My Top 10: Anime of 2011

It has become sort of a tradition for us fans to list out our top ten anime of the year and since I've been doing it for the past couple of years, I might as well continue with the tradition. I think you can tell a lot from the list as to what the person's preferences are when it comes to anime, and how (or if) it changed over the years.

When I look at my 2010 and 2009 lists, I spotted a difference. Comedy anime pretty much dominated my list in 2010. However, I rather enjoyed anime with heavier plot and solid story in 2009. I am excited to see which anime will make it to the list for 2011.

My top 5 choices were easy but I was having quite a hard time with the bottom 5. Some I like because of the characters but found the story to be weak and the end anti-climatic while some I like for the story but didn't have anything that stood out. I need my criteria sorted out lol. Besides, shits were crazy at the start of the year and I hardly watched anything which mean I missed watching some few good anime like Madoka, Steins;Gate, Hourou Musuko, etc. I am pretty sure that at least my bottom 5 anime would be slightly different if I did completed those shows. Thus, after looking around the aniblogsphere I can see how my list is different from most of them. Oh well...

So for the time being, lets just get on with the list. After a long and very careful deliberation, here are my personal top 10 anime of 2011 in mixed orders:

9. Ao no Exorcist
Aired: Spring 2011
Episodes: 25
Producers: A-1 Pictures, Aniplex
Genres: Action, Shounen, Supernatural
My rating: 9/10

(c) pixiv id 3606202

If it wasn't for the anti-climatic ending and the fact that half of the episodes were fillers, Ao no Exorcist could have ended up higher up on my list because despite everything I just freaking love the Okumura twins. They also managed to keep me interested even through those fillers episodes that included the obligatory beach episode for the summer. At the end of the day, the casts and strong characters became it's backbone and carried this show through for me. Ao no Exorcist is a pretty darn typical shounen anime and A-1 Pictures knew this so when the series can't be original, they sure as hell live up to expectation by making sure that it was entertaining with a decent story for me to enjoy.

6. Yondemasu yo, Azazel-san!
Aired: Spring 2011
Episodes: 13
Producers: Production I.G.
Genres: Comedy, Supernatural
My Rating: 9/10

Each episode is only 12 minutes long but it manages to offend pretty much everyone and everything which in my opinion what makes this show so brilliantly funny. The comedy was unconventional and the characters even more so. Azazel-san pretty much reminds me of Gintama with it's random jokes and anything that reminded me of Gintama's humour deserved to be in my top 10 list. Beware though, enter at your own risk.

2. Ano hi Mita Hana no Namae O Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai
Aired: Spring 2011
Episodes: 11
Producers: A-1 Pictures, Aniplex, Fuji TV
Genres: Slice of life, Drama
My Rating: 10/10

(c) XI-Hypocrisy-IX

This show is as real as it gets when it comes to dealing with friendship, death and feelings and learning to deal with all that while day after day you grow farther apart from each other yet the attachment, or that bond, is still as strong as ever. Ano Hana for short (We Still Don't Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day - for the long English translation), hits so close to home that even to this day, I can't bring myself to watch the last episode of the show. I am not ready for either a disappointment, or a heartbreak. With Ano Hana, I was forced to see, consider and analyze far more than what would be considered healthy. Thanks to this show, it gave me the courage to seek those friends that I thought would have been best forgotten. Meeting them again was liberating and it made me see how much each of us have grown up as a person, either for better or for worse. For an anime show to have that kind of effect on a human being in real life, Ano Hana is definitely quite special in it's own right.

5. Kimi to Boku
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 13
Producers: J.C. Staff, Aniplex
Genres: Slice of life, Comedy, Drama
My Rating: 9/10

(c) pixiv id 2678365

There is no practicing of trash music, or tea time after school. If you think this is the male version of K-ON than you are incredibly wrong so for the haters, clearly you are missing out on this one. Granted that it is full of bishies, but what is wrong with that? If us females can watch Lucky Star or K-ON, then it is definitely manly of you guys if you could watch this without feeling disgusted. People have the pre-notion that this show has no plot and is just a BL fantasies for us fans/gays. It is anything but that. Kimi to Boku tackles real issues growing up as boys (I grew up surrounded by boys so I have an idea or two). It was an honest show and because of that I found it alluring and it left me wanting more.

4. Fate/Zero
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 13
Producers: ufotable, Aniplex, Nitroplus
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
My Rating: 10/10

(c) Yukihime

I know shit about Typemoon and thus why I have some doubts going into the Fall season, as I've said in my preview. However after watching the first episode, and the fact that ufotable didn't disappoint me at all with their delivery, I quickly become a fan. Part of it was thanks to Reiki, a reader of my Fate/Zero episodic posts who never got tired in teaching me the ropes about the Fate-verse and gradually made me interested in it as well. It's true what the saying goes then... tak kenal maka tak cinta (you can't fall in love if you didn't know them). Fate/Zero far surpasses Fate/Stay Night, it's predecessor, in every way imaginable. I love Kara no Kyoukai for the dark themes and I basically got what I was asking for in Fate/Zero due to the awesomeness of ufotable, from the directing, visuals, character expositions and everything/anything else you can think of. It all adds up into a much more complex and intriguing tale, a journey that is certainly unforgettable and definitely fulfilling.

1. Working'!!
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 13
Producers: A-1 Pictures
Genres: Comedy
My Rating: 10/10***

(c) Atsu Takashi

Wow, really klux? Two years in a row? YES REALLY. Working'!! is a fine piece of work. The changed of director and crew for the the second season really did pay off as can be seen from the story. Everything from the animation to sound, characterization to story are all quality materials and together form both a visually and emotionally satisfying experience. The anime is far past the point of debate whether watching it would be enjoyable and worth one's while, because it most certainly is. The comedy is casual and yet hit with such force that all you can do is laughed your ass off. Unlike in first season where the focus was only on Inami and Takanashi, we have different plots that keep us on our toes because the way Working'!! is written you don't know what to expect. Most of the comedies I watched were average if not mediocre so when something like Working'!! comes along, something new, something exciting, something that you can watch and be merry about, I just ended up enjoying it. The fact that it had pique my interest from season 1 meant that it had established itself as something special, something good enough that A-1 Pictures able to be improved on after every episodes. Just how did they do it, really? For everything that Working'!! does just beautifully right, there is usually little it gets horribly wrong. I absolutely endorse this anime to anyone even if they didn't ask for my opinion.

7. Persona 4 the Animation
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: tbc
Producers: Aniplex, AIC A.S.T.A, Sentai Filmworks
Genres: Mystery, Supernatural, Adventure
My Rating: 9/10

(c) pixiv id 1329357

I didn't play the games but from what I've heard from those who did play and watch the anime, the anime is pretty faithful to the games and though it has it shares of pros and cons, I want to pay my respect for the producers. I thought it would be straight as an arrow and just action from end to finish. Persona 4 surprised me at the humors which I didn't expect from such show and it is mostly the reason why it ended up on my list. Since the show is on going, it wouldn't be fair to exaggerate so I ended my thoughts here.

10. Ikoku Meiro no Croisée
Aired: Summer 2011
Episodes: 12
Producers: Satelight, Sentai Filmworks
Genres: Slice of life, Historical
My Rating: 9/10

(c) Nya?

This show was the biggest surprised for me for the summer. It wasn't even on my radar until I watched the first couple of episodes. Croisee was mostly overlooked and quickly disregarded by many because just like me, the initial reaction to the preview was that this anime is nothing more than another "moe-trash" and simple pandering. Well, true that Yune was moe but damn she's adorable. This comes from someone who has a personal vendetta against moe (that of K-ON's standard). I love the interaction between the characters especially the two main protagonists. I found myself leaning a bit closer to the computer screen whenever the scene involved Yune and Claude. In fact, I didn't feel the slightest of guilt trying to make Claude a lolicon. Croisée of the Foreign Labyrinth is a piece of resistant to much of the failings that we often found in both historical and slice-of-life anime.

3. Mirai Nikki
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 26
Producers: FUNimaton, Asread
Genres: Thriller, Action, Mystery
My Rating: 10/10

(c) pixiv id 345349

I love blood in my anime but sadly we didn't get enough of that lately. Deadman Wonderland was promising but damn it all those censorship, as well as the weak ass story, made me quickly lost my interest. Mirai Nikki on the other hand has a compelling story and a company of pretty wacky characters, especially Yuno Gasai, who quite possibly the only character that made this show so much win. Mirai Nikki has everything I am looking for in anime that isn't a comedy or a slice-of-life. It is a psychology thriller, with murders, gore, sins and some demented killers. They are the mechanics that makes this show so addictive. Nutcase is the right choice of word that really sums up Mirai Nikki as a show. Haters be damned.

8. Chihayafuru
Aired: Fall 2011
Episodes: 25
Producers: Madhouse Studios
Genres: Drama, Sports
My Rating: 9/10

(c) pixiv id 280496

The general idea that this show is about a Karuta card game should put us all to sleep but after one episode, most of us has nothing but praise for this show. It wasn't just about the card game, which they successfully made it looks like it was an exciting game, but it also has that element of friendship and romance that surrounded the three main protagonist. I quickly found myself rooting for Taichi, knowing very well how hurt and lonely it could be when your love is unrequited. The fact that I can identified with Taichi should be enough reason why this show ended up in my list but that is not all. The premise is simple and yet the story is so well written/thought of that it will just pull you deeper with every passing episodes. This is an anime that is best experienced one episode at a time as it thrives from the long exposure.


And so ladies and gentlewomen... that concludes my list. I'm pretty balance with my choice of anime of 2011 from heavy stuff that involved friendship, murders, horrors, and even Master/Servants relationship to the more light hearted comedy with a dash of slice of life (and perhaps a little BL) in it.

I wished for the anime industries to have better anime produced in 2011 and my wish was granted. Compared to previous couple of years, 2011 can be said as a come back year for some anime. They have everything that taste just right for my palate from thought-provoking anime to slice of life anime about boys instead of girls. Hopefully 2012 would be even grander than 2011.

Having said that, from 2011/12 Winter season preview... it looks rather disappointing... T_T

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Fate/Zero: Episode 12

Before I get into this week's episode, lets talk about the OTP for Fate/Zero. I've seen a lot of them with Kirei/Archer being one of the most popular pairing out there. Well, can't say that I disagree because they way these two interacted, they are just begging for a yaoi/BL doujinshi to be made. My personal preference however, and quite surprisingly, is Saber and Arher. They just look so good together and both have that pride of theirs that will definitely clashed with each other. To see them work it their differences would have been entertaining indeed ^_^

(c) Irono Yoita

Anyway, enough of that and lets get on with episode 12. Kirei revealed to Tokiomi that Rider's Noble Phantasm matched that of Gilgamesh' Gate of Babylon. I truly didn't expect that at all. I know it was pretty awesome but I always thought that his rank is lower than either Gil or Saber. My bad. Since he is so powerful, Tokiomi decided to let Gil defeated the other Servants first and hoped that in time, the mean to take down Rider will reveal itself.

At the other part of town, Kiritsugu was planning on his attack based on the intel he had gathered. Tokiomi hasn't left his mansion ever since the first attack by Assassin. Kariya and Berserker will be left alone for now since they were good to distract Tokiomi and Gil. Kiritsugu thought that Kayneth was done and out of the war but he needed to determine who Lancer's new Master is as soon as possible. Caster and his Master location were still unknown and they were kidnapping children again, that damn duo. It wasn't easy to locate Rider and Waver either since they were always on the move on that flying thingy of Rider's and since Maiya has reported about his Noble Phantasm, Kiritsugu realized how dangerous of a foe he really is. Kiritsugu's main concern however was Kirei and what he really up to in this war. He was right thinking that Kirei's main target was him though he wasn't sure why.

Kiritsugu also got a new base for Irisviel and Saber. It appeared to be in the suburbs and not really excluded from the rest of the world since there were many other residents there. Irisviel was happy because she always wanted to see a Japanese mansion and that's where their new base is even though it seemed old. Irisviel used the store to practice her spells and what not since it's too open in the mansion whats with the wooden/paper panel for doors etc.

Irisviel didn't waste any time and wanted to start preparing for her magic right away but Saber noticed that she has avoided touching anything since the day started. The reason for that was because she purposely cut off her sense of touch in order to have greater control over her power. It's one of homunculus' specialties. To me it seemed like she was hiding something from Saber and didn't tell her the absolute truth though.

As for Gil, he made it a habit of his to hang around Kirei's place. Because of that he noticed the subtle changes in Kirei. For example Kirei seemed pleased because his Servant was gone for good and he was relieved from that burden. A new Master could have been chosen though and Gil playfully suggested that Kirei might be chosen once again. Kirei quickly said that it was impossible of which Gil only smirked at his respond.

come 'ere, you

but I don't wanna!

Gil of course don't buy that shit especially since Kirei said it was a waste of time seeking out Kiritsugu because he was just Einzbern's tool to obtain the Holy Grail, as well as the other Masters. Since he spoke of great details about Kariya, Gil pointed out his interest/obsession for Berserker's Master in which Kirei quickly denied. He further poked Kirei with question that Kirei has no answer nor explanation for. All Gil wanted to point out was the fact that Kirei has finally found enjoyment while doing what was asked of him, in this case: researching about Kariya. LOL Kirei wasn't too happy about it and continue to be in denial. I love how Gil only played with words to provoke Kirei. Not everyone can do that.

And while they were having the conversation, a Command Seal once again appeared on Kirei's right hand. Unlike any other Master who Gil accused of stealing, Gil was actually quite happy that Kirei was chosen to get that wishing artifact that was supposed to be his. What he said was true though, looked like Kirei does indeed has a reason to seek the Holy Grail. With it he can give shape to what was it that he desires and used it as a means to learn it. In order to do that however, it means that he has to betrayed Tokiomi and steal a strong Servant for his own good.


LOL Gil was really putting some brilliant ideas into Kirei's head. He won't say it but I bet he wanted to be stolen and be Kirei's Servant. He wanted to see Kirei goes against Tokiomi because lets face it, Tokiomi was indeed boring as fuck. I wouldn't want a Master like him either. Heh, excellent, Gil!

who can resist the evil eye of Sauron!

And it seemed that Caster will be back in the next episode. I can't say that I look forward to that T_T

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Fate/Zero: Episode 11

I asked in the last episode why there were no signs of battle in that mansion of theirs (Kiritsugu) and Reiki told me that it was a huge mansion and only certain parts were in ruined. Just like he said, this episode showed us the parts of the mansion that was destroyed during the Kiritsugu versus Kayneth's battle. Now I gotta ask, just how freaking big the mansion is and apparently they don't have taste when decorating their house because every rooms pretty much look the same.

Kiritsugu was not present at the mansion and Rider took the opportunity to attack Saber and Irisviel. Hmm, what happened to the Church order of eliminating Caster first? No one listened to the old fart, that's what happened. Rider came wearing that shirt and jeans that he bought which mean he and Waver didn't come to fight but to drink instead. Huh?

Rider wanted to have a dialogue to discern who ranked the highest among the heroic spirit and thus prevent any unnecessary bloodshed. He must thought that he ranked the highest when I think if they wanted to determine who wins the war according to rank, then Gilgamesh would have won it. No competition. Speak of the devil, Gil dropped by. He received an invitation from Rider as well.

just how much hair gel is he wearing

Since the wine that Rider brought along was no good, Gil brought along his own excellent wine. All he needed to do was open the portal that houses his finest treasure and it was done. How fucking cool is that?

They continued the "dialogue". First they have to tell the others about the wish they want the Holy Grail to grant for them. Gil was adamant, saying that the Holy Grail was his to begin with. So he didn't have any wish but will not sit quietly when people want to steal it from him. To Gil, it was just a matter of principle.

As for Rider, his wish is for true incarnation, to be human again. I thought he really wish to conquer the world but I guess he loves this era way too much. I don't like the fact that he went back on his words. He came there to avoid bloodshed but when Gil told him that it was his, he didn't hesistate to go into battle.

that gotta hurt >=)

We already know what Saber's wish is: the salvation of her homeland, Britain, from destruction, which means she wanted to change the past. I have to wonder now though. Since she arrived in this era, surely she would have learned how Britain has flourish, prosper and is actually one of the dominant countries in the world and how that part of history she was in just made that country stronger? What else does she wants then? Rider has all the right not to recognize her as a king anymore.

ouch

While the two of them debate of what defined a king, Gil just sat there and listened quietly. Only after Rider had left that he spoke to Rider: saying that she was right and continued the path that she has chosen. I think he just need amusement and Saber provided just that.

...

heh

She and the two Kings have very different views about offering. Saber wanted to sacrifice for her people but Rider and Gil thought that it was the other way around. Saber and Rider had quite a debate about this. I think that both of them were right to an extend. Everything should be done in moderation. Rider's words however were more convincing than Saber's weak conviction.

Their dialogue was interrupted by the Assassins, of whom Rider invited as wel. I thought that it was under Tokiomi's order (Gil wasn't pleased by the development at all. Well, he was right. It was cowardice if indeed Tokiomi sent them). They didn't come for a drink though which was a bad move.

Rider got serious and fuck me, he turned the whole place into a desert and he summoned his armies (who are heroic spirits too, which made them Servants as well), using Reality Marble (according to Irisviel - a mental image materialized into the real world) or his Noble Phantasm - Ionian Hetairoi. That was pretty impressive, not to mention powerful. I never took him seriously but now I have a new found respect for him.

I bet the Assassins were peeing in their pantsu but it's too late for them. RIP. I wonder if we have seen the last of Assassins...

double ouch

p/s: I want a Ionian Hetairoi too so I have endless supplies of well-chiseled guys at my disposal *licks lips*

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Fate/Zero: Episode 10

I almost forgot that this episode featured Rin! Damn my internet connection for sucking so much. It takes forever to download anime episodes nowadays.

Rin was learning magic and then some from Tokiomi. She practiced with some crystal but kinda phailed. Tokiomi showed her the right way to do it was by controlling her mana. That was the first time I saw Tokiomi using magic. She naturally looked up and idolized her father. To an 8 year old, anyone who can do magic is considered awesome heh.

tsundere Rin is the cutest!

Her dad was sending her away from Fuyuki City to Zenjo in order to keep her safe from the Holy Grail War but Rin being Rin thought that she could have helped out her dad to win the war. She sneaked in the study to learn some magic by herself but almost got eaten by a book if his father didn’t come in time. This was how Tokiomi ended up giving her a mana compass to help her determined which stuff that has its own mana.

The disappearance of children in Fuyuki City affected Rin as well since her friends were involved. No doubt that it was all because of Caster and his Master. Since she was worrying about her friend Kotone, she ventured into the city alone at night. We all know that it was a dumb idea but this was Rin and that what makes her so endearing.

so awesome :3

However, the mana compass was useless because there were traces of magic everywhere but she managed to find Ryuunosuke with the children and thus she followed him. Without even thinking things through she charged in. I almost wanted to warn her to stop because what she would find eventually will change her as a person. But meh, that only applied to normal people. I’m not gonna lie though. I was freaking nervous watching her let herself inside that abandoned bar.

Thankfully she had to face Ryuunosuke first. If she met Caster right off the bat, we won’t be seeing her in Fate/Stay Night because she would become one of the tentacle monster. She tried to destroy the bracelet that controlling all the children but her magic wasn’t strong enough for that and oh boy wasn’t she something else? That was pretty slick. So she saved the day as well as those children.

But she made herself known to Caster because of that. The mana compass went haywire and she knew she was dealing with something beyond her ability. As usual, Caster sent out his tentacle monster to deal with the problem and every time I see them, it just makes my skin crawls all over with disgust. I sure don’t want to be Rin at that moment.

you looks like you had a stroke, Kariya

Thankfully Kariya was around to save her. I kind of want to bitch slap Aoi for her reaction when she saw the face of Kariya. Be thankful woman! That man sacrifices his life to save your child from being raped by the insects (though he was a tad too late for that). She seemed more concern about Kariya winning the war than the safety of Sakura because winning the war means that Kariya has to kill Tokiomi (and himself eventually). But of course I wasn’t being fair. I’m sure it’s hard for her to choose between her husband, her daughter and her childhood friend (but not really).

I was wondering why wasn’t Tokiomi or Kirei comes forth to help out Rin. Then it occurred to me that Tokiomi relied on Kirei to report everything and for Kirei the Holy Grail War comes first. So when Assassin asked if he should do something about Rin/Aoi, Kirei ordered him to tail Kariya instead. His priority was right even though the decision was pretty heartless. Or maybe he just didn’t know about it until Kariya came to Rin’s rescue. After all, I don’t think he has Assassin following Rin around. The Assassin was initially following Kariya and hence how he ended up with Rin. It would be interesting if he tells Gil instead of Tokiomi about Kariya’s resolve to win the war. It would be even more interesting if he kept it all to himself.

I am actually quite happy about this episode. I like watching Tokiomi with Rin. He sorts of became a different person. How should I put this… more warmth maybe? We kept seeing him doing nothing in almost every episode, just sitting there besides the gramophone ordering Kirei around. At least I know now that he’s quite capable himself. I know he’s from Tohsaka family and all that but seeing is believing, if you know what I mean.

Also, he obviously loves Rin but how could he has the heart to send Sakura away even though he knew what would become of her daughter?

and Sakura isn't?

p/s: I skipped the preview for next episode.

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Fate/Zero: Episode 9

Smoking hot sex scene!

lol I wish!

The beginning of this episode showed Diarmuid in his past love life with Grainne but it wasn't Lancer who was reminiscing but it was Kayneth who dreamed it all. He just woke up from his long sleep after the fight with Kiritsugu and was pretty pissed when he found himself strapped on that metal stretcher. I was actually surprised that Sola-Ui attended him given his cripple condition. She even regenerated his internal organ. I was under the impression that she hated him. I guess they shared a bond that only they understand.


Sola-Ui refreshed Kayneth's memories by telling him what had happened as well as the fact that he can no longer use magic. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Kayneth when I saw that tear. He was a very proud magician indeed and only knew how to be a magician. When you took that away from him, he is left with... nothing? Pretty much an empty shell in that crippled body of his.

I was right to suspect Sola-Ui though. She definitely has something up her sleeves and she didn't take long to get it out of her chest. She wanted the command seal from Kayneth and thus made her Lancer's Master. When Kayneth refused, she broke his finger one by one. Jeebus, how fucking evil can a hideous woman be? Now I truly feel for Kayneth.

such a thoughtful wife...

and the moved husband...

Since he didn't have a choice, he gave her the Command Seals. Lancer was unwilling at first until Sola told him that she was doing all these to win the war and restores Kayneth back to normal. Kayneth already told Sola that Lancer might be hiding something important. He obviously didn't believe Lancer when he told him he has no desire for the Holy Grail. After seeing Lancer's memories I am sure Kayneth have an inkling or two that he was right not to trust Lancer. Lets just hope Lancer will betray her.

Back at Kiritsugu's place, somehow there was no sign that a battle was fought there. Everything was back to normal which kinda... illogical? Even the dining room where Kayneth first caught up with Kiritsugu looked unscathed. Did I miss something?

Anyway, Saber wanted to pursue Caster immediately but Kiritsugu wanted to take care of Kayneth first. He was obviously still mad at Saber for not stopping Lancer and rightly so, in my opinion.

On the other hand, Waver and Rider were actively pursuing Caster. Waver showed that he wasn't as useless as a Magi and he redeemed himself a bit there. He ordered Rider to take sample of water from the river and using alchemy, he traced Caster's location. Rider didn't waste anytime to ambush the place but Caster and his Master weren't there. What was left were the corpses of those children they have slaughtered.

I am actually glad that they censored the whole thing out. After what I've seen with the tentacle monster, I don't ever want to see neither one of their handywork anymore. It was just too cruel and inhuman.

true that

so...

don't judge him

They weren't the only one there though. Rider managed to kill one of the Assassins who have been following them around. They were up against a bunch of Assassins, in fact, but they just sneaked back into the shadows. Lucky for Rider? We wouldn't know because Rider quickly suggested that they must retreat but not before they destroyed the place. Now that Caster has no where to hide, he will be found eventually. Well, at least this revealed the fact to both Rider and Waver that they have been deceived into thinking that Kirei's Servant was dead.

so pretty *__*

This of course displeased Kirei but Tokiomi assured him that it wouldn't matter. This sort of reminded Kirei what Gil said earlier. Indeed his words can't be disputed. I mean, Tokiomi didn't move his ass at all! He just used big words to confirm himself as the person in charge. Sorry Rin but your father sucks.

penny for your thought, Kirei

Regarding this episode, I was expect to be quite annoyed both subjects of focus (Kayneth/Sola and Rider/Waver). Turned out I was quite surprised at how well this episode translated them as a character, and how they complimented each other, either in a good way or bad. However, I do notice the derpy kind of quality for this show. Most of the time, the proportions of body and head were off and that made the characters looked like they had the shrinking Beetlejuice's head. Other than that, good development.

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Fate/Zero: Episode 8

Irisviel senses another intruder and that intruder is none other than Kotomine Kirei. I have a stupid grin plastered on my face now knowing that this episode is going to be so effing good. How can I not get excited? Kiritsugu is already busy with Kayneth and to have Kirei in the mix is just like icing in the cake.

Irisviel who knew how Kiritsugu feels about Kirei however won't let Kirei go through without a fight. She instructs Maiya to stop Kirei from going any further but I think the both of them are underestimating Kirei. However, once again I am surprise that Kirei comes down to the place himself instead of sending out his Assassins. I guess the thought of him facing Kiritsugu face to face excites him just as much as it excites me.

But lets us go back to the mansion and resumes the Kiritsugu versus Kayneth's fight. Kirei used the "Origin Bullet" that managed to penetrate the shield Kayneth put up and thus wounded him. Too bad the bullet went through his shoulder and not his heart. Heh, served him right for lowering his guard against Kiritsugu. The fact that Kiritsugu is using human-made weapons further enrage Kayneth.

he won't be smirking for too long

Like I said earlier, Irisviel and Maiya were underestimating Kirei. There is no way he could be taken care off that easily given his background but hey, Maiya thought she did it and BAM! Kirei wakes up from the "dead" and starts attacking her. He is fucking immune to the bullets, believe you me! Needless to say, I am fangirling for Kirei as he kicks Maiya's ass. Maiya would have been dead too if Irisviel didn't interfere. Irisviel used a magic trick Kiritsugu taught her: Shape Ist Leben. It works at first but once Kirei focuses on his mana, Irisviel knows he's not a match for either one of them. What Irisviel did just piss him off further which is not good. Not good at all... for Irisviel and Maiya that is but it's funner for us! heh. So what did he do? He fucking stabs Irisviel in the guts with Black Key just to ensure that her blood is red as well. Awesomeness.


It is baffling for him to see these two women challenging him not for their own accord but for someone else and thus makes him even more intrigued about Kiritsugu. What does he has that makes these people protect him? His brain is in denial though trying to convinced himself that Kiritsugu is the same as him, alone and empty and understood by none. Poor Kirei...

For those who are Irisviel fans, worry not. She would not die from that would. She is a homunculus and Kiritsugu forces her to carry the Avalon, a Noble Phantasm that heal the wounds of the bearer. In layman's term, Avalon is just Saber's sword scabbard.

Having faced Kirei herself, Irisviel is more determined not to let Kirei meet Kiritsugu. She is well aware of how dangerous he is. But here's the thing Irisviel, I don't think you or anyone else besides Kiritsugu (and Gil) is capable of stopping him.

Next up is Saber/Lancer against Caster.

I read that in a totally perverted way

And thus, a thought then crossed my mind. Since Caster is so obsessed with Saber, I think he will go berserk if Lancer and Saber start banging each other there and then. That should distract him, no? lol

Anyway, Lancer and Saber manage to destroy the Noble Phantasm and thus destroying the tentacle monsters as well. Caster then runs with his tail between his legs.


It is a perfect timing though because Lancer senses his Master is in danger. Knowing that it's her Master's doing, Saber urges Lancer to rescue Kayneth.

And then the episode takes a turn where I was left completely clueless. Well, almost. Thanks to Reiki's explanation I managed to grasp a thing or two. It looks like an explanation of where did the Origin Bullet got it's name. Some woman Magi powdered Kiritsugu's rib into the bullet and his origin will materialize in anything shot by it. It is especially powerful against Magi for when they used magic against it, his origin will destroy their Magic Circuit and left the Magi without control of his magic. The more powerful the Magi, the greater the effect which mean bad news for Kayneth because it is pretty much DEAD END for him. Kiritsugu would have killed him too if Lancer didn't come to take his Master away.

so damn cool all the time

Interesting we found out that Kiritsugu's origin is severing and binding instead of destroying and regenerating as I first assumed. I also learned that the woman in question was his sensei Natalia and she made 66 Origin Bullets for Kiritsugu. I think he wasted one on Kayneth earlier.

To be honest, I was quite disappointed that neither Caster nor Kayneth is dead. I thought it was the end of both of them but I guess they want to save it for the second cour. Oh well, good things happened to those who wait I guess.

Looks like the next episode would be about Lancer, Kayneth and Sola-Ui. Should be interesting judging on the conversation they just had ^_^

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