Saturday, October 31, 2009

Seitokai no Ichizon: Random


Currently finished: Episode 4

Just like Lucky Star, the content of this anime (and its manga) is as random as anything could go. The reason so far I like this but not Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu is the fact even though it is mostly materials we've seen in many other animes, they managed to keep it creative. Having said that, seeing how many animes/mangas/games they've gone through in only four episodes, I wonder how long they can stay fresh and creative before they start to get into that endless repetitive cycles like the one that literally killed my interest for Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei.

Nyan Koi: Harem, Actually


Currently finished: Episode 4

It may started off as something else, but by now, it's pretty clear that this is a harem anime. But I have to say the approach is actually quite interesting. Come to think of it, which romantic comedy anime hasn't been a harem? I think that's the easiest way to make an romantic comedy. It's either that or love triangle, but love triangle tend to get too complicated and too serious over time, so practically speaking, harem probably is the only way to make romantic comedies.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with harem animes. It's just lately, too many harem animes takes the same approach, so they all look and feel the same. Nyan Koi however, with this unique approach, is quite refreshing. Though I didn't list it in my choices of top 5 from October, I think I might have given it a tied position if I have seen episode 4 before I decided my top 5. But I am going to give it:

Comedy Anime of the Season for October 2009 Season

[OVA] Shakugan no Shana S


This is just a side story OVA that is just for fun. In another word, this is something they did just to make some extra money off this franchise. It is mostly unrelated to the main plot, but it does have some interesting points.

At the moment, my recommendation for you is that unless you really really like Shakugan no Shana series, or just have too much time to burn, you can mostly skip this one without worry about missing anything important about the story.

Friday, October 30, 2009

[Dropped] Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu Purezza: Same Ol' Stuff


I managed to stay to the end of the first series because the concept was somewhat unique, and it was amusing, at least then. This season two, however, has nothing new and pretty much just repeats the same ol' things over and over again. In my opinion, animes like this should always be an one shot deal and should never have a sequel.

[Dropped] Shin Koihime Musou: Ri-diculous


While Queen's Blade managed to keep things somewhat amusing, Shin Koihime Musou managed to pull out the tactic of boring reused contents. As bad as Queen's Blade is, it at least manage to have an actual story going. Shin Koihime Musou doesn't even have a plot, period. My backlog are slowly creeping up again. I have no time to waste with junks like this.

Monday, October 26, 2009

[Poll] The Poll for October 2009 Top 5 is Open

With Winter Sonata, I think I've caught all the new releases from October 2009 new anime season. To be honest, even though the total count is pretty high, 28 to be exact, I'm not seeing many exceptionally impressive new animes. Normally, I'd have a hard time to decide which animes to eliminated from the list for my top five. But this time, I'm actually struggling on deciding which one I want to put in my list so that I can have five in my top five.

Seriously, you know the overall quality of this season's new release ought to suck majorly when you have a difficult time picking 5 out of 28 animes that you would consider "good".

My top 5 picks are:

Kimi ni Todoke - This is a no brainer pick for me. In fact, this is riding way above the other in my top 5 list.

Asura Cryin' 2 - It probably would be a borderline case before I saw episode 3 and 4. Those two episodes have made this series so much better. But you'll need to equipped with knowledge from the first seasons to be able to understand this one.

Tegami Bachi (Letter Bee) - I like it for its concept and characters. And it reminds me much of Galaxy Express 999, which I'm quite fond of.

Darker Than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini - So far I'm not impressed by it as much as the first series, yet. But it's a pretty good start, and with Studio BONES track record, I think they'd handle it well.

Fairy Tail - While it's interesting for the moment, I can't help to notice the potential of repetitiveness already starting to show up by episode 3. On top of that, the chances of them making this an ultra long series is pretty high.

[New October 2009] Winter Sonata


Japanese title: 冬のソナタ
Korean title: 겨울연가
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1530.html
Genres: Drama / Romance
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: A love story adapted from the Korean TV drama with same name (I think). About a boy who came to a town looking for his father that he never knew.

First impression score: 85 ~ Romance

Personal comments: First off, this is a Korean anime. Having been so used to hearing Japanese voice from animes, it feels somewhat weird hearing a different language. The story started by creating a very romantic background environment right off the back. As I said previously, I'm a sucker for romantic love stories, and I think this is the type of stories hits my spot right on. Now I just have to get used to listen Korean instead of Japanese...

Asura Cryin 2: Loss and Redemption


Currently finished: Episode 4

This is a great example of how a good tragedy is like when it's done properly. (You'll have to watch the first season to understand the premise of the tragedy).

Many people may dislike this story simply because it's cruel and it doesn't seem to provide any escape route from the inevitable tragedy. But I think this is where the brilliance of the story lies. Nowadays, too many stories provie too many way to escape all tragic events simply because they don't want to upset the audiences.

Asura Cryin', however, places a harsh reality into the realm of this imaginary world where the characters in it not only have to witness the unfortunate events unfolding right in front of them, but also to realize that such misfortune has already been clearly projected onto their own inevitable fate as well. This sense of hopelessness is quite a rare find in nowadays' stories where feel-good is what they're all about.

I'm loving every single second of it.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Kimi ni Todoke: Shoujo Anime of the Season



Currently finished: Episode 3

Laugh as you may, but I have to admit, I am such a sucker for romantic comedies and/or shoujo stories like this. To me, for some reason, this kind of story can get me emotionally attached to the characters so easily. It's like I can feel the exact kind of emotions that are going through those characters mind in all situations.

Following Nana, Peach Girl, Aishiteruze Baby, Bakura ga Ita, I think Kimi ni Todoke is probably going to be the next anime that enters MY shoujo animes hall of fame.

I'm enjoying it so much at the moment that I'm going to hand it

Shoujo Anime of the Season

award.

Kiddy Girl-AND: Tasteless


Currently finished: Episode 2

Despite how much I liked the story of Kiddy Grade first time through, during the subsequent re-runs I've been through, I can't help to notice some of the tastelessness that anime possesses that has become so much more apparent once you know the story already.

So you ask what does that have to do with this series? Well, it seems that not only they carried those tastelessness into this new anime, they also managed to magnify it so much that Kiddy Girl-AND so far in my opinion is almost completely tasteless.

Being only 12 episodes long, by spending one entire episode on useless things, I can't help to think that whoever wrote this story probably had no intention in putting a good plot into it. What a shame.

Kaidan Restaurant: Creepy Tales

Currently finished: Episode 2

Although it's a collection of creepy tales for kids, some of those story still sends some chill down my spine. The effect is especially apparent since I always watch them alone late at night. Despite of me loving horror and spooky stories, I'm actually quite easily spooked. But more a story can spook me, more I'll like it. Sometimes I wonder whether I am mentally a masochist...

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Asura Cryin 2: Bad Position


Currently finished: Episode 3

I feel sorry for him because every option available to him at the moment has a big "suck" stamped on it. Having said that, though, if he would just tell her the truth that she wants to know so much, it would make things a lot easier on him. Even though it doesn't actually make the decision making process any easier, he can at least off load some of the burden elsewhere and let somebody else to make the difficult decision. But since he is the "let me take all the pain for you" type of guy, he probably would torture himself to death before he's willing to do that.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Queen's Blade 2: Ah..hahaha...


Currently finished: Episode 4

I have been laughing almost nonstop since the beginning of this new series. It's not that they're being comedic, it's the fact the anime itself is actually trying to make itself a laughingstock. Even though there is no substance what so ever in this anime, the amusement alone is enough to make me keep watching it.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

11 Eyes: Chaos; Head Clone?


Currently finished: Episode 2

[edit] Some reader of my blog pointed out that my previous comment about Chaos; Head and 11 Eyes are developed by the same company is wrong. They're actually developed by different companies but published by the same company, 5pb. Sorry about that little mix up, but my opinion actually does not change: many things from 11 Eyes resembles Chaos; Head, especially things I don't like. [end edit]

This concerns me quite a bit because Chaos; Head started well, but it had turned out to be a much worse anime. And this, 11 Eyes, already has a somewhat unimpressive start, I wouldn't want to image what it will eventually become. For time being, I'll hang on to it, but I don't think I can see it to the end.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

[Dropped] Yumeiro Patissiere

Watched: 2 Episodes

Ok, I liked its first episode because it reminded me a lot of Full Moon O Sagashite (Looking for the Full Moon). Then after seeing the second episode, I realized this is not Full Moon. This is only an ordinary children's anime.

I think one reason I liked Full Moon from the beginning is that it was seeded with a tragedy--the inevitable death of the main character. With that, I was able to stay with it and ultimately see how good the story eventually become.

I'm sure there's a chance Yumeiro Patissiere could possess a great story. But at the moment, there's nothing really that attractive in this anime for me.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

[Dropped] Toaru Kagaku no Railgun

Watched: 2 Episodes

Toaru Kagaku no Railgun didn't impress me at all with the first two episodes. The problem I see, is that fact knowing this is a spin-off side story, it's highly unlikely to have an extensive plot. The first two episodes helped in confirming that.

With so many other better series piling up on my list, I have to drop something to free up some time slots. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun is the first to go.

[New October 2009] Kuchu Buranko


Japanese title: 空中ブランコ
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10953
[Edit 10/26/09]Download: http://dragonballclassics.com/kuchu-buranko/download-kuchu-buranko-episodes-mkv/
Genres: ???
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: The story about a strange psychiatrist and his patients.

First impression score: ...

Personal comments: From the director of Mononoke, comes another anime with strange plot and dazzling visual effect. People who liked Mononoke probably would like this. People who didn't like Mononoke probably should just stay away from this.

[New October 2009] Kaidan Restaurant


Japanese title: 怪談レストラン
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=11024
Currently no English sub available
Genres: Horror / Supernatural / Ghost
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Two students explore a place called Kaidan Restaurant (Thriller Restaurant). Then strange things start to happen.

First impression score: 88 ~ Interesting

Personal comments: This supposedly a horror anime for kids. It does feels like an anime version of the 90's kid's TV horror series Goosebumps.

[New October 2009] Kiddy Girl-AND


Japanese title: キディ・ガーランド
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1040.html
Genres: Scifi / Comedy / Action / Drama
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: The long waited sequel to Kiddy Grade. Story of two ES members from GTO (Galactic Treaty Organization, I think).

First impression score: 80 ~ Typical

Personal comments: This opening episode actually reminds me much of the original Kiddy Grade. But this one seems to be a bit more light hearted and blatant on the fan service. I liked Kiddy Grade for many reasons, but the heavy fan service is not one of them. Hopefully, Kiddy Girl-AND would inherit other good things from Kiddy Grade, not just the fan service. One thing I never really understood is the meaning of the title: Kiddy Grade, Kiddy Girl-AND, what are they supposed to mean? They never gave any reference or explanation about it in the original anime. I hope they'll put some explanation forth with this series on the title of the anime.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

[New October 2009] Aoi Bungaku Series


Japanese title: 青い文学シリーズ
Info: http://myanimelist.net/anime/7193/Aoi_Bungaku_Series
Currently no English sub available
Genres: Novel Adaptation
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: This is anime adaptation of six famous Japanese literatures. Manga artists of Bleach, Prince of Tennis, Death Note are all involved in this anime's production.

First impression score: 85 ~ Different

Personal comments: Anime adaptation of classic literature is always intriguing, especially when famous artists are among those whe are involved in the production. This could be very interesting.

[New October 2009] Fairy Tail


Japanese title: フェアリーテイル
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10942
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Fairy_Tail
Genres: Fantasy / Comedy / Drama
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Lucy is a girl who wants to join a mage guild called Fairy Tail. One day she meets a boy named Natsu, who is a member of Fairy Tail...

Recognized Voice Talent: Aya Hirano (平野綾) as Lucy. If you still can't tell her voice by now, then you have a hearing problem. She has one of the most distinct and characteristic voice in the industry. Her most famous works include Haruhi from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Konata from Lucky Star.

First impression score: 90 ~ Interesting

Personal comments: This is one of the most talked about animes of this season. I have read some of its manga a while back, but it didn't quite make to the top of my to-read list. But judging from the little I did read, it looks like this could be a very interesting story. For one, this is definitely a very good opening episode.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

[New October 2009] Inuyasha The Final Act


Japanese title: 犬夜叉 完結編
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10970
Watch online: http://www.hulu.com/inuyasha-the-final-act
Genres: Fantasy / Drama / Comedy
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: The final part of Inuyasha saga, finally...

First impression score: 80 ~ ...

Personal comments: Don't ask me why I'm still watching it, because I don't know the answer either...

[New October 2009] Darker Than Black: Ryuusei no Gemini


Japanese title: DARKER THAN BLACK 流星の双子
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1493.html
Genres: Drama / Supernatural
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Sequel to the original Darker Than Black.

First impression score: 90 ~ Right into the action

Personal comments: This opening episode is very well made. It didn't bother to waste any time before jumping right into the action. I think this is going to be just as great as the original series.

[New October 2009] Sasameki Koto


Japanese title: ささめきこと
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10701
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Sasameki_Koto
Genres: School Drama / Yuri / Shoujo?
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: One girl is in love with another girl, but she's in love with a different girl.

First impression score: 80 ~ Heavy Yuri

Personal comments: It feels like Aoi Hana all over again. I hope it doesn't become of it.

[New October 2009] Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza


Japanese title: 乃木坂春香の秘密 ぴゅあれっつぁ
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10619
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Nogizaka_Haruka_no_Himitsu_-_Purezza_-
Genres: Comedy / Drama
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Continue on with the story of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu.

First impression score: 77 ~ Same ol' stuff

Personal comments: I considered the first series a solid mediocre. As a rule of thumb, sequel usually is no better then the original, especial romantic comedies, because they tend to just repeat the same things over and over again.

[New October 2009] 11 Eyes


Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10935
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/11Eyes
Genres: Thriller / Drama / Fantasy / Action?
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Satsuki lost his sister by suicide several years ago. One day, some strange things starts to happen around him.

First impression score: 87 ~ Mysterious

Personal comments: Many elements in this first episode reminds me of Chaos; Head, not quite the character or story, rather, the presentation. I wonder if they're related.

[New October 2009] Shin Koihime Musou

Japanese title: 真・恋姫†無双
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10655
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Shin_Koihime_Musou
Genres: Comedy / Fantast
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: More strange stories based of characters of The Romance of Three Kingdoms.

First impression score: ... ~ ...

Personal comments: ...

[New October 2009] Miracle Train


Japanese title: ミラクル☆トレイン~大江戸線へようこそ~
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10763
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Miracle_Train
Genres: Drama
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: There's a legend about a miracle train that runs in Japan's subway system only troubled girls are able to get on. On the miracle train, there are six gentleman would help the troubled souls to find solutions to their problems.

First impression score: 85 ~ Refreshing

Personal comments: The style of the story is very similar to Bartender, where different people with different issues in their lives come to get help on their personal problems. There are some subtle humors now and then. But the focus of this kind of stories is really on how to solve little problems in day-to-day life.

Friday, October 9, 2009

[New October 2009] Kobato


Japanese title: こばと。
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1502.html
Genres: Comedy / Drama / Supernatural
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Kobato is a naive girl who came to the human world to fill a bottle with broken hearts so her wish could be granted.

First impression score: 87 ~ Funny

Personal comments: This is probably something similar to Jigoku Shoujo or Natsume Yuujinchou: series of short and moving stories. I like series like this.

[New October 2009] Yumeiro Patissiere


Japanese title: 夢色パティシエール
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10949
Currently no English sub available
Genres: Food / Shoujo / Reverse harem?
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Ichigo Amano loves pastries ever since she tasted cakes made by her grandma. One day she met someone who knew her grandma from pastry cooking school. Now she's going to pursue her dream to become the best pastry chef.

First impression score: 85 ~ Shoujo

Personal comments: So many things in this anime remind me about Full Moon O Sagashite (Looking for the Full Moon), which is also one of my favorite shoujo animes of all time. The art style may bug a lot of people, but I'm actually quite fond of it. For me this is a keeper, but for others, it may not be so...

[New October 2009] Kimi ni Todoke


Japanese title: 君に届け
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1511.html
Genres: Comedy / School Life
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Sawako is a nice girl, but because of her look and the way she talk, everybody around her thinks she's creepy. But one day, she met a guy which is about to change her life...

First impression score: 88 ~ Strange but interesting

Recognized voice talent: Mamiko Noto (能登麻美子) as Sawako Kuronuma. Her voice is quite easy to recognize. Her more famous roles include Yakumo from School Rumble, and Shimiko from Maria sama ga Miteru.

Personal comments: Both the concept and the deformed art style reminds me much of Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (The Wallflower, or Perfect Girl Evolution). Something else in the story also reminds me of Bokura ga Ita, which is one of my favorite shoujo stories.

[New October 2009] Sora no Otoshimono


Japanese title: そらのおとしもの
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10764
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Sora_No_Otoshimono
Genres: Supernatural / Comedy / Drama
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: There is a dimensional whole looking object circling around the earth that nobody could figure out what it is. Tomoki has been dreaming about a girl all this time, and on night, a girl with angel wings fell out of the sky in front of him which could grant his any wish.

First impression score: 80 ~ WTF?

Personal comments: There are quite some extreme mood swings within the episode one. Aside from that, everything else screams WTF.

[New October 2009] Natsu no Arashi! Akinaichuu


Japanese title: 夏のあらし!春夏冬中
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10944
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/NATSU_NO_ARASHI_!
Genres: Comedy / Supernatural
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: The funky story of Natsu no Arashi continues...

First impression score: 78 ~ Not nearly as attractive as season one

Personal comments: The only reason I liked early episodes of season one is because it's new and refreshing. By the end of season one, I was already no longer amused by the same old tricks they were pulling any more. After seeing the beginning of this new season, I can already tell that they're just going to keep banking on the same old routine over and over again. Forecast not good...

Thursday, October 8, 2009

[(Not so) New October 2009] White Album (Season 2)


Japanese title: ホワイトアルバム
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1354.html
Genres: Drama / Love Story
I've watched: 1 episode (14)

Summary: The second half of the White Album story.

First impression score: 88 ~ More entangled fates

Personal comments: If you haven't read my posts about the first season, then let me tell you, I f$%#ing hate the main guy. He is just un-f&%$#ing-believably soft and useless. It's not that he's a bad person or a douche in any way, he is just too nice, so nice that he's indecisive and ends up hurting everybody around him.

Having said that, if you have followed my blog long enough, you would know that I like tragedies, especially love tragedies. One reason is that tragedies spark hate, either towards the one who cause the tragedy in the story or the author who wrote the story. In my opinion, those feelings are quite a rare luxury nowadays because everybody only wants to write stories that make people feel happy, not sad. So feelings of hatred towards any character is actually quite a pleasent feeling for me.

[New October 2009] Seitokai no Ichizon


Japanese title: 生徒会の一存
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1515.html
Genres: Comedy / School Life / Harem?
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Story about student council at a private high school.

First impression score: 85 ~ Lucky style comedy

Personal comments: I've read some of the manga. Compare to the manga, the character in anime seems a lot more childish, both appearance and behavior. While I don't recall this manga being a parody heavy story, they're drawing quite a few references from many other famous animes including Lucky Star, Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Dragon Ball: Evolution (yes, the movie), Higurashi no Naku Koroni, Umineko no Naku Koroni, etc. I'm not sure where they're heading with this, but I can see it potentially become really good or really bad.

[New October 2009] Toaru Kagaku no Railgun


Japanese title: とある科学の超電磁砲
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1514.html
Genres: Supernatural / Drama / Comedy / Scifi
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Spin-off from To Aru Majutsu no Index, the side story about Mikoto Misaka.

First impression score: 85 ~ Fairly interesting start

Personal comments: Because To Aru Majutsu no Index disappointed me so much, I didn't get nearly as excited as many other people did about this anime. Besides, it's a spin-off side story. It's quite unlikely to possess a complicated plot.

[New October 2009] Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra


Japanese title: 戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10951
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/The_Book_of_Bantorra
Genres: Supernatural / Drama / Action
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Not sure yet, there are people with super power, exploding humans, and apparently dead people turn into stone books...

First impression score: 81 ~ Huh?

Personal comments: At the moment, I'm completely lost about where they're heading with this, more so than the early episodes of 07-Ghost...

Monday, October 5, 2009

[New October 2009] Letter Bee


Japanese title: テガミバチ
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10831
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Tegami_Bachi:_Letter_Bee
Genres: Fantasy / Drama
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: In a world where the government delivery service employee is called "letter bee", Gauche meets a little boy named Lag, who he supposed to deliver to a location specified by a label attached to him.

First impression score: 88 ~ Unique

Personal comments: This is a very unique concept. If executed well, it could be really interesting.

[New October 2009] Seiken no Blacksmith


Japanese title: 聖剣の刀鍛冶
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1494.html
Genres: Fantasy
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Cecily broke her sword in her first encounter with enemy, and was saved by someone named Luke with a sword that could cut through other swords. Now she wants Luke to to make a sword just like his.

First impression score: 83 ~ Standard fantasy anime

Personal comments: Everything seems to be a typical cookie cutter fantasy anime. Hopefully there are something interesting and unique to come.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

[New October 2009] Kampfer


Japanese title: けんぷファー
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1509.html
Genres: Comedy / Supernatural / Action / Fan service
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Some dude is suddenly turned into a girl called "Kampfer" and forced to fight against other "Kampfer" for some reason that is unknown to any of them.

First impression score: 85 ~ Heavy on fan service, but still funny

Personal comments: The concept feels somewhat like Sekirei, which is a nonsense combat story filled with fan services. I'm not sure whether I can stand more animes like this. They better come up with something interesting soon, otherwise, I'll be dropping it soon.

[New October 2009] Nyan Koi!


Japanese title: にゃんこい!
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1513.html
Genres: Comedy / Supernatural
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Some dude accidentally damaged the statue of cat god, now he's cursed to understand cats. If he doesn't do 100 good things for the cats, the curse will eventually turn him into a cat.

First impression score: 85 ~ Funny

Personal comments: It's a very interesting concept presented in a very interesting way.

[New October 2009] Asura Cryin' 2


Japanese title: アスラクライン
Info: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10932
Watch online: http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Asura_Cryin
Genres: Scifi / Supernatural
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: Pickes up where the previous series left off...

First impression score: 80 ~ Even more confusing than before...

Personal comments: This second season jumped right into the action without wasting any time. However, the advancement they made in the plot seems to made the overall story more confusing then before.

[New October 2009] Queen's Blade 2

Japanese title: クイーンズブレイド 玉座を継ぐ者
Info/download: http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/1505.html
Genres: Fantasy / Ecchi / Nude / X-Rated
I've watched: 1 episode

Summary: More boobs from the story of Queen's Blade...

First impression score: 80 ~ Amusing

Personal comments: It amazes me how many top ranked Japanese voice actress are appearing in a ludicrous anime like this. I think they're all doing this for a big practical joke. Nevertheless, it's amazing that not only they finished the first series, they're making a sequel. For those who hasn't seen the first series, watch a couple of episodes of the first series first before you decide whether you want to proceed. While I think this is amusing, some of you may get offended by the material. So when I say offensive material ahead in this anime, do take that advise quite literally.

[Ended] Basquash: Exciting!


Before I started watching this series, I thought this is one of the most retarded concept ever made. After finishing watching it, I still think this is one of the most retarded concept I've ever seen. However, that's about only thing that isn't top-notch in this anime.

Although many people would consider the story to be inferior than average anime, in my opinion, it's quite decent. It all depends on whether you get hung up on the retarded underlying concept. If you can look beyond that and appreciate what this anime truly is, you would find this is one exciting and entertaining anime.

The ultra super-charged ending somewhat reminds me of Macross Frontier's ending, where they went a bit overboard on making a big finale scene. But again, when a story is getting as exciting as this, it's a little hard not to go a bit overboard.

Oh, one more thing, because Nike sponsored this anime, there are loads of Nike product placements. I know it bother many people, but it doesn't really bother me at all, I just think it's funny. So just beware if you do decide to watch it.

Final scoreboard:

Drama: 90 (Definitely good drama)
Comedy: 88 (Pretty good for what it has)
Action: 95 (Exciting)
Art/Animation: 90 (Not bad)
Sound/Music: 95 (Great music)
Character: 87 (Variety)
Plot:84 (Good plot, but with a slightly retarded underlying concept)
Ending: 85 (Just a bit overly excited...)

Re-watch value: 60 (Once is probably enough)

Overall: 89 - Exciting

Recommendation: Because of the concept is a bit too retarded, I think many people would dismiss it right off the back. But if you do, you're missing out a lot of excitements.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

[Ended] Tears to Tiara: All Ends Well

Can I say I totally see the ending coming? Even though the overall story is somewhat unique and doesn't really fall into any of the typical cookie cutter story model, everything in the story is just way too predictable.

It may look like a standard harem anime in the beginning, but I can assure you this isn't just a simple harem anime. It actually have a decent plot.

Final scoreboard:

Drama: 80 (Acceptable)
Comedy: 81 (Not too bad)
Action: 78 (Somewhat cheesy)
Art/Animation: 80 (Typical)
Sound/Music: 80 (Acceptable)
Character: 80 (Lots, but not enough depth)
Plot: 76 (Somewhat unique, but too predictable)
Ending: 80 (Acceptable, but aren't that good)

Re-watch value: 30 (Once is enough)

Overall: 80 ~ Mediocre

Recommendation: This isn't anything great anime. But if you just need some mediocre anime to burn some time, this is acceptable.

[End] Guin Saga: Epic

Epic. That's the most fitting word to describe this anime. This is probably one of the most epic anime I've seen since 12 Kingdoms.

What I thought in the beginning was a slow and boring story ends up being an epic grand masterpiece. The story is not exactly fast paced, but there are something strangely attractive I couldn't quite grasp in this story that was able to grab my attention and made me kept watching it. Honestly, I would not have imaged how interesting this story has eventually become from the early episodes.

Because the book series is supposedly the longest running single author novels with 126 volumes and still growing, there is no way the story could end with this anime. But they did manage to close up this segment pretty well. I really hope they would keep making sequels of this story.

Final scoreboard:

Drama: 91 (Epic Drama)
Comedy: N/A
Action: 91 (Very Good)
Art/Animation: 90 (Very detailed)
Sound/Music: 91 (Great music)
Character: 95 (Great character development)
Plot: 90 (Epic)
Ending: 88 (Good enough)

Re-watch value: 70 (Still epic)

Overall: 90 - Epic

Recommendation: If you like epic stories, you shouldn't miss this.

[Ended] Saki: Very Interesting

This is a story about Mahjong. However, you cannot take anything about Mahjong play in this anime at its face value, just as you can't take anything about tennis you see in the Prince of Tennis seriously. Everything in this anime is way too far-fetched to be real, yet they are still way too interesting to resist.

This is one of those animes that regardless whether you know the game of Mahjong or not, you would enjoy it greatly. However, people do know Mahjong (like me) sometimes tend to get a bit irritated by it. However, it doesn't really hurt the overall enjoyment of this anime.

Although the ending is somewhat open, I wouldn't hold it against it because one, this segment of the story is mostly complete, two they're just leaving things so they can make a sequel.

Final scoreboard:

Drama: 91 (Mahjong Drama)
Comedy: 90 (Funny)
Action: N/A
Art/Animation: 80 (Typical)
Sound/Music: 87 (Good music)
Character: 87 (Unique and plentiful)
Plot: 87 (Little far-fetched, but well written)
Ending: 88 (Good enough)

Re-watch value: 75 (Still somewhat interesting)

Overall: 90 - Far-fetched but interesting

Recommendation: If you're into a good mahjong drama, or just general drama about games, this is it for you. But if you're not into stuff like this, they you probably won't be interested in it at all.

[Ended] Yokuwakaru Gendaimahou: Small Play

It's not the story is bad. It's just when I finished it, it feels not nearly as satisfactory as I was hoping for. Where I was hoping for a grand plot, end up being only a small plays. This is quite a disappointment consider the chemistry between the two major characters is so exceptionally good.

Final scoreboard:

Drama: 73 (Not that good)
Comedy: 81 (Ok in the beginning, not so towards the end)
Action: 76 (Nothing impressive)
Art/Animation: 80 (Acceptable)
Sound/Music: 80 (Not too impressive)
Character: 80 (Great chemistry, but didn't cash in)
Plot: 76 (Somewhat disappointing)
Ending: 80 (Not that great)

Re-watch value: 30 (Probably don't even want to see it first time)

Overall: 75 ~ Very Disappointing

Recommendation: This ought to be one of the biggest disappointment of the season. I would not recommend this to average anime viewers.