Welcome to the final week of episodes from Spring 2024, spanning the dates of June 24th to June 30th. There was a wide variety of spring anime, and I think several of them were excellent – especially Yatagarasu, Train to the End of the World, Kaiju No. 8, and Whisper Me a Love Song. I’ve enjoyed writing these brief takes on the episodes as they come out, so thank you to anyone who has been reading. It really means a lot to me. Let’s continue into the summer season together. 🙂
~
Train to the End of the World
Episode 12: What was Normal Again?
(Final Episode)
Episode Rating: 8/10
The last installment of Train to the End of the World was exciting and beautiful. It wrapped up the series in a satisfying way, promoting themes of friendship, reconciliation, and acceptance of the ever-changing nature of the world. Shizuru and company chased down Pontaro and Yoka. Pochi (the bodyguard) switched sides to help the girls defeat Pontaro. After an emotional confrontation with Shizuru, Yoka remembered everything and forgave her best friend. She then pushed the 7G button once again.
The world didn’t exactly “turn back to normal.” It just changed, and a lot of people regained their humanity, at least partially. The expansion of Ikebukuro stopped and the world around began to grow. It’s a good sign that other train lines are starting to reappear. My only complaint about the final episode is that it’s sad how the bodyguard turned back into a crow. It looks like he’s still trying to serve Yoka by flying after her. That’s a bit sad, but otherwise, it was a wonderful episode!
~
Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
Episode 13: Supper of Three and Afternoon of Two
Episode Rating: 7/10
This episode wasn’t as good as some of the others, but I understand having a laidback installment after the recent chaos with the gold smuggling. Holo becomes ill with a fever from exhausting her body. She spends the next day or two being cared for and spoiled by Lawrence. Nora helped by providing sheep’s milk for the porridge Holo ate. Although Holo dislikes Nora, she was mature enough to speak and laugh with the shepherd when she came to visit.
The music was really pleasant throughout this episode. It was also interesting to hear Holo’s perspective on the journey so far. From what I can tell, she is having the time of her life, feeling more free than ever. Good for her. On a final note, as usual, I’m impressed with Lawrence and how patiently he handles Holo. He obviously cares about her deeply.
~
Tadaima, Okaeri
Episode 12: See You Tomorrow
(Final Episode)
Episode Rating: 9/10
Although it took some time, Mochizuki finally made up with Masaki and became friends with the Fujiyoshi family once again. Apparently, throughout his life, he’s dealt with a physiological condition wherein his body produces abnormally high amounts of pheromones. That information shed some new light on this character. I also strongly sympathized with Mochizuki’s desire to protect his child. At the end of the day, however, I definitely agree that the friendship with Masaki’s family was worth investing in.
This last episode of Tadaima, Okaeri was in equal parts tense, dramatic, romantic, and wholesome. It was everything I’ve come to expect from this strange little Omegaverse anime. I’m very glad I watched this show and I hope to see more Omegaverse anime in the future – especially if they feature cute and sweet stories.
~
Mysterious Disappearances
Episode 12: A Ticket, a Video, and Mysterious Disappearances
(Final Episode)
Episode Rating: 7/10
Ren was once a wandering spirit who died in his original world. Then Oto, another wandering existence, called out to him, giving him purpose and a new life as her big brother. In the present, Ren gives his life to send Oto back to her home world. But he left behind a regret – he didn’t read Sumireko’s new book. Once she put the pieces together, Sumireko realized she could call Ren’s spirit and once again give him a new life and purpose. The series ends with Ren returning to work at the bookstore, where Sumireko’s new novel is being sold.
This show did very poorly in terms of reception. The strange, rushed ending and the extremely unusual art-style might not have helped. Mysterious Disappearances was a flop – at least, commercially. However, I enjoyed it a lot. There were plenty of annoying bits. Still, the overall charm of the show, as well as the character of Sumireko, made up for the downsides. I’ll eventually explain more of my thoughts in a series review.
~
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Season 3
Episode 13: Invitations for All Nations
Episode Rating: 7/10
As usual, there wasn’t any action in this episode, but it was entertaining regardless. The King of Dwargon and the Empress of Thalion both responded to the invitation from Rimuru. The Elf Empress will attend, but I’m not sure about the Dwarf King yet. Later in the episode, Demon Lord Ramiris appeared, wanting to live in Tempest. Berreta the golem servant and Treyni the dryad supported her. Rimuru agreed to give Ramiris a new labyrinth home underneath the arena. Though Ramiris is a bit obnoxious, she is also very cute. It was nice to see her again.
~
Kaiju No. 8
Episode 12: Kafka Hibino
(Final Episode)
Episode Rating: 9/10
As the Third Division hopes for Kafka’s safety, he is currently a raging monster. Kafka is ferocious enough to legitimately endanger the life of Commander Isao. Though Kafka tries and tries to control himself, he can’t master the monster. After seeing a vision of Mina, he made the decision to punch out his own core. He would rather die than kill Kikoru’s father. However, he survived. The Commander then made the decision to defer the disposal of Kaiju No. 8. The military will use him as a living weapon instead.
The outcome was easily predictable, but this anime still managed to make every step of the way exciting and intense. I’m so glad Kafka has a chance now. The episode ends ominously with Kaiju No. 9 talking to someone about the plans to take back Kaiju power. Whoever he’s working with, they want to defeat humanity. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this new anime. I hope there will be a second season soon.
~
Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
Episode 13: Ravens Shouldn’t Wear Kimono
Episode Rating: 9/10
I’m extremely impressed with the way this show tricked its audience – or most of us – into thinking Asebi was a cute and innocent character. She is actually the most conniving and evil of all the female characters besides perhaps the Empress. Though the Prince failed to prove Asebi’s malice, he also refused to make her his consort. Instead, he chose Hamayu, whose real name was Sumi. It was great to see her again and I’m hopeful she will help change the court for the better.
The last few minutes of the episode showed several unexpected events. First of all, Yukiya left the Prince’s side, deciding to return to Taruhi. He’ll probably be back – but I was surprised by his decision. In other news, a girl was kidnapped and fed to a monster at the bottom of an old well. What’s more, a man lost control of himself, turned into a raven, and began attacking people on the street. I have no idea what’s going on with these two violent events. I look forward to the second half of this story as it continues into the summer season.
~
Whisper Me A Love Song
Episode 10: Old Memories, Old Feelings
Episode Rating: 9/10
Wow, this was an incredibly heavy and emotional episode. Despite her many flaws, I found myself feeling sympathy for Shiho at several points – especially when she fell in love with Aki. I wasn’t expecting the fact that Kyou died, but that’s what made the Laurely band stick together. Each of the girls had a special connection to Kyou. Hajime was her sister, Momoka was her lover, and Shiho was her friend and rival. There were several emotional moments that brought me close to tears, such as when Momoka clung to Shiho and begged her not to quit music.
I look forward to the conclusion of Shiho’s character arc. Now the cat is out of the bag in the sense that Himari knows the real reason behind Shiho’s animosity toward Aki and Yori. I wonder what will happen next and how this can be resolved. To end on a random note, I thought the art and animation direction in this episode was better than usual. The music stuck out at me too. Very beautiful.
~Thanks for reading~
~
Previous Posts
Anime Rants 
To think that Asebi didn’t just kill Samomo; even worse, she manipulated the princess who loves and adores her like a sister into doing it instead! She keeps her own hands “clean” behind what really is a mask of innocence, just like she was accused of doing in the very first episode. Oh, thinking of her as empress, the nation really dodged a bullet there! Exactly what the heck is going on with that monster (which I think might have been like a baboon or something like that) and the one guy going crazy in the streets, I do not know, but far better to have a trustworthy empress in the making instead of one so insane and sociopathic as Asebi. Turns out the current empress chose her name well: if the prince had picked her, it would have been a disaster!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think this Asebi twist thing deserves an article of its own. “How to Trick Your Audience: The Mask of Asebi in Yatagarasu” or something like that. Sound good? XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Step One: withholding information! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person