It has been a while I got this excited for an anime. In fact, I can't remember the last anime that got me all worked out like this. Needless to say, I think Aku no Hana is a very awesome anime. I definitely recommended it to everyone.
It’s that day when I got another level up in life. I’m turning a year older again today. So many things have changed in a course of a year. I read what I wrote on my birthday last year and I almost choked with laughter at how ridiculous everything sounds.
So overall, year 2012 has indeed been kinder to me. I have achieved what I set out to achieve but most importantly, I unexpectedly found love which is easily the highlight of the year for me.
I need an outlet to express how I feel nowadays. To be honest, things are going too good for me at the moment to the point that I am sort of living in fear for I do not want these extremely good feelings, and the love I have for him to end. If all these are gone tomorrow, there is a big probability that I might lose sanity.
Welp, looks like we are having this conversation again after so many years. Well 2 years and 3 months to be exact. The last time I wrote about my crush, I was in a different state of mind where I know it can be nothing more than just that, a crush.
I put this show in my must watch list based on the the previous two seasons of Genshiken. I think this show is a must for anyone who considered themselves weaboo enough. It is after all a show about otaku in their elements.
still missing the old cast though
23 minutes passed by without me noticing it. That's what great anime is all about. Kudos Production I.G. for another superb anime.
I still get the old Genshiken vibes through the designs and characters so there's a continuity there that I appreciate. Even more so since the old familiar faces are still around, like Madarame and Sasahara. They are after all that created Genshiken.
Ogiue is the president of the club and her mission in this first episode is to find more members for Genshiken. The club already have Ohno, Kuchiki and Sue (I love it when she suddenly declared Ogiue as her waifu). Through her talent in drawing, Ogiue managed to get three more members. One of them is a crossdresser (trap). There are some issues regarding where should she changed and all that. Sue quickly solved the problem by sending Hato to Madarame whenever he wanna change since his house is only 5 minutes away.
I have no complains for this show. I enjoyed it as I have expected. Great stuff indeed.
Episode: 13
Aired: Summer 2013
Producers: Production I.G.
arts & animation 8/10
story 7/10
characters 8/10
sound 8/10
enjoyment 9/10
overall 8/10
Those who are close to me know that this is definitely not my kind of anime but guess what, I ended up liking it.
Yeah, I surprised myself sometimes too.
Maybe because none of the girls annoyed me yet.
(c) Yui (Rogusouku)
Anyhoo, it is pretty much about girls trying to save their school from closing down by getting together and created an idol group so that their school become popular, get more enrollment and BAM!
I dunno what that BAM! is supposed to be.
But yeah, I'm watching this whenever I feel like killing ponies.
Episode: 13
Aired: Winter 2012
Producers: Sunrise
arts & animation 8/10
story 7/10
characters 7/10
sound 7/10
enjoyment 7/10
overall 7.2/10
Episodes: 12 Producers: TMS Entertainment, Media Factory, NIS America, Studio Saki Mura Genres: Action, Adventure, Historical, Seinen
I am hoping that there would be a lot of bishie for this show and that is the only reason why I want to check this out. This could possibly be another Sengoku Basara. We still have Date Masamune as one of the characters but it was to be expected. This is a story of Sengoku era after all. Brave 10 is directed by Kiyoko Sayama, the same director for the likes of Vampire Knight and Princess Tutu. Not exactly convincingbut he was also the one responsible for the storyboard of Death Note so there is still hope, my friend.
The story evolved around Isanami who was pursued by some clan who wanted her special power that she wasn't aware of. While running around to save herself, she met with Saizo, a ronin samurai who helped her out but got stuck with her in the end. Together they went to see the Lord Sanada Yukimura who protected them both and hired Saizo to be one of his 10 brave warriors to fight alongside him against the evil guys. Obviously there will be at least 1 new warriors to be introduced for every episode leading up the climax, which would be interesting indeed.
The art is colorful and the animation smooth but it lacks soul in my opinion. Even the fight happened too fast and wouldn't allow us to savor the kill or the actions, which isn't that many to be honest. The characters are designed by Yukiko Ban who has been involved in project like Gintama. Naturally I can't find fault with anyone who is involved in Gintama and indeed there is no flaws that I want to point out. The characters are bishies alright and if in real life, would most probably seemed out of place in the world of ninja and samurai. I didn't specialized in Japanese history so I wouldn't know if the background is appropriate to that era but as far as I notice, there are just trees and more trees. One thing for sure, I don't think Samurai of that era walking around with Saizo's kind of attire so the believable factor isn't something that they focused on for this show.
The OP is performed by Ono Daisuke and Tetsuya Kakihara who are also the seiyuu for both male protagonists respectively. I like Ono but I don't think that fact can make me like the OP as well. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. It made Saizo lost whatever little badassness he got left. The ED on the other hand is an improvement thanks to catchy tune by ADAPTER. The BGM however is sorta lackluster. I want to compliment the seiyuu but at some parts I feel like they are forcing themselves to be their character and as a result, it sounded kinda fake and not as crisp as I would like them to be.
As a whole, this show just pretty much provides me with a feeling of monotone. There are some parts that can used a little bit of improvement but if you are into bishie and a Sengoku era otaku, and wouldn't mind all the flaws that I mentioned above, than this show just might satisfy your palate. As for me, it was okay but I wouldn't feel bad if I missed it. The only good thing about this show is that it made me wants to collect my own 10 brave heroes.
art & animation 7/10 story 6/10 character 7/10 sound 5/10 enjoyment 5/10 overall 6/10
Arakawa Under the Bridge is definitely one of the anime that I remember wanting to watch because it looks totally retard. A man with a star head? That looks totally awesome to me and this is produced by Shaft. That got to mean something, doesn't it?
Meet Ko Ichinomiya. He's the loser who was getting bullied by a bunch of kids. He is stinking rich and comes from a family that does not rely on anyone, no matter what the circumstances are. To inherit the family business, Ko has to prove that he can do just that.
Everything changes when he met Nino. The seemingly emotionless female who happened to be fishing when Ko tried to retrieve his pants back. The pillar gave out and he fell into the river. He would have died if not for Nino so his life motto of "never rely on anyone" was not applicable anymore unless he repays her.
Nino lives under the bridge (duh) and when Ko saw this, he immediately offered her a house which she declined. Ko was obviously befuddled. He doesn't want to owe anyone anything and Nino is making it hard for him. At last she asked for one thing: for Ko to love her. Heh, awesome XD
You'll get this only after you've seen the episode
That was the least of his problem though as he was introduced with another bizzare character. Oh man, I love the retardedness of this show. I mean, Ko is one hell of a determine young man who will do anything to repay his debt so when he met the weirdos, and what they expected of him, hilarity ensued.
I was rolling with laughter when I saw the last scene where Nino went back to sleep. This is certainly one of the anime that I'll be waiting weekly to see. So I guess Arikawa Under the Bridge is a replacement for Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu for the comedy department. I approved greatly.
lmaorofl WIN!
And we have yet to see the man with the star head. From what I read, his seiyu is none other than Tomokazu Sugita. I'm a happy camper.
Arakawa Under the Bridge consists of few episodes in one big episode. Not even half way through, we have seen 3 mini episodes and by the end of episode 1 we have 9 mini episodes. Different is definitely good.
art/animation 9/10 story 10/10 character 10/10 sound 8/10 enjoyment 10/10 overall 9/10
I remember saying that I will probably going to like this show. Something about the description kinda intrigued me (hint: the word strange). Also, this is produced by A1 Pictures. I love some of their works (Kannagi and Oofuri to name a couple) so I have quite an expectation for this show as well. I am quite surprise that the first episode is already out. It was scheduled to release on April 4, if I am not mistaken.
edit: It seems like this is a special episode or something.
The episode started off with a busy day at the Wagnaria restaurant and the conversation that followed was about finding a new part-timer, who, you guessed it, is the protagonist in this show.
Taneshima Popura, one of the waitress at the restaurant was given the task to find the new part-timer so she went on the streets but phailed to find one until she met with a stranger, which will (eventually) be the protagonist, Takanashi Shouta, and offered him the job. Shouta mistook her as a lost child (who wouldn't?)
I understand your confusion, Shouta
I got a feeling that Taneshima will be an annoying character that I have to deal with but the show promised lots of other interesting characters so I think they balanced her out perfectly. For example:
the manager, Shirafuji Kyoko, is a straight forward kinda girl. She didn't do much work and is honest about it as she told Shouta with a straight face. Then she told a customer that she needs to burn the ugly fat when she complained about the restaurant was too hot. That's hilarious. And she's very sensitive when it comes to her age.
Satou Jun who looks so damn cool with his hair covering half of his face. I'm not sure if that's hygienic enough for a chef though since his hair might gets in the food.
Souma Hiroomi, the chatty blue-haired person who seems to be closed friends with with Satou. He's also one of the chef. Apparently the chefs in Wagnaria are all good looking hunks.
Todoroki Yachiyo, the shift leader who carries around a katana on her waist, even during working hour. She NEVER opens her eyes, that's how fucking badass she is.
And then there's Miharu Inami who is androphobic. Shouta got punched in the face as a greeting! lmao I have never met an anime character that's androphobic before.
Let's not forget the forgettable protagonist, shall we? Takanashi Shouta is just like any other male out there. I love hearing his thoughts. At first I was afraid if he has any romantic feelings for Taneshima because that would just ruined everything. To my big relief, he is kinda a weirdo ^o^
So much win!
As you can tell, this first episode is pretty much an introductory episode for all the characters. I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next episode already.
animation & art 8/10 story 8/10 character 9/10 sound 7/10 enjoyment 9/10 overall 8/10
Besides Durarara!! and Vampire Bund, the other anime that I'm looking forward to this winter season is Katanagatari. Maybe it was because of the "katana" in the title or the poster that caught my eyes (the unusual art). Whether or not it will be like Durarara!! (which I freaking love) or Vampire Bund (which was a disappointment), we just have to find out by watching this almost 1 hour episode (49:59 minutes).
The first 2 minutes sets a really good mood. I guess my buddies would know why: murder. Seems like there is this dude who doesn't need a sword to decapitate people. How sick is that? But wait, didn't that defy the title of this show? =\
I guess they are trying to use the irony factor...
Yasuri Shichika is now Kyotouryuu head since his dad died a year ago. He is the descendant of that dude who doesn't need a sword to have a sword. Get it? I don't either but that's how it is. So I assumed Shichika must have learned the same technique. He lives in an island as an outcast with his sister (because of his father rebellion). He is really a simple dude and borderline moron. He's awesome when he gets mad though.
what's up with the maple leaf, man?
One day, Togame, a strategist, came to the island to seek the head of Kyotouryuu. I didn't expect her to be clumsy though. That's the only likeable thing about her imo. She didn't pay attention to what other people say and go on about what she has in mind. She also trying to convince Shichika to take over the world. lol wut?! But wait, listen to her reason of why Shichika should help her. It's because of love. She wants Shichika to fall for her so he won't be able to say no. Heh, gotta love a confident girl. Oh btw she has one badass katana with her despite that she really doesn't know how to use it. I want one exactly like that ^__^
Togame needs Shichika's help to find the last remaining 12 katana (believed to be evil) made by Shikizaki Kiki under the order of Shogunate because they feared the owners (who the shogunate sent to retrieve the katana but betrayed them once they get a hold of it) of those 12 katana would revolt.
One thing led to the other and in the end Shichika is in love? WTF? I headdesk.
The art style is something to get used to I guess. I mean Shichika's hair looks like mapple leaf most of the time. It may be his trademark look though considering he has it tattooed on his wrist. Also, the animator cheated. They used the same framing over and over again especially when it comes to Togame's turn to talk. The background was pretty though.
ever seen ninja wearing a clown suit? Now you have. And it has the most annoying laugh ever!
The narrator sounds like an old hag. It brings back the memory of watching Osshin with my mom when I was little (Osshin was a Japanese drama that aired when I was like 7 or 8 years old. It was the rage back then). Shichika's seiyuu, Yoshimasa Hosoya, wasn't really experience I guess if you look at the work he had done previously. Less than 10 anime. Togame's seiyuu, Yukari Tamura, on the other hand has quite a portfolio. Unfortunately I'm not really familiar with her work either. Having said that, I think they did a good job for both characters. Their personalities really stands out. Shichika the laid back protagonist and Togame, the obnoxious annoying female lead.
Part of that is because of the dialog. Most of the time, I chuckled when Shichika said something absolutely dull and unexpected that it turns out quite the funneh. But... the dialog also goes on and on and on! SHUT THE FUCK UP and get on with the action already!
This is what I'm talking about!
Well, it doesn't reach my expectation as a whole but it wasn't that bad either. Seems like this will be once a month release show so I expected it to end in December.
art 7/10 story 7/10 sound 6/10 character 7/10 enjoyment 6/10 overall 7/10
The story is about two people, Oz and Alice who made a contract in the Abyss, a place where the condemned was sent. At first I wasn't sure why Oz was sent there on his coronation night but gradually as the story progressed, the pieces of the puzzle fall into places.
The Abyss produced Chain, a doll-like creature that want to be in the real world to obtain power but the instability forced them to make a contract with a human, just like Oz and Alice. However, the Chain will gradually extinguished the human. Once the seal on the contractor's chest is completed, they, together with the Chain, he/she will be sent to the deepest Abyss and this time there is no turning back.
Oz comes back to the real world after 10 years he went missing in the Abyss so Gil, his best friend cum servant is much older than him and is working for Break and Sharon. These two, just like the Baskervilles, are searching for the Will of the Abyss and apparently Oz is the key to it.
The only reason Alice wants to get out of the Abyss is to search for her memories so together with Oz and Gil, they search for it. In their quest both Oz and Alice find out the truth about their past and at the same time, they try to stop the hand of the seal from moving, with the help from other people who either care about them or just using them.
The art is nothing amazing. The background or the surroundings are pretty much dead, as in static, most of the time. The colors used were too contrast with the characters at times which kinda made them looked out of place. Possibly to follow the theme of the show. Having said that, I really do like the character designs. The males especially are what I would called bishies. They are really pleasing to the eyes. The females aren't bad either but since I'm not gay, I'll leave it at that. To be honest, the reason that I was attracted to this series after all, was after I saw the characters in the DVD special, which kinda explained what a huge pro they are.
OZ Bezarius
I like Oz but my god he can be so damn annoying sometimes with his insecurities. He needs to grow some hairy balls, is what I think. Because he has yet to have them balls, I say he's gay for Alice. Oz is the key to the Will of the Abyss (wanted by the Baskervilles) thus he keeps getting into trouble as he tries to find himself and helps Alice.
Alice/B-Rabbit
She's the chain for Oz. She was once human but she got murdered and ended up in the Abyss as B-Rabbit. That was where Oz found her. She took Oz as her manservant which in truth is the other way around. She came back to the real world to find her memories in order for her to remain herself. A definite tsundere when it comes to Oz. Loves to eat, especially meat.
GilbertNightray
Gilbert 'Gil' Nightray is the loyal servant/butler of Oz and has the power of Raven from Nightray. He is Vincent's brother. Just like Oz and Vincent, he is one of the few who managed to escape the Abyss. He is the only one that can sealed B-rabbit's power. His weakness is cat. Definitely gay for Oz and can't see eye to eye with Alice which consequently provide quite a lot of comic relief.
Xerxes Break
Formerly known as Kevin Regnard. The user of Mad Hater's power. The most powerful one out of the bunch. Very sly and cunning. Reminds me of Ichimaru Gin what's with his gray hair and crimson eyes. They even shared the same kind of creepy smile. However unlike Gin, he is pretty funny with his carefree attitude. He loves sweet and you definitely don't want to piss this guy off. He has a very interesting background story that kinda surprised me. Eccentric guy over all and my favorite character in the series.
Sharon
I am not sure what her relationship is with Break but Break called her Ojou-sama and she has no qualm at beating his ass with her fan. She has a chain too named Eques. Definitely a sadistic.
Vincent Nightray
He wanted to erase anything that can recalled what happened 100 years ago. Master of Echo. Most definitely gay for Gilbert. Not so right in the head but he has very cool eyes. One could even named him the series' psycho resident. It is either you like him or you hate him. I happened to like crazy evil people ^o^
Jack Bezarius
The one who stopped the Baskervilles 100 years ago. He appeared as fragments of Alice's memories and helps Oz a lot when he is in a pinch. He also warns everyone about the return of Glen Baskerville which obviously will repeat the Tragedy of Sabrie again. By the way, he was the only friend of Glen and vice versa. It must have pained him to stop his friend from going berzerk. Pretty good looking fella ^^
Eliot Nightray
Another little brother of Gil. He is the voice of reason for Oz. I like him straight away. He is the only one who can tell Oz to be a man and take his own destiny into his own hands instead of giving up on his life thinking that it would solve all the problems. He's valiant and funny and cute has quite a temper. Definitely a Nightray. He hates the Bezarius and I can pretty much tell why. Could he be Glen's reincarnation? hehehe >3
Ada Bezarius
She is Oz's sister. Very gentle and such. I don't usually like this kind of character but I like her for some odd reason that I am not too sure what. She looked like she has a brother complex but then we found out that she has a b0nar for Gil. Priceless XD
None of my favorite seiyuus are in this production but Vincent was voiced by Jun Fukuyama so a plus there. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Oz was voiced by a female so yeah, the seiyuus are good nonetheless. Also I like OP song more than the ED song as it is more catchy but not as much as I like the song Lacey from the pocket watch. It kinda present the anime with a whimsical yet foreboding feel which is perfect for the theme.
I do enjoyed Pandora Hearts. The plots are mysterious which keep me guessing from one episode to the other. It makes me interested to see the next episode to find out what will happened. There are also occasional unexpected comedy in it that I appreciate. What I didn't expect however is the end. It poses more questions than answers which can only mean one thing... second season! I look forward to watching that.
This actually made me want to pick up the manga...
art 8/10 story 9/10 sound 8/10 character 9/10 enjoyment 8/10 overall 8/10
edit: Glo said that the anime ending is different from the manga. But... isn't the manga still on going so how was that possible? =\
