I FINALLY CASTED MY VOTES FOR THE CRUNCHYROLL ANIME AWARDS 2021 – PART III

Hello my friends.

It is time for post the third and final part for my choices of Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2021.

BEST COMBAT

Yuji Itadori & Aoi Todo vs. Hanami from Jujutsu Kaisen

There are two reasons for this vote.

The first one is that I haven’t watched the other battles (I am not living if I refuse to watch Attack on Titan: The Final Season, part 1), except from Elma vs. Tohru, from Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S, but I consider this one, from Jujutsu Kaisen, more impressive, especially because of all the hard work and effort put by Studio MAPPA.

The second reason is that, as I previously mentioned on one of my blogs, Jujutsu Kaisen indeed exceeded my expectations, especially during the choreography and the battles, in fact watching Megumi and Maki doing their combo on episode 19 was awesome!!!

So there you go. This year, Jujutsu Kaisen enchanted me again.

BEST ANTAGONIST

First vote goes to… Tomura Shigaraki, from My Hero Academia season 5

I am starting to believe that Tomura Shigaraki is this close to becoming one of the greatest antagonists of all the shonen genre, along with Orochimaru, Cell and Frieza. Every time I watch Tomura, I am more convinced that he is indeed the true successor of All For One.

And the part when Tomura’s past is revealed is really heartbreaking and disturbing at the same time. Finally, Shigaraki is one of my favourite characters of My Hero Academia, and one of the best antagonists (along with Dabi, Himiko Toga and Stain)

You got my vote.

Second vote goes to… ECHIDNA, from Re: Zero – season 2.

Just like before, Echidna has that sense of mystery, beauty and unpredictability that makes her charming. She is like some kind of Anti-Emilia, and a very popular character in my personal opinion.

And… Re: Zero is one of the best isekai of all time. So I had to give Echidna my support. And… I will finally be able to have some of her «special» tea.

BEST PROTAGONIST

Odokawa, from OddTaxi.

Of all the nominees, I think Odokawa is indeed the best, because of his calm personality, his wits, his mysterious and tragic past, and the work done by Natsuki Hanae.

And I really wanted to divide my vote between Odokawa and Ai Ohto, but at the end, I consider that Odokawa was better constructed and had a better story. It is not like I don’t like Ai Ohto.

Now… I am starting to regret not voting for her too.

And the others… I barely know about them, and since I haven’t watched Attack on Titan: The Final Season – Part I, I thought not to lie. And Bojji… I must watch Ranking of Kings.

BEST GIRL

First vote goes to… Vladilena «Lena» Milizé, from 86: Eighty-Six

Indeed, Lena is one of the best female leads of all 2021. She is an intelligent, resourceful, caring, compassive Handler of the Republic of San Magnolia, ascended to Major at a young age.

All the time she is taking the initiative, not being afraid of questioning the supremacist ideology of San Magnolia for the safety of the Spearhead Squadron, and trust me, she gets better on the upcoming volumes (I hope 86: Eighty-Six gets a second season).

Lena is like Relena Peacecraft, from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, or Kudelia Aina Bernstein from Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

One of my favourite heroines.

Second votes goes to… Shouko Komi from Komi-San Can’t Communicate

As I said in my review of Komi-san Can’t Communicate, Shouko Komi is the heroine that I relate the most, because I suffer from anxiety, and despite Komi-san’s problem is much worse, I understand how she feels. How hard is her life because of that.

And her chemistry with Tadano-kun, her antics with Najimi, and her cool personality, and funny misunderstandings makes her so memorable. So I must vote for her, if not… I rather go to jail.

Lena and Komi-san – Two of my Top Waifu of 2021.

BEST BOY

Izumi Miyamura, from Horimiya

Ok. I also voted for Hiroshi Odokawa, but I already said what I had to say about him. And I will avoid being repetitive.

But Izumi Miyamura is a really well-constructed character, he is a reserved student that keep mostly from himself, but beneath that exterior, he is full of piercings and tattoos that goes against everything related the first impression.

And both his character development and his relationship with Hori-san is full of chemistry and cuteness that probably does not make it original enough, but it definitely makes them entertaining and memorable.

It is a shame that I haven’t watched Ranking of Kings, because I will definitely voted for Bojji (I have that homework).

ANIME OF THE YEAR…

GOES TO…

What can I say?

A good plot, solid social commentary, memorable characters, splendid animation from A-1 Pictures, and a great story about war, discrimination and child soldiers. An anime that took risks.

And yes… I am fully aware that either Attack on Titan: The Final Season or Jujutsu Kaisen – second cour will get the award, but 86: Eighty-Six really hooked in a way that it has no words, and I find myself every time reading the light novels and searching about the characters on Wikipedia.

Just like Mobile Suit Gundam Wing and Iron-Blooded Orphans before, 86: Eighty-Six will remain with me and I will mentioned it a lot… at least until I fully watched Attack on Titan: The Final Season.

CONCLUSION

And there you go!!!!

My personal choices for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Another year, another group of blogs.

Some will agree with me, some will definitely have different opinions. But what is true is that 2021 gave us a lot of awesome anime, and the favourite, the ones that most of the fans love will be awarded.

I am as excited as you are, especially because i finished the tradition of giving my favourite for the awards on time.

Let’s hope for the best.

And… you know what Henrietta said to me? If Lena does not get the award, it will be my fault.

Right Henrietta?

YOU BET YOUR BEHIND IT WILL BE!!!

Hehe. She loves me.

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 – THE DETECTIVE IS ALREADY DEAD – MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Detective is Already Dead

Genre: Fantasy

Studio: ENGI.

Hello my friends.

Welcome to another entry of my blog.

And finally, after so many days of waiting, I am able to talk about this «cutesy» series that I watch and I find out that I am ready to binge it. If there is any genre that I liked, from anime, literature, movies, and even comics, is mystery; even since I realised that Agatha Christie was the creator of Hercule Poirot, Miss Jane Marple, and that Sherlock Holmes existed, I felt a great joy in my life with detective fiction.

And thanks to those media, I grow up to love Detective Conan.

Ok. Perhaps I went too far.

The point is that recently I saw his series, and it taught that there is something possibly better than a detective anime, or detective light novel. A detective story with some traces of fantasy, a beautiful heroine, and some possible romance.

I.E.

IN/SPECTRE

And now, we got this…

The Detective is Already Dead!!!

But before I start, I must ask you the some question, as always.

Are you guys ok? Feeling healthy?

If the answers is yes, then I am very happy.

And now, let’s get the detective back to life in The Detective Is Already Dead.

PREMISE

Based on the series of light novels, written by Nigoju and illustrated by Umibozu, The Detective is Already Dead (Tantei wa Mō, Shinde Iru. a.k.a., 探偵はもう、死んでいる), tells the story of Kimihiko Kimizuka, a young man who always got the fame of attracting trouble, or being a «magnet of problematic situations». From being a suspect in multiple crime scenes, to being involving in awkward activities when trying to relax, Kimihiko is always in trouble.

But one day, when the airplane he travels is hijacked, Kimihiko works with a young lady with white hair, only known as Siesta, to stop the hijacker and recover a very important suitcase he was tasked to deliver. After the plane is saved and the suitcase recovered, Siesta forces Kimihiko to work with her as a sidekick, making him solve a lot of mysteries for three years.

However, there is a problem. Siesta already passed away, and Kimihiko discovers he cannot leave the memories with her behind.

From the moment is researched about Tantei wa Mō, Shinde Iru., I started to find more and more surprised; first and foremost, Nigoju started publishing this series from November, 2019, and by August 2021, the series has reached five volumes; secondly, the author has apparently inspired by successful light novels such as Saekano, and Oreimo, so he wanted to make his own series by then.

As a matter of fact, now I feel like I am being the detective now.

Anyway. the anime adaptation of The Detective is Already Dead will have 12 episodes, while the first episode was released on last July 4th. The studio beneath its production is Studio ENGI, who, again to my surprise, produced one of the funniest anime from 2020.

KEMONO MICHI!! Seriously!!! I still got a laugh from this cuteness!

On voice acting, Siesta is played by Saki Miyashita, previously known for being Kanata Higa, on Harukana Receive, Arata Nagai (Daisen Kokoriki on Nanbaka) as Kimihiko, and Ayata Taketatasu, probably the most veteran of the main cast (Date A Live, Idolmaster Cinderella Girls), as Nagisa Natsunagi.

STORY

Siesta, badass and cute!! Welcome to my waifu list!

Ok. Now, Since I only saw the first episode, the one that covers Vol 1. of the light novel in the first half, and Vol. 2 on the second half. I will mostly focus on the impression that I saw from them, and I hope that is enough to satisfy my beloved readers. At least, until I watching the rest of the episodes.

But before, I must clarify… I haven’t read the light novels.

Anyway. The moment I got the title of the story, The Detective is Already Dead, I thought it might be some story of psychological thriller, or at least some tragedy anime in which the main protagonist tried to face some dilemma of his past. And I was partially correct. I was also expecting some detective fiction, but I was ready to be disappointed for the «spoiler» that the title threw at me.

And then… I saw both Kimihiko and Siesta. The moment Siesta faced the «main villain» of the story, I understood how good was her doing mind job, that is, detective deductions, but then, there is one «supernatural» event that left me surprised, all from Siesta, and then I thought…

«Oh!! Wow!! Fantasy and detective stuff!! Alright!!! And perhaps romance!!!»

Then I analysed Kimihiko, and I consider that, despite him being attracted to trouble, he was a down-to-Earth guy that was forced to mature due to this «condition», or at least have some special ability. But it is mostly his own intelligence. Of course, not as smart as Siesta.

There was some fashion of buddy and cop, just like Victorique and Kujo, from Gosick.

Or Kuro and Kotoko, from In/Spectre.

Buddy. What’s wrong? It’s not like you are being forced to have babies now.

Then, during the second half, I saw that Kimihiko and Siesta first started eating pizza, and then going to school in some kind of romantic comedy (Perhaps a small tribute to Saekano and Oreimo); which I found beautiful, because, unlike the first story, I saw more of Siesta and Kimihiko as individuals. So… imagine what would happen if both could become a couple?

1. Maturating as individuals together.
2. Become better detectives together.
3. Falling in love and having a very optimistic perspective of the future.

Alright then, Perhaps I am over-thinking it. But literally this is how I felt about this first episode. Also, because the animation is pretty good. It has wonderful colour scheme, and on the action sequences, they have very fluid movements, and convincing choreography, not the best, but really enjoyable enough.

So at least the experience was pretty memorable. I was really hyped.

However, I recently read some reviews at Myanimelist.com, and one of them called it «the infamous light novel The Detective is Already Dead.» mentioning «notorious bits of fanservice». This is why I mentioned I haven’t read the light novels, because I can’t assure whether that is true or not.

But for now, I am willing to take my chances.

CHARACTERS

I think I already mentioned everything I needed to saw about the characters of The Detective is Already Dead, basically because, in episode one, the main stars of the show are both Kimihiko and Siesta. Also, the name Siesta is pretty random, at least for me.

Because Siesta means «nap» in Spanish. A foresight of what happens to her? The eternal Siesta?

And regarding Kimihiko, I have to admit that I would call him a bald main lead if it wasn’t because I liked his self-control, and meticulous personality, at least from my perspective. Overall, both Siesta and Kimihiko encourage me to see more.

And I am grateful for that.

CONCLUSION

Despite some opinions I read, and hear about this series, The Detective is Already Dead left on me such an impression, powerful enough to watch the rest episode, and find out if those opinions, especially the negative ones, are truly justified.

Perhaps I will end hating this series, or at least say that the fanservice is ok. But one thing is for sure… For Siesta, Kimihiko, and both Nigoju’s and Umibozu’s work… I will definitely become a detective… of anime and light novels.

But until then… There are some pending mysteries of my own… like…

Will ever be a second season of Elaina?

Will ever Saya STOP ACTING LIKE A F*&^ING KUROKO 2.0.?

Is Violent Elaina a clone of Siesta?

Is Mina’s love for Saya big enough to break boundaries of sisterhood?

Come and join me on my next upcoming idea of fanfic…

THE MYSTERIES OF A HIGHLY-IMAGINATIVE ANIME LOVER. (OR PERHAPS DELUSIONAL)