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

Sub title page content

Kimi ni Todoke: A Heartwarming Tale of Misunderstanding and Pure Love - Pinned Up Ink

Kimi ni Todoke follows Sawako Kuronuma, nicknamed "Sadako" due to her resemblance to the horror character. Despite her sweet nature, she's misunderstood by classmates. When she meets the popular Shouta Kazehaya, her life begins to change as she makes friends and discovers herself. This heartwarming shoujo anime beautifully portrays realistic love and friendship without relying on genre clichés.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
Star Driver: Glittering Mecha or Missed Potential? - Pinned Up Ink
"Star Driver" is a visually stunning mecha anime with vibrant animation and fluid fight sequences. Set on Southern Cross Isle, the story follows Takuto Tsunashi, a charismatic "Galactic Pretty Boy," as he battles the Glittering Crux Brigade to protect four seal maidens. Despite its impressive visuals and sound design, the series falters with hollow characters, a convoluted plot, and repetitive elements, leaving it an inconsistent experience for mecha fans.
Continue Reading
Roshidere: When Love Speaks Russian at Seirei Academy - Pinned Up Ink
At the prestigious Seirei Academy, half-Russian Alisa "Alya" Mikhailovna Kujou appears perfect - brilliant, beautiful, and strict. Her classmate Masachika Kuze seems completely uninterested in her, which both irritates and intrigues her. As she begins expressing her feelings in Russian, she's unaware that Kuze actually understands the language perfectly. Their relationship evolves from playful encounters into something deeper. 
Continue Reading
A Sign of Affection: When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words - Pinned Up Ink

A deaf college student, Yuki Itose, lives in a silent world until she meets Itsuomi Nagi, a multilingual travel enthusiast who accepts her condition without hesitation. Their chance encounter transforms Yuki's once-monotonous life into a vibrant journey of discovery and love. Together, they navigate their differences, open new worlds to each other, and develop a profound connection that transcends the barriers of communication.

Continue Reading
Pseudo Harem Anime Review (2024) - When One Girl Becomes an Entire Harem - Pinned Up Ink
In Pseudo Harem, high school student Eiji Kitahama's dream of having a harem becomes an unconventional reality when Drama Club junior Rin Nanakura uses her exceptional acting abilities to portray multiple personalities. As Rin switches between different characters to fulfill Eiji's fantasy, their playful arrangement evolves into a genuine romance, showcasing how one talented girl's dedication can surpass the appeal of an actual harem.
Continue Reading
Atri: My Dear Moments Anime Review - A Submerged Tale of Human-Android Connection - Pinned Up Ink
In a world ravaged by rising sea levels, Natsuki Ikaruga, a brilliant graduate with a prosthetic leg, discovers Atri, an advanced humanoid robot left behind by his grandmother. As they uncover forgotten memories and a mysterious mission, their unlikely bond challenges the boundaries between human and machine, exploring themes of loss, hope, and connection in a desolate yet beautiful underwater world.
Continue Reading
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines Anime Review | When Friendship Trumps Romance - Pinned Up Ink

"Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines" breaks the typical rom-com mold by focusing on meaningful platonic relationships and personal growth. This 2024 anime follows Kazuhiko Nukumizu, an introverted high schooler who becomes the unexpected confidant to three heartbroken classmates. Through stunning animation by A-1 Pictures and thoughtful storytelling, the series delivers a refreshing take on friendship, healing, and the complexities of teenage romance.

Continue Reading
Devils' Line Review: Vampire Romance Done Right? Anime vs Manga - Pinned Up Ink

Devils' Line blends vampire romance with police procedural elements in a unique urban fantasy setting. This comprehensive review explores the anime's strengths and weaknesses, from its compelling character dynamics to its rushed adaptation choices. Comparing the anime to its manga source material, the review delves into production details, voice acting, musical score, and explains why manga readers might find more satisfaction in the original format.

Continue Reading