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

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Delusional Monthly Magazine Anime Review: Why This Original Series Falls Short - Pinned Up Ink

Delusional Monthly Magazine follows a struggling paranormal publication team in Most City as they investigate supernatural phenomena. When researcher Goro Sato joins editor Taro, assistant Jiro, and dog Saburo, they discover MOParts—artifacts that transform people into Motarian creatures. Battling the villainous White Pegasus Company, this original anime from Studio OLM blends comedy, mystery, and transformation sequences in Saturday morning cartoon style under director Chizuru Miyawaki's guidance.

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Solo Leveling Season 2: Jinwoo's Epic Rise - Pinned Up Ink

In Solo Leveling Season 2, Sung Jinwoo, still seen as the weakest hunter, gains game-like powers after a dungeon incident. As he levels up, his abilities attract attention from hunter guilds while a returned hunter warns of a coming catastrophe. Jinwoo strives to become unbeatable to save his mother as he faces increasingly challenging battles, captivating viewers with intense action and stunning visuals.

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Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf: Where Dreams and Reality Converge - Pinned Up Ink

"Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!" follows Kazuhiro Kitase, whose ability to travel between worlds through sleep brings his elf friend Mariabelle to modern Japan. As they explore Japanese culture together, their relationship deepens while they continue adventures in both realms. When a dragon named Wridra joins their journey, this charming reverse-isekai blend showcases the wonders of Japan through magical eyes.

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God's Game We Play Anime Review: Divine Competitions with Mortal Stakes - Pinned Up Ink

"Gods' Game We Play" follows Fay, a talented gamer, who partners with Leoleshea, a former goddess seeking to regain her divinity. Together with Pearl and Nel, they compete in high-stakes divine games where winners receive one wish. Despite promising concepts and character development opportunities, the anime suffers from lackluster animation and unexplored storylines, making it worthwhile only for dedicated anime fans.

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As a Reincarnated Aristocrat Review: Medieval Fantasy with a Unique Appraisal Twist - Pinned Up Ink

A Japanese office worker reincarnates as Louvent Ars, a noble in a medieval world. Armed only with an "appraisal" skill that reveals people's abilities, Ars prepares his small territory for impending war by recruiting talented individuals regardless of their social status. While the anime offers interesting character development and political themes, it suffers from repetitive storytelling and generic fantasy elements.

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Anime Review: Can a Human Magician Bridge Two Warring Worlds? - Pinned Up Ink

"The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord's Army Was a Human" follows Ike, a human secretly serving in the demon army. Trained by demon warlock Romberg, Ike rises through the ranks while hiding his true identity. Despite his precarious position, he pursues a noble goal: establishing peace between humans and demons. His journey is complicated by rivalries, alliances, and the constant threat of his secret being exposed.

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Quality Assurance in Another World: Great Concept, Mediocre Execution - Pinned Up Ink

"Quality Assurance in Another World" follows Nikola, a village girl whose life changes when debugger Haga saves her from a dragon attack. As they journey through Clayborne, they discover Nikola is actually Tesla, the game's AI consciousness. Despite its promising premise about VR game debugging, the anime falters with shallow side characters and mediocre execution of its innovative concept.

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Chillin' in Another World Level 2 Cheat Powers Anime Review - Pinned Up Ink

Banaza, summoned as a hero but deemed weak, is exiled. Upon reaching his new home, he gains immense power at level 2. Renamed Flio, he seeks a peaceful life. He meets Fenrys, a powerful demon, who becomes his loyal companion. They live as a married couple, navigating their laid-back, overpowered lives.

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A Returner's Magic Should Be Special Review (2025) - Pinned Up Ink

After the apocalyptic mana explosion, mage Desir Herrman awakens 10 years earlier at Hebrion Academy. Armed with future knowledge, he battles systemic prejudice against commoners while recruiting allies like Romantica Eru. As Desir climbs the ranks, he confronts noble elitism, reshapes political alliances, and prepares to prevent the Shadow Labyrinth’s resurgence. With time running out, his choices determine whether humanity survives—or repeats its doomed fate.

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