We here at oprainfall don’t just love video games: we’re big fans of anime, manga, and light novels, too. So in celebration of the medium, we’re here to give you our thoughts on what we’ve been watching and reading each week as we enjoy them. Old, new – anything goes.
Currently Airing:
Dark Gathering
I wasn’t expecting a second cours or another season immediately, but I can’t say I’m disappointed that there is. While a lot of the spirits had some different backstories, methods, and desires, they were mostly one off deals. The graduates that Yayoi has, and is attempting to get, are pretty interesting. Ones like the castle ghost and the graduate introduced seem to have some sort of personality, unlike the normal spirits. It was also interesting to see that there is a human element also involved besides our protagonists. I’m excited to see the other graduates and their stories. – Walter
— You can watch Dark Gathering on HIDIVE.
Let Me Check the Walkthrough First
This one was one I picked at random to watch. It follows an overworked office worker who dies (not from a truck or overwork) and wakes up in a game world. It’s definitely one of the most basic premises, but this aspect is even hit on by the main character. I actually started to enjoy the first episode. It definitely has its funny moments like the peek back to the real world. I will say the CGI isn’t something I’m a fan of, and was what kind of made me consider whether or not to pass on this series. Though, I will say it isn’t as offensive as some I’ve seen before. It caught my interest enough to see what else will happen later on. I do like the ending theme too. – Walter
— You can watch Let Me Check the Walkthrough First on Crunchyroll.
SHY
This was a series that I heard about, but didn’t really know much about. It’s a world where superheroes have appeared and began helping people. Teru is the hero for Japan, but as her hero name suggests, she is extremely shy. We find out she is very new to this and, as you can expect, is very unsure of herself. The first episode is a pretty good setup. The shy aspect of Teru is unique, but I do wonder how it goes later on. That being said, there is some interesting stuff going on, such as the reveal at the end of the episode. I’m also liking Teru’s friend, who is also a hero. It could be just me with some sort of fatigue of superheroes, but I don’t know if this series is really for me. That being said, I’ll probably keep up with it for a few episodes to see how it goes. – Walter
— You can watch SHY on Crunchyroll.
Manga and Light Novels:
Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san
So, I wanted to spend some time discussing Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san, or Teasing Master Takagi-san, since the manga will supposedly only have one more chapter before it wraps up. Debuting back in 2012, Takagi-san has over 170 chapters, several spin-offs of which one is ongoing with nearly 300 chapters of its own, an anime adaptation, and a film. Actually, I’m fairly sure there’s even more than this, but what I’m trying to simply say is that Takagi-san is pretty darn popular, and for good reason.
For those unfamiliar, Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san follows the fun and mischievous school days of Takagi, a middle-school girl who enjoys teasing her classmate Nishikata, who in return is desperate to get back at her. Using riddles, challenges, and pranks as a means to spend time with each other, we see the relationship between the two develop and grow throughout the series, with Takagi becoming bolder in her showing her feelings toward Nishikata, and Nishikata slowly realizing his own feelings toward Takagi.
Lighthearted, easy to read, visually charming, and wonderfully funny, Takagi-san has been amazing since its first chapter. And so, knowing that the end is near for the original series is disheartening. I’m happy to say the spin-off is similarly charming and funny, and the recent announcement of another spin-off series gives me something to look forward to, yet this series that started it all will be missed nonetheless. – Drew D.
Ume and Momo’s Everyday Life
Only one chapter, chapter 17, has been translated since my last time discussing it, and it means we’re soon approaching the end of volume 2. As for this chapter, we see Ume and Momo talk a bit about Japan’s rainy season and we see them making ginger syrup; popular for making ginger tea, as well as use as a flavoring for drinks and topping for desserts.
The casual conversations, the cute concerns of Momo, and the straightforward assuring by Ume make for a calm, pleasant read this time around. If you need a moment of peace, this chapter provides it with ease. And, as it did for me, you may find yourself in the mood for a glass of ginger ale or cup of ginger tea. – Drew D.
No plans for an official translated publication of Ume and Momo yet. The fan-translations can be found on Mangadex.
Official English publication of Teasing Master Takagi-san licensed by Yen Press. Not yet published chapters and spin-offs can be found on Mangadex.
What anime are you watching? What manga and light novels are you reading? Let us know in the comments!
You can read previous Week in Anime & Manga entries here!
