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

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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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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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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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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.

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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!

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The 100 Girlfriends Season 1 Review: Over-the-Top Harem Fun - Pinned Up Ink

When matchmaking gods fumble, Rentarou Aijou suddenly goes from 100 rejections to 100 soulmates on his first day of high school. “The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You” dives headfirst into parody territory, celebrating anime tropes with rapid-fire jokes, meme-worthy animation, and a hero who actually knows what’s happening. This rowdy, self-aware harem comedy is as sincere as it is absurd—and endlessly entertaining.

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