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[SPOILER FREE REVIEW]

Looks like I will be the first one here to review 'Mayonaka Punch' (2024). Since this anime only has 3 episodes out, this review is subject to updates as more of the show gets released. First, I will talk about what I enjoy about the show.

I am particularly fond of the distinct and cute character designs, energetic voice acting, bright saturated colours, and the high octane opening. The animation is surprisingly good, as the characters look expressive and fluid as they move. The background art is all nicely detailed as well, making it all the more immersive. The chemistry between the cast are ... great, and dialogue seems well written and realistic. The main character is unique in personality as well, they don't feel like a blank slate or self-insert at all, rather a fully fleshed out character. The basic premise is well done and the show carries a sense of realism about both internet comments and the process of going viral. The whole show is very stylish and feels high budget. It does a good job at feeding you new information slowly rather than dumping it all with boring exposition, something I appreciate. A few good jokes. And there is a good level of tension and stakes established, making the plot more engaging. Now, what did I dislike?

The first episode is a little confusing, as they don't explain the Harikiri Sisters and their relationship well before jumping right into (without spoiling) their conflict, the starting motive of which we are still left in the dark about 3 episodes in. While they expand on this relationship later, I do wish they took a few minutes establishing that relationship first and showing what led to this conflict to make the show flow better.
I am not big on the ED, which is unique but too dragged out pace wise for my liking, which is a very very minor point and doesn't factor into my rating since this preference is so subjective.
The biggest flaw is that the show lacks in humour, so while it lands a decent joke or two, you have gaps where nothing funny or important occurs. This is likely what holds the show back from getting a higher rating. Since I don't wish to spoil, I'll just say that activities characters do have much room for jokes to be inserted that are beyond the most basic character archetype jokes. More creative humour and more humorous scenarios would make this go a long way. Entrances of characters are done so casually and boringly that they don't feel special - definitely could have done more with those to give them weight.

Overall, I do enjoy this show so far. It has lots of potential in character exploration and development, and it may pick up in plot as the episodes continue. I expect there to be memorable emotional scenes down the line. While the first episode could have been done smoother in setting up the story, and humour more tight, 'Mayonaka Punch' has an undeniable sense of style and high energy with their amusing characters. I will recommend this anime, with the addendum that with only 3 episodes out so far it more or may not deliver on its potential. Thank you for reading, please feel free to comment your thoughts or reach out to discuss.

7/10

[SPOILER FREE REVIEW]

As someone who greatly disliked 'Suicide Squad' (2016), I went into this anime with tempered expectations. It turns out that this anime, 'Isekai Suicide Squad' (2024), feels nothing like that notorious movie.
The best way to enjoy this anime is by not comparing it to any 'suicide squad' IP iterations in the past, as this show has at times a drastically different spin on all the characters. Also to not take this anime too seriously, as the main appeal is the humour, which in this show is largely derived from how these characters interact. Does it succeed in this?

In short, yes. But first ... of all I'll talk about the bad. The Joker in this universe, who sparsely appears, seems more like he is from some Yaoi 'Boys Love' anime than any other iteration you have seen of him. I greatly despise his character design, which looks like something a 2007 emo band with only preteen fans would wear. As the show went on I began to find the humour in how absurd this iteration of Joker is, as while I doubt this was the intention of the creators, it really is amusing to watch. Other negative aspects of this show are the often boring background art, a cookie cutter fantasy setting, at times underwhelming action, and a lack of emotional weight across the board. Character exploration and development is seemingly absent thus far. So, what makes up for these flaws?

The best part about this show are the charming main characters and the great chemistry in their interactions. The dialogue and voice acting for their conversations is on point, both when they are backing each other up and more often when they're arguing against one another. The ever flustered Cecil and Rick Flag work great as the straight man, a common character role to elevate comedies. Even alone, these characters are very charming and likeable, and frankly every single one is far written than their character equivalents I saw in 'Suicide Squad' (2016), especially Deadshot, who in this anime version is far more expressive and explosive of a personality, which is the cause of many great dynamics and jokes. This anime often just takes a character and exaggerates their characteristics to help contrast and play off each other better, as having characters who are all too similar makes for a very boring team. How do the other aspects of this show fare?

The animation is passable, with very small instances of them going above average, and as many or more instances of them going below average in quality.
The whole show is very influenced by American pop-culture, which is revealed in much of their jokes (which are charmingly sincere amusements at worst) and especially in their music, much of which is hip-hop inspired.
The designs of the main characters outside of Joker are all well done, possessing a loud style which reflects their personalities well while staying simple enough and recognizable. The pacing has no issues with me, as the anime is nothing if not entertaining. Now, what's my verdict?

This'll be a controversial anime for the reasons I have listed. The best question to ask yourself is if you had fun watching, whether you could escape for 20 minutes and be entertained. For me, the answer is a resounding yes.

7/10

In short, you're in luck, as this season is the best so far. The jokes are on point and the new characters are very endearing. The 5th episode is particularly hilarious, and episode 6 has some importance to the plot.
The animation looks even better than it did in the first two seasons, and the plot feels much more connected rather than stand-alone episodes which has really elevated the series. This show continues to have the best voice acting out of any comedy anime out there. There is nothing negative I can say about it.
This season has a plot that carries throughout more episodes, rather ... than in the past seasons which were more episodic. The change in setting is refreshing, and it seems that lots of care is put into really packing the episode with entertaining moments.
Enjoy!

10/10

So far this is just your standard Isekai power fantasy, with the main character having a similar power absorption ability as seen in 'So I'm a Spider, So What?' (2021) and 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' (2018). It's most similar in quality to the former, the one about the spider, as it doesn't subvert expectations in any major ways and no intriguing plot emerged, as we saw with Reincarnated as a Slime.
For myself, I find the levelling up progression enjoyable and easy to watch due to its fast pace, placing Re:Monster a cut above the truly terrible power fantasy isekai.

Really, the entire ... show can be summed up as mediocre, from the characters to the fights to the music and animation.
I marked this as 'Mixed Feelings' since your enjoyment will really depend on how much you like Iseakai as a genre.
My recommendation is to watch one episode if you enjoyed other Isekais, as you'll know from that whether you like this one or not.
And if you haven't seen other Isekais go watch 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' (2018) before this one as it's far better in every way.

5/10