[ANIME] Saigo ni Hitotsu dake Onegai Shite mo Yoroshii Deshouka / 最後にひとつだけお願いしてもよろしいでしょうか (2025)

Or - May I Ask for One Final Thing?

Very light, easy on the eye, humorous take on villainess who actually beats everyone's ass. The story is pretty simple, but Scarlet as FMC of this anime is really refreshing. Let me elaborate.

SHE BEATS PEOPLE.

It's not ladylike, but SHE BEATS PEOPLE.

No one knows how frustrating it is to read about some annoying characters and the main character is always like - well, I can't do anything about it or not now. Or another set of female characters who are not keen on revenge through violence. But Scarlet is a different type of girl and this story allows her to drop those shackles that bind with basic development, instead she finds joy in hitting people because they're pieces of crap who deserve it.

The plot starts with the most basic scenes ever, where a second prince and Scarlet fiance declares that he breaks the engagement, after years upon years of Scarlet trying not to send this idiot and abusive scum into space, but he also dares to accuse her of things she never did. This was the last straw that finally unleashed what Scarlet wanted for all these years - give him a good beating.

The most refreshing moment of it all is how she also smashed the mistress, Terenezza, into her pretty face.

Delicious. PEAK OF CINEMA!! I can watch this forever.

Some may find Scarlet and her beatings quite fun at the beginning and might be bored by it, since it doesn't change. But hello?! Wouldn't it be weirder if she changed her ways suddenly, fistfight is her thing after all. And also every time she describes it differently, which adds to the humor of the scene. I mean the way she can delightfully laugh, while spinning someone around by their leg is worth some laughs. At least from me.

The story is simple, Terenezza is a person who can be considered a true villainess, with a power of goddess (where people can be blessed by gods in this universe) she strives to bring chaos to this world.

There are plenty of characters and it plays like a comical reverse harem, I think that was the aim, but I have no proof. Because most of the people are ridiculous.

I have no idea if Scarlet will ever get a second season, because the manga goes beyond that, but there is one thing I'd like to see as a trend in it.

Because the moment Scarlet admitted her feelings for the Prince Julius it felt more like plot needed it, it didn't look great or organic, it was more fun to watch her refusing his advances throughout the whole anime, because that guy is shifty af. At least if the girl ever falls for someone, she can acquaint the face of the person involved with her fists (as she demonstrated).

All in all, a very entertaining and refreshing watch. It gave me hope that there will be fun animes in this genre. 

[ANIME] Tamon-kun ima docchi? / 多聞くん今どっち!? (2026)

But isn't this anime quite dark? Also, first half, I might add more after I see the whole thing.

Tamon-kun tells a story of Kinoshita Utage who one day replaces another housekeeper at her part-time, but finds herself looking after her favorite idol sitting and rotting in a corner with lowest self-esteem and temperament polar opposite from what she had seen on the screen. Even Tamon-kun himself spirals the very first meeting, because he is disappointing her with the way he truly is. But Kinoshita is a die hard fan, so these things are not what is iportant to her, so while being his housekeeper she also tries to uplift him.

This anime indeed has a lot of comedy and it's hysterical, but it's also dark as fuck.

Let's start from very positive side, animation is done beautifully, it's bold and bright and beautiful, has a lot of humorous moments that are memable.

The music is amazing, considering this story has idol group they did not cut corners on making some good songs for the anime group F/ACE, performed by seiyuus. 

And yeah, the anime is about an idol group, but mainly its' member Tamon-kun and his housekeeper Kinoshita Utage while they both navigate his mood swings and personality. May not be for everyone, but I found it enjoyable, even when I see their personas on stage and spouting most cringe phrases imaginable (about it later).

As for the rest and what I mean by it's fucking dark, although it's all sparkles and sunshine on the screen. The anime makes light of it, by making it a comedy, but I see it as pitch black at times.

1. True face of idols. Me, watching 6 episodes of this anime I see that 3 out of 5 idols of F/ACE group have completely different personalities from what they show on the screen and some are to the point of being nasty. This is the part I always consider when I look at idol groups, because why can't it exist, it certainly can. And this is kinda scary in itself. Tamon-kun maybe the tamest of them all, but it's also dark if you dig deep. He's like the representative of all the idols who lose themselves in self-doubt and lose purpose, get so depressed they actually think about.. you know. When we find out about Ouri he also has a different personality, but partially it may be the result of his upbringing, although his temperament is nasty. So idols indeed are the idea, a fever dream and not a real person. To me it was always surprising that people eat this shit up. I mean it's obviously fake and sometimes it's obviously a fan-service, but fans will gobble it up. Same was shown here, like Tamon-kun and Ouri are teamed up for a bit of queer-baiting or how they act and what they say. Tamon-kun may be working hard on what to say, but in one of the episodes he clearly wrote a script, although heartfelt words he thought a lot about, but they're still a script. Interesting combo, right.

2. Parasocial relationships. This is also the cringe to me. When Tamon calls the fans "girlfriends" and fans eat it up, not leaving crumbs. To me this is beyond cringe. I was kinda surprised when I saw such behavior in real life, but this is how parasocial relationships are built. Idols act as if they're close to their fans through words, but fans take it so seriously that it's quite scary, like some honestly believe they can become something more than just a fan. They build this strong bond based on illusion and propel the group to success with support and sales. I know it's co-dependent relationship, but still. This is perfectly shown through Kinoshita, because outside of Tamon she has no life, at least we don't see it. Her room is full of Tamon-kun's cards and posters and all types of peripherals, while she also calls him god, prays to him and calls herself an 'otaku', meaning she's the crazier type (it is shown). To her Tamon-kun came as a savior (although we don't see much, they showed one incident of broken friendship, but maybe something to do with Kinoshita's temperament as well), but what she does is so obsessive, not only collecting everything related to him, but also having notes with everything he said in all of his shows.

Although we can laugh at it, because for others such behavior is crazy or silly, but another episode that is a good example is when Utage and her two schoolmates see news about idol seeing someone and they switch a mode dancing maniacally while we hear a word 'murder' on repeat, since they are ready to harm anyone who dares to be close to their idol. Because they consider the idol "THEIRS". meaning he belongs to everyone and no one in particular, he is not allowed to have a relationship, because otherwise they can't have a fantasy relationship with their favorite idol. Look this shit up, how many idols lost fans when they disclosed their relationships, some may even break up because of fans harassment.

3. Utage and Tamon. Now.. we know so far that Utage is an openly obsessive girl. To her all Tamon is good Tamon. She tries everything in her power to help him, but she also always remembers her place and does not cross teh line.

But Tamon becomes a different story. His obsession becomes darker. Borderline dark romance tbh. He spouts phrases like he wants her to continue to be his fan only, to never leave him, to never cheat on him. He also starts switching between his personas and he does this because he knows this will influence Utage, meaning him being manipulative. Like holy shit!

Honestly, this show may be fun, before you dig deeper. It makes fun of a lot of things, but claims to be comedy and romance, yeah right, I will believe if it's dark comedy and dark romance ahahaha

[ANIME] Debu to Love to Ayamachi to! (2025)

WHY NO ONE TOLD ME THIS IS GOING TO BE SEASON 1?!!

Lol I have no idea why I was so sure they will wrap up in one sitting. It's not like the plot is so complicated.

Koda Yumeko had an accident that left her with amnesia but also change of personality. Instead of gloomy and depressive self she now truly loves and appreciates herself for who she is. It also changes her life at work, her relationship with fellow collegues and even the VP of their company.

But her accident wasn't an accident at all.

I don't care who thinks what about this anime, I find it immensely positive.

Yumeko can pull some cringe speeches, but you can't be mad at her, she is cute and so positive about life, about who she is currently is. 

The anime doesn't dance on eggshells and shows some ugly side of people, but doesn't make everyone a hater you know. People around her appreciate her personality and know her antics and treat her as a human being like themselves, instead of it being a story where every single human being melodramatically concentrates on her weight.

You can't blame the past Yumeko  for being sad, since she was bullied since she was a kid. Imagine going through that as a child who has no idea why people hate her so much, just because she is overweight. kids are the cruelest, I tell you. But the past Yumeko closed herself off completely and spiraled, not having a single decent friend who would uplift her from her quigmire.

The accident did something good for her. I know some people say - peole should love you as you are. But that's a soothing bs. Because if you have an unlikable personality, why would people like you. Others treated Yumeko as air at work, but now she is outgoing extrovert who loves herself and finds herself cute.

Would never thinkI'd say a phrase like - brain damage came in handy.

It doesn't really say outright about beauty standards, but it's the underlying theme too. She doesn't fit it, but present Yumeko does not fuss about it. She sees herself in a more positive light than most people see themselves in the mirror. That she needs a lot of food to support that awesome body, she eats what she wants, her body is beautiful, she is totally cute, her hands are soft like marshmallows etc.

Surely, the anime also plays joke or two here and there, but it's actually nice to see how Yumeko handles all those jabs at her weight etc.

Like she meets her former classmate in the conbini and after her speech he says she's fun, he wished to know her during their school days. Let's not soften our punches, Yumeko was in a bad headspace, but also deprived herself from knowing better people.

Overall it's like a good message, life won't be all stars and sunshine, life may punch you in the gut, but don't be discouraged.

As for the plotline about the investigation, well, here I noticed it's a common thing nowadays that plot doesn't progress much. I honestly thought this is not some story that needs many seasons to be over, but i was proven wrong.

The investigation does not progress much, but we as viewers have pretty good idea who did it, but I still ask myself - why? Every "crime" has a motive of sorts. In this case Yumeko, or past Yumeko should not have crossed paths with Rikako, or CEO's daughter. She's been out of the company for some time, the only link between two women is obviously VP Keisuke, but the anime did not answer the question what was the relationship between Keisuke and past Yumeko. Why would Rikako go off the rails and push the woman down.

But who knows, there might be a twist (I doubt it), I say this because Yumeko never remembered the accident and they never showed it, but Keisuke acts as if he is afrad of her remembering. But Keisuke pretty much could have been present. Imagine that.

I can understand Rikako's post partum depression, but honestly, she bound Keisuke to herself in a pretty selfish way, what now he can't have his own life, have a woman to love have a family just because he is a friend and he's her support. I mean the girl needs therapy, not cuddling.

But again, the plotline did not progress much I'd say. I can not stress enough how disappointing it was to have a second love interest suddenly appearing, it's the same as when a love rival appears in shoujo manga, usually some childhood sweetheart girl who messes things up, dislike this move. The positive side is all the good energy Yumeko spreads. Animation sometimes looked cheap though. 

Maybe I will see if the manga is completed to know what's next. But Yumeko's seiyu did such a great job, gave her such a nice character.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #26

NOVELS

CHINESE

Not much catch since I have no new stuff. I wait for the completion of 无间 by 二月竹

I already mentioned this book once. Author previously wrote Backtracking I once reviewed and liked a lot (it was about a boy who was murdered on a graduation trip, but actually survived and returned 10 years later for revenge). The new story is about investigation as well, since the main character Shen Qiao is connected to recently dead young people and the ML is investigating into it. I've been waiting for its' completion.

Next one is the very new article 人， 撸了毛得负责哦 by 挠时光, previously author wrote "Abnormal relationship" I also reviewed (about two men from prominent families who accidentally slept and realized they're compatible in bed, but they always were like enemies in life). The new story is about a young man Ou XiaoJiang who inherited a house which is claimed to be haunted, but the young man's side hustle is haunting ghosts. ML is a demon king whose lair was in this house. The synopsis has a light-hearted and humorous tone, maybe the story will be the same. After all the previous book also was like this. *new = basically only started publication on JJ.

Next very new one should be 天降老公[娱乐圈] by 沙舟踏翠

I previously reviewed this author too. Forgot the title I used, since it was obviously changed, the current title is 软饭硬吃[重生] (I think previous was connected to white rice or smth, the play on a saying since the main character was reborn and basically lived off his newly acquired husband, having a pretty fulfilling life). This new article is about main character Chen Yuxi, who is unknown celebrity, young guy who sells his music and is suddenly invited to a star-studded program, which catapults him into stardom.

No covers because they're all default and pointless.

The rest is only two that I keep by my side. Because they're spooky. Yes, I still read Welcome to Nightmare Live, I make a big pause while reading, but the story is so good it's impossible to forget what it's about. And the second has been waiting for me for some time, since it's also spooky 玄学大佬是罪仙 which I mentioned before. But again, when you're not into mood for spooky you can only let it wait. But I know that unlike other books I mentioned this one I really want to read.

US

Time for some detective stuff.

A Murder in Mayfair by Magda Alexander.

This one wasn't bad. I had my issues with it, but it's not entirely bad.

My pet peeve is how this is also written from 1st person POV, at least we have few POVs instead of just being in the FMC's head all the time. Mikaela (FMC) gets involved in the murder of her cousin's husband, since she can't let the scandal swipe the poor woman. Although I had my issues exactly with how fervent Mikaela described her own feelings, while I was thinking you have total nine kids at home, including yourself and your brother who inherited the title, but you are responsible for all of them. Are you sure? Anyway, comparing this to others this wasn't half bad. Pretty short, easy to read.

Edit: At least this was short and dynamic, the other books I saw this time around made me re-think my initial impression.

Murder at Morrington Hall by Clara McKenna

Or Stella and Lyndy Mystery, Book 1.

I admit I was brought in by the cover. It looked "different". Who knew there's quite a number of similar ones. But I digress.  This is a DNF btw.

I decided to put it down at the beginning. Maybe the mystery is worth it, but I checked reviews after being buffled by the characters and it did not improve my impression.

Stella is an American heiress from Kentucky, she is taken with her father to visit England without knowing that her father arranged her marriage to a lord. She is against it, her father is a douch who can raise his hand against his daughter.

Lyndy, or Lyndhurst did not mak the picture better, because of how he thought about Stella from the beginning, he wasn't even thinking about her. He was thinking about thoroughbred horses he will get in this deal. Like it's the most important thing. Others mentioned that he is also in the same situation as Stella, being part of the deal, no he's not. Just listen to his thoughts on horses and you won't feel like he got the shorter end of the stick. Not to mention he is a man.

When he notices Stella's beauty he also feels about her like if he won a prize - oh my future wife isn't half bad. Which is also not good.

Honestly, they are young, I'll give them that. But he especially reads as absolutely not mature young man. He still needs to wipe milk around his mouth tbh.

Also everyone around Stella is either snarky or snobbish. I mean even if the American guy comes with money. Makes me think, Americans are considered rude around the world now, but back then, they simply didn't know the etiquette "rules" of Englishmen. So how rude is that?

Anyway, Lyndy spoiled it all for me  completely, since we know he's going to be the main part. I know I didn't read much, but I just sat and thought - why should I continue then? The writing is a bit all over, Stella is the only good character, Lyndy's thoughts made me think the worst of him, all character are bad.

Honestly the beginning read as if I'm reading some melodramatic historical romance, not mystery haha

Oh the mystery is about who got poor vicar who was there to wed Stella and Lyndy. Honestly, if I were them I'd say bad luck.

The Ties that Divide by Sandra and Taylor Preisler

Or Q&Z Regency Mysteries.

'Q' stands for Quinton, he is a hired investigator and 'Z' stands for Zoe, she wants to know the truth about the death of her maid.

Zoe lives in a reconstructed family I'd call it. She and her mother escaped France, while her father couldn't make it. Around when she was 9 her mother met her current husband. They live comfrotably and Zoe from time to time has a bit of a fit, she's a young talented artist who also has a bit of identity crisis due to her origins. But she had no idea the next time she hears from her maid is that the poor young woman will be dead. Zoe feels there is something wrong here and decides to hire a help. This is the premise of it all.

Good thing it's written normally. Also the flow is nice so far, I just tried out the beginning and you know when it's "comfortable" to read. 

Edit: The review is up, it's one of those cases where I change my mind halfway through. It's hard to describe it shortly, but I was disappointed with it. A lot of it was treated as introduction to all the characters, though honestly we didn't need all of their backstory in one book. Also main characters have instant attraction to each other and the book already spoils there is some of future development about ML's birth because so far they can't be together since their standing is so different~ FMC does a lot of impulsive things for her own good. The book did not feel special.

A Whisper and a Curse by Darcy Burke

Raven and Wren, Book 3.

I know I said I might put this series for good, but I might give it another try. I don't knwo why. I already said they got to me in the last one when they continuously complemented each other how good they are etc. But in general the books moved at a very slow pace and lacked thrill.

Ngl I like the color schemes of these covers, they make the series stand out among others.

The Body in the Garden by Katharine Shellman

Lily Adler Mystery. Book 1

I can also say a word or two about this one, because I opened it and was surprised that authors wants to make their FMC sound as if she was Sherlock Holmes. Find it ironic since her last name is Adler.

Lily, our FMC, is returning to life by coming to the city. She is still grieving after the loss of her husband whom she really loved.

In the first scenes she kinda sounds a bit smug too, the way she explains how she guessed and it really sounds like Sherlock version. Everyone is impressed. It kinda put me off a bit and I decided I'll put it down and come back when I'm ready for this type of stuff.

But the mystery is about how she decides to investigate the case that is obviously buried by paying off the police, so the police won't investigate further.

Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver

Or The Seasons of Carnage. Book 1

Comes from the author of infamous Butcher & Backbird. Which I never read, but I kinda want to try this book. You know when you're intrigued by something. It's better to scratch that itch.

Well, because I never read dark romance.

Edit: Started it, it's actually fun? I'm just surprised. Although I still dislike 1st person POV. But in general this is promising.

Edit2: 41% Shit, this is fun.

Edit3: Finished, the review is posted. But in general it was fun and unhinged. I liked that it had dark humor and didn't take itself serious. The plot is nothing fancy, but at least it's wrapped up not in a bad way. Was surprised it had such a strong "to be continued" feel, since partially the story left readers with some questions. Can't say anything about the love line in this book, since it's quite unealthy, but honestly baffling is how some things are nice if we separate them from their unhealthiness.

WEBTOONS
MANHWA

On your knees, Your Highness!

This one is HYSTERICAL. At least it is drawn as a full-blown comedy, even if some undertone is a bit serious. You can read it on Webtoons for free.

It's just a walking meme. I have no idea why I like reading this type of stuff, when things have a lot of meme material. But in general it's a pretty nice story. Not very new in the concept, but the story itself is okay. Sudden arranged marriage to shield the Duke from the King / Emperor who is this irksome old dude and can't let go, so instead of doing some serious stuff he spends it on schemes against the Duke. But I really like the FMC, she is strong and collected and does not have some fits, it's satisfying seeing her going into dark and oppressive mode where she unleashes at others. Even the Duke is on the receiving end of it all at times.

It's based on a novel, but I find manhwa works better for me. Still manhwa is ongoing of course.

The only funny thing is those 3D models they use, like her tiara that looks like it's for kids because of its' small size, I have no idea why sometimes they don't do more even with things that exist. I can understand it saves time and it's efficient, but have you seen those hilarious horses they always use? Or how all jewelery looks 2D flat. Everything is just either a pre-set pattern or 3D model that already existed. Even some art I've seen several times. I don't mention the decorative stuff like flowers etc. it's all from the obviously same pack, only the art style and the manner of decorating pannels makes things different.

OTHER MENTIONS: 

- I Never Abandoned the Tyrant (holy shit this is the weak type of FMC) The story is nothing spectacular, but honestly FMC stroke me as this weak poor fragile entity that is afraid of anything. Skipping on it.

- Enemies meet at the engagement ceremony. Interesting premise where characters do have a reason to hate on each other. At least doesn't treat enemies-to-lovers trope as some promotion stunt. Also the art is pretty and very vivid in bold colors.

- Stepmother's Märchen. What is it with characters drawn with their hair let down when other don't do it. I feel like every time it's a European ambience etc. but FMCs always let their hair down. It looks weird because others do not do the same thing. But I digress. Anyway, pretty decent and emotional story about FMC's rebirth and different choices made. At least it has some stakes and you see it unfold.

- Mary Psycho, or Her Merry Obsession I think that's the title. Pretty crazy story, which led me to consider others, which depicts an FMC who figures while she was blinded with medicine, she has no idea who was the man she considered her husband and why he did what he did. She goes on fully throwing her good wife persona and her screws get loose, so she was never completely healthy mentally and her goal is to find the man who pretended to be her husband.

- It's my first time being loved. Omg this is kinda heartwarming. I did not read much, but it was lovely and the art as well. Story about a girl who was reborn a 100 times and every life she must have sacrificed herself and never had a decent life. But now she has a loving family. FMC is still a baby when the story begins, so her expressions are priceless.

Edit: I needed to mention this because I haven't seen such a moronic FMC in a while

- Marchioness Maron, or Marquis Moron I'd say. FMC is a transmigrator and the OG girl really did some horrible things for three men, but they ditched her at the first sign of trouble. Now she is thrown into the contaminated area (actually they literally wanted to kill her first, but she survived), but then starts the moronic acts on her side. She is OP since she can survive and absorb and manipulate miasma, which is a big deal. But she wants to spend her time in seclusion, valid. But later when she appears here and there it's annoying how she wants to push the protag heroine to become a saintess, even if it's half-empty title. It's one thing to inform the heroine, but you put into her head that she's the protagonist of this world and one must love her and later when she appears to be doing good among people of her secluded place she starts to mop around as if she was replaced.. It's all over the place. Also a lot of details that are not good. You can get that maybe the original idea wasn't that bad, but the execution is simply bad. 

DRAMA

Agatha Chritie's SEVEN DIALS

Adaptation? I want to watch it since I love all the mystery stuff. But it's Netflix.... says it all. It can end up being simply bad / boring. But I want to give it a try regardless. After all it's a mini-series and has some good actors in it.

ANIME

Ooh~ I have a lot more things I want to check out compared to previous years combined. This Winter season basically only started with just few episodes out. So it's more like "I'm checking these out" if it's not a series I watched previously and am simply continuing like

Sousou no Frieren. Season 2.

Excuse me, but favorite anime. Fell in love with it. It has such an interesting atmosphere about it.

Edit: GLORIOUS!! Fuck, I love this anime. It's still the best, such a delight to return to this world.

Jujutsu Kaisen Shimetsu Kaiyu Zenpen (which season is this again)

Well, I'm watching anyway. I don't know how it happened that I was impressed by season 1 and when it came to Shibuya incident it was okay, still had wow moments, but in general felt shallow? Certainly things will change once again due to the plot. But I know for sure that I'll wait before binging.

Jigokuraku

Want to try it out. I think I saw some opening sequence? I have a feeling I did and was impressed. You know Tumblr is always ready to present you few gifs that will tickle your interest

Edit: I surely saw the OP theme from this one. It's really beautifully done. I saw the 1st episode and figured the overall tone of this anime and where it's going, thus decided to put it away for a bit and return when I'm into it, since it looked pretty good. I'm just into very light-hearted things right now.

Seihantai na Kimi to Boku

Unlikely choice, watched some introduction into the story on YT shorts, will try it out and see if it's good. Because YT shorts can just use all the best parts and sell it to me, but it might end up not being a good anime. How is it that in every anime the male character is a nerdy boy that looks like everyone else ahaha

Edit: Watched Ep.1 IT'S FFUCKING CUTE

Edit 2: Watched a bit more and it's still frigging cute, they are adorable, it's such a nice anime and campus love story done right. If it was a book, I would certainly skip it since I find the genre boring, if it was manga or anime I'd see it first to decide if it's up my alley or not. Polar opposites proved to be very positive and lovely.

Suzuki is a creature, I agree. This is so cute.

Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki

Choice was simple, I think I also saw the introduction, but also have you seen the poster? It kinda hooked me up. Like what is going on, right? My boy, are you flirting, are you trying to start something? I want to know.

Edit: ME TOO GIRL, ME TOO. The way girls oggled her on the train. But it went the way it's predictable, no one sees her as a female anymore outside MMC who finds her really beautiful.

Edit2: I watched up to latest 4th episode and yeah I was right about more serious tone, I mean if you compare to Seihantai. It's more girlhood, first feelings, exploration. A guy who dated before but doesn't know what love is is the same shocked by his feelings when it comes to Yoi-chan, while Yoi-chan who never dated or even been treated as a girl explores her feelings for the first person who saw her for who she was - a girl.

The only thing I was like - no~ is how 4th episodes introduces another potential guy who may become a new love interest and he is also Ouji, that's a name, which also means Prince... why this drawing style seems so familiar, I feel like I need to dig into who drew the manga, I feel like they had previous works and they might have been animated too.

Gorrgeeee

Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai

We're supporting BL in this house, will check this out as well. More and more BL works started to appear and they are openly BL and BL can also be good and compelling.

Like what is this, why is there some nerdy glasses and a dashing looking black cloak that look good together, stop it. I hope it's a real anime, otherwise I'll be pissed. You know how sometimes they put a full-blown anime poster but the story is basically animated cutouts or something of that sort.

Edit: It's the first episode day, where I watch every anime I chose. So far so good, all coice prove to be cute. Creation from the DEEN studio, studio that was never afraid to make BL anime even before the fangirls were gushing over Yuri on Ice, I just remember how everyone thought it changed history etc.. I mean, other animes appeared and influenced the sphere even before that, it was a process and YoI was just a part of it imo.

Anyway, an office worker sees a girl being sucked into some weird magic circle and tried to help, so both of them ended up being transported into another world. The girl is treated as Holy Maiden and he.. asked to work. He works as an accountant who also assessed the situation with ore logic than the girl. I mean yeah they asked her to be the maiden and she's the naive little girl said yes, but the dude is more experienced asking all the right question - how do you know they say the truth? Was not appreciated lol. But I'd like to see where it goes, if there will be stakes or it will be more tame.

Edit2: Honestly seeing it up to ep5 I was not expecting it will go by simple route of - we have to be intimate for you to survive, in other words forced proximity. Seiichiro is honestly working his ass off for this kingdom, his more modern view actually has benefits. It has some really dumb cliche moments which was surprising. I saw that manga had a bit of chibi moments to make it cuter, anime does it but rarely. Honestly, the development is a bit flat. Although I bet many will say stuff liek this is cute. Animation is also crude at times, but I never expected much.

Last but not least, actually it's not last, I have another three I want to see but I'm not going to include them so far.

HANA KIMI ANIME WTF

lol I saw the manga years ago, somewhere I might even have exclusive wallpapers the author posted on her web page. Later I watched the drama. But anime version? How many years ago this was published? It was one of the first mangas where a girl dressed as a boy in manga. Which started the whole gender bender thing. Also I wonder if they will make sensei gay or they will play it safe like in drama (they changed the photographer's gender to female in the drama, while the manga was so gay~). So I'm watching, even if I saw this story several times already.

Makes me remember that it got adopted and other countries get their own version and basically there were one or two other popular dramas that had the same vibe of gender-bender and girl pretending to be a boy.

Right now it looks quite silly, let's admit it, that no one noticed the girl was there, otherwise she needs to be an androginous icon.

[SHORT REVIEWS] #25 EXPANDED

I was thinking why not add other things I watch or would like to recommend in short reviews outside of books, reviews are for everything after all.

Point is, I was watching more these days than reading... Though reading webtoons is also reading, just a different type? But also the dramas~

NOVELS

KOREAN

Gilded Princess

Excuse me, wy this has low rating on NU?

First of all, the synopsis to this novel is shit, I was confused before I read it. And the story felt good. The prose is more thought through, the character has more depth and different choices to make.

The basic idea is, FMC is saved from kidnapping only to be betrayed by someone close to her, only then she realized that her thoughts of a normal life might be futile and only status and money will allow her to be protected, so she agrees to her families arranged marriage (MMC is not someone she is supposed to marry due this arrangement).

SPOILERS

She later finds out that her future husband has violent tendencies and her own family won't care about her well-being since they desperately wish to connect to nobility.

She grew up to be a perfect lady, not of her own free will, she was trained a bred to be the most graceful and beautiful vase her mother could think off. She always was against it inside before she gave up, but the violent future husband is not something she wanted for herself. In desperation she wants to escape only having nowhere to go and being chased and searched everywhere. The only person who came to mind was MMC, he once saved her, but he is someone who so far was on the opposite side of her because he wants to ruin the family she wanted to marry.

I think the story so far was quite good, it shows changes that take place with our choices and mindset etc.

My Arrogant and Insolent Shadow

Once again I dislike the summaries of Korean novels, they're confusing, can't you make it sound normal like what to expect? Sure, part of the summary is true, but a big chunk of premise is missing. She is a commoner girl, true, she lives in this small town, also true, she is hired (she needs money for her mom's medicine) to take care of some young master of unknown identity but noblest birth, very true, but he is also said to be living his last days in this small town, which made him so insufferable. She is the only one who could handle his temper and he was interested in this girl's attitude. So he asked her to return and serve him.

I though it sounded weird, but when I started reading I was again baffled by the difference of what I see in the summary and the novel itself. I don't know, I don't think my comprehensive skills are bad, it's just confusing information the way they write. So I was intrigued to keep on going, will continue to read. I admit I only started with few chapters and decided to leave it for later, since I was in the "let's clean bookmarks" stage.

WEBTOONS

MANHUA

Love by Mistake

(错撩)

(or manhua that has too many alternate titles, like The Wrong Flirt, Only for love, Accidental love)

Based on a novel from JJ and I never read it, but the premise of it is not new but the execution of manhua is EXCELLENT. The art is overwhelmingly gorgeous and fun.

The plot follows Zheng Shuyi (I like her og name, I know the Eng tl named her completely different) who was broke up with her boyfriend because of his cheating, he wanted to achieve quick success with the "right girl", while Shuyi noticed the presence of a RR Phantom in the scenario she thought of getting to know the infamous "uncle" of this little mistress girl, just to become an aunt and let her ex call her auntie, but who knew that she got the wrong person.

I had the same feelings when I was reading this as the previously reviewed manhua about two actors having a secret marriage. It did not click with me when it came to the book, but the visuals helped it become cuter, especially the FMC. I did not read the novel of this one, but saw some unfavorable reviews, while I think the manhua smoothes out the points brought up in those reviews. 

Edit: I read up to existing chapters and I must say, some of the drawing style choices are choices. Although the story is super cliche. If it was a novel I wouldn't read much of it.

MANHWA

You think it's easy rewriting the story?

(원작은 아무나 비트나)

This is hysterical!! so far. FL is simply a ball of joy, because she is so fun and expressive. Love her antics. She is so suss. Even if she looks like a villainous heroine who is using her beauty for gain.. she actually does use it ahaha What a menace. Reading at least one good among others that are okay is already enough. Also I love the main characters a lot. They are the perfect example of opposite visual and character. The FL looks like an angel, but she is cunning and also likes to tease the ML. One the other hand ML looks a bit intimidating, but he can get shy because of how bold FL is.

I think the story perfectly combines story and art aspect to make the story engaging and entertaining.

The plot of the story is how FL who was in a modern world and also had some not so ordinary life transmigrates into a book and at first wants to escape her fate and does not want marry the duke (ML, who is a villain in the story). Although she knows his backstory and the reason for the revenge, she is still not truly connected to him. While ML's story is fuller than what we see, especially when he explain it himself what pushes him forward. Later on he meets FL, who is definitely not what he expected and his opinion of her starts to change. He is not someone without reason, so we can see why he changes. I think they fit each other pretty well and thus the story might change because of her influence, which she thinks she doesn't have.

I find it very entertaining and would continue. I saw that it only has Season 1 so far (;_; )

ALSO, how many MLs have black hair and red eyes lol!!

I became the Tyrant's Chambermaid

(폭군의 침방 시녀가 되었다)

How very convenient that a hotel employee transmigrates to become a chambermaid of a tyrant, an unloved prince who will become Emperor in the story. Honestly, the tone of it is quite gruesome, but what makes it better is the reaction of FL to things, more like her inner voice. ML has quite a character so as the FL said it's a dark fantasy romance etc. It does not follow the fully angst way, which I'm thankful for. But ML's character is quite heavy.

In a way it's the same as those stories about a secretary to unhinged boss, we saw plenty of those. Thus she has to survive with everyone eyeing her.

Also I chose this cover, because I like it more.

The Crow's Prince

(하필이면 까마귀가 되어버렸다)

I think you can make the crow girl into a meme and an emoji pack, the way she reacts is priceless. I heard it's based on the novel and the novel has more serious tone? But honestly how do we know? Don't authors take at least some part in the process and give an okay? Otherwise who would adapt it this way.

Anyway, a zookeeper, which is rare for stories, travels to the game world and stumbles upon a prince who is destined to become the future Emperor, or so we think. He is her best choice to follow if she wants to find a way to return home. They develop a close relationship during the time they stayed inside the woods while she helped him to recover, so he took her back to the castle.

Here we find that there is another contender for the throne who was always against others. I thought they were half-brothers, but no, they're blood brothers and this guy acted as if it's a sure thing to get the throne. Only because they were the wolves and those who awakened their powers and could transform could become the future ruler. The younger brother was aided by a dark magician and their scheme was eventually revealed. But it's only the beginning.

I think the story might get a turn to be more serious from here, but who knows, the FMC who could later transform into human called Rainelle is the one who makes the day. I have no idea if they ever get any troubles, ther relationship can be called solid and they care for each other so much. I suppose all the trouble will be external, after all we did not really entered the plot at the point where I'm currently reading.

Update: it's fine, good it's short.

Mother's Contract Marriage

(엄마가 계약결혼 했다)

I was wondering what type of story it will be. But I can't say much, by far it's quite sweet and cute.

Saw it in YT shorts. Forgot for what reason I decided to check it out. I'm sure it's something about her mother and the current Emperor.

The basic premise follows a girl Lylica, she and her mother lived in slums, before one day her mother acted differently (her mother obviously regressed), later her mother entered a contract marriage with the Emperor and Lylica came along. Her pure heart truly started changing people around her, because she always thought the best of people, had faith in them (unless they were truly despicable and her instinct told her so) and also was not marred by the palace intrigue.

The background plot reveals the struggle between the Emperor and aristocrats. The Emperors of this country are the saviors in the history, they led the people to survive, descendant are said to have the dragon blood (yeah, even in Western fantasy it's all about dragons~), so this is why they inherit the throne, while aristocrats want to join the Imperial family by marriage to take control of power. Both the current Emperor and his heir (nephew) both have mothers of common origin.

Sometimes reading about someone so innocent and nice is pretty healing and Lylica is that type f character. The story like many others here not only involve European ambience, romance, but also fantasy elements.

Shards of a Broken Glass Slipper

It looks gorgeous and very distinctive. The picture is quite heavy-loaded with bold colours and imagery. Also the style of storytelling feels a bit dramatic and theatrical.

The plotline is based on the Cinderella plot, where the sister is always hated, but the female protag is like the most precious girl in the world, although her actions are always the same, as they say fake white lotus.

The pacing to me feels a bit slow, but that's all because the beginning has a lot of flashbacks to how contrasting FL's reality is to the story.

Must say that I was intrigued by the first scene, since FL offs herself in front of female protag. All because she wants her perfect life to ne marred with the scene of her gruesome death in front of female protag.

Later FL describes how with her lack of knowledge the servants of the household mistreated her and made her look like a fool, always trying to compare the female protag and herself. Which led to FL's twisted personality. Now she tries to get back things to those who wronged her. Her past life is really heavy I'd say. Female protag is always doing things in the same way, if she can't say smth back she cries, thus the crying baby gets the candy. And also makes FL look bad.

The beginning had a great build-up, but tbh the scene where they play cards bored me, since it took so long and overexplained every detail, which I think if we never play this type of game ever again it did not matter. But if we do, I'm pretty sure the rules will be explained again, because ppl can't remember much.

Author of my own Destiny

(내 남자 주인공의 아내가 되었다)

COMPLETED. This is the only one I finished from the list of mentioned. I'm not sure if I need to give it a separate review, I might do that.

The plot follows the author of her own story who enters the plot and become the villainess Fiona Green. She cared a lot for the characters she created and felt immense guilt that few strokes of her writing decided someone fate to be tragic. Burdened by it she treated the ML of her story with care and love, though she still felt a bit detached since she never considered to be the target of his future affection. Later on she befriended female protagonist and another woman who is a villainess of her story (yay girl power). Together they face the advercity that happened because of her own plot choices.

Her story became conscious and the villainess who became the final boss assimilated with what is called Darkness in this world, entity that can bring ruin to this world.

Although she is the author of her story, but it's not under her control. What happens to characters is not up to her. She fights her own guilt and tries to save this world. And save her characters.

It's an interesting take. The FL is actually quite dimensional, since shows so many sides of herself.

I also love the found family trope among the others. Also female friendship, I found it's a pity there wasn't enough of it.

FL is a true protag of this story, it is very FL-oriented. A great point is also there is no-nonsense points in the story, since a lot of "conflicts" were solved through COMMUNICATION and no stone was left unturned. They did not drag it for forever, they solved it right away and thus the relationship had such a great foundation. It's just other stories love to have these miscommunication tropes so much it's infuriating.

All in all it was a nice story.

PS: It has an alter. title, I became the wife of the male lead, which I think is not really fitting, Author of my own destiny was even used in narration. But becoming a wife... can be considered as a final outcome, since it happened in the very end lol.

DRAMA

Moonlit Reunion

(子夜归)

THEY HAVE A CAT. Also chose tis poster since it's less messy, it may not have all the characters, but I love the idea how simple it is.

It is a fine watch, was attracted to FL's character and actress, since she looks like a doll, so pretty. Tian Xi Wei, my new baby to follow❤

In the way I can describe it as short as possible the story follows (so far) the dealings with demons among humans, And all those cases are handled by a human master who hides among people and a demon cat girl, who judges those who did something wrong among humans and is a part of the Demon Market.

I watched a video with her with edits from how FL acted domineeringly and those are some humorous shots that caught my attention. In general she hides the fact that she's a demon, but she gets attracted to the human cultivator/master guy, the same story is from his side. He falls for her as a girl and yet to find out that she's a demon. But when it comes to dealing with raging demons they have no idea that they're basically on the same side.

It can be found on YT, yeah you can watch it officially and with Eng subs.

New Life Begins

(卿卿日常)

I suppose it will be a group portrait type of drama with extensive cast, judging by the poster. Found it randomly on YT, most likely was recommended because of Moonlit Reunion, since it has the same actress for FL. The premise of this story is interesting, since brides from all regions that are very distinct come to the palace to become wives of Princes. FL is from a place that is into farming, so she's all about food. She wanted to get kicked out early, but caught attention of a sickly prince and eventually married him.

To me the actor who plays the male lead doesn't have what I'd call "the face of the male lead", he also looks younger than the girl. My own perception.

But the story is light and should be easy-going. I know I have no idea what I'm talking about I watched like ep 1 and that's it. But I was attracted to the atmosphere and will see where it'll take me.

Melody of the Golden Age

(长乐曲)

Reason - because the male lead is played by the actor who played Mu Sheng in Love in Eastern Fantasy, Ding Yu Xi, this is what I call the face of the male lead, those gorgeous eyebrows, even if they're drawn. But the ancient clothes fit him so well. The story, or his character in particular feel a bit darker~

FL did not leave a good impression on me in the first episode, I have no idea why, I hope it reverses later. She is the daughter of a concubine who was trained and has extensive invastigative skills. She served in the Ministry of Justice. Although it's cool that she achieved that, but of course it's like another mysoginistic environment. 

Then the marriage bestowed on her family falls on her shoulders since her sister wants to escape this amrriage. She has no idea that ML is not so indifferent to her. They have a past~ 

ANIME

Debu to Love to Ayamachi to!

(デブとラブと過ちと!)

This is so good so far, I watched half of it and waited for it to be released in full before finishing. The FMC is such a ball of light and confidence, she honestly gave me such a good feeling.

The story folows our FMC who got into an accident and got amnesia, she forgot all her bad days and her character made a reverse, she became full of life and confidence and she didn't care a bit that she had weight. Honestly, I think this anime has such a great message on things like not fitting the image, being teased and bullied and how to handle it. How to love yourself and be confident. I really liked this type of positive FMC.

Spy x Family (Season 3)

I finished the season...Release me from this. I don't want to continue watching, but what do I do with Anya. The story struggles to progress anywhere before few last episodes. Only half of this season had any meaning, the rest of it is water that keeps on repeating itself.

It's one and the same situation over and over again like there will never be any progress at all. The characters do not change as well. I can handle Anya, since her character is more fun even if she is an empty head. Loid is a good person, but Yor started to get on my nerves. An adult woman who can't change her ways and acts like a dumbass all the time. I should find it funny, I don't.

Anyway what I'd like to say is that the ways this anime is shown starts to get old. It's the same thing over and over again. Whenever the chance to become better is presented any exciting chain of events that might lead anywhere is cut short and we repeat the process.

Do modern people not see or don't care for this type of storytelling which is not great.

Honestly, all my hopes were up for the final episodes, but it was the same old shit. Also it really got on my nerves. First Loid who escaped decided it's a great idea to throw away the pipe which was his only weapon during the chase. Later Fiona again has a lovestruck girl moment, while she chases someone, I mean.. time and place? Author never follows, it should be funny, not to me, she is portrayed as this competent idiot. It's good that men are also idiots, otherwise I'd think this show is sexist.. IT IS towards EVERYONE. It's cool that Fiona's feelings allow her to uncover her potential, but later with legs and arms broken she still thinks how to plot and become Loid's wife... You know what they say about jokes that are repeated for a hundredth time? Yeah, rotten.

❧

Arrow of Fortune by Jacquelyn Benson

Third book in the Raiders of the Arcana series. I really need to get my s* together and read it, since it already came out. Maybe the difference is that I was actually waiting for this one unlike previous two that I found and they were already available. Same with other books, they came out long ago, but I still keep them unread... I would like an answer to this.

Some mentions, since these are future releases:

All Hail Chaos release date was moved to May. Will I see book two?

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer, never read her but traveling to books is our vibe here, I want a western take on it (unless you know, it's going to be "inspired").

Murder by Moonrise is the final in the trilogy, I hope to see how Patrice McDonough will finish her wonderful story.

A Wretched Folly by Lynn Messina. Beatrice will get 14th bok in the series. I've finished 7. I slowed down to enjoy it. BUT OH GOD IT INCLUDED PINEAPPLE. You really need to know the lore of these book to know why it matters ahahaha This author really uses things that appear prior to use them later, so ingenious.

[ANIME] DAN DA DAN - ダンダダン (Season 1, 2)

This was whacky, camp, ridiculous and fun. It was the best. I haven't enjoyed anime this much in a very long time.

My first thought when watching was - what was author smoking? Or my imagination is just not enough to realize where all this craziness and boldness comes from.

The story begins with quite random acquaintance between Ayase Momo and Takakura Ken, whom she (and all of us) later calls Okarun, while she does not believe in UFO he in turn does not believe in ghosts and they challenge each other and what a coincidence both meet UFO and supernatural the same evening in chosen spots for each other. She awakens her superpowers and he is posessed by an evil spirit. What a development (if you don't read any summary it comes as a crazy surprise). And that's just like a basic overview of things that happened, because it has so much more.

I mean, the type of unexpected reactions, turns etc. this anime takes is kinda insane to me. I never knew what to expect from it, I just sat to enjoy the experience. It is fun to watch how it goes wild in all sorts of directions. It's not serious at all, but it manages to have some really good moments and Momo with Okarun don't have the usual romantic development , but they manage to have one of the best on-screen chemistry and romance I've seen in a while. They even have all the tropes others have, but they manage to make it work.

Truly iconic.

The animation style was fantastic, it's bold bright and fun. The plot is ridiculous, but funnily it had touching moments and was relatable in many ways. 

Oh yeah, few words about music. I say and will repeat that I find the most of anime music (OPs and EDs) quite generic nowadays, but I have no idea how they worked it out with performers, but 'Dan da Dan' was somehow included in the lyrics and made as a great point in both OPs. Not to mention the songs were good overall. And the exorcism one, damn.

Note: One topic that surprised me was SA. It's not truly a direct one that was discussed, but it was implied I think, I saw many discussed it.

Spoilers but the scene with aliens who look like office workers remind you of sexual harassment that is often present at work. Even before that or during the school days Momo's first scene is her break-up with bf who surely objectifies her, not to mention he portrays all the toxic traits in one go, only seeing her value in her body, beats her up when she does not agree. Other boys who heard the rumor created by Aira believe it quite easily and the rumor spread far and wide that Momo would sleep with anyone and what would guys want to do? Of course they would one a bit of that. The other scene with hot springs is kinda disturbing also. I don't have the statistics, but again assaulted by some middle-aged dudes, are we surprised. But I think it indeed serves another purpose too, showcasing that the entire Kito family is the local snake and is up to no good. 

Momo's ideal type is Ken Takakura, funnily he is the silent, strong type and she gets Ken Takakura, who is also silent yet strong in a way, but just looks like a nerd.

I will be waiting for new season to come, because it really clicked with me and I enjoyed it a lot. I'll be honest nothing is as easy as putting down an anime these days for me, I had a longest pause in watching any, now they all look the same, nothing touches my heart and everything feels cliche. Sometimes I feel like I'm simply old, but DanDaDan made me remember what it feels like to enjoy anime once again.

RATE: 10/10.

[ANIME] SPY x FAMILY (Season 1, Part 1,2) (2022)

This was wholesome. I mean the topic and settings aren't funny at all, you can draw the parallels. But SxF managed to kind of balance the comedy part and not dig too deep into the true drama of the subject.

It has such a great exploration of the "found family" trope. Where the two people (because Anya is the happiest to have a home) become part of this family for a goal. Just watch them gaslight each other when things are weird for sure, but they let it slide like it's nto big deal. They even constantly mentioned that this family is a sham family. And yet they still follow heart more than cold logic. Basically the entire main cast lives with secrets they must protect, except for Anya.. no wait, she does protect her secret as a telepath. But compared to others it's nothing.

But I was surprised how heartfelt and wholesome it was.

The only thing is it gets a bit old with time. We have a main goal of getting Anya in this prestigious school because only in this way we can organically contact a certain person, but all the side quests are basically have the same pattern of being quite ridiculous and then we somehow make it work.

Anya mainly saves the day to me, because she is a kid with a great storyline a lot of time spent on her and her antics. She is the unexpected element in this one. Also the fact that animation is quite cute and her seiyuu does a fabulous job helps a lot.