T5W#363-Top 5 Evangelion Movies

Last week, July 19^th to be more precise, Hideaki Anno’s bloody and divisive but unforgettable mecha epic The End of Evangelion turned 25 years old.  Now that certainly merits a Top 5 list of its own but I already did one for the 20^th Anniversary five years ago (see here: http://gundamanimeblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/t5w101-top-5-favorite-things-about-end.html ).  So what could I do to commemorate another landmark celebration for one of the most important Anime movies of all time?  Bring in the rest of the family.  Earlier this year it was announced that GKids, a popular Animation Distributor in the US that mostly has seen the rerelease of pretty much the entire Studio Ghibli catalogue, had gotten the US distribution rights to Evangelion 3.0+1.0-Thrice Upon A Time.  This means that not only would the conclusion of the Rebuild of Evangelion Saga be given a limited theatrical release, GKIDS would also be releasing it on Blu Ray, which hopefully means the Amazon Prime versions of the Rebuild saga with the bulk of the original Evangelion English Dub Cast would be put out too.  So to honor two celebrations I guess, today I’m ranking the Top 5 Evangelion Movies.  This’ll include the original duology of films that concluded the original 1995 series plus the entire Rebuild of Evangelion Saga…and yes, every movie is being included…except for the Revival of Evangelion aka the originally intended release format of Death and Rebirth and The End of Evangelion…mostly because I’ve never seen it before, anyway onto the Top 5.

 

Sailor Moon Part 9 Episodes 41-46

The Sailor Senshi have faced tough odds before but now they face a fight that even they may not be able to win.  It is a battle that will take them to the darkest edges of the Dark Kingdoms power and reveal the true origin behind their previous lives.  Usagi is tested like never before as her friends begin to fall to the might of the Dark Kingdoms greatest warriors.  In the end, she stands alone against Queen Beryl and Prince Endymion, the man she loves as Mamoru.  Will Usagi be able to unlock her full potential to save the world?  Or will she have to make the greatest sacrifice of all?

In 2011, Puella Magi Madoka Magica arrived and rocked the Anime World with a deep deconstruction of the Magical Girls Genre, painting a bleak yet honest look at the true trials of those who take up the fight against Evil.  It’s definitely one of the best Anime of all time for a mountain of reasons…but did we forget that Sailor Moon went for a pretty risky move of its own at the end of its First Season?  Sure we did get a happy ending but before that everyone except for Luna and Artemis bought it.  This was always going to be a big ending for Season One but damn I never expected it to feel so heavy.  Goes to show just how much you can grow to care about characters over the course of 46 episodes…well most of them.  It’s been a ride so far.  Let’s see how Sailor Moon wrapped her debut before she breaks for a bit here at the Anime Corner.
 

Sailor Moon Part 8 Episodes 36-40

Usagi faces overwhelming pressure on two fronts: her own tragic origins as the Princess of the Moon Kingdom and the fact that her beloved Mamoru has ended up in the hands of the enemy.  Turned to the side of darkness, Tuxedo Mask becomes a new foe for the Senshi to contend with.  Knowing that the pressure is mounting, Ami, Rei, Makoto and Minako do everything in their power to keep Usagi’s spirits up.  All the while the Dark Kingdom prepares for their endgame and Queen Beryl is ready to finish the Sailor Senshi off once and for all.

Ok so, let me make sure I’ve got this straight.  Usagi’s just been revealed as the long lost Moon Princess.  Mamoru is her Earth Prince love Endymion (the heck is it with that name?).  Usagi’s got the Silver Crystal.  Zoisite’s dead and Kunzite stands poised to be the most powerful the girls have faced so far before Queen Beryl.  Oh and Mamoru’s been captured and has been corrupted by the Dark Kingdom to be Beryl’s errand boy.  Right, I think that’s everything and that’s a lot.  You’d think this means that this is it.  All we need is a little more backstory from Luna and Artemis and then BAM we’re good to go for a Season Finale.  So why the heck did we spend most of this penultimate set of episodes back in the early days of Season One, filled with recycled story structure, frustrating characters and a severe lack of progression?  Plus, newcomer Sailor Venus still hasn’t gotten any episodes to herself, she’s kind of just around at this point.  Look, there’s some good to be found in these episodes, I promise.  But overall, I feel like what we got today isn’t what we should be getting at this point in the Season.  Let me break down why I think that is.
 

Sailor Moon Part 7 Episodes 31-35

The war between the Sailor Senshi and the Dark Kingdom for the Rainbow Crystals hits a fever pitch and this time, Zoisite is pulling out all the stops to take them down once and for all.  With the powerful Kunzite at his side, even the aid of Tuxedo Mask might not be enough to save the Senshi from a near total defeat in battle.  Suddenly, the legendary Sailor V appears, revealing herself to be Minako Aino, the long lost fifth Sailor Senshi, Sailor Venus.  With all five Guardians together, Luna finally comes clean about her origins and the true mission of the Sailor Senshi…and a destiny Usagi and Mamoru can no longer ignore.

Today’s set of Sailor Moon episodes set things in motion, kicking off the First Seasons Final Act.  There were huge revelations, some enemies fell and others rose, and we finally got the final Senshi on the scene.  I wish we knew what took Sailor Venus so long to get in on the action…buuuuut I’d be lying if I said it felt like a disservice to her that any backstory on Minako will have to wait until the next set because this was all about Usagi and Mamoru discovering their true identities and their destinies…even if I still think a romance between these two is so damn icky.  Anyway, this is the first of a back to back to back three review set to close out the season, let’s dive into things properly.
 

FIF#168-Cells at Work: Code Black

Welcome to the inside of a Human Body, where a group of fresh Red Blood Cells are ready to begin their ever important work.  The only problem is, this isn’t a normal Human body: it’s a body on the brink of total disaster.  A lifetime of bad habits from excessive smoking to sleep deprivation has degraded the interior so much that the workflow is out of control and the Cells at work are barely holding it together.  It’s the most hostile of environments for any new Red Blood Cell.  And when the alert goes out, when the Code Black is initiated…a lot more than all Hell is about to break loose.

 
When I first saw the trailers for this Cells at Work spin off, the most immediate take away was how dark it was.  And no it wasn’t just because of the clever titling.  Boy oh boy, now that I’ve seen the first episode of Cells at Work: Code Black, I can see the trailer wasn’t skimping on or trying to hide anything.  This is a far cry from it’s parent series, much darker, much more grim but with a very evident point: This is what the inside of your bodys going to look like through multiple bad habits and your poor cells are gonna pay the price…yeesh.
 

Sailor Moon Part 6 Episodes 26-30

With Makoto now on the team as Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Moon and friends stand stronger than ever before.  However the battle with the Dark Kingdom begins to hit too close to home for some.  Usagi tries to help Naru recover from Nephrite’s death with Ami and Rei find those closest to them the targets of the Dark Kingdoms sinister tactics.  Meanwhile, Mamoru finds himself spending more time with Usagi in unexpected ways.  When he discovers his true identity, how will this change things for the bickering duo?

 
Sailor Moon surprised me big time with todays set.  Previously with Jadeite and Nephrite’s arcs, the settling in to new status quos meant familiar episode outlines that got repetitive at worst, skippable at best.  The Zoisite arc, however, has stepped up to stand out in the best possible ways, mostly by making each of Zoisite’s targets someone close to Usagi and the girls and even those closest to them.  The end result is a bunch of really good episodes.  Best yet, it was the more lighthearted fare that ended up being the best entertainment.  Not only was the latter part of this set funny, it also gave us good character building moments for our lovely Senshi.  I know I said Monday’s set of episodes might’ve been my favorite of the First Season so far.  Today’s set, however, is a rival for that distinction.
 

T5W#362-Top 5 Thoughts on the Suzume no Tojimari Trailer

Jeez Makoto Shinkai has been on a freaking roll these last few years.  After a time where his films were either seen as unimpressive or just ok, the man blew the world away with the global blockbuster Your Name in 2016, which became the highest grossing movie of that year, beating out Shin Godzilla for the top spot.  And how did he follow up one of the best Anime films of all time?  In 2019, Shinkai gave us Weathering With You and proved he wasn’t just a one hit wonder.  It’s been a long wait for new about his next magnum opus and while we’ve gotten a title and a cryptic poster of a door in water, last week we got a full length trailer for Suzume no Tojimari.  Now that is has a confirmed release date in Japan for November 11, 2022, this basically just became THE most anticipated Anime film of the year (Sorry Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero or One Piece Red).  With a few months to go until it arrives and actual footage to speculate with, todays Top 5 Wednesday will be looking at my Top 5 Thoughts on the Suzume no Tojimari Trailer.  PS. According to Wiki, the title translates to English as Suzume’s Locking Up.  Not sure if that will be the official English title or if the movie will keep its Japanese title in full, we’ll just have to wait and see.

 

Sailor Moon Part 5 Episodes 21-25

Tuxedo Mask.  Long has he been Sailor Moons secret protector from the shadows.  But what is his true identity?  Mamoru might have answers as dreams of the gentlemen hero begin to plague him.  Meanwhile, Naru’s love for Nephrite leads her down a dangerous path that even Usagi might not be able to save her from.  But when a jealous Zoisite plots Nephrite’s downfall, will love prevail?  And what about the mysterious giant, the beautiful Makoto Kino?  Is it possible her arrival signals the birth of a fourth Sailor Senshi?

After last week ended with the show in neutral filler territory, Sailor Moon returns with some major shake ups, a more dramatic tone, the arrival of one of the shows best characters by far and some very complicated intel about the potential endgame that the First Season is headed towards.  All in all, this was probably the best set of Sailor Moon episodes since the beginning, complete with a filler episode that I actually didn’t mind.  Well we’ve got Nephrite’s end and Jupiter’s arrival to go over so lets break it all down.
 

FIF#167-xxxHolic

Kimihito Watanuki has been cursed with the ability to see Spirits, Spirits that constantly hassle him on a daily basis.  One day, while being besieged by a troublesome Spirit, Watanuki happens upon a mysterious shop run by the beautiful Yuko Ichihara.  Yuko claims to be able to grant wishes to anyone who is willing to pay the right price.  In exchange for having his curse lifted, Watanuki agrees to become a part timer at Yuuko’s shop.  This contract between them is only just the beginning as Yuko begins teaching Watanuki about the concept of inevitability.  Watanuki enters a strange new world he isn’t prepared for…one that will change his view of the real world forever.  Everything is inevitable. 

 
I remember getting into the xxxHolic (pronounced as just “Holic”) when it first came out due to it being a companion piece of sorts to CLAMP’s dimension hopping epic Tsubasa: Resevoir Chroinicle.  It wasn’t a straight up action adventure like Tsubasa but offered something very different that helped the series stand on its own while occasionally checking in with the cast from its sibling series.  I never finished the Manga but, like everyone else, I did take note when it and Tsubasa were tapped for Anime Adaptations (with any Manga its almost a given after all).  xxxHolic has been on my radar for a little bit, plenty of interest to do at least a First Impression today.  So how is the first episode?
 

Sailor Moon Part 4 Episodes 16-20

Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars have managed to defeat Queen Beryl’s General Jadeite.  But their victory is short lived as two more appear to take his place: Nephrite and Zoisite.  And these two aren’t above playing dirty, looking to strike at two of Sailor Moons soft points.  First, Nephrite discovers he’s become the object of Usagi’s Best Friend, Naru’s affections.  Then there’s Sailor Moons secret guardian, Tuxedo Mask.  Will Usagi’s growing love for her champion lead to her downfall when Nephrite and Zoisite use it to their advantage to set a deadly trap for the Moon Heroine?

We’ve reached the point of Sailor Moon I’ve been kind of dreading.  For a series that clocks in at a grand total of 200 episodes across 5 Seasons, there’s bound to be a ton of the bane of any Anime’s existence, especially Shonen and Shoujo Anime: Filler, lot’s and lot’s of filler.  Some Anime like Naruto and Bleach have season long filler arcs that pause entire shows to fill time, mostly because the Anime has caught up to the Manga.  Nowadays, shows like My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan pause their runs entirely, taking a year off to develop future seasons while the Manga gets further ahead.  It’s a risk cutting into whatever momentum an Anime gains right out the gate but the end results speak for themselves: more faithful adaptations of the source Manga without a lot of fluff throughout (there are some but not 30 episode long arcs).  One could say that the Sailor Moon Reboot, Sailor Moon Crystal, followed this same example with three seasons covering the first three major arcs of the Manga.  But we’re not here to talk about Sailor Moon Crystal (not yet anyway, God only knows when that might come around).  We’re here to talk about Sailor Moon Season 1.  And yeah…this was arguably the weakest of the four episode sets so far because of the repetitive formula and not a lot of progression on the main story front.  I hope I’m not saying that about future episodes down the line but who knows, let’s get to these first.
 

T5W#361-Top 5 Anya Forger Moments from Spy X Family (Season 1)

Spy X Family.  It’s joined the likes of Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen in a continuing line of Shonen success stories over the last couple of years and has a very strong frontrunner for Anime of the Year.  Granted we need to see what happens when the show returns from its hiatus in October (which is seriously shaping up to be a HUGE month for Anime this year).  But we’re all looking forward to the continuing adventures of one of the most dysfunctional yet entertaining families in Anime.  More so, we’re all looking forward to the return of everyones favorite ball of adorable cutness: Anya Forger.  This six year old psychic who can read minds is well aware of the actual professions of her Papa and Mama and couldn’t be more thrilled to be their kid.  Whenever Anya was onscreen during the First Season, she stole the show everytime, whether from being the most adorable tyke or her gastly reactions to more of Yor’s dark secrets revealed, or being a general bad ass from time to time.  So yeah…it’s time to countdown my Top 5 Anya Forger Moments from Spy X Family (Season 1).  Also I’ve looked a little ahead in the Manga, some of these are definitely going to be topped when the show comes back, I guarantee it.

Sailor Moon Part 3 Episodes 11-15

With Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars by her side, Sailor Moon has begun to score some major wins against the Dark Kingdom.  However, the rocky relationship between Usagi and Rei continues to hinder their teamwork, much as Ami and Luna try to keep them in line.  Meanwhile, Jadite’s constant failures earn him an ultimatum from Queen Beryl.  He challenges the Sailor Senshi Trio to one final showdown, knowing that if they defeat him again, it’ll be the end of one General and an opening for another to take his place.

We kick off a new week of Sailor Moon goodness with some team building and team bickering.  Yet for all of Usagi’s entertaining verbal throwdowns with Rei, the girls managed to score a big victory against the Dark Kingdom…depending on who you ask, I doubt anyones gonna miss Jadeite much.  Supporting characters got more to do and even Usagi managed to get some one ups on Mamoru (and point out a very icky fact about anyone being romantically involved with him).  Let’s break down our third round of Sailor Moon episodes.
 

FIF#166-My Dress Up Darling

All his life, Wakana Gojo has dreamed of becoming a Hina Doll Craftsman.  This dream has left him shunned and ostracized by would be friends, who cant understand his fascination with Dolls.  That all changes when Wakana meets Marin Kitagawa.  She’s the prettiest girl in school and just so happens to be a massive Otaku…who wants to cosplay.  When she learns of Wakana’s Doll making skills, Marin asks him to create a costume for her based on one of her favorite Video Game Characters.  While he’s never worked on clothes for a human, Wakana takes on the challenge and thus begins an unexpected romance between the two.

 
I haven’t come across a lot of Anime where cosplay is itself the main focal point, or at least super essential to the plot.  Honestly, I probably wouldntve come across this title if it weren’t for the massive waves it made back in the beginning of 2022, mostly thanks to the girl who has become one of the most lovable (and ironically cosplayed) girls in all of Anime.  As a guy who appretiates cosplay and knows plenty of friends who cosplay often at conventions, I was willing to give an episode of My Dress Up Darling a shot.  Hoooo boy…I might have to continue on with this one…and yeah a lot of it has to do with Marin.
 

Sailor Moon Part 2 Episodes 6-10

Through the magical gifts of the talking Cat, Luna, Usagi Tsukino has gained the ability to become Sailor Moon, chosen to do battle with the forces of the Dark Kingdom.  But Usagi is just one girl against an entire legion and she needs help.  Little does she know, Usagi is about to get backup from the most unlikely of allies: the shy but intelligent Ami Mizuno and the spiritual but fiery tempered Rei Hino.  The Sailor Senshi grows by two as Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars join the battle.  How will the Dark Kingdom respond to this development?

Reinforcements have arrived and not a moment too soon.  Look I know how iconic Sailor Moon is and I know I said I like that Usagi is acting very much like someone unprepared to become a Superheroine might act.  However, the introduction of two new Sailor Senshi in this outing kind of outclasses her in a number of ways.  Ami and Rei entering the picture is also good to shake up the status quo a bit as I can see why some of these early episodes might’ve been cut from the first English Dub of Season One, the filler in this show is easily skippable.  But anyway, onto the positives and negatives of Sailor Moon’s sophomore outing of episodes.
 

T5W#360-Top 5 Anime Expo 2022 Announcements

This past weekend saw the return of the biggest Anime Convention in the US, Anime Expo.  Not only does it pack its convention hall to the brim (Seriously based on pics I’ve seen, how do people even move around?), it also is the first place you’ll hear about the latest Anime industry announcements, many of which come straight from guests from Japan itself.  This year was no different, in fact we got some first reveals, upcoming release updates and a major bombshell announcement that left the entire Anime Community with their collective jaws on the floor.  Trust me, we’ll get to that but first we need to go through the rest of the Top 5 Anime Expo 2022 Announcements.  I’m sure I’ve missed plenty of additional news so feel free to shout out about anything in the comments.

Sailor Moon Part 1 Episodes 1-5

Usagi Tsukino is a 14 year old high school girl.  She’s a slacker, hopeless romantic and is constantly doing poorly in school.  Little does Usagi know, being tardy for class and failing exams is about to become the least of her problems.  When a talking cat named Luna appears, she gifts Usagi with gifts that allow her to transform into the Sailor Guardian Sailor Moon.  Usagi might not like it but right now she’s the only thing standing between Humanity and the forces of the Dark Kingdom who seek to destroy it.  In the name of the Moon, she will punish them.

Well it’s that time of the year again Dear Readers…though let’s face it, why call it an “Extended Summer Series Review” when I’m looking at longer titles more often now with my two review a week schedule?  The answer is JUST BECAUSE!!!  Anyway, 2022 marks the 30^th Anniversary of a special Anime franchise near and dear to the hearts of many, myself included.  It’s one of the first female centric Animes introduced in the West and the titular heroine remains one of the most beloved, cherished and cosplayed characters out there.  The Pretty Sailor Guardian of Love and Justice has come to the Gundam Anime Corner.  Today, we begin our look at the First Season of Sailor Moon.
 

FIF#165-Magic Knight Rayearth

In the magical world of Cephira, a cry for help has gone out.  Besieged by the evil Zagato, the imprisoned Princess Emeraude invokes a long held legend, calling to Cephiro the three Magic Knights who will save Cephiro.  Unfortunately, the legend forgot to mention that the three chosen warriors are also a trio of 8^th Grade School Girls from Tokyo: bubbly Hikaru, intelligent Fuu and elegant Umi.  Called to serve a fate they don’t understand, these three girls are the only chance Cephira has at returning to an age of peace and wonder.  Then, and only then, can they return home.
 
Since we’ll be spending the month of July with the legendary Pretty Guardian in a Sailor Costume, the last few First Impression Fridays are all going to be centered around Female Protagonists, both magical or otherwise.  We’re kicking things off today with a visit to the girls of CLAMP, the brain trust behind Cardcaptor Sakura, X-1999 and Tsubasa: Resevoir Chronicle.  And wouldn’t you know it, we also happen to find ourselves in another Issekai before Issekai became the dominant force in Anime.  In a away, Rayearth could be a Sailor Moon Issekai with a dash of JRPG…is this a good combo worth sticking around for?