@OtakuEspiritu 4/10, I dropped it, I have read/skimmed the manwha for the art because that's all it had going for it. There is almost a total lack of world building. the pacing was bad in the manwha and anime. There was no real character development. In short it is just a trash power fantasy.
I've been saying Frieren is like anime Lord of the Rings ever since it started. There is so much in this anime that has a very Tolkien-esque touch to it. The anime focuses on the emotional impact of the journey and the bonds between adventurers, similar to LotR.
Shinobu Mail should be more appreciated, not only bc of Shinobu & Kanbaru's confrontation & development.
Also bc Yotsugi's speech to Araragi is one of the realest in the series
"Are you one of those who think wallowing in unhappiness and bad luck is the same as toughing it out?"
An "interpretation" I always really disliked is "Hanekawa is the girl Araragi lusts over but never had romantic feelings for".
Not only is lame, it also contradicts the text heavily.
Tsubasa Family arc is powerful BECAUSE Araragi lies to Oshino & to himself about not loving her👇
Nadeko Medusa is great because Nadeko snaps, kicks down a classroom door and screams and swears in Kana Hanazawa's voice.
Even Hanazawa herself has spoken about how out of her usual forte this role was, & how much it pushed her as a performer.
This scene always gives me chills 🙏
Pains me that Shinobu Mail arc is so underappreciated, esp if by "Kiss-shot" fans..
This is where Shinobu is forced to confront her past & has real growth.
Hearing Kanbaru's pain & regrets born from her situation with Senjou is so moving too.
One of my fav convos in the series