Inugami-San to Nekoyama-San

And so the year ends with me talking about a Yuri Anime which has captured my heart. The manga was cute, but the anime was even cuter. I was disappointed to find that each episodes were only five minutes long, but in hindsight; I think it was better this way. The short doses of romance and over the top cuteness still managed to fuel my Yuri meter.

The chemistry between some characters are so ridiculous, that it's amazing. The chemistry between the main characters and some other supporting characters was so dang good. Especially that karaoke scene between Nekoyama and Nezu was very intense. Who knew a mouse could be so intimidating? Pretty much zero character development throughout the series, which is to be expected due to the immensely short timespan. Also, I'm glad they didn't try to make it seem more than what it was and just stuck dolling out sensual/cute moments between the characters.

Now the only thing missing is the part where they KISS!

Enjoyment: 5/5

Yuri: 9/10

Sabagebu!

We all have that one anime series that, regardless of what others say, make us laugh our heads off. Sabagebu is one of those animes that just makes me laugh, even if the joke is over used, stupid or just downright ridiculous.

While there is no denying that Sabagebu! is not the first type of its genre, I feel that it has done a good job in making itself fun to watch and leaving you asking for more. Each episode contains several small stories, something which some may dislike. I don't have a problem with it personally, but overall I would still prefer the use of one story per episode or a story arc stretching over two or three episodes. Thankfully, Sabagebu! pulls off the 'short stories in one episode' thing pretty well.

The characters are downright hilarious. Even if you hate the narrator, or the weird looking platypus, you can never go wrong with the characters from the survival club. At first, I was annoyed that the characters were stereotypical cardboard cut outs such as the rich ojou sama, the otaku, and the big breasted one. But after making it past the third or fourth episode, I was hit with the realization that this is what makes the show funny.

I enjoyed the show because I realized that the show was somehow making fun of these characters. You know what will happen because you already know what the personalities are like, and what actions they would undoubtedly take, but when it happens, you will find yourself laughing along with them. I feel that Momoka is what makes the interactions between the characters enjoyable and ridiculous. Her sarcastic and selfish personality made me want to continue watching, if only for the parts where Momoka's actions leads to the group going on some ridiculous mission or taking part in her idea.

Story: There are some genuinely entertaining stories that will make you chuckle or laugh until your throat hurts. However, there is no overarching plot or visible ending. It is what it is, a fun and quirky anime that you can shut off your brain and enjoy.  7/10

Characters: Not much development for any of the characters, and some are just there for the sake of being there. On the bright side, most of them make the show much funnier, the dynamic between Urara and Momoka being one of the best for me. 7/10

OSTs: Does its job but seems boring and bland at times. Opening is pretty generic but the ending is addictive and quirky. 6.5/10 

Enjoyment: A very fun and good time filler with great jokes and enjoyable characters. I defintely get the blu-ray or rewatch it if I want something to tickle my funny bone.  8.5/10

Psycho-Pass

When i first heard of this show in 2012, I stayed far, far, far away from it. This was because I heard that the first episode consisted of a rather brutal rape scene. It was enough to turn me away, but seeing as the sequel came out this year, I thought that I'll brave this show to see exactly why Psycho-Pass was as revered as it was. I wasn't disappointed.

This show is not for the weak hearted. The anime can be very violent at times, the brutality of the killings was enough to make my stomach clench. Also, viewers should be prepared to have their hearts ripped out, stepped on and thrown into the blender because Gen Urobuchi was in charge of writing the script. The uro-BUTCHER has struck again. 

One thing i loved in Psycho Pass was the development of one of the main character's Akane Tsunemori. It wouldn't be a far cry to say that most animes have a rather weak female lead who is always is in need of saving. There have been an increase in anime series with strong female characters, however, it is still not the norm. Yes, there are some episodes where Akane gets saved by the other main character, Kogami, but usually it isn't done so overtly and Akane doesn't blindly walk into traps or suddenly lose her common sense.

It seems to me that the characters in the show are only a small part of what makes it interesting. Their world, the seemingly 'Utopian' society is also what keeps me on the edge. I got to see how their brand of law up keeps peace and at other times, fails to do so and results in dangerous homicidal murderers. The show starts off slow, introducing the characters and the world they live in and what part they play. After the fourth or fifth episode, the pace begins to pick up, and from there, you better grab on to your chairs because it is one damn fine roller coaster ride.

Plot: Slow pace at the start, many great twists in between and a ending that leaves you somewhat satisfied but still has some unanswered questions. Overall, I enjoyed it very much. 8/10

Characters: Main characters are throughly developed, and the dynamic between Kogami and Akane, Kogami and Makishima is fantastic. The supporting cast could have gotten more development however, I would have loved to see Kagari's backstory for one. 8/10

OSTs: Suspenseful and exciting at the appropriate moments. Bloody enjoyable openings ad endings. 8.5/10

Recommendation: For those looking for a intelligent thriller/action anime. Extremely violent and should be avoided if one cannot stomach things such as decapitation, rape and mind fucks among other things. Not for everyone. 2/5