Jeoffrey

I'd say director Yuichi Abe (who also served as the action director) either really loves this novel (or maybe just the maid Sylpha) or was just determined to impress. The dynamic, breathtaking, and beautifully choreographed action sequences featuring the maid/swordswoman were incredible. The training scene with Lloyd was jaw-dropping, and episode ten, with the camera circling Sylpha gracefully before a stunningly edited fight scene, was so good I had to watch it a few times. The magical battles were epic too, especially the showdown between Lloyd and the transformed Jade. The visual effects were impressive. It wasn't just the fights that grabbed me; the main character, Lloyd, was intriguing in his own way. Is he mentally unstable? Maybe, but more like someone obsessively in love with magic to the point of self-harm. But he wasn't annoyingly flawed; in fact, in crucial moments, I found him quite likable. His quirky personality felt refreshing. The story was engaging, and I didn’t mind Lloyd turning the first defeated demon into his satanic Paimon. Certain parts of the plot struck the right emotional chords, especially the final arc with the "assassin guild" which worked for me in its serious aspect. What didn’t work for me was the humor — often childish and sometimes downright silly with the chibi animations. It rarely made me laugh and disrupted the overall tone of the show. Another issue is the weird fanservice around Lloyd. Considering he's 10 years old, the maid's unhealthy obsession with him was uncomfortable. One last positive note: despite Lloyd being absurdly overpowered, the final battle made me worry for him at times, thanks to the well-crafted "final boss." Overall, I'd give it a 6.4/10.

A 6/10 rating seems fair for this one. The production values, especially the animation, are at best mediocre. This is particularly evident in the fight scenes, which lack impact, with stiff character movements and unimpressive effects. The biggest problem, though, is the pacing. The story feels sterile and much less engaging than it could be, with too much telling and not enough showing. The leveling system is poorly explained; while it's clear the hero gains new abilities by consuming enemies, the way these abilities are presented feels like a bland list, and during battles, it's hard to tell which skill or combination is being used. The manga handles these aspects much better, offering clearer and more detailed explanations. The anime, on the other hand, often resorts to brief comments. Character development and relationships also suffer. Many characters are complex, and it’s interesting to see how the hero’s harem evolves from basic survival instincts to a mix of biological urges and eventually some romantic feelings. But let’s focus on what Re:Monster does well. Any story where the protagonist isn’t a generic human earns points from me, and starting as a goblin is a unique twist. The main character is likable, engaging, and easy to root for. There are a few other interesting characters, both within and outside his harem. I also enjoy the day-by-day, almost diary-like storytelling approach. The variety of species and the rules governing their evolution are well done, as is the gradual development of the hero’s party and his position in the world. However, I wasn’t thrilled with the later direction of the story, especially the princess transport subplot and the decision to become mercenaries. I would have preferred more focus on building a diverse monster society and interacting with surrounding nations, similar to what Rimuru does. Lastly, the opening song was terrible — one of the worst I’ve heard this season (I skipped it from episode two onward). This show has potential, with several original aspects that make it worth checking out, but for a better experience, I’d recommend the manga, which I’d rate around 7.5/10 based on what I’ve seen.

"Grandpa, they said on TV that Japan has a birth rate problem, and people don't want to start families!" "That's a shame, Grandma. It's time to show everyone true family values!" "You're right, Grandpa. We have grandchildren. We must set an example and show them that true love lasts a lifetime." "Exactly, Grandma, and maybe give them a little push!" "Grandpa, did you hear? Young people are moving away from the countryside!" "That's sad, Grandma. There's nothing better than a peaceful life in the country." "You're right, Grandpa. Who will grow apples if we don't? It's up to us to show everyone the joy of caring for an orchard!" "Good thing we're so spry for our age, Grandma. We need to show the young folks that old people are cool!" "Look, Grandpa, do you see that golden apple over there?" If I took a shot every time they said "jiisama" or "baasama," my Sundays would be pretty wild, and I probably wouldn't make it to old age. I get what the show was trying to tell me — respect the elderly for their wisdom, find a spouse, start a family, move to the countryside, and grow apples! I almost wanted to check our apple trees for golden apples and dreamed of being twenty years younger — but the frost ruined this year's harvest... The problem is, with how much the show pushed these ideas (almost like some agricultural propaganda or a pro-birthrate ad), I couldn't relax and just enjoy it. I love these fateful romances and admire swans for their lifelong partnerships. I even remember the story of Philemon and Baucis, who had a lot in common with our grandma and grandpa. But here, I just couldn't buy into the atmosphere. It felt too forced. Whether it was propaganda or not, I have to say the animation wasn't great. It was just enough to hold together, but no one bothered with details. The focus was on the message, not the form. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this story much. Maybe I saw something that wasn't there, but overall, the series didn't convince me. I'm not planning to start a family, I already respect the elderly, and I'll leave large-scale apple farming to others. I’m happy with just a few apples from my garden for a pie... 4.8/10.

This is a totally average harem anime, notable only for featuring girls who are also mythical beings (angel, vampire, kappa, yuki onna). The girls are cute and likable enough to keep me watching and maybe crack a smile, but they’re not memorable or unique enough to stick with me a week or two later. The main character is your typical "nice, ordinary guy," bland enough for any male viewer to project themselves onto. The animation is decent, especially the designs of the girls — no surprise for a harem anime. The story is mostly generic and predictable. The romance is very light and childish, full of blushing, awkwardness, misunderstandings, and minor missteps. With a cute angel acting like an anime "puppy" and the main guy being just a "nice, ordinary boy," it's par for the course. If you enjoy harem anime with cute girls, this series will likely be pleasing and inoffensive. However, if you’ve seen a few harem anime and are looking for something original and new, you won’t find it here. It’s just another average harem anime. 5/10

Ever wondered what it’d be like to have sex with various supernatural beings? Well, anime has explored that in depth. Now, it's time to see what happens if you try to eat them! Don't worry, nothing resembling humans. Of course, Marcille, we understand. But Jeoffrey, cooking monsters seems too abstract and doesn't resonate with me! Come on, you don’t have to be Gordon Ramsay to substitute those supernatural ingredients with our everyday ones. The recipes aren’t complex; we’re cooking in dungeons, not a five-star hotel kitchen. Besides, is it really about learning to cook something? It's more about making cooking interesting, sparking your imagination, and making you hungry. The ingredients are beautifully drawn, the dishes look delicious despite coming from monsters, and if you grab a snack while watching, it will definitely enhance your experience. Back to the main question — or rather, a deeper one — Is this just another cooking anime? Or is it an adventurous journey that repeatedly asks how far you would go to save a loved one? Except for Laios, no one here wants to eat monsters out of curiosity; it's a necessity for survival in a hostile environment. Eat or be eaten! But Jeoffrey, if this is a desperate rescue mission, why does the party proceed like they’re on a casual trip, even with Laios’s sister slowly dying inside a dragon? The atmosphere is too relaxed for such a dire situation.  Admittedly, I initially shared this criticism, feeling that the only desperate act was cooking whatever they could find. But as you progress, you realize these dungeons are perilous, full of traps and dangerous creatures, where every misstep could mean death. Our adventurers aren't amateurs. For example, Senshi is a survival specialist in these dungeons. They know why they’re cautious and what they’re doing, even if it sometimes feels like a school trip with campfire cooking. The story gradually complicates, drawing both the characters and viewers into the labyrinthine corridors, making the dungeon’s operations clearer. Plus, the second half of the series takes a surprising turn, shifting the tone and addressing the characters’ problems with elegance and intensity. The question of how far you'd go to save someone you love gains new dimensions and intense answers. So, what makes Delicious in Dungeon truly great? Above all the characters, detail, humor, and animation. The characters are unique, diverse, believable, likable, and entertaining. The main five are fantastic, and even side characters like Shuro, Kabru, and Sissel keep you invested. Marcille’s expressions are a delight, you’ll quickly grow fond of Izutsumi, respect Senshi, find Chilchuk to be the voice of reason, and Laios is indispensable. But you'll also meet characters like Shurou, Kabru, and Sissel, whose every move you'll follow with bated breath, eager to learn more about them. The world-building here is truly impressive. Ryouko Kui has created a fully functioning ecosystem that feels layered and connected to the ancient ruins of past civilizations. You'll appreciate the importance of maintaining this balance, and the series will show you exactly what happens when things go wrong. It's fascinating how well-constructed and consistent this world is, with rules that make sense and a sense of love and care evident in every detail. One standout feature is Izutsumi, the first logically explained and integrated catgirl in an anime. No Nekopara bullshit here — her existence makes perfect sense within the story's context. The humor in this series is top-notch, ranging from sweet and silly to laugh-out-loud funny, all while blending seamlessly with the more serious moments. The transitions between different tones and themes are handled beautifully. The animation style is unique and visually striking, with character designs that are instantly recognizable and pleasing to watch. Studio Trigger did an excellent job, ensuring the series looks great and maintains a distinct visual identity. In summary, Delicious in Dungeon deserves top marks. I've grown to love this series, even though it hasn't quite reached the level of adoration I have for Frieren from previous seasons. My top series ranking remains unchanged for now, but I'm eagerly anticipating more episodes. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience, even though I became truly hooked from the dragon confrontation onward. 9.4/10

"Are you a shy, socially awkward wizard longing for a family and a bit of love? We have the solution – slavery!" No, that probably won't sell you on this anime. Let's try another approach. "Come watch a series featuring an adorable elf girl! Elves have been all the rage in anime for the past two years, and Nephy is sweet, affectionate, and as cute as a puppy—she even wiggles her ears when she's happy! Who wouldn't want her?" There we go. And if we subtly translate "Dorei" as "wife" instead of "slave" in the title, it might work even better. What else do we have? "We also have a charming and funny dragon girl if you want a daughter too! And unlike other anime, we won’t even sexualize her!" This is a great pitch — Foll is super cute and that's sure to draw people in! Add in a bit of trauma that gets nicely resolved to make the viewers happy, and we're set. Let's not forget to give both main characters some trauma, because character growth is always a plus! For antagonists, we'll use misunderstandings, prejudices, and a slightly fanatical church, which will highlight another female character who sees the world clearly and will be loved by everyone. This is shaping up to be an 11/10 anime... Okay, enough with the fantasy. This show actually reminds me a lot of I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady I Rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness from last fall. It has a similar fun and sweet chemistry between the main couple, and both characters are likable in their own ways. Most of the side characters are at least decent, and Foll’s interactions with Chastille are genuinely cute and entertaining. Unlike the previously mentioned anime, the humor here often lands — I definitely laughed more watching this. The biggest drawback for me was the storyline, which felt predictable and not as engaging as it could have been. Still, like I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble Lady…, this anime deserves a solid 6/10 from me—maybe even a 6.1/10!

Honestly, this was probably the worst series I wasted my time on this anime season. The animation was weak, the music was forgettable, but those weren’t even the main issues. The biggest problem for me was the main character. His behavior and voice acting made him incredibly unlikable. Aoi Shouta's voice just doesn't fit an overpowered fantasy hero; it lacks the strength and presence needed, making it hard to take Allen seriously or respect him. His behavior was even worse. The protagonist wants to live as he pleases, which rarely works in any society. Despite the script throwing endless challenges his way, he navigates them with an irritating apathy. I found him annoyingly indifferent, not someone I could root for at all. The main storyline of the first half, which led me to drop the series, didn’t help either. SPOILER ALERT: When your father spirals into self-destruction after your mother's death and your troubled brother becomes dangerous, and you, with the strength and skills of a former hero, could stop it but choose to ignore it, you're the worst kind of scum. Allen’s failure to help his family when they needed him most made him a heartless, selfish loser in my eyes. END OF SPOILER By the time the series delved into the family backstory, I couldn’t see past how unnecessary it all felt. Allen’s easy solutions to other problems only highlighted his deliberate neglect of what truly mattered. Watching the seventh episode was a chore, and every appearance of Allen made me want to turn it off. When the new subplot also failed to grab my interest, I dropped it after episode seven. Were there any positives? Well, some of the supporting characters weren't terrible, though most were typical archetypes and future harem members for the useless protagonist. I was somewhat interested in Akira's storyline, thinking it could be better, but it didn’t seem like the author planned to develop it further. Maybe that’s for the best.Overall, this series isn't worth much, maybe a 2/10 at best. I’d only recommend it to die-hard fantasy fans who’ve exhausted all other options.

Because I’m not popular, I decided to rewatch WataMote — the story of a high school girl obsessed with popularity. Once again, I found myself rolling with laughter and cringing at the same time. Tomoko's inner world and her biting remarks about ordinary people are so relatable, it's almost embarrassing. This anime is incredibly original. Tomoko is an amazing character, wonderfully voiced, just like her brother. The series is full of interesting storylines and creative visuals, so there’s never a dull moment, even though it’s quite episodic and focuses on the same themes. When I first watched WataMote in 2013, it really resonated with me, and I loved it. I’m happy to say that even after more than ten years, it still holds up (and I’m still not popular). 9/10

A good movie, but not exactly groundbreaking or unforgettable. It was still a pleasant watch with relatively likable characters, both the main duo and some of the supporting ones they encountered along the way. The pace was a bit uneven at times, but the animation and music were nice. The story was decent, but for me, it lacked intensity, emotional depth, and development of some themes. It also could've used more of that legendary charm. Despite elements of the Japanese world, there wasn't much magic to it for me. I would've liked more moments to build the relationship between the main duo, especially since the movie is called My Oni Girl — you'd expect romance to be the primary focus. Instead, it dealt more with family troubles and the (in)ability to express emotions, which might resonate more with a Japanese audience than it did with me. I was hoping for more romance and fantasy. That said, there were parts I really enjoyed. I liked the whole journey and the encounters the main duo had along the way, which felt warm and human. In short, it was a good movie — not something that'll stay with me for long, but a film I'd watch again. 7/10

A delightful little mini-series perfect for the littlest viewers. If I were 3-5 years old, I'd likely be enamored with this charming shark's adventures, eagerly discovering something new in each episode and I'd probably sing along to that weird closing credits song. It turns out my inner child won't allow me to rate this little shark any lower than 6/10.