Thank you for visiting Anime Rants. Today, we continue covering episodes from Summer 2024. The following episodes were released from July 8th to July 14th. Several series had delays this week, but hopefully, things will return to normal soon.

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Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf

Episode 15: Bird Feather and Mysterious Ore

Episode Rating: 9/10

This was one of my favorites installments so far, mostly thanks to the introduction of new characters Gi Batos and Diana Rubens. Though Batos only has a small role, I love his patient personality and the wisdom with which he speaks. As for Diana, she is an extremely interesting character, and also very attractive. It’s realistic that a female alchemist in those days would be hunted by the Church. I like that she’s an alchemist and how she’s so interested in Pagan mythology. Great episode!

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Twilight Out of Focus

Episode 2: Pick Me

Episode Rating: 8/10

The second episode was intense and moved very quickly. Learning about Hisashi’s past was unpleasant, but important for his character. After Hisashi finally broke up with his abusive boyfriend – a pedophilic teacher – Mao took the opportunity to confess his feelings. Hisashi seemed to return Mao’s love. The two boys touched and kissed, but then Mao got self-conscious and doubtful. He ran away, leaving Hisashi in the dark.

The next day, it was time to start shooting the movie for the film club. Hisashi couldn’t focus, so his acting was poor. Mao told him that they could talk about the previous night later, but for now, he wants Hisashi to take the project seriously. I think Hisashi was encouraged by that promise. The episode leaves off there. I’m enjoying the excellent visuals, the ending song, and the character of Mao. However, I’m a little uncomfortable with how sexual some of it seems, considering that these characters are in high school.

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Senpai is an Otokonoko

Episode 2: Cute Things Pilgrimage

Episode Rating: 8/10

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode because it was so great to see Makoto having fun going out as a girl. He had some fun times over spring break with Ryuji and Saki. Then Ryuji told Saki about the upcoming party, during which Makoto plans to wear a dress. Saki then suggests they all go out shopping so they can look at dresses and other cute things. It was fun to watch the three friends enjoying themselves together that day.

Earlier in the episode, Saki got to see Makoto acting like a boy at home with his mother. Things went fine, but it was hard to see Makoto under the stress of hiding their identity. At the end of the episode, Makoto’s mother finds the handkerchief given to him by Saki. Makoto isn’t supposed to keep cute things like that at home. When Makoto returns, his mother is sitting with the handkerchief, looking devastated. To be continued. (Needless to say, Makoto’s mother is a horrible person and probably needs intensive mental help.)

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Bye Bye, Earth

Episode 1: Departure at the Red Hour

Episode Rating: 8/10

The first episode of Bye Bye, Earth was impressive, at least to me. The animation is decent, the concept is interesting, and the music is amazing. (Kevin Penkin is the composer.) I also tend to love strong female protagonists, as well as fantasy worlds with animal-people. With Belle the brave heroine and her magical sword Runding, this looks like a show I’m going to love. It should also be interesting to learn about this world and its connection to Earth – or if it’s Earth in the distant future. I’m excited to find out.

It was great to hear Junichi Suwabe playing Sian Lablanc. He’s a great voice actor. Despite our limited time with Sian, I still felt sad when he disappeared. That means the anime is good at creating emotional scenes. I can see this anime won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, since it feels like a YA fantasy novel. (It was literally based on one.) But I don’t mind that at all, providing there are enough original elements and good characters.

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That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Season 3

Episode 15 was delayed until July 19th

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My Deer Friend Nokotan

Episode 2: Deer Meets Dark Girl

Episode Rating: 9/10

NotesI absolutely loved this episode. It had me constantly laughing out loud – no exaggeration. Everything was great, from the endlessly nonsensical plot twists to the over-the-top voice-acting and the goofy visuals. Even the things that I’d normally consider problematic were handled in such a way that I didn’t mind. For example, sis-cons are always gross. But Anko was clearly the antagonist in this episode and the goal was to get her to stop acting so freakish.

While there are jokes that objectify and sexualize Koshi, at least the anime refused to actually show her shirtless. That would have been rather icky. Anyway, there were several highlights of this episode, including Nokotan’s temporary ascent into Deer Heaven, and her declaration that, “Koshi-tan is my woman!” Looks like I’m not the only one shipping these characters. I can’t wait for more Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshi tan tan! 😀

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Suicide Squad Isekai

Episode 5

Episode Rating: 7/10

This episode didn’t impress me much. It wasn’t bad, but some of the visuals really looked “off,” lacking detail, and the dialogue was dull as hell. In addition, the episode failed to make me feel any suspense when the team was fighting the dragon. But I did I love the dragon’s design. The new baby dragon, Arthur, was very cute. Anyway, now that the suicide squad has replenished their ammo, they are ready to fight back against the Empire. However, it looks like they’ve run into enemies on the way back. To be continued.

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Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master

Episode 14 was delayed until July 20th

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Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin

Episode 2: Life on Hinoe Island

Episode Rating: 8/10

I enjoyed the second episode as much as the pilot. This series is cute and delightful so far. The unique art-style is appealing to me and the music reminds me of studio Ghibli soundtracks. Most of the character concepts and designs are great. I especially loved the appearance of Ashigumi, since he resembles a ferret or an otter. (Mustelids like those are my favorite animals.)

The only thing I didn’t like about this episode was the way the demons didn’t appear injured or bloody at all when defeated. I understand that the show is trying to stay PG, but it looked slightly unnatural. Well, it might not have been perfect episode, but I’m still getting a lot of personal enjoyment from this show. I look forward to watching Sakuna grow a good crop of rice.

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Tower of God Season 2

Episode 2: The Strongest Regular

Episode Rating: 7/10

This episode had some good moments but was slightly boring and predictable, too. Bam, who now goes by Viole, placed first in a test to determine who has the most Shinsu power. The test proctor, Love, then told him to select seven companions. Viole refused, saying he’s an enemy of everyone here because he’s a member of FUG. This organization seeks to kill Jahad. (In case anyone else forgot, Jahad is the number 3 ranked climber, and is basically considered a god among those who try to climb the tower.)

Proctor Love proposed a game. If he wins, then Viole must follow the rules and pick seven companions. If Viole wins, he can continue climbing alone. We don’t know what the game is yet, but it’s clear that Viole is going to lose and pick a crew of seven. I’m certain that he will choose Wangnan in the end, because he’s obviously a main character of this season. I’m happy about this turn of events since I like Wangnan as well as some of the other regulars. As usual with this anime, the music and art are great.

~Thanks for reading~

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Previous Posts

Summer 2024 Weekly Episode Reviews – Week 1