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

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Phantom in the Twilight | A Cafe That Should Stay Forbidden | Review - Pinned Up Ink
"Phantom in the Twilight" blends vampires and supernatural elements in a visually stunning London setting. Despite its rich animation and intriguing premise, the series falls short in character development and lacks significant action or romance. Its unique take on the vampire genre and London's portrayal make it a distinctive, if underwhelming, anime experience.
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Love of Kill | Romance Has Never Been Weirder | Anime Review - Pinned Up Ink
"Love of Kill," set against the backdrop of assassins and bounty hunters, promises an unusual romance. Despite striking visuals and catchy music, the anime falls short with its slow-paced action, underdeveloped characters, and repetitive plot. It struggles to stand out in a season dominated by stronger titles, offering a lackluster experience.
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Noragami | Stray God | Anime Review - Pinned Up Ink
A minor deity named Yato performs odd jobs for five yen while dreaming of millions of worshippers. When middle school student Hiyori Iki saves him from an accident, her soul becomes partially detached from her body. Together with Yukine, a troubled spirit weapon, they navigate the world between gods and humans while confronting dark pasts, Buddhist concepts of karma, and personal redemption.

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Nobunagun | Forgettable or Worth Watching | Anime Review - Pinned Up Ink
This anime has a lot of flair, which it has in plenty. Character designs are fully armored, reflecting the historical essence and distinctive characteristics of each character, which complements the eye-catching visuals in each episode. The ability to contrast or draw inspiration from a variety of earlier anime is one of the series' strengths.
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Karas OAV Review | A Gritty and Flashy Anime with a Unique Twist - Pinned Up Ink

This review dives into Karas, a six-episode OAV celebrating Tatsunoko’s 40th anniversary, blending gritty urban folklore, superhero spectacle, and kinetic action. You explore Shinjuku’s battle between Eko and new Karas Otoha, the yokai–human balance, and striking 2D/3D animation that sometimes prioritizes style over clarity. Despite narrative flaws, Karas stands out as a bold, visually driven experience for fans of darker, atmospheric action anime.

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Black Blood Brothers Anime Review - Pinned Up Ink
A period of ten years has passed since the Holy War that blew over Hong Kong. Protagonist Mochizuki Jirou, also known as the Silver Blade, was the lone hero who fought valiantly and defeated the Kowloon Children. But during this difficult battle, he lost his lover. Now, alongside his younger brother Mochizuki Kotarou, he returns to Japan.
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