Anime Roundup

It's time for another Anime Roundup! (warning: spoilers)

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Wow. I have to admit, I did not expect that I would like this one so much. At first, the premise seemed mildly interesting: a historical fiction drama about a 12-year-old prodigy who learns heretical teachings about the Earth and the Sun and then goes on a quest for his new master's hidden research while trying not to get caught by the Inquisition. I figured, "Okay, sure. Why not." After the first episode, I was like, "Well, this is not bad, but I can see where it's going." Boy, was I wrong. Capital "W" Wrong. It ended up being jam-packed with (mild spoiler alert) shocking twists, gut punch moments, and all kinds of thought-provoking dialogue about philosophy, life, and related topics. It also left me with some unanswered questions, which I'm pretty sure was done on purpose. On top of all of that, it provided direct inspiration for parts of Volume Eight. Like a lot of great anime, I'm glad I stuck with it.

(And if the creators are reading, I would love love love a Jolenta spinoff.)

Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story

Speaking of spinoffs, this show is a spinoff of the brilliant 2011 series Puella Magi Madoka Magica (which I talked about in this previous roundup post) that actually started out as a video game and then turned into a manga, anime, and even a stage play. It's not quite as mind-blowing as the original, but there is still a big twisty reveal along with (spoiler alert) major appearances from the original characters. Throw in some of the same trippy, fantastic artwork, and it all adds up to a decently good time.

Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table

Dark and artsy, this one is about a young woman who plays death games (think "Squid Game" or "Alice in Borderland") for a living and whose goal is to complete 99 of such games. It kind of felt like watching a psychological horror video game or a visual novel, and it had surreal moments and time jumps that made it a little confusing but still very compelling. Also, I love how blood turns into polyfill.

Kamisama Kiss

A homeless high school girl saves a man from an angry dog. To thank her, he gives her his house, which is actually a local shrine. On top of that, she inherits his position as the god of said shrine (surprise!) and now has to deal with her new fox familiar, a sullen and broody ikemen (hunky dude) who seems to resent her presence. Will they embark on one of those "enemies-to-lovers" kind of arcs that you often find in paranormal/supernatural romance stories (are those called "romantasy" now? I've been having a hard time keeping up)? If they didn't, then why are we even here in the first place? Although I guess you'll just have to watch to find out for sure...

There's No Freaking Way I'll Be Your Lover! Unless...

This one is a bright, shiny, candy-colored rom-com about a group of high school girls who may or may not like each other. Like, like-like (this is a subgenre of manga/anime known as yuri, or "girl's love." The boy version is appropriately called "BL.") I started watching it for the title, and I continued watching it not only because it was fun (especially once I moved it to my evening post-a couple of beers viewing slot) and had a super-catchy theme song (muri muri!), but also because I half-expected it to suddenly turn ultra-dark and disturbing a la Doki Doki Literature Club (spoiler alert: it never did).

Until next time, mata ne!