Howdy.
Quarantine has officially driven me off the edge.
Why can I say this with full certainty, you ask?
Between the initial covid-19 outbreak and now, I have watched ten anime. ("Watched" here implies that I've seen five or more episodes of it... if we're talking ones I've tried, that's more like 25.)
I don't know whether or not ten is considered a lot, but either way, no one gets to say anything. Today I'm going to discuss all the ones I've seen between now and the Avengers one I already talked about.
This is both good and bad for you.
Now before we get into this, there is an important disclaimer: I watched the dubs. Personally, it's easier for me to hear the characters speaking a language I understand, as it registers better with me and makes it more relatable. But if you're a more stick-to-the-source type of person, that's cool, too.
I'll try to keep it broad when discussing and rating these, focusing on the basic premise rather than critiquing things that were exclusive to the dub (i.e. voice acting, script, dialogue, etc.). That way, if any of these spark your interest, you'll be able to watch it in your language of choice.
I'm also gonna try to be as objective as I can, but obviously I have a lot of opinions sooo
With that said, let's begin.
I'll try to keep it broad when discussing and rating these, focusing on the basic premise rather than critiquing things that were exclusive to the dub (i.e. voice acting, script, dialogue, etc.). That way, if any of these spark your interest, you'll be able to watch it in your language of choice.
I'm also gonna try to be as objective as I can, but obviously I have a lot of opinions sooo
With that said, let's begin.
Fire Force
(Enn Enn No Shouboutai)
Rated: TV-MA
Rated: TV-MA
Genre: Action/Supernatural
Great, now just 8 more of these to write.
There is also a live-action movie, and a live-action 12-episode Netflix adaptation.
The premise:
The premise:
People are mysteriously combusting into flames and transforming into fire-creatures known as Infernals. The task of putting these creatures to rest goes to the special Fire Force. This story follows a teenage boy named Shinra, who is a rookie with Company 8 of the Fire Force. Together, their goal is to help as many people as they can, and find a way to end spontaneous human combustion altogether.
Pros:
The concept is fresh, and one that - if executed properly - can last a good 5 or so seasons without growing trite.
The concept is fresh, and one that - if executed properly - can last a good 5 or so seasons without growing trite.
Cons:
There are plenty of lukewarm or annoying characters in the cast. There's also a fair share of cheesy humor/plot devices. The main goal is strayed from frequently to accommodate other, less-important subplots.
Content warning: Blood, brief nudity, and just... fanservice.
There are plenty of lukewarm or annoying characters in the cast. There's also a fair share of cheesy humor/plot devices. The main goal is strayed from frequently to accommodate other, less-important subplots.
Content warning: Blood, brief nudity, and just... fanservice.
Duration + Status: Season one ran July-December, 2019, with 24 episodes. Season 2 is currently in the process of airing weekly episodes. Each episode is about 25 minutes in length, so it would take about 10 hours to catch up, giving you a solid series to watch over the course of a week or so.
My take:
It's a totally decent series. It wouldn't be my first recommendation to anyone, but there's nothing really bad I can say about it either. Might I say, the first opening theme song was literally the best. I never ever skipped the intro (until they changed it mid-season :/ ).
The plot is pretty unique, and most of the characters are pretty memorable, be it for better or worse. A handful of them have surprisingly pretty good arcs, too. I'm eager to see where the story takes them.
Overall, if you don't mind the fact that it's a bit campy, it's a pretty cool show. Not my top recommendation on here, but I wouldn't discourage one from watching it. The plot is pretty unique, and most of the characters are pretty memorable, be it for better or worse. A handful of them have surprisingly pretty good arcs, too. I'm eager to see where the story takes them.
Erased
(Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
Rated: TV-14
Rated: TV-14
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
The premise:
29-year-old manga artist Satoru Fujinuma has a special ability called Revival, which sends him back in time in order to help people in danger. It normally occurs when he is on the scene of a crisis, and he will be sent back no more than a few minutes in order to prevent it. But after an 18-year-old murder case resurfaces, he is sent back in time to grade school so he can protect the victims and ensure they never meet those grim fates.
Pros:
Great animation style, clear premise, and a well-told, compelling narrative.
Great animation style, clear premise, and a well-told, compelling narrative.
Cons:
It was rather short-lived, so if you're looking for something more long-term, this ain't it.
Content warning: themes of abuse
Duration + Status: The series, which ran in 2016, is complete, with 12 episodes. The whole thing should take about 5 hours to watch, and it's perfect material for a binge watch.Content warning: themes of abuse
There is also a live-action movie, and a live-action 12-episode Netflix adaptation.
My take:
I loved this one.
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a more 'normal' anime to try out. Aside from the obvious underlying time-travel bit, it's a rather down-to-earth and heartfelt series. The animation was super neat, and Satoru made a cool and likable protagonist who was easy to root for and follow along with for 12 episodes. The plot did get a bit predictable here and there, but that still didn't really take away from the suspense.
I can't go into too much more detail without giving stuff away, but I definitely think this is a series that many different types of people can enjoy.
Special 7 Crime Investigation Unit
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a more 'normal' anime to try out. Aside from the obvious underlying time-travel bit, it's a rather down-to-earth and heartfelt series. The animation was super neat, and Satoru made a cool and likable protagonist who was easy to root for and follow along with for 12 episodes. The plot did get a bit predictable here and there, but that still didn't really take away from the suspense.
I can't go into too much more detail without giving stuff away, but I definitely think this is a series that many different types of people can enjoy.
(Keisichou Tokumu-bu Tokushu Kyouaku-han Taisaku-Shitsu Dai-Nana-ka: Tokunana )
Rated: TV-14
Genre: Action/Crime
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7 years ago, Nanatsuki was at the airport when it was attacked by terrorist group Nine. Now, wanting to follow in the footsteps of the officer who saved his life, he is a rookie cop with the Special 7 Crime Investigation Unit. Their purpose is to investigate cases specifically linked to that very same terrorist group.
Duration + Status: Season one ran from October to December of 2019. As of now, there are no plans for a second season, but I wouldn't count it out just yet. It has a total of 14 episodes, each running at around 25 minutes. The whole show should take about 6 hours to watch.
Pros:
It holds up pretty well throughout, and is pretty easy to follow.
It holds up pretty well throughout, and is pretty easy to follow.
Cons:
It's not very daring, and doesn't ever get particularly thrilling.
It's not very daring, and doesn't ever get particularly thrilling.
My take:
Well... it's quite the... special... series.
It's the most neutral anime featured in this post. It's not bad at all. Just kinda bland. It showed a lot of promise at first, and it ultimately failed to deliver on that. I definitely hoped for more.
It's like it wanted to be a normal detective show, but then it went on to plots like "oh yeah, by the way, I have dragon powers."
And don't get me wrong. The problem wasn't the tones of fantasy included in the show. If done correctly, that would've been a pretty killer concept. The problem was that they couldn't seem to commit to either fantasy or crime as their genre. Instead, it landed somewhere lukewarm in between. I think they blew their chance to make the genres mesh together well.
In short: Was it an awful show? No. It was perfectly fine. Did I watch it more to make fun of it?.... yes.
It's the most neutral anime featured in this post. It's not bad at all. Just kinda bland. It showed a lot of promise at first, and it ultimately failed to deliver on that. I definitely hoped for more.
It's like it wanted to be a normal detective show, but then it went on to plots like "oh yeah, by the way, I have dragon powers."
And don't get me wrong. The problem wasn't the tones of fantasy included in the show. If done correctly, that would've been a pretty killer concept. The problem was that they couldn't seem to commit to either fantasy or crime as their genre. Instead, it landed somewhere lukewarm in between. I think they blew their chance to make the genres mesh together well.
In short: Was it an awful show? No. It was perfectly fine. Did I watch it more to make fun of it?.... yes.
It's definitely not my first choice for a recommendation, especially for a binge-watch. In fact, it's the type of show where you can watch one or two episodes, and then wait a week before watching another. It's easy enough to follow that you won't forget anything major.
Overall, I'd give give Special 7 a special 5 out of 10.
(Yakusoku no Nebārando)
Rated: TV-MA
Genre: Adventure/Suspense
The premise:
Grace Field House is a home for orphans, where 30-something children, who all view each other as siblings, are cared for by one "mom". However, they have never left the grounds, and don't quite know anything about the world that awaits them just outside the gates. The story focuses on three protagonists: Emma, Norman, and Ray. They are 11 years-old, making them some of Grace Field's older, brighter, and more responsible children.
Pros:
There are endearing characters who are easy to root for, and a clear, compelling storyline of a struggle between good and evil. It holds up a good edge of suspense, as well as a good emotional balance.
There are endearing characters who are easy to root for, and a clear, compelling storyline of a struggle between good and evil. It holds up a good edge of suspense, as well as a good emotional balance.
Cons:
It's creepy and brutal at times, and while gore is kept at a minimum, it's important to note that it's not a lighthearted watch.
Content warning: some blood, but nothing too graphic, if I remember correctly.
It's sort of unsettling, to see little kids having to shoulder such perilous situations. It's one thing if it's like Series of Unfortunate Events, where there's always a side of comedy. But this was just straight-up bad times, with no eccentric aunts or circus performers to help them out.
It's creepy and brutal at times, and while gore is kept at a minimum, it's important to note that it's not a lighthearted watch.
Content warning: some blood, but nothing too graphic, if I remember correctly.
Duration + Status: Season one ran from January-March of 2019, containing a dozen episodes, each about 25 minutes in length. The whole thing should take you about 5 hours to watch, making it perfect for one to three days of binging.
A second season has been confirmed for next January.
Additionally, there's a live-action movie in the works (said to be released this December), as well as a confirmed live-action Amazon original series.
A second season has been confirmed for next January.
Additionally, there's a live-action movie in the works (said to be released this December), as well as a confirmed live-action Amazon original series.
My take:
The pilot episode started off strong with a look at the life led at Grace Field, all the while painting things with a faux-innocent tone. There was an underlying dread the whole time, and I couldn't help but feel that, at any minute, it was gonna take a turn for the worse.
And no spoilers here, but.... yes, it did end up getting pretty dark.
It's sort of unsettling, to see little kids having to shoulder such perilous situations. It's one thing if it's like Series of Unfortunate Events, where there's always a side of comedy. But this was just straight-up bad times, with no eccentric aunts or circus performers to help them out.
The important thing, though, is that they do always make sure to give you some ray of hope to hold onto. You'll want to root for these kids, you'll want everything to be okay, and you just might be compelled to keep pressing play on the next episode until you get to the conclusion.
Were there a few weak points or subplots that left me feeling a little bored or astray from the main focus? On occasion. Was it a perfect, flawless show? No. But I will vouch for it all the way, and give it my stamp of approval.
Stand My Heroes: Piece of Truth
(I can't find the Japanese title)
Rated: TV-14
(I can't find the Japanese title)
Rated: TV-14
Genre: Crime
Look. This wasn't a very clear show. The drug immunity thing only came up once or twice. Honestly, I'll just cut to the chase, I don't think you should watch it at all. I don't know why I did.
Pros:
Pff it was sometimes fun to make fun of.
Ok look it wasn't terrible by any means, but it really wasn't good! I'm sorry! I tried to be unbiased but I don't know how else to say it!
Pff it was sometimes fun to make fun of.
Ok look it wasn't terrible by any means, but it really wasn't good! I'm sorry! I tried to be unbiased but I don't know how else to say it!
Cons:
Boring, unclear, and choppy.
Boring, unclear, and choppy.
Apparently it was based on a mobile game? Which would explain a lot.
My take:
In case it wasn't clear, this one was absolutely my least favorite. Let me give you a piece of truth about Stand My Heroes: Piece of Truth... It's where the low bar is for me.
We came across it because it popped up every time we were typing My Hero Academia into the Hulu search bar. And for some reason, we let our curiosity get the better of us, only to be severely disappointed.
I'm literally shaking right now, I do NOT want to talk about this show because it's just so dead to me.
We came across it because it popped up every time we were typing My Hero Academia into the Hulu search bar. And for some reason, we let our curiosity get the better of us, only to be severely disappointed.
I'm literally shaking right now, I do NOT want to talk about this show because it's just so dead to me.
Look, I wanted to be intrigued, but there was hardly anything to get excited about. Any plot or character I thought I could follow, ended up not being that important. They jumped around so much, that no one had a chance to develop. UGH.
There were like 30 male characters in this show, and half of them were unapologetically pretty unprofessional and inappropriate. In fact, most of those who didn't didn't explicitly hit on Izumi still had a crush on her.
Consequently, because there were so many dudes, and I didn't have the patience nor the dedication to learn all their names, I distinguished them by dumb attributes. There was earring guy, the guy with the light pink hair, the guy with the dark pink hair, the other guy with dark pink hair who wasn't as important, the guy with the fancy apartment, the guy who's always at the bar, the guy who likes books, the guy who likes flowers...
Consequently, because there were so many dudes, and I didn't have the patience nor the dedication to learn all their names, I distinguished them by dumb attributes. There was earring guy, the guy with the light pink hair, the guy with the dark pink hair, the other guy with dark pink hair who wasn't as important, the guy with the fancy apartment, the guy who's always at the bar, the guy who likes books, the guy who likes flowers...
I'm done. If I talk about this any longer, I might die of boredom.
If I haven't already made this painfully obvious, I would not recommend this one.
If I haven't already made this painfully obvious, I would not recommend this one.
(Ōran Kōkō Hosuto Kurabu)
Rated: TV-PG
Rated: TV-PG
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Haruhi Fujioka is a scholarship student at Ouran Academy, a prestigious school for rich kids. While looking for a place to study, she mistakenly wanders in on the school's Host Club - a group of male students who entertain female clients with sweets and tea. During this encounter, she accidentally breaks a valuable antique vase which the Host Club was planning to auction off. Now she must work as a host herself until she can work off her debt.
Duration + Status: The series, which ended in 2006, has only one season, with a total of 26 episodes.
Pros:
In addition to the interesting cast of characters, the pacing is fantastic, and the episodes are all the perfect length. It never feels too long or too short.
In addition to the interesting cast of characters, the pacing is fantastic, and the episodes are all the perfect length. It never feels too long or too short.
Cons:
They aren't afraid to get utterly ridiculous, which isn't for everyone.
They aren't afraid to get utterly ridiculous, which isn't for everyone.
My take:
It's amazing. I'm only halfway through, but I already know it's a classic. All the ridiculous antics are played up in a self-aware, satirical way. Yet, the show still takes itself seriously enough to give us some sweet, heartfelt moments too.
The episodes are loosely connected, but more in a Saturday morning cartoon kinda way. Therefore, it's a good show to watch an episode or two of, just whenever you're up to it. As long as you remember the characters' names and basic archetypes, you could probably leave it for months on end and still pick it back up... not that I would recommend that, but it is nice to have a lighthearted show that doesn't take any serious mental dedication to watch.
(Unlike the next one I'm about to discuss.)
The episodes are loosely connected, but more in a Saturday morning cartoon kinda way. Therefore, it's a good show to watch an episode or two of, just whenever you're up to it. As long as you remember the characters' names and basic archetypes, you could probably leave it for months on end and still pick it back up... not that I would recommend that, but it is nice to have a lighthearted show that doesn't take any serious mental dedication to watch.
(Unlike the next one I'm about to discuss.)
Id: Invaded
(Ido: Inveideddo)
Rated: TV-MA
Genre: Mystery/Action
An "id well" (that's id rhyming with kid) is a tool used by criminal investigators to simulate a killer's unconscious mind and project fragmented versions of their psyche in real time. It's brilliant detective Sakaido's task to enter these id wells and piece together evidence to solve the toughest of cases.
Pros:
It's a unique series that offers a pretty original, refreshing take on the mystery genre. It's complex. The further you go on, the more things about the plot and characters unravel.
Cons:
It's fairly difficult to follow at first, and easy to get lost, due to all the intellectual jargon. It's important that you pay attention or you might miss something.
Content warning: it gets kinda graphic at times
Duration + Status: Season 1 ran from January to March of 2020, with a total of 13 episodes. The show will likely run you about five-and-a-half hours. However, I wouldn't recommend binging it in one day: it's the type of show that needs to sorta marinate in your mind for a bit. There's a lot to take in, and if you grow braindead after a couple episodes, you may not be able to appreciate it fully.
I sound like some pretentious critic (and maybe I am,) but really I'm just warning you from my own over-indulging experience lol.
As of now, there is no second season confirmed, but I'm holding out hope, since S1 only just ended 5 months ago.
My take:
This one is the wild card on the list. I loved it. It's not much like anything I've seen before. The first feel I got for it was "oh this looks like a video game that you'd get on Steam." And honestly, I still stand by that. It's real cool.
It is a lot, though, and it might take a while to grasp the concept. Or maybe I'm just slow.
I found most of the characters to be likable, and always wanted to know more about them and what they were gonna do next. Unfortunately, the show only really focused on 5 or 6 of its characters, so anyone less important than them didn't get much of a chance to develop. ...That said, they show potential for any future seasons that might (please) be released.
Did I mention I, like, really want there to be a second season?
Anyway, in short, yes, I would recommend Id: Invaded.
Anyway, in short, yes, I would recommend Id: Invaded.
(Boku No Hero Academia)
Rated: TV-14
Genre: Action
In a world where superpowers are the norm, only 20% of the population remains without powers (or, as they're called here, Quirks). Izuku Midoriya, who's been a superhero fanboy since he was a toddler, is one of these Quirkless few. Still, he dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, All Might, and attending UA High, where students are trained on the path to becoming the greatest heroes of all time.
Duration + Status: It has 4 seasons, with a total of 88 episodes, each running at around 20 minutes (per the norm.) In its entirety, it gives you a solid month's worth of content, maybe more. The fourth season wrapped up in April, and a fifth season is confirmed, with no official release date.
Pros:
A strong narrative and a large cast of unique and quirky (forgive my choice of words) characters. Also, if you end up getting into it, you'll be able to find multitudes of merch.
A strong narrative and a large cast of unique and quirky (forgive my choice of words) characters. Also, if you end up getting into it, you'll be able to find multitudes of merch.
Cons:
Not every episode is action or arc-based, and when the action does pick up, it tends to take place over the course of multiple episodes. So you may end up having to watch three or four just to see the outcome of a single battle.
Content warning: some blood, and a terrible pervy kid who we hate. (But don't worry, seeing him in pain is almost worth it.)
Not every episode is action or arc-based, and when the action does pick up, it tends to take place over the course of multiple episodes. So you may end up having to watch three or four just to see the outcome of a single battle.
Content warning: some blood, and a terrible pervy kid who we hate. (But don't worry, seeing him in pain is almost worth it.)
Other projects include two films: Two Heroes, and Heroes Rising. There are also, like, video games and stuff, but we're getting ahead of ourselves.
My take:
This one is my ride or die.
I'm definitely biased, because the superhero genre is one of my favorites. But if you read the section about Stand, you realize I've stopped caring whether or not I'm subjective. Which is why I feel no shame in saying this:
I'm definitely biased, because the superhero genre is one of my favorites. But if you read the section about Stand, you realize I've stopped caring whether or not I'm subjective. Which is why I feel no shame in saying this:
My Hero Academia is perfect.
Not flawless. Probably not even the best on this list from a critical standpoint. But it's so perfect at being true to itself, and never falling short of what it promises to be. It takes the superhero genre we know, and goes all the way with it.
It really feels like we're getting to see a superhero's origin story in depth. Like if the whole radioactive spider-bite + Uncle Ben dying arc took up five whole movies. Or like Smallville, but if it actually had standards. (Actually the sad thing is, it's probably more realistic than Smallville.) And there's something so endearing about seeing this kid, who started out with nothing, slowly grow into someone unstoppable.
And, ok, obviously it's not a realistic show, and there are plenty of points to back that up. (i.e., children being thrown into walls and being totally fine.) But the stakes are very very real. Everyone has real weaknesses to overcome, real fears to face. Every action has real consequences and real aftershocks. The heroes have guidelines to follow, and they have to work hard to maintain their trust with the people. And there are terrifying villains whose philosophies make a lot of sense.
You might find yourself getting chills, or holding your breath, or dropping your jaw, because that's just how great the storytelling is sometimes. It's really a pretty epic show.
I think this universe has a lot to offer, and the series is destined to last for years to come, spawning multiple spinoffs and adaptations in the process. And that's pretty exciting, because this is the type of series where you want to see more. I wanna see the students grow up into heroes, I wanna know how the teachers became heroes, I wanna know everything about all the villains, the students' lives outside of school, the frickin' principal... (who's so definitely evil)
There's a bounty of potential. And while, yes, that could ultimately flop, right now there's a strong enough foundation to keep it going for at least a few more seasons. And bruh I'm so there.
Ok ok I have to remember this isn't a flippin' essay... Moving on.
And, ok, obviously it's not a realistic show, and there are plenty of points to back that up. (i.e., children being thrown into walls and being totally fine.) But the stakes are very very real. Everyone has real weaknesses to overcome, real fears to face. Every action has real consequences and real aftershocks. The heroes have guidelines to follow, and they have to work hard to maintain their trust with the people. And there are terrifying villains whose philosophies make a lot of sense.
You might find yourself getting chills, or holding your breath, or dropping your jaw, because that's just how great the storytelling is sometimes. It's really a pretty epic show.
I think this universe has a lot to offer, and the series is destined to last for years to come, spawning multiple spinoffs and adaptations in the process. And that's pretty exciting, because this is the type of series where you want to see more. I wanna see the students grow up into heroes, I wanna know how the teachers became heroes, I wanna know everything about all the villains, the students' lives outside of school, the frickin' principal... (who's so definitely evil)
There's a bounty of potential. And while, yes, that could ultimately flop, right now there's a strong enough foundation to keep it going for at least a few more seasons. And bruh I'm so there.
Ok ok I have to remember this isn't a flippin' essay... Moving on.
Death Parade
(Desu Parēdo)
Rated: TV-MA
Genre: Supernatural/Drama
The premise:
After death, people are sent to a mysterious tower, where an arbiter decides what will become of their souls, based on their performance in a challenge. This can range anywhere from a game of darts to an arcade game to (royalty-free) Twister.
The story primarily focuses on a bar within the tower called the Quindecim (pronounced Quin-deck-um ), and its bartender Decim, who despite having no emotion, finds himself empathizing more and more with his human guests.
The story primarily focuses on a bar within the tower called the Quindecim (pronounced Quin-deck-um ), and its bartender Decim, who despite having no emotion, finds himself empathizing more and more with his human guests.
Pros:
A really unique hook. A lot of different sides and stories to explore, between the somewhat flawed system of judgement, the different arbiters in the afterlife, and all the deceased 'guests' that are sent there to be judged.
A really unique hook. A lot of different sides and stories to explore, between the somewhat flawed system of judgement, the different arbiters in the afterlife, and all the deceased 'guests' that are sent there to be judged.
Cons:
It's too dang short :'(
Content warning: Heavy topics such as suicide and abuse are touched upon.
It's too dang short :'(
Content warning: Heavy topics such as suicide and abuse are touched upon.
Duration + Status: The show ran in 2015, with 12 episodes. It'll last you about 5 hours, and it's the perfect show to watch in the span of two or three days. (It only took us longer than that because we kept putting it off... not because we didn't want to see more of it, but because we didn't want it to be over. We literally prolonged it so it wouldn't have to end.)
My take:
Man I fell for this one. It's such a gem.
Off the bat, the creepy-but-quirky atmosphere gave me American Horror Story: Hotel vibes, as well as like Cuphead or maybe even Addams Family. It would make for a super fun cosplay theme (and you could probably find everything you need between Hot Topic and Party City.) ...That's it! Those are the vibes of this show: It's like the lovechild of Hot Topic and Party City.
Don't get me wrong, though... it's definitely not a comedy. Honestly, I don't even think I can rightfully call it "fun". I know I just compared it to Cuphead, but it's actually sort of the opposite. Whereas Cuphead's aesthetic was the surprising cartoonish charm amidst grim circumstances, Death Parade is more focused on the latter. There are real stakes, and a lot of dark and emotional themes to be explored in a totally serious tone. But the quirky tone of it sort of helps to respectfully alleviate some of the weight of the circumstances.
I know it sounds sort of boring when I put it like that, but I assure you it's anything but. It's wild, while always remaining classy. It has a really gritty edge to it, but it also has so much heart. There were some really beautiful scenes that I wouldn't have expected at all. It's one of those all-around shows, and I really love that about it.
I would definitely recommend giving it a try, especially if you're one of my friends who enjoys "spooky" but not necessarily "scary". That said, it hooked me right away, so if you're still not feeling it after episode 1 or 2, it's probably not your cup of tea. And that's ok! I can see how it wouldn't be for everyone. (But if you don't like it, don't tell me or I'll cry.)
Don't get me wrong, though... it's definitely not a comedy. Honestly, I don't even think I can rightfully call it "fun". I know I just compared it to Cuphead, but it's actually sort of the opposite. Whereas Cuphead's aesthetic was the surprising cartoonish charm amidst grim circumstances, Death Parade is more focused on the latter. There are real stakes, and a lot of dark and emotional themes to be explored in a totally serious tone. But the quirky tone of it sort of helps to respectfully alleviate some of the weight of the circumstances.
I know it sounds sort of boring when I put it like that, but I assure you it's anything but. It's wild, while always remaining classy. It has a really gritty edge to it, but it also has so much heart. There were some really beautiful scenes that I wouldn't have expected at all. It's one of those all-around shows, and I really love that about it.
I would definitely recommend giving it a try, especially if you're one of my friends who enjoys "spooky" but not necessarily "scary". That said, it hooked me right away, so if you're still not feeling it after episode 1 or 2, it's probably not your cup of tea. And that's ok! I can see how it wouldn't be for everyone. (But if you don't like it, don't tell me or I'll cry.)
That's it, I guess. Though, at the current pace of things, I'll return in another few weeks with like... 6 more to talk about.
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