Author Archive

Ano Natsu de Matteru: A Joint Review

Ano Natsu de Matteru: A Joint Review

gendomike and animemiz talk at length about one of the winter season’s highlights, Ano Natsu de Matteru—their praises and reservations. Spoilers ahoy!

Spit Take: Why Mysterious Girlfriend X’s shock value works

Spit Take: Why Mysterious Girlfriend X’s shock value works

Mike makes a case for why drool has to be there to shock the audience in Mysterious Girlfriend X, while attempting to write an article under 1000 words!

Jazz Hands: “Kids on the Slope,” Jazz, and Me

Jazz Hands: “Kids on the Slope,” Jazz, and Me

A musical memoir about how Mike, a classically trained pianist, learned to swing in his high school years, with reference to the new anime Kids on the Slope. Includes a terribad piano solo recording of “Moanin’” from 1998!

May’n: An Exclusive Interview

May’n: An Exclusive Interview

In our exclusive interview with May’n, we ask her about what anime she likes, what she feels about American fandom, and other musical questions! Find out what she thinks about Guilty Crown and more!

Review: May’n, “Heat”

Review: May’n, “Heat”

Mike reviews May’n's new album, “Heat,” which comes out today in Japan! Does the singing voice of Sheryl Nome hit it out of the ballpark?

Review: The Secret World of Arietty

Review: The Secret World of Arietty

Mike reviews the US theatrical release of the latest Studio Ghibli release, written by but not directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It’s a solid entry to the Ghibli catalog, not the greatest but certainly not lacking in wonder, heart, and entertainment.

The Childhood Friendzone

The Childhood Friendzone

A Valentine’s Day meditation for those left behind, in anime and perhaps in life: the childhood friend. Examples from Ano Natsu de Matteru and Onegai Teacher, as well as from Mike’s own sorry childhood history with women.

That Summer, I Waited.

That Summer, I Waited.

Or, a Diary of an Anime (Sort Of) Lived: the unforgettable spring and summer in which I made an 8mm film and girls (kind of) liked me. Inspired by the nostalgic haze induced by Ano Natsu de Matteru and my ability to recontextualize screenshots.

Winter 2012 Roundup, Part 1: The Most Promising Shows

Winter 2012 Roundup, Part 1: The Most Promising Shows

The first of Mike’s thoughts on nearly every new show this Winter 2012 season.

Classic Anime Review: Porco Rosso

Classic Anime Review: Porco Rosso

The IFC Studio Ghibli retrospective give me the chance to revisit an old Miyazaki classic after many years. Its uniqueness in his catalog, and in anime in general, is undeniable.

Half a Decade of Dieting on Anime

Half a Decade of Dieting on Anime

Anime Diet turns 5 years old today. A few brief thoughts.

Blu-ray Review: Onigamiden (Legend of the Millennium Dragon)

Blu-ray Review: Onigamiden (Legend of the Millennium Dragon)

Onigamiden (Legend of the Millennium Dragon) is a pretty, mediocre anime film, whose lovely background art and battle animation cannot quite make up for a lack of character depth and emotional connection.