Expert Anime & Manga Reviews

Spy x Family Season 2: Maintaining the Perfect Balance

Spy x Family Season 2 builds upon the foundation of its critically acclaimed first season, continuing to balance high-stakes espionage with heartwarming family comedy in near-perfect harmony. Based on Tatsuya Endo's bestselling manga, this adaptation from Wit Studio and CloverWorks maintains the series' signature charm while expanding its world and deepening its characters.

The season picks up with the Forger family—master spy Loid (Twilight), assassin Yor (Thorn Princess), and telepathic daughter Anya—navigating new challenges in their double lives. From Loid's increasingly complex missions to secure world peace, to Yor's struggles to balance her family responsibilities with her deadly profession, to Anya's misadventures at Eden Academy, each character gets their moment to shine.

What makes Spy x Family Season 2 so effective is its ability to shift seamlessly between genres: one moment you'll be laughing at Anya's chaotic attempts to help her father with his missions, the next you'll be on the edge of your seat during Yor's breathtaking action sequences. The animation remains consistently top-tier, with fluid fight choreography and expressive character designs that bring Endo's manga to life.

Chainsaw Man: A Bloody Masterpiece of Animation

Chainsaw Man, the highly anticipated adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's groundbreaking manga, lives up to the hype and then some. MAPPA has crafted a visually stunning and thematically rich series that pushes the boundaries of what television anime can achieve, capturing the raw energy and idiosyncratic vision of Fujimoto's original work.

The story follows Denji, a poverty-stricken teenager who makes a deal with a devil to become the Chainsaw Man—half-human, half-devil hybrid with the ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws. When he's recruited by the Public Safety Devil Hunters, Denji finds himself navigating a violent world filled with monstrous devils and even more monstrous humans.

What makes Chainsaw Man so unique is its unapologetic approach to storytelling: it's gory, it's irreverent, and it's emotionally raw. Fujimoto's signature blend of extreme violence and heartfelt character moments is perfectly translated to the screen, with MAPPA's animation team delivering some of the most impressive action sequences in recent memory. The character designs are faithful to the manga's distinctive style, and the voice acting—particularly Kikunosuke Toya as Denji and Tomori Kusunoki as Makima—brings the complex cast to life.

Beyond its technical achievements, Chainsaw Man stands out for its thematic depth. It explores complex ideas about human desire, trauma, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, all while maintaining a breakneck pace that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. This is not just another action anime—it's a bold artistic statement that redefines what the medium is capable of.

Suzume: Makoto Shinkai's Latest Visual Masterpiece

Suzume, the latest masterpiece from visionary director Makoto Shinkai (Your Name, Weathering with You), continues his streak of creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant films that blend fantastical elements with deeply human stories. Produced by CoMix Wave Films, this epic adventure explores themes of loss, healing, and the importance of remembering our past.

The story follows Suzume Iwato, a 17-year-old girl living in a small town in Kyushu, who encounters Sota, a mysterious young man searching for "doors of disaster." When Suzume opens one of these ancient doors, she unleashes supernatural forces that threaten Japan with catastrophic earthquakes. Teaming up with Sota (who is cursed to turn into a talking chair), Suzume embarks on a journey across Japan to close these doors and prevent further destruction.

As with all of Shinkai's films, Suzume is a visual tour de force. The animation is nothing short of breathtaking, with hyper-detailed backgrounds that bring Japan's cities and countryside to life in vivid color. The film's score, composed by Radwimps (who also worked on Shinkai's previous films), perfectly complements the visuals, creating an immersive audio-visual experience that tugs at the heartstrings.

While Suzume shares thematic similarities with Shinkai's earlier works—particularly its focus on young love and supernatural phenomena—it stands out for its exploration of Japan's relationship with natural disasters, a topic deeply resonant in a country that regularly faces earthquakes and tsunamis. The film handles these heavy themes with sensitivity and grace, balancing moments of intense drama with lighter, more humorous scenes (often involving Sota's chair form).

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 21: The Shibuya Incident Concludes

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 21 marks the epic conclusion to the Shibuya Incident arc, one of the most intense and impactful story arcs in modern shonen manga. Gege Akutami has crafted a masterful conclusion that delivers on years of buildup, leaving readers both satisfied and eager for what comes next in this critically acclaimed series.

For those unfamiliar with the series, Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes the host of Sukuna, the King of Curses. The Shibuya Incident arc, which spans nearly 100 chapters, sees Yuji and his allies from Jujutsu High fighting against a coalition of curses and cursed users in a coordinated attack on Tokyo's Shibuya district.

Volume 21 picks up in the aftermath of several devastating battles, with our heroes facing impossible odds against overwhelming enemy forces. Akutami's storytelling is at its best here, balancing heart-stopping action sequences with moments of profound emotional weight. The chapter featuring the final confrontation between Gojo Satoru and the curses is particularly impressive, showcasing Akutami's ability to choreograph complex battles that are both visually stunning and thematically meaningful.

What sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart from other shonen manga is Akutami's willingness to take risks with his characters and story. The Shibuya Incident arc is filled with shocking twists and character deaths that have permanent consequences for the series' world, raising the stakes to unprecedented levels. The artwork in this volume is also exceptional, with dynamic panel layouts and detailed illustrations that bring the chaotic battle scenes to life with incredible energy.

My Happy Marriage: A Refreshing Take on the Historical Romance Genre

My Happy Marriage, based on the light novel series by Akumi Agitogi, offers a refreshing take on the historical romance genre, blending elements of Cinderella with supernatural intrigue in Meiji-era Japan. Produced by Kinema Citrus, this anime series stands out for its lush period aesthetics, nuanced character development, and heartfelt storytelling.

The story follows Miyo Saimori, a young woman from a noble family who is treated as a servant by her stepmother and stepsister after her mother's death. When she is arranged to marry Kiyoka Kudou, a reputed cold-hearted military officer, Miyo expects her life to remain one of suffering. However, she soon discovers that Kiyoka is not the monster she was led to believe, and the two begin to develop a tentative bond based on mutual respect and understanding.

What makes My Happy Marriage compelling is its focus on healing and emotional growth. Miyo's journey from a broken, abused young woman to someone who learns to accept love and happiness is handled with sensitivity and care. The series doesn't rush their relationship, instead opting for a slow-burn romance that feels earned and authentic. The voice acting, particularly Reina Ueda as Miyo and Kaito Ishikawa as Kiyoka, adds depth to their characters' emotional journey.

The animation by Kinema Citrus is stunning, with intricate period details that bring Meiji-era Japan to life. The series' soundtrack, composed by Evan Call (Violet Evergarden), perfectly complements the story's emotional tone, with sweeping orchestral pieces that enhance the romantic and dramatic moments. While the supernatural elements are understated compared to other fantasy romances, they add an intriguing layer to the story that sets it apart from more traditional period dramas.