The Cel Block: Anime Reviews & Analysis for the Gen-X Fan

Sub title page content

Carole & Tuesday: Anime Where Music Triumphs Over AI - Pinned Up Ink

Carole & Tuesday is a 24-episode anime set on a terraformed Mars where AI dominates the music industry. The story follows two young women who rebel against the AI-produced culture, showcasing their authentic musical journey. Created by the Cowboy Bebop and Fullmetal Alchemist teams, the show blends sci-fi, drama, and real-world musical talent, tackling diversity, identity, and the significance of genuine artistry.

Continue Reading
Chainsaw Man Compilation: KICK BACK Remix, Artistic Impact & Film Analysis - Pinned Up Ink

Chainsaw Man – The Compilation, released September 2025, redefines anime recap films. It features immersive edits, new animated material, and Kenshi Yonezu’s “KICK BACK” remixed by Frost Children. The project spotlights bold collaborations between Japanese and international artists, celebrates the franchise’s iconic status, and signals new trends where anime music innovation accelerates cultural influence in Japan and worldwide.

Continue Reading
Rent-a-Girlfriend Season One: The Ultimate Guilty Pleasure Anime Review - Pinned Up Ink

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 1 is the ultimate guilty pleasure anime, featuring wild relationships, messy drama, and irresistible character flaws. Kazuya and Chizuru’s fake romance spirals into hilarious chaos, filled with emotional highs and lows. With vibrant animation and memorable voice acting, this series entices viewers who love juicy, complicated stories—even if the plot and choices drive you mad. Perfect for anyone seeking fun, drama-filled escapism.

Continue Reading
Assassin’s Pride Anime Review: Story, Themes & Adaptation - Pinned Up Ink

Assassin’s Pride follows Melida, a noble outcast, and Kufa, her assassin tutor, torn between duty and compassion. Set in a crumbling world plagued by lycanthropes, the anime blends fantasy and struggle for identity. While the visuals and music shine, rushed storytelling and skipped character growth hold it back. A tale of courage, prejudice, and forbidden bonds, the anime leaves audiences with mixed impressions.

Continue Reading
World Trigger: Chika Amatori’s Side Effect & Episode 6 Recap - Pinned Up Ink

World Trigger Episode 6 introduces Chika Amatori while exploring the concept of "Side Effects" - unique extrasensory abilities possessed by high Trion users. Jin's prophetic powers drive the narrative as abnormal gate activity threatens Mikado City. The episode balances character development with worldbuilding, showcasing Chika's potential trauma and mysterious abilities. Despite some exposition-heavy moments, effective pacing and camera work create compelling emotional beats, particularly highlighting Chika's tragic backstory through subtle visual storytelling.

Continue Reading
Tomo Sakurai, Beloved Macross Voice Actress, Passes Away at 53 - Pinned Up Ink

Tomo Sakurai, best remembered as Mylene Flare Jenius in Macross 7, has passed away at 53 due to multi-organ cancer. A talented voice actress and singer, Sakurai’s career spanned three decades, leaving a lasting legacy in anime and music. From Rurouni Kenshin to El-Hazard, her diverse roles touched many fans. Though gone, her impact will continue to inspire generations of anime enthusiasts.

Continue Reading
Oshi no Ko Season 2 Review: Stage, Secrets, and Revenge - Pinned Up Ink

Oshi no Ko Season 2 focuses on a stage play adaptation of “Tokyo Blade,” where Aqua, Akane, and Kana confront personal struggles while performing roles that mirror their own lives. The season deepens Aqua’s revenge-driven story, highlights Akane’s acting challenges, and explores Kana’s growth, all while showcasing stunning animation and music. Slow at first, it rewards viewers with powerful character development and emotional payoffs.

Continue Reading
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really Love You Season 2: Anime Review & Recap - Pinned Up Ink

Season 2 picks up with Rentarou Aijou managing a wild group of quirky soulmates, juggling romance with comedy at Ohananomitsu High. New girlfriends Kurumi, Mei, Iku, Mimimi, and Meme join the antics, challenging Rentarou's boundless energy and devotion. Enjoy over-the-top absurdity, clever parodies, wacky animation, and relentless fun in this unabashed harem romp where everyone, somehow, finds love and laughter!

Continue Reading
Oshi no Ko Review: Idol Industry’s Dark Side Exposed - Pinned Up Ink

Oshi no Ko offers a piercing exploration into Japan’s idol industry, where manufactured glamour hides deep pain, cruelty, and secrecy. Through the lens of reincarnation and showbiz intrigue, the series tackles themes of justice, cyberbullying, and identity, standing out with its dazzling animation and thought-provoking social critique. A must-watch for anyone seeking more than glitz in their anime experience.

Continue Reading