Anime Review: October to December 2024

by jrl anime

Happy New Year! I look forward to your continued support this year.
I’ll be reviewing the anime that aired until the end of last year.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

This anime is based on a manga that was serialized in Big Comic Spirits.
Set in medieval Europe, it tells the story of those who challenged the geocentric model, which had been widely accepted worldwide for centuries. The scientific accuracy in the depiction is well-done.

The geocentric model, as conceived by figures like Ptolemy, was believed for over a thousand years starting from the 2nd century. Challenging and overturning such a firmly established idea must have been an extraordinary feat. The story of this series, which portrays that struggle, is highly intriguing. I plan to keep watching as it continues into the new year.

Dandadan

This anime is based on a manga serialized in Jump+.
It’s an action romantic comedy featuring a boy who believes in aliens but not ghosts, and a girl who believes in ghosts but not aliens.
The settings are detailed, and there are plenty of references to other works and risqué jokes, but the sheer momentum of the story makes it highly enjoyable.

BLUELOCK VS. U-20 JAPAN

This is the second season of an anime that aired last year.
The story progresses as the Blue Lock members prepare for a match against the Japanese national team.
Is it just a staple of this kind of manga for individual plays to gradually become superhuman?

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online 2

This is the second season of an anime that aired in 2018.
There’s no expectation for deep storytelling in this work.
It’s at least reassuring to watch, as the other characters aren’t reduced to mere props solely meant to highlight the protagonist, unlike in the main game.

Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii

This anime is based on a manga serialized in Monthly Afternoon.
It’s a romantic comedy depicting the love story between the children of Yakuza families.
The Yakuza elements are so strong that it’s easy to forget the characters are supposed to be high school students. However, removing the high school setting would turn it into just another underworld anime, which makes the balance tricky.
The resemblance of Kirishima Miyama’s design to “Hell Teacher Nūbē” is quite striking.

Noble Farmer

Hiroshi Arakawa, the creator of works like Fullmetal Alchemist and Silver Spoon, has a manga serialized in Monthly Wings that serves as the basis for this 5-minute anime.
It portrays the daily life of farmers in Hokkaido and topics related to agriculture, incorporating the author’s own experiences. The skillful way it humorously addresses timely and impactful issues is truly impressive.

From the beginning of the new year, I plan to watch The Apothecary Diaries and other shows.