First Impression: Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko

Lunatic Woman and Vernal Man? I have to check the dictionary and find out what vernal means before I realized that the subs screwed it up. It was supposed to be Electromagnetic Wave Woman and Adolescent Man. Orz...

(c) murayama kousuke

When I saw the first ten minutes of the episode, I was reminded by at least four different anime: Shinryaku! Ika Musume, Durarara, Yozakura Quartet and Kanon. Shinryaku because of the obvious relation to the sea at the beginning of the episode. Durarara because Makoto was just as excited as Mikado. Yozakura Quartet because Makoto kind looks like Akina and Kanon because Meme just reminded me of Minase Akiko.

I'm not sure whether this is a good sign or not but from what I can tell, I like where this show is going. The dialogue is witty and I appreciate clever jokes. Well it's not jokes per se more like Makoto's monologue as he accessing his surroundings including the people he met which include his aunt Meme who kind of an airhead but not really and the self-proclaimed Erio who could be his cousin or a crazy girl Meme picked up somewhere. The interesting thing about this episode for me is the fact that Meme pretends that Erio who is wrapped in a blanket, does not exists. It makes me doubt that she exists until Makoto points it out to her. She didn't treat Erio like a human being either which is worth noticing.

Makoto is like any male teenagers with raging hormones. He checks out the cute girls in his class, planning on spending wasting his pocket money, etc. I like the fact that his brain concludes that God is far just because even though Erio is beautiful she lacks in the mental department which mean he can treat her without bearing any special feeling (yet). It would kill the mood for me personally if he falls in love with her at first sight. That would be retarded.

Shaft is known for the quality arts and animation and they do not skimmed on this project. The director cleverly use different camera angles and perspectives to create an atmosphere for the audience. Some of the background scenes were really pretty as well. As for character designs, they definitely go all out with Erio because I have to admit that she's fucking fappable to. The other females are just as pretty. I sense harem in the making.

I am not sure about the whole "I'm alien thingy" plot though because I felt like it has been used too many times. If Shaft can bring in something different to the table then this show has the potential to be solid and entertaining. For the first episode, it was okay.

art & animation 9/10
story 7/10
characters 7/10
sound 6/10
enjoyment 7/10
overall 7/10

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Arakawa Under the Bridge

(c) shishio

I was very excited when I first saw this show. It has that unusual comedy that I always have a knack for. Was it original? Well, Akiyuki Shinbou is the director for Arakawa, the same man who directed Bakemonogatari, Maria+Holic and Zetsubuo Sensei. All four kinda have similarities: dark comedy and colorful cast of characters. But yes, I do think Arakawa has that originality to it. I mean, I haven't seen any other anime having a story about the people who are living under a bridge.

So, kudos to SHAFT.

The story: Kou Ichinomiya comes from a family that does not rely on anyone, no matter what the circumstances are. To inherit the family business, he has to prove that he can do just that. All that change when he met Nino who thinks she's from Venus and the rest of the denizens who reside under the Arakawa bridge. One thing lead to the other and Kou is suddenly Nino's lover much to the irk of (almost) every male under the bridge. There wasn't really a strong plot to Arakawa. They attempted to do one but it was half-ass.

Towards the end, Kou initial intend to inherit the family business kinda dead. Well, he does ended up a changed man although still very whiny about everything else. All that bullshit about not wanting to rely on anyone disappeared with every episodes as he developed and learned few things from the wacky denizens.

In the end, I think Arakawa Under the Bridge is an unusual love story. I feel like it sending all kind of deep beautiful messages such as

• it is okay to be different as long as you love who you are
• true love transcends everything that is normal
• love is accepting the other half of you and allow him/her to complete you
• you don't need words to express love. Action speaks louder than words
• there is all kind of loves
  

If you care to look and learn from the poetry at the beginning of every episodes, you'll get the message. Those, for me, are the highlight of the show.

It is through the characters that Arakawa is given life. Well, I have already introduce Kou and Nino but they are boring. Lets move on the the more interesting characters. Allow me to introduce my favorite character of the series:

Hoshi

(c) minishiba3

There are several reasons why I like him the most

1. Sugita Tomokazu is his seiyuu
2. He plays the guitar
3. He can sing
4. He lives in a trailer
5. He is a shooting star
6. He is a potato
7. He is in fact a very successful pop-star in the normal world
8. He is good looking
9. He never gives up on his love
10. He is cool as fuck
    

My second favorite character made her debut in episode 7 and her name is P-Ko. I just love her red hair to death. She's the girl who loves the mayor and knows that it will forever be an unrequited love. The reason she loves the mayor? Because he's green. You see, her profession is pretty much the one who supplies vegetables to the denizens and loves everything that reminds her of her veggies. She is also useless with direction. Comparing all the characters in Arakawa, I think P-Ko is the prettiest. Like I said, it's her hair. They are so perfect =3


We can't talk about Arakawa if we didn't mention the mayor who wears a kappa suit but refused to admit that fact. He might seems useless but at one point, he did save the people from being chased out from under the bridge in episode 12. Everyone except Kou seem to sincerely love the mayor. Sister in particular kinda over doing it as can be seen in episode 10. The mayor is responsible of giving the resident their name. This is how Kou ended up as being "Recruit" or "Ric".

Then there is Sister who isn't really a sister but a fugitive foreign man wearing a Sister outfit. He runs the church and responsible for the mass. As expected from a man with his caliber, he solved every problem either using gun, or more guns. He's so hopelessly in love with Maria, the super-sadistic bitch that runs the farm. He also has a disciple. A kid named Stella who can grow as big as he whenever she wanted. She is evil and has successfully recruited the Tetsujin twin who believed the alien are after them. Let's not forget the Liner who walks around with a white-line-drawing thingy in front of him. He only walks on the white line he had make. In the last episode they re-introduce the samurai guy, Billy (man with parrot head), Jacqueline and the Amazon woman. All to gear up for season 2.

(c) kuren

Credit to Tatsuwa Naoyuki for the OP and ED video. I was a fan of the OP at some point because it reminds me of Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu. It is fresh and I like the theme that he used. It was also pretty telling about the romance between Kou and Nino. The OP song itself (Venus to Jesus by Etsuko Yakushimaru) wasn't that appealing to me. It was good but nothing special though I think I can recognized it when I heard it somewhere else. The ED (Sakasama Bridge by Suneohair) on the other hand sound more interesting to me. Maybe I am biased about it because Suneohair did the ED for Honey and Clover too.



In term of art and animation, credit has to be given to SHAFT for once again coming up with something that is visually attractive and unique. I actually have read people complaining about it but too me that is the most endearing part of SHAFT's anime. I love the art direction of the show. The extreme close-up on the facial expression really captured the emotions that the character has. That in my opinion, is one of the strongest point of this show. Guess what it reminded me of... Yep, Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu. Again.

Like I said earlier, the characters in Arakawa are the one that made this show enjoyable. This is made possible because the seiyuus did a good job. Sugita obviously. But through Arakawa I begin to take notice of Kamiya Hiroshi and Amigawa Chiako, the seiyuu for Kou and P-Ko respectively. Kudos to them for getting into the character so well.

The humor in Arakawa are entertaining and craftedly done but I think because it focuses a lot more on the comedy, the series doesn't create a strong lasting impression. It was enjoyable to watch, but it is hard to give the show high praises because it did not leave this heavy impact. The characters were superb, the animation and music decent, the comedy golden, but something was missing that could have made this show much, much stronger.

Having said that, I am looking forward for season two. Bring it on!

(Edit: I've seen the first couple of episode from Season 2 and it's going down hill atm.)

Final verdict? Less than what I initially gave it.

art 9/10
story 6/10
sound 8/10
character 9/10
enjoyment 7/10
overall 8/10

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First Impression: Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge

I just completed season one like a week ago. I purposely delayed the completion because I kinda lost the feelings of awesomeness halfway through it. But since it was still fresh, I am motivated for season two of Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge.

The story picked up from where it left of. Basically they are still the same people with the same antics. Heh, I'm so glad that my mind is still fresh from last season's episodes. And I'm so glad they are still the same fucked up people under the bridge.

Kou asked Nino to move in with him, hoping that they'll be closer together. What he doesn't expect however that he got kicked out from his own home as Nino moved in. Basically they traded houses. In second half of the episode, Kou met the Amazoness who reminds me a lot of the President of in the Detroit Metal City. FUCKING CUNT! *chuckles* Ah DMC brings a lot of good memories...

The episode ends with the same dream Nino had at the beginning but this time around, she managed to see her as a child, with her parent, on a rocket blasting off to the sky. Yeah, extravagant as always.

Err, personally I think the OP takes a while for it to get going but then it quickly grows on me. As for the ED... What ED?

So yeah, I enjoyed it very much. It feels like watching the first episode of season one. Good feelings all around. This time looks like they are setting up a plot at the beginning on the season so it wouldn't feel forced like in the first season. More reason to follow this show, then.

art & animation 9/10
story 8/10
character 10/10
sound 9/10
enjoyment 9/10
overall 9/10

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First Impression: Arakawa Under the Bridge

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

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First Impression: Dance in the Vampire Bund

This is the most awaited anime of Winter 2009 (for me personally) because the promised of carnage or at least bloodfest. I love bloodfest. Bloodfest is yummy ^w^

*chuckles*

Oh they tease us so! I was like WTF is going on LOL.

The show started in a studio for a television program called Astra Balance, to approve or disapprove the existence of vampires. During that little skit, a kid from Romania, obviously the bloody protagonist (or known as Her Highness) appeared as well as the Queen of Vampires. The reason? To trap the vampire that have been rampaging around killing up to 7 victims.

I lol'd hard as I shake my head when I saw the true nature of the lowly vampire. A fucking chameleon? WTF?!


I lol'd even more when two girls appeared to protect the Queen of Vampire. OMG a maid? Can't it be more cliche?


But the ending (kinda) make up for the lack of action in the three quarters of the episode. Her Highness revealed who she really is and apparently has her subordinate around for disposal. So her coming on TV is to let the humans know that the vampire will no longer be in hiding and will take some Tokyo's land to build a bund for the vampires.

loli-vampire is NOT attractive

*sigh* I expect some brutal action and bloodfest but there is none of that. She just commanded the Chameleon to die and he exploded. Meh. That's not how action should be done.

The art ain't splendid either. Well at least it does little to impress me.

I am really disappointed. Actually that was an understatement. Looks like I have to rely on Durarara!! and Katanagatari for (hopefully) more quality anime. Sheesh what the fuck is going on with 2009?

But all is not lost. Mina mentioned Kira's name and he's a bishie so at least there is a reason to continue watching Vampire Bund ^^

You better not disappoint

Maybe if I am a lolicon, I might actually enjoyed this? Did I mention that it has jiggling boobs? I dunno man... :(

art 6/10
story 4/10
sound 5/10
character 5/10
enjoyment 5/10
overall 5/10

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Bakemonogatari

I have put Bakemonogatari on hold for some unknown reason. I guess after I took a peek at the first episode, I kind of forget how intrigued I am with what I've seen. I blame it on my ridiculous busy life. It caused me short-term memory lost >_>

The scene I remembered the most about that first peek was when Senjogahara put a knife in Araragi's mouth. The stapler soon follows. I thought it was strangely erotic (go figure XD). I knew right away that this series is going to be creepily good. I even recommended it to some of my friends who asked of my opinion about the must see Summer anime of 2009, besides Tokyo Magnitude 8.0.

Shame on me for not watching it.

Until tonight. Thanks to Gabsicle, even though he gave me a half-ass reason trying to convince me.

Bakemonogatari or literally translated to Monsters Tales, is just as the title says it is. Araragi, the protagonist of this series encounters people who are experiencing strange phenomenon, one way or the other related to the supernatural stuff, like demons or monsters.

After watching the first two episodes, I was reminded why I didn't put too much effort to see this series. Senjogahara kinda pissed me off and I tend to be bias when I have a character that I dislike in an anime. It can pretty much dictates the rating and effect my readiness to watch the show.The earlier half of the second episode is totally useless. Fanservice much? The fact that Araragi waited there to be verbally abused does not sits well with me. I like my man with a back bone and good sense of humor. 3rd and 4th episodes are kinda WTF for me as well. I am slightly disappointed.

Bakemonogatari was produced by Aniplex and SHAFT. So as to be expected SHAFT once again wow us with their artistic techniques in portraying abstract scenes. The series optimized the full usage of camera angles that consequently produced the uniqueness of some of the scenes. Viewers are also assaulted with various pop up images/texts and multiple screens to further enhance the abstract experience. It can either add more of understanding or totally messed it up and left you even more confused than before.

Bakemonogatari reminds me a lot of Shikabanehime and at other time of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei. Mostly Shikabanehime. Even Oshino looks like a reincarnation of Keisei, which makes me reminiscing, which makes me sad T__T

I cannot say much about the characters as they aren't thoroughly developed. I like them though (except for Senjogahara). Probably because they were so beautifully designed.

Oh by the way, let me be clear on one thing though: I'm not getting on Araragi/Senjohara 'ship boat.

The sound effects are splendid. It gives you the creep when the needed arise. I thought I recognize Araragi's voice. When I checked him out, his seiyuu is Hiroshi Kamiya. The same guy who VA Nozomu Itoshiki from Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei and Takemoto Yuuta from Honey and Clover. So naturally I like his voice. I have no complains for the other voices either so it is all good. Interestingly, only certain episodes have OP and ED. They also switched them between the episodes so you are not stuck with the same OP and ED playing over and over again.
OP:
#01: "staple stable" by Chiwa Saito (Eps. 2, 6)
#02: "Kaerimichi (帰り道)" by Emiri Katou (Ep. 4)
End:
#01: "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari (君の知らない物語)" by supercellxnagi

I do enjoy Bakemonogatari however at times I feel like it was being dragged on unnecessarily, which kinda turn me off slightly. Nevertheless my interest perks up immediately when it comes to the rituals. It is the best part in my opinion.



If you like trippy anime that deals with monsters and demons, this one is a must see. If you are not, it is still worth a watch.

Art 8/10
Sound 8/10
Storyline 7/10
Characters 7/10
Enjoyment 7/10
Overall 7/10

ps: wow, I didn't curse even once. That's a record! LOL

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