Talk about heavy love

This Valentine’s Day was a trip down memory lane, with a few new twists added. Did you all have a good holiday? Just remember: As long as you have Aikatsu, you are not alone.

Episode 019: Torrent | Magnet

Me slightly offscreen freaking out

This is where everything finally comes together. Where all we’ve learned and experienced is combined into one climactic explosion. All the people, the places, the times and spaces, the lessons and links and love. This is for her and them, but also for you and me.

This is Your Entrance.

Episode 018: Torrent | Magnet

She’ll suck your blood!

I know how many people were not just excited, but dying to see this episode. So don’t worry about my thoughts—you go out there untainted and enjoy it.

Episode 017: Torrent | Magnet

P.S. Next week will be slightly delayed because I’m going to Geika, the biggest Aikatsu doujin event in Japan. So it’ll be out during the week sometime, not the weekend.

What is the true role of a princess?

The departure that the structure of this episode takes from some previous ones, both in this season and before, serves to make it a strong addition to the canon of both Raki’s story and Aikatsu itself. It has probably the most natural progression of having her included that could ever be possible. See if you can tell the ways in which she’s grown too.

Episode 016: Torrent | Magnet

I understand her so hard

I doubted that they could make it work, and now I can’t imagine the episode happening any other way. Somehow I am more than satisfied with everyone who got the spotlight this week, as again, every scene served to both bring out the best in the characters while adding something new to Parade through the eyes of Raki. And the climax was as exciting and intense as they intended.

Episode 015: Torrent | Magnet

It’s Nina, yade!

This episode is so pop! And it even starts with a super old reference that I was hoping for! I couldn’t possibly be in a better place to sub her triumphant return, and I even relearned some things about her that had slipped my mind over the years. But not to be outdone, the contents of the episode itself were so much fun that every bit was enjoyable. Now this is the right way to start off a new year.

Episode 014: Torrent | Magnet

You dare insult me with this tripe?

Happy New Year! We have now entered a new decade of Aikatsu! As I mentioned, this took a while because I was away the whole week at Comiket, meeting a lot of doujin artists as well as an actual animator for the anime. While this wasn’t quite a New Year’s episode, it was certainly a great one, even breaking some new ground for Aikatsu and having a focused, emotional plotline. Next week’s episode (the one that would air tomorrow) is on break, so the next one airs the 11th. As it is, I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday, and happy year of the rat!

Episode 013: Torrent | Magnet

P.S. I learned something very interesting when I went to the Aikatsu Museum. The color designer for the series gave several interviews that were posted up, but the most interesting one was about Raki’s design. If you look closely at her eyes, you can actually see that they contain all the colors of the previous protagonists in some way: Ichigo, Akari, Yume, Aine, and Mio. Pretty cool, huh?

The Tenshi Imoutos!

It’s Christmas! Christmas! Everything and [almost but not quite] everyone is here! Traditions and people you’ve forgotten! Scenes from your dreams! It’s out now so you can watch at your leisure. It appears that next week’s episode will air as normal, but it’s going to take a few extra days since I’ll be at Comiket for New Year’s, so just be aware.

Episode 012: Torrent | Magnet

Trying to understand those confusing feelings in your chest

Just, the entire second half of this episode all the way through the ending. I couldn’t have been more blown away. I was a bit worried considering the short span of the Fest, but they’re really doing everything. Open your own door and be immersed in the parade.

Episode 011: Torrent | Magnet

This is how legends are born

This is the most high concentration of powerful idols in the history of Aikatsu. From seeing how adorable Elza is still keeping her desires fresh to actually being able to witness the fruits of Karen’s love, to this scene with Mizuki above, this is like a vortex of Aikatsu from everywhere all centering on the present. Go forth, and have your soul shaken.

Episode 010: Torrent | Magnet