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

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Demon Slayer Breaks Records as Chainsaw Man Hype Builds - Pinned Up Ink

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has overtaken Pokémon’s record to become the highest-grossing anime film in North America and surpassed $500 million worldwide. Fans are already dubbing this era a new anime golden age, with Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc poised to keep the momentum alive. As both series dominate headlines, the fall and winter 2026 anime season looks more exciting than ever.

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Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 2 Review: Comedy, Romance, and Growth - Pinned Up Ink

Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 2 aired in summer 2022 and follows Kazuya and Chizuru as their relationship evolves amid new challenges. The season features more prominent roles for Mami and Ruka, improved plot focus, and strong animation. While the characters still display flaws, the series offers a blend of romance, comedy, and drama for fans.

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Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Review: Comedy Anime Gem - Pinned Up Ink

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid is Kyoto Animation's beloved 2017 slice-of-life comedy following office worker Kobayashi whose mundane life transforms when dragon Tohru becomes her maid. This supernatural comedy explores friendship, family dynamics, and everyday adventures as more mythical beings join their household. The episodic series brilliantly balances heartwarming character development with hilarious dragon-human cultural clashes, creating an endearing anime experience.

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Sekiro: No Defeat Anime—Release Date, Story & Streaming Info - Pinned Up Ink

Sekiro: No Defeat, the anime adaptation of the acclaimed game Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, premieres on Crunchyroll in 2026. Directed by Kenichi Kutsuna, it tells the dark tale of Wolf and Kuro striving to restore balance to Sengoku-era Japan. With original cast returning, fans can expect a stunning, faithful retelling filled with loyalty, struggle, and intense combat.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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