u/Likes2game03

What is the worst way an antagonist had been defeated in the franchise? For me, it's this. I hated how they handled Tagoma's characterization in the Super anime, but this really knocked him down for me. Gotenks just going for a groin attack. I went: "Eh, really?" On top of not knowing if that would even work, are you telling me Gotenks ramming him in his crotch was more effective than Piccolo punching him in his uncovered face? Not helped by what bs happens after.

Remember when the franchise was evolving pass it's typical shonen roots during most of Z. Where bad guys got defeated in memorable & creative ways? Even with how Goku beat Recoome. It's a little funny but also had a purpose; to demonstrate how strong he became. And it's explained in a straight way. When Gotenks beats Tagoma, it's comedic as possible & it serves no purpose. Anyway, what's your pick? Which antagonist went out in the worst way?

I'm really hoping the Wonder Voyage saga is more Orange Islands than Decolore Islands. By which I mean that it adds to lore & has impactful moments. While not the most well-liked saga, the Orange Islands did have a lot going for it. New characters, memorable moments, & a league that Ash won.

Whereas the Decolore Islands pretty much had nothing going for it. It came after the worst league & worst evil team saga. So, I don't think anyone was clamoring for more B&W anime. Especially when nothing happens that sticks. No new catches, a lot of filler episodes, & never anything that gets brought up again or referenced. Literally the only thing that came out of it was Alexa & her Pokémon. Even then you could just skip to the end prolly miss nothing.

Back to earlier, I really want the final saga of Horizons to be good & memorable. And by the looks of the previews, they seem to be on the right track. It's unlikely we'll be seeing the Horizons crew for a while after this is over. So at least it seems like it going with a bang, unlike Black & White. But what are your thoughts.

Nebra & Solid don't even come close to the argument. We all know it's either Noelle or Nozel. While Noelle did a lot of leveling throughout the story, don't count Nozel out at all. Anyway, which of these two royals are the strongest of the family when we reach the end?

How Keita & Fumi get together in the Shadowside is one of the biggest mysteries in the series to me. Some fans give the weak excuse: "They get together at some point" like it makes this better. Like every Keita series after is obsessed with NEVER getting to "that point". Plus, not giving us much in leaving it to the imagination. Both the EX & MN series portray this relationship as a frickin mess & joke.

In contrast, if they learned from what the Digimon Adventure series does. Have the time change each time they go back, we'd give it. But no, their mainline relation is the same static one it's been since episode 1. No development or no likeability. They had two chances, and the writers screw it up. Especially painful, because it happens after Shadowside.

Overall, how they end up is mystery. I mean, anything to make seem like their marriage isn't just superficial. Or the writers did it on a whim rather than actually caring about it.

I love Komi-san, but this was not the sharpest choice she made. Other than befriending Yamai. But that's really more of a moral obligation rather than a choice. Anyway, I know she found kinship in Agari but leaving the only two people in school she trusted without a word to go & talk to someone she didn't know. Yeah, not too smart. I mean, even Komi knew she prolly couldn't do it. Your thoughts?

I'm never a fan of characters being introduced when a story is so far in, especially when they do nothing to make up for it, Feremena is one of them. It took FOREVER for her & Gnome to appear, and this is what Tabata does with them?! There was only ten chapters left after her debut, and she doesn't show any personality, nor does she showcase her Spirit Magic. Seriously, not a single spell! Cool design & a dramatic entrance, but she got entirely wasted after that. Have no idea why they even made her the queen when Mars & Fana would be the obvious picks as rulers. This, along with another reason(s) is why Tabata is out for me. But what's your opinion on Feremena?

Did everyone love how in the original manga the series showed Goku & co progress through life? Like the story starts with Goku as a naive wild child. Then as the series progresses, you can literally see his development both body & mind. A majority of Dragon Ball takes place when he's just a boy then near the end, he's 20 & gets married.

Then in Dragon Ball Z Goku now has a son who also does some growth during this time. The story sets it up like Gohan will be the endgame hero. And to be fair, it took a lot of time, but we eventually get there in the Cell Saga. So yes, the story gets to it where boys become men.

Dragon Ball really wasn't the typical shonen most of us flack it for now. As you can see in these pictures, Arika Toriyama's original works had time actually pass. But along came the Buu Saga where everyone went to the "Arrested development" era. This when the characters stopped aging & it doesn't feel like much time passed. In Dragon Ball Super, they really abuse the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.

Anyway, what's your take. Do you miss that Coming-of-Age element the franchise once had.

The Coming-of-age genre is the type of storytelling that can rarely be messed up. Some of my favorite stories in fiction are of that genre and here's my favorite JRPG of that ilk. For me, Grandia is one of those classics that get it right. The main character's development from adolescences is gradual. He goes through the classic hallmarks. He wants adventure, he faces challenges, he befriends many, he experiences loss, he finds love, & he becomes a father. Nearly 30 years later, I can't find a JRPG that's better example. But are there any of your favorite JRPGs that embody the Coming-of-age story.

Of all of Keita's (Nate's) traits, this is the one that sticks out the most, but it's an undesirable one. If their relationship wasn't portrayed as so one-sided, this wouldn't be off-putting. But of course, it's always seen from his perspective. That's why this has always been a sore spot in the fandom, Keita fixated & Fumi giving him only a verbal scolding. I know he's at that age but at least portray it as more relatable like it was in the early days. I mean, what boy that isn't a teen would fantasize this much about marriage?

The Strongest Job is Apparently Not a Hero or a Sage, but an Appraiser (Provisional)! won't be on everyone's radar, but it's actually performing solidly. I was surprised to learn recently that it came in 2nd place on ABEMA, one of Japan's most popular streaming services in its first week. Plus, none of its episodes have fallen out of the top 40 in rankings according to Anime News Network.

Its reception is what you expect from a series like this. I'm watching over 25 new anime this season, including this one. It's a solid watch. Likeable characters, pretty funny, & decent production values. Ironic how Isekai under the radar like these actually end up better than overhyped ones like TBATE. But have any of you given this one a try?

In spite of the X&Y games immense success, the anime's viewership remained roughly in the downward spiral it's been since the end of the OG series. Then came the release of the Yo-kai Watch anime briefly after. With the release of games, that anime had a spike in viewership. This was when Pokémon thought it had to become a bouncy, exaggerated anime with a more slice-of-life premise.

I not saying Sun & Moon is bad, it has its flowers. It's just jarringly goofy in a lot of places. Anyway, this period felt like the only time the franchise was ever insecure about its popularity. Which is ironic, because Yo-kai Watch's best-selling game didn't sell near as well as X&Y did. The next two series would ditch SM premise all together in favor of more overarching goals.

What I'm saying is: fads like these makes fools of us all. While the XY anime would go on to be one of the most praised anime of its ilk, A lot of the Yo-kai Watch anime doesn't hold up. I.E, it's stale & surface-level nurture. Those of you who know know. What's your take on this being the only time Pokémon ever taking cues from another franchise?

As we all know, there was a time when Vegeta was considered the biggest asshole in the canon. And while nobody in the Frieza Force is innocent, there are some with technically more redeeming qualities than he had at the time. Frieza does have more of a canonical body count, but even there are times when even he's like: "Nah, not worth the effort." Fact, he only kills 4 people in the manga. But, Vegeta, you cross him in any capacity or if he sees you as an obstacle, he does not give you the easy way out. I mean, when he kills, he makes a mess. Anyway, here are some guys in the Force I think are more redeemable than Vegeta was.

The Nintendo 3DS was a smorgasbord for excellent JRPGs. Unfortunately, a lot of them never received a remaster for the modern era of gaming. But since something as obscure & maligned as Legend of Legacy can have one, anything can have one. So, what 3DS exclusive JRPG would you to see get an enhanced remaster?

My first Ys game. The hit that gave the series the boon it needed. I caught this one on sale & the price was a steal! So, what to expect going in?