Anime

Chris Walden

Hunter x Hunter Episode 31

Finally, we get to see if Hisoka is as big as a threat as we figure he is. With his complete dominance in the hunter exam, it was hard to really gauge how his fighting abilities are in comparison to most other people. If this episode is anything to go by, there's a lot that Hisoka can do to improve. Well, that's what the episode wants you to think at the very least, as I'm almost certain that Hisoka will dominate the rest of his match now that his interest has been grabbed. 

The show also seems to be using Killua as a means to gauge the strength of other competitors. For example, we already know that Killua is capable of some crazy powerful attacks, as demonstrated when he removed the still beating heart of the so-called terrible prisoner a good ten or so episodes ago. When we see him surprised and intrigued at the abilities of Kastro, you know we're going to be in for a good fight.

Also, stop cutting away at the good bits! I can't cope! 

[Hunt for this show on Crunchyroll!]

One Piece Episode 547

The royal guards find that a human pirate was the shooter that killed Otohime. Despite Jimbei's insistence, Hordy reveals to the masses that the murderer was a man. Neptune takes refuge in his tower to unleash his rage and contemplate the injustice that was the death of his wife. To make matters worse, Vander Decken begins his assault on Shirahoshi, so Otohime's children aren't even able to attend their mother's funeral.

We finally jump back to modern day, where Jimbei finishes telling his story. The old fish-man apologizes for not being able to stop. Thankfully, Nami absolves Jimbei of any responsibility when it comes to Arlong. With the flashback out of the way, it's time for Luffy and co. to begin their counterattack against Hordy.

[Head over to Funimation to watch One Piece!]

Kristina Pino

Fairy Tail Episode 129

Dang, the animation quality has gone down quite significantly, hasn't it? It's something that I've noticed ever since the end of the Tenrou arc, but I thought at least for this episode with the showdown between Laxus and Natsu that it'd ease up a bit. But the episode had all of 20 seconds with fighting in it, and the rest was dedicated to Lucy figuring out that the thing her father left her is the hand of a clock.

What gave it away though, was this one little flash back of the last fight between Natsu/Gajeel and Laxus, and the difference in the animation was astounding.

I can't say I'm really curious about this clock filler arc, and I'm particularly disappointed so many things are going on at once. Ep 129 didn't feel like 24 minutes; it felt more like I'd seen enough footage to fill up an hour, but in the "when will this be over?" kind of way, rather than the "dang this was jam packed!" kind.

[Get it at Hulu, FUNimation and Crunchyroll!]

Josh Tolentino

Naruto Shippuden episode 263

The first battle of the war ends as Deidara and Sasori get themselves trapped by Kankuro's new prison-puppets. Flaws in Kabuto's zombie jutsu are revealed as the zombies can be defeated by emotional appeals, such as to Sasori's craving for everlasting art - he settles for a legacy rather than immortality - and Sai's brother's memories.

Of course the star of this episode is Sai, who finally gets to make his angry face, as well as use his Super Beast Scroll as a Super Beefcake Scroll for a bit.

Next week, a bit of filler that seems to matter, since it will explain the secrets of Kabuto's zombie jutsu.

Manga

Pedro Cortes

One Piece Chapter 667

Luffy and Franky/Chopper go off to save Nami/Franky from the Yeti Cool Bros. Franky grabs a Rumble Ball from Chopper/Sanji and immediately changes into his monster form and loses control of it. The two of them fall into Rock and Scotch's trap, but are able to get out of it unscathed. The assassins are unable to hurt Luffy and Franky, so one of them runs off with Nami. Law happens to walk by and takes out one of the brothers for bugging him. Luffy and Law talk, with Law proposing the two team up to take out one of the Four Emperors of the New World.

Kristina Pino

Fairy Tail Chapter 282

As disappointed as I feel that Lucy didn't complete her collection of the zodiac, I could definitely understand why she decided to wait things out and not just snatch them away from this other girl. There's a reason why all her celestial spirits love her, anyhow. On the other hand, once again, I'm glad to know what's up with Pisces and Libra. I wonder about the 13th, though? Is this girl privy to what's going on with Eclipse? And if she is, does the 13th have anything to do with it?

As for Natsu, I am not surprised in the least that he's busting in to Sabertooth's lodgings to challenge Gemma for what he's done. It was pretty effed up. I'm not sure whether he'll win, though.

Josh Tolentino

Bleach chapter 492

In case you needed an explanation as to what, exactly, Quincies are, besides dudes in white wot have bow-and-arrow theme, this chapter is the one to give it to you, while it pulls the same trick it did to prove the baddie's power. What trick was that, you ask? Taking on and then trashing the exact three characters he took on and trashed before Ichigo even arrived. Then again, at least this time he's doing it vicariously, through beating on the girls' arm-monster owl thing.

Well, he hasn't trashed them yet, but it's clear that only the leads will be able take him out.

Naruto chapter 586

So...Izanami, the super Sharingan jutsu that can decide your fate, is basically Groundhog Day. 

I find myself...disappointed. I mean, Izanagi is reality alteration. Well, then again time loops aren't exactly small change either. Still, it seems like a somewhat anti-climactic way to end the Kabuto fight, but he did have his flashback, so it had to happen sooner rather than later.

The real question is what will happen after, now that Itachi and Sasuke are alone together. Will he want to continue the fight, or will the grand Naruto v. Sasuke duel to end the whole series be next on the agenda?