Tag: Fantasy

Divine Gate: A Messy Journey to Nowhere?

When Divine Gate first aired in January 2016, it promised an ambitious blend of mythology, elemental powers, and a quest to reshape the world. Adapted from a Japanese smartphone game, the anime followed “Adapters”—individuals gifted with unique abilities—as they sought the legendary Divine Gate, a portal merging the living world, heavens, and underworld. On paper, it sounded like a recipe for something epic. But by the time the credits rolled on Episode 12, fans were left scratching their heads, laughing in disbelief, or just plain frustrated.

The Premise: Potential Wasted

The show’s premise had all the ingredients for a compelling story. The idea of a gate that could rewrite reality, combined with Norse mythology and Arthurian legends, should have been a goldmine. Characters like Akane, Midori, and Aoto were set up with intriguing backstories—trauma, loss, and a desire for change. Yet, as the episodes progressed, the narrative spiraled into chaos.

Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums didn’t hold back. One user summed it up: “At first, I enjoyed this show in a ‘so bad that it’s funny’ kind of way, but then it got boring, and I still don’t know WTF this show was actually about.” Another echoed, “The plot was confusing, and now that it ended, I’m even more confused.”

The Characters: Who Even Were They?

Aoto, the brooding protagonist with a tragic past, seemed like the emotional anchor. Midori’s quest for answers about her friend’s death could have been poignant. Akane’s fiery determination had potential. But none of them got the development they deserved. Instead, the show introduced a parade of side characters—Loki, Arthur, Santa (yes, Santa)—who either overstayed their welcome or vanished without explanation.

The relationship between Loki and Arthur was a particular point of contention. “Loki and Arthur still have the strangest relationship ever,” one fan groaned. Another joked, “Santa is still OP, the cake is still a lie, and Loki remains a douche in every role he gets.”

The Plot Holes: A Gate to Nowhere

By the finale, the show’s biggest sin wasn’t just its messy storytelling—it was the sheer number of unresolved threads. Did Santa survive? What happened to Aoto’s brother? Why did characters who supposedly died suddenly reappear? “The quantity of plot points they left unfinished is insane,” one viewer ranted.

The climax, where the trio rejects the Divine Gate’s power, was meant to be profound. Instead, it felt unearned. “They go through all this trouble to reach the Gate, only to say ‘nah’? That’s not deep—that’s lazy,” a fan criticized. The Deus ex Machina revivals of dead characters didn’t help. “Resurrecting in Skyrim is harder than in Divine Gate,” someone quipped.

The Verdict: A Trainwreck Worth Watching?

Despite the backlash, Divine Gate had its defenders. A few fans praised the opening theme or the occasional emotional beat. “The OP was quite good,” one admitted, “but that’s the only reason I’m giving it a 3/10.” Others found humor in its absurdity. “Too bad the comedy of the season is over,” a user laughed. “I laughed too much at the second half.”

But for most, the show was a missed opportunity. “This had good potential but ended up a mess full of clichés,” sighed one viewer. Another bluntly declared, “Fuck this pretentious pile of shit. I hope it doesn’t get a second season.”

Final Thoughts

Divine Gate is the kind of anime that makes you wonder how it got greenlit in the first place. Was it rushed? Did the writers lose the script? Or was it always destined to be a confusing, half-baked adaptation? Whatever the case, it’s a fascinating case study in how not to execute a high-concept story.

If you’re looking for a so-bad-it’s-good experience, Divine Gate might entertain you—for all the wrong reasons. But if you crave coherence, emotional payoff, or even basic logic, steer clear. As one fan perfectly put it: “Thank god this series is finally over.”

Rating: 3/10 (Generous points for the OP and occasional unintentional comedy.)

Would you watch a second season of Divine Gate? Or is this one gate best left closed? Let me know in the comments!

Episode 9 Review: “Decision” – Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time

A Turning Point for Takumi and Friends

The ninth episode of Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time, titled “Decision,” marks a pivotal moment in the series. After surviving a surprise attack by the Kamui Squad, Takumi and his companions finally grasp the gravity of their situation: the Sidonia Divine Empire and the Church of Shinko are now targeting Takumi directly. The episode blends action, strategy, and character development, leaving fans buzzing with theories and reactions.

The Plot Thickens

The episode opens with the aftermath of the Kamui Squad’s ambush, showcasing Takumi’s growing prowess as an alchemist. His ability to craft powerful artifacts on the fly continues to impress, but the real tension lies in the political machinations unfolding around him. The Sidonia Empire’s interest in Takumi isn’t just about his skills—it’s about control. Meanwhile, the Church of Shinko’s involvement hints at a deeper conspiracy, one that might tie back to the goddess who summoned Takumi in the first place.

Fans on MyAnimeList have pointed out how this episode shifts the tone from “OP protagonist doing OP things” to a more nuanced narrative. One user noted, “Finally, the stakes feel real. Takumi can’t just alchemy his way out of everything when entire nations are gunning for him.”

Character Dynamics Shine

One of the highlights of this episode is the evolving dynamic between Takumi and his companions. Maria, the sharp-tongued maid, and Sofia, the cursed elf, get more screen time, and their loyalty to Takumi is tested. Sofia’s backstory—particularly the revelation about her sealed magic—adds emotional weight to the story.

A Reddit thread discussing the episode praised Sofia’s character arc: “She went from ‘tsundere elf’ to ‘ride-or-die comrade’ in record time, and I’m here for it.” Meanwhile, Maria’s no-nonsense attitude provides much-needed comic relief, especially when she calls Takumi out for his occasional naivety.

The Alchemy of World-Building

The series has been criticized for its reliance on stat screens and game-like mechanics, but Episode 9 dials back on those elements to focus on storytelling. The political intrigue between Sidonia and the Church of Shinko feels fresh, and fans are eager to see how Takumi navigates this new challenge.

One MyAnimeList commenter summed it up well: “The show’s finally embracing its potential. If it keeps this up, it might actually live up to its title.”

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

As with any isekai, reactions are mixed. Some viewers adore the blend of action and strategy, while others find the pacing uneven. A recurring critique is the show’s handling of slavery—a trope that’s become all too common in isekai. One fan wrote, “The ‘nice slave owner’ angle is still weird, but at least Sofia and Maria have agency now.”

On the flip side, others appreciate the show’s self-awareness. “It’s not pretending to be high art,” noted a Reddit user. “It’s just fun, and sometimes that’s enough.”

Final Verdict

Episode 9 of Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time is a step in the right direction. It balances action, character growth, and world-building while setting the stage for bigger conflicts. If the series maintains this momentum, it could very well become one of the standout isekai of the season.

For now, fans are left with one burning question: Will Takumi’s alchemy be enough to outmaneuver an entire empire?

What did you think of Episode 9? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Episode 11 Review: “Fuguushoku ‘Kanteishi’ ga Jitsu wa Saikyou Datta” – Ein’s Unstoppable Rise

The Unstoppable Appraiser

In a world where your destiny is determined by the “job” you’re born with, Ein, the so-called “worthless” Appraiser, continues to defy expectations in Fuguushoku ‘Kanteishi’ ga Jitsu wa Saikyou Datta (or The Strongest Appraiser for short). Episode 11, titled “Band,” throws Ein into the thick of demonic chaos, proving once again that his strength isn’t just about raw power—it’s about his unshakable resolve.

This episode picks up with Ein facing off against a new wave of demons, led by the cunning Ioana. Fans have been buzzing about how effortlessly Ein dispatches his enemies, with one MyAnimeList user noting, “Ein didn’t waste any time to chat with the demon and just immediately lay waste.” It’s this no-nonsense attitude that sets him apart from the typical overpowered protagonists of the season. While others might monologue or hesitate, Ein acts—and it’s glorious.

The Harem Grows (Of Course It Does)

If there’s one thing anime fans love to debate, it’s the ever-expanding harem trope. Episode 11 introduces two new spirits: a mature, voluptuous onee-san type and a literal child (because why not?). The reactions have been mixed. Some fans, like one commenter, joked, “Big tiddy onee-san and a loli in the same episode. The harem has been rounded out.” Others, however, raised eyebrows at the inclusion of an infant-like character, questioning the direction the show might take.

Kursh, the playful and enigmatic spirit, continues to steal scenes with her teasing antics. Voiced by the talented Itou Shizuka, she’s become a fan favorite. One viewer gushed, “Love Kursh, onee-san and voiced by Itou Shizuka—the perfect combination.” Meanwhile, the new demon villain, Ioana, brought a fresh dynamic with her sharp tongue and striking design, though some fans felt her fight with Ein was underwhelming.

The Finale Tease

With only one episode left in the season, the stakes are higher than ever. Echidna, the big bad, is still lurking in the shadows, and fans are speculating whether Ein will face her head-on or if the show will leave things open for a second season. One Reddit user mused, “Looks like the next episode (finale) will be our ‘the adventure continues’ ending to hook viewers into checking out the source material.”

The pacing has been a point of contention, with some viewers feeling the story is rushing toward its conclusion. “Although the story is a bit fast, the storyline is starting to improve,” noted one MyAnimeList reviewer. Still, the action and character interactions remain a highlight, keeping audiences engaged.

Final Thoughts

Episode 11 of The Strongest Appraiser delivers exactly what fans have come to expect: high-octane battles, quirky new characters, and Ein being an absolute beast. While the harem additions might raise some eyebrows, the sheer fun of watching Ein bulldoze through enemies is undeniable. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Ein is definitely the most overpowered protagonist of this season… and I’d still give the crown to him.”

With the finale just around the corner, the question isn’t if Ein will triumph—it’s how spectacularly he’ll do it.

Rating: 8/10 – A solid episode that keeps the momentum going, even if it leans a little too hard into tropes at times.

What did you think of Episode 11? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Review: Even Given the Worthless “Appraiser” Class, I’m Actually the Strongest – Season 1, Episode 11

A Rollercoaster of Expectations and Execution

Even Given the Worthless “Appraiser” Class, I’m Actually the Strongest (or Fuguushoku “Kanteishi” ga Jitsu wa Saikyou Datta for the purists) is one of those anime that starts with a premise so intriguing, you can’t help but dive in. The story follows Ein, a guy stuck with the “Appraiser” class in a world where your god-given job defines your worth. Naturally, being an appraiser sucks—until Ein discovers his class is secretly OP. Cue the power fantasy!

Episode 11 continues Ein’s journey, but the reactions from fans are… mixed, to say the least. Let’s break it down.

The Good: Power Fantasy Done (Mostly) Right

First, the positives. The show nails the underdog-to-overpowered trope that fans of The Rising of the Shield Hero or Arifureta will recognize. Ein’s growth from a discarded nobody to a powerhouse is satisfying, especially when he flexes his appraisal skills in creative ways.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have pointed out that Episode 11 delivers some solid action. Ein’s ability to analyze and counter enemies feels fresh compared to brute-force protagonists. One user noted:

“Wow, this will be an amazing show if they can pull off using appraisal skills to defeat monsters.”

And honestly? They kinda do. Watching Ein outsmart foes with his enhanced eye (courtesy of Yuri, the tree spirit) is a highlight.

Another plus? The humor. The dynamic between Ein and his growing harem (because of course there’s a harem) is lighthearted and fun. Ursula, the tree guardian, steals scenes with her no-nonsense attitude, and Yuri’s innocence adds charm.

The Bad: Whiplash Pacing and Forgotten Stakes

Now, the criticisms. The biggest gripe from fans? The show’s tonal whiplash.

The first episode set up a dark, almost tragic backstory—Ein betrayed, left to die, and driven to suicide. But by Episode 11, that trauma is… barely mentioned. One fan put it bluntly:

“They spent an entire episode making him look like a pathetic bullied rag who gave up on life… and then he just moves on like nothing happened?”

It’s jarring. The show pivots from revenge drama to lighthearted adventure so fast, you’d think Ein got a personality reset.

Another issue? The pacing. Episode 11 crams in new characters, power-ups, and plot twists like it’s racing to the finish line. A Reddit user joked:

“This feels like they speedran 25 chapters of the manga in one episode.”

And they’re not wrong. The rapid-fire introductions of new tree spirits (each with their own quirks) make the world feel overcrowded rather than immersive.

The Ugly: Overpowered to a Fault

Let’s talk power scaling. Ein’s abilities are cool, but by Episode 11, he’s bordering on In Another World With My Smartphone levels of OP. Some fans are frustrated:

“They gave him way too many tools and empowered him too easily. There’s no challenge anymore.”

The lack of stakes is a problem. When Ein can analyze, counter, and absorb abilities with minimal effort, fights lose tension. Compare this to Shield Hero, where Naofumi’s limitations forced creativity. Here, Ein’s growth feels unearned.

And don’t get fans started on Zoid, the former party member who betrayed Ein. His redemption (or lack thereof) is divisive:

“So Zoid murdered people and just… walks away? What kind of justice is that?”

It’s a missed opportunity for deeper conflict.

Final Verdict: Fun, But Flawed

Even Given the Worthless “Appraiser” Class, I’m Actually the Strongest is a mixed bag. Episode 11 delivers action and humor, but struggles with pacing, tone, and stakes.

For fans of power fantasies, it’s a decent watch—just don’t expect depth. As one reviewer summed it up:

“It’s like junk food. Tasty in the moment, but you won’t remember it tomorrow.”

Rating: 6.5/10 – A fun ride, but don’t think too hard about it.

What did you think of Episode 11? Did Ein’s power-ups feel earned, or was it too much too fast? Drop your thoughts below!