Watching 'Skull-Face Bookseller Honda-san'
A fantastical, realistic look inside a bookstore.
Skull-Face Bookseller Honda-San is a twelve episode short form anime that aired in the fall season of 2018. Each episode lasts around the twelve minute mark, which makes it a palatable experience, and allows you to binge it in the space of a couple of hours. It was based on a Web Manga under the Gene Pixiv publication, and ran for four volumes. The manga is written by Honda, who is, in actuality, an employee at a bookshop with the events in the anime being a reflection of how one is actually run. The anime is produced by Studio DLE, and is directed by Owl Todoroki (only work). Honda-San is voiced by Saitou Souma (91 Days, Danmachi).
Narrative
The story is simple enough. It is about the daily life of being an employee in a bookshop. Though there is no overarching story to speak of, in fact the entire show is more of an anthology series, where each episode has its own problem to resolve, or its own lesson to be learnt before moving onto the next episode. As each episode is twelve or so minutes long, including the opening and ending, the show wastes no time in setting up the story and going on solving whatever conundrum the staff ends up encountering. Each episode is a fascinating insight into the everyday life of a bookstore employee, and the different obstacles that they encounter. What is also really great is the clever ways they manage to reference different anime and manga without having to worry about copyright. While I managed to catch some of the references, I am certain I missed a lot of them as well.
Visuals
Visually the show is very interesting to look at. While the customers all have normal faces to them, the employees themselves of the bookstore, and the various people that are close to Honda-San himself, all have a different defining feature to them, it may be a skull head, a knight helmet, a gas mask, and even a plague mask. This visual aesthetic is incredibly helpful in determining who it is that you are thinking about as the visual sticks to your mind as opposed to the name of the character. Furthermore, this helps to distinguish itself further from the other anime that is being produced.
The animation itself is incredibly simple, it is almost as if it is made using flash animation alone. While the backgrounds are fairly devoid of a lot of detail, one cannot say that there is a lack of craftsmanship in the show as a whole, as the detail in Honda-San is quite immaculate. As a result of the limited animation, the animators and director had to be quite creative in the way they used the style to maximize the effect that it had, whether it be contemplative or humorous, and the visuals are very humorous indeed.
Characters
The cast of characters, the workers of the bookstore are an eclectic group that has a distinct personality to each of them that helps them stand out as their own character, instead of dissolving into the background to be forgotten. The fact that each of the characters has a different styled head to associate with the character helps each of then be memorable. Plague mask being a particular highlighted in the cast.
What is quite interesting is that no one is good at everything, and they all recognize this, as a result we see how working together in order to combine their skills is the best way to get all the work done in a busy customer-oriented workplace. This is something that is highlighted multiple times in the show, and is fantastic to see as it becomes quite relatable when comparing to my own experience working at a take away for three years, where we worked together to cover for each others' weakness by using each of our strengths.
Music
The music for the show is incredibly memorable, and even though I finished watching the show about two weeks ago, I still hum the opening to the show and the main theme. This is a real positive as I love listening to soundtracks of different genres, and the one here is truly fantastic.
In Closing
In all, this is a show that I highly recommend for the subject matter, the characters, music, and the short length of the episodes. The animation would take a bit of getting used to, however, once you adjust, it too fits the show. It is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
About the Creator
BoblobV2
Boop
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters3 days ago in Geeks
Freezing Rain and Ice Disrupt Travel Across Central and Eastern Europe
Dangerous winter weather brings chaos to roads, rails, and airports as authorities urge caution A powerful wave of freezing rain and ice storms has swept across large parts of central and eastern Europe, bringing daily life to a near standstill and creating hazardous travel conditions for millions. From Germany and Austria to Poland, the Czech Republic, and parts of the Balkans, ice-coated roads, grounded flights, and disrupted rail services have turned routine journeys into dangerous ordeals. Meteorologists warn that freezing rain — one of the most treacherous winter weather phenomena — poses a greater risk than snowfall because it creates an invisible glaze of ice that is nearly impossible to detect until it is too late. What Is Freezing Rain and Why Is It So Dangerous? Freezing rain occurs when rain falls through a layer of warm air and then passes into sub-zero temperatures near the ground. Instead of freezing mid-air like snow, the rain remains liquid until it hits a cold surface, where it instantly turns to ice. The result is black ice — a thin, transparent layer that covers roads, sidewalks, power lines, aircraft wings, and railway tracks. Unlike snow, it offers no traction and is extremely difficult to remove. Experts describe freezing rain as one of winter’s most dangerous hazards, capable of crippling transport networks within hours. Travel Chaos Across the Region Across central and eastern Europe, the effects have been swift and severe. Major highways have reported multi-vehicle accidents, while local roads have become impassable in rural and mountainous areas. In several countries, authorities temporarily closed sections of motorways after trucks jackknifed on ice-slick surfaces. Rail networks were also hit hard. Ice accumulation on overhead lines caused power failures and signal disruptions, forcing trains to run at reduced speeds or be canceled altogether. Thousands of passengers were stranded at stations as operators struggled to keep services running safely. Air travel faced similar challenges. Airports in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic reported delays and cancellations as aircraft required repeated de-icing. Even a thin layer of ice can dramatically affect an aircraft’s lift, making safety checks essential but time-consuming. Emergency Services Under Pressure Emergency responders across the region were stretched thin as calls surged. Ambulances struggled to reach patients on icy streets, while fire brigades responded to accidents, fallen trees, and damaged power lines. Hospitals also reported a rise in slip-and-fall injuries, particularly among older residents. Broken bones, head injuries, and hypothermia cases increased as people attempted to navigate frozen sidewalks. Authorities urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and to remain indoors whenever possible. Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage Beyond transport, the ice storm also affected energy infrastructure. Ice-laden power lines sagged and snapped under the weight, leading to localized power outages in several regions. In rural areas, repair crews faced dangerous conditions as they worked to restore electricity. Icy roads slowed response times, leaving some communities without power for extended periods during freezing temperatures. Telecommunications networks also experienced disruptions, further complicating emergency response efforts. Economic Impact and Business Disruptions The freezing rain has had an immediate economic impact. Delivery services were delayed, factories reduced shifts due to staff shortages, and retailers reported lower foot traffic as customers stayed home. Logistics companies warned that prolonged icy conditions could disrupt supply chains, particularly for food and medical supplies that rely on just-in-time delivery systems. Tourism was also affected, with winter destinations reporting canceled bookings and delayed arrivals, even as ski resorts benefited from colder temperatures at higher elevations. Climate Change and Extreme Winter Weather Scientists point out that climate change may be contributing to more frequent freezing rain events. As winters become warmer overall, temperatures often hover around the freezing point — the exact conditions needed for freezing rain. This creates a paradox where regions experience fewer snowstorms but more ice storms, which can be far more destructive. Climatologists warn that infrastructure across Europe was largely designed for snow, not prolonged ice events, leaving cities vulnerable as weather patterns evolve. Authorities Urge Vigilance Governments and meteorological agencies issued repeated warnings, advising drivers to reduce speed, increase braking distance, and equip vehicles with winter tires and emergency kits. Pedestrians were encouraged to wear non-slip footwear and use handrails whenever possible. Schools in several areas shifted to remote learning to reduce travel risks. Officials emphasized that patience and caution save lives, reminding citizens that even experienced drivers cannot control a vehicle on black ice. Looking Ahead Forecasts suggest that temperatures may gradually rise in some areas, easing icy conditions, while others could face additional freezing rain before the system moves on. Cleanup and repairs are expected to continue for days, even after the weather improves. The freezing rain sweeping across central and eastern Europe serves as a stark reminder that winter’s most dangerous storms are not always the most visible. As climate patterns continue to change, authorities and citizens alike may need to rethink how they prepare for — and respond to — ice, not just snow.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 3 days ago in Geeks
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