Honey Lemon Soda

Honey Lemon Soda (2025)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This has a lot of potential, but so far is a slow burn. Uka struggles with her own self-esteem and how to move forward in life or if she's just stuck repeating the same mistakes in a different way. While she admits her feelings to herself, she's very self-sacrificing and convinced those around her would just fine without her, or maybe even better if she weren't in the picture. Kai is one of the most popular guys at school, though he's a bit of a loner and standoffish at times, he seems to have a habit of standing up for others, which is admirable. Regardless of if he realizes it himself or not, there does seem to be more going on underneath when he decides to take Uka under his wing, though many around him seem concerned it will only make her dependent on him in the long run. Kai may have even shared this belief on some level, though this slowly seems to be turning around. There was a lot of room for things to get rocky when Serina, Kai's ex from junior high, shows up at school, but so far she seems to be a genuine friend to both of them, if not somewhat adding to the mixed signals unintentionally along the way. I haven't read the manga yet, so I have no idea where this season may end, but it has good potential following this type of romance anime arc.

The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor

The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor (2024)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


There is some definite potential here with this series coming to life that is somehow all the more enjoyable even if the story is still rather slowly paced. Some of the names are also pronounced much differently than expected when reading the story compared to hearing the voices. The art style is smooth most of the time, though there are scenes where it's almost cartoonish with the introduction blurbs and thicker outlines to emphasize shock or other highlights in the scenes. Hopefully, the next episode will start to pick things up a bit now that we've established most of the foundation for the series and are starting to gather some of the main supporting characters like Zeke and Camila. 

Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers

Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers (2024)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


Banaza is summoned from another world as a prospective hero. He is rather quickly dismissed as useless, though it seems perhaps he is indeed the true hero. By the time the truth is revealed, he's made a life for himself as the adventurer Flio, and has his own rather odd band of supporters. Unlike most humans though, he draws a pretty firm line on not hating anyone or choosing sides outside of trying to just be kind and help those around him. The only time this slips is when he meets Hiya for the first time and fears he may have lost Rys for good. Rys is the first of the group to attach herself to Flio in a rather awkward form of devotion, but the two genuinely do seem to grow close and want to help each other build up this peaceful idyllic life they dream of together. The story is by no means over with the end of season one, and there is a reference to season two at the end, though who knows when that may air. The theme music seems rather nonsensical as well, but overall it's a cute show with a pretty mild pace and emphasis on learning to do things right and not judge people for being different.

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.

Skate-Leading Stars

Skate-Leading Stars (2020)

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I've tried twice to start this series now and haven't been able to make it past the third episode so far. The story feels very forced and agonizing, especially when compared to other series like Yuri!!! On Ice. Doesn't help itself with the comparisons any either when both are about figure skating, and both decide to feature a silver skater as the "unbeatable star" at the head of the pack. Kensei is both full of himself at the start of the series, but then appears to keep his better-than-you attitude even as he seems to have given up. The combination is even more grating than Yurio's arrogance and teenage attitude in Yuri!!! On Ice. It's hard not to draw comparisons, but compared or on it's own, so far it leaves a lot to be desired. I do still want to finish it, but have a feeling it's going to be a very long and bumpy road if that day ever comes.

Love Stage OVA

Love Stage OVA (2014)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ryouma has been traveling for filming for 2 weeks following Izumi's initial declaration at the end of the TV series, so of course when he gets back to Tokyo, he wants some time with Izumi. Izumi lets his nerves get the better of him and ends up insisting on his brother and Rei joining them on their date. Once again, communication is a downfall, though they eventually figure things out. Rei pulls a rather interesting line between guardian, educator, and in some cases, enabler, when it comes to Izumi and his growth.

Love Stage

Love Stage (2014)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Izumi comes from a family of entertainers, so it's expected he'd be in the business somewhere as well, especially after being pulled into commercials with his parents as a very young child. Unknown to him, that sparks another interest that will change his life when a sequel to that very commercial is proposed.... and his own addiction to Lala-Lulu will be his downfall. Izumi has a lot of learning and discovering to do in this series, and while sometimes it's both hilarious and painful, it's also enjoyable the way it's portrayed.

Fake

Fake (1996)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Dee is more than a little desperate to get Ryo to himself for a vacation. It backfires in every way possible when their work follows them on vacation... then their co-workers.... even putting Ryo's own life on the line. In the end, there is no resolution as far as their relationship goes, but they do gain a new Commissioner at work - one that Dee is mostly likely rather unpleased with.

The Betrayal Knows My Name

The Betrayal Knows My Name (2010)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this anime. The ending didn't really feel like and ending, but more like a pause in the story as nothing was concluded. Will Reiga and the Opasts come back after Yuki and his new family or will there truly be more of a time of peace? Unlikely the Opasts and other demons would ever truly be content giving up entirely, but they would cause significantly less damage without Reiga at the helm. The characters are varied and all have different stories, though stemming from the same beginning and having very different personalities that shape how they interact with their partners and the rest of the family. Despite some of them not being too glad about Yuki's return in the beginning, it doesn't take long for him to get the family together on the same page, well beyond their shared goal in the war, and all genuinely caring for each other. Luka seems to be the odd one out most of the time, though he certainly doesn't complain about it. While it would probably be more convenient if Yuki did regain his memories, that does not seem to negate much here. Interesting that they managed to make so much headway so quickly despite stating many times that Yuki was not at full power yet, though neither was Reiga for that matter. This may be one that I look for the manga for in hopes of furthering the story.

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen 2: Revenge

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen 2: Revenge (2003)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


While it's nice to see the team back together again and having fun despite their challenge, all the comedy and drama makes it very difficult to find and follow the actual story line of this season. The artwork has also been changed, though you keep the main voice actors from the original. Overall it makes for an odd experience that you laugh at but aren't very sure what you come away with at the end.

Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning

Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (2002)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I adore this series. A little slower paced, this focuses on solving mysteries and riddles rather than the usual fast paced action series that overrun the genre. It's a refreshing change to not be overloaded with weapons and battles all the time. Instead, this one really focuses on the characters and the difficulties surrounding the elusive Blade Children, a mystery that Ayumu's own brother disappeared trying to solve.

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen (1998)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Orphen is a bit of a rebel magician, teaming up with some odd players as he tries to save his lost friend who is trapped as the monster The Bloody August, a dragon that terrorizes the region. Between the magician's guild and the dragon, he has his hands full as he tries to right the wrongs that created the beast in the first place.

Loveless

Loveless (2005)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


While this series is nice in that it's different from most and not too long (only 3 discs total), it is awful in that it really doesn't conclude anything so you're left feeling like the story barely begun when it ends. Good thing this is just a brief snip out of the full series published as manga. Still a confusing story there, but at least it goes into more detail and you get more answers a the story unravels.

Descendants of Darkness

Descendants of Darkness (2003)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not as detailed as the original manga, it's always interesting to see the characters come to life on screen. Some random humor and interesting voice overs give these characters their new personalities. The anime itself never seems to reach any set conclusion, which is a little frustrating. Hisoka is the most interesting as he goes from being flat and unemotional to attempting to open up to Tsuzuki in his own hesitant way.

Someday's Dreamers

Someday's Dreamers (2003)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a cute, short series about a young girl who travels away from home for mage training. She makes new friends and learns on her own terms that not everything is good or right to do, no matter how much she just wants to help everyone. The daughter of a well known mage, this little trainee has a lot to live up to. It's not just her that's changing though. As she grows and learns for herself just what it means to be a mage, she's also changing those around her as well - hopefully all for the better.

Rune Soldier

Rune Soldier (2005)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not much point as far as actual plot. Small "adventures" throughout the series and of course, saving the entire town by the end of the show. Beyond that it's just the story of three good friends and their odd fourth teammate, their would-be magician and hero. Often relying more on his fists than his flaky magic, Louie proves to be a rather interesting companion.