Reviews by Kyle Ellis

Anime: Parasyte -the maxim-

I think [Link removed - login to see] is a 10/10 series. And Ryouko Tamiya definitely helped make it more memorable than I’d expected.

I knew there was something about her just by her appearance, but I didn’t expect her to be more than a murderous math teacher.

Yes, her intentions were more along the lines of research. But something magical happens — a magical moment that every human experiences (or should experience) in their life. Yes, it’s love.

Somehow, the parasitic alien eventually saw the human baby as something to protect, not to experiment with.

Some say Ryouko didn’t have to die. But I think her death was more about sending a message, rather than a sign that the show had a major logical flaw.

Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist

Izumi Curtis is one of the coolest characters in anime. And I think we can all agree that Edward and Alphonse wouldn’t be as amazing in battle (and in life) without her.

It’s cute how she describes herself as a gentle housewife.

I mean, she’s a tall, relatively built woman who can easily bring down anyone who dares call her old.

But more importantly, I love how she decided to teach the brothers and eventually became a motherly figure to them. She’s open-minded, values hard work, respects (not just tolerates) differences, and has mastered the art of helping others help themselves instead of making them dependent on others.

Anime: Gundam Build Fighters

I know, Rinko’s story as a mom isn’t as dramatic or tumultuous as some of my earlier picks.

But I’d be lying if I said I don’t enjoy her presence in Gundam Build Fighters.

She’s a great cook. And she loves her husband very much even if they’re often away from each other.

Plus she is more than supportive of her son.

Yes, she likes to tease Sei with China Kousaka… but who can’t relate to having their mom (or dad) ship them with a friend when they were kids?

Anime: Kemono no Souja Erin (The Beast Player Erin)

It’s still kinda funny (and alarming) to realize how long ago 2009 was… but that’s when this slice-of-life fantasy drama debuted.

Kemono No Souja Erin never took off in terms of popularity. But most viewers thought it was great, and they weren’t wrong.

Erin is the main star of the show. But her mother Soyon deserves recognition too.

She raised her kid on her own when Asson died, and helped Erin be the smart (particularly when it comes to animal breeding) and defiant kid she is, learning to cope with change no matter what.

Anime: Fate/Zero

I love stories about entities created for nothing more than research and experimentation, only for them to become a little more human with each passing day, learning how emotions can override reason and logic.

Irisviel von Einzbern is a homunculus who happens to be Ilyasviel’s mom and Kiritsugu Emiya’s wife.

Unlike other homunculi, Irisviel was treated as if she were human. This was all for science as well.

But this allowed her to give birth and raise a kid, just like any mother.

Her motherhood, no matter how unnatural or unorthodox, highlighted what people have known since time immemorial — that nothing compares to the joy of seeing and being with your child.

Anime: Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Even after almost 10 years, I still remember how clean and bright Junko’s house was. And how that mother of two loved to drink.

Yet while Junko was often drinking (sometimes with her own daughter’s teacher Kazuko), she never lost her role as an inspiring woman.

Here’s a formidable businesswoman who has a good eye for makeup and has no scarcity in solid life tips.

Anime: Hunter x Hunter

Auntie Mito Freecss deserves everything in the world (especially a map and 24/7 access to Google Maps so she won’t get lost again) because she’s just so kind and gentle.

Yes, Mito tried to stop Gon from applying to become a hunter like his father and lied to him. But she only wanted to protect him.

Gon never knew his biological mom, but he at least knew how it felt to grow up with a loving mother in the hands of Mito.

Anime: The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

Can you believe she’s 37 years old? She looks like she’s only in her 20s, taking a master’s degree while working a part-time job.

Does she love her family? For sure.

She’s a big reason why Kusuo hasn’t utilized his supernatural abilities for evil deeds. And I appreciate that she chooses to believe in the goodness of people.

But does she love her family enough to fight other people? Also yes, and I love her for that.

Anime: Kill la Kill

Wouldn’t it be hilarious if I included the other mother from Kill la Kill, instead of Sukuyo Mankanshoku?

I don’t care if she has several secret (and possibly questionable) ingredients in her meals.

Sukuyo knows how to take care of her kids Mako and Mataro, and also Ryuuko.

Also, plus points to her for not taking the side of her pervy husband and instead allowing Ryuuko to beat him up for his wrongdoing.

Anime: Pokémon

Japanese viewers know her more as Hanako. But for the rest of the world, she’s none other than Delia Ketchum. That lady with the [Link removed - login to see].

Like Chi-Chi from Dragon Ball, it’s nice to see Delia around now and then.

It’s literally been more than 20 years since Pokémon debuted. And Ash is still around trying to be, well, the very best (like no one ever was).

And Delia will always welcome her son back home with love and support, whether he lost the championship or not.