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Kuzu No Honkai. This show.

It’s nearing the end of the season and, as I have been planning a large end of the season/mid semester post, I ran out of shows to watch. Again.

So, long story short, I once again went through the seasonal showings on MAL and ranked, as always, by score. And, surprise surprise, I found a show called Kuzu No Honkai just scraping by above an 8. So why not.

Now it’s 12:45 in the morning and I feel compelled to jot down my first impressions from a show that delivers its narrative with both precision and brute strength.

First, I won’t spoil anything (partially because I am still on ep2 and partially because I won’t need too). The show is a romance but it decided, for some amazing reason, to tackle the theme of romantic infatuation above all other gooey, sticky, lewd aspects of the typical romance show that /a fondles over for a week before moving onto the next loli-trap highschool maid palooza 2, electric boogaloo show in the trashy parts of the anime romance sphere.

Every character explores some aspect of this theme deeply through interactions with their own crushes – providing first person perspective, or through the crush itself – providing the second person perspective. Still this point alone does not make the show good; it’s Kuzu’s emphasis on action: on intimate make-out sessions, on the prolonged staring contest people play with their desirable from a far, on the unspoken but real motivations that spark the romantic moments presented via memory and expression.

And don’t even get me started on romance cuz Kuzu is, again I feel like I’m repeating myself but, wholeheartedly realistic in its depiction.

So much so that I have to…uhm…close my door

…and window

… … and conscience

But that’s ok. Maybe its even preferred given the other potential shows you could watch. Basically, this show is more than a breath of fresh air; it’s something entirely unique and fun and, surprisingly, both cathardic and thoughtful in presentation. Take the time to watch this show. If not, here, enjoy your usually scheduled programming.

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Mid-Season Reflections, Winter 2017

So it’s 10:37, i’m tired, and I just finished episode 5 of  Youjo Senki, which is a show currently airing this season. Now, the show so far has been unique, well-paced, and honestly gripping in the sense that I look forward to each week’s episode. By all accounts it’s fun, which is an opinion I have for the majority of shows picking up traffic this season:

Gabriel Dropout continues the niche trend of placing transitional-magical beings in a modern world to explore the differences between “traditional/alien” and “modern.”

Little Witch Academia saves anime week after week with strong character-building episodes in a fun setting

Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon feeds the otaku base and casual scrubs alike with cute girls/slice of life, while also boasting a beautiful base art style/vivid sakuga.

Konosuba keeps being konosuba (never change, konosuba, u be urself)

Demi-chan wa Kataritai offers the seasonal best-girl contest with a more palatable “monster girls” vibe than Monster Musume

So i’ve listed six shows that are at worst average, but honestly make-up a solid lineup. Winter 2017 seems to have brought a good humble bundle of shows that most can enjoy, while sprinkling in some flavor. I find it weird that the community hypes seasons with only one or two sensational shows and completely forgets to appreciate the seasons that are mellow, like this one.

To wrap my bundle of tangents up, i’m just posting here to reflect that this season has brought some great shows, but the average viewer online has seemed pretty “meh” – a sentiment I feel especially when reading reviews and recommendations from different forums. Take a chance this season and watch a lower-rated show. I’m sure you will find a show worth your time.

As always, keep posting those dank memes,

AndWelcomeToTheJam

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Welcome to 2017

Hello all,

Its finally 2017 and I just wanted to write this little passage. A lot happened over the break, both with regards to the anime community and (i’m sure) all you cjas members, so here’s my breakdown of shows given through cjas recommends and personal shows undertaken.

Kizumonogatari was finally subbed in English over the break, so check it out because, my god, does it pack a punch with both animation, story, and solid raw awe that I haven’t experienced since Bastard Bowl on Game of Thrones.

Other shows this season are also worth the watch like Konosuba (still funny), Little Witch Academia (saving anime, again), and Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon (got that nichijou feel, hmmmmmmmm).

I’ve been told that Youjo Senki and Gabriel Dropout are also fun, so that’s next on the list.

Hope you have fun watching this season,

Best regards,

WelcomToTheJam