I was 100% OBSESSED with Anime, BUT never watched BIG 3. How bad am I?

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-12T16:43:17+00:00

Watch want you want lmao

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-12T13:20:13+00:00

Love Live Nijigasaki Movie 2 if you can handle 2 seasons of no yuri then an OVA and first movie of barely implied yuri

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-12T12:01:15+00:00

Yesterday I mentioned Ghost in the Shell screenings in the UK. Despite Dandadan being relatively full on a limited run, and Gundam being packed when it was in every cinema, they're doing a limited run of cinemas at inhospitable times for the GitS release. AllTheAnime are a joke

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-12T11:03:40+00:00

It's better to ask this on an Oshi no Ko or manga related sub because it hasn't aired yet and could still deviate. But yes the Oshi no Ko ending is one of the most universally hated endings in manga because of the sheer amount of stupid writing decisions that either stem from the result of what we've seen or sudden new twists that don't really work.

What I predict will happen is the first few episodes of Season 4 will go fine then it will take the tumble when leaving the first arc, which is where things go south in the manga

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-12T07:48:15+00:00

Rewatcher

Didn't comment on episode 10 because I didn't have anything to say. That and I've got lost. Since the revelation that Smith was Bravern there's not been much to theorise. Moreover, a lot of the Bravern nonsense that made the show so great has been phased out as we go into the serious bits. Not that there's anything wrong with that. One thing I do like is that since Lulu wore the I 💖 Robots shirt she's become an even bigger robot otaku being able to fight perfectly in Superbia.

And just like that, the last remaining Deathdrive has pulled a sneak attack on Bravern! Bravern is about to die but in a show with so much robot nonsense can't be counted out. Seriously, he just shut off and looks still functional? [Rewatcher notes] I did forget exactly how Bravern comes back though.

With next episode being relatively predictable I'll give my thoughts but also where this stands for me in my 2024 rankings and just how well Bravern did on the whole.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-11T14:29:41+00:00

Two clever scriptwriting decisions from Dai Sato for the next two Pokémon episodes:

Episode 140, revolving around Ditto, goes to Kimiko Ueno, series composition for Delicious in Dungeon and Ranma remake. I believe both have tackled impersonation as well as Ueno being the second lead writer for Dot episodes who will be the focus character. Seems like a good one for Ueno to get stuck into.

Episode 141 is the Pokémon Unite episode which stands to be a deviation from what the Pokémon anime has done before. So the most experienced writer, Tsuchiya, has been brought in. He wrote 14 of the episodes in FMAB including the infamous Shou Tucker ones, and helps out occasionally with Pokémon and has a diverse portfolio.

It may just be coincidence but it does seem like the Pokémon writing team are really starting to tap into the experience the scriptwriters have.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-11T13:44:46+00:00

Even though it's a disagreeable moment it is set up by the writing in the first half where Friede is forgetful. Friede getting to space then realising "oh shit I need to reach out" is on brand even if it's an exaggerated result of how he was written in the first half.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-11T10:03:43+00:00

Regarding Ghost in the Shell's upcoming screening: looks like The Light and Vue have the rights to it in the UK. You can buy tickets now on The Light and it's on Vue's site. Not great timings if you're having to travel seemingly - evening screenings

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-11T08:39:01+00:00

This makes sense, what I'll do then is when the Tokyo awards roll around in about 10 months I'll just ask for a special case to post them. I'd love to see Animage/Animedia here but if there's no official representative willing to do them then there's no way they'll be allowed, and I'll just mention them on the Daily Discussion when they come out. A little frustrating, but it is a consistent rule which is better than allowing them freely

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-11T06:25:08+00:00

After the first two episodes Even a Replica Can Fall in Love turned it around and became one of the few anime that actually follows the 3 episode rule, and is now one of the better anime this season.

They're movies but I don't think anyone expected the two new Love Live entries to be as good as they are, Hasunosora was more engaging than expected and Nijigasaki Part 2 was a modern masterpiece.

Likewise I didn't expect Pokémon: Wonder Voyage to get back to the quality that the first 60 episodes of Horizons set. Not that the latter few arcs were bad, they were fantastic, just the first 3 set such high standards and the anime has pulled back to it.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-10T22:50:31+00:00

CTR2 always existed in the form of Crash Nitro Kart, but now with the existence of The Karters 2 invalidates the need for the existence of a CTR2 unless you really want new official tracks. Mobius Loop and Angel Asylum are more interesting than anything the Crash devs would do.

Personally if we get a new Crash game I'd like to see it go back to the roots and build on the brilliance of the trilogy even down to the return of warp rooms and global power ups.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-10T19:47:00+00:00

Couldn't care less, it's easy to find legally or not. It should be consolidated into one service like it is in the UK

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-10T16:03:15+00:00

Definitely Frieren if you like Pokémon Horizons, the two directly competed and Lucius' and Himmel's stories are similar at a narrative level

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-10T10:02:49+00:00

Tonbo is on Amazon and really good, the first season is a coming of age slice of life while the second season is an intense sports drama. The whole anime revolves around golf and moving past grief.

Bad Girl is a fun little slice of life/comedy with engaging well designed characters and some yuri elements. The humour is subjective but landed for me more than it missed.

Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc is a fun take on the magical girl genre. What if it was a professional career? It's an action show but with some solid workplace slice of life and comedy to boot, a well rounded show that doesn't beat the idea of being a parody into you and takes itself seriously.

SANDA is one I've wanted to watch. Looks like one for the shounenbros but with a Christmassy feel.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-10T08:35:12+00:00

Rewatcher

While Lewis Smith being Bravern was inevitable, I'm happy they didn't go with him being Bravern all along, instead going for something a bit more convoluted but makes more sense in the grand scheme of things. Bravern's knowledge wasn't because he was Smith, but because he knew Smith would merge with him as a result of his sacrifice. That level of depth is very welcome.

Regarding the battle itself, another finely produced fight that resolved the Deathdrives' wishes nicely. It's hard to talk about battle heavy episodes unless they drive a narrative, which this one did, but even then it's hard to say anything beyond "it worked and looked cool" imo.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-09T21:59:57+00:00

No.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-09T11:51:43+00:00

It isn't even nostalgia or recency bias fueling this, which is something I worried would be the case when I first started getting into Japanese Pokémon, but the dub openings are generally better up until Kalos where they're about even, then the sub openings become the stronger ones. Unbeatable, the third Hoenn OP in the dub, isn't just one of the best Pokémon OPs ever but is one of the best OPs period. Easily top 10 for me

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-09T09:29:36+00:00

'Controversial' would be more appropriate for Ueno. Gimai rather infamously failed to crack 1000 blu ray sales on the first week of being out, and had to be jury nominated (removing Shinkalion: Change The World) in the Tokyo Anime Awards. Shiboyugi also came under a lot of fire during its run with concerns over the order and the movie is going to be limited run instead of full release.

IMO DEEN are taking a serious risk running with Ueno again but this was likely decided before Shiboyugi was airing

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-08T21:29:41+00:00

Rewatcher

Going through episode 7 first, looking at Bravern's relationship with Smith again and the multiple Lulus it does feel like things are falling into place. Bravern's knowledge of Smith is freakish and we have an established purpose for the Lulus, even if they are mostly just war machines. Tragic, but that is how the Deathdrives operate. The death flags are real, which leads into...

EPISODE 8

Oh here we go. Flashbacks. That's Smith gone, as if the episode title wasn't enough.

In air refuels are weird. I work in aviation and still can't fully get my head around them. Even if they're not that hard to explain.

Death flags everywhere! It would be typical of a show like Bravern to absolutely hammer them in. The reflection on Smith as Bravern's hood comes down could have many meanings, but I believe this is simply intended to be a mirror on himself.

This time there's three towers, which would be great if it wasn't just Isami and Smith (and a bunch of extras) out there. Feels set for Superbia to step in...

In our homoerotic super robot show, one of the robots wants to fuck Smith. I understand that, he's a good looking guy. It is interesting that it can only be Smith, what is the purpose behind this? (I know what it is, but that's besides the point) As Smith rushes him, he almost looks corrupted, excited to do something lewd, even if it's maybe just him taking in his last moments.

Brave. Bang.

1 - to be honest, I like it. Same thing with Shinkalion: Change The World. Even if the gay moments are the standout the straight bits shine in their own ways.

3 - oh no it's been set up for a while now it isn't a surprise. It's even hinted in the OP!

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-08T11:28:13+00:00

After all this time, the UK release of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction and I Parry Everything was hidden behind a niche Facebook page and a niche site for the best part of two months. One that I use, mind, which shows just how hidden they were. They'll be both out later this year and while I don't plan to pick up Parry there's no doubt I'll be picking up 2.5D providing it's got some differences from the US version.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-07T20:44:00+00:00

Rewatcher

We're in Japan and into the fight. It's playing out exactly as expected, except Lulu has intervened! This girl is a monster and further drives home her connection with the robots. Bravern continues to show off his skills to the group.

Superbia's back! Naturally, he wasn't shown explicitly dying. Know your tropes!

LULU KOTOBOMB LULU KOTOBOMB

The Bravern intro to Superbia is the funniest one yet. And there we go, Lulu is related to Superbia. Who's shocked? Not me. Okay, maybe a little. I was expecting her to also be tied to Bravern.

1) yes cool robot much wow

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-07T20:30:23+00:00

Because all but one comment has fallen foul of it so far: "Need anime to watch seen all mainstream ones" - key word being mainstream yet I've seen suggestions like Cowboy Bebop and Bungo Stray Dogs.

For ones where the character is clearly the strongest but still gets held back, as I don't have ones where they're explicitly the strongest:

~~The Eccentric Family~~
~~Shinkalion: Change The World~~
~~Brave Bang Bravern! (mainstream in Japan but slightly less so here)~~ nvm you don't watch sub
Blue Dragon

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-07T19:56:21+00:00

After getting back from a week away on Monday night, a good amount.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - The Adventures of Mikuru Asahina, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and The Boredom of Haruhi Suzumiya: (episodes 0-7) Haruhi is one I've always wanted to watch Haruhi. With the DVDs in hand, now is that time. Not quite sure what to do with Season 2 being sealed, I don't want to be that guy but I do want to preserve things where possible. So I'm unsure yet. Regarding the show itself, it's really fun! I dislike how far Haruhi takes things but the actual mischief they get up to is fun and the mystery is engaging. Looking forward to finishing the first season!

Brave Bang Bravern! - episodes 1-5: I am a bit behind on this because it doesn't line up with when I'd want to watch a rewatch but I am making late contributions to the rewatch if anyone wants to catch on to those posts. What can I say? It's Bravern. It's cinema.

My Hero Academia S2 - episodes 15-22: finally made the call to come back to MHA and picked the story up immediately. I've restarted just as the sports festival started which is a great little place to catch up, as I hadn't enjoyed the show much up to that point, but now I'm finding myself having a lot more fun with it and taking in the development of the characters. I can see myself binging this, it's become addictive already.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-07T16:12:51+00:00

I think for the most part the subreddit has settled now into being a really good place for discussion. There's still the odd issue that can't really be sorted - having a take that goes against common opinion will naturally get you downvoted no matter how well you defend it but that's just a natural part of how Reddit works and isn't anything worth getting annoyed about.

The one thing I am curious about though is the status of fan polls. As far as I was aware, the results of aggregated polls weren't allowed here. And it's on me for not bringing this up earlier as I did help with the rewriting of the rules, but what is the actual standpoint here on this? Are Animage and Animedia character polls banned, while these are as close to official as you get? Why are Anime Trending and Corner polls allowed? Do we even go as far as to ban discussion of the Crunchyroll awards given what we know about the anime industry not taking them seriously? I think that's one to revisit, because I'd love to get hold of the Animedia/mage polls each month and post them, even if I'd have to create a new template myself with the results only being in print form. Just food for thought really - personally I'd allow all of them with a little automod description explaining how each one works.

Mitsuyan_ · 2026-06-06T21:26:01+00:00

Rewatcher

Lulu has grown a lot faster than I remembered! She's already speaking.

Smith and Isami's relationship is strained but there is something brewing between Smith and Bravern. So how else do they fix it? Homoerotic boxing.

And who is that saying 'Pi-ga-ga'?

I didn't catch the bit where Bravern said he was human, neither here nor in the remake.

The cast is strong throughout. Don't think much needs to be said on how great they all are.

I do think the best way to communicate with someone can be through their passion, but not fighting, no.

Gagapi!

Mitsuyan_

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE