It starts out slowly but builds as it goes.
The simple story of Nao-kun and his adorable little sister Suzushiro living with their shut-in aunt since their parents have died. Their tranquil life is thrown for a loop with the sudden arrival of Satsuki-chan, his childhood friend who disappeared 6 years ago.
Not quite the usual harem-romance anime, there's lots backstory to be revealed and most of it is quite serious. It's still funny, of course, and characters develop over time. A rare mix of comedy, romance, ecchi and serious plot.
Naoto's a typical teen boy with dreams of moving out
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Sep 29, 2025
Everything you liked about the series? Here it is, just twice as good!
Saki is the best character, and that's hard to do considering how terrific Makoto and Ryuuji are. (Side note: Ryuuji Taiga? Seriously? The mangaka is a huge Toradora fan or what? 🙂) Here we dive deep into Saki's world. It's an emotional rollercoaster but that's exactly what makes the show so good. Emotions, relationships, love & anger. All presented with honesty and respect. And tears, plenty of those too. We get LOTS of backstory presented in a natural way. The only 'gripe' I have is ... 
Jan 30, 2025
Sakura Capsule
(Anime)
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A beautiful story that will have you crying your eyes out... and be happy while you do!
The demographic says "Kids" but that would be more like early teens, I think. And us old folks too. Six friends make a childhood promise in 2010, but what will the future hold? We find out on Christmas Day, 2014 & the following day as well. Told through present day meetings & flashbacks to childhood the story may seem strange at first? But you'll soon figure it out, it isn't that complicated. Nor should it be! Yet even in a short movie the girls are seen ... 
Jan 29, 2025
Minasoko nite
(Manga)
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Horror that's truly terrifying, without a speck of gore? Unease in the most commonplace events? "At The Bottom Of The Water" has all of that, plus Yuri undertones. The beauty of the artwork hides the angst and fear in a wonderful way.
The story of an isolated town near a beautiful lake, what could possibly be bad about that? Well, an ancient mermaid with a bit of a grudge is a start. Lonely and innocent, she interacts with various townsfolk over the decades. Generally, her appearing brings bad luck, or worse. Leaving the town takes enormous willpower that few have. Even then, your ... 
Aug 11, 2024
Bakemonogatari holds a high place in anime history, rightfully so.
Off & Monster Season takes everything we've seen so far and... makes it better! Love the characters? Here's even more reasons to love them! Love the stories? Here's another story that's fantastic! Love the artwork? Not only is there 'classic bakemonogatari' art? There's even more art styles! And yes they are 100% fitting to the story. Even if you haven't seen the series? You might still enjoy this, it's just that good. But knowing the history is kind of important, many small references are slipped in which need you to ... 
Mar 23, 2024
An absolute juggernaut!
Do you like anime with simple plots and predictable events? Standard characters? Move along, this one's not for you. It should have a "mystery" tag too. It's a complex story with many twists and turns, yet it flows so naturally with amazing music, visuals and characters. The slow pace and easygoing style works perfectly. The "quiet moments" are riveting. Don't let the low score fool you, this is a terrific show. Well worth the investment, you DO have to pay attention! Not really spoilers: When 5 friends in a small town/city have their summer break before their senior ... 
Nov 5, 2023
Potion-danomi de Ikinobimasu!
(Anime)
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It takes 5 episodes to really get rolling, but it is turning out quite well!
It is 'good clean fun' with actual plot, interesting side characters and a delightful MC: Kaoru-chan. How many shows can say that? The art is clean and looks good. The music is nice, calm and non-invasive. Characters are well presented with easily identifiable looks and personalities. Lots of well-done details. It doesn't take itself too seriously, which is good too! The MC has a plan, the universe is well constructed & so far it has been a treat to watch it unfold. Sure, her ... 
Mar 21, 2023
Talk about uneven! Started great out of the gate, then lots of stuff happened. Some interesting, mostly stupid though. The final episode is what the whole show should have been like, finally.
If there is a season 2 I'll definitely watch it, but cannot recommend the show unless you like adorable dragon-girls. She really is wonderful. Spoilers ahead: One of the absolute worst story arcs involves a guy who kidnaps little girls, tortures them without mercy until the die. And we're supposed to feel sorry for him? Um, NO! Just how sick do you have to be to even imagine forgiving that? ... 
Dec 26, 2020
Kaeru no Pickles: Kimochi no Iro
(Anime)
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Pickles isn't your average show. The very short episodes allow little of anything, yet each one manages to convey a lot of feelings!
Every episode has a different story, the connection is the line of colourful frogs named Pickles. Every episode has a melancholy yet heartwarming feeling to it. Memories of good times that help the characters in their present life. By the end you'll smile as you wipe away a tear or two. Short and very sweet! You can watch with your kids, but keep the tissues handy. Children won't be distressed by the underlying sadness though, it's still a happy show ... 
Sep 17, 2019
Kanojo ni Naritai Kimi to Boku
(Manga)
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This is the story of some not so typical teenagers in high school, dealing with love, friendship and cross-dressing. Below the fold are some spoilers, but the story is ongoing (ch.28) as I write so who knows how it may end?
Art: Very nice, effectively minimal at times, facial expressions are terrific. Story: Two teens who've been friends forever enter high-school. Angst and introspection follow. Akira (a boy) and Hime (a girl) have been friends for ages. The shy and gentle Akira is always being protected by the tomboy Hime who will beat the snot out of anyone who bullies him. On the first ... |
