Welcome to MANGA.TOKYO’s Summer 2017 anime previews!

The Summer 2017 season is here otaku ladies and otaku gentlemen and with it brings more than 55 anime (counting in the leftovers). You can check the info for all the titles in our Anime Info Pages. MANGA.TOKYO is also going to be reviewing 13 of those every week. You can check the list here:

Summer 2017: Our Anime Reviews

We can’t review every title every season, but we know that our readers have diverse tastes and are always looking for that extra something. You want to be sure that your viewing time is only spent on those titles you like the most and MANGA.TOKYO is here for you. We have given our writers and staff the arduous task (not that they complained) to share with you their impressions on the first episode of nearly every new title of this season!

When you choose what you’ll watch this season, you can visit our Official Pages and Twitter article to follow the pages and hashtags of your favorites titles. MANGA.TOKYO will always be here with the latest news and reports from your favorite titles.

Don’t worry if the list below doesn’t have the anime you want to check. This is an ongoing article and it will be updated every day, so don’t forget to bookmark the page! New previews will be posted as soon as they’re written. Ok, let’s see what’s on this season.

Tip: Click on the poster to get to the title’s Anime Info Page and on the writer’s avatar to see more of their articles!

Click on a title to get straight to it

Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu
Kakegurui
Knight’s and Magic
Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun
Love and Lies
Fastest Finger First
Tsure x Dure Children
Aho Girl
NTR: Netsuzou Trap
Action Heroine Cheer Fruits
DIVE!!
Altair: A Record of Battles
Welcome to the Ballroom
Hitorijime My Hero
Chronos Ruler
In Another World With My Smartphone
The Irrensposible Galaxy Tylor
New Game!!
Hajimete no Gal
Nora, Princess, and Stray Cat
Gamers
The Reflection

Summer 2017 Anime

Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu

(c)Nitroplus・DMM GAMES/「活撃 刀剣乱舞」製作委員会

1 July
Run: 13 Episodes

Summary: This is the second anime adaptation of Touken Ranbu, the first being Touken Ranbu Hanamaru by Doga Kobo. Hanamaru was a relaxing ‘Cute Guys Doing Cute Things’ anime and focused on the peaceful life within the Citadel. However, ufotable’s Katsugeki focuses on the front lines, and promises beautifully animated action scenes. (from our review for Episode 1)

Thanasis

I don’t think I am the right person to talk about the new Katsugeki anime. I have never played the games and haven’t the last anime adaptation. I only know what our resident Saniwa here at MANGA.TOKYO, Jennifer, has told me about the overly cute anthropomorphised swords and their battles. Nevertheless, I was impressed by the high-quality of the animation. This is ufotable bringing us another high-performance title that visually reminds me a little of Tales of Zestiria the X. The beautiful scenery was enhanced by the excellent use of light. The sword summons in the middle of the battle added the cherry on top of the well executed action scene. I am not overly fond of the time travel scenario (too many ways something can go wrong) but I love the visuals of the period.

Verdict: I have a feeling that this anime is more suited to people who are already fans of the game. That doesn’t mean newcomers are not welcome. The episode provides enough info dumps to get you into the mood. You don’t even need to know that this is based on a card game. ufotable made this an anime for all. By the end of the episode, you will know who is fighting who and why. I recommend you give Episode 1 a chance and judge for yourself if Saniwa and his sword warriors are for you.

Martina

What a blast! That’s how you start off a first episode! Action from the beginning, a load of cute guys, and a cute mascot. I am not sure what the story is yet, but there are enough hints and I like what I see! Aside from the eye-candy, the time period it is playing in is amazing and I like the whole concept of saving history instead of changing it. It’s refreshing! I have to be honest and say I haven’t watched any series before this one and also don’t know anything of the game, so I went into Touken Ranbu without a clue. But this definitely is something I did not expect after what I read about it! While I am not sure I like Horikawa yet, I am in love with Konnosuke and the Saniwa. In any way, I can’t find much bad to say and as far as a first episode goes, this was nice and will keep me watching.

Recommended, not only to girls! Because even though the guys are preciously beautiful, they are bad-ass and there is a lot of action.

Katsugeki Touken Ranbu Episode 1 Review: To the Frontlines

Kakegurui

(c) 河本ほむら・尚村透／SQUARE ENIX・「賭ケグルイ」製作委員会

1 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: Hyakkaou Academy is a peculiar school. Not only it houses the wealthiest and most privileged students of Japan, but it allows them to determine the student hierarchy through a gambling system. This school after all is housing a lot of the future leaders in politics and business; they don’t need regular classes. They need a proficiency in tactics, mind reading, and competitive strength. This is what real modern survival is all about. (from our review for Episode 1)

Thanasis

I think I’ve spent all my anime commenting energy writing the review for this series (you can check it below all the impressions). Kakegurui had an amazing first episode and I really can’t believe that there is no official simulcast available. I know that anime is a business and things happen, but this anime deserves a legal streaming site to pick it up. It has everything you might expect from such an anime and more. You can feel the tension in the air in every scene and the protagonists are off the rails. Also, the games are original and combine your usual casino games with children’s games like Rock, Papers, Scissors. This is going to be one interesting run.

Verdict: Since Kakegurui is part of MANGA.TOKYO’s episodic reviews for Summer 2017, you just have to follow our reviews section and you’ll know each week what I think for the 11 episodes we have ahead of us. If you are looking for a laid-back anime that will make you feel good, this is not the one. If you want to see some really fracked-up facial expressions and an underlying madness under the cute and sexy exterior of the protagonists, give Kakegurui a chance. You might be surprised.

Kakegurui Episode 1 Review: A Woman Named Yumeko Jabami

Knight’s and Magic

(C)天酒之瓢・主婦の友社/ナイツ&マジック製作委員会

2 July
Run: ?

Summary: A genius programmer and robot otaku ends up reincarnated in another world, where mechas called ‘Silhouette Knight’ exist that can use swords and magic. Being reborn as Ernest Echevarria, he starts to build a perfect mecha, that will change the world… (from our Anime Info Page)

Thanasis

This is another of my episodic reviews for this season, so I need to be a bit positive, especially if you consider that I’ll have it keeping me company for the whole season. My initial reasons for choosing this anime were egotistic: it had robots. I like robots. I grew up with mecha anime. You can blame it on nostalgia. This anime does have robots, and they are drawn well. Animation-wise Knight’s and Magic is a treat, no doubt about that. But story-wise, the first episode left a sharp pain in my heart as it was so fast paced that I struggled to keep up with all the names and info dumps. That doesn’t mean that it’s a bad show. Quite the contrary. It has robots. Come on.

Verdict: Full of anime cliches, Knight’s and Magic will probably appeal to two groups of fans: those who really like robots and those who have knack for isekai light novel adaptations. I suggest you give the first episode a chance and then read my review below.

Jennifer

There is only one reason I watched the first episode of this anime. One single reason: Cute shota trap. 

The main character, Ernie, is the reincarnation of a Japanese programmer-slash-mecha otaku who was killed in a road accident. He is reborn as Ernesti Echevalier, who is super duper uber totally unbelievably cute. Do you remember the female friend who is hugging him all the time? That would be me. When our boy Ernie appears for the first time in his school uniform (reminiscent of Japanese kindergarten uniforms >_< ) a tear came to my eye.

Oh yes, the story… to be honest I don’t really remember anything about the story. I was too focused on Ernie. So make of that what you will… The mechs (Silhouette Knights) in the anime are really cool, and I love how Ernie’s eyes light up like stars whenever they are mentioned.

God, Ernie is so cute. My son.

Martina

If the title wasn’t disturbing enough (Knight’s? Really?) and the tiny little girly boy a visual warning, then at least the first fifteen minutes of this anime managed to drive me away. I was bored out of my mind. I gave this anime a try because I thought it looked like fun, a fantasy story. But there I was in this mecha world and with the strange start of the whole story I just couldn’t focus on anything and decided this was not what I am looking for in an anime. I really like Ernest’s parents (?) and the whole animation was nice, but in the end, I decided to drop it.

Do watch it if you like little traps like Ernest, and Mecha. Watch it for the animation and the magic. Don’t watch it if you feel like you agree with me on most of my other impressions. Then we might share taste and you probably will be as bored as I was.

Knight’s & Magic Episode 1 Review: Robots & Fantasy

Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun

©坂本拓/集英社・チーム青山

2 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: The protagonist is a handsome midfielder that plays for Japan’s under-16 Soccer Team. However, he is completely and utterly obsessed with cleanliness! This story is about Aoyama’s Friendship! About Effort! About OCD?! (from our Anime Info Page)

Martina

Beautiful nostalgia, you may engulf me while I watch this. As a very big fan of Captain Tsubasa and a tiny fan of Ganbare, Kickers! back in the day, this was what I was waiting for! A good soccer anime. I started reading the manga, just to get a feel to if I would want to watch this. Even though it is not quite like Captain Tsubasa, I love it. There are great soccer matches but also many scenes off-field, that gives you a better chance to get to know the characters. And oh, the comedy. Aoyama-kun in his chibi-bear-mode is just my cup of tea. There are abs whenever Takechi is on the screen and even though Aoyama-kun has a serious illness, I think they deal hilariously with it.

On a side note, I also think people with such an phobia might have similar experiences. Others around him do not understand his condition. In the anime, it seems like only the coach lady really understands him, while the rest of the guys either just ignore his problem and take him the way he is or try to make him stop being ridiculous (looking at you, Kaoru!). While I think the anime is not working too well with mysophobia in this first episode, I must say it is supposed to be a comedy series, so they used Aoyama for what they could: they got me to laugh.

I can’t wait to for the next episode. I want to see more soccer, more stupidity and more abs. I am curious about what Gotou will do next and where this whole series is going, aside from towards the nationals!

I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good laugh, even though I am not sure the humor is just for anyone. But if you liked the Kickers, you might end up liking this as well! Also, don’t feel turned away because it is a sports anime. While the sport is a big part of the series, I have a feeling we will see the characters less running across the field and much more dealing with their variety of problems.

Jennifer

It’s here. It’s finally here. I’m gonna cheat here, as I’ve actually seen 2 episodes as of writing this. I’ll start off by telling you that I was already a fan of the manga, so for me I was worried about how the adaptation would go. I am NOT disappointed. First of all, the cast is AMAZING! It’s filled with veteran voice actors, many of them famous for their roles in comedy anime. The anime is simple yet beautiful and has perfectly recreated the unique style from Taku Sakamoto’s manga. Although Aoyama-kun is a comedy, it’s not the over-the-top absurd comedy in, say Aho Girl, but it had those moments where you suddenly find yourself laughing without knowing why. My favorite character is Takechi and I laugh whenever he appears on screen, even if he isn’t doing anything (I’m laughing right now) and I just wanna say THANK YOU to Studio Hibari for animating Takechi’s abs.

I would recommend this to anybody and everybody. Even if just for that ~sniffing~ scene near the end of Episode 2.

Clean Freak! Aoyama-kun Episode 1 Review: Aoyama-kun is a Clean Freak!

Love and Lies

©ムサヲ・講談社／政府通知普及委員会

4 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: On one’s 16th birthday, the government sends a notice of assigned marriage partner, as decided by the law of countermeasures against declining birthrate. In this world, the 15-year old protagonist Yukari Nejima, likes the seemingly unreachable Misaki Takazaki. On the day of his 16th birthday he decides to finally confess the feelings he has held for years. But right after that, his marriage notice arrives. And it holds the partner he is scientifically most compatible with… (from our Anime Info Page)

Jennifer

I will admit that I had read a little bit of this manga before the anime started, so I already knew what would happen in the first episode. This story has an interesting concept in that every citizen is assigned their marriage partner at 16, using the citizen’s genetics in mind. As I’m sure many of you are quite aware, Japan is currently undergoing a crisis in that the birthrate is on a rapid decline, which will surely cause problems in the future. The current Japanese government is trying (and failing) to turn this around.

The main character Yukari (this name sounds very feminine, and he is actually named after the fictional ‘Yukari Law’ which brought his parents together) has a very cute but simple design. He may not have much of an overbearing personality, but his obsession with ancient burial mounds (kofun) is quite charming. His love interest, Misaki is the mix between cute and sexy (Kana Hanazawa + Zettai Ryoiki!) that I have been dreaming of. The fact that she takes the initiative on the bench had my heart pounding (you go girl!) The animation style is very simple, using round shapes and muted colours, which perfectly suits the sensitivity and slightly erotic playfulness that this story will hopefully bring. I will definitely be watching the next episode.

Martina

I already know from the manga how the story goes, so this first episode was neither new or exciting. But it gave me time to pay attention to all the other stuff I normally don’t. I really like how beautiful the characters are drawn, their eyes so big and round, the clothes and the colors. I already thought they were beautiful in the manga, so it’s a relief they were drawn so similar. I also liked their voices, they were cast well (though we still have to see for Lilina). I think I might like Yukari a bit more in the anime than I did in the manga. He seems less…passive? Less boring? My favorite has to be when Yukari is building the kofun in the park, waiting for Misaki. I really wanted to hear the thoughts of the police officer in that moment.

And what I really want from this anime is to explain the mishap with Yukari’s notice in the beginning. I think it might be the resolving piece in the puzzle at the very end, which makes me doubt that we will get to see it in this season. But they made the scene so well in the anime, it really is one of the things that stuck with me to most. Aside from the hot and steamy kiss. Yes, that’s a good start to a series, I approve! Maybe less saliva, but still, I approve! I will keep watching this series for as long as it is entertaining me. I hope that will be until the very end.

I recommend it to those who want to watch a romance story with some unusual problems. It’s about having an arranged marriage with someone who might be your perfect partner, according to data, or trying your own luck with someone you like at the moment! It’s rather unique. And if they stick close to the manga, there are going to be more kisses than in regular romance anime, without it turning out too pervy (minus the saliva). In any way, this series strongest point is the romance mixed with the serious theme, so it’s not aimed just at girls.

Thanasis

The protagonists of Love and Lies find themselves in a peculiar Romeo and Juliet situation. The families of the two 16-year-olds (not a coincidence that they share an age with the Shakespearian couple) are not divided by a family feud but instead by a peculiar law that allows the government to choose your future spouse. Like an Orwelian Tinder, officials get to choose the best partner based on a set of algorithms, and of course, once you meet your future spouse, fooling around is prohibited. I don’t know exactly how they enforce that but I am very curious to find out. Love and Lies is a drama romance that plays on the theme of a requited but forbidden love. Nejima and Misaki are experiencing a kind of love that is a mix of genuine feelings and lust. The latter is expressed through their first kiss, a kiss that feels both realistic and sensual. Their love is one that you will find in abundance in high schools everywhere in the world but it retains a fairytale quality since it was born out of a seemingly unimportant moment that carried a special significance for the both of them. The first episode made sure to set the premise right and make us realize that this is not a situation where an alternative path might make everything alright.

Love and Lies Episode 1 Review: First Love

Fastest Finger First

4 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: Fastest Finger First (Nana Maru San Batsu) tells the story of high school students that hang onto their youth through a competitive quiz-club. (from our Anime Info Page)

Martina

This was not on my planned list, but watching with friends made us start it, as it sounded like it would be simple and fun. And that was the impression the first episode left us with. Simple, but fun. Many crazy characters, who are passionate about their (rather strange) hobby. But you can guess the answers with the characters and have a bit of fun like that. I also enjoyed most of the characters introduced in the beginning, but can someone please tell me why Fukami is voiced so badly? I don’t know much about voice actors, but this person is awful as the the main character of a series. She sounds not like she is in an anime and at times I wondered if she even read the script before acting out the scene. I am sorry, but that was a major disappointment and a turn-off. I am glad that I can tune out the bad voicing most of the time and that all the other characters are amazing. Like, the voice of Koshiyama: you are doing a great job! He even made me like the standard blushing-shy-naive-pure-boy a bit. Who I am more interested in is Gakuto, though. He seems like a crazy guy who has something to hide, as he just transferred schools and opened the quiz bowl circle.

I will probably watch a few more episodes of this, maybe just for the sake of having a small quiz once in awhile. We will see how this turns out. Won’t really recommend it, but if you feel like what I wrote sounds like fun, give it a try!

Tsure x Dure Children

(c)若林稔弥・講談社／徒然チルドレン製作委員会

4 July
Run: ?

Summary: Love between childhood friends, a student council president and a yankee, a senior and junior and between classmates. Tsure x Dure Children tells the love stories of many different people. (from our Anime Info Page)

Martina

What is this unexpected cuteness! I knew that, as a romance anime, I would like it, but there are so many cute characters in this series, I was surprised. There is a variety of couples and I hope we will get to see much much more of each of them! It is only a short anime, so the episodes aren’t long, but the introduction to all the couples was really cute and if they do it right, I think this will be a very nice series. The quality so far seems good enough for such a short anime.

I recommend this to anybody who likes regular romance stories! I doubt that the story will be particularly exciting or have any major turn of events. So if you want something simple and cute, this is what you’ll want to watch!

Thanasis

Another 4-koma manga adaptation, Tsure x Dure Children is a realistic romance series about people confessing to each other. It’s so ground to reality that I had a feeling I’ve seen all four short stories before in some kind of romantic anime situation, but that didn’t make the series boring. On the contrary, it was a lighthearted and fresh short episode about teenagers in love.

Verdict: If you like your romance with an extra bit of realism, this short anime is the perfect 12-minute escape for you. Not my cup of tea since I’m not the most romantic guy around, but people with a knack for confessions and awkward romantic exchanges will love the the relationships found in the anime.

Aho Girl

(c) ヒロユキ・講談社/アホガール製作委員会

4 July
Run: ?

Summary: The main character of this story, Yoshiko Hanabatake, likes Akkun, her childhood friend, whose staple food is bananas. She is a high school girl who does all sorts of foolish things. The series features many unique characters like Sayaka Sumino, who is a plain girl troubled by Yoshiko, the chief of the disciplinary committee, and Yoshiko’s rival in love.

Thanasis

What can I say for Aho Girl? It seems I have a sweet tooth for absurd comedies and this one is as absurd as it goes. Yoshiko is so stupid that she might be the happiest person on the planet. She eats only bananas and there is no other place she can live but the present. Every scene in this short anime is a chance for Yoshiko to prove slow on the uptake a person can be. The jokes seem like comedy stand-up punchlines , a common trait for 4-koma manga adaptations. Yoshiko, played by an amazing Yuuki Aoi, is joined by male tsundere and love interest A-kun, sweet and innocent Sayaka-chan, and big-breasted head of the disciplinary committee who fall in love with A-kun.

Verdict: This is comedy, people. If you don’t find one-liners like ‘Can I squeeze your boobies for science’ funny, then this is not for you. Also, if you are easily offended, this is not for you. This is no masterpiece, but it’s funny and and has some decent voice acting.

Martina

I watched this one on a whim and I regret nothing! From the promotion I thought it would be something really, really stupid. So stupid, that I wouldn’t like it and maybe even understand the fun of it. But the banana-girl isn’t second hand embarrassing. Rather she is simply stupid and that’s what makes it so funny! She says genuinely stupid things, without it seeming ridiculous. And her childhood friend, the guy she seems to like, is also very real. I can’t really get used to his deep, manly voice, but I like his character. He is just so used to ape-girl. He deals with it in a way probably nobody else could. And then her mother, who is also amazingly realistic, scared for her very stupid daughter and begging A-kun to get together with her. At parts I was sitting here, laughing out loud. This is on my list to watch for sure, because it is short and funny and I love the reactions of the characters. I hope it stays as funny as the first episode was.

NTR: Netsuzou Trap

(c)コダマナオコ/一迅社・捏造トラップ製作委員会

5 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: Yuma gets her first boyfriend in her second year at high school. She asks her beautiful childhood friend Hotaru for help. She teases her because she has no experience with boys and because she hasn’t done it with her boyfriend yet. When things escalate, they keep it between them. Without denying their relationship, Yuma gets addicted to it, but at the same time worries that her boyfriend will find out what is going on between her and Hotaru. She knows that the ‘logical’ thing is to remain with her boyfriend, but she also can’t explain these ‘strange’ feelings she has when she is with Hotaru. (from our Anime Info Page)

Thanasis

Don’t be quick to judge a book by its cover. Yes, the cover may be a bit too sexual, and it is definitely a yuri anime, and yes, boobs will be shown and skirts will be lifted, and possibly, a few moans will be heard where they shouldn’t. But like Kuzu no Honkai, this short anime is much more. There is an underlying sadness that waits to be expressed, and at least two of the characters have enough problems of their own that will cause problems to others as well. The first episode spent its 6-minute run setting the premise, but I expect a darker plot coming.

Verdict: If you expect a softcore hentai, then I have to disappoint you. This is not the anime you’re looking for. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a fracked-up erotic situation that could have happened to you as well, this first episode is for you. Whether the plot remains grounded to reality, it remains to be seen.

Martina

What surprised me most about Netsuzou Trap was that the episodes were so short. I thought it would be a full anime and wondered what they would put into the story, since not much happened in the manga yet. I think that it was a good decision to keep it short. I am just not sure what to make of it as a whole. Of course the first short episode wouldn’t evoke many thoughts. There was some erotica between the girls and a kiss between Yuma and her boyfriend. The kiss left Yuma a bit confused and the intimacy with her best friend left her a bit angry because she keeps touching her in inappropriate places. While I am sure that some guys will welcome the erotic elements, I am not sure I will like them. The manga was fine so far, especially because there seems to be some suspense coming up with Hotaru’s boyfriend. But in any way, this first episode was rather…plain. We will see what the next two episodes bring, but I might pass on this one.

I can’t tell you, who I would recommend it to, but I guess if you like yuri, you should watch it. And maybe if you just want to watch a short anime with some sensual scenes, go for it.

Jennifer

The NTR (‘netorare’) in the title NTR Netsuzou Trap refers to a genre that depicts the unfaithful acts of one half of a loving couple. In this case, high-schooler Yuma has finally gotten her first boyfriend, but her childhood friend Hotaru seems to be determined to take some of Yuma’s ‘firsts’. I’m a fan of the yuri genre and I go for anything from the sweet, innocent series like Kase-san and… to less-innocent series such as this (I just want to point out that the author of this manga is indeed a woman ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ ). I am really enjoying this series, and the reactions of Yuma are very cute! Hotaru’s jealously is quite clear from the very beginning, and although I would have stern words to say to her were she here in real life, please remember guys, this is fiction ( ^ω^ ). I’m also intrigued by Fujiwara, and I have the feeling he knows a lot more than he’s letting on…

I’m looking forward to watching the next few episodes, and I’m sure this will be a journey of self-discovery for our cute little Yuma. I’m personally glad that more yuri manga are getting anime adaptations, and this is only getting me more hyped up for the upcoming citrus!

NTR: Netsuzou Trap Episode 1 Review: A Secret between Girls

Action Heroine Cheer Fruits

(c) チアフルーツ製作委員会

6 July
Run: ?

Summary: It is a youthful story about two girls who become local heroines and produce action live events in their rather boring hometown, Hinano City. (from our Anime Info Page)

Thanasis

I wasn’t expecting much from this series, to be honest. The premise felt a little like a more toned-down Sakura Quest and sometimes I thought that this might be a magical-girls-in-the-making plot. I was so wrong. Action Heroine Cheer Fruits takes everything we know about tokusatsu series and places it in a little rural town where everything is grounded down to reality. This is just an entertaining story about two little girls who have fun playing make-believe for a group of young children who missed their favorite show.

Many times I judge a show from the way it makes me feels, and this one brought some tears to the surface. This is not for animation enthusiasts who look for that extra visual treat, but the writing and voice-acting performance deliver a unique story that could have really happened somewhere.

DIVE!!

森絵都・角川文庫刊／アニメ「DIVE!!」製作委員会

6 July
Run: ?

Summary: The Mizuki Diving Club (MDC) is on the verge of closing down. To find the necessary funds to save it, the club’s new coach finds a way to keep the club open: he promises to the parent committee that the club will send one of its members to the Olympic Games!

Jennifer

An anime with half-naked boys? Sign me up! I have been pretty interested in this anime since the beautiful visual was released, and the announcement of the cast had me sold! The first episode of DIVE!! is mostly exposition, telling us about the diving club and the reasons why the main character Tomoki wants to take to the diving board. As cute as the Tomoki is, he is a TERRIBLE boyfriend to the point where it has really put me off him. The animation is not that great, which is very disappointing for an anime that depicts a sport that is all about smooth and precise movements. However, we had the same problem with Yuri on Ice, and we know how popular that turned out. I didn’t finish the first episode feeling particularly excited for the next one, but I pray the addition of some (hopefully) charismatic characters will give DIVE what it currently seems to be missing.

Will I watch the next episode? Yes, but whether or not I complete the series is something only time will tell.

Martina

First things first: Are Tomoki’s eyes creepy or super creepy? The same goes for his little I-talk-about-boring-food-shows-girlfriend Mio. What is with their eyes? They look so dead inside. Fujitani and the other characters didn’t look that dead at all. It was only in Tomoki and Mio that I missed emotion. They are drawn beautifully, but I am a bit scared…

Aside from that, I liked the beginning of this story! This season is really strong, so many good stories! So far I liked Fujitani most because he really is adorable and beautiful and I want to see him jump more. I understand how Tomoki likes him so much, even started diving for him. I could become fan-club member no. 2 after him if this keeps going. As this episode didn’t show much of diving yet, I was pleased with the introduction. How worried the guys were that the club might close and that the trainer had an affair, which then just turns out to be just a new female trainer. And she looks like a power woman! Can’t wait to see her turn these boys into men – in the most platonic way possible, through sports!

Watch this for a nice sports series. With many boys and their well-drawn muscular bodies (minus nipples, because we can’t draw those for a children’s program). Oh and anybody else agree that we rapidly take out the water of the pool when Sacchin is making his jump? I think this is the first character in this season that I have to say I hate with a passion. Nosey, little girl… Stay away from Fujitani and his family!

Altair: A Record of Battles

カトウコトノ・講談社/将国のアルタイル製作委員会

July 7
Run: 24 Episodes

Summary: The politicians who call themselves generals rule over the grassland and desert country, the Turkiye Stratocracy. Mahmut, who lost his mother twelve years ago in the war with a neighboring country, the Balt-Rhein Empire, wishes to bring peace to the country and becomes the youngest ever general in the history of the Turkiye Stratocracy.
However, the Turkiye Stratocracy, which regained its wealth through trade, once again was invaded by the Balt-Rhein Empire. Will Mahmut, along with his golden eagle, Iskender, be able to cut through all of the conspiracy and schemes swirling around and lead his country to peace? (from our Anime Info Page)

Jennifer

I came for Ayumu Murase, I stayed for the costumes. 

So let me get this out of the way, guys. I love Ayumu Murase. His voice is one of the most beautiful voices to ever grace my ears. So as soon as it was announced that he would be starring in a new anime, I instantly put it on my watch list. And boy, I am glad I did. Based on a fictional version of the Ottoman Empire, Altair follows the life of a young Pasha (something almost akin to a knight in the Ottoman Empire) named Mahmut. Now, I don’t know all that much about Turkey, but after just one episode my interest has been piqued. Of course, the political intrigue and character development is what will probably make this series great, but what really has me hooked is the COSTUMES. The patterns, the shapes, the colors. I am in love. And the giant turbans are so badass. It really makes me want to learn more- both of the manga and the real-life empire. This is a series I have really high hopes for. Now I’m off to read more about Ottoman clothing.

Martina

I have been waiting for this since I saw the first visual because the art looks so beautiful and the story seems like it would take you into a different world. I wasn’t wrong. But my excitement has a bit declined. I love the main character, because he is really cute. And I love his falcon, which I hope will survive the whole story, because if not, I will cry an ocean worth of tears.

In general, the story seems a bit like The Royal Tutor, where they take a random country (Turkey) and give it a fake name (Turkiye) and history and add their own bit of rules and neighboring countries to create a new story. This time we are going on an adventure to the orient, somewhere magical that gives a taste of 1001 nights. Imagine being the youngest pasha in history with other pashas and half-naked ladies making you dance, even though you don’t want to. Imagine being a prodigy of your time; Yeah, that is Mahmut, and he is cute yet not too cute to be someone you as the viewer couldn’t take serious as a politician.

Anyway, I really liked the first episode and will keep following it. This series is two cours long, which means double the time to introduce things to the viewer, which made me feel like they deliberately started a bit slower. But I think this will become a very exciting story soon and they will need every episode they can get to tell the whole thing. And I will love it. I’d suggest you to watch it if you like fantasy stories with a cute male lead.

Welcome to the Ballroom

竹内友・講談社／小笠原ダンススタジオ

8 July
Run: 24 Episodes

Summary: Tatara Fujita is an ordinary junior high schooler who is lost in his journey of self-discovery. However, one day, he becomes deeply fascinated by ballroom dance. In order to change his inner self, he decides to plunge into the world of ballroom dance. The distinctive dance-themed anime that depicts Tatara’s development with overwhelming energy will now begin! (from our Anime Info Page)

Martina

I can’t say much here that I didn’t say already in my review, but I can make it short: I love Tatara, I love how this starts off and I love the whole sparkling and dancing. It has the fun a good sports anime needs but also enough seriousness with different social problems being addressed. I adore it and will keep watching it for sure. The animation seems great and I can’t wait to get introduced to other characters.

Watch the series, if you like sports anime but also if you don’t like sports anime! Because this is not your classic sports anime. While they are sweating and dancing, I think they will be more about the interaction between the characters and their goals.

Thanasis

I’m not a fan of sports anime. More often than not, they have this exceptionally talented protagonist who has a noble goal and with the help of his team they will achieve glory and at the same time achieve their personal goals. I’ve seen that story so many times. Not that it’s a bad trope but I get blisters every time another kid reinforces that silly logic that we are all special little snowflakes who can achieve greatness. Yet, I liked the first episode of Welcome to the Ballroom. I liked the silly protagonist that doesn’t know what to do with his life. I liked the notion that we are not destined to do one thing but instead we can be good at what we choose to do. I liked how passion brings passion and how a mentor will teach the younger generation. And I liked how down to earth the show is.

Verdict: I am definitely coming back for the second episode. The art style and the realistic characters and setting are enough to keep me hooked for a few episodes. If only I can get past the awkward stances and creepy smiles of ballroom dancers…

Jennifer

I’m from England, a country of ballroom dancing (I even grew up only an hour’s drive away from Blackpool, home to one of the most famous ballrooms in the world) so I’m by no means a stranger to it. I’ve always been fascinated by the movements of the dancers and the trust that each partner must put into each other. Welcome to the Ballroom will show us the world of ballroom dancing starting from a beginner’s point of view, and we can learn about dance along with him. Although Tatara seems to be a straightforward idiot (not necessarily a bad thing) his purity and charm is something that makes the show easy to watch so far. I enjoy the art style (which reminds me of Haikyu) and the animation has been pretty nice. I’ll tell you guys a secret, the main reason I decided to watch the show is for the upcoming character Gaju Akagi. He will be voiced by a young actor named Kentaro Tomita, who is mostly known for being part of the 2.5D project Dream Festival. This is his first non-Dfes TV anime role, so I hope you guys will listen out for him and give him your support! (I feel like a doting grandma right now). Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing what Welcome to the Ballroom will bring!

Welcome to the Ballroom Episode 1 Review: Welcome to Ogasawara Dance Studio

Hitorijime My Hero

(c)ありいめめこ・一迅社/「ひとりじめマイヒーロー」製作委員会

8 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: High schooler Masahiro Setagawa is a fairly helpless delinquent, so much so that the neighborhood bullies use him to run their errands. His life changes when he meets high school teacher Kosuke Oshiba, a man whose fighting abilities have earned him a powerful reputation on the streets. Oshiba finds himself with a desire to protect Setagawa, and despite swearing that he’s not interested in men, Setagawa finds himself getting more involved in Oshiba’s affairs… (Source: Sentai Filmworks)

Jennifer

2017 is a big year for BL as there have been not one, but TWO BL anime gracing our screens. The first was the second season of Super Lovers in Winter 2017 and the second is the Summer 2017 anime Hitorijime My Hero. I’m actually not a huge fan of BL TV anime, but as MANGA.TOKYO’s resident fujoshi, I was bound to give it a go. Nothing really happens in the first episode, as we are just being introduced to the characters. The story itself is nothing new (but that’s coming from someone who has read hundreds of BL manga…), so the pacing of the anime will be very important to keep my interest. So far it’s looking pretty good, and  the cast is just my cup of tea! I’m a fan of Toshiki Masuda in particular 🙂

My personal BL tastes are geared more towards BL games and parody doujinshi, but I have a feeling this series may be a great introduction for people curious about the genre.  Also, I’m sure many of you may have noticed, but the main seme of this series (Kosuke Oshiba) is being played by Tomoaki Maeno. He also played the main seme, Haru Kaido, in this year’s Super Lovers. What are the odds?

Chronos Ruler

(C)2017 YOUKU・FANFAN／「時間の支配者」製作委員会

8 July
Run: ?

Summary: VICTOR, KIRI, MINA, and BLAZE, the Chronos Rulers, fight against time-eating demons that appear when people wish they could turn back time. (from our Anime Info Page)

Martina

This is one of the series I have been waiting for because the story sounds so intriguing! And now I am lost for words, because on one side, I was a bit disappointed. On the other side, I loved the last line of the episode, as it promises something epic.

I was disappointed because I imagined something like Lupin 3rd. A group of people, mysterious and skilled, all with their own goal but still working together for some reason. And then in the first episode, there are only two brothers fighting against time-eating monsters and some girl I couldn’t care less about (Causing the death of your brother because you are too stupid to follow simple traffic rules doesn’t make me feel fond of characters, you know?). The animation might not be the best and the monsters reminded me a bit of the heartless in Kingdom Hearts but I think so far I can approve of what they gave us and wait for the next episode. I like their fighting style (cards and swords, yes!), the promise of a good, dramatic story and the way they use time. We will see if it ends up getting very confusing, if I will fall in love with the story or just stop watching it in the end.

In Another World With My Smarthone

(c)冬原パトラ・ホビージャパン／ブリュンヒルド公国

11 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: God kills off the main hero by accident, but gives him a second life in another world. He is given a new body by god and a smartphone, which works even in the other world. On his journey he meets many people and makes good friends, and at some point he finds out the secret of this world.  In this kind of medieval-like world he joins forces with the kings and travels around. (from our Anime Info Page)

Martina

This starts off nicely, without showing too much of Touya’s ‘before’ life. There is no need. We don’t need to know what kind of life this person had before since he dies within the first five minutes of the episode. And then God apologizes for killing Touya. By accident. I still think it is one of the most epic starts ever and have to confess, I watched it just for this scene. ‘Oh, I am sorry boy, I killed you by accident. Here, start over in a new world.’

While there are some unreasonable things, I enjoyed most of them. I mean, God is giving him aaaall the special abilities AND a phone, but forgets to give him something simple like money, a home, or the ability to read? Is that why he sent the twin girls and the crazy tailor his way? I also like how they use Touya to teach us all the things we need to know in this new world. It’s a nice introduction with the stones and how the twins tell him everything. I wonder if they will ever doubt where he comes from, since I am sure things wouldn’t be that different between regions. But we will see. I will go on this adventure with Touya, because I think the girls are cute and he is a plain but lovable character. I like that he is not reacting over the top all the time and thinks calmly instead of getting hysterical and loud. And the girls don’t seem to make him all shy and blushy either, so yay! I like him.

I guess I can recommend this for those who like fantasy adventures and maybe even harem anime, though we will have to see how far they go with it.

The Irresponsible Galaxy Tylor

©吉岡平/無責任委員会

11 July
Run: ?

Summary: This story centers on Banjo Ueki Tylor and is set in the so distant future that according to title is even beyond that. In an era after the United Planets and the Empire, people just live in peace on various planets. Banjo Tylor is just a garbage disposal worker until she accidentally releases Goza the 168th, the harbinger of doom. Now the only thing remaining is to revive the United Planets.

Thanasis

It’s been 24 years since the TV anime The Irresponsible Captain Tylor was broadcast. This short-form anime brings back some iconic characters and nostalgic imagery like the Japanese flag fan, but other than that, its 3-minute run should have provided something more than just the introduction to the story. What we saw would have easily been the first scenes of the pre-opening of a full episode.  I have to admit that the concept of the megastructure is enticing and the sci-fi set is always welcome.

I may come back for the second episode just to see if there is any merit to the series but for now, I recommend it just to Tylor die-hard fans.

New Game!!

(c)得能正太郎・芳文社／NEW GAME!!製作委員会 (c)得能正太郎・芳文社／NEW GAME!!製作委員会

11 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: The second season of the working life comedy about Suzukaze Aoba and her career as a character designer in video game company Eagle Jump.

Thanasis

You know how it is with genres: You just put a few tags to help you identify whether an anime is closer to what you like or not. The ‘working life’ tag here is not as serious as in SHIROBAKO and not as carefree as in Magic of Stella. I’m sure you already know that if you have seen the first season (read Christina’s review here). If now you are reading this impressions without having seen the first season, I suggest you go back and binge watch it before diving in into the second. There is no fun in not knowing the character dynamics that were established during the first cour.

For those who have seen the first season, expect the same old New Game! It’s a miracle how a slice-of-life anime can be so interesting when all it does is have a few co-workers go on their daily lives. Counting out the hyper-positivity that sometimes matches the overly bright colors, this is real life as far as office life goes. Couple that realism with an attention to detail that caters to gamers (I think I spotted a first generation NES and a Gamecube in the background) and there you have it: this is a show that is calm and nice and joyful and full of games and programming and office life.

New Game!! Episode 1 Review: Of All the Embarrassing Things to Be Caught Doing

Hajimete no Gal

©2017 植野メグル／ＫＡＤＯＫＡＷＡ／「はじギャル」製作委員会

12 July
Run: 10 Episodes

Summary: Jun’ichi wants to lose his virginity and believes in the superstition that gals (gyarus) are easy to push around, so he ends up kneeling in front of Yukana to ask her on a date. (from our Anime Info Page)

Thanasis

Nora, Princess, and Stray Cat

(c) Harukaze

12 July
Run: 12 Episodes (Short form)

Summary: One day, princess Patricia comes to earth to destroy it. But there she breaks down sick, because it’s her first time there and she is too weak. Nora, a high school boy, finds her and tends to her. As Patricia finds herself falling in love with him, she realizes she can’t destroy the world anymore. And to add more troubles, Nora turns into a cat because of certain circumstances. (from our Anime Info Page)

Thanasis

Gamers

(c) 葵せきな・仙人掌・KADOKAWA　ファンタジア文庫刊／ゲーマーズ！製作委員会

13 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: Gamers! is about the lonely Keita Amano, who loves to play games. One day the school beauty and the head of the games club and asks him if he would like to go out with her and join the games club. Thus, the way to a fantastic love-comedy is paved. (from our Anime Info Page)

Thanasis

The Reflection

(c) スタン・リー, 長濱博史/THE REFLECTION製作委員会

22 July
Run: 12 Episodes

Summary: They call it the ‘Reflection Incident’, when dark smoke rose and covered the sky all around the world, not letting through the tiniest ray of light. Many died. Those who survived developed superpowers, they are called ‘Reflected’. Some of them use their powers for good, others for bad. They decide if they become hero or villain.
But why did the reflection happen? What was its purpose? That is the great mystery the heroes and villains of this story face. (from our Anime Info Page)

Thanasis

This is one weird anime. As I say the name, I feel strange because, in this new age of endless collaborations, there is a blurry line separating what is considered an anime and what is not. It’s definitely not a certain style anymore. The series is a collaboration between the legendary Marvel pioneer Stan Lee and Studio DEEN. Its aim was to combine the anime and western superhero genres, something that was done much better in the recent Wolverine and Iron Man anime. There is even an Avengers anime playing this season.

Now, if you are in the mood for some highly experimental art that could be described as minimalist at the best, then you are going to have a fun ride trying to make sure if you like it not. I found the colors washed out and the animation clunky. The biggest disappointment, however, was that I was bored throughout. Every scene felt like a drag and I was wondering why this uninspired story needed a whole 25-minute episode to unravel itself. Not much happened, and the interaction between the characters was kept to a minimum.

This is not a series I am going to be following this season, mostly because there are more interesting series out there that cought my attention. As much as I love superheroes, you are better of with My Hero Academia.

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