Since summer break is coming to a close, I may as well share my midseason impressions on what I’m currently watching. (Image Source)
Dog Days Dash (aka Dog Days 2)
Compared to the first season, the sequel is an improvement. The characters are more enjoyable not because Becky and Nanami is now participating in the friendly war, but the expanded cast such as the Pastillage kingdom and Isuka, Hina’s lost older brother.
As for everything else, it’s still maintains the lighthearted feeling, but with more exciting moments as seen with Millhi and Leonmitchelli taking down a huge demonic rabbit while wearing a Kimono. Hopefully, it doesn’t fall into the same trap by adding too much out-of-place drama like in the prequel.
Tari Tari
Believe it or not, I enjoy this show a lot more than Hanasaku Iroha as it doesn’t contain the annoyances of Okada’s writing while having a similar art direction. What we got is slice of life show with drama that doesn’t go over the top. Particularly, I liked how the drama is handled for Wakana and Sawa compared to the love triangle stuff with Minko and Ohana. Also, the males in this show aren’t emasculated either, which could open some character development.
Kokoro Connect
After watching the first episode, I was blown away. Although I was expecting some comedy given the body swapping, but instead got some more drama and an interesting take on character development. Without spoiling much, the characters are enjoyable, except for the fact that Taichi is a generic male lead. Nevertheless, he is still a good character for how he handles each girl’s problem.
Hyouka
Continuing from spring, this show has grown on me. Although the earlier mysteries were so-so, the cultural arc is probably the best thus far. As the show comes to an end, I wonder how it will conclude and whether or not Eru gets into a real romantic relationship with Houtarou considering how close they become.
Overall, this summers Anime were good, but it’s not on the same level compared to last year’s Idolmaster Anime and Ikoku Meiro no Croisèe.
You like Tari Tari more than Hanasaku Iroha!!?? I understand where you’re coming from at least, but personally, Tari Tari just doesn’t “click” with me all that well. I can at least agree, that I really do like the male characters in the show, but sadly they’re clearly not getting the attention they deserve!
Kokoro Connect is definitely the surprised favourite of the season! The story has been progressing wonderfully, and I loved how just when you thought the gimmick was starting to get old, the series completely changed everything up. I’m definitely impressed.
The problem I had with Hanasaku Iroha is not the drama since some of it is actually good. I think the problem lies with Mari Okada. She is a good writer, but there are some really annoying aspects of her writing that brought down the show such as emasculating all the male characters for no good reason (except Tooru) as seen with the forced cross dressing of Beanman. Is that really necessary? Also, Minko kind of got annoying at times. While Tari Tari isn’t 100% perfect, I do enjoy it a bit more because it doesn’t have these annoyances, although I agree that they should give the male characters a bit more attention.