While it doesn't quite compare to seeing grown, sweaty men trying to maim each other in a sandy arena, but it does have tennis, troll faces, sinister aliens, lolis, spacy schoolgirls, and lesbians.

Now, click on below (you do know how to click, yes?) to read up on our recaps of Prince of Tennis, Nisemonogatari, Lagrange, High School DxD, Inu x Boku, Ano Natsu, Symphogear, Thermae Romae, Gundam AGE, Moretsu Pirates, Chihayafuru, Amagami SS+, Phi Brain, Natsume Yuujincho, Bakuman, Guilty Crown, Another, and Familiar of Zero!

Michelle Rodanes

The Prince of Tennis II Episode 3

Why am I watching The Prince of Tennis II at four o'clock in the morning? Have I lost control of my life? Everything else was taken. It was either this or The Daily Lives of High School Boys. Now, let me tell you about what the guys did this week while still retaining some degree of dignity.

On this week's episode of The Prince of Tennis II players were instructed to chose a partner for training purposes. Everyone in the camp ran around anxiously looking for a friend to pair up with. Some experienced the pain of being among the last to be chosen. Others prematurely bragged about their superior social standing.

The twist of the week was that partners were in fact to fight elimination while playing against each other. Those failing to comply were told that they would be likewise eliminated. Bros struggled to come to terms with the ugly side of competition. Many "doubles" duos split up as former members were forced to compete against each other.

The highlight of the episode was Eiji (aka Snarf from Thundercats) using his special move "Kikumaru Beam" during a game against his long-time friend Oishi. Truly heart-breaking. My life will never be the same. 

Thermae Romae Episode 4

In episode 4 of Thermae Romae, Lucius travels to a present-day bathroom showroom exhibiting the latest in Japanese toilet technologies. Mesmerized by the elegant efficiency of Japanese built-in bidets, Lucius goes on a semi-orgasmic trance gracefully orchestrated by a midi version of Edvard Grieg's Morning Mood. 

Upon his return to ancient Rome, Lucius builds a new an improved imperial bath inspired by his findings in the Japanese showroom. Lucius' boss, Emperor Hadrianus, is so delighted by the renovated bathroom that he bluntly asks Lucius to become his lover. And may they live happily ever after. God, I will miss this show.

Elliot Gay

Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne Episode 3

My head hurts. Three episodes in and I'm extremely unsure as to what kind of tone Lagrange is going for. One minute Madoka is singing an absurd song while cheerfully flying around mid-battle and yet shortly after we're watching a mysterious youth talk about some kind of terrible, world destroying legend. It's frustrating because there are some decent moments scattered through the episode, but it just doesn't come together very well.

The entire episode is one big battle as we follow Madoka and her attempts to fend off the aliens. The real meat of the battle comes when Madoka is forced to defend her city, avoiding buildings and batting off vending machines to protect her friends. It's all done very tongue and cheek; especially the two times in which she attempts to catch the Kirius' sword attack with her Ovid's bare hands, failing twice. 

Lan works up the courage to board the blue Ovid in the hanger in an attempt to save her newfound friend. Eventually finding the courage through Madoka, she manages to make her machine transform into its battle mode, effectively ending the fight at a draw. Kirius and his companion retreat and the day is won. The episode ends on a blonde haired, mysterious boy sitting on a bed while talking about dark omens and legends and such.

I'm intrigued enough by Lan and Madoka's relationship that I'm willing to stick around a little longer. I was completely off on my initial assumption that Lan was going to be the quiet, mysterious and emotionless character. Madoka is still fun, but I'm concerned that her upbeat, goofy personality is only going to stick out in a show that seems like it's trying to play it serious. Even now, I find the atmosphere extremely inconsistent and I'm not holding out much hope that that'll change in the next few episodes. I'm willing to give Lagrange until episode five to impress me. 

[Catch Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne over at Viz Anime]

Shakugan no Shana Final Episode 15

Looks like we're finally gonna get some time to breath after what seems like forever. Episode 15 of Final marks the end of the long battle between the Flame Haze army and the Crimson Denizons. Unfortunately for our heroes, the outcome is quite possibly the worst case scenario. With the majority of their forces slaughtered and no sign of reinforcements, the remaining Flame Hazes come up with a plan to escape deep underground using a combination of distractions, mind games and sacrifices. 

Samuel, a newcomer this season is killed in battle as he stays behind to fool the Denizens into believing that the area he defended was actually just a distraction when in fact it was the real escape route. He's given a relatively touching moment before going out with a bang. We didn't know him for very long or well, but it was certainly sad to see him leave the stage.

Shana and Wilhelmina face off against Sydonay of Bel Masque, fooling him into thinking that they're defending the true escape route. Caught off guard by a sudden appearance by both Margery Daw and Tlalocan. Unable to hold Sydonay off for long, Shana and her companions escape, leaving Tlalocan of the Four Gods of the Motherland to hold back their enemy. 

Shit went down this episode, but I'm glad that we've finally found a bit of a break. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit exhausted from the past five or six episodes. It's been a blast, for sure, but I'd like to see everyone back in one place and get some more character work in. Admittedly, I've been enjoying Final more than any of the other seasons by a long shot, so there's not a whole lot of room for me to complain. 

Also, I should add that more shows should take a look at how J.C. Staff has been handling openings and endings this season. There's no need to play the full ones every single episode when you can use the extra time to add more to the episode. I get that it's also a money issue, but Final serves as a constant reminder of how much I prefer studios to use the time for more episode. That's just me though.

Bring on next week's episode!

[Catch Shakugan no Shana Final over at Funimation and Nico Nico]

Marcus Speer

Chihayafuru Episode 16

Just a quick note: while this week is just a recap episode for Chihayafuru, it's still really refreshing to look back on a younger Chihaya and Taichi and Arata, especially considering all that's happened so far in the story, especially when there's a heavy focus on when Arata calls Chihaya the "Queen of karuta", foreshadowing the new rivalry with Shinobu and her.

That, along with some extra gag/omake segments spliced into this week makes for a rather nice catch-up, albeit a bit unnecessary and annoying that we don't get a new episode...

Josh Totman

High School DxD Episode 3

Clocking the humor back quite a bit in this episode.  We are introduced to a new female, Asia the nun.  Accedently bumping into Issei the two of them hit it off great.  A lonely nun lost on her way to church and a demon that wants to be the harem king.  How could this possibly go wrong?  For starters, Issei is now understanding more about his powers and how it is affected by other powers around him.  While watching the nun use her powers of healing he starts to feel a little twinge in his hand.  Also going too close to a church will have the same effect.

We now are off to kill a stray demon.  These are demons that have killed their masters and are free to do whatever they want.  Apparently there are rules for demons.  There we find a female demon that would make Go Nagai proud.  I won't spoil it for you.  While fighting this demon we are explained what everyone's role is in the group with chess being the main emphasis. 

Later on, Issei is back on his bike to try again to make a new contract with someone.  Unfortunately for him the guy that called in for the demon was a exorcist priest.  Who is way off his rocker for the profession he is in.

What will happen to our lovable demon?

[Now simulcasting on Funimation]

Jeff Chuang

Inu x Boku SS Episode 2

Our protagonist Ririchiyo settles into her routine, and her pet dog (let's face it, that's who he literally is) is compared to actual pet dogs on the TV program playing in the cafeteria's background. There's a gap moe thing, I suppose, when one moment Soushi looked cool in front of his girl, the other moment this placid lake of magically docile servitude. It's times like this I appreciate the half-boke scroll of a side character Renshou that keeps things moving and interesting.

The monster of the week this week is a Japanese folklore demon Nurikabe, which presents a large wall--not exactly much of a challenge. It's reason enough to reveal to us Ririchiyo's demon form, a very adorable Oniko outfit with her signature killer stockings.

Similarly, some fans probably got excited over the excitable Yukinokouji, the voracious Karuta, and what's this about Soushi with some glasses? Or Ririchiyo? It is a little bit of fanservice for everybody, and I can appreciate this subtle sort of thing.

Thematically this week the story continues in terms of Ririchiyo's loneliness and how Soushi is acquainted with Ririchiyo, without her knowledge. The cell phone side plot seemed a little contrived but it was a natural lead in given the theme of the difficulties Ririchiyo has with connecting with others. The ending animation, though, reveals a side to Soushi that may give Ririchiyo pause for concern. The rest of the fangirls watching it should squeal with delight about this one true pairing. That's what you're all doing, right?

[Inu x Boku SS hounds on Crunchyroll!]

Salvador G-Rodiles

Ano Natsu de Matteru Episode 3

After last night's silly get together, Kaito decides to skip school today. With Kanna and Ichika having their own intentions, misconceptions begin to fill the air. Oh and by the way, Remon is up to her old tricks again (Most likely a recurring segment.). 

So we haven't gotten the idea of what they are going to film yet, but today's episode got to focus on some good old bonding between friends. One of the major highlights for the week involves the various exaggerated takes on what they thought was going to occur regarding certain characters (One of them refers to certain group that monitors alien activity.). Which is one of my favorite aspects of the show so far, besides the way most of the characters are handled.

If Ano Natsu keeps it up with the humor it is going with, then there is a huge chance that things are going to get crazy once the actual filming begins. Until then, I await whatever comedy and character development that the series still has to offer.

[You can find Ano Natsu de Matteru waiting for you at Crunchyroll.]

Josh Tolentino

Moretsu Pirates episode 3

I've read some folks around the internet lamenting Moretsu Pirates' "slow pacing", and their getting annoyed that the show has yet to "go anywhere". As the Odette II gets under way with the yacht club aboard, I doubt that this episode will change their minds. That said, I think they're missing the point. Perhaps they got tripped up on the whole "space pirates" part of the title. In my estimation, they'd do better to remember the "bodacious" part.

This show is about girls being girly in space, and having girly adventures. Forgive my sounding sexist, but in this case "adventures" is not confined to "space battles". In a way it's about doing stuff that they haven't done before. Like flying a spaceship, for one. Or having their first spacewalk. Or trying out electronic warfare.

The saga of Marika Kato is not (at least not at this point), the saga of the Bentenmaru. It's more about a kid getting into the job of taking up the family business. One need not be an orphan (or get orphaned) or be thrust into impossible situations or hijack a Gundam. It's about doing something really off the wall, compared to your normal high school life. That need not be accompanied by angst and pathos, or even combat. Sometimes an accident with the mizzenmast is threat enough.

Episode 3's main event isn't the shadowy cruiser following the Odette II around, or the shady folks that will eventually force the pirates' hand. It's about Marika taking her first spacewalk and realizing that she does really look forward to being in space. That the quickest way to get there involves hoisting the skull and crossbones banjo is just icing on the cake.

Instead of complaining about the pacing, it's better to appreciate how well Pirates is building out its science-fiction structure. Oh, and next week seems to promise some real eventfulness.

[Have a more realistic growing-up story on Crunchyroll]


Familiar of Zero F episode 3


Well, that was quick. I had expected Familiar of Zero F to spend its entire run tackling Joseph, the big bad dude behind the scenes of pretty much every conflict since season one. And instead, we get a quick explanation of his motives ("I'm crazy about spreading chaos!"), bust a cap in his familiar's ass leg, then blow everything up. Barring the possibility that this is all a big fake-out (and it's certainly possible), that is an almost uncomfortably quick to resolve what seemed to be the core conflict behind the whole deal.

But whatever, Saito got himself a gat! This is the best thing to happen since he blew up that golem with a rocket launcher!

Next week, what looks like a straight comedy episode. I suppose they're going to develop that whole "Is Saito Tiffa's familiar or not?" subplot.

[Wish you had your own strap on Crunchyroll]


Symphogear episode 3

I'm beginning to appreciate Symphogear more now that it's more or less settled into the tone of the proceedings. The visual sadly aren't treating it as well - watch for some real QUALITY as Tsubasa confronts Hibiki - as it deserves, and there's some hilarious, almost Sengoku BASARA-esque incongruity present (go old guy, PUNCH THE GIANT SWORD), but it's certainly stepped out of its so-bad-it's-good territory and more into being genuinely interesting.

Also, that whole crazy Evangelion "Secret Code: ZA BEASTO" moment as Hibiki tears apart Noise was pretty cool. More of that, please.

I'm definitely beginning to warm to Hibiki's mannerisms, too. As I mentioned earlier, she speaks like a mix of K-ON!!'s Ritsu and Nichijou's Yukko, with extra unintentional yuri appeal. Works for me, though her head still looks weird grafted onto a mecha suit. Needs more maturity, kthnx.

Pedro Cortes

Mobile Suit Gundam AGE Episode 15

Grodek and the deck crew raid the UE base while Flit heads out to blow up the core of the ship. Unfortunately, Flit bumps into Yark Dole's giant mech while Grodek's group meets resistance in the form of UE foot soldiers. The two of them find ways to break through, with Flit forcing Dole to hightail it out of his busted robot. Flit leaps out of the Gundam and follows Dole, forcing Woolf to leap out and follow to make sure that the kid doesn't get himself killed. Grodek, Dole and Flit end up meeting in the command center, where Dole finally reveals everything about the UE.

First, they're humans, not aliens. Woolf confirms this as he finds a dying UE soldier in the halls. Second, they call themselves Veigans, the remnants of a failed Mars colonization effort by the Federation. Finally, they're out for revenge because the Federation left them all to die after disease started killing the colonists. After Dole dares Flit to shoot him, Grodek happily complies. With his dying breaths, Dole activates the self-destruct. Unfortunately, Dole's son picks this moment to come out and see his dead father. With a rather cold farewell, Grodek and company escape out of Ambat and head back to Earth. Grodek is finally able to give up his fight and submits to the Federation when they return home. He finds a way to take the heat off of the Diva's crew and is jailed, probably for a very long time. The episode ends with Flit in tears and the crew mulling the likely hood for continued battles against the Veigan.

As the final episode of the first arc, this episode had a lot resting on it. It had to be a sufficient ending and set up the next age, so to speak. Was it successful? Well, yes and no. The big reveal is that the UE are humans that were sent to Mars for colonization and left to die by the Federation. I wasn't really surprised by the revelation and I'm left feeling kind of cold by it. Just like some many other Gundam shows, it's about a group of space colonists trying to get revenge for the crimes of the Earth government. I was hoping that they'd try something different, but since this is Bandai, I should've known better. That said, AGE handled things fairly well, leaving indelible scars on its main character and who I assume will become the main antagonist in the next part. As long as you weren't hoping or expecting for anything new, this was a good finale for this part of Gundam AGE. 

Chris Walden

Phi Brain Episode 16

It seems it is Gammons turn to get the P.O.G. treatment, being whisked away by, who I assume is, one of Hisoka's disciples. Wrong anime fella. Because Gammon is the master of silly faces, he accepts the puzzle, gets strapped into a boat, and told to move through five gates in order. You know, to survive. Italy is scary. 

Meanwhile, Kaito is doing nothing but whining over his precious Rook. I hope he snaps out of this soon enough, because it's getting to Shinji standards now. Souji uses this time to challenge Rook to a game of chess, offering up his precious apple juice for a chance to have a question answered. He isn't Kaito though, so he loses. I have a theory that Rook's hair amplifies his powers significantly. Bets on Rook losing in the rain?

After Nonoha tells Kaito of the puzzle Gammon is currently doing, he rushes over there to help out. Of course, Gammon is not too happy about this, even though he has more or less given up on the puzzle as he can't find the answer. Some crazy water measuring skills enable them both to escape unharmed, though Gammon doesn't seem too happy about the whole ordeal. Then again, is he ever happy? He should have pushed Ana into the water earlier and taken the chance to make a move on Nonoha. 

[You can catch Phi Brain fever on The Anime Network!]

Bakuman Episode 16

With the drama around Takagi's harem dying down, the dynamic duo that is Ashirogi get back to work on the first three chapters of Tanto, hoping for serialisation. We don't really see much progression on this, except for Miura being a bit of a ninja around the office, and his surprise at the comments Tanto received. 

Most of the episode was dedicated to Aoki and her ongoing mastery of the panty shot. After brief 'discussions' with douchebags Nakai and Ishizawa, Fukuda finally offers to tutor her. It's good to see she's finally loosening up on the attitude, especially considering how tame she appears in the manga nowadays. The transition was handled pretty nicely, I think! 

Natsume Yuujinchou Shi Episode 3

Yet again, this show demonstrates how you can make some fantastic one-episode stories. They've mentioned before that some youkai get intrigued with certain humans, but it's certainly a rarity. Seeing a new youkai absolutely determined to read a letter from a human he used to talk to is just another of those feel good moments this show is so damn good at. 

We get to see an interesting youkai too, one that is particularly skilled at imitating particular human voices. He uses it to gain access to Natsume's home and search for the book of friends, as well as in his flashbacks when he converses with the heartbroken woman. It's also nice to see Natsume solving the problem himself, not needing Nyanko-sensei this time. Of course, he still lends a hand when he gets attacked by a random spirit, but it didn't affect the ultimate conclusion to the episode. Other anime could learn a thing or two from this show!

[Show some spirit by watching this on Crunchyroll!]

Amagami SS+ Episode 3

Well here we are, the dreaded Rihoko arc! Does it salvage anything from the mess in the past season? Half way into the arc, I'm going to hazard a yes. Rihoko is still darn adorable, but she's still pretty clueless about what to do with Junichi and her feelings towards him. Junichi isn't really helping out though. Childhood friend or not, who calls a lady fat? Terrible!

Still, Rihoko is going to push on, somehow volunteering to cook for Junichi. After some shenanigans with the previous members of the tea society, she is pinned to a fence by a guy in her class, and someone with seemingly one thing on his mind. Junichi also manages to creep up on the two, just as Rihoko admits her feelings. If that stupid train has caused him not to hear it, I'm going into full Hulk mode in the next recap. Grah!

[Head over to The Anime Network if you want some Amagami SS+ in your life!]

Bob Muir

Nisemonogatari Episode 3

It looks like this story is finally getting started! After cleaning up Kanbaru's mess, Araragi leaves her house and meets a strange, foreboding man outside. After introducing himself as Kaiki, he leaves, and Araragi almost follows him, but changes his mind, thinking that Kaiki could be trouble. When he happens upon Senjougahara, she lays down the law about all the girls who want to hang out with him: if he's ever unfaithful, he'll die, and most likely everyone else will too.

However, when Araragi mentions his meeting with Kaiki, Senjougahara's focus changes, and we wind up back at the start of episode one. Kaiki is apparently one of the con men who failed to solve Senjougahara's weight problem, and she is chaining Araragi up to protect him. Araragi goes along with this until he gets a text from his sister, asking for his help, at which point he easily breaks apart the chains and explains that he needs to leave. At the last minute, Senjougahara gets a call from Hanekawa that causes her to become concerned too.

The introduction of Kaiki is easily the best part of the episode, and that says something when Senjougahara finally gets her chance to shine. The blood-red sky at sunset, the claw-like tree branches, Kaiki's desire to share the grim kanji that make up his name, it all comes together to make a haunting scene in an already haunting anime. Also, there's finally another guy in the cast, to make up for the absence of Oshino so far. My only complaint is that the reference to "Guillotine Cutter," another character that Araragi compares to Oshino and Kaiki, makes me want the adaptation of the prequel Kizumonogatari even more to find out who this ominous name belongs to.

Also, is this one of the most beautiful anime series in recent memory or what? Picking out just one shot is way too hard when every scene is stunning.

[Watch Nisemonogatari on Crunchyroll]

Hiroko Yamamura

Guilty Crown Episode 13

Hey great new song from "Egoist"! We are off to a good start!  New into? Even better.

Hrmmm, did they animation quality just jump of a building? The show just looks…

different… I came into this episode not knowing how they would try to continue the series after the perfect ending that episode 12 provided. After this episode I can truly say that should have stopped. The new episode is not bad, it's just so different at this point I don't understand why they don't just make it a new show.

World dying from a virus? All your friends and family  dead or dying? Throw a culture festival with your rations! Come on really? UI know culture festival episodes are endearing, but this is out of place. It makes me want to smash up the party with an Endlave!

Not a horrible episode at all. I liked the idea enemies rubbing elbows on a high school campus quite a bit. I also think the way they will continue using the Void powers in the show is smart, it was a bit limiting. However, this is a whole new show at this point. Why didn't they just start a whole new series with this episode? It's not like we had developed characters we know and love at this point!

[Catch Guilty Crown on Hulu]

Another Episode 2

This episode finally creaked its creepy little door open for us, and let us in a bit on  what is going on with the characters. When I say a little, I mean a little, and I love it. It's fun when you know the character are holding back something form you, it's like a friend who won't tell you some juicy gossip.

I think we can kind of agree now that our Mei Misaki is not who we were originally being steered to think she is. Is that cool little Japanese school girl with a doll eye the Grim Reaper? Someone worse? Is it bad I love her?

My big questions. What's the significance of waiting to talk about the incident from many years ago in a month? Is Misaki being ignored or is she invisible. She said she doesn't exist, but never said she is a ghost or dead.

I can't wait for next week! I have to also say, what a creepy and creative way to go. absolutely perfect.

[Creep over to Crunchyroll for Another, of you dare]