The anime / manga thread

[Chronicler]

Do any of you read Chainsaw Man?

It looks really good but I'm pretty cautious about picking up Shonen Jump titles at this point. Seems like they often have promising starts and then their business model causes it to go downhill pretty quickly as their overworked staff struggle to meet deadlines. From what I understand they contractually can't end the comic until the publisher gives the say so either, so it either spins its wheels in perpetuity or gets axed suddenly and unexpectedly.

But I like that the hero is super monster-y and the art looks nice.

 

[Antimatter]

My wife actually has read Chainsaw Man recently and praised it for its art. Have you tried it?

This weekend, I've watched some anime for the first time in years. It's been fun to come back. Mob Psycho 100, and then continued with One Punch Man season 1.

I've forgotten how cool it is to watch something packed with action and looking so stylish.

 

[mlnevese]

One Punch Man is fun. A nice satire of the entire "stupidly powerful protagonist" kind of anime and superhero stories in general.

 

[Antimatter]

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 1 ended last week. I can wholeheartedly recommend this anime. The story follows Frieren, an elven mage in a fantasy world, as she embarks on a journey to reach the resting place of souls to reunite with her former comrade Himmel, whose Hero Party once slew the Demon King.

If you want a break from fight scenes, and want something more serene and contemplative, please watch it. It's beautiful. How Frieren is outliving her companions and trying to get an understanding of the human world and her own emotions, reminded me of LotR's elves.

And while we're here, another Season 1 that ended was The Apothecary Diaries. Again, totally gets my recommendation. The story follows Maomao, a young girl working as an apothecary in the red-light district, who is kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace as a servant. A fictional country is based on Imperial China during the Tang Dynasty.

Both Frieren and Maomao are adorable and quickly became my favorite female protagonists.

What have you been watching lately and can recommend?

 

[Antimatter]

I finished the first season of Delicious in Dungeon. For our D&D and BG fans, that's the closest you can get to D&D in manga and anime. Look, Ryōko Kui even drew all Baldur's Gate NPCs!



Anyway, Delicious in Dungeon is so fun, sweet, exciting, and surprising! It gives that adventuring party feel, plus shows great food! Dragons, magic, elves, dwarves, halflings, hero stories, and lovely jokes!

 

[O_Bruce]

I feel encouraged to watch it. Also, it is really cool that Ryoko Kui has drawn Baldur's Gate character portraits! Love for Baldur's Gate is always appreciated!
(the difference between Imoen's expressions between BG1 and BG2 hurts a bit... the events that occurred affected her greatly)

 

[mlnevese]

I watched it up to the point they fought the dragon. Stopped after that for some reason.

 

[Antimatter]

Solo Leveling wins big at Anime Awards as full list of winners confirmed

Nine wins from 13 nominations!

www.radiotimes.com

Frieren, The Apothecary Diaries, and another anime I watched over the last year, Solo Leveling, all got awards at the 2025 edition of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Solo Leveling got the most of them, though. Can recommend it, gives a very epic feeling.

SPY × FAMILY is a very cozy family anime.

Too bad there was no space for Delicious in Dungeon in the award list.

I can also agree with their choice for the best anime song/opening - “Otonoke” – Creepy Nuts (Dan Da Dan).

 

[Antimatter]

Watched this gem over the weekend. Not often do I get so hooked by something. Absolutely loved the art style and the dark fantasy vibe.



The unique and mesmerizing voice of Toshiyuki Morikawa for the main male character (Ashaf) is a perfect blend with the grim world of The Witch and the Beast.

 

[Chronicler]

Wolfmother voice: ♪So I'll

Watched this gem over the weekend. Not often do I get so hooked by something. Absolutely loved the art style and the dark fantasy vibe.



The unique and mesmerizing voice of Toshiyuki Morikawa for the main male character (Ashaf) is a perfect blend with the grim world of The Witch and the Beast.

Ooh! Looks interesting!

 

[O_Bruce]

At this point why not share. Incoming adaptation of FromSoftware's videogame