Spice and Wolf Episode 4: Romantic Merchant and Moonlit Farewell

I feel like there's really not too much to talk about with this episode "in its own right". What really stands out to me above all else is Hijiri's storyboards that make strong use of architecture and building features to frame a scene, alongside the great difference in tone from the original adaptation of the series.

Hijiri, with some excellent work from Evan Call, allowed this episode to drift into a far more playful and excitable feeling which fits the material much better. Holo treats it like a game of cat and mouse, and along the way Lawrence gets the grasp of the game as well, leading to some very fun moments.

My only real complaint, or rather worry, is just what will happen with the episode following this one. I wouldn't say that the animation was terrible, but it certainly showed viewers that it was holding on by a thread in the episode. There's a few great moments that are a handful of frames or so, but overall it's not exactly a notable episode for "quality".

It has me hoping more than ever that Passione can pull through. If they can successfully make the jump from these completed episodes into the main run of the series, I'll be very happy. Unfortunately, I have to wait until next week to find out, so I'll most likely be going back over these early episodes once again.

Tales of Craftsmen From Kanda Gokurachou earns Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

This is... really big news- for me, at least. Tales of Craftsmen from Kanda Gokurachou has netted something massive with their awarding of the New Life/Creative award with this year's Cultural Prize.

Akihito Sakaue has already had an incredible run of popularity and critical acclaim leading up to this, but this award is really the icing on the cake.

It places the manga in elite company, alongside the likes of Frieren, BEASTARS, and Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju- all of which we have in English print. Though, the point that pulls these series together is that they are a supposed "triple threat", having all won the same category of Tezuka Cultural Prize, and ranked within the top 3 for both Kono Manga Ga Sugoi, and the Manga Taisho awards.

That's not a guarantee by any means for Kanda Gokurachou, but damn if it isn't ever inspiring and hopeful. Really great news for both the series and Sakaue though, so I'm sure they'll be taking the time to celebrate the achievement.

The live performance for Whisper Me a Love Song... Wow. It’s just a total blast of energy and something Yokohama Animation Lab and Cloud Hearts have not had in a while. It exceeds by far the amount of movement I expected for the live performances, and I believe that’s mostly due to the specific allocation of staff. The live performance staff were listed separately in the credits rather than alongside the rest of the episode 1 crew. We have storyboarding and direction from Tsumori Shindo, whom I couldn’t find much information on aside from his Twitter, but he seems to be an extremely talented and creative visual artist. He has an indie anime movie coming out in the Summer of this year, and from the production materials provided on his socials, it almost gives me an ethereal, creepy vibe. It looks very unique, and if someone like him is going to be handling the direction of the live performances for this show throughout its airing, I truly don’t think we have anything to worry about. (Follow the movie’s progress here!)

The other staff members are more in line with what we’d expect from Yokohama Animation Lab. Misae Kawakubo, the animation director for the live performance, is quite a regular presence at Yokohama in general, as is key animator Shouya Gotou, whom we saw handling Monster Animation Direction in The Witch and the Beast (one of the better-animated aspects of that show), and Miyuu Ookubo, whom unfortunately I don’t know much about at the moment. All of them seem to be fairly new to the industry. The fact that they decided to seemingly have a dedicated group of staff just for the performance section of the episodes bodes quite well for the rest of the show. Shouya Gotou’s work in past Yokohama projects, while good, has never been quite this fluid and fun. It seems like they’re giving this project a lot of time for the staff to work with, possibly thanks to the delay, which could be credited to NUManimation, who’s airing this show, being quite consistent in terms of the anime they typically air being of pretty good quality. Being allowed to delay the anime by 4 months is not common. The fact that the animator staff seems to be Yokohama Animation Lab / Cloud Hearts regulars, if not just contracted to the studio, suggests that we’ll likely see them again for live performances in future episodes, which will be great.

That also seems to be the staff direction for this entire project; it’s filled with newer staff which seems to be a great thing in this case as it has improved Yokohama Animation Lab / Cloud Hearts quality of work by a significant amount. Full writeup here for you to check out.

Gokurakugai Volume 1: Paradise

Mainline Shueisha shounen manga (a mouthful of a descriptor) has found itself in a weird era as of late. Hits are far and few between, but when they land they land. On the flip side though, this means that mediocrity and middle of the road titles appear a dime a dozen, Gokurakugai volume 1 proves to be of the latter.

A work that's done well to set itself apart, but not much else, it's something that I have no issues with continuing to read. Within that however, it's not a series that I'm thrilled to read, nor one that I necessarily am looking forward to with each release.

Gokurakugai volume 1 is a fun start, but it sets the tone by saying something along the lines of "this is all I've got, so take it or leave it". If you're okay with just a passable work with plenty of style and a good sense of humor, then it's a perfectly fine read.... but if you're looking for something more you're searching in the wrong place.

If you're still uncertain if Gokurakugai is for you, read the full review at Animehouse and find out more.

Spice and Wolf Episode 3: Sweet Temptation

First of all, savor in the cuteness of this Holo cut. As heart-warming and silly as it is, it actually does a surprisingly good job of expressing the non-stop nature of Pazzio as a city within the episode.

Similarly, storyboard Shinji Itadaki (super surprised to find them here!) extends that effort to the episode in its entirety, creating a city that feels full of life, opportunity, and easy money.

It's a lot of great work that sets the stage for the rest of our duo's time within this Florentine-inspired town, and that means I've been given (more than enough) work to talk about, which you can read in full at Animehouse.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 1: Metamorphosis

Production I.G. as a studio continues to prove that they love to stand atop the anime world. Following the incredible work on Heavenly Delusion last year (also in Spring) they've come out the gates swinging with an incredible debut for Kaiju No. 8.

An episode that gets to show off every aspect of production, that gets to show off almost ridiculous scale, 2D kaiju, and all sorts of other things. It's an episode that's impossible to ignore, and impossible to not praise for its season-shattering levels of quality and refinement- something that takes up a great deal of the full review for this episode.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3 Episode 2: Intentions

What an intense episode, and no, not because of any action. Instead, the episode pushes itself to the point of bursting at the seams with world-building and plot foundation. It introduces the East, provides a new name to gawk at, exposes a holy war, and forces into question the agency of the various actions of season 2.

It's an episode ripe with information and foreshadowing, making it an incredible candidate for discussion. For those that can't wait however, this is the conclusion of the episode: the Jura Tempest Federation is set to face a Holy War on two fronts- a (potential) coalition of Western nations united under the dogma of the Western Church, and the Angels that comprise the participants of the East's Tenma War.

If you're curious about how it comes to that, and how you might arrive at that conclusion, you can read the full review and breakdown at Animehouse.

Wind Breaker Episode 2: The Hero of My Dreams

First of all, just soak in the incredible model quality and accuracy of this short (but very sweet) sequence for Suo. Despite its simplicity, the layout of the scene makes it a very difficult cut to deliver on, especially to this quality.

With that out of the way, Wind Breaker episode 2 proves that the series has a world more to offer than simple eye-popping action for the viewer. Under the hood there's a greater story, stronger character dynamics, and plenty of humor.

The second episode helps temper expectations a great deal, and provide proof that it has the ability to go the distance.

Of course, there's lots more like series director Toshifumi Akai doing the storyboards for the second episode, there being only 4 animation directors, or little bits about how Kotoha plays into Sakura's journey, but you'll find all of that in the full review at Animehouse.

Laid-Back Camp Season 3 Episode 2: Mini-Camp

Episode 2 of Laid-Back camp has arrived, and with it, a revelation- Yuru Camp has an environment art problem. Featuring fun & expressive animation and solid boards, several sequences in an overall good episode are marred by inconsistent art.

It immediately cheapens the value of the episode, and expresses the laziness in the approach that 8-Bit has chosen with this work- with some of it stooping as low as to potentially use Google Earth images to fill in the gaps in environment art.

It's a deeply disappointing move to see with the faith that was placed in 8-Bit in episode 1, and only serves to detract from the fun and expressive animation of the episode.

Episode 2 is a tangled mess of varying successes and failures, and will certainly leave more dedicated fans disheartened because of its execution.

To those more dedicated fans however, I think taking a step back and taking a look at the bigger picture can help with expectations for the future. There's still ultimately potential in the series, it just remains at the mercy of environment art- a relationship I talk about in detail in the full episode review on Animehouse.

Dandadan Volume 7: Moe! Moe! Tri-Beam!

Yukinobu Tatsu really does have such a winning formula with Dandadan. Every twist and turn is incredibly interesting, and their narrative work plays right into the palm of their artistic talent. Volume 7 is an outstanding example of that thanks to how little fighting exists within the volume.

This volume is really all about Momo and Okarun- though like previously slower paced segments- mostly Okarun. And it works really well (unsurprisingly). Okarun takes center stage but it's through other characters.

He's able to stand front and center because of his relationship with Momo, or the second fiddle he believes himself to play to Jiji, or whatever else. Ultimately though, our eyes always gravitate to the depressed speed demon.

Though, Tatsu does do a pretty good job of ensuring that readers are forced to look elsewhere, what with things like a heavy metal exorcist band or a group of classical musician ghosts with impossibly large heads.

It's really great work, and perfectly represents the impressive synergy of Tatsu's written and visual work. Story blends effortlessly with the absurd visual identity of the story, and that happens both with the extreme and the mundane.

The easiest example of the simple work is Tatsu's incredible character blocking. Their awareness of depth and motion within panels is incredible, and it gives so many of the sequences an impressive amount of life.

Tatsu is able to create an impeccable flow that takes even the simple things like Okarun taking Jiji to the bathroom into a fun and interesting sequence.

Though, this has largely focused on Tatsu's visual work, but the narrative capabilities of Dandadan really aren't anything to scoff at. Tatsu's able to perfectly grasp the sort of nondescript and fearful approach teens take to relationships- both in terms of new developments as well as breakdowns.

On the plus side for example, we see Okarun and Momo's relationship grow a considerable degree as they look for the same thing in one another, but neither has the confidence to take the next step. They silently creep forward, hoping to not incur the wrath of a label upon their bond- and I think it's really fun to read. There's plenty of uncertainty and awkwardness with the pair, but their passion and feelings still come through quite clear.

On the flip side, we have Okarun and Jiji, a pair that's had a... tense, friendship so far. Okarun has mostly gotten past his struggles of inadequacy with Jiji, but they ultimately still linger- evidenced by his reaction to the Evil Eye laying hands directly on Momo. It's nothing so serious, but ultimately represents the challenges of that sort of relationship.

Jiji feels isolated and regretful for what he did, but he can't find the words for either Momo or Okarun. Similarly, Okarun understands that he's overreacted, but he can't quite bring himself to face Jiji (and by extension the Evil Eye) just yet.

In a sense, Yukinobu Tatsu has come a very long way from the beginnings of Dandadan, it's just been a path with very little relation to their visual work.

Tatsu set themselves apart with the ridiculous nature of their work (much like their previous employer Tatsuki Fujimoto did with Chainsaw Man), but has been steadily proving that they have far more to offer than that.

The series remains as crazy as ever, but having confidence in the foundation of Dandadan, Tatsu has been exploring more and more of the sincerity and depth at the core of this work, and it's made for some great reading as of late.

Sketchy Volume 1: That Girl

Have you ever considered reading a manga about women in their 20s and 30s learning to skate for the first time? Have you ever wondered about how skateboarding may be used as a way to break free of the struggles of a life that passes by as an indiscriminate blur in front of these characters?

Mangaka Makihirochi has, and it's produced a deeply refreshing and comforting first volume with Sketchy. Cross-examining three women in varying stations in life, it's a story brimming with a quiet regret of the past, but a loud and hopeful future of passion and rediscovery- and of course, skateboarding.

An incredibly candid experience, it's sure to find a chord to strike within every reader thanks to all the incredible groundwork in this initial volume- which is discussed in detail at Animehouse

Spice and Wolf Episode 2: No Laughing Matter

Being a transitional episode between premiere and our first story arc, series director Sanpei Hijiri steps into the role of storyboarder for the episode, and certainly proves to viewers their worth as director of Spice and Wolf. Incidentally though, they may also just prove that they're better as director than storyboarder.

Similarly, though the episode is rather... "methodic" in terms of content, we'll say, it does a great job of flexing the strengths and capabilities of the studio- highlighted by Kevin Penkin's beautiful soundtrack, and Kazuhiro Inuoue's beautifully thoughtful art direction.

It's a great watch for new and seasoned fans alike, and holds a wealth of positive potential for the series, which I discuss in detail in the full review at Animehouse.

Sound! Euphonium Season 3 Episode 1: New Euphonium

After an almost excruciatingly long wait bordering on a decade, Kyoto Animation has delivered Sound! Euphonium season 3. Seeing Kumiko step into the role of club president in full, this debut episode is a reminder of the race against the clock that Kumiko and her fellow third years find themselves in with their goal.

Similarly, this debut episode is a great reminder of Kumiko's past, all the passion that exists within it, and the bright future of the Kitauji high school Wind Ensemble.

Supported by a core KyoAni team with strong history, the episode shines incredibly brightly- in the hands of assistant director Taichi Ogawa. In a symbolic show of faith that series director Tatsuya Ishihara has in their right-hand man Ogawa, the longtime secondary has been gifted the first episode of this new season- and they refuse to let Ishihara down.

Jellyfish Can't Swim In The Night X Kaneko Yuuji

Forever and always I'll be in love with Kaneko Yuuji's backgrounds. Absolutely standout work befitting of the pinnacle of someone in their position.

Though, I really do think that color designer Kei Ishiguro knocked it out of the park with this work. Their awareness of shadows and lighting gave the episode such an impossibly beautiful yet realistic feel. I think my favorite example of that is the lights on the underside of the railings on that large staircase. Incredible incredible eye for color and lighting.

And though it's not "as" felt, Takafumi Kuwano's composition is outstanding. They bring so much life to these scenes in very subtle ways, and I think their approach to edge lighting and highlights on the characters meshes perfectly with this work. Their subtractive approach that sees them overwrite pieces of outline on a character just fits so well within the work, and much like Ishiguro, their awareness of shadows and lighting makes for some incredibly striking and full scenes.

Jellyfish Can't Swim At Night First Impressions

With a concept that seemed impossible to ignore, and the inclusion of art director savant Kaneko Yuuji, it's hard to have thought it would ever be bad.

Similarly, it was hard to imagine the upper limits of the work with Doga Kobo, but its first episode has arrived, and.... well, it blows expectations out of the water.

Ryouhei Takeshita's boards scream teenage spirit, drawing out the angst and yearning that rests within every high school student that wants to reach for greatness. The nighttime scenes are incredibly well done, and the animation is shockingly good.

As a premier, it squarely rivals the greatest of the season with Train To The End of The World and Wind Breaker, and leaves any viewers with more than a world of things to talk about. Below, Piro and BlueDash dip their toes into that sort of discussion with episode 1.

Welcome To Demon School! Iruma Kun! Volume 7: Irumean

Evil Cycle Iruma has finally arrived in the manga, and anime fans will no doubt be excited about that prospect. Of course, being the source of that adaptation, manga readers should have no concerns about how its handled.

Instead, they should be excited for Nishi's creativity that renders every moment of Iruma-Kun a riot of a read that will have you grinning from ear to ear as you soak in everything about the volume- of which there's a surprising amount. Ranging from more history of the Demon world, to bits of foreshadowing and theory crafting with Iruma's right (finger?) man Alikred, and of course to all the humor and positive messages that Iruma-Kun's known for.

It's a volume for fans through and through and furthers the idea that Iruma-Kun continues to age like a fine wine- only getting better with time.

Have To Love A Good KyoAni (Eupho) Background

Been making my way through a re-watch of Sound! Euphonium to refamiliarize myself with the content, but it's been taking ages as I constantly stop to soak up the art. Season 2 has had such a night and day different to season one across the board, but all the same these environments catch my eye more than anything else (though the instruments are definitely a close 2nd).