Forty-third week of 2019 edition!
This is a Crow’s eye view of the posts that caught my attention this week. I especially look for posts that celebrate amazing moments in anime or otherwise blow me away with their wit and charm. Every week I check hundreds of sites, and I’m humbled by the quality and volume of posts that the ani-blogging community creates! I hope this article helps you find some of those works!
What sites do I check every week? You can see the list of the sites here!
Review Order
This week, I reviewed the sites in alphabetical order (A to Z).
Anime Evo
Boku no Hero Academia S4 – 02
I think I may have learned something. Sorry, I probably should have warned you to brace yourself. Let’s try again. Are you sitting down? You should. BecauseI think I may have learned something. I think I’ve learned that the more popular a show is, the louder its critics will criticize it. I learned that while reviewing Demon Slayer (a collaboration review with Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime). It applies to Sword Art Online, too. The more one group loves a show, the more its critics will hate on it. And I’m seeing it again — with My Hero Academia. That’s why I appreciate reviews that are obviously the opinion of someone who just wants to review anime — not follow a trend to engage in tribal warfare. That’s why I’m recommending you take a look at Flareknight’s post on Anime Evo. The post reviews the second episode of season 4 (otherwise known as episode 65). It treats the show like any other show, and it makes a good case for watching the episode. I found it a refreshing and honest take on the show!
Anime ga Suki
The two inspiring messages Midoriya teaches us. Ani-inspirations #2
If you think a post about how anime can inspire us will catch my attention, you’re absolutely right! In one way, anime is no different than any other kind of fiction — its characters, situations, and themes can inspire us. For some of us, though, anime seems to to be even more potent. Even in the anime space, some shows seem to be more skilled at inspiration than others. If I ask you to name an inspirational series, what series pops into your mind? For me, it’s My Hero Academia. Rob Walker on Anime ga Suki just published a post about how the main character, Izuku Midoriya, is inspiration. And I think he nailed it!
Anime Sunday
Halloween 2019: Treat Yourself to Demon Slayer
Before I tell you why I really liked the post I’m about to talk about, I want to clear the air. You may have looked at the Demon Slayer title and thought, “Geez, Crow, are you ever going to stop yammering about that show?” The short answer is yes. I will stop talking about it. The longer answer adds, “But not today.” No, today I’m going to highlight yet another post that will explain, in an up-beat and delighted tone, just why you should “TREAT yourself” to this show. Reading this article on Anime Sunday reminded me a lot of what I loved about the series. In a world filled with negativity — even negativity supported with plausible explanations! — sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and let yourself enjoy something that you want to enjoy. I think it can be that easy. And that hard.
Believe in Geek
FIRE FORCE : THE TRAP IS SET
I tell you most solemnly, Fire Force is getting better. In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve always liked it. The characters (mostly) felt authentic to me. The art is gorgeous. And the world is dreadful and wonderful and deadly and beautiful all at the same time. Yes, I’ve had problems with some characters (Tamaki, I’d look at you except I’m afraid you’ll be naked against your will, and that’s just not cool), but I’ve liked the show since its first episode. And honestly, I think it’s getting better. As evidence, please let me present this post by Anna on Believe in Geek. I really enjoyed the 13th episode, and after reading this article, I wanted to watch it again. To me, that’s the sign of a good review!
SAE with a K
Shinobu and Ononoki | Monogatari Girls Quick Thoughts Part 4
The original Bakemonogatari awakened within me an appreciation of style unlike anything I’d encountered before. The now famous head-tilts, for example, were such a simple thing, but they were so distinctive. The show’s characters arrested my attention with their expressions and gestures and conversations. It’s one of the few series that I can’t look away from. So articles that talk about those characters immediately attract my attention. This article happened to talk about two of my favorites (and my “favorites” from this series might actually include all of the major characters!), I had to check it out. Not only did Dez Polycarpe from SAE with a K do a great job of describing these two characters, but he has a near perfect description of a dilemma I also face: how to choose who the the one favorite character among all of those characters. The answer might surprise you!
Thanks for the shout out once again!
You’re welcome!
I’ve actually enjoyed all four installments of your Monogatari Girls series — particularly the one about Tsubasa Hanekawa! https://saewithak.com/2019/10/04/some-quick-thoughts-on-the-monogatari-girls-part-2/
Yeah, Hanekawa is always a favorite to write about in general. As I am trying to write more about the Monogatari franchise in general. Get ready for a lot more content.
Also much appreciations for enjoying those post.
“Get ready for a lot more content.”
Look forward to it!