I FINALLY CASTED MY VOTES FOR THE CRUNCHYROLL ANIME AWARDS 2021

Hello my friends.

First and foremost… I just want to wish you Happy New Year 2022 (Well. Not that new anymore). And also a very Happy Chinese New Year for everyone. I hope that the celebrations were really that great for all of you.

Regarding myself… I want to apologise.

Because as of January 31st 2022, it has been a very complicated month for me. I have a lot of work (And a very bad misunderstanding that almost left me… traumatised to say the least). And I have been working in my new book, trying to get some pages done, at least two per day. But because I have been exhausted, and I got a severe pain in my shoulder, I was unable to advance in my blog as much as I wanted.

Everything started shortly after I published my review on Netflix’s Death Note (Well. November was pretty busy too). That is when things got very busy for me. Christmas time came, a lot of responsibilities came as well, a lot of cleaning, a lot of hot weather in Melbourne (last week was average 36 degrees), and visiting a lot of friends for the holidays, and some time off.

So. As you can see. Many events kept me away from writing and watching beautiful anime.

But worry not.

Because I have been preparing a lot of My first Impressions, and the… TOP WAIFU OF 2021. That is a tradition in my blog.

But now. I will start with another tradition. Yep. The title says it all.

Now… I want to start showing my votes for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2021. from Best Film to Best Ending. Then, the rest will come. But little by little, I have so… many things to write.

With that said… let’s START!!!!!!!

BEST FILM

In the words of Rengoku…

Well… It is Demon Slayer. What else can I say? I red the manga of the Demon Train arc, and it was… fantastic. And when I watch the movie… I was in love with both Demon Slayer and Ufotable, more than ever. The ending was heartbreaking, and seeing Akasa for the first time was a feast. Don’t get me wrong. I do not doubt that Belle can be a masterpiece, but I never watch it. The same happened with Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. But Mugen Train is beautiful.

And my choice for Best Film of 2021.

BEST FANTASY

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation & To Your Eternity.

I have to admit that this was a really tough one. On one hand, I am starting to believe that isekai is like Scooby-Doo! You will always see many versions and proposals and it will never get old (unless we are talking about Scoob!, of course)

So I decided to spread my vote, between Mushoku Tensei and To Your Eternity. Wonder Egg Priority was also great, but, in my opinion, the two series I chose share a common strength – narrative. To Your Eternity has a very good storytelling that helps characters and story to evolve, the same happens with Mushoku Tensei, and the fantasy element is stronger than in Wonder Egg Priority. At least from my perspective.

Fingers crossed.

BEST ROMANCE

I love Beastars, but in regards of romance, Horimiya was my surprise fo 2021. Hori-san is an amazing character, as likeable as Miyamura, and seeing together was a complete feast for my eyes, and the rest of the couples were also incredibly adorable, especially Remi and Sengoku.

Again. It was a tough one, because I enjoy Komi-san (In fact, I will say it now… Both are… BETTER… WAY BETTER than Rent-A-Girlfriend as romantic comedies), bu t I still need to see more episodes of Komi-san and Tadano-kun.

Kudos for Miyamura and Hori-san. Just…

We need more headbutts!!

BEST DRAMA

86: Eighty-Six

Without a doubt, 86: Eighty-Six is one of the best anime of 2021, and a candidate for the second or third best anime produced by A-1 Pictures on the 2020s (Only beaten by Sword Art Online: Alicization and Kaguya-sama: Love is War).

For me, this anime was a big surprise, because it definitely has those vibes that you see in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing or Code Geass, including social commentary, the brutality of war, child soldiers, and big robots. But also, 86: Eighty-Six manages to have its own identity, with very well-written characters and a setting that reminds us the consequences of world wars and Why should we never, ever allow something like that to happen… ever again.

And of course… a story that gets better and better, even in the light novels. Trust me. you read the light novels of 86: Eighty-Six, and the story becomes way better.

And as much as I hate to say this – the only two competition that 86: Eighty-Six might have in this category is either Oddtaxi or Fruits Basket: The Final Season.

BEST COMEDY

I will say this straight away – I was ready to give my absolute vote to Miss Kobayashi-san Dragon Maid S. It is simply one of the best comedies of 2021, and the fact that Kyoto Animation produced this second season after the tragic fire of July, 2019 gives it more merit. But then… I got a big surprise, as big as with 86: Eighty-Six.

And that is Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan.

I was like…

Honestly. Life lessons with Uramichi is pure insanity, every moment was better than the last one. Original jokes, and very hilarious characters. So yeah.

50/50.

BEST ACTION

Triple vote – Vivy – Fluorite Eye’s Song, SSS Dynazenon and Mugen Train.

Ok. Some of you might be thinking:

«Jaime… What the hell is this?»

And yes. It is definitely a fair criticisim if you have it. But I will explain.

First…n

For Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song, Wit Studio did a really good job animating the fighting scenes. Every time I watch Vivy and Elizabeth in a fight, I couldn’t resist. I really was looking forward for what will happen next. Especially in the last episodes of the series. Vivy did great here. It is a shame that it got less nominations than it deserved.

The same happened with SSSS Dynazenon. If there is anything Studio Trigger is an expert in, that is animating action, i.e. Kill la Kill, Darling in the FRANXX, SSSS Gridman, and now here. I hope it really does well.

And Demon Slayer – Mugen Train… Nothing to say. Better watch.

BEST ENDING

«Shirogane» by LiSA.

Because, as a Demon Slayer fan… How can you say No to such a beaituful song?

Every time I listen to it… I feel the whole arc of Mugen Train.

CONCLUSION

And that is it for now. I must admit that, at the beginning, I was kind of disappointed for some of the nominations. I was expecting something like Vivy being nominated as Anime of the Year, as well as To Your Eternity. And 86: Eighty-Six had less nominations too. I expected Shinei to be nominated as Best Protagonist, and…

What about Rudeus Greyrat?

And for those who are wondering why I haven’t choose any of the categories for Attack on Titan. The answer is simple… I haven’t reach The Final Season: Part I yet. I guess I will get there when I get there.

But that is for today. Stay tuned for Part II.

And now… let’s get some beautiful Uzui waifus…

And what about me?

Who?

ME!!!!

I AM PERFECT TO SHIN… MORE THAN LENA.

JAINITUOS ANIME REVIEWS – 86: EIGHTY-SIX – PART II – MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS

86: Eighty-Six (Part 2)

Genre: War, Mecha, Romance

Studio: A-1 Pictures

IT’S ABOUT TIME!!! JERK!

Yep. It is about time.

Although I haven’t properly watched the first part, like I should, I have watched from episode 12 to 14, and some parts of today’s episode, and I think I have an idea of which are my impressions of 86: Eighty-six. Don’t get me wrong. I have watched some of the episodes of Part 1, but I did in a very messy way, so I have to rewatch them properly, and them make a proper review about it.

Nonetheless, I think I will agree in what many fans think is one of the best anime of 2021, and simply a worthy product from our beloved A-1 Pictures. But, most importantly…

How to say NO to two of the waifus of 2021.

Lena and Henrietta

But first, I have to assk you the typical questions:

Are you guys ok? Feeling healthy?

If the answer is yes, then I am happy. Well, partially, because I am right now with a big headache, and I should be in bed, but I decided to write this review now, and then, go to bed. Hopefully I will be fine by tomorrow. Ok Henrietta?

She looks so excited!!

Anyway. Let’s go.

PREMISE

Based on the light novel series, written by Asato Asato, and illustrated by Shirabii, 86: Eighty-six (Part 2) adapts the second volume of the light novel.

After the events of episode 11 of the anime, the remaining members of the Spearhead Squadron, Shin, Raiden, Kureha, Theo and Anju arrived to the territory of the Federal Republic of Giad, where they meet with Ernst Zimmermann, their prime minister, who grants them citizenship, equal rights and a home; they also encounter Frederica Rosenfert, a young girl who is cared by Zimmermann. At the beginning, all of them seem to enjoy the civilian, peaceful life, however, none of them can forget the sacrifices of the rest of the Squadron, so they decide to go back to the battlefield, this time as officers of Giad, discovering that Frederica is Augusta Fredrich Adel-Adler, the last Empress of Giad, and that her blood grants the power of psychometry.

All of them depart for the battle, afterwards.

Meanwhile, in San Magnolia, Vladilena «Lena» Milizé is demoted from major to captain, but she still the best Handler of the 86 district, this time with an agent called Cyclops.

The first episode of Part II was released on October 3rd. This second cour has as opening, Boundary Line (or Kyokaisen for its Japanese words), performed by Amazarashi, while the new ending is called Alchemia, by Regal Lily.

STORY

Alright. I started saying the obvious. I really loved 86: Eighty-Six, Part II, and as of November 7, 2021, as much as as I have enjoyed Part I. I do not think it is possible to say, until now, which is be better, but I loved both equally.

86; Eighty-Six Part II has a lot of cool elements, but first I will start with the easy ones, you know, the ones that will not force me to write whole paragraphs. First and foremost, the animation – it is beautiful, but that does not surprise me, because we are talking about A-1 Pictures, who, after all the amazing curriculum that they have, we cannot expect any less from them, or from Cloverworks, especially 2021.

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Both HoriMiya and Wonder Egg Priority are proof of that talent indeed.

Let’s not forget the character design, although this is more the merit of both the writer and the illustrator.

The soundtrack is beautiful too, well, one of the composers is Hiroyuki Sawano, from Seven Deadly Sins (also from A-1 Pictures until Wrath of the Gods). Also the designs of Legion and the rest of Mecha are fantastic.

Now let’s go deep into the other well-done stuff. This still represents my feelings.

The story has a good introduction. I mean, from the moment Shin and company arrived to the Federal Republic of Giad, the episodes shows solid backstory about the country, the military, the society, the characters, and how its citizens support the freedom of the Eighty-Six, and the immediate differences between Ernst’s humanitarian personality and Frederica’s childish antics, making a powerful contrast with San Magnolia. And then, the next episode, the feelings and inner conflict of the Spearhead are explored, taking its time to make both solid and convincing.

Not just a good rhythm, I would say a special care of which elements contribute to the development of story and characters.

Another element that I loved is to see Shin, Raiden, Anju, Theo and Kureha finally being treated with dignity.

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Yes. I know that all return to the battlefield afterwards, but those minutes of the Spearhead Squadron living normal lives and treated as human beings are really heartwarming, especially after all the abuse, prejudice and loss they suffered thanks to San Magnolia. And let’s not forget the cuteness of Frederica and Shin together.

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Also I give credit to Episode 13, from this sequence.

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From Raiden to Shin, all of them are backwards, and enjoying the daily life at Giad.

And this scene is very important, because it reflects the inner conflict the Spearhead Squadron is facing right now, because despite having freedom, the very thing all of them fought for, none of them can forget their fallen comrades, or where do they come from.

More importantly, from the arrival to Giad until the basic training as officers, there is a natural pacing throughout the episodes, allowing the viewer to relate with our main characters even more.

Because of that rhythm, and the beautiful world-building, you enjoy the action and the realism of war better (especially if you watch Part I).

Finally, we got the social commentary from Part I, profound and interesting to say the least. There is some violence, but it belongs to the context, and the feeling that, perhaps… I mean, perhaps. Part II will be darker.

Like I said, if you enjoy Part I, you will enjoy Part II.

CHARACTERS

By the time we reach Part II, we are already familiar with the characters. We know who is Shin, who is Anju, who is Kureha, who is Raiden, who is Theo, who is Lena and who is Annette; but since we saw how they behave in a civilian context, we see another part of their personalities, for a few minutes, but that’s good enough. Also the voice acting, at least in Japanese, is really good, you can tell that the actors already know their characters and how they will react.

But, I want to an honorable mention to…

For her voice, of course. Yes! Anju is a BEAUTY!!! Her code is the Snow Witch for a reason. But I love her more because she is voiced by one of the greatest seiyuu of history.

SAORI HAYAMI

Hail to you!!! Seiyuu Princess.

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I love your precious contribution to anime…

…that sadly, includes that filthy, treacherous «b&*ch», Rachel, from Tower of God.

Furthermore, we can agree that there a lot of memorable female characters from 86: Eighty-Six, a lot to choose for my Top Waifu list for 2021. Until then, all I can saw is…

And finally, we cannot forget the true star of the show. And not Lena, I am afraid…

I mean Frederica. She is a girl, and like I said, she does a lot of childish antics throughout Part II, but not to be point of being obnoxious… AND I LOVE HER.

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Seriously. she is truly the perfect mascot. (And no. This isn’t me, that’s her position on the Nordlicht Squadron, according to myanimelist.com)

And… Let’s indulge ourselves with another gallery of her childish enthusiasm.

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ARRIBA FREDERICA! I will be very nice with you!!!

CONCLUSION

Indeed, 86: Eighty-Six Part II is as entertaining and solid as Part I. I already said what I needed to say, but if you enjoy Part I, you will definitely enjoy Part II.

Someday, I will review Part I, but even then, I have something very clear.

86: Eighty-Six is one of the best anime of 2021.

I know it is only Part II, but it is something. Hopefully Henrietta will be happy. Right Henrietta?

Oh. Ok.. Would you do some fanservice with Lena for me?

DROP DEAD!! SHUT UP AND GO GET MY MONEY!!!