Sixth week of 2019 edition!
This is a Crow’s eye view of the posts that caught my attention this week. Typically, they’ll be posts that celebrate some aspect of anime, like strong characters, moments of beauty, or amazing worlds.
There are only two rules:
- I have to find the site to read it. I publish a list of the sites I review every week, so please do look for your site! If you don’t see it, I’d love for you to mention your site in the comments so I can add it to the list!
- Your post had to have been published during the last seven days (or so)
Remember, you can find a list of the sites I check every week here.
There’re a lot of good posts in the anime blogsphere. I hope this article helps you find some of them!
AniB Productions
Review: Little Witch Academia
Do you remember watching Little Witch Academia back in 2017? I do. Fondly, in fact! There’s a lot to recommend about the show. Its top draw might be the main character, Atsuko Kagari (a.k.a. Akko), whose utterly unconquerable spirit shone so brightly — despite having an inversely proportional (low) level of magical ability! But she’s not the only thing to like about this show. This post from AniB Productions is a celebration of what made Little Witch Academia so delightful. If you’ve already watched and liked it, this article will rekindle some great memories. If you haven’t seen it? Well, be careful reading, then, because you might be inclined to drop everything and binge it!
Cain S. Latrani
Monday Anime: Kill la Kill
Once in a generation, a show comes along and redefines its genre. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say that it is its genre? Neon Genesis Evangelion was one of those shows. It had such an impact that from my perspective of a reviewer, I have to acknowledge that it is beyond me, that it is its own standard and measurement. In decade or two after it came out, it was the high water mark. Then I read this post from Cain S. Latrani. It makes the nearly incomprehensible claim that Kill la Kill is “the Evangelion of this era.” Yes. The article makes the case that Kill la Kill stands shoulder to shoulder with the acknowledged giant. And you know what? By the time I’d finished reading the article, I could only agree that the case is air right. I mean, how can anyone who uses the phrase “anime hair on crack” be wrong? Don’t believe me? Well, there’s only one thing to do!
Lynn Sheridan
Cat Planet Cuties (Season One)
Want to know a secret? I’m a very simple man. I mean, like, really simple. I sometimes pretend to be complex, and I often try to understand an insanely complex topic like Trinitarian Pneumatic Spiration, but let’s face it: I’m every bit as interested in the antics of a character like Eris from Cat Planet Cuties. In my defense, I’m not the only one who like this show. For example, the site Lynn Sheridan just posted a great review that explains in enthusiastic detail why the show is so much fun to watch! After reading the article, I want to watch the show again — and yes, it has a lot to do with Eris, Aoi, and Manami! Though push comes to shove, I’d have to say that Durel might be my favorite character…
Shay Taree
All About the Vic Mignogna Controversy!
I remember when Shay Taree started her blogger/Youtube career. I’ve never known her to be anything but excited and positive about anime. I generally don’t comment on posts that point to Youtube videos, but I think what she says is important. I can attest that Shay Taree’s video is neutral — she presents the facts and laments what stresses the situation has introduced within the anime community. After presenting the facts, she said that she stands with the survivors. I found her presentation to be praiseworthy! In contrast, I want you as critical readers to look at the comments on the Youtube video. You’ll see people trying to say that one accuser seems to have been discredited, so all accusations are suspect; or that the timing (i.e., concurrent with a recent film release) is coincidental so the “women” only want attention; or that there are no police reports so these events didn’t happen. What I don’t see are any negative comments addressing is the only real question: Are the accusations factual? No other questions are relevant. What’s more, attempts to discredit survivors (instead of making an affirmative defense) should tell you something, and I think you’re smart enough to figure out what that “something” is. Supporting perspectives like Shay Taree’s, who’s honestly trying to sort through the situation, is important.
The Yuri Nation
Manaria/Mysteria Friends Episode 3: Royal Date
Before the Winter 2018 season started, I noticed the promotion video for Manaria Friends. Supposedly, it takes place in the same universe Rage of Bahamut: Genesis (and related series), so I wanted to check it out. My first impression? Wow, this animation is beautiful! My second? Wait, it’s only 15 minutes per episode? After watching the first three episodes, guess what? My second impression is the only negative I’ve been able to find about this show. You might ask (to continue the pattern) what was my third impression. How about I let this post from The Yuri Nation answer that question? I’ll give you a hint: It has to do with the relationship between Anne and Grea, which just might be the most genuine and touching relationship of the season! And it doesn’t hurt that, as a fan of Monster Musume, Grea’s appeal is out of this world!
Cat Planet Cuties – one of my “guilty pleasure” anime! 🙂 And I love how shamelessly over-the-top it is. It’s fast food anime at it’s finest, and doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
Durel, eh! Interesting. Is the glasses or the calm, logical manner, kind of like a sexy cat-girl version of Spock?
I know I only recently watched it, but I’m putting it on the rewatch list for sure. Thanks for the mention.
It’s both! I just like the vibe she projects.
Really enjoyed reading your article, too!
Thanks, it was a fun one to write.