The Litaku: recap

Showing posts with label recap. Show all posts

Summer Successes and Slip-Ups: Summer 2016 Anime Recap

Friday, October 14, 2016

As the summer season ends, I have to state my thoughts. This was, after all, the first season I've ever watched all the way through.

I'll be ranking the top three animes as well as giving out other awards and recognitions to the animes I liked the most. This means that, of course, there will be repeats. If you want a quick review of all the animes I've watched this summer, don't forget to check out my mid-seaosn recap. I went over the animes I was watching and the ones I wasn't. I might even write a few short reviews on the animes that impacted me the most this season on a different post. But until then, let's review the season.

Top 3

Mob Psycho 100

Honestly. I am so surprised. This anime was crazy amazing. The animation style stuck out. I haven't seen anything like it before. The main character Mob was so unlike any other main character. He was cute in a quirky way. And he definitely didn't have the charisma of a typical super-superpowered guy. He was humble about it. It was...refreshing. One (The original webcomic's writer) continues to defy the current standards of anime with amazing characters who are kind and caring. He breaks the conventional norms in a way that makes me realize how wrong anime is sometimes. We have bishounen boys, and, while I do love a nice Free-esque, six pack, we take people such as Mob and Saitama for granted. Definitely a 5/5.

Re:Zero

Okay. I admit, I didn't watch this until the summer. It is technically a spring anime that is 20+ episodes long. But I wasn't interested. It seemed like another fish out of water anime. But it isn't. Subaru isn't the most likable character. He goes through an amazing character arc. And it's not just him. Rem is fantastic too. (Ehem...Best Girl in the house.) She's so kind and loving. She cares for Subaru and Ram. Her love is open and vast. I know she'd never let Subaru get hurt. This anime had vivid colors and unforgettable OPs. The story was a little boring in the middle, but the beginning and ending were awe-inspiring. It's a new take on the reincarnation story. (Unlike ERASED and its take with Revival.) I want to see another season of this. After there is more light novel/manga material.

Amanchu

This is another anime that surprised me. It was so moving. I wanted it to be a yuri anime, but, instead, I got a new take on friendship. And I'm not upset by the lack of yuri. Teko and Pikari's story of acceptance and love is just fantastic. The colorful world underwater takes my breath away. And Teko changes too. She starts out demure and shy, but she turns into a mildly confident person. She begins the process of coming out of her shell. I want to see more of her. I want to see her dive with Pikari. But, currently, I know that Teko's starting an amazing, life-changing journey.

Best Story

Orange

I can't be the only one who doesn't particularly like episodic animes. Orange is one of the only animes of this season with a non-episodic arc. All the events in this anime are leading up to Kakeru's death, or near-death experience. We know it's going to happen. But the journey between Point A and Point B is what the story is about. We follow a typical high school journey, but there are unexpected bumps. And, truly, as someone who hasn't read the manga, that twist in the middle was not expected.

Best Male Character

Natsuki Subaru: Re:Zero

Subaru, as stated before, has an amazing change. He's snarky at first. Even a little cocky. But he sheds this self-absorbed exterior and lets his inner strength shine. He does care for people. Deeply. And Re:Zero is the story of him realizing how far he'll go for the people he loves.

Kageyama Shigeo: Mob Psycho 100

Kageyama Shigeo or Mob is amazing. He's unassuming. You'd never realized the amazing power within. Honestly, I was surprised how much I liked him. He's so quiet; if I went to his school, I'd never notice him. (I can't say the same for his brother, though.) He is truly kind. I'm happy we have an anime about a different sort of main character, one who isn't in the spotlight often. Because, often, the best heroes are the ones we don't even know about.

Best Female Character

Rem: Re:Zero

Rem is Best Girl. Honestly. She's so sweet and so kind. She seems aloof at first, but then you realize she's just an adorable puff ball of puff and sweetness. With a mace. (Not Mace. But A mace. The medieval weapon.) I would love to meet Rem in real life. She loves so deeply. She fights in Subaru's honor even after being ---------ed. (Fill in your blank. Though, this is a correct answer.)

Naho: Orange

Honestly, I put Naho on this list because she's hesitant. I know that sounds strange, but it's true. She doesn't immediately act when she gets her letter. She doubts it. And that's what would happen in real life. No one would immediately trust a letter from your supposed 'future self'. No one. Her hesitance to react and hesitance to love Kakeru is what truly makes her stand out. She's not a typically, froofy shoujo girl. She's human.

Teko: Amanchu

Teko's character development is what I love about her, much like why I love Subaru. She starts out shy and standoffis (Seeing a trend?) And becomes this beautiful butterfly. (I'm kidding...maybe?) But she's such a sweet character. I love seeing her develop with Pikari. I love seeing her learn more about diving and life and living and fun. She might be mentally in Tokyo at first, but she moves to the ocean. (This is me trying to be funny.)

Best Couple

Rem and Subaru: Re:Zero

Okay. These two aren't really together. But I count them as a couple. Rem loves Subaru unconditionally. Even if he doesn't love her. Subaru's love for Emilia doesn't waver. Ever. It's quite amazing. Rem would do anything for Subaru. And Subaru does know that. He loves Rem for that. Not romantically. But as friends. And that's just...amazing.
Rem x Subaru FOREVER.

Teko and Pikari: Amanchu

Is it weird that I actually thought that Amanchu was a yuri diving anime at first? Because...that's what I wanted. What I got was a complex friendship that definitely surpasses yuri. Their friendship is amazing. I want what Teko and Pikari have. I want it. You never forget a friend like Pikari. Never.

Ko and Rin: New Game

If anything's yuri, it's these two. They work so well together. There was one episode where they were basically playing out. I swear, the studio WANTS us to think they're a couple. Rin cares so much for Ko. And Ko might not see it. (She's kinda...daft in matters of the heart.) But she's loved. It's such a cute relationship. Relationship goals.

Best OP

Amanchu

This is such a peaceful anime. It makes me want to smile whenever I think about it. The OP does reflect that. It's a song that starts out tentative and cautious before diving right in. The animation that goes along with it is just breathtaking. I feel like I'm plunged into the ocean every time.

Mob Psycho 100

1. 2. 3. 4.
The counting part of this OP is a bit confusing to most at first until you realize that the resounding 99 is when Mob is about to explode. Thankfully, we get enough scenes of Mob reaching his breaking point. This song pumps you up. Soon enough, you'll be singing along. Mostly to the counting parts. And the animation is confusing. It's as if you're on an acid trip, but the snapshots of the Body Building Club or Teru or Reigen eating takoyaki all up in the anime. So it's an interesting peek into the going-ons.

KonoBi

Okay. This is my guilty pleasure song. It's so cute and pop-y. I love it. Plus, the animation is pretty amazing. (Except for that one creepy part when we're ogling at the teacher's body. Not that she's not cute or anything. I just...feel awkward. She's a teacher. Geez.) I love the beginning when Usami is running with a paintbrush. Amazing. It really sums up what this anime is about: art and cute middle school kids doing cute things.

Best Art Style

Mob Psycho 100

I'll say it once. I'll say it twice. Mob Psycho 100 has a unique animation style ever. It's a different art style. I constantly complained...until I got used to it. It's flashy and constantly moving. It's so unique which makes it memorable. I won't forget Mob's 100% explosions. Or Teru's insane hair. Or...anything about the art.

Re:Zero

I love the colors. So much. And the realism. Subaru and Rem look fantastic. Not to forget Emilia or Puck. The entire anime is in this up-and-coming style which is focused on details and colors and just...ahhh. It's so amazing. I love this style. It's so good.

Underappreciated Anime

Morose Mononokean

Okay. Truthfully, I loved watching this anime. It's cute and kinda lackluster, but Ashiya was such an interesting character. I loved how sweet he was, how compassionate. One of the few things I disliked, though, was the lack of character development. Fuzzy was cute and all, but that doesn't overshadow the lack of plot or character development. Cute but not amazing.

What was your favorite anime of the season? Who was your favorite character?

Summer 2016 Mid-Season Recap

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

*You'll find out why there are only 5 animes in this graphic. Soon.

Ah, we've hit the middle of the summer 2016 season. (At least, for most animes, this is the middle.) I've been dying to write this post since episode 4 for most of these animes. And I'm happy to be able to share my thoughts on all the animes I've been watching this summer!

Dropped

Hatsukoi Monster

This is actually the only anime I've dropped so far. I've put another on hold, but I may drop that one too. If you saw my First Episode Test for this anime, you know how much I hate it. It's so lewd and childish. I couldn't take it seriously. I only watched the first episode out of pure curiosity. And, man, was that a stupid idea. This anime takes the loli genre and turns it on its head. Instead of cute, young girls, we have bishounen boy-esque guys who are actually just elementary school kids. If that doesn't turn you off, all the penis jokes will. I can tolerate a certain degree of 'potty humor', but this anime was so immature even I couldn't finish it. Don't watch this unless you're in the need of some awful, immature humor.
Check out my First Episode Test of this anime.
I wouldn't even watch this anime. Weekly or not. It's disgusting.

On-Hold

Battery

At first, this seemed like an innocent sports anime. (Thanks to Haikyuu for getting me mildly into sports anime.) But the main character was such an annoyance. He was so rude to everybody. I didn't understand him. And his little brother was jumping in at inopportune times. Please, calm yourself. I was so mad that I couldn't appreciate the only good thing about this (Go the catcher, in case you were wondering.) Sorry but not thanks.
Check out my post on why I dropped this anime.
Since I haven't seen past the first episode, I can't tell you to binge watch it or watch it weekly.

Watching

Orange

Ah...this anime makes me smile. Or cry. Or both? It's a moving story. I didn't expect this to me so amazing, but it truly is. It's an emotional story that tackles depression in a way I haven't seen before in anime. Kakeru keeps putting himself down in ways that seem possible. He regrets a lot. But so does Naho. And Naho feels real. She hesitates to tell him about her feelings. She is reluctant to do what the letter says. A lot of shoujo main characters, or anime characters in general, would carpe diem and take the letter at face value. But she questioned it. And that's what I would do.
I say...watch this in a binge. So you can cry a lot all at once instead of rivers every week. Plus, there are a lot of twists that would be better done all at once.

Mob Psycho 100

I only watched this because people said it was good. Or would be good. But I'm surprised at how much I like this. It's a visually appealing anime (Even though it takes some time to get used to the unique art style.) The characters are gaining depth. Mob has a backstory that I don't know yet. But I'm intrigued. I can't wait for the next episode each week.
This anime can be watched weekly. And it's fine that way. But I say binge watch this baby because it would be better to see him explode multiple times all at times instead of once every few weeks.

New Game

This is such a fluffy anime. Aoba is adorable and moe. The rest of the girls are moe. It's an anime about being friends and becoming an adult. I can't say no to that. There aren't a lot of plot points, and I'm not learning diddly squat about the video game industry. But I'm fine seeing Aoba go about daily life. Plus, I'm rooting for Ko and Rin. They're very cute together.
I say...weekly. It's cute and something that works for every week. If I watched this as a binge, I'd be plowed over with the cuteness.

Morose Mononokean

I might be one of the only people who likes this anime. Most have written it off by now, but I do enjoy it. It's sweet and funny. Ashiya has a lot of room to grow. I can't wait to find out his secret. (It was implied that Ashiya is something more.) He truly cares for people, and I like that. Abeno has a lot of skeletons in his closet as well. And Fuzzy just brings a smile to my face.

It doesn't matter if you binge watch this or not. I say weekly since it's a good pick-me-up like 'New Game'.

Amanchu

I actually didn't want to start this anime. I mostly did so after Twitter exploded with praise for it. The animation is definitely gorgeous and is something to stick around for. (I can't wait to see more open water scenes!) But I stick around mostly because of the friendship (I also want Pikari and Teko to have a cute yuri relationship. What can I say? I'm a dreamer.) The friendship is amazing. Strangers then friends then diving buddies. There's trust in that friendship. Something that isn't in a lot of friendships. I also like Teko's journey. She's becoming independent and learning more about herself. I find that adorable and interesting. I want to see her struggles because I know she'll get through it. Pikari or not.
Binge watch for sure. It's so cute and sweet that I just want to consume all of it at once!

91 Days

This is a simple revenge story. There doesn't seem to be anything special about it. But I stick around. I want to see how Avilio will take his revenge. This is also some added mystery about the fourth person. And the mob politics are fascinating. (Even if I can't remember who belongs to which family.) Plus, Nero is funny.

Why watch a revenge story unfold each week? There's no reason for that. Watch this as a binge. The story will make much more sense, and you won't have to dig through your memories to remember what happened in the last episode.

Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai Ga Aru

I almost wrote this anime off. It was annoying with the unrequited romance and episodic nature. I didn't expect that. But after a few episodes, I warmed to the unrequited love and even saw a barely-there overarching plot. I'm rooting for Usami. I want her to win over Uchimaki. Plus, I love seeing Uchimaki's creations. It's kinda meta. Art within art. But the episodic nature does rub me the wrong way sometimes. I want more art competitions and all.
Weekly is fine with this anime. You get a slice of life with a little romance thrown in. A boost for the weekend. (This comes out Thursday or Friday.)

Bananya

Man, I can't believe I'm still watching this. But it's cute. It's cats within bananas. What can go wrong? Nothing. There really is no gain or loss from this anime. It's so short that you can watch it in between classes or during your lunch break.
Since it's so short, binge watching this is fine. I think that all the episodes of this anime will equate to one or two of the normal, 20+ minutes episodes.

Finished

ReLIFE

I was intrigued by the premise. An adult who is put in a teenager's body? Whattt. And the story is interesting. We have complicated relationships and characters who are interesting. You root for the couples. I do think it needs a second season mostly because of that last reveal!
Unlike other animes, this was released all at once. So there was no weekly aspect at all. Binge watch is the only way to go.

The following Anime Awards of the Season is based on Magnitude Anime Reviews' additional thoughts.
Also, the following animes were featured in my graphic at the top! That's where those five come from.

Best Anime Overall

Orange and Mob Psycho 100

It's a tie for this spot. Orange explores a unique view on regret, and I'm crying every episode. (No, seriously.) And Mob Psycho 100 isn't episodic anymore. Plus, we're exploring the non-psychic world too via Ritsu. And Mob has a backstory we haven't finished with yet.

Worst Anime Overall

Hatsukoi Monster

Penis jokes and reverse loli characters. There is no other explanation needed.

Best Female Character

Naho from Orange

Naho, as I said, is someone who is real. She hesitates and forgets. I could be Naho. I hesitate and forget. She feels unlike many other characters in anime. She is human. And, man, that's an amazing job on the writer's part.

Best Male Character

Ashiya from Morose Mononokean

This was a tough choice. I would have chosen Mob or Kakeru (Mob Psycho 100 and Orange respectively), but I felt like they didn't really fit (Plus, I'm trying HARD not to repeat animes on this list.) Ashiya is NICE. He's so freaking nice. But because he truly cares about people, I felt a connection to him. I wanted to be on his side. He really does want to help people. And he complains too. He might hate the situation and act all wimpy, but he soldiers through it. THAT'S real dedication.
PS: I do want to acknowledge Mob here, though. He's freaking cool. I want to see more of his backstory. BUT since we don't have his backstory, I can't say he's my favorite of this season.

Best Couple

Ko and Rin from New Game

These two aren't canon (The only couple that is is Kakeru and Naho from 'Orange'.) But I do ship these two. They're so cute together. Ko relies on Rin for a lot of things. And the anime has even added in a scene where Rin is watching a romance anime where the guy is resting in the girl's lap much like Ko is resting in Rin's lap. Hmmmm.

Best OP

Million Clouds from Amanchu

This is tough too. I love all the OPs this season. They're all so amazing. (I even have the OP from 'Orange' on my phone. I've been meaning to put all of them on my phone, though.) But this OP is so beautiful. The vocals are beautiful. The animation is beautiful, and it really works with the timing of the song. The part that crescendoes corresponds with the Diving Club jumping into the water. And the ending animation (With Pikari and Teko holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes) always takes my breath away.

Check it out here!

Best Animation

Mob Psycho 100

This is the most unique animation style I've seen in a while (Okay, One Punch Man kinda looks like this. Sorta. At times.) But it's unique. It takes some getting used to, but the sketchy-looking lines and blasts of color can be gorgeous. I love it.

What animes are you watching this season? Which ones are your favorites? Which ones did you drop?

One Year Anniversary? Thank you!

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Oh my gosh, guys. It's a year since I started this blog. (Waaay back.) It's been an insane ride. I love blogging. Even if I complain a lot and get really down. I think I'm up for the challenge now! Yay!
Thank you so much for reading this!

Why I Started

Okay...so you'll probably hate me for this. But I started because of...drum roll...ARCS.
Hahahah. Don't hurt me.

But the thing is...I stay because I love it. I know my Twitter feed is full of me complaining and whining and threatening to go. But I've stayed. For a year. And maybe for more years to come!

Things I Did

You may or may not know that I like doing stuff. And stuff is vague for a reason. Because
I've done blog stuff to anime stuff to book stuff. So yeah. A lot of different things.

Convention stuff?

I went to BookCon 2015!
And I did TWO recaps.
Day Uno
Day Dos

Photo by Wren

Another book festival/convention I went to was North Texas Teen Book Festival. (My haul HERE!) I met so many amazing people: Naya, Liv, Avery, Sarah, Lizzie, and Whitney. Check them out!

I also got hugged by Adam Silvera. Life. Goals.

And blog stuff!

I started to do anime reviews. I'd link them all...but then I'd have to look for them. (And I'm now this anime addict. Sorry not sorry.)

I started a podcast for discussions as The Bookmato Chronicles. (Check out some episodes HERE!)

But I stopped. And changed my blog name.

BUT good news! I'll be doing a podcast called The Litaku instead! Which will be anime/book reviews, top ten/top five lists, updates, and whatever else. It'll be fun. I might slowly become a podcast, but I'll keep going with my blog.

I also started an (unsuccessful) YouTube. But check it out anyways. I'll do anime commentaries and all on there.

I started another blog called Bookish Eventravaganza. There are two events with this event blog.

BiblioSummerSwag

InterBlogCon

Check them out!

I also started a street team for my favorite author ever Victoria/VE Schwab! It's called the VElites. Check it out.

And now...the only writing thing I did during this time! NaNoWriMo 2015!
And I won! (No clue where my certificate is. SOMEWHERE.)

So onto some life stuff.

First things first...I moved! To Texas! Yay? So I met new people, of course, and i got new teachers and all. It wasn't too bad, I guess. But it wasn't FANTASTIC or anything.

I went to a Japanese festival. For the first time in my life. It was awesome. See my haul HERE.
In case you're wondering, yes, I did go to Japan. I stayed in a capsule hotel.

Photo by Wren

And I went to a rabbit cafe. Fun stuff really. I hope to go back one day!

Now, I am a blue belt in TKD. ALMOST THERE, GUYS. (I started a green when I moved to TX.)

I broke my glasses. For the first time in my life.
And I struggled without them. (As I write this, I have no glasses. So it's goddy awful.)
Also, it's TKD's fault for them breaking. True story.

I started to do page designs for my school newspaper! They look awful, by the way. But I'm working on it!

Editor applications came up, and I signed up to be the page editor. So yeah...gotta brush up on those editing skills.

Stats

Sigh...here's where I start to cry. My sad, sad stats.

Followers (Bloglovin' + GFC + Feedburner): 89
Views: 14,727

Twitter Followers: 489 (ALMOST THERE)
GR Friends: 154 (I'm not really on this one...)

Thanks

Okay...now onto the good stuff. I'll be thanking all the bloggers who have helped me. SHOUTOUT TIME.

Thanks to Mishma from Chasing Faerytales. You are one of my best friends in the blogging world. You are so sweet and so kind. I love everything you do. Especially VE Schwab things. Our little, fictional family is so awesome. #Schardas4Life ;) You're my blogger waifu, and I can't believe I've never met you before. One day! Love, your #Schardas ally Wren.

Thanks to Em from Piplup's Shadowy Bookshelf. GIRRRLL. I love you so much. You introduced me to Haikyuu. You introduced me to one of my main anime loves Nishinoya. And we talk anime and drawing together. Thanks for lending your artistic eye to things and for my AMAZING profile picture. I hope we continue this awesomeness. Love, your anime buddy Wren.

Thanks to Briana and Angelina from TV Bros. You guys are so sweet. I'm sorry you left blogging (but have sorta come back.) I miss youuu. I know I kinda abandoned Miitomo (because I abandoned my iPad basically.) You guys are great. I love your support and kindness. Love, your kohai Wren.

Thanks to Joan from Fiddler Blue. You are my IBC queen! Your ideas are amazing. And your stories are always funny. Thanks so much for helping me with IBC. I love everything you've done. Love, your lost co-host Wren.

Thanks to Emily from Emily Reads Everything. You gave me the best gift a person could have. An ARC of TSS. Thank you. And thanks for all the support. I love it a lot. You're a great person to talk to. Love. the person forever in your debt Wren.

Thanks to Fallon from Seeing Double in Neverland. You heard me. And you gave me advice...and books. Thank you for this. It really makes me smile everytime I get a package from you. Love, your blogger without the books Wren.

Thanks to Nori from Read Write Love 28. You have SST. You have RQWN. You are the queen of blogging, Nori. And I admire you. You set the bar high for me, and I strive to be better. Love, your lowly friend Wren.

Thanks to Cait from Paper Fury. You are an inspiration to me. I love your stories. And your enthusiam. I can't wait for your next post, and I greedily gobble it up. I want to be that crazy writer who writes books in a day. But I gotta accept who I am. Thanks for making me reach for the stars. Also, food. Love, your dessert lover Wren.

Thanks to Christina from Books and Prejudice. You have been here from the start. You're always chastising me and really making me rethink all my name changes. But I know this one will stick. Love, your indecisive friend Wren.

And I might be missing people out, but don't get down! You all are my FAMILY. Thank you so much for all you've done.

Thanks to you! For reading my blog. And being my friend. Hope we continue this wild adventure until the end. Love, your Litaku Wren.

Giveaways!

And no anniversary is awesome without a giveaway...or two.

So here they are!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Twitter Giveaway

Countdown to the End of the World...I Mean the End of the Blogger Positivity Project

Friday, December 11, 2015

Welcome to my (a tad late) recap of the Blogger Positivity Project! Yay? Definitely yay.

Five Brief Tips:

The blogging community is great. You'll be supported no matter what.

Authors are totally awesome potatoes and should be thanked more.

Who you are is amazing. Even if you're sarcastic and cynical. Like me. You're still cool.

Books are amazing. And you'll find that one book that is totally yours. I mean...other people will read it. But it's yours.

We totally need to write different discussion topics. Totally.

Four Things I Enjoyed:

Meeting new people: I loved meeting these new people. I'm not someone who meets a lot of new people. I'm quite shy. So yeah. Admittedly, I didn't get to meet a lot of the other bloggers. School is stressful, you know. But I did meet some people. Some.

Getting to write these awesome topics: I enjoyed writing these topics. I got to say things that I might not have said by myself. Plus...my letter...I loved writing that.

Seeing other posts: I love seeing other people's posts. It was really cool to see their thoughts.

Getting all happy because of the kind comments: This is so self absorbed, but all these comments made my day. I got a little happy each time I saw a new comment. Like...'OHMYGOD. YOUCOMMENTED. THANKYOU.'

Three Favorite BPC Posts:

Erin at the Hardcover Lover made a great post about the things the blogging world should know. And I totally agree.

Christine at Aerou Wishless did this pretty cool post about Goodreads. Okay. Confession time. I'm not a big fan of Goodreads these days. I used to use it a lot but not now. But this post reminded me of the good times.

Alex at All Alex Reads wrote this wonderful and heartfelt post to JK Rowling. The feels. Just the feels.

Two Bloggers That Inspired Me:

Jess: Okay. I kinda love Jess. She has a gorgeous blog design. And she's all sweet and kind. Ugh. How do you describe people?

Jillian: I just...how did she make this wonderful event? This girl has chops. And she's always so amazing. Brownie points because she did this blog hop. She makes pretty awesome posts. Yeah. Skills.