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

Sub title page content

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.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
Blood: The Last Vampire - 1960s Vampire Slayer Anime - Pinned Up Ink

In 1966 Japan, half-vampire Saya hunts Chiropterans—bat-like demons infiltrating a U.S. military base. Posing as a student, she clashes with these shape-shifting horrors while protecting nurse Makiho, a witness to the carnage. Amidst Cold War tensions, the mission crescendos in a blood-soaked showdown, leaving authorities to erase all evidence. Saya vanishes, her origins hinted at through a cryptic 19th-century photo labeled “VAMPIRE,” teasing her eternal vigil.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
The Broken Dolls of Ave Mujica: Why This Dark BanG Dream! Anime Resonates - Pinned Up Ink

A dark, emotionally raw anime following the band Ave Mujica, formed from the ashes of CRYCHIC. Led by the perfectionist Sakiko, five broken girls—Umiri, Nyamu, Uika, Mutsumi, and Sakiko herself—struggle with trauma, identity, and connection. Their haunting music reflects their fractured psyches as they remain together for all the wrong reasons, unable to escape their inner demons or find true healing.

Continue Reading
Zenshu Anime Review: MAPPA's Isekai Masterpiece Redefines the Genre - Pinned Up Ink

"Zenshu" follows Hirose Natsuko, an overworked animator who finds herself transported into her favorite anime film. Armed with the ability to bring her animations to life, she attempts to rewrite the tragic ending she once admired. As Natsuko interacts with characters like Luke and Destiny, she rediscovers her passion for art and grapples with the inevitability of fate. This MAPPA original blends isekai elements with a heartfelt exploration of creativity, love, and the power of storytelling.

Continue Reading
Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines! Review + 10 Must-Watch Similar Anime Series (2024) - Pinned Up Ink

"Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!" follows introverted high schooler Kazuhiko Nukumizu as he forms meaningful platonic relationships with three "losing heroines"—Anna Yanami, Lemon Yakishio, and Chika Komari. A-1 Pictures delivers stunning animation and authentic character development, emphasizing emotional growth and friendship over romance. This 2024 anime masterpiece challenges conventional storytelling, offering a refreshing perspective on teenage relationships through heartfelt interactions and genuine emotional support.

Continue Reading
The New Gate: Trapped in a Virtual World After Victory - Pinned Up Ink

"The New Gate" is a 12-episode anime series that aired in Spring 2024, based on a light novel by Kazanami Shinogi. It follows Kiritani Shinya, an elite player trapped in a virtual reality game. After defeating the final boss, he finds himself in a new world resembling the game. With his skills intact, Shinya embarks on a journey to escape, encountering Tiera Lucent and seeking to reunite with his former party member, Schnee Raizar.

Continue Reading