Tetsuwan Birdy Decode Episode 1 Review

     I know that the term underrated ends up being used a lot when talking about, especially older, anime, and the reason for this is not the fact that the actual show hasn't received commendations for its extravagant qualities, but rather that the show in question is merely a mediocre one, and the extravagant quality that it has is merely nostalgia, but under the scope here we take a look at the first episode of the obscure show that barely anyone has nostalgia for.
     Anyways, the show in question is a 26 episode TV remake of the late 90s OVA, which focuses on the rather interesting premise- a female intergalactic officer sharing a body with an average high school boy. This merging happens at the end of this episode, so the question is- does this make this episode dull because we know the outcome? Or why didn't this happen at the beginning of the episode? Thankfully, the answer is no, because Tetsuwan Birdy Decode features a variety of rather interesting and witty characters, especially Birdy (a.k.a Shion) which empathize this light-hearted atmosphere the show successfully conveys. There is always something going on to keep the viewer engaged, despite the fact that we know exactly how the episode is going to end.
     Visuals of the show are rather interesting. Everything is bright, sparkling with digital colors used on the characters, empathized by the watercolor-like style that is used in the background art. The animation is very fluid for a TV animation, especially in the action sequences.  Only thing visually that deserves the mention is the fan-service; Birdy's costume is fairly revealing, and there is a fan-servicy photo shoot at the beginning. While some people might find this to be unnecessary, I find it that it adds to the light-hearted atmosphere the show is going for.
     Music-wise, soundtrack, especially in the action sequences, tends to over-do the feature- orchestral soundtrack gives the impression that this is a serious superhero series, instead of light-hearted comedy the show is aiming to present itself as, but it is not very distracting. Opening and ending themes are great to listen to, as well.
     Overall, Tetsuwan Birdy Decode gives off the impression of a forgotten entertainer with a lot of potentials. This episode provides great motivation to watch the show and endless possibilities for it.

Score breakdown:

Story: B+
Despite the fact that we know the final resolution of the episode, the show finds multiple ways to engage the viewer.

Characters: B
Birdy's personality is a great highlight, while other characters give the stereotypical impression.
Animation: A
Very fluid and well-framed for a TV animation.

Art: A+
Great character designs, interesting use of background art.

Music: B
Orchestral soundtrack tends to over-do the stuff that's going on, but, aside from that the opening and ending themes are great to listen to.

+ Light hearted entertainer with a lot of potential, engaging sci-fi concept.
- Fan-service can be off-putting, a lot of characters seem to have the depth of cardboard.

Darling in the FranXX Episode 6 Review

While previous episodes focused primarily on the characters-infused build up before an action scene, this Episode unleashes all of the tension built up in the previous episode with a radiant bang. Action presented here is absolutely superb, while at the same time feels somewhat formulaic- do not expect the variety of Evangelion's battles here. The action is also used to amplify the bond between Zero Two and Hiro later on in the Episode, which leads to one of the most badass moments the show has seen so far. Cinematography also amplifies every single moment- every frame feels well thought-out, and storyboarding in this episode especially has been excellent.

     My only complaint with this episode visually are the designs of the enemies- they just feel way to dark for me, and some variety in the next couple of episodes would be appreciated- they also seem to function in the exact same manner.

     Overall, Episode 6 of Darling in the FranXX gives off the impression that the show is still on the right track. 

Score breakdown:

Story: A

It progresses at a desirable pace.

Characters: B+

Zero Two's yandere-like personality is the highlight, while other characters also leave a great impression.

Animation: A

Absolutely top-notch, the CG is not as jarring.

Music: B

Opening and ending themes are excellent, ending one especially, while music is missing Sawano's flavor for some reason.

Art: A+

Unique designs on all sides. 

+ Great action-packed piece, has a lot of tension.

- Battles seem formulaic so far, enemies need some varying designs.

Yugo Skala's drive for the worst #1: Pupa

"Save me... from that monster."

     It has been over twelve years, and I still remember my family's barely functional Yugo Skala 55, which we bought for around 150 Euros. The thing had this disgusting paint job- it almost seemed like it had a thin, but still an incoesistent layer of colored mud behind another thin layer of paint- almost as if someone saw F40's paint job after applying that mud to it. The mud looked like Pupa's watercolor-like art style which is here for the sole purpose of obscuring the obscene amount of violence that it presents. Speaking of violence- Yugo Skala was also pretty violent towards the driver. Firstly, it was pulling towards the right, and not slightly- it felt like you were actually steering it in that direction. Keeping the car going in the straight line was a nightmare, and turning left seems like the fact that Pupa's episodes are 4 minutes (3 when you chop off its op and ed) long, which provides you with no room to create any sort of atmosphere.
     Another type of violence was the fact that the car would usually refuse to start, even after more than ten attempts- it is more of a mental thing than a physical one, but the physical component was still present- the car needed to be pushed, or pulled by another car. I still remember an ugly Fiat 126 pulling us down the road, hoping that Yugo 55's (GV in the US) disabled cousin would start pushing the wheels of the wheelchair it was riding on.
     This is the metaphor I would like to use here- the sense of disbelief, the shock that something like this was conceived, actually made and consumed by people is the only thing pulling your brain forwards while you are watching Pupa. There is really not much to say here.
    Oh yeah, our Skala came in this ugly yellowish color which looked the plastic of my family's computer which used to be white once. You would not be surprised to hear that Pupa's colors and disgusting also.
    Steering was also vague, so vague that it required interpretation - this show requires interpretation! It is told in an anachronic manner, and just the mere thought of using any sufficient brainpower to consume this disgust is beyond me.

"It's finally over, Onii-chan!"

Score breakdown:

Story: F
I have the lack of words- the brakes that can barely stop the vehicle and engine that can barely move it.

Characters: F
Oh? We will just move on.

Animation: D
The drive is terrible and you feel every single bump, but it is still "driving." Maybe. Just maybe.

Art: F-
Unchanged since the early 80s and produced up until late 2008, what else could I give it?

Music: F-
Boys in Kragujevac surely do like playing multiple death metal tracks over each other, because I cannot figure out anything else that might qualify as a reason to why this engine sounds so awful.

Overall: F
Nice driving experience for the whole family, except for minors who will be infected with ADHD from it, for young adults because it causes depression, for adults because they will not arrive on the job in time and lose it, and except for elders, because it will kick their pancreas around and cause diabetes.