STACK #244 February 2025

FEATURE ANIME

THE LATEST

Words Michael Caverzan

SOUND! EUPHONIUM Kumiko longs for a fresh start, but

FRIEREN: BEYOND JOURNEY’S END - PART ONE

DARLING IN THE FRANXX It may throw a

Despite being a recent release, Frieren: Part One has quickly climbed the ranks of fantasy anime and gained renown. It follows

lot at the wall to see what sticks,

is pulled back into band life by her friends.

but Darling in the Franxx is a beautifully

Uncertain about her commitment, she struggles with the group’s goals. Things

animated chaotic blend of mechs, monsters, romance, science

grow more complicated when someone from her past returns, bringing unresolved tensions. As the band’s advisor pushes them forward, Kumiko and her fellow musicians must confront their doubts and mend relationships to achieve success. With breathtaking animation, compelling drama, and outstanding music, this series delivers a deeply resonant and uplifting experience, celebrating perseverance, friendship, and the joy of creating something greater together. Blu-ray | Available Feb 5

the titular heroine as she comes to understand what her extremely long elven lifespan means. Originally part of the group that saved the world from the Demon King, Frieren’s companions have long since faded from the world. As she reflects on her past, Frieren comes to realise just how impactful the brevity of life can be. Make no mistake, this is an emotionally charged series full of tragedy and angst, but it’s also got its fair share of beauty too. Blu-ray | Available Feb 19

fiction, and action-adventure. In a post apocalyptic future, children are created and developed into mecha pilots at the expense of all else so that they may better defend their creators, who are the true remnants of our civilisation. While not wholly original, it does what it does really well, resulting in a bombastic series that is sure to please fans of the genres from which it draws upon. Blu-ray | Available Feb 5

ATTACK ON TITAN SEASONS 1, 2 AND 3

C harging onto the scene in 2013, Attack on Titan instantly took the world by storm. Adapted from the manga of the same name, it’s a brilliantly animated affair that will go down as one of the all time greats. The narrative twists and turns, but never feels confusing, and as the stakes grow higher it never loses sight of what it is that made it so good in the first place. Those in the know will loudly extol the virtues of what is an incredibly gripping and, at times, dark and challenging story, and those yet to experience it have one hell of a watch ahead of them.

Chronicling the lives of Eren Jaeger and his compatriots, the series takes place in a world where the Survey Corps defend their homes from gargantuan humanoids called Titans, who seemingly only exist to wreak havoc as they march inexorably toward an unknown goal. After witnessing his mother’s death at the hands of the Titans, Eren vows to end the bloodshed and stop those monstrous beings once and for all, and it is this oath of vengeance that leads Eren down a path from which he may never return.

The cast is rounded out by a group of likeable characters, including stalwart friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, who are capable scouts in their own rights. Aside from the masterful storytelling and animation, the series is bolstered by fantastic performances from the voice actors and equally as polished music. Production values across the board are very high, all in service to a story that is as gripping as it is unforgettable.

COMING SOON Now available for pre-order

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