Anime Brain Freeze

On this episode our hosts stand their ground on three different planes of conflict. First CC travels to the stars, to cover the epic space war story of Legend of the Galactic Heroes - Die neue These. Then John descends on Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku and discusses the trappings of a completely different battlefield: romantic relationships between full-blown nerds. Last but not least, CC celeberates the flawed but definitely welcome return of an old favorite of his: Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory.   News: RIP Unshō Ishizuka (1:18)   Reviews: The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These (4:25) Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (29:29) Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory (44:49)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-08-17/voice-actor-unsho-ishizuka-passes-away-at-67/.135579 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2018-05-17/.131658 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/05/07-1/meet-the-tactical-titans-of-this-seasons-grand-space-opera https://www.animenewsnet

CC kicks off this episode by stepping into the ring with the bionic slugfest Megalobox to explain why he liked that show even though it lacks actual entertaining boxing matches. Then John tears apart Caligula and talks about the many shortcomings of this confusing mess of a video game adaption. Last but not least both hosts dig for gold in Golden Kamuy and unearth a thoroughly enjoyable show that manages to shine despite its janky animation.   Review Megalobox (1:30) Caligula (18:02) Golden Kamuy (34:09)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2018-06-08/tomorrow-joe-today-megalobox-updates-a-classic/.132635 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2018-04-17/.130455 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2018-06-07/.132540 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/04/13/the-50-year-legacy-leading-up-to-megalobox http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/05/04-1/megalo-boxing-is-even-better-than-the-real-thing http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/05/

It's a cruel, cruel summer, so our hosts do their best to battle the unwielding heat wave with a barrage of cool Anime premieres in the Sneak Peek. After that, they dive into the absurd adventures of a Yakuza forced into the role of surrogate father and his telekinetically powered adopted daughter in Hinamatsuri.   Sneak Peek: Attack on Titan - Season 3 (2:18) Overlord - Season 3 (3:56) Free! -Dive to the Future- (4:44) Cells at Work (7:23) Music Girls (9:18) Seven Senses of the Re'Union (12:29) Island (15:15) Angels of Death (18:14) Planet With (21:22) Chio's School Road (23:27) Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (27:14) Banana Fish (29:32) Harukana Receive (35:12) Hanebado! (38:22) Revue Starlight (42:20) Sirius the Jaeger (45:45)   Review: Hinamatsuri (49:05)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2018-07-13/catching-up-with-free/.134232 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2018-06-28/homelessness-in-japan-and-hinamatsuri/.133485 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime

It's finally time for our Kame-Hame-Hosts to talk about one of the most prominent and longest running franchises in Anime history: Dragon Ball. John and CC have a long chat about their experience with the series, which culminates in their Review of the newest iteration in that franchise: Dragon Ball Super. Of course, as it is the Season Finale of Anime Brain Freeze, there is also the Chop 'n' Drop and both hosts pick their favorite reviewed show in the Best of the Season segment.   Chop 'n' Drop (1:20)   Review: Dragon Ball Super (10:49)   Best of the Season (1:37:51)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2016-03-01/interview-the-past-present-and-future-of-dragon-ball/.99269 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/03/08/the-heart-and-nostalgia-of-dragon-ball-super http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/03/06/dragon-ball-super-character-evolution-the-path-ahead   Website: http://animebrainfreeze.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AniBrainFreeze Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

It's time to go back to the fathomless well of light novel adaptions. First John talks about the city filled with killers in Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens. Then CC pushes the Isekai button and reviews the MMO adventures of Skeletor's cousin in Overlord. Closing out the show, both hosts muse about KyoAni's visual feast Violet Evergarden and discuss whether the show has more to offer than its good looks.   Reviews: Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens (1:20) Overlord - Season 1+2 (25:15) Violet Evergarden (53:17)   Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/02/20-1/the-not-so-deadly-real-life-locations-of-hakata-tonkotsu-ramens https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2018-04-10/.130163 https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/07/31/violet-evergarden-interview-director-taichi-ishidate-at-anime-expo/ https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2018/01/13/violet-evergarden-interview-director-taichi-ishidate-shin-q-vol-2-2017/ https://blog.sakugabooru.com/?s=violet+evergarden+production+notes https://www.animefeminist.com/feat

Kicking of this episode filled with big emotions and tonal whiplash, CC first talks about the new Netflix hit show DEVILMAN crybaby and why the gruesome horror tale has more to offer than schlocky action, but is not for the faint of heart. Then John goes to a much happier place, together with the four girls from A Place Further Than the Universe and explains why both the journey and destination of the protagonists managed to tug at his heart strings. Last but not least, the hosts discuss the newest iteration in a Tokusatsu-turned-Anime franchise and whether the sympathetic cast and well animated fight scenes could keep the by-the-numbers story of Garo -Vanishing Line- afloat.   Reviews: DEVILMAN crybaby (No Spoilers) (1:12) DEVILMAN crybaby (Spoilers) (12:11) A Place Further Than the Universe (20:15) Garo -Vanishing Line- (37:24)     Related Links: https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2018/01/08/devilman-crybaby-interview-with-director-masaaki-yuasa/ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2018-01-09/.12

John kicks off this jam session of an episode by talking about a piece of pure art in the form of Pop Team Epic and its creative insanity. After that CC claws his way out of the Trash Stash to deliver his Review of the furry fighting bonanza Killing Bites. Last but not least the hosts discuss the flawed time-stopping adventures of the Yukawa family in Kokkoku and why the series ultimately didn't deliver on its promised potential.   Review Pop Team Epic (2:13)   Trash Stash Killing Bites (30:23)   Review: Kokkoku (50:06)   Related Links: https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2018/02/16/pop-team-epic-interview-with-producer-kotaro-sudo/ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2018-02-01/.127192 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/01/11/what-the-heck-is-pop-team-epic http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2018/01/12/meet-the-staff-and-cast-of-pop-team-epic https://www.animefeminist.com/feature-pop-team-epic-let-girls-absurd/   Website: http://animebrainfreeze.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ani

Time for a new season, time for a new Sneak Peek. Wherein John and CC discuss all their potential Tops and Flops from Spring 2018. After that, the hosts dive into the rich fantasy world of The Ancient Magus' Bride, to explain why this show is much more than a simple The Beauty & The Beast story.   Sneak Peek Last Hope (2:27) Cutie Honey Universe (5:50) Devils' Line (8:21) Caligula (10:09) Sword Art Online: Alternative Gun Gale Online (14:05) Tokyo Ghoul:re (21:03) Dances with the Dragons (23:09) The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These (24:36) Otaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii (27:35) Lupin the Third: Part 5 (31:15) Hinamatsuri (34:52) PERSONA 5 the Animation (37:42) Space Battleship Tiramisu (41:04) Captain Tsubasa 2018 (43:41) Gundam Build Divers (46:39) Megalobox (49:21) Golden Kamuy (52:18) Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory (55:40) Food Wars! The Third Plate Part 2 (57:58) My Hero Academia Season 3 (1:00:27)   Review The Ancient Magus' Bride (1:03:23)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork

All is fair in Love Live and Grail War as the ABF gang wraps up Fall Season 2017 with the final two Reviews. After briefly talking about the shows that didn't make the cut this time in the Chop 'n Drop, John dives back into the Idol pool and explains why the second season of Love Live! Sunshine!! was a big upgrade to the first. Then both hosts go to war over one of the newest entries in the Fate series, discuss their differing opinions on what worked and what didn't in Fate/Apocrypha and talk about this gigantic franchise in general. Last but not least, it's time to choose the very Best of the Season.   Chop 'n Drop (1:45)   Reviews: Love Live! Sunshine!! Season 2 (6:20) - Ending Spoilers Start (15:01) - Ending Spoilers Over (20:28) Fate/Apocrypha (24:16) - Ending Spoilers Start (56:33) - Ending Spoilers Over (59:12)   Best of the Season (1:15:17)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2017-10-30/aqours/.122507 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahilgkDt7-M http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-

Switching things up after the last episode, CC kicks off the show by talking about the colorful Battle Royale slaughterfest Jūni Taisen: Zodiac War and why the series is a lackluster entry in that specific genre. Following that, John focuses on the fractured tale of Kino's Journey - the Beautiful World- and the gang discusses its many different shortcomings. CC then wraps things up with his Review of Girls' Last Tour, a sorrowful tale about the end of humanity, that manages to pull you in with its sympathetic, goofy main characters and great world building. Reviews: Jūni Taisen: Zodiac War (1:30) Kino's Journey - the Beautiful World- (18:42) Girls' Last Tour (38:39) Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-12-21/.125557 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/11/04-1/character-economy-in-juni-taisen-part-one http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/11/11/character-economy-in-juni-taisen-part-two http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/11/14/juni-taisen-zodiac-w

On this episode John takes the helm right out of the gate and delivers his comparison between the two teen romance series Just Because and Our Love has always been 10 centimeters apart. Up next is CC's Review of Land of the Lustrous, detailing the reasons why this CG show succeeds, where many others have failed. Finally John brings the Rom train back into the Com station and talks about Blend S and how the show turned out to be a disappointment despite its many colorful maid shenanigans.   Reviews: Just Because VS Our Love has always been 10 centimeters apart (1:41) Land of the Lustrous (37:24) Blend S (55:07)   Related Links: https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/10/16/just-because-and-the-tv-anime-problem-living-characters-dead-production/ https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-11-30/.124636 https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/10/31/land-of-the-lustrous-director-takahiko-kyougoku-interview/ https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/11/15/land-of-the-lustrous-houseki-no-kuni-production-notes-1-6/ https

On this episode, John talks about Recovery of an MMO Junkie and why the quirky romance story felt satisfying and relatable. The gang also dives into the recent unfortunate buzz generated by the director of that show. Lastly, CC reviews the unconventional hero's journey of Inuyashiki and explains why the show's misguided focus on its all too repulsive villain was ultimately its downfall.   Reviews: Recovery of an MMO Junkie (1:32) Inuyashiki (34:37)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-10-24/.123097 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-12-12/.125150 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-02-09/recovery-of-an-mmo-junkie-director-causes-controversy-with-anti-semitic-tweets/.127409 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP2KATrNlbE http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/12/05/how-recovery-of-an-mmo-junkie-redefines-what-it-means-to-be-an-adult-nerd http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/12/02/managing-misunderstandings-in-recovery-of-an-mmo-

Kicking off 2018 in style, the gang as usual takes a quick glance at all the new series premiering this Winter in the Sneak Peek. After that they discuss both seasons of Blood Blockade Battlefront and why the Studio Bones show and its plethora of colorful characters captured their hearts and imagination.   Sneak Peek (1:52) Record of Grancrest War (2:20) Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens (3:38) Junji Ito Collection (8:03) After the Rain (9:26) Pop Team Epic (11:06) Yowamushi Pedal: Glory Line (14:16) Seven Deadly Sins - Season 2 (15:27) Overlord - Season 2 (18:09) Katana Maidens (21:12) Killing Bites (25:31) Ms. Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles (28:21) Hakumei & Mikochi (32:11) How to keep a mummy (33:36) A place further than the Universe (35:26) Devilman Crybaby (39:06) Violet Evergarden (40:54) Kokkoku (46:30) Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion the Animation (48:37) Darling in the Frankxx (51:58)   Review (57:57) Blood Blockade Battlefront - Season 1&2   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2015-

John and CC wrap up 2017 by bringing you another whopper of an episode. First they reintroduce an old segment with a new name: Chop 'n' Drop. In this former sub section of the Trash Stash the gang talks about all the shows from Summer Season 2017 they stopped watching after a few episodes and why. Then John lifts the curtain on another Mystery Review that makes him re-evaluate his opinion on an old nemesis. Finally it's time for the final Review of the Season with Re:Creators and the hosts list the many reasons why that series was one of their favorites this year. Of course there is no way for them to wrap up the show without telling you about their pick for Best of Summer Season 2017.   Chop 'n' Drop (1:56)   Mystery Review (14:41)   Review: Re:Creators - No Spoilers (57:36) Re:Creators - Spoilers (1:23:49)   Best of the Season (1:30:33)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-07-28/the-real-anime-inspirations-behind-the-creations-of-re-creators/.119444 https://www.animenewsnetwork.co

Strap in and prepare for an epic ride, kids. In their longest show to date, John and CC take it upon themselves to review all currently existing seasons of the Magical Girl Action Hit Senki Zesshou Symphogear. After dishing out an introduction to the show's plot setup, universe and main characters, they go through all four seasons to give you their spoiler-free and spoiler-heavy opinions on each of them. Lastly, both hosts discuss their favorite main cast member, piece of armor, villain and song from the entirety of the franchise.   Review: Symphogear - No Spoilers (1:41) Symphogear - Spoilers (46:13)   Symphogear G - No Spoilers (1:01:13) Symphogear G - Spoilers (1:14:06)   Symphogear GX - No Spoilers (1:29:29) Symphogear GX - Spoilers (1:43:10)   Symphogear AXZ - No Spoilers (2:02:42) Symphogear AXZ - Spoilers (2:22:22)   Best Girl (2:31:56)   Best Gear (2:38:10)   Best Villain (2:42:27)   Best Song (2:47:10)   Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/07/08/the-wild-brilliance-of-sympho

On this episode CC digs into the Trash Stash once again, to talk about Vatican Miracle Examiner and explains why the show succeeds at being so bad that it's good. Then John introduces the motley crew of Gamers and the gang discusses why the goofy rom-com ultimately didn't live up to its potential.   Trash Stash Vatican Miracle Examiner (1:09)   Review: Gamers (18:04)   Related Links: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-08-01/.119574 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/08/22/230030 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/07/26/050046 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/07/04/230037 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/09/21-1/hobbies-handles-and-hangups-the-labels-that-define-gamers http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/09/02-1/gamers-in-game-locations-compared-to-their-real-world-counterparts-part-1 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/09/16/gamers-in-game-locations-compared-to-their-real-world-counterparts-part-2 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/08/16/020020 htt

John opens up this episode by delivering a Mystery Review of a show unknown to listeners and CC alike. Then the gang tries to solve the puzzle of whether or not one of the two potential Trash Stash candidates, Knight's & Magic and Princess Principal is actually worth a watch.   Mystery Review (1:30)   Trash Stash Knight's & Magic (18:45)   Review: Princess Principal (41:23)     Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/07/20-1/the-earnest-fandom-of-knights-magics-ernesti http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/07/25/050008 https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-08-31/.120723 http://www.animefeminist.com/feature-know-when-fold-princess-principal-feel-good-feminism-loudly-laundry/ http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/08/30/050044 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/09/13/230050   Website: http://animebrainfreeze.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/AniBrainFreeze Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AniBrainFreeze/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSi7wbiBRei5RtNQ6HWB

Dialing the episode length back a bit this time around, the hosts deliver Reviews of two somewhat small-scale, but nonetheless outstanding shows. First CC is talking about Made in Abyss and explains why this emotional gut punch of a fantasy tale is worth excavating. Then John wraps up the episode by dishing out his opinion on Sakura Quest and discusses how its many colorful characters bring life not only to the rural countryside of Japan, but also to the show itself.   Reviews: Made in Abyss (1:07) Sakura Quest (26:51)   Related Links: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-09-12/.121206 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2017-10-03/.122177 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-10-04/interview-made-in-abyss-composer-kevin-penkin/.122246 http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2017-08-09/sakura-quest-how-to-revive-a-dying-town/.119033 http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/04/29/feature-why-it-works-sakura-quest-doesnt-have-the-answers http://www.crunchyroll.com

The dynamic duo is back to appropriately kick off Fall Season with a supersized episode. First John delivers his Re:Con report of New York Comic Con 2017 and what caught his eye on the show floor. Then the hosts dive head first into the Sneak Peek to bring you there impressions of all the new series premieres they checked out. Last but not least they send of this episode with their Review of the second season of one of their favorite new shows: My Hero Academia.   Re:Con - NYCC 2017 (1:31)   Sneak Peek: Food Wars - Season 3 (20:28) Blend S (23:40) Dies Irae (26:26) Two Car (30:16) Black Clover (35:23) Love Live! Sunshine! - Season 2 (40:15) GARO -Vanishing Line- (46:29) Just Because! (50:55) Code:Realize -Guardian of Rebirth- (55:19) Land of the Lustrous (57:48) Kino's Journey - the Beautiful World- the Animated Series (1:02:32) Girls' Last Tour (1:07:44) Jūni Taisen: Zodiac War (1:09:23) Blood Blockade Battlefront & Beyond (1:11:58) Inuyashiki Last Hero (1:16:53) The Ancient Magus' Bride (1:22:29)   Rev

As this season draws to a close, the gang discuss their last batch of shows from Spring 2017. First John dishes out his thoughts on the mobile game adaption Granblue Fantasy the Animation and then both hosts go back to the beginnings of one of Anime's most well known icons Astro Boy, by talking about its new prequel series Atom: The Beginning. Last but not least, it's time to pick the Best of the Season, which is a much easier endeavor for Spring, than it will be for Summer.   Reviews: Granblue Fantasy the Animation (1:12) Atom: The Beginning (24:33)   Best of the Season (53:00)   Related Links: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2017/06/08/granblue-fantasy-and-akashic-records-why-were-hooked http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/01/26/000011 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/05/18/020032 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/06/23/020018 http://www.anime-now.com/entry/2017/07/13/050056 https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2017/01/16/shedding-light-on-granblue-fantasys-delay-and-a1-struggles/ http://www.crunchy