We are barely a week into Anime April and we already have some favorites! Check out what we like so far!

Blog Breakdown

Hey everyone! In Episode 211 of the Comm Talk podcast, Dallas and Celeste officially kicked off “Anime April”. From fluffy romances to absolute fever-dream comedies, here is a breakdown of what they’ve been watching.

The Anime April Lineup So Far

• Always a Catch: If you are looking for a Regency romance that feels like Downton Abbey meets Tomo-chan is a Girl!, this is it. The story follows a tough, tomboyish girl who was the heir to her martial arts family until her father finally had a son. Sporting a literal brass knuckles hairpin, she is sent away to find a husband, which results in a hilariously awkward relationship.
  
• Snowball Earth: This post-apocalyptic show manages to pack an entire anime’s worth of plot into its first 20 minutes. It blends the “real robot” and “magic robot” genres to tell the story of a socially anxious child soldier trying to survive and make friends to honor his sentient mech. Celeste noted it gives off some serious Ender’s Game vibes.
  
• Daemons of the Shadow Realm: Written by the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, this intense series is definitely not your standard cute slice-of-life. It blends old Japan with modern-day elements, and the story is so compelling that it already inspired a recent Geek Devotions episode by Celeste.
  
• Eren the Southpaw: A fascinating story about art, talent, and finding your drive. It starts when a high schooler named Kōichi discovers graffiti on an art museum wall, painted by a left-handed girl named Eren. The two eventually set out on their own paths: Kōichi as a designer and Eren as a painter. As someone who is into the arts and has struggled with the feeling of being “good enough,” Dallas really connected with this one.
  
• The Ramparts of Ice: A high school slice-of-life about a bullied girl who built emotional walls to protect herself. The hosts compared its emotional core to High Score Girl, admitting they are complete suckers for characters who have been hurt and just need someone to love on them.
  
• Rooster Fighter: This one is absolutely ridiculous and, as the hosts heavily warned, not for kids due to its mature humor. It follows a wandering, lone-warrior rooster with a cowboy/Yakuza vibe who is hunting down the demon that ate his sister. Joined by a scorned lover hen, the show channels some heavy JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure energy.

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Fine Arts Festival & Free Curriculum

Dallas and Celeste actually recorded this episode while attending the Fine Arts Festival in West Monroe at the Assembly. The festival is a massive competition where teenagers across the state use their talents—from graphic design to preaching—to glorify Christ.

• Giveaway: If you happen to be at the festival and are the first to tell Dallas and Celeste you listened to the podcast, they will hook you up with free stickers and a free shirt!
  
• Esports: The festival is hosting a Mario Kart tournament as part of a new esports initiative.
  
• Focus Track Curriculum: Geek Devotions brought 20 printed copies of their Mario Kart-based “Focus Track” 6-week youth curriculum. They are available at their booth for whatever you want to give, even if it’s just a handshake.
  
• If you aren’t at the festival, don’t worry. You can download the PDF of the curriculum for free on the Geek Devotions website under the “Free Resources” tab.