2024 Media Overview Compilation

[michifugu]

Hello everyone! Since I’m in the mood to write but don’t know what to write about, and I’m not in the mood for long-form reviews or essays, I thought I’d do something quick, easy to digest, and fun to write. Lol.

I’ve always wanted to do those media threads that everyone posts on Twitter nowadays, but I don’t like the thread format because it feels messy and not cohesive to me (thanks to my OCD). Instead, I’d rather write it here on my blog, like how people used to do back in the 2010s when they’d share quick summaries or impressions of seasonal anime or other media they consumed.

I also think this is a good way to diversify the content on this blog so it doesn’t just become a review-dump site. LOL. So, I’ll be doing an overview of the media (anime, manga, games, movies, etc.) I’ve consumed in 2024. I won’t be doing 2025 yet because I don't consume too much media in the early part of the year. So, why not start with 2024?

This overview will be divided into four sections: Anime, Manga, Games, and Misc. The “Misc” category will include other media that doesn’t fit into the first three, such as movies, books, podcasts, videos, or basically it just ''anything else I’ve stumbled upon''.

Also, since some of the media I’ve consumed is still ongoing, or I haven’t caught up to the latest chapters/episodes, keep in mind that some impressions might feel a bit behind (be easy on the spoilers please hehehe). There are also series I’ve dropped because they weren’t my cup of tea. I’ll keep the impressions shorter than my usual reviews, since I don’t want to write anything too long. Lol.

Anyway, here we go!
 

Anime

 

• 16bit Sensation Another Layer 
  I was interested in this series when I first saw the trailer because the premise seemed promising: an eroge otaku time-traveling to the golden age of 90s eroge! I especially loved how it delved into 90s game development and the behind-the-scenes process. Learning how 90s eroge were made, with insights from actual veteran developers (the show consulted real 90s eroge creators), was fascinating. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in 90s otaku culture and eroge. However, I wasn’t a fan of the writing in the later episodes, which felt rushed. It seemed like they could’ve done more, but the execution fell flat. The way they portrayed America as the "ruiner of otaku culture" also felt weird and heavy-handed—almost like it was written by someone who drank too much anti-"porikore" Kool-Aid. Still, it’s a solid show overall, and as a fan of age-gap dynamics, I adored Mamori and Konoha’s relationship...

• Bucchigiri
  I was excited to watch this because it’s a new fujobait show by Utsumi-sama, but my god… I was so disappointed. The writing is terrible I didn’t expect top-tier storytelling from Utsumi, but this was just awful even for her standard. I couldn’t even finish it, especially since the protagonist was insufferable. Poor osananajimi-kun… I dropped it after four episodes. I blame MAPPA for holding Utsumi back; the animation was lackluster, and the story was a mess.

• Girls Band Cry
  
  I first heard about this series from a Twitter clip of Nina being shocked that Momoka’s roommate is gay. At first, I wasn’t interested because I thought it just another girls’ band show? Meh. But boy, was I wrong. I’m so glad I gave it a chance because it became my new obsession for the year (and probably still). I decided to watch it after seeing Momoka’s design, and I was sold. The 3D animation is surprisingly good, though you can tell the production was rushed. The story, however, is fantastic, and I highly recommend it, especially if you’re looking for a new yuribait fix. Iseri Nina is an amazing protagonist, and if you’re into age-gap dynamics, you’ll love the semi-canon couples (MomoNina and Rupatomo). I hope we get a Season 2, and I’d love to write a long-form review of this series someday.

• Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
  I started watching this because I heard great things about it, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a fantastic anime, especially since we rarely get good mystery/detective shows these days (I miss Sakurako-san). The story isn’t mind-blowing, but the execution is excellent, and the mysteries are engaging. All the characters, including the side ones, are well-written. As someone who loves historical Ancient China settings, I absolutely eat this shit up. My only complaint is that I don’t really ship Jinshi and Maomao cus' I prefer them as platonic friends, and I personally see Maomao as aromantic. I’ve also read the manga (check my impressions in the later section) and can’t wait for Season 2!.

• Mairimashita! Iruma Kun
  I had this series in my backlog for years because a friend recommended it, but I initially dropped it because I found it boring. I picked it up again after seeing fujo fanart and hearing people in fujo threads recommended about it and I’m so glad I did. It’s the only shonen series where I’ve had genuine fun. The characters are great, the comedy is solid, and the fujobait is there too. It reminds me of classic 2000s anime. I’ve started reading the manga as well (see my impressions later).

• Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica TV series + Rebellion (Rewatch)
  After seeing the Kaiten trailer, I decided to rewatch Madomagi to refresh my memory of the story. It was the right choice because it rekindled my love for the series. I’ve also changed my opinion on Rebellion. I used to hate it because it felt forced, ruined the TV series’ ending, and seemed like a cash grab by Shaft/Aniplex. But now, I think it elevates the series and gives Homura more depth. Her actions make sense given her psyche, and I fully support her. I can’t wait for Kaiten and hope Homura gets a happy ending. Also, Madomagi is the best yuribait anime of the decade, and I’m tired of pretending it’s not. (Note: I use “yuribait” endearingly, not pejoratively, just like “fujobait.”)
   

• Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete!
  This was one of the series I was most looking forward to because ecchi yuri anime is rare these days. I didn’t expect much from the story or characters, but it was surprisingly good! The characters are well-written, and the story is entertaining. I also love the kink-positive themes, which stand out among smut yuri series. I love Kiwi-chang. That said, the anime is subpar compared to the manga, especially the action scenes.

• Mashle!!
  
  Lance is based btw

  I always saw yaoi fanart of this series and assumed it was just another boring shonen, but it turned out to be a lot of fun! It’s basically Harry Potter meets One Punch Man, but better because it doesn’t drag like OPM. It has some of the best character designs in shonen, and the characters are hilarious. The opening theme is also good.

• Nige Jouzu ni Wakagimi
  
  I started watching this because of Tokiyuki’s cuteness and how this speedy shota makes everyone fall for him. As usual, Matsui-sensei nails the comedy, and the mix of historical humor with meta-commentary feels fresh and unique. All the characters are great, even the villains. Fubuki? More like Moebuki—he’s so fucking cute, and I hope he gets tons of mob rape doujins.

• Overtake!
  This had been on my backlog for a while, and I was drawn to it because of the cute MC, and he is indeed very cute! The age-gap bait is strong here, and I’m convinced Kouya definitely want to fuck Asahina-kun. The story is solid, and the dynamic between Kouya and Asahina is the highlight. I wish this series were more popular.....I need KouAsa doujin.

• Shuumatsu Train Doko e Iku
  I watched this because it’s directed by Mizushima and Kojimbo recommended it. The story is absurd and very denpa. Mizushima’s train otaku side shines through, with a heavy focus on trains. The story itself is meh, but I appreciate that it’s a CGDCT show that doesn’t shy away from having the girls interact with ikemen ( you can tell Mizushima does not give a fuck about purity in his CGDCT show). The characters are written in classic Mizushima style, spouting random historical facts and nonsense, like in Girls und Panzer.

• SK8!! The Infinity
  I started this a while ago but dropped it for some reason. Picking it up again, I can say it’s one of Utsumi’s better works compared to Free! and Bucchigiri (ew). Miya is the best shota ever produced in Reiwa era, I need to see him in mob doujins! The story is your typical sports drama, but the fujobait is top-tier. It surpasses Free! imo, and I like Adam x Langa hehehe.

• Tokyo Revenger S3
  I didn’t want to continue this series, but I had to watch because it covers one of my favorite arcs and features my beloved saioshi, Izana. But wow, the anime is terrible. wtf liden films?, and why Kodansha did this to one of their best hits, it feels like they don't give a fuck!. The animation is awful, and Izana looks terrible. At least he gets to talk, I guess.

• Uma Musume
  You can check my review for this one.

• Yuuki Bakuhatsu! Bang! Bravern
  Finally, we have an original mecha show with fujobait flavor! After the disappointment of G-Witch, Bravern feels like an oasis. Thank you, Ohbari, for creating a yaoi mecha show for the Reiwa era. I’m not a fan of the character designs tbh (they look like K-On! characters), but I love how shamelessly it pays homage to old mecha anime, it feels like I'm watching Showa's mecha anime. Smith is best girl (male), and I prefer IsaSumi over SumiIsa....
  
  

Manga

• Dungeon Meshi
  
  you cannot convince me this isn't rape sex scene
  I actually read the manga before the anime was announced. I got baited into reading it because of Kabumisu homo fanart, but I stopped because I was busy. I picked it up again after the anime finished, and I’m trying to enjoy the series on my own terms, dissociating it from its shitty fandom. Doing so has made me enjoy the series once more. Ryoko Kui truly excels at storytelling. While Dunmeshi’s story isn’t particularly mature, it’s very fun and engaging in its own unique way. Also, don’t let Twitter folks convince you that Ryoko Kui isn’t a pervert—she definitely is, and a massive fujoshi at that. The whole manga feels like her barely disguised fetishes, especially her obsession with feminine twink elves in distress, monsterfucking, and shota. I feel crazy because Twitter tries to gaslight you into thinking this series is full of yuri, but when you read the manga, there’s so much yaoi bait. KabuMisu feels like straight-up designated fujobait, and Delgal/Yaad x Thistle is another example. I would like Farcille more if Falin had an actual character...

• Gachi Koi Nenchakujuu: Net Haishinsha no Kanojo ni naritakute
  started reading this series after seeing someone post the teaser on Facebook. I immediately got hooked because it felt like my kind of jam. The story revolves around a popular male streamer and his crazy female gachikoi. As a lover of menhera women, I absolutely adore this series because so many of the female characters are mentally unstable. Read this if you want your fix of mentally ill women and an interesting dive into Japanese streamer/e-celeb culture.

• Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu
  I picked this up for the eldritch horror yaoi premise but ended up disappointed because I found the story boring. The pacing feels painfully slow, and the buildup often leads to nothing, making it feel meaningless. I dropped it for a while but might pick it up again if it improves because, honestly, the premise is still my favorite...

• Kami Eshi JK to OL Fujoshi
  you can read my review

• Kagurabachi
  It’s funny, I initially didn’t want to read this because I didn’t care for another shounen slop. However, I changed my mind when I found out that KGB has actual incest-bait yaoi ships. As an incest lover, I had no choice but to read it, and surprisingly, it’s decent so far. I wasn’t disappointed with the incest bait, in fact, it’s the only thing that makes me care about this series. SouHaku FTW!

• Kyou wa Kanojo ga Inai kara
  
  I’ve been wanting to read this because I love the art and smut yuri. The art is divine, and the smut is so well-done that it feels like actual pornography. The drama, however, can be annoying at times because the main characters are legitimately mentally unstable teenagers who act like, well, annoying teens. Fuuko deserves a better woman btw.

• Madan no Ichi
  This is another new manga by Osamu Nishi, and of course, I’m reading it because I’m a huge fan of Iruma-kun. Shiro Usazaki as the main artist is a great choice. The series has an Infinite Stratos-like premise where the MC is the only male witch, but it doesn’t feel like a harem. The manga is very comedic, Sasuga Osamu Nishi-sensei, who’s a master of gag humor. I also love the pacing—it’s not too slow or rushed, and every chapter feels satisfying. The recent chapters have started to get really interesting.

• Mairimashita! Iruma-kun
  I started reading this after marathoning all three seasons of the anime. I’m currently at the music festival arc. Honestly, Iruma-kun has become one of my favorite shounen series because it doesn’t feel like a typical battle shounen. There’s a good balance of comedy and serious moments, and the pacing is slow-burn but not dragging. When it builds up something, it actually delivers! Reading this manga made me ship Kalego x Iruma, and the series feels so bisexual, I fucking love it. It’s hilarious how Iruma has a harem of demons. I’m really curious about what they’ll do with Narnia.

• Mashle!!
  I continued reading this after finishing the anime. I was surprised by how short the chapters are. For such a popular series, you’d expect it to drag on for over 100 chapters, but it ended around 160, which is pretty short for a shounen jump series. I love how it ended straightforwardly, similar to Kimetsu no Yaiba. Also, I can’t wait for Domina, I really love how Mashle has so much incest bait.

• Mieruko-chan
  I started reading this on a whim because I knew about it from Twitter and the anime. I wanted a chill horror comic, but I stayed for Romm-kun, who’s genuinely the best character. He screams “himo ojisan” energy. There’s also some yuri stuff in recent chapters, which I enjoyed. Mieruko-chan is engaging because while it revolves around Miko pretending not to see ghosts, the story also expands on her abilities and delves into paranormal stuff, which I’m really into.

• Susumu x Minoru
  This BL manga is cute. It’s about a failed mangaka, Susumu, who starts writing BL after his editor suggests it. His (gay) childhood friend, Minoru, offers to be his “subject” for inspiration. It’s adorable and gives an interesting look into how BL manga publishers operate. I wish there were more chapters...

• Utsushicha Dame-na Kao
  
  I started reading this because I was looking for smut yuri manga, and the premise—about a hostess woman and a famous actress—seemed interesting. Honestly, it’s freaking good. The smut scenes are great, but the overall atmosphere and story are also engaging, with a toxic element that adds depth. I genuinely recommend this! Also, we rarely got yuri in showbiz setting so this is neat!. I’d love to do a full review of this series once it has more chapters.

• You are my Soulmate
  This is a yuri omegaverse oneshot by Takemiya Jin, and it’s probably the only commercial yuri ABO story published in Japan that I know of. Since it’s a oneshot, there’s not much to say, but it has an interesting twist. The omega feels “baited” by the alpha student council president, who’s actually a defected alpha. She thinks the president is her soulmate, but it turns out she’s enchanted by the president’s older sister’s pheromones, revealing they’re the true soulmates. Poor president, though.

• Zenbu Kowashite Jigoku de Aishite
  
  I’m grateful that Kitakawa’s popularity has brought us more toxic yuri. Zenkowa is clearly a Kitakawa rip-off, but it has more interpersonal drama and deeper conflicts between its characters, giving it more depth. It has the potential to be another great toxic yuri series on par with Utsushicha. I just wish the author would let the characters fully embrace the toxic nature of their relationships instead of trying to steer toward “but I actually care for you, so I’ll stop hurting you.” Though, I might be wrong—since recent chapters suggest more conflict with new characters.

 

Games

• Fire Emblem Awakening (Replay)
  I’m replaying this game because I used to play it in high school, but my laptop broke, so RIP. I started playing it again now because I’m in the mood for some tactical JRPGs. Either way, the game feels solid, and I think Awakening’s story is pretty soulful and genuine, especially considering it was made when the devs were threatened by Nintendo that this would be their last game. Robin is how you do a self-insert character right, and I also like that despite Robin being an important figure, Chrom is STILL the main protagonist and the LORD of the game—something most modern FE games seem to forget. I wish they didn’t reduce the lord to a self-insert sidekick. Also, Henry & Sumia are the best.

• Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadow of Valentia
  
  truly a best girl (male)
  I’ve never played this before, so it’s my first time experiencing it, and it’s so good. While the gameplay is meh and a lot of the map designs feel cancerous, the supports are pretty good. The story is a bit generic, but I appreciate how Echoes tries to add new characters and retell the story to give it more depth compared to the original. Hidari’s art is fantastic, and I wish they’d hire them again for future FE titles.

• Fire Emblem Engage
  
  At first, I didn’t want to play this game because it looked bad at first glance. While I love Mika Pikazo’s art, I couldn’t take Alear’s design seriously with that weird hair color. But I bought it because I wanted to play more JRPGs on my Switch, and surprisingly, I ended up enjoying this more than Three Houses. While the story is pretty mediocre, it’s fun cringekino, and I love the anime tropes. Also, Alcryst is the best. I need to play the DLC someday.

• Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon
  I’m playing this because I just want my FE fix. Playing this makes me miss the old-school FE vibe...

• Granblue Fantasy (Main Quest)
  
  Okay, Cygames, I literally don’t give a fuck about anything else, but the story legit feels like the game wants to EOS. Still, it’s nice to see Loki warm up to Danchou and show vulnerability after Fenrir’s sacrifice... Fuck, give me a new chapter, please

• Persona 2: Innocent Sin
  you can read the review here

• Pokemon Violet
  
  I got this game as a gift from my friend (thank you, Ais). Honestly, no comment on the gameplay because, frankly, the game is piss-easy and has terrible graphics for the world’s biggest franchise. However, they nailed the story and character designs. I love RIKA!!!!! God, she’s like the best ikejoshi of this era, and the story is also pretty good! I think I like what they did. I should play the DLC if I get the chance because Kieran is sexo.

• Shin Megami Tensei IV
  I’m still on the neutral route, but I’ll share all my thoughts once I clear all routes, including the law route. So far, I’m enjoying the game, but I wish they’d fix the camera work.

• SIGNALIS
  I just recently started playing it but kinda stopped because the slow controls annoy my autistic ass, abjeahvka.

• Stardew Valley
  
  So far, I’m enjoying my progress. I’ve already married Sebastian, and we adopted a child. Now, I just need to focus on clearing the Community Center stuff. Also, I’m not sure how to design my farm, lol.

• Xenosaga Trilogy
  
  A flawed masterpiece. It made me cry at the ending, and I loved the wild ride so much. I adore all the cast! More importantly, Xenosaga was so ahead of its time with its yuri robot x scientist pseudo mom-daughter dynamic and kino toxic brocon yaoi ship. I’ll definitely write a long-form review of this.

 

Misc.

• 2001: A Space Odyssey
  I watched this because it’s one of Tetsuya Takahashi’s favorite films, and I wanted to understand his works better. So far, I can see why this is considered one of the best movies of its time. I still need to rewatch it to fully understand the story and see how it connects to the Xeno series in terms of references.

• Alien: Romulus
  I watched this because I didn’t know we were getting a new Alien movie, so why not? But I forgot that Alien movies are horror, so let’s just say... I wasn’t prepared for what was coming. Still, I loved the horror elements.

• Dune (2021)
  I watched this because, again, it’s one of Takahashi’s favorite sci-fi series. But man, I despise how the visuals look so dull, muted, dark, and gray. Why is Hollywood so boring? I legit couldn’t enjoy the movie because of how terrible the art direction was.

• Malam Jum'at Kliwon
  I’m so glad I stumbled upon this horror podcast that tells Indonesian paranormal stories. I always listen to it while doing my tasks.

As always, thank you for reading! I wrote this at around 2 AM, so please forgive me is there typo/wrong punctuation, lol. Anyway, I hope you’re all looking forward to another media overview! I had so much fun doing this, and it feels like a great compromise where I can share short summaries of my impressions and reviews without diving into long-form writing. I’ll definitely do this more often. Good night, everyone~ 😊