selayar
@selayar@ani.social
- Comment on Takopi's Original Sin • Takopii no Genzai - Episode 3 discussion 5 days ago:
That was beautifully animated. I love how they depicted Azuma and Marina past trauma. Despite how sad it was, they had done a really great job directing the sequence. Especially when Takopi learning about Marina’s past, now that the gravity of his action finally caught up after her mother’s breakdown.
- Comment on Spring 2025 AOTS & Summer 2025 Top 10 Week 1 Results (Anime Corner) 5 days ago:
Let’s goo, lore accurate Oguri win in the final stretch
- Comment on CITY THE ANIMATION - Episode 1 discussion 1 week ago:
Time like this is why I wish I could read Japanese names to fully appreciate all the people work behind it.
- Comment on CITY THE ANIMATION - Episode 1 discussion 1 week ago:
Kyoani did it again! That was vibrant and fluid animation. The use of thick, non-uniform line art combined with saturated, uniform color really set City apart from other currently running anime. The simpler color and line art made it much easier to animate big and expressive movement.
They also go and beyond in animating all the visual and sound effects. It made everything more coherent.
Definitely the best animated anime I’ve watched in recent years.
- Comment on Spring Anime Season Wrap-Up, Summer Kickoff, and Discussion Thread [2025, Week 27] 2 weeks ago:
Spring season wrap up:
- mono: A nice slice of life/iyashikei anime. Pretty ambitious debut by studio Soigne. I love how much they mess with the camera perspective. As a sol anime, there were a lot of room to make it more engaging. At times can feel like an advertisement for the places they went to.
- Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi: Another slice of life/iyashikei anime on my watch list. Simple and sweet. A little more relatable than mono but less interesting in the animation department.
- Rock is a Lady’s Modesty: Interesting premise with interesting music, though not much in the execution. The animation was pretty standard. The story was okay.
- Witch Watch: Okay as an adaptation. Its animation only slightly above standard.
- Apocalypse Hotel: A fun original. The animation was great. Couldn’t predict what would happen each episode. Really sweet and funny at times, hit hard in the feel at other times. I thoroughly enjoy each episode. Would be my AOTS if not for CinGray.
- Umamusume: Cinderella Gray: Hype Machine! My biggest surprise this season. Didn’t know much about Umamusume before this, but Oguri’s journey quickly make me invested. Each race was beautifully crafted to make it as hype as possible. I wasn’t a sport anime fan before this, but now I can’t stop rooting for Oguri in each race. The emotional stake and the drama was just top this, especially during the finale. Also, Fujimasa March, my beloved, there’s no one more beautiful than you.
- Comment on Summer Anime Season Preview Discussion and Thread Requests [2025, Week 26] 2 weeks ago:
Ah, good to know. Netflix is really inconsistent with release schedules. I’m lucky to be in Asia, so I got the simulcast with non-Netflix JP. For those outside Asia it’s worse with Netflix probably going to wait for a batch release. I don’t know how the discussion thread will be with this kind of mess.
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 13 discussion 2 weeks ago:
Honestly I’m pretty lucky to get Super Creek in the first roll. I kinda have no reroll policy, so even if I didn’t get Super Creek I’d just go with whatever I got. Don’t want to sweat even before playing the game.
The game does need a lot of investment to be on the meta. I too don’t have the money and time so I play it casually rather than trying to keep up with the meta. I’m just happy building my uma with the limited resource I have. Heck, none of my uma have finished URA final yet.
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 13 discussion 2 weeks ago:
I know Oguri was supposed to be the center in that Legend Changer concert, but I can’t stop looking at Rudolph. She just has that kind of aura 😭
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 13 discussion 2 weeks ago:
For those who don’t know, Uma Musume Pretty Derby Global was launched several days ago. Now, you can train your own Oguri with the 3-star selector ticket! Just be aware, building her isn’t as easy and smooth as the anime. I have yet to win the URA final with her.
Here’s my ID if you want to follow me in the game. Let’s be friend! (I have Super Creek’s support card):
3683 9579 4050 - Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 13 discussion 2 weeks ago:
What an intense episode! Love the reversal role. Tamamo took the role of the protagonist, while Oguri took the antagonist. That way, rather than end the first part with a sad defeat, instead they let us root for Tamamo and end it with a win!
Oguri was a great antagonist. She bears the title of the Beast. Undefeatable for the last six races. Her footsteps echoed fear to the other contestants. She was the one who pushed Tamamo to finally break her limit and entered the zone.
I’m with Bellno in this one, maybe we were a bit arrogant thinking Oguri will be invincible. It was hard to accept the loss. But hey, that was a great end to bridge to the second part. Oguri now has a new stake and goal!
here is your weekly March posting:
Image - Comment on Takopi's Original Sin • Takopii no Genzai - Episode 1 discussion 2 weeks ago:
Ouch, that was a rough first episode, even as someone who’ve read the manga before. The contrast between Takopi’s cute design with the bleak, rough style of everything else really captures the contrast between Takopi’s innocent and the much more bleak reality of both Shizuka and Marina.
They also drew Shizuka’s house with a messy background to reflect how messy the reality is. Shizuka’s depression isn’t as simple as being bullied, her home was a wreck because of her mother is allegedly having an affair with Marina’s dad. There’s also a glimpse on Marina’s side also having a broken home because of it.
This is a wonderful adaptation, with not only a great animation but also great cinematography. I like how they depict the bullying with Marina and Shizuka with that split view. I also like how they show Takopi’s first-hand experience with bullying and how scary it looked at the point of view of the victim. There’s also this beautiful sequence of Takopi hesitated on helping Shizuka facing Marina.
Oh boy, I’m not ready experiencing this the second time
- Comment on Summer Anime Season Preview Discussion and Thread Requests [2025, Week 26] 3 weeks ago:
Also, wasn’t the Witch Hat Atelier anime supposed to drop this summer? Do we just not have an exact date yet? That’ll be a must-watch to me.
Delayed, maybe? I mean, it is animated by Bug Films, the studio behind Zom 100, so I don’t have much faith. I will take the delay if that means they can finish the production before airing and doesn’t end up like Zom 100.
- Comment on Summer Anime Season Preview Discussion and Thread Requests [2025, Week 26] 3 weeks ago:
Despite the staked season, there’s only a several series caught my attention
Can’t Miss
- City The Animation:
This will be THE anime that I won’t miss. The spiritual successor of Nichijou, not only from the same author (Keiichi Arawi) but also by the same studio, Kyoani. The short teasers [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] posted on Kyoani’s channel already solidify this as AOTY for me. Just look at how vibrant and expressive it looks. - Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku:
I’ve read the manga. It is a sweet romance that can’t make you stop grinning. On top of that, it will be animated by Cloverworks. - Dandadan 2nd Season:
Pretty well known, a continuation of an already popular anime last year. Also have read the manga
Will Watch Some Episodes
- The Summer Hikaru Died:
The trailer seems interesting. Heard a lot of buzz about the manga as well. Animated by CygamesPictures, so the quality will be top-notch. Don’t know about the BL theme, though. - New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT:
Haven’t watched the original, but the art style pulls me in.
Waiting to See the Reception First / Waiting for Full Release
- Arknights: RISE FROM EMBER:
I’m yet to finish the first two seasons. I’ve played the game before, so I hope I can just jump right into. - Turkey! Time to Strike
- Secrets of the Silent Witch
- Ruri Rocks:
Studio Bind (not because of MT but onimai)
I’m still open to suggestions. Like other seasons, probably going to follow r/anime first 3 weeks reaction. Still open to the possibility of a dark horse this season.
Meta Question
On the topic of Kaoru, since Netflix JP has exclusive right to stream a week ahead, will the discussion thread follow Netflix JP release or global?
- City The Animation:
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 12 discussion 3 weeks ago:
Wowee, that was another intense episode! The race was really hyped. Despite the true main character is Tamamo Cross and Oguri Cap, the other horses got their own moment during the race. Like, Top Shunbetsu late start, Lord Royal confidence in taking the lead, Dynam Heroine closing the gap, Sirius Symboli overpowered by Oguri’s pressure despite finding an opening.
I love the new horse, Lord Royal. Another tomboy added to the growing list of side characters I like. Unfortunately for her, this is the story of the Beast. There is no chance for her to win.
ImageAlso, cute March got another screen time!
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I want to highlight this adorable moment of Oguri gripping the doll Kitahara made.
Image - Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 12 discussion 3 weeks ago:
Place your bets - who do you think would win the Tenno Sho?
my bet
I have faith in the Beast that is Oguri Cap. Sorry Tamamo, not even your sad underdog backstory will win against her.
- Comment on Netflix to Stream 2nd Mononoke Film on August 14 3 weeks ago:
Even though Karakasa was beautifully animated with vibrant colors, the cut was sometimes really hard to follow. It also relied a lot for the audience to piece all the story together. I’m still not yet get the full picture of the first movie, though partially because I decided to use JP sub. I hope the next one could tone it down a bit.
Which Yokai would be the next movie focus on?
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 11 discussion 4 weeks ago:
Pretty intense start! The downside of being in the spotlight is having a target in your back. Despite being targeted by everyone, Oguri was able to get the victory. Truly the beast of Kazamatsu, even outclass her senpai. There’s only Tamamo Cross left to be Oguri’s worthy rival. She already has the aura farmed for several episodes now.
Kitahara also finally make a comeback, bringing presents from Kazamatsu’s cast. He even made a doll for Oguri (his best effort).
There’s also March’s present, a keychain
Can’t wait for the next episode. We will finally be able to see Oguri and Tamamo competing.
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 10 discussion 5 weeks ago:
This week episode is a calm one. A deserving break after weeks of peak, just like what Roppei said we have to pace our race in order not to tire ourselves. While Oguri is having a break, they decide to use this for Tamamo Cross intro. Will she be a promising rival for our girl Oguri? In the meantime, Oguri still have two more rivals she has to beat in the next episode.
I’m happy we got to see March and Norn again. Sad that she didn’t win Tokai Derby. Oguri doing her best consoling March here. Also, what a goofy phone just to reach their high ears.
ImageWe also got to see Oguri in her casual wear, looking cute as ever, while devouring the whole Harajuku food stand.
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Sorry, I have to put March in the spotlight whenever I can - Comment on Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion Thread [2025, Week 23] 1 month ago:
As someone who also only get into Uma Musume franchise thanks to Cinderella Gray, I’m happy seeing another comrade also enjoying Uma Musume through the same route. Now, I have high expectation for S2, because BoaNE was phenomenal.
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 9 discussion 1 month ago:
That was a clever misdirection. They make it looked like as if Oguri was racing in Nippon Derby. I genuinely thought the immovable Japanese would actually do an exception for Oguri, that’s just how goated she is, but alas, reality is often disappointing. I guess there’s only one thing that can stop Oguri Cap, and that is Japanese bureaucracy. Though the journalist effort wasn’t in vain, they were able to make the organizers to change the rule to enter Nippon Derby, even though Oguri still wasn’t allowed to enter in the name of fairness. Stand proud Oguri Cap, your presents actually change Japan.
Even with the misdirection, I was pretty invested with the race. They actually highlight Oguri’s rival and classmates pretty well. Sucks for Dicta Striker not performing well because of her injury, she was my favorite (what can I say, I love tomboy).
There’s actually several hints before the reveal. Like how Oguri rather than wearing a costume like the other horse she wears her gym clothes. When Rudolf reminiscing her racing age, we can see a newspaper just outside the focus with Sakura Chiyono O on the cover (probably covering her winning Nippon Derby). When they do a sweeping shot, Oguri Cap couldn’t be seen in the pack. Also when they do a transition from Dicta Striker to Oguri Cap the transition time actually far longer than the others because it was on a different track.
The menacing face of Oguri Cap in shadow, while her eye glows in pure blue showing her resolve
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 9 discussion 1 month ago:
Can’t wait for the next episode titled peak! They can’t stop peaking
- Comment on Apocalypse Hotel - Episode 8 discussion 1 month ago:
That was rough! Not only had Yachiyo been stranded for millennia, but she also no longer had her original body. Didn’t know a robot could go through a rebellious phase. I guess a by-the-book robot like Yachiyo would go through a lot after seeing such changes to her routine.
Meanwhile, Ponko has grown into such a beauty. She even got a boyfriend.
You really can’t never predict what will happen next with this anime. We haven’t seen the rest of Ponko’s family after the timeskip, I wonder what they look like now.
- Comment on One of Those Manga Where a Girl Goes "Oh No, I'm Gonna Be Late☆" With Bread in Her Mouth 1 month ago:
Bro, where’s the continuation
- Comment on Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion Thread [2025, Week 22] 1 month ago:
If you’re okay with Movies:
- Liz and the Blue Bird: (technically part of Hibike Euphonium but works as a stand-alone) A masterpiece film by Yamada Naoko, about a timid girl’s struggle with her relationship
- The Colors Within: Another Yamada Naoko film about finding your own color, super low stake drama, more on feels good anime
- Silent Voice: Yet another Yamada Naoko film about forgiving yourself and finding strength through each other (CW: suicide attempt)
- Look Back: The love and struggle for doing art
- Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Beginning of a new Era: (Just finished this one) An anthropomorphized race horse’s struggle to rise to the top, beautiful animation and drama
As for series:
- Hibike Euphonium: band drama
- Hyouka: a highschool detective solving mundane every day life through clever deduction, more character driven story
- Keep Your Hands off Eizouken: about making animation (not a real life representative, lean on the whimsical and creative aspect of animation)
- Comment on Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion Thread [2025, Week 22] 1 month ago:
I don’t think so. Each installment of uma musume seems to focus on different horses’ so they work as a stand alone
- Comment on Anime Questions, Recommendations, and Discussion Thread [2025, Week 22] 1 month ago:
which of the other Umamusume anime is similar to Cinderella Gray? Would enough context be given to watch a season as a standalone series instead of starting from season 1?
You could try the movie Uma Musume: Road to the Top and Uma Musume: Begining of a New Era. Haven’t watch either, but I’ve hear a lot of praise for them
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 8 discussion 1 month ago:
This soundtrack is what makes it so exciting during the races.
They definitely know how to hype the races. Not only the soundtrack, but also the pacing. Like how every race is introduced with a title screen, and how they gave empty space during the race. There are moments during the race with no soundtrack, and let the scene filled only with galloping sound. They also went into complete silence to give the twist more impact.
- Comment on Umamusume: Cinderella Gray • Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray - Episode 8 discussion 1 month ago:
That was a race-full episode. We got three races in a row, though Oguri was only in two. So hype!
I know Oguri would win the first race from the last episode cliffhanger. Black Ale speaking politely was cute. Despite her loud mouth, at least she could keep her promise.
The reporter seemed really determined to get Oguri to enter the Nippon Derby. He not only made a lot of articles to rile up the discussion but also put in the work to fill out a 10,000-signed petition for Oguri.
Will Oguri get an exception to get into the derby? Or will Rudolf uphold the rule? Can’t wait for the next episode, it’s titled Nippon Derby after all.
- Comment on Witch Watch - Episode 8 discussion 1 month ago:
Finally, they animated the super-high-speed Kanshi suffering. I’ve been waiting to see it animated since they teased it in the opening. God speed, Kanshi, this is only the start of your many more suffering 🙏.
- Comment on Food for the Soul • Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi - Episode 7 discussion 1 month ago:
How lucky these girls were to have the beach all for themselves. The pizza also looks so tasty.