Rss

  • youtube

Archives for : Reviews

Vatican Miracle Examiner

Posted by :Patches On : August 18, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: Vatican Miracle Examiner: The Complete Collection on Blu-ray

Director: Yoshitomo Yonetani

Studio: J. C. Staff

U. S. Distributor: Sentai Filmworks, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: Sept. 11th, 2018

Format: J.C. Staff

Genre: Mystery, Drama

Age Rating: TVMA

Overall Personal Grade: A-

Commentary:

Vatican Miracle Examiner contains episodes 1-12 of the anime directed by Yoshitomo Yonetani.

Miracles don’t happen every day. But when something impossible happens that seems to be the work of supernatural forces or higher powers, it’s the duty of the Assembly of Saints and their agents to investigate. Their job is to determine whether each incident is explainable via previously undisclosed information, a part of some plot to take advantage of the people’s faith, or a genuine miraculous event. Priests Josef Kou Hiraga and Roberto Nicholas specialize in unveiling the truth and unearthing secrets that others might wish to keep buried, but when they’re sent to Mexico to investigate reports of a virgin birth, they end up in danger of being buried themselves. Murder, demonic summoning and deals with the devil are just the beginning of a new war against the ultimate darkness.

Overall Grade: B

Vatican Miracle Examiner is one of a very short list of solid drama, mysteries coming out this year. It is also placed is world that is really rather foreign to the Japanese public and tackles a subject that is hard to understand for most Catholics much less the rest of the world. Vatican Miracle Examiner also takes us down a path that is dark any fraught with danger. It creates a mystery that opens the door for other forces to rule the day. I did find myself thinking back to Le Chevalier D’Eon.

The one thing that stands out for me is the well executed writing for the series and the lovely animation that helps draw us in while we hare exposed to the unnatural forces brewing. Even though I liked the production values I felt like it took on an almost shojo style of rendering that left me just a tad cold. I understand why things happen on a rather overall level but I did expect a fuller richer production value.

As for the character development I felt like we began to understand who we were interacting with, but because of the shortness of the series I came away feeling a little left out. All-in-all Vatican Miracle Examiner gives us a solid mystery drama that will not disappoint.

Battle Girl High School (anime review)

Posted by :Joann On : August 5, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:

Title: Battle Girl High School Blu-ray Collection

U. S. Distributor: Sentai Filmworks

U. S. Release Date: 7/24/18

Format: Blu-ray/12 Episodes / 300 Minutes

Genre: high school girl/action

Age Rating: 14+

Overall Personal Rating: C-

Synopsis:

The planet endures random attacks by alien invaders called Irousu. The team responsible for resisting the invasion are the high school girls who form the Hoshimori. They are all that stand in resistance to the destruction of their world. Their skill is developed at their exclusive school and their power comes from the Holy Tree. Team work is vital to their success, but when a new student joins the group, her advanced skill comes with a smug and angry attitude.

Something different is on the horizon, the beast are no longer the only attackers. Now a cloaked and hooded enemy has entered the picture. They bring to light the complexity of the universe and its connection to other parallel universes.

Commentary:

Originally the concept for Battle Girl High School is from an online game. I guess that might explain things. Now, if you wrote down the outline of the series, it sounds good, something I would find interesting to watch. However, in the detail and development the anime never went anywhere interesting. So, it’s not the premise, but what fills it out that was lacking. I never felt empathy or even interest in the characters. Somewhere in episode 10 I was a bit intrigued with the parallel universe, but basically I was just sticking it out, at first hopefully then only for the sake of an informed review.

Visually, the style, colors and costume design were the best part of the anime, but it wasn’t enough to make it worth watching. The animation was not as good as I’m used to. There were lots of still scenes with a panning camera views, I guess trying to simulate movement, was overly utilized.  It makes for dull battle scenes that don’t invoke any excitement. And while I’m on that, the battle scenes were lame. Magically the student don their fighting outfits as weapons appear at their sides. Usually with one strike, poof the beast disintegrates.  Here seems like a good time to mention there is no army or defensives or care taken by the population against the repeated monster appearances. Really? Doesn’t make sense. The elements of everyday life and battles didn’t even see to belong in the same animation.

With all the choices of anime out there now to watch, to earn out time, there needs to be something that stands out, wether it is concept, story, characters, fun, excitement, etc. Battle Girl High School just didn’t seem to have much to offer.

Overall Grade: C-

 

Aura Battler Dunbine Blu-ray Collection (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : July 27, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Title: Aura Battler Dunbine Blu-ray Collection

Director: Yoshiyuki Tomino

Studio:  Nippon Sunrise

U. S. Distributor: Sentai Filmworks, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: Aug. 28th, 2018

Format: Blu-ray/ 49 Episodes / 1225 Minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Mecha, Action, Drama

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: C+

Synopsis:

Aspiring racer Sho Zama finds himself pulled into a strange realm in the middle of a motocross accident and into the mystical land of Bryston Well, where lords in castles settle disputes with unicorn-mounted cavalry and giant mecha called Aura Battlers!

Initially forced to pilot a Battler for the powerful Lord Drake, Sho soon discovers that he’s not the only person from the Earth drawn to Bryston Well, and worse, that he may be fighting for the wrong side. But once he’s joined forces with Dallas-born Aura Pilot Marvel Frozen, tiny fairy Cham Huau and other resistance fighters, Sho’s rapidly growing Aura powers may prove to be the deciding factor in a war unlike anything either world has ever experienced. From the acclaimed creator of Mobile Suit Gundam comes the wildest fantasy adventure ever in Aura Battler Dunbine!

Commentary:

Middle Earth meets Gundam. Aura Battler Dunbine is one of those older series that tried so very hard to mix Mecha and Fantasy. The fairies and weird mecha don’t always mix. In the first episode there is an honest attempt to explain how they manage to have the technology to build such amazing war machines when their existence is really rooted in the middle ages. In other words it take a leap of faith to allow this world to even exist.

With all of the fantasy and mecha going on it would need a great character or set of characters to tie it all together. The fact that there were weekly episodes produced between February 1983 and January 1984 should help tell you that it wasn’t the hit you might think just because there are 49 episodes. A one year run does not equate a great series, but then most hit series now don’t last much more than 24 to 26 episodes.

Overall Grade: C+

I don’t want you to think that Aura Battler Dunbine is a complete loss. It is a great example of the type of stories that were being told in the late 70s and early 80s. Much of which are fantasies with a twist of science thrown in. I found Aura Battler Dunbine to be a rather typical melodrama that lacks much imagination or surprise to it. I also found the attempt to explain the technology they possess made things even harder to believe.

If you love the early Gundam series you will love this. If over-the-top melodrama with some crazy mecha and funny little fairies all mixed up is your thing, then Aura Battler Dunbine is definitely your thing. For me I found it old and lacking but funny and interesting because of the age. I guess that in many ways it is a great reminder of where much of our favorite series might have come from and a idea of how they may be looked upon in 40 to 50 years.

 

Armed Girl’s Machiavellism (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : July 27, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Title: Armed Girls Machiavellism: Complete Collection

Director: Hideki Tachibana

Studio: Silver Link

U. S. Distributor: Sentai Filmworks, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: Aug. 21st, 2018

Format: Blu-ray / 13 Episodes / 325 Minutes

Genre: Harem, Comedy, Action

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B-

Synopsis: 

When Aichi Coexistence Academy converted from all-girls to a coed model, the female students were so concerned about male misbehavior that they armed themselves! Now the school is ruled by the lovely but lethal Supreme Five Swords, and the boys are forced to dress and act like girls or suffer the razor sharp points of the Swords’ anger.

Unfortunately for the Swords, new transfer student Fudo Nomura thinks that sounds like a total drag, and he might just have the martial arts chops and rapier wit needed to slash through the Swords’ defenses and carve a new niche for himself in their feisty feminine hearts! It’s a whole new kind of slice of life High School Drama, extra heavy on the “slice”, as one Bad Boy meets some very Dicey Girls!

Commentary:

As time rolls on, and we often see things that go around come back around, another somewhat questionable harem anime is about to release.  Armed Girls Machiavellism: Complete Collection is aimed to provide the typical bad boy who ends up getting all the powerful girls to fall hopelessly in love with him. Of course, he doesn’t really care too much about their affection but sure does know how to use it is his favor.

Nomura is basically to ideal bad boy who refuses to follow rules and seems to only know how to fight. He also happens to be a incurable romantic who feels like he will do whatever he must to control the moral high ground. The five swords appear to be girls who want to be in charge, but secretly need a strong man in their life. Lets not forget the “Empress”, who must have something special going on.

Overall Grade: B-

In the world of action harem anime Armed Girls Machiavellism: Complete Collection is just fine. It hits all the high points a high school battle harem should hit, but doesn’t manage to provide the character development that makes the viewer want to like the characters. In short this anime series is long on fan service and short on substance.

Armed Girls Machiavellism: Complete Collection provides plenty of action and many of the fights are layered with a sexual tension most anime fans will expect. There is even a nude bath battle that is both expected and somewhat anticlimactic.

I think that if there had been more work on making the characters likable and a deeper understanding of their background Armed Girls Machiavellism: Complete Collection could have been a real hit.

For fans of harems and high school battle anime, Armed Girls Machiavellism: Complete Collection, is a must see. For everyone else, I think there is some reasonable humor and action to keep you entertained and maybe bring a smile to your face.

 

BanG Dream

Posted by :Joann On : July 8, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:, ,

Title: BanG Dream

Publisher: Sentai Filmworks

U. S. Release Date: June 19, 2018

Format: Blu-ray, 13 Episodes plus 1 OVA ,  350 Minutes, Subtitled

Genre: School Girl slice of life/comedy

Age Rating: 14+

Overall Personal Rating: B

Synopsis: 

Kasumi Toyama is a happy can-do girl. She is alway looking for the feeling which she calls “sparkle”, which she associates with the symbol of  a star. This feeling can be described as an exciting and hopeful experience/feeling.

One day, following a trail of stars, Kasumi finds herself at an old store where she sees a “star shaped” guitar. This is a seed planted in her mind that begins to grow after she sees a local girl band playing at a small music venue hall. She feels the “sparkle” and becomes determined to form her own band so she can find the excitement she is seeking-wanting to share and inspire others in the future.

Commentary:

BanG Dream is more than a single anime. It is rather like a whole universe created. There is a live band, manga series, this Blu-ray edition and at least 2 more “seasons”(They seem to be listed with extended titles instead of labeled numerically.), and a game.

This anime centers around music as a story telling element, but friendship is really the overwhelming theme to me. As the band is formed, new friendships are forged.

Now, Kasumi as a character brushes way too close to annoying, but manages to squeak by. She has to be rather pushy and persistent to get someone to join the band. I don’t think she sees it that way, she is just so enthusiastic  and doesn’t give up. In her ever optimistic way, she just keeps going for what she wants and knows in her mind is what the other person is supposed to do. True, because the outcome is good, her techniques as a recruiter  are redeemed.

One thing I found annoying because it seems so impossible, is that Kasumi has never played guitar before and is now first learning. Even so, she makes it on stage in a matter of months. The anime does address this by saying it isn’t her skill but her enthusiasm and heart that she brings to the band. Other band members have already been playing instruments and are key to her learning. They value her friendship and know she is the glue that holds them all together.

I didn’t feel like I could rate BanG Dream higher than a B, because I  have been seeing too many of these similar story themes of an enthusiastic student forming a club or group, whose passions become contagious and though there are minor set backs, they prevail spectacularly. Always fun to watch, and this is a good one, but sometimes to compete in this growing selection, something extra would go along way.  As an example, Kabuki-bu is unique by bringing in a the elements of tradition thriving in the modern world, not forced but embraced by a young person.If you like BanG Dream, I think you’ll also like Kabuki-bu. )

BanG Dream may have two more seasons (or series), but this one ends in a way that feel whole and complete in a satisfying way.

Overall Grade: B 

A light and bubbly anime to encourage all to follow their dreams and feel good when your done watching. A fun visit with characters that will feel like friends.

A Spirit Of The Sun (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : June 29, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: A Spirit of the Sun on Blu-ray

Director: Masayuki Kojima

Studio: Madhouse

U. S. Distributor: Maiden Japan, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: June 19th, 2018

Format: Blu-ray, 2 Episode TV Special, 154 Minutes

Genre: Drama, Seinen

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B

Synopsis: 

In the movie A Spirit of the Sun, it was the worst-case scenario. When the twin disasters of the eruption of Mt. Fuji and a massive earthquake hit Japan, the island nation was literally shattered and torn in two. With millions dead and the life-sustaining national infrastructure destroyed, mass evacuation of much of the country’s population was the only alternative.

But now the Japanese refugees living in Taiwan find themselves in conflict with the native citizens. There’s not enough work, the living conditions are terrible, and what remains of Japan is occupied by China in the North and the U.S. in the south. Genichiro Ryu is just one of the survivors, but having been adopted by Taiwanese parents, he has a foot in both worlds and seeks to find a way to bring peace between the conflicting sides in the movie A Spirit of the Sun directed by Masayuki Kojima.

Commentary:

The Japanese have a history of telling very sad stories about major strife, devastation and the struggle to survive. A Spirit of the Sun is no different. It really shows off the real trouble that can come from nature and economic disaster and reminds us of how fragile our world is. I’m not too sure the American audience will understand this concept too well, but I do know that other film like Grave of the Firefly and Barefoot Jen have found some rather interesting fans in our country.

In the case of A Spirit of the Sun we see how hard life can be when you are the outsider in a country that has old deep feelings toward you. I think it is rather poignant in todays environment with the travel ban having just been upheld by the Supreme Court. I guess a world where we can live together without hatred and anger just isn’t possible.

Overall Grade: B

I think in may ways I wish this could have been just a little better. I found the animation to be relatively low quality even for 2006 production and some of the writing felt overhanded. I get that the story is trying to teach something very important, but see it as missing the mark just a little.

I also find it rather interesting that the Japanese could see bigotry and hatred coming from the sides without being more open about their own nationalism that exists. I guess that there is some discourse here that show the separation and hope along with a vision that just might bring some understanding in its wake.

I would recommend A Spirit of the Sun if for nothing else to see how so many Japanese still have a inferiority complex that plays itself out in these types of stories.

The Tibetan Dog (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : June 21, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: The Tibetan Dog – on Blu-ray

Director: Masayuki Kojima

Studio: Madhouse

U. S. Distributor: Maiden Japan, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: July 10, 2018

Format: Blu-ray/ Feature Film/ 90 Minutes

Genre: Adventure, Chinese Tale

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B+

Synopsis: 

In The Tibetan Dog movie, life hasn’t been easy for young Tianjing since his mother passed away. Forced to leave the city and move to the grasslands of Tibet where his father is the only doctor for a remote community, Tianjing finds himself becoming even more isolated as he works the lonely job of a shepherd.

It’s a dangerous task as well. Wolves, packs of wild dogs and other animals prowl the countryside… something that Tianjing discovers all too soon. Fortunately, he also finds a protector and friend in a stray golden mastiff that comes to his aide. When a new menace comes to terrorize the community, both human and canine will have to protect each other. Standing against the savagery of nature and the cruelty of men, this is the story of a boy and his Tibetan Dog.

Commentary:

The Tibetan Dog is a classic story that teaches moral lessons and honors deep friendship bonds between man and animals or rather dogs. Having had a pet dog for almost 18 years I can relate to the relationship between Tianjing and his golden mastiff. Of course there is plenty of struggles and a nasty adult who is naive and stupid. Even though is is a Chinese tale it feels over much like a Disney film with all of the personal drama in Tian’s life.

Overall Grade: B+

The Tibetan Dog is a simple film that tugs at our heart strings in several different ways. It also manages to roll several different tropes into the story along with reminding us how wonderfull a bond can be between a boy and a dog.

The animation production level is relatively good for this 90 minute film. It does showoff Madhouses ability to provide beautiful and following landscapes. The english voice acting is average. I didn’t find anything that stood out as a solid voice performance everyone did a reasonable job. I guess the thing that lost me the most was the almost hollow feeling I got from some of the side characters. I never connected solidly with any of them.

The other thing that I found curious was the fact that this film is rated TV14 when it could have or should have been rated PG because it would be a great film for viewers under 12. Honestly, I thought it was a solid attempt to create a story that gives us those warm feelings that come with kids and pets along with the twist that are common in Japanese and Asian stories.

If you want a family friendly anime this one is for you. If you want a Studio Ghibli quality film then it doesn’t quite reach those heights. I do recommend The Tibetan Dog if for no other reason that it is heart warming.

Initial D Legend 3: Dream (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : June 19, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Title: Initial D Legend 3: Dream on Blu-ray

Director: Masamitsu Hidaka, Tomohito Naka (co-director)

Studio: Sanzigen & Liden Films

Distributor: Sentai Filmworks, Section 23

Release Date: June 12th, 2018

Format: Blu-ray / Feature Film / 60 minutes

Genre: Car Racing, Coming of Age

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B

Synopsis:

In Initial D Legend 3: Dream, this is it! As the final showdown between breakout downhill racing phenomenon Takumi Fujiwara and Ryosuke Takahashi, the unbeaten leader of the Akagi RedSuns, draws near, both drivers and their teams go into overdrive. Takumi’s 86 and Takahashi’s RX-7 are broken down, retuned and transformed for battle. Skills that are already at the top of their form are honed into razor sharpness. Takumi must resolve his romantic situation with Natsuki. And then the race is on! Get ready for the ultimate duel on blacktop as the masters of drift square off in a winner-take-all competition that will steal your breath away in new theatrical movie Initial D Legend 3: Dream directed by Masamitsu Hidaka!

Commentary:

This last of 3 films does a wonderful job of bring us to the classic series. As with the other two films the story helps us get back up to speed with the essence of the Initial D franchise and introduces us to everyone that matters early on. Bottom line is that it Takumi is forced to understand his talent and discover what makes him really want to do this. On the other hand you have Ryosuke who knows why he does this and why he must be the best. In the end there is the final challenge between pure natural ability and cunning knowledge.

For any guy that is into cars and racing this series of films and the original series would we a great fit. For everyone else that might not be enough to keep them involved.

Overall Grade: B

I thought the animation production values were average at best and that some of the racing scenes tended to over develop the racing, but in series and films like this it really is about the drama and how to show it. I guess that all too often I felt like I was in a Bleach scene where some huge power was being unleaded rather than racing in some road race.

I guess that thing that failed me the most was the overall weakness of some of the main characters. I went away feeling rather cold toward Takumi and somewhat sorry for Ryosuke and maybe just maybe that is what they wanted, but the films are setup to make you want to root for Takumi. I guess I just didn’t care enough about him or what he was doing.

I do know that fans of the original Initial D series will love every minute of the films and snap them up like crazy. Maybe at some point in the future all 3 films will be released in one set.

Long Riders! The Complete Collection (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : June 19, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Title: Long Riders! The Complete Collection on Blu-ray

Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara

Studio: Actas

U. S. Distributor: Sentai Filmworks, Section 23

U. S. Release Date: July 17th, 2018

Format: Blu-ray / 12 Episodes / 300 Minutes

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Sport

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B+

Synopsis:

Ami’s always been small, a little clumsy and unsure of herself, unlike her more athletic friend Aoi. But when she sees someone using a folding bicycle on the way home from University, she realizes that the compact bike might be a perfect fit for her. Plus it’s really, really cute.

Before you know it, Ami’s bought her own bicycle and she and Aoi are going on biking trips together! Suddenly Ami’s world is so much bigger as she and Aoi meet a whole new group of friends who share their love of this sport, and the thrill of competing in long distance cycling events. Join in the fun and share in the adventure as a group of young women discover the joy of hitting the streets and touring Japan under their own power!

Commentary:

One thing that the Japanese really know how to do is produce sweet light slice of life that manage to remind us what a perfect world might look like. Long Riders is just one of those anime. It takes a young woman who has somewhat low self-esteem and givers her something that lifts her confidence and also surrounds her with friends that either push her or judge her for being who she is. These loving friends allow her to progress at her own pace and even find ways to help her improve without making it look like they are doing anything but just being friends. This little group of friends don’t seem to have a mean bone in their bodies and when it comes to Ami they want her to feel great about riding.

I know that it is just another of the many feel good anime that are produced, but after seeing so much violence and over the top fan service it sure is nice to sit down and watch a simple story about friends who enjoy the simple pleasure of riding bicycles.

Overall Grade: B+

Based on my commentary you would think that this series would earn a higher grade and typically I would have been more generous, but for Long Riders there are aspects of it that missed the mark. First of all the production values are rather cheep. When there was straight use of Computer Graphics (CG) I felt like it diminished the story because the quality was so poor. Some of the scenes looked like they were CG from 1998 to 2005. The hard edge and high contrast shadows just made everything too blocky and became a distraction rather than aid.

Most of the writing and character development was solid, but some of the story took the super easy way out and didn’t help these characters develop at all. At the end of the series I felt like there was still entirely too much I still wanted to know about the group than what I learned.

With a little better animation production value and a solid character development I could see Long Riders as being a real hit rather than just a nice series. I still want to recumbent Long Riders to everyone who enjoys feel good anime and really appreciates series that support the characters rather than set them up for bitterness and anger. Long Riders is a hit in my eyes so please give it a chance I think you might feel a little better after you watch it.

Kabukibu Anime Review

Posted by :Joann On : May 30, 2018
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:

Title: Kabukibu!

Publisher: Sentai Filmworks

Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda

U. S. Release Date: June 5th, 2018

Format: Blu-ray / 13 Episodes / 325 Minutes

Genre: Drama

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B+

Synopsis:

Kurogo Kurusu is now a high school student and the one club he passionately wants to join doesn’t exist.  When he was little, his grandfather shared with him his love of Kabuki. Now, Kurogo wants to be able to share and create this theatrical art with other students at his school. He eagerly requests to form a club but the answer no. But, he delivers an inspired monologue from a famous scene. His passion was quite moving, his advisor relents, and not a club, but the kabuki “group” is granted permission form.

Kurogo along with his best friend Tondo, set out to recruit members so they can begin to create their own performances. Of course, because kabuki is an old, stiff art form, with out of date language, it doesn’t really hold the young people’s interest. It is so hard to follow the dialogue making it boring and even tedious. Kurogo is undeterred and sets out to find new ways to introduce his beloved kabuki to a new audience.

Commentary:

I’d definitely recommend Kabukibu. My impulse answer to why is because there wasn’t anything annoying in it. At least not for me. But there is more to it than that. The main character has the effervescent, optimistic personality that reminds me of so many other characters (like in Tamako’s Market, or Haikyu!) searching for a way to achieve their goal and make things better for those around them along the way.  These are the type of people who work hard to succeed for the greater good. As the viewer, I feel swept along with friends, cheering them all along the way. This is why it was an uplifting and fun anime to watch.

Kurogo is a solid and charismatic main character. He has a deep respect for the past and tradition but understands the need for things to be relevant for the modern person and even having respect for today’s culture. He isn’t complaining or lamenting how people now days are at a fault. He brings the past to meet the future where it is. Tondo is the arguably the Hermione (from Harry Potter) of the anime. He’s the one who can find the information and make things happen.

I sure hope the information about kabuki they were teaching others was true because we were learning alongside of them. Since I enjoy learning about the Japanese culture, stemming from anime, it is really lovely to and anime that gives us more exposure to the cultural history.

The ending was satisfying, so it doesn’t feel like there needs to be a second season.

Who would like this anime? I think if you enjoy the school slice of life anime where friends are interacting and living a shared story you’ll like this one. I don’t really categorize it as comedy, but it is light, uplifting and comfortable. Fun. Kabukibu would be good for all ages, so I would prefer that there was a dub option. Without it, the younger viewer is basically eliminated. Well, that’s the way it goes, often. Anime like Aria come to mind.

Overall Grade: B+: Kabukibu is a fun and culturally interesting show. I just wish spellcheck would stop correcting the title as I write!