist Hashira.
— โ๏ธโ๏ธ ๐ซ๐ธ๐๐๐ถ ๐ซโ๏ธโ๏ธ (@m1st_hashira) May 26, 2024
I donโt know how long this season of Demon Slayer will be, but Iโm actually hoping that we donโt rush toward the final battle. The final battle against Muzan is going to need to take up an entire season on its own, its so big. So I donโt really care if we have to wait until next season to see Tanjiro wreck Muzan. This training will make it worth it.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation S2 Ep 19 Review
Rudeus has made up his mind: heโs going to the Begaritt Continent to help rescue his Mother. Itโs going to be a long and hard trip (and I know how it ends), but this soemthing he has to do. The good news is that heโs not going alone. The bad news? Itโs an eight-month trek to his destination and back. Factoring in the time heโll be in the Labyrinth, heโll be gone for two years. In other words, he wonโt be there when his kid is born; a hard pill to swallow. But, Nanahoshi has a solution that might work.
I havenโt been able to bring myself to read the volume the animeโs adapting yet, but I still know the major details of whatโs about to happen. As a result, I can say a few things with confidence: Rudeus is making a mistake rushing into this.
Maybe He Should’ve Asked More People to Go With Him
After making his decision, the first two people Rudeus tells about his decision are Elinalise and Nanahoshi. The former tries to talk him out of going, but since sheโs unable to persuade him otherwise, theyโll travel together. And thanks to Cliff upgrading the suppressor device, Elinalise can go longer stretches before her curse hits her! Which is good, because that would make things super awkward.
Nanahoshi, meanwhile, gives Rudy something that could help them get there and back faster. Orsted showed her these teleportation circles around the world that they used to fast-travel. Since Rudy helped save her life, she shows him one that will take them within a month or so from their destination of Rapan. And itโs not far from Sharia.
After that, the episode segues into Rudy and Elinalise saying goodbye to everyone, with Cliff even asking Lise to marry him when she returns. Good on you, Cliff! You do have rizz after all!
As heartfelt as this moment was, I have to criticize the story at this point. Thereโs no easy way to say this, but Rudeus shouldnโt have left with just him and Elinalise. I understand the need to keep the circles a secret, but he couldโve asked any one of his super-strong friends to go with him as backup. Zanoba has super-strength; Luke is a pretty good swordsman; the Beast Girls have excellent hearing and smell. Badigadi is an immortal Demon God! Any one of them could be a big help in the rescue! Then again, they might not.
A Super Abridged Desert Journey
As for the journey across the Begaritt Continent, the anime leaves out much of the journey from the light novels. The one thing that they do end up focusing on is also the most unsettling. The pair get attacked by a succubus, a monster whose pheromones will drive men berserk with lust. And the only ways to cure it is by detoxification magic orโฆthat.
Suddenly, Iโm glad Eris isn’t around. I can only imagine the kind of beatdown she would have given Rudeus had that happened.
Joking aside, the anime leaves out some finer, world-building details about the Begaritt Continent. They donโt intend to stay for long, but since Mushoku Tensei is the kind of story that likes to build the world, it seems to be somewhat of a letdown. But thatโs just my opinion.
In any case, the anime must not want to waste time on that, highlighting how urgent this mission is for Rudeus. By the time the ED roles, the two have already made it to their destination of Rapan. And this is where it leaves things off.
Rudeus Biggest Battle Yet is Just Beginning
Full disclosure: we are now at the end of volume 11 of Mushoku Tensei. The entire labyrinth arc will be the sole focus of volume 12 and the remainder of the season. And while I havenโt finished reading it myself, I can still attest to how big things are going to get. We need to prepare for action, drama, and probably a lot of pain and hardship. We have one week from the time Iโm writing this, and for all I know, it could already be out by the time this goes out. Be prepared!
Quick plug, though: there’s a new Mushoku Tensei light novel out, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation: Recollections. Itโs an anthology collecting a bunch of different short stories of events that take place during the first ten volumes of the series. Or, in other words, the start of the series up to not long after Rudy and Sylphie tie the knot. See how Rudeus secured his “Holy Relic” of Roxy. Or some of the misadventures Dead End got up to on their great odyssey. It’s the kind of slice of life stories that I think really flesh out a good story, in my opinion! You can find it in book form or buy it as an Ebook!
Itโs safe to say at this point that anime and manga have gone mainstream in Western Culture. More and more anime based on popular manga, light novels, and the like are coming out of the woodwork. But now, what the West considers anime (Japanese animation) is expanding its scope to works beyond Japanโs borders; specifically, to Korea, home to a plethora of webtoons and manwha. And right now, the one everyoneโs talking about is the bloodiest since Attack on Titan, Solo Leveling.
This isn’t an exaggeration. Solo Leveling might be one of the bloodiest anime of the year.ย
A Bottom-Feeder Gets RPG Superpowers
Ten years ago, portals and gateways opened up on Earth that led to other dimensions. And in those dimensions were monsters and entities straight out of a fantasy MMORPG. With conventional weapons useless, people started gaining the ability to hunt and kill these monsters, giving rise to the Hunters. There’s one catch, though: once you awaken your abilities, your stuck with whatever rank you get; no leveling up or getting stronger. Which stinks for those at the bottom, like Jin-Woo
Sung Jin-Woo is an E-Rank Hunter at the bottom of the barrel and is called the weakest ever. He can barely do any damage, he goes down too fast, and regularly comes close to death every time he fights in a Dungeon. But he keeps at it to support his family, until the day the inevitable happens. The party he’s in gets caught in a dungeon that starts slaughtering them in ways that haven’t been seen since Attack on Titan! And when the survivors can escape, he has to get left behind, thinking its for the bestโฆuntil he realizes that this is a horrible way to die.
That’s when he gets this little notification like from a video game saying he qualifies to be a โPlayer.โ Next thing he knows, he’s waking up in a hospital, completely healed. There’s one catch, though: he’s now being forced to do daily activities to get stronger or risk dying. The upside to that? He’s now able to level up like in a normal RPG. And he’s the only one who can do this.
Jin-Woo has just entered a real-life RPG.
An Interesting Take on a Premise That’s Been Done Before
As far as premises go, the concept behind Solo Leveling isn’t what one would call unique. Other anime have revolved around a similar premise.
Supposed weakling gets thrown into situation that can kill them.
Weakling gets a lucky break/special skill that helps them to survive and level up.
Weakling goes from being bottom of the barrel to OP as heck.
For reference, look up Arifureta: From Commonplace to Worldโs Strongest. It’s like Solo Leveling, but an isekai and not as good.
I’ve never read the webtoon or web novel versions of Solo Leveling, so I wound up going into this anime blind. After what I saw, though, I can see why it’s so popular and breaking the Internet with it’s hype. The animation is dark, bloody, and beautifully well-done. The story (which is only four episodes in) doesn’t skimp on the details of how dangerous being a Hunter would be, either. While the first episode is lighter on it, episode two sees people in Jin-Wooโs party dying left and right. Limbs get blown off, a man gets crushed to death by a statueโs foot, and one guy got split right down the middle! It’s horrifying, yet you can’t look away. And Jin-Wooโs near-death experience rivals Eren Yeager getting eaten by a Titan in terms of horror!
Speaking of Eren Yeager, Jin-Woo has a few traits in common with the wielder of the Attack Titan. Like Eren (at first), Jin-Woo is a good person put into horrific experiences that harden his heart. Yet Jin-Woo can’t quit being a Hunter, no matter how dangerous it is. Firstly, Mother is on life support due to being poisoned by mana from the Gates. Secondly, his sister needs the money for school. But he’s so weak that he can barely make ends meet, and his new status can help change that.
Don’t Underestimate RPG Mechanics
At first, the gains aren’t that noticeable, but anyone whose player an RPG should know better. Upgrading stats even a little can make all the difference, as seen in Jin-Wooโs first solo dungeon. While he once struggled against the weakest enemies, he gets strong enough to take down a snake the size of a house. With his bare hands, no less! And then he pierces the defense of another Monster a group of low-ranking Hunters were barely holding off with a broken Sword! The man is like a Korean Kirito meets Deku!
I’ve been reading Manwha and Webcomics for years on Webtoons, but Solo Leveling might be one of the most interesting and exciting that I have seen to date. And after spoiling myself by finding out what’s going to happen, I know I’m going to enjoy this show. Might even make it a weekly review.
Lots of people in the world love animals. They’ve helped us with our work for thousands of years and can serve as good companions for years on end. Being comforted by an animal can even serve as an excellent way to reduce one’s stress; it’s why animal videos are so popular online! Which is why the first isekai of 2024 is one that, while a bit silly in premise, is one capable of melting animal-lovers hearts:ย Fluffy Paradise.
Wanting to Live for the Fluffies!
Midori Akitsu was a 27-year old office worker with a horrible job and no way to relieve her stress. Thus, when she came home from work one day and dropped dead from exhaustion, she couldn’t help but lament her sad fate. Until a being that called itself a god plucked her from death and made her an offer. He’d give the usual isekai treatment and send her to live in another world called Asdyllon with a special power of her own. All she had to do in return is decide if that world’s humans, who persecuted non-humans, deserved to be saved or wiped out.
What does Midori ask for? Instead of super-powers or great knowledge, she just wants to pet fluffy animals forever. So, God gives her the ability to make non-humans love her, and off she goes. She’s now Nefertima ‘ Nรฉma’ Osphe, the youngest daughter of a warm and loving Duke’s family.
Three years later, and Nรฉma now a little girl, and true to the god’s word, all animals love her and want to be around her. Life couldn’t be better! However, then Nรฉma’s mother takes her to the Royal Palace where she works, and the girl wanders off and befriends the Crown Prince’s pet sky tiger. Then she befriends the giant dragon that her sister summoned in front of an entire stadium of people! It doesn’t take too long for those in power to realize that Nรฉma has some kind of special power, and then the more unsavory types start getting this gleam in their eyes.
Nรฉma, though, doesn’t really care. Having known naught but stress and toil in her first life, she just wants to be surrounded by a fluffy paradise.ย
A Feel Good Anime for Animal Lovers
So far,ย Fluffy Paradiseย only has four episodes out at the time of this writing, but it already gets its premise across pretty well: it’s meant to be a feel-good anime. It’s not a story that has the fate of the world at stake or some dark lord that needs to be stopped…or a misguided hero that needs to be stopped. It’s just an anime about a cute little girl trying to get as much cute and fluffy time in to make up for her first life. And, despite not doing anything so far to move the isekai genre foward, it works.
Why? Because it’s a show about cute little girl getting spend time with all kinds of animals. From little birds and kittens to dragons and tigers that can, and would, end you in real life, Nรฉma loves all animals. And seeing them fawn all over is, honestly, adorable.
Plus, despite the light-hearted premise, there are hints that things could get darker. Nรฉma’s whole reason for being sent there was to judge if humanity is worth sparing. Given how the second episode sees nobles and priests openly talking about how they can use Nรฉma for their benefit, they could become a problem down the road.
So, if you’re the kind of person who likes animals and wants something to take the edge off our lives, then I recommend watching Fluffy Paradise. It’s a feel-good anime to help start the year on a positive note.
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