01. Victoria of Many Faces (Tefuda ga Oome no Victoria) (Ep. 1-9 complete) – “Victoria” is an ex-spy on the run from her old life, who adopts an abandoned girl and makes new connections in a neighbouring kingdom. It’s a full story in only 9 episodes, so it moves fast.
Regardless, the story is great, and I love the character writing! Almost everyone comes across as realistically intelligent. For instance, when the royals eye her with suspicion of being involved in a crime, they are just being careful; they don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that she is an enemy.
The animation quality is somewhat inconsistent. But you know what? When the characters and story are this good, those deficiencies don’t bother me at all. A second season has been announced, which makes me happy. But this first season wraps things up nicely already.
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)
02. Though I Am an INEPT VILLAINESS (Futsutsuka na Akujo dewa Gozaimasu ga: Suuguu Chouso Torikae Den) (Ep. 1-9)
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)
03. You and I Are Polar Opposites Season 2 (Seihantai na Kimi to Boku 2nd Season) (Ep. 1-9)
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)
04. BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity (Sennen Kessen-hen – Kashin-tan –) (S4 Ep. 1-7, Overall Ep. 41-47)
(Streaming at Disney+)
05. Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (Super no Ura de Yani Suu Futari) (Ep. 1-10)
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)
06. Kaiju Girl Caramelise (Otome Kaijuu Caraméliser) (Ep. 1-10) – I would have preferred if they had toned down the silliness of the cast and just played it straight, using Akaishi’s uncontrollable transformations as an analogy of anyone who’s had to deal with an embarrassing medical condition. I guess that part of it reminded me of Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul, which did it better.
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)
07. The World Is Dancing (Ep. 1-11) – Gorgeous show, but very artsy. I think I’m too unsophisticated to really appreciate the philosophy of the dance.
(Streaming at HIDIVE)
08. The Villager of Level 999 (Lv999 no Murabito) (Ep. 1-9) – This won’t win any awards for originality, but all in all, it’s a fairly decent anime which surpasses expectations for this type of genre.
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)
09. Hana-Kimi Season 2 (Ep. 1-9)
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)
10. The Ogre’s Bride (Oni no Hanayome) (Ep. 1-10) – Sure, I get the fantasy of having a strong, handsome man to take care of you, but the power differential between this couple is uncomfortably large. Even though he seems to mean well, and isn’t overtly abusive, Reiya is extremely controlling; even going so far as to quit Yuzu’s job for her without telling her. I also think it’s a little disturbing that they use sexual favours as currency in their relationship, even if it’s just kissing (for now.) Additionally, it’s very tiresome, and unrealististic, that Yuzu’s parents and sister are just 100% evil and self-serving.
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)
11. The Duke’s Son Claims He Won’t Love Me Yet Showers Me with Adoration (“Kimi wo Aisuru Ki wa Nai” to Itta Jiki Koushaku-sama ga Nazeka Dekiai Shitekimasu) (Ep. 1-10) – It’s a perfectly serviceable shoujo, I guess. It’s just really dull. I’m honestly kind of surprised to see Saito Soma voicing a character so bland. Well, I guess Julius does have some pathos, being a spy who uses people? But they haven’t really done anything meaningful with that so far.
(Streaming at Crunchyroll)