Tag: Comedy

Review: elDLIVE – A Space Adventure with Mixed Reactions

When elDLIVE first hit screens in January 2017, it promised a quirky blend of sci-fi, comedy, and action, courtesy of Studio Pierrot (known for Naruto and Bleach). The anime follows Chuuta Kokonose, an orphan with a mysterious voice in his head, who gets recruited into elDLIVE, an intergalactic police force. The premise is fun—aliens, space crime, and a protagonist with untapped potential—but how did it fare among fans? Let’s dive into the chatter.

The Good: A Slow Burn That Picks Up

Many viewers agreed that elDLIVE had a rocky start. The first few episodes felt like a slog, with Chuuta’s whiny personality and the show’s reliance on clichés turning people off. One fan bluntly called the opening episodes “a pain to get through.” But around the midpoint, things shifted. The reveal of Chuuta’s childhood friend being alive added emotional weight, and the finale delivered a satisfying payoff.

The final battle against Vega, the traitor within elDLIVE, was a highlight. Fans praised the intensity of the fight, with Chuuta finally proving himself as a capable officer. The teamwork between Chuuta and Misuzu (his tsundere superior) was a crowd-pleaser, even if their dynamic leaned heavily into shounen tropes. Some viewers loved the cheesy “power of friendship” moment, while others rolled their eyes—but hey, it’s anime.

The show’s aesthetics also got love. The alien designs were creative (shoutout to the “yellow banana guy”), and the vibrant color palette made it visually engaging. Veronica’s ridiculous spin-kick panty shot? Divisive, but undeniably memorable.

The Bad: Predictable and Rushed

Not everyone was sold. The biggest gripe? The storytelling. Vega’s betrayal was telegraphed from miles away, with one fan joking, “They couldn’t have made it more obvious.” The pacing, especially in the finale, felt rushed. Key moments—like Chuuta’s growth or the resolution of Vega’s arc—were crammed in, leaving some viewers unsatisfied.

Chuuta himself was a polarizing protagonist. Some found his underdog journey endearing, while others called him “a terrible MC” who paled in comparison to classics like Shinji from Evangelion. His pervy antics didn’t help, with fans arguing it cheapened his character.

And then there’s the filler. The anime’s original ending diverged from the manga, leaving manga readers frustrated. One fan lamented, “The manga is amazeballs. The anime? Generic shounen.”

The Verdict: Underrated or Overhyped?

elDLIVE sits in a weird spot. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s not a trainwreck either. Ratings from fans hovered around 6-7/10, with some outliers calling it “underrated” or “a waste of time.”

The show’s charm lies in its absurdity—aliens, over-the-top action, and a protagonist who yells his way to victory. If you can push past the slow start, there’s fun to be had. But if you’re looking for deep storytelling? The manga might be the better bet.

Would a Season 2 fix things? Some fans are hopeful, especially with darker arcs waiting to be adapted. Others? They’re fine leaving elDLIVE as a one-season wonder.

Final Thought: elDLIVE is like a fast-food burger—flawed, but satisfying if you’re in the mood for something simple and silly. Just don’t expect gourmet.

What did you think of elDLIVE? Love it, hate it, or somewhere in between? Drop your thoughts below!

“Sentai Daishikkaku” Season 1: A Fresh, Twisted Take on Power Rangers

Introduction

If you grew up watching Power Rangers or Super Sentai and wondered, “What if the bad guys were actually the underdogs?” then Sentai Daishikkaku (also known as Ranger Reject) is the anime for you. Premiering in April 2024, this 12-episode series flips the classic hero-villain dynamic on its head, delivering a satirical, action-packed, and surprisingly deep story. Produced by Yostar Pictures (known for their high-quality adaptations), the show has already sparked heated discussions among fans—especially those familiar with the manga by Negi Haruba, the creator of The Quintessential Quintuplets.

The Premise: A Villain’s Struggle

For 13 years, the Nefarious Monster Army has staged weekly battles against the Dragon Keepers, Earth’s beloved defenders. But here’s the twist: the fights are rigged. The monsters are forced to lose every time, turning their lives into a never-ending humiliation. Enter Fighter D, a foot soldier who’s had enough. His mission? Infiltrate the Dragon Keepers and destroy them from within.

The first episode wastes no time setting up the absurdity of this world. The monsters are treated like disposable actors, while the Dragon Keepers bask in fame and glory. The show’s humor is sharp—imagine The Boys meets Power Rangers, with a dash of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure-style mind games.

Fan Reactions: Love, Confusion, and High Hopes

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have been buzzing about the premiere. Here’s what stood out:

1. “This is The Boys but with Power Rangers!”
   Many viewers compared the show to The Boys, praising its subversion of superhero tropes. The Dragon Keepers aren’t just heroes—they’re egotistical celebrities who manipulate the narrative. One Reddit user noted, “The early parts of the manga were my favorite, and the anime captures that energy perfectly.”

2. “The animation is clean.”
   Yostar Pictures didn’t hold back. The fight scenes are fluid, the transformations are flashy, and the character designs stay true to the manga. Fans especially loved the particle effects when monsters “reform” after being “defeated.”

3. “The humor is weirdly endearing.”
   From a monster born from “the collective grudges of tigers” to fourth-wall-breaking text on screen, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. One fan joked, “The puns are so bad they’re good—like ‘tora’ (tiger) being used three different ways in one scene.”

4. “The twist at the end got me hooked.”
   Without spoiling too much, the first episode’s climax reveals that Fighter D’s mission is far more complicated than it seems. Some viewers admitted they almost dropped the show halfway through but stayed for the payoff.

5. “The OP slaps.”
   Tatsuya Kitani’s opening theme is already a fan favorite. One comment read, “The man doesn’t miss. I’ve had it on loop since the episode aired.”

Why It Stands Out

What makes Sentai Daishikkaku special isn’t just its premise—it’s the execution. The show balances comedy, action, and social commentary effortlessly. The Dragon Keepers represent fame and corruption, while the monsters symbolize the exploited underclass. It’s a clever critique of how media manipulates hero narratives.

Fans of Negi Haruba’s work will appreciate the sharp writing, while newcomers will enjoy the fresh take on a tired genre. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “If you’re tired of generic Power Rangers clones, this is the breath of fresh air you need.”

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for the Season

With its stellar animation, witty writing, and unpredictable plot, Sentai Daishikkaku is shaping up to be one of the standout anime of 2024. Whether you’re here for the action, the satire, or just to see Fighter D defy the system, this show delivers.

As the discussions show, the hype is real. Will Fighter D succeed in his mission? Or will the Dragon Keepers’ facade crumble on its own? One thing’s for sure: Sundays just got a lot more interesting.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A wild, refreshing ride with potential to become a cult classic.

What did you think of the first episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!