How to Watch 16 Anime in One Month (Or So)| Bundle Review

Despite not blogging, I have been spending the last two months doing a lot of things I love on my free time. Such as...  ANIME WATCHING. Like, non-stop, over-the-top, finish-one-start-another mentality. It's been such a long time since I allowed myself to get lost in anime, and I forgot how much I loved it and the stories it tells. 

I ended up watching 16 anime, and they were all enjoyable in one way or another. Here's a short round up with recommendations for the casual or not so casual anime fan! Click the titles to get to their "My Anime List" listing where you can find more on the plot, characters and etc :)

THE SURPRISE FAVORITES

There have been a ton of anime I watched in this month that weren't things I planned on watching, or didn't think I'd love so much but kind of had to give a shot to because of all the hype. Turns out, I was head over heels in love with them. Who would have thought!!

These three anime have the Big Three: great/unique plot lines, fantastic individual MCs and wonderful relationships, whether they be crazy relationships, meaningful relationships or antagonistic relationships.

No Game No Life // 12 Episodes 

This was such a random pick for me. I saw it on some WatchMojo list (I think it was about cute anime girls), went on MAL and saw it had high ratings and decided "what the heck?". I swear to god I spent half the time wondering what the fuck I was watching, but in the best of ways as I was smiling and laughing so hard through it all. The rest of the time I was just so impressed by the genius and scheming of these two siblings, who never lose a game. 

Recommended to:  People looking for an anime that is a ton of fun, has laugh out loud moments, great relationships between characters (and siblings) and a unique story-line. 

Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi (AKA Erased) // 13 Episodes 

Completely different from our previous entry but just as addictive, The City Where Only I Don't Exist is a psychological thriller with a supernatural twist. Our hero has the unique ability to go a few minutes back in time, but a traumatic event in the present sends him all the way to the events that started it all; three child murders that happened in his hometown eighteen years ago.. and he's the only one who can prevent them and change the future. 

Building on the butterfly effect, this anime is beautiful, touching and thought provoking, utilizing its 13 episodes ran to the max.

Recommended to: People who are looking for a deep anime with great story line, wonderful characters and animation and legendary relationships. 

Noragami / Noragami Aragoto // 12 & 13 Episodes Respectively 

These two seasons of the Norgami series are somewhat of a mix between our first and second entries; with crazy antics but not shortage of deep and feel-filled moments. 

Despite this series being very popular, it somehow missed me and I only randomly found it on MAL and started watching it, and not a day later I was finished with both seasons. 

Having messed up gods, great action and wonderful relationships (seems to be the theme of this category, doesn't it?) make this one heck of a show.

Recommended to: People who love contemporary fantasy and mythology, and appreciate good characters and building friendships. 

THE ROMANCES 

Like in all forms of entertainment, we have the romantic department! These four shows focus on the more romantic plot lines, and are (for the most part) feel good, fun shows to help you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside! 

Akagami Shirayuki-Hime (Snow White of the Red Hair) // 12 Episodes 

This adaptation of one of my favorite manga is a fun, feel good romantic story about a beauty named Snow White with her unique (and danger inviting) red hair and Zen, the second prince of his country who meet by coincidence one day and became entangled. These two have a sweet, innocent progression of love that is delightful to watch and partake in.
I honestly have nothing bad to say about this anime, aside that I admittedly prefer the source material. Despite being very faithful, for some reason it failed to capture my heart the way the original managed so whole heartily. 

Recommended to: people looking for an innocent, heartwarming romance set in alternate, more medieval times. 

Tonari no Kaibutsu Kun (The Monster Next Door)// 13 Episodes 

Another adaptation of a great manga, this romantic comedy is about two very straight forward teenagers who face love head on for the first time in their lives. One is a straight-A student who loves studying and the other is a (cute) delinquent who's only acting out because he literally has no idea how to interact with human beings (like, seriously).
The product is a fun, funny and refreshing anime that is just a delight, especially if you've grown tired of the regular formula.

Recommended to: people looking for a YA contemporary romance that is both cute, straight forward, and doesn't beat around the bush. 

Sukitte Ii Na yo (Say I Love You) // 13 Episodes
Say I Love You is a contemporary romance about a loner girl and the most popular boy in school, who change each other's life as they begin dating. It's a very honest and straight forward story, with lots of feels and interesting side stories that make the experience richer. The source material is another of my favorite romantic manga and I loved this adaptation of it.

Recommended to: People looking for a more mature YA contemporary that also takes a peek at more serious issues such as self image and obsession.


Paradise Kiss // 12 Episodes 

Para Kiss is one of the older shows I've seen on this binge watch. It's one of those that has been on my TBR for ages but I didn't really like the character designs and I'm shallow so I just never got it.
I ended up really enjoying the show, even though I occasionally found it over the top with the overly eccentric characters and intriguing relationships (that totally clashed with the realistic ending haha)

Recommended to: People who are looking for a more serious and mature contemporary romance that tackles growing up themes and a more realistic outlook on the romance itself.

THE SEQUEL(S) 

Really self explanatory, is you ask me...

Natsume Yuujinchou 3 / Natsume Yuujinchou 4  (Natsume's Book of Friends) // 13 Episodes Each

Before we start you need to know I adore Natsume Yuujinchou;  it's such a unique and special anime. These are sequels but it's not entirely necessary (though recommended 'cause they're awesome) to watch the first ones.
I loved being back in this world watching the beautiful and atmospheric chronicles of my favorite Natusme in anime, Natsume Takashi, and his everyday life as his kind and beautiful self takes on helping demons and humans alike with disregard to his own well being because he is just a precious cinnamon roll like this and must be protected at all costs.
This is a series about selflessness, love, equality, and how a power can be both a curse and a gift, depending how you look and use it.

Recommended to: people looking for an atmospheric anime with episodic chronicles that has little angst and is all about the characters and their stories (especially the tots adorbs main one). 

THE WILD CARDS

These are the strange and complicated anime that I've watched in this month. Most of them are not things I planned on watching but kind of sneaked on me. Unlike the Surprise Favorites they didn't jump to the top of my list, but I actually enjoyed them all for their various themes and stories!

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei // 12 Episodes

If you're looking for a random, totally unique and laugh out loud type of anime, Zetsubou Sensei is the one you should check out. Maintaining an in-story logic and continuity despite all the nonsense that goes about, this anime manages to be funny while actually throwing out thought provoking messages at you from time to time.

Not to mention the animation style is fantastic, merging all types of animation from stop motion and the likes within the regular anime animation.

Recommended to: people who like comedies and randomness, and are looking for something that would make them laugh their socks off.

Bungou Stray Dogs // 12 Episodes 

So this one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Lots of people love this anime to bits and pieces, but for me it just didn't manage to smoothly incorporate the comedy and action, despite trying really hard. It was either one or the other, but it never managed to be these two things at once, making the transitions a bit sudden and abrupt. The characters are unique and interesting, and both this and Zetsubou Sensei use the author Dazai and his obsession with suicide for comedic purposes, which was interesting albeit morbid (worked better in Zetsubou Sensei tbh). I will see season two if there'll be one, but it's not one I'm holding my breaths for.

Recommended to: people who like alternate worlds, the supernatural, comedy and... uneven geometric hairstyles (seriously, this anime loves them).

Gakkougurashi (School-Live) // 12 Episodes 

I can't say too much about this one, but I will say go into this blind and don't let the cutey design of this anime deter you from watching it, because it carries a strong punch. I cried while watching this. I felt despair. I felt hope and happiness. In other words; I was transfixed! It took a year of my best friend nagging me to finally watch it, and then I was kind of kicking myself for taking so long because it was fantastic! Fingers crossed for season two!

Recommended to: people who like to be messed with emotionally. 

Angel Beats! // 13 Episodes 

I heard a ton of incredible things about this anime, but I'll confess it never really caught my eyes. The poster completely fails to bring through what this anime is about, even remotely. Despite having a hard time with the animation at the beginning (it was so weird looking and uneven to me, especially their faces!), I soon started enjoying this emotional roller coaster masquerading as an action series. Just about everyone in this show are cinnamon rolls who deserve better, tbh. I wasn't weeping like so many others while watching this, but you just might and it's a good anime nonetheless.

Recommended to: people who are looking for an action anime with substance, and aren't afraid to shad a tear or two in the process! 

THE ONE I JUST PHONED IN

K-On! // 13 Episodes 

Why is it so difficult to finish a thirteen episodes series?! I've been trying to watch K-On! for a few years. I originally reached around episode 9 and stopped. Then I decided to re-watch it and finish it a while later aaaaaaaaand stopped around episode 9 again. I decided to forego watching the first eight episodes of this series and just watch from episode 9 on in order to finally, finally finish this series. Ultimately, I feel like this just wasn't interesting enough to hold my attention for long. The characters are cute and fun, the music is great but... that's it, for me. Nothing more.

Recommended to: people who like slice of life, daily-life shows and music. Very low on action and the likes.

THE DISAPPOINTMENT!

Prince of Tennis: The National Tournament // 13 Episodes 

I absolutely loved The Prince of Tennis. It was the first sports anime I'd seen and it exposed me to how awesome sports could be in anime - all the flashy borderline superpower like moves, the dramatics, the way a single match can be as tension filled as saving the world... so I was really happy when I found out that the episodes that weren't adapted from the manga in the original series got a series of mini-seasons when I wasn't looking! I was super excited to watch this and then... and then... I was bored the whole time!! And the animation seemed kind of bad (though I can't remember if it was like that originally too and I just didn't notice). It wasn't good, it wasn't interesting, and I basically yawned my way through. Super disappointing! 

Recommended to: I don't. I recommend the original series, or Kuroko no Baske if you're looking for awesome sports anime. 

5 Reasons to Watch the 3 Seasons of Kuroko No Basket | Anime Rec

Kuroko no Basket / 2nd Season / 3rd Season
MAL Top Anime List*: #106 / #65 / #49
# Episodes watched: 75 / 75 (25 per season

Aired: Apr 8 to Sep 22, 2012 / Oct 6 to Mar 30, 2014 / Jan 11 to Jun 30, 2015

Comedy, School, Shounen, Sports

Rating:

Teikou Junior High School's basketball team is crowned champion three years in a row thanks to five outstanding players who, with their breathtaking and unique skills, leave opponents in despair and fans in admiration. However, after graduating, these teammates, known as "The Generation of Miracles," go their separate ways and now consider each other as rivals.
At Seirin High School, two newly recruited freshmen prove that they are not ordinary basketball players: Taiga Kagami, a promising player returning from the US, and Tetsuya Kuroko, a seemingly ordinary student whose lack of presence allows him to move around unnoticed. Although Kuroko is neither athletic nor able to score any points, he was a member of Teikou's basketball team, where he played as the "Phantom Sixth Man," who easily passed the ball and assisted his teammates.
Kuroko no Basket follows the journey of Seirin's players as they attempt to become the best Japanese high school team by winning the Interhigh Championship. To reach their goal, they have to cross pathways with several powerful teams, some of which have one of the five players with godlike abilities, whom Kuroko and Taiga make a pact to defeat.

In all honesty, it's been a long while since I've truly been enthusiastic about anime. When I started watching anime around ten or eleven years ago, I could binge watch for months on no end, finishing one anime after the other like it was a contest and I was out to win all the prizes.

But when I got back into reading and writing, that kind of waned. I started keeping mostly with manga, with the very occasional anime watch. In fact, for the last few months since I vowed to try some of the more popular anime out there, I have started and stopped a large number of them, simply because they didn't grab my attention long enough.

And then came Kuroko no Basket. I have no idea what possessed me to give this sports anime a shot, but thank god to that demon/angel because this is the first anime in ages that consumed me to the point of nonstop watching. I finished 75 episodes in a mere week, work and everything. I basically did nothing but watch on my spare time. And now, I'm going to be the demon/angel on your shoulder tempting you to watch this series, using a ton of gifs and quiet a few words!

#1: You Don't Need to Love Sports 

I know, I know. The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words "basketball anime" is... meh, I'm not really into basketball. Or any type of sports. I thought the same thing. Well, you really don't need to be to love this anime.

In fact, this anime is exactly the reason why normal sports don't interest me. Normal sports don't have special moves that make the ball disappear, or change your eye color, or make fucking lazer beams shot from your eyes, do they?

And okay, all these are just visual aids to make everything cooler. None of the characters really have super powers. But... boy, how cool it is.

And if you already love sports without those super powers, imagine how much you'll love it with them! (just, bear in mind, it's not a 100% realistic representation of the sport. As demonstrated by the superpower-esque situation).

#2: Great Characters and Character Interactions 

You know, the key element to any story is its characters. A boring, weak, or pathetic character can make you indifferent or hateful toward the story. But strong, interesting, versatile characters can bring even the most unoriginal story to life. Combine that with a great plot, and you have a recipe for success.

Well, the characters in Kuroko no Basket are the absolute best. I love them so much it's ridiculous. First we have our trusty shadow Kuroko Tetsuya, the namesake of this series. With such an adorable, admirable and strong main character, how can you not love this show? 

His partner and his "light" is Kagami Taiga. Hot headed, serious, never-backs-away-from a fight. He is loud where Tetsuya is calm and quiet, making them the complete opposites, but you know what they say - opposites attract. It might sound a little gay. A lot of the fangirls (me included) kind of hope it is gay because these two compliment each other so well... but, canonically speaking, there is nothing less than straight about these two. Either way they're great characters.

Individually, all the characters in this show are very strong (and heck amusing), but it's the interaction between them that really seals the deal as a great show. It's funny, it's charming, it's human, and each character develops and builds alone and as a group as the story moves along, creating the coolest basketball team to ever basket (and they have some wicked cool competitors in-series). 

These characters will make you root for them like crazy. You will jump out of your chair in happiness when they win. You will bite your nails as they struggle game after game, never to give up. You will cry with them when they lose. 

Because these amazing characters will make you unable not to. 

#3: FRIENDSHIP IS EVERYTHING... and yet not too cheesy 

Kuroko no Basket is not the first (and it's not going to be the last) anime to focus on friendship. However, Kuroko takes it a step farther while simultaneously taking it a step down.

A step farther? the whole idea behind Kuroko no Basket is team play. "Kuroko no Basket" literally means "the basketball which Kuroko plays". Kuroko is a team player. His biggest role is to support the team and give them the best position to score and win the game. He is a player that cannot play by himself... nor does he want to. 

He believes that a game played "by yourself" relying solely on your own abilities is not a fun game, because even if you win you have no one to celebrate it with - so what's the point? And he's out to prove it to everyone else... which means the opposing teams also get incredible character development! 

Indeed, the whole point of Kuroko no Basket is "Team Play". It's not enough just to be friends to have a good team play (you need to trust each other, to have individual strong abilities but also to understand your role in the group in order to create good 'team play') but friendship is still a key element. 

Taking it a step down? You're not going to find cheesy deceleration of friendships and eye-roll worthy moments around this theme. Or at least, not in the normal way. Everyone fall into an effortless friendship, and every such gesture is timed, fitting and tasteful. Never once did I snicker and thought it over the top, which I think often in anime, sports or otherwise. Kuroko no Basket found the perfect balance between making friendship a focal point but keeping it subtle.  

#4: Exciting, Nail Biting Action! 

These are just basketball games, you say? THESE ARE NOT JUST BASKETBALL GAMES. The amount of tension and anxiety these games gave me is on per with saving the world action. Dear god almighty, my nails! My poor nails! Gone, just like that. Because of a bunch of basketball games.

If that doesn't say you need to watch this series, if only just so you could see how this is possible, I don't know what will. 

#5: THE FEELS

This is just a stupid anime about basketball, Nitzan, you say.
There is no way it can kick you in the guts with feels, you say.
Stop lying, you say.

WELL, YOU'RE STUPID AND NO I'M NOT LYING.

I was drowning in feels.

btw yes, this well known gif is is my babe Kuroko 

 Basketball punched by feels.

It was a feels field day! Ohhh, it starts light enough. You get a hint and a warning of it in the first season, but it fools you into thinking this is just going to be a fun romp in the grass. Season two has some heartbreaking scenes, but it's not full out yet. But THEN... then comes seasons three and WHAM, you're under attack. And you're going to cry, goddammit, and you're going to love it!

Don't mind me. I'll just just sitting here, crying.

*The number detailed here is accurate to the time this post was written on. 

Nonsensical and Ridiculous in the Best of Ways: "Gintama" | #PAP Review

Gintama (2006)
MAL Top Anime List*: #10
# Episodes watched (so far): 26 out of 201
Will I continue?: Yes

Aired: Apr 4, 2006 to Mar 25, 2010
Followed by: Gintama'

Comedy, Parody, Samurai

Rating:

The Amanto, aliens from outer space, have invaded Earth and taken over feudal Japan. As a result, a prohibition on swords has been established, and the samurai of Japan are treated with disregard as a consequence.
However one man, Gintoki Sakata, still possesses the heart of the samurai, although from his love of sweets and work as a yorozuya, one might not expect it. Accompanying him in his jack-of-all-trades line of work are Shinpachi Shimura, a boy with glasses and a strong heart, Kagura with her umbrella and seemingly bottomless stomach, as well as Sadaharu, their oversized pet dog. Of course, these odd jobs are not always simple, as they frequently have run-ins with the police, ragtag rebels, and assassins, oftentimes leading to humorous but unfortunate consequences.
Who said life as an errand boy was easy?

The top anime on MAL (currently) is the latest sequel to Gintama. Originally, I tried watching that. I got 7 minutes into the episode (seven hilarious minutes) before I established that I should watch the original series to fully appreciate it.

Which is how I made my way to the #10 seed, Gintama (2006). 

Gintama is the sort of anime I have a trouble keeping up with... because it has no story arc (so far) to carry the "plot", just nonsensical episodes on episodes that don't really connect unless they joke on past episodes events.

The series revolves around Gintoki, Kagura and Shimura. The description of their job is "odd jobs" - they will literally do anything for money (but they're so outrages it usually ends badly, so they're constantly broke). The anime relies and the dynamics between them, which are ridiculous to watch. A bit like a dysfunctional family.

It's extreme funny (though, just from the first episode of the sequel I can determine that one is even funnier) and you spend most of the episodes baffled and going WTF, but with a teasing smile at the corner of your mouth as your brain tries to figure out what's going on and then decides it's just not worth the headache.

It also relies on references and 'inside jokes'. I don't always get the references (I am not that knowledgeable about popular anime, especially in the last few years), but those I did get kind of killed me.

The strength of Gintama is that I can put it aside when I don't feel up to it (and when there's no overall plot to suck me in, I usually don't feel up to it) and pick it up again when I need a pick-me-up without having to re-watch any of the episodes prior to it.

I will definitely keep up with this show, but it might take me years to finish it - it will all depend on when I'm "in the mood" for random nonsense.

*The number detailed here is accurate to the time this post was written on. 
**The # is also based on the anime page and not the list, as MAL's Top List has a general view that includes movies, OVAs and the likes and a narrowed list of just the Anime. I go by the narrowed list, but the anime page goes by the general. 

Introducing #PAP: The Popular Anime Project

For those who don't know, I am a huge anime fan. My love for anime started years ago (ten? Twelve?), but has taken a blow since I started properly reading again in high-school. It seems I can't binge watch shows when I binge read instead lol 

Anyways, one thing that has always been true about my anime experience is that I tend to shy away from popular anime. I am just so... scared of them, I guess? I have the same trouble in books, but with books I usually crack and just read them.

Lately, I've been wanting to really get back to anime, especially since my brother got into it and won't shut up about it.

And what better way than to try all those A list anime?

The Popular Anime Project (or PAP for short) is fairly simple. On the site My Anime List there is a list of the top popular anime. Every time, I'm going to pick an anime from the top 50 (not necessarily by order, because some of these are sequels and continuations) and then review it.

I will not necessarily finish every anime. I may even review the same anime more than once as I move farther into the episodes. 

At the end of the day, you'll have a fairly good view on how I fare with popular anime, get quite a few recs (I would assume) and I get to finally be able to say "yes I watched it" when people ask me lol

Anime Review: Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Crimson S | Generic But Watchable

Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Crimson S
12 out 12 Episodes, completed

Aired: Apr 5, 2009 to Jun 21, 2009
Prequel to Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica

Drama, Fantasy, Music

Rating:

Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica Crimson S (yes, that is a mouthful!) opens with two unknown characters fighting. A little orphan boy is crying. His tears transition with the dropping blood of the winged woman, illustrating a connection. The boy starts to sing to make himself feel better, attracting the spirit. She starts talking to him.

And this is where it gets UBER CREEPY. This overly sexualized adult woman says she wants to keep the boy all to herself. Then she leans in for (what appears to be) a kiss, but gets interpreted.

Fast forward twelve years, and that boy is now studying in an academy famous for it's Dantists program. A Dantist is a specialist who attracts spirits with his music, and can use them to help him do all sort of stuff.

However, Phoron is not so good at being a Dantist. For some reason, his music doesn't transition with the spirits at all, despite his early childhood success. Remembering the song that brought the spirit to him to begin with, he sings it again (in his childhood, baby, girly voice to boot. That sounded very strange coming out of a teenager who has a very pleasant male voice when he speaks).

And thus, a spirit wakes up. Creating a bit of havoc, and with beautiful animation (one of the only beautifully animated moments in this series, which in on a whole pretty average to ugly in it's animation) a girl bursts from the raving spirit.

And who that girl is? The spirit he met at the beginning! Only... she now looks younger. I'm assuming that's done so it won't look so creepy between them, though that train has sailed on the first few minutes!

And thus, starts the adventures of Corticarte and Phoron. And yes, the names are hella odd in this series.

How did I do with this summary? You like? 

One of the only truly beautiful animation scenes. Couldn't find a gif, sorry! :(

For me, this show is probably between two and a half stars to three. On My Anime List I gave it a score of six which translates to "fine". My emotions about this series switched from exasperated annoyance, to mild amusement, to general meh-ness, to slight interest. In that order, actually.

If I were honest, I had no intention to watch this. I thought I was watching one of the shows on my "currently watching" list from three-four years ago which I'm trying desperately to clean up. But turns out, I was originally watching season one which chronologically comes after this one #canIbeanymorestupid

I don't think I will return to the sequel after watching this. I can tell, looking back, why I probably started with the first season. It's because of the music and the singing. I have this thing with musical anime. I kind of love them. And maybe the first season isn't an assembly of cliches like this show was, but in this one you could tick off the list with your fingers:

☑ A hero who doesn't want to fight, but will because the bad guys cross a line and they're "the only ones I don't want to lose to" - check

☑ Two to three girls in love with the main character at once even though he's kind of useless and oblivious - check

☑ One of them is a sickly girl - check

☑ One of them is an out-going honest girl - check

☑ The mysterious authority figure (headmaster in this case) - check

☑ The bad guys explain themselves to the good guys - check

Etc. And even the execution of the many tropes and cliches this show uses was generic to a fault. At least try to spice things up! Maybe the hero is unapologetic about being kind of not wanting to fight instead of saying sorry every two minutes. How 'bout that?

On the other hand, that didn't mean it wasn't fun to watch. I enjoyed rolling my eyes at the show. Enjoyded being like "AHH SO RIDICULOUS" when they were being super cliched. Enjoyed laughing at the "listen to your heart" and friendship is fabulous and don't give up and all that stuff. Enjoyed sniggering and tsking my tongue at it.

It that super cruel? yes.

Will it mellow it a bit if I say I also enjoyed it 'cause it was cute and from episode seven or so it really picks up on the action? No? hmm... figures, really. I am a horrible person.

Side note: the one-man orchestra looks ridiculous. Like an oversized butterfly, but not in a good way. At least not worn by our characters. 

Anime Review: Asura Cryin' | Less Boobs, More Plot Please!

Asura Cryin'
6 out 13 Episodes, dropped

Aired: Apr 2, 2009 to Jun 25, 2009
Followed by: Asura Cryin' 2

Action, Mecha, Supernatural

Rating:

Natsume Tomoharu is a normal high-school student in every way with one exception: he's being followed by the ghost of his best friend, Misao.
After moving into his brother's old house, Tomoharu expects to continue living his normal life but is one day left with a mysterious and locked briefcase without any instruction. At first he plans to leave it in storage; however, his house is soon invaded by multiple groups of people after the briefcase. Although still not knowing the purpose of the briefcase, Tomoharu and Misao attempt to escape with it.
From there on, Tomoharu tries to learn the secrets behind the briefcase, the connections between it and Misao, and why it has the power to change the world.

The main trio, wearing their best face imo

Once upon a time, I used to religiously watch anime. And by that I mean I watched at least six full anime a month. You could say that's all I did the years I took a break from reading. And then, I re-discovered books and took a step back from anime.

One of my goals in 2016 is to clean my currently-watching list of anime (some of them all the way back from 2011). In order to do that, I'm basically re-watching the anime because god help me but I remember absolutely nothing of some of these.

The first one I'm reviewing is Asura Cryin', a fantasy/sci-fi/rom com type of anime. That I didn't even finish because there is so many better things to do with my time than force myself through pointless episodes of a pointless anime.

Both in my original attempt to watch it and this re-watch I ceased my attempts at episode 6, which is halfway into the series. And if by halfway into it I still have no idea what it's supposed to be about, then that says something.

This series opens up with Tomoharu, our protagonist, moving into a new house with his friend Misao. The ghost. Just another day in the household, I guess. Then we meet an assortment of characters (from Takatsuki to Shuri), none of which stand out in any way. They're all very one dimensional.

Then, the first episode ends with a high-note of what appears like it's going to be an epic battle with machines and firearm and fire powers and--Nope, the second episodes starts the next morning, all chill and relaxed, opting to let the tension fizzle into nothing and let everyone be all calm as if nothing even happened. What?

Looks cool, right?

The series had a tendency to troll us this way often; ending episodes in an exciting cliffhanger (usually one that has to do with fighting) just as someone is about to shoot a gun (metaphorically or not) in order to make us watch the next episode, but then basically say "Oh, yeah, that was no big deal. Just kidding". I didn't like that.

But, had there been some kind of plot, I would've over looked it. But the point is, there is none. Oh, it raises plenty of questions in the six episodes I've seen, but no one is actually looking for an answer. 

Imagine one day, someone gives you a suitcase. That evening, you're attacked from three directions by people who want that case, and in order to survive you open that case and out of it comes a monster, that you can control (eventually) with the help of your ghost friend. Are you going to accept it, or investigate what the fuck is it, and why and where and why you and ton of other shit?

Huh, I guess you accept it and ask nothing at all of anyone because, life.

And, being the type of series this is, if you don't ask... then no one's going to explain. Hence, by the sixth episodes, we have more questions than patient and no foreseeable answers in our futures.

So we just kind of have to accept the fact some humans are apparently "demons" in this show because... fire powers? And machines just come out of shadows and unite with ghosts because it's awesome? And everyone knows something about Tomo is going to bring destruction unless (dot dot dot) but hey, guess it doesn't matter why. Or how. Or to even share it with Tomo to prevent it. Because... err.... just because?

And on top of that, ton of time wasting on stupid sex-jokes (and I say stupid because c'mon, boob and pantie jokes are so third grade. Get a hold of yourselves, seriously). It's not funny and it's time consuming when you're already not spending enough on progressing the plot somwehre.

Random forced boob grab is random!
Especially when the next thing that comes is an exclamation that the world has already ended once before. wtf. 

Yes, when I realized I just wasted 120 minutes of my life on virtually nothing, I had to take a step back and decide this might be better as a dropped series after all.

I'm sure at one point the series gets to the point. But if it hadn't even taken some steps towards that by the half mark, it's not going to be satisfying either way because time-limits will ensure it will be rushed and confusing. 

Plots need time to build. So, less boobs and more plot would've been good. Alas.

At least it's not on my currently-watching list anymore.