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

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Overtake! Anime Review: F1 Racing Meets Heartfelt Drama - Pinned Up Ink

Overtake! blends the high-speed world of F1 racing with heartfelt character drama. Photographer Madoka Kouya, haunted by his past, finds renewed purpose after meeting passionate rookie driver Haruka Asahina. As Madoka supports Haruka’s journey through the competitive F4 circuit, the anime delivers striking visuals and authentic motorsport details. While racing action sometimes takes a backseat to character bonds, Overtake! offers a fresh, emotional take on the racing genre.

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Odd Taxi: Anime’s Most Unique Mystery You Need to Watch - Pinned Up Ink

Odd Taxi is a genre-bending anime that follows Odokawa, a walrus taxi driver navigating a city full of eccentric animal characters. As he ferries passengers ranging from comedians to criminals, Odokawa becomes entangled in a gripping mystery that blurs the lines between crime thriller and social commentary. With sharp writing, memorable music, and unique animation, Odd Taxi stands out as one of the decade’s most original series.

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The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan: A Haruhi Suzumiya Spin-Off Review - Pinned Up Ink

Set in an alternate Haruhi Suzumiya universe, The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan follows a shy, book-loving Yuki Nagato as she leads the North High Literary Club. Her quiet days with friends Kyon and Ryoko are upended when the eccentric Haruhi Suzumiya barges in, bringing chaos and new members. As friendships deepen and misadventures unfold, Yuki must navigate school life, romance, and her growing feelings for Kyon.

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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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When Will Ayumu Make His Move? Review & Synopsis - Pinned Up Ink

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? follows Ayumu Tanaka, a former kendo champion who joins his high school's shogi club to pursue Urushi Yaotome, the club's sole member and president. Determined not to confess his feelings until he defeats her in shogi, Ayumu faces constant losses against the skilled player. Despite setbacks, he continues praising her abilities while slowly improving his game, creating a wholesome romantic comedy filled with strategic gameplay and blushing moments between the endearing duo.

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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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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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