Mawaru Pengunidrum

First watched: 2011, original airdate Rewatched: August 2026

Original rating: 9 New rating: 8

This one was a long time coming. It only took so long because I couldn’t find it anywhere. 

In terms of both running time and the scale of the narrative, this is Ikuhara’s grandest work to date. Despite all of the visual bombast, metaphors, and tangled web of plot threads and character relationships, I don't think Penguindrum is that difficult to understand. It's easy to overcomplicate Ikuhara's works, as there's quite a lot of sauce to get lost in. But once you strip the narrative down to its core, the story and its message are plain as day. 

However, I have no real affection for any of these characters. Ishida Akira is giving one of my favorite performances of his career with Tabuki. But Himari is so boring, Ringo never really acknowledges or apologizes for her unhinged and criminal activities. Still, just like in 2011, Penguindrum lingered in my mind after I finished it and I can't help but admire all that it accomplished. That's worth saying something. 

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Mysterious Girlfriend X

First watched: 2012, original airdate Rewatched: August 2026

Original rating: 8 New rating: 6

Shamelessly horny, yet strangely endearing at the same time. It’s very reflective of teenagers experiencing attraction and desire for the first time. Alas, I couldn't get invested in this at all. Tsubaki is such a nothing of a male lead, and none of these characters really do anything. I quit at episode seven. 

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Jigoku Shoujo

First watched: 2007? 2008? Rewatched: August 2026

Original rating: 6 New rating: none

Same as I felt about Boogiepop Phantom: you can't scare me if you bore me. I don’t really have anything to say about this one except that it was too repetitive and the visuals came off more goofy than scary. The first half is mostly the same episode over and over again, but the second half was better. I skipped most of the episodes and I’m not sorry about it. 

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Children Who Chase Lost Voices

First watched: January 2012 Rewatched: August 2026

Original rating: 8 New rating: 6

This was the only Shinkai film I ever legitimately liked. Upon rewatch, I’m so ambivalent now. One one hand, I was very much entertained by this film. It held my attention. It blatantly borrows a lot of visual and narrative elements from Miyazaki's films and I wanted to know what happened next. 

On the other had, it is so thematically unfulfilling. It’s so eager to cram in as much into the story as it can that it forgets the characters and does’n’t give time for them or the story to breathe. There's so much the film addresses: war, greed, loneliness, grief, and friendship. By the end, most of these themes never come full circle and the film fails to follow through. IT gives both the film and myself and strangely empty feeling. 

It’s ironic—there's so much Miyazaki influence, but Shinkai forgot the fundamental part of Miyazaki's works: the conclusive emotional arcs and deeper humanity. 

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Record of Lodoss War

First watched: July 2014 Rewatched: August 2026

Original rating: 5 New rating: 5

Slayers

First watched: June 2011 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 7 New rating: 5

From the characters, to the sense of humor, to the aesthetics, everything about Slayers is the definition of 90s anime. Truly it is defined by its era and is an exemplary product of its time--for better or for worse. Still, Slayers is just here to have a good time and wants the audience to join it in its fun. I just didn't really enjoy it this time around and I did not complete this rewatch.

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And Yet the Town Moves

First watched: December 2012 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 5 New rating: none

I didn't laugh once. I quit at episode five. The opening song was great until the chorus decided to repeat the same musical phrase NINE TIMES. The ending song is incredible. 

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Tiger & Bunny films 1 & 2

First watched: 2013-2014 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 8, 8 New rating: 5, 5

Over a decade's worth of superhero fatigue on both sides of the globe means this honestly bored the shit out of me. The second film was definitely better than the first, though. 

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Tamako Market

First watched: 2013, original airdate Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 6 New rating: 6

I almost feel bad for not liking this bad. As far as KyoAni-moe-slice of life series though, this is the one I’d choose over the rest. While I don't find the characters to be unique or very memorable (with the exception of Dela), they are simple and charming and have fun chemistry. I wish we got to know the market residents a little more. Ultimately, while I mildly enjoyed this rewatch (episode eight was the standout for me), I will most likely forget Tamako Market again. 

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Legend of Black Heaven

First watched: October 2011 Rewatched: August 2026

Original rating: 8 New rating: 5

I don't like dragging a show for its animation. A budget is not the fault of the animators, and who knows what circumstances behind the scenes were like. I really only say something if it actively detracts from my viewing experience. But my word, this show is horrendous to look at to the point where it is often extremely distracting. With that out of the way, I don't feel Black Heaven has enough material to warrant thirteen episodes because each episode is more or less the same. I feel for the guy, but I don’t care. I lasted seven episodes. 

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Jyu Oh Sei

First watched: September 2011 Rewatched: August 2026

Original rating: 6 New rating: 5

HOW DEEP IS YOUR HEART DEEP INSIDE THE DARKNESS! That opening song never left me. Anyway, this story has some really weird mixed messages on gender roles. The women are valued and have the right to choose their male partner. Cool! Then their devotion gets to a point where the female's self worth is based on their male's opinion of them….yeah okay not great. The relationships are really unhealthy and I don't think the show is aware of it. It’s a fictional culture so it’s allowed to have its own rules about relationships. But the lack of acknowledgement really rubs me the wrong way. 

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha

First watched: 2007 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 7 New rating: 7

What I really enjoyed about Nanoha’s first season is how important her family and friends are in her life. They help make her believable. The film really did away with some of the most underrated moments in this first season, such as the conversation between Yuuno and Nanoha on the Asura about their families. The first season gets overshadowed by A’s, but there’s so much heart here.

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Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A’s

First watched: 2007 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 7 New rating: 6

What is often regarded as the crown jewel of the entire Nanoha franchise simply doesn’t hit me the same way anymore, I’m afraid. It continues and expands on the themes of family and the horrible ways adults can treat children. Though it’s unfortunate that Hayate is such a nothing burger of a character. I didn’t care about her much as a kid, and I still don’t now. But Fate’s healing journey with both family and friends is the absolute highlight. Episode 11 alone almost makes it all worth it. 

Alas, while the show gives a magical excuse for Hayate’s disability, it comes off as ableist to have her being able to walk again. Narratively justified, but so terribly ableist.

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Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha StrikersS

First watched: 2007, original airdate Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 6 New rating: 4

What a mess. StrikerS does far too much and yet its pace somehow feels glacial. It throws everything into the kitchen sink and fails to juggle it all. Vita (still my favorite character after all these years) and Teana are the only ones who get decent character arcs. The devices were cool--Subaru's roller blade nad gauntlet combo is still a winner in my eyes, despite her dullness as a character. This show did absolutely nothing for Hayate whatsoever. My favorite scene in all of StrikerS was the really lovely conversation between Vita and Shamal about the deterioration of the Book of Darkness's recovery program and their inevitable ends.

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Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st

First watched: circa 2010 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 7 New rating: 7

This is a retelling of the first season that also works as a companion piece. This film blesses us with new dynamic fight scenes and a greater focus on the relationship between Fate an Nanoha. as well as Fate and Precia. This comes at the unfortunate of expense of Nanoha's family (entirely) and friends (mostly)—the character who really made Nanoha herself feel more alive.As two sides of the same coin, I don't think it can be easily said that one is better than the other. 

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Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 2nd

First watched: March 2013 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 7 New rating (again): 7

Unlike the first season and the first film. I strongly feel that this film is far superior to its TV counterpart. No more stupid masked man subplot! Less time dedicated to repetitive scenes with the Wolkenritter and Hayate—who, unfortunately, is still boring. Also it’s hilarious they reused ‘Snow Rain’ while Tamura Yukari and Mizuki Nana get two new songs each.

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Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha: Reflection

First watched: July 2020 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 5 New rating: 4

This film committed one of the biggest anime sins in my eyes: a new antagonist emerges from out of bumblefuck nowhere and comes in swinging so hard that she can completely BODY EVERY SINGLE PROTAGONIST WITH ALMOST NO EFFORT. How the fuck am I supposed to buy that as an audience member? NO matter what it is--shounen battle, shoujo fantasy, whatever, this is so fucking stupid. 

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Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha: Detonation

First watched: July 2020 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 6 New rating: 4

Moretsu Pirates

First watched: 2012, original airdate Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 5 New rating: 4

There are many definitions for the word ‘bodacious.' dictionary.com defines bodacious as: remarkable, audacious, bold, and sexy. In Japanese, the word ‘mouretsu’ translates to ‘fierce.’ Regardless of which language chosen, to use such strong words is almost like delivering the audience a promise. 

Bodacious Space Pirates fails to deliver on that promise. Its short story arcs are completely disconnected and have nothing to say. In its eagerness, the show immediately forgets what preceded it within the narrative. Its enormous cast is colourful and they appear bombastic. But they are all defined by one personality trait and one skill each. Like a child given too many toys at once, it doesn't know what do to with them all and discards then when it quickly gets bored of them. Most offensively, the show is safe. It doesn't dare to do anything. The show is even too cowardly to have two girls kiss on screen more than once. 

Bodacious Space Pirates wants to be many things. It wants to be a plucky high school story. It wants to be an epic space opera. It was to be a fun adventure. It wants to be bodacious. Yet it ends up doing so little with nothing to say, failing to do justice to anyone or anything. For how can an anime dare to be bodacious when it cannot commit?

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Break Blade 1-3

First watched: February 2012 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 5, 6, 6 New rating: 5, 5, 5

I was able to complete three out of the six films. They were so profoundly un-special that I could not be bothered to watch the back half. 

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Natsuyuki Rendezvous

First watched: 2012 original airdate Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 8 New rating: 4

This is the anime equivalent of purple prose. The story made a grave error when the dead husband possessed the living suitor. Once that happened, the narrative was content to wallow in cyclical metaphors that are visually lovely, but emotionally stagnant. Whether that was a metaphor for the characters themselves, who’s to say. But it didn't work for me on this rewatch.

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Kamichu

First watched: 2011 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 7 New rating: 6

A darling and endearing little series about a girl who comes under a lot of pressure and responsibilities very quickly. I thought the beginning episodes were the strongest. 

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Taisho Baseball Girls

First watched: February 2013 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 6 New rating: 7

I had forgotten this one entirely, and was absolutely delighted to be greeted with a song accompanying a very funny in the first episode. It was so fun watching these girls learn how to work together and grow as a team. Episode 8 was really stupid, though. The romance aspects were the weakest ones. Anytime it focused on the team as a whole it was the strongest. This story does not deserve to be forgotten by fandom. 

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Darker Than Black

First watched: July 2011 Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 8 New rating: 5

First watched: Spring 2011 - original airdate Rewatched: July 2025

Original rating: 8 New rating: 4

AnoHana excels when it is being subtle. When it depicts its characters existing with each other as they gradually rekindle their lost friendships, that is when it’s at its best. But it lacks confidence in itself. In its sheer determination to make the audience feel as much as possible, the drama rapidly escalates into forced sadness. You don't need to have all your characters scream and cry to make something sad and dramatic. I was dreading the last episode and it was even worse than I remembered. In the hands of a better writer, AnoHana could've been one of my all time favorite high school anime dramas. Alas, I’m just relieved that it is over. 

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Prétear

First watched: 2006? Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 5 New rating: 5

To me, Prétear is clearly aimed at a pre-teen audience—a lost demographic. Its goofiness is unbridled and it’s got that old school charm. But unfortunately it is easy to see why Prétear has completely fallen into obscurity. Everything it does has been done better in other anime, even among its late 90s-00s peers. But hey, that opening song still slaps. __________________________________

Itazura na Kiss

First watched: 2008, original airdate Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 6 New rating: 6

It turns out I still enjoy shoujo romances when they actually have a plot!

No one really remembers Itazura na Kiss these days, but I remember watching this weekly as it aired. Watching Kotoko and Naoki trying to out-gremlin each other is an absolute blast, particularly in the first segment when they’re still in high school. The high school bit is the strongest, and the story drags on perhaps a little too long post-marriage.

Between the constant jealousy and everyone getting sick and injured, the narrative grows cyclical and stagnant. Kotoko herself suffers from a lack of character development, never truly getting over her almost obsessive devotion towards Naoki. (I personally think it would’ve been more rewarding if she hadn’t gone into the medical field to be with her husband and found her own thing. But for narrative purposes, I understand that it was easier to keep the couple together that way.) Still, there’s so much charm and fun to be had here. It feels indicative of a bygone age of shoujo romance where creators weren’t afraid to have their characters be ridiculous and unhinged. And with the death of the creator, the manga never received a proper ending. I’m glad the anime could grant it a proper conclusion.

Also, Kotoko may be one of Mizuki Nana’s strongest acting performances. (However Yuuki is my favorite. I loved watching him grow up.) __________________________________

Kamisama Dolls

First watched: 2011, original airdate Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 5 New rating: 3

No wonder this faded into obscurity. Kamisama Dolls is a shameless, annoying, unhinged disaster that feels like it was conceived by a thirteen year old edgelord. It has no idea what to do with its story or its characters. So its solution, to no avail, is to keep adding more. It wasn’t impressive back in 2011, and it’s certainly not impressive now.

Also, it’s ugly as sin and has a great opening song that it doesn’t deserve.

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Noein

First watched: I have no idea. Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: none New rating: 4

Teenage angst and alternate dimensions. Noein is a mixed bag on all fronts. There are fleeting moments of a compelling show. (Thank you, episode 14.) But those moments are buried under infodumping, comically evil antagonists that are impossible to take seriously, and repetitive story beats.

The first half in particular was a chore to get through. And more often than not, watching Noein felt like like tonal-dissonance-table-tennis. There were also rare moments when the animation suddenly grew very fluid at the expense of looking half finished. (Amidst the woeful monstrous CGI abominations.)

Noein has fallen into obscurity for probably being “too weird,” even though it’s no weirder than anything else. But I just don’t see modern audiences taking to it.

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Sketchbook ~full color's~

First watched: 2007? Rewatched: July 2026

Original rating: 7 New rating: 5

Any episode or scene focusing on the cats? 10/10 Everything else? 5/10

Fell into obscurity because the slice of life/iyashikei-adjacent market is so oversaturated.

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Rave Master

First watched: 2006-2007, on Toonami Rewatched: July 2026 (incomplete)

Original rating: 5 New rating: 4

Things I liked:

the sense of humor. (Warlock of Doorlocks, “thou art a total legend!”)

The HD-2D style is visually distinct from Octopath.

The music is nice, and was played by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphont Orchestra? Incredible.

Things I didn’t like:

The level curve and gameplay loop were so horrendous. I set myself on easy and invincible mode four hours in because I simply don’t have time or patience to level grind like that anymore.

This was definitely the blueprint for this franchise. It doesn’t get more basic than this.