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

BEST OPENING

YOASOBI – Kaibutsu – BEASTARS – Season 2

Because… Ali made a wonderful opening for the first season with «WILD SIDE». The moment I listen the opening for season 2, I didn’t think twice… This song really deserved the best opening award.

Of course, Cry Baby from Tokyo Revengers is also fantastic, but… In my personal opinion, nothing can beat Beastars, except OddTaxi, by Skirt and PUNPEE.

Good luck. You two deserve to be the next Beastar.

BEST VOICE PERFORMANCE (JP)

FIRST VOTE Goes to… Natsuki Hanae, for Hiroshi Odokawa, from Oddtaxi.

I need to say this now. I am a huge fan of Natsuki Hanae, and in this 2021, this great seiyuu brought us some iconic roles, including Vanitas, from The Case Study of Vanitas, Tanjiro and Odokawa.

I adore Oddtaxi, is absolutely one of the best anime of 2021, and when I listen Odokawa, I couldn’t believe the seiyuu behind was Natsuki Hanae, and that proves how talented this actor is.

SECOND VOTE Goes to… Aoi Kuga, for Kumoko, from So I am A spider, So what?

The same happens with Natsuki Hanae. Even though her voice reminds of both Tanya Von Degurechaff and Azusa Aizawa, Aoi Kuga prints her own mark with Kumoko, perfectly mimicking the dynamism of the character and her personality every time Kumoko seems to break the fourth wall.

Of course, she can get a bit annoying sometimes, but that does not stop the character and heir voice actress for being so cool.

You are a Spider, So what? So we love you.

SPECIAL MENTION – BEST VOICE PERFORMANCE (Latin America)

VICTOR UGARTE as Shinji Ikari, from Neon Genesis Evangelion

In my personal opinion, from day one, and I mean as far as 1999… on one can beat Victor Ugarte as Shinji Ikari.

And I love Pepe Vilchis, but the sweet voice of Ugarte as Shinji (in both the original series and the films) is practically a milestone in Latin American anime community.

Don’t believe me? Check it by yourselves.

BEST SOUNDTRACK

FIRST VOTE goes to Hiroyuki Sawano and Kohta Yamamoto, from 86: Eighty-Six

Wonderful, to say the least. Just like you would know from Hiroyuki Sawano.

I am a bit disappointed, because I believe that Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song deserved more nominations than the ones it got. However, I was expected its soundtrack to receive a nomination. So yeah.

My second vote goes to that beautiful A.I. that wants to make people happy with her singing.

BEST CHARACTER DESIGN

Baku Kinoshita and Hiromi Nakayama – ODDTAXI

I must say that every time I saw the characters of Oddtaxi, I was imagining myself as an animator, trying to make the design of each one of these characters, and how hard it should be. Furthermore, every one of these designs perfectly gives identity, making them more memorable.

It is a shame that I didn’t watch Ranking of Kings by the time the nominations were revealed, because I would divide my vote between both series.

Also, I consider to divide my vote between Oddtaxi and Wonder Egg Priority, but I didn’t take me too much time before going to Oddtaxi.

BEST ANIMATION

Studio Bind for Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

This vote was a tough one, because I couldn’t decided between Demon Slayer: Mugen Train and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. Moreover, this category produced me a bit of cringe, for one exterior reason.

Just like Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song, Mushoku Tensei deserved more nominations, being among the best freaking anime of 2021.

Particularly, because of the animation.

So yes. I finally vote Mushoku Tensei, because this fantastic isekai has a lot of competition, and we must support it, because the infamy Rudeus Greyrat inspire in some, this anime earned all its praise.

BEST DIRECTOR

Baku Kinoshita, for Oddtaxi.

Not just the animation, Oddtaxi has good storytelling, characters, great twists all over the episode, all blend together in one of the best anime of 2021.

And of course, someone had to be in charge of everything. So I voted for Baku Kinoshita for OddTaxi.

I also consider dividing my vote with Wonder Egg Priority, but then I thought that Oddtaxi has a deeper story.

So there you go.

CONCLUSION

And there you go. Part II finished.

Remember that this is only my own opinion. Everyone has the right to vote to whichever series they want. At the end of the day, the best will get the awards… I hope.

Stay tuned for the third and final part.

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 MANGA REVIEWS – PEACH BOY RIVERSIDE – MY OWN IMPRESSIONS

Peach Boy Riverside

Author: Coolkyousinnjya

Publisher: Kodansha

Hello my friends.

Today I am doing something a bit different.

As many of you remember, I left this pic as a hint for my next blog entry.

Thats is because recently I watched the two trailers for this manga that will receive an anime adaptation in July 2021, from Studio Asahi, called…

At the beginning I found the anime very interesting; as a very «Westernized» person that I am, I thought it was about some kind of city were very abnormal stuff happens, pretty much like Stranger Things or Supernatural, but in anime. Then all the first trailer made me realise that is not the case, which is why I decided to read the manga, and…

I really like it. In fact, I really felt identified with our protagonist. But I will get there later; for now I will say that I feel this urge to express my feelings about this story, before anything else, because it is a really cool one.

Just remember:

Are you guys ok? Feeling healthy?

If the answer is yes, then I am happy. Now, let’s go with Peach Boy Riverside, and I will include images of both the manga and the anime for that matter.

PREMISE

Peach Boy Riverside tells the story of Princess Saltorine Aldike. or Sari, a positive and spontaneous girl who is tired of her life inside the castle, with all the riches and luxuries provided, but without any real possibility to see the world, so it is her dream to go out and have her own journeys. When her castle is attacked by the horned enemies of humanity, the onis, Sari meets a mysterious young man, called Kibisu Mikoto, who kills all the onis through a mysterious power, called «Peach Eye», which brings the wielder of some… pleasure (Not talking about that pleasure). After witnessing that strength, and being scared at the same time, Sari goes with Mikoto to see the world; starting a travel full of dangers and great battles with the oni.

Accompanying Sari and Mikoto, there is a demi-human, called Frau (they are really popular these days), and a former oni, called Carrot.

The author of Peach Boy Riverside is Coolkyousinnjya, and I will get to there later. And, since 2015, it has comprised eight volumes, all of them published by Kodansha; interestingly enough, Peach Boy Riverside has been also published as a web manga since 2008, on Weekly Young VIP (Thanks again, Wikipedia).

Unfortunately, we have to wait until July to see the anime adaptation of this story. But I want to stop and saying some trivia. The story of Peach Boy Riverside is based on the mythological story of Momotaro, the child born from a peach, and that later fights a gang of onis.

How could you not turn this awesome story into manga?

In fact – Momotaro is a mixture of two words – Momo, which means Peach, and Taro, which means Eldest Boy.

STORY

First and foremost, I have to mention once more that the writer of Peach Boy Riverside is Coolkyonsinnjya.

Do you know what other stories this manga group did?

• 

• 

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid and I Can’t understand what My Husband is Saying.

And then I thought… WHATT?? REALLY??? On that time, I was unwilling to accept that, based on the previous work of this group, because both of these stories are comedy, while Peach Boy Riverside looks to be a mix of adventure and dark fantasy. Then I saw at Myanimelist that, unlike these two series, where Coolkyonsinnjya was both behind the story and the art, Peach Boy Riverside have another artist, Johanne

No. Not that one!

But I am not familiar with that artist’s world.

Anyway, my first impression, I saw that Peach Boy Riverside would be a typical story about a characters who wants to see the world and become a better person, in other words, the story of the calling of the hero, in which this hero will eventually become a man, or a woman, both mentally and psychologically. And personally, these stories are one of my favourite, especially if you combine with a mythology of its own.

But it was at this point, after reading the whole first volume, in which some mixed feelings appear on me, because I felt that the story was getting a bit slow; but then again, the second volume made feel invested, despite not finishing it; more and more, the characters are improving, and the story is still pretty cool.

Yet, there was something inside… something that was making me feel that Peach Boy Riverside is not as cool as many other manga that I read before, like Deadman Wonderland; I think the reason is… its pacing. I am well aware that is very different reading manga than watching anime, but I feel that some elements in the story can go a bit faster. I do not know; perhaps I think that because I still need to start reading the rest of the volumes, and by then, the story will become more solid; but this is my impression.

On the other hand, though, I see that the battles are really awesome, a bit violent, yet pretty straight-forward, and for me, this is one of the most fundamental elements that a manga must have when it is about the battles – good rhythm. And, until this point…

Sorry about the resolution

Mikoto is definitely the start. I mean… Look at his eyes. Look at his smile. You will immediately notice that Mikoto is badass and frightening at the same time. But, the more you read the manga, the more you wanna know about him, and the same goes for the story.

You might need to be a bit patient to fully embrace the backstory of Peach Boy Riverside, but if you are a truly fan of shounen manga, I will say that Peach Boy Riverside is definitely the story for you, because the art rally transmits the rhythm of these nice battles.

CHARACTERS

Up to this point, I think the two characters that are really shining are Sari and Mikoto. Of course!! They are our main characters; the first volume does a pretty good job telling us the readers who they are, what they want and what kind of powers they have. I must admit that, when both use the «Peach Eye» power, I found them a bit scary, because that sadistic look was very daunting, like both of them became as malicious as the main antagonists. Not like my sweet Maika.

And then, we got Frau and Carrot. This last one is kind. ofa favourite of mine, because it might start as an antagonist, but then, I found more of a tsundere with. ab it of cuteness, not know if you would agree with me.

But look…

Like I said, no intention to spoil about any characters, but check them out, especially Sari and Mikoto. They are worth it.

CONCLUSION

I really liked the story of Peach Boy Riverside. And because of it, I appreciate more the work of Coolkyousinnjya; now I can see how versatile these group has become. And before the anime is released, I recommend you to read the manga.

Like I said… it is worth it. Hopefully they will make a good anime adaptation.

Well… it is almost ten o’clock. I am hungry, let’s have dinner. How about a fried egg?

No… A WONDER EGG.

Oh… right!!

JAINITUOS ANIME REVIEWS – Interview with Monster Girls – My Own Impressions

Interview with Monster Girls

Genre: Comedy, Supernatural

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Hey guys. Welcome to another anime reviews.

I am still seeing a lot of new anime in which I can get a couple of «First Impressions» , but until then, I want to make sure that I write about beautiful, optimistic anime, especially in these complicated times of quarantine.

So now, I want to express my impressions of an anime that, after watching it twice, it offers an innocent, beautiful experience if you have to stay at home.

Now, having said that, I want to introduce you…

But before I continue writing my impressions, I must ask you guys the typical question:

Are you guys ok? Feeling healthy?

If the answer is yes, then I am very happy, and as I’ve repeating myself these days…

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE COVID-19.

I insist that is a very dangerous virus, with unpredictable consequences.

And now, let’s got with Interview with Monster Girls.

PREMISE

Based on the manga written and illustrated by Petos, Interview with Monster Girls (Or Demi-chan wa Kataritai for its title in Japanese), takes place in a world resembling ours, except that some humans with mythological attributes co-exist with normal humans, this kind of humans are called «Demi» (Absolutely); and now, biology professor Tetsuo Takahashi, meets three demi students, and starts slowly knowing them with the hopes of having a better understanding of the demi-humans. These demis are Hikari, a vampire, Kyouko, a dullahan, and Yuki, a snow woman.

Finally, we got a fouth demi, the math teacher, Sakie Satou, a succubus who is always struggling not to… «awaken» some «scenes» especially from men (You know what I mean). From there, we got 13 episodes of comedic school life and, like many people would think, excluding myself, of course, are «cute girls doing cute things.»

Surprinsingly, I was investigating at some websites, including MyAnimeList.net, and I saw that the 13th episode, which would normally be an OVA, is labeled as ONA. I honestly don’t know why. Anyway, from my perspective, I will compare Interview with Monster Girls with Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, for in terms of genre, they are the same. Basically they are some fantasy characters, or characters that inspired in mythology, dealing with real life issues, and this is one of the type of anime that I called, for offers a new perspective.

Shall we say that a plus of speculative fiction. I don’t know if that applies here but… I mentioned it.

Anyway, Interview with Monster girls (I will call it Demi-chan from now on), is animated by A-1 Pictures, and the composer is Masaru Yokoyama, famous for composing…

YOUR LIE IN APRIL

Finally, since Demi-chan features a snow woman, shall we say this?

DOES A-1 PICTURES WANNA BUILD A SNOWMAN?

Ok! Ok! Sorry, I needed to get that reference out of my head. But this is the only time I will make jokes of Frozen...

I hope.

STORY

Ok. If there is anything I learn from reviewing Kobayashi-san some days ago, it is that is very hard to analyse the story without mentioning the characters, especially in comedy school anime, for the characters are the souls of the anime, so, what I will do is talk about the story of the characters.

Because Demi-chan is mostly a story about Kyouko, Hikari, Sakie and Yuki. Demi-chan deals of how these four characters deal with their identities, as Takanashi-sensei learns more about of them, realising that they are really special, wonderful people, like you and me. They have families, they have dreams, and they start opening little by little with Takanashi-sensei. And every episode develops the friendship between them in the most organic way possible. That means, every episode feels so natural; no rushes, no inconsistencies, no artificial storylines, no unbalanced pacing. This makes the story more reliable, and, despite being demi-humans, our main characters are pretty good at making us be in their positions.

In fact, I actually found myself enjoying most of the episodes because of that feeling.

For the most part, we find ourselves understanding the plot from episode one.

Also, the animation is superb. At this point, I believe that A-1 Pictures are the masters of animation and cinematography, having experience in many genres. There is no way for me to talking about anime without any special mentions to A-1 Pictures and the attention to detail that they employ, as well as the colour pacing.

I think A-1 Pictures is slowly taking anime industry, (Just kidding)

All these elements combined make for a really enjoyable experience about students with a fascinating insight. Like I said, Demi-chan is another lovely anime to binge, especially in these times. Definitely not the best production from A-1 Pictures, but something really special.

Or if you like fantasy anime, this offers something what you always want to analyse.

CHARACTERS

Furthermore, there is something as important as the story of our characters, and that is their personalities. And luckily Demi-Chan also remembers this pretty well, delivering us each character in how and who they are.

Hikari being the cheerful, playful vampire that likes to tease Takahashi-sensei, Kyouko as a shy dullahan who learns to improve her life with the help of Takahashi-sensei, who is a curious and very compassionate man despite his bulkiness, and Sakie who, as a succubus, has to prevent touching too many men in order to keep her aphrodisiac effect in check, which lead to many hilarious results and really memorable moments with Takahashi-sensei.

A face like that simply never lies.

But one of the characters that I really liked is Yuki, the snow woman. I think she got one of the best stories, and some of the most relatable developments of Demi-chan. In fact, I feel identified with her the most, because for many years, I thought I was weird, and I couldn’t accept myself as a person. You guys cannot imagine how many encounters with the school therapist I got.

So, I really end up loving her.

Furthermore, regarding Kyouko’s story, I think I learnt a lot from dullahan, and, as ludicrous as my following sentence sounds, seeing Kyouko made me sympathise with her and understand a bit of the daily problems that you face if you have to carry your head all the way around.

So Celty…

I think I am understanding you more.

Overall, Demi-chan characters are really sympathetic and likeable to a fault.

One more thing, did you know that the original seiyuu of Tetsuo Takahashi is Junichi Suwabe, the original voice of…

Eraser Head, from My Hero Academia.

A lot trivia for you, people.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, Interview with Monster Girls is a wonderful school with a beautiful perspective and a really entertaining story, and one of the best stories from 2017. No wonder why it was nominated as Best Slice of Life anime at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards that year, unfortunately it lost against Girls’ Last Tour.

Yet that one was a really good anime too.

So, go to Crunchyroll, and take a look, and me…

I am not that scared of Dracula anymore… he might be a demi-chan

JAINITUOS ANIME REVIEWS – Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid – My Own impressions

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid

Genre: Comedy, fantasy, yuri

Studio: Kyoto Animation

Hello guys.

Welcome again.

Alright then. I started with very pretty serious material to talk about today, including Akame ga Kill and Made in Abyss, but now, in order to culminate this day, I will focus in one of the happiest and funniest animes I have seen even.

And one that will probably cheer you up on these days of quarantine.

Now… This is anime is…

But before I continue writing the review, I must ask you guys the typical question, even though I already ask you in my previous two reviews.

Are you guys ok? Feeling healthy and happy?

If the answer is yes, then I am very happy. And remember…

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE COVID-19

I said it once, and I will say it again. COVID-19 is a dangerous virus with unpredictable consequences.

Now, having said that, let’s start talking about Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid.

PREMISE

Dragons are cute!

Based on the manga written and illustrated by Coolkyousinnjya, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid (Kobayashi-san Chi no Meidoragon), tells the story of Kobayashi-san, a computer programmer and office person who lives a very simple life, until one morning, she is greeted by a huge dragon who suddenly transforms in a maid, called Tohru, and moves with Kobayashi-san to be her «maid». Then Kobayashi-san remembers that, the night before, Kobayashi-san was terribly wasted, and she meet Tohru, to remove a huge sword from her, saving the life of Tohru.

In gratitude, Tohru not only works with Kobayashi-san, but she actually fells in love with her. And then Tohru learns to be a maid, while also learning wonderful things about the modern world and making sweet special friends.

In terms of format, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, (Or Kobayashi-san for the rest of the review) consists in thirteen episodes, released between January and April 2017, and an OVA released in September 2017. And each episode involves the characters facing a lot of situations, including having parties, meeting rival dragons, the environment of the Comiket, moving out, attending school, and going to the beach; and of course, the main focus is the relationship between Tohru and Kobayashi-san.

And sometimes our characters deal with themes like prejudice and acceptance. Additionally, the opening theme «Blue Sky Rhapsody» («Aozora no Rhapsody») is performed by Japanese idol band, Fhána, while the ending, Ishukan Communication, is performed by the seiyuu of the characters, Tohru, Kanna, Lucoa and Elma.

Supposedly a second season was greenlit, but after the tragic death of director Yasuhiro Takemoto in the arson attack of KyoAni, the status of the series is in doubt.

STORY

Maids are cute

As I previously said, Kobayashi-san is a comedy series about dragons adopting identities and living among humans. And of course, the relationship between Tohru and Kobayashi-san. In other words, we meet a typical sitcom anime in which the characters evolve, and even though there is not precisely a plot for the series as a whole, each of the episodes are pretty delightful to watch.

Secondly, one of the strengths is that not all the characters are introduced straight away. First we got our main leads, and then Kobayashi-san gives its time to get to the supporting cast, including which kind of personalities do they have, and the type of relationship they got and their dynamics. After their respective introductions, we got our comedic episodes.

To be honest, reviewing this type of episodic anime is very difficult, because I have to analyse many little elements in many different stories, and since there is no defined plot, it is very hard to talk about the characters and the format in a few words, while making sense of myself. On the other hand, this is one of good points of Kobayashi-san. Our main characters can be themselves, they can enjoy the situations, and that alone gives some sense of consistency with what we see in the first episodes, and when there is a conflict, especially in further episodes, he see their evolution and their loyalty toward each other.

Of course, there is the comedy, And what drives it is how Tohru and the other fantastic beasts (No Pun intended) will react in the real world, and realised how ineffectual are their powers and customs really are. Now, I am not a master of comedy, but one of the best tips for comedy it is to make the characters to do wacky things that we, as an audience, know that will lead to disaster, but that, from their perspective of the protagonists, it is the right thing to do.

Another positive detail is that the series is not trying to force the comedy in the audience. The plot is organic, and it gets a better impact to us.

Now. this is another reason of why I had a hard time trying to review episodic anime, for what I have to say about an episode does not necessarily work for the other, and I can contradict myself.

Also, the animation of Kobayashi-san, directed by the late Yasuhiro Takemoto, is really solid, and matches perfectly the art of Coolkyousinnjya, who specialises, from my perspective, in very light character design and bright colours in order to create a friendly tone, perfect for comedic situations.

In fact, her other work, I Can’t Understand What My Husband Is Saying also has an anime from Studio Seven.

This character looks like Kobayashi-san, but is not.

To put it simple, each episode has its charm and fun, and it is reasonable to say that we can have a lot of fun from these episodes, so many small stories to choose from.

And before I forget, the soundtrack composed by Masumi Ito is pure ear candy, and it matches with the colourful animation too.

CHARACTERS

Of course, we have a lot of delightful character; Kanna Kamui, the young dragon that likes to play and go to school; Elma, a water dragon who is «proclaimed» the rival of Tohru (or perhaps, she is suffering from what I called «The Yunyun Syndrome»); Fafnir, the greedy dragon who likes to cosplay as a young butler ala Sebastian Michaelis; Lucoa, the busty, well-endowed incarnation of Quetzalcoatl…

Luckily, Lucoa is not this scary as her FGO counterpart

And Riko Saikawa, who has a «particular» interest in Kanna; Georgie, the older sister of Riko; Makoto Takiya; Kobayashi-san’s co-worker; Shouta, a young wizard who «summons» Lucoa, among other great supporting characters that creates an amazing atmosphere, of one of the best works of Kyoto Animation.

And like the episodes and sketches, you can always choose your favourite character.

But before I forget, there is one last detail I want to share with you guys. Kobayashi-san’s seiyuu is Mutsumi Tamura. Do you which other character was dub by her?

Sayaka Kanamori, from Eizouken!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is a very delightful series about a young computer programmer and her dragon, and despite its plot sounds insane, it is actually a series where you can have a lot of fun, especially in these lockdown times.

Part of the amazing talent and passion form Kyoto Animation.

So… what are you waiting for? Go to Crunchyroll and watch Kobayashi-san, or else…

Quetzalcoatl will f(*k you in the a*%^.

I am not joking!!