JAINITUOS ANIME-ISH REVIEWS – CASTLEVANIA – SEASON 3 – FIRST IMPRESSIONS

CASTLEVANIA

Genre: Drama, Dark Fantasy, Horror

Hey guys, and welcome to another entry of my blog.

I would like to say that this is another anime review, but that’s not precisely the case. Yet, it is a very fantastic series that I have been enjoying since it was released on Netflix in 2017.

From the genius mind of Adi Shankar, comes…

Well, many will consider it an anime, but I have my own reserves, for it is more an American-Japanese production, and according to Wikipedia, it’s merely influenced by the style of the Japanese anime. But if anyone considers Castlevania anime, I respect that, and I also promise I will cherish your opinion from the bottom of my heart.

Furthermore, I must ask you the typical question, my friends.

Are you ok? Feeling healthy and fit?

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

And again… Thank you so much Irina for your support. I am also checking your blog, and I LOVE IT!!! Sorry I couldn’t get back to you. I have Bell’s Palsy on the right side of my face, so I need to look after myself too.

BUT I AM A FIGHTER, JUST LIKE THE HEROES WHO FIGHT AGAINST DRACULA.

Now, let’s go to the review. However, I must warn that there will be some SPOILERS AHEAD.

PREMISE

Developed by Adi Shankar, and written by Warren Ellis, in association with Netflix, naturally, Castlevania, The Animated Series, adapts great part of the 1989 NES video Game, Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (The best NES Castlevania game, in my personal opinion), which tells the story of Trevor Belmont, the last of the Vampire Hunter Clan, known as Belmont, and an ancestor of Simon Belmont, and his quest to destroy Count Dracula. Along with him, Trevor has the company of Sypha Belnades, a member of the nomad wizards, known as the Speakers, and Dracula’s son, Alucard, a dhampir.

Before I continue, I must tell that in the videogame, Trevor has one more companion, Grant, the pirate that can crawl walls and roofs, but he is completely absent, I don’t know why.

But the point is that, despite the notorious absents from Castlevania III on this animated series, I really enjoyed it; however I think Netflix could at least pay for the rights of the soundtrack (No More bulls*&t regarding a certain Evangelion), especially the first season; gory, scary, gloomy and awesome, and with a great chemistry between our heroes, despite Alucard not having too much screentime, and although the second season was not as violent, it was so character-driven, and that makes a winner in my book.

Now. With that said… Who is this Season Three doing so far?

STORY

One month after the death of Dracula, the exile of Isaac, the capture of Hector, and the long march of Carmilla toward Styria (Wow!! So many cool events), Alucard remains in both the castle of his father, and what remains of the Belmont Manor, while Trevor and Sypha spent the rest of their days travelling around Wallachia, hunting what is left from the Night Creatures, and apparently their relationship grew beyond friendship… if you know what I am talking about.

Anyway, both arrive to the town of Lindenfeld (Or Buchin, Romania), where they are greeted by a very mysterious character, called Saint-Germain. (I must mention he is from PS2 Game, Castlevania: Curse of Darkness, and I never played beyond Castlevania 64, so please, don’t ask me). Meanwhile, Alucard, in his absolute solitude, meets two Japanese vampire hunters, Taka and Sumi, who were prisoners from one of the generals from Dracula, Cho, and now they seek advice from Alucard of how to face vampires.

In the meantime, Isaac, the forgemaster, has already created his own Army of Undead, and travels back to Wallachia to avenge Dracula’s death, and Carmilla gets her plan to conquer humans… Ok.

I think it’s enough.

These are my thoughts. I was very satisfied with the ending of the second season, and when I heard that a season three will be released, I could only see a timeskip, toward Simon Belmont. After all. Dracula is dead!!! Trevor and Sypha are heroes, and Alucard will be back in Symphony of the Night. Nothing else could come from their story arc.

I was wrong.

I wasn’t paying attention to what Carmilla is up to. And then… I learnt that I should never… EVER… underestimate Dracula’s generals, especially the one based on the 1872 book from Sheridan la Fanu.

Well. For now, the first four episodes, of shall I say… the first half of the season three is mostly dialogue and exposition. Nevertheless, just like season 2, that is also accompanied with action; fights that are never gratuitous; they were gory, yeah, but it had a purpose, either showing the brutality of the vampires at the service of Dracula, or simply to adapt the fun of the action from Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse on the best way possible. In any case, I have faith that the second part of the season three will bring something epic, memorable and insane.

It’s curious. I just remember a line from Lenore…

THIS CHARACTER

«I have no interest in faith. Faith makes for terrible diplomacy. This is simply commerce.»

Anyway, I am feeling pretty satisfied about what I am about to see something amazing.

Until then… have good faith Castlevania, the animated series, because it has memorable moments.

CHARACTERS

I got to say that the «sisters» of Carmilla, including Morgana, Lenore, and Striga, left me interested. But… why I am surprised to see a lesbian vampire couple? After all, I read Carmilla, I should be prepared by now. Nonetheless, I really liked them. Even though they are antagonists, seeing them as couple is really cute.

Also, I think Saint-Germain is a very interesting character, and… Kinda makes me regret that I stopped played Castlevania games a long time ago. Now. all I wanna do is continue with this fantastic new episodes.

And not missing what kind of evolution will have Hector and Lenore on their… relationship.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, the third season of Castlevania really hooked me from the start. And I definitely recommend it. Perhaps is not the best TV series based on a video game, but it is definitely worth to watch.

Just one question… Mr. Adi Shankar….

Are you really working on an animated series of Devil May Cry?

 

 

JAINITUOS ANIME REVIEWS – KEMONO MICHI: RISE UP – First Impressions

HATAAGE!! KEMONO MICHI

GENRE: Isekai, Adventure, Comedy

Hey Guys.

Welcome to another entry from anime reviews.

And this time… I will review another, crazy hilarious story. And you will be happy after I mention where this series comes from…

From the Creator of Konosuba, comes…

But before I got into the review, first i must ask you the typical question.

Are you guys ok? Having a good time?

If the answer is yes, then I am happy.

Especially because… I must announce that I am suffering from Bell’s Palsy on the right side of my face; hopefully I got to the doctor, and he told me its temporary, I need to take medicine and do physical exercises. Luckily, that is not stopping me from writing my review.

Anyway… On to Kemono Michi: Rise up!!!

PREMISE

As I mentioned before, Kemono Michi: Rise Up is based on the manga from the same name, written by Natsume Akatsuki (or Jitakukeibihei as stated from Wikipedia), and illustrated by Mattakumo-suke Yumeuta; it tells the story of Genzo Shibata, a.k.a. Animal Mask, a very, very… Very successful pro wrestler that is about to face his last match against his longtime rival, MAO (No really, that is his name), so he can retire and start with, according to him, the new chapter in his life after winning the Championship; open his own pet shop.

Yes. It is pretty clear that this guy really loves animals. You can see that from the very first second of the episode.

Anyway, before the match, he is transported to another world, to become that hero that is destined the evil, nefarious, and inhuman Demon King. But, there is a big problem…

GENZO DOESN’T WANT TO!!!

And to add insult to injury, he uses the iconic German Suplex against the princess/priestess that summoned him, exposing her underwear and earning her a very hilarious nickname

PRINCESS BUTTOCKS!!!

Sorry guys! I was looking to German Suplex and I found it. Love it!!

What else could you expect from the creator of the greatest isekai comedy of all time? This is pure insanity at its fullest. I got to admit, that I have ever never had so much laughter and so much fun with an anime like this since Isekai Quartet season 1. With the first two episodes, and, to be honest, all the random clips I caught from YouTube, I knew I will enjoy this series to the maximum.

STORY

Directed by Kazuya Miura, and written by Touko Machida, Kemono Michi: Rise Up is the debut production of Studio Engi, and it is running through twelve episodes, but don’t get surprised if we soon hear the news of a second season, possibly for 2021. And mostly is the antics of Genzo Shibata trying to open his pet shop, while trying to «make peace» between humans and beasts through his… «Love and devotion» toward animals.

But trust me, this is even better to see it than to describe.

From my perspective, this anime has one specific purpose for the fans: bring them fun. Every single second from Kemono Michi: Rise Up is pure comedy. It is another great deconstruction of the Isekai genre itself, with a hero that is as hysterical and incompetent as Kazuma Satou. (Hai Kazuma desu), but stronger and more brainless.

The only problem, at least for me, is that the comedy is not that creative as in Konosuba. Furthermore, I think that Konosuba, especially during the movie, has its own poignant moments, and sometimes it combines drama, action and epic battles. It’s not like Kemono Michi does not has them, but it does not fell like the energy and intensity than in Konosuba. Now, please don’t get me wrong; Kemono Michi has it’s own crowning achievements of awesome. But I don’t think many fans will remember them as much as they remember those from Konosuba.

Nevertheless, Kemono Michi is definitely one anime with great comedic sense, and that alone makes a winner in my book. It is not for being taken seriously, just for having fun.

CHARACTERS

And just like Konosuba, Kemono Michi has a bunch of really colourful and likeable characters. (Or shall I say Likeable idiots, gift from Konosuba?) We got the greedy, yet charming Shigure, a half-human, half-wolf who has to become rich in no time; Carmilla (Oh! References!), an extremely perverted and alcoholic vampire who is always beneath her master, Hanako, a child who is a half-dragon, half-man, whose dream is to travel all over the world, eating everything, Now. the reason why I said «eating everything» rather than «to taste all kind of cuisines from all over the world», because she is literally eating something; on the other hand, after taking a look to her background, I can deeply understand why.

And we got Rose, Joanna, Misha, Princess Buttocks (I mean… Altena), and of course… the breakout character of the series…

THE ANT

Just watching him is enough to… Oh dear!!!

Anyway, each of this wonderful cast brings it’s own energy to the comical situations, especially Genzo, making Kemono Michi: Rise Up extremely fun to watch.

Which is your favourite character? Let me know below on the comments.

CONCLUSION

Although not as memorable as Konosuba, Kemono Michi; Rise Up indeed offers a marvellous experience, and definitely one of the best anime of 2019. If you are a fan of Konosuba, this is definitely for you.

Just give it a try, and enjoy… Because ALL THE FUN AND COMEDY COMES FROM THE DEMON BEAST KILLER…

GENZO: I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT.

THAT DAY… ANIMAL MASK GAVE ME A GERMAN SUPLEX. IT HURT… BUT I SURVIVED.