Winter 2018 Anime Final Thoughts Part 1

 The Season is coming to a close soon, so let's talk about the shows I've finished or will be finishing soon.  Instead of trying to cover a ton of shows in a single entry, I'm going to do them across multiple entries and we'll start with these series. Why them? Because they're the ones I've already finished due to them having already fnished airing too. All right, let's begin.

Egao No Daika

The main issue with the series was waiting for the climax. See the start itself was good and so was some of the middle. The problem is that as the middle continued impatience started to set in. Plus after a few episodes you start to think "We get it, life and wars sucks. Please move on to the promise of the opening". So a lot of my judgment of the series was influenced by worry and impatience. However now that the show is over, I feel a bit more positive.

Yes, I still think some aspects of the middle were dragged out. Sure some of the plot reveals are kind of meh. However seeing them finally meet was worth it. Plus it's nice to think about the bond as "sisters" they'll form over time.  So while I do have to admit the show had problems,  it ultimately satsfied my main concern regarding Lily and Stella. Even if it did wait until the last minute.

Pastel Memories

The show had some fun episodes sure. I especially liked episode 7. Sadly how it's held back by some rather questionable episodes too. Such as episode 4.  Which is made even worse because the very next episode does a much better job of representing um problematic stuff anyway. So episode was pretty much pointless too.

Over all it was a show with decent moments, mixed with some meh moments and a healthy dose of wasted potential. Sheesh the final episode even dedicate itself to having one of those dragged out first halfs. Where it feels like barely anything happens during it due to  pacing. Also this is one time they should have skipped the OP/ED.

Kemurikusa

One of those series I held off on starting until it was almost over.  That said, I'm glad I did get around to it finally. It's over all a pretty solid series that makes good use of its colors theme. Plus Rina is wonderful in all her twin tailed greatness. I wish I had a bit more to say, but seriously it's a good series and definitely needs to be tried.

Virtual-san wa Miteiru

On the negative side, the show had quite a few repetitive segments that just made me want to skip them. It was a definite example of hit or miss. On the positive side some of the segments were fun even if they were also repetitive. The positive makes me glad I tried the show, but the negative makes it hard to recommend as great. Still the show had enough going for it to keep me watching. And I guess it helps that because it's a collection of segments, I could skip stuff without much worry. Even if some segments crossed over.

Manaria Friends

The relationship between Anne and Grea was great over all. I also like how the series made use of the time it had. That said, my main two issues with the series is related to that. First, I wish the relationship could have gone further. Second, it would have been nice to get even just a few more episodes. There are other pros and cons, but those are the mains that come to mind.

Mini Toji

If you enjoyed the main series, you definitely need to watch this. Like with many other 2-5 minute series (especially spin-offs) it does have a focus on comedy, but what makes it work is that it does its best to stay true to the main series while still being a fun side series. It's definitely one of my favorite "shorter" series in awhile.

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That's everything for now. The next entry will come after more shows have been finished. I'm thinking there will be around 3 entries to wrap up the season, maybe 4.