Idle Master

  I think the sound design in 'Aharen-san' is phenomenal. That might be a strange statement to make for a slice-of-life anime. Phenomenal is a powerful word and it's not like there's a Hiroyuki Sawano track dropping when Raidou was at the claw machine. In fact, when we actually consider what sounds actually are in the first episode, you will realize that there's actually very little going on; Raidou and Aharen speaks in a monotonous voice with none of the usual tonal antics of a comedy; Most of the soundtrack consist of sparse piano notes that leaves a lot of "empty space" in between them; And as much as we like to diss Berserk for its horrible *pings and pongs* , you can't really say that nailing the sound design of bento boxes is comparable to how a mega-ton sword should sound on every conceivable metal, rock and bone. Thus, is there even a conversation to be had about sound design in a show where school kids just bumble about? Well, to consider that...

Entry #03: Date A Live has justified its existence to me (11th April) I do not like 'Date A Live'. I think it's a harem show that is outdated and past its prime. It uses the trite formula of "collect girls like you would collect Pokemon". Granted while its one of the earlier pioneers of that genre, the sheer influx of Isekai shows that adhere to those tropes like a bible, has made the bible itself obsolete; A relic of a past that has been translated to death, and would be soon replaced with fresher, more respectful harem tropes. However regardless of all its flaws, 'Date A Live' has "justified its existence" to me. That phrase means a great deal in my mind. It surpasses the mere idea of just being good. For example, last season I watched a show called 'My Dress-up Darling'. I finished all of it, thought that Marin is super cute, thought the animation was super crisp and thought that that show was in all fairness, a pretty good show. Howev...