Spring 2024 – Mono’s Extremely Brief Takes – Week 1

The Spring 2024 season has finally begun. I picked ten different series to watch. Initially, I wasn’t planning on writing any regular episode reviews for this season. I’m still not certain how regular or consistent I will be with it, but I decided to write some very brief notes from the first week’s worth of episodes. Note: Only about half of the ten have started airing so far.

Warning: Some Images may be NSFW

Train to the End of the World

Episode 1: Down the Escalator to Dark Nerima

Initial rating: 7/10

Though extremely bizarre, the pilot episode was entertaining and funny. I look forward to more absurdity in the coming episodes. The opening song “Ga-Tan Go-Ton” by Rei Nakashima is weirdly catchy despite not being my style of music at all. So far, I like Shizuru as the main character. She’s spunky, determined, and good at martial arts. I also love the chaotic comedy.

Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf

Episode 1: The Harvest Festival and the Crowded Driver’s Box

Initial rating: 8/10

As someone who absolutely loves the 2008 version of Spice and Wolf, I approach the new adaptation cautiously. I’m not sure if I will like it overall. However, if the first episode is any indicator, then it should be a highly enjoyable series. The aesthetics and the emotional heart of the series is just right, so far. The instrumental music is also great. There are definitely some differences from the old version – some that I appreciate and others not so much.

One example of a good difference is that Holo looks more like an animal god with those keen, bright-red eyes. A difference I didn’t like was the replacement of Chloe the female merchant with Yarei the male equivalent. Yes – I’m aware that this is more faithful to the manga, and that Chloe was an anime-original character. But I’ve never touched the manga. It’s the 2008 series to which I’m deeply attached. I don’t really hold to “manga supremacy.”

Bartender: Glass of God

Episode 1: A Gentle Perch

Initial Rating: 7/10

I enjoyed the pilot episode. For one thing, I love the bar aesthetic. For another, the story was more engaging than expected. Nevertheless, I have a few complaints. The music is entirely forgettable. The art-style vaguely reminds me of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which looked great in 2009; but it looks dated and cheap in 2024. Regardless, I expect to appreciate this series as a calming alternative to action shows. Additionally, I’m excited to learn more about mixed drinks.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Season 3

Episode 1: Demons and Strategies

Initial Rating: 8/10

It’s wonderful to see Rimuru again, along with so many other characters that I’ve come to appreciate. Watching these characters and their interactions is always a treat. In this episode, I especially loved Veldora’s enthusiasm over the macha pudding. It’s amusing that Veldora and Rimuru still love desserts despite not having biological need for food.

I felt extra pleased with this season’s pilot because it was engaging and relatively fast-paced. The beginning of season 2 was slow and difficult for me to get into, to be honest. It took forever for anything to actually happen. So, I’m happy to see the plot of season 3 is already off to a good start, with Diablo doing a great job in Falmuth. Kudos to the sexy demon.

The Crow Does Not Choose the Lord

Episode 1 Not Yet Aired

Initial Rating: N/A

The premiere date was listed as April 6th across multiple sources on the internet. However, I was unable to find any site – legal or otherwise – with the first episode of this anime. I’ll check again next week and hopefully begin covering this series for real.