Anyway, I'm Falling in Love With You

Anyway, I'm Falling in Love With You (2025)

My rating: 2.5


This might have been more popular during or shortly after the Covid pandemic as it's very relatable to teens who went through the pandemic. It's a little hard to follow sometimes as the story isn't entirely linear. We start with Mizuho as an adult and then reflecting back on her school days when the pandemic canceled activities and she found herself the center love interest for her close-knit group of friends. This pattern continues where some episodes begin with events in her adult life as she reflects back on moments, and others pick back up where they've left off during their school days, but you never know which version you're going to get. She seems to be just as alone as an adult as she is as a teen, though she's also surrounded by guys who all love her in different ways, and all seem to realize it among themselves. As a result, there's a lot of planning and "I'm okay being friends.... for now" or "I want more" conversations and it's a bit overwhelming even though everyone is very respectful. I'm curious enough to see how it turns out that I will probably follow along at least for a while, but it's not snagging my attention in a must-know and go find the manga asap manner either.

Kamigami no Asobi

Kamigami no Asobi (2014)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Also known under the title Ludere Deorum or Play of the Gods, this series was a bit different than anticipated. It seems to be a bit of a twist on the 2 videogames by similar titles, combining the otome routes in both and changing the specific learning about love direction to learning about humans in general. Despite that switch, this is still very much a reverse harem with everyone ultimately falling for Yui in some small way, even if they see it more as a friends (though it sure doesn't seem that way when the the school play comes about). Really, Apollon seems set apart from the beginning in the relationship spectrum, with Balder being a close second. Zeus himself even seems to have a few lessons to learn in the process, especially given his background knowledge and very high handed way he goes about setting this all up. The first episode starts off at the end with some very obvious fanservice clips before basically rewinding to start from the beginning and tell the story of how they end up there, carrying on to the end. It's an interesting twist with a mix of myths from various regions all brought together in one place and mixed with a bit of humanity. The ending is still rather open ended, as most anime tend to be, but it's also a much better note than some have chosen to land on. It would be fun potentially to see the chaos that may happen with this group in the human world, but it seems as if that isn't to be. 

Meiji Tokyo Renka

Meiji Tokyo Renka (2019)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The first episode is a bit rough as we have a very solid combination of an isekai story with with Mei thrown back in time to the past, and a harem story with all of the men that end up drawn to her as she learns to navigate this other world and rediscover herself with her partial memories. The story in the past and even the harem bit is tastefully done, though not without it's own dramas, so there's never really a question of where Mei's loyalty lies and she's not stringing anyone along. The ending is rather sad and irksome where it seems like she's finally happy and found a place she can belong with people she loves and who love her in return. She even reaffirms herself multiple times that she wants to stay, and tells them as well. Yet even with all of this, when her memories return, are a couple of strangers who could potentially be friends in the future worth giving up this new life for? For all that we know of her life at the antique shop and isolation due to her ability to speak to spirits, there is never any mention of her family outside the obvious that she must live with someone as a child and someone threw her the birthday party that her friends drew away from her in the first episode. It begs the question if she does have a family to return to as well or if she's alone in the antique shop and making the best of things on her own, and if that is the case, why is all of that a reason to give up finding love and happiness? Overall, the ending is rather dissatisfying, even if fans may be hopeful with Olgai reassuring Shunsho they'll see her again. Seems unlikely without Charlie, and if she would just make the same choice again if she seems convinced she needs to live in her own time. 

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! (2020)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Katarina is about as unusual of a noble's daughter as you'll find, but this is because in her past life, she was a bit of otome game and romance book addict. After falling and hitting her head, she now remembers her past life, as well as the game story that she's now living, as the villainess. With the knowledge of every possible outcome in the game, she struggles to try and change her fate, resulting in a lot of misunderstandings and some very strange behavior on her part. Fortunately, everyone seems rather enamored with her clumsy way of living and determination to live (even if they're very confused by many of her references and choices for hobbies). So far, there is no real set conclusion to the story as season 2 introduces a new sequel game that she knows nothing about, including new characters. How is she to avoid all of those "doom flags" if she no longer knows what they are?

Sengoku Night Blood

Sengoku Night Blood (2017)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Yuzuki is the main character pulled into another world in this tale. This other world is a mix of history and paranormal where vampires and werewolves are real (though not at all ruled by the moon or night like other lore would claim). It turns out Yuzuki's blood is similar to Himemiko's, someone who appears to be a representation of peace in the land, and who disappeared around the time that yakuma start appearing (basically think possessed demons). The power in her blood conveniently calls to the demons, but can also give others the power to fight them. It's a little too convenient how quickly everyone falls for her as she's equal parts guest and hostage depending on which army is housing her at the time and how everyone wants her blood, though it seems to be a coin toss on who is willing to use it and who tries to keep it off limits for her own safety. Ultimately, nothing is really resolved at the end of the series. Yuzuki is still trapped in another world and has no idea where Himemiko is or if she can actually return to her world. The armies, while some have tentative alliances, are still at war with each other and will all want the extra power boost from her blood, and the yakuma, while thought to have at least temporarily be kept under wraps, could show up again at any time. That's without adding in Hideyoshi insisting she's soon to be his wife and trying to convince her to stay in this world with all of its dangers.

How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom

How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (2021)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a bit different than many isekai series as while there is a "saint", it's a label from the people for one of the ruling monarchs. Kazuya is very down-to-earth, and while he does have magic, it doesn't seem to be something out of the norm or overly fantastic that makes him incredible in battle. If anything, his skill seems to help with the duties he's taken on as king to help rebuild and fix the kingdom. There's some pretty heavy harem portrayals in here, especially given he goes from being scandalized at the idea of someone else offering themselves to him when he's already engaged to the princess to now having 4 fiancées lined up (3 to be queens and 1 to be a consort). It's very slow burn on the relationship front even though all of these women pretty much plant themselves at his side and vow to remain and support him in any way they are allowed. Unsure if there will be another season of this, but it does seem to be an interesting story. Might be one to look into the manga or light novels just to see how the story develops, especially once we finally get some answers from King Albert.

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability

I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability (2024) 

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The art is well done and it has promise, but it feels like it falls short. There's a lot that ends up being day-to-day or Lloyd musing about things, or we go to the other extreme and now we have a battle scene where he may fight or may willingly take the hit "just to see what the effects might be". Meanwhile his opponents may or may not have any clothes left. It's almost like there is no real focus and just a lot of slapdash through everything and see what happens. Unlikely this will be one to pick back up again for season 2 if it's released.

The Rising of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


There's a little bit of disjointed story telling here as the main character seems to either remember parts of his previous life or in some scenes somehow is in the new world but also in another world or seeing parts of another world. Unclear at this point if this may have something to do with his abilities or something else, especially as a few times these types of visions have seemed to have some form of foreshadowing that has come into play later on. There's some good character building and lessons to be learned watching the interactions between the characters here, though it's more than a little extreme in some cases how it seems everything always is put on Naofumi. Though he gets a lot of grief for it, if anything his pact with Raphtalia especially and then later on other characters that slowly get closer to him seems to save him a lot so far. Given everything he's gone through, it's understandable why he would want to go home when all is said and done, though also can't help but hope he finds a new home going through all of this.

Vampire Dormitory

Vampire Dormitory (2024)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Mito finds an unexpected home with Ruka when asked to become his thrall. Ruka needs a thrall and blood source as a vampire and seems to have run out of options, so is instructed by his butler, friend, and seeming guide? to love Mito in order to make his love stronger. Due to Ruka's own oddities, he is considered unable to drink female blood, so they think Mito fits the bill perfectly, especially with how desperate they are to be loved and needed having been unwanted by their extended family and left out on the street after their parent's deaths. Only thing is, no one but Mito realizes he is actually a she. This Ren character seems to potentially either be problematic or another victim under Mito's unwitting spell as everyone seems to be making fast friends with her, regardless of if they like or fear Ruka.

The Demon Prince of Momochi House

The Demon Prince of Momochi House (2024)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Himari is excited to have found a home, and supposedly one left to her by her late parents. Unfortunately, it would appear that her house is a hot spot of the supernatural, including 3 long-term residents - Aoi, Yukari, and Ise. Against all odds, she seems to get along with this odd troupe and appears to have her own unique abilities inherited from her family. While the boys were originally quick to try and drive her off, they seem to have warmed up to her significantly, and she's proven both caring and helpful in more than one situation so far. With her feelings now out in the open however, Aoi's is in a slump and his powers aren't working as well, resulting in a unique sort of confusion and chaos in Momochi house. That doesn't put a pause on all of the other supernatural things happening around town however, and it would seem that Himari and her friends are about to walk into yet another one.

Cinderella & the Four Knights

Cinderella & the Four Knights (2016)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This is very similar to Boys Over Flowers in many ways, but has some Cinderella elements too as Ha-won is treated very poorly by her stepmother and stepsister. She gets a bit of a lucky break when she catches the eye of CEO Kang who is looking for help with the 3 young cousins under his care. Ha-won may have gotten more involved than she originally planned as she ends up rather close to each of the boys in different ways, but most of all, with the untouchable Ji-Woon. The only problem is, getting involved romantically isn't allowed, so what are they to do as they realize they've fallen for eachother?

Boys Over Flowers

Boys Over Flowers (2009)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This series has many different forms, including the original manga, an anime, and several other adaptations. This version has it's own differences and unique points to the story. While it follows the general gist of the original, it seems everyone is confused in the fortune teller's accuracy: husband and soulmate are not the same. While the F4 start out being the high elite bullies of the school, they turn out to generally be decent people following their leader who, due to his upbringing, didn't know how to interact with others generally in a kind manner as his interactions are fairly exclusively the F4 and serving staff that are originally too beneath him to notice outside of firing if they don't measure up to his expectations. Jan Di really lucked out rather significantly falling into true friendships with the F4, especially if she hopes to survive the elite Shin Hwa High. 

We Without Wings

We Without Wings (2011)

My rating: 0 of 5 stars


Honestly, I couldn't even finish the first episode of this for how blatantly it sexualized everything and was so degrading. Can't remember where the recommendation came from to watch it, but unlikely to ever finish the first episode, let alone the rest of the series.

Yona of the Dawn OVA

Yona of the Dawn OVA (2015)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are currently 3 of these for the series. They mostly focus on the dragon's histories and how they come together, especially the white and yellow dragons, which also shows why Zeno seems so different from the others, as well as why he was so hesitant on revealing his "power" when he met up with Yona's group. Also made a lot more sense how he sort of just gravitated to the group and joined in as soon as they were ready rather than the group having to go hunting for him like the others.

Yona of the Dawn

Yona of the Dawn (2014)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yona starts off as a very sheltered and rather naïve princess. She's forced to learn some hard things about both her own world in the castle, as well as the world of what was once her kingdom beyond after witnessing her father's murder. Now on the run, she has to gather the four dragons and decide just what her new path will be to protect not just herself and her friends, but what was once her father's kingdom as well. It's an interesting storyline, though the first season drops off just when it feels like things are starting to come together. Hopefully there will be a second season soon, or I may have to dig into the manga to finish this tale.

Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket (2019)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While of course there are similarities to the original anime, this is largely following the original manga much better than the first attempt at adapting this story did. There are some changes which may or may not make as much sense from the original story lines, but so far, the art has been updated significantly and the story is much more detailed, making it even more enjoyable than the first. Almost hard to believe given the original series was in my bucket of favorites already.

Kamisama Kiss 22

Kamisama Kiss 22 by Julietta Suzuki

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Yup, back in Yomi. Izanami seems like she wants to be both helpful and playful at the same time, which is a bit of an imbalance. Yatori was definitely not the best source for Tomoe to learn about Nanami's shortened life span though. On the other hand, it looks as if the news has also grabbed Kirihito's attention. Seeing as he's the one who originally took Nanami's life force, it would be interesting if he could help solve that little dilemma as well (instead of the killing another human option that everyone else keeps throwing around). Nanami does seem to have this mysterious ability of making people open their eyes and want to be with others in a good way.

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Kamisama Kiss 21

Kamisama Kiss 21 by Julietta Suzuki

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Nanami seems determined to save Tomoe (again) and enjoy living with him while she still can. I wonder how long that will be if they end up back in Yomi to stop Akura-Ou though. That seems to be where this is all heading, and Yomi has more of the toxins that Nanami has been warned to avoid so as not to shorten her life span even more. I forget how fast and slow the story arcs unravel - fast because it's so quick to read them, but slow because of how many chapters they sometimes take overall.

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Kamisama Kiss 20

Kamisama Kiss 20 by Julietta Suzuki

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Now we know just how much of a disaster Akihito taking "part" of Nanami's life force was. I have to believe something happens to correct this in the future for how much is left of the manga still; not to mention returning Tomoe to his normal form. Though will that form now stay a demon or still go to human with Nanami supposedly on death's door? At this rate, he might not get to make that decision again before it's taken away considering Nanami is his only reason for the action in the first place.

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Kamisama Kiss 19

Kamisama Kiss 19 by Julietta Suzuki

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Well now, it seems even the favorite side characters are starting to find possible pairs. Akura-Ou is still a bit of a thorn in everyone's side. As is, apparently, Tomoe's idea of becoming human. Thought he'd be over that after the curse that nearly killed him, but I guess not. Though... Tomoe as an actual fox... I'm still laughing over that one!

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