In this week’s installment…

It’s been a good week for anime as nearly all our Roundup shows deliver solid episodes. I didn’t write about it but I also caught up with Asobi Asobase, which has turned out to be much better than it looked in the first two episodes. Would anyone like to see us cover that?

Banana Fish Episode 5: “From Death to Morning” Wednesdays on Amazon Prime Video

Jel: I really appreciate having Max around to keep Ash’s cool loner persona in check and remind everyone that deep down he’s just a angsty kid that doesn’t really know what he’s doing. Without him, he’s just too perfect and kind of insufferable. It seems like the author is aware of this and that is a good sign. I’m also up for a road trip now that the core group seems to be assembled. I’m willing to overlook Eiji’s completely flat and boring motivation for coming along. Like come on man, just admit you want to touch Ash’s gun again and give the people what they want to see.

Chio’s School Road – The funniest toilet based segment since Sabagebu

Chio’s School Road Episode 5: “Thank You, George / Mananacchio” Fridays 10:30 am EST on Crunchyroll

Jel: The bathroom escape in the first half was great, but it was really the second half that made this the best episode yet. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a real, genuine, laugh out loud moment and that is exactly what we got out of the Mananacchio dance. The sheer stupidity, uncomfortable length, and Shinozuka’s deadpan reactions were all solid gold. It was also kind of sweet in the most messed up way possible, and if that’s not my anime brand at this point I don’t know what is. We’ve been tough on this show’s directing and sense of comedic timing so it’s only fair to also point out they killed it in both regards this week. Let’s hope they can keep it up from here.

Revue Starlight Episode 4: “Promise Tower” Saturdays 9:00 am EST on HIDIVE

Jel: This episode make me think of the brilliant episode 8 of Sound! Euphonium in its attempt to have its estranged friends make up by going on a late night date. The difference is this show is kind of bad. I’ve written a lot about why that episode was great so I won’t retread that ground, but in this case Revue Starlight has proven once again it can’t escape its idol cliché cage. Karen’s dialogue in particular writes itself as she doesn’t shut up about ganbare-ing her way to the top with the power of friendship. Worst of all though, we don’t get a cool stage fight this week and if they can’t deliver that, what am I even watching this show for?

Revue Starlight – No idol show would be complete without the queerbaiting

My Hero Academia Episode 55: “Class 1-A” Saturdays 5:30 am EST on Crunchyroll

Marlin: Well, so much for my excitement at Todoroki’s fight. Despite the group going against him having a well made plan to counter his powers, they prove that the golden boy is still too overpowered to be stopped. On top of that, a segment that I thought would give us a good dose of fan favorite Asui leaves her comatose in the first minute of fighting, leaving everything to Yayorozu. It was a good mixup of powers, even if the idea of a power “increasing one’s IQ” is the vaguest thing you could possibly imagine. Making someone smarter doesn’t just automatically make them a better tactician, they still need to know basic strategy. Still, its good to show that these students aren’t invincible, as despite winning the round, they take a lot of damage. Now, on to Midoriya’s fight. With so few people left who can pass, I hope this isn’t dragged out for too much longer.

Planet With Episode 5: “Paladin Break 1” Sundays 10:30 am EST on Crunchyroll

Jel: If you want an easy way to floor me with an emotional gut punch, just have your old man character reminisce about his dead wife. Perhaps Planet With’s most impressive feat is making us care about these characters with very little screen time and with the plot moving at an insane speed. I didn’t realize until this week that there were only 2 heroes left for Soya to take out, and really effectively one since glasses dude doesn’t seem like he’s going to do much once the old man goes down. That still gives us a good half a season to get to the “real” plot of the show and I’m really excited to see where they go with it. Oh, and quick side note: I feel like an idiot for just now realizing the two opposing factions of Nebula are literally fighting cats and dogs. How did I not see that???

Hanebado – It’s always weird when they randomly draw one character with real lips

Hanebado Episode 6: “It’s Our Last Summer, You Know!” Sundays 12:00 pm EST on Crunchyroll

Jel: I am so glad after ending on Ayano’s psycho murder face last week she seemed to be back to normal in this episode. One of my favorite things in this show is how she is capable of having good days and bad days and isn’t just “sad” all the time or 100% obsessed with her mother like Connie apparently is. That said, the show’s inability to stick to one plot line or theme for too long is really starting to wear on me. Sure, Izumi deserved her moment in the spotlight, but it felt like one of many things going on and probably not the most important one to focus on. I want more Ayano and Nagisa and the rest of the cast can get in where they fit in. I also REALLY want to see Ayano stomp out pink hair girl and/or Connie, or hey maybe even have Nagisa take one of them down for her. Maybe we can get some of that next week.