Review/discussion about: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Without celebration
Kimetsu no Yaiba claims to slay demons.
But the only thing it really puts to rest are its chances at being a worthwhile anime.
The Chuuni Corner
Anime reviews, Chuunibyou, and other writings
November 27, 2019
Review/discussion about: Given
Some thanks are in order
As some of my readers and followers may know, I’m an avid fan of the metal genre of music.
It’s a major part of my life: I listen to it every day, I collect physical vinyl media from underground groups, I discuss it on the various platforms I’m found on. From the technical skills to the filthy riffs, its intensity and diversity knows no bounds, so I have found myself drawn to its amazing musicality.
Metal also gives me the chance to think about and look inwards into myself, contemplating those harsher, more suppressed thoughts and feelings that tend to get bottled up. Given features a band more akin to pop-rock rather than metal, but their own personable journey still demands self-reflection.
October 31, 2019
Review/discussion about: Araburu Kisetsu no Otome-domo yo.
A successful maiden voyage
Whether direct or not, we all eventually learn of a biological truth: “the birds and the bees”.
And for the ladies of Araburu Kisetsu no Otome-domo yo., evolution chirps and buzzes.
September 30, 2019
Review/discussion about: Yuru Camp△
More than enough healing and laughing to fill a campsite
The girls of Yuru Camp△ are quite adventurous.
In comparison, I wouldn’t deem myself as an outdoorsy person. I prefer listening to my metal music in my comfy room, streaming challenging video games on my consoles, and of course watching my favorite anime at my desk. For the most part, these activities take place indoors, and I relish the solitude they bring.
Yet there’s more to life than just being cooped up inside all the time as I like to do. Indeed, the five laid-back campers of this anime promise a firsthand look-see at the wonder and the happiness that can only be found when taking that first willing step.
August 27, 2019
Review/discussion about: Mahoutsukai no Yome
Broken vows
Marriage often binds both parties with a single phrase: “until death do us part.”
Mahoutsukai no Yome chooses another phrase instead: “doomed to fail.”
August 6, 2019
Review/discussion about: Garo: Vanishing Line
Vanished away
The phrase “drawing a line in the sand” is used to represent the spot or the threshold that somebody should not cross for fear of consequences.
Garo: Vanishing Line, true to its name, brushes the sand away to pretend as if that line never existed. All so that it may go where it wishes and do as it pleases.
The anime was under the false pretense, though, that nobody would notice its transgressions.
July 31, 2019
Review/discussion about: Citrus
Tacky fun and acidic woes
Citrus embodies its namesake; the ever-present sweet-and-sour fruitiness captures the title well.
But, like a theater troupe booed off stage, it must dodge the oranges and the limes hurled in its direction for the poor showing it offers.
June 30, 2019
Review/discussion about: Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san
Helga and Arnold from another universe
My uncle has a quote which not only has stuck with me my whole life ever since he first said it aloud but also perfectly captures the spirit of Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san without any troubles.
“If we ain’t teasin’ ya, then we don’t like ya.”
It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s true. Most people are not comfortable being playful with complete strangers, and even more people avoid interacting with those whom they dislike. So, teasing is, in a way, another term for caring.
My family and I tease each other all the time whenever we have get-togethers, yet Nishikata and especially Takagi take the medal for teasing champions as their relationship plays out in kindhearted fashion.
May 31, 2019
Review/discussion about: Koi wa Ameagari no You ni
An extraordinary rain
“It’s always calmest before the storm.”
This phrase is known and used for those situations when the good times must surely predate (or even predict) an encroaching ugliness. It’s succinct in usage, and it’s easy to understand. But it’s also rather pessimistic. A doom-and-gloom approach to what life brings on the horizon.
Because that which follows a storm can have a balanced sense of optimism. The warmth of sunshine. The colorful image of a rainbow. The smell of fresh nature. So, those ugly times may arrive without remorse, but goodness can prevail. If nothing else, Koi wa Ameagari no You ni adheres to this stance, promising a phenomenal anime containing a similar happiness.
April 17, 2019
Koi wa Ameagari no You ni and the Power of Visual Storytelling
What really makes visual storytelling so powerful?
Anime would be nothing, a void on the screen if not for arguably its most inherent, important element: visuals.
Art and animation grant the characters, the audio, and everything else the chance to shine. They’re that next step beyond the pages of a book or a passing conversation with a friend. If nothing else, “anime” literally stems from the word “animation”, indicating quite plainly how vital these visuals are to this medium.
It follows, then, that visual storytelling is the crux of anime. When an anime gets it wrong, a clouded journey ensues. When an anime gets it right, stardom awaits. Koi wa Ameagari no You ni is one such brilliant star in the sky. But why is its visual storytelling so powerful?
This essay will attempt to explain the power behind visual storytelling. First, an understanding of what it is, how it works, and where it comes from will take place. Afterwards, relevant analysis of examples from Koi wa Ameagari no You ni will reinforce the claims made. Hopefully, by the end of this piece, you’ll not only have a better grasp of this idea but also a better appreciation of this wonderful show as well.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
