Senki Zesshou Symphogear AXZ

Like many other people, I thought thatSenki Zesshō Symphogear GX was just okay, so I had no real expectations, when jumping into the fourth season! But, lo-and-behold, I found that AXZ is the epitome of what every Symphogear series should be! It was so satisfying from beginning to end, and even when the series was already over, I was still cheering, "Oh my god! Symphogear is so cool!" So, yes, AXZ temporarily transformed me into an excitable, little child! ⚠️ This review will have spoilers ⚠️ —Story/Characters This season starts out strong, when yet again, Chris comes vis-à-vis with her personal demons. There's a strong scene when sheaccidentally shoots a little Brazilian boy, named Stephan; and she gets blamed for his injury, and this really wounds her because of the association that their families had. Chris is forced to grapple with her childhood, once more, and comes to terms with what it means to be a savior of mankind. It's heartbreaking to see Chris relive memories of her parents' deaths; one of her strongest character moments in the entire franchise! The amount of character development density increases, when Elfnein enters Maria's memories (in the same fashion as the movie, "The Cell") in Episode 5: Risking Your Life in a Fictional Theater. In a span of two episodes, Maria is forced to contend directly with her inner-struggles and childhood abuse. There are even some weird implications that she may have harbored romantic feelings for John Wayne Vercingetorix? And if that is the case, Maria was possibly the victim of child grooming and Stockholm syndrome? Either way, in the very end, Maria is able to properly face her fears and uncertainties, to come to a greater understanding of herself and an appreciation of her friends. Not to mention that later in the series, Kirika has to fight away from Shirabe, and has a panic attack from separation anxiety. They are forced to face their own separate trials, as Shirabe is also reunited with her estranged grandfather! Hibiki is also brought head-to-head with her uncertainty and self-doubt in the final battle, and is revealed to be the ultimate badass. This season is just chalk-full of beautiful and touching characters moments, each of the alchemical triad even has a small emotional arc. A very exceptional arc, in the character writing department! The plot also comes together like clockwork, each cog in the machine renders itself useful to the grand finale, which quite frankly, blew my socks off! It was just so grandiose, phantasmagoric, and well-choreographed. Each sequence had an incredible pay-off, and Hibiki's birthday party and her intimate moment on the balcony with Miku, was so eloquent, because her fight against the Bavarian Illuminati was the bravest she had ever been, in the face of adversity! The last episodes felt so rewarding and harmonious! Bonus: This season was extra exciting, for me personally. Because I'm naturally a speculative thinker, I've researched almost every conspiracy theory out there, so finding the correlations between the folklore about the actual Bavarian Illuminati and the representation of them in the anime was great fun! Here's a compilation of similarities: * The leader of the Bavarian Illuminati in the anime is the actual founder of the secret society, in real life. Adam Weishaupt is credited for creating the underground freemason group, the Bavarian Illuminati, in 1748. In the anime, Weishaupt is portrayed as being a fedora-wearing, pedophilic, nudist. * Pedophilia scandels with the Illuminati: In the AXZ anime, Adam is shown to be rather intimate with Tiki, the doll-girl with the child-like body. * Child sacrifice: Adam sacrifices Tiki, to transform himself into a giant Baphomet-like demon, an actual monument in the Church of Satan. And is said to have a correlation to the Bavarian Illuminati. * Trangender characters: There are many theories that men have been disguising themselves as women, and vis-versa, for centuries. There have even been conspiracy theories about people employing the use of alchemy to change genders or to use full-on shapeshifting, so it's interesting that they chose to make the Illuminati characters androgynous. * Saint-Germain, Alessandro Cagliostro, and François Prelati were all real, historical figures; that were said to have dipped their fingers in magic and alchemy. —Technical Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅ Katsumi Ono (director), notable works: * Beast Saga * Girly Air Force ✅ * Hataraki Man * Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle — Rhyme Anima * Isekai Izakaya: Koto Aitheria no Izakaya Nobu * Master Mosquiton '99 * Yū☆Gi☆Ō! 5D's * Yū☆Gi☆Ō! Arc-V Commentary: Haven't watched many of Mr. Ono's discography, but his choreography in the Symphogear series is awe-inspiring! After the first season, I was unsure of whether I could get attached to any of the characters, but the later seasons are a Herculean fusion of some of the coolest action scenes in "Dragon Ball Z" with sweet, saccharine shōjo-ai! I play the mobile game for "Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle," so now, I'm super stoked to try out the anime adaptation! Brilliant director! Aoi Yūki as Hibiki Tachibana, notable roles: * Tōru Ichii, A-Channel * Nyx Megami, Accel World: Infinite∞Burst ✅ * Yoshiko Hanabatake, Aho Girl ✅ * Riko Mikogami, Anyamai Tantei Kiruminzū * Tsugumi Aozora, Asobi Asobase ✅ * Hana Oshiroi, Ben-To * Varel Jin, Blade & Soul * Kayo Hinazuki, Boku dake ga Inai Machi ("Erased") ✅ * Tsuyu Asui, Boku no Hero Academia ✅ * Akiho Kōsaka, Boku no Kanojo ga Majimesugiru Sho-bitch na Ken ("My Girlfriend is Shobitch") * Boogiepop and Tōka Miyashita, Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) ✅ * Mina Tepes, Dance in the Vampire Bund * Arisa, Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyōsōkyoku ✅ * Couvert Eschenbach Pastillage, Dog Days * Tamaki Kotatsu, Enen no Shōbōtai ("Fire Force") * Victorique de Blois, Gosick ✅ * Mihoshi, Gundam Build Fighters ✅ * Mayoi Ayasato, Gyakuten Saiban: Sono "Shinjitsu", Igi Ari! ("Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney") * John, Hakumei no Tsubasa * Konju, Kakumai to Mikochi ✅ * Nodoka Hanadera, Healin' Good PreCure ✅ * Jūbei Yagyū, Hyakka Ryōran: Samurai After * Korone, Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaō * Alice Blanche, Ikoku Meiro no Croisée ✅ * Serika Ginyūin, Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara ("If Her Flag Breaks") * Kiriya Ubuyashiki, Kimetsu no Yaiba ✅ * Kino, Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World * Tomo Kunagisa, Kubikiri Cycle: Aoiro Savant to Zaregototsukai ("Zaregoto Series") ✅ * Murasaki Kuhōin, Kure-nai * Giselle Collette, Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam ("Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing") ✅ * Madoka Kaname, Mahō Shōjo Madoka★Magica ✅ * Diane, Nanatsu no Taizai ✅ * Tatsumaki, One Punch Man ✅ * Clementine, Overlord ✅ * Krul Tepes, Owari no Seraph ✅ * Aika Nakamura, Persona 4 the Animation * Futaba Sakura, Persona 5 the Animation * Iris, Pokémon ✅ * Maihime Tenkawa, Qualidea Code * Mélie, Radiant * Kasumi Midō Barnett, Ragnastrike Angels * Fremy Speeddraw, Rokka no Yūsha ✅ * Shizuno Takakamo, Saki Achiga-hen: Episode of Side-A ✅ * Shizuno Urushibara, Seiken Tsukai no World Break * Sunako Kirishiki, Shiki * Noël Kannagi, So Ra No Wo To * Toshiko Tatsuno, Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru ("And Yet The Town Moves") ✅ * Meme Tatane, Soul Eater NOT! * Tika Blunche, Star Ocean: Anamnesis * Kayo Fujikawa, Stella no Mahō * Yūki Konno, Sword Art Online ✅ * Rino Tanaka, Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge ("Tanaka-kun is Always Listless") ✅ * Claire Cruz, Toaru Hikūshi e no Koiuta ("The Pilot's Love Song") * Yōmu Konpaku, 東方 Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅ * Komachi Hikigaya, Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. ("My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU") ✅ * Loup, Yakimochi Caprice * Noa Takigawa, Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo ("Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches") * Tanya Degurechaff, Yōjo Senki ✅ * Inaho Misora, Yōkai Watch * Ichigo Amano, Yumeiro Pâtissière * Mitsuko Yurizono, Yuri Kuma Arashi ✅ * Yutori Tanaka, Yutori-chan Commentary: Ms. Yūki has become a strong amount of magnetism in the industry, even invoking a memorable presence in mobile games like Fate/Grand Order ("Shuten-Dōji") and Azur Lane ("Taiho")! I think that Ms. Yūki strong personality translates well in the case of Hibiki Tachibana, a cute girl that is strong-spirited and has a cosmic punch, that is practically unrivaled! Hibiki reminded me of my best girl in Girls und Panzer ("Miho Nishizumi") and for the most part, tries to her best to keep the peace. Aoi Yūki did a wonderful job at making her cute, charming, relatable, and a fighter! Excellent seiyū! Nana Mizuki as Tsubasa Kazanari, notable roles: * Nanase Kotobuki, "Bungaku Shōjo" * Allison Whittington and Lillianne Aicasia Corazón Whittington-Schultz, Allison to Lillia * Akiko, Aoi Bungaku Series * Oboro Iga, Basilisk * Kururu, Binzume Yōsei * Saya Kisaragi, Blood-C * Angelise Ikaruga Misurugi, Cross Ange: Tenshi to Ryū no Rondo * Misaki Kirihara, Darker Than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha * Nanami Takatsuki and Ricotta Elmar, Dog Days * Hannah, Dragon's Dogma * Sieglinde Baumgarde, Dragonaut: The Resonance * Cisqua, Erementar Gerad * Wrath, Fullmetal Alchemist ✅ * Bi Fei, Gin no Guardian * Lydia Carlton, Hakushaku to Yōsei * Tsubomi Hanasaki, HeartCatch! PreCure! ✅ * Yu Minamoto, Ichigo 100% * Kotoko Aihara, Itazura na Kiss * Tsugumi Shibata, Jigoku Shōjo ("Hell Girl") ✅ * Sora Yamato, Jikū Tantei Genshi-kun * Tiz, Jū Ō Sei * Yin Fu, Ken En Ken: Aoki Kagayaki * Roya, Kiba * Yuno Rukina, Kiss Dum: Engage Planet * Alois Trancy, Kuroshitsuji II ✅ * Janice Quatlane, Layton Kyōju to Eien no Utahime ("Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva") * Nyamo Naamo, Love Hina * Sayaka Mizushiro, Magical Canan ("Magical Kanan") * Fate and Alicia Testarossa, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅ * Hotaru Shirakawa, Memories Off * Mizuki Hibara, Mokke * Magaret Liones, Nanatsu no Taizai ✅ * Hinata Hyūga, Naruto ✅ * Kaho Serizawa, Natsu-iro no Sunadokei ("Hourglass of Summer") ✅ * Shinobu, Ninin ga Shinobuden ✅ * Ann Takamaki, Persona 5 ✅ * Rue Kuroha, Princess Tutu ✅ * Yufa, Ragnarök the Animation * Rin Ogata, RideBack ✅ * Moka Akashiya, Rosario to Vampire * Pandora, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas ✅ * Mave, Sentō Yōsei Shōjo Tasukete! Mave-chan * Nana Suzuki, Shichinin no Nana * Kanon Seena, Shining Tears X Wind * Utau Hoshina, Shugo Chara! * Morinas, Simōn * Aria, Sister Princess * Suzu Edogawa, Tactics * Colette Brunel, Tales of Symphonia the Animation ✅ * Sylvette Suede, Tegamibachi ✅ * Neju Na Melmas, Tenchi Muyō! GXP * Chizuru, Tokyo Marble Chocolate * Sunao Konoe, Tsuyokiss * Matsuki Akino, Wakaokami wa Shougakusei! ✅ * Maria, Witchblade * Rina Ogata, White Album ✅ Commentary: Nana Mizuki is another very famous voice actress, having had lead roles in Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ("Fate Testarossa") and HeartCatch! PreCure ("Tsubomi Hanasaki")! Ms. Mizuki conveys the anguished, yet distinguished nature of Tsubasa's character in a very charming and likable way! Over the span of the series, we deeply sympathize with her feelings of grief over her dead girlfriend, Kanade; as well as the struggle that she has, when pitted against the corrupt system that her wealthy family has implemented. Great character, great seiyū! Ayahi Takagaki as Chris Yukine, notable roles: * Kuro, Ao no Exorcist * Kotoha, Arata: The Legend * Suiren, Battle Spirits: Shōnen Toppa Bashin * Daina Kurogami, Beyblade Burst * Roana Dan, Blade & Soul * Nene, Canaan ✅ * Takuto Tatsunagi, Cardfight!! Vanguard * Nina Antalk, Chrome Shelled Regios * Otome Asakura, Da Capo * Jasmine, Deltora Quest * Ferris Eris, Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu ("The Legend of the Legendary Heroes") * Erika Karisawa, Durarara!! ✅ * Arrester Blanket, Fight Ippatsu! Jūden-chan!! * Shungo Ninomiya, Goshūshō-sama Ninomiya-kun * Manny Ambassada, Gundam: G no Reconguista ✅ * Hamiji, Hakkenden: Tōhō Hakken Ibun * Hiiragi, Hanamaru Yōchien ("Hanamaru Kindergarten") ✅ * Jade, Hōseki no Kuni ✅ * Larimer, Jewelpet Magical Change * Aoi Shindō, Koitabi: True Tours Nanto * Tsubasa Kawai, Kyō no Go no Ni * Henrietta, Log Horizon ✅ * Mitsuba Marui, Mitsudomoe * Feldt Grace, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00 * Saki Mizukoshi, Natsu-iro Kiseki * Mikoto Kuga, Norn 9 * Ein, Phantom: Requiem for a Phantom ✅ * Tobio Fūma, Sanjōgattai Transformers Go! * Sumika Murasame, Sasameki Koto ✅ * Ami Kuroki, Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin ("Occult Academy") * Mikako Satsukitane, Sora no Otoshimono * Megumi Yamamoto, Special A * Rika Shinozaki, Sword Art Online ✅ * Wakana Sakai, Tari Tari ✅ * Noe Isurugi, True Tears ✅ * Kira, Vampire Holmes Commentary: Although, she hasn't had as many roles as many of the other voice actresses on this list, Ms. Takagaki does a damned good job at making Chris immensely likable! I don't think I've ever met one person who has remotely disliked her character! While being a hardcore tsundere, she's also very caring, kind, and empathetic; despite, her backstory and immense trauma during her stead as a villainess, in the first season! In my opinion, Chris is one of the best examples of a reformed adversary, and she kicks a lot of butt, too! Wonderful character and a phenomenal job overall, on the part of the seiyū and the writing team! Yuka Iguchi as Miku Kohinata, notable roles: * Arisa Hoshigaoka, Arata naru Sekai: World's/Start/Load/End ("World's End") * Maria Takayama, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai ("Haganai: I don't have many friends") * Mako Nakarai, Bokura no ✅ * Honoka Sawada, Chibi☆Devi! * Yashiro Hoshimiya, Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko ("Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl") ✅ * Shima, Devidol! * Sherry and Chelia Blendy, Fairy Tail * Tamaki Irie, Ginga Kikōtai Majestic Prince * Mako Reizei, Girls und Panzer ✅ * Suwako Moriya, Hifū Katsudō Kiroku: The Sealed Esoteric History ✅ * Myne, Honzuki no Gekokujō: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan wo Erandeiraremasen ("Ascendance of a Bookworm") * Naeka Fujiwara, Kamen no Maid Guy * Kaga, Tenryū, Tatsuta, Tone, and Chikuma — Kantai Collection ("KanColle") ✅ * Shizume Seo, Kara no Kyōkai ✅ * Natsuko Ishikura, Koitabi: True Tours Nanto * Luea, Lady Jewelpet * Chinatsu Morikawa, Lostorage Incited WIXOSS * Rinna Fuwa, Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to the Animation * Subaru Konoe, Mayo Chiki! * Tsukihi Araragi, Monogatari (series) ✅ * Kaede Mizumo, Nyan Koi! * Mitsuba Sangū, Owari no Seraph * Crusch Karsten, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu ✅ * Maho Misawa, Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅ * Yū Sonda, Sakura Trick * Hibari, Senran Kagura ✅ * Astarte, Strike the Blood * Norie Okazaki, Tamayura * Yuzuha Aigae, Tenshi no 3P! ✅ * Mea Kurosaki, To LOVEる ✅ * Librorum Prohibitorum Index, Toaru Majutsu no Index ("A Certain Magical Index") ✅ * Aiko Andō, True Tears * Mirei Shikishima, Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid * Aoi Yukimura, Yama no Susume ✅ Commentary: Despite everyone's dislike for Index's voice in "Toaru Majutsu no Index," I am a fan of Ms. Iguchi's discography! Her role as Miku Kohinata is doting and maternal, and it reminded me of her roles as Tsukihi Araragi in the "Monogatari" series! She has a very charming, earthly aura when she plays certain characters — when they're not ecstatic, they're often very practical like Crusch Karsten from "Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu"! Magnificent job in making Miku stand out, even though she starts out as a side character! Superb seiyū! Yoko Hikasa as Maria Cadenzavna Eve, notable roles: * Hana Suguruno, 7 Seeds * Hibiki Tenshō, Aikatsu Friends!: Kagayaki no Jewel * Nanako Saeki, Aku no Hana ✅ * Tio Clarce, Arifureta Shokugyō de Sekai Saikyō ("Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest") * Tomoe Udagawa, BanG Dream ✅ * Farnese de Vandimion, Berserk ✅ * Fighter, Bikini Warriors * Erica Blandelli, Campione!: Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maō ✅ * Kiyono Amahara, Chu-Bra!! * Ayano Kōsaka, Code Geass: Akito the Exiled ✅ * Sakura Sakurakōji, Code:Breaker * Kyōko Kirigiri, Danganronpa ✅ * Sakie Satō, Demi-chan wa Kataritai ("Interviews With Monster Girls") ✅ * Brioche d'Arquien, Dog Days * Hina Tachibana, Domestic no Kanojo * Freya, Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka ("Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?") ✅ * Ao Gennai, Frame Arms Girl * Kei Kugimiya, Ginga Kikōtai Majestic Prince * Aya Akabane, Gokujo * Miu Osawa, Hagure Yūsha no Aesthetica * Kurumi, Hal * Emi Yusa, Hataraku Maō-sama! ("The Devil is a Part-Timer!") ✅ * Rias Gremory, High School DxD * Junko Hattori, Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaō * Inōnoshishi ("Warrior of the Boar"), Jūni Taisen ("Zodiac War") ✅ * Mio Akiyama, K-On! ✅ * Kyōko Sonan, Kenzen Robo Daimidaler ✅ * Seraphim, Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? ✅ * Diana Cavendish, Little Witch Academia ✅ * Saki Takamiya, Long Riders! * Emiru Hazaki, M3: Sono Kuroki Hagane ("M3: Mortal Metal Memories") * Sanae Mokuō ("Ruler"), Mahō Shōjo Ikusei Keikaku ("Magical Girl Raising Project") ✅ * Iris, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha: Reflection ✅ * Angelina Kudō Shields, Mahōka Kōkō no Rettōsei ✅ * Anne, Manaria Friends ✅ * Folna, Merc Storia: Mukiryoku no Shōnen to Bin no Naka no Shōjo * Yua Nakabeni, Miru Tights * Lafter Frankland, Kidō Senshi Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans ✅ * Lucifer, Monster Strike * Minami Kawashima, Moshidora * Kō Yagami, New Game! ✅ * Stephanie Dola, No Game No Life ✅ * Jeanne Kaguya d'Arc, Nobunaga the Fool ✅ * Ruri Fujika, Piace: Watashi no Italian * Saitō, Pokémon (2019) ✅ * Seiten, Queen's Blade: Grimoire ✅ * Saki Nagatsuki, Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅ * Nashetania Loei Piena Augustra, Rokka no Yūsha ✅ * Maya Kumashiro, Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin ("Occult Academy") * Hana Katsuragi, Seikon no Qwaser * Shino Amakusa, Seitokai Yakuindomo * Mitsuhide Akechi, Sengoku Collection ✅ * Maria Cadenzavna Eve, Senki Zesshō Symphogear ✅ * Ryōbi, Senran Kagura * Mammon, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ("Seven Mortal Sins") ✅ * Hiyori Kazane, Sora no Otoshimon ("Heaven's Lost Property") ✅ * Pitohui, Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online * Mira Yamana, Trinity Seven * Satan, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅ * Izumi Takanashi, Working!! ✅ * Sayuri Muranushi, WWW.Working!! * Kaede Saitō, Yama no Susume ✅ Commentary: Ms. Hikasa is very good at creating a duality of good and evil in Maria Cadenzavna Eve. In the past, I have described Yoko Hikasa as a type of sexy, temptress archetype! She has often voiced demons, very evil characters (Nashetania Loei Piena Augustra in "Rokka no Yūsha" and Nanako Saeki in "Aku no Hana" are a couple of examples), and even representations of Satan herself! Maria starts out very much an anti-hero, she has a Spawn cloak, and an undying loyalty for her controllers; but, despite this, deep down... Maria is very caring, and the protectiveness that she feels for Kirika and Shirabe, eventually extends to her other friends, as well! Even in later seasons, Ms. Hikasa is alarmingly good at conveying Maria's fight between her newfound morality and her brainwashed upbringing! Great character, wonderful seiyū! Ai Kayano as Kirika Akatsuki, notable roles: * Akari Kawamoto, 3-Gatsu no Lion ✅ * Futaba Ōki, Amanchu! ✅ * Mikono Suzushiro, Aquarion Evol * Anya Dostoyevskaya, Aria the Avvenire * Kaga and Atago, Azur Lane * Hana Mutō, Captain Earth * Kanade Ōe, Chihayafuru ✅ * Ponoka, Choboraunyopomi Gekijō Ai Mai Mii ✅ * Anna Clément, Code Geass: Akito the Exiled ✅ * Mikan Tsumiki, Danganronpa 3 * Maihime Shirayuki, Dokyū Hentai HxEros * Mimi, Flip Flappers ✅ * Megumi Sakura, Gakkōgurashi! ("School Live") ✅ * Saori Takebe, Girls und Panzer ✅ * Moka Hoto, Gochūmon wa Usagi Desu ka? ("Is the Order a Rabbit?") ✅ * Nana Hayashida, Golden Time ✅ * Inori Yuzuriha, Guilty Crown ✅ * Yuyuko Saigyōji, Hifū Katsudō Kiroku: The Sealed Esoteric History ✅ * Diamond, Hōseki no Kuni ✅ * Mayaka Ibara, Hyōka ✅ * Emi Kaidō, Infinti-T Force ✅ * Aoi Sakurada, Jōkamachi no Dandelion ✅ * Hibino Shiba, Kamisama Dolls ✅ * Akane Mahōgasawa, Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara ("If Her Flag Breaks") * Kanae Kochō, Kimetsu no Yaiba ✅ * Juliet Persia, Kishuku Gakkō no Juliet ✅ * Lalatina Dustiness Ford, Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! ("God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!") * Millia il Velch Cutrettola Turan, Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam ✅ * Mogana Kikaijima, Medaka Box ✅ * Zenna Zabi, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin ✅ * Chisaki Hiradaira, Nagi no Asu kara ✅ * Shiro, No Game No Life ✅ * Ai Fuyūmi, Ore no Kanojo to Osananajimi ga Shuraba Sugiru ("Oreshura") ✅ * Erika, Pokémon Masters ✅ * Chizuru Hishiro, ReLIFE * Muginami, Rinne no Lagrange * Akane Kajiya, Romantica Clock * Utaha Kasumigaoka, Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata ("How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend") ✅ * Kokomi Teruhashi, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan ✅ * Mashiro Shiina, Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo ✅ * Leila, Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana wo Kazarō ("Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms") ✅ * Hitoe Uemura, Selector Infected WIXOSS * Kirika Akatsuki, Senki Zesshō Symphogear ✅ * Yomi, Senran Kagura ✅ * Ruki, Senryū. * Lucy Yagami, Servant x Service * Meili Zhou, Shin Chūka Ichiban! * Rinko Ogasawara, Shirobako ✅ * Ryōko Sakaki, Shokugeki no Sōma ✅ * Haru Estia, Soul Worker: Your Destiny Awaits * Karila Hatsuse, Stella Jogakuin Kōtō-ka C³-bu * Mei Tachibana, Sukitte Ii na yo. ("Say I Love You") * Mako Saitō, Super Seishūn Brothers * Alice Zuberg, Sword Art Online ✅ * Alisha Diphda, Tales of Zestiria ✅ * Kanae Mitani, Tamayura * Yuyuko Saigyōji, 東方 Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅ * Mamako Ōsuki, Tsūjō Kōgeki ga Zentai Kōgeki de Ni-kai Kōgeki no Okaasan wa Suki Desu ka? ("Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?") ✅ * Sumire Kisaragi, Twin Angel Break * Kasumi Takamiya, Witch Craft Works * Anna, Yakusoku no Neverland ("The Promised Neverland") ✅ Commentary: Ai Kayano is known for having a sugary sweet voice and that translates well into Kirika's character. She's straight-forward and typically the most unassuming girl out of the group. She's simplistic and often even hard-headed, but she always means well, and she will risk her life for her partner, Shirabe! Ms. Kayano did an excellent job with this character, S-tier performance! Toshino Nanjō as Shirabe Tsukuyomi, notable roles: * Sonia, Berserk ✅ * Naoto Miura, Clockwork Planet * Koko Tsukishima, Da Capo * Gankyō Kūrubiyūtei, Joshiraku * Eri Ayase, Love Live! ✅ * Matsuri Sengen, Mahō Shōjo Taisen * Robu, Neko no Robu * Panpaka, Panpaka Pants Movie: Bananan Ōkoku no Hihō * Nene Kurio, Penguin Musume♥Heart * Akiho Senomiya, Robotics;Notes * Lise Hohenstein, Schwarzesmarken ✅ Commentary: Ms. Nanjō has less speaking roles with the archetypically kūdere, Shirabe, but when she does has a time to shine—she's sweet, smart, and insightful! Very good casting choice, Toshino Nanjō needs more roles! Shin'ichirō Miki as Adam Weishaupt, notable roles: * Kuhn, .hack (series) * Crim, .hack//SIGN * Kai Shimada, 3-gatsu no Lion ("March Comes in Like a Lion") ✅ * Limone, Ai Tenshi Densetsu Wedding Peach * Ryō Shinnai, Anime de Wakaru Shin'ryōnaika * Takuya Isurugi, Aozora Shōjo-tai * Gō Mutsugi, Area 88 (TV) * Shiso Mikagi, Ayashi no Ceres ✅ * Ryōma Sakamoto, Bakumatsu * Bruce Wayne, Batman: Gotham Knight ✅ * Creed Diskenth, Black Cat * Kisuke Urahara, Bleach ✅ * Ren Narita, Breakers * André Gide, Bungō Stray Dogs ✅ * Genzō Wakabayashi, Captain Tsubasa * Kei'ichirō Aoyama, Chikyū Bōei Kigyō Dai-Guard ✅ * Shu, Crystal Blaze * Yō'ichi Hiruma, Eyeshield 21 ✅ * Leonidas I ("Lancer"), Fate/Grand Order ✅ * Koujirō Sasaki ("Assassin"), Fate/stay night ✅ * Kurz Weber, Full Metal Panic! * Roy Mustang, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ✅ * Toshihiko Sanada, Ganbarist! Shun * Koji Suzuki, Generator Gawl * Yō'ichi Taba, Geobreeders 2 * Walter von Schönkopf, Ginga Eiyū Densetsu: Die Neue These ("Legend of the Galactic Heroes: A New Thesis") ✅ * Ginatarō, Gingitsune * Tatsuma Sakamoto, Gintama ✅ * Niari, Gokudō-kun Manyūki * Toshizō Hijikata, Hakuōki ✅ * Hareluya Hibino, Hareluya II Boy * Minamoto no Yorihisa, Harukanaru Toki no Naka de * Minamoto no Yoritada, Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 2 * Masaomi Arikawa, Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 3 * Baroqueheat Anadis, Hatenkō Yūgi * Shun Aurora, Heat Guy J * Alex Cunningham, IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix (2005) * Takumi Fujiwara, Initial D * Yukifumi Tōdō, Kaikan Phrase * Sieg, Kamen Rider * Shinō, Kyō kara Maō! * Shachō, Kyōryū Bōkenki Jura Tripper * Larva, Kyūketsuhime Miyu ("Vampire Princess Miyu TV") ✅ * Mullin Shetland, Last Exile ✅ * Shintaro Umakai, Lime-iro Senkitan * Ryūsuke Yamino, Matantei Loki Ragnarok * Lockon Stratos, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00 * Kaiki Deishū, Monogatari (series) ✅ * Kojirō ("James"), Pokémon ✅ * Hayato Shingu, Project ARMS * Zarik Kajiwara, Rakuen Tsuihō ("Expelled from Paradise") ✅ * Taro Maedasaki, Reideen * Shion Aries, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas ✅ * Kyuzo, Samurai 7 * Shannon Casull, Scrapped Princess * Yūsuke Ono, Seiyō Kottō Yōgashiten: Antique * Uguisutani Yukinojyo, Sotsugyō M: Ore-tachi no Carnival * Reiott Steinberg, Strait Jacket * Shin'ichirō Minato, Suki na Mono wa Suki Dakara Shō ga Nai!! ("Sukisyo, I like what I like, so there!") * Ryūsei Date, Super Robot Taisen OG * Bob Makihara, Tenjō Tenge ✅ * Allen Schezar, Tenkū no Escaflowne ✅ * Exon, The Reflection * Alastor, Beautiful Joe ("Viewtiful Joe") * Akira Yuki, Virtua Fighter * Serge Train, Virus: Virus Buster Serge * Yōji Kudō, Weiß Kreuz ✅ * Asato Tsuzuki, Yami no Matsuei ("Descendants of Darkness") ✅ Commentary: It's kind of ironic that Mr. Miki has had a lot of hentai and (or) yaoi roles, because Symphogear's interpretation of Adam Weishaupt is... well, a nudist, with a penchant for little girls. Great role as a sinister antagonist, though; his role as Adam brings to mind his other malevolent-sounding performances, like Kaiki Deishū ("Monogatari") and Shiso Mikagi ("Ayashi no Ceres"). Very iconic seiyū, wonderful job in AXZ! Minako Kotobuki as Saint-Germain, notable roles: * Yūko Nishi, A-Channel * Mizuki Kanzaki, Aikatsu ✅ * Saya Sōgetsu, Ange Vierge * Natsu Takasaki, Baby Steps * Yolda, Beelzebub ✅ * Rickert, Berserk ✅ * Yako Jingūji, Chu-Bra!! * Vert Far Breton, Dog Days * Rikka Hishikawa, Dokidoki!! PreCure ✅ * Hamaji Ōyama, Fuse: Teppō Musume no Torimonochō * Yuzu Yosano, Go! Go! 575 ✅ * Noredo Nug, Gundam: G no Reconguista ✅ * Rika Dobashi, Hatsukoi Limited. * Asuka Tanaka, Hibike! Euphonium ✅ * Sen Tokugawa, Hyakka Ryōran: Samurai After * Tsumugi Kotobuki, K-On ✅ * Toto, Koi☆Sento * Chifusa Manyū, Manyū Hikenchō * Nekomi Nabeshima, Medaka Box ✅ * Natsumi Aizawa, Natsu-iro Kiseki * Ito Hikiotani, Punch Line * Karina Kyle ("Blue Rose"), Tiger & Bunny ✅ * Waka Mizuki, Time Travel Shōjo: Mari Waka to 8-nin no Kagakusha-tachi * Kanon Miyamori, Umi Monogatari * Tōko Nanami, Yagate Kimi ni Naru ("Bloom into You") * Kaho Sakazaki, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahō Commentary: Ms. Kotobuki has a lovely voice, which somewhat explains why I thought Saint-Germain was such a babe! I really enjoyed her as Mizuki Kanzaki ("Aikatsu"), Rikka Hishikawa ("Dokidoki!! PreCure"), Asuka Tanaka ("Hibike! Euphonium"), Tsumugi Kotobuki ("K-On"), and Karina Kyle ("Tiger & Bunny"). She usually is typecast as the morally ambiguous, "rich girl" kind of character. And, while Saint-Germain starts out being morally ambivalent, she turned out being one of Ms. Kotobuki's most powerful and majestic roles, to date! Magnificent job! Shōta Aoi as Cagliostro, notable roles: * Gaito Kurōzu, Future Card Buddyfight Battsu * Takayuki Konparu, Kenka Banchō Otome: Girl Beats Boys * Louis Kisaragi, King of Prism ✅ * Ayumu Tamari, Kono Danshi, Sekika ni Nayandemasu. * Gyōjin, Kyō mo Tsuno ga Aru * Monet Tsukushi, Magic-Kyun! Renaissance ✅ * Geordo Stuart, Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijō ni Tensei shiteshimatta... ("My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!") * Licht von Grannzreich, Ōshitsu Kyōshi Heine ("The Royal Tutor") ✅ * Springfield, Senjūshi * Daiki Tomii, Shōnen Hollywood: Holly Stage for 49 * Rui Minazuki, Tsukiuta * Ai Mikaze, Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ * Sai, Yume Ōkoku to Nemureru 100-nin no Ōji-sama: Short Stories Commentary: Mr. Aoi is one of the newer talents in the industry, he had his official debut in 2014, after an extensive singing and musical theater career. He has primarily been cast as bishōnen characters, though his role as Cagliostro is a flirtatious, transgendered female. Cagliostro states that he was originally male, but preferred living in a female body, so he transmuted it to have lady parts, with the power of magic. A compelling villain, great work! Rina Hidaka as Prelati, notable roles: * Kanade Chidori, 6HP (Six Hearts Princess) * Yuniko Kōzuki ("Red King"), Accel World ✅ * Airi, Alice or Alice ✅ * Rinon, Ano Natsu de Matteru ("Waiting in the Summer") * I-400, Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova ✅ * Enju Aihara, Black Bullet ✅ * Waraba Hanasaka, Busō Shōjo Machiavellianism * Akari Yomatsuri, Captain Earth * Ringo Ōhoshi, Chōjin Kōkōsei-tachi wa Isekai demo Yoyū de Ikinuku you desu! ("CHOYOYU!: High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World!") * Wiene, Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darō ka ("Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?") * Hozuki Ferrari, Galilei Donna * Bethor, Hangyakusei Million Arthur * Ririchiyo Shirakiin, Inu x Boku SS ✅ * Sakuran, Jewelpet Happiness * Iris Freyja, Jūō Mujin no Fafnir ("Unlimited Fafnir") * Mutsuki and Kisaragi, Kantai Collection ("KanColle") ✅ * Yuika Koga, Kawaikereba Hentai demo Suki ni Natte Kuremasu ka? ("Hensuki: Are you willing to fall in love with a pervert, as long as she's a cutie?") * Anne Shirley, Konnichiwa Anne: Before Green Gables * Mei Sagara, Kono Naka ni Hitori, Imōto ga Iru! ("My Little Sister Is Among Them!") * Mimina Ōsawa, Ladies versus Butlers! * Artemisia Genevieve de Mazière, Mahōtsukai Nara Miso wo Kue! ("If You're a Wizard, Eat Miso!") * Ako Tamaki, Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? ("And you thought there is never a girl online?") ✅ * Mimi, Princess Connect! Re: Dive ✅ * Sumire, Rilu Rilu Fairilu: Yōsei no Door * Airi Kashii, Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅ * Yukina Kosaka, Rolling☆Girls * Ai Hinatsuru, Ryūō no Oshigoto! ✅ * Tamamo-no-Mae, Sasami-san@Ganbaranai ✅ * Satoka Sumihara, Schoolgirl Strikers: Animation Channel * Yoshino Hide, Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox * Logia, Show By Rock!! ✅ * Mizuno Yō, Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto ✅ * Nagisa Akatsuki, Strike the Blood * Keiko Ayano, Sword Art Online ✅ * Anko Kitashirakawa, Tamako Market ✅ * Filo, Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari ✅ * Milim Nava, Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken ("That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime") * Kurumi Nukui, Tenshi no 3P! ✅ * Kaede Kaburagi, Tiger & Bunny ✅ * Nemesis, To LOVEる ✅ * Last Order, Toaru Majutsu no Index ✅ * Mai Vlad Transylvania, Vlad Love * Kohane Tsuyuri, xxxHOLIC Commentary: Ms. Hidaka has a really sweet, cute voice; and is typically cast in the role of the imōto ("little sister") character. My favorite roles from her, have been Ririchiyo Shirakiin ("Inu x Boku SS"), Airi Kashii ("Rō-Kyū-Bu!"), Tamamo-no-Mae ("Sasami-san@Ganbaranai"), Logia ("Show By Rock!!"), Keiko Ayano ("Sword Art Online"), Anko Kitashirakawa ("Tamako Market"), and Kurumi Nukui ("Tenshi no 3P!"). As Prelati, she's a deadly alchemist with a kūdere streak, but despite this, Ms. Hidaka's performance still makes you want to give her a hug! Great seiyū! Hina Kino as Tiki, notable roles: * Hanako Hondo, Asobi Asobase ✅ * Funicia Raffaeli, Kanata no Astra ✅ * Ranka Ōkami, Murenase! Seton Gakuen ✅ * Fuwa, Star☆Twinkle PreCure ✅ * Kaede Kurushima, Steins;Gate 0 ✅ * Linel Synthesis Twenty-Eight, Sword Art Online ✅ * Sayaka Itomi, Toji no Miko ✅ Commentary: Ms. Kino needs more roles! It's very rare that I love absolutely every performance that I've seen from a voice actress, but here we are! Tiki is a malevolent Autoscorer, created by the Illuminati, she is what I would call "hilariously evil," especially in the scene where she's shrieking and grabbing Adam's leg, he kicks her after tripping, and then Hibiki kicks his butt! Ms. Kino is really talented at comedy roles, I can't even say how many times she made me laugh out loud, while watching Asobi Asobase! Amazing seiyū; give her more work, please! Man, this show packed such a punch! As a creator myself, I still find it incredible how the script came full circle: going through cycles of grief, harrowing tragedies, and then to triumvirate scenes of karmic retribution and the girls all being able to overcome their set of diverse circumstances, to kick some major booty! I truly love this season—Symphogear G solidified my status as a fan, while AXZ made it one of my favorite series of all time! Senki Zesshō Symphogear AXZ (Season Four) gets a 9/10 and an imaginary must-watch label stamped on its BD cover! Rankings: Senki Zesshō Symphogear (Season One) ★★☆☆☆ Senki Zesshō Symphogear G (Season Two) ★★★★☆ Senki Zesshō Symphogear GX (Season Three) ★★★☆☆ Senki Zesshō Symphogear AXZ (Season Four) ★★★★★ Senki Zesshō Symphogear XV (Season Five) ★★★☆☆

Synopsis: Fourth series of Senki Zesshou Symphogear. (seriously MAL you couldn't find something else to put in here :D) Well basically there is a new threat to mankind and the girls are facing a new challenge with how to deal with this new enemy. Conflict, friendship, and explosions the perfect Symphogear formula Story (7/10): One line from episode 2 will summarize the whole thing "fist 1 reason 0" :D If you have watched the previous Symphogear seasons (and you probably did or else you wouldn't be watching the 4th one) you will see that this season offers you more of the same. Like i said in the Synopsis this seasonwill present a new challenge to the girls that they must overcome to protect mankind once again so fans of the series will be pleased to have their favorite formula. Again the process of the story is exactly the same as the previous seasons and i mean exactly the same. The way the enemy is introduced the ups and downs of the plot everything except a little difference in the conclusion is the same (which might be a little bothersome) Characters (8/10): I think the characters are one of the key factors to how you will enjoy this anime as their stories and histories and relationships move the plot forward. Some of the girls will face their pasts once again and in the process will learn to move beyond some hurdles that were hampering their progress Friendship and relationships (connection in general) always have a high priority in Symphogear as ususal The villains characters are similar to the previous seasons which will make them kind of predictable and lessen the surprise factor Art and Animation (7/10): EXPLOSIONS!! EXPLOSIONS EVERY WHERE they show is full of flashy new explosions, moves, and transformations (This will be the second key factor for enjoying the show). You will never get bored watching this aside from the action sequences the show look average on every aspect whither it's characters environment or movements but it's the same design as the previous season so points for constancy Music & VA (8/10): This is the 3rd key factor for show enjoyment. Symphogear = Songs which means you will be hearing alot fo them both old ones and new ones. As with the previous season struggles and pain will show up in the voices during the songs which will give you discord but will offer more immersion (i mean what human would take a blast to the face and keep singing normally :D) OP and ED match the show vibe perfectly Effectiveness (8/10): This is Symphogear so if you are watching it you should not be expecting a complex and thought provoking plot, you should be expecting however outrageous action and explosions and lots of music and an emphasis on friendship which the show deliver to the fullest. It is a crazy ride that will keep you entertained the entire time Overall (7.5/10)

Man, Symphogear keeps getting better and better. And here I am writing another review for season 4, can't believe i made it this far and I enjoyed every single episodes of it. I'll start with the pros and cons of this show. The pros : The animation this season is veeery good compared to the the last season and much much more than the first season. The battles are very cool and fluid, they're also much more action packed than the last one. Hell, even the final battle is cool. Also, the transformation scenes are fucking LIT, every time they transform I always get excited af.The characters are also more developed here and very likeable. I've grown from hating Hibiki in season 1 to actually liking her here at season 4. Can't forget about the awesome soundtracks tho, they're the main highlight of this anime. The opening, while not as good as GX, is still a banger this season. The battle songs are also great. The cons : Tbh, The story isn't really interesting for me, it still follows the same pattern as in G. GX provided something different but it doesn't really stick out for me. We got three new villains with the same abilities as the wielders (sounds familiar?), an autoscorer and a dude who wears a suit and fedora, which is actually the real villain (sounds a lot like Dr. Ver right?) also, they're the fucking Illuminati, how crazy is that??. They didn't really explained it that well about their plans and motivation so that one felt flat to me so I'm a bit confused at certain points in the story. The world building is also confusing af. Idk where they got the alca-noises, how the alchemist is somehow in there, Ogawa being a FUCKING NINJA and how Genjuurou gets to fight on par with the wielders, even stronger than them. There's a lot of confusing things, but it'll be too much if I add all of them here. The dialogues can be a bit cheesy at times and i sometimes cringe at it. Overall : I mainly enjoy this anime for the characters, soundtrack and animations. The story might not be that great, but at least it's somewhat enjoyable because of how crazy it is sometimes. Piece of advice, watch it without really thinking about it too much, just have fun. This anime is perfect for you if you enjoy mindless fun. Thanks for reading.

At the end of the day, if you like Symphogear (and considering you're on season 4, you probably do), there will be things in here to like. The music is still good, the action is still well done, the animation is good, and the plot keeps finding ways to raise the stakes. Not to mention the main villain is defeated via Jojo reference, it's a show that knows exactly what it is and tries to deliver on it as best as it can. However, AXZ has no idea what it really wants to be. The story is haphazard a best and nonsensical at worst, the characterarcs are generally retreads (how many times can Tsubasa comment on being an emotionless sword) and while a couple are interesting (Maria and Chris have some legitimately interesting moments in this season), they get resolved so quickly that they barely have time to register as arcs. Seasons 1-3 at least had overarching plot that you could track through the season, but AXZ tries to mix 2 and 3 together and ends up with the weakest aspects of each. It has the lack of vision and chaotic ending G and the underdeveloped side-antagonists of GX with an extra dosage of insanity. There's fun to be had by nature of the series. If you already enjoy it, there will be episodes and moments that are very enjoyable, but the sum is worth less than the total of the parts. Fun action can only carry a poor story so far, and even if I score it low, I still had more fun with it than I did with some shows I ranked similarly.

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