Anime Club
Whatever qualifies as anime... There is usually a current Japanese TV season's series being watched, and classic movies and series from the past being rewatched.
Posts for this club should be tagged: anime_club.
October 6
Special Event: Fall 2024 Anime Season / Summer 2024 Wrap-Up
The last few shows for Summer 2024 are wrapping up, so time for the quarterly update post!
Initial impressions, reviews, and [more inside]
September 26
?Oshi No Ko?: Reunion Show Only Season 2, Episode 12
B-Komachi go to Miyazaki to shoot their new music video, with Aqua and Akane in tow. As they arrive at the city, they learn of the city's connection to Ame-no-Uzume, goddess of mirth, revelry, and most importantly to our cast, the arts. Ruby and Aqua both have a connection to the town through their past lives, and this visit unearths some of them. [more inside]
September 21
?Oshi No Ko?: Freedom Season 2, Episode 11
Aqua gets on with his life now that his quest seems to be at an end. We see him spend two relaxed days, one on a shopping date with Kana and the other having the "where exactly do you see this relationship going" conversation with Akane. Things seem to be going smoothly for him, perhaps even a bit...too smoothly? [more inside]
September 11
?Oshi No Ko?: Release Show Only Season 2, Episode 10
Aqua and Taiki finish their cliffhangered conversation from last episode, and afterwards Aqua is left not knowing what to do next. Now that the Tokyo Blade arc has run its course, the spotlight moves back to Ruby and the revival of the pop idol group B-Komachi. [more inside]
August 28
?Oshi No Ko?: Dream Show Only Season 2, Episode 9
Aqua gets his big climactic scene, and the premiere performance of Tokyo Blade comes to an end, and we see members of the cast and crew reflect on the performance. The quest for revenge also continues... [more inside]
August 23
?Oshi No Ko?: Trigger Show Only Season 2, Episode 8
The cast of Tokyo Blade continue to one-up each other as each member tries to give the best performance of the show. [more inside]
August 14
?Oshi No Ko?: Sun Show Only Season 2, Episode 7
The grand premiere of the Tokyo Blade stage production continues! The Kana and Akane acting rivalry comes to a head as the two have their first big scene together. [more inside]
August 8
?Oshi No Ko?: Growth Show Only Season 2, Episode 6
The curtain rises on the Tokyo Blade stage show! We get an abridged version of the first act, before it focuses in detail on one of the actors specifically. [more inside]
July 31
?Oshi No Ko?: Premiere Show Only Season 2, Episode 5
It's the last few days before the grand premiere for the Tokyo Blade stage play. This episode checks in on the different members of the cast before the first proper curtain raise. [more inside]
July 24
?Oshi No Ko?: Emotional Acting Season 2, Episode 4
Abiko and Goa reconcile after Abiko is impressed by what she saw the Smash Heaven stage play. They put together a new script with 15 days left until the grand opening, and our group of young actors grapple with the higher level of emotional and expressive acting that this new script will require. Kana gives Aqua some advice on how to channel memories to help put on a more emotional performance, which sends him to a very dark place. [more inside]
July 17
?Oshi No Ko?: Rewriting Show Only Season 2, Episode 3
Akane takes Aqua to see his first 2.5D stage play, and to his surprise he leaves very impressed with the sophistication and entertainment value of the show. After realizing how difficult it would be for a mangaka with no script writing experience to come up with a good script for this kind of project, Aqua hatches a plan to get Abiko to back down from her stance of completely rewriting everything. [more inside]
July 10
?Oshi No Ko?: Telephone Game Show Only Season 2, Episode 2
Abiko-sensei, the creator of the Tokyo Blade manga, voices her unhappiness with what she's seen of the adaptation. She insists on rewriting the script, threatening to withdraw consent for the adaptation if she doesn't get her way and is unafraid to suffer any financial consequences that would result. With only 20 days left to go until the scheduled premiere, the cast and crew are nervous about if they'll be able to pull things off. [more inside]
July 7
My Deer Friend Nokotan: GIRL MEETS DEER Season 1, Episode 1
🦌🦌🦌 Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan 🦌🦌🦌WHY ARE HUMANS NOT DEER? (PV2)
After one of the most successful viral marketing campaigns in the history of anime, Peak Brainrot has arrived in all its glory! [OP] [ED] [WP ] [more inside]
July 5
Delicious in Dungeon: Egg / The Golden Country Season 1, Episode 21
With the dungeon's fate hanging in the balance, Kabru negotiates with the elves. Meanwhile, a ghost drags Laios and crew into the cursed Golden Country.
July 3
?Oshi No Ko?: Tokyo Blade Show Only Season 2, Episode 1
Season 2 picks up right where we left off S1. Aqua, Kana, and Melt from the live action TV adaptation of Sweet Today join the Lala Lai theater troupe as they prepare to put on a 2.5D stage production adaptation of the popular manga Tokyo Blade. [more inside]
July 1
Delicious in Dungeon: Ice Golem / Barometz Season 1, Episode 20
"Izutsumi proves to be a useful ally despite her lousy table manners and aversion to eating monsters. But the crew's kindness slowly opens her up."
Special Event: Summer 2024 Anime Season / Spring 2024 Wrap-Up
Initial impressions, reviews, and [more inside]
May 20
Movie: 紅の豚 / Porco Rosso (1992)
In 1930s Italy, sky pirates in seaplanes terrorize wealthy cruise ships as they sail the Adriatic Sea. The only pilot brave enough to stop the scourge is the mysterious Porco Rosso, a former World War I flying ace who was somehow transformed into a pig during the war. After his plane is damaged, Porco must prepare to battle a rogue American ace with the help of his two confidantes, a fearless teenage mechanic and a world-weary cabaret singer. [more inside]
May 10
Delicious in Dungeon: Hag/Nightmare Season 1, Episode 19
Confronted by the chimeric tallman catgirl, Senshi winds up conducting a rather unique lesson on etiquette, while Marcille winds up dealing with nightmares of the monstrous sort - forcing Laios to take a dangerous journey into her psyche... [more inside]
May 9
The Apothecary Diaries: The Threat Season 1, Episode 4
An imperial order is not one that can be refused, and so Maomao is assigned to the Crystal Palace to heal the ailing Wise Consort, Lihua - but her ladies in waiting may be the biggest threat to the Consort... [more inside]
May 4
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Perfect Replicas Season 1, Episode 24
With the spiegel - a monster capable of creating clones of those within the Ruins of the King's Tomb - now acting to deal with the mages invading the dungeon, the candidates in the Second Test now face the most dangerous of opponents - themselves... [more inside]
May 3
Delicious in Dungeon: Shapeshifter Season 1, Episode 18
Following a trail of blood, Team Touden travels to the sixth floor - the castle waterways, and the site of their loss to the red dragon. But when a surprising chill forces them to take shelter in an abandoned oubliette, they soon find that me's a crowd as there's now a bunch of copies - both credible and not... [more inside]
April 26
Delicious in Dungeon: Harpy/Chimera Season 1, Episode 17
Laios and Shuro's discussion/fight is cut short by an attack by harpies - and a much greater threat, one that leaves the parties shaken. And in the aftermath, two allies let it all out for once... [more inside]
April 25
The Apothecary Diaries: The Unsettling Matter Of The Spirit Season 1, Episode 3
When reports of a ghostly lady dancing on the walls of the Rear Palace reach Jinshi, he asks Maomao to look into the matter. But when it turns out to be a sleepwalking concubine, it winds up that there's more to this case than originally thought... [more inside]
April 24
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Conquering The Labyrinth Season 1, Episode 23
The Second Test has begun, and its objective is deceptively simple - reach the depths of a dungeon that has never been fully explored. But unexplored dungeons have dangerous threats, and the one this dungeon has might be the most dangerous of them all... [more inside]
April 23
The Apothecary Diaries: Chilly Apothecary Season 1, Episode 2
Settling into her new role as lady in waiting in the Jade Pavilion, Maomao finds herself placed in a role that might make use of her particular talents - as well as becoming an advisor and drugmaker to Jinshi... [more inside]
April 22
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Future Enemies Season 1, Episode 22
With the conclusion of the First Test, the surviving candidates get a chance for some rest in the interlude. But while they have some time to enjoy themselves, the reality of the Second Test looms over their heads... [more inside]
April 21
The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao Season 1, Episode 1
Maomao, a young apothecary raised and trained by her uncle and adoptive father Luomen, is kidnapped and sold into the service of the Imperial Court's Rear Palace - the "flower garden" where the Emperor's concubines are kept, along with the staff to maintain them. She tries to keep her head down in order to complete the term of indentured servitude she's been sold into - but a medical mystery winds up drawing her into the orbit of the eccentric master of the Rear Palace, Jinshi... [more inside]
April 20
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: The World Of Magic Season 1, Episode 21
As the First Test nears its conclusion, Frieren and Denken finally clash in a battle of experienced mages. But it turns out that the elf has a trick up her sleeve - a trick that will get the attention of Serie herself... [more inside]
April 19
Delicious in Dungeon: Cleaners/Dried With Sweet Sake Season 1, Episode 16
After some observation, Chilchuck has figured out a pattern to the shifting of the floor's configuration, leading Team Touden to the exit - and to Teams Kabru and Shuro. However, the reunion between allies may not be a happy one when Shuro finds out what happened with Falin... [more inside]
April 18
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Necessary Killing Season 1, Episode 20
The tension pops off as teams begin to clash - Wirbel and Party VIII challenging Fern's Party IV, while Party XIII led by Denken makes their move against Frieren and Party II. And with the stakes of the test - and of the prize that Serie holds for those who succeed - it might just be worth killing for... [more inside]
April 17
Spring 2024 Anime Season / Winter 2024 Wrap-Up
Let's talk about what we enjoyed from Winter 2024 and what we'll be watching in Spring 2024:
For some impressions and reviews, check out [more inside]
Delicious in Dungeon: Driad/Cockatrice Season 1, Episode 15
Trapped in the Mad Mage's ever shifting labyrinth, Team Touden is on the verge of starvation - until finding a nest of dryads provides a potential meal - and miserable allergies. And then, the party is forced to deal with a monster that makes the basilisk look tame... [more inside]
April 16
Tonari no Yokai-san: Episode 1 (Untitled) Show Only Season 1, Episode 1
Nestled in a windy valley, Fuchigamori is a rural town where humans and yokai live side by side like it's no big deal. There are backyard barbecues, visits to the local hardware store, neighbors dropping off extras from the garden and a lingering sense of impending doom from a hidden antagonist.
English Language Title: The Yokai Next to Me. [more inside]
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Well-Laid Plans Season 1, Episode 19
With the First Test continuing, Frieren and her two young mage compatriots still need to acquire a stille - and they're not the only team in that boat. But given the stille's traits and the implications of Serie's barrier, Frieren hatches a plan to catch one - the problem being that said plan is by its nature picking a fight with all the other teams without a stille... [more inside]
April 15
Movie: Spy x Family Code: White
After receiving an order to be replaced in Operation Strix, Loid decides to help Anya win a cooking competition at Eden Academy, by making the director's favorite meal in order to prevent his replacement. [more inside]
Delicious in Dungeon: Sea Serpent Season 1, Episode 14
With the intensity of the past few episodes, it's perhaps a good pallette cleanser to go back and see how the comic relief is doing, and...did Kabru just outright murk that guy... [more inside]
April 14
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: First-Class Mage Exam Season 1, Episode 18
Finally, Frieren and party have reached Äußerst, the Northern Lands' center of magical research and study - and the site of the examination to earn the rank of first class mage. But it's not just Frieren and Fern who seek the title, as a number of mages from around the lands converge on the city of magic... [more inside]
April 13
Delicious in Dungeon: Red Dragon III/Good Medicine Season 1, Episode 13
The Mad Mage makes his presence known, and his magic seems to have the power to control Falin, as Team Touden challenges the elven master of the dungeon. And when things go awry, the party is found by an orc warband - whose captain finds the halffoot's seeming cowardice distasteful... [more inside]
April 12
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Take Care Season 1, Episode 17
With the knowledge of his friend traveling to Tur, Sein now has a decision to make - though the weather gives him a chance to further reflect - and to bond with his comrades. And then when Fern falls ill, a journey to find medicinal ingredients gives Frieren and Stark a chance to bond... [more inside]
April 11
Delicious in Dungeon: Red Dragon II Season 1, Episode 12
The red dragon has been slain, and Falin's remains recovered. All that's left is to ressurect the young tallman woman - but doing so will have her friend make some grave choices... [more inside]
April 10
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Long-Lived Friends Season 1, Episode 16
The journey to Äußerst leads the party to meet with an old acquaintance of Frieren's - and with recounting past memories. And another stop results in Sein gaining insight on the path his childhood friend took - and in doing so forces the priest to make a choice... [more inside]
April 9
Delicious in Dungeon: Red Dragon I Season 1, Episode 11
This is it. This is what all the adventures, all the trials, all themeals have been leading up to. For Team Touden, it's do or die - for Falin's sake, the red dragon must fall... [more inside]
April 8
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Smells Like Trouble Season 1, Episode 15
When the party finds a town afflicted by a curse that puts people to sleep, Sein finds himself put to the test - not just of his skills, but of his belief in his fellow travelers as well. Then, a chance encounter with the ruler of the region has Stark play the role of his son - a false role that nonetheless brings up real emotions for the young warrior... [more inside]
April 7
Delicious in Dungeon: Giant Frogs/Aboveground Season 1, Episode 10
Refreshed physically, emotionally, and manawise, Team Touden begins the descent to the castle town - and to their confrontation with the red dragon. Unfortunately, the path downward will not be an easy one, with the stairwell down full of dangers. Meanwhile, Tansu reports his findings to the (nominal) head of the island, while Namari looks to see if by some miracle Falin's corpse has made it back for revival.
One thing is clear - things are coming to a head, in several ways... [more inside]
April 6
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Privilege Of The Young Season 1, Episode 14
It's Fern's birthday, and tensions are high as it seems that Stark has forgotten and Fern is upset - but the reality of the situation is more complicated, as it usually is when emotions are in play, especially one particular one. Then while on the road, a monster attack causes a particular item of Frieren's to be lost - one with significant meaning... [more inside]
April 5
Delicious in Dungeon: Tentacles/Stew Season 1, Episode 9
With Marcille weakened from the undine's assault, Team Touden is surprised when another adventuring party comes upon them - with a familiar face in tow. But the realities of how dungeoneering works forces Laios to trade his labor for healing. And the enraged undine is still out there - but Marcille has a plan to kill two birds with one stone, and use it to replenish her mana... [more inside]
April 4
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Aversion To One's Own Kind Season 1, Episode 13
A chance meeting with a priest in the woods leads Frieren to learn more about the man - and to convince him to join her party to fulfill a childhood dream...and find a childhood friend... [more inside]
April 3
Delicious in Dungeon: Raspberries/Grilling Meat Season 1, Episode 8
Marcille thinks back on how she and Falin first met at school, and how she taught the elf valuable lessons about how there's more to the world than what's in books. Unfortunately, her ablutions wind up creating a very angry water spirit with murder on its mind... [more inside]
April 2
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: A Real Hero Season 1, Episode 12
Continuing on to Äußerst, the trio finds themselves in the Village of the Sword just in time to keep a promise made by Frieren, and to learn a truth about Himmel's legend. Then, it's Stark's birthday - but the warrior feels that there's little reason to celebrate it - or him... [more inside]
April 1
Delicious in Dungeon: Kelpie/Porridge/Broiled In Sauce Season 1, Episode 7
Finally reaching an underground lake at the base of the castle, the party - and Senshi in particular - gets a valuable lesson in the reality of wild monsters being exactly that. And as Team Touden crosses the lak, they wind up finding out personally how one very large predator can throw off the ecosystem... [more inside]
March 31
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Winter In The Northern Lands Season 1, Episode 11
With Aura and her subordinates now dead, the people of Graf Granat's realm can finally relax and begin recovering from the wounds The Guillotine left. And with that, Frieren and her party now have a new goal - one that will lead to a chance encounter with another of her kind... [more inside]
March 30
Delicious in Dungeon: Court Cuisine/Boiled In Salt Water Season 1, Episode 6
Curiosity - and a rumbling tummy - lead Laios to try seeing if the food in the enchanted paintings is a possible food source. But he gets more than a meal as the scenes he enters tell the tale of the Golden Kingdom, as well as that of the Mad Mage. Later, a midnight bathroom break leads to Chilchuck trapped with his nemesis... [more inside]
March 29
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: A Powerful Mage Season 1, Episode 10
Frieren has earned many epithets throughout her many years, but the first of those was apprentice to the great mage Flamme, she who brought the flame of magic to humanity - and waged a war against the monsters who preyed from the shadows. And it is that war that her elven apprentice has carried on, and which leads her to a confrontation with The Guillotine herself... [more inside]
March 28
Delicious in Dungeon: Snacks/Sorbet Season 1, Episode 5
All that glitters is not gold, as one adventurer group finds out the hard way when the treasure they find winds up being a bit more...alive than expected. And when Team Touden finds themselves dealing with spirits sans their indisposed healer, Senshi comes up with a creative - and tasty! - method of ghostbusting. [more inside]
March 27
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Aura The Guillotine Season 1, Episode 9
Finding shelter and aid, Granat recounts to his young saviors about how Aura used her signature spell - Auserlese - to create her army of the dead. But at the moment, the bigger threat is Lügner and Linie - and they plan to deal with the young mage and warrior personally... [more inside]
March 26
Delicious in Dungeon: Stewed Cabbage/Orcs Season 1, Episode 4
It's farming dungeon style as Senshi shows Team Touden his...ambulatory gardens in the form of golems he has turned into walking vegetable patches. Though when they go to trade in their leafy bonanza, it turns out that the red dragon's actions have caused further displacement - and further trouble... [more inside]
March 25
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Frieren The Slayer Season 1, Episode 8
The presence of the elf mage and her party - and their actions - force the hand of the demon Lügner - fittingly, 'liar" - to forgo subterfuge and resort to force to find the key to collapsing the spell protecting the town. For while the people around her might see Frieren as a quirky oddball, demons have a decidedly different view of her - of a cold eyed bane of demonkind, known by a fitting epithet - Frieren, the Slayer... [more inside]
March 24
Delicious in Dungeon: Living Armor Season 1, Episode 3
Finally entering the castle proper, Team Touden finds themselves at a tricky impass, as the path to move further into the castle is guarded by suits of living armor - a threat that Laios himself has fallen to (he got better, thankfully.) But this means no meals, as living armor are magical constructs, not living creatures...right? [more inside]
March 23
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Like A Fairy Tale Season 1, Episode 7
For someone whom can remember the events of antiquity because they were there, the transient nature of human memory is something that puzzles Frieren - that what was her experience has become myth and legend. Of course, some of that myth - like demonkind - is an altogether too real threat... [more inside]