We here at oprainfall don’t just love video games: we’re big fans of anime, too. So in celebration of the medium, we’re here to give you our thoughts on what we’ve been watching each week as we watch it. Old, new – anything goes.
Currently Airing:
Dark Gathering
The episodes starts off on a more calm note as the trio go out for a camping trip. Things are pretty relaxed until of course things take a turn. However, this time the target seems to be Eiko. The situation with the spirit this time is also a little different and Yayoi’s methods are interesting like usual. The relationship between Eiko and Keitaro also advances which is pretty fast for most series. That being said Eiko still is a bit unnerving at times. I want to see if there is a point where Keitaro starts noticing it more. Keitaro’s change to face the supernatural too is nice. Though I’m sure he’s still not that excited about it. I do enjoy the different kinds of spirits and set ups they have, so I hope they keep this variety up. – Walter
— You can watch Dark Gathering on HiDive.
Rurouni Kenshin (2023)
I was excited for this week, this was one of my personal favorite parts of the original Rurouni Kenshin series and manga. It’s the first major time in the story that Kenshin faces off against someone that is around his level. Jin-e is kind of a simple character with how blood thirsty he is, but it works as he faces off against the now pacifist Kenshin. The fight scenes look great and gets me excited to see some of the future fights. Seeing Kenshin revert back somewhat to how he use to be and Kaoru’s part at the climax have always been some of my favorite scenes. If I am going to complain about anything it would be I still wish they would use some of the music of the original series such with Karou’s scene, but that’s not to say it was bad in anyway. Just my own personal preference. Although the season hasn’t being going on very long, this and the previous episode are my favorites so far just like with the original. I’m excited for the next arc too. – Walter
— You can watch Rurouni Kenshin on on Crunchyroll.
Manga:
Ume and Momo’s Ordinary Life
More than ever now, I have been appreciating media which accentuates lightheartedness. Stories that are calm and easy to read or watch, while conveying the charm, discoveries, and joys to be found in the ordinary and everyday. Media like Non Non Biyori or Yotsuba To (Yotsuba and…) are ones I especially enjoy, as they possess and deliver a restful serenity through their peaceful stories and amiable characters. These two never fail to calm my racing mind and provide a much needed boost to my mood. I suppose I’ve been finding myself more easily tired out, or stressed, or feeling low in recent months, so my wish in finding stories that can heal a clouded mind or relax an anxious one has been strong as of late.
Just a week ago, I began reading a fan-translation of a series called Ume to Momo no Futsuu no Kurashi, or Ume and Momo’s Ordinary Life. This is about two cat sisters: Ume, the responsible sister, and Momo, who is cute and childlike. Though petite, the two have big personalities, and who enjoy simple pleasures, make small discoveries, and learn and try new things throughout their playful day-to-day lives. Making gyoza, visiting a bakery for donuts, or checking out library books, the two turn the common into adorable idyll. It’s silly, cute, and laid back, making for an easy, soothing read. I do think some word puns and jokes don’t quite come through with the translation, yet I’m pleased overall.
Of five volumes, only the first has been translated, 10 chapters, and made available on mangadex (ED’s note: There’s currently no plans for an official release), and so I hope the group continues their efforts. I like this one so far and hope to soon continue reading about Ume and Momo’s adorable slice-of-life happenings. – Drew D.
What anime are you watching? What manga are you reading? Let us know in the comments!
You can read previous Week in Anime entries here!
