The Yamada family can no longer imagine life without their adorable kitten Chi, but there’s still one major problem- their apartment doesn’t allow pets! Realising that things cannot continue as they are, the Yamadas move down the street to an apartment complex where animals are permitted. Now, Chi must adjust to her new surroundings and make friends amongst the local feline population.

Way back when I reviewed Chi’s Sweet Home, I mentioned that another 104 episodes of our favourite kitten wouldn’t go amiss, and happily, my wish was granted in the form of Chi’s New Address, the continuing and equally cute adventures of Chi and the Yamada family.

Much as I loved the first season, my one nagging annoyance about the whole thing was that Chi was being kept in an apartment where cats weren’t allowed- a story twist that was amusing at first, but clearly had a finite lifetime. Fortunately, this issue is addressed right at the beginning of this season, with a fortuitous ‘it could only happen on TV’ house moving. From then on, the series settles back into its customary level of entertaining cuteness, whilst throwing in enough originality to ensure that the format doesn’t feel tired even after another 104 episodes.

One key feature of the new series is that it features a much larger cast- not so much in terms of people (although there are some recurring human characters), but in the form of new animal friends for Chi. Her new apartment complex boasts a wealth of animals, including a fussy Persian cat, an overenthusiastic dog and a somewhat creepy rabbit, with several episodes given over simply to introducing them all. In the outside world, Chi also finds herself interacting a lot more with other cats, including Tama, a streetwise female cat who thinks Chi reminds her of her sister and Fuji-san, a venerable elder feline who speaks in riddles that all other cats interpret as great wisdom. In general it’s amusing and entertaining mix, although as in season one the capacity for the odd poignant moment is still very much in evidence.

As far as music and visuals go, Chi’s New Address is much the same as the first series- which is to say that it’s cute, low key and appropriate to the series.

Final Thoughts

Having already got the formula just right in the first series, there was no real need to change anything here, and indeed, Chi’s New Address delivers more of the same without feeling old or tired. Maybe it’s just the cat lover in me, but if anything, it felt like it ended too soon.

Tier: Gold

In a world where gods and demons have come to live alongside us, seventeen year old Tsuchimi Rin lives a normal life in the home of his childhood friend Kaede. Everything changes, however, when the kings of the gods and demons move in either side- since both have beautiful teenage daughters who believe that Rin promised to marry them many years ago! As Rin struggles to cope with his new, vastly more eventful life, he must unravel the secrets of the past and search deep within his heart to discover which of the girls he truly loves.

The archetype of the harem series, Shuffle brings us everything we would expect from the genre, starting with an unremarkable and perennially indecisive male lead surrounded by girls who all adore him for reasons that are largely unclear. Within that framework, we have the usual line-up of the childhood friend, the shy girl, the forward girl, the peppy yet secretly ill girl and of course the mysterious loli. By now, few anime fans will be unfamiliar with this setup, but even so, Shuffle remains an enjoyable series in its own right.

Taken one episode at a time, there is much to like about Shuffle; the lead may be ordinary, but unlike so many others, he isn’t dislikeable, whilst each of the girls has their own dynamic to add to the series. There’s humour, character development, fantasy elements and dark pasts to uncover, all woven into one story.

That being said, all is not well when we consider the story as a whole. In an attempt to load each girl’s story with poignancy and tragedy, a degree of repetitiveness is introduced to the story, making it impossible to care as much as one is supposed to. Also questionable is Rin’s final choice of girl, which, without giving too much away, is not only unexpected, but also extremely unsatisfactory.

As with all harem series, Shuffle has quite an extensive cast of characters, all of whom are likeable in spite of their somewhat predictable personalities. The core characters all receive development in their own mini-arcs, although, as mentioned above, it does get a bit much when everyone has a similarly tragic past. Supporting characters are obviously less developed, but help to add some variety to proceedings.

Visually, Shuffle is showing its age a bit, but the basic character designs remain aesthetically pleasing enough to be memorable even amongst the modern competition. Background music is largely forgettable, although it serves its purpose.

Final Thoughts

If you can accept its flaws and brace yourself for Rin’s disappointing final choice, there is much to enjoy about Shuffle. Take it episode by episode and it stands as an entertaining example of how to properly implement the standard features of the harem genre.

Tier: Bronze+

The battle against the Ghoul in Divergence Eve has resonated through time and space, leaving Earth in a state of temporal flux that separates it from the rest of the universe. Suspecting that the AWOL Misaki might be the cause of the problems, Lyar and her team must travel into Earth’s past and try to set things right.

Despite being filled with fanservice and ridiculous breast sizes, the first season of Divergence Eve proved to be an enjoyable sci-fi story; as always, however, there remained the lurking fear that the second season would not live up to what had come before. Fortunately, although different from its predecessor, Misaki Chronicles proves to be well worth watching.

With all the background in place from the first series, Misaki Chronicles is able to focus more on the characters, exploring the doubts, fears and difficulties of trying to correct time and space itself. The technobabble is still very much in evidence, of course (as are the impossible bosoms), but now we have the chance to look not only into Misaki’s past, but to flesh out supporting characters such as Lyar, all the while tying up loose ends from the first series as best as possible. It can get a little confusing at times- especially if it’s been a while since you saw the first season- but overall it’s another dose of solid science-fiction.

Visually, Misaki Chronicles is much the same as the first series, with attractive female characters and unfortunately ugly CG vehicles. With several of the episodes now set in various periods of Earth’s history, the ambience of the series has changed a bit, with the enclosed, technological feel of Watcher’s Nest less prevalent than before.

Final Thoughts

Although somewhat different in tone to the first season, Misaki Chronicles is a worthy follow-up to the original Divergence Eve. If you like your sci-fi, there is no reason not to give this one a chance.

Tier: Bronze+

Risky is an apprentice shinigami tasked with sending doomed and depressed souls to the afterlife. Her opposite number, apprentice angel Safety, works hard to save those souls. Obviously, they’re both competing for the same market, but to make matters worse- they’ve also ended up sharing the same body! Now, they’ve both ended up interfering in the life of Moe Katsuragi, a young girl who believes that the boy she likes doesn’t reciprocate her feelings. Will Risky prey on her depression, or can Safety show her that things always work out for the best?

A series of short twelve minute episodes centred on the adventures of an angel and a shinigami on a time-share in the same body, Risky Safety combines Risky and Safety’s mishaps in everyday life with flights of fancy that take place across time and space. It’s light entertainment in every sense- often comical, sometimes a little too over the top, and occasionally touching.

The Flonne and Etna of the anime world, Risky and Safety steal the show at every turn with their angel/devil repartee. As you would expect, Safety is well-meaning, moralistic and somewhat clumsy, whilst Risky is more devilish and self-serving. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before in many guises, but nonetheless this diminutive odd couple are cute enough to make their antics more enjoyable than tiresome.

Rounding out the cast are a number of recurring and one-off characters, most of whom serve to motivate Risky and Safety and precipitate their latest adventure. Most of them are bland and inoffensive, although Moe, the girl who inadvertently summons the duo in the first place, is likable enough. Also worthy of note is Lani, a dog who ends up infatuated with Risky and Safety thanks to a misfired love arrow- a pedestrian joke perhaps, but still mildly entertaining.

Visually, Risky Safety is solid if not outstanding- most characters are well drawn if somewhat generic, with only Risky and Safety’s designs standing out for colourful cuteness. Background music is large forgettable, but suits the tone of the series well.

Final Thoughts

A fun little throwaway series, Risky Safety isn’t poised to win any awards for originality, but its tried-and-tested humour generally hits the spot. If you’re in the mood for some cute easy viewing, then it will make for a good time-filler.

Tier: Bronze+

Ever since Nyanko-sensei came into his life, Natsume Takashi has slowly learned that being able to see spirits doesn’t mean he has to distance himself from other people. But even as he juggles the responsibilities of human friendships and the Book of Friends, new challenges will arise that test his powers and make him consider his place in between everyday life and the world of the supernatural.

In its first season, Natsume Yuujinchou quickly grew on me and established itself as one of the better supernatural series out there- and with a fresh batch of manga stories to draw from, it seemed only sensible to expect the second season to keep on delivering quality material. Fortunately, not only did this season live up to expectations, it went a long way towards strengthening Natsume Yuujinchou’s already worthy reputation.

Continuing in the vein of the first season, Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou brings us more episodic tales of the supernatural, offering its usual mix of the amusing and the thoughtful to bring each story to life. From a delightful tale in which a black version of Nyanko-sensei mysteriously shows up to hideous monster intent on devouring its victim, each episode is always a treat to watch, and certainly the highlight of any viewing schedule.

In the first season of Natsume Yuujinchou, we saw our hero grow beyond his enforced isolation, and Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou continues the process. Once again, we see our hero slowly opening up to the people in his life, maintaining old friendships, establishing new ones, and even slowly breaking down the barriers he erected between himself and his foster parents. Not that Natsume is the only character on display, of course, for as well as bringing back the always solid supporting cast, this second season throws a few new faces into the mix, most notably Taki Tooru, an onmyouji and new ally who can see spirits who pass through her magic circles. Also of interest are some further insights into the character of Natsume’s capricious grandmother Reiko, whilst the delightful Nyanko-sensei remains a consistent scene-stealer.

Visually, Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou brings us more of the same subdued pastel visuals; it will never be the flashiest series out there, but it still looks attractive. Nyanko-sensei seems to be fatter than ever, but other than that the series is on a par with the first season. Similarly, background music continues to serve its purpose without particularly standing out.

Final Thoughts

After a strong first season, Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou brings us a slightly tweaked and improved formula that delivers even more goodness than ever before. Watching it is a thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable experience- more of the same, please.

Tier: Gold

Yumi is nearing the end of her second year at Lillian, and there is much to be done before her beloved onee-sama Sachiko can graduate and leave her to take over the role of Rosa Chinensis. Of course, the most pressing matter is finding a petite soeur, and whilst Yoshino is pressured by Rei and Eriko to pick one, Yumi must finally make a decision. Is Touko the one she wants to give her rosary to, or is there someone better out there to join the Red Rose ‘family’?

A series infamous for its HARD YURI undertones, MariMite nonetheless managed to bring us two enjoyable seasons, before blowing it somewhat on a ridiculously over the top OVA filled with bizarre sports festivals and all kinds of love rivalry. In the space of five episodes, the OVA had destroyed most of my goodwill towards the series- could a brand new TV series bring it back?

Fortunately, with all the festivals out of the way, the series proved to be back on track, bringing us a more acceptable level of HARD YURI angst. The main focus of the season, of course, was Yumi’s attempts to find the right soeur for her (dominant or submissive? Sachiko replacement or something new?), and even though most of us must have known how it would turn out eventually, the journey was still entertaining. And fortunately, there are also a number of side stories to keep us entertained, most notably Yoshino’s own attempts to find a petite soeur.

Although there is one notable new addition to the cast this season, for the most part the focus is on the core characters we’ve come to know and love. Whilst both Yumi and Yoshino are forced to grow up a little this time around, Touko is finally becoming more likable- yes, she’s still a stroppy, contrary little princess, but every so often a more human and vulnerable side to her personality starts to show through.

As always, MariMite isn’t working with the highest budget when it comes to animation, although it still manages to look decent enough (certainly flashy effects aren’t needed for this sort of series)- and in fact overall it seems a bit more polished than the surprisingly poor-looking OVA. Similarly, the background music is the same old elevator fare we’ve come to expect.

Final Thoughts

Obviously, those brand new to the franchise aren’t going to start with this season, and those who’ve made it this far will watch it regardless, but if you’re poised on the threshold after the disappointing OVA, rest assured that MariMite is back on form for its fourth season, delivering all the angst and HARD YURI undertones we’ve come to expect from the series. Watch and enjoy it for what it is.

Tier: Bronze+

The town of Sakurashin is one of the few places where humans and youkai can coexist in relative harmony, but unfortunately, its location on the cusp of the two worlds also makes it a magnet for trouble. That’s where Akina, Hime, Ao and Kotoha come in- four teenagers with special powers who are also charged with keeping the peace. Together with their allies, these four pit themselves against all the forces who seek to disrupt the town, but even their combined talents aren’t proof against the revelation that their greatest enemy wears an all too familiar face.

Since I don’t seem to have learned my lesson about watching anime for purely superficial reasons (hey, it does pay off sometimes), I was drawn to Yozakura Quartet simply because I had seen a calendar displaying its distinctive artwork. Unfortunately, if unsurprisingly, the series itself proved to be a classic case of style over substance.

Sticking with the standard ‘teens with super powers fight demons’ storyline, Yozakura Quartet has little to offer in the way of originality; the characters are insipid, the storylines are forgettable, and by the end you can’t really pinpoint what you got out of the series. Even the main plot, which had the potential to prove at least vaguely worthy, turns out to be repetitive and irritating as our heroes angst over having to fight a demon that has possessed their former best friend. Matters aren’t helped by the fact that powerful God Mode beings are always watching from the sidelines- even though the rules prevent them from interfering, it does remove any sense of jeopardy from the series.

Similarly, although mildly likable, the characters are hardly anything to write home about. We have Akina, the bland male lead with destined powers; Hime, the stoic mayor with hidden vulnerabilities; Ao, the immature cat girl and Kotoha, the laid-back half-demon who can create things with her words (a rather ridiculous power considering that with a little imagination, she could basically do anything with it). Add to that an equally uninspiring supporting cast, and you have the full grouping of standard anime personalities, none of which ever threaten to break out of their moulds.

Visually, Yozakura Quartet has the distinctive, angular designs that first drew me to the series, ensuring attractive designs even if the animation budget itself isn’t particularly well endowed. The background music attempts to be cool and edgy, but it isn’t particularly worthy of note.

Final Thoughts

A classic case of style over substance, Yozakura Quartet may have some nice character designs, but in all other regards it falls sadly short of expectations. Unless you like wasting your hours with bland, disappointing material, give this one a miss.

Tier: Wood

Nagisa and Tomoya are finally together, but there are still many more obstacles for them to face. Whilst Nagisa continues to battle with her illness, Tomoya must grow up fast as he takes responsibility for supporting himself and his partner. Will they be able to overcome everything and live happily ever after, or is this one tale that must inevitably end in tragedy?

Since I spent the entirety of Clannad waiting for Tomoya and Nagisa to get together, I was optimistic that After Story would be more my cup of tea. Unfortunately, even though it was a solid enough series overall, it still had its ups and downs.

After some customary faffing around with baseball and the like, After Story seemed happy to get on with the process of furthering the story of Tomoya and Nagisa’s relationship- all to the good, you might think, except that it’s hard to really get ‘comfortable’ with the story. You know that Tomoya and Nagisa are supposed to have a deep and caring relationship, but it’s hard to see evidence of anything more than a superficial connection. Maybe it’s just a failing on my part, but I just couldn’t see it- especially as they both still looked about fifteen despite having graduated from high school.

Of course, even my hardened and cynical heart couldn’t help but be moved by the events of episode 17; thanks to spoilers, I had long known of these events, but somehow the emotion that was lacking from the earlier episodes was all packed into here, making for a genuinely touching and poignant moment.

With this turning point, the series jumps ahead several years, and, understandable as it is, we have to deal with Tomoya’s angst arc before he finally gets his act together. Although they never hit the heights of that fateful episode, the closing chapters of After Story are at least an improvement of the faltering start, despite a somewhat dubious ending.

Given that this series is basically “Tomoya and Nagisa: What Happened Next”, it should come as little surprise that the supporting characters now have more minor roles- naturally, for the sake of all the fanboys, everyone makes at least a token appearance, but overall the series is much more focused.

Visually, the series brings us more of the usual KyoAni eye candy- by now, we would be disappointed with anything less. Background music is of similar quality to the first series, mostly ‘visual novel’ easy listening with a couple of standout tracks and a somewhat catchy OP.

Final Thoughts

Although it has its own flaws to bring to the playing field, overall After Story proves to be an improvement over the first series, bringing us a more focused and driven narrative. Those who didn’t support the Tomoya X Nagisa path will no doubt be disappointed at the reduced role played by their favourite girl, but overall this is a second season that surpasses its predecessor.

Tier: Silver-

Although not familiar with any Nitroplus games firsthand, ever since I first ‘met’ Ignis I have loved their character designs, and so both curiosity and visual appeal drove me to see what Chaos;Head had to offer beyond its bizarrely punctuated title. And at first, it seemed like just the thing for me- a series where delusion and reality blended so seamlessly for our main character that you couldn’t be sure what was really happening and what was just his imagination. It was fascinating and compelling- and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

Unfortunately, instead of drawing me in further as the series progressed, Chaos;Head had quite the opposite effect. With a multitude of characters and an explosion of technobabble, the story changes from an intriguing mystery into a solid but not outstanding sci-fi/fantasy series- decent enough in its own right, but hardly delivering on its early promise.

As with so many 12-13 episode series, Chaos;Head has a few too many characters for its own good, with our hero predictably being surrounded by numerous beautiful girls. Fortunately, most of the characters are generally likeable- it’s just that we don’t have time to properly get to know them. What character development there is usually takes the form of ‘shocking’ plot-related revelations that mostly don’t come as a surprise at all.

Visually, Chaos;Head has far less to worry about- the basic character designs are aesthetically pleasing, whilst other details such as the “D-Swords” wielded by various characters are all very well done. Background music is generally solid, with a number of worthy tracks and an oddly catchy ending theme.

Final Thoughts

Although it didn’t live up to its early potential, Chaos;Head is still a decent enough series- if you like science-fiction with a hint of mystery and plenty of eye candy, it is definitely worth looking into.

Tier: Silver-

Rita’s name has been cleared and her country saved, but she isn’t quite ready to settle down just yet. Instead, the intrepid princess decides to accompany her friends on a quest to track down the man who killed Tina’s parents- but along the way they will run into conspiracies, a love triangle and any number of trials that will test their friendship to the limit.

With the first season of Sisters of Wellber proving to be entirely average, I was expecting the second to offer more of the same bland inoffensiveness. Unfortunately, what I hadn’t counted on was that the series was now so practised at being dull that the second batch of thirteen episodes would be even more underwhelming than the first.

Whilst it was never anything to write home about, I at least felt able to pay attention to the plot of the first season, but this time around it seemed more lacklustre than ever. The bulk of the season meandered around with a pointless revenge story, but since that obviously wasn’t considered mind-numbing enough on its own, we were treated to yet more ‘fascinating’ plot elements. After inserting a painfully irritating love triangle involving Galahad, Rita and Tina (come on, we all know Rita and Tina are meant to be together!), the series tried to enliven itself with the kind of twist that you wish would end with the main characters shouting at each other on the Jeremy Kyle show. Unfortunately, the series opts for a more conventional finale, leaving you to wonder why you even bothered in the first place.

As before, the characters prove to be little to write home about; the main characters are just as uninteresting as they were before, whilst the antagonists (in particular the ‘final boss’) are little more than laughable. The most interesting bit of character development in the whole series is an episode detailing the origins of talking tank Cyrano de Bergerac, and even this is hardly worth taking the time to watch.

Visually, the animation quality is much the same as last season- decent enough, but nothing special. Background music is as forgettable as ever.

Final Thoughts

Average as it was, the original Sisters of Wellber was still just about watchable, which is more than can be said for this utterly bland second season. Even at the best times it struggled to keep my attention- even if you made it all the way through the first season, there is no reason to subject yourself to this.

Tier: Wood