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.

JAINITUOS ANIME REVIEWS – YURU CAMP – SEASON ONE – MY OWN IMPRESSIONS

Yuru Camp.

Studio: C-STation

Genre: Slice of life. Iyashikei

Hello my friends.

Right now, as of January, 2021, the second season of a very beloved anime series has been released, a series that I am convinced it has its large number of fans, especially because it is about really peaceful moments, travelling around many campsites of Japan.

Man!!!! I am making it sound like a documentary. But I am actually talking about…

Yuru Camp (a.k.a Laid-Back Camp)

But before I start with my entry, I must ask you guys, the typical question.

Are you people ok? Feeling good and staying safe?

If the answer is yes, then I am happy. Nevertheless, I must apologise beforehand, because in these times of pandemic, reviewing an anime that urges us to go in camping can be a really bad idea; on the other hand, Yuru Camp is very feel-good, and that means you can enjoy it either indoors or in the comfy of your tent, near the pool. In any case, I apologise.

What do you say Nadeshiko? Do you forgive me?

NOOOOO!!!!!

Now. On to Yuru Camp.

PREMISE

If I am to describe Yuru Camp in one sentence; it will be…

«Cute girls doing cute things at camping.»

Based on the manga written by Afro, and published by Houbunsha, Yuru Camp takes place in the Yamanashi Prefecture, and tells the story of Nadeshiko, Rin, Chiaki, Aoi and Ena as they go to different parts of Yamanashi, having camping adventures, learning about camping and giving us some facts about camping. In other words, it is a simple, yet fascinating slice-of-life anime that makes feel the warmth of nature and the peace of landscaping. The manga was first released in July, 2015, and as of January 13, 2021, it has 11 volumes.

The opening of the first season is Shiny Days, performed by Asaka, and the ending is Fuyubiyori, performed by Eri Sasaki, who, unfortunately, does not voice any of our protagonists. Finally, the first season was released from January to March 2018, for a total of 12 episodes and three OVAS.

As i mentioned before, Yuru Camp released its second season this month. But I missed most of the first season and I am rewatching it again. So No!!!! The second season has nothing to do on my decision of writing this entry. Nevertheless, what I watched before really hooked me, and Yuru Camp stayed with me since then.

One funny fact is that, until today, I thought that Yuru Camp was written and illustrated by the same team that created Non Non Biyori. But no!!!! Yuru Camp was created by Afro, while Non Non Biyori was created by Atto; although both series have a lot in common.

I hope I make a My Own Impressions of Non Non Biyori anytime soon, but first, I must say that Yuru Camp has become a personal favourite, not just for its atmosphere, but also for its educational value regarding camping. And since I haven’t done camping in years, I think I can reconsider doing that.

Because…

Absolute tears of joy!!!

How can you say NO to camping after seeing Yuru Camp. Look at her, she is so happy she is crying.

STORY

Yuru Camp starts with our protagonist, Nadeshiko Kagamihara, who recently moved with her family to Yamanashi; shortly afterwards, she ventures with her bicycle to see Mount Fuji, meanwhile, Rin Shiima, or Shimarin, is having another of her trademark solo campings, when she crosses to Nadeshiko, watched her like this.

Sleeping beauty.

He!!!! That instant in which Nadeshiko is sleeping always cracks me up.

Unfortunately, for her, it becomes very late and she gets scared of the darkness of night. But then Rin helps Nadeshiko, offers her part of her noodles, and both see the Mount Fuji, in all it’s amazing glory. Inspired by this joyful experience, Nadeshiko joins the Outdoor Activities Camp, in order to be part of more camping.

From this moment on, we see another eleven episodes of three OVAs of absolute camping extravaganza. And each episode presents camping from a particular perspective, with new trivia that you must know about camping, and about the beautiful landscapes of Yamanashi. And trust me, each episode is as beautiful as the previous one; with the great job done in the colour scheme and the animation, both creating visually stunning landscapes that, despite not being as beautiful as many of the works done from studios like A-1 Pictures or Kyoto Animation, allows you to feel that you are physically there too.

Furthermore, the peaceful music adds more sauce to the feeling. By the way, the composer of Yuru Camp is Akiyuki Tateyama, who previously worked in series like Kemono Friends and Are You Lost?, both of them praised for its beautiful, atmospheric build-up.

For those who have read my previous entries, you will know that I always appreciate a feel good history in an anime, or slice-of-life, because we not only have other great options for the already massive anime lineup of 2018 and beyond, but also because we learn very useful and great things about life and Japan itself.

And if you can have a peaceful, warm feeling, like the one you will find by watching Yuru Camp, even better. It reminds me of the nice sensation that I found in anime like Monster Girl Doctor and Violet Evergarden, the former for its original plot and the latter for its amazing animation.

But what about the…

CHARACTERS

Sometimes, a story is as good as its characters. And with Yuru Camp, that also applies. We have our main protagonists, Nadeshiko, who contrary to what her name represents (a perfect maiden for those who don’t know), she is an absolute ditz, who cheerful, curious personality is one of the driving forces of the adventures of the Outdoor Activities Club, while Rin Shiima is the calm, reserved girl who knows everything about camping. And the combination of these two, making for a solid odd, yet engaging couple.

But we got the top members of the Outdoor Activities Club, the two that invite Nadeshiko, Chiaki Ogaki, who likes adventure, fun and calling Rin «Shimarin», and Aoi Inuyama, who is always finding creative ways to make camping even better. Finally, we got Ena Saitou, one of the closest friends of Rin.

And of course our supporting characters, Sakura (Nadeshiko’s older sister), Minami (our sensei who likes alcohol), and more. All these characters have a personality and a present that definitely gives Yuru Camp its uniqueness, especially from most slice-of-life anime.

One fun fact, every time I think of Chiaki, I can help but remember Ikuno, from Darling in the Franxx, because…

• 

• 

…Are they twins? They really look alike!!!

So there you go!!! Great story, a solid feel-good atmosphere, and a roster of entertaining characters you can choose from.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, I really enjoyed Yuru Camp. And despite living in times of COVID-19 Pandemic, it offers a good time, either for having a break of the real world, or just learning about camping, or any other purpose you got, but one thing is for sure. Yuru Camp will not disappoint.

So if you want to feel the comfy of camping, and have some good laughs with cute girls doing cute camping, Yuru Camp is definitely for you.

And for those who want adventure, we got…

THE CAMP FOR DAREDEVILS, ADVENTURE SEEKERS, OR THOSE WHO WANT TO EXPERIENCE DEATH!!!! WITH OUR OFFICAL MASCOT.

JASON VOORHEES

so… WHAT ARE WAITING FOR? COME TO CRYSTAL LAKE CAMP…

YOU’LL DEFINITELY FIND ONE HELL OF AN ADVENTURE.

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!!