Anime Brain Freeze

On this episode John takes the helm right out of the gate and delivers his comparison between the two teen romance series Just Because and Our Love has always been 10 centimeters apart. Up next is CC's Review of Land of the Lustrous, detailing the reasons why this CG show succeeds, where many others have failed. Finally John brings the Rom train back into the Com station and talks about Blend S and how the show turned out to be a disappointment despite its many colorful maid shenanigans.   Reviews: Just Because VS Our Love has always been 10 centimeters apart (1:41) Land of the Lustrous (37:24) Blend S (55:07)   Related Links: https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/10/16/just-because-and-the-tv-anime-problem-living-characters-dead-production/ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-11-30/.124636 https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/10/31/land-of-the-lustrous-director-takahiko-kyougoku-interview/ https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/11/15/land-of-the-lustrous-houseki-no-kuni-production-notes-1-6/ https

On this episode, John talks about Recovery of an MMO Junkie and why the quirky romance story felt satisfying and relatable. The gang also dives into the recent unfortunate buzz generated by the director of that show. Lastly, CC reviews the unconventional hero's journey of Inuyashiki and explains why the show's misguided focus on its all too repulsive villain was ultimately its downfall.   Reviews: Recovery of an MMO Junkie (1:32) Inuyashiki (34:37)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-10-24/.123097 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-12-12/.125150 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-02-09/recovery-of-an-mmo-junkie-director-causes-controversy-with-anti-semitic-tweets/.127409 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP2KATrNlbE http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/12/05/how-recovery-of-an-mmo-junkie-redefines-what-it-means-to-be-an-adult-nerd http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/12/02/managing-misunderstandings-in-recovery-of-an-mmo-

Kicking off 2018 in style, the gang as usual takes a quick glance at all the new series premiering this Winter in the Sneak Peek. After that they discuss both seasons of Blood Blockade Battlefront and why the Studio Bones show and its plethora of colorful characters captured their hearts and imagination.   Sneak Peek (1:52) Record of Grancrest War (2:20) Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens (3:38) Junji Ito Collection (8:03) After the Rain (9:26) Pop Team Epic (11:06) Yowamushi Pedal: Glory Line (14:16) Seven Deadly Sins - Season 2 (15:27) Overlord - Season 2 (18:09) Katana Maidens (21:12) Killing Bites (25:31) Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles (28:21) Hakumei & Mikochi (32:11) How to keep a mummy (33:36) A place further than the Universe (35:26) Devilman Crybaby (39:06) Violet Evergarden (40:54) Kokkoku (46:30) Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion the Animation (48:37) Darling in the Frankxx (51:58)   Review (57:57) Blood Blockade Battlefront - Season 1&2   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2015-

John and CC wrap up 2017 by bringing you another whopper of an episode. First they reintroduce an old segment with a new name: Chop 'n' Drop. In this former sub section of the Trash Stash the gang talks about all the shows from Summer Season 2017 they stopped watching after a few episodes and why. Then John lifts the curtain on another Mystery Review that makes him re-evaluate his opinion on an old nemesis. Finally it's time for the final Review of the Season with Re:Creators and the hosts list the many reasons why that series was one of their favorites this year. Of course there is no way for them to wrap up the show without telling you about their pick for Best of Summer Season 2017.   Chop 'n' Drop (1:56)   Mystery Review (14:41)   Review: Re:Creators - No Spoilers (57:36) Re:Creators - Spoilers (1:23:49)   Best of the Season (1:30:33)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-07-28/the-real-anime-inspirations-behind-the-creations-of-re-creators/.119444 https://www.animenewsnetwork.co

Strap in and prepare for an epic ride, kids. In their longest show to date, John and CC take it upon themselves to review all currently existing seasons of the Magical Girl Action Hit Senki Zesshou Symphogear. After dishing out an introduction to the show's plot setup, universe and main characters, they go through all four seasons to give you their spoiler-free and spoiler-heavy opinions on each of them. Lastly, both hosts discuss their favorite main cast member, piece of armor, villain and song from the entirety of the franchise.   Review: Symphogear - No Spoilers (1:41) Symphogear - Spoilers (46:13)   Symphogear G - No Spoilers (1:01:13) Symphogear G - Spoilers (1:14:06)   Symphogear GX - No Spoilers (1:29:29) Symphogear GX - Spoilers (1:43:10)   Symphogear AXZ - No Spoilers (2:02:42) Symphogear AXZ - Spoilers (2:22:22)   Best Girl (2:31:56)   Best Gear (2:38:10)   Best Villain (2:42:27)   Best Song (2:47:10)   Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/07/08/the-wild-brilliance-of-sympho

On this episode CC digs into the Trash Stash once again, to talk about Vatican Miracle Examiner and explains why the show succeeds at being so bad that it's good. Then John introduces the motley crew of Gamers and the gang discusses why the goofy rom-com ultimately didn't live up to its potential.   Trash Stash Vatican Miracle Examiner (1:09)   Review: Gamers (18:04)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-08-01/.119574 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/08/22/230030 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/07/26/050046 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/07/04/230037 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/09/21-1/hobbies-handles-and-hangups-the-labels-that-define-gamers http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/09/02-1/gamers-in-game-locations-compared-to-their-real-world-counterparts-part-1 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/09/16/gamers-in-game-locations-compared-to-their-real-world-counterparts-part-2 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/08/16/020020 htt

John opens up this episode by delivering a Mystery Review of a show unknown to listeners and CC alike. Then the gang tries to solve the puzzle of whether or not one of the two potential Trash Stash candidates, Knight's & Magic and Princess Principal is actually worth a watch.   Mystery Review (1:30)   Trash Stash Knight's & Magic (18:45)   Review: Princess Principal (41:23)     Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/07/20-1/the-earnest-fandom-of-knights-magics-ernesti http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/07/25/050008 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-08-31/.120723 http://www.animefeminist.com/feature-know-when-fold-princess-principal-feel-good-feminism-loudly-laundry/ http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/08/30/050044 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/09/13/230050   Website: http://animebrainfreeze.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AniBrainFreeze Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AniBrainFreeze/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSi7wbiBRei5RtNQ6HWB

Dialing the episode length back a bit this time around, the hosts deliver Reviews of two somewhat small-scale, but nonetheless outstanding shows. First CC is talking about Made in Abyss and explains why this emotional gut punch of a fantasy tale is worth excavating. Then John wraps up the episode by dishing out his opinion on Sakura Quest and discusses how its many colorful characters bring life not only to the rural countryside of Japan, but also to the show itself.   Reviews: Made in Abyss (1:07) Sakura Quest (26:51)   Related Links: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-09-12/.121206 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-10-03/.122177 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-10-04/interview-made-in-abyss-composer-kevin-penkin/.122246 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-08-09/sakura-quest-how-to-revive-a-dying-town/.119033 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/04/29/feature-why-it-works-sakura-quest-doesnt-have-the-answers http://www.crunchyroll.com

The dynamic duo is back to appropriately kick off Fall Season with a supersized episode. First John delivers his Re:Con report of New York Comic Con 2017 and what caught his eye on the show floor. Then the hosts dive head first into the Sneak Peek to bring you there impressions of all the new series premieres they checked out. Last but not least they send of this episode with their Review of the second season of one of their favorite new shows: My Hero Academia.   Re:Con - NYCC 2017 (1:31)   Sneak Peek: Food Wars - Season 3 (20:28) Blend S (23:40) Dies Irae (26:26) Two Car (30:16) Black Clover (35:23) Love Live! Sunshine! - Season 2 (40:15) GARO -Vanishing Line- (46:29) Just Because! (50:55) Code:Realize -Guardian of Rebirth- (55:19) Land of the Lustrous (57:48) Kino's Journey - the Beautiful World- the Animated Series (1:02:32) Girls' Last Tour (1:07:44) Jūni Taisen: Zodiac War (1:09:23) Blood Blockade Battlefront & Beyond (1:11:58) Inuyashiki Last Hero (1:16:53) The Ancient Magus' Bride (1:22:29)   Rev

As this season draws to a close, the gang discuss their last batch of shows from Spring 2017. First John dishes out his thoughts on the mobile game adaption Granblue Fantasy the Animation and then both hosts go back to the beginnings of one of Anime's most well known icons Astro Boy, by talking about its new prequel series Atom: The Beginning. Last but not least, it's time to pick the Best of the Season, which is a much easier endeavor for Spring, than it will be for Summer.   Reviews: Granblue Fantasy the Animation (1:12) Atom: The Beginning (24:33)   Best of the Season (53:00)   Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/06/08/granblue-fantasy-and-akashic-records-why-were-hooked http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/01/26/000011 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/05/18/020032 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/06/23/020018 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/07/13/050056 https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/01/16/shedding-light-on-granblue-fantasys-delay-and-a1-struggles/ http://www.crunchy

This episode is even more of a lightweight than usual, because our hosts tackle not only one, but two light novel adaptions. First CC talks about WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us? (Yes, that is its full title...) also known as SukaSuka and how the series couldn't live up to the potential promised by its first episode. Then John elaborates on why Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend does a good job at detailing the many challenges of creating a visual novel.   Reviews: SukaSuka/WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us? (2:36) Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend (23:17)   Related Links: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-08-22/.118457 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/05/11/feature-the-hook-worldend-and-tsukigakirei http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/04/27/feature-head-space-worldend-framing-a-tragedy http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/saekano-how-to-raise-a-borin

In this magical episode the gang is once again returning to the world of sorcery and witchcraft. CC starts off the the show by talking about the light novel adaption Grimoire of Zero and its two unique main protagonists. Then, after drifting off into a conversation about Anime dubs for a while, John wraps things up by introducing us to the new Trigger hit-series Little Witch Academia and the hosts discuss how it stacks up against the other big popular shows from the same studio.   Reviews: Grimoire of Zero (1:31) Little Witch Academia (18:12)   Related Links: http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/05/09/050046 http://www.animenewsnetwork.cc/interview/2013-08-28/interview-masahiko-otsuka-and-yoh-yoshinari-of-studio-trigger http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/03/27-1/feature-creative-spotlight-yoh-yoshinari http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/01/16/003026   Website: http://animebrainfreeze.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AniBrainFreeze Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AniBrainFreeze/ Youtube: https:

Tortured by allergies, but nevertheless ready to get dangerous, the gang is going for a bit of a low-key episode this time, by discussing two shows that left the hosts underwhelmed for one reason or another. First, CC delivers a rant dripping with disappointment, about the ever evolving dumpster fire that is the second season of the current TV Anime adaption of Kentaro Miura's Berserk. After that, John wraps up the show by talking about the Danmachi spin-off Sword Oratoria and why its more serious approach to the world and characters set up by its predecessor is kind of a lackluster experience.   Reviews: Berserk (TV 2016/2017) - Season 2 (1:33) Sword Oratoria: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side (30:38)   Related Links: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-07-07/what-the-heck-happened-to-berserk/.117834 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-07-12/3dcg-in-anime-an-introduction/.118724 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-06-28/berserk-past-present-and-future/

In line with the show John and CC review this time around, the episode length and number of series discussed in the Sneak Peek are of somewhat titanic proportions. After giving all the new hot summer Anime their two bits of due diligence, they wrap up with the monstrous hit Attack on Titan and discuss both its first and long awaited second season.     Sneak Peek: My First Girlfriend is a Gal (2:05) Fastest Finger First (3:43) Dive!! (7:15) 18if (9:19) Altair: A Record of Battles (11:38) Action Heroine Cheer Fruits (14:57) Teekyū Season 9 (16:55) Aho-Girl (18:12) Welcome to the Ballroom (19:45) Katsugeki! Tōken Ranbu (21:57) Princess Principal (24:11) Clean Freak! Aoyama kun (29:41) A Centaur's Life (30:58) Gamers! (33:48) Vatican Miracle Examiner (38:14) Kakegurui (40:47) Made in Abyss (44:46) Knight's & Magic (47:06) Fate/Apocrypha (53:49) Senki Zesshō Symphogear AXZ (1:00:45)   Review: Attack on Titan - Season 1+2 (1:09:25)   Related Links: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-03-29/everythin

After a small bit of News CC dives into a freshly piled-up Trash Stash to discuss the glorious dumpster fire that is the hideous 2D/CG amalgamation Hand Shakers. Then John finally gets to talk about the entertainingly incompetent RPG party members from KonoSuba. Last but not least, the gang pick their favorite show from winter season 2017.   News: Pluto Anime adaption (1:20)   Trash Stash: Hand Shakers (7:08)   Review: KonoSuba – God’s blessing on this wonderful world!! (27:44)   Best of the Season (43:52)   Related Links: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2012-09-13 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/02/25/feature-anime-vs-real-life-hand-shakers http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/01/25/060022 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/02/18/030042 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-03-09/comparing-comedies-konosuba-vs-dagashi-kashi/.99359 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2016/03/01-1/feature-aniwords-konosubas-comedic-cosmic-unfairness http://www.crunchyroll.com/a

John kicks off this episode by talking about the entertaining comedy romp Gabriel DropOut and how its deadbeat angelic and demonic protagonists managed to deliver the laughs. Then the crew discusses if the second season of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans was able to make good on the promising setups from Season 1. By the end the Review spirals into a talk about all things Gundam, so get your space gear ready and strap in for an extended trip to the colonies.   Reviews: Gabriel DropOut (1:02) Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans - Season 2 (17:47)   Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/02/15/feature-cooking-with-anime-roulette-cream-puffs-from-gabriel-dropout http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/03/14-1/see-who-the-family-guests-were-on-latest-gabriel-dropout-anime http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-01-20/how-mari-okada-writes-mobile-suit-gundam/.111280 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/04/19/230032 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/03/23/230018 http:

In this very video game centric episode, John is kicking off the show with his Review of Akiba's Trip and talks about why you might wanna pay a visit to this animated version of Akihabara as well. Then the gang discusses at length, why video game adaptions are a tricky beast and if Tales of Zestiria the X was able to overcome those mandatory hurdles.   Reviews: Akiba's Trip: The Animation (1:10) Tales of Zestiria the X (16:49)     Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/03/02/feature-speak-fan-and-enter-heroes-gatekeepers-in-akibas-trip http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/01/09/akibas-trip-character-name-puns-explained http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2016/11/22/060023 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/03/27/230056 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/03/03/000051 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-09-14/a-beginner-guide-to-tales-rpgs/.106452 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2016/08/10/210009 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2016/09/01/210040   Website: http://animebrainfre

Kicking off this episode filled with revenge plots, demonic possessions, political intrigue and...bread, John is delivering his review of the not so slightly mean-spirited romcom Masamune-kun's Revenge. Then CC explains why watching both seasons of Blue Exorcist is not an easily achievable flawless viewing experience. Last but not least, the gang discusses why ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. is a slow but good burn.   Reviews: Masamune-kun's Revenge (2:01) Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga (17:29) ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. (31:41)   Related Links: http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/01/28/000023 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-01-11/the-beginner-guide-to-blue-exorcist/.110888 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/02/25/060034 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/02/17/060021   Website: http://animebrainfreeze.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AniBrainFreeze Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AniBrainFreeze/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSi7wbiBRei5RtNQ6HWBeaw    

Anime Spring Season 2017 is here, so John and CC give you a short preview of several interesting new series in the Sneak Peek. Then they wrap up the show with their first review from Winter Season 2017: Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid.   Sneak Peek: Berserk - Season 2 (2:10) Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (3:44) Armed Girl's Machiavellism (8:47) My Hero Academia - Season 2 (12:02) Sakura Quest (16:15) KADO - The Right Answer (22:10) Granblue Fantasy (25:19) Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul (29:51) Atom: The Beginning (32:57) Grimoire of Zero (37:04) Sword Oratoria: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side (40:47) What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us? (43:46) Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Flat (48:58) Re:CREATORS (53:22) Attack on Titan - Season 2 (59:18)   Review: Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid (1:05:45)   Related Links: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-03-17/the-hidden-depths-of-miss-kobayashi-dragon-maid/.113557 http://www.crunchyroll

In this season finale John talks about the magical girl slugfest ViVid Strike!, the newest entry in the long-running Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha series, and gives you a brief introduction to the franchise as a whole. Then the gang wraps up with Flip Flappers, a flawed, but nonetheless thoroughly enjoyable fantasy adventure, with enamoring surreal imagery. Last but not least John and CC pick their favorite show from Fall season 2016.   Reviews: ViVid Strike! (1:30) Flip Flappers (26:53)   Best of the Season (53:47)   Related Links: http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2016/11/30/030005 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2016/11/17/040041 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2016/10/28/050025 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/flip-flappers-episodes-1-13-streaming/.110757 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/flip-flappers/.107523 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/01/05-1/feature-head-space-flip-flappers-mirrors-reversals-and-returns http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/01/07/feature-why-it-works-a