I'm thinking of making an effort to rewatch a bunch of the shows I liked from Fall 2023 last year.

That is now the singe season of Anime I've completed the most Anime from. So like my past fiction on all of 2017 I may be uniquely qualified to revisit this season and see how well it's show hold up once Recencey Bias has dissipated.

Frieren is the one's durability is considered indisputable right now. And I'm not inclined to say it won't age well. But it's amusing how when I think about rewatching it part of me wants to skip right o the Exam Arc, which is technically not Fall 2023 anymore.

#Anime #SeasonalAnime #Frieren #Fall2023 #FallAnime #FallAnime2023 #Anime2023 #Fall2023Anime

Dendros: The Hands of Fall.
(10/05/24)

#trees #NativePlants #fall #fall2023 #autumn #AutumnLeaves #AutumWatch #nature #NaturePhotography #MastoArt #photography #AltText

It’s been a rather long time since I got to catch up on Frieren. The anime is currently at Sense’s test storyline. I haven’t watched the latest three episodes, just to keep my curiosity on how they would animate it. I have a lot to catch on it seems.

But now, let’s see what happens after the first exam is over. It’s been a while too after the last time we saw Stark, I suppose he’s been living what Frieren loves, lazing around. And, honestly, there’s nothing wrong with doing that every once in a while.

Until, Fern shows up and immediately makes him regrets his decision to relax. Well, now it’s up to Stark and Frieren to cheer Fern up. Fern’s mood swing is really the main driving force for the plot in this episode.

Fern’s pouting face has become a sort of mascot in this anime. A cute face on a bad mood has been one of anime’s trademark, seemingly even since its inception. However, what baffled me, a few weeks ago, there was a notion spreading in social media saying Fern is a toxic and unhealthy character.

Well, quite a few of my fellow Frieren fans quickly jumped into a crusade defending her. However, I think that notion posed a quite interesting insight on how non-anime fans perceive female characters in anime. I think it’s quite something to highlight in this episode’s review.

It All Started With Heiter

Right from the beginning of the episode, Fern immediately got frustrated by Stark, knowing how he spent his days without her and Frieren. Seen from a surface level, her anger seems to come from a caring nature.

She doesn’t like anyone waking up late, doesn’t like the fact Stark has been staying up late at night, and she got even more upset knowing him slurped some sweet drinks at night. If anything, it sounds like she’s being a caring “mother” to Stark albeit a bit overbearing.

However, we have to acknowledge why she behaves the way she does. Fern didn’t grow up in a normal childhood, she’s a war orphan. Heck, the first time we met her was when she’s about to jump off of a cliff, as a child! Luckily, Heiter was there to comfort her, and eventually raised her until his passing.

Since then, she became accustomed to taking care of an elderly man since she’s little. Heiter was still actively working as a priest when he adopted Fern. But, as we know, his health deteriorated quickly, especially after Frieren’s arrival, which brings me to the next point.

What Isolation Does To A Child

It’s safe to say that the trio, in general, is no stranger to isolation. Frieren loves her alone time, and she spent most of her life living peacefully by herself before she met Himmel. In Stark’s case, he might be not completely alone in his village, but he definitely was ousted by his own family other than his brother.

However, I think the effects manifested worst in Fern. By far, she’s the worst communicator among Frieren’s group. Not to slander her or anything, every character has their own quirks and flaws, after all. But, it’s quite obvious that she expresses her anger and negative emotions in the worst way possible.

I knew things would go downhill after Sein left. I genuinely think he could be the bridge between Fern and the rest in terms of establishing a good-natured communication style. But, as we see in this episode, Frieren’s party is so dysfunctional without Sein.

That being said, sometimes the brightest mind can have the craziest personality, which brings us to the next highlight of this episode. Behind all these deadly spells, there are interesting personas and personalities. This anime does a great job in showcasing the traits behind every character.

Übel, Her Character, And The Craze Around Her

Lately, I’ve been seeing a craze over Übel. Seriously, her character design has a huge impact on the whole goth girl train. Interestingly enough, she turns out to have quite a delightful personality. Yes, I may or may not have said she’s quite the psycho in the past. But, among her group members in the first test, she seems to be the most talkative. Well, granted, it’s Land and Fern we’re comparing her to.

There is one thing that I didn’t expect, though. Übel might be an empathic person, more than I thought. Her encounter with Land in this episode revealed that she can copy any spell she has seen. But, she must relate to the person whose spell she’s copying on an emotional level.

It makes sense that Übel copied Wirbel’s spell almost immediately. Both of them would use necessary force whenever it’s needed, both of them are competent fighters and can’t be underestimated. So, it makes sense that she can make some sort of connection with Wirbel. What would be interesting, though, what if she meets a person with an extremely different background, and she tries to copy their magic. What is going to happen, I wonder.

Aside from Denken, Übel might be another side character that really caught my attention. There is a lot of depth in this anime towards many of the characters, which is its strong point, surely. Also, there has been another character that has been circulating around my social media timeline. I’m pretty sure her name is Methode. I may not have been watching Frieren as much as I used to, but how the story seems to unfold really makes me want to catch on with the anime.

https://seinenrider.com/2024/03/03/a-mages-mood-swing-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-22-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Winter2024

The much loved character from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Sein, is a prodigy in healing magic and a priest. He grew up in a small town as an innocent kid in the care of his older brother and Heiter. However, he ends up being a walking life crisis for his poor life choices.

Although it has been a couple of episodes after his departure from Frieren’s party. There are already people who miss him. Well, including me, to be honest. However, Sein is not Frieren’s permanent party member. He has his own goal to track his old friend, Warrior Gorilla. So, it was a must for him to say goodbye to Frieren and the rest. Well, for now.

There are a lot of interesting things about Sein. Yes, he has a bit of a twisted mind, especially when thinking about his regrets. However, he’s voiced by one of the most well-known voice actors in the industry. So, no wonder his character has so much presence.

The Voice Actor Behind Sein, Yuichi Nakamura

Yuichi Nakamura is the voice actor behind Sein. His voice is recognizable almost immediately, since he voiced so many characters in several recent titles.

Last season alone, Yuichi Nakamura voiced eight characters, including Sein in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Andy in Undead Unluck, And Tsukasa In Dr. Stone: New World Part 2. His most well-known and recent role might be Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen.

However, he has a long lists of characters that borrowed his voice. In fact, he has been a seiyuu for more than two decades. Yuichi Nakamura is a very accomplished voice actor with a lot of respect in the industry. Currently, he is associated with the INTENTION agency.

A Long List Of Sein’s Issues

In contrast to his Seiyuu, Sein has a lot of issues instead of achievements. Part of the reasons why Sein has a lot of attention is his character development and personality.

At first, Sein frequently questioned himself, doubting that he even should go on a search for Gorilla. However, he eventually followed Frieren’s advice and tagged along in her journey for a while.

Since Sein’s first appearance, he has a strong “corrupt priest” aura. Sein is very similar to Heiter in his younger days. He loves gambling, drinking, and smoking. Almost in every episode he’s in, we can see him doing one of the three.

Money Away, Sein’s Gambling Problem

To say Sein is a corrupt priest 2.0 seems justifiable. In fact, one of the first thing we see him doing is gambling. Yup, gambling seems to be a pretty common leisurely activity for adventures, and Frieren’s world isn’t an exception.

Sure, we can say gambling is fun. However, it could also be an escapism from worries or stress. This reason is what seems to drive Sein into gambling. However, gambling is more harmful than exciting in the long run.

A Priest’s Temptation, Sein’s Drinking Problem

Interestingly enough, both priests in this anime love to drink. More often than not, we see Heiter either drunk or suffering from hangover. Similarly, Sein’s go-to hangout spot is a pub.

However, Sein deserves a praise for not as much of a drunkard as Heiter. Although, that’s a relatively low standard. Luckily, Sein is a relatively calm person when he’s sober. So, his anger and frustration only shows when he’s drunk. When it does show, he still has his temper under control.

A Choo Choo Train Wreck, Sein’s Smoking Problem

One of Sein’s habits that stands out the most is his smoking. I notice there is a niche of people who love Sein because of his middle-aged man charm, they say he’s smoking hot. Well, in this case, it may be literally.

Nowadays, smoking cigarettes has earned a name for being unhealthy and unclean. It’s so different from the era of Marlboro man when smoking is considered cool. Today, people are more aware that nicotine addiction is often accompanied by other psychological issues, which is the perfect segway to Sein’s final problem.

Sein’s Jaded Perception Of Himself

All of Sein’s bad habits might be traceable to what he feels deep down. Sein’s heart bear a burden from regrets. He second guessed his choice to stay back when Gorilla asked him to go on an adventure together. Furthermore, he only decided to do something about it ten years later, when Frieren arrived in his town.

Besides, Sein feels indebted to his brother, which is why he decided to stay. However, this issue was quickly resolved after his brother gave him a slap and told him to chase what he wanted. Sein’s regret is similar to Frieren’s. They both chase what could’ve been.

Frieren regrets she never put more effort to be close to Himmel, Sein regrets he rejected Gorilla’s offer to embark on an adventure together. Although Frieren has endured hers way longer than Sein, living in a looming regret for a decade must’ve affected him in various way. Evidently, we can see its manifestation in his poor choices of habits.

Why We Love Sein Nonetheless

Despite all his shortcomings, Sein is one of the fans favorite. You might say, him being an occasional comedic relief is the reason. Certainly, Sein does play the funny part fairly well. However, this corrupt priest is much more than laugh and giggle.

Among Frieren’s party members, Sein is the most socially aware. Stark and Fern are still young and grew up in a relatively secluded environment. While Fireren, well, let’s just say she spends more time with magic grimoires than people. This made Sein the designated group therapist while he was in Frieren’s party.

Sein Can Be A Vital Member In An Adventuring Party

But first, let’s not forget that Sein is an actual genius when it comes to healing magic. Even his brother approves of this fact. He can easily cure lethal poisons and has a keen sense of curses. On top of that, he’s far from hopeless when it comes to combat. He actually can hold his ground against an enemy.

Sein is actually the exact person Frieren’s party needs. If only he has nothing else to pursue, it’s possible Frieren can form a dream team once again. We can see immediately after Sein’s departure, Fern got a fever and thanks to his notes, Frieren and Stark know what herbs to look for.

Sein Has Wise Takes

If we want to point out which person is the most grown up in Frieren’s party, Sein is most likely the strongest candidate. He has such an internal conflict, especially on how he views himself. But, he shows to be a reliable mediator for Stark and Fern. Aside from being a literal doctor for Frieren’s party, apparently Sein also has a talent for as a couple consultant.

In return, Frieren always praised him as a good adult. And you know what, he deserves such praises. Even when carrying a heavy personal burden, Sein doesn’t simply stop caring about others. And you know what? Fern might associate him to Heiter, in a good way. After all, Heiter is the one who raised Fern, and Both Heiter and Sein have the maturity of a proper priest when they actually show it.

Sein’s Struggle Is So Relatable For Young Adults

This is might be the focal point of Sein. Even though Sein is supposed to be in his thirties, I found his character to be extremely relatable. If there is one thing that can sum up his struggle, regretting a past opportunity would be it.

I’m sure I’m not alone in this. So much could happen in life, and one way or another, we could end up regretting our decision. Especially, when the other option seemed to turn out better than what we chose. I think this is also the case for Sein, which leads him into regretting his rejection of Gorilla’s offer. And hey, Sein loves the older onee-san type, even more relatable.

The “I Can Fix Him Energy”

Seems to me, there are several that couldn’t resist Sein’s charm in the fandom. Well, yeah, he’s a fairly good-looking, talented priest, with a lot of personal problems. It’s easy to throw him into the “I can fix him” type of character. Joking aside, it shows that Sein’s character is well-written.

Sein obviously has been through some hardship. He and his brother lost their parents when they’re very young. They grew up in less than ideal condition. As an adult, Sein is engulfed in internal struggles.

Putting a character through some tough times can really make the audience root for them. This is why anime like Attack On Titan, especially the first season, could make everyone side with the protagonist.

Will Sein Make A Future Appearance? If So, How?

So, Sein has left Frieren’s party. What now? He is heading to Tur, a city on the opposite direction of Äußerst, where Frieren is now. He continues his pursue for his old friend, Gorilla. Is there any chance for him to make another appearance? I’d say yes, but we’re going into speculation territory now.

First speculation, everything could end up as we all wish. Sein finally reunites with Gorilla, and they form up the dream team they always wanted. Second speculation, Gorilla is nowhere to be found, whether he already died or still missing. It would be fun if he stumbled on Kraft and give Kraft a nostalgia on his old partner.

Third speculation, Sein finds himself alone without no one to find, because Gorilla indeed has died. Sein falls into a spiral of depression, but he slowly learns that now he can free of regret. He then pays Gorilla his respect and off he goes to rejoin Frieren.

My Conclusion About Sein

Sein is, by far, the character that speaks what the audience thinks. We know his frustration when he put up with Stark and Fern’s shenanigans. However, he always handled a difficult social situation with wisdom and calmness, despite he himself isn’t free from internal burden.

Sein has a lot of quirks that the author can use as foundation for his character development. It shows how well-written his character is, and the potential complexity he can have. Also, it’s also always fun to speculate the story as an anime watcher. How do you think Sein will end up?

https://seinenrider.com/2024/01/27/sein-from-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-is-a-walking-life-crisis/

#Anime #CharacterAnalysis #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Priest #Sein #Winter2024

The last two episodes of Frieren introduce us to many, many new characters. It’s now time for the first-class mage examination. Finally, after walking for a long time, Frieren, Fern, and Stark arrives in the city of Äußerst.

Since it’s the exam arc, sadly, we’re not going to see much of Stark. However, seeing the roster of wizards in this arc is exciting enough. So far, we’ve seen Lawine and Kanne’s combo. I wonder what kind of magic the rest of the mages are bringing. And also, who are the VA behind these guys? I bet some big names will appear.

The Mages From The First Class Mage Exam

We’re entering an important turning point in this anime. The first class mage exam is necessary for Frieren, Fern and Stark. Travelling without at least one first class mage is still prohibited, due to the dangers of the northern land.

Well, for all these times, Frieren is more like a back alley doctor. Not to say she’s incompetent, she just lacks the proper certification. Same with Fern, she only has the third-class certification because it was quicker to get that one at the time. With the exam, here we have some new faces. Also, I’m surprised, but not complaining, that we encounter familiar voices from Bocchi The Rock!

Übel

Übel might be one of the most terrifying mages in the exam. Don’t get fooled by her stature, she is a cutthroat mage who will gladly kill to get to her goal. Her notoriety only solidifies when it turns out she killed the examiner in her last first-class mage certification exam.

Übel is voiced by Ikumi Hasegawa. Her most iconic roles are Vladelina Milizé from the anime 86 and Kita Ikuyo from Bocchi The Rock! I don’t know how I should feel knowing Kita and Übel have the same voice actor.

Denken

Denken is a shrewd elderly mage. He has political influence in the capital, and is aware that magic isn’t the only power in our society. An imperial mage he is. By far, he has a very interesting background and is most likely the most experienced among the human participants in the test.

Denken is voiced by Jirou Satou, most notably he voiced Theo Magath, the Marleyan commander from Attack On Titan. He also voiced Olaf and Gratianus from Vinland Saga.

Lawine

Lawine is a third class mage that Frieren has as a part of her party in the first test. She attends the first-class mage certification with Kanne. The duo has a great synergy in battles, with Lawine focusing on her ice magic.

Lawine is voiced by Sayumi Suzushiro. Her most notable role is Nijika from Bocchi The Rock! We are halfway from getting the full Kessoku band it seems. Also, she voiced Kurena Kukumila from 86, and Shirogane Kei from Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.

Kanne

Kanne is the more rowdy and rather craven one in her duo with Lawine. However, she has a great water magic. Combine that with Lawine’s ice magic, then we have an incredible dynamic duo. She sometimes gets discouraged by Lawine’s tough love and often gets into fights with her. But, Kanne loves to be around Lawine anyway.

Kanne is voiced by Azumi Waki. Previously, she voiced Maika-chan from Blend S. She is also the voice of Hinata Tachibana from Tokyo Revengers.

Laufen

Laufen is a second-class mage from the mountainous Southern lands. Her magic allows her to move lightning quick to avoid confrontations, and take her objectives as quickly as possible.

Laufen is voiced by Shizuka Ishigami. She made an appearance in Vinland Saga as the voice behind young Thorfinn. She also worked on another iconic anime franchise, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind, as Bruno Bucciarati.

Richter

Along with Laufen, Richter is in the party with Denken for this first test of the first-class mage examination. He is someone who is cold-blooded and has an overwhelming style in his earth manipulation magic.

Richter is voiced by Eiji Hanawa. He’s the voice of Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star: Raoh Side Story Junai Arc. Some of you might feel nostalgic because this is a mid-2000s anime movie.

Land

Land seems like a mysterious guy. He wears a pair of glasses and even does the correcting glasses move. We haven’t got a chance to see his full ability, though. He is in the same party as Fern and Übel in this exam.

Land is voiced by Shouhei Komatsu. He had a main voice role as August von Earlshide in a 2019 anime, Kenja no Mago. He made his official debut as a seiyuu back in 2016.

Ehre

Ehre is the mage we see battling Fern in episode 19. She says Fern’s style of fighting is so old-school, like her grandfather. Well, she’s not too far off because the one who teaches Fern magic is a grandmother, technically. It seems like Ehre is fond of manipulating earth as well, throwing them from afar like the beast titan from Attack On Titan.

Ehre is voiced by Kanae Itou. She’s a long time voice actor for some anime fans’ favorite character, Carrot, in One Piece. Other than that, she’s also the voice of Yui from Sword Art Online.

Wirbel

Wirbel and Übel’s fight is one of the highlights in episode 19. He is the captain of Northern Magic Corps. A seasoned warrior, hence he seems so casual when fighting Übel. He is in a group with Ehre and Scharf. He and his party are after the Stille Fern’s party caught.

Wirbel is voiced by Kishou Taniyama. He voiced one of my personal favorite characters. He is the voice behind Jean Kristein from Attack On Titan. Not only that, he also voiced Chuuya Nakahara from Bungou Stray Dogs.

Genau

Genau is the overseeing mage for the first test of first-class mage exam. He is able to create the barrier for the Stille hunting zone. An impenetrable magic that even dust can’t go past it. I wonder if there will be someone who break that barrier at the end of this test.

Genau is voiced by Tarusuke Shingaki. He voiced Mirio Toogata in My Hero Academia. Previously, he also voiced Cadis Etrama Di Raizel in the 2020 anime, Noblesse.

Sense

Sense is also an overseer for this year’s first-class mage exam. She is supposed to be responsible for the second test. So, in the meantime, we haven’t seen her capabilities yet.

Sense is voiced by Haruka Terui. She voiced Yuuki from Yuki Yuna Is A Hero. Also, she is the voice behind Shihoru in Grimgar: Ashes And Illusions.

https://seinenrider.com/2024/01/20/the-voice-actors-behind-the-mages-of-first-class-mage-exam-in-frieren-beyond-journeys-end/

#Anime #AnimeList #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Seiyuu #SeiyuuList #Winter2024

After a few more marching, Frieren, Fern, and Stark finally made their way to the city of Äußerst. This city has the largest concentration of mages in the northern plateau. Every mage from every corner of the continent is bound to be here at some point of their life. Now, it’s time for the mage exam arc.

Naturally, we’ll see many new faces in this city. The ones looking for the first degree mage certification aren’t just Fern and Frieren, after all. I expected that the roster of the participants will be interesting, and it turns out to be true.

Even though the certification exam seems like a typical test arc in other anime, I bet this anime has something in their sleeves. So far, there is nothing out of normal, typical wacky exam groups, weird quest to test your ability as a mage, and new team dynamics.

The Magical City of Äußerst

Once in a while, I feel like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has to remind me that it is a fantasy anime. They nail the slice of life bits, I enjoy how the characters interact with each other. It feels like we’re absorbed into their journey.

We see them up-close, and they make sure we don’t just see the characters just as a mage, a warrior, a priest. We see them, well, as people. So, when Frieren arrives at Äußerst, the anime grounds me back to the consensus that yes, this is a fantasy world. This city brings back memories of College of Winterhold in Skyrim. I was half-expecting we’d see a khajiit.

Funny story, I recently recommended Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End to a friend who loves Skyrim. Her eyes glowed when I mentioned there is one episode where Stark slays a dragon. This magical city also comes with a rather uncannily strong first-class mage candidates.

Some of them caught my attention, Denken the old mage who has a political power in the capital, Übel who turns out to be a murderer, jeez, and also a pair of unruly young girls who constantly fight, Lawine and Kanne. Frieren is in a group with these two.

I’m rather surprised, not a lot of people recognize Frieren immediately. The history classes in this world must be terrible. Heck, even the only badge that Frieren has, the necklace that she always carry around, nobody claims to have seen it except for one studious mage on this city. I wonder, what is that thing, really?

Love Hate Relationship, Lawine And Kanne

Now that this is an exam, there is no choice for Frieren to escape dealing with young people. It’s funny, whenever Fern and Stark had a fight, she either brushed it off or straight up called Sein as her backup.

But, now, she has to deal with it, at least until the exam is over. Which leads to an interesting couple, Lawine and Kanne. They do have a strong sibling energy. The two graduated from the same magic academy. They have exceptional synergy with each other, a result of their deep relationship since childhood.

Kanne seems to be the spoiled one of the two, with Lawine being a strong and sometimes stern of the couple. You know, is it just me or the shipping in this anime never ceases to stop. We have, of course, Frieren and Himmel, and then Fern and Stark. Now, it seems like plenty of fans want Lawine and Kanne to sail on the yuri love.

All the romance aside, I think both of them are pretty in line with this anime’s themes. We see numerous times, appreciating other people for their effort is a core element in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. After all, the whole path of the Goddess in this anime seems to revolve around this theme.

I found Kanne here to be so relatable here. She appreciates Lawine’s care, despite her stern personality. But you know, sometimes, it’s nice to receive an appreciation from someone who is always harsh to you. Not that Lawine hates her, it’s just Lawine always gives Kanne a taste of tough love.

What Even Is This Bird?

There is not much that I can think of after watching this episode. However, just like when Sein encountered the chaos flower, now we have another weird creature from Frieren’s world. The first class mage exam orders the participants to catch a Stille.

At first glance, I thought this would be a regular bird. Maybe, with a little bit magical gimmick, since this is a mage exam. Or, you know, this bird could be one of those that take days to track, and the exam wants you to have them within hours.

Stille is a small bird, seemingly normal, but it’s capable of breaking the sound barrier. Okay, Frieren, you’re saying you guys casually have a bird that fly around in Mach 1.5, like an F-22 Raptor? Seems fair. Luckily, the exam area is within a magical barrier. So, I think it’s safe to say the bird also won’t fly past it.

There is an untapped potential in this anime. So far, the world building focuses around the dynamics between demons and humans, the magic system, and the harsh environment of the northern lands. However, we don’t know much about its natural surrounding aside from harsh winters, a few flowers and animals, and a little taste of dragons.

I think we can get more idea about Frieren’s world if the anime decides to show us more of the wacky fauna and flora. After all, they only showed us some snippets on these creatures and occasionally gave us context when it matters so far.

https://seinenrider.com/2024/01/19/the-exam-in-auserst-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-18-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Winter2024

Frieren is back here again. Time passed by, and I didn’t even realize I almost missed this episode! But hey, I finally had the time to watch it. Although I’m glad to watch this anime, we picked up on a sad note.

Sein is facing a dilemma. On one hand, I can see he’s actually enjoying his time with Frieren, Stark, and Fern. Well, aside from being the occasional peacemaker between the two youngsters. On the other hand, he has to pursue Gorilla. It’s his original goal, after all.

However, he can take his decision later, because apparently a vicious snowstorm comes in. We all know what happened to Stark the last time they traveled in such a condition. So, they spend more time in a town, and it seems like this episode is even calmer than usual.

A Peaceful Snowstorm, Relatively

Don’t you hate it when you had planned something, and it turned out snowing so heavily outside? Or, in my case, it’s raining so intense it puts Niagara Falls to shame. Yep, their deadpans sum up the situation really well.

So, the party gets to spend their time and enjoy whatever the town has for them. Frieren pretty much always hangs out around the weird magic shop.

Stark and Fern seem like they do the heavy lifting on chores and groceries. While Sein, well, let’s say old habits die hard.

Stark And Fern’s Quarrel

Just when you think everything’s going to be fine, Frieren suddenly stops by the bar, looking for Sein’s help. Apparently, we got ourselves another lover’s quarrel.

It all began after Fern was out getting some groceries. She was just being a bit of a troll, and put her cold palm on Stark’s cheek. But then, when Stark returned the favor, guess what happens? Fern turns into a meat bun again.

Her reasons for being mad are so menial when it comes to Stark. But, we have to remember that they practically have never hung out around people their age.

Not to mention, Stark grew up in a very high-pressure warrior society, like Sparta, maybe. Meanwhile, Fern is a war orphan raised alone by an elderly priest. So, none of them has a normal childhood.

So, I think it’s a given they’d have difficulty communicating with each other. Saying this party is full of awkward people isn’t wrong, it turns out.

Sein Is What It Feels Being Dragged Into Adulthood In A Nutshell

Shortly after, Sein comes in and talks to both Stark and Fern. Throughout all of their talks, I feel like Sein is the perfect couple therapist for these two. I know, he is basically the corrupt priest 2.0. But, he actually is a good mediator for this party.

However, I think we can all agree with what he says right after. After all this time, at last, there is someone who says what we’ve been thinking. Seeing two overgrown teenagers like Stark and Fern having a fit against each other can feel ridiculous. Just make up and be together already!

Heck, what did Frieren do when these two children fought before we had Sein? I guess she just slept it off, yeah, I think that’s accurate.

To be honest, I can relate so much with Sein. He might be the most relatable character so far, even more than Frieren and her love for long-term procrastination. Frieren actually feels the same way about Sein. When she met him for the first time, she actually hated how similar they are.

A Goodbye To Sein, A Real One Now

Well, sadly, this episode is the last time we’re together with Sein. I hope he will make more appearances in another episode, though. Heck, I hope he runs into Monk Kraft accidentally, and makes Kraft feel nostalgic for a while. You know, because Kraft’s partner was also a priest.

Before parting ways with Frieren and the kids, there’s something that I notice about Sein. He recalls that they, as a party, rarely spend time together.

Frieren would either sleep, eat, or visit a magic shop. Stark usually trains by himself. I think Fern spends her time mostly reading by herself. And Sein? He’s out at the pub with the locals.

This scene, even though only a split second long, adds up to his final goodbye. It makes their time together feels too short, and should’ve been longer. I guess this is what happens when we don’t really socialize with each other, even in our own group or family.

We only notice them the moment they’re going away. I think this is the big message in the whole anime too. Frieren regrets taking her old party for granted, and she realized it only after Himmel’s death.

His death has such an impact on her, that the anime always uses his passing as a time reference. I guess this is also how Sein feels about Gorilla. Well, for now, it’s been great Sein. See you later.

The Walk To Äußerst

The group is now reduced back to just three people. Frieren, Stark, and Fern have to continue their journey without Sein. The scale of how far these big cities are apart is intense.

I think Fern has been traveling with Frieren for about four years now, and it has been a year for Stark. Yet, they’re still far away from their final destination, Aureole.

Also, it gives a better context on why we can’t just stop by the city of Tur to look for Gorilla as a group. That city is probably weeks or months away from where they’re now. Furthermore, they don’t ride horses. We know they pay for carriage sometimes. But, for most of the time, they just walk and take things slow.

A Long Walk Needs A Medic, After All

The first thing that I worry about with Sein’s departure is we essentially lost our private healthcare. He also might be among the talented priests out there too, remember when he got a snake’s poison out of Stark?

Not to mention, when he became the key player in saving a town from a fly trap on steroids. So, it’s kind of a big trouble when Fern gets a fever in this episode.

Prior to meeting Sein, I guess what they always did was practically just wait for anyone sick to get better on their own. For instance, when the three experienced their first snowstorm together, Stark actually collapsed.

When you can just slap a big warm guy like Kraft for Stark to get better, you don’t do that to Fern, do you? Although, I bet some fans would volunteer, of course.

Luckily, Sein left some notes and his book for Frieren. With it, she can sort of diagnose and make sure it’s just a regular fever Fern is having, and thankfully it is. I still think it’s curious, though. It’s interesting that they separate demon-derived magic from a priest’s magic.

You’re Always Be A Baby

Thankfully, there’s a remote village that Frieren had visited in the past. However, the village is now reduced to only a kind woman and her cattle. The lady lets Fern rest in her place, while Frieren and Stark look for the herb based on Sein’s notes.

Along this short search, I can’t help but think Frieren is being a real grandma here. She just keeps talking about how fast Fern has grown and how short Fern was compared to Frieren.

I think it’s funny no matter how dense or clueless Frieren is, the urge to talk about the kid you took care of still prevails. Now we know, we’ll also get that urge, no matter what our how opinion on it.

We might refuse that kind of treatment from our parents or grandparents at first. At first, Fern also refuses when Frieren tries to hold her hand, just to ease up the pain from the fever.

She might feel embarrassed that Frieren is treating her like a small child. However, It’s just Frieren trying to be caring as much as she can. After all, Frieren is not the one who came up with the idea that holding the hand of a sick person can make their illness easier.

Himmel Is Frieren’s Source Of Love Language

Frieren’s handholding brings us back to one of her flashbacks. These bits are one of the anime’s strong points. By looking at the past from Frieren’s current perspective, we get more of her backstory, but also how she probably changes throughout time.

Apparently, Frieren got the idea of holding hands from Himmel himself. One time, Frieren was the one who got a fever. While Heiter and Eisen were working on her medicine, Himmel stayed with her.

The handholding turned out to be a habit that Himmel got from his mother. Whenever he was sick, his mother would accompany him, hold his hand, and try to make him feel less lonely.

I love how Frieren picks up Himmel’s gesture. In my opinion, it’s not just a way for Frieren to remember Himmel. But, it also shows she learned a bit more about empathy through him. Frieren and Himmel’s romance is a rather unique take on love.

I think it’s fascinating how a one-thousand-year-old elf learned about love and emotions because of a thirty-something-year-old man. Usually, we get something like A Sign Of Affection, which has the bread and butter of a love story. However, putting a dead man as the love interest brings out a nostalgic and heavier emphasis on regrets and reminiscence.

https://seinenrider.com/2024/01/10/farewell-to-sein-for-now-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-17-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Winter2024

glow up 2024 by Jessica Carrie Lee

✨ #aesthetic #fyp #motivation #fall2023 #la #dayinmylife

via YouTube https://youtu.be/Nl9JAh_KuGw

Well, this review is a week late. But, it’s alright since apparently Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is taking a week off after Christmas. After the heartwarming dancing episode, we got back to what I consider this anime’s true atmosphere, bittersweet nostalgia and facing time as the real cruel mistress.

Speaking of nostalgia, in this episode we meet an old friend of Frieren, a dwarf named Voll or Old Man Voll. In this day and age, it’s hard for Frieren to find someone who shares the same past. Her old party members are no more other than Eisen, and the only elf we know of is Kraft, who is a stranger to Frieren.

For an elf like her, it’s almost impossible finding a friend with a similar lifespan. However, us humans can also have a long life friend. Like Sein who is searching for Gorilla Warrior, yes that the name of Sein’s friend. They’ve been separated for the last decade, at least.

The second part of this episode is a sad reminder to me, though. Sein’s character and story really do resonate with me. First, he struggled to just get out there and pursue what he really wants in the first place. Now, he is trying to reconnect to an old friend after so long. But, so much has probably changed with little trace of this Gorilla. Anyway, there are a few details that I’d like to point out in this episode.

Meet Old Man Voll, The Guardian Dwarf

Old Man Voll is a dwarven warrior, just like Eisen. They even have a similar outfit, and both rock luscious beards. I’m not really sure how old Eisen is. Voll himself is about four hundred years old, at least.

However, the average dwarf lifespan in Frieren’s world is about three hundred years. So, Voll is OLD old. I like how this anime portrays both Eisen and Voll. They are both old, but still haven’t lost their expertise. Most dwarves in fantasy stories are formidable fighters, like in LOTR.

The Cruelty Of Time

Voll has been staying at his village for ages. Not a single villager is sure why he decided to protect that village. However, his protection is much welcomed, despite Voll is now slowly getting senile. It’s hard for them to just make a casual conversation with Voll. But, when Frieren comes to visit him, Voll seems to be conversing just alright.

Things starts to be clear when Frieren and Voll are chatting about the past. Turns out Voll has lived so long, that he already forgot how his wife, a human, looks and sounds. This is a hefty price someone with a long lifespan has to pay, especially when they’ve lived longer than the average.

What broke my heart is when Voll repeats what he said to Frieren eighty years ago. His memory is already slipping, and he doesn’t remember that the demon king is no more.

Clearly, Voll has some kind of dementia going on. For one moment, this anime once again hits a grim reality of time. Whether we like it or not, our memories will become blurry when we’re old. So, it’s a must to always cherish them.

Carrying Out Memories

When the original heroes’ party met Voll, Himmel made Frieren promises to carry their memory into the future. Although she’s pretty indifferent about it at first, now she knows how important memories can be. After all, Himmel is nothing but memories now, and how else can we know about this wonderful man if not from Frieren’s flashbacks. I’m not crying… You are!

Being the only one that can outlive virtually anything makes Frieren the designated proof of the heroes’ party existence. Maybe, after another millennia, she’ll turn just like Monk Kraft, forgotten yet remembers a thousand tales.

Speaking of memories, they do hold a certain power over us as emotional beings. You see, the real reason Old Man Voll guards his village is that it’s his wife’s village. He promised her to keep it safe from any danger. Even it’s been more than years since her passing, and despite the fact he has forgotten how his wife’s appearance, he still holds his promise.

Seeking Gorilla

The first part of this episode is full of a tragic yet sweet reality of time. No matter how precious we are to a person, eventually parts of us will disappear from their memories. But, how can we be sure that we’ll be remembered anyway?

Sein’s childhood friend has the answer. Basically, make sure you make quite a name for yourself, both figuratively and literally. The second part of this episode is about searching for Sein’s friend, Warrior Gorilla. He is that one friend who asked Sein to go on an adventure together, but Sein declined his offer.

A Series Of Side Quests

When Sein is asking around about his friend’s whereabouts, they meet a peculiar old woman. The locals call her the old stubborn woman, even she proclaims her name the first time she meets Frieren and the rest. I guess it’s a fitting name, then.

However, it turns out that Gorilla was especially close to her during his stay. So, basically, we’ve hit the jackpot, right? Just ask her where Gorilla was heading, and we’ll be right on the money with our next destination.

Well, I wish it’s that easy. What follows is a montage of Frieren and friends doing side quests. Not that I’m complaining, but the resemblance to RPG games is just too uncanny.

This part really takes me back to the first time I played Skyrim. What Frieren says is true, though. Even if the tasks for adventurers can be boring at times, they can quickly spiral into a chaotic mayhem. Just like when I thought I could easily deliver an axe to the Jarl of Winterhold only to be attacked by bandits, bears, and dragons on my way.

The Forgotten Heroes

When the old woman finally runs out of tasks for Frieren and the rest, she asks for one more thing. She wants them to clean the statues of the forgotten heroes. A simple and menial task, thankfully. However, on their way to the statue, the old woman correctly guess Sein as the goatee priest, a nickname that was given to him when he and Gorilla were little.

You see, it turns out that these statues aren’t something Sein hadn’t seen. There is one of these back in Sein’s hometown, too. It’s a statue of a pair of heroes, a warrior and a priest. However, no one really knows who these people are. Their tales have been buried deep in history, and probably for good.

Heiter, little Gorilla, and little Sein once talked about them. But, even Heiter didn’t really know the history behind these heroes. This is what motivated Gorilla to call himself by a catchy name. I’ve got to admit, the man is a genius in personal branding.

And since the priest statue got a little goatee, Heiter jokingly called Sein the goatee priest. That name apparently stuck, and Gorilla often shared his story about Sein to the old woman, including the name.

Wait A Minute, Kraft?

Upon a closer look, Frieren notices something with the warrior statue. Isn’t that Monk Kraft? It’s too similar to be a different person. Well, what do you know, one of the so-called forgotten heroes is actually still roaming and wandering to wherever he likes.

So, maybe I was right about Kraft. He’s not just a monk. He’s way more than that, probably equivalent to Himmel in his days. Considering that he is way older than Frieren, it all makes sense now why he said all that remembered his feats are no longer in this world.

However, the fact that Kraft is one of the forgotten heroes makes me think of another speculation. Remember the hero’s sword? The one that wouldn’t budge for anyone except a true hero, even Himmel couldn’t take it out from the stone. So, what if it’s actually Kraft’s sword. It would be even funnier if he had used it once and decided to put it back in the stone.

A Goodbye To Sein?

After cleaning the statues, the old woman finally tells them Gorilla’s last known destination. It’s the city of Tur. However, it’s located on the opposite direction of Frieren’s next destination, Äußerst. Is it time to say goodbye to Sein? If so, then that’s a pity. Sein has been so relatable since his first appearance. I’d be sad if they part ways.

However, I still think it’s best for him to head for Tur instead of tagging along with Frieren. After all, his original purpose is to find Gorilla, not to go to Aureole. Not to set any flag here, but if we were to meet Sein again in the future, I hope it’s not by the side of Gorilla’s tombstone. I’d be mortified.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/31/the-old-and-the-forgotten-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-16-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd

Well, finally we’ve arrived at the end of this anime. Watching this episode after Christmas was such a great gift for me. I give my thanks to Santa, being a good boy in 2023 wasn’t a waste, after all. This ending is such a good payoff after all the build up. At last, our boy Haruka gets something after all he has done.

Honestly, it’s so fitting how masterful this episode is. It’s more than a satisfying end. This final episode also sums up everything that is great in Overtake! From character development to the actual race, you name it.

Nevertheless, I wish this anime got more attention. While its motorsport settings isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I’m sure anyone who watched since the beginning is hooked. Let’s get to what happens in this final episode.

A Few Sweet Things

Let’s start with the little things. I think Overtake! is absolutely detailed, especially in the way the characters grow. I’m glad the anime doesn’t spare anytime for weird quirks that we often see in other shows.

Instead, Overtake! chooses quality plot over cheap fan service. To me, this makes us able to see the characters in a more grounded and sentimental way. Even down to the side characters, I found them to be individually endearing and not just as plot devices.

Unconditional Love And Support

The theme of supporting another is all over this anime. I think this is the core message in the whole story. Overtake! tells us to root for our closest friends and appreciate their supports.

Haruka’s story especially emphasizes this theme. By the end of this anime, I couldn’t believe that this is the same Haruka from the first episode.

Haruka went from an asocial person to the one who seeks out a friend in need and appreciating their support the most. He goes from declining Koya’s support to calling him as supportive as a mother, which is extremely wholesome but rather hilarious.

Speaking of Koya, He is more about opening up to what other people offer. After all, if we don’t want to be helped, no one will be able to reach out to us in the first place. I see he has gone a long way from a person who always pretend to be okay, to his literal meltdown, and him actually listening to others.

The Fans And Romance

A neat little detail that I notice in this episode. We should never ignore even the most miniscule support that we get. Do you know where did I get this? From Satsuki Harunaga. The guy, who I thought to be annoying at first, turns out to be one of the most impactful for me.

Ever since the beginning, Satsuki always greets his fans. Not once I see him giving a cold shoulder to anyone. Even at his lowest point, he listens to others’ advice, even if it seems unsolicited.

Remember what Aris said to Satsuki? Aris’s advice is a major turning point for Satsuki. Had he ignored her, he would never recover mentally. Also, don’t forget Aris’s respond when Satsuki repeats her advice and gives her a wink, I think it’s a cute little comedic touch to add a nose bleed.

“I see. I always wanted to be like Hunt. However, it seems that Lauda is the one I should really learn.”

Satsuki Harunaga after listening to Aris in episode eight.

Also, Satsuki turns out to be an excellent wingman. Despite the attention he gets regularly, he doesn’t succumb into a Narcissus-like trope. When a fan approach him and Toshiki, he doesn’t immediately assume she comes for him. Instead, the fan comes for Toshiki, and we get to watch how adorably awkward Toshiki is.

An Unrequited Love

On a side note, somewhere in the middle of the anime, we know there is one established romance. It’s between Aris and Satsuki. Although, it’s not so obvious if Satsuki shares the same feelings.

However, I didn’t expect Kotaro to show an interest toward Aris. I know they’re very close and childhood friends. But, before the final race, it seems Kotaro wants to ask Aris out, only to be stopped by Aris’s cluelessness. I know he blushed when she ate his ice cream, taking it as an indirect kiss. But, I didn’t think he’s into Aris. Am I just much an airhead as Aris? Man…

The Most Epic Race In This Anime

Moving on to the actions in this anime. We know Overtake! has a gorgeous CGI animation. However, F4 races basically are races between cars with the same chassis. So, I can understand if some say the races are not as exciting as MF Ghost’s.

On the other hand, the races in Overtake! still prove to have excellent cinematography. I like the way the anime captures each moment of actions and emphasizes what the characters are thinking.

A Great Build Up

The beginning of this final episode highlights each characters’ thought on this event. I love how this anime starts the final episode and the first the same way, showing Sae-chan driving Koya to the race. However, in the final episode, Koya is much more enthusiastic and invested.

Other than Koya and Sae’s relationship, I like how the anime spare some running time for the development of others as well. Haruka and Koya supporting each other, Satsuki and Aris’s romance, and we’ll get to the rivalry of the three racers.

Also, it’s a nice touch that they include Mr. Komaki and Belsorriso owner, Mr. Ena. Both of them were in the same team alongside Haruka’s father. For a brief moment, they reminisce how Haruka’s father would take a breather on the spot they’re at. It’s sweet to see the old ones being nostalgic, especially if it involves someone related to the protagonist.

A Call Back To The Rivalry

Early in Overtake! we’re immediately introduced to Toshiki and Haruka’s beef. It began when Toshiki smashed in Haruka’s car. Ever since, Toshiki nickname Haruka as a “Chicane”. Toshiki’s sentiment for Haruka lasts to later episodes.

There is also Toshiki and Satsuki’s beef. Well, not necessarily a beef, but it’s natural for Toshiki to have a bit of ambition when you’re a second driver who constantly drives behind the first driver. Toshiki eventually got his first driver position, replacing Satsuki who was recovering from his injuries.

However, Satsuki challenged Toshiki’s position when he returned in the last episode. So, Belsorriso conducted an in-team race. Filled with determination, Toshiki came out first. I like the dynamics between these two. It showcases their competitiveness while still maintaining a good sportsmanship.

So, it’s a no-brainer when the anime pits the three against each other in this final race. Haruka starts at the sixth position and is quickly gaining on the Belsorriso duo. Until, it’s finally the three of them competing for the first place.

The Last Slipstream

I mentioned a lot about Toshiki’s determination to be the top driver in Belsorriso. However, I don’t think he goes so far that he becomes a maniacal about being the top driver. In this episode, he does what makes me think he is the most compelling character in the anime.

When the three battle against each other on the track, Toshiki accidentally crashes into the backmarker. A backmarker is the last driver in a race, they often get blue flagged by the race marshal as a signal to let the race leaders pass them.

However, I think in this case either Toshiki is driving too passionately, the backmarker fails to notice Toshiki, or the marshal fails to signal the backmarker. Either way, it results in him breaking his front wing.

Now, it’s clear Toshiki can’t race optimally, the front wing is a major component in a car’s aerodynamics. However, instead of pitting, he chooses to give a slipstream for Satsuki, and catapults his teammate further away from Haruka. Toshiki later retires from the race. Man, if this is not the greatest move a wingman can do, I don’t know what is.

Haruka And Satsuki’s Duel

With Toshiki out of the way, it’s up to Satsuki to maintain Belsorriso’s domination. However, Haruka and Komaki Motors are in their top shape today. Satsuki and Haruka’s duel might be my favorite part in this episode, the long one-take scene is absolutely stunning in my eyes.

Haruka proves to be a formidable opponent for Satsuki. I notice that Haruka has a really aggressive driving style when he is chasing someone. On the contrary, Satsuki is swift, precise, and more calculated. However, his injuries hamper him from showing his potential this time.

Haruka’s Win Is Also Koya’s Win

Eventually, with everyone including people from past episodes supporting him, Haruka overtakes Satsuki. And with this maneuver, his win is secured, with Satsuki coming in second. It’s also worth mentioning the throwback to Haruka’s memory about his father. Haruka’s win feels so sweet after all he has gone through. However, it seems like Koya also enjoys his own victory.

“I’m filled with power when I support you.”

Koya to Haruka when he is about to take pictures.

Koya promises to take Haruka’s picture when Haruka get to stand on the podium, and this is his moment too. This episode shortly sums up his struggle. It’s Haruka who ignited Koya’s soul in photography. However, when things get tough, Sae also gives him the push he needs. Suffice to say, seeing Haruka holding the trophy and Koya taking pictures of him are absolutely satisfying payoffs.

My Final Conclusion About Overtake!

To wrap up my review on this episode and the anime overall, I’d like to point out some bits that I found so compelling. I didn’t know about Overtake! until the second episode aired.

I had no information whatsoever about this original anime. However, it turns out to be one of my favorites all season. And yet, Overtake! checks out every box in my good anime requirement list.

A Masterful Storytelling And Production

The greatest aspect of Overtake! is its story. Despite being only twelve episodes long, this anime masterfully showcases the development of each character. Also, it has one of the most heavy-hitting themes across fall 2023 anime, while also still being entertaining and lighthearted.

In addition to that, I really appreciate the production value of this anime. Although Overtake! might not the most visually appealling anime of all time, it’s still has both gorgeous art style and CGI animation. Also, the opening song, Tailwind by Kanae, has really grown on me.

Amazing Races, Albeit Short

Another thing that everyone must appreciate about this anime is the sheer amount of references to the real-life formula racing. It seems like Overtake! takes the history behind this motorsport really seriously. On top of that, this anime showcases the real danger behind formula racing too.

Also, the anime sometimes highlights the real sciences on how a formula car works, and its business, financial aspects. However, it’s a shame the racing isn’t as much as I’d like. But, this is a worthwhile sacrifice to balance with the story.

A Satisfying End

Once again, the finale is a perfect ending episode. I love how this episode subtly sums up the whole plot. Every minute has its own moments, from the heartfelt to the high-adrenaline ones. Also, all the intricate themes are adressed once more in the final episode, and they’re given a great wrap up.

Surely, Overtake! deserve more attention. I won’t be surpirised if this anime will be called a hidden gem in the future. it has a very well-balanced pacing, Overtake! has the more mature themes and a good amount of real-life formula racing references for motorsport geeks.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/28/what-an-epic-anime-overtake-episode-12-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Overtake_ #Racing #RacingAnime

After quite a long time, I finally got to write another review on Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. The previous episode highlights the romance between Stark and Fern. It seems like we aren’t stopping soon. Not that I’m complaining. I can see many of the fans grinning so wide they put the Joker to shame.

However, romance isn’t all there is in this anime. Keep in mind that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is an anime about time and mortality. In this episode, Frieren yet again meets a person who lost a loved one because of the demons, just like Graf Granat.

I love how, throughout this episode, the themes of grieving, death, and facing sorrow come up ever so subtly. Stark plays a big role in these themes in this episode. But, first, there is a bit of showcase on Sein in the team.

Highlighting A Priest’s Importance

This episode starts with Frieren’s party, now also with Sein, continuing their travel to Äußerst. Time sure goes fast, Fern has been accompanying Frieren for four years in this journey, and it has been a year for Stark.

On their travel, they stumble on a town. But alas, it seems everyone there is lying unconscious. Sein quickly realizes that the townsfolk are under the influence of a curse, emitted by a monster, possibly.

Sein’s Spotlight And Holy Magic

This is where Sein gets to show what he got. Apparently, in Frieren’s world, you have to possess a natural talent to be a priest. The holy magic bestowed by the Goddess isn’t something that anyone can learn.

This part of the episode gives us more insight about how magic works in Frieren’s world. Not every magic is derived from demon’s magic. Mages like Fern and Frieren might be powerful, but still they can’t totally understand holy magic like a priest does.

Besides, it also shows who are immune the most to curses. Stark, who virtually has no magic capability, falls asleep first because of the curse. And then, the next is Fern, followed by Frieren. Now, it’s Sein alone who is still standing. It might because of the Goddess’ protection, or maybe because of his affinity to holy magic.

The Enemy Of Sein’s Combat

Priests also have combat spells in this world. We can see Sein’s offensive spells when he finally encounters the monster, which is a flower monster… a plant monster? Are we playing Plant vs Zombies?

Actually, hold on a second. I think it would be interesting if we can make a bestiary about the monsters in this anime. I think this plant monster is strange. It has reflective outer bark, humongous, and actively attacks its surrounding.

Sein says that this monster belongs to the Chaos Flower subspecies. A type of plant monster that emerges when they mate with the local flora. These deadly plants then put out a curse that put people to sleep, and slowly draining their mana to the death.

I assume Sein has an extensive knowledge on flora and fauna because he is a priest. Therefore, he has to keep track of any creature posing a danger to humans, like zoologists and botanists would. You know what would be intriguing? If there is an anime running based on a premise of a bestiary maker, I’d be down to watch if anyone recommends one.

A Priest’s Magical Prowess

Priests’ immunity to curses and their unique offensive spells are a neat touch to the world building. Often, priests in anime or video games fall exclusively to supporting roles, whether as healers or buffers. Especially in heavy fantasy settings like this anime or even DnD.

Turns out, priests has more tricks up their sleeves in Frieren’s world. Like in this battle, Sein first attacks the monster with a three-pronged spear like spell. One neat detail that I notice, he holds a book throughout this combat, that’s his holy book I assume.

Every time Sein casts a spell, this book would also shine. Maybe, priests have some items to amplify their magical powers, like mages and their staffs and wands. Magical tools are a common theme in fantasy across various anime and other media.

I haven’t seen that many magic casting without tools in this anime, except for the demons and Frieren when she fought Draht. Perhaps, magic comes in extremely natural for demons compared to other races.

Trusting Frieren And The Combat’s End

This battle ends when Sein decides to wake up Frieren. Without missing a beat, she blasted the monster’s core and kills it. She immediately knows where to strike, despite Sein’s initial doubt.

Aside from highlighting Sein’s combat, this battle also highlights the fact that Frieren is a seasoned mage. She knows what to do, even with minimal information from her party. This is where Sein learns to trust her as a fellow combatant.

With the town saved, the party continues their journey. I have another take about this part of the episode. Despite Frieren clearly outclasses most of the enemies so far, it’s still possible to defeat her.

If she’s alone and without Sein, Stark, or Fern’s support, I think she has to be more careful. Especially, when the opponent knows how to bring down a powerful mage. However, everything turns out to be alright this time. Even Sein gets to meet an onee-san in the town afterward.

Stark’s Predicament

The second part of this episode begins when Frieren and the rest come across Vorig city. A fortified city before Äußerst in the northern region. Suddenly, they’re approached by the local lord, Lord Orden.

Apparently, he is looking for a double for his deceased son. You see, Lord Orden’s son, Wirt, recently died when they fought demons. His tragic death was among many who were massacred by the demons in the big battle. So, there is virtually no one except for him and a few that know of his son’s death.

However, there is an upcoming ball and Lord Orden wants his people’s morale stays high by seeing that Wirt is okay. Coincidentally, Stark shares a starkly similar appearance with him. Although they decline Lord Orden’s request at first, considering their financial situation, the party agrees to stay for a while.

A Grieving Father And A Leader

If a had a nickle for every time a father whose son died fighting a demon in this anime, I’d have two. We previously met Graf Granat whose son was also a victim of conflicts with demons. I think this is another theme the anime is trying to tell us.

You see, whenever conflicts arise, it’s the young who have to step forward. In this case, it’s not because of these fathers prefer to sacrifice their sons. If anything, they’d be glad to be by their sons’ side. However, circumstances do hold them back from seeing the front lines.

Lord Orden is a bit harsh on himself, blaming his wounded eye for his lack of direct participation in battles. And his absence costed him his oldest son. Throughout this episode, it’s obvious he is hiding his true emotions behind his stoic demeanor.

Indeed, he has to maintain a clear head as a leader of a domain, much like Graf Granat. It’s quite a predicament, though. As a human, it’s natural to want to let out your emotion. However, sometimes becoming a leader requires you to keep a facade.

It’s likely that Lord Orden is so buried in guilt because the last time he talked with his son, they had an argument. To add salt to the wound, they were arguing about petty things. So, imagine the depth of his regret.

Stark And Lord Orden

What’s caught my attention in this part is Stark actually picks up on this father and son relationship. For a guy that’s clueless when interacting with a girl, he is quick to see the social cues here. But, then again, the only girl he regularly interacts with is Fern and her verbal abuse.

Anyway, Lord Orden family has a lot of parallel with Stark’s. Wirt actually has a way younger brother, Mut. Lord Orden treats Mut well, often encouraging his sword training to the point the little lad becomes a bit cocky. Stark notices the difference between Lord Orden’s relationship with his younger son and his own past, which I think makes Stark appreciate Lord Orden more.

What’s somewhat painful about it is that Lord Orden actually looks so similar to Stark’s father. The resemblance is because the Orden noble family’s lineage came from Stark’s village. Stark actually got a bit worried when he learned about Mut and the little guy’s training. Probably, Stark was concerned if Lord Orden gives Mut the same horrible treatment he got from his father. Luckily, it isn’t the case.

I think the two bond pretty well, for a rent-a-son relationship. Even to the point that Lord Orden offers Stark to stay. However, I must appreciate Stark’s maturity here. Despite all the parallels, Stark decline an offer to live the life he wishes he had. Also, it’s him who points out that staying at Vorig won’t replace his home, or replace Lord Orden’s son.

The Dance And The Romance

Well, now onto the last point I’d like to talk about. This is might be most fans would love to see. Remember that Lord Orden asks Stark to attend a ball? It just happens that, in a ball, you will need a dance partner. So, Fern has to concede and practice her etiquette, dancing, and dressing up as well. I love how the anime actually expands this scene from the manga.

I guess manga readers kind of expected this, the back cover of the fourth volume features Stark and Fern dancing, after all. Still, I think the scene is a neat fan service for the shippers.

This might be a tipping point for Fern’s heart. Call me reaching, but there is something in her expressions that says she gets butterflies in the stomach.

I think it’s a sweet end to end the review. In this episode, we get to know more about priests’ in Frieren’s world, hence Sein’s importance. Also, Stark actually has adult-like responses to his issues, despite his age and his bitter past with his father. He really has grown a lot, it’s just romance that he still needs to learn. But, I’m sure Stark and Fern’s relationship will come into fruition given more development.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/24/a-priest-and-a-son-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-15-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd

I don’t usually watch harem anime, but this one is more than that. Aside from the outrageously long title, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really Really Really Really Really Love You is a comedy gold in fall 2023. You know what, I’ll just call it by its Japanese title, Hyakkano, for this review.

I actually watched this anime since its premiere. It was an uneventful night, and then I stumbled on this anime on some anime subreddits. I said, “meh… Why not?” But, I decided to make chapter reviews of anime that caught my attention the most. I thought Hyakkano was going to be one of those that I’d drop.

We already have Girlfriend Girlfriend season two for this season’s harem anime, and I thought Hyakkano would fall pale in comparison. Boy, was I wrong.

A Textbook Harem But Crank It To 100!

This anime has a simple premise, just like any other harem anime. Have the guy surrounded by girls that want him, put him in some funny situation, and follow the typical slice of life formula. But, no, this anime twists the clichés that often happen in a harem anime.

First of all, I never expected the anime would actually aim for one hundred girls. I guess the author was serious about the number rather than making it a gimmick. After a bit of digging, I found that the manga is inching to the 30th girlfriend by the time I am writing this. When usually five girls are enough, Hyakkano‘s author says, “rookie number” and decided to crank it to one hundred.

The density of girls population isn’t the only one that stands out. The comedy in this anime is designed to be as outlandish as possible. It doesn’t lazily put common plot lines, like the long and dragged out first confession. I mean, heck, by the time it reached episode seven, we got to know the fifth girlfriend.

Putting A Simple Premise To The Test

Also, what I like about the premise of this anime is its stake on each girl. The protagonist, Aijo Rentarou, has to date every single one of the one hundred girls, or they would die. Even though it might be considered as a comedic turn, I think it’s a great twist.

A harem anime rarely has a grave consequence for its branching romance. The conflicts usually come from the world around them, not the romance itself. Even if the harem breeds a romantic conflict, at most it will be how the girls find out they are being two (or more)-timed. So, putting a fatal outcome if Rentarou fail to date even only one girl gives a fresh, exciting basis, and pushes Rentarou to never say no to love.

Fan Service, Of Course

You don’t have to wait for long to get to the first fan service. Although, this is where the anime split the audience. I understand that fan service can be a dealbreaker, especially when it comes with some raunchy and spicy scenes.

However, that’s not all fan service supposed to be. Often in romance anime, we have to wait grudgingly for so many episodes only to get a kissing scene or even a simple confession. For how much I like Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, it’s still important to point out how they drag out the romance can frustrate some first timers.

Hyakkano got a very glaring contrast in this regard. Right from the start we have, not one, but two confessions. This anime certainly doesn’t hold back in this department. But, because of this, the romance between Rentarou and each girl are quickly established, allowing for different girls to shine.

Unexpected Depth Into Each Girl

As I mentioned before, how we understand each girl’s story is one key point of this anime. Other harem anime failed to do it, but Hyakkano does it impeccably.

Yes, the premise seemingly leads us into thinking there are virtually too many girls to highlight. However, the anime succeeds in setting up the perfect pace and the timing for each girl to step into the spotlight.

What’s great about it is that each time one of the girls got her time, it’s exclusively not about her and Rentarou. The anime also shows how the girls are taking care of each other. And you know what, it’s their dynamics that won me over, really.

Each Girl Is Unique And Not Just Another Girl For The Protagonist

While it’s typical for a harem anime to focus on how the girls are swooning over the guy, Hyakkano subtly but not subtly gives a lot of development among the girls.

For example, Hakari Hanazono makes her introduction alongside with Karane Inda. They contrast each other really well, with Hakari being the shameless but shrewd horndog, and Karane as the definition of a violent tsundere.

However, with each episode, I saw how Hakari evolves along every girl Rentarou is dating. It slowly became obvious how she balances out Karane. And then, I see her being the veteran of dating Rentarou for the others, especially for Eiai.

And now, Hakari has her first major conflict line in the tenth episode. Yet, the anime doesn’t lose its pace and manages to introduce another girl, who is Hakari’s mom… What in the world!?

But, So Many Types Of Girls

Well, it’s easy to say that there are so many variations of the girls. We have usual tropes like the tsundere, the love-crazed, and the quiet girl. But, there are also some who stand on the weirder end of the spectrum. I guess this anime doesn’t want to left anyone behind.

I want to make a point about Eiai Nano, though. I thought at first she would be a secondary quiet girl in Rentarou’s harem roster. We already have Shizuka, so maybe Eiai is the cold and confident type. So glad that she wasn’t a carbon copy of Shizuka. It would be boring if we got two of the same type.

Unlike Shizuka’s battle with her own shyness and lack of confidence. But, I think there will be more to unwrap in Shizuka’s story. Eiai’s journey with Rentarou is more about enabling ourselves to be wrapped by emotions, to be more honest about what we feel. This kind of story has its own soft spot in my heart, I guess.

Eiai’s initial love discovery with Rentarou really reminds me of Frieren coming into realization of what she feels about Himmel. Both are cold and emotionless women, initially. Although, Eiai took a 180-degree turn to love Rentarou rather quickly.

The Wacky Types

Also, we have Kusuri and Hahari. These last two girls are on the wacky side as far as I’m concerned. Like, who even has considered dating a chemically-induced shapeshifter, and the mom of the girl you’re dating? Wait… After a brief internet dive, I regret what I said. Man, there IS a market for every one!

Anyhow, it’s both a good and bad thing that this anime isn’t shy to showcases so many girls and dating tropes. Good, because they actually explore these tropes and not just showcase them. Bad, because some of them are just plain weird, and will attract certain niches but potentially alienate some viewers.

My Final Say

Okay, after all the odd anime that I’ve watched all these times, I think Hyakkano still don’t fall into an absurd comedy. I think it doesn’t take too much energy to digest its humor. If we compare it to Nichijou, Hyakkano has way less Japanese specific jokes, which make Nichijou falls short for some. Rather, I think its humor has the same continuous shock effect as Bochi The Rock!‘s elaborate visual comedy.

What I am trying to say is that this anime has a really approachable comedic taste, even for a gaijin. It’s a good thing, since Hyakkano barely gives you a breather in between jokes. I often found myself not able to continue watching this anime in cafés or my college library. Every time, my face would turn red like a freshly cooked lobster from holding back laughter.

I love how they constantly break the fourth wall. Like when Hakari’s mom actually bought the ending for the eleventh episode, all for how down bad she is for Rentarou. Also, I love that they put a wide range of pop-culture references, not just from other anime. What’s stood out for me was Eiai making a reference to The Shining. I was a fool for not seeing that coming.

The only downside is that you probably wouldn’t watch it out in the public. It’s best to have a separated private time to take a look at this anime. Since it’s full of fan service too, maybe not every one of your anime loving friend would buy into it. There are some scenes that are simply too NSFW for newcomers. However, the anime does a good job of actually telling compelling plots, backstories, and comedy. Suffice to say, people might think Hyakkano is a pure degen-bait, but not really.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/20/the-100-girlfriends-who-really-really-really-really-really-love-you-hyakkano-review/

#100Girlfriend #Anime #AnimeReview #Comedy #Fall2023 #Harem #Hyakkano

I am going to reread the paper because I felt that I could have done better. And I still think I could have done better. #Fall2023

A final comment on my final paper. 😭 😭 😭 #Fall2023

Time sure goes fast. It feels like I discovered this anime yesterday. Yet, here we are already eleven episodes in. When this anime ends, I hope Troyca and Kadokawa are already planning for the second season. In the meantime, let’s review the eleventh episode.

This episode is more about Belsorriso’s dynamics. Harunaga’s return shakes the status quo within the team. Injured as he is, he wants to take his position back from Toshiki. Meanwhile, Toshiki has been slowly adjusting to his new position as the first driver, despite being not as fast as Satsuki.

However, the aftermath of his accident left Satsuki with a torturous pain. Here we see the two Belsorriso’s front liner battle their own obstacles. Toshiki must overcome his nervousness, and Satsuki has to quickly recover to retake his spotlight. I love how this episode concludes Satsuki’s and Toshiki’s inner conflicts.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Despite being not under this episode’s spotlight, Komaki Motors gets a little bit of development. It’s sad that Mikazuki decided to withdraw their sponsorship for Komaki Motors. All because Koya’s tarnished reputation. Even though Momo’s grandfather holds no grudge towards him, it seems the public opinion hasn’t changed even for a bit.

Luckily, the goddess of fortune seems to be on their side. Remember that Koya and Haruka went around the neighborhood looking for sponsorship? I’m happy to see that those mom-and-pop shops decided to band together and fund Komaki Motors. Although it’s nothing much, Komaki Motors needs every help they can get.

This is not something new in racing. Crowdfunding a team is a viable way to support your favorite team, especially if they are a small and underfunded team like Komaki Motors. In fact, Marotti Autosport did this to be the first fully fan-owned entry in the Indy 500.

Satsuki Harunaga’s Returns

Saying Satsuki’s return shakes the new dynamics in Belsorriso’s garage is an understatement. I mean, who in the right mind would try to race when they haven’t fully recovered after injuries? Well, Niki Lauda, apparently. Satsuki might have taken Lauda as an inspiration in a really serious way.

I honestly felt a bit concerned watching him piloting Belsorriso’s car. Yes, I know he seems to be “the talented one” among the drivers. But, considering he didn’t only suffer from bone injuries, I think he also got some internal wounds. How he forces himself to get back as soon as possible is admirable, but also kind of psychotic if you ask me.

If I recall correctly, aside from one of his legs and arms, Satsuki also suffered from injuries to his ribs. Satsuki’s T-bone crash was harrowing to watch. It’s a type of crash that can easily claim lives, after all.

Once Again, A T-bone Crash Is A Deadly Crash

Satsuki’s crash also reminds of Anthoine Hubert’s tragic crash which unfortunately claimed his life. Hubert was a talented driver. Back in 2018 GP 3, he managed to finish at the podium eleven times out of the total 18 race.

In 2019, he joined F2 racing as BWT Arden’s driver. However, on the second lap of the Spa-Franchorchamps round, he was involved in a series of chaotic crash. After crashing into the tire barrier, his car bounced, only to be met by Juan Manuel Correa’s car.

Correa was also in the middle of a peculiar situation. He had lost control of his car due to the debris caused by the disarray in front of him. So, at 135 mph (217 kph), he crashed into Hubert’s left side, leaving the two severely injured. Hubert was pronounced dead around ninety minutes after the crash, while Correa suffered long-life injuries.

I fear Satsuki’s injuries will have more implications further in the story. He seems to be forcing himself despite his cheerful face that he always wears. I began watching this anime hating Satsuki, and here I am now worrying about him.

Belsorriso Showdown

Satsuki wastes no time to return to his team. At first, I thought Belsorriso would turn down his return because they already have other drivers, including Toshiki. But, who am I kidding? Satsuki is the most talented in the team if not in the whole F4 roster.

However, Satsuki surprises everyone by asking to be back as the first driver immediately. Well, considering Toshiki already got the spot, with two other drivers aspiring to take it as well, and Satsuki’s current condition, it’s a delicate term he has proposed.

So, to settle the roles, Belsorriso decides to arrange an in-team race. The four drivers are to race against each other, and the winner will hold the first driver role.

I thought, wait… how about the cars? You guys only have two cars for two drivers, right? But, who am I kidding? It’s Belsorriso, of course they have four F4 cars. I guess they weren’t joking about this team’s financial power.

The True Victory Is When You Defeat Yourself

The race between the Belsorriso drivers is my favorite part of this episode. Not only because I get to watch some actions, but it’s also an important turning point for Toshiki.

I feel this race isn’t so much about who will take the first driver role. But, more about Toshiki’s struggle to overcome his anxiousness, and how Satsuki fights his pain due to his injuries. As we know, Toshiki Tokumari was always Belsorriso’s second driver before Satsuki’s untimely accident.

However, he couldn’t quite cope with the pressure of being in the front. He always seems to overthink and mind the cars behind him more than he should. Although Satsuki is talented, we can see his injuries clearly impede him from showing his full potential.

“That’s right. You’re not my enemy. My enemy is myself, and your enemy is yourself too.”

Satsuki Harunaga’s monologue.

In the end, it was Toshiki who finishes first, with Satsuki following close after him. Even so, what I found Satsuki’s and Toshiki’s monologue to be interesting. I think Satsuki agrees with the rest of us and Belsorriso team that Toshiki is drowning in his own worries.

It doesn’t matter who is chasing him from behind. What’s important is that he needs to remain calm and focus on what’s ahead. Similarly to Satsuki, his main challenge for now isn’t Toshiki, Haruka, or getting the best time in a lap. But, it’s his injuries and the grueling recovery process.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/13/you-are-your-enemy-overtake-episode-11-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Overtake_ #Racing #RacingAnime

The episode that every manga reader has waited. As a fan of romance and slice of life anime. I say this episode is… muah… chef’s kiss. I can’t recall how many times I giggled and slammed my hand to my bed out of giddiness when I watched this episode.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a well-paced anime, and it shows in this episode. The romance between Stark and Fern has been hinted at every now and then. However, I think this episode is the loudest hint or perhaps the first blatant declaration of a developing romance.

This episode also gives us a snippet into Himmel and Frieren’s romance. Oh, Frieren dear, if only you realized his feelings sooner. Girl, the guy was head over heels ten times fold over you. How could you not see that?

Stark And Fern, The Romance That Makes Shippers Go Wild

I bet these two youngsters are the cutest couple in fantasy anime so far. Stark and Fern are the epitome of a blooming puppy love, which makes their relationship feel sweet and awkwardly natural. Their coming of age romance really is a reminiscence of any first love-hate crush that we might have when we’re teenagers.

Stark and Fern didn’t get along at first. I think their relationship started on the wrong foot. I mean, Fern’s first impression of him was that he was nothing more than a coward. But, I knew Stark would grow on her.

Young Love-Hate Relationship

It has been a long time since I noticed that there are so many people who ship these two. Well, this episode must have made them so happy, I can imagine people are doing cartwheels when they watch it.

Although they are very sweet indeed, the episode starts with a fight between Stark and Fern. It’s Fern’s birthday and Stark didn’t prepare any gift for her. Go ahead and be angry Fern, we love your pouting gremlin face anyway. Stark isn’t on board on the pout-face wagon, though. After receiving a presumably sharp rant from Fern, he storms off in mental agony.

This is where a more mature figure like Frier-… I mean Sein comes in. Although his first appearance has a lot of comedy gigs, he proves to be a reliable man when it comes to mediating a lovers’ quarrel. He tells Fern that Stark is still in the age where he couldn’t fully understand a girl’s feelings. He then suggests she make up with Stark, and even Frieren agrees with him.

A Quick Reconciliation

At the market, Fern spots Sein browsing gifts for her. Turns out, she was on her way to talk to Stark, but she couldn’t bring herself to confront him, or rather to confront her own pride. However, Sein advises her to open her heart with honesty. To bring her feelings and message across with her words. I swear in the name of Heiter’s Goddess, Sein can be so wise.

It’s true that Fern often never needed to say too much to get what she wanted up to now. Whenever she puts on her pouting face, everyone understands that something must be wrong. And so, Fern goes back to the plaza where Stark is, makes peace with him, and they pick Fern’s gift together. How cute!

A Good Adult And The Recipe For Slice Of Life Romance

Honestly, this is a major point in Stark and Fern’s romance. Things might be rough in the beginning. But, I’m sure their relationship will smooth out, especially when we have Sein. He might be a depraved priest, a gambling addict and a chainsmoker. But, indeed, he is still a good adult.

It’s so funny that Fern went to Sein for advice instead of Frieren. You’d think a thousand-year-old elf would have had the knowledge of a great sage. But, Frieren is both an onee-san and a child at the same time. Fern might think Sein reminds her of Heiter, the two are basically the same, Sein just adds more bad habits into the corrupt priest character.

On a side note, I can see the romance between Stark and Fern can turn into a rom-com/slice of life subplot. We basically have a long journey ahead of us. We have lively personalities with their own quirks in this party. And, we might get a festival arc and a beach episode. Oh, wait… This isn’t a high school anime.

Never mind, what I’m trying to say is the dynamic between these two has the potential for ups and downs in romance. You know, the typical essence of an episodic romance plot. I know this anime doesn’t make romance the main basis of the premise. But, if it ends with Stark and Fern uniting as a couple, I won’t complain.

Frieren And Himmel, The Long Lost Lover

The second romance in this anime, or rather it’s the primary one is Frieren and Himmel’s. Well, I know technically their relationship can’t progress further on account of Himmel being, well, six feet under. But, it seems like in every episode we get to know more of his feelings for Frieren in her flashbacks. By now, it’s clear that he would sacrifice everything for her.

This is what makes this anime unique. I have never seen an anime where the main character slowly understands the love from her dead supposed lover. It gives a different perspective on the value of every moment we spend with our loved ones.

Himmel You Sly Dog

Himmel and Frieren’s love story has been hinted at so many times. To the point in this episode, there is even a wedding bell ringing for them. For those who pay attention to detail, you’d notice that Frieren stops at one particular spot at the beginning of the episode. This spot will be important later in the episode.

Remember that Stark bought a gift for Fern earlier? The gift is a bracelet with a mirrored lotus on it. The flower represents an eternal love. Stark buys the bracelet without knowledge of the meaning of the flower. But, of course, Fern once again refers to Stark as “baka” for this. Interestingly, she refuses to replace it, even when Stark offers to trade it.

So, what does it have to do with Frieren and Himmel? Frieren later reveals that she actually has a ring with a similar mirrored lotus. It was Himmel that gave it to her. Although, she loses it briefly when they are passing a forest in this episode.

Frieren wanted to give up searching for it. Fern, however, insists on going on this treasure hunt, knowing how valuable the ring is. She probably picked up how Himmel felt about Frieren already, it’s just her teacher is too slow to understand. Even though they find it by the end of the episode, how did exactly Frieren get this ring?

When the original hero’s party visited the city Frieren is in this episode, Himmel offered Frieren to pick an accessory for her. Frieren nonchalantly picked a ring with a mirrored lotus without putting much thought into it. Being an asocial elf that she is, Frieren had no idea what the ring symbolizes.

But, our man, Himmel knew a thing or two about flowers. Besides, he grew up where the blue-mood weed was common. So, Himmel abruptly knelt in front of Frieren and put the ring like he was proposing exactly where she stop at the beginning of this episode. I wish he didn’t die so early in the story. My heart aches seeing how much he loved Frieren. Man… I’ve never rooted this much for a dead guy before.

Eternal Love Transcends The Afterlife

Himmel’s love for Frieren got me thinking. He always loved her even though she never noticed it. It’s both sweet and frustrating that she is only beginning to realize his love for her three decades after his death. Imagine fumbling a man like Himmel this bad.

But, I digress. What I mean to say is living after the love of your life passes away must be tough. I can’t imagine spending the days in such a lonely state. A day must’ve felt like a year. The immense sadness that comes with it would probably erode my will to live and leave me as an empty shell of my former self.

I think this is where the idea of the afterlife comes as a savior. Believing our deceased loved ones living peacefully with a higher power sure feels better than thinking they are no more and are slowly being forgotten by many. In a way, this aspect really reminds me of Ricky Gervais’ Afterlife.

But, if I remember correctly, Frieren believes that the dead return to dust, similar to Eisen’s belief. Well, doesn’t it mean that the chance between Himmel and Frieren uniting ended before it even started? On a positive note, it seems Himmel was well aware of this. That’s why he left a bunch of joyful memories and statues of him for Frieren, so she can still feel his love.

Fortunately, Frieren is heading to Aureole, the place where the living can speak to the souls of the dead. However, we don’t have such a thing in real life, do we? I know this episode is incredibly heartwarming. But, if I were a sixty-something years old widower, I would probably be shedding an ocean of tears with the ending song playing in the background.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/10/young-love-and-a-unique-take-on-romance-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-14-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd #Romance #SliceOfLife

It’s good to be back to Overtake! This time, the anime feels like it smooths things down for us. I say this is a much-needed filler episode. The last episode was just too intense with the traumatic flashbacks.

The 10th episode picks up directly from what episode 9 left off. Koya’s tragic backstory is saddening, and honestly, I didn’t expect an anime with a racing flavor to crunch my heart like this. However, that’s not all the anime has left for us.

Episode 8 told us about Haruka’s dilemma. Haruka could make a George Russel move by accepting Belsorriso’s offer. However, it means he would be leaving Komaki Motors. In my opinion, his decision in this episode is very touching. Although, it might be not the right one professionally speaking.

Haruka Stays With Komaki Motors!

Yup! You read it right, Haruka decides to stay with Komaki Motors. I first thought the story would make a driver swap. I wonder what would happen if Belsorriso mercilessly replaced Satsuki with Haruka, and then Satsuki starts his revenge arc, that would be interesting.

However, the anime decides to wait for Satsuki’s recovery and put a replacement second driver for Toshiki to partner with. In fact, there is something I didn’t expect either that happens to Toshiki. I remember the first time he took the first driver role, it kind of overwhelmed him.

I thought, with Haruka’s decision to keep his status as Komaki Motors’ driver, Toshiki would feel relieved because he didn’t have to drive in front of a person who had never done teamwork on racing tracks. But, apparently, he spirals down into his Debbie Downer mood even more.

Why Haruka Dismissed Belsorriso’s Offer

In any case, what shook me the most was Haruka’s reason why he didn’t leave for Belsorriso. Haruka says he doesn’t want to be a professional driver. Wait, I thought he got, at minimum, a slither of inspiration from his father. Although he doesn’t dismiss the possibility of him changing his mind, Haruka’s reasoning turns out to be more personal.

After tasting Belsorriso’s might and seeing what they can do with their financial advantages, Haruka thinks that, of course, he can coast to the top easily with what Belsorriso can provide. But, he prefers to take the podium with his skills in the play for most of the part.

It’s an interesting take, I think. Yes, his train of thought gives the impression of a shonen protagonist, but I can understand that he wants to relive the moment his father lifted him up on the podium with his strength.

Koya And Sae, A Different Take On Romance In Anime

Let’s take a step aside from the racing for a little bit. Most anime shows a romantic journey in the making, including Overtake! with Aris and Satsuki, though. But, Overtake! also gives a glimpse of how a relationship between a divorced couple can take directions, which is very uncommon in anime, I think.

From the very beginning of this anime, it’s established that Koya has an ex-wife, Sae. He sometimes gets photography jobs from her. Although she is not a major character, she has a big impact on our main protagonists, Haruka and Koya. She was the one who first told Haruka about Koya’s problem with taking portraits. She also always supports Koya throughout the anime.

Sae’s Maturity Is So Rare In Anime

I think she is a very mature and well-written side character. Watching from the perspective of a young, unmarried guy, I was a bit surprised to see her relationship with Koya. Even though their relationship has ended romantically and legally, she still shows a great deal of care for her ex-husband.

Based on today’s consensus on how divorced and separated couples are viewed these days, especially in the online world, it’s easy to get a skewed image of how we should handle an ended relationship. Seeing how Koya and Sae interact with each other gives me a picture of how to handle a broken romance maturely.

Koya always appreciates his ex-wife’s help, while Sae recognizes Koya’s trouble, and never turns her back on him. Even though they are not married anymore, I still can see that they want each other to not get eaten by challenges in life. However, there are bits of Koya’s personality that make Sae seems to want to slap her forehead.

Sae Still Cares Deeply About Koya

Her concern for her ex-husband still runs deep, though. Haruka apparently told Sae about Koya’s real trauma. This whole time, she thought it was the public outrage that broke Koya, but it actually was Momo’s tragic death.

I like how she expresses her genuine realization to Koya, how she shows that she learned something new about her ex-husband, and her regret that perhaps she could’ve done more about it in the past.

Their whole dynamic is very interesting to me, it’s very adultlike. What is more surprising to me is that the anime never once showed them yelling at each other.

A Change Of Pace Among Romance Anime Cliches

I don’t recall the anime putting more details on their divorce, but it seems they went their separate ways in a very mature way, or maybe the anime is saving more of Koya and Sae’s story for future episodes. In any case, I think more anime should portray collected and level-headed relationships like theirs, even if the romance is already over.

No matter how good a romance in anime is, sometimes I can’t help but notice there are some overly saturated tropes and plotlines. How often do you see tsunderes, kawaii first meeting, or the girl punching the guy for accidentally bumping into her? Those are common cliches in anime, right? I think the market for grounded and sensible couples in anime is still fresh to explore.

Haruka’s Rough Start And The Race

Now, let’s look at the racing part, shall we? This time, it’s the Suzuka circuit that will be the background for Haruka and Toshiki’s showdown. With Haruka back in Komaki Motors’ car, it’s an uphill battle for him. He only manages to catch 14th place for the starting grid. So, he has to overtake thirteen other cars to get a win.

On the other hand, Toshiki and the other Belsorriso driver, Yuita, are way ahead. Before the race, Toshiki had given Yuita the green light to drive to all his heart’s content, even if technically Yuita is the second driver. When the race starts, Toshiki gives his first place to Yuita, giving away the pressure of being the leader of a race.

Way back among other racers, Haruka takes as many opportunities as he can. In a short time, he manages to climb up his position and is now not far from the Belsorriso cars. Well, it’s now obvious to Toshiki that Yuita can’t handle the pressure. On top of that, Yuita is incredibly slow compared to him. One thing leads to another, Yuita loses control and skids, with Toshiki who is quick to take the first place again.

Why Can’t Haruka Get A Win? Come On!

This is where Haruka starts to threaten Toshiki’s dominance in this race. He is now in second place and is close to snatching the victory. But, alas, his tires give up, possibly because of how aggressively he drives this entire race.

Tire management is a crucial thing in any race. The rubbers will heat up and cool down depending on how fierce a driver wants his car to be. But, the more aggressive a driver is, the more the cost he must pay in terms of tire consistency.

You’d think Haruka deserves, at the very least, the third place at this point. But, he just has to settle with what he gets in this episode. Maybe, this is the anime’s way to get more tension and the itch of seeing Haruka standing on the podium. Well, that actually works to me at least. But, I’ll be mad if by the end of the anime Haruka still hasn’t taste a single sweet victory.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/08/maturity-in-a-racing-anime-overtake-episode-10-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Overtake_ #Racing #RacingAnime

My Fall 2023 term is now well and truly over. I just finished a meeting with Dr. Murad to discuss my final paper for my one and only class this term: MS4001 Master's Independent Study in Norse Mythology. He congratulated me and spoke of my paper in glowing terms. So, in addition having a very fulfilling experience, I should be receiving a good grade for this study!

#homework #GradSchool #MDiv #interreligious #chaplaincy #MS4001 #mythology #finals #Fall2023 #Done!

Sur la Snæfellsnesvegur (route 54) en direction de Borgarnes et non loin du cratère d'Eldborg, le 11 octobre dernier.

(Météo du jour trop nuageuse pour montrer quoique ce soit de potable...)

#iceland #silentsunday #landscapephotography #fall2023 #roadtrip

Some people think that this anime is as boring as watching a snail on a full marathon. Those people don’t get that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End isn’t designed for the dopamine cravers. Rather, this anime is mainly for people who relate to Frieren and our new character, Sein.

Speaking of Sein, who is this guy exactly? He is a new character introduced in this episode. Sein is voiced by Yuichi Nakamura, the same voice actor who voices Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen. He loves drinking, gambling, and older women. My my, are we sure he isn’t Satou Kazuma?

Aside from that, there is a serious message behind all Sein’s funny pretense. As usual, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is the type of anime that will make you reflect on your own life. I love how the story draws a parallel between Frieren and Sein. They’re oddly similar in some ways.

Sein The Priest

Let’s first look at our new character in this anime. If I may judge a book by its cover, his appearance tells that he is mentally worn out. But, he is a genius priest, with expertise in healing magic and doctoring.

Funnily enough, Sein is so much like Frieren in terms of lifestyle. Well, at least similar to Frieren before she met Himmel. He’s someone who doesn’t have any quarrel about spending his life in a routine. However, it seems he is actually repressing a deep-buried regret in his heart.

What A Corrupt Priest!

Sein’s character is one of the most relatable characters in this anime. While he is a genius priest, he also has a jaded personality, with a lifestyle even worse than Heiter. Sein loves drinking, smoking, and gambling. The holy trinity of wasteful habits in adulthood.

If I had a nickel for every corrupt priest in this anime, I would have two. Are the priests okay in this world? We still don’t know why Heiter loved alcohol so much. Maybe, he just loves drinking and enjoys the pain that comes with every hangover. Sein’s bad habits, however, are closer to coping mechanisms.

Sein’s Regret

You see, when Sein and his brother were young, Heiter often visited their town. Sein’s brother happened to be a prolific apprentice of Heiter, and he was offered to rank up. But, it meant he had to either leave Sein or take him to the big city. Sein’s brother didn’t want to rob Sein out of his hometown, so he decided to stay instead.

Besides, that’s not the only reason. In his childhood, Sein had a friend who he would call “Gorilla” because of his strength. When they grew up, Gorilla asked Sein to join him in becoming an adventurer. However, Sein declined. Gorilla promised to return after three years, only to not return even after ten years have passed.

Drunk in beer and regret, Sein lives a listless life in his town. Sein assumed Gorilla must have died in his adventures. It is both sort of sad and heartbreaking. He never found out for himself his friend’s whereabouts. And, he thinks it’s already too late for him to be an adventurer anyway.

The Comedy Gags

This episode isn’t all gloom and doom, though. Frieren’s story is a sad and bittersweet journey, but it occasionally has its comedic moments. And with the addition of Sein, the comedy only grows.

I think the key comedic features in this anime are Frieren’s silent trolling, Fern’s savage lines, and Stark catching stray bullets from Fern. But, everything is executed really well and is suitable for the slow nature of the anime.

All These Deadpan Humor

Right from the beginning, this episode highlights this anime’s taste of humor. Frieren is basically the trolly quiet type, always messing around with an expression devoid of guilt. Fern is no better. Aside from her usual looks of disgust, she often times just thrashes Stark or any other victim verbally nonchalantly.

For example, when the introduction of Sein himself involves Frieren doing this exact tomfoolery. Girl just sits there while Sein is slowly turned into fertilizer for the forest.

Then, when a snake bites Stark, and he needs to be taken to a priest. Fern says she is only able to fly him for thirty minutes before her mana runs out.

Press “X” to doubt! Come on, are you saying the prodigy that overwhelmed Lugner with her magic while FLYING, and still had leftover mana can’t take more than thirty minutes of emergency flight? She is just making excuses to not spoil Stark, and it’s hilarious.

Also, my favorite gag in this episode is Sein’s bathtub and sickle. On two separate occasions, he shows up to his brother while carrying comically small appliances while complaining. I’m not questioning the stuff his brother has, but who did even make these things?

Fern Is A Hidden Goldmine Of Comedy

I notice Fern’s pouting face has become a meme in the community. There are bound to be little things that fans pick up in any anime, and Fern is no exception. However, as cute as she is, she is a deadly thorn hidden behind all the petals.

What I love the most about Fern’s sense of humor is her unforgiving lines for pretty much all living things that come across. Her words are cutthroat and sharp, yet delivered with minimum expression. If you add the context of each situation, her lines become more hilarious. Like when Stark is staring at a cloud in a previous episode.

Also, I think Fern could be an accidental humor as well. You have to remember that she was raised by Heiter. So, it’s guaranteed whatever is in her head isn’t all correct. Sometimes, she can say something that’s so out of pocket, like alcohol is the cure for all diseases. Although, I can imagine some people would agree.

Frieren’s Kiss

When I came across this scene, what I thought immediately was how 2023 got the most polarizing anime. On one end, we got Frieren who with a mere blowing kiss gets a scandalous title. On the other hand, we got The 100 Girlfriend Who Really Really Really Really Really Love You, in which there is virtually non-stop PDA.

I like how Sein turns down Frieren’s attempt to seduce him into the party. He single-handedly takes down the whole “I swear she is a thousand years old, officer!” trope. Suffice to say, this moment is one of the awaited scenes for manga readers.

The Serious Message Implied In Sein’s Character

Sein is the rear end of the jokes for most of the time, glad now Stark has a comrade. But, if we think about it, his jaded personality, his reluctance to go out of town, and his self-sabotaging habits reflect how most people deal with their dead dreams.

When we’re kids, it’s easy to imagine that we, someday, will fulfill our ambitions, will achieve glorious feats, and even be a hero for someone we care about. But, as time goes on and we reach adulthood, there is a dreaded realization of the limits to how far we can sail in life.

It may sound silly and complainy, but no matter what, life is unforgiving and cruel. Sein’s character resonates with so many things that I think daily. We’re exhausted, and dying for respite from regrets in life.

The thoughts of what could’ve been haunt me every night like a paralysis demon. What if I had decided to work instead of going to college? What if I had picked a different line of work? What if I had been something more than I was? All that regret of the things that never happened in the first place only accumulates and chokes us to death slowly.

Frieren and Himmel in this episode say it best, “All there is now.” We have to live with the cards we have in hand. And you know what, even if the life we’ve treaded this far is a complete failure, it’s never too late to rebuild from zero. We must learn to let go of our pride to survive in this world and stop regretting the past. Writing this is such a bitter pill to swallow. But, I hope it turns out to be necessary, even if I didn’t realize it until I watched this episode.

https://seinenrider.com/2023/12/03/all-we-got-is-now-frieren-beyond-journeys-end-episode-13-review/

#Anime #AnimeReview #Fall2023 #Frieren #FrierenBeyondJourneySEnd