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

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Netflix's Devil May Cry: Beautiful Animation Can't Hide Narrative Flaws - Pinned Up Ink

Netflix's Devil May Cry anime adaptation delivers stylish demon-slaying action with Johnny Yong Bosch voicing the charismatic Dante. While the animation shines, especially in episode 6, the series struggles with its narrative focus, shifting away from the games' themes of humanity. Despite capturing Dante's personality and delivering thrilling combat sequences, the show's inconsistent writing and controversial character development divide longtime fans.

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7th Time Loop Anime Review: When Your Killer Becomes Your Husband - Pinned Up Ink

After dying six times at Emperor Arnold's hands, Rishe awakens in her seventh life determined to survive past 20. When fate brings her face-to-face with a younger Arnold, she strategically accepts his marriage proposal to prevent future war. Using skills from her past lives, Rishe navigates court politics while developing unexpected feelings for the man who repeatedly ended her life.

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Ninja Kamui Review: Breathtaking Action Meets Flawed Storytelling - Pinned Up Ink

Former ninja assassin Joe Logan's peaceful rural life is shattered when his former clan murders his family. Surviving the attack, Joe embraces his deadly past and embarks on a blood-soaked quest for vengeance. With unexpected help from two detectives, he battles through increasingly bizarre enemies-including mechs-in this visually stunning but narratively flawed action series that aired from February to May 2024.

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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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Ghoul School Chronicles: When Fear Meets Fantasy - Pinned Up Ink

Timid teacher Haruaki Abe stumbles into a school for supernatural students, navigating comedic chaos as he teaches vampires, yōkai, and demons. Through episodic misadventures, he confronts his fears while fostering empathy with his monstrous class. Lighthearted and whimsical, this series blends slapstick humor with heartwarming moments, offering a gentle take on overcoming prejudices in a world where the extraordinary becomes everyday.

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Pluto: Netflix's Hidden Anime Masterpiece That Critics Can't Stop Praising - Pinned Up Ink

In a futuristic world where robots and humans coexist, Inspector Gesicht investigates the murders of the world's seven most advanced robots and their human allies. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers he may be the next target. With the help of Atom, a cutting-edge android boy, Gesicht races to catch the killer before society's foundations crumble.

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Honey Lemon Soda Anime Review: Sweet Romance & Self-Discovery - Pinned Up Ink

Honey Lemon Soda follows shy high schooler Uka Ishimori as she attempts to reinvent herself after a lonely, bullied middle school life. Her journey takes a turn when she meets the outgoing Kai Miura, whose kindness helps her gradually break out of her shell. As their friendship deepens, Uka learns to embrace change, face her insecurities, and discover the warmth of young romance in this heartfelt shoujo series.

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Trapezium: A Beautiful Yet Flawed Journey to Idol Stardom - Pinned Up Ink

High school student Yu Azuma will stop at nothing to become an idol. She strategically recruits three girls from different schools across her prefecture to form the group "NEWS." But as they navigate the harsh realities of the idol industry, Yu's manipulative methods and the girls' conflicting ambitions threaten both their musical dreams and their friendship.

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Dan Da Dan: The Wildest Anime of 2024 - Pinned Up Ink

Dan Da Dan follows high schoolers Momo and Ken "Okarun" as they clash over their supernatural and extraterrestrial beliefs. When attempting to prove each other wrong, they encounter actual paranormal phenomena and develop superhuman abilities. Fighting bizarre creatures together, they form an unexpected bond while navigating hilarious situations—including Okarun's quest to retrieve his stolen testicles in this vibrant, action-packed anime.

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