An American Writer's Thoughts on Japanese Animation

Category: Seasonal Episodes

Seasonal Selection – Sabikui Bisco Episode 2

My level of concern is now higher than it was after episode 1, and as we get into how this episode has fallen out, I will explain why.

Like the last episode, the events are told out of order and disjointed. Unlike last episode, where the technique seemed to be used to establish an air of mystery, this time basically every line is focused on action, so that’s a little rough. We do get some character in between it all. But less than perhaps could be desired.

Read More…Read More…

Seasonal Selection – Shikizakura Episode 12 (End)

While by no means one of the all-time great climaxes, I will credit the ending of Shikizakura this: it’s exactly the sort of end you’d want to see to the sort of show Shikizakura has been. Decent fighting? Check. Everybody’s infected by optimism and pulls together? Check. Some surprisingly decent emotional play? Check. Totally corny speeches that belong in the kind of campy hero show the creators clearly loved? Double check.

Read More…Read More…

Seasonal Selection – 86 Episode 21 (S2E10)

Can you believe we’ve got more coming after this? Once again, the show has done a pretty good job of convincing you that everyone is dead and all is if not lost than at least at a brutal end. Alongside that, we get a pretty incredible action climax with the right amount of back-and-forth for a desperate final battle against the odds.

Read More…Read More…