While there have been a number of fantastic shows over this past year, summer’s anime-original show, Lycoris Recoil, still outshines almost all of them with the force of its unparalleled main character. Together with the cafe setting, there was no other show I waited for more as each week passed.
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I can’t think of summer show Call of the Night without hearing Creepy Nuts playing in my brain, accompanying the warm summer night and purple lighting. Achingly atmospheric, this anime worked its way deep into my psyche and almost convinced me of the romanticism of city streets after dark. Main character, vampire Nazua Nanakusa, perfectly conveyed that sense of play and taboo. All together, this 13-episode series presented a complete work of art with the most effortless air of cool possible.
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Marina
Welcome to Kaiseki Anime, where we air new episodes every other week. “Kaiseki” covers currently airing anime, older series seen recently, and other relevant topics for the season. I’m your host, Marina, of the blog, “Anime B&B,” and with me is my co-host Draggle, of the cleverly titled “Draggle’s Anime Blog.”
Draggle
This week, we review the summer 2022 anime season.
So, it was quite a season, I guess.
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It wasn’t too long ago that I wrote about Parallel World Pharmacy‘s use of cosmetics and skincare, so I’ll refrain from speaking too long on the series now other than to quickly go over what did and didn’t work for me over the course of the season. As an isekai and slice-of-life, PWP did well to draw me into its world and our protagonist’s place in it. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Falma use his experience from his former life as a pharmacologist to aid in his current one as a pharmaceutist now that medicine and magic co-exist. The show’s attempt to ramp up the drama in the latter part of the season reminded viewers, perhaps uncomfortably, about our own recent pandemic. While I appreciated the higher stakes, Falma’s near perfect handling of this emergency in addition too all the previous ones dampened any real concern, resulting in an ultimately forgettable series.
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The second season of SHADOWS HOUSE couldn’t have come sooner, and it wasn’t too long into it that I was reminded of all that I loved in the first season. Character interactions like those between Emilico and Kate, a dark Victorian-esque setting blanketing the scenery with shadows and lace, and a mystery that carries on still unsolved–these all balanced together to create a story that continues to enthrall. If, however, you hoped for resolution to our children’s fears, then you’ll be disappointed to know that this sequel does not wrap up the mysteries, but rather sets the stage for even more curiosities as they step closer to adulthood.
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As busy as the summer anime season was this year, there was a whole lot of mediocrity on that list. Only a handful of shows rose above the masses, with Lycoris Recoil taking one of the highest spots with charm and gusto. So much of the story might have faltered in other, lesser experienced hands, but each week the series defied the weaker elements of its framework with strong characters and writing. I’d be pressed to consider this show the best of the season, if not for the less-than-satisfying ending which lacks a much needed change for true resolution.
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The time has finally arrived, my long-awaited sports anime that ticks off all the boxes and then some, leaving me wanting for more. The set-up, our characters, their journey, and the final game all contribute to what I love most in this type of show. I don’t know if a sequel is in the works, but if it happens, I will be there cheering wildly from the stands.
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The reality of the word “yakuza” now is one romanticized beyond all recognition. Almost every story I see lately focuses on a singular character or entire family ripe for redemption through love. The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting makes it easy to forget that our comical characters are anything but a normal family. While I would normally sit back mindlessly and just enjoy the heartwarming episodes, the occasional small reminder of their true way of life makes the ride a bit of a bumpy one by the end.
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Welcome to Kaiseki Anime, where we air new episodes every other week. “Kaiseki” covers currently airing anime, older series seen recently, and other relevant topics for the season. I’m your host, Marina, of the blog, “Anime B&B,” and with me is my co-host Draggle, of the cleverly titled “Draggle’s Anime Blog.”
Draggle 0:24
This week, we discuss The Devil is a Part-Timer! Season 2 with our special guest Hyoton.
The anime-original YUREI DECO recently wrapped up after 12 episodes and for all intents and purposes is a complete package with little need for a sequel or spin-off. Part of this is due to the material from which it took inspiration as well as the manner in which the writing paced itself through to the end. Colorful and idealistic from the beginning, the larger themes of freedom, value, and family are inspiring but too ambitious for such a small box. While I was fond of YUREI DECO’s characters, I ultimately found myself frustrated with the rushed ending that did little to address the story’s many issues.
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Anime B&B 