Thank you for stopping by Anime Rants. Summer 2024 is now underway, and the first week of new anime episodes have been released. As such, it’s time for my brief episode reviews. I will be covering 11 different series, with two others due to start some time in August. The following episodes were released in the week of July 1st thru 7th.
~
Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
Episode 14: New Town and Nostalgic Feeling
Episode Rating: 7/10
On their way to the town of Kumerson, Lawrence and Holo meet a young merchant named Amarti. He helps find them an inn to stay at in the crowded town, which is preparing for a festival. Amarti was struck by Holo’s beauty, and it was cute to see him react. The next day, after making a deal with a merchant named Marc, Lawrence returned to the inn. He discussed Holo’s hometown with her. Holo went to bed early after realizing that she might be demanding too much of Lawrence’s limited time.
This episode kept me entertained with its medieval charm and the lively banter between Holo and Lawrence. The discussion about Holo’s hometown was interesting because it showed Holo’s emotional vulnerability and reminded her of the eventual inevitable parting with Lawrence. I also enjoyed meeting Amarti.
~
Twilight Out of Focus
Episode 1: If This Love is Going to be Over Before it Even Begins…
Episode Rating: 9/10
I was skeptical that I would like this anime, since I was afraid of seeing toxic yaoi tropes like r*pe and internalized homophobia from the characters. However, the pilot episode was extremely impressive. The vibe I got from the show was progressive. The animation is beautiful, with a lot of details on eyes and face expressions. So far, Mao is my favorite character, but there are several we haven’t met yet. I also like Ichikawa and his enthusiasm for the film project. Mao’s feelings are very relatable as he discovers he’s fallen in love with someone who is already “taken.”
~
Senpai is an Otokonoko
Episode 1: Senpai is an Otokonoko
Episode Rating: 7/10
The first episode was highly entertaining. I like all the three of the main characters, though Saki and Makoto are slightly more likeable right off the bat compared to Ryuji. The animation is obviously extremely low-budget, and the switches to cheap, chibi-style animation are distracting. However, visuals are not super important to me compared to characters, story, and audio, so this shouldn’t really get in my way. The opening and ending songs are both fairly enjoyable, too.
Now, I need to mention the elephant in the room: Makoto’s gender and the potentially transphobic nature of this anime. I don’t have time right now to write my thoughts in detail, but I’ll briefly go over the gist of it. Makoto’s gender is not 100% clear. Though they obviously love presenting as a girl, they may not identify as a woman, or not all the time. We don’t know if this child is nonbinary, transgender, or just a dude who likes to wear cute clothes and wigs. I will call Makoto by they/them pronouns for now.
Since we don’t know if the child is trans, the anime isn’t strictly transphobic – and if it turns out that Makoto is clearly a trans girl, I still don’t get the impression from the first episode that the show is anti-queer. Rather than condoning the negative elements, it seems to be depicting a realistic environment in a Japanese highschool. While I dearly wish to see a 100% trans-affirming anime, I can also appreciate a series that at least scratches the surface of gender diversity. That is, as long as the narrative doesn’t try to tell us that Makoto is wrong for trying to live out their truest self. We’ll see.
~
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Season 3
Episode 14: Labyrinth and Storm Dragon
Episode Rating: 7/10
Rimuru and company spent about a month working on the new arena and the dungeon underneath it. With help from the Lycanthropes and the usual crew, the project was completed. Ramiris worked hard with her magic to make 100 floors in the dungeon, including one where she transported the entire town for the Lycanthropes. Ramiris is very cute, and I like her interactions with Rimuru. Both are mischievous, enjoying new ideas and creative uses of their magic.
Veldora was given a luxurious room at the bottom of the dungeon. Here, he can freely release his monstrous aura and spend time as a dragon when desired. Rimuru got a new sword at some point. Also, Beretta officially requested to serve Ramiris and to help Rimuru whenever possible. Ramiris gladly took on the new servant, happy for the company. With the arena and dungeon almost complete, the festival day is fast approaching.
My Deer Friend Nokotan
Episode 1: Girl Meets Deer
Episode Rating: 8/10
As expected, the pilot episode was bizarre at every turn. It was also adorable at many different points. I’m a long-time fan of Megumi Han, who voices Nokotan, but it took me until today to recognize the other lead voice actress. Her name is Saki Fujita and I recognize her from her role as Ayano Sugiura in Yuru Yuri. She does a great job playing Tsundere characters, and she also pulled off the yankee/delinquent voice effectively. I’m enjoying this wild and nonsensical anime a lot so far. I might also start shipping Koshi x Noko. They’re both so cute and funny.
Suicide Squad Isekai
Episode 4
Episode Rating: 7/10
The suicide squad has once again been thrown in prison by order of the Empress. They are, however, allowed to sit in for the council of war. A huge army of beastmen approach. The knights alone won’t be able to win. In exchange for their freedom, the suicide squad sets out to conquer the enemy. Harley inspires the ogres and other prisoners to help them meet the enemy on the battlefield. Deadshot then uses his sniping ability to shoot and destroy Ratcatcher’s magic staff. He loses control of the beastmen as a result.
The wolfish creatures surrender to the knights, since they were allies before the brainwashing. The battle has been won. This episode was fairly entertaining, and the flashback to Joker was interesting. I’ve never seen a version of Joker that wanted to “clean up society” before. It’s different from the usual pure-evil insanity – though he’s clearly still insane. On a separate note, I’m still not sure what’s up with Fione and why she’s so interested in Harley.
See also: Suicide Squad Isekai Episodes 1-3 Reviews
~
Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master
Episode 14 was delayed until July 20th
~
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin
Episode 1: Princess Sakuna of the Lofty Realm
Episode Rating: 8/10
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is a video game, but I wasn’t aware of this until a friend mentioned it. I heard of the anime from the listing of new shows on MyAnimeList.net. I didn’t even google to see what it was adapted from. Despite my ignorance of the game, I think I can still enjoy this anime. After all, I loved all the Danganronpa anime series, and I never touched the games. I also enjoyed one of the Persona anime series and didn’t play those games. So, that’s not an obstacle to my interest level or potential enjoyment.
Anyway, the first episode was highly enjoyable. I love the unusual visual style and the atmosphere of Shinto gods and temples. Sakuna is voiced by Naomi Ohzora, who also played the delightful (and similar) character of Satania from Gabriel Dropout. It’s great to hear in action again. I’m hoping this anime will provide a calming and cute addition to my shows this summer – but with a little bit of action and drama, too. In addition, the music is beautiful. I’m glad I picked this show.
~
Tower of God Season 2
Episode 1: Last Chance
Episode Rating: 8/10
Note: The names in this anime are confusing to me because Crunchyroll uses the names from the South Korean manwha, but the voice actors use Japanese versions of the names for all the audio. I tend to go by audio, and I have trouble pronouncing Korean, but I will try to use the Korean names regardless. If I accidentally call Bam by his Japanese name (Yoru), you will know why.
The pilot for the new season was entertaining, with a good amount of action. The music was epic during the fight scenes and the superpowers of the different characters looked cool. I haven’t quite learned all the new characters, but Ja Wangnan is the main one to know – in addition to Bam, who now has awesome long hair. I like Ja Wangnan so far. It’s easy to root for someone with so much heart. I look forward to learning more about this world, including the different royal families, factions, and crime syndicates.
Next Week:
Bye Bye Earth
Episode 1 will premier on July 12th
~Thank you for reading~
~
Anime Rants 
3 thoughts on “Summer 2024 Weekly Episode Reviews – Week 1”