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

This Monster Wants to Eat Me is a slow-burn yuri horror that dives into survivor’s guilt and suicidal ideation through Hinako, a girl marked as prey for mermaid yokai Shiori. Their twisted promise of eventual “devouring” becomes a lens on depression, codependency, and the will to live, supported by Studio Lings’ moody ocean imagery and Keiji Inai’s atmospheric score. It’s intimate, heavy, and emotionally resonant.

This review dives into Watanare’s blend of yuri harem comedy and sincere coming-of-age drama. I unpack Renako’s social anxiety and queerness, the show’s nuanced take on boundaries, consent, and messy poly feelings, plus how family pressure shapes her arc. With vibrant art, fluid animation, and standout voice work from Kanna Nakamura, this series delivers thoughtful, emotionally aware fun.

Kämpfer is a wild gender-bending anime mixing action, comedy, and romance. Despite an intriguing premise, it relies on tired tropes and fanservice over substance. While entertaining at times thanks to solid comedy and voice acting, Kämpfer fails to deliver a meaningful story or characters. It's mindless fun if you set expectations accordingly, but don't anticipate anything groundbreaking from this messy but lively series.