Spring 2024 - First Look

 [Second Surprise 😉] New Season, new Anime. Let's take a dive in Spring 2024!

In Spring 2024 we will focus on these shows:

As you can see, Spring 2024 is PACKED!! That's why this season, we're doing this a little bit differently...

Given that college is keeping me busy as it is, and staying caught up with seasonals can get hard... not to mention the number of shows I want to give a try this season, I won't do a weekly update. INSTEAD I will post three or four times - once now, for the first look, then In a Nutshell post, and then Conclusion.

What does that mean? 

First Look is focused on the first episode - I'll talk about the impression the series left me with, tell you how I feel about them, and name the best and the worst episode.

In a Nutshell will be focused on the whole series. Instead of making an update each week, I'll put it in one singular post, talking only about the more important episodes, adding screenshots and maybe ranking the episodes.

And then Last Episodes post will focus on my overall feeling, entertainment value and strong/weak points of the shows.

And finally, Conclusion will be the same as during Winter 2024 seasonals - ranking all the series, giving them scores, reviewing them, naming the best/worst of the season!

It's a change for me, a little experiment. But I am hoping it will work out just fine!

With this long intro, let's see what we're dealing with this season!

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 One Room, Hi Atari Futsuu, Tenshi Tsuki. 
(Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included)

Getting a head start with two seasonals still airing, One Room is the first anime of Spring 2024, the first anime from this season I ever added to my planning list.

From the look of it, it seemed like we are in for a CGDCT treat!

But the first episode is nothing like that - it's not CGDCT but a harem.

Shintaro - male MC is your usual bashful boy, a high schooler that has a part time job and lives alone.

Towa - the angel girl MC that is visiting Earth for the first time ever, and is way too clueless.

Together, they will be one heck of a pair, giving us the first love sweetness... I hope.

I didn't care for the fanservice, the ecchi moments. I was kind of excited to just have a relaxing story.

First impression: Average Slice of Life anime with erotic moments to keep it interesting and balance out the boring moments. Nothing great, but nothing awful.

Screenshots:

    

Look at those huge eyes

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Shuumatsu Train Doko e Iku? (Train to the End of the World)

I am utterly confused.

When I read the synopsis, I thought it would be interesting slice of life anime about girls and trains.

What I got was crazy, bizarre grainy animation with talking animals who... are actually humans turned by 7G?? None of the characters spoke to me so far, which hopefully changes because that would be a huge problem in the long run. 😂

But the premise stays interesting and the "30 stops left until Ikebukuro" left me with high hopes. 

It does look like it will be not only a good survival anime, but it might get interesting with backstories - I get the 'tragedy between friends' vibe from this. 

Visually, it's great. Animation-wise nothing extra, character design is simple and the characters are kind of generic for me, we do get a doggo companion and voice acting seems to be okay. It might be pretty solid.

Screenshots:

    

[Animals talking, seems normal.]

    

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Hananoi-kun to Koi no Yamai (A Condition Called Love)

I am not feeling this one.

I am usually a fan of romance animes because "aww" and "oooh" - but this one is not doing it for me. While I love the main girl MC Hotaru (and her eyebrows) [especially her eyebrows], the main guy Hananoi... I have a bad feeling about him.

Maybe he reminds me of Miyamura (Horimiya) [so it's like a copy], maybe his introduction left a bad impression, maybe it's because he isn't his own person but does everything for Hotaru to the point of forgetting about what he wants and likes... On top of unlikable main character there is also the unnecessary use of bad CGI.

The voice actors are great! (So I won't just shit on this...)

As for the story presented, it wasn't bad. If this is how the story will be, I might not like it - but if things will change and it turns out those characters are deeper than a girl that "doesn't understand romance" meets boy who "does everything to find his soulmate", I am sure it will be nice.

Not yet thought. Not yet...

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WIND BREAKER

Sold from the first second.

At first I felt bad for Haruka but the first thing he thought ("I love the strong. I hate the weak.") made him hate him a little too. 😂 I know I know, I'm judging too quick.

Love his character design, you can never go wrong with black & white hair and heterochromia.

The opening is a banger, the ending is a banger, and from it I feel like this will be the good Bucchigiri?!. Or at least I wish!!

...oh no he is a tsundere, kill me now 😂 

I love Kotoha, thought. She is my kind of woman. So fun and just the right level of a tease!

Though some might be worried this show is under the wings of CloverWorks, I think they are doing AMAZING job with the animation. And the soundtrack / OST is great too!

This is definitely the IT of the season!

The story of a boy who doesn't want to be alone... yup. Sign me up.

Screenshots:

    

    

[This woman has my heart]

    

[Look at how pretty this boy is!]

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Henjin no Salad Bowl (A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics)

Livia best girl?? She's so adorable and almost seems like an airhead. Love her.

I don't think I watched an anime with a bad op/ed yet. Such good choices!

The anime looks like if you take a picture with those "anime filter" apps o your phone sometimes.. and when they were introducing the characters, they had this "game dialogue" box around them - which I appreciate for some reason.

The first episode as a whole did not sell me, but as it gave us nothing I will keep watching to decide whether is worth my time or not!

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Girls Band Cry

I am having a hard time watching this, but I am going to change myself. It's too late for a New Year's resolution, but I am going to get used to CGI and not let me stop it from enjoying a good story.

I wanted to watch this badly because I love how the story sounds. Even though the "animation" is killing me, it is very interesting and I am going to push through. I simply have to.

To prove myself a point. Any point.

The character design is beautiful for everyone, even the background characters.

It is a bit weird how Momoka took Nina in right away, but I guess they are 'spirited souls'. Like in other shows we're covering here.

Music, soundtrack, OST however you want to call it... it's genius. I love just listening to this anime. The voice acting is really great too.

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The Fable

The premise sounds extremely good, and like my cup of tea. It reminds me of Gokushufudou or Kyuujitsu no Warumono-san. In both good and bad ways. These anime tend to have a really good story, or at least interesting plot... but an awful animation/they're made like PowerPoint presentation.

While there is nothing wrong with that per se, I am picky about those things. (I can't read manga that is not clean, I just get distracted and can't focus. Just like I can't watch full CGI shows because I want to throw up.) Of course I know that means missing out on stuff, but at the same time, there are other stories that are made the way I like them!

The Fable seems to have a good animation, it's the art style that had me confused for a bit. But I think this will be a good show to relax to - but don't expect much.

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Yoru no Kurage wa Oyogenai (Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night)

The visuals are OUT OF THIS WORLD, this anime look incredibly. It's seriously sooo pretty!

This show is definitely set in 21th century - the two sisters are talking about wanting to go viral and how being an influencer pays off more than going to school. (Which is sad, if you think about it, no?)

I don't think there is a reason for the boob shot from above, it doesn't add to the story nor it's a good fanservice.

I love the name, I love the jellyfish symbolism. I think it speaks volumes even in the first episode and I hope it will stay a huge part of the story.

These unlikely friendships are what is important in life and I wish I could experience a fateful meeting like this again. You never know it's happening until after it's over.

"This character is a part of my identity to express who I really am."

God this anime is powerful. 😂 I can't wait to see what's it about!

Cute little detail: the author of this story uses nickname JELEE.

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Sentai Daishikkaku (GO! GO! Loser Ranger!)

I don't know if this is like Power Rangers, because I never saw that show. Of course, tit does seem like they are similar in story, or characters.

The animation is crispy as hell, I am loving it a lot. Thought of course, I can't omit my usual comment - I wish they didn't use CGI.

She is so pretty! I hope we'll see more of her!

The bad guy... toransformed into a car...?! What the hell is this??

And don't even get me started on the cliché of a kid yelling the hero's name which gives them even more strength to defeat the immortal bad guys....

I admit, I have no freaking idea what's happening in this show. I do find it funny, but... ehm.. what? 😂

What I gathered is that the bad guys are letting their asses kicked by heroes for the shoes, but one of them gets tired of that and wants to stand up to the Dragon Fighters... or Keepers... something.

And again (!!) there is a kid rooting for the monster, and that gives him strength to fight against the fake Power Rangers.

I... expected  bit more from the first episode, but then again, this was different than what I thought it would be. I am excited for what this is going to be.

(No surprise on my side that Fighter D is the guy that got recruited.) Very decent start!

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Jii-san Baa-san Wakagaeru (Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again)

We all knew this will be a banger. And it is, from the first minute it's just perfect.
While I do think the Grandpa is handsome, I am in love with Grandma, she is so hot. (Is that wrong to say??)

I love her smile. 😂 And she reminds me of Tejina-senpai a lot!

Mino - their granddaughter, is acting a bit too weird around her grandpa, but I am used to it already. And their daughter too. I could go without the incestous jokes...

[Everyone knows that grandmas are the best fanclub.] 

    

[It's not that. They have a loose screw. Or two.]

The animation had a PowerPoint feel to it a few times. Big hopes for this one! I hope it won't bit me in my ass...

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Blue Archive The Animation

No, I've never played the game. Yes, I am a degenerate that likes how the girls look and uses that as a reason why this anime will definitely be good. 

I have no idea what I'm getting myself into, but I hope it will be fun!

It does feel like I am missing something, like I don't understand stuff I should be familiar with, but I hope I'll catch up soon!

The art, comedy, action and character design are enough to keep me going!

And the ending credits were the most adorable thing I saw in a while!

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Tadaima, Okaeri

Listen.

I have no idea if this has been done before, but this might be the world's first A/B/O anime. I am serious. Anime. From omegaverse... universe.

Two males, one alpha, one omega. Having a family together. Alphas. Omegas.

Christ - 😂 Listen, listen. We all know I am a huge fan of "yaoi" or BL. I do have a shameful past of a fujoshi. I am not going to let myself forget that.

I grew up and am normal about it now (ok, half lie) but in the past, I made some questionable decisions in taste - in anime, manga, fanfictions departments. I wrote my own gay fanfictions - shipping not only characters from various media but my own real life teachers.

Yes. I am... well, why say it. My point is that I am sooo serious about watching this anime - thought I am ready for cringing.

First of all - the opening is horrid. I hate that song. (And ending isn't any better...)

Second of all - I am very curious what take they'll have on the A/B/O universe.

Third of all - I am so ready for this new, eye-opening experience and hope it will be good because if this stuff is good in quality, I am going to laugh so hard at what the world has came to be.

(You might judge me, but if you google who won Slovakia's presidential elections in 2024 and who won Slovakia's parliamentary election in 2023 you will understand that this is exactly what I need right now.) 

Eating mom's fabulous chicken noodle soup, I'm taking a deep dive into this revolutionary anime!

There is one thing I noticed in the opening - our two boys (give me time to remember their names) have two babies. But in anime... there is only one. Are we... Are we getting the mpreg fantasy?? God please, let us have the mpreg fantasy!  😂 

[Ok this... this is hilarious.]

    

    

[What the hell is this shot?]

[Love this woman to bits.]

[Mpreg confirmed.]

    

My take - they are staying pretty true to the omegaverse (I am not sure how it's really called, but it's not like it's important). The little twists and turns are, I assume, for drama in the future. But! Masaki has a mating mark, he is taking heat suppressants, he gives off pheromones, he has a uterus... pretty standard thing.

Good job. (Why am I even saying that..)

The kiddo is extremely adorable, and it gives the anime a whole different feel that you'd expect. I guess I like the simplicity of art and story in a way.
Very curious to see what they'll do with the whole "omega discrimination" and "out of status marriage" because that might be interesting.
The first half was incredibly funny, the second half I got into the anime. While I think this won't be something groundbreaking, it's mid in a good way! Very excited to continue watching this show!

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Unnamed Memory

First of all - out of all names, why Lazar??

Second, this anime is not what I expected at all. Not in a bad way, more like in neutral way. I expected the witch to look and sound more mature, the prince to be... princ-ier, and their relationship to move a little differently.
But, it was okay. The witch is pretty interesting character, I love how dense the prince is and I can't wait what the anime will be like.
First episode told me NOTHING, just the arrangement of prince & witch. Oh and of course what the curse is.
I think it's rather silly, but I guess it had to be something only a witch could help with so, okay.

[One of the prince's lines.]

    

[Technically she is right because this is how it
worked in the past. But why say it like this? xD]

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Boukyaku Battery (TV) (Oblivion Battery)

I noticed I say this often, but it's true in this case too. The characters have that old-timey feel. I usually love it, but it doesn't feel right in this one. Well, maybe I'll change my mind later.

[e.g. this shot, it looks like those edited videos on TT]

So far so good. We have gay tension, dark past, weird nickname for overpowered player(s), dark haired main character...

[This sold me completely.]

Good opening during which I worked on the feelings that bubbled up inside me while trying to process this crucial information. I admit, I didn't know if this was a good choice but I think this one will really hit all the fells.

This show really has it all - weird joke, sexual jokes, dumbass and bad guys, unbreakable bond of childhood friends.... Saying this as a compliment, it's your regular sports anime - but on the level of Haikyuu, Free and those alike.
Great first episode, great introduction and I can feel that this is will be another gem of the season.

Most of all, I think I love Kei's accent. I discovered a whole new level of love for Mamoru Miyano. One more thing - the scene with Haruka's uniforms change was brilliant. Even more than this:

    

This show's only problem will be to time the comedy just right and not overdo it.

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Seiyuu Radio no Uraomote (The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio)

I'm so sorry, but I hate it. I hate the voices, I hate the design...

And I find it totally unbelievable that the girls didn't know the other is a voice actress if there are pictures of them. They do not look that different, that is so dumb.

The story is kind of interesting though, so I am going to give it some more time to show me what it's about and decide then.

For now, pretty weak first impression.

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Kaijuu 8-gou (Kaiju No.8)

This is a personal preference of mine. I disliked Fire Force, Parasyte - the maxim-, Tokyo Ghoul and similar to those. Why did I deserve to watch this is beyond me. Focusing on action heavily focused on monsters and humans with special combat skills... what am I even doing?
I will try to be objective until the moment I won't be able to handle this show anymore, but don't expect me to be EXTRA excited about it just because it's "original" "fun" "good quality" and all.
That being said, it is a good quality show and I think the "kaiju exterminators" would be a great anime. It was kind of good disgusting seeing how they have to clean up the city during these "operations".

I just think all of these shows go through some kind of template and the only difference is pacing. If this show goes slow enough, it will be good. But that's just a wishful thinking as the guy immediately becomes kaiju himself and we all know where the story goes from here.

Overall good episode that had all it promised and I do like the white-haired side-kick, he is a nice comedic relief and I hope to see more of him.

Great ending, by the way. The lyrics are clever for this show and English songs are always a nice way to mix it up.

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Kaii to Otome to Kamikakushi (Mysterious Disappearances)

Again, and I swear I am not doing this on purpose, the opening has old-timey feel. Elfen Lied and Evangelion type of old-timey. The beautiful drawn world.

Characters look like they all belong into another anime, and the main guy has weird ass eyes. Things like these are pretty usual nowadays, I noticed. Reminds me of Fire Force a bit...

Our main character shrinks - which is a way to show us what the story will be about. How do you show shrinking? Well, normally a shot on your clothes getting bigger and you getting shorter would work. But since our main character is a woman, we got a shot at how her boobs are getting smaller.

Ah, fuck off. I am so tired of this shit. This is getting old. I doubt they'd show a  man's underwear getting less and less tight.

But the curse is an interesting aspect. The way Sumireko was changing with the curse, the blood coming out her ear... very spooky! I love horror shows that bring something new to scare you with, I love fun phenomena and I love the overpowered main character that explains everything and then gets annoying.
The erotica (in any form) in this show is a overkill for me, I don't need it. I need to be spooked and think hard, not focus on boobs and sex.
 I do hope I will get used to this show, because I think it could be really interesting. But for now, I am stuck on disappointment and frustration. (Besides... now I don't even know how will the story progress...)

And I saved the best for last.

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Kuroshitsuji: Kishuku Gakkou-hen (Black Butler: Public School Arc)

I hate the opening so much.😂 But I kind of hated a lot of openings as first, it just needs to grow on me.

Seeing this.... it's a whole different way of feeling nostalgia. It's all coming back to me as I'm watching and the excitement of seeing and hearing my favorite characters after so many years is an incredible feeling.

Oh I am so happy Kuroshitsuji made a comeback.

And I know this is a "real" season, because I tried reading manga once and I remember being so confused. Like what the heck is going on, we were dealing with murders just a while ago ???. Perfect.

I still think the heads of dormitories are kind of weird-looking but you will get used to me reacting this way. Kuroshitsuji is a great mix of bias for me - I might hate certain aspects, but I say it with the utmost love.

I do remember the episodes being titled with "His butler, ---". (You see what kind of weird stuff I notice??)

This episode had everything. Everything Kuroshitsuji is supposed to have. Cringe moments, "Yes, my lord", investigation that is kept secret until the very end, twists & turns.

Of course, it is vastly different from what A-1 Pictures gave us. But CloverWorks is doing a good enough job for it's reputation.

I love it. How can I not? Of course I have my complaints, but I love it. It's been too long, and getting a new content, feeling those same feelings... I am having a moment here, okay?
One thing missing is Grell. Once he shows up (if) I will be the happiest woman in the whole world. I just... I am... Wow.

I never finished this arc in manga, so I don't know what will happen or what is awaiting us. But I know Kuroshitsuji and I know what it's capable of.

I am in for a treat, and while 11 episodes is criminal... there is hope inside of me, that this is not the end.

Screenshots:

    

[Shut up. They are hot in a cringey way.
Btw, in the first pic, Mr. Violet is cut out a bit, and he is supposed to be the odd one out.

Took me way too long to notice that Mr. Blue is flipping us off.]

Now, question: Which boy of the P4 are you supposed to like? Because none of them really qualify for an ideal bf. 😂

    

[We have the hot one that's all about sex & love.]

    

[The smart one with weird haircut...]

    

[The sporty one who is the gayest of them all...]

    

[And the mysterious one that wears make-up and hisses at sun.]

It's really hard to decide. What was Yana Toboso thinking? xDD

    

[He said it! He said the lines!]

[The comment from the first two screenshots... Notice how Mr. Red & Blue are perfectly lined up, but Mr. Violet is standing wrong.]

    

[I cried from laughter.]

    

[Yes, yes we are.]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

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In conclusion.

The shows I picked to watch from Spring 2024 are on the whole spectrum. There are great ones, decent ones and bad ones (I hope I get into soon). Most of them are mid though.

That is the thing I noticed about this season - there is more shows than usual, but none of them really screams "I'm it! I'm the one!", but it's not the worst thing ever.

I have high hopes for some, I am praying not to drop 5 of them and there is a bunch I am going to save for later. But we will get to that during the Conclusion post.

And now to our best and worst episode:

You know, learning from my Cherry Magic bias, I am going to be fair. WIND BREAKER deserves the win, because I was the most surprised by it and felt the most fulfilled while watching it. I have high hopes for you in the future, buddy.

On the other hand, two cute girls doing voice acting was a huge letdown. There were worse first episodes, but this one disappointed me on a different level.