Anime Preview: Summer 2021

 Hey there guys, Endblade here once again with another post. This time, we will be exploring the latest anime releases for Summer 2021 (July 2021) and my thoughts on the titles. Note that I will not be covering any anime with a second season of which I did not watch the first season.

1. Bokutachi No Remake 

At first glance, this anime looks like its going to be another harem anime, and I think if you guessed that you'd be right. Just that in 2021, we have the overused trope of time travel to undo your past regrets! I'm not sure why is this becoming a thing, with Tokyo Revengers last season (still airing by the way) and now this. This show follows protagonist Kyouya, who is a disillusioned member of society slaving away at a developer 9-5 job and being a flop in general. He gets a chance through time travel to pursue his dreams at an art college and meet hot girls (as are all animes). 

The studio pushing this out is feel, the same anime studio that adapted Oregairu and Tsuki ga kirei. The latter of which is one of my all-time favourites! That being said, I think this anime isn't going to be bad from the initial episodes that I watched, but I doubt it's going to be fantastic. It gave me Pet girl of Sakurasou vibes, but I don't think its a compliment to compare a 2021 production with something produced in 2012.  However, only time will tell if this will even match that classic show, or be another vanilla disappointment.

2. Vanitas no Karte

Vampires in a Victorian-like setting, this historical anime drew me in the first episode with it's bright graphics and fantasy elements. It feels like Final Fantasy/Bravely Default and Castlevania in terms of it's setting.

The first two episodes seem to be establishing the fact that somehow a human, Vanitas, has possession of a cursed grimoire called the Book of Vanitas, a weapon meant to exterminate vampires. It follows the story of a human and a vampire, and the two protagonists help each other to cure rampaging vampires. While the premise is unique, and the setting compelling, I was not impressed by the first few episodes. However, the art direction and action sequences are interesting, and for that I will be watching a few more episodes before delivering my verdict.

3. Sonny Boy

Trippy, watercolour like graphics. To be honest, the setting of the show is pretty unique, with the school being teleported to another dimension. The first episode of the show seems to be more of just intorducing the characters, and I was quite lost as to what was happening. It seems like the schoolkids now have special powers, and have to play by certain rules of which are not well defined for now. The characters don't seem very compelling individually at the moment, but I will be watching a few more episodes before passing my judgement.

With supernatural and mystery aspects of the show, I would think that this has the potential to be a good show if executed well. The story would have to tie it all together though, and on that front I'm not sure how well Sonny Boy will do.

4. Tantei wa Mou, Shindeiru (The Detective is already dead)

The premise of the show is simple enough, an ordinary person is pulled into being a detective's sidekick. The reason why and how he got into this mess was quickly explained away in the first episode. Siesta seems to be a detective despite being only a middle schooler. If you can get past the wacky and nonsensical setting, the plot is actually serviceable. I would have to give it some marks for its originality.

The mini mysteries in the first episode are quite interesting and different from usual anime. The second episode is no less absurd or nonsensical.

While I am still not a fan as a whole and I can't give a definitive rating as of yet, I will give the series a few more episodes before I decide.

5. Shiroi Suna no Aquatope (The Aquatope on White Sand)

A washed up idol leaves the city and wants to rediscover herself in the countryside. The premise is simple, and the animation beautiful. However, after watching the first episode, I feel that this is going to be a slow burner. With 24 planned episodes, it's really no wonder why the first episode was just a chill one, slowly introducing the characters. It seems like the plot will revolve around a few characters, and I hope it doesn't turn out to be some shoujo ai or romance anime. There's already tons of shows following that premise.

I'm a real sucker for slice-of-life anime, so I will definitely be watching this. There's isn't much to say at the moment, as there hasn't been much of a development.

6. Megami-ryou no Ryoubo-kun (The Mother of the Goddess' Dormitory)

This is about the safest-for-work picture I could show you without being flagged. The plot in the first episode is non-existent, but it's one of the heaviest fanservice shows ever. Its definitely ecchi, borderlin e not-anime. However, that being said, its still quite interesting. I doubt I would be watching this though, there's barely any story to watch.

And that's Summer 2021's preview! While I definitely will not be watching all of the above series' to completion, I will definitely try to watch most of them to provide a more detailed review in the near future! Stay tuned to the next post which will hopefully be out...soon?

Until Next Time,

Endblade