FIF#268-Lord of Mysteries

Suddenly plucked from his world, young Zhou Mingrui finds himself transported into the body of the recently deceased Klien Moretti, who has been resurrected thanks to Zhou’s arrival.  In this world, those who hold power to rival the Gods are called Beyonders.  As Klien, Zhou discovers he might be one of these all powerful beings and is at the center of a race to prevent the return of forces the Beyonders have been struggling to battle against for ages.  To return home, Zhou must unravel of the mystery of Kleins tragic demise and unlock a power greater than either could ever have imagined.

 
Oh boy. Won’t lie, I picked this one a random with zero knowledge of what it was about.  And it’s rare that I say this but I think coming out of the first episode I now know less than I already did…which was nothing.  What looked like a cool, bloody, horror centric action romp proves to be something almost as intimidating and impenetrable as Fate/Stay Night.  That said, Fate/Stay Night at least can explain the rules of its world and how it works in basic terms that allow viewers to jump in and try to keep up.  Can’t say the same about Lord of Mysteries.  The name of it’s game is in the title and it is not a fun mystery at all.
 

T5W#584-Top 5 Hottest Sailor Moon Villainesses

Usagi Tuskino and her fellow Sailor Senshi may be some of the most glamorous Magical Girls in all of Anime but some of the Monsters and major Villains they face off with aren’t slouches either.  For every fang bearing demon from Hell, there’s a gorgeous as all get out deceptress who can more than easily tempt any soul to the dark side.  With Halloween just around the corner, this weeks Top 5 Wednesday is looking at the alluring Witches, Temptresses and Sirens who can haunt our dreams any time of day from the wide world of Sailor Moon.  These are the Top 5 Hottest Sailor Moon Villainesses.

Street Fighter IV: The Ties that Bind

The peace brought about by the fall of Shadaloo quickly disappears when several powerful fighters from around the world begin to vanish without a trace.  Chun Li, Guile and Cammy’s search for answers leads them to an inevitable conclusion: Ryu is the primary target of this series of abductions.  A new evil is rising to take Shadaloo’s place and Ryu’s dark powers are the key to their success.  Once more, Ryu, Ken and their allies step into the ring to test their strength against this threat.  But this is only the beginning.

Street Fighter IV: The Ties that Bind is a special bonus feature that came with Special Editions of the SFIV Video Game at launch and is meant to be an animated prequel to the games main story.  Why these couldn’t have just been integrated into the game as Anime cutscenes, I don’t know.  At the same time though, even though I haven’t played a lot of SFIV, I’m glad these aren’t in the game.  The Ties that Bind is an absolutely boring, tedious and lackluster primer for a game that just lets you get to the nitty, gritty, right away like any proper fighting game should.  Seriously, if you never got a copy of the game with this with it, you’re not missing much.
 

FIF#267-Hades Project Zeorymer

15 years ago, the Tekkoryu created eight giant robots called Hakkeshu, as instruments for their plans of world domination.  On the verge of victory, a traitor destroyed most of the Hakkeshu and stole an unfinished model: Zeorymer of the Heavens.  Now, the Tekkoryu have repaired their mechanized army and are hellbent on revenge and seeing their dreams of conquest fulfilled.  Only Masato Akitsu and Miku Himuro, stand in their way, destined to pilot the Zeorymer together in the ultimate battle for the fate of planet Earth.

 
Zeorymer seems like one of those edgy, late 80s mecha titles that would fit right at home on a Blockbuster Anime shelf with a “Not for Kids” sticker on the front cover.  Heck, the only reason I even discovered it was because I was wandering a local store and found the complete collection in the Anime section and thought “Well I haven’t bought anything new in a while and together it’s only like $20 so why not?”  It looks like a run of the mill Mecha Anime during arguably the genre’s golden age of the late 80s/early 90s, complete with all that excess and extremeness fans love to see in OVAs like this.  So, is the first episode any good? 
 

T5W#583-Top 5 Best Lines from Street Fighter 1994

Well the legends were true on this one: Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li really is one of the worst video game adaptations of all time.  It’s wants people to take it way too seriously, critically miscasts usually (mostly) good actors and worst of all, it isnt fun in the slightest.  Now, the same cant be said for the 1994 Jean Claude Van Damme action classic.  Oh it’s still a terrible movie but it’s one that can truly be classified as “so bad, it’s good”.  Part of the reason for this is the dialogue.  Whether played straight or fully acknowledging the silliness of how it sounds, the 94 movie has so many quotable lines that it helps make up for the lack of faithfulness to the source material or any kind of Street Fighting.  With the new movie about to drop this weekend (the review will be up at the end of the month), today on Top 5 Wednesday, I’m cherry picking my picks for the Top 5 Best Lines from Street Fighter 1994.  How many of them will be M. Bison quotes? Read on to find out.

 

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li

After witnessing the destruction of her family at the hands of the villainous M. Bison, Martial Arts prodigy Chun Li begins a mission of revenge.  It is a journey that will take her into the heart of an international conspiracy, bring her face to face with mystic arts and legends, and see her battle ferocious enemies all looking to claim her head.  At the end of this road is Bison himself.  This is where the Legend begins.

Of all the characters in the Street Fighter pantheon, Chun Li is easily one of the most obvious to build a solo movie around.  This beautiful warrior Goddess has been one of the greatest and most recognizable gaming icons in history, beloved by gamers and non gamers worldwide.  Given her rich history and extensive combat resume, the kinds of crazy adventures and fight scenes you could pull off could be amazing.  But clearly no one was thinking about any of that when it came to Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li.  They just thought, “Hey let’s use Chun Li” and that was it.  I may not be as up on my Street Fighter lore as I am Mortal Kombat but this is not how you should be handling a Chun Li led movie.  In fact it’s not how you should be handling any movie at all…like ever.
 

FIF#266-Street Fighter: The Animated Series

When the evil organization Shadaloo threatens world peace, that’s when they are called upon.  Led by the valiant Col. Guile, they are a hand picked group of the greatest fighters from across the globe.  Different fighting styles, different philosophies, same dedication to protecting the planet from the evil plans of Dictator M. Bison.  When the world is in danger, the world turns to them, the elite fighting peace keeping unit known as Street Fighter.

 
Back in the 90s, the new video game boom from NES to SNES to Sega meant that a new generation of animated series based on popular titles was a must.  Mario, Mega Man, Donkey Kong, there was no shortage of choices…and most of them weren’t great or at the bare minimum were simply shows for kids.  Case in point, today’s FIF on Street Fighter: The Animated Series which came out in the wake of the 94 movie.  You probably know this one from the famous M. Bison meme where he goes “YES!!!” But oh man, there’s so much more badness abound in the first episode alone.  There’s very good reasons why you don’t hear about this one talked about in the Street Fighter community.
 

T5W#582-Top 5 Biggest Takeaways from the Season 3 Premiere of The Apothecary Diaries

Well it is about damn time.  It really has felt like almost a year and a half since we last saw everyones sassy, logical and all around bad ass Apothecary, Maomao.  But the wait is finally over: Season 3 of The Apothecary Diaries has begun.  And it has wasted no time teeing up things for a bigger season that is actually going to be split in half with Part 1 airing this Fall and Part 2 airing in the Spring, with the Apothecary Diaries Movie releasing in between them at Christmas.  In the here and now, the Third Season Premiere has a lot of questions and notable status quo changes, not to mention some lingering after effects from the end of Season Two.  Today on Top 5 Wednesday, we’re gonna get into some of the Season Premeire’s finer details as we look at the Top 5 Biggest Takeaways from the Season 3 Premiere of The Apothecary Diaries.

Street Fighter (1994)

The world is in peril as Dictator M. Bison and his warriors prepare for the ultimate conquest.  Standing in their way is a team of underdog fighters from all corners of the Earth.  Each have their own unique way of fighting and each has been drawn into the war to stop Bison.  Leading them, Elite Special Forces Colonel Guile, who has his own score to settle with Bison.  The stage is set.  The players have been chosen.  The ultimate battle to save the world begins.

In the hallowed halls of Live Action Video Game Adaptations, you have your true legends like the Sonic the Hedgehog Movies and the Mortal Kombat reboot.  Then you have your bottom barrel dregs like Super Mario Bros and any Uwe Boll movie.  Street Fighter lies in a bit of a middle ground.  As an adaptation, it’s flat out terrible.  However, if you’re looking for an unintentionally hilarious action comedy, it might just hit the spot.  Because despite it’s lack of understanding of the source material, woeful misrepresentations of an iconic cast and not very well choreographed action lies a so bad its good gem that somehow overcomes its shortcomings to be a good time if youre ok with turning your brain off.
 

FIF#265-Stellvia

2356 A.D. Almost 200 years have passed since a phenomena from space devastated the Earth, wiping out over 10% of t’s population.  Shima Katase, born in the aftermath, longs to see the stars and sets off for the one place where her dreams can come true: the Foundation Space Station Stellvia.  But she’s arriving at a time when tensions are high as the chance of another interstellar calamity is nigh.  It soon falls to Shima and the next generation of young space fairing pilots to ensure the Earth survives into the future.

 
Stellvia is an interesting and rare case for a First Impression candidate.  I’d heard neither hide nor hair of this one though maybe I’d seen a visual in a magazine back in the day and just never paid any attention to it.  No this one is getting an episode today because a friend of mine used the opening theme in a random post and HOLY CRAP it sounds amazing.  It’s not the first time I’ve taken a chance on a show based on a banger of an opening and we’ll likely be looking at another in the same vein next week.  For right now, does Stellvia set itself up as a show worthy of such masterful vocal work from Angela (the group behind the theme song)?
 

Gundam Anime Corner-Fall 2026 Update

Greetings.  Been a minute since I’ve done one of these but this summer has been a tumultuous slough to get through (and honestly Fall isnt looking to get any easier).  Still, when I have some free time and I’m not gaming or sleeping, I’m chugging away at new ideas and plans for the remainder of 2026 and 2027 for the Anime Corner.  The rest of this year is pretty much locked in save for maybe Halloween but I’ve still got a month to clear that hurdle with anything special.  Speaking of which, here’s what we’ve got coming up for October and November 2026 over at the Gundam Anime Corner.

 

T5W#581-Top 5 Legendary Moments from Akira

It is a legend of Anime, a title without boundaries.  You know it’s name…and you know…what it’s capable of.  Ok, that dramatic reenactment of one of my favorite trailer bits from Rambo 4 not withstanding: AKIRA.  The name, the myth, the legend.  What can be said about it that hasn’t been said thousands of times over in the last 38 years…holy s*** I just realized Akira turns 40 in two years.  It’s the title that is still one of the most synonymous with Anime as a whole: a film that broke boundaries at the right time and shouted to the world that Animation isn’t just a Disney kids game.  And like so many other films in 2026, it got a 4K restoration that had a brief theatrical release.  I didn’t get a chance to see it personally, though I did sneak in a teeny bit after seeing Transformers: The Movie in the neighboring theater, and man did it look as gorgeous as you’d expect cause it’s one of the most incredible looking pieces of Animation in the history of the medium.  So what the hey, for todays Top 5 Wednesday I’m citing the scenes that make this movie stand the test of time and keep us long time Anime fans coming back for more, equally eager to introduce it to a new age of Anime newcomers.  There are the Top 5 Legendary Moments from Akira.

KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! Part 4 Episodes 10-12

The town of Axel: the hub city for beginning adventurers of all types and classes.  Megumin has fought tooth and nail to get here and start her legendary career…except no one wants her on their party because she only knows one attack.  She’s also happened to arrive at a time when a powerful demon presence has begun to stalk the outskirts of the city, a Demon Megumin and Yunyun might be familiar with.  If Megumin can take this monster down, perhaps she’ll get the recognition she deserves and find the party she longs to join…unaware that some future miscreants just like her are lurking around town trying to start their own party as well. 

The Megumin origin story reaches the conclusion it was always aiming but does it do so in spectacular Crimson Demon fashion?  The short answer is: not really.  While there are a few good moments here and there, most of the Series Finale dances around what we all know is coming but the show doesn’t want to just let happen already.  The result are three episodes that could have been either two or, probably better, one 45 minute wrap up.  Not exactly the most exciting and overly dramatic finish befitting a Crimson Demon prodigy like Megumin.
 

FIF#264-Red River

Yuri Suzuki just confessed her feelings to the love her life when suddenly she is snatched and pulled through time.  Now she’s stranded in Hattsua, the capital of the Hittite Empire in Anatolia, thousands of years in the past, with no way to return home.  Suddenly the target of a maniacal Queen seeking to end an empire through dark, mystical means, Yuri’s only hope for survival lies in the hands of the handsome Prince Kail.  Little does Yuri know, she has a greater destiny waiting for one, one that will impact and change the history of Hattsua forever.

 
Today’s First Impression is a suggestion from a friend while hanging out at Otakon.  Red River may have a simple name but it’s premise is anything but.  Actually this is a pretty unique title that involves time travel rather than usual Isekai tropes and a few other touches to make it stand out.  What I find most curious about Red River from the premiere is its timing.  This doesn’t feel like an Anime thriving in the new age of endless Isekai’s and visual splendor.  Rather it feels like something you would have seen almost 20-25 years ago when the Manga was still ongoing.  Is this all most fascinating than the first episode itself?  Well, yes but Red River’s debut isnt bad by any stretch.
 

T5W#580-Top 5 Worst Resident Evil Movies

Well I’ll be damned.  Despite my continued skepticism, Zack Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot made a splash at the box office this past weekend and scored the highest ratings of any Resident Evil film released to date.  I guess I’ll have to get around to seeing if this movie is worth the praise and money’s it’s netted at some point but clearly, it’s not nearly as bad as some of the many stinkers in the various Resident Evil film series.  Be they canonically animated or live action, the Resident Evil franchise may be the highest grossing Video Game Adapted series on record but they can hardly be called masterworks and even the best can only be passable.  Anyway, a few years back in preparation for my playthrough of Resident Evil 4 Remake, I did a Top 5 on the Best Resident Evil Movies and initially had this ready as a follow up, only for it to fall by the wayside into stand by mode.  Well, stand by mode disengaged as we look at the Top 5 Worst Resident Evil Movies on today’s Top 5 Wednesday.

KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! Part 3 Episodes 7-9

Megumin’s grand adventure isn’t off to the best start.  Short on money and stuck in Arcanretia, the prodigy of the Crimson Demons finds herself in a tug of war between two warring churches and a diabolical mystery surrounding the towns beloved hot springs.  To make things worse, Arnes is still searching for her supposed Demonic mistress who may or may not be Megumin’s pet cat, Chomusuke…who has also shown up with Yunyun in tow.  But Megumin’s determined to get to Axel and begin her adventures with a party of her choosing and she will get there…no matter what terrible deed or despicable tactic she needs to use to get there.

Schools out and its onto the open road for the penultimate chapter of Megumin’s explosive origin story.  As sort of sad as it is to leave the classroom setting (and the wacky teachers) behind, it’s nice to see Megumin have some actual adventures before her inevitable meet up with Kazuma and the gang.  Said adventures included returning to one of my favorite spots from the original series and a caravan under constant demon attack.  It feels a bit too familiar at times but I’m still enjoying the ride and the change in the status quo.
 

FIF#263-Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia

Young slave Sitara was welcomed into a home of learning, acceptance and love.  But when the Mongolian Empire came, they tore down her home, her family and her future.  Sitara survives and now finds herself serving in the heart of the Empire that took everything from her.  But Sitara isn’t an ordinary girl.  She has a knack for learning and might just be able to study her enemies close enough to be their ultimate downfall.  It will take time but Sitara isnt about to let the lessons imparted to her go to waste.

 
Today’s FIF comes as a recommendation from a friend and I’ll be honest, I’m surprised this one isn’t getting a lot of buzz this season.  This is the first of two Anime that are set in a very not Japan region of the world we’ll be looking at over the next couple of weeks and really, I wish more Anime were taking advantage of that.  Jaadugar not only looks to have a very compelling story to tell but it also shown off in one of the most beautiful artstyles I’ve ever seen, proving that Science Saru is not a studio to ever be underestimated. 
 

T5W#579-Top 5 Reasons Why Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is the Feel Good Anime of 2026

2026 has not been a slouch when it comes to mega entertaining Anime titles (though maybe not quite as on par with the cultural zeitgeist that was a Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man movie breaking box office records left, right and center).  Jujutsu Kaisen made it’s triumphant return.  Bleach is actually closing in on it’s proper finale.  And the newest iteration of Ghost in the Shell has gotten some of the most positive buzz the franchise has had in a long time.  However, there is one title that is standing out amongst the rest, not for its spectacle or action but for its more down to Earth realism, honesty and, above all, genuine kindness while enjoying a favorite pastime.  I’m talk about Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You.  Somehow a show with a premise so simple (the title mostly covers it) has become one of the most talked about and widely praised of the year.  Heck it’s one of the few I’m personally keeping up with as close to when new episodes air as I can.  So today on Top 5 Wednesday, we’re gonna chill a little bit and talk about the Top 5 Reasons Why Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You is the Feel Good Anime of 2026.

 

KonoSuba: An Explosion on This Wonderful World! Part 2 Episodes 4-6

As graduation draws near, Megumin and Yunyun find themselves with just enough points to attain their magical dreams.  That could be a problem though with Dark God Monsters stepping up their attacks on their village.  When Komekko and Yunyun find themselves in trouble, Megumin sees the chance to seize her destiny and release the power within: the power of Explosion magic.  Soon the demons of the world (and her village) will feel her fury.  This is where Megumin’s legend truly begins.

The second week of the KonoSuba Megumin Prequel covered a lot of ground this week, a surprising amount actually.  I mean In know this is only supposed to be 12 episodes but wow you’d think things were wrapping up after only 6, which is both a good and not 100% bad thing.  I’m happy we still have time left to spend with Megumin’s origins but I’ve gotta say, seeing everything come together and seeing Megumin take her first major steps towards the maniac mad bomber Kazuma somehow relies on put a huge smile on my face.
 

FIF#262-Lupin the Third vs. Detective Conan (The Special)

The assassination of a prominent world leader brings her daughter and heir to Japan, where she’ll unknowingly cross paths with two iconic figures.  One is the greatest thief in the world.  The other is a genius detective trapped in the form of a child.  Normally they’d be at odds with each other but if this Princess is to survive another attempt on her life, can Lupin the Third and Detective Conan put aside their differences long enough to save the day?

 
The Gentlemen Thief and the Teen Detective stuck in the body of a child and refuses to get unstuck for whatever reason.  On paper matching these two up is pretty interesting.  Conan’s a genius investigator and Lupin is the genius thief who’s skill and wit can help him out of any situation. It’s quite the match and thanks to a short snippet I checked out at Otakon a few weeks back, I can say it might just work better than I thought, especially coming from a guy who hasn’t been super big into either of these characters or their franchises.