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It's hard to know where to draw the line in this review between this season, the previous seasons, and the live action drama adaptation.

Sequentially, S3 of the anime is the last of these I've seen to date, and while I feel the latter challenge league drama was better illustrated in the drama, But some areas seem glossed through.

Mucheng remains <3

Music remains iconic. The soundtrack is well established. And it hits many of the safe soundscape points of the previous season.

Animation is smooth.

Art is most like S2, but it has shifts I believe. honestly, at this point I hope to see ... yet another shift for S4. (Of high caliber quality)

Voice acting is peak. 11/8

This was satisfying. I'lll rate it a 10/10 in conjunction with the other seasons and drama in the outlined viewing order. (s1, s2/drama, s3) the ultimate conclusion feels better with the anime after the drama in terms of viewing order.

I want to see S4 go all out!

God, aren't we all butterflies battered in woven fractals, crippled by the storm and caught in the rain beneath a fateful umbrella for two which is simply too much for the sadistic fates of life.

This film is heartwrenching, and so deeply familiar and personal. It presents us with deep intimacy and misguided traps of affection, with hopes for tomorrow --and despair.

The animation is stunning.
The art is a beautiful capture of the mood and theme.
The story is to die for, and so deeply scarring it's inescapable for the mind.
God, the music. Sound design and music are 10/10 in every regard, ... from lyrics, to language, to timing, to absolutey everything. (Both the Russian and Japanese ED lyrics and timbre in theatres were heartwrenching, absolutely in tears, these were gorgeous and agonising, with lament, sorrow and the hope of love and loss)

This story is so deeply personal, painful and represents all the best and worst twisted together in a naked cascade of the heart. What is love? Whom should we love? What of the motives in seeking love? How do we let go and seize being present as the key to happiness and connexion.

Fujimoto has absolutely cursed us all with this haunting memory of our greatest loss.

And god, who is not in love with Reze? The broken girl, caught by the poison of her own prey, who finally learnt even she can be happy -- just to have it stripped away, moments away.
The city is dangerous, and the rewards of connexion with people are great, and be it the countryside or the city, the dogs hunt the mice -- our fates all come one day, but whom do we spend that time with.

This is a work of love, bittersweet and inescapable, our choice of safety is an illusion -- our choice of connexion and guiding our own future up until that point is all that remains.

This film will haunt you, we all needed Reze, we all need hope.

S2 is fantastic!!
I had mixed feelings on some of the execution of S1, but S2 has it all together. The animation is much better!

S2 sees my favourite character arrive as well xD Makimachi Misao <3 <3 <3
I love her, ahha.

S1 is dominated by the pre-overarching drama stories. The early days of writing the series. And S2, gets to the drama. Every episode and story builds nicely upon the last, with many twists and turns that will leave you on one end or the other of a katana.

Sound design is on point!

Visual Quality is great! The first season was eye ... catching, but the second season has not only the animation perfected against the first, but the use of all the right framing and angles.

There are two OP and EDs, there's a touch of modernity,.with a lot of 90s nostalgia I must say, these are the perfect choices, especially that first closing! Wow! Heartstrings!

Anyways, this story really heats up. You'll definitely enjoy!!

Ahhahhaaa This is the best Isekai in a landscape of Isekais

Who is this for?
Someone wanting a light-hearted comedy/romance/action adventure. It's not massively complex, but the character interactions are well done and it is compelling and emotive. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Characters:
Largely grounded in ambitions with some over the topness for effect but largely realistic dialogue, the story focuses principally on Usato the MC, his new boss, and the character with a romantic interest on him. With other characters given enough background to make sure you know who they are and what their ambitions might be.

Animation and Artwork:
Nothing over the top here, but it's ... clean and gets the job done well and is well in line with 2024 standards. No complaints.

Music:
The music is excellent. The highs and lows in every episode are captured well, and the intro and ending are fit in perfectly.

Premise:
The premise is entertaining and comes across as fresh and novel. As the title says, this is "the wrong way to use healing magic" and boy, the show delivers in upsetting tropes. Usato's boss, reminds me a lot of one of my close friends, and makes for a compelling dialogue between the characters.

Background Story:
Principally, the background story isn't itself too novel. Heroes get summoned to protect an alternate world against an invading kingdom. But it's well put together with enough fleshing out to feel meaningful. Mostly this is the background while the series focuses on the characters themselves.

Comedy:
Great humour throughout.

Favourite Character:
No spoilers, but you'll figure it out. It seems even Usato's boss figured out the interests of this girl and helps her along by the end ;) There is a journey ahead!

Will I be watching a Season 2??
Absolutely. If a Season 2 comes out, I will absolutely be waiting! It looks like there are many fond adventures waiting ahead as our heroes explore the world, I just hope it gets clearance to be animated!

Conclusions:
Great series. It's light-hearted and cathartic with nice romance and uplifting moments. It's refreshing against the monotony of isekai out there. Thoroughly enjoyed this work.

Overall:
9-9.5 execution and novelty in an overly-worn genre is difficult to pull off, and this series was very successful.

Heartwarming/wrenching and refreshing!

Honestly, you have to watch the original before this. As others have noted the depth of some interactions and their contexts in many cases are greatly reduced on screen, which given how much they've condensed -- well, that should be obvious.

What these films do do however is breathe new life into events we're aready familiar with.
I must say, I still sobbed and cried throughout.

The animation is smooth and fresh from start to finish and includes our favourite cast members.

The music is outstanding.
...
The emotions are raw.

And the story recaps the intrigue we're all familiar with.

I've seen the original 20+ times? Okay, maybe more like 40+ times...

So I'll graciously accept this new front to back telling of the story. And some of the new/extra scenes we're exposed to throughout.

I can't wait to watch through part III and then finally catch R3 ;) <3

I would say this is a must watch for any Code Geass fan, especially if you've watched many times before. If you're new, watch the original series first, or some events might not demonstrate their gravity or connexion as well, though you'll still get the idea of everything, it's not the same as watching the series.The movies focus greatly on Lulu and Suzaku, who are of course the best friends who basically became brothers, who are now at odds as the world plunges into a new age and their philosophies towards this end clash as trails of blood fall around the world.

Wow. This was worth watching.

In my experience anime movies, where they recount the series anew, typically fail hard on expectations. Koudou has surpassed expectations. It recaptures the important character drama with renewed depth and focus, leaving this a sentimental re-take. Certain events are limitted while many are expounded -- making this a memorable addition to the Code Geass story which is a must watch for any fan of the series.

Overview:
The story follows what we'd expect, but with renewed focus
The art style is amazing as always, I'm pleasently shocked that the animation for the entire feature seems to be from the ground up.
The ... characters are appropriately fleshed out and emotions are captured well. Lelouch's emotions are perhaps captured even better than in the series.
Certain character aspects are more deeply demonstrated and expounded upon being given more screen time
Any fans of the series should greatly enjoy this film. Even if you haven't seen the series, one will enjoy it nonetheless (tho, you're a bit of an heathen to do things in that backwards order ;) )

I am excited to see part II.

イエス、マイロード

This is my new number 2 favourite Gundam series. I absolutely loved it. It was refreshing and the focus on the characterswas phenomenal. As always, it has the themes one expects of Gundam, with Newtypes/Cyber-Newtypes, war/confllict, earth and space, politics and meccha. The characters and their dynamics, their writing and how they are fleshed out, the pacing and weight, it all comes together superbly. Suletta and Miorine make some of if not the finest work on protagonists Gundam has ever done. I am thrilled to say, I recommend this series.

The story begins with the Prologue movie, then two standard length seasons of 12 epsiodes ... each.


Now, for the breakdown:
(note: this does include some elements of the show, which are mostly Gundam staples, so I'm marking this as Spoilers for those who want to go in completely blind; however no specific plot points between characters or events are openly discussed. )

Art:
The Art style is late 2010s early 2020s. Character design is on point. Character designs are memorable and dynamic, matched well to the characters and fit well together.

Animation:
No issues with animation. It's what one expects for 2010-2020s but with clear care involved. Scenes are dynamic and visualy appealing and otherwise appropriate to whatever is happening.

Music:
Music is on point and from the OP to the closing theme, to all of the background soundtrack/score, the music matches and enhances. Full points here.

Characters:
Memorable cast with largelly unique motivations. There are a few interludes of tropes for some of the background characters, but largely at a subdued level which doesn't massively detract.
The main cast all have their clear motivations and guidance which is explored as a character drama. These fit together well and drive the story forward with meaning. 10/10 for character development, this is highly rewarding.

Themes/Story:
The series deals a lot with the topic of Social Anxiety as well as coming of age (Bildungsroman). This is done maturely and in an extremely human way. While many Bildungsroman focus more on the exterior quest, giving a sense of detachment, here Gundam focuses on the internal convictions and internal growth of the character, through their weaknesses and flaws. It's an impressive tale. Dealing with the weaknessess of the character is a refreshingly grounded narrative, as opposed to the typically flat characters we see as protagonists in many contemporary anime.

The series also addresses coming of age in terms of chosing between relationships with friends, romantic interests, family and oneself. Again, a very mature theme, and experty handled.

The series also displays romance in a highly believable way with proper grounding and growth. This leaves the characters massively relatable and this healthy dynamic ought to be admired. You may want some wall art of how cute this is afterwards, I lied, you will want that. It's too cute! ))))

Politics plays a strong role throughout the series. In the case of The Witch on Mercury, politics are played principly between corporations. We see some of the devastating effects of this as the series progresses and are solemnly reminded to cherish our humanity.

Sci-fi themes and ethics play an integral role in the story as, well, Gundam without Mobile Suits and Politics would be a bit strange. As always there's a background theme of evolving as individuals and as society, and always stepping forward. 「逃げたら一つ、進めば二つ」"If you run, you gain one; if you move forward, you gain two"

Aristocratic code also makes appearance throughout the series. Another Gundam staple. ;)

Pacing and Weight:
On point. Everything is just as it should be.

Notable differences from other Gundam series:
Female Lead Protagonists
Romance
Yuri
School Setting
Politics via Corporations
Familal Drama
Focus on Mental Health

Suletta and Miorine are hard to forget and deserve a place amongst the best of the best Gundam Protagonists. <3 <3
As always, Gundam is the finest Sociology essay. The Witch of Mercury makes a planetary addition to the best of the best.

10/10

Entertaining Premise

ZomByaku or Zom100 gives us a refreshing and comedic play on the Zombie Survival Genre.
The premise starts with our protagonist who works a miserable existence at a Black Company, worked to the bone he is in a relateble situation for many employees, especially where Unions are not present. (Note: The US forced Unions out of Japan in the Cold War.)
Overworked, underpaid, outright abused and treated inhumanely our character goes from this gray meaningless existence with suicide an high possibility, to entering the sweet relief of the Zombie Apocalypse. When your life is so bad the end of the world is better, this is ... a not so subtle jab at an harsh and very real social problem.
Ironically, Studio MAPPA got flamed for inhumane treatment of employees during the release of this series. (Zom100 is produced by BUG Films).

This introduces the next point,

Art:
ZomByaku is refreshing in it's portrayal of zombies through a lense of technicolour. If blood were swapped out with the aesthetics of Paintball and Splatoon, we get the premise for the highy dynamic use of colour in the Art of ZomByaku.

Animation:
Animation is standard quality, no hand ups. The Studio is competant and scenes are executed to standard quality.

Characters:
Characters are wacky, with the two main male protagonists becoming free from society. The primary female lead is more stoic and typical to the Zombie Apocalypse genre, especially as a baseline. The secondary female protagonist is introduced much later, and share a lot in common with the secondary male lead but via the angle of foreigner rather than comedian.

Voice Actors:
The Seiyuu do fine. The casting is appropriate.

Plot:
As the title suggests, the plot centres around the 100 things to do (before becoming a zombie). A tale of living. Carpe Diem, Seize the Day.

Tone:
The initial tone is very well executed with a dark reminder of the dystopia of unaddressed social problems.
At the end of the season I felt the series' tone sort of fizzle out, perhaps due to the delay or execution, or my break in watching it or because they just really needed to push a finalé to fit the single season series into some type of cohesive conclusion. It looks like you'll have to jump to the manga from there. Which is a positive, if you want more light-hearted stories and found it to your liking.

Conclusion:

Overall, it was a comedic take on the zombie genre, decent for a leisurely watch. The begining of the series' social commentary is very memorable and worth watching.


7.4/10

meh.

First, the art style and animation are the main draws of this series. The character designs are well done, regardless of anything else. There are some decent stills and a few semi-worthwhile sequences.

The Waterfall scene is memorable, the aesthetic there was calming and the framing and motion worked well. Colour use in some of the scenes is very well done.
The fights will interest those looking for action. One can simply skip to these and not miss anything important.
There are several sex scenes, which are illustrated well with the main one highlighting and romanticising the sensuality, but then soontherafter immediately undercut by falling to ... a mix of offensive and dehumanising depiction and banality.
There some amusing interaction in the bar scene which is the best the dialogue gets in the series.
The scene where the 'side kick' is on the fence had potential if not for the dialogue. The framing for the scene there is memorable.

The follow-up film: Resurrection, also has some memorable art direction. With some outright trippy choices I have to praise the teddy-bear headed character and the contrast with the female antagonist.
Use of colour is also realy good in the lair and the strip club, and general art direction is solid here.

That's basically where my praise for the series ends...

I found a good deal of the character dialogue not just bland and grating, but insensitive, demeaning and distasteful - in the wrong kind of way.

The story revolving around some all powerful headband and having a component of revenge and dystopianism isn't in and of itself bad as a starting concept...

But the execution...

Better to be actually executed.

The script and dialogue leave the series better left on mute.

Overall, the show is a fever dream of insecure machismo coupled with shallow and insenstive writing which embodies and promotes various boorish racial stereotypes and comes complete with misogynistic flare. It is grating, tasteless and at the same time 100% bland.

The positives are, the art style is unique and memorable with solid framing and use of colour and movement.

4/10

S1 is an example of amazing scene direction. The dialogue is extremely believable and the growth feels extremely natural. This show deserves a lot of praise and leaves you ready to watch more as we work to piece it all togehter.
It's a bleak world, and the execution in phenomenal.

Definitely a Seinen as it involves some rather graphic content. This world is bleak, albeit there is still humanity in it.

As well, the twists are not what we expect.

Overall, the only thing missing is Season 2. This is what professional writing looks like.

Story: Story is horror, sci-fi, post-apocalypse; I'm not sure the ... themese are ground-breaking, but the storyboarding is ful marks.

Characters: The characters are fleshed out in such a human way that be it film or anime you rarely see. This show is above and beyond with it's dialogue and direction.

Music: Opening and Closing are a perfect fit, I read the arts sometimes changes as well. And there are post-credits scenes to pay attention for. Tracks during the show itself flow well and amplify with the beginning and end in a very positive way.

Animation: Animation quality is high. Zero complaints.

Art direction: The world is glum, not flashy. It fits the story. The detail and intricacy are commendable.