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Sep 27, 2025
This is unapologetically my favorite of the past two seasons and quite possibly my anime of the year. It's cheesy, I know, but I can't help but adore a full-fledged story that takes me for a ride through life and where it leads. It steam rolls just about every other anime this year because it has a focus with little frills or filler. There may not be highly epic animated scenes (The opening sequence IS gorgeous though), but it is beautiful nonetheless and stays consistent. Cozy at times, uncomfortable at others when it reminds you of life's throws.
It all starts with this annoying chatterbox of
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a child named Anne Shirley who might have thrown me off had I not stuck through a few more episodes. There was more to her than just being a petulant sassy child who had a knack for causing trouble with her oddball ways. She was a young orphaned gall who suddenly had a proper family (If one can even call it that) and had to learn the ways of normal life. It was slow. It was meticulous. She learned her manners whether she liked it or not. Failed a lot, learned a lot, and became interested in so much more than just the imaginations within her head.
We see her roll through life with the friends and love interests along the way. We see her experiences, both expected and unexpected, as life has a way of throwing curve balls you just can't anticipate. More than that, we see other's lives through her lens... and how much her presence influenced those around her. Anne wouldn't be a mary sue or what someone might expect from her personality. Because overtime, she meshes with her world and becomes another piece in other's lives. She lives admirably and finds what she's good at. There are setbacks with family that she overcomes with time. One day she wouldn't be so odd, simply the person she was meant to be as she grew.
I could go on and on about how much I love Anne Shirley, simple as it may be. It resonates with me most because, just like her, I grew up in rural country and experienced much the same as she would. It hits a bit home, to be honest. She reminds me a lot of my elder family relatives and what they experienced back in their day, those slices of life I experienced myself before we walked into this more modern age. How times have changed! How personal it felt to know your town, your neighbors, to communicate with letters or events to bring you closer.
If you want a melodrama that plays on the time of old, focusing on one person as she lives her life in a beautiful old country, then this is for you. And also expect the /slowest/ of slow burns when it comes to the romance. I laughed. I cried (A lot). I enjoyed it all for what it is.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Sep 20, 2025
Very happy for Gigguk to see an ambitious project to fruition. I love his content and promise to deliver from the heart.
Baan however? It's. Okay. Just okay. Not bad, but I don't feel as if I've gained anything from the experience.
The ups here is definitely the Quality that goes with Baan. I can tell that great care was put into the animation, the designs, the music, the desire to deliver some decency in its presentation for the most part. As an artist myself, I can definitely appreciate the thought and care that went into the design of things as a whole!
However, the "story" is just
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a tad too disjointed. It connects, but it's weak... likely due to the time constraint of 18 minutes (Though I've seen AMAZING stories told in single anime episodes or less before this). Focusing a little too hard on the cute girly's side and not so much the male protagonist. Things are glossed over, disjointed in continuity, or rather there's little explanation for what few characters appear. There's no emotion to really feel in such a short time span. It needs more to really stand out as something worth recommending.
I will always appreciate this attempt nonetheless. It's every anime lover's dream to see their own ideas or story in an animated form! I believe if Gigguk wants Baan to succeed and not be a one note project, the story needs to be made in written novel or possibly manga form. Because as it stands, I can't fall in love with these characters past a character design point.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Sep 18, 2025
I liked it. But not as much as season 1. Or rather, they should have just made season 2 the second part of season 1 because in no way does this season make sense by itself.
Season 1 started strong and introduced us to many spirits/aliens that made sense. Everything was happening all the time. Lots of stories and characters that made sense. Acrobatic Silky made me cry and then some. Season 2? Felt more disjointed than usual after they came back from Jin's house. It started great, but dwelled way too long on Evil Eye as a whole that everything that came after felt filler.
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You can't help but hate Kinta instantly. The pacing feels OFF. I want to go back to season 1 where every episode was exciting and had emotion unlike any other.
Maybe I'm just finally seeing Dandadan for what it really is. Or maybe it's just a weak season. It might be purely worth it for the Jin related episodes but to skip the rest because /ugh/ I feel too old for the kaiju/mecha bit. Animation and the like is still ever on point thanks to Science Saru, so I'll give it that much for the score.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Sep 18, 2025
Clevatess is my big personal favorite of the season! What feels like a hidden gem of a dark fantasy that doesn't hold back its punches and will catch your attention from the get go. I went into this with no expectations and man... I didn't realize how much I've been craving a dark fantasy without extreme edge or torture gore for no reason (Looking at you Kingdoms of Ruin). It brings me back to a simpler time like Inuyasha and the like.
Clevatess himself is the most interesting character and one of my favorite types of character in general. High and mighty demon/monster disguising as a
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human as he judges humanity? Sign me up! His personality is fun and Alicia makes for a great contrast to his sinister demeanor. Nelluru's story is heart wrenching. Luna is adorable and has great potential for the future. The four great beasts are hiding a whole rest of the world from us. There's a whole hidden story beneath the surface that hints to something even greater and promises an interesting plot to look forward to.
Either way, I'm excited for MORE and I can't wait to see this series come to life in the next season once again!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 13, 2025
As someone who adored the Leviathan trilogy during my highschool days and was such a fan to the point I made original characters in my head based on the series... I can't help but find myself disappointed in this adaption. I was so gob smacked to begin with to hear that it was getting an anime adaption of all things! It was exciting but my expectations were tempered considering the medium which would be using CGI over the many hand-drawn illustrations that filled that pages of these books. That and... 12 episodes wasn't a whole lot of space for adapting 3 whole books!
Sure enough, the
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story felt incredibly rushed. What could have been an opportunity to expand the world of Leviathan was instead turned minuscule into this short series left with little to no room to breathe. We get no insights onto what the characters are thinking. People come and go with little fanfare, no reason to stick to them, very little explanation if any. There are characters from the book who die that shouldn't have, while there are characters who live who shouldn't have. Worst offense of all is the complete and utter change around the whole of the third book's adaption... and ESPECIALLY the ending. Everything that happens in the last 4 episodes may as well be to complete opposite as to what is supposed to play out. But I can at least assure that the first book was close to adapted perfectly ignoring all the missing content and slight changes.
Character wise, Deryn overreacts a /lot/. The main characters are supposed to have inner dialogues that add to their actions but there is no such dialogue in the anime. Instead you'll see Deryn fly into a fit over almost anything! Like turning a switch in an instant and it makes no sense. Constantly combative, constantly making themselves out to be an arse when they're not supposed to be that way. Tomboyish, yes, but the dial was turned up to 100 in making it obvious she was an over-reactive girl in disguise when it shouldn't have been. Alek remained somewhat close to his original depiction, but he should have been a lot more emotional. He's a kid being put through the ringer but he's constantly wearing a tidy grown up suit even after losing everything.
There's plenty of other changes I could get into (Looking at the loris who suddenly can't talk), but it should give the idea that the adaption just wasn't as good as it could have been and missing out on a lot. Despite my wariness to the CGI, I believe the studio did the best they could with what they had, because there were certainly times I couldn't tell it was 3D and it looks so good for what it was. A bit basic at times, but they put a lot of effort into the war mechs and battle beasties.
I can't completely say that it's an awful adaption... and quite frankly, with the way it ended, it almost opens the series up for more? It's an anime only ending that's for certain. So long as you don't know the book's original content like I do, other viewers might find some worth in this series despite the rushed pace. It could even bring attention to the trilogy once more for whatever future Scott Westerfeld has for it.
Regardless, I highly recommend reading the trilogy for yourself. If not for the story, then definitely the art and illustrations that were masterfully crafted every other page. I can't personally recommend this anime to friends or others in the community, but I like the idea of the anime at least introducing the author and ideas to their work.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Mar 23, 2025
Zenshu isn't just your basic isekai. It's a love letter to all artists and fan creators out there.
It's too short for the amount of enjoyment and fluff I got out of this anime. So in your face with its cliches, its funny and silly moments, the joy and despair it spread in its short span. And the message it gave was oh so clear by the end. That a story doesn't have to end come the final episode-- that fan creators like ourselves can keep it alive in how we see fit. To make changes to canon and find joy where you might not have
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found it in its original creation.
The setting is a common one. Our protagonist Natsuko "dies" and is apparently transported to the world of the movie she so loved that it inspired her to become the animator that she was. In so doing, she knew everything that would come to pass. She knew all about the characters already and what they intended to do. Which granted her a chance to redo and fix those moments! Not because she wanted to make changes at first, but because in those beginning segments it was life or death for her too.
This all culminates in the end where her true wish is granted. Not only for her sake, but because she found love and inspiration all over again in this world she adored as a child. Even knowing the intentions of the original creator, she "fixed it" as she desired. She enjoyed every precious moment with those long lost characters from her past while learning more than she ever could outside of that world.
Was it real in the end? Could there possibly be more to it? The ending is open for our interpretation. For creators like us to decide what happens next and how we might keep Natsuko's love alive. To keep our own precious ideas from old media alive that they might inspire us too. Because as an artist and writer myself, this anime reached out to me more than any before it to keep on enjoying what I do.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Nov 9, 2024
A rather solid short film that caught my attention as an artist myself. There were a few times were I laughed and related with the main character's anguish, their struggles to improve, how long it truly takes to get good at art and making something of yourself. The comments made by Fujino's parents and peers were especially on point! How they applaud all your efforts and say you'll be an amazing artist someday, that you'll be making big money in this career so on so forth. It was fun to see Fujino finally meet who she considered her rival, Kyoumoto, and make that first connection.
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Friendship in an instant from what we could tell.
However... from that point on, the movie seemed to stagnate. Nothing was explained. No insight or characterization past montage after montage. The music puts most of its weight during these montages of stills and tiny inklings into their lives. But nothing else past what these two characters and these two characters alone are dealing with in their journey to becoming mangakas. We don't see either of their families, what they think of their path, nor their peers from school past their meeting. All of what you were introduced to in the beginning parts now become null and pointless. Though I suppose that's the fault that comes with such a short film.
When -that- part hits, it's so sudden and knee-jerking. Much like any moment would be considering. Time stopped and it truly did bring a few tears to the eyes. We get a what if scenario... and then silence. Nothing else and nothing more. Yes the moment hits, but then you're left feeling empty and that you're missing parts of an incomplete story. More questions than answers. A lot of filling in the gaps with my own imagination as to how things played out (throughout the whole movie and especially by the end) and what happens from here.
It's something nice and short to watch. It feels like a tribute to someone the author knew in their lifetime. A little something to leave behind, as most artists do, in want to leave a mark to show they were here. I tell myself plenty of times that my love for creation and art is to leave a piece of me behind as proof of my being here! I just wish the movie had been a little longer or a little more packed with substance. There's just too much they leave up to viewer interpretation and guessing how things may have played out.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Oct 29, 2024
Well this was certainly a step up from part 1! While still an omake-like series of short episodes, these were focused more on the characters themselves unlike the first part. Yeah there's mokke but they're not the exclusionary focus this time (which was the most aggravating thing and led to a Mixed review last time). Not canon by any means but still as enjoyable as watching the real deal.
Still as gorgeous of an art style like the past episodes! Has a lot more character interactions and fun bits that had me laughing. I can't wait to see this cast again come season 2.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Sep 29, 2024
If you're a fan of of the style of older 2000s anime but with modern up to date animation, this is the anime for you.
Wistoria Wand and Sword is your typical classical shounen story with all the stereotypes and gimmicks that come with it. It has the fun art style of the past with colorful fun hairstyles (cute alfalfa included) while having a clean style where the animation never falters. No basic lip flapping, everything is whooshing and fluid and just full of personality. If not a little over the top when it comes to our protagonist's rivals and antagonists-- because this show loves going
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ham when it comes to expressions filled with malice and anger.
The story is that of an underdog trying to prove themselves time and time again, even when unintentionally doing so for the sake of pride and accomplishment. In a world where magic is the supreme dominating factor while Will can do nothing but use a sword and any tools at his disposal, there's a lot going against him. A very uphill battle as he must show he is capable to students peers and professors alike. And he does so in very stunning flashy ways. The fluid animation and flashy colors does a lot of the heavy lifting to put greater impact on this story and it does so very well.
There's a hidden depth to this story not only in the dangerous tower and the fear of their false sky, but especially so in hints of the final episode. That there is so much more going on in the background we've yet to uncover. We've only seen the surface of this magic school and surface level past your everyday school shenanigans.
The over the topness at the beginning might make you second guess this anime. A lot of what happens is predictable, but with enjoyable outcomes nonetheless as we see our protagonist grow and put himself out there. I highly recommend giving it a shot... and I'm super excited to see what's in store for season 2 after the little tidbits of plot we were given after the final episode!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Sep 29, 2024
The Elusive Samurai is truly a treat for those like myself who love an anime's art and animation style most that pulls you in-- and man does this anime do just that.
It's as if the animators and artists were told to go wild. So many times where you'll find yourself entranced by the vivid colorfulness of it all, the flashy designs, the wild over the top animation... not to mention certain sequences that were simply masterful ways of using this medium unlike any other. It's a visual feast and what makes it such a special gem this season. Ignoring... the occasional CGI of course. The
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animators REALLY don't like animating people on horseback apparently.
Story and character wise, it starts strong and pulls you into the plight of the young protagonist. Pushed into a role he never wanted, nor did he truly see himself fit for this new world he was living in after the fall of everything. He's lost so much, but he's also promised a lot more should he decide to stand up and make a change instead of joining his fallen people. The protagonist grows a lot over his journey and is met with a colorful cast of supporting characters willing to join him on his journey to becoming a proper lord. Some of these supporting cast however... especially the first two helpers in battle simply aren't given any spotlight on why they want to help whatsoever. They're there to fight! For what motivation or past reasons however? Dunno. Maybe that will come much later.
The biggest hindrance to the anime thus far is the shoved in "comedic" moments. Yorishige Suwa is the biggest moment ruiner of all and was the biggest reason many of my watching companions ditched this anime. He's great when he's serious and acting the proper leader/helper that he is. But he constantly, consistently, makes phony jokes to do with the "modern age" and "future" to try and get a chuckle out of the audience. Horribly forced and takes away from the focus a lot. If there were a reason for me to give this review with mixed feelings, it would solely be because of him.
Past that though. There's great potential in the Elusive Samurai. People who love watching anime based on Japan's older eras will likely enjoy this. Even if there are parts that I lament, I find this anime to be a special hidden gem this season. And, if anything else, fun eye candy for those that can appreciate the art, animation, and music that went into this colorful production.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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