We are a bit more than halfway through the season so far, so I thought it would be a good chance to stop and take stock of what I have been watching and what I think about it. Like a midterm exam if you will.

• The Eminence in Shadow - Really enjoyed the first arc of the season while the second was a bit disappointing to me (a source reader). However, it seems anime-only reactions have been more positive. With five episodes left, this final arc of the season should be able to have the time it needs to make it special.
• Frieren - This is another series in which I am a source reader. The adaptation so far has been really incredible. I cannot say enough good things about this series.
• 100 Girlfriends - Another series for which I am a source reader. So far, I have enjoyed the adaptation. I think they have made some effort to keep the meta-humor in the series. Also, I haven’t gone back and checked the early manga chapters, but I don’t remember so much fan service in the source.
• Girlfriend, Girlfriend - Another series for which I am a source reader. I personally think this series works better in manga form. Naoya and company are just so exaggerated in print form and with how absurd the story is, I think the over-the-top-ness of the manga helps carry the story better. I find myself getting bored sometimes watching the series in anime form.
• The Family Circumstances of the Irregular Witch - I started this series in the hope it was just a feel good SOL in a fantasy setting. However, between the opening episodes featuring fan service of a character they repeatedly point out is 16 years old and then the awkward story pacing, I have mostly dropped this series. I have not read the source, but I was able to guess that it was a 4 koma based on how awkwardly told the story is with frequent interruptions and transitions. Apparently not every 4 koma series can get the Bocchi or Tomo treatment.

As always, @ram@lemmy.ca if you would please do the pin/unpin honors.

Finally got some time to watch a bit:

• The Attack on Titan finale was great, imo. I think that pretty much secured it as my all time #1 for a completed series that’s more than 1 season. It’s not perfect, for sure, but it got so much right considering the weight of its story. Really liked it.
• Almost done with Castlevania Nocturne. I know many don’t really consider it anime, but it’s close enough I throw it in. I like it, but the stakes are harder to care about compared to the very engaging first season premise, and the characters aren’t quite as charming. Still a fun story and worth watching.
• Still keeping up with Frieren (phenomenal), and a bit behind in Helck, Eminence S2, Girlfriend Girlfriend, 100 Girlfriends, SpyXFamily. Enjoying them all.
• Tried first episode of Pluto and was impressed. Throwing it on the to-watch mountain.
• Still need to get to Apothecary Diaries, Blue Eyed Samurai, and new Scott Pilgrim. This season has truly been ridiculous.

I just finished the Enies Lobby arcs in the One Piece anime.

To those who’ve suffered through the glacial pacing, should I just swap to the manga? I really like 1p, but it has this terrible habit of killing all tension by putting the stuff I care the most about at the end of a comical amount of tedious shounen battle sequences that each go on for way too long, and flashing back way too much all the while. I skipped like 5 episodes and the only thing that actually changed was that the big threat actually appeared on the island, and I kind of hate that.

Just me or has the community grown at quick pace last 2 weeks or so

• I caved and watched the final Attack on Titan special subbed. Did not regret it. I do notice that the VAs are more “shouty” in Japanese. The German dubs I regularly watch are more similar to everyday conversation.
• Rewatched Suzume no Tojimari subbed. It’s better than dub in terms of VAs. It could not salvage the dialogue-writing though, which is a step down from Your Name and Weathering With You. I wonder of Shinkai’s next movie would depart from the Your Name formula.
• Frieren: Lügner looks a lot like Johan Liebert. Remove the horns, and he’s genderbent Violet Evergarden.

Is there any news about a season 2 of Usagi Drop? I really love where the manga goes after the anime and wanted to know when it might get adapted.

Bro, gimme your juice

Does anyone know any good comedies? I like actual dedicated comedies, like The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

I’ve just now noticed that there actually aren’t all that many. If you browse by comedy tags you only find shows that have some jokes and “haha goofy” moments but aren’t really comedies.

You know something that is comedy first and everything else later. Most shows listed as comedy are like 10 different genres before they are a comedy.

Something that actually makes you laugh instead of just producing a smirk.

I hope that makes sense. The less popular the better.