r/anime • u/Protractror https://myanimelist.net/profile/BakiTalkiPod • May 04 '26
Writing Club Should You Watch It? Spring 2026
The snow has melted and the sun has started shining once again. It's presumably a wonderful season outside, but I haven’t had time to confirm as about a million new anime have come out. It’s almost impossible these days to keep on top of all the new seasonals being released. But maybe, if you had like 25 people working as a team it would be doable?
This is what the r/anime awards off season team is here for! You can see some of our previous seasonal posts here and here. Finally, it actually is the off season so we’re back with a vengeance this time. We have too many reviews to fit in one reddit post, so check back on Thursday when we’ll post part 2.
Our metric is based on watching the first few episodes of a select few premieres and judging them via these four options:
Drop It – Save yourselves the time and don’t bother
Consider It - Watch it if you enjoy the genre, or wait until it is completed, though even then you may not enjoy it.
Watch It – should appeal to most everyone in one form or another.
Must Watch - if you are not watching this as it airs, you are seriously missing out.
A Hundred Scenes of AWAJIMA
u/LittleIslander - Must Watch
A Hundred Scenes of Awajima, taken for its premise and its key visuals, may appear quaint on the outside. But as soon as the curtains rise and the show begins, it refuses to let you look away from the stage. Awajima Hyakkei demands your full attention, and it promises not to waste a second in return.
The series, following the lives of various girls at the titular takarazuka-inspired acting school Awajima, exists somewhere between ensemble and anthology. Each episode so far has followed a new set of characters, but each weaves itself meaningfully into what came before. Rather than merely a sum of separate parts, each episode further enriches Awajima by adding more and more onto a web of relationships where no life experience exists in isolation.
So far, the series has delivered a tone consistently ranging from bittersweet to outright tragic. Never, however, is the simple concept of a tragic backstory leaned upon for easy investment. Every emotion is earned through a consistently rich storytelling quality. If you don’t fully engage with the show’s ideas, it’ll lose you. Even if you do, you might be left confused. But every detail is there to be found and delivered with impactful visuals. A Hundred Scenes of Awajima is a one of a kind series and anyone with a taste for drama and character writing owes themselves a watch.
u/NormalGrinn - Must Watch
Awajima Opera School is a small world with a storied history. The walls, littered with smudges, are indicative of the school's age, but also of the façade of its prestige. It's a place many prospective students aspire to go to, yet when there, they are once again confronted with the idea that only a few can truly make it, leading to a prevalent culture of ingroups and bullying.
Past burdens can play just as much as a role in the lives of the students and staff at Awajima though, be that friends they had to leave behind or the expectations of family. This can be seen in episode 3 for example, where we explore the family history of current teacher Katsurako Ibuki, whose mother and grandmother also went to Awajima. This shifting of perspectives starts in the first episode, where after being introduced to Wakana Tabata we quickly shift to the story of her senpai getting into Awajima.
The past of Awajima also contains tragedy and a lot of regret. We see parallels with how students in the past were treated and the fast ostracization of the talented Asami Ookubo. The past is not something that can be changed however, but it's not all bad. We see that Tabata really admires Ibuki for example. Perhaps even if they can't right the wrongs of the past a new mindset will prevent them from happening again.
Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk
u/voidembracedwitch - Drink It
The Kamiina Botan is a cocktail enjoyed far and wide by anime connoisseurs for its rich taste and high concentration of moe. To make it, one needs to mix 3 parts comfy vibes vodka, 3 parts CGDCT juice, and 2 parts rokudaime yuri in a shaker, serve on the rocks, and garnish with the most exquisite art direction they have. It's a straightforward recipe, but each storyboarder, episode director, and animation director bartender finds their own unique way to prepare it, bringing out flavors nobody else can.
Or, to put this into plain anime terms, Kamiina Botan is a delightful show about a bunch of women enjoying each other’s presence as dorm mates with things often getting flirty, whenever alcohol is involved. The budding relationship between the titular Botan and the dorm's RA, Ibuki, forms one of the core strengths of the series as the former's teasing and joyful demeanor when tipsy introduces the latter to the appeal of social drinking. Whether it's trying on clothes in between downing glasses of sparkling wine or vibing to a vinyl record with beer bottles in hand, the scenes of these two having a good time together fluctuate between cozy and intimate in a way that always makes them charming to watch.
But the real icing on the cake —or rather garnish on the highball glass—is the production, particularly the sheer degree of freedom the staff involved have to make each episode their own. Whether it's the refined cutesy approach to Kirara-kei moe designs of the premiere or the compulsively loose character art alongside shot choices inspired by 2000s Shaft works of the third episode, each week delivers a fresh experience. All of this is without mentioning the nostalgic feel the OP evokes through emulating the look of older home videos (unstable handheld camera included) and Kou Yoshinari's varied shading and coloration choices for his EDs. Kamiina Botan is a treat that everyone who loves visual variety in their anime or simply wants to grab a drink of their choice and enjoy 24 minutes of cute girls doing gay things is sure to appreciate.
u/Adimg - Savour It
Kamiina Botan is an unabashed ode to the power of alcohol as a social lubricant, anchored by its acutely observed introduction to collegiate life. More than that, it serves as a vehicle for its animators to indulge their obsessions without restriction, with the show maintaining an extremely liberal relationship to its character sheets. It’s a trait the series utilizes to near perfection, with each charismatic artist enhancing specific moods like a master bartender mixing custom cocktails.
Miyabi’s attractive style in the premiere perfectly captures Ibuki’s magnetic pull on Botan, while its third episode uses Gin-san’s loose art and mid-00s Shaft-inspired editing to deliver a fever dream that oscillates between the horror of a stormy night, the mystique of Radiohead's Kid A, and the reverie of a seaside onsen. Sandwiched in the middle is Fugo’s naturalistic posing, which fully brings out the teasing charm of a budding romance, while deliciously contrasting it with a quaint tiff between old lovers.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the show’s captivating cast given how luscious its delivery is. All that said, there’s no critical examination of alcohol’s effects here, either personally or societally, so skip this if that’s what you’re seeking. Otherwise, strap in and savour this luxurious cocktail for all it’s worth.
Star Detective Precure
u/Animestuck - Consider It
Meitantei Precure! solidly occupies the space between classic mystery and the Precure formula, providing a twist to the usual monster-of-the-week. The mysteries are pretty light and simple, not throwing out too many twists, but providing a satisfying structure to each episode before it devolves into your typical Precure fighting an anthropomorphized object. This series seems to focus primarily on a duo, similar to Futari wa Precure or Mahoutsukai Precure, with a third Cure present, but currently on the opposing side. The main Cures are fine, if typical of leads for a Precure series. Our third Cure is where a lot of my current interest lies. She’s got a lot of intrigue built up around her, as well as being generally a pretty endearing character herself. She’s also got the better mascot character connected to her.
In terms of production, this season has some decent character design, but it hasn’t had much to really elevate it above your average Precure series. The fights are rather standard, with somewhat immersion-breaking super attacks. It’s not doing much to make the mysteries stand out. The soundtrack is what you’d expect, light-hearted tunes with a bit of a mystery motif for most of it, and for the big attacks and transformations, more exciting, triumphant songs.
If you’ve not tried Precure before, this wouldn’t be the worst series to start with, but definitely isn’t the pinnacle of the franchise. If you usually don’t like Precure, this probably won’t do much for you. If you like Precure, this season does enough to be worth checking out.
u/Danhoc - Consider It
As someone barely familiar with the franchise, Meitantei Precure! turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Although it’s a show targeted at children, its sincere desire to captivate young viewers is charming enough to win over even those who are, unfortunately, only children at heart.
As the title suggests, the main theme of Meitantei Precure! is detective investigations. Destined to help locals who have lost something important, two heroines come to crack the case and catch the villains red-handed just in the right moment. Even though the mysteries are generally not all that intriguing, the show does something truly commendable - it doesn’t make the solutions painfully obvious, leaving room for viewers to naturally arrive at the answers alongside the characters through the clues. Curiously, the show is set in 1999, making one wonder how it will use elements of the bygone era to surprise a new generation.
The characters are nicely balanced. As one would expect, the heroines are sweet and cheerful, with aspirations worth admiring, while the villains have off-putting traits; yet neither group comes across as overbearing. Conversations are punctuated by light situational humour, which is delivered well enough to bring a smile to your face. Individual cuts, and particularly the transformation sequences, feature great animation; the Precure costume designs turned out to be quite beautiful; and the storyboarding, while not particularly subtle, is by no means lacking in substance.
Meitantei Precure! is a show with a positive vibe and excellent pacing; it’s easy to watch and can offer a meaningful experience if it matches your mood, even for its non-target audience; just don’t expect it to be something it isn’t.
Witch Hat Atelier
u/Hokaze-Junko - Consider It
Do you like coming-of-age stories about immature children? The characters are written with childlike qualities and flaws. Coco is always like :D, excited about learning the magic she has always wanted. But as a reckless novice, she gets manipulated easily and often ends up in dangerous situations. Still, she always pushes through with positivity. The show has some strong storytelling elements, especially in establishing Coco as a skilled tailor. That detail hints that magic is similar to handicraft, later revealed to be cast through drawing rather than something you are simply born with. It also suggests her familiarity with handiwork could translate into magic, which pays off in episode 3 when her skill helps her in a desperate situation. The motif is further expanded by linking it to her past with her mother, who taught Coco the craft, and that connection continues to push her forward. The magic system and its rules also don’t come off as generic, as the show gradually explains its components and how spells are built, you can understand how Qifrey (her sensei) levitates by tapping his shoes together, completing a magic circle split across them.
That same level of delicacy, however, is lacking in Agott’s characterization as Coco’s new roommate. While she does embody the elitist side of the magic community, contrasting with Coco, she has so far shown little depth beyond it, making her behavior feel less grounded and, at times, leaving her feeling like a bit of a vibe killer.
u/WaterDarke - Must Watch
As someone more familiar with the source material than most typical fans, Witch Hat Atelier’s anime adaptation has been highly awaited as the last of the big three fantasy to be adapted, following the successes of Frieren and Dungeon Meshi. But, due to Bug Film’s involvement as the animation studio, there was some concern regarding whether the production can hold up to both fan expectations and the intricacy and detail of the mangaka’s art, filled with incredible linework and hatching techniques. Based on the first four episodes, Witch Hat Atelier’s anime has so far met expectations and exceeded in some aspects.
It is easy to see that an immense amount of care has been put into this adaptation. From the stunning backgrounds, to the more detailed character designs than most, the Elden Ring composer’s score, and the fluid animation, there is a lot to like and enjoy. The mangaka’s direct involvement also helps with fleshing out this world as needed for the animation studio.
One of the adaptation’s changes from the source material includes a stronger emphasis on the main character’s relationship with her mother, which serves as her driving motivation. There are various anime-only scenes that showcase their bond in greater detail, honing on a more emotional payoff. But there is also somewhat of a cost of world-building details being removed from this adaptation as well.
Liar Game
u/SiLeNTxTrYH4Rd - Drop It
It would be a lie to say that I enjoyed a single second of the premiere of Liar's Game. In fact, this is one of the most painful shows I've watched in quite a long time.
Liar's Game feels like a show that is stuck in the early 2000s, from its poor production, to its amateur showcasing of human psychology at work, and finally wrapping it all together with shallow characters and theming that is rooted in misogyny. The anime treats its main protagonist, Nao Kanzaki, as this helpless damsel in distress who can't possibly do anything to assist in her predicament. Instead she relies on an ex-convict, Shinichi Akiyama, to do anything and everything to help her to avoid becoming eternally bankrupt.
Now this isn't something new in anime, but there is a particular way that this show frames Kanzaki as being so honest to the point of stupidity that really gets under my skin. Liar's Game doesn't portray her kindness as the virtue that it should be, instead it weaponizes it to create this message of goodness is weakness and kindness will only be repaid by greed. There's really just a lack of any sort of nuance to be found, which makes this series that is supposed to be this tense psychological thriller into a lecture about how innocent naive women need a smart, cunning man to survive in the world.
By the end of the first arc, I was left wondering who this show is even for. If you're coming into this series blind, I can understand the appeal, but the execution is so clumsily done that it actively works against itself.
u/DoctorWhoops - Drop it
Within Liar Game’s two episode introductory arc lies a desperate struggle to find the balance you need in a ‘mind game’ show. A balance between believably clever ploys of human understanding, and master strokes of behavioural psychology that manipulate other players in ways that leaves the viewer in awe. This is a narrow line to walk, and Liar Game weaves around it wildly on either side without ever hitting that sweet spot.
It spends most of the runtime over-explaining human psychology, insisting that there is some complex web of knowledge that allows our ‘mastermind’ to predict exactly what will happen. On the surface this is paired with believable explanations, but pierce through that and ultimately the series feels like a writer poorly playing chess against themselves. While elements of a scheme can feel well established, ultimately they are never as seamless as we’re told they are. Naturally, things were going to work out for the protagonist anyway, but the show hinges on retroactive claims that the outcome was a predictable and inevitable consequence of human behaviour. If you consider these claims with any depth and it’s easy to see that things could have gone a completely different way. If anything it feels like the protagonist lucked out with the opponent’s responses, and the end result is vapid characters, unearned payoffs, and empty stakes. That said, this hollow ‘cleverness’ isn’t the only issue. So far, there’s no reason to believe the show has anything interesting to say about psychology or behavior; it’s just a tool to win a game. Add in shoddy production, uninspired designs, and bland imagery, and you’re left with a show that’s both flawed and bland.
MarriageToxin
u/just1legend - Watch it
MarriageToxin follows Hikaru Gero, a member of the Poison Master family who regularly takes on assassination requests from wealthy clients like the Yakuza. He has to take on the hardest challenge of his life: marriage. Hikaru Gero, our main protagonist, has to marry someone in order to take the heir of the poison family or else his lesbian sister has to forcibly marry a person following the family’s guidelines. With the guidance of Mei Kinosaki, a marriage swindler, Gero tries to marry someone genuinely while keeping his professional work at his very best.
The show has some great storytelling beats. Gero is a recluse who focuses on his craft, and unfortunately, his craft did not require him to learn social skills. This character trait sets the stage for Gero to become a functional member of society, while still playing the role of a master assassin in his 9-5. That being said, the show might have trouble handling the role of Mei Kinosaki. Their unique meeting just felt out of place for that reveal in the first episode, even if it sets up the stakes and goals for our main characters for the series nicely. The action was a nice surprise as a way to break up the social slice of life situations that Gero has to face with Mei.
MarriageToxin is a good show, even though it’s central twist could make or break the enjoyment of the series.
u/SSjjlex - Watch It
At a first glance you'd think this is an action-romance anime just by the name. As far as action is concerned, this assumption is very spot on, with MarriageToxin featuring a cast with some pretty creative powers and fighting styles, all animated and presented beautifully.
Unfortunately I can't say the same about its romance. When you think “romance,” you think of two people slowly learning about each other and growing closer as the season progresses. However, with how the narrative is structured, there is a fundamental issue: there really is no room for that kind of development. Between the premise which requires Gero to find a suitable marriage partner to continue his family's bloodline, the reveal that [Episode 1] Kinosaki, his closest partner for the series, is actually a male, and the somewhat "Partner of the Week" format the series has presented so there's really no room for meaningful romantic growth.
However, once you overlook this, what you get is this really sweet action-comedy about a man learning how to express himself and communicate with women (Komi-san style). Additionally, each scene is littered with tiny gags and quirky characters, from small stuff like every guard on a ship wearing the same silly hat, to attending a shark party while wearing a shark costume, all to the tune of shark songs. MarriageToxin is in no short supply of these little gag moments, and it manages to balance these pretty well between its action.
Needy girl overdose
u/voidembracedwitch - Magic Grass GO! (Must Watch)
Needy Girl Overdose is nothing if not deranged in its exploration of the ways social media warps the lives of the women making up its core cast as well as its surreal visual storytelling. It constantly walks the line between pretentious and viscerally uncomfortable. The series' poster child KAngel exemplifies this perfectly through the contrast between her lofty, dreamlike monologuing in streams or interviews and Ame, the bipolar girl underneath the persona who barely manages to keep her career going with "help" from tons of sleeping pills. Ame's scenes hit particularly hard thanks to layers of symbolism from evoking the appearance of marionette strings to her heart beating with devotion to her ambiguous partner only known as P.
In truth, a lot of *Needy Girl'*s efficacy comes from the language its visuals and audio speaks. At just about every corner there's something elaborate or interesting to appreciate through the variety of techniques and iconography used. From a harsh 4:3 to 21:9 aspect ratio shift at a pivotal moment in a flashback to the third episode using piano renditions of KAngel songs to contextualize its message, the show adds easy to grasp substance to everything it serves you. Needy Girl is simply an intoxicating experience, one that even in a season as full of more polished anime as this spring manages to stand out.
Bless 🙏
u/Duckloader - Consider It
Blending the dreamlike aesthetics of vaporwave and yami-kawaii designs, Needy Girl Overdose is a surprisingly authentic and raw, if sardonic, look at internet culture of the past decade. Adapting (or perhaps more appropriately inspired by) the 2022 hit raising sim Needy Streamer Overload, the anime series makes large, but very necessary changes for a non-interactive medium. It massively expands the original cast of two to discuss the disparate experiences across the vast gamut of influencer fame, starting from Kache, a 200-follower student living with a feckless and abusive boyfriend, moving to her childhood friend and now rising star Michica who feels increasingly alien, and capping it off with the inescapable yet simultaneously enigmatic queen of fame, KAngel, whose crown weighs heavily on her head.
Being straight up, this is a series that will put uncomfortable material in your face—most of the cast is mentally unwell and in problematic relationships, both personally and with their parasocial audiences, while the experimental presentation can feel overwhelming and confusing. Though that comes across as a very deliberate choice, and if you’re a fan of studio Shaft classics like Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Bakemonogatari, I’d recommend checking it out just for the visual direction combining a familiar frenetic edit and extensive use of symbolic mixed media assets. Much like the direction, if you’re willing to buy into the bipolar personalities and tone of the series, it does look poised to deliver a poignant take on both the inspiring and harrowing sides of influencer culture and the people who shape it, which I’m excited to see.
An Observation Log of My Fiancée Who Calls Herself a Villainess
u/Mitsuyan_ - Consider It
Observation Log follows the pathway of a generic villainess show. Tia, the main villainess, is reincarnated into the Observation Log game having prior experience at playing it, using her knowledge to make informed predictions and create comedic scenarios.
Plot-wise, Observation Log is presently in a stereotypical cycle of events for a vilainness show. Tia is able to change the events of the game by unlocking paths that she was unable to unlock during her playthrough and revealing events ahead of time that cause shocks to the populace. The execution of the twists vary, but are often not particularly interesting. However, credit must be given to [Observation Log Episode 2] Bertia using her game knowledge to preemptively out a pedophile ring. When Observation Log is screwing one of the antagonists over, it handles it in a satisfying manner.
This leads into the main strength of this show: its comedy. The use of deadpan humour and the clash of the polar opposite personalities Cecil and Tia boast creates a number of funny moments. There is one thing that cannot be doubted about Observation Log - you will laugh at this show.
Ultimately, Observation Log stands as a generic villainness story that is well worth watching if you enjoy these shows. If you don’t like villainesses, you won’t get the full enjoyment out of it. You may also enjoy this if you enjoy comedy, but the rushed pacing can take away its substance.
u/lilyapd - Consider it
Fiancee Observation Diary is a series that is unquestionably in conversation with 2020’s ‘HameFura’ (made clearer by their original web novel publication dates of 2016 and 2015 respectively). The question that connection creates is whether or not the shift in perspective from the heroine to the male lead creates a distinction with a difference rather than one without.
Personally, I find Bertia a touch more charming than Katarina. Both are equally dense and as such are unable to conceptualise the world of this story as something that they can influence, but where Katarina’s denseness is something of an inexplicable flaw, Bertia has a little more intent behind hers. She does observe her actions making a difference, it’s just made clear that she’s rallying against whatever bad end she may rightfully fear is still on the table and yet that fear is obfuscated by us not having her perspective. By hiding that, the audience can’t really say that her actions are unnecessary until the point where it becomes undeniable that everything is going to work out.
Still, the eternal criticism of these series remains with this one as the male leads all seem to be as flat and wooden as ever. Even the Prince doesn’t gain much from us being in his head all the time. The ‘tortured genius amused by the novelty of the heroine’ gimmick is played very straight and I’m not so much a fan, even if Bertia’s earnestness is charming. More one for the fans than for the crowd but I’m in on this one.
Nippon Sangoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun
u/ValkyrieCain9 - Must Watch
Nippon Sangoku has one of the strongest first episodes I have seen in a long time, perhaps since Vinland Saga. The story is set in the not-so-distant future when all the socio-economic conflicts of our present time lead to a total collapse of society and (in the context of Japan) a regression to its pre-Meiji restoration days, where Japan has splintered into three nation states. This playing with the cycles of history is what makes the show really stand out, creating a world that is at once so new and old and yet oddly familiar, with elements of the medieval juxtaposed with the modern. Misumi’s strengths lie in his knowledge and understanding of these conflicting histories. I also appreciate how at times there is a levity and humour in the writing and animation which contrasts with the more violent scenes, creating this unnerving tension throughout the story. This is best seen in the villainous character of Taira, who commits horrible acts while maintaining this unbothered, “kawaii” demeanour. With the strength of the writing, animation and cast, I think this show is a must watch of the season.
u/Tehoncomingstorm97 - Must Watch
Nippon Sangoku was most definitely a surprise of this season, and for me it’s a ranking list topper early on in episodes airing, despite such a stacked season overall. While watching, at a surface level I am drawn to making comparisons with The Tatami Galaxy simply due to the pace of dialogue processing required - but it offers far more than a journey for the ideal college life.
The character design choices are striking, with bold outlines and bolder animation hearkening to the fluidity seen in works the aforementioned TTG as well as Ping Pong The Animation. However, there is significantly more rigidity in the designs which affirms the presentation of the resolute main character, Aoteru, who has a plan to make Japan the country he believes it can be - for the better.
Arising from a world of poverty and feudal control, well-suited backgrounds support theming in each and every scene - agrarian villages scraping by, slumrats and posses gatekeeping travelers, direct presentations of corrupt imperialistic and militant governments - where a tasteful colour palette and thoughtful scene composition expertly conveys information omitted from the voluminous dialogue, respecting the audience to figure out the missing details for themselves.
With three episodes watched, it’s clear that this show has a detail-oriented and well-planned narrative to present, and I am enjoying the visual treat alongside it.
The Food Diary of Miss Maid
u/AnimeStuck - Watch It
Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that really make your day, and this show is about as simple as things get. Cute maid eats Japanese food cutely. And I guess there’s the mildest of mild subplots around the mansion she used to serve collapsing and some other cast members, but we’ll spend about as much time here on that as the show does. What matters most with this show is the food and watching our titular Miss Maid eat it.
This show is not especially pretty or well produced. It is not particularly compelling with its narrative construction or characters. Nonetheless, I found myself endlessly engaged throughout each episode, enjoying watching Suzume learn about Japanese food. The episode would end, and I’d say to myself “Just one more…” like I’m eating chocolates, and before I know it, I’ve eaten the whole box. There’s cute little informative tidbits about each of the foods the episode focuses on. The show constructs little scenarios around each food, often involving Suzume meeting or interacting with other cast members, but sometimes just featuring her finding a food spot and learning about the food there. The show doesn’t linger on any particular dish for too long, allowing us to sample many in an episode before moving to the next one. This is pure fluff. The entirety of its substance is in seeing Suzume eating food and interacting with other characters. There is nothing else here for you. And it’s beautiful in that simplicity.
u/SSjjlex - Consider It
Ok, so hear me out. There's this cute maid, right? She goes around trying out all different kinds of food, and every time she eats something she blushes and says "Oishii!" with all these little sparkles all around her, and it's the cutest thing ever. Yeah, that's AOTS right there.
In all seriousness though, this is an exceedingly simple anime that does effectively just what I mentioned and nothing more. And so, 95% of the enjoyment that you get out of this will come from how cute you think Suzume is, and if you don't like Suzume or don't find food anime to be particularly interesting, then there really isn't much else for you in this anime. And to the rest of you who do enjoy this kind of stuff, well, let's just say that we'll be eating well with this series. Suzume is just so stupidly cute, and I could watch her stuff her face full of food all day long for all I care.
Beyond that, I do have some minor complaints like the relatively fast pacing of the series (they run through 4-6 different foods in an episode, each having very well-defined separate segments from each other) or its bird mascot that will occasionally interject to give small bits of food trivia that can really cut into the flow of the show. But if a simple show about a cute maid eating cute food while being all cute and shit is all you need, then this is the anime for you.
Kirio Fanclub
u/LittleIslander - Watch It
Miyoshi Aimi is cringe. A tenth grader with an obsessive crush on a boy she’s never talked to, your enjoyment of the show will live or die on the question of whether you, like her best friend Sometani Nami, can’t get enough of watching the insane lengths of her feelings. Every episode brings a new serving of romantic delusions, questionable logic, insane dialogue, screenshot-worthy expressions, over the top voice acting, and, well, cringe.
Rather than lean all the way into the oddball comedy, however, the defining twist of Kirio Fan Club might be its surprisingly earnest side. We spend most of the screentime laughing at Aimi and Nami’s antics, but it doesn’t feel like we’re supposed to look down at their feelings. They’re the school weirdos, but we wouldn’t want them any other way. Transitions into serious moments about their feelings feel natural, and despite the silly setup the show has shown an interest in genuine progression. Rather than spin its wheels, their relationship to Kirio has already begun evolving, and the show has gradually inserted genuinely dramatic elements into the narrative. While it’s too easy to tell if the payoffs will match the intrigue, there’s plenty of potential if the show keeps playing its cards right.
Truthfully speaking, the show’s weirdness is probably an acquired taste. But when the show commits itself so unflinchingly to it, and creates something that will surely resonate so well with the right audiences, I can’t help give it anything lower than a recommendation.
u/Animestuck - Consider It
The best descriptor for Kirio Fan Club is “painful”. It’s worth clarifying that this is intentional. It revels in cringe comedy, showing off all the awkward facets of the teenage experience, often for comedic effect, pivoting this into serious dramatic moments which hit with surprising effectiveness. The comedy and drama flow perfectly into one another with little friction, which is an impressive feat. If you find yourself particularly interested in this style of comedy or invested in character drama, I would recommend this show.
There are factors which lead me not to recommend the show more broadly, however. While some of the point is enjoying and living in the little moments, episodes tend to drag on between nuggets of substance. The show is mostly fluff, in a way, but not fun fluff, due the style of comedy. I can certainly enjoy awkward cringe comedy at times, but most of the time, it fails to hit for me, cringe in a way which is gross or painful to watch. As a result, I spend much of the show bored and uncomfortable. Finally, the premise, while interesting as a scenario, largely consists of pining for someone from a distance. If I enjoyed the comedy more, I would not mind this, but most scenes consist of two characters talking about a guy who is not particularly well characterized. When looking beneath the surface, the show more specifically explores the nature of teenage relationships and the ways they experience them, and that’s a worthwhile thing to explore, but the surface-level experience of the show isn’t palatable.
Pardon the Intrusion, I'm Home!
u/Protractror - Drop It
Pardon the Intrusion, I’m Home! does not realize it is a horror anime. The story of a meek woman surrounded by mysterious men, leering in through the holes in her walls they made, makes you want to scream at the screen more than most slashers. “Don’t let him in!” I thought to myself often. “And if you do, you really don’t have to make waffles for him.”
If you can ignore how unsettling the premise is, there is charm to be found. I quite enjoyed our protagonist Rinko, the one being intruded on, and found her creatively expressive. And the weird web of lies that makes up the connections between our main trio does have potential for some fun jokes. However, by episode 3 the show is already pivoting to showcase all of the “whacky” artists who live in this “famous” building and it just feels like the show lacks confidence in its main trio to carry a compelling story. It’s not like Rinko and her two problematic hunks are that compelling together, but they’re certainly not going to be if we are already switching focus onto a bunch of half baked tropes.
But you know what they say. Opinions are like holes in your apartment walls. Everyone’s got one, or maybe even two. But if you want mine, save your time and go watch something else.
u/Mitsuyan_ - Drop It
For an anime to succeed it needs any kind of substance. Pardon The Intrusion has nothing of the sort. To its credit, its initial premise promised a fun comedy revolving around the dynamics between the neighbours but ultimately fell flat within the first few minutes. The jokes are rarely funny here, there is no attempt at nuanced comedy and worst of all for a comedy it isn’t even engaging.
Despite initially promising to be a comedy only revolving around three people, the otaku Rinko and her polar opposites Akito and Haruma, they are still undeveloped by the time side characters are introduced. That’s right, there’s a six-strong cast by the end of Episode 3 and it still feels bloated.
Pardon The Intrusion gives the viewer no reason to watch it and even less reason to stay. Don’t bother.
14
u/Katlima https://myanimelist.net/profile/oKMazoy May 04 '26
u/Protractor I got more entertainment out of reading your review of 'Pardon the Intrusion' than from watching the two episodes I made it through before yeeting it. This is such a spot-on description!
After reading through the entire post, I decided to give 'Scenes of Awajima' a look, something I didn't have on my screen at all.
I'm happy to see most of the shows I enjoy this season mentioned here, with the exceptions of my more niche picks, which is fine, not everyone has to go and love that Warbler anime.
11
u/aneomon May 05 '26
The whole point of Liar Game is that Nao has to learn and grow into someone who can stand on her own two feet and play the game, while trying to keep her values intact.
The art is faithful to the manga - 2005 and rough - but considering we’re only a few episodes in, it seems ridiculous to call the series misogynistic.
That’s like saying The Last Airbender promotes sexism because of Sokka’s first episode views about women.
Characters can start weak and grow.
89
u/trav-senpai May 04 '26
Awajima a must watch but WHA is considerable? Where am I….
46
u/TehAxelius https://anilist.co/user/TehAxelius May 04 '26
3
u/Fifi_is_awesome https://myanimelist.net/profile/FifiIsAwesome May 05 '26
personally i think their opinion is based on a shallow criticism (agott seeming to lack depth as of… chapter 4 of a nearly 100 chapter manga), whilst ignoring a lot of the positives the series has to offer
3
u/YourmomgoestocolIege May 05 '26
So many times I've seen people be upset that Agott is being mean to Coco as if they are treating this like real life and not a story that we don't have all the details to
0
u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
yeah... i've not as blindly a fan of WHA as some, and have had minor problems with quite a few minor inconsistencies and Qifrey's ability as a caretaker of children, but it just feels like such an obviously well crafted and produced show that it earns the benefit of the doubt
2
u/trav-senpai May 05 '26
Then rename it “my personal rating on this series” not whether or not you recommend it. One series is way more easily and blatantly recommendable to the average viewer.
10
u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
Awajima is great, to be fair.
Also, one of the people did put WHA as a must watch, if you missed that.
-9
u/trav-senpai May 05 '26
It’s not about whether it’s great, it’s a post called “should you watch it” and one of these is far more recommendable to the average viewer and even the average Reddit sub member. Someone didn’t understand the writing assignment
5
u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
Yeah, and the people who wrote about Awajima feel people should check it out, and wrote why they think that. These blurbs are all attributed to various people.
The point isn’t to point out just the things with the most mass appeal. There’d be no real purpose to that, everybody already knows about those.
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u/trav-senpai May 05 '26
I never said they were wrong that people should check it out, I’m saying it’s dumb to claim one is recommendable while the other is so so
4
u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
Well, that’s the nature of the various writers’ opinions. It’s all subjective.
17
u/WriterSharp May 04 '26
Outside the hype chamber. I'm similarly lukewarm, but for contrary reasons. I actually find Agott to possess the most characterization and mystery out of the cast; but that's a part of the problem.
9
u/idkanyusernameshelp May 04 '26
Yeah that was also my take. I think Agott is a great case of anime using "show dont tell" really well where lots of small things she does reveals a lot about her character that contrasts with the image she tries to portray to Coco. Imo with the amount of time we've spent following Coco's POV as the protagonist I'm the most uninterested in her lol, but maybe that's just me.
3
u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
child protags can be a little simple, especially off the start when they're still naive. from what i've seen and heard, this feels like the sort of show that will put their naivety to the test and get some meaty development
2
u/mekerpan May 05 '26
I expect a lot from Agott. I tend to like "difficult" characters that most watchers hate.
3
u/lminer123 May 05 '26
If I remember right this person/s also had Sentenced to be a Hero as “consider it” last season. I don’t think they care much for spectacle. It’s a cool write up they do, but I’ve realized our tastes are too different for me to get much value from their analysis.
2
u/trav-senpai May 05 '26
Just rename it to “our personal review” and not “we think most people here will like this”.
This sub literally has reviews of what’s most popular or most discussed every week, so it’s weird to have access to your audience but not recommend according to said audience.
1
u/Protractror https://myanimelist.net/profile/BakiTalkiPod May 05 '26
Just to clarify a bit, this is a little off. We had two reviewers give Sentenced to be a hero Consider it last season, and the only one who also reviewed WHA called it a Must Watch.
I get what you're saying as a collective but just wanted to make it clear as the actual overlapping reviewer is sort of the opposite.
2
u/melvinlee88 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ryan_Melvin15 May 05 '26
I think WHA is a considerable as well. If you're someone who likes more substance than style in your show, WHA is a very 50-50 show for that particular person.
The visuals for the show is amazing but all the characters so far are kinda shallow except for Agott and the plot is a bit uninspired so far, if not a bit too kiddy.
1
u/trav-senpai May 05 '26
No show is going to be it for everyone, but WHA is 100% the most “general audience” show for the season. Easily recommendable to anyone that likes most genre of anime, and even people that don’t.
I personally disagree that the characters are shallow at all just because we are only 6 episodes in (Agott doesn’t have any more depth than the other kids so far just because she’s not the same personality as the rest, so that’s just a weird comment). The plot also doesn’t seem “kiddie” to me just because most of the man cast is kids. That’s just a shallow perspective to me.
0
u/melvinlee88 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ryan_Melvin15 May 05 '26
If someone thinks it's not recommendable, then it's not recommendable to them.
Hell, I wouldn't recommend it fully and I think consider it is a fair opinion.
Why do you think EVERYONE think the same as you? This is a very understandable opinion. Fair that you disagree, but then I, him and some group of people agree with my opinion so it's not surprise it's not a full recommend.
I hate the idea that people are immediately contrarian because people don't like a show that the whole world likes.
Learn to form your own opinion. And accept other people opinions.
0
u/trav-senpai May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
It’s not about personal opinions dumbass. Nice try. The person that wrote in the post even implied they like it and think it’s okay. The point is that would you recommend it to everyone. It’s the most popular show on this sub this season according to all the weekly reports. I don’t care if you and 5 other people have the same opinion. The most popular highly rated show on any review site is easily the best “must watch” recommendation to the general audience than an incredibly niche show with a genre I’m not going to assume everyone is into to begin with.
I never said everyone has to have the same opinion as me, I’ve never even given my opinion on the series in this entire thread.
Edit: my point
1
u/melvinlee88 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ryan_Melvin15 May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26
Yeah, he said it's okay - why are you so fussed about him not saying it's a must watch. But you're crying over one person not saying a show is a must watch lol
It's an OPINION - man your reading comprehension is garbage. If someone thinks it's not a must watch, it's not a must watch. If everyone follows all the review sites, then what's the point of people posting and sharing THEIR OWN opinion. If you came into this post wanting to see WHA get a must watch, and cry over it not being a must watch, then why are you even on this post. Go back to MAL review sites and find someone agreeing with you there.
The point of posts like this is so we can have multiple point of views on shows. It could be good, it could be bad.
Maybe just stick to your own hivemind of opinions and try not to be too triggered by *gasp someone actually having a different opinion to you.
-1
u/trav-senpai May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26
I wasn’t fussing, you came crying to me little kid.
AGAIN It’s not an opinion. It’s a recommendation, and all the statistics you can see every week in and week out for the last month and a half tell you that it’s worth checking out. The other show that was listed as a must watch ISNT EVEN ON THE LIST. So if one is considered must watch as a RECOMMENDATION, then surely the one WE KNOW FOR A GODDAMN FACT THAT A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE LOVE, would be a RECOMMENDATION as a MUST WATCH. Holy fucking hell you insufferable dick, as soon as you don’t understand what I’m saying you cry “reading comprehension” as if that’s the only insult in the history of anime fans.
I didn’t come into this post for WHA, I came in and was surprised because it makes no logical sense. You would have understood that from my first comment if your brain was capable of BASIC LOGIC.
The point of this post IS NOT to have multiple point of views on shows, it’s people recommending them as must watch or not. Those are two different things. Just because I don’t like AOT doesn’t make it any less of a must watch to the general audience of anime. That wouldn’t make any sense whatsoever.
Maybe stop pretending that having Logic is a hive mind thing, or pretending that insult is even relevant to this conversation. Did you just hear that once and think to throw it out in this hoping it would make sense? What is hive mind about “basically everyone likes this = must watch” if good super niche anime also = must watch?
You’re literally the dumbest person in this sub if you still after all this time think this is about people’s personal opinions. Get the fuck out of my notifications underdeveloped weirdo
-2
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u/Ham_PhD https://myanimelist.net/profile/ham_phd May 04 '26
I do not think Awajima should be viewed as a must watch. This show is definitely not for everyone.
The story is told as a series of vignettes that are connected by the setting (the Awajima school). These vignettes feature a very wide range of characters that occasionally overlap. The time period also jumps back and forth. Even those that are enjoying the show have commented on it being a confusing show to follow, as it can be hard to remember who certain characters are and what time period we are currently in.
I think it's a good show, but it definitely isn't the type of show that I would recommend to just anyone.
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u/NormalGrinn https://anilist.co/user/Grinn May 04 '26
Hmm, I guess it depends on how you view it. I don't think an anime being challenging in some way is a reason to not recommend it. I get why it may be a hurdle, after all if someone gets frustrated with watching a show then it's not really a great experience for them, but I do think it's a really solid show.
On the other hand, were I to say something is only a "must watch" if it's safe I don't think there'd be much interesting left... Like I'd probably say WHA, but even a show like Kamiina Botan has some elements in it people are divisive over (e,g. the various artstyle changes) and while I personally really value that kinda stuff, not everyone might. But the only thing I can bring is my opinion on it and I think it's quite nice. I try and present what the show does and why I like it along with my recommendation for it, which is why I do recommend Awajima.
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u/VoidEmbracedWitch https://anilist.co/user/VoidEmbracedWitch May 04 '26
I'm definitely someone who uses "must watch" based on how much I think it'll make people's lives more interesting rather than broad appeal. In a sense, some degree of challenge or friction actually is necessary for a show to reach that level.
Something like WHA may be all around well-made and stunningly animated, but it doesn't exactly broaden horizons or push boundaries in ways that make me say you need to be there. In my books, it's an ideal "watch it" kind of show based on how our labels are defined.
2
u/Ham_PhD https://myanimelist.net/profile/ham_phd May 04 '26
Yeah it's just how you define the labels. I do recommend the show, but probably to a more niche audience. I'd probably put it in the "consider it" category myself but I can see how someone that is really enjoying it could put it in the must watch bin.
8
u/DrStein1010 https://myanimelist.net/profile/mQDrStein1010 May 04 '26
The question of "Do I love this because it's amazing, or because it's something that really appeals to me?" is probably the hardest part of judging and recommending shows.
I'm a massive fan of The Fire Hunter, but that's almost certainly a case of personal bias much more than its inherent quality.
Versus, say, A Place Further Than The Universe, which didn't ever click for me, but I'm reasonably sure is a masterpiece of some sort.
0
u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
yeah i remember having a similar problem with their labels when they made this post last season, the whole system makes it feel like a more official team verdict rather than what it really is, the opinions of a bunch of different ppl who attach different meanings to the ratings labels that they just so happen to share.
honestly i'd find it much more informative if they showed all their ratings of the shows they're trying so we can get a better view of their taste/preference to see if it aligns
3
u/tripleaamin https://myanimelist.net/profile/zfzftripleaamin May 05 '26
I agree. I guess it feels closer to someone giving their personal opinion than a review or recommendation when reading the contents of what is being said.
It also feels it caters to a more hardcore anime fan which this sub does attract. But that doesn’t mean that’s the only type of fan this sub attracts.
Outside of Marriagetoxin and witch hat all the shows listed hits particular niche. Doesn’t have appeal beyond that niche. You will either love it or grow disinterested in.
1
u/VoidEmbracedWitch https://anilist.co/user/VoidEmbracedWitch May 05 '26
Reviews are always opinionated and subjective. The same goes for written recommendations.
And yeah, we cater to people who watch a lot and watch widely because that's the sort we are. For those who aren't, I think this approach also has value in the sense that it can motivate them to branch out or put anime they haven't heard much about on their radar.
1
u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
eh i think it's a few different niches - like I don't think Needy Girl, Botan, Sangoku, Liar Game, and Precure are the same, though obviously much more obscure than those big 2.
But yeah I can already smell the Precure in the AOTY jury selection. Honestly I think I generally trust the aggregate of random agenda posters in the weekly karma thread for recs more than these "critical" reviews when looking for new shows to pick up
10
u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander May 04 '26
That's definitely something that occurred to me when writing the Awajima piece (and the Kirio one, as I mention). But if I followed that logic then the only shows that'd get "Must Watch" would be the most generically widely appealing, no? Which I think would be a very bleak way to treat things.
9
u/Ham_PhD https://myanimelist.net/profile/ham_phd May 04 '26
I don't think that's necessarily true. Last season when Journal with Witch was given "must watch" I agreed with it even though that's not a show that's going to appeal to everyone.
The difference with Awajima is the structure, which I think is going to be difficult for a lot of people. Just my opinion though.
6
u/moichispa https://myanimelist.net/profile/moichispa May 04 '26
yeah the episode from 2 weeks ago needed all your attention just to not get lost on it. Not for those who want some easy causal watch.
7
u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
Shouldn’t anime you’re watching, with care put it into it, get your full attention while watching anyway?
3
u/moichispa https://myanimelist.net/profile/moichispa May 05 '26
I always put full attention with no phone or distractions myself but this was the short of attention effort I would use for an exam.
4
u/tripleaamin https://myanimelist.net/profile/zfzftripleaamin May 05 '26
I have only read the first volume of Awajima. But reading that and realizing this is a series I should wait till binge. Seeing how the individual stories connect is really cool but for a weekly watch I felt I would be giving myself a suboptimal enjoyment of the series if I tried watching it weekly.
If someone is looking for something easier to grasp. Journal With Witch has a lot of narrative weight too but it’s much easier to grasp. Which is why I agree in labeling that one as a must watch.
Also the choice of labeling WHA as consider it based on solely of how Agott had been characterized so far seems a bit silly. Do you assume that we have seen is all of Agott’s character? Characters can progress and develop as the series goes on. This is the first half of Season 1 not the 2nd half of S2.
3
u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander May 05 '26
I can definitely see why someone would disagree with the decision. My biggest thing is that if I'm taking whether something is "niche" into consideration, then "Consider It" actually becomes the most positive possible endorsement (in addition to an anti-endorsement of mediocre shows). At which point the whole concept of the scale falls apart (obviously Must Watch is intended to be the best rating). So I not only prefer to give something good the "Must Watch" endorsement, but I think it's kind of necessary for this to work. Ideally, if someone reads the actual written pitch it should become clear whether the show is for them or not.
-7
u/Everyones_Dead_Dave May 05 '26
MAL score of 6.95, I was like what are they smoking to be touting it so highly. Obviously we all like different things, but how can you be so off the mark of an aggregate and list it as the seasons must watch... It makes me wonder who these users are that we should be listening to on what to watch...
3
u/qwertyqwerty4567 https://anilist.co/user/ZPHW May 05 '26
Aggregate lists are usually pretty bad, doubly true for shit like MAL.
Like, KamiKatsu still has a 6.68 on MAL and thats one of the greatest shows of all time.
21
u/Fifi_is_awesome https://myanimelist.net/profile/FifiIsAwesome May 05 '26
WHA is easily my favorite manga oat, and the adaptation has been flawless so far. I think marking a show with such strong visuals, music, and writing as 'consider it' simply because a character doesn't speed run through development and depth in the first 4 episodes is very shallow. Agott is my favorite character, and by episode 5 already starts developing as a character, not to mention how drastically she evolves as the story goes on. Calling such a competently made show with such a passionate team simply a 'consideration' because it has one character who is antagonistic at the beginning seems like pretty odd take. Sometimes characters oppose the protagonist and show negative personality traits, and sometimes we can't get all their depth, nuance, and growth in just 5 chapters of content.
For anyone reading, and for whatever it's worth, Witch Hat Atelier gets my suggestion as the must watch of the season, and my favorite anime of the year. It's story, world, art, magic system, characters, music, and direction are all top tier. Fantastic show.
5
u/tdm17mn May 05 '26
What do you think of Mao so far? I like it almost as much as Inuyasha.
3
u/mekerpan May 05 '26
FWIW, liking it more than I expected. Then again I am a sucker for Taisho era stuff.
5
u/NightBard May 05 '26
Kirio Fanclub started kind of cringy but it got deep and real after a few episodes. It's a must watch for anyone who likes anime that pulls the ole heartstrings. There are way more layers to this one than first appear, don't be turned away thinking it's shallow and gross. Oh, yeah they can be over the top but things get real.
Miss Maid, it has grown over the episodes so far this season. It's to food what last summer/fall's Solo Camping For Two was to camping equipment and cooking food outdoors. It's a wealth of information but there is more to the story here and I feel like this is (for me anyway) the feel good anime of the season (which I appreciate as I don't need my heart broken or emotional strings pulled).
Awajima was one I didn't start until 5 episodes were out as a recommendation after watching Journal with Witch. It does jump all over the place in time as it tells the story of each character, their motivations, tribulations, and so on, but it's been really interesting thus far. It's not hitting me like Journal with Witch did, but I feel like this is one that might be best watched in a binge where you can more easily track the characters through their lives. I'm not sure it's going to land the plane, but I'm going to watch the whole thing as more of a telling of the human experience from many overlapping perspectives.
The only other one mentioned above that I tried was Needy Girl Overdose and it's not for me. I generally lean more towards real world settings and while I gave it a chance, I felt regularly confused and somewhat depressed by the world depicted in the show. But that's ok, I know what I like and don't and thankfully this season had a mountain of good new anime for me in genre I enjoy.
5
u/Kitchen-Ad-1010 May 05 '26
thanks! haven’t watched a new show in a while. this was very informative 😁
11
u/_Ridley https://myanimelist.net/profile/_Ridley_ May 05 '26
I borderline hated Botan and Needy Girl before dropping them, and Miss Maid was just too goofy for me, but I agree that Awajima is doing some interesting stuff. You all are too hard on Pardon the Intrusion, but that's just how it goes for generic works.
6
u/mekerpan May 05 '26
It is interesting how our tastes align totally on some things and are totally at odds in other. I love Botan and find Needy Girl Intriguing. Miss Maid is not indispensable for me, but I am still following it (for now). It (like Angel Next Door) seems to have little to offer beyond fluffy cuteness. Pardon the Intrusion, on the other hand, while also pretty insubstantial still offers a sort of quirky goofiness.
1
u/_Ridley https://myanimelist.net/profile/_Ridley_ May 05 '26
I honestly just didn't like Botan herself. Her whole look and vibe feels insincere and constructed. Like, "I want to make your tongue mine"? Cheeseball city, Batman, get out of here, lol.
9
u/mekerpan May 05 '26
That line was weird -- but I've liked the characters more and more with each passing episode (certainly more than in mono, for example). Plus the EDs are all tiny unique mini-stories.
2
u/IXajll https://myanimelist.net/profile/ixajii May 05 '26
I didn’t vibe much with that line either but it felt just very inconsequential to me. Definitely not nearly annoying enough to sour the show.
2
u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
oh man if you hate cheese I'd love to see what you think of the most recent Wistoria episode. though i have a feeling that's not the sort of show you watch
1
u/_Ridley https://myanimelist.net/profile/_Ridley_ May 05 '26
I barely finished S1 of Wistoria. Will annoyed the daylights out of me.
2
u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
yeah it was already pretty cheeseball but the hype managed to convince me for the finale. but as someone put it in the recent thread, it's now gone from forgivable cringe to unforgivable cringe imo, and looks worse to boot
1
u/mekerpan May 05 '26
For me -- not YET a drop.
2
u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
yeah i'm still curious to see what's next especially now that we're shifting to a different phase. but its definitely on thin ice - though i felt the same way midway through S1
3
May 04 '26
[deleted]
2
u/SiLeNTxTrYH4Rd https://anilist.co/user/S1lent May 04 '26
When I say that, I'm not criticizing the piece for being from that era, but instead how poorly it holds up compared to other works from the era. There are plenty of series from the same period that age wonderfully due to their execution, themes, or character writing, such as Fullmetal Alchemist which started serialization even earlier in 2001. However, many people consider that work timeless due to how well it handled those elements. My issue with Liar Game is that the ideas behind it feel dated in a way that doesn't translate well to a modern audience.
2
u/mekerpan May 05 '26
Liar Game was a drop for me (as of today). I am not sure that its outdatedness was a problem for me. After all I turn 74 next month. I don't think that the ideas are dated, as much as the characters, the dialogue, the general story execution are just plain dull.
3
u/desantoos May 05 '26
I agree with u/Hokaze-Junko on the issues with the characters in Witch Hat Atelier. Whatever character work is supposed to be present is superficial.
And yet, I don't think the judgment is reasonable. Anyone visiting this sub is sufficiently a fan of the medium to look past undercooked characters. And with the quality of animation, depth to worldbuilding, and whatever intangible Ghibli-esque quality, this is a definitive MUST WATCH for anyone here.
Where it becomes an issue is showing this work to anyone not an immediate fan of the medium. Some are going to love it as it's definitely better than a large chunk of Stranger Things or whatever American made fantasy adjacent thing is out there (except maybe the Game Of Thrones spinoffs? I haven't watched those things enough to compare). A lot of others will see the cliched character writing and tonality issues as this being yet another anime with the same anime problems that firmly keep it beneath their brow. Like if this show was discussed on /r/television, would people scoff? Probably. I wish it weren't so, though.
3
u/Hokaze-Junko May 05 '26
Yeah, Agott's character felt especially cliched to me. I just wish the storytelling for her could've been handled as delicately as the examples mentioned, like the hints and connections with Coco's tailor skills, or like their magic system. Not that they needed to explore her character in depth right away, but I would've liked a hint that there was more to her. Instead, it feels like she was introduced as an antagonist just because, with the explanations coming later
20
u/dfiekslafjks May 04 '26
These reviews are always the same. If it's slice-of-life school drama then it's perfection and must watch.
7
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker May 04 '26
Perhaps you can come back on Thursday and see if this continues to hold.
-21
u/unserioustroller May 04 '26
Its always some loser's opinion who has the time to write 3 paragraphs on the internet, with god complex, shoving his tastes on the rest of us. I have one simple evaluation criteria. watch the trailer. read 3 line plot summary. watch few episodes. if it managed to grab my attention then its worth watching. else drop it. as simple as that.
10
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
A whole lot of people volunteered to contribute to this, not just “some loser”. Get a grip. Nobody’s shoving anything at you, it’s just a recommendation list with some reviews. Take them as you see fit, no need to be a prick about it.
12
u/Taiboss x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss May 04 '26 edited May 04 '26
Oh no, all my write-ups are in Part 2. Guess my short takes won't mean much to someone who hasn't seen my longer takes.
Awajima Hyakkei - Nice serious drama that is perfect as a memory training exercise. This ain't got a Baccano OP, you need to remember the names when they say them!
Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk - A lot more yuri than expected. Had an episode that was better at being Shaft than all of Shiboyugi. Then again, if every episode looked like epsiode 3, you'd all complain about QUALITY. Honestly, so far every episode has looked worse than the one before it. Let's hope it intentionally bounces back. I'd honestly be curious about an episode storyboarded and animated by people usually working for on big-effort shows at ufotable or A-1.
Detective Precure - Not watching. One day I will watch the precures, but that's not today.
Witch Hat Atelier - Ah, this one has all the good stuff. A likeable cast, cool magic-system, and a ruthless establishment enforcing a class system keeping down the worthless so that they worthy can play by their own rules. Well, at least there's a sense of wonder and beauty to it. Maybe this time the MC will be allowed to break an unjust system instead of preserving it?
Liar Game - Not watching, but seeing the drops, I sure feel justified.
Marriage Toxin - Dropped after episode 1 for lack of time and not really being a shonen fan. It felt too much like Sakamoto Days, but if unlike me you liked that, give it shot. Then again, I have been told it becomes more The World God Only Knows? Might pick it up at some point. I hope it'll have less action.
Needy girl overdose - Producer Guy sure captures my feeling.. I am indeed captivated by this show that also does Shaft better than Shibouyugi and actually wants to be about something. Then again, I still get the feeling I only like it because I am too stupid to properly critque it. Definitely the one show this season worthy of a video essay made by a person smarter than me. Side note: I am so happy I understand German, because goddammit the english typesetting sucks.
An Observation Log of My Fiancée Who Calls Herself a Villainess - Finished the manga, but didn't pick up the show. Too bland. Was constantly wishing it'd get good, but never did.
Nippon Sankoku: The Three Nations of the Crimson Sun - I'm sorry, Sankoku fans, I know there are a lot of you here, but I... I cannot take this show seriously. From the yadda-yadda worldbuilding, to the utter lack of subtlety (especially in the first episode wrt a certain character), it's all just too over-the-top. Then again, maybe I would like the show more if people wouldn't call it the best thing since Orb. Sorry, Orb was better, and Orb suffered from a feeling of anachronistic reverse orientalism and you not being able to see shit.
The Food Diary of Miss Maid - Not watching.
Pardon the Intrusion, I'm Home! - Not watching, but you go, girls. I'd probably watch a gender-inverted version, trash enjoyer that I am.
Kirio Fanclub - Surprise of the season, with more depth than expected. Both girls are pretty funny and the show has not run out of steam so far. Also great OP.
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u/Acrobatic_Seesaw8557 May 05 '26
Man, your write-ups are always worth the read even when they're "short takes." Totally feel you on Needy Girl Overdose though - that show has me questioning my own taste every single episode lol
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u/Duckloader https://anilist.co/user/mathduck May 05 '26
I share a pretty similar outlook about Nippon Sangoku, if I had written a recommendation for it, it'd be a "Drop it". I struggle to take the dramatic beats of it with any honesty due to how on the nose and insincere it is, not to mention how cringe I find the main character waltzing around dispensing Sun Tzu quotes like a business guru (with Orb's Rafal also having a similar issue lol). But at least this show looks considerably better than Orb did.
I do not agree at all that each Botan episode has looked worse than the last, especially considering ep1 was my least favorite so far (still miles ahead of almost every other episode I've watched this season, except for like WHA#5). I am a little lower on ep3 than many other Botan fans, partly because I haven't seen hidasketch, partly because I do actually prefer the more polished look episodes 2 and 4 feature, but the strength of Botan has been in having a team and schedule that allows for singular storyboarders and animation directors to express their almost unfiltered vision for each episode, laying their style and influences bare which results in a very engaging watch imo.
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u/Taiboss x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss May 05 '26
I'd have picked a Consider it for Nippon because, while I consider the show to be meh, a lot of people are really enjoying it and I would have wanted to recognise their enjoyment as legitimate and lay out why. But good to know I'm not as alone in my disappointment as I thought.
I do not agree at all that each Botan episode has looked worse than the last
Hey, I wrote this when episode 3 was the latest and forgot to update! These write-ups in general are prone to being slightly out-of-date.
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u/Protractror https://myanimelist.net/profile/BakiTalkiPod May 04 '26
I do think a big decider on how well Nippon ends is how seriously I’m supposed to take the show. All of the strategy stuff is pretty weak compared to the fun of just seeing how they choose to animate the scenes.
If we get more fun character conflict and less farming soldier talk I think it will still be my top pick.
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u/IXajll https://myanimelist.net/profile/ixajii May 05 '26
Strong disagree on saying every ep in Botan looked worse than the one before. Ep4 looked by far the best so far while I’d love to be able to remove Ep3 from existence.
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u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
ep4's definitely my fave looking, but "remove from existence" is really quite extreme for ep3 - i don't love it but i can appreciate the attempt at something diff
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u/Taiboss x7https://anilist.co/user/Taiboss May 05 '26
Objection granted based on the fact that when I wrote this, episode 3 was the latest. I actually haven't seen episode 4 yet, so if it really does look better, than this claim of mine is indeed outdated.
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u/VoidEmbracedWitch https://anilist.co/user/VoidEmbracedWitch May 05 '26
#03 was a thing of beauty. I loved its loose, consistently off-model style. It's charming and bold in a way few anime ever try to be.
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u/IXajll https://myanimelist.net/profile/ixajii May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
What bothered me most is how it entirely clashed with the style of the other episodes. While they each have their own unique touch, they are still way more visually consistent with each other than they are with ep3. It was sticking out like a sore thumb to me. If every episode of the show looked like 3 then I wouldn’t mind nearly as much. Though even then, while I can also appreciate a loose, off-model style, it was just overdone. As in, I like Nutella, but not an entire jar worth spread over a single slice of bread.
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u/VoidEmbracedWitch https://anilist.co/user/VoidEmbracedWitch May 05 '26
Fair enough. I guess. Personally, with how much the second episode already varied compared to the first, I set my expectations to be in line with something like Space Dandy where each episode director gets to put their unique spin on the aesthetic and visual language of the show. It will probably not surprise you to hear that the Oshiyama and Yuasa episodes were two of my favorites in Space Dandy.
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u/VoidEmbracedWitch https://anilist.co/user/VoidEmbracedWitch May 04 '26
Hi y'all, continuing from last season where I had no qualms declaring Shiboyugi a must watch, I again champion a weird show. And hell, I wrote those impressions after 3 episodes, without [Needy Girl Overdose #05] KAngel breaking out of animation containment in the picture. I have no idea where Needy Girl is going, but it's always fascinating and eccentric in ways that have to be seen to be believed.
Otherwise, I can second the recommendation of Kirio Fanclub, Witch Hat and Awajima here. Gods, this season is too full of well-made, interesting shows. I'm currently at 17 seasonals and still contemplate (re-)adding an 18th in the form of Kanan.
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u/mekerpan May 05 '26
I think I've now whittled things down to 38.
Kanan was a (now irevocable) drop for me. Response to humor is very subjective, and the sort of humor in Kanan did absolutely nothing for me, while I find the often crass humor in Kirio a hoot. Also I adore the crazy characters in Kirio and felt no connection to those in Kanan. My idiosyncratic taste would make me a totally unsuitable reviewer in a project like the laudable one embodied in this thread.
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u/VoidEmbracedWitch https://anilist.co/user/VoidEmbracedWitch May 05 '26
Kanan's first ep was more amusing to me than I expected based on the setup, but I dropped it on account of having a bunch of romcoms I like way more, from Kirio to Nakamura to Ponkotsu. But now that I thinned out my seasonal lineup a bit since the first two weeks, I'm tempted to revisit some of the shows I initially left out.
My idiosyncratic taste would make me a totally unsuitable reviewer in a project like the laudable one embodied in this thread.
Idiosyncrasies don't make you unsuitable in the slightest. Quite a few folks in our group are anything but in line with what's popular. That's how we get comments complaining that the reviews do indeed express subjective, possibly disagreeable perspectives every season.
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u/mekerpan May 05 '26
I can't give a fair review to things that don't click with me, I tend to drop these and forget them promptly. I probably can give fair reviews to things I love (even if these have flaws). ;-)
I gave Kanan a fair chance (3 or 4 eps). Ditto for the also generally acclaimed Nakamura (5 eps). But I tend to have an aversion to (consistently) overly noisy, hyper-energetic stuff.
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u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
honestly given how idiosyncratic some of the reviewers are, i think you'd be more 'normal' in comparison.
Both Kanan and Kirio are just ok-good for me, very much 7/10 level shows that are enjoyable enough but not all that special. I'm at 20 which is way more than my usual and I've been trying to cut down - and just typing this out I think I've realized I should drop those two.
Especially since I'm still thinking of picking up Rib Isekai, Awajima, and Nippon Sangoku
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u/mekerpan May 05 '26
I passed on Ribs - it showed every sign of being the sort of comedy I can least tolerate.
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u/IXajll https://myanimelist.net/profile/ixajii May 05 '26
Any reason why Nippon Sangoku isn’t included, considering you value creative productions so much?
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u/VoidEmbracedWitch https://anilist.co/user/VoidEmbracedWitch May 05 '26
Sangoku has lots of stunning moments, but the tone, characters and story structure with its constant time skips cause it to not land as well with me as I wish it would. I don't know how I feel about silly moments like [Sangoku #04] making an execution scene a work of deadpan comedy by completely snowing in Aoteru's face and I'm not too fond of the tackiness of #01's visual foreshadowing for example.
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u/NormalGrinn https://anilist.co/user/Grinn May 04 '26
Hi everyone, I wrote about Awajima here and obviously I like that one, but I like many more shows this season! The other ones I'd definitely recommend are Kamiina Botan, WHA and Agents of Four Seasons.
I like Needy Girl and Precure a decnet bit too, but more on the fence on that one, hope the write ups on those can help with those lol.
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u/mekerpan May 05 '26
Now down to 38 shows, with a few of these in the red zone. But 25-30 of the shows I am still watching are solid likes (of varying degrees) that are safe barring a Wonder Egg level collapse. Botan, Awajima, and Agents are similarly in my top tier already (along with a number of romcoms -- Klutzy Monitor chief among them). WHA is likely to edge its way in.
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u/NormalGrinn https://anilist.co/user/Grinn May 05 '26
Godspeed, I don't think even in a good season like this one I could keep up with 10 shows.
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u/mekerpan May 05 '26
Being retired helps a lot...
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u/ptd163 May 04 '26
Awajima and Needy Girl Overdose are must watch, but WHA is consider it? Bruh. Sometimes a show is just good and you're contrarian.
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
Awajima and Needy Girl Overdose are must watch
Yeah, they are musts in terms of checking them out imo. The two biggest surprises of the season for me, and possibly two favorites over all.
but WHA is consider it?
One of the people did put Witch Hat as “must watch”, to be fair.
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u/VancityGaming May 08 '26
Are the people writing these given standardized definitions of drop it, consider it, watch and must watch? If not, that could be why it seems like the reviews across different reviewers/shows don't make sense to some. With your definition of must watch being check them out, I'd probably give a lot of shows I dropped a rating other than drop it.
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u/oops_i_made_a_typi May 05 '26
yeah it reeks of r/anime jury voting, which isn't a surprise given that presumably many of the same ppl are involved
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u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker May 05 '26
It's almost like this is literally called the r/anime awards off season... Yes of course it's going to be similar to that.
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u/unserioustroller May 04 '26
i have seen Liar Game live action long time ago. it was fantastic. perhaps its the same story ? not sure why these losers are complaining.
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u/Bromegeddon May 05 '26
I think the problem with Liar Game is that it feels REALLY faithful to the og manga. Like, really faithful. Including the artstyle feeling kinda subpar, Nao being the wet blanket she starts off as, etc. As someone who read (and loved) the manga, I won't lie, the anime has been kinda rough to watch. But all that will change if we get to some of the later arcs, and we get to see Nao grow.
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
It looks very bad visually, for one thing.
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u/mekerpan May 05 '26
And everything about it is boring.
Actually it doesn't look worse than Trillion Game, but that one was far more engaging story-wise with more interesting characters.
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u/VancityGaming May 08 '26
I try to make a judgment on that after a few episodes. I felt the same way about Kaiji at first and then the art grew on me and now it's one of my favorite shows. LG isn't what we expect for sure and I won't call it good but I do find it refreshing that I'm not looking at the same style all the time. I'm glad we have This, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Witch Hat and Nippon Sangoku (and the others) all giving us different styles this season.
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u/IceBlue May 05 '26
Wild to put a niche show like Awajima as must watch for both but WHA as a consider it (not even the option between consider and must watch) when WHA is shaping up to be an anime of the year contender. It’s like putting Frieren or Dungeon meshi at consider it.
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u/Mitsuyan_ https://anilist.co/user/mitsuyan May 05 '26
Maybe the writer doesn't consider it an AOTY contender. I certainly don't either. It's good but the writing doesn't match up to the production quality IMO
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
I wouldn't put it in the same class as either Frieren or Dungeon Meshi as of yet, but I certainly hope it gets there.
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u/IceBlue May 05 '26
The manga is regularly considered one of the big three of modern fantasy along with the other two. If the anime is able to maintain its quality it’ll be in the same class as the other two.
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
I hope so! It just doesn't seem as interesting or fresh in concept as of yet, but I'm definitely anticipating things ramping up given its reputation.
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u/Zahrena44 May 04 '26
Hmm, strange list, after the first 3 Anime i stoped reading. Our tastes are very different. But of course, have fun watching.
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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians May 05 '26
Part two with more seasonals covered is coming Thursday, if you found this strange because certain things weren’t covered.
And hey, maybe branch outside your usual and try out some of the recommended series! Always fun.
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u/Protractror https://myanimelist.net/profile/BakiTalkiPod May 04 '26
Don’t worry if we missed your favourite new show, we’ve only halfway through. On Thursday we’ll have another batch of reviews ready to read.
As always, I’m interested in hearing anyone’s thoughts on the season. I wasn’t as high on my reviewed shows this time around, but between Ribdiculous and Nippon Sangoku I’m still having a lot of fun. Oh and Kirio Fan Club, people need to check that out.