Posted inFirst Impressions Natsume Yuujin-chou

Natsume Yuujin-chou San – 11

「映すもの」 (Utsusu mono)
"The Picture"

For the first time one of Natsume’s friends can truly understand his world, and that’s a pretty important moment for the series. This whole season seems to be building towards the crucial moment when Natsume tells his foster parents the Fujiwaras – the most interesting of Natsume’s human companions - about his gift, but whether that long-awaited event occurs in the last two episodes remains to be seen.

Posted inFirst Impressions Hanasaku Iroha

Hanasaku Iroha – 24

「ラスボスは四十万スイ」 (Rasubosu wa Shijima Sui)
"Last Boss -- Shijima Sui"

Even when given the opportunity to resolve all the problems in the world, I'm baffled by how Ohana didn't utilize the almost perfect chance she was given to reveal everything she had to offer to Ko. She even went as far as covering his mouth to prevent him from uttering those three simple words -- only to give up right at the last moment!

Posted inAo no Exorcist First Impressions

Ao no Exorcist – 22

「悪魔狩り」 (Akuma-Gari)
"Demon Hunt"

There’s a definite sense of irony to what’s happening on Ao no Exorcist as we enter the final stretch. After all the debate about anime-original material, it looks as if the series would have been better off diverting from the manga sooner.

Posted inFirst Impressions THE IDOLM@STER

THE IDOLM@STER – 10

「みんなで、少しでも前へ」 (Minna de, Sukoshi demo Mae e)
"Moving Forward a Little with Everyone"

How dare those Shinkan Shoujo girls make Yayoi cry! The 765 Pro girls may have been the better person about it, but I was ready to bust some idol heads by slapping a bitch. I dare say I would've enjoyed it too after Hikari (Higasayama Tsugumi) proved to be one tough customer.

Posted inFirst Impressions Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi

Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi – 10

「神隠しの同級生」 (Kamikakushi no Doukyuusei)
"Classmate Spirited Away"

In an effort to push the story forward, I think that this show is slipping back into the problem of pushing too much story into one episode. Using the Beach Arc as an example of how things can get really fun and interesting when it's broken up into pieces, I'm hoping that these last few episodes can bring some kind of closure without making it feel like a cop out.