Kill la Kill - Episode 16

Now that the first half of the series is officially over, it's time for a recap!  Fear not though, for this is a recap, Kill la Kill style...

...by which I mean it's all over in a little over a minute.  Thus, the School Raid Trip is over and Satsuki's pitched battle with Matoi comes to an end - it's a battle that's taken more of a toll on Kiryuin than she was letting on too, as she struggles to

Samurai Flamenco - Episode 15

Has Hazama met his match?  Yes, actually, in a quite literal sense having come face to face with his "brother", Beyond Flamenco.

So what is From Beyond's real goal?  As Beyond Flamenco himself puts it, they really aren't all that fussed about dominating the world, or even a single nation - after all, how would even their forces be able to subjugate billions of people, and what would be in it for

Wake Up, Girls! - Episode 4

Mayu's return to the idol business may be a cause of celebration for some, but to most - or at least those participating in online discussion - her departure from I-1 Club, and perhaps more importantly the stories behind it, is unforgivable.

While things continue to progress for the Wake Up Girls themselves with the offer of a regular, named slot on a radio show (albeit at midnight), others have

Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! REN - Episode 4

Nibutani is a girl with a dream - a dream of becoming the student council president.  Popular and attentive though she is, there's a deathly troublesome thorn in her side that seems set to stand in the way of her success.

That thorn, of course, takes the form of Dekomori, who continues to harangue her at every turn, leaving Nibutani's only available option as relying on Yuuta - or more to the

Golden Time - Episode 16

Things early take a fatal turn, as a tiring day at the beach turns into Koko falling asleep at the wheel, only to be saved from major disaster by Banri... or, perhaps more importantly, his ghostly subconscious.


Although the physical damage is limited to a dented bumper, a bent crash barrier and a cut lip for Chinami, the psychological fallout of this accident is far greater.  While all of the

Silver Spoon Season 2 - Episode 4

Hachiken is all dressed up the nines and ready to take his place at the tournament in which his equestrian club are taking part.  Well, I say "ready", but perhaps that isn't quite true...

With the pressure ramping up, even Mikage is threatening to crumble beneath it - a scenario not helped by the appearance of an audacious girl (and childhood friend of Mikage's) by the name of Minamikujou.  This

Nagi no Asukara - Episode 17

And then there were two.... having adjusted to live on the surface after five years of sleep, Hikari finds himself joined by Kaname, who saunters around wearing nothing upon reaching the humanity in his own inimitable style.




Just as Miuna was both excited and terrified by Hikari's reappearance in her life, so Sayu has to face the same emotional rollercoaster now that the boy she has pined

Saki - The Nationals - Episode 4

The rain may be falling, but it certainly isn't raining on anyone's parade as we (finally!) reach the business end of Saki - The Nationals with an actual mahjong game!

Of course, first up for Kiyosumi is their very own caped crusader in the form of Yuuki, who as you might expect wins the draw to be dealer and sets off on her usual East wind blitz of victories.  Even though at least some of her

Wizard Barristers - Episode 3

This week's episode of Wizard Barristers begins with some unpleasant memories for Butterfly Law Offices' Hachiya, as he recalls a case with ended in the death penalty for his client.

This nightmare proves to be a particularly prescient one too - having served as the prosecutor in that case who successfully argued for the defendant to receive the death penalty, he now finds himself in a new role

Space☆Dandy - Episode 4

It seems as if Dandy and company have landed themselves another jackpot, in the form of an alien that looks a lot like an known existing species but is still sufficiently different to surely by a unique creature.

Having been bitten by said creature, Meow starts to look a little peeky, and after brushing it off as just a lack of sleep for a while Dandy eventually relents and takes him to hospital

World Conquest Zvezda Plot - Episode 3

Ignoring a "No Smoking" sign and lighting up can land you with a fine or being kicked out of the establishment... or, if you work for Zvezda, it'll entail the entire room being jettisoned at high speed.

Of course, it's the ever-rebellious Yasu who has caused this ejection has he lands himself in trouble once again.  This is just the tip of Kate Hoshimiya's wrath however - this is one little girl

Nisekoi - Episode 3

Never mind the perils of having to pretend to date Kirisaki, the real issue for Raku at this point is the fact that Onodera also believes that the two of them are going out.  Still, correcting one person's misunderstanding shouldn't be such a big problem, right?

Certainly, that would be the case if it weren't for the fact that the whole of Ichijou's class now seems to know about the whole thing,

Space Brothers - Episode 91

Thanks to the inclusion of not one but two so-called "Green Card" instructions, it looks as if Hibito's final test to prove his rehabilitation was about to go off the rails in a major way.

However, after a fleeting moment of panic, some rational thought of what he needs to do triggered by a look at his Pretty Dog mirror that makes for a lucky charm soon sets him straight and things quickly

Sakura Trick - Episode 3

This week, Sakura Trick introduces us to Yuu's elder sister Mitsuki, who also happens to be the student council president.

Despite Haruka being Yuu's best friend (and then some), Mitsuki still hasn't actually met the girl in question - Haruka only seems to come around when she's away or otherwise engaged, and all she really knows about the girl's appearance is what her shoes look like; a

Wake Up, Girls! - Episode 3

With their original management team now fully restored and not a swimsuit in sight (well, apart from the bit where, y'know, they have to wear swimsuits), it's onward and upwards for the Wake Up, Girls as they make their local television debut.

For this task, the group are split into two - one who have to do a piece on local food and gourmet in the area, while the others have to report on weather

Kill la Kill - Episode 15

Osaka is burning, but still the battle rages on as the Tri-City School Raid focuses all of its attentions on a final, climactic battle.

But what will win the day, the influence borne of money or the powers of Satsuki and her troop's new Goku Uniforms?  You don't need to be a betting man to know where the money should be staked her, and although some of Satsuki's minions come a cropper when their

Golden Time - Episode 15

At long last it's time to hit the beach for Banri, Koko and friends!

Of course, holidays do have a tendency for swapping any idyllic fantasies of how things will pan out for the col, harsh truths of reality, and that's certainly how this journey pans out for the group.  While Banri and Koko opting to meet Takaya in the wrong place is a minor error and the car's malfunctioning air conditioning is

Samurai Flamenco - Episode 14

The government may want to keep it quiet, but Hazama can take no more and announces From Beyond's invasion plan on live television.  It seems that he isn't the only one with plans to make an important broadcast either...

While Hazama is trying to further explain his announcement on TV, thousands of phones start ringing amongst the country's most influential people - it seems that From Beyond

Silver Spoon Season 2 - Episode 3

This week's episode of Silver Spoon closely follows the goings-on in the school's equestrian club, and with the school festival approach it's time to decide what the club are planning to do to show themselves off to visitors.

With that perhaps in mind, and with all of its newcomers having mastered the basics of riding a horse, it's time for the newer riders to finally try their hand at some

Nagi no Asukara - Episode 16

Now that Hikari has recovered somewhat both physically and mentally from the situation that has confronted him since reawakening, it's time to head back to school, a return which puts him amongst both strange and familiar faces.

Not that Hikari seems to mind not knowing most of his classmates - in fact, he revels in playing up to his role as their senior as they bombard him with questions which

Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! REN - Episode 3

It's hardly unusual for Rikka to be excitable and demanding, but even by her usual standards things are a little unusual as Yuuta is woken from what might have become a beautiful dream by... well, Rikka hanging from his bedroom ceiling.

Of course, we know exactly why Rikka is being so skittish, but Yuuta is left clueless as to why she's so demanding of him, spending much of her time insisting

Saki - The Nationals - Episode 3

Nodoka finds herself enjoying a blast from the past as this week's episode of Saki - The Nationals begins, thanks to the visit of a former middle school friend which leaves her remembering those early middle school days, as well as her first meeting with Yuuki.


The friend in question is Maho, who Hisa has brought to the training camp in the hope that she'll prompt all of Kiyosumi's players to

Wizard Barristers - Episode 2

Self-defence or otherwise, Cecil has managed to get herself into trouble before her feet are even under her desk as a wizard barrister, adding another hefty fine to an already troubled start to her working career.

Still, while there's nothing that can be done about that, there's still plenty of work to be done for her first case in proving that Kohinata was acting in self-defence during the bank

Space☆Dandy - Episode 3

Life is still hard in the alien hunting business for Dandy and company - it seems that nothing they snag will pass muster, and even trying to dress up Meow as a rare alien doesn't manage to bag them any money.

With nothing but food that's 10,000 light years out of date to eat, the only saving grace seems to be Dandy's Boobies loyalty card, with enough points saved for a free meal.  But, with

Sakura Trick - Episode 2

After the adventures of the opening episode, all is well in Haruka and Yuu's world.  Well, aside from a decidedly unfortunately mistake involving Yuu accidentally writing her answers to a homework assignment in not only a book for the wrong subject, but also belonging to the wrong person!

However, it seems that things are a little more fraught amongst some of the duo's circle of friends - not

Nisekoi - Episode 2

Pretending to be somebody's boyfriend is never likely to be much fun, and this applies even more so if the girl in question is part of a family of gangsters, even if you are part of a Yakuza family yourself.

With Raku and Kirisaki's fake relationship the only barrier likely to prevent an all-out war between these two rival factions however, it seems that there's little choice than to go along

World Conquest Zvezda Plot - Episode 2

It's the morning after the decidedly crazy night before, but everything seems to have returned to normal for Asuta, meaning a day of school and what looks set to be another evening of worrying about where he's actually going to live, homeless as he is.

Such concerns are soon interrupted by what looks like a familiar face at the school gate - a face that he really didn't want to see again.  

Space Brothers - Episode 90

The all-important next stage of Mutta's training is about to begin, but for today all eyes are focused on brother Hibito, and his own all-important test to prove that he's once again ready to journey into space.

As was alluded to last week, this underwater test for Hibito whilst wearing a full spacesuit isn't going to be quite as simple as it otherwise would be, with Butler keen to ensure that

Wake Up, Girls! - Episode 2

The Wake Up, Girls have themselves a new producer, and it seems that there are going to be some fundamental changes as a result.

And by that, I mean fundamental clothing changes.  It seems that Sudo operates a strict "swimsuits only" policy when it comes to idols in his charge, and before we know it the group are booked to perform at a health club in the kind of getup that only Super Sonico

Golden Time - Episode 14

We're fourteen episodes into Golden Time now, and Koko remains as paranoid as ever, although for once this paranoia actually results in some desirable results.

Having heard on the grapevine that Mitsuo might have himself a girlfriend, it seems safe to assume that the girl in question might be Chinami - a prospect that leads to Koko, Tada and Takaya heading off to do a little spying on Chinami's

Samurai Flamenco - Episode 13

The Four Kings have become the Sixty-Four War Gods... but just how deep does the From Beyond rabbit hole go?

Well, how about over 65,000 potential enemies for the Flamen Rangers to face?  As if the thought of taking on this many enemies one by one isn't bad enough, suspicions begin to grow that From Beyond is, in fact, planning to launch an all-out attack using all of their forces - an attack

Kill la Kill - Episode 14

An attack by Harime and Satsuki's latest devious plot have, quite literally, stripped Ryuko of Senketsu, leaving her for dead clutching what turns out to be the last remaining essence of her Kamui's life.

Luckily for her, Mikisugi is again on-hand to pluck Matoi to safety before it's too late, meaning that she can live to fight again another day... and fight she will, Kamui or not, as she sets

Silver Spoon Season 2 - Episode 2

He still hasn't got to the bottom of what's bugging Mikage, but there are other issues to occupy Hachiken's mind for the duration of this second episode of Silver Spoon's second season.

Most notably, a routine chore of cleaning up the rubbish which has been dumped around the establishment's field brings about a surprising discovery - a stray puppy.  While everybody fawns over the little critter,

Nagi no Asukara - Episode 15

The reemergence of Hikari from the depths of the sea after five years might not, in itself, be a massive surprise - however, the fact that he hasn't aged a day since the Ofunehiki all those years previously is a decidedly larger shock to the system.

As a result, this week's episode is really all about dealing with the psychological fallout from that shock - although Hikari seems to be in high

Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! REN - Episode 2

It isn't exactly breaking news that Yuuta and Rikka's relationship is a long way from "normal", living together or otherwise - however, Nibutani seems to have rather overestimated the pair's romantic leanings as she proves to be determined to find out about their lovey-dovey domestic life.

With a little prodding and provocation, Nibutani has managed to persuade both Kumin and Dekomori to join

Saki - The Nationals - Episode 2

All of the stars of the national mahjong tournament, from maids to... well, girls who aren't maids, are gathered ready for its start.  The tacos are heated, Kiyosumi have received a video from members of their school wishing them good luck, so it's time to....

...spend an episode or two on a training camp.  Kiyosumi's finest are joined by the teams of a number of other schools, including 

Wizard Barristers - Episode 1

In a world where magic and those able to use it (known as Wud) are relatively commonplace, you need some kind of legal system in place to deal with those who abuse their powers.  Abuse such as blowing up a train and a helicopter to avoid police pursuit, for example.

As part of that legal process, those charged with committing crimes using their magic need some kind of representation - enter the

Space☆Dandy - Episode 2

The entire crew may have died at the end of the first episode but pay that no heed - Space Dandy is back for more and its titular bounty hunter and friends are very much alive and kicking.

The same can't really be said for their work however - times are tough in the alien hunting business, with rare species incredibly hard to come across, and anything that Dandy has managed to capture proves to

World Conquest Zvezda Plot - Episode 1

Many of tried to conquer the world, but none have succeeded... until now!

Let's not get ahead of ourselves however, as our story begins when we meet a young lad named Asuta Jimon, who it seems has just pretty much made himself homeless - not an ideal situation when your country is operating under martial law, curfews and all.  This is soon forgotten when Jimon runs into a little girl who seems

Nisekoi - Episode 1

Raku Ichigo is a young man determined to ensure that he has a bright future ahead of him - the studious and hard-working sort that leaves him little time for friends, let alone those of the female persuasion.  Besides, who'd want to bring a girl home with you when you're the son of a Yakuza family head?

The only real romance in Ichigo's life is little more than a distant memory from ten years

Space Brothers - Episode 89

He might have acted as cool as a cucumber in front of his younger brother while discussing Hibito's panic disorder, but as you might expect beneath the surface Mutta was far more concerned than his demeanour may have suggested.  The result is a sleepless night of thinking and research, although ultimately his final decision is that Hibito's issue isn't as serious as it might otherwise have been.

Samurai Flamenco - Episode 12

Masayoshi is certainly going up in the world - thanks to his transition from Samurai Flamenco to Flamen Red, he's now the leader of a squad of five superheroes, complete with their own giant robot amongst an arsenal of vehicles and weapons that an army would be envious of.

Thanks to this, things are going rather well in the fight against the mysterious From Beyond, who seem insistent upon

Wake Up, Girls! - Episode 1

Their first live concert was a success - well, as much of a success as you could hope for at a student metal band event - but what does the future hold for Wake Up, Girls as the New Year begins?

Given that there are bills piling up and manager Matsuda really isn't even sure what he's doing without the company president to demean him and boss him around, things aren't looking all that great, and

Sakura Trick - Episode 1

To begin, an informational announcement: Sakura Trick is not Hidamari Sketch.  Just thought I should preface my discussion of this series with that important point, because boy does this show look like Hidamari Sketch in a lot of places.  That's what you get for employing a director who used to work at SHAFT, I guess.

Anyhow, we join this series on the even of the start of high school life for

Wake Up, Girls! - Seven Idols

While an idol group known as I-1 Club blaze new trails in the Japanese entertainment industry, a small and struggling talent agency in Sentai looks on with envious eyes.  If you can't beat them, join them, and thus the Green Leaf agency begins the unlikely task of creating an idol group of their own.




The result is a ragtag group of girls - everything from a waitress at a maid cafe through to

Golden Time - Episode 13

Any romantic prospects between Banri and Linda seem to have been extinguished, but regardless of this thoughts of her simply won't leave Tada's sleeping brain as she appears over and over in his recurring dreams.

With the summer well underway, such thoughts are quickly relegated during the daytime, not least when it comes to the festival and Banri and Koko's first big moment in the spotlight as

Kill la Kill - Episode 13

A school trip is a staple part of any anime series... but not many school trips involve the invasion and conquest of academies elsewhere in Japan.


This, however, is exactly the kind of field trip Satsuki has in mind, outfitting the students which mass-produced Goku uniforms to create a mammoth army seemingly capable of taking down any foe.  In the face of this, you'd normally expect Ryuko to be

Nagi no Asukara - Episode 14

After the disastrous events that brought us to the end of the previous episode of Nagi no Asukara, we find ourselves moving five years into the future as of episode fourteen, and needless to say plenty has changed.

For starters, and as predicted, temperatures on the surface have dropped rapidly, leaving the world under the sea lost beneath a thick layer of ice, and with tides that prevent anyone

Silver Spoon Season 2 - Episode 1

It's back to agricultural college we head this winter, as Silver Spoon returns to our screens for its second season - and not a moment too soon, having very much proved itself to be more than capable of eliciting both laughs and emotion last year.  Hold the phone though - it seems that Mikage has lost a bra, and she wants Hachiken's help to find it!


Needless to say, this situation turns out to

Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions! REN - Episode 1

A new school year is a perfect time for change, and boy has there been a lot of changes for the main cast of Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions as this second season begins.


Although both Nibutani and Isshiki have undergone some striking makeovers - one in the hope of rising to the top of the school's pecking order, the other in the hope of rising to the top of the girl's attentions - and

Saki - The Nationals - Episode 1

It's been a long time in coming (almost five years in fact, Episode of Side-A notwithstanding) but we finally have ourselves some more Saki, taking in the Nationals tournament that was so cruelly teased at the end of the original series back in 2009.

To kick things off, we're introduced to just some of the other major schools which have qualified for the tournament - a cavalcade of names,

Space☆Dandy - Episode 1

The winter 2014 anime season is now very much underway, bringing me the first of the shows I'll be watching throughout - and it's a big one too with a lot of promotion behind it, in the form of Space Dandy.

Although hunting for rare aliens in a universe packed with weird and wonderful creatures might sound like serious business, it really doesn't seem to be in Dandy's case - he's rather wax

Space Brothers - Episode 88

After wishing us a Happy New Year (they say it so I don't have to), it's time for Hibito to face his fears... quite literally.

Although all of his slow but sure training has been a success, leaving him ready to face a final test in the EVA suit which will decide whether or not he can return to duty, all of this hard work seems to have been destroyed in a moment as Hibito finds himself in the

Monogatari Second Season - Episode 26 (Completed)

He thought it to be impossible, but Kaiki has failed in his plan to pull the wool over Nadeko's eyes - worse still, she's seen through his ruse to convince her that Araragi and Senjougahara are already dead in an instant.  Of course, she's not exactly happy about the whole thing.


Before he knows it, Kaiki finds himself awash in a sea of snakes as Sengoku rants and raves about the liars and