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[[No real spoilers]]

There’s a special place in review hell for anime that could have been good but went down the drain, as compared to those that are just bad all throughout. Nobody can describe the suffering one goes through watching those last few episodes.

The series is basically about how children called “parasites,” that have to work in heterosexual pairs, to pilot machines (FranXX) to fight monsters. It was off to a good start - cheesy, yet bearable. An exchanging monologue by the two leads was shared on their thoughts of the illusive Jian - a one-winged bird that can only fly if it had ... a partner. It gave good contrast of the characters’ views and set a poetic tone.

From there, it seemed like the show was really just about a post-apocalyptic shoujo with a hint of shounen. Everyone was developing, and was learning about the opposite sex, love, or growing up in general, all the while saving the world. It was basically puberty in a mecha-dystopian setting. The other characters were entertaining to watch. It was light and paced relatively well. Not to say it was “good,” but it was more of “cute” and “okay.” There were many interesting sexual innuendoes, but wasn’t overall ecchi, so it was tame enough. The parallelism between their means of saving the world and being in relationships was also fun.

As time passed, it seemed as if the narrative on the Jian was not at all consistent with the actual personalities of the speakers. Yes, it spoke of some dependent “love,” which was not exactly healthy, but accurate of their relationship. However, their actualities were not properly reflected. A whole other thing is how portraying toxic relationships in a positive light could be very dangerous and detrimental to the audience. But it’s not a reviewer’s role to make judgement calls on what “true love” is.

After being somewhat endearing, the show started to be consistent with its intolerable coincidences and unsettled issues. Things went even more downhill from there. There were so many plot holes after plot hole that were left unresolved and very painful cliches. To make things even worse, everything suddenly changed course. It was as if the anime forgot what it wanted to do with itself. It ended up doing too many things, trying to make the story have good twists, but making quality suffer at the end. It was UNACCEPTABLE.

As this review is coming almost a decade and a half after Black Lagoon aired, it’s quite interesting to see anime of this caliber amidst the sea of stereotypical shonen of today. Set in a place and time ravished in crime and poverty, the show focuses on Black Lagoon, an organization which does various illegal shipping jobs for money, and of course, with their lives on the line. The characters are from differing backgrounds and have dark pasts that manifest in their current psychology, actions, and overall philosophies. Save a new member, a middle class Japanese salaryman, who ended up joining the mercenary group.
Amidst jobs ... of questionable morality and split blood, ideals and principles of the ragtag bunch clash, all the while trying to keep their lives afloat.

Though animation and soundtrack are not too remarkable, the same cannot be said about the effort poured into the world building, attention to details, and character development. Given the intriguing story narrative, it may even prove difficult to keep up if unfamiliar with history, famous personalities, or places. The climactic dialogues were well executed, especially the stark differences in ideologies from a privileged point of view. Even if there were some fictitious elements, such as bullets always hit the target but never the protagonist (almost like a typical James Bond movie), the action and mental struggles of the characters were appreciated.

“Stay cool as a cucumber.”

Blood Blockade Battlefront begins with a very confusing introductory episode. Leonardo Watch, an aspiring photographer, writes to his sister of his adventures living in Hellsalem’s Lot. The contained place, which was known previously as New York City until the boundary between what’s known as reality and what’s “Beyond” collapsed, causing monsters and other unknown creatures to flood the area. Due to a random occurrence, Leo mistakenly joins Libra, a secret organization that tries to maintain order despite the paranormal circumstances. Upon discovering their newbie isn’t who they thought he was, Libra is suddenly attacked. Leo is not discarded as he is found to have these ... “All-seeing Eyes of the Gods,” because he just happened to be at a certain time and place (never mind his sister’s sob story). The random attacker appears on TV explaining that gates are involved and what is a gate? What is happening? Who is this perpetrator? Perhaps the audience will be enlightened later in the series. Not.

It’s difficult to grasp a plot when there are no boundaries to the storyline. Ever since New York was plunged into Hellsalem’s Lot, it has had the tagline of “abnormal is the new normal,” which seems to have given the writers of this narrative an excuse to make anything go. Super-cool ultra moves? Go. Overarching bad ass villains? Random ones in between? Go. Schemes and evilness? Go. Secret org but vehicle that stands out? Go. Cool names that are difficult to remember? Go. Sentimentality that doesn’t really fit, but Go anyway. Supersonic monkey that is so fast and can’t be seen by human eye but can be physically run after by a normal human? GOOO!!!
“Anything can happen in a world like this one,” indeed. Writers got potpourri of fun, random things, and put it together. The series lacked proper world building, plot or character development, and overall cohesion. There were too many loopholes, coincidences, and unexplained phenomenon.

The show wasn’t all bad. It had interesting characters with their powers, and a pretty entertaining premise. Some unique attributes came about, like in terms of humor, and how they would announce the survival rate when riding a train. Backstories were good, too. Its solid soundtrack should be pointed out as well, random as it might have been (as with its anime elements). Though the fact that anything could happen due to the supernatural situation is perfectly acceptable, just too many things were happening.

Ahhh, Magic Knight Rayearth. Reeking of nostalgia, when magical school girls were all the rage and believing in the self and one’s will, against all logic, was all a heroine needed (never mind the will of the antagonist). Way back, even prior to the establishment of stereotypical characters. Have to give it some credit for being those foundational series before the importance of character growth and narrative became as established as it is today. It’s also so difficult to be harsh on the loopholes, flatness of characters, and inconsistent storylines when it was a children’s show. Though it was there when anime had just started ... to boom, it had some good plot twists given the monotony.

Little Witch Academia is a very simple anime. After watching a enchanting show by Shiny Chariot, Akko is dazzled by the display and taken by the performer’s words, “A believing heart is your magic.” Inspired, the child declares that her dream is to become like the magician on stage, and decides to go to the same school as her proclaimed idol. The aspiring sorceress is straightforward, stubborn, and never gives up on her dream. At a time when magic about to lose its relevance in the world and Akko herself is not magically inclined, she is determined to continue to become a wonderful witch that ... makes people smile. She does whatever it takes and makes things work out somehow.

It’s the basic shonen formula on moe moe cutesy girl estrogen pills. Admittedly, it wasn’t bad per se. There were times when it seemed to drive some significant plot points - realities of labor, upholding traditions vs. modernizing, how those with knowledge power take advantage of those who need help or don’t know any better. It’s also nice how the main character pushes herself and others to not succumb to so-called destiny, because one’s fate should be something chosen by the self. However, despite it having these potential pluses, the series did not process the issues properly and nor were they actually resolved. Countless plot holes, conveniences, and characters that lack logical progression or genuine development contribute to it being lackluster. Perhaps more fleshing out of the story and explanations through the dialogue could have helped. Upon investigating why it was rated so high, many reviewers stated that the show brought feelings of nostalgia or something about the OVA. Given how simplistic the narrative and characters were, it could be called an entertaining child’s show.

There’s not much to say about Black Clover. It’s like recurring elements of typical popular shonen series were just forced together. Highlights from the likes of Naruto, Fairy Tail, My Hero Academia, Blue Exorcist, Radiant, etc., were put into a blender and served. As if supernatural powers + main character with difficult circumstances + brooding rival + never giving up + saving friends were all it took to make an anime remarkable.

First of all, the plot. Asta is an orphan cannot use magic, but it is his dream to become the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom. Due to his powerlessness, he ... faces trials and challenges along the way. Basic enough.

Personally not a fan of the art style, but it’s enough to make fight scenes somewhat exciting. Same can be said about the sound: not bad, but not really noteworthy, either.

On to the characters/meat of discussion.
Try the main protagonist, Astra, born without magical abilities in a world where magic is everything. What’s more is that he grew up penniless in the outskirts, when nobility and class matters. He is belittled and discriminated. He trains to become physically strong, forces himself to do what he can and never give up. Hello, Naruto, Natsu, Midoriya, Rin, and the rest. Against all odds, he magically progresses through magic without having magic. Wow. As if that makes sense. He just stubbornly charges to fulfill his goal and tries to get better without doubts, without any change (other than skills). There is no growth in his character. Not to mention he acquires skills at a ridiculous pace.
Let’s go to another character, Yuna. This boy was found as a baby with Asta and is the power opposite. Initially a nice, timid crybaby; upon facing his powerlessness, he decides he also wants to claim the title of Wizard King, becoming Astra’s rival. Without transition, Yuna suddenly makes a 180-degree personality change, turning into a stuck-up genius and exceptional mage. Hello, Sasuke, Gray, Bakugo, Yukio, etc. He develops this cool and cold demeanor but secretly cheers for his rival, which is great, but it is like his presence is not necessary in the plot. It is as if he is just there because a strong rival is needed for the main character, as with most highly-rated would have.
The different magic types used were interesting and the other individuals in the series honestly had potential. Most had their own dark, unique, and significant backstories, which is usually a plus. Then again, without proper execution, the effort is wasted. Their quirky personalities were overused. Characters have the same intelligible conversations, illogically repeating the same phrases over and over again, just for entertainment value. These individualistic exchanges can be fun to a certain extent, but here, they were oversaturated. Predictable dialogues waste so much time and could have been used to develop the characters (none of them did in depth or personality) and in propelling the plot forward instead.

Though the somewhat amusement from the anime cannot fully be denied, Black Clover was bland overall. It could have been fine to have similar components to other series. However, when the writing lacks coherence and the storyline lacks cohesion, the show fails to stand on its own and becomes a rip off of any other great shonen.

There’s definitely something about how productions within the Gundam universe are created. Albeit most series are stand-alone (not necessarily dependent on each other), the audience is guaranteed blood, action, systemic revolution against discrimination, poverty, unfair social structures, and protecting comrades/family. I, personally, haven’t seen all of them, but when I do watch, I almost always see myself cheering for an underdog trying to uproot an unjust society. After all, it’s easier to invest in a narrative that reflects current realities seen in the real world.
As an addition to the mecha-franchise, Mobile Suit Gudam: Iron-Blooded Orphans does not disappoint in delivering the expected themes. True ... to its name, the show is about poor young orphans, experimented on to become weapons, forced to be disposables in war; how they struggle with their youth, realities, and how they try rise above all those to finally find a place where they call home.

A great thing about the writing of this anime is that it really gets the viewers going. It’s no-nonsense with a plot that keeps propelling forward. This means there’s no dull moment and most, if not all, scenes contribute well to the story. Given the premise of poor children who are treated like trash trying to change their fates, it’s entertaining to journey with them as they face many trials, not only to defend their newfound family, but also to, in effect, fight for social equality, especially with all the twists and turns that come along the way.
Personalities are distinct and interesting. They are all fighting for a bigger cause, more important than their own lives. The backstories that come with them add to the enjoyment.

Though uniqueness in characters—child soldiers with dark pasts—is one of the defining points of the anime, the lack in their development was apparent. There were indeed many challenges, even deaths along the way, which are substantial enough to stir up growth. However, when confronted with them, there was a cyclic mindset of sacrificing oneself for these losses and making their organization even more reputable. Perhaps this could be attributed to maturation, but more of just plain old stubbornness. A certain flashback (trying to be vague to avoid spoilers) in the past recurs several times to remind the captain, specifically, that he has to move forward despite everything, without properly delving into what actually happened during that time. This causes a disconnect towards what their motivation from the past is.
Many favorable circumstances also came too easily to help them achieve certain goals. Some events could even be called predictable. As with the fights, it’s typical of Gundam to have certain ace pilots to do most of the heavy work. Even so, the inexplicable strength, strategies, guerrilla knowhow, and tactics that helped their team get so far seemingly came from thin air.

For the most part, Iron-Blooded Orphans is a commendable series. Looking forward to season 2 and hopefully, more growth is evident.

Fire Force is mainly about firefighters, many with special pyrokinetic abilities, that protect citizens from “infernos” - humans that that combust spontaneously and turn into demons. As the show progressed, it is found that the truth behind these monsters involve interwoven conspiracies by the same organizations that created the fire force.
The series started out well, building up the tone and setting. With both the strengths and pains of the lead, Shinra Kusakabe, being introduced, it seemed like a good cross between “I want to be a hero” vs. “I’m feared. ” Other personalities were unique and fairly intriguing.

After that strong first impression, viewers ... find that what appeared to be a solid unit started to fall apart, one piece at a time.

There was an apparent inconsistency in the personalities of the cast. They would be portrayed as one thing, but that would disappear later on and only appear when it’s convenient to the plot. For example (just this one spoiler), Shinra was gifted with a strong pyrokinetic power and was feared because he would smile when he was nervous, which was during inappropriate times. After he survived the fire that killed his family, he had this nasty smile on, which made him look at fault or even evil. It was a big chip on his shoulder that he had to bear that pushed him to want to become a hero even more. However, after a few episodes, it seemed like that quirk did not make a difference in the first place. He was becoming a hero without that smile of his really mattering; it was only pointed out randomly and showed up for aesthetic’s sake.
Jumping off from Shinra being a “hero”, there was likewise an evident lack in character development - not just in terms of personality or learnings, but in skill and strength as well. Without any real training, the lead inexplicably gets more capable, being able to defeat those with/in power.

Aside from the erratic storytelling for the characters, confusion was also present in world-building.
How characters get their powers was not explained. So many concepts were brought up with out proper description or support. The show mentions Adolla Burst, which is better than regular flame, but there’s no way to tell it apart visually or scientifically… so how does the audience know that that’s it, right?
To add to the disorientation, truths of the Fire Force universe were shared randomly, without logic. Realities that should have been introduced earlier were thrown in mid-series like after thoughts, as if the writers remembered all of a sudden, “Oh yeah, this should be brought up too.” Nearing the end, the that the fact that no animals exist is made known. However, meals with egg and meat had been shown previously, which is muddling.
Again, these are just a few instances that exhibit messy writing. Though this probably should not be part of it, maybe the animators also took fan service too far (is lucky lechery even a thing???).

Some saving points that could be commended are the creativity in the character’s fire abilities, there were some chunks of good dialogue, and engaging animated fight scenes. At the end, the bad writing of Fire Force took ahold of what could have been a great concept.

“Latom.”

Beastars is about the lives of typical high school drama club with a twist - they are all anthropomorphic animals with their instincts intact. Similar to the concept of being predestined, characters are predisposed to their innate animalistic desires, which includes succumbing to the food chain. Though they are all classmates, herbivores are still vulnerable to predation. Meat-eaters are forced to go against their nature; vegetarians are coerced to not be fearful nor discriminatory of their physically-advantaged peers.

As with most secondary level settings, there is stereotypical rule. What makes the anime even more interesting is that in addition to the dimension of animal ... instinct, the characters are oxymoronic - we have a docile wolf, a domineering deer, a feisty bunny, and the like. There is a power play of who should be on top. There is also the element taboo with a relationship between a herbivore and carnivore.

The series was well-presented given all the complicated elements it had to deal with. Writers knew what they were doing in terms of storyline and dialogue. Pacing was just right. It was enjoyable how the backstories of the main characters were beautifully shared. Given their histories, they were forced to take fate into their own hands. The audience is immersed and can definitely get hooked by the depth. Viewers are able to explore ethical conundrums thanks to the added dimensions.

It’s not to say that everything was perfect. There were some coincidences that were convenient (Yes, Mr. Panda, I’m talking about you). There were also instances that still needed fleshing out, such as the internal struggles of some personalities, what they know is true, and how they want the world to be.
What can be said, however, was that Beastars definitely took the risk in not being cliche. The show was daring enough and did the unexpected. Overall, it was magnificently executed.

Note: This is from someone who hasn’t read the manga.

Radiant is about Seth, who started off as a naive, stubborn, wide-eyed pubescent who seemed socially inept; he didn’t follow rules or reason. He is a sorcerer, one who has survived an encounter with a “Nemesis” - monsters that attack humans. Although these people with magic or fantasia are able to use their powers to protect people from the Nemesis, sorcerers are usually stigmatized or feared by normies. The young warlock brings it upon himself to end the hate and discrimination; he hears the the legend of the origin of all Nemesis, Radiant, and decides ... destroy it.

A similar set up is seen over and over again, like with Saiyuki, Blood +, Claymore (made a review for that), even X-Men, etc.: those same people who have the "evil" are the ones who are protecting the "normal humans." It all depends on the writing, character and plot development that will differentiate an anime from this somewhat basic storyline.

At the beginning, Radiant just felt like a kid’s show. Seth goes about his journey to this mythical place and meets strange characters, such as an equally naive chick with a split personality disorder, and others that seem flat, as they only react and don’t seem to think for themselves. So many random things were happening that didn’t contribute to the build-up of the story, which was so frustrating.
The first ten episodes felt like fillers. Usually, fillers come after the audience has been able to “bond” or become invested in the characters, but not with Radiant. Right off the bat, silly mini-plots were presented with characters that seemed empty-headed. There were too many coincidences that were too close for comfort. I actually almost stopped watching because every episode Seth would announce how determined he was to go to Radiant. YES, OKAY, so stop dilly-dallying. It made me feel like I just wanted it over with, or I was wasting my time on such a childish/superficial plot. It was for viewers who just wanted to enjoy in-the-moment entertainment, without there needing to be any progression, which is usually appropriate for children.

Come the second half of the season, the much needed plot development finally arrived. From what I’ve researched, this is where the show comes to terms with the manga. No explicit spoilers will be disclosed, but it was quite a jump from inane mundanities to great growth, excellent dialogue, and deep reflections of current realities. Though it lacked shelling out or explaining some phenomena, there was good enough alignment in its story elements that really propelled the narration forward, and even pushed the seemingly shallow characters.
Radiant became a story on the rawness and innocence of a child who just wanted to make things better for the world, but has yet to face nor succumb to its harshness. It became a tale on how he’s growing up and really just learning about life. His innocent beliefs, values, and convictions - on kindness, discrimination - come to face with the “real world,” and how the dialogue executed that was beautiful. It’s precisely his adamant childlike spirit that pulls the audience. Sometimes, even if the plot can be predictable, with good writing and screenplay chemistry, it will definitely draw you in.

If it weren’t for the feeble first half of the show, some loopholes, and “convenient” storytelling, this anime would have definitely had a higher rating. For now, a blind eye may be turned towards all the writing problems. Hopefully, Season 2 will not disappoint.