Anime - sub-sub-subjective notes
Ratings (): action level(), humor level(), cultural value()
| Title/description | Action | Joke | Culture |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War (Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai!)
The president and vice-president of the student council come from different walks of life, but that doesn’t stop them from being in love. Only confessing your love is like losing a battle! Pride demands that the object of your affection confess first! There’s a battle in every episode, and the rest of the student council only amplify the incredible flavour of this wonderful work. |
1 | 5 | 3 |
|
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid (Kobayashi-san Chi no Maidragon)
Can dragons get along with humans? Most dragons would say no. But across two seasons and a mini-series of this title, wonderful in every respect, we’ll be convinced of the opposite. Looking on the bright side of both the little things and the very serious ones - that’s the motto of this show. And the dragons here (and not only them) are so colourful it’s a joy to watch. P.S. My favourite is Fafnir, of course… And yours? |
2 | 5 | 2 |
|
Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun (Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun)
A girl is in love with her classmate. Well, it happens. And she finally works up the nerve to confess… and in return she gets… an autograph??? But our heroine doesn’t give up, and her next timid attempt is crowned with an invitation to his place?? It seems our heroine isn’t ready for such a lightning-fast turn of events, and… Who exactly is her beloved? A mangaka who draws popular manga for girls? And he invited her over to help with the inking? Yes, once again a great comedy with vivid characters. Not just the heroine and her beloved, but their classmates too will bring you a lot of joy. |
2 | 5 | 2 |
|
The World God Only Knows (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai)
Reading the short plot summary on any anime resource, you think “what nonsense??”. A guy who has devoted his life to dating sims and lives only for games charms girls for a demoness? Whaaat? But don’t be too quick to judge - the Japanese can turn even this into a masterpiece. And this is a masterpiece, I insist. Amazingly, every character here is 100% developed, vivid images, a pleasure to watch. The psychology is on point too, you watch it in one breath. |
4 | 5 | 4 |
|
Burning Kabaddi (Shakunetsu Kabaddi)
I’m sure you didn’t know what kabaddi was before. Well, it’s a sport. Loosely speaking - competitive tag. Another example of a superbly made sports anime. Gripping. |
4 | 3 | 2 |
|
How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord (Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu)
In my opinion this one deserves a 16+ rating. No-no, no explicit scenes or porn, but I wouldn’t let non-Japanese kids near it :) For an older audience, though, it’s a rare good “isekai” by today’s standards. The protagonist is summoned to another world by an elf girl and a cat girl, who cast an enslavement spell on him so he won’t run off. But something goes wrong and the spell rebounds onto them! And now they are the ones under the hero’s absolute command! But no, our hero isn’t what you might think - quite the opposite. He considers it his duty to help his newly-minted “slaves” and, more than that, to find a way to set them free. |
3 | 5 | 1 |
|
Ranma ½ (Ranma 1/2)
A hilarious story about a guy who, due to certain circumstances, turns into a girl when doused with cold water and back again with warm, and who is also a martial arts master. If you thought that was all, you’re badly mistaken - martial-arts figure skating and a martial-arts tea ceremony, thousand-year-old evil and romance, you name it. The only thing is, the ’80s artwork might disappoint some (and charm others). Definitely a top pick! |
4 | 5 | 4 |
|
Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle (Maou-jou de Oyasumi)
A great comedy. A princess is kidnapped by the demon king, a hero rushes to rescue her - a classic. But not so fast: what’s the princess supposed to do meanwhile? It’s boring, all she can do is sleep. But how do you fall asleep when… And off it goes. |
3 | 5 | 2 |
|
Natsume's Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou)
The protagonist can see ghosts and other spirits (yokai in Japanese), so he’s considered strange and is always alone. At some point he finds, among the things he inherited from his grandmother, a notebook in which she wrote down the names of the spirits she had subjugated. Whoever holds the notebook gains power over dozens of spirits! And off it g… well, no. Surprisingly sweet, soothing series of quiet stories filled with kindness, humour and positive emotions. Recommended. |
1 | 4 | 5 |