#kuro's mob journey

[tiangouaway]

(Some of) My Thoughts on WuWa

I've been following Wuthering Waves' production ever since April 2024, so I've been really excited for it to come out! And now that it's finally here, and I've played up to Act II (I've just met Scar and unlocked bosses), I wanna share my thoughts on it.

GAMEPLAY

I really enjoy it! The biggest things for me are the echoes and Forte Circuits, as I think both are rather unique. Echoes are incredibly versatile and can make interesting builds, especially when you consider the cost mechanic. I'll admit it I didn't understand how FCs worked until I tried the character tutorials, but now that I know their ins and outs, I know how to manage them better. I really like how they're responsible for Intro Skills, another aspect I find unique. It encourages fast-switch team comps, and to bring out characters you wouldn't use that much in combat (like healers).

Not to mention the dodge mechanic! It definitely a learning curve for me since I struggle with dodging, so I get very proud when I successfully dodge a mob's attacks, hearing the sound and seeing my character in slow motion.

STORY

Honestly... it's been pretty meh so far. Of course I have a lot of questions that I know will be answered, but a lot of stuff I've done feels disconnected, and I don't really know where the story is going because of it. The "person with no memory is brought to the land for an unknown reason and must take a journey to find it" plot loses it's spectacle very quickly for me. I just hope the next story segments I play are fun, concise, and give me a better understanding of the plot.

And slightly related, but I really hope a text log is added in the future, and a story archive system overall.

CHARACTERS

Another meh for me, unfortunately. The main three (Yangyang, Chixia, and Baizhi) aren't that exciting to me, and I'm only mildly interested in the other playable characters I've met through the story. Scar is fun though! Kinda like a Disney villain (yes, I made Lion King jokes when he was on screen) mixed with a cryptic magician. Don't really care for his whole "We're not so different, you and I" bullshit he pulled with Rover in Qichi, but I'm excited to see him and his flower lady coworker.

As for the characters I haven't seen in the story, I'm mostly excited for the kids (Lingyang, Encore, and Verina), Danjin, and Yinlin. I'm already farming Lingyang and Danjin's intimacy points through the training simulations! (Though... why are they called that. "Friendship" is find, Kuro.)

DESIGN

The environment and Tacet Discord designs are by far my favorite things about WuWa so far!! Especially the more "modern" areas with destroyed highways and the abandoned cars. Speaking of cars, my favorite TDs are the car ones with the long legs and act like bugs!! (Yes I forgot their names.) And the Autopuppet Scouts! Honestly, any mechanical TD is bound to win my heart. But that's not to say the natural environment is lackluster - everything is so cool to see and explore!

...wish I could say the same for the character designs. I know I sound pretty negative when it comes to the non-gameplay stuff, but a lot of it isn't clicking for me. Basically all the designs feel overdetailed, and while the mainly black/white + an accent color scheme is easy on the eyes, they all become pretty boring to me as a result. Verina is my favorite design for a reason. But I know it's to reflect the the post apocalyptic and dreary atmosphere, so I won't say much.

Aside from Scar and his coworkers. They're so fucking edgy it hurts. I love you 2013 DeviantArt "Red = Evil" faction but your main boy is ugly as fuck.

ENDING NOTES

Trust me, I still have a LOT I wanna say on this, but this post is getting long enough for my liking. I'll just end this off by saying that I'm excited to see where the game goes, and I'm hoping that the lady who gave Rover their resonator power is single.

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts

Episode 12 & Chapter 47-50:

It’s been long since I genuinely laughed to the manga. This is a good joke.

Motherly love

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A desperate Ishiguro.

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More faithful adaptions

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“I totally understand how you feel” is actually used as a Line stamp. I think it was Setsuo Itou’s favorite stamp as well. It deserves no less :’)

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The manga uses this part to start the little “Student council election” arc, while the show uses it as a way to wind off and show how their lives are back to normal.

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A small part that was left out.

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Oooo this is way back from chapter 27!

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The scene with Teruki and the research subjects switched places with Reigen and Dimple, so Reigen’s scene and Mob’s scene could be next to each other with the ed song in the background!

Shou’s scene of talking to his dad was the last scene before the episode switched over from the main story to the legendary omake.

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BONES STAYING TRUE TO THE ORIGINAL: THE ARC

It has begun.

Manga!Mob does not want to be part of this faithful adaption hype train. Understandable.

At least he was kind enough to lend anime!Mob his profile look.

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SEASON 1 IS DONE! When I had nothing else planned I could sit and document around 3 episodes per day. Even though season two is still pretty fresh in my memory, I’m gonna continue with this same procedure of: - Reading a few chapters and documenting some of my first impressions on the manga - Watching the episode while keeping the manga tab(s) open and comparing them. - Making gifs/screenshots for these posts and some other compilations I have.

Also I am really hyped for the English dub releases on Crunchyroll but I wanna finish the manga as soon as possible, so the dub will have to wait... ;^;

[eyfey]

MANGA REC LIST

I’ve been meaning to update this for a while, and I finally got around to it!

if you’re looking for some new manga to read, here’s my rec list below:

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These are all varying levels of good- some are AMAZING and some are just a fun read.

For the most part I tried not to include REALLY popular series (like yeah: One Punch Man and Detective Conan and One Piece and whatever are good! but also you’ve probably already read them!)

Also, the categories are just for the sake of organization- take them with a grain of salt. Most of the series are comedy, even those not in the comedy section.

Bonus: here’s a post with more detailed descriptions for 10 of these series, including an example page from each.

and you can also check my manga recs tag I guess

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~2/20/21 UPDATE~

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Hey! Comedy! -Hatarakanai Futari -Rojiura Kyoudai -Komi-san wa Komyushou Desu -Nazeda Naitou -Mechanical Marie Fun Times with Monsters and Demons -Yuko Sae Tatakaeba -Mairimashita! Iruma-kun -Maou-jou de Oyasumi -Nicola's Leisurely Demon World Travelogue -Heterogeneous Linguistics It's Romcom! -Futari Ashita mo Sorenari ni -Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu -Koudaike no Hitobito -Soushi Souai -The Story of an Engaged Couple That Doesn't Get Along Chill Slice o' Life -Yugami-kun ni wa Tomodachi ga Inai -Skip to Loafer -Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia -Koi wa Hikari -Boku to Kimi no Taisetsu na Hanashi Watercolor Vibes -Blue Period -Machida-kun no Sekai -Tokyo Alien Bros -Otoyomegatari -Witch Hat Atelier LGBT -Uchi no Musuko wa Tabun Gay (My Son is Probably Gay) -Shimanami Tasogare (Our Dreams At Dusk) -Sorairo Flutter (That Blue Sky Feeling) -Ao no Flag (Blue Flag) -Kimi ni wa Todokanai (I Will Not Reach You) Gender Bender Time -Pumpkin Time (MTF) -Queen Cecia's Shorts (FTM) -About a Lazy Guy Who Woke Up as a Girl One Morning (MTF) -The Villain Discovered My Identity (FTM) -Irregular Empress (FTMTF) The DRAMA of it All -Oshi no Ko -Three Days of Happiness -Inso's Law -Cheese in the Trap -I Will Die Soon ngl These are Kinda Fucked Up  (but like... still really good) -Sachiiro no One Room -I Shaved. Then I Brought a High School Girl Home -Bastard (Hwang Youngchan) -Yuki ni Tsubasa -Hibiki - Shousetsuka ni Naru Houhou Sounds Weird at First but Actually They’re p Good -Ano Hito no I ni wa Boku ga Tarinai -Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru -Otome Kaijuu Caramelize -Mieruko-chan -Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Webtoons that are Good to Read -Homeless (or some sites have it as “No Home”) -Dam of the Forest -End and Save -Please Take Care of Me in This Life as Well -Her Summon Violence! (but like- also comedy) -The Violence Action -Nanba MG5 -Saihate no Paladin -Raise wa Tanin ga Ii -Spy x Family Isekai ~Boyz Night~ -Kamitachi ni Hirowareta Otoko -Maou ni Natta node, Dungeon Tsukutte Jingai Musume to Honobono suru -Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute -Isekai Yakkyoku -Isekai Ojisan Isekai ~Girlz Night~ -Honzuki no Gekokujou -Sengoku Komachi Kuroutan: Noukou Giga (technically this one is time travel not isekai but close enough) -Crimson Karma -Beast with Flowers -The Lady’s Spaceship Isekai but with Food -Dungeon Meshi -Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi -Gensou Gourmet -Isekai Izakaya "Nobu" -Isekai Ryouridou Reincarnated as a Villainess -When the Villainess Loves -Beware of the Villainess! -Villainess Level 99 ~I May Be the Hidden Boss but I'm Not the Demon Lord~ -Jishou Akuyaku Reijou na Konyakusha no Kansatsu Kiroku -Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shite shimatta... Lady Knight! (when the lady is also a knight!) -Emperor and the Female Knight -Blinded by the Setting Sun -Bring the Love -Truthfully They Only Remembered Her -This Girl Is a Little Wild Reborn as a lil Babby -Who Made Me a Princess -Am I the Daughter? -Lady Baby -The Twin Siblings -The Youngest Princess More Children, but These Ones Weren’t Reincarnated (Probably) -Chichi to Hige-Gorilla to Watashi -Baby, Kokoro no Mama ni! -Yotsubato! -Dungeon Nursery -The Monster Duchess and Contract Princess Look: It's about FAMILY -Yuzuki-san Chi no Yon Kyoudai -Ohayou Toka Oyasumi Toka -Ikoku Nikki -Mizu wa Umi ni Mukatte Nagareru -A Boy's Scar

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~ORIGINAL LIST: Made sometime in like 2017 or 2018~

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COMEDY my dude -Saiki Kusuo no PSI nan -Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar -Sket Dance -My Name is Zushio -Samon the Summoner Supernatural pt1 (Youkai) -Demi-chan wa Kataritai -Natsume Yuujinchou -Satou-kun no Juunan Seikatsu -Fukigen na Mononokean -Takeo-chan Bukkairoku Supernatural pt 2 (Not-Youkai) -Hinamatsuri -Lookism -Mob Psycho 100 -Spirit Circle -Flying Witch Kinda Old n’ Obscure -Kyuukyoku Choujin R -Kyou Kara Ore Wa -Lucu Lucu -Ocha Nigosu -Yamada Tarou Monogatari Gender Benders/Crossdressing/Body Swaps -Shishunki Bitter Change -Usotsuki Lilly -AKB49 -Prunus Girl -Samurai High School Shounen/Seinen Series with Fighting -Birdmen -Saike mata Shitemo -Vinland Saga -Ajin -To You the Immortal (Fumetsu no Anata e) Shounen/Seinen Series without Fighting -Piano no Mori -3-gatsu no Lion -Hammer Session -Kings’ Viking -Oyasumi Punpun Romance pt1 (a mixed bag) -Love is Hard for an Otaku -High Score Girl -Horimiya -Ojojojo -Hoshino, Me wo Tsubutte Romance pt2 (It’s about the comedy) -Kaguya wants to be Confessed to -Ouji ga Watashi o Akiramenaide -Boku wa Ohimesama ni narenai -Yandere Kanojo -Tsurezure Children Romance pt2 (Very Shoujo) -Warau Kanoko-sama (and the sequel: Koi dano Ai dano) -Ore Monogatari -Last Game -Nekota no Koto ga Kininatte Shikatanai -Akagami no Shirayuki Hime Romance pt3 (Less about the romance, more about other stuff) -Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun -Karakuri Odette -ReLIFE -Pochi Kuro -Akatsuki no Yona Look. Just trust me on these. -Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer -Sumire 16-sai -Fujimi Lovers -Angel Densetsu -Nickelodeon You said it’s about… what? (weird plot but good) -Donyatsu -Shiori Experience -Uchi no Maou Kamimasen yo -Makai no Ossan -Katana (Kamata Kimiko) Warning: Ecchi (but still p good actually) -Mousou Telepathy -Hatsukoi Zombie -Sankarea -Rosario to Vampire -Boku Girl Mostly just Cute -Bird Cafe -Gokicha!! -Odette -Nukoduke -Ryuushika Ryuushika Taking Care Of Children (Extra Adorable) -Chichikogusa -Gakuen Babysitters -Flat -Hisohiso - silent voice -Love So Life Girl + Supernatural Creature = Great -Mahoutsukai no Yome -Somali no Mori no Kamisama -Kuro -Totsukuni no Shoujo -Suijin no Hanayome (by Touma Rei) New Start In Another World (isekais) -Ore to Kawazu-san no Isekai Hourouki -Kumo desu ga, nani ka? -+A Taichi -Moon-led Journey Across Another World -The New Gate RPG World (technincally not isekais? but very isekai-ish) -Tsuyokute New Saga -Good Night World -Sekai Maou -Toaru Ossan no VRMMO Katsudouki -Senyuu 4koma pt1 (Focus on Girl(s)) -Dekoboko Girlish -Love Lab -Tomo-chan wa Onna no ko! -Waratte! Sotomura-san -T-Rex na Kanojo 4koma pt2 (Focus on Guy(s)) -Kuzumi-kun Kuuki Yometemasuka? -Handa-kun -Kao ni Dasenai Yoshizawa-kun -Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge -Tonari no Seki-kun Technically a Harem??? (whatever- don’t worry about it) -Rokudo no Onnatachi -Jitsu-wa Watashi wa -Chikyuu no Houkago -Yamada and the 7 witches -Fujimura-kun Mates

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Also keep an eye out for if these ever get picked up (very few chapters translated or Japan only)

-Moukin-chan -Kawaii Hito (Saitou Ken) -Time Slip Ota Girl

[pair-annoyed]

Anime I Watched in Quarantine

With some of the restrictions being lifted, I wanted to make a sort of master post to see just how much I’ve watched in my time off. Plus, I wanted to share something more lighthearted with everyone.

All of these anime will be rated on a 1-10 scale, 10 meaning masterpiece, 1 meaning complete garbage. I’ll also share what I liked/didn’t like about each show. This list will go in chronological order, and will encompass all anime from 3/13 - 6/13. Multiple Seasons will be grouped together. 

1. Beastars - 8/10 

I dig how human and down-to-earth Beastars is. The pacing was a nice and the animation was unexpectedly great! It’s driving force is its characters and their interactions. Felt a little slow at times, and Juno annoys me, but that’s okay. I’ll be watching season 2.

2. Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun - 8/10 

Oh my god! This visuals for this were absolutely wonderful! It did feel a little cliche at times, I won’t lie. But, I still loved all of these characters and the nice balance between creepy and comedy. 

3. Ao No Exorcist - 6/10 

I posted about this one after I finished it. The ending really pissed me off. I feel like if I had watched this when I was 13, I would’ve given it a higher score. Compared to some of the other shounen I’ve watched, this felt a bit basic. That doesn’t mean I still didn’t like it. Still have to get around to watching season 2...

4.  Kaichou wa Maid-sama! 6.5/10

Shoujo usually isn’t my cup of tea. Maid-sama was a nice way to ease into the cliches of shoujo. Misaki is a great protagonist and the ending Maid-sama was so satisfying. I’m only giving it a low score because of its slow pacing and lack of certain character development. 

5.  Violet Evergarden Gaiden: Eien to Jidou Shuki Ningyou  - 7/10

I’m a big Violet Evergarden fan to begin with, so of course I liked this movie. It did not resonate with me as much as the series itself, but I still enjoyed it. Kyoto animation is never disappointing in their visuals and sound design 

6.  Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! - 8/10 

Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren - 6.5/10 

Chuunibyou was a breath of fresh air for me. It was so different from all other romance anime I had seen at the time. It for sure has a slice of life vibe to it, but it was still so good! It reminded me of being in middle school and my “chuunibyou” phase. The second season was not as enjoyable as the first. I guess I just had higher expectations for Rikka and Yuuta. 

7. Dr. Stone - 7/10

Dr. Stone is honestly such a perfect shounen for me. I’m a science nerd, and with taking AP Chem this year it was kind of nice to sorta apply my knowledge. This show also has some of the best reaction images ever. The tone, however, is a little inconsistent which made it hard to keep watching. I do love the relationship between Senku and his Dad, that whole sub-plot was so endearing.

8. Oshiete! Galko-chan - 6/10

This one only gets a low score because its so short and the op takes up like half an episode. This show had been in the back of my mind for a while. I decided to watch it after seeing a video essay discussing it. Its masterful subversion of tropes and stereotypes was refreshing. The message of this show is so positive, and everyone can benefit from watching something like this.  

9. Mairimashita Iruma-kun  - 5/10 

The second half of Mairimashita Iruma-kun was so much better. I’m not completely sure why I didn’t like this as much as I should have. Overall, its a really average show. The comedy (and musical numbers???) give this show and charismatic and chaotic vibe. I’m someone who focuses primarily on character-character interactions, and this show definitely had it. It isn’t monogatari levels of dialogue but it’s still nice. For the studio’s low budget, they were able to make a really bright and colorful show. I’ll be watching season 2.  

10. Byousoku 5 Centimeter - 8/10

Very. VERY. Pretty!! This one was another one that didn’t completely resonate with me emotionally. I still loved the story and the way it was told. Its not like Your Name or Tenki no Ko, it’s realistic and grounded.

11. Mob Psycho 100 - 8/10

Mob Psycho 100 II - 9/10 

Style alone made Mob Psycho 100 so impressive. By the second half of each season I was emotional invested in Mob and his whole journey. Season 2 is receiving a higher score because it was able to make me cry. That’s something I NEVER expected. I’m mad I didn’t watch this sooner. It is a great balance of action, comedy, and heart. 

12. Noragami Aragoto - 8/10 

Not sure why I put off Norogami’s second season for so long. I absolutely loved it. The focus on Bishimon was a nice change of pace and it was great to see Yukine develop more as a character and begin to loose his arrogance. Kazuma was my favorite character in all of this. His ability to affect the people around him was presented nicely. I was emotionally invested the whole way through, and I’ll probably pick up the manga. 

13. Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji - 3/10

Ah yes. My least favorite thing on planet earth. This is a wonderful example of Shoujo at its worst. Their relationship was incredibly toxic, and the characters themselves were poorly developed and generic. The whole time all I could think was that I was watching normalized Stockholm Syndrome. Our MC deserves so much better. 

14. Youjo Senki - 6/10

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting to like Youjo Senki as much as I did. I’m not usually one for iesekai. The action was great, but the use of CGI bogged down scenes. I do NOT really like the protagonist that much because she came across as apathetic. Towards the end, I started to like her more. This was also my first military/warfare-focused anime. If either a movie or second season is made, I will probably not watch it. 

15. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica - 6.5/10

I wanted to like Madoka Magica more than I did. I really did. The style was compelling and the story was interesting. Especially in the beginning, a lot of the death and sad stuff didn’t feel all that sad. The last 4 episodes are a solid 8/10, I love time shenanigans. The emotions and character development really shined through in the end. Madoka is such an inherently kind-hearted person, I love her so much! 

16. Yakusoku no Neverland - 8.5/10 

I was expecting Yakusoku no Neverland to be more graphic, but I’m kind of glad it didn’t go that route. Like Madoka, the last four episodes had me really invested. However, the character development was not as rushed. It’s a smart show and welcomed change of pace. Emma is my favorite character and you bet I’ll be watching season 2. The more I think about this show, the more I appreciate it. 

17. Mo Dao Zu Shi - 9/10

Mo Dao Zu Shi 2nd Season - 8/10 

I know that is is technically a donghua, but I’m counting it as an anime because its on MAL. Amazing visuals and an incredibly layered story.  Censorship makes it difficult to fully appreciate this work and its original novel. Even though I was confused for the first 2 episodes, Mo Dao Zu Shi did a great job of developing the time period and character relationships. The second season wasn’t as satisfying as the first but still great! I don’t think I’ll be watching the live action anytime soon, but I believe that a 3rd season is confirmed for 2020.

18. Banana Fish - 8.5/10

I knew nothing about Banana Fish going into it. Although I didn’t cry at the ending, it definitely made me feel some type of way. Kind of... numb. Banana Fish is painfully realistic. So much so that I had to take a break after episode 15 because I felt sick to my stomach. I also praise Banana Fish for it’s healthy, non-fetishized relationship representation. Eiji and Ash have such a complex but healthy relationship. I hope Banana Fish is able to pave the way for better representation in media. 

19. Promare - 5/10 

Why do people praise Promare so much? I hated how predictable it was. The whole movie felt like a 2 hour animation flex for Trigger. The only character in this movie that didn’t manage to piss me off it some way was Lio. The only other thing I’ve seen by studio Trigger is Kill la Kill, so compared to that, this felt like such a step down. :( I was disappointed. 

20. Given - 6/10

Given made me both sad and made me want to start a band. Overall the animation is nothing special, I do like the reactions that some of the characters had. Especially that “It’s Mutual” gif set. I couldn’t get over how much Ritsuka looks like Kageyama. My only complaint was how rushed Mafuyu and Ritsuka’s relationship felt. More time should have been dedicated to Mafuyu dealing with and moving past the loss in his life. All that said, I’m still watching the movie.

21. Enen no Shouboutai - 5/10 

Generic Shounen, bad ending, great animation. Need I say more? I did not watch Soul Eater (made by same creator), but this was enjoyable. Really cool fights, not so cool character development. A lot of the explanations towards the end felt like complete bull shit. Same energy as using fancy sounding science words to explain things. 

22. Hataraku Maou-Sama - 5.5/10

This is another show I felt I would’ve liked more if I watched it when I was younger. The iesekai trope is so beaten down that classics like this don’t really carry as much weight as they originally did. A 24 episode season with more Slice of Life episodes would’ve benefited this series greatly.

23. BNA - 7/10

BNA, in my opinion, was so much better than Promare. Like Hataraku Maou-sama, BNA would’ve benefited from a longer season with more Slice of Life Episodes. Trigger’s newer animation is beautiful and I really hope BNA gets renewed for a second season. The ending was cliche as hell, but still really enjoyed this show!

24. Devilman: Crybaby - 7/10 

A.K.A. The one show I’ve got to watch when I know I’m alone. The use of multiple languages besides Japanese in the sub was a unique take. The animation was also a little jarring at first, but I came to love it. The themes in this are not the most positive. The end left me feeling numb, but also appreciative. Ryo pissed me off as soon as he tried to kill that cat, so it was hard to sympathize with him in the very end. It is a really good show, but also sickening, Watch at your own discretion.  

[rainbowslothdragonas21]

Before Watching

The first arc of Blue Exorcist was pretty well done for me. We got  background of most of the cast with very little flashbacks and whatnot. I’m going into this with high expectations so I hope I don’t get demotivated from continuing this anime. Honestly, I doubt that’ll be the case. Although there are some cliche elements here and there, I look forward to seeing how this anime will branch out from the rest and create its own unique world. It’s a shame there isn’t too many episodes, but that’ll be something to look forward to, unless t turns into HunterxHunter where I’ll be kept waiting forever and ever…

The second arc of the series is named Exorcist Candidate Live Combat which implies, well, combat! This arc is covered by anime episodes 10 through 17 and manga chapters 8 through 15. Although this is the second arc, I will begin to judge this anime as I would most others. It will still be pretty new but I think most of the people who were working on this project to have found their voice, so to speak.

Short and Sweet Summary

I’ll be doing the same thing as I did with the previous Blue Exorcist post where I will write a summary of each episode. I was going to do it with 20 words or less, but I don’t think that gives a full summary. I did have fun condensing it to a few words, but in order to review something, you need to give adequate information. So I’ll be doing the best of both worlds! Well I be adding the notes I took while watching the episode to hopefully give a better summary.

Episode 10: Black Cat

Cat misses owner, and goes a bit crazy. No, headbutting is not using your head, but hey, it worked.

A familiar with a deceased owner

Short argument between the brothers, Rin ends up breaking Yukio’s glasses but he has a drawer full of spares

Familiar: Kuro, Cat Sidhe

Their father’s familiar

More history on the father who was a Paladin, the highest rank an exorcist can get

Using your head = headbutt

Kraken

Episode 11: Demon of the Deep

Focus on three, while at the beach. Izumo has a soft side and demons can have a change of heart.

Only 3 on this mission: Rin, Izumo, and Shima

Meet Yohei, son of man who went after the giant squid

The squid makes an appearance and Kuro takes it on but…

Apparently, cats can’t stand after eating raw squid

Everything ends peacefully; squid let go since it turned over a new leaf…

Episode 12: A Game of Tag

Crushing on Shiemi, while showdown with Amaimon is quite the reality check. A new character appears!

Green guy = Amaimon

Amusement Park: MepphyLand

In honor of the director, Mephisto?

Shiemi gets a proper school uniform

Whole class is to look for a trouble making ghost playing pranks on guests

Amaimon steals Rin’s sword, Kurikara

Shiemi goes after the ghost kid while Rin fights Amaimon

Rin goes a bit crazy

I was right about the sweater person!

Episode 13: Proof

Rin’s goal is reaffirmed. Learn more about Shiro’s past. Flames without the sword, he needs lots of training.

New intro and outro

Rin is going through that point where every protag is questioning their strength; “Why am I too weak? I can’t do anything”

Rin is now able to use his flames without unsheathing his sword

Even more backstory on Shiro’s past

Rin gets a mentor, and his goal is reaffirmed

Episode 14: A Fun Camping Trip

Work together. Rin can’t use his flames. Suguro MVP even while hit. Of course that broke and unleashed a demon.

Field drill/training camp

3 days

3 lanterns, 7 students

Everyone gets a taste of Rin’s cooking

Not even 10 minutes into the drill and Rin used his flames…

Suguro MVP for reciting the entire time without even flinching

Ends @ Rin being caught by moth demon

Episode 15: Act of Kindness

Don’t forget you have friends! Well, you couldn’t keep your secret hidden forever. What will everyone think?

First recap at beginning of episode

Aw! The boys decide to rescue Rin from the moth

What is up with that puppet kid?

Amaimon makes an appearance while Yukio is away

I knew something was up with Shiemi

Rin decides to use his sword in front of everyone, revealing his secret

The sword can’t handle his strength and keeps chipping

Episode 16: The Wager

On trial, what will his fate be? Savior of Assiah or demonic king of destruction?! What will the council choose?

Meet the Paladin, Arthur

Shura defends Rin, despite her mission being to kill anything Satan-related

While Rin and Mephisto are on trial, everyone else tries to fix Kurikara

Suguro knows who might be able to fix it and they travel to a sister temple to get materials

Female swordsmith, Suguro’s childhood friend

Statues possed by Mara demons wanting Rin dead try to confuse Yukio and Suguro

Amaimon just won’t quit! Shows up at the Vatican looking for Rin

is yukio infected?

Episode 17: Temptation

Offer is accepted, and only time can tell what he will become. Is Amaimon really dead?

Grigori accepts Mephisto’s wager

He is released under 2 conditions:

Must pass Exorcist Qualification Exam in 6 months and must be under 24 hour surveillance

Rin is getting proper training

Izumo gives him some advices on controlling his flames

Something is off with Yukio…

Exorcist Candidate Live Combat Arc

Overall, I enjoyed this arc. Things were getting heated with Amaimon’s appearance. The fights were pretty well done, but you don’t really see much of the action. The fights end quickly and there are more ‘zoom’ ins than watching everything in a single frame. The writing is good, but it can do away with so many cliches. You can sometimes know what will happen next as Rin is like your average knuckle-head protagonist.

We also got more character development in a few episodes. We got to see a kinder side to Izumo when she was worried about Yohei. She’s a bit of a tsundere, as every anime needs one, but seeing her throughout Demon of the Deep made me like her a bit more. I still find her a bit bitchy, but she doesn’t get much screen time to change my opinion so this episode was a great for her development.

During the field drill, we also saw more development with Suguro and company. The point they were trying to get across was that Rin shouldn’t have to shoulder everything on his own, that’s what friends are for. Rin also made it a point saying “Is this what having friends is like?” while around the campfire with everyone. Even when faced against Amaimon, demon King of Earth, Suguro, Shima and Konekomaru still tried helping him. I found their willingness to help sweet, despite it not being very effective… What hurt me most was how they began to shun Rin after knowing his secret. Yeah I get why they shun him, but if they were going to hate him why fix his sword? Why help at all? While the boys were trying to be discreet about everything Izumo was blunt and told him to his face and, while a but tasteless, I like her straightforwardness.

For this arc, I’ll have to award it a 7.5 out of 10. You might have expected a better rating, but I feel like this was a nice, small step up from the previous arc. Well, the next arc is an anime exclusive arc, and I think it’ll dig deeper into everyone’s disdain for Rin. As far as I know it doesn’t have an official title, it’s just called anime exclusive, but I’ll give it a better name as that doesn’t seem fitting.

I know this is a day late. Sorry about that, I uh, well sorry! The season 2 finale for Mob Psycho 100 just passed so I’ll be adding that to the rotation with Kino’s Journey making it an episode-by-episode review rather than the whole season like Blue Exorcist.

A day late, but here's my Blue Exorcist: Exorcist Candidate Live Combat arc review! #anime #aoe #blueexorcist #WordPress #animeblog Before Watching The first arc of Blue Exorcist was pretty well done for me. We got  background of most of the cast with very little flashbacks and whatnot.

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts

Episode 8 & Chapter 74-76:

Seriously if I ever see anime!Mob do a sassy facial expression like this

I’m gonna flip

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NO WAIT NO I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE MARATHON I’M NOT READY

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Oof ok, I’m kinda glad I forgot about the fire, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to smile and be filled with fluffy feelings when reading about the marathon. The end of chapter 76 and episode 8 sure hits you like a trainwreck out of nowhere.

Alright now they’re showing us all the small tidbits from the cult that were left out before!

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Bones like to change the numbers huh

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They made it more obvious that Reigen’s lying about his schedule not being full!

This is the only “hint” we get in the manga.

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Huh Dimple didn’t talk to Ritsu while they were running, makes it seem like Ritsu’s washing Mob’s dishes just because he saw Mob training hard for the marathon, while the anime adds Tsubomi-chan as another big reason for Ritsu to root for him..!

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Hopefully there’s an omake for this scene later on, haven’t encountered it yet while reading. Also I’m jealous, I also wanna work for him hhhhhhh Ritsu I’d gladly switch places with you

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Both ended with a blackout before he wakes up in the school infirmary!

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you know iN MY MIND THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A FEEL GOOD EPISODE

i’m still not over the trainwreck sorry

also his dad is less gloomy compared to this:

BONES GOING THE EXTRA MILE TO CHANGE THE DIALOGUE TO MAKE IT EVEN MORE FLUFFY UGH

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THEY LEFT US ANIME WATCHERS WITH THIS AS THE LAST SCENE THOSE BASTARDS

Chapter 76 was much nicer to its readers TuT Dimple had calmed Mob down and it ended with the 100% obsession instead. 

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Ok tbh I’m really glad I wasn’t spoiled before watching this show, waiting a whole week to see what really happened and panicking together with everyone else on the internet was so much fun :’)

I had actually binge watched everything up until this point, so this was the first mp100 episode where I had to wait for the next one! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect!

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts

Episode 13 & Chapter 90-92:

Dozens of chapters later, I still stand by my claim that ONE has potential for drawing horror manga.

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😂 I’M DYING ASFTSDFASD

I think it’s pretty safe to say that Reigen’s wish got granted.

Bones just need go give Dimple a shoujo face someday and then the ultimate anime trio is complete :’)

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So chapter 91 is where the infamous “hn... the loans...” comes from... Ritsu goddammit xD

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End of chapter 91.6: “But the affection of the broccoli on the city is spreading.”

Oooo I sense a setup for the next arc :D I’m so excited!! A new arc!!

On to the episode!

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Before Toichiro’s power output went to 50% he used the cloud they were in to attack Mob, while Mob absorbed the attacks. And this was also missing in the episode:

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Oooo they made it look like an eye, kind of like with the ceiling at the end of season 1/opening of season 1!

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Mob was the one to throw the ball of skyscrapers down to the ground in the manga (which looked pretty cool). The anime had Toichiro do it instead.

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Bones is using the environment again for more cool effects! <3 There was no sign of them fighting underground or in water in the manga.

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The fading technique reminds me of the one in episode 6! But this time all lines are straight which gives off a completely different feeling/effect.

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When watching I kind of forgot about Teru after they arrived at school, but this panel makes me so sad. Teru’s so lonely ;-; Don’t be so humble, stay at Reigen’s place!

This wasn’t in the manga o: All it had was that sad panel above.

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This neither! Of what I can remember, at least. He might’ve mentioned it earlier in a fight or something, but I doubt it.

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Executed is even less kid friendly. Normally a tv-show removes details like that, not the other way around lol.

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As a way to end the season on a light note instead of setting up future conflicts, the last few minutes are used to explain the broccoli explosion in a completely different way than the manga. 

Reigen watched the news at home and speculated a little, and that was it from his part.

And Mob realized it while in bed, nothing too special. The manga moved on after two pages.

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Ending it with a view of the broccoli and Seasoning city! So many chapters after the arc end the same way. The manga has so many pictures of that broccoli it’s insane.

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Thank you for reading all the way to the end of my comparisons! <3 

There’s so much I wanna do now that I’m done, so my blogging is far from over! o^o I wanna make amv’s, draw, maybe try animating something, translating the radio broadcast (? might be too big of a project though), contribute to memes... the list is infinite. 

First things first I’m gonna finish the rest of the manga now, and cry in a corner for a few hours. I’m so glad that there will be an OVA, and possibly a third season ;u; I probably won’t post much about the rest of the manga, but we’ll see.

Oh yeah, the dub is airing..! Welp I guess I’m jumping into the dub train for now and I’ll see where it takes me from there ✌

[freshmb100fan]

Body improvement club members

These at the end of chapter 10-14 somehow were very effective in helping me remember them. I’ve always wanted to but never really found an opportunity!

Shimura Ryohei

Sagawa Jun

Yamamura Hideki

Kumagawa Hiroshi

Goda Musashi

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts

(Season 2 here we gooooo) Episode 1 & Chapter 51-52:

Mob’s faces always crack me up no matter when or where I read the manga.

Ok but this was honestly perfectly translated. Even funnier than the original imo

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Such art.

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Hmm well episode 1 starts with either an omake or something that comes later in the manga after the urban legend arc. Basically the same as with season 1 o: I heard they wanted season 2 to be accessible to new viewers as well, so it makes sense!

All I could think about was the gif set that I reblogged earlier this week.

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So uhhh I’d say this is a pretty big difference

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Season 1 ep 12 VS Season 2 ep 1 They reused the exact same animation! o: This also makes sense since it’s pretty much the exact same scene playing out, except the lines are different!

For some reason the background is moved by like 1 cm in season 2

This is where they start going in different directions, with Mob panicking instead of just being uncomfortable.

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Ok this time the speech bubbles were more effective than the anime imo xD

At least they paid an high quality animated tribute to this picture

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Bookstore clerk = Carpenter?? The transition from carpenting to books was so out of nowhere in the manga, I’m glad they changed it to bookstore... or did the translator make a mistake?? I’m so confused

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Reigen’s anime voice for this line kind of represents his look in this panel and I think I’ve listened to it like 5 times now. I love it. I love this whole scene honestly.

Tfw you’re too good at reading people (though I bet anyone could’ve guessed that, yet nobody did except Reigen <3)

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This whole scene with Dimple is anime only! It’s probably mostly for introducing him to new viewers, but I like the way it also works really well as a wrap up for this episode, with the Gray ed song in the background.

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The pattern of this episode is really similiar to episode 1 of the first season. Basically using the episode to introduce newcomers to the series, resulting in only adapting like 1 or 2 main chapters, compared to the usual amount being like 4 chapters.

[freshmb100fan]

Another game of spot the difference

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thougths

I find myself comparing the manga to the anime a lot while reading it. So much that I might as well post some of it here! I’m posting this mostly for my own sake - to have someplace where I can write down my thoughts on the differences and my first impressions of the chapters. Prepare for manga pages, screencaps and gifs.

Episode 1 & Chapter 1-2:

This scene was changed quite a bit in the anime! o: First of all they changed the setting from the street to Reigen’s office so we get to see more of the shady posters and how his business is like while the conversation’s going.  Second of all, the anime’s version of this makes Reigen seem more... pedagogic? His voice also helps a lot to set that softer tone, like he’s actually thinking of Mob’s well being. The manga almost portrays him as a villain in comparison hahah

The family’s introduction happens very early in the anime! Right after the scene above we get to see the dinner scene where Mob accidentally bends his spoon. In the manga we see all the characters except his family! I’m guessing Bones felt that Mob’s family is too important to not be included during the introduction sequence, even though they don’t particularly show up in the upcoming arcs.

                                        _________________

Is the tunnel ghost an anime original?? I’ve read up to chapter 5 so far and there’s still no mention of either Mob’s family or this mission o: As an anime-only I liked this little mission a lot, it was a fun way to get to know their dynamic. Anime original or not, either way I applaud Bones for including this in the first episode! Not much was adapted from the manga in episode 1, but instead they gave us some insight in Mob’s daily life. New viewers also got to know the setting and tone of the series in general.

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts compilation

For the convenience of having everything in one place

Season 1:

> Episode 1:  Self-Proclaimed Psychic: Reigen Arataka ~And Mob~ > Episode 2:  Doubts About Youth ~The Telepathy Club Appears~ > Episode 3:  An Invite to a Meeting ~Simply Put, I Just Want to Be Popular~ > Episode 4:  Idiots Only Event ~Kin~ > Episode 5:  OCHIMUSHA ~Psychic Powers and Me~ > Episode 6:  Discord ~To Become One~ > Episode 7:  Exaltation ~I've Obtained Loss~ > Episode 8:  The Older Brother Bows ~Destructive Intent~ > Episode 9:  "Claw" ~7th Division~ > Episode 10:  The Heinous Aura ~Mastermind~ > Episode 11:  Master ~Leader~ > Episode 12:  Mob and Reigen ~A Giant Tsuchinoko Appears~

Season 2:

> Episode 1:  Ripped Apart ~Someone Is Watching~ > Episode 2:  Urban Legends ~Encountering Rumors~ > Episode 3:  One Danger After Another ~Degeneration~ > Episode 4:  Inside ~Evil Spirit~ > Episode 5:  Discord ~Choices~ > Episode 6:  Poor, Lonely, Whitey > Episode 7:  Cornered ~True Identity~ > Episode 8:  Even Then ~Continue Forward~ > Episode 9:  Show Me What You've Got ~Band Together~ > Episode 10:  Collision ~Power Type~ > Episode 11:  Guidance ~Psychic Sensor~ > Episode 12:  The Battle for Social Rehabilitation ~Friendship~  > Episode 13:  Boss Fight ~The Final Light~

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts

Episode 5 & Chapter 64-67:

😂

Thank you Bones for making a cute version

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So the arc basically started with three scenarios in the manga - Mob failing at math, being bad at volleyball and getting bullied by two highschoolers. Later when in Mogami’s world we see the exact same scenarios playing out in a more negative way because of the different circumstances.

That kind of obvious parallell wasn’t really in the anime. The arc basically consists of only two episodes so I guess it would’ve been reptetitive/a bit too obvious if Bones took that route.

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More than 2 chapters were spent in Mogami’s world but we only got to see 8 minutes of in in the anime D: It really felt like he was in there for a long period of time (half a year) when reading it, but things were skipped and it went by so fast when watching it that the sense of time became completely different.

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;A; Lines that were left out before he reached 100% courage

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Animators having fun :D

Beautiful <3

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I’ve noticed that I haven’t made as many gifs or screenshots of the anime lately o: Dunno why, probably haven’t found much worth comparing visually. Instead I’ve written about the way some events play out differently... 

Next is Poor lonely whitey~~ Can’t wait <3

Also I just now realized how much more serious the arcs are in season 2 compared to season 1.

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts

Episode 11 & Chapter 44-46:

Dimple has his own Omake omg

I’m glad Mob is happy but this panel is horrifying

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Help his manga version has become handsome my fangirl heart can’t handle

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Confession: I can never get enough of Reigen and Mob’s dynamic.

My heart..! ;A; I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP

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Aww ye before Mob wakes up they added this scene to give an example on why he thinks Ritsu is amazing :3

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BODY LANGUAGE POWEEER

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The panic meter is amplified to the max in the anime I love it. Especially Reigen who basically went from zero to hundred hahah

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Teru’s panic mode shifted over to concern mode, while the manga just puts on a simple tsukkomi mode.

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Anime adding more panic while manga!Reigen’s kind of just ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. That pose is golden.

This pose too. It actually managed to look even more ridiculous than in the manga.

Is Ritsu even trying 😂:

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ #bullied by 13 year old

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This has to be the biggest difference in this episode. The fight continues in that cramped hall, no holes whatsoever. But the anime uses Ishiguro’s attack to change the scenery completely, creating that iconic hole in the ceiling. This gives much more freedom to the animators to use the environment in creative ways, that’s for sure. Plus we get epic lighting from the moon.

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Aaaaa I wonder if the flashback at the end of the episode is from an omake or later in the manga... it’s too good to be anime only material.

I’m already almost halfway through the manga..! And almost done with the whole season 1..! Does this mean season 3 will be the last season... ;A; I don’t wanna think about it aaaaa

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts

Episode 12 & Chapter 89-90:

Is this the face of someone who’s let go of all resentment 🤔🤔🤔

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😂 Yeah right you dork get outta here lol, this meme man I can’t wwww 

He’s starting to catch up with Ritsu.

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I found this pretty funny, it was left out though from the episode.

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There was no signs of gaming or computers in his room in the manga o: Instead there was a dumbbell:

I can’t believe anime!Seri threw his smartphone, what if it broke TuT That shit’s expensive, dude.

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They’re standing in the stairs that Shou ran up in, while the anime makes them stand in another staircase (that’s positioned much higher up, I assume).

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A whole page was spent for the buildup of this joke, I think like it more in the manga because of that hahah

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This makes it seem like anime!Mob is feeling much more guilty than manga!Mob about tricking Serizawa like that xD

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Mob appeared before Toichiro fired off that burst of energy at Shou, and so Toichiro put it away and never fired it. In the manga Mob appeared at the last second just in time to save Shou.

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Again, I kinda like the manga version o:

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Woah the anime had no dimple!Mob vs Toichiro fight before Toichiro kicked away Dimple. Several pages of action was skipped, but I guess we didn’t need them anyway.

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So... Reigen apparently ran up the tower in about 2 minutes and 27 seconds, if we check how long they stood up there talking/fighting after Dimple was tossed away... 👀

If the top floor of their Culture tower is at the same height as Tokyo Skytree, ~450 m, then 

450 m/147 seconds = ~3 meters/second in speed straight upwards... 😂

You know, it’s a perfectly managable speed for the human body to travel... that makes this theory canon in my eyes. 8)

Or that rat bastard might’ve just found a way to turn on the elevator.

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Toichiro absorbed Serizawa’s energy in the manga o: Explaining that he kept Super 5 close to him in case he needed them as spare batteries.

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Chapter 90.5 ended the same way the episode did (Mob had lifted the tower up in the sky)! 

I was worried about how a third season would be possible with so few chapters left, but it seems each “chapter” is much longer now on average! I’m relieved :’)

[freshmb100fan]

Manga vs Anime thoughts

Episode 5 & Chapter 14-19:

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME A PANEL MAKES ME WONDER IF I’M READING A HORROR MANGA I don’t know if I’m supposed to laugh or be scared tbh. ONE might make a great horror manga artist. :’)

😂 I CAN’T

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This wasn’t in the manga o: Mob mentioned nothing of getting nauseous there.

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I like both equally tbh

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Pissed off Teru appreciation

Right after this shot they used a commercial break, similiar to how the manga started on chapter 16 after this.

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Faithful adaptation timeee!

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Omake break featuring pure art and then switching to volume 3

I just wanna say I’m really grateful for the omake adapatations.

The legendary Tsuchinoko omake was improved to the max. :’)

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sorry about that time

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Cute :3

The anime skipped the part with Mezato and this whole page o:

and they used this omake

as footage on the tv screen!

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Episode 5 ended just like chapter 19: Mob sneezing and catching a cold. This kind of “documentation” is great for when I want to make an amv or find a specific scene. It’s also the first time I’ve genuinely wanted to remember every episode of a show <3 I might even buy the manga one day too, I would love to have my own copies.