Fans of Hudson Soft's Bomberman franchise should be familiar with the Gamecube title Bomberman Jetters. Why I bring this up is because this game is adapted from the anime of the same name. It's not in the US yet (not officially, anyway), but I managed to catch a peak at it, after owning the game for a while.
Alright, when fans think of Bomberman, they usually think of bad guys, a nasty plot, and heroes wielding dangerous Bombs. This anime doesn't deviate from that much. I'm guessing picking up from its predecessor game Bomberman Generations, the story tells of the Hige Hige Bandits and their leader Bagura. Common for antagonists, they are foiled constantly by the titular protagonist team, the Jetters. One of the original members, the leader Mighty, makes a brief return to Planet Bomber, his home, to see his younger brother Shirobon, commonly addressed here as the White Bomber. However, his reunion is short, and somewhat bittersweet, as he is called for a sudden mission. After his mysterious disappearance, the Jetters are short one Bomberman. Dr. Ein, frantic to fill the hole, accepts Shirobon as the new Bomberman of the Jetters.
At this point, the story unfolds first as a lighthearted comedy, then takes a much darker turn, adding a bit of drama to it later in the anime. While the objective is to stop the Hige Hige Bandits, Shirobon also seeks out bomb starts, which helps him use new bombs, as well as seek the whereabouts of Mighty, who he feels is still alive. A couple of running gags are seen, and in terms of characters, more notably for the character Max, there are seen differences between the game and anime. In fact, the game appears to be set some time after the anime, as both Shirobon and Rui appear older in the game. With this reason, it's possible that the anime and the game coincide with one another (much like the Devil May Cry series, save for the recent game in making), the only thing raising doubt being the character Max, the antagonist in the anime who serves a more heroic role in the games.
The anime itself runs for 52 episodes, and features some original characters, as well as those from the other games. Of all the Bomberman media, this title is claimed by viewers as the only adaption that stays true to the games, even with its differences from the video adaptation to the title. Made in 2002, the same year the game released in Japan, it was created under Studio Deen, and even with the voices heard in game for English in the 2004 Gamecube title, the anime is still unlicensed. Shirobon, or White Bomber is voiced by Tomoko Kaneda (seiyuu in Japan), while it's generally unclear about his English voice in-game. Bomberman Jetters uses the same animation in the anime and the game's opening sequence. However, the difference comes in as far as the music used. The Japanese vocal theme "Boku wa Gakeppuchi" was replaced by a similar sounding American rock music in the game.
Bomberman Jetters wasn't well received game wise, and as far as the anime coming here officially, after nearly 9 years, that's still uncertain. Though as an anime derived from it's namesake game franchise, I saw little problems. The anime gets a 8.2 of 10.
2011/06/30
CIII: "Witch Hunter Robin"
Another title that perked my interest, despite how uninteresting it appears to others. Witch Hunter Robin is a title I found back on Adult Swim, and even today, it's still a fond memory of mine.
The members of the secret organization Solomon Tokastu Nin'idantai, or STN, dedicate their services to hunting down those who uses witchcraft in a harmful manner. This happens only when one "awakens", becoming a witch. Solomon's job is taking down these witches, due to their violet behavior. Broken into many branches, the anime follows the endeavors of STN-J as well as one of it's members: 15 year old Robin Sena, a pyrokinetic craft user and titular character. However, what awaits her, as well as her partners, are more than just a simple hunting job...
The anime ran for 26 episodes, created in the Sunrise Studio (the same one behind the Gundam franchise), and licensed by Bandai Entertainment. It deals with the supernatrual, but it's also that of an Occult Detective genre. The English voice of Robin is Kari Wahlgren, while Crispin Freeman voices her partner Amon, and Johnny Yong Bosch voices Haruto Sakaki. These are just a few of the voice actors you'll hear in the anime English wise.
The series is kinda spooky to some, and despite that the performances are flat, as they say, the roles are suited well enough. While others didn't see much in it, I found it kinda eye-catching, because it was kinda dark. Witch Hunter Robin scores a 7.9 of 10.
The members of the secret organization Solomon Tokastu Nin'idantai, or STN, dedicate their services to hunting down those who uses witchcraft in a harmful manner. This happens only when one "awakens", becoming a witch. Solomon's job is taking down these witches, due to their violet behavior. Broken into many branches, the anime follows the endeavors of STN-J as well as one of it's members: 15 year old Robin Sena, a pyrokinetic craft user and titular character. However, what awaits her, as well as her partners, are more than just a simple hunting job...
The anime ran for 26 episodes, created in the Sunrise Studio (the same one behind the Gundam franchise), and licensed by Bandai Entertainment. It deals with the supernatrual, but it's also that of an Occult Detective genre. The English voice of Robin is Kari Wahlgren, while Crispin Freeman voices her partner Amon, and Johnny Yong Bosch voices Haruto Sakaki. These are just a few of the voice actors you'll hear in the anime English wise.
The series is kinda spooky to some, and despite that the performances are flat, as they say, the roles are suited well enough. While others didn't see much in it, I found it kinda eye-catching, because it was kinda dark. Witch Hunter Robin scores a 7.9 of 10.
2011/06/29
CII: "Lucky☆Star"
I never expected to find myself watching this title. The anime Lucky☆Star came as a fastball to me. Oddly enough, however, it began to grow on me.
Lucky☆Star centers on 4 girls, two of which are related. Among these four is Konata Izumi. While she has intelligence and athletic, she is rather lazy, and doesn't resign herself to any sports clubs. To add, she always ends up cramming for tests. The other girls consist of the intelligent Miyuki Takara, and the Hiiragi sisters Kagami and Tsukasa. For what I understand, there is no definite plot, as the anime mainly deals with not only their everyday lives, but the episodes usually reference other anime, manga, and tokusatsu.
The anime is 24 episodes long, localized by Bandai Entertainment and Kadokawa Pictures. Supposedly, the manga records from their first year in high school, though the anime starts initially from the second term for them. In addition, much like the Americanized version of Sailor Moon's first season, each episode of Lucky☆Star has a segment at the end titled Lucky Channel, featuring Akira Kogami, a two-faced character, if you will, and her assistant Minoru Shiraishi, who constantly ties to put up with her when she's not being nice on screen. Aya Hirano is not only the seiyuu of Konata, but she also one of the singers for not only the show's opening but as well for a few of the insert tracks used as the endings. Some songs are recognizable from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, another series in which Hirano voices Haruhi, the titular character. English wise, Konata's voice is done by Wendee Lee, who ALSO voices Haruhi in English. At some point, I'll cover the latter series.
Lucky☆Star perked my interest, and I'm glad I wasn't mislead, though it's a slice of life comedy I didn't think would interest me at first. This series gets an 8.1 of 10.
Lucky☆Star centers on 4 girls, two of which are related. Among these four is Konata Izumi. While she has intelligence and athletic, she is rather lazy, and doesn't resign herself to any sports clubs. To add, she always ends up cramming for tests. The other girls consist of the intelligent Miyuki Takara, and the Hiiragi sisters Kagami and Tsukasa. For what I understand, there is no definite plot, as the anime mainly deals with not only their everyday lives, but the episodes usually reference other anime, manga, and tokusatsu.
The anime is 24 episodes long, localized by Bandai Entertainment and Kadokawa Pictures. Supposedly, the manga records from their first year in high school, though the anime starts initially from the second term for them. In addition, much like the Americanized version of Sailor Moon's first season, each episode of Lucky☆Star has a segment at the end titled Lucky Channel, featuring Akira Kogami, a two-faced character, if you will, and her assistant Minoru Shiraishi, who constantly ties to put up with her when she's not being nice on screen. Aya Hirano is not only the seiyuu of Konata, but she also one of the singers for not only the show's opening but as well for a few of the insert tracks used as the endings. Some songs are recognizable from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, another series in which Hirano voices Haruhi, the titular character. English wise, Konata's voice is done by Wendee Lee, who ALSO voices Haruhi in English. At some point, I'll cover the latter series.
Lucky☆Star perked my interest, and I'm glad I wasn't mislead, though it's a slice of life comedy I didn't think would interest me at first. This series gets an 8.1 of 10.
CI: "X-Men: The Animated Series" & "X-men: Pryde of the X-men"
Needless to say, I'm aware that it's an anime blog, but sometimes before we hear of anime, the make a basic cartoon out of a series beforehand. Such is true in the case of series such as Sonic The Hedgehog, among others. I'll do a review on the animated series X-men as well as its predecessor, both of which deriving from the comic book franchise by Marvel. On a personal note, I can't really verify this as an anime or a cartoon, since the word "anime" is used as a blanket term in Japan, unlike here where it pertains to a specific art style. Some consider this as a cartoon, well, MOST do, so let's stick with that for the time being.
Those familiar with the comics, or have seen my post pertaining to another X-men series, should be familiar with who's in it somewhat. In addition, it's tough for me to explain what takes place, as most of the series, if not all, are loosely based of the comics themselves, some episodes based around a specific saga. The animated series features the team of the commonly known mutants, and many others making a guest appearance. There were even a few cameos, among which being Deadpool, however, at the time, Shadowcat wasn't introduced in the animated series at all. Certain episodes also dealt around social issues, while remaining true to the comic stories somewhat.
The successful animated series was actually the second to be made. The preceding title X-men: Pryde of the X-men. That series featured Kitty Pryde, known to most fans as Shadowcat, in her earlier days when she isn't quite acquainted to the other X-men as of yet. The title itself was a pun on Shadowcat, being the youngest X-man into the group. Staying true to the comics, Magneto is the mainstay antagonist of both titles.
Pryde of the X-Men was made in 1989, only having 1 episode that ended up on VHS after it's very brief run. The reaction was mixed for the most part, but purists, or hardcore fans of a franchise, blasted the title because of how the characters were portrayed. While Kitty Pryde's portrayal was one of them, the biggest complaint came from the accent Wolverine had. Perhaps due to the error on casting, Wolverine had an Australian accent, despite being born Canadian. This, as well as other factors, prompted the creators to go back to the drawing board.
Three years later, X-Men: TAS was released, and it received grand praise. It ran for 5 seasons, showing 76 episodes. They made reruns on television in 2000 with the emergence of the first X-Men live action film. After Saban was brought out by Disney, all of their works, including the Power Rangers series and X-Men: TAS, would be shown on Toon Disney and ABC Family. Currently, the animated series is featured on Disney XD, another channel owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group.
X-Men is a name that everyone knows, and today it's still popular with the release of X-Men First Class earlier this month. That's all for now, and keep an eye out for the review of the third work: X-Men Evolution
Those familiar with the comics, or have seen my post pertaining to another X-men series, should be familiar with who's in it somewhat. In addition, it's tough for me to explain what takes place, as most of the series, if not all, are loosely based of the comics themselves, some episodes based around a specific saga. The animated series features the team of the commonly known mutants, and many others making a guest appearance. There were even a few cameos, among which being Deadpool, however, at the time, Shadowcat wasn't introduced in the animated series at all. Certain episodes also dealt around social issues, while remaining true to the comic stories somewhat.
The successful animated series was actually the second to be made. The preceding title X-men: Pryde of the X-men. That series featured Kitty Pryde, known to most fans as Shadowcat, in her earlier days when she isn't quite acquainted to the other X-men as of yet. The title itself was a pun on Shadowcat, being the youngest X-man into the group. Staying true to the comics, Magneto is the mainstay antagonist of both titles.
Pryde of the X-Men was made in 1989, only having 1 episode that ended up on VHS after it's very brief run. The reaction was mixed for the most part, but purists, or hardcore fans of a franchise, blasted the title because of how the characters were portrayed. While Kitty Pryde's portrayal was one of them, the biggest complaint came from the accent Wolverine had. Perhaps due to the error on casting, Wolverine had an Australian accent, despite being born Canadian. This, as well as other factors, prompted the creators to go back to the drawing board.
Three years later, X-Men: TAS was released, and it received grand praise. It ran for 5 seasons, showing 76 episodes. They made reruns on television in 2000 with the emergence of the first X-Men live action film. After Saban was brought out by Disney, all of their works, including the Power Rangers series and X-Men: TAS, would be shown on Toon Disney and ABC Family. Currently, the animated series is featured on Disney XD, another channel owned by the Disney-ABC Television Group.
X-Men is a name that everyone knows, and today it's still popular with the release of X-Men First Class earlier this month. That's all for now, and keep an eye out for the review of the third work: X-Men Evolution
2011/06/28
C: "Xenosaga: The Animation"
[W00T!! My 100th post!! - Seiko]
Xenosaga was a trilogy of RPG games for the Playstation 2, though there were other games. Never did I anticipate Namco Bandai's RPG to spawn an anime, which wasn't bad in my opinion. Xenosaga: The Animation is basically an animated telling of the first game, titled Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht.
Those familiar with the game can omit this portion. The story deals with a group of characters that battle beings called Gnosis. Among these are Shion Uzuki and the creation KOS-MOS, just to name a few. During the adventures, they travel onboard the Woglinde, meet other characters known in-game, and deal with not only Gnosis, but the antagonist Albedo, related to Jr.
The anime in some ways remain faithful to the game itself, though there are changes that takes place. For starters, Cherenkov, who dies early in the game, is replaced by Lt. Virgil, due to dying earlier in the anime. Another notable trait of the anime is the inclusion of Shion's brother, Jin Uzuki, who serves a much larger role in the game's sequel, Xenosaga Episode II:Jenseits von Gut und Bose. He is portrayed in the anime as he is done in Episode II, while he is only seen in cameo of the first game. The anime last only 12 episodes, so it's pretty short, and at first it was licensed by ADV. However, as with 29 other titles under them, it was later picked up by Funimation after ADV became defunct. To this day, there are no talks of a succeeding title anime wise, while Xenosaga, in general, seemed to have stopped for good after the final game, Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra, was released. Shion is voiced by Stephanie Wittels (who did roles like Lilith of Venus Versus Virus), KOS-MOS by Luci Christian (Kaname Chidori of the Full Metal Panic! series), and Jin is voiced by Christohper Ayres (the current voice of Frieza for Dragon Ball Z Kai). Christohper Ayres is fellow voice actor, and elder brother, to Greg Ayres, who also serves a role in this. In this anime, Greg Ayres voices Gaignun Kukai Jr./Rubedo. It shouldn't be said, but the voices seen here isn't like that of the games. Just a little heads up.
As short as it is, it retains what we know about Episode I to an extent, and like Devil May Cry: The Animated Series, I feel as if the anime didn't botch up the namesake game. Xenosaga: The Animation gets a 7.8 of 10.
Xenosaga was a trilogy of RPG games for the Playstation 2, though there were other games. Never did I anticipate Namco Bandai's RPG to spawn an anime, which wasn't bad in my opinion. Xenosaga: The Animation is basically an animated telling of the first game, titled Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht.
Those familiar with the game can omit this portion. The story deals with a group of characters that battle beings called Gnosis. Among these are Shion Uzuki and the creation KOS-MOS, just to name a few. During the adventures, they travel onboard the Woglinde, meet other characters known in-game, and deal with not only Gnosis, but the antagonist Albedo, related to Jr.
The anime in some ways remain faithful to the game itself, though there are changes that takes place. For starters, Cherenkov, who dies early in the game, is replaced by Lt. Virgil, due to dying earlier in the anime. Another notable trait of the anime is the inclusion of Shion's brother, Jin Uzuki, who serves a much larger role in the game's sequel, Xenosaga Episode II:Jenseits von Gut und Bose. He is portrayed in the anime as he is done in Episode II, while he is only seen in cameo of the first game. The anime last only 12 episodes, so it's pretty short, and at first it was licensed by ADV. However, as with 29 other titles under them, it was later picked up by Funimation after ADV became defunct. To this day, there are no talks of a succeeding title anime wise, while Xenosaga, in general, seemed to have stopped for good after the final game, Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra, was released. Shion is voiced by Stephanie Wittels (who did roles like Lilith of Venus Versus Virus), KOS-MOS by Luci Christian (Kaname Chidori of the Full Metal Panic! series), and Jin is voiced by Christohper Ayres (the current voice of Frieza for Dragon Ball Z Kai). Christohper Ayres is fellow voice actor, and elder brother, to Greg Ayres, who also serves a role in this. In this anime, Greg Ayres voices Gaignun Kukai Jr./Rubedo. It shouldn't be said, but the voices seen here isn't like that of the games. Just a little heads up.
As short as it is, it retains what we know about Episode I to an extent, and like Devil May Cry: The Animated Series, I feel as if the anime didn't botch up the namesake game. Xenosaga: The Animation gets a 7.8 of 10.
2011/06/27
IC: "Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad"
A little heads up: this anime is not affiliated with the name Beck Hansen in real life. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad is the male take on making a band, at least that's how I see it. While K-ON! had schoolgirls forming a band from a school club, Beck: MGS, on the other hand, grows one from thin air, in a sense, with members having talent, save for one who eventually discovers his after saving a dog, which turns out to be the name of the band. Ironically, while the band is called simply Beck, the subtitle Mongolian Chop Squad serves as the American name for the group, so as not to confuse it with the American 'Beck'.
Meet Yukio Tanaka, though he is more commonly called Koyuki in the series. He is just entering junior high school as the anime starts off, but his passion for life seems to have long faded from him already. Things change once he encounters by chance Ryusuke Minami, called Ray. Following this, he starts to become interested in music, which Ray helps him become familiar with. During this time, he meets Ray's sister, Maho, and his pet dog, named Beck (like the title). Through inner conflicts, outside troubles, and practice from an unlikely person, Koyuki becomes the 4th member into the newly formed group: Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad. From then on, we see his life not only as a student, but also as a rising musician.
Beck: MCS is a 26 episode anime, licensed by Funimation and featured on their channel. The anime came from a lot of influence, as many well known names in music (The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, etc.) are heard and referenced in the anime. The key influences were seen in the characters themeslves. Chiba was influenced from Rage Against the Machine's vocalist, Zack de la Rocha, in terms of attitude, appearance and style. Koyuki's handling of the guitar was influenced by Tom Morello, also from RATM. Ray is influenced by Jimmy Page of Led Zepplin, and in terms of playing, is also similar to Tom Morello at times. In the English adaption, the voices are as follows for BECK's members:
Meet Yukio Tanaka, though he is more commonly called Koyuki in the series. He is just entering junior high school as the anime starts off, but his passion for life seems to have long faded from him already. Things change once he encounters by chance Ryusuke Minami, called Ray. Following this, he starts to become interested in music, which Ray helps him become familiar with. During this time, he meets Ray's sister, Maho, and his pet dog, named Beck (like the title). Through inner conflicts, outside troubles, and practice from an unlikely person, Koyuki becomes the 4th member into the newly formed group: Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad. From then on, we see his life not only as a student, but also as a rising musician.
Beck: MCS is a 26 episode anime, licensed by Funimation and featured on their channel. The anime came from a lot of influence, as many well known names in music (The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, etc.) are heard and referenced in the anime. The key influences were seen in the characters themeslves. Chiba was influenced from Rage Against the Machine's vocalist, Zack de la Rocha, in terms of attitude, appearance and style. Koyuki's handling of the guitar was influenced by Tom Morello, also from RATM. Ray is influenced by Jimmy Page of Led Zepplin, and in terms of playing, is also similar to Tom Morello at times. In the English adaption, the voices are as follows for BECK's members:
- Koyuki: Greg Ayres
- Ray: Eric Vale
- Taira: Jerry Jewell
- Chiba: Justin Cook
- Saku: Johnny Yong Bosch
XCVIII: "K-ON!"
I heard of this title via a friend on DeviantArt, and sometime later saw a video copying its opening sequence using "Vocaloid" characters (courtesy of NicoNico Douga). K-ON! is an anime revolving around music, in the way Beck Mongolian Chop Squad did, this time focusing on girls.
K-ON! centers on 4 girls, one of which was drastic about saving the light music club from being terminated. Ritsu, alongside Mio, seeks out members to join the club before the termination date. The 3rd member of the group is Tsumugi, who joins after seeing a humorous moment with the other two. The last to join in is the anime's main character, Yui. Eventually, a group is formed, with Yui as lead guitarist, Ritsu as the drummer, Tsumugi, or Mugi, on keyboard, and Mio as bassist. Eventually a 5th member, Azusa, shows up to join as well. It's not all music, while it does focus on their student lives as well, albeit comical moments.
Originally a 4 panel comic known as a 4-koma, or yonkoma, it eventually spawned a 13 episode series in 2009. Attached to this was an OVA, though there are 4 after it titled Ura-On!, which are essentially mini-series episodes. Only one of those is a recap episode. In addition, a second season was released a year later, bearing 26 episodes, twice as long as the previous season. Fitting for it, the title got an extra exclamation mark, becoming K-ON!! This time around, all 5 members are a year higher, with Azusa being a second year student, and the rest third years. All the animated works were done under the Kyoto Animation studio, with Bandai localizing only the first anime for English. Apart from games dealing with this title, there is an animated movie in the works, set to release in early December. Stephany Sheh is the English voice of Yui, who not only did roles such as Eureka from Eureka Seven, but also helped with scripts for titles like Ah! My Goddess and Romeo X Juliet.
K-ON! is a slice of life anime that deals with music. Still, it has a spot in my mind as a title to come back to. K-ON! gets a 8.1 of 10, and I'm curious as to how the movie will turn out. Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
K-ON! centers on 4 girls, one of which was drastic about saving the light music club from being terminated. Ritsu, alongside Mio, seeks out members to join the club before the termination date. The 3rd member of the group is Tsumugi, who joins after seeing a humorous moment with the other two. The last to join in is the anime's main character, Yui. Eventually, a group is formed, with Yui as lead guitarist, Ritsu as the drummer, Tsumugi, or Mugi, on keyboard, and Mio as bassist. Eventually a 5th member, Azusa, shows up to join as well. It's not all music, while it does focus on their student lives as well, albeit comical moments.
Originally a 4 panel comic known as a 4-koma, or yonkoma, it eventually spawned a 13 episode series in 2009. Attached to this was an OVA, though there are 4 after it titled Ura-On!, which are essentially mini-series episodes. Only one of those is a recap episode. In addition, a second season was released a year later, bearing 26 episodes, twice as long as the previous season. Fitting for it, the title got an extra exclamation mark, becoming K-ON!! This time around, all 5 members are a year higher, with Azusa being a second year student, and the rest third years. All the animated works were done under the Kyoto Animation studio, with Bandai localizing only the first anime for English. Apart from games dealing with this title, there is an animated movie in the works, set to release in early December. Stephany Sheh is the English voice of Yui, who not only did roles such as Eureka from Eureka Seven, but also helped with scripts for titles like Ah! My Goddess and Romeo X Juliet.
K-ON! is a slice of life anime that deals with music. Still, it has a spot in my mind as a title to come back to. K-ON! gets a 8.1 of 10, and I'm curious as to how the movie will turn out. Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
2011/06/20
XCVII: "Blood+"
Made after and inspired by the film Blood: The Last Vampire, Blood+ deals with blood, strange beasts, and one girl armed with a katana to slay them all.
Saya Otonashi is an amnesiac and anemic adopted by George Miyagusuku. She seems like a normal teenager running a normal life. Everything changes however, when a bat like menace, a Chiropteran, attacks her school. Reuniting with her chevalier Hagi, she is told that only she can slay these beings. Unwilling and reluctant at first, she becomes more cold and unreserved, through losses of allies and family, making her more than willing to not only kill more chiropterans, but to kill her sister, Diva.
The anime ran for 56 episodes, produced by Production I.G. and Aniplex. The licensing was done by Sony Pictures Television for the US, and was televised in the late night Adult Swim block. There are few subtle, but fair changes between the anime and the manga, Blood+ Adiago. Saya is voiced by Kari Wahlgren (who voiced other characters like Haruko Harahara of FLCL)
Blood+ has its fame, having this anime, a few manga, three games, and a soundtrack. The very film it was inspired from saw a live action adaptation in 2009, nine years after the animated work. In any case, a respectable 8.1 of 10 goes to Blood+.
Saya Otonashi is an amnesiac and anemic adopted by George Miyagusuku. She seems like a normal teenager running a normal life. Everything changes however, when a bat like menace, a Chiropteran, attacks her school. Reuniting with her chevalier Hagi, she is told that only she can slay these beings. Unwilling and reluctant at first, she becomes more cold and unreserved, through losses of allies and family, making her more than willing to not only kill more chiropterans, but to kill her sister, Diva.
The anime ran for 56 episodes, produced by Production I.G. and Aniplex. The licensing was done by Sony Pictures Television for the US, and was televised in the late night Adult Swim block. There are few subtle, but fair changes between the anime and the manga, Blood+ Adiago. Saya is voiced by Kari Wahlgren (who voiced other characters like Haruko Harahara of FLCL)
Blood+ has its fame, having this anime, a few manga, three games, and a soundtrack. The very film it was inspired from saw a live action adaptation in 2009, nine years after the animated work. In any case, a respectable 8.1 of 10 goes to Blood+.
XCVI: "Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok"
There was another anime dealing with a child-size detective aside from Detective Conan. Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok combines the aspects of mysteries and Norse Mythology and wrapped it around in animation. The end result is this very anime.
Loki, as those familiar with Norse Mythology may know, is the God of Chaos and Mischief. Odin trapped Loki in the body of a young boy after banishing him, and now he seeks to reclaim his place back in the realm of the gods, as well as his original body. To do this, he needs to collect the evil auras that can take over human hearts. To this end, he starts a detective agency dealing with the supernatural, accompanied by his partner Yamino, who is loyal to him. While doing so, he runs into Mayura Daidoji, a girl obsessed with mysteries. After saving her, she somehow becomes the 3rd member. During his mission, he runs into other Norse Gods: some to befriend him, and some to behead him. All the while, Mayura is unaware that, despite his abnormal knowledge and abilites, that Loki is a Norse God himself...
The anime ran for 26 episodes, licensed under ADV Films. Once more, this is another case in which traits from the anime differ noticeably from the manga. In the manga, Loki is more wild and silly, while he is moreso cool-headed in the manga, save for times of danger. Mayura's love for Loki is also different: while it's hazy in the manga, it's more clear cut, and somewhat mutual, in the anime. Loki is voiced by Jose Diaz (Adult form), and Shannon Emerick (Child Form), while Mayura is voiced by Kira Vincent-Davis.
While it doesn't capture me more than Detective Conan, it does stand as another favorite of mine. Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok gains an 8.1 of 10.
Loki, as those familiar with Norse Mythology may know, is the God of Chaos and Mischief. Odin trapped Loki in the body of a young boy after banishing him, and now he seeks to reclaim his place back in the realm of the gods, as well as his original body. To do this, he needs to collect the evil auras that can take over human hearts. To this end, he starts a detective agency dealing with the supernatural, accompanied by his partner Yamino, who is loyal to him. While doing so, he runs into Mayura Daidoji, a girl obsessed with mysteries. After saving her, she somehow becomes the 3rd member. During his mission, he runs into other Norse Gods: some to befriend him, and some to behead him. All the while, Mayura is unaware that, despite his abnormal knowledge and abilites, that Loki is a Norse God himself...
The anime ran for 26 episodes, licensed under ADV Films. Once more, this is another case in which traits from the anime differ noticeably from the manga. In the manga, Loki is more wild and silly, while he is moreso cool-headed in the manga, save for times of danger. Mayura's love for Loki is also different: while it's hazy in the manga, it's more clear cut, and somewhat mutual, in the anime. Loki is voiced by Jose Diaz (Adult form), and Shannon Emerick (Child Form), while Mayura is voiced by Kira Vincent-Davis.
While it doesn't capture me more than Detective Conan, it does stand as another favorite of mine. Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok gains an 8.1 of 10.
XCV: "Steel Angel Kurumi" series
Another request from a friend, I'm surprised I didn't cover this one at all, having remembered this from years ago. Steel Angel Kurumi is another anime that features mechanical, but charming girls. Oddly enough, it's an anime that is an alternate setting prior to World War II.
By the coaxing of his classmates, Nakahito Kagura is pushed into roaming a strange house, supposedly belonging to a mad scientist. He discovered a life-like doll inside, just as the Japanese army plans to attack the house. When the assault begins, this doll falls on top of Makahito, who accidentally kisses it. When she wakes, she is revealed to be the titlular character, Steel Angel Kurumi, and for reasons unknown, she is hunted down by the military. From then on, she becomes possessive of him, and poor Nagahito isn't sure how to deal with her and the other one-sided love interests after him, since he's between boyhood and manhood.
The series ran for 24 episodes, followed by the spinoff anime Steel Angel Kurumi 2, running for 12 episodes, 2 OVA series, and a TV Drama. While it does have traits of a harem anime, it's more so sci-fi and magical girl. The two anime and one of the OVAs are licensed under ADV Films for the US. While the series all feature Kurumi and the other Steel Angels, the protagonists differ. Steel Angel Kurumi 2 deals with Nako Kagura as the protagonist, who is the 4th generation after Nagahito, though it's not clear if she is his, or relative Kamahito's great granddaughter. The change in protagonist adds a Yuri element to the anime. Steel Angel Kurumi Zero, not licensed by ADV, has a much darker story as opposed to the other 3, and contains no elements of comedy whatsoever, and even features a few darker palettes. Kurumi is voiced by Kelli Cousins (who voices roles like Seina from Full Metal Panic!), while Kira Vincent-Davis (voices of titular Najica Hiragi of Najica: Blitz Tactics and Mayura Daidoji of Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok) voices Nakahito. Since I've brought her up, Nako is voiced by Luci Christian (who voiced Kaname chidori, also from FMP!)
Steel Angel Kurumi, as a whole, is worth my respect, gaining an 7.9 of 10 overall. I may have to watch this again, now that I remember this title.
By the coaxing of his classmates, Nakahito Kagura is pushed into roaming a strange house, supposedly belonging to a mad scientist. He discovered a life-like doll inside, just as the Japanese army plans to attack the house. When the assault begins, this doll falls on top of Makahito, who accidentally kisses it. When she wakes, she is revealed to be the titlular character, Steel Angel Kurumi, and for reasons unknown, she is hunted down by the military. From then on, she becomes possessive of him, and poor Nagahito isn't sure how to deal with her and the other one-sided love interests after him, since he's between boyhood and manhood.
The series ran for 24 episodes, followed by the spinoff anime Steel Angel Kurumi 2, running for 12 episodes, 2 OVA series, and a TV Drama. While it does have traits of a harem anime, it's more so sci-fi and magical girl. The two anime and one of the OVAs are licensed under ADV Films for the US. While the series all feature Kurumi and the other Steel Angels, the protagonists differ. Steel Angel Kurumi 2 deals with Nako Kagura as the protagonist, who is the 4th generation after Nagahito, though it's not clear if she is his, or relative Kamahito's great granddaughter. The change in protagonist adds a Yuri element to the anime. Steel Angel Kurumi Zero, not licensed by ADV, has a much darker story as opposed to the other 3, and contains no elements of comedy whatsoever, and even features a few darker palettes. Kurumi is voiced by Kelli Cousins (who voices roles like Seina from Full Metal Panic!), while Kira Vincent-Davis (voices of titular Najica Hiragi of Najica: Blitz Tactics and Mayura Daidoji of Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok) voices Nakahito. Since I've brought her up, Nako is voiced by Luci Christian (who voiced Kaname chidori, also from FMP!)
Steel Angel Kurumi, as a whole, is worth my respect, gaining an 7.9 of 10 overall. I may have to watch this again, now that I remember this title.
XCIV: "Hand Maid May"
Another anime that shocked me, Hand Maid May falls under the same area as Chobits and Angelic Layer. It poses the question of the relationships between humans and machines. I'm sure there are more like this, but let's get on with the review.
Kazuya Saotome is a student with little interest in women, lives by himself, and is shown to be quite the engineer. One of his works is the robot squid Ikariya, who he tries to imply and perfect an AI chip in it. This work unknowingly becomes the basis of the M.A.I.D. program in the future. Unexpectedly, as the original intent was to ruin Kazuya, a rival engineering student gives him a disc that strangely connects to the place called the Cyberdyne Corporation. Following this, a small, hand-size, Cyberdoll called May arrives, and from here on, in spite on how complicated things become for him, his life is satisfactory all the same.
Hand Maid May was licensed by Geneon Entertainment, and lasts for 11 episodes total, including a short 10-episode series and an OVA. The show was created by different writers for different episodes, all under the Wonder Farm and Pioneer L.D.C. studios. Kazyua Saotome is voiced by Steve Cannon (who is the English roles of Shiki Tohno of Tsukihime: Lunar Legend, and Seabook Arno of Mobile Suit Gundam F91), while May is voiced by Lia Sargent (who voices R. Dorothy Wayneright in The Big O)
Hand Maid May is short, but worth my time. I grade this a 7.9 of 10. Looks a tad old, but it's titles like this that uplifts my feelings a bit.
Kazuya Saotome is a student with little interest in women, lives by himself, and is shown to be quite the engineer. One of his works is the robot squid Ikariya, who he tries to imply and perfect an AI chip in it. This work unknowingly becomes the basis of the M.A.I.D. program in the future. Unexpectedly, as the original intent was to ruin Kazuya, a rival engineering student gives him a disc that strangely connects to the place called the Cyberdyne Corporation. Following this, a small, hand-size, Cyberdoll called May arrives, and from here on, in spite on how complicated things become for him, his life is satisfactory all the same.
Hand Maid May was licensed by Geneon Entertainment, and lasts for 11 episodes total, including a short 10-episode series and an OVA. The show was created by different writers for different episodes, all under the Wonder Farm and Pioneer L.D.C. studios. Kazyua Saotome is voiced by Steve Cannon (who is the English roles of Shiki Tohno of Tsukihime: Lunar Legend, and Seabook Arno of Mobile Suit Gundam F91), while May is voiced by Lia Sargent (who voices R. Dorothy Wayneright in The Big O)
Hand Maid May is short, but worth my time. I grade this a 7.9 of 10. Looks a tad old, but it's titles like this that uplifts my feelings a bit.
XCIII: "F-Zero: GP Legend"
Named after the second handheld F-Zero title, I'm guessing that a certain animator wanted to capitalize off that into making a first ever F-Zero anime. The end result is the anime F-Zero: GP Legend, which was the name of the Game Boy Advance game released at the same time. This title originally went by F-Zero Falcon Densetsu (aka The Legend of Captain Falcon), and continues to be known by its Japanese title rather than the American name. You'll see why in a little while.
For the first time in the F-Zero franchise, the setting takes place in the 22nd Century, rather than the 26th as seen in the games. One of the central protagonists in the anime is Ryu Suzaku (Rick Wheeler in the 4Kids adaption), a detective in pursuit of a criminal named Zoda. Thanks to this criminal, Ryu crashes. His injuries were pretty serious, and he would have died, had it not been for Dr. Stewart and Jody Summer. Thanks to them, he wakes up in the year 2201. After healing, he joins the taks force with those two to stop the Dark Million Organization, run by Black Shadow and Deathborn. However, Ryu's reason for assisting them is personal, as Dark Million is responsible for evolving Zoda, and he plans to take his nemesis down with this organization. In the midst of all this, he not only learns the legend of the frianchise mainstay Captain Falcon, but is found racing side-by-side with the legend himself!
The series ran for a lengthy 51 episodes, though it only took 13 episodes in the US before its cancellation. 4Kids Entertainment, who licensed it, supposedly altered the anime, and not just by name alone. While not said how it was altered, the website Kombo apparently was the one that broke the news. After cancellation, GP Legend was never heard from again on TV, while over in Japan, the series continued until its finale. Ironically, 2 memes came from this. The first comes directly from F-Zero Falcon Densetsu, where they took the audio from the final episode involving Ryu, Captain Falcon, and the antagonist Black Shadow. The second is derived from the Super Smash Bros. series by Nintendo and HAL, who had the character in all 3 games so far. Such memes uses audio from the game in certain situations, mostly in other anime. David Willis voices the mainstay Captain Falcon, while Ryu Suzaku was voiced in English (as the character Rick Wheeler) by Gregory Abbey (voice of Tristian Taylor of Yu-Gi-Oh! as of episode 11 onward), who adopted the alias John Campbell.
Where 4Kids failed, the anime was indeed good, being a reboot to the F-Zero franchise. The American version gets a piss poor 2.6 of 10, while the anime overall gets a 7.5 of 10. I grade it this way for 4Kids not due to the voices, but for the unneeded changes that brought about its cancellation.
For the first time in the F-Zero franchise, the setting takes place in the 22nd Century, rather than the 26th as seen in the games. One of the central protagonists in the anime is Ryu Suzaku (Rick Wheeler in the 4Kids adaption), a detective in pursuit of a criminal named Zoda. Thanks to this criminal, Ryu crashes. His injuries were pretty serious, and he would have died, had it not been for Dr. Stewart and Jody Summer. Thanks to them, he wakes up in the year 2201. After healing, he joins the taks force with those two to stop the Dark Million Organization, run by Black Shadow and Deathborn. However, Ryu's reason for assisting them is personal, as Dark Million is responsible for evolving Zoda, and he plans to take his nemesis down with this organization. In the midst of all this, he not only learns the legend of the frianchise mainstay Captain Falcon, but is found racing side-by-side with the legend himself!
The series ran for a lengthy 51 episodes, though it only took 13 episodes in the US before its cancellation. 4Kids Entertainment, who licensed it, supposedly altered the anime, and not just by name alone. While not said how it was altered, the website Kombo apparently was the one that broke the news. After cancellation, GP Legend was never heard from again on TV, while over in Japan, the series continued until its finale. Ironically, 2 memes came from this. The first comes directly from F-Zero Falcon Densetsu, where they took the audio from the final episode involving Ryu, Captain Falcon, and the antagonist Black Shadow. The second is derived from the Super Smash Bros. series by Nintendo and HAL, who had the character in all 3 games so far. Such memes uses audio from the game in certain situations, mostly in other anime. David Willis voices the mainstay Captain Falcon, while Ryu Suzaku was voiced in English (as the character Rick Wheeler) by Gregory Abbey (voice of Tristian Taylor of Yu-Gi-Oh! as of episode 11 onward), who adopted the alias John Campbell.
Where 4Kids failed, the anime was indeed good, being a reboot to the F-Zero franchise. The American version gets a piss poor 2.6 of 10, while the anime overall gets a 7.5 of 10. I grade it this way for 4Kids not due to the voices, but for the unneeded changes that brought about its cancellation.
XCII: "Ninja Nonsense"
Ninja Nonsence: The Legend of Shinobu, aka Ninin Ga Shinobuden or 2x2 = Shinobuden, is a bit more comedic than how it sounds. I managed to scope this out when surfing through the Funimation Channel, the company who licensed it. Thankfully, though it deals with ninjas, this is NOTHING like the over-popularized Naruto series.
The series mainly deals with a ninja-in-training (well, technically, a kunoichi-in-training), Shinobu, and her path to complete her ninja exams. In spite of her enthusiasm, she hardly has the abilities of a ninja, and such is made clear when she tries to sneak in the room of Kaede Shiranui. Taking pity upon her, she becomes friends with Shinobu, though it's hard for her to deal with her perverted master Onsokumaru and the seemingly endless male ninjas, one of which is named Sasuke, though they all are generally the same in appearance.
As it does show her struggle with her training, the anime also deals with Shinobu's personal life, and the comedic troubles she and Kaede have to put up with. The series is short, however, only lasting 12 episodes, though they are primarily 2-in-one epiosdes, much like that of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. The sieyuu for Shinobu, as well as the singer for the insert song Shinobu Ondo is Nana Mizuki, who was the main seiyuu for Nana Suzuki of Seven of Seven. English-wise, her voice is done by Emily Bauer, or Emily Blau (who voiced Megumi Morisato of Ah! My Goddess TV). Kaede is voiced by Zoe Martin, Shinobu's sister, the magical prodigy Miyabi, is voiced by Veronica Taylor (Ash, Delia Ketchum, and May of Pokemon, and Amelia of Slayers), and Onsokumaru is voiced by Sean Schemmel, known largely as the Funimation voice of Drgaon Ball's titular character, Goku, in his adult form. There is only one instance of one role being voiced by two people in this anime, and that is Sasuke. David Willis (voice of roles like Captain Falcon of F-Zero: GP Legend, and voices Devil and Kaede's Dad in this anime) voiced Sasuke for the first 3 episodes, while Jason Linder took over from episode 4 to the end.
Ninja Nonsense is comical, maybe even ecchi at times, but still pretty decent. I grade it a 7.1 of 10.
The series mainly deals with a ninja-in-training (well, technically, a kunoichi-in-training), Shinobu, and her path to complete her ninja exams. In spite of her enthusiasm, she hardly has the abilities of a ninja, and such is made clear when she tries to sneak in the room of Kaede Shiranui. Taking pity upon her, she becomes friends with Shinobu, though it's hard for her to deal with her perverted master Onsokumaru and the seemingly endless male ninjas, one of which is named Sasuke, though they all are generally the same in appearance.
As it does show her struggle with her training, the anime also deals with Shinobu's personal life, and the comedic troubles she and Kaede have to put up with. The series is short, however, only lasting 12 episodes, though they are primarily 2-in-one epiosdes, much like that of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. The sieyuu for Shinobu, as well as the singer for the insert song Shinobu Ondo is Nana Mizuki, who was the main seiyuu for Nana Suzuki of Seven of Seven. English-wise, her voice is done by Emily Bauer, or Emily Blau (who voiced Megumi Morisato of Ah! My Goddess TV). Kaede is voiced by Zoe Martin, Shinobu's sister, the magical prodigy Miyabi, is voiced by Veronica Taylor (Ash, Delia Ketchum, and May of Pokemon, and Amelia of Slayers), and Onsokumaru is voiced by Sean Schemmel, known largely as the Funimation voice of Drgaon Ball's titular character, Goku, in his adult form. There is only one instance of one role being voiced by two people in this anime, and that is Sasuke. David Willis (voice of roles like Captain Falcon of F-Zero: GP Legend, and voices Devil and Kaede's Dad in this anime) voiced Sasuke for the first 3 episodes, while Jason Linder took over from episode 4 to the end.
Ninja Nonsense is comical, maybe even ecchi at times, but still pretty decent. I grade it a 7.1 of 10.
2011/06/19
Ev1: DC Comicon, and what's ahead...
Hey everyone. I'm taking a break from my usual posts today because I recently came back from DC Comicon, which mainly deals with comic books, mostly the antique ones. As people interested in the works, a few good friends and myself were there to promote ourselves, as well as to assist the people who bothered to put this thing together for the first time in the DC Metro Area. The ride to Fairfax was a pain, but the fun made it all the more worth it.
Now, as for whats ahead. If you fellow otaku don't know it already, I'm looking at days until I depart for the second largest con on the east coast: Otakon in Baltimore. In addition, I will pretty much do an overhaul about titles I've seen already, starting with the 92nd post reviewing Ninja Nonsense. Still, I'll keep up with any new or unheard, and I'll begin updating about any adaptions or newer works in the making as well. Just a little FYI, but I apologize in advance if some of these possible adaptions bleed your ears. Should you want me to check out a specific title/series, let me know. I'm always seeking new things to speak of.
Anyway, enough ragging. Until the next review, this is your blogger Seiko Takeda-Wolf, signing out!!
Now, as for whats ahead. If you fellow otaku don't know it already, I'm looking at days until I depart for the second largest con on the east coast: Otakon in Baltimore. In addition, I will pretty much do an overhaul about titles I've seen already, starting with the 92nd post reviewing Ninja Nonsense. Still, I'll keep up with any new or unheard, and I'll begin updating about any adaptions or newer works in the making as well. Just a little FYI, but I apologize in advance if some of these possible adaptions bleed your ears. Should you want me to check out a specific title/series, let me know. I'm always seeking new things to speak of.
Anyway, enough ragging. Until the next review, this is your blogger Seiko Takeda-Wolf, signing out!!
2011/06/17
XCI: "Fate/Stay Night" and "Tsukihime: Lunar Legend"
I've become more of a fan for Type Moon's works lately. These two titles are derived from the eroge visual novels themselves, tamed down to be animated, but still follows the story. They are called Fate/Stay Night and Tsukihime: Lunar Legend. To those who are familiar with the visual novels it was made from, then obviously, it'll bore you to recap through the anime itself.
Let's start with Fate/Stay Night, one of the few entries of the Fate/ series by Type Moon. It centers on Shiro Emiya, a young man who was orphaned twice: once after a fire that obliterated the people of Fuyuki (his original parents among them), and second by Kiritsugu, the man who rescued Shiro, and how he got knowledge in magic, his sense of justice, and last name from. Around this time, a pheonomenon known as the Holy Grail War is about to begin its 5th tier. Though only slightly proficient in magic (as in lacking a magic circuit of sorts), he is taken aback when a woman called Saber appears before him, saving him from being 'killed' a second time by another mysterious individual bearing a unique lance. Another human and Servant, Rin Tosaka and Servant Archer, appear before him soon after. Rin, the one who saved him from death after his first encounter with the Servant Lancer, explains the Holy Grail War to him. While he does not see merit in obtaining the Holy Grail, to avoid an incident like the Fuyuki fire from happening again, he is determined to work with Saber to win the war. But there's more to Shiro than even he himself knows, starting with his connection to Archer. Will he win the war, and will loved ones have to suffer in the process?
Next is Tsukihime: Lunar Legend, which is basically the animated version of the visual novel of the same name, and a prequel to the fighting game series Melty Blood. Shiki Tohno seems normal at first, but for reasons truly unexplained, he is a frail young man, suffering from anemia and can't recall much of his past. Even so, he still goes to school like a normal person. He learns that his father, the Tohno elder, has passed on, and Akiha, Shiki's sister, writes to him to come back to the Tohno Mansion, after years of staying with the related Arimas following an accident in his younger days. There's another strange trait about Shiki: when not wearing his glasses, he has the ability to see lines, and should he trace them with his knife, the object breaks into pieces. After accidentally killing a woman he saw out of fear, he learns from this same person that he carries the Eyes of Death Perception. The person who he "killed" is Arcueid Brunestud, the True Ancestor of Vampires. After relucting to do so, and after his conflict with the Dead Apostle vampire Nrvnqsr (Nero) Chaos, Shiki assists Arcueid in hunting down a vampire responsible for all the incidents he hears about on TV. Will his eyes help him with this task, or is he doomed with the rest of the people?
While both were made originally by the people at Type Moon, the anime went by different directors and different studios and licensing. Fate/Stay Night has 24 episodes, made in the Sudio Deen, and licensed by Geneon for the U.S. Liam O'Brien (who voiced Junta in DNA2 and Gaara of Naruto) voices the Servant Archer, while the lead role, Shiro, is done by Sam Riegal (voice of Comic Party's Kazuki and TMNT's Leonardo). On the flip, Tsukihime: Lunar Legend has only 12 episodes, and made by the J.C. Staff studio, with Sentai Filmworks localizing it for the US. Shiki is voiced by Steve Staley (voice of Bleach's Toshiro Hitsugaya) in his present day form, while his younger voice is done by Wendee Lee ( known for her role as Cowboy Bebobp's Faye Valentine.) The female lead, Arcuied, is done by Michelle Ruff (who I've covered before as the roles of voices like Crimson Viper of the Street Fighter IV games and featurette.) Interesting to note that in the case of Shiki, he has two different seiyuus: one in Tsukihime, and another in its spinoff, the Melty Blood series.
Both are good, and while toned down, it's faithful to the visual novels. Both of them deserve a 8.0 of 10
Let's start with Fate/Stay Night, one of the few entries of the Fate/ series by Type Moon. It centers on Shiro Emiya, a young man who was orphaned twice: once after a fire that obliterated the people of Fuyuki (his original parents among them), and second by Kiritsugu, the man who rescued Shiro, and how he got knowledge in magic, his sense of justice, and last name from. Around this time, a pheonomenon known as the Holy Grail War is about to begin its 5th tier. Though only slightly proficient in magic (as in lacking a magic circuit of sorts), he is taken aback when a woman called Saber appears before him, saving him from being 'killed' a second time by another mysterious individual bearing a unique lance. Another human and Servant, Rin Tosaka and Servant Archer, appear before him soon after. Rin, the one who saved him from death after his first encounter with the Servant Lancer, explains the Holy Grail War to him. While he does not see merit in obtaining the Holy Grail, to avoid an incident like the Fuyuki fire from happening again, he is determined to work with Saber to win the war. But there's more to Shiro than even he himself knows, starting with his connection to Archer. Will he win the war, and will loved ones have to suffer in the process?
Next is Tsukihime: Lunar Legend, which is basically the animated version of the visual novel of the same name, and a prequel to the fighting game series Melty Blood. Shiki Tohno seems normal at first, but for reasons truly unexplained, he is a frail young man, suffering from anemia and can't recall much of his past. Even so, he still goes to school like a normal person. He learns that his father, the Tohno elder, has passed on, and Akiha, Shiki's sister, writes to him to come back to the Tohno Mansion, after years of staying with the related Arimas following an accident in his younger days. There's another strange trait about Shiki: when not wearing his glasses, he has the ability to see lines, and should he trace them with his knife, the object breaks into pieces. After accidentally killing a woman he saw out of fear, he learns from this same person that he carries the Eyes of Death Perception. The person who he "killed" is Arcueid Brunestud, the True Ancestor of Vampires. After relucting to do so, and after his conflict with the Dead Apostle vampire Nrvnqsr (Nero) Chaos, Shiki assists Arcueid in hunting down a vampire responsible for all the incidents he hears about on TV. Will his eyes help him with this task, or is he doomed with the rest of the people?
While both were made originally by the people at Type Moon, the anime went by different directors and different studios and licensing. Fate/Stay Night has 24 episodes, made in the Sudio Deen, and licensed by Geneon for the U.S. Liam O'Brien (who voiced Junta in DNA2 and Gaara of Naruto) voices the Servant Archer, while the lead role, Shiro, is done by Sam Riegal (voice of Comic Party's Kazuki and TMNT's Leonardo). On the flip, Tsukihime: Lunar Legend has only 12 episodes, and made by the J.C. Staff studio, with Sentai Filmworks localizing it for the US. Shiki is voiced by Steve Staley (voice of Bleach's Toshiro Hitsugaya) in his present day form, while his younger voice is done by Wendee Lee ( known for her role as Cowboy Bebobp's Faye Valentine.) The female lead, Arcuied, is done by Michelle Ruff (who I've covered before as the roles of voices like Crimson Viper of the Street Fighter IV games and featurette.) Interesting to note that in the case of Shiki, he has two different seiyuus: one in Tsukihime, and another in its spinoff, the Melty Blood series.
Both are good, and while toned down, it's faithful to the visual novels. Both of them deserve a 8.0 of 10
2011/06/16
XC: "Hamtaro"
I was skeptical about trying to review this, but it's thanks to this anime, I have respect for hamsters. Hamtaro follows the escapades of hamsters, while also focusing on the titular rodent's owner as well. It made itself known on Cartoon Network for a while, even earning a spot on their Toonami block at one point.
Hamtaro is a small orange and white hamster who loves his sunflower seeds. Everyday, he ventures out of his owner, Laura Haruna's room to hang out with a group of fellow hamsters known as the Ham-Hams. For a small hamster, he lives a pretty good life. He just got to keep in mind to be back home before Laura does!
Not really much of a plot to it, since it is more or less a kid friendly anime. Made in the Shogakukan and TMS studios, the original character designs were done by Gosho Aomaya, the same person who created Detective Conan. Altogether, the TV anime has 296 episodes, making it a long series. However, like that of Detective Conan, only a certain amount was dubbed in English, in this case only 150 episodes. Chiara Zanni (who voiced roles like young version of titular character Joe of Cyborg 009) voices Hamtaro, while Laura is voiced by Moneca Stori (who did the role of Videl in the Ocean Group dubbing of Dragon Ball Z.)
Hamtaro is on the soft side, and qualifies as a kiddie Saturday Morning, or SATAM, anime, but I enjoyed it. This title, as cute as it is, gets a 7.3 of 10 from me.
Hamtaro is a small orange and white hamster who loves his sunflower seeds. Everyday, he ventures out of his owner, Laura Haruna's room to hang out with a group of fellow hamsters known as the Ham-Hams. For a small hamster, he lives a pretty good life. He just got to keep in mind to be back home before Laura does!
Not really much of a plot to it, since it is more or less a kid friendly anime. Made in the Shogakukan and TMS studios, the original character designs were done by Gosho Aomaya, the same person who created Detective Conan. Altogether, the TV anime has 296 episodes, making it a long series. However, like that of Detective Conan, only a certain amount was dubbed in English, in this case only 150 episodes. Chiara Zanni (who voiced roles like young version of titular character Joe of Cyborg 009) voices Hamtaro, while Laura is voiced by Moneca Stori (who did the role of Videl in the Ocean Group dubbing of Dragon Ball Z.)
Hamtaro is on the soft side, and qualifies as a kiddie Saturday Morning, or SATAM, anime, but I enjoyed it. This title, as cute as it is, gets a 7.3 of 10 from me.
IXC: "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie"
What do we know about Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters? Let's see, it has an ongoing anime series, an endless sea of cards created, as well as a few movies. Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie is the first among those, and was introduced before the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX series. Criticized badly for being the worst of the 4Kids films, you really had to be into the franchise to get anything from it, or so they say. I guess that, somehow, that applied to me.
Fed up with getting beaten every time by the King of Games and titular character Yugi Moto, Seto Kaiba devises a strategy that defeats Yugi by rendering his Egyptian God Cards useless. To this degree, he flies to and challenges former antagonist Maximillion Pegasus. He figures that since he was the creator of the Egyptian God cards, then he would have a card to use against them. After defeating him in a card duel, he takes the said card, as well as a card that was never there before. Later, we see Yugi and Co. taking refuge from the other duelists, to find the Pyramid of Light Exhibit, just before getting stolen suddenly. After a brief while, Mokuba Kaiba finds Yugi, and tells him that Seto awaits him. Yugi and Yami, the pharaoh spirit, suspect something is amiss, and it becomes true when Seto plays a certain card in the duel. Danger is rearing its head, and someone from Yami's past is pulling the strings. How will the heroes get out of it?
The movie featured unique monsters and cards never saw before, while retuning cards carry the design similar to those released as part of the Trading Card Game. The same people who voiced for the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime reprise their roles for the film. Among which are Dan Green (Asuma Shinohara of the original Patlabor series) as Yugi, and Eric Stuart (Gourry Gabriev of the Slayers series) as Seto.
I will admit that as a small-time fan I kinda expected a bit more, but it's not to say that it was horrible. I grade Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie a 6.5 of 10. Not bad in my opinion, but I can sort of see why they stressed about having to be a fan to enjoy it.
Fed up with getting beaten every time by the King of Games and titular character Yugi Moto, Seto Kaiba devises a strategy that defeats Yugi by rendering his Egyptian God Cards useless. To this degree, he flies to and challenges former antagonist Maximillion Pegasus. He figures that since he was the creator of the Egyptian God cards, then he would have a card to use against them. After defeating him in a card duel, he takes the said card, as well as a card that was never there before. Later, we see Yugi and Co. taking refuge from the other duelists, to find the Pyramid of Light Exhibit, just before getting stolen suddenly. After a brief while, Mokuba Kaiba finds Yugi, and tells him that Seto awaits him. Yugi and Yami, the pharaoh spirit, suspect something is amiss, and it becomes true when Seto plays a certain card in the duel. Danger is rearing its head, and someone from Yami's past is pulling the strings. How will the heroes get out of it?
The movie featured unique monsters and cards never saw before, while retuning cards carry the design similar to those released as part of the Trading Card Game. The same people who voiced for the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime reprise their roles for the film. Among which are Dan Green (Asuma Shinohara of the original Patlabor series) as Yugi, and Eric Stuart (Gourry Gabriev of the Slayers series) as Seto.
I will admit that as a small-time fan I kinda expected a bit more, but it's not to say that it was horrible. I grade Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie a 6.5 of 10. Not bad in my opinion, but I can sort of see why they stressed about having to be a fan to enjoy it.
2011/06/15
LXXXVIII: "Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind"
I was taken in when I got my hands on the Street Fighter IV series. It played similar to Street Fighter II, while adding some unique things. Even as of now, a company has worked on the animated story scenes for the games, up to it's latest installment, Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition. However, this is not what this post is about, well, not entirely. This post regards the OAV animation dealing with the series, titled Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind. Released as part of the game's Collectors Edition, this feature was created by Studio 4°C, the same people behind the prologue and ending animations for the characters' Arcade story.
The Ties That Bind pretty much gives you an insight of the new villain, Seth, and the subsidiary of Shadowlaw he runs, named S.I.N. This has drawn the attention of many fighters, especially Delta Red's Cammy White, Interpol's Chun-li and U.S. Military's Guile. Ken Masters is involved because of the kidnapping of his wife Eliza (married after Street Fighter II) As for Ryu, well, trouble finds him, as Seth is interested with his Satsui no Hadou (the same power Akuma tries to awaken within him.) To this end, another newcomer, named Crimson Viper, tails him and tries to coax Ryu into unleashing it, even going as far to dismantle Cammy, who intervenes.
There isn't really much to say about the feature, while it does have characters from the game it's based from. Canon wise, it's hard to call, though it is safe to say that, according to Capcom, this series and the feature was after Street Fighter II, and precedes Street Fighter III. Four familiar names are seen as the English voices for the cast, both in the feature as well as in-game. First we have Kyle Hebert (the voice of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT's adult Son Gohan) as Ryu. The next two are names we should all be familiar with by now: Laura Bailey (voice of Pokemon's Ash Ketchum and Kodocha's Sana Kurata) as Chun-Li, and Michelle Ruff (voice of Arcuied Brunestud of Type Moon's Lunar Legend Tsukihime) as C. Viper. Our last familiar name is Reuben Langdon (who is known for the role of Dante of Devil May Cry: The Animated Series, as well as the games DMC3 and DMC4) as Ken Masters. The last voice role I will cover, because I don't think I've mentioned this guy at all before, is Michael McConnohie. He voiced Michael Seebach/ Schwartzwald in The Big O, and in this feature and the game, he voices the antagonist Seth. While this was never televised, it is licensed officially by Capcom, and while Studio 4°C was the primary credited studio, others, such as GONZO and Tatsunoko Productions were also involved for the in-between animation.
Good luck finding the copies now, but if you managed to grab that disc on either DVD or Blu-Ray with the according game, thumbs up to you. I thought it was pretty decent myself (in a good way), so Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind scores an 7.8 of 10
The Ties That Bind pretty much gives you an insight of the new villain, Seth, and the subsidiary of Shadowlaw he runs, named S.I.N. This has drawn the attention of many fighters, especially Delta Red's Cammy White, Interpol's Chun-li and U.S. Military's Guile. Ken Masters is involved because of the kidnapping of his wife Eliza (married after Street Fighter II) As for Ryu, well, trouble finds him, as Seth is interested with his Satsui no Hadou (the same power Akuma tries to awaken within him.) To this end, another newcomer, named Crimson Viper, tails him and tries to coax Ryu into unleashing it, even going as far to dismantle Cammy, who intervenes.
There isn't really much to say about the feature, while it does have characters from the game it's based from. Canon wise, it's hard to call, though it is safe to say that, according to Capcom, this series and the feature was after Street Fighter II, and precedes Street Fighter III. Four familiar names are seen as the English voices for the cast, both in the feature as well as in-game. First we have Kyle Hebert (the voice of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT's adult Son Gohan) as Ryu. The next two are names we should all be familiar with by now: Laura Bailey (voice of Pokemon's Ash Ketchum and Kodocha's Sana Kurata) as Chun-Li, and Michelle Ruff (voice of Arcuied Brunestud of Type Moon's Lunar Legend Tsukihime) as C. Viper. Our last familiar name is Reuben Langdon (who is known for the role of Dante of Devil May Cry: The Animated Series, as well as the games DMC3 and DMC4) as Ken Masters. The last voice role I will cover, because I don't think I've mentioned this guy at all before, is Michael McConnohie. He voiced Michael Seebach/ Schwartzwald in The Big O, and in this feature and the game, he voices the antagonist Seth. While this was never televised, it is licensed officially by Capcom, and while Studio 4°C was the primary credited studio, others, such as GONZO and Tatsunoko Productions were also involved for the in-between animation.
Good luck finding the copies now, but if you managed to grab that disc on either DVD or Blu-Ray with the according game, thumbs up to you. I thought it was pretty decent myself (in a good way), so Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind scores an 7.8 of 10
LXXXVII: "Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie"
I mentioned this title before when I covered the TAC-made Street Fighter II V. Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie was made by the same group, before the anime series. It is more connected to the games character-wise than the anime series, and just about everyone from the original Street Fighter II to Super Street Fighter II Turbo is in it (excluding Akuma)
From first aspect, the movie begins as homage to the end of the first game Street Fighter (called Fighting Street for some odd reason), when Ryu defeats and scars Muay Thai fighter Sagat with the Shoryuken following a Hadouken. Of course, he is left undisclosed about an android tailing him, who was at the match. Fast forward to years later, following the assassination of Albert Sellers by "Killer Bee" Cammy White, Chun-Li of Interpol finds out what Shadowlaw was up to, and tries to partner up with Guile of the US Military. Meanwhile, Ken is also targeted during his match against Thunder Hawk, and from there, Shadowlaw and its dictator mastermind, M. Bison, moves with their plans.
The title has everyone aside from Akuma amassed from those five SFII games, and it uses real music for some of the scenes/fights, such as 'Them Bones' by Alice in Chains. It has Japanese and English audio, though three different versions were made for the US alone. While the audio is more or less the same in all of them, there were 2 versions of the 1995 release, and one in 2006, a year after the game Street Fighter Anniversary Collection released, which had this title in the game. In 1995, there was a VHS version aimed for the Pg-13 audience, more specifically censoring the shower scene with Chun-Li before Vega's attack. There was also a Laserdisc version with that scene and those containing excessive blood removed. Edited slightly from the VHS version, this title was bundled in the SF Anniversary Collection game as part of the gallery for Hyper Street Fighter II. In addition, in 2006, an 'Uncut, Uncensored, and Unleashed' DVD version was released. This version stayed true to the original uncensored Japanese version, and it gave viewers options. The double-sided DVD has the dubbed Western version on one side, and the original Japanese on the other, with optional subtitles. Even with that, the word 'fuck' was still omitted from the film on two occasions.
The animation was nothing less than expected from Group TAC, saying that it had good visuals. Not to spoil, but the ending had a cliffhanger to it, which isn't something I minded. As a fan, I look at it now and wonder if TAC continued to create any SF-related media, if they did conceive something related to the recent Street Fighter 4 (hypothetically speaking), they could perhaps draw a bridge from that ending, perhaps? But seeing as how Studio 4°C released one already called Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind (next on the list), that's unlikely, though it's early to say. Capcom does plan on having more animated works.
Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie looked good for its time, remaining a classic after the elease of the film based on SFIV. At this point, I'm surprised that, even with the cutscenes featuring 2 characters from Street Fighter III, I haven't seen any animations for this game as of yet. SF II: The Animated Movie gets an 8.3 of 10, and I can only wait for what animation Capcom plans to do next.
From first aspect, the movie begins as homage to the end of the first game Street Fighter (called Fighting Street for some odd reason), when Ryu defeats and scars Muay Thai fighter Sagat with the Shoryuken following a Hadouken. Of course, he is left undisclosed about an android tailing him, who was at the match. Fast forward to years later, following the assassination of Albert Sellers by "Killer Bee" Cammy White, Chun-Li of Interpol finds out what Shadowlaw was up to, and tries to partner up with Guile of the US Military. Meanwhile, Ken is also targeted during his match against Thunder Hawk, and from there, Shadowlaw and its dictator mastermind, M. Bison, moves with their plans.
The title has everyone aside from Akuma amassed from those five SFII games, and it uses real music for some of the scenes/fights, such as 'Them Bones' by Alice in Chains. It has Japanese and English audio, though three different versions were made for the US alone. While the audio is more or less the same in all of them, there were 2 versions of the 1995 release, and one in 2006, a year after the game Street Fighter Anniversary Collection released, which had this title in the game. In 1995, there was a VHS version aimed for the Pg-13 audience, more specifically censoring the shower scene with Chun-Li before Vega's attack. There was also a Laserdisc version with that scene and those containing excessive blood removed. Edited slightly from the VHS version, this title was bundled in the SF Anniversary Collection game as part of the gallery for Hyper Street Fighter II. In addition, in 2006, an 'Uncut, Uncensored, and Unleashed' DVD version was released. This version stayed true to the original uncensored Japanese version, and it gave viewers options. The double-sided DVD has the dubbed Western version on one side, and the original Japanese on the other, with optional subtitles. Even with that, the word 'fuck' was still omitted from the film on two occasions.
The animation was nothing less than expected from Group TAC, saying that it had good visuals. Not to spoil, but the ending had a cliffhanger to it, which isn't something I minded. As a fan, I look at it now and wonder if TAC continued to create any SF-related media, if they did conceive something related to the recent Street Fighter 4 (hypothetically speaking), they could perhaps draw a bridge from that ending, perhaps? But seeing as how Studio 4°C released one already called Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind (next on the list), that's unlikely, though it's early to say. Capcom does plan on having more animated works.
Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie looked good for its time, remaining a classic after the elease of the film based on SFIV. At this point, I'm surprised that, even with the cutscenes featuring 2 characters from Street Fighter III, I haven't seen any animations for this game as of yet. SF II: The Animated Movie gets an 8.3 of 10, and I can only wait for what animation Capcom plans to do next.
LXXXVI: "Otome Chibaku Yuugi"
Of course, out of many H-animations there would be some like this title: Otome Chibaku Yuugi. While it may seem like senseless rape, it actually has a backstory as to why the person did what he did, which is much I can say compared to the before reviewed Chains of Lust. Instead of amusement, though that he also experiences, it's more so out of revenge.
Kaoru is a person who couldn't go against his old friend Nanao, despite what she puts him through. Fed up with the constant sexual humiliation, he finally snaps and takes it upon himself to deliver retribution. Nobody (well, save for the audience) knows the identity of the masked man dressed in black, as he rapes and humiliates those close to Nanao, in an effort to finally exact his "justice" on her.
As evil as that is, I can kind of see why he took such measures, so I can't bring myself to hate on this title. That said, I was a tad disappointed to learn that it lasted 2 episodes, but minded not the censoring. The language is Japanese, though there are subtitles. As for its contents, there's rape (if it wasn't hinted enough) but at one point, NTR, or netorare, meaning the screwing of a loved one by someone else, forcing the other spouse to sit there and watch. If you think it's limited to animation, how wrong you are. A little FYI: that term exist even in real time, though it goes by Cuckold in the US.
Still, short, but worth the watch. Otome Chibaku Yuugi gets a 7.1 of 10 in my book.
Kaoru is a person who couldn't go against his old friend Nanao, despite what she puts him through. Fed up with the constant sexual humiliation, he finally snaps and takes it upon himself to deliver retribution. Nobody (well, save for the audience) knows the identity of the masked man dressed in black, as he rapes and humiliates those close to Nanao, in an effort to finally exact his "justice" on her.
As evil as that is, I can kind of see why he took such measures, so I can't bring myself to hate on this title. That said, I was a tad disappointed to learn that it lasted 2 episodes, but minded not the censoring. The language is Japanese, though there are subtitles. As for its contents, there's rape (if it wasn't hinted enough) but at one point, NTR, or netorare, meaning the screwing of a loved one by someone else, forcing the other spouse to sit there and watch. If you think it's limited to animation, how wrong you are. A little FYI: that term exist even in real time, though it goes by Cuckold in the US.
Still, short, but worth the watch. Otome Chibaku Yuugi gets a 7.1 of 10 in my book.
LXXXV: "Princess 69" titles
If you're the type that wishes to live out your hentai fantasies, DON'T be like the guy I'm about to introduce you to in a little bit.
Well, once again, I have another pervish title to mention. Called Princess 69, this hentai look decent animation wise, but the plot and person responsible made me sick! If you're gonna be offended at what I am to reveal, please go to another post or leave the site altogether. This is the only warning I'll give you.
Princess 69 has two titles. In the first one, the granddaughter of the school's chairman found an interest in Dark Gymnastics, even more so in the erotic potential seen. To assist in the cause, she recruits what I would personally call the slob of the series: Nikusuke, a person formerly involved with the sport himself, he serves as the P.E. teacher of the same school (though he looks a hell of a lot different from his look back then.) Together, the seek girls to (unwillingly) form the Dark Gymnastics Team, and are "trained" by Nikusuke. I guess you can say that, at least for 2 of girls, mind breaking is definitely seen in it. The sex involved isn't consensual, at least not at first for one. It lasts only 4 episodes, but to round up and violate girls, you really don't need more than that, do you?
Next we have the similar, yet somewhat different, sequel titled Princess 69: Midnight Gymnastics. Tomomi returns, but the male role is different and younger this time around. Seeking for his step-sister Miku (returning from the prequel hentai), Fubuki Haneoka is infomed by Tomomi about the Midnight Gymnastics. Perhaps out of interest and his search for Miku, he infiltrates the group by not only "becoming" a girl, but also the coach of the group. However, he soon learns the depravity featured in the Midnight Gymnastics. Similar in name and plot, the hentai isn't much different from its predecessor, though as opposed to a sick fat man raping girls, it's actually a crossdresser this time around as the main male role. There is also a bit of incest involved (Yeah, I know. Didn't expect this, either!) The sequel ran for 2 episodes, half the length of the former. Both were licensed by Media Blasters, and were released via Kitty Media. While I can't verify the sequel title having them, Princess 69 does have English voices.
Like I said, the title made me sick, but unlike Colorful, it actually showed someone actually doing the damage as opposed to trying to catch sneak peaks. The hentai overall gets a 6.8 of 10. While it left a bad taste, plot and animation wise, it was done fairly well.
Well, once again, I have another pervish title to mention. Called Princess 69, this hentai look decent animation wise, but the plot and person responsible made me sick! If you're gonna be offended at what I am to reveal, please go to another post or leave the site altogether. This is the only warning I'll give you.
Princess 69 has two titles. In the first one, the granddaughter of the school's chairman found an interest in Dark Gymnastics, even more so in the erotic potential seen. To assist in the cause, she recruits what I would personally call the slob of the series: Nikusuke, a person formerly involved with the sport himself, he serves as the P.E. teacher of the same school (though he looks a hell of a lot different from his look back then.) Together, the seek girls to (unwillingly) form the Dark Gymnastics Team, and are "trained" by Nikusuke. I guess you can say that, at least for 2 of girls, mind breaking is definitely seen in it. The sex involved isn't consensual, at least not at first for one. It lasts only 4 episodes, but to round up and violate girls, you really don't need more than that, do you?
Next we have the similar, yet somewhat different, sequel titled Princess 69: Midnight Gymnastics. Tomomi returns, but the male role is different and younger this time around. Seeking for his step-sister Miku (returning from the prequel hentai), Fubuki Haneoka is infomed by Tomomi about the Midnight Gymnastics. Perhaps out of interest and his search for Miku, he infiltrates the group by not only "becoming" a girl, but also the coach of the group. However, he soon learns the depravity featured in the Midnight Gymnastics. Similar in name and plot, the hentai isn't much different from its predecessor, though as opposed to a sick fat man raping girls, it's actually a crossdresser this time around as the main male role. There is also a bit of incest involved (Yeah, I know. Didn't expect this, either!) The sequel ran for 2 episodes, half the length of the former. Both were licensed by Media Blasters, and were released via Kitty Media. While I can't verify the sequel title having them, Princess 69 does have English voices.
Like I said, the title made me sick, but unlike Colorful, it actually showed someone actually doing the damage as opposed to trying to catch sneak peaks. The hentai overall gets a 6.8 of 10. While it left a bad taste, plot and animation wise, it was done fairly well.
2011/06/12
LXXXIV: "Tenchi Myuo!", "Dual!", and related works.
You're in for a doozy for this one!! I know that dealing with this one, it's a lot to cover, so forgive me if this post seems like forever. The Tenchi Muyo! series has a good few titles under its belt. Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure and Pretty Sammy, while not involved directly with the series, does have some relation.
First we'll talk Tenchi Muyo! The backstory overall is that it deals with the titular charater Tenchi Masaki, a seemingly ordinary teenager, though this is change once he gains knowlegde about his ties to the family of Jurai. Through his adventures, he deals with the infamous space pirate Ryoko, the Jurian princess Ayeka nad her sister Sasami, the Galaxy Police officers Mihoshi and Kiyone, the mad genius Washu, and the cabbit Ryo-Ohki. The true canonality of the series in general can be questioned, as each one pertains different origins and plots. He're a breakdown on what to expect.
Called the Kajishima Canon (named after the original series creator Masaki Kajishima), the animated titles shown in this canon are the 3 OVAs of Tenchi Muyo!: Ryo-Ohki, as well as the spinoff Tenchi Muyo! GXP: Galaxy Police Transporter. Then there's the Hasegawa Canon (named after Naoko Hasegawa, writer of OVA 3 and 5), which contained the 1st Ryo-Ohki OVA, as well as the Mihoshi Special and the movie Daughter of Darnkess (all animated works.) Lastly, there is the Negishi Canon (after Hiroshi Negishi), featuring Tenchi Universe and 2 movies titled Tenchi Muyo! in Love.
Now we get to the anime. Tenchi Muyo!: Ryo-Ohki has 20 episodes, licensed by Geneon, then by Funimation. The Mihoshi Special is also licensed by Geneon. Tenchi Universe is a 26 episode series licensed by Funimation as well, with another series, Tenchi in Tokyo, lasting the same length. Oddly enough, Shinichi Watanabe, who I mentioned earlier when covering Excel Saga and Puni Puni Poemi, directed Tenchi Muyo! GXP, which has Seina Yamada as the central character as opposed to Tenchi, though he and a number of characters from the past titles return. The anime is also Funimation-licensed, lasting for 26 episodes. Both Tenchi Muyo! in Love movies are also licensed and distributed by the same company. Another note that while titled Tenchi Muyo! in Love and TMiL2, they respectively bore different titles upon localization. The first movie ended up being titled Tenchi the Movie: Tenchi Muyo! in Love, while the second was renamed to Tenchi Forever! In spite of renaming, the two followed after Tenchi Universe storywise. However, the two films bore different tones: TMiL being an action flick, and TMiL2 being a downbeat sexual melodrama. The successor of TMiL, or Tenchi the Movie, is the second film titled Tenchi Muyo!: Daughter of Darkness, which is recognized as Tenchi the Movie 2.
Next we have the spinoffs. Namely, this deals with the Pretty Sammy titles, as well as a recent spinoff Saint Knight's Tale. Magical Girl Pretty Sammy, as well as Magical Project S deals with the magically transformed character of Sasami. Keep in mind that these titles do not succeed one another, but they they're merely related to each other. Pretty Sammy, a 3 episode OVA, and Magical Project S, a 26 episode TV anime, differs in continuity, though it deals with the same character. Another related anime, the 26-episode Sasami: Magical Girls Club, doesn't deal with Sasami, but with a character of her likeness, and the same is true for other characters that bear likeness to those of the Tenchi series. The other spinoff is the 13-episode OVA series Saint Knight's Tale, dealing with Tenchi's half-brother Kenshi Masaki and his trip into another world. while this does tie with the Tenchi series, this OVA series related more to Kajishima's other work Photon.
Lastly we have Dual! Parallel Trouble Advanture, or Dual! PTA, lasting only 13 episodes. The anime, while not featuring the characters as part of the story, is in fact an alternate version of the Tenchi Muyo! universe, according to Kajishima. In this one, Kazuki Yotsuga is a teen shunned as an otaku. Reason being is that he post on his website stories about mecha battles that only he can see. While this is ridiculed, one person, Mitsuki Sanada, claims to be interested, leading him to her father, who is studying parallel worlds. To prove this theory, he is (accidentally) sent to this other possible world. There, his family is unaware of his existence, and he is made into a giant robot pilot after saving a female pilot early in the anime. Apart from it being an alternate version of Tenchi, the anime features a specific mecha call Zinv, a machine that only Kazuki can pilot. There's a machine resembling Zinv in Tenchi Muyo! GXP, and the Light Hawk Wings, though different somewhat, resemble that of the Tenchi Muyo! universe in general.
Like I said, LONG, but it's finally over. Now for the grading. The Tenchi Muyo! anime overall gets a 8.9 of 10, even though the anime changes art styles and directors over time. Pretty Sammy and the works affiliated with that gets an overall 7.6 of 10, while Dual! PTA gets an 8.3 of 10. If you have time, check them out. As for me, talking about this is starting to make my head ache, so I'll stop here.
First we'll talk Tenchi Muyo! The backstory overall is that it deals with the titular charater Tenchi Masaki, a seemingly ordinary teenager, though this is change once he gains knowlegde about his ties to the family of Jurai. Through his adventures, he deals with the infamous space pirate Ryoko, the Jurian princess Ayeka nad her sister Sasami, the Galaxy Police officers Mihoshi and Kiyone, the mad genius Washu, and the cabbit Ryo-Ohki. The true canonality of the series in general can be questioned, as each one pertains different origins and plots. He're a breakdown on what to expect.
Called the Kajishima Canon (named after the original series creator Masaki Kajishima), the animated titles shown in this canon are the 3 OVAs of Tenchi Muyo!: Ryo-Ohki, as well as the spinoff Tenchi Muyo! GXP: Galaxy Police Transporter. Then there's the Hasegawa Canon (named after Naoko Hasegawa, writer of OVA 3 and 5), which contained the 1st Ryo-Ohki OVA, as well as the Mihoshi Special and the movie Daughter of Darnkess (all animated works.) Lastly, there is the Negishi Canon (after Hiroshi Negishi), featuring Tenchi Universe and 2 movies titled Tenchi Muyo! in Love.
Now we get to the anime. Tenchi Muyo!: Ryo-Ohki has 20 episodes, licensed by Geneon, then by Funimation. The Mihoshi Special is also licensed by Geneon. Tenchi Universe is a 26 episode series licensed by Funimation as well, with another series, Tenchi in Tokyo, lasting the same length. Oddly enough, Shinichi Watanabe, who I mentioned earlier when covering Excel Saga and Puni Puni Poemi, directed Tenchi Muyo! GXP, which has Seina Yamada as the central character as opposed to Tenchi, though he and a number of characters from the past titles return. The anime is also Funimation-licensed, lasting for 26 episodes. Both Tenchi Muyo! in Love movies are also licensed and distributed by the same company. Another note that while titled Tenchi Muyo! in Love and TMiL2, they respectively bore different titles upon localization. The first movie ended up being titled Tenchi the Movie: Tenchi Muyo! in Love, while the second was renamed to Tenchi Forever! In spite of renaming, the two followed after Tenchi Universe storywise. However, the two films bore different tones: TMiL being an action flick, and TMiL2 being a downbeat sexual melodrama. The successor of TMiL, or Tenchi the Movie, is the second film titled Tenchi Muyo!: Daughter of Darkness, which is recognized as Tenchi the Movie 2.
Next we have the spinoffs. Namely, this deals with the Pretty Sammy titles, as well as a recent spinoff Saint Knight's Tale. Magical Girl Pretty Sammy, as well as Magical Project S deals with the magically transformed character of Sasami. Keep in mind that these titles do not succeed one another, but they they're merely related to each other. Pretty Sammy, a 3 episode OVA, and Magical Project S, a 26 episode TV anime, differs in continuity, though it deals with the same character. Another related anime, the 26-episode Sasami: Magical Girls Club, doesn't deal with Sasami, but with a character of her likeness, and the same is true for other characters that bear likeness to those of the Tenchi series. The other spinoff is the 13-episode OVA series Saint Knight's Tale, dealing with Tenchi's half-brother Kenshi Masaki and his trip into another world. while this does tie with the Tenchi series, this OVA series related more to Kajishima's other work Photon.
Lastly we have Dual! Parallel Trouble Advanture, or Dual! PTA, lasting only 13 episodes. The anime, while not featuring the characters as part of the story, is in fact an alternate version of the Tenchi Muyo! universe, according to Kajishima. In this one, Kazuki Yotsuga is a teen shunned as an otaku. Reason being is that he post on his website stories about mecha battles that only he can see. While this is ridiculed, one person, Mitsuki Sanada, claims to be interested, leading him to her father, who is studying parallel worlds. To prove this theory, he is (accidentally) sent to this other possible world. There, his family is unaware of his existence, and he is made into a giant robot pilot after saving a female pilot early in the anime. Apart from it being an alternate version of Tenchi, the anime features a specific mecha call Zinv, a machine that only Kazuki can pilot. There's a machine resembling Zinv in Tenchi Muyo! GXP, and the Light Hawk Wings, though different somewhat, resemble that of the Tenchi Muyo! universe in general.
Like I said, LONG, but it's finally over. Now for the grading. The Tenchi Muyo! anime overall gets a 8.9 of 10, even though the anime changes art styles and directors over time. Pretty Sammy and the works affiliated with that gets an overall 7.6 of 10, while Dual! PTA gets an 8.3 of 10. If you have time, check them out. As for me, talking about this is starting to make my head ache, so I'll stop here.
LXXXIII: "Happy Lesson" series
I saw this title around the same time I was watching Comic Party. Happy Lesson is a soft comedy about teachers that become his surrogate mothers. This is bound to give someone trouble, living in the same household as a student. As comedic as it is, it does resemble a harem title, as in one guy surrounded by many females (I'm guessing that the trait is more or less in general.)
Chitose Hioitose is a troubled and indifferent orphan. He doesn't get the best of grades, and since losing his family, is quite upset when mocked about it. He moves in to the house his parents formerly resided in, hoping to stay to himself. However, things take a turn for the bizarre as each of his 5 teachers notices his slipping grades in his classes. These teachers: Mitsuki Ichimonji, Kisaragi Ninomai, Yayoi Sanzenin, Satsuki Gokajo, and Uzuki Shitenno, all think of this idea that if they were a motherly figure to him, it would help with his grades and he would become a productive student. In this regard, they move in and become his 'Mothers', though Chitose is more or less against the idea initially. Each day serves as a lesson it seems, despite how comical the outcome is. Over time, they gain knowledge of his adopted sisters, and much later, a person claiming to be the real child of Mitsuki's.
Happy Lesson is generally on the soft side of things, though it does have it's comedic moments, and it does have a small dose of violence in it (though it's clearly seen later in the series.) The manga contains generally the same characters, but another character, Susumu Arisaka, is introduced as the main character replacing Chitose, and while his background is the same, he differs in personality. Where Chitose is more so a slacker, irritable, and a bit of a jerk to shoe around him, Susumu is more studious, mild-mannered, and nicer in contrast. The now defunct ADV Films licensed the anime, at least the TV anime and the first OVA series, for the US, while Happy Lesson Advance and Happy Lesson: The Final isn't. The TV anime and HL Advance is 13 episodes long each, while the OVA associated with the first Anime is 5 episodes long, and HL: The Final has 3 episodes. It's noteworthy that the OVA is more or less connected to the first anime, mainly because: A) while they both introduced the adopted sisters, the OVA gives better insight to the two, at least for Minazuki, and B) early in the OVA is additional content not seen in the TV anime (the first episode of the OVA is that of the TV anime's pilot with added content.)
It may not be anyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. While not action packed, it has a place in my heart as something to watch every now and then. Happy Lesson, in its entirety, gains a 7.3 of 10.
Chitose Hioitose is a troubled and indifferent orphan. He doesn't get the best of grades, and since losing his family, is quite upset when mocked about it. He moves in to the house his parents formerly resided in, hoping to stay to himself. However, things take a turn for the bizarre as each of his 5 teachers notices his slipping grades in his classes. These teachers: Mitsuki Ichimonji, Kisaragi Ninomai, Yayoi Sanzenin, Satsuki Gokajo, and Uzuki Shitenno, all think of this idea that if they were a motherly figure to him, it would help with his grades and he would become a productive student. In this regard, they move in and become his 'Mothers', though Chitose is more or less against the idea initially. Each day serves as a lesson it seems, despite how comical the outcome is. Over time, they gain knowledge of his adopted sisters, and much later, a person claiming to be the real child of Mitsuki's.
Happy Lesson is generally on the soft side of things, though it does have it's comedic moments, and it does have a small dose of violence in it (though it's clearly seen later in the series.) The manga contains generally the same characters, but another character, Susumu Arisaka, is introduced as the main character replacing Chitose, and while his background is the same, he differs in personality. Where Chitose is more so a slacker, irritable, and a bit of a jerk to shoe around him, Susumu is more studious, mild-mannered, and nicer in contrast. The now defunct ADV Films licensed the anime, at least the TV anime and the first OVA series, for the US, while Happy Lesson Advance and Happy Lesson: The Final isn't. The TV anime and HL Advance is 13 episodes long each, while the OVA associated with the first Anime is 5 episodes long, and HL: The Final has 3 episodes. It's noteworthy that the OVA is more or less connected to the first anime, mainly because: A) while they both introduced the adopted sisters, the OVA gives better insight to the two, at least for Minazuki, and B) early in the OVA is additional content not seen in the TV anime (the first episode of the OVA is that of the TV anime's pilot with added content.)
It may not be anyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. While not action packed, it has a place in my heart as something to watch every now and then. Happy Lesson, in its entirety, gains a 7.3 of 10.
2011/06/10
LXXXII: "Street Fighter II V"
Who hasn't heard about the Street Fighter franchise? It has a slew of games, but to add, a comic and a few animated works. Among which comes Street Fighter II V, an anime based on Capcom's cash cow fighting series, Street Fighter II (and I say series because of the many titles spun off this game alone.) While the backgrounds of the characters differs, other features stay true to what we know about the characters. Keep in mind that not everyone shows up in this one, while Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie does.
As usual, the characters involved are those of the Street Fighter franchise, though this series in particular follows the adventures of fighting buddies Ryu and Ken Masters. Enjoying what they do, they find themselves on the losing side of matters after a crushing defeat by the Army fighter Guile. Realizing they need improvement, they go to places like China, India, and Thailand. While they travel, they interact, mostly of friendly terms, with other fighters like Chun-li, Dhalsim, and Sagat (respectively), not knowing until later, through various trouble, that there are others wanting to take them down for various reasons, ultimately tying to staple antagonist and Shadowloo's spearhead leader, M. Bison.
While the special move Hadouken is seen, it's not used often like in the games, as this series features Ryu unable to tap into any powers, much like the others. Plus, this is the only time that we see Ryu wearing any shoes, let alone a basic T-shirt and pants. Group TAC created the work, which has 29 episodes. The anime was released on VHS, while it did release on DVD, but as of now without English language. The dubbing was done by 3 different sorts. For some characters, they have 2 different voices for the ADV dubbing, while the last dubbing was done via Animaze. An Example of this is Ryu, who was voiced first by Brett Weaver (who did roles like Nabeshin of Excel Saga), then by Tommy Drake (who did the Lord Cat in Pani Poni Dash!) for the second ADV dub, and finally the Animaze dub by Skip Stellrecht (who, under Henry Douglas Grey, voiced Vicious of Cowboy Bebop.)
Street Fighter II V is a loose basing on the game series, but the anime was enough to get fans excited, even pumped, for the games. I give it a 7.0 of 10. While it does not stay true to the games, it does, however, ties loosely to who's the bad guy and good guys are.
As usual, the characters involved are those of the Street Fighter franchise, though this series in particular follows the adventures of fighting buddies Ryu and Ken Masters. Enjoying what they do, they find themselves on the losing side of matters after a crushing defeat by the Army fighter Guile. Realizing they need improvement, they go to places like China, India, and Thailand. While they travel, they interact, mostly of friendly terms, with other fighters like Chun-li, Dhalsim, and Sagat (respectively), not knowing until later, through various trouble, that there are others wanting to take them down for various reasons, ultimately tying to staple antagonist and Shadowloo's spearhead leader, M. Bison.
While the special move Hadouken is seen, it's not used often like in the games, as this series features Ryu unable to tap into any powers, much like the others. Plus, this is the only time that we see Ryu wearing any shoes, let alone a basic T-shirt and pants. Group TAC created the work, which has 29 episodes. The anime was released on VHS, while it did release on DVD, but as of now without English language. The dubbing was done by 3 different sorts. For some characters, they have 2 different voices for the ADV dubbing, while the last dubbing was done via Animaze. An Example of this is Ryu, who was voiced first by Brett Weaver (who did roles like Nabeshin of Excel Saga), then by Tommy Drake (who did the Lord Cat in Pani Poni Dash!) for the second ADV dub, and finally the Animaze dub by Skip Stellrecht (who, under Henry Douglas Grey, voiced Vicious of Cowboy Bebop.)
Street Fighter II V is a loose basing on the game series, but the anime was enough to get fans excited, even pumped, for the games. I give it a 7.0 of 10. While it does not stay true to the games, it does, however, ties loosely to who's the bad guy and good guys are.
LXXXI: "Chains of Lust"
I never thought I would see cruel hentai titles, but Chains of Lust fits that category. There's nothing friendly, nor lovely (apart from the women) in this piece, as it clearly shows the evil side of men. While I don't condone the actions seen, it was worth a watch.
Two individuals that work in an adult video store work secretly to create their own videos. However, their actors aren't given a choice to participate. Such is seen nearly in the film when a certain private school student is abducted and raped by one of the two (the other person films the deed). These two have a history for making these sorts of erotic videos, and they consist of rape, blackmail, and lust, among other things. And when the police get involved, instead of the other way around, things doesn't get better for the victims. As they want piece of the action as well, matters don't look well for these unfortunate unwilling actors...
Chains of Lust is one of the better looking ones, though as far as the hentai related to it, the title is the weakest of the Anime 18's Xtreme Series line of hentai. That said, it's strong as far as non-consensual intercourse and it's a tad rougher in that area compared to some of similar nature. The visualization is alright, and the audio sounds fair. I primarily saw it in subtitle, but the English clips i did find sounded okay. The title only runs for 2 OVAs however, and each one can fit a 30 minute frame for a common show, totaling 60 minutes in time.
Chains of Lust is a hentai obviously, and already not meant for minor viewers, but you best have the stomach for non consensual acts and cruelty if you plan to watch it. I grade it a 7.4 of 10
Two individuals that work in an adult video store work secretly to create their own videos. However, their actors aren't given a choice to participate. Such is seen nearly in the film when a certain private school student is abducted and raped by one of the two (the other person films the deed). These two have a history for making these sorts of erotic videos, and they consist of rape, blackmail, and lust, among other things. And when the police get involved, instead of the other way around, things doesn't get better for the victims. As they want piece of the action as well, matters don't look well for these unfortunate unwilling actors...
Chains of Lust is one of the better looking ones, though as far as the hentai related to it, the title is the weakest of the Anime 18's Xtreme Series line of hentai. That said, it's strong as far as non-consensual intercourse and it's a tad rougher in that area compared to some of similar nature. The visualization is alright, and the audio sounds fair. I primarily saw it in subtitle, but the English clips i did find sounded okay. The title only runs for 2 OVAs however, and each one can fit a 30 minute frame for a common show, totaling 60 minutes in time.
Chains of Lust is a hentai obviously, and already not meant for minor viewers, but you best have the stomach for non consensual acts and cruelty if you plan to watch it. I grade it a 7.4 of 10
LXXX: "Air Gear" and "Break on the Sky"
You have racing anime, you have your sport anime, and then you have titles like this: Air Gear. While the skates we see appear regular, it's not your average roller skate.
Itsuki "Ikki" Minami is the toughest middle schooler in the east side of town, as they say, but his life is about to take a turn for the strange. After fighting, and losing to some hoodlums wearing Air Treks, nickmaned A-Ts, he takes it upon himself to grab a pair of his own. Even though he took a pair from four sisters that took him in, he thrust himself in the world of the Storm Riders. In a grudge match between himself and Magaki and his Skull Saders, he risked the emblem of a team called Sleeping Forest, unaware of not only the rules, but also that the very emblem he was risking was that of the 4 Noyamano sisters. After defeating them and discovering his road (among others), he creates his own team. From then on, we see his races, his lives with his friends, and his interactions with other riders. How will Ikki, aka Lil' Crow, lead his team, Kogarasumaru?
The anime runs for 25 episodes and a special one added. Running on the Anime Network, it was licensed by Funimation. Due to the disappointing ending (as viewed by most who watched it), there is an OVA series, which only has one episode as of now, called Break on the Sky. As of now, this OVA isn't licensed for US, and therefore not dubbed into English language. Chris Patton (known for roles like Mr. 9 of One Piece and Turles from the movie Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might) provides the English voice for Ikki. Due to not only the ending to Air Gear, but because of the OVA series, people suspect a second Air Gear season.
Not bad for a series, just keep in mind the language as well as censoring in the anime, though it's kinda loose in the manga (or so I hear...) Still, the awful ending aside, it gains a 7.1 of 10, but maybe when i see more things from the OVA, I can mark it better.
Itsuki "Ikki" Minami is the toughest middle schooler in the east side of town, as they say, but his life is about to take a turn for the strange. After fighting, and losing to some hoodlums wearing Air Treks, nickmaned A-Ts, he takes it upon himself to grab a pair of his own. Even though he took a pair from four sisters that took him in, he thrust himself in the world of the Storm Riders. In a grudge match between himself and Magaki and his Skull Saders, he risked the emblem of a team called Sleeping Forest, unaware of not only the rules, but also that the very emblem he was risking was that of the 4 Noyamano sisters. After defeating them and discovering his road (among others), he creates his own team. From then on, we see his races, his lives with his friends, and his interactions with other riders. How will Ikki, aka Lil' Crow, lead his team, Kogarasumaru?
The anime runs for 25 episodes and a special one added. Running on the Anime Network, it was licensed by Funimation. Due to the disappointing ending (as viewed by most who watched it), there is an OVA series, which only has one episode as of now, called Break on the Sky. As of now, this OVA isn't licensed for US, and therefore not dubbed into English language. Chris Patton (known for roles like Mr. 9 of One Piece and Turles from the movie Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might) provides the English voice for Ikki. Due to not only the ending to Air Gear, but because of the OVA series, people suspect a second Air Gear season.
Not bad for a series, just keep in mind the language as well as censoring in the anime, though it's kinda loose in the manga (or so I hear...) Still, the awful ending aside, it gains a 7.1 of 10, but maybe when i see more things from the OVA, I can mark it better.
2011/06/08
LXXIX: "My Neighbors The Yamadas"
Not all art styles are the same. That said, there are certain ones that have their own unique charm. It goes without saying that Crayon Shin-chan fits that category, but so does this next one. Called My Neighbors The Yamadas, it was not only the first purely digital film by Studio Ghibli, but as of now, the only one did in comic book style, which breaks the norm of consistent traditional anime styles seen in their other works.
The movie runs through the ups and down of life, captured in a series of vignettes (like Colorful!), titled before the actual animation. The people in question are the titular family, the Yamadas. On down, we have Shige Yamano (the grandmother of the family) Takashi (the father), Yasuko (Shige's daughter and the family mother), Noboru (the eldest son), Nonoko (the younger daughter), and the family dog Pochi. Since it is a family comedy, such real life issues have a bit of humor into them, making it friendly for all ages.
The movie runs for 111 minutes time, and it's both in Japanese and English language. Released in 1999, it gained the Excellence Award for animation at the Japan Media Arts Festival the same year. US saw a release of the film in 2005, alongside another movie Pom Poko, both of which directed by Isao Takahata. Sometime later, script tweaks and re-dubbing were done under Walt Disney Studios, with Rick Dempsey directing it.
While the comic book style took me by surprise (the only one to do this prior to this one was the animates Baby Blues cartoon), it was indeed worth the watch. My Neighbors The Yamadas gain a worthy 8.6 of 10. Well executed as a family comedy in my book, for sure.
The movie runs through the ups and down of life, captured in a series of vignettes (like Colorful!), titled before the actual animation. The people in question are the titular family, the Yamadas. On down, we have Shige Yamano (the grandmother of the family) Takashi (the father), Yasuko (Shige's daughter and the family mother), Noboru (the eldest son), Nonoko (the younger daughter), and the family dog Pochi. Since it is a family comedy, such real life issues have a bit of humor into them, making it friendly for all ages.
The movie runs for 111 minutes time, and it's both in Japanese and English language. Released in 1999, it gained the Excellence Award for animation at the Japan Media Arts Festival the same year. US saw a release of the film in 2005, alongside another movie Pom Poko, both of which directed by Isao Takahata. Sometime later, script tweaks and re-dubbing were done under Walt Disney Studios, with Rick Dempsey directing it.
While the comic book style took me by surprise (the only one to do this prior to this one was the animates Baby Blues cartoon), it was indeed worth the watch. My Neighbors The Yamadas gain a worthy 8.6 of 10. Well executed as a family comedy in my book, for sure.
LXXVIII: "Sexfriend"
I thought this title would be a joke, but it turns out that Sexfriend is an actual hentai title. Like most around it, it was initially a game, then had an OVA based off of it.
There isn't much of a plot for this one either, as it deals with Takase Torohimo, a student we see in the first episode sleeping in the library. He is pulled out of the classroom later after school by Hayase Mina. As the story progresses, starting from his first ever sex with her, a relationship starts to build between the two, much to the dismay of Nonomiya Kaori, someone who has feelings for Takase.
The OVA series is short, only lasting 2 episodes, and it was released almost a year after the game did. One of the studios behind the game, CODEPINK, worked with Green Bunny on the OVAs, which are of Japanese language. You can find the sex in it pretty early, and various positions and situations are tried. Like I said, not much to say about it.
While it's lacking in depth, it is more or less well made. As short as it is, Sexfriend gets a 7.1 of 10.
There isn't much of a plot for this one either, as it deals with Takase Torohimo, a student we see in the first episode sleeping in the library. He is pulled out of the classroom later after school by Hayase Mina. As the story progresses, starting from his first ever sex with her, a relationship starts to build between the two, much to the dismay of Nonomiya Kaori, someone who has feelings for Takase.
The OVA series is short, only lasting 2 episodes, and it was released almost a year after the game did. One of the studios behind the game, CODEPINK, worked with Green Bunny on the OVAs, which are of Japanese language. You can find the sex in it pretty early, and various positions and situations are tried. Like I said, not much to say about it.
While it's lacking in depth, it is more or less well made. As short as it is, Sexfriend gets a 7.1 of 10.
LXXVII: "Sailor Moon and the 7 Ballz"
Okay, granted that I don't speak of hentai majorly in the blog, but whenever I do, I try to mention titles that are in the least made decently. Every now and then, however, I come across some titles not worth the buzz. This peculiar hentai, Sailor Moon and the 7 Ballz, is one of those said titles, and believe me: it's clear to say that it's as cheesy as it gets!
Not much of a plot behind this one. As it is a parody of the anime, the plot (or lack there of) deals with the wedding between Usagi (Sailor Moon) and Mamoru (Tuxedo Mask). Among those getting invited are the other sailor scouts (well, the other 4 that we normally know of). To add to this, if it wasn't hinted enough in the title, we see some from Dragon Ball Z as well. To add to even this, we even see characters from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ranma 1/2, Hokuto No Ken, Cardcaptor Sakura (I know, don't ask how this happened!), as well as others. Unfortunately, as far as the plot goes, that's all there is to it, as there's just plain sex throughout the rest of the feature.
Heaven knows how I manage to bear watching it. It's sad really, because recalling it, it looked more like something you could find via Newgrounds (not meaning to offend them) than something actually released on VHS and DVD. Much to my dismay, it is, and it's not only me who ridiculed this title. Others have done the same, noting how bad it is, and I honestly can't disagree. Of course, this isn't the only one of its kind, as I've seen other worse off in terms of content, quality, etc. As a parody, however, it fails... badly. As typical as it may sound, this product is created and sold, but it is not licensed by anyone from either side. The OAV is 60 minutes long, and it is of Japanese language with some form of subtitling. The animation (character design, sex scenes, etc.) was of poor taste. Even with characters like CC Sakura made to have sex appeal and legal age, unless you have balls of steel (Duke Nukem reference), you're better off watching something else.
Sailor Moon and the 7 Ballz would have even Dio Brando of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure not only unamused, but also cringing.Though it's not a hopeless case like a few American-made hentai, it's as bad as Colorful, save for the few points it does get over it. This title gets a 2.4 of 10. A part of me didn't want to do this, since I didn't feel it worth covering, but I kinda joined the bandwagon by doing so anyway...
Not much of a plot behind this one. As it is a parody of the anime, the plot (or lack there of) deals with the wedding between Usagi (Sailor Moon) and Mamoru (Tuxedo Mask). Among those getting invited are the other sailor scouts (well, the other 4 that we normally know of). To add to this, if it wasn't hinted enough in the title, we see some from Dragon Ball Z as well. To add to even this, we even see characters from Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ranma 1/2, Hokuto No Ken, Cardcaptor Sakura (I know, don't ask how this happened!), as well as others. Unfortunately, as far as the plot goes, that's all there is to it, as there's just plain sex throughout the rest of the feature.
Heaven knows how I manage to bear watching it. It's sad really, because recalling it, it looked more like something you could find via Newgrounds (not meaning to offend them) than something actually released on VHS and DVD. Much to my dismay, it is, and it's not only me who ridiculed this title. Others have done the same, noting how bad it is, and I honestly can't disagree. Of course, this isn't the only one of its kind, as I've seen other worse off in terms of content, quality, etc. As a parody, however, it fails... badly. As typical as it may sound, this product is created and sold, but it is not licensed by anyone from either side. The OAV is 60 minutes long, and it is of Japanese language with some form of subtitling. The animation (character design, sex scenes, etc.) was of poor taste. Even with characters like CC Sakura made to have sex appeal and legal age, unless you have balls of steel (Duke Nukem reference), you're better off watching something else.
Sailor Moon and the 7 Ballz would have even Dio Brando of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure not only unamused, but also cringing.Though it's not a hopeless case like a few American-made hentai, it's as bad as Colorful, save for the few points it does get over it. This title gets a 2.4 of 10. A part of me didn't want to do this, since I didn't feel it worth covering, but I kinda joined the bandwagon by doing so anyway...
2011/06/06
LXXVI: "Chrono Crusade"
I'll say this now: this title is in no relation to the games Chrono Trigger/Cross. Chrono Crusade is an anime set in a story by itself, though speculations sometimes runs on Chrono Crusade and the Chrono series games possibly being related. I see they have a similar title design, but it's more or less unlikely they're connected.
Chrono Crusade follows the adventures of Rosette Christopher and her demon partner Chrono, the titular character. They are members of the Magdelene Order, people who travel around the country to cease demonic threats. While she is doing this, she searches for her brother Joshua, who is kidnapped and brainwashed by one of the antagonists, Aion. Gradually, her life is slowly draining by her contract with Chrono, who is mild mannered initially, belying a ferocious grown demon in his appearance. Many weapons, such as guns and Angel Fields, are used in removing these demons. Will Rosette fulfill her mission before her time is up? She has to work together well with Chrono to make sure that happens!
Licensed initially by ADV Films for US, the title was later picked up by Funimation after ADV's closing. While people can still buy the DVDs to the series, it made it's run on subscription channel Showtime Beyond (who also viewed titles like Dirty Pair OVAs and Dirty Pair Flash) in 2006, and it was being shown on SyFy from February to last month. The anime has 24 episodes, with little contrast in character design, though it's been said that Rosette is a bit bustier in the anime than in the manga. Hilary Haag voices Rosette, while Chrono is voiced by Greg Ayres (who does other roles like Guldo of Dragon Ball Z Kai). Ayres and Haag nearly lost their voices playing the respective roles, due to how fast paced it was.
Chrono Crusade was entertaining for sure, getting a 7.6 of 10. Though, the thought of working with a demon to exterminate or exorcise other demons is a tad ironic (the same irony I felt of the Devil May Cry series.)
Chrono Crusade follows the adventures of Rosette Christopher and her demon partner Chrono, the titular character. They are members of the Magdelene Order, people who travel around the country to cease demonic threats. While she is doing this, she searches for her brother Joshua, who is kidnapped and brainwashed by one of the antagonists, Aion. Gradually, her life is slowly draining by her contract with Chrono, who is mild mannered initially, belying a ferocious grown demon in his appearance. Many weapons, such as guns and Angel Fields, are used in removing these demons. Will Rosette fulfill her mission before her time is up? She has to work together well with Chrono to make sure that happens!
Licensed initially by ADV Films for US, the title was later picked up by Funimation after ADV's closing. While people can still buy the DVDs to the series, it made it's run on subscription channel Showtime Beyond (who also viewed titles like Dirty Pair OVAs and Dirty Pair Flash) in 2006, and it was being shown on SyFy from February to last month. The anime has 24 episodes, with little contrast in character design, though it's been said that Rosette is a bit bustier in the anime than in the manga. Hilary Haag voices Rosette, while Chrono is voiced by Greg Ayres (who does other roles like Guldo of Dragon Ball Z Kai). Ayres and Haag nearly lost their voices playing the respective roles, due to how fast paced it was.
Chrono Crusade was entertaining for sure, getting a 7.6 of 10. Though, the thought of working with a demon to exterminate or exorcise other demons is a tad ironic (the same irony I felt of the Devil May Cry series.)
LXXV: "Fruits Basket"
On a friends request, I'm covering the anime Fruits Basket. As soft as it is for an anime, I really have little complaints with this title, in fact I rather enjoyed it.
The anime deals with Tohru Honda. Losing her mother early before the anime's events, she is seen laying in a tent, getting ready to go to her high school. However, she is unaware until later that she set up in the territory of the Sohma Family. Initially, it was just two members seen: Yuki and Shigure Sohma. The comedy kicks off, and the secret of the Sohmas are discovered, shortly after the first appearance of the brash Kyo. Learning that the Sohma Family are cursed, she is told that extreme stress or coming in contact with a non-cursed member of the opposite sex triggers their transformation: each member becoming an animal of the Chinese Zodiac. With this she learns that Yuki is the rat, Shigure is the dog, and Kyo is the cat. Other members show up throughout the series, each bearing a different animal form, up until the meeting of Akito, as well as the revealing of Kyo's true curse.
The anime lasts for 26 episodes, and is licensed by Funimation, the show being featured on their channel. There are slight contrasts between the manga and anime, dealing with plot changes, elements added in the anime, and unseen characters that were in the manga. Laura Bailey (who did roles for Ash of Pokemon and all 7 Nanas from the previously covered Seven of Seven, to name a few) voices Torhu, while Kyo is voiced by Jerry Jewell (who also did roles like Akito Hayama from Kodocha, and Rin Tsuchimi of Shuffle!)
Fruits Basket may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I found it mostly amusing, yet grasping later in the anime, and it has the top of my list as one of the favorites so far, therefore gaining a grade of 8.3 of 10.
The anime deals with Tohru Honda. Losing her mother early before the anime's events, she is seen laying in a tent, getting ready to go to her high school. However, she is unaware until later that she set up in the territory of the Sohma Family. Initially, it was just two members seen: Yuki and Shigure Sohma. The comedy kicks off, and the secret of the Sohmas are discovered, shortly after the first appearance of the brash Kyo. Learning that the Sohma Family are cursed, she is told that extreme stress or coming in contact with a non-cursed member of the opposite sex triggers their transformation: each member becoming an animal of the Chinese Zodiac. With this she learns that Yuki is the rat, Shigure is the dog, and Kyo is the cat. Other members show up throughout the series, each bearing a different animal form, up until the meeting of Akito, as well as the revealing of Kyo's true curse.
The anime lasts for 26 episodes, and is licensed by Funimation, the show being featured on their channel. There are slight contrasts between the manga and anime, dealing with plot changes, elements added in the anime, and unseen characters that were in the manga. Laura Bailey (who did roles for Ash of Pokemon and all 7 Nanas from the previously covered Seven of Seven, to name a few) voices Torhu, while Kyo is voiced by Jerry Jewell (who also did roles like Akito Hayama from Kodocha, and Rin Tsuchimi of Shuffle!)
Fruits Basket may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I found it mostly amusing, yet grasping later in the anime, and it has the top of my list as one of the favorites so far, therefore gaining a grade of 8.3 of 10.
LXXIV: "Outlaw Star"
Ah, yes... Outlaw Star is perhaps another title I should have covered long ago. This series falls under the category Space Western: bearing traits of the Old West, yet deals with space, much like Cowboy Bebop. Airing on Cartoon Network's Toonami block, it stands as one of the famous action anime seen on there (beside others like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, and Tenchi Muyo!, to name a few) before it's overall shift years later.
Outlaw Star centers on Gene Starwind and his young partner James Hawking, or Jim, as they travel through space onboard their ship, the Outlaw Star. During their adventures, they deal with Melfina, a bio-android; Aisha ClanClan, a beastly Ctarl-Ctarl, and "Twilight" Suzuka, whose bokken is more fatal than it initially appears, fitting for an assassin. This group encounters troubles in search of the Galactic Leyline, running into troublemakers like the McDougal Brothers, one of which is responisble of the slaying of Gene's father. And to think, this all stems from a chance encouter with "Hot Ice" Hilda, who hires the two in the beginning.
Outlaw Star lasts 26 episodes, licensed by Bandai Entertainment for the US. Interesting to point that the title spawned a spinoff series titled Angel Links, featuring 2 minor characters from one of Outlaw Star's episodes (when I come across it, I will cover this title.) Bob Buchholz (who did roles of Beck in The Big O, and Tom Wiles of Cowboy Bebop, to name a few) voices Gene, while another familiar voice actor, Wendee Lee (who did roles like Yuri of Dirty Pair, Faye Valentine of Cowboy Bebop, and Iczer One of Fight! Iczer One) voiced Suzuka. The flow between the manga and anime were different, and while the anime lasted a year, the manga concluded in 3 years time.
Outlaw Star is a big plus, gaining a grade of 8.2 of 10.
Outlaw Star centers on Gene Starwind and his young partner James Hawking, or Jim, as they travel through space onboard their ship, the Outlaw Star. During their adventures, they deal with Melfina, a bio-android; Aisha ClanClan, a beastly Ctarl-Ctarl, and "Twilight" Suzuka, whose bokken is more fatal than it initially appears, fitting for an assassin. This group encounters troubles in search of the Galactic Leyline, running into troublemakers like the McDougal Brothers, one of which is responisble of the slaying of Gene's father. And to think, this all stems from a chance encouter with "Hot Ice" Hilda, who hires the two in the beginning.
Outlaw Star lasts 26 episodes, licensed by Bandai Entertainment for the US. Interesting to point that the title spawned a spinoff series titled Angel Links, featuring 2 minor characters from one of Outlaw Star's episodes (when I come across it, I will cover this title.) Bob Buchholz (who did roles of Beck in The Big O, and Tom Wiles of Cowboy Bebop, to name a few) voices Gene, while another familiar voice actor, Wendee Lee (who did roles like Yuri of Dirty Pair, Faye Valentine of Cowboy Bebop, and Iczer One of Fight! Iczer One) voiced Suzuka. The flow between the manga and anime were different, and while the anime lasted a year, the manga concluded in 3 years time.
Outlaw Star is a big plus, gaining a grade of 8.2 of 10.
LXXIII: "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time"
Seldom do I see anime that deals with a lot of time traveling, let alone one that is the main trait. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is such an animated movie, and it shows that a strange power, no matter how useful it may be, can have effects on the lives of others.
The movie centers on Makoto Konno, a student in Tokyo who finds a mysterious object in school. Later, she hits a railroad cross bar and is killed by an incoming train. Of course, the story doesn't end there as she learns that she is still alive, but this being done by her ability to time leap, explaining why she didn't die. Learning firsthand the usefulness of this new power, she uses it tenaciously: first for her own needs, then to avert disasters to others. However, she learns during this time that her power is limited, and that once she exceeds that amount, she won't time leap again. Will she sparingly use this, or will her recklessness bring forth the deaths of those who need saving?
The movie is in both Japanese and English voices, and it is based off the novel of the same name. Though young at the time, Emily Hirst (who did other roles in titles like X2) provides the voice of Makoto in the English language version. Created in the Madhouse studio, this feature runs for 98 minutes, and reached a US gross revenue of $3,000,000.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time caught me by surprise, but it was a fun feature. That said, I grade it a 8.1 of 10.
The movie centers on Makoto Konno, a student in Tokyo who finds a mysterious object in school. Later, she hits a railroad cross bar and is killed by an incoming train. Of course, the story doesn't end there as she learns that she is still alive, but this being done by her ability to time leap, explaining why she didn't die. Learning firsthand the usefulness of this new power, she uses it tenaciously: first for her own needs, then to avert disasters to others. However, she learns during this time that her power is limited, and that once she exceeds that amount, she won't time leap again. Will she sparingly use this, or will her recklessness bring forth the deaths of those who need saving?
The movie is in both Japanese and English voices, and it is based off the novel of the same name. Though young at the time, Emily Hirst (who did other roles in titles like X2) provides the voice of Makoto in the English language version. Created in the Madhouse studio, this feature runs for 98 minutes, and reached a US gross revenue of $3,000,000.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time caught me by surprise, but it was a fun feature. That said, I grade it a 8.1 of 10.
2011/06/05
LXXII: "Trigun"
Another seemingly legendary from the Adult Swim Action vault, Trigun has it's place alongside Cowboy Bebop. It was one of the original shows to appear on Adult Swim's Saturday night lineup. Through different licensing, it ultimately found its way into the arms of Funimation, who re-released the media on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Trigun deals with the most wanted man in the west, Vash the Stampede. It's not clear how he turned from promoter of love and peace to the man with a 60 billion double-dollar bounty on him, but he is generally a lighthearted wandering gunman, wielding exceptional marksmanship. Apart from being the "60 billion double-dollar man", he is also called titles like the "Act of God", a "human disaster", or the most heard of them, the "Humanoid Typhoon". Even with the generally nice nature he has, he can be serious, and when faced with trouble, he doesn't fool around, though he still promotes love and peace when he needs to. Throughout the series, we see his interactions with other gunmen, friendly, rival, and antagonistic, up to the confrontation with his brother, Millions Knives.
Trigun is more western-like than the previously covered Cowboy Bebop, where the futuristic trait was more dominant in the latter. Vash is voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch, who did other anime roles like Bleach's Ichigo Kurasaki, and Maiku Kamashiro of Onegai Twins! The Trigun anime has 26 episodes, with an animated movie currently in the works.
Trigun can be emotional yet hysterical, filled with action, drama, sci-fi, and comedy. In the end, it's classified as a weird western, still enjoyable either way. Trigun gets an 8.3 of 10.
Trigun deals with the most wanted man in the west, Vash the Stampede. It's not clear how he turned from promoter of love and peace to the man with a 60 billion double-dollar bounty on him, but he is generally a lighthearted wandering gunman, wielding exceptional marksmanship. Apart from being the "60 billion double-dollar man", he is also called titles like the "Act of God", a "human disaster", or the most heard of them, the "Humanoid Typhoon". Even with the generally nice nature he has, he can be serious, and when faced with trouble, he doesn't fool around, though he still promotes love and peace when he needs to. Throughout the series, we see his interactions with other gunmen, friendly, rival, and antagonistic, up to the confrontation with his brother, Millions Knives.
Trigun is more western-like than the previously covered Cowboy Bebop, where the futuristic trait was more dominant in the latter. Vash is voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch, who did other anime roles like Bleach's Ichigo Kurasaki, and Maiku Kamashiro of Onegai Twins! The Trigun anime has 26 episodes, with an animated movie currently in the works.
Trigun can be emotional yet hysterical, filled with action, drama, sci-fi, and comedy. In the end, it's classified as a weird western, still enjoyable either way. Trigun gets an 8.3 of 10.
2011/06/04
LXIX: "Cowboy Bebop"
Another anime that hit legend status, Cowboy Bebop is a mix of westerns and space adventures, as it follows the adventures and misadventures, even tragedies, of a group of bounty hunters, known as cowboys, on board the titular ship, the Bebop. Ever since catching this on Adult Swim years before, I never thought I would speak of this title so soon. Even the music it has gives familiar vibes, some with rock, and some with jazz.
Years prior to the story's events, people were working on a hyperspace gateway to the moon. However, the experiment was a bust, and the explosion of this gateway damaged the moon. The falling debris of the moon endangered the lives of many on Earth, with bombardments totaling large portions of the planet. To escape this catastrophe, people migrated to either the inner planets surrounding it, the asteroid belt, or on the moons of Jupiter. In the year 2071, these hyperspace gates were more stable, used as a means to navigate throughout the Solar System, and Mars became a hotspot for human civilization. However, it seems that inner planet crime syndicates reign in power over the governments and the Inter-Solar System Police. With crimes escalating, a bounty system was put into place (resembling that of the Old West), leaving the bounty hunters to nab these troublemakers for a certain paycheck.
Among these space cowboys are the members of Bebop: Spike Seigel, an ex-Syndicate member with diverse combat abilities; Jet Black, owner of Bebop and former ISSP officer who was the original member alongside Spike; Faye Valentine, a femme fatale and gambler whose past is shrouded in mystery; Edward, a female hacker who tails the ship even before spotting it (DON'T ask why she is a female in spite of the name, save that it isn't her real name); and Ein, upon being picked up, he is the ship's pet, though his abilities as a data dog makes him more worthy to keep than they realize.
Created in the Sunrise studio, the anime lasts 26 episodes, or sessions, and was pretty big overall, the US receiving the anime EXTREMELY well. As mentioned before, it was part of Adult Swim's action block, alongside titles like Trigun and such. Licensing was done by Bandai Entertainment for both US and Canada. An animated movie, called originally Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heaven's Door and addressed overseas as Cowboy Bebop: the Movie, was released some time after the show's initial success. Along with this came rumors, and there was talk of a live-action film of the series, with Keanu Reeves portraying Spike, though no talk has surfaced for a while in regards to that. Another rumor is the continuation of the series, with the answer from creator Shinichiro Watanabe saying: "Someday... maybe, someday..."
A great series in name, it's visuals were excellent, and the story was worth watching. Cowboy Bebop, scores a 9.3 of 10. Not perfect, but it is up there as far as anime goes.
Years prior to the story's events, people were working on a hyperspace gateway to the moon. However, the experiment was a bust, and the explosion of this gateway damaged the moon. The falling debris of the moon endangered the lives of many on Earth, with bombardments totaling large portions of the planet. To escape this catastrophe, people migrated to either the inner planets surrounding it, the asteroid belt, or on the moons of Jupiter. In the year 2071, these hyperspace gates were more stable, used as a means to navigate throughout the Solar System, and Mars became a hotspot for human civilization. However, it seems that inner planet crime syndicates reign in power over the governments and the Inter-Solar System Police. With crimes escalating, a bounty system was put into place (resembling that of the Old West), leaving the bounty hunters to nab these troublemakers for a certain paycheck.
Among these space cowboys are the members of Bebop: Spike Seigel, an ex-Syndicate member with diverse combat abilities; Jet Black, owner of Bebop and former ISSP officer who was the original member alongside Spike; Faye Valentine, a femme fatale and gambler whose past is shrouded in mystery; Edward, a female hacker who tails the ship even before spotting it (DON'T ask why she is a female in spite of the name, save that it isn't her real name); and Ein, upon being picked up, he is the ship's pet, though his abilities as a data dog makes him more worthy to keep than they realize.
Created in the Sunrise studio, the anime lasts 26 episodes, or sessions, and was pretty big overall, the US receiving the anime EXTREMELY well. As mentioned before, it was part of Adult Swim's action block, alongside titles like Trigun and such. Licensing was done by Bandai Entertainment for both US and Canada. An animated movie, called originally Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heaven's Door and addressed overseas as Cowboy Bebop: the Movie, was released some time after the show's initial success. Along with this came rumors, and there was talk of a live-action film of the series, with Keanu Reeves portraying Spike, though no talk has surfaced for a while in regards to that. Another rumor is the continuation of the series, with the answer from creator Shinichiro Watanabe saying: "Someday... maybe, someday..."
A great series in name, it's visuals were excellent, and the story was worth watching. Cowboy Bebop, scores a 9.3 of 10. Not perfect, but it is up there as far as anime goes.
2011/06/03
LXVIII: "My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute" (Updated 2013/5/10)
I kid you not on the title. Translated to English, this is what it's said, as the original title is Ore no Imoto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai, though it can be shortened as either Ore no Imoto, or Oreimo. Odd as that maybe, it is a romantic comedy and drama, dealing with everyday life between a brother and sister, at least, that's as much as I can grasp.
Kyosuke Kosaka is the 17 year-old protagonist in this story, and is seemingly a normal student. However, as we learn early, he doesn't get along with his younger, 14 year-old sister Kirino very well, something that has been the case for years. However, this all starts to change one night, when he notices a magical girl DVD case in the entrance way. To his surprise, it was actually an eroge, and it belonged to Kirino. Seemingly the perfect girl, it is revealed that amidst all the schooling and career as a photoshoot model, Kirino is tsundere-like towards her brother: denying having any feelings for him, yet throws a bit of a fit when he's around others like Manami Tamura, his childhood friend. However, this isn't as big as to what she really is: a closet otaku with an obsession of moe anime and little sister-themed eroge (this I find a tad ironic.) Upon discovering this hobby of hers, and knowing how much of a fit the family will blow once it's revealed outright, Kyosuke quickly becomes Kirino's confidant of her hobby.
Throughout the anime, we see two types of people: those that love it, and those that are against it, but with enough reason. The anime isn't quite long, as season 1 only ran for 12 episodes that were viewed in 2010, though the manga, which has been out a year before, is still ongoing. There's also another manga called Ore no Kōhai ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai, a spinoff of the main story with Ruri Gouko, aka Kuroneko (also in the anime) as the central character. Ore no Imoto is licensed by Aniplex USA (yeah, the same Aniplex that brought out titles like Fullmetal Alchemist and Ruroni Kenshin), and the studio it's made under is AIC Build. Apparently, it also had a net animation series, done also by AIC Build, which has only 4 episodes (which I haven't found yet.)
Changing the studio it's created in to A-1 Pictures, the staff returned for season 2, which is currently ongoing, and I only saw 6 out of 13 confirmed episodes dating from last month. Currently, this is being simulcast via Crunchyroll, and likewise no English translation provided. There is a gap unaccounted for animation wise, so unless you read the manga, a lot of events from the 1st episode can toss a batch of fastballs, on top of the already additional characters involved. Lastly, when the television run ends, supposedly, there will be 3 additional ones. Like with K-ON! and Working!!, the title for season two carries a subtle difference, in Oreimo's case, the period at the end of the title.
Ore no Imoto is short, but is shows the ups and down about otaku, though it still bothers me how they view them (seeing as how I'm proudly one myself now), and it's not the first to do so. That aside, it gets a 7.1 of 10, though the opening song to the anime is more or less stuck in my head now...
Kyosuke Kosaka is the 17 year-old protagonist in this story, and is seemingly a normal student. However, as we learn early, he doesn't get along with his younger, 14 year-old sister Kirino very well, something that has been the case for years. However, this all starts to change one night, when he notices a magical girl DVD case in the entrance way. To his surprise, it was actually an eroge, and it belonged to Kirino. Seemingly the perfect girl, it is revealed that amidst all the schooling and career as a photoshoot model, Kirino is tsundere-like towards her brother: denying having any feelings for him, yet throws a bit of a fit when he's around others like Manami Tamura, his childhood friend. However, this isn't as big as to what she really is: a closet otaku with an obsession of moe anime and little sister-themed eroge (this I find a tad ironic.) Upon discovering this hobby of hers, and knowing how much of a fit the family will blow once it's revealed outright, Kyosuke quickly becomes Kirino's confidant of her hobby.
Throughout the anime, we see two types of people: those that love it, and those that are against it, but with enough reason. The anime isn't quite long, as season 1 only ran for 12 episodes that were viewed in 2010, though the manga, which has been out a year before, is still ongoing. There's also another manga called Ore no Kōhai ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai, a spinoff of the main story with Ruri Gouko, aka Kuroneko (also in the anime) as the central character. Ore no Imoto is licensed by Aniplex USA (yeah, the same Aniplex that brought out titles like Fullmetal Alchemist and Ruroni Kenshin), and the studio it's made under is AIC Build. Apparently, it also had a net animation series, done also by AIC Build, which has only 4 episodes (which I haven't found yet.)
Changing the studio it's created in to A-1 Pictures, the staff returned for season 2, which is currently ongoing, and I only saw 6 out of 13 confirmed episodes dating from last month. Currently, this is being simulcast via Crunchyroll, and likewise no English translation provided. There is a gap unaccounted for animation wise, so unless you read the manga, a lot of events from the 1st episode can toss a batch of fastballs, on top of the already additional characters involved. Lastly, when the television run ends, supposedly, there will be 3 additional ones. Like with K-ON! and Working!!, the title for season two carries a subtle difference, in Oreimo's case, the period at the end of the title.
Ore no Imoto is short, but is shows the ups and down about otaku, though it still bothers me how they view them (seeing as how I'm proudly one myself now), and it's not the first to do so. That aside, it gets a 7.1 of 10, though the opening song to the anime is more or less stuck in my head now...
LXVII: "Toradora!"
Another series I grew to like over time, Toradora! is a romantic comedy that has a bit of drama to it. It deals with initially mismatched people that tries to go after who they love, only to fail, even with each other's help.
Toradora! deals with Ryuji Takasu, a kind student with a rather distasteful expression (sanpaku eyes) inherited from his father. Because of this, seeing him strikes fear into most students, save for a few like his friend Yusaku Kitamura. Generally misunderstood, he is rather kind, but definitely a neat freak, cleaning anything and everything before him should he finds distaste. While he fears about his chances being low to find a girlfriend (due to the aforementioned problem), he does have his eyes set on Minori Kushieda. It's to his delight that when the school year begins, he gets to be in the same class as Yusaku and Minori... but didn't count on this other person showing up as well. Enter Taiga Aisaka, called the school's most dangerous animal of the highest risk level, to be more specific, the Palmtop Tiger. From the jump, she harbors contempt towards Ryuji. Soon, it's revealed that she's not only a personal friend of Minori, but also has a crush on Ryuji's friend, Yusaku.
Following a mishap cause by Aisaka's "Love Letter" (or lack thereof), it soon becomes a unique predicament, with Ryuji and the "Palmtop Tiger" Aisaka each having a friend that the other one wants to be with. To make ends meet, they work together to make sure that Ryuji is paired with Minori, and Taiga pairs with Yusaku. Despite how rocky it was in the beginning, the two develop a respectable relationship between them as they help each other out, even though the outcomes can be comical, at times. Of course, there's also Ami Kawashima who tends to spice things up (or complicate them) every now and then, much to the chagrin of Taiga. Their goals are similar, but in the end, who will end up with whom?
Toradora! ties to the names of Taiga and Ryuji. In Taiga's case, her name sounds like "tiger", which in Japanese is "tora". Ryuji's name means "son of dragon", and when said in Japanese, "dragon" becomes "doragon". This series has been licensed for US by NIS America, but still is only Japanese audio. In addition, it was made in the J.C.Staff studio, with 25 episodes made and a single OVA special.
Toradora! is a trip, but well worth my time watching and reviewing. I score it a 7.8 of 10, and would definitely watch it again if I wanted to.
Toradora! deals with Ryuji Takasu, a kind student with a rather distasteful expression (sanpaku eyes) inherited from his father. Because of this, seeing him strikes fear into most students, save for a few like his friend Yusaku Kitamura. Generally misunderstood, he is rather kind, but definitely a neat freak, cleaning anything and everything before him should he finds distaste. While he fears about his chances being low to find a girlfriend (due to the aforementioned problem), he does have his eyes set on Minori Kushieda. It's to his delight that when the school year begins, he gets to be in the same class as Yusaku and Minori... but didn't count on this other person showing up as well. Enter Taiga Aisaka, called the school's most dangerous animal of the highest risk level, to be more specific, the Palmtop Tiger. From the jump, she harbors contempt towards Ryuji. Soon, it's revealed that she's not only a personal friend of Minori, but also has a crush on Ryuji's friend, Yusaku.
Following a mishap cause by Aisaka's "Love Letter" (or lack thereof), it soon becomes a unique predicament, with Ryuji and the "Palmtop Tiger" Aisaka each having a friend that the other one wants to be with. To make ends meet, they work together to make sure that Ryuji is paired with Minori, and Taiga pairs with Yusaku. Despite how rocky it was in the beginning, the two develop a respectable relationship between them as they help each other out, even though the outcomes can be comical, at times. Of course, there's also Ami Kawashima who tends to spice things up (or complicate them) every now and then, much to the chagrin of Taiga. Their goals are similar, but in the end, who will end up with whom?
Toradora! ties to the names of Taiga and Ryuji. In Taiga's case, her name sounds like "tiger", which in Japanese is "tora". Ryuji's name means "son of dragon", and when said in Japanese, "dragon" becomes "doragon". This series has been licensed for US by NIS America, but still is only Japanese audio. In addition, it was made in the J.C.Staff studio, with 25 episodes made and a single OVA special.
Toradora! is a trip, but well worth my time watching and reviewing. I score it a 7.8 of 10, and would definitely watch it again if I wanted to.
LXVI: "Kiss X Sis"
Yes, yes, I know, this sounds VERY suggestive! But believe it or not, this is a title of an anime I've seen, which strangely doesn't qualify as hentai, though it may be clearly taken as such by name alone! Kiss x Sis, to educated viewers, suggest incest is a possibility, and frankly, as disturbing as that is, it's not far from the truth.
Kiss x Sis deals with the Suminoe family, namely Keita and his two stepsisters Ako and Riko. Despite being the youngest, Keita is the more mature of the three. In his younger days, he had this dream to marry his stepsisters. As his father revealed that polygamy is illegal, his demeanor changed and he "grew up", becoming what we see him as now: a guy who always looks bitter. Even though he felt such feelings before, he dislikes feeling anything for Ako and Riko, though they are not bound by blood. Over time, he succumbs to these emotions gradually. He's trying to enroll in the same high school as those two, something ha has worked hard on for a while. At the start, he is a 3rd year junior high student.
Next is the troublesome stepsisters, Ako and Riko. Both have an affection for Keita, and both can be pretty perverted in their actions. Both have their ways for trying to get to Keita, Ako being more of a closet pervert and planning her seduction, while Riko is really open about seducing him, though falters at even kissing him when someone is close by. Both are on the school disciplinary committee, and while they may mean well at times, in their own way, they both tend to abuse their authority just to get closer to Keita.
Kiss x Sis has an OVA series, which has a total of 6 episodes to date, while the TV anime made it's 12 episode run last year. Both made under the Studio Feel, there has been no licensing of the anime for outside Japan, and as such, no English voices. While the series entirely were fairly suggestive, with even episodes 9-12 censored, the OVA was more explicit than the former, containing more erotic scenes.
It bothers me, but I can't really complain, having seen it from start to finish. Just keep this out of the reaches of the youth and deranged fools that confuse anime and real life (who does that!?) Kiss x Sis goes with a 6.6 of 10.
Kiss x Sis deals with the Suminoe family, namely Keita and his two stepsisters Ako and Riko. Despite being the youngest, Keita is the more mature of the three. In his younger days, he had this dream to marry his stepsisters. As his father revealed that polygamy is illegal, his demeanor changed and he "grew up", becoming what we see him as now: a guy who always looks bitter. Even though he felt such feelings before, he dislikes feeling anything for Ako and Riko, though they are not bound by blood. Over time, he succumbs to these emotions gradually. He's trying to enroll in the same high school as those two, something ha has worked hard on for a while. At the start, he is a 3rd year junior high student.
Next is the troublesome stepsisters, Ako and Riko. Both have an affection for Keita, and both can be pretty perverted in their actions. Both have their ways for trying to get to Keita, Ako being more of a closet pervert and planning her seduction, while Riko is really open about seducing him, though falters at even kissing him when someone is close by. Both are on the school disciplinary committee, and while they may mean well at times, in their own way, they both tend to abuse their authority just to get closer to Keita.
Kiss x Sis has an OVA series, which has a total of 6 episodes to date, while the TV anime made it's 12 episode run last year. Both made under the Studio Feel, there has been no licensing of the anime for outside Japan, and as such, no English voices. While the series entirely were fairly suggestive, with even episodes 9-12 censored, the OVA was more explicit than the former, containing more erotic scenes.
It bothers me, but I can't really complain, having seen it from start to finish. Just keep this out of the reaches of the youth and deranged fools that confuse anime and real life (who does that!?) Kiss x Sis goes with a 6.6 of 10.
LXV: "Kämpfer"
This is perhaps the one anime that tripped me over. I said before that Ranma 1/2 had that gender bender trait. Well, so does this one, and I really didn't get what the hell I was watching until later. Not to pull out any worn-out gags, but Kämpfer had a few saying "It's a trap!" Let's see, where to begin...
To start off, Kämpfer is German for "Fighter" as there is a lot of that going on as well. The anime deals with a guy named Natsuru Seno, a male high school student who has a longing affection for his friend Kaede Sakura. His life is turned upside down upon when he is chosen involuntarily to become the titualr fighter: a Kämpfer. To add to this dismay, those who are selected as a Kämpfer MUST be female, which is, sadly, the turning point for Natsuru. By becoming one, Natsuru turns from a boy into a girl, and it's vice versa when (s)he is not fighting these battles with other fighters like him/her. To add to things, Kaede seems to be attracted to his female side, as are most boys in the school! For him, the power is more of a curse than a gift.
The series takes jabs at other pop culture anime references at times, though there don't seem to be much of them. While action is a mainstay, it is also a romantic comedy and a harem as well. The anime, licensed by Sentai Filmworks and created under the Nomad Studio, is a short 12 episode series, with 2 more to date being released in April of this year, nearly 2 years after the main anime finished. By record, this isn't a work dubbed in English.
Kämpfer is indeed weird, but not something I can turn my nose up to instantly. I think 6.3 of 10 should be enough for now.
LXIV: "Kanokon"
At first I cringed at this title after seeing the first episode. After a while, I got used to it, but I'm gonna say this anyway: Kanokon looks kinda wrong, and I'll get into why that is in a minute. It's basically your run of the mill harem and romantic comedy, but with some supernatural mixed in.
Kouta Omayada is a small first year high school transfer student, who's rather innocent and pure about his emotions, albeit a bit indecisive. He lived what is said to be a quiet life in the countryside with his grandfather, and at some point moved to the city. His life gets a little crazy when second year Chizuru Minamoto confesses about her love for him... and the fact that she's a kitsune willing to enter a relationship of sin with him, seeing as how such a relation is forbidden. The last thing aside, his feelings end up being mutual, which more or less invokes a transformation into a fox spirit once Kouta fuses with Chizuru. That's generally the good part, as the rest is full of clinging and innuendos to embarrass him. This causes him to be given the name "Great King of Eros" by his classmates, as well as scoldings by the class monitor Akane. And it doesn't help when a rival who's also a fist year tries to make moves on him as well. Good luck, kid...
Licensed by Media Blasters, this series goes on for 12 episodes, accompanied by 2 OVAs. Generally, the series was made in the Xebec studio. Apparently, there's also a visual novel made in japan for PS2 as well, but judging from the anime it's derived from, chances are it's not kid-friendly. Mona Marshall (who did roles like Jun Sakurada of Rozen Maiden, and the child Ichigo Kurasaki of Bleach) voiced Kouta, while Chizuru was voiced by Dorothy Elias-Fahn (who did voices for roles like Naru Narusegawa of Love Hina and Ground Defense Force! Mao-chan, along with Anko Uehara of Great Teacher Onizuka, just to name a few.)
Kanokon is not meant for young viewers, despite how innocent it appears at first. While it still bugs me (mainly due to the boy's small size), it's okay, so 7.9 of 10.
Kouta Omayada is a small first year high school transfer student, who's rather innocent and pure about his emotions, albeit a bit indecisive. He lived what is said to be a quiet life in the countryside with his grandfather, and at some point moved to the city. His life gets a little crazy when second year Chizuru Minamoto confesses about her love for him... and the fact that she's a kitsune willing to enter a relationship of sin with him, seeing as how such a relation is forbidden. The last thing aside, his feelings end up being mutual, which more or less invokes a transformation into a fox spirit once Kouta fuses with Chizuru. That's generally the good part, as the rest is full of clinging and innuendos to embarrass him. This causes him to be given the name "Great King of Eros" by his classmates, as well as scoldings by the class monitor Akane. And it doesn't help when a rival who's also a fist year tries to make moves on him as well. Good luck, kid...
Licensed by Media Blasters, this series goes on for 12 episodes, accompanied by 2 OVAs. Generally, the series was made in the Xebec studio. Apparently, there's also a visual novel made in japan for PS2 as well, but judging from the anime it's derived from, chances are it's not kid-friendly. Mona Marshall (who did roles like Jun Sakurada of Rozen Maiden, and the child Ichigo Kurasaki of Bleach) voiced Kouta, while Chizuru was voiced by Dorothy Elias-Fahn (who did voices for roles like Naru Narusegawa of Love Hina and Ground Defense Force! Mao-chan, along with Anko Uehara of Great Teacher Onizuka, just to name a few.)
Kanokon is not meant for young viewers, despite how innocent it appears at first. While it still bugs me (mainly due to the boy's small size), it's okay, so 7.9 of 10.
2011/06/02
LXIII: "Najica Blitz Tactics"
Seldom do you see anime that purposely has a lot of upskirt views. Najica Blitz Tactics is one of such anime, related to, as well as created by, the same people that brought us Agent Aika: director Katsuhiko Nishijima and Studio Fantasia.
Titular character and protagonist Najica Hiiragi is a CRI Cosmetics perfumer, working on a series of perfume known as The Day Series, with one smell representing a certain day of the week. When we first see her, she is having trouble with the smell for the Sunday perfume. Under the surface, however, lies a secret agent belonging to CRI Intelligence Bureau (an organization kept below the radar, even to its own employees.) From the jump, we see her assigned to retrieve a android designated as a Humaritt, codenamed ZZZ, from a bisexual countess. However, she becomes a tad suspicious when she is hired to hunt down more lost and rogue Humaritts, on top of having Humaritt ZZZ, called Lila, as her partner.
Girls with guns and short skirts... I guess any guy can ask for more, but that's what we get alongside the action. While she hunts down these Humaritts, her bond with Lila (which was initially sour) develops over time. The anime is but 12 episodes total, so it's not long. The series first ran 10 years ago, spotting themselves on other stations like Anime Network. The licensing was done by ADV Films. Kira Vincent-Davis (who did roles like Full Metal Panic! TSR's Xia Yu Lan and Elfen Leid's Nyu/Lucy) lends her voice for Najica, while Monica Rial (who covered for roles like Air Gear's Simca the Swallow and Black Cat's Kyoko Kirisaki) voiced Lila.
Najica Blitz Tactics is okay in my book, and definitely entertains me despite being short. This anime gains an 8.1 of 10. Now, if only I can get my hands on Agent Aika, them maybe I can talk about it someday...
Titular character and protagonist Najica Hiiragi is a CRI Cosmetics perfumer, working on a series of perfume known as The Day Series, with one smell representing a certain day of the week. When we first see her, she is having trouble with the smell for the Sunday perfume. Under the surface, however, lies a secret agent belonging to CRI Intelligence Bureau (an organization kept below the radar, even to its own employees.) From the jump, we see her assigned to retrieve a android designated as a Humaritt, codenamed ZZZ, from a bisexual countess. However, she becomes a tad suspicious when she is hired to hunt down more lost and rogue Humaritts, on top of having Humaritt ZZZ, called Lila, as her partner.
Girls with guns and short skirts... I guess any guy can ask for more, but that's what we get alongside the action. While she hunts down these Humaritts, her bond with Lila (which was initially sour) develops over time. The anime is but 12 episodes total, so it's not long. The series first ran 10 years ago, spotting themselves on other stations like Anime Network. The licensing was done by ADV Films. Kira Vincent-Davis (who did roles like Full Metal Panic! TSR's Xia Yu Lan and Elfen Leid's Nyu/Lucy) lends her voice for Najica, while Monica Rial (who covered for roles like Air Gear's Simca the Swallow and Black Cat's Kyoko Kirisaki) voiced Lila.
Najica Blitz Tactics is okay in my book, and definitely entertains me despite being short. This anime gains an 8.1 of 10. Now, if only I can get my hands on Agent Aika, them maybe I can talk about it someday...
LXII: "Basilisk"
Scrolls, blood, and a pack load of special ninja... Basilisk has a reputation as a bloodbath battle between two clans over the scrolls of one of them. A series that isn't meant for kids, this could be one of the really violent ones out there. Still, dealing with the time period it's set in, it's entertaining somewhat.
Basilisk deals with a battle that waged on for centuries, between the Iga Tsubagakure and the Kouga Manjidani. Eager to put a cease to the endless bloodbath, Hattori Hanzo I forges the no hostilities pact that suspended the senseless, bloody battle. Some would call this a stalemate, with no blood being shed for a good number of years. Around this time, Japan's government finally stabilized with the appointment of Tokugawa Ieyasu as Shogun. However, come the year 1614, Ieyasu steps down, passing the torch to his son Tokugawa Hidetada. This causes some discord, and in a matter of time, the flames of battle are ignited once again, with the Iga and Kouga ready to slaughter each other like the days of old.
To quell the need for battle of those two groups, and to solve the succession issue (in which people already began to take sides), it was arranged that the no hostility poact was canceled, yet only 10 warriors from each group were to participate in the battle, as to avoid a massacre. However, upon receiving the scroll early, the Iga slay 4 Kouga members in an preemptive strike. When Kouga finally started retaliating, new leaders' strength of true love were tested. In the midst of the battle, Iga's Gennosuke and Kouga's Oboro were engaged to one another years prior, hoping their union would cease the amnesty held between them for so long. Not everyone feels this way, however, and soon, the members of one group persistently try to write off either of the fiances.
When one group has slain all 10 members of the other, that representative will become the heir of Shogunatse. A battle treaded with blood, sweat, tears and even doubts, await the would be wed heirs.
Capturing the essence of old day Japan, Basilisk follows battle after battle, exhibiting various unique and skillful warriors of either clan. All the while, it hones in on the advances of Gennosuke and Oboro... as well as the actions of those that try to sever them. Made in the Gonzo studio, all 24 episodes were licensed by Funimation, and had a circuit on the Funimation Channel. the series is bloody, dramatic, and violent, but got its praise. Basilisk gets a 7.4 of 10.
Basilisk deals with a battle that waged on for centuries, between the Iga Tsubagakure and the Kouga Manjidani. Eager to put a cease to the endless bloodbath, Hattori Hanzo I forges the no hostilities pact that suspended the senseless, bloody battle. Some would call this a stalemate, with no blood being shed for a good number of years. Around this time, Japan's government finally stabilized with the appointment of Tokugawa Ieyasu as Shogun. However, come the year 1614, Ieyasu steps down, passing the torch to his son Tokugawa Hidetada. This causes some discord, and in a matter of time, the flames of battle are ignited once again, with the Iga and Kouga ready to slaughter each other like the days of old.
To quell the need for battle of those two groups, and to solve the succession issue (in which people already began to take sides), it was arranged that the no hostility poact was canceled, yet only 10 warriors from each group were to participate in the battle, as to avoid a massacre. However, upon receiving the scroll early, the Iga slay 4 Kouga members in an preemptive strike. When Kouga finally started retaliating, new leaders' strength of true love were tested. In the midst of the battle, Iga's Gennosuke and Kouga's Oboro were engaged to one another years prior, hoping their union would cease the amnesty held between them for so long. Not everyone feels this way, however, and soon, the members of one group persistently try to write off either of the fiances.
When one group has slain all 10 members of the other, that representative will become the heir of Shogunatse. A battle treaded with blood, sweat, tears and even doubts, await the would be wed heirs.
Capturing the essence of old day Japan, Basilisk follows battle after battle, exhibiting various unique and skillful warriors of either clan. All the while, it hones in on the advances of Gennosuke and Oboro... as well as the actions of those that try to sever them. Made in the Gonzo studio, all 24 episodes were licensed by Funimation, and had a circuit on the Funimation Channel. the series is bloody, dramatic, and violent, but got its praise. Basilisk gets a 7.4 of 10.
LXI: "Chobits"
Another CLAMP work, Chobits was something I slept on before finally watching it. I'm glad I did, because it was worth my time, for the most part. While it is more so comedy for the majority of the series, it does get serious late in it.
Chobits deals with Hideki Motosuwa, a college held-back moving from his rural territory to the city, in order to attend a prep school there. Aside from the common desire for a girlfriend, he also desires a personal computer, or persocom. To explain, a persocom is like an android of sorts used as a PC, which proves to be VERY pricey. Discouraged on how expensive it is to get one, he tries to settle in his new life, only to encounter a persocom right near a pile of trash. This persocom, named Chi, grows quickly attached to Hideki, and now he is stuck teaching her new things, granted that even to prodigies, she is a persocom unlike any other made.
A little romantic comedy, I found myself asking "Can a man love a machine?" Such instances have been tried before, but this is one of those anime that poses that question constantly. The comedy is generally tasteful, though it get serious when heading towards its final episodes, and a lot of things, more so regarding Chi, are revealed after the worst of scenarios. Like most CLAMP works, it is seen as a crossover to related works. Chobits, believe it or not, is set in the same world as, and more or less succeeds, Angelic Layer, which I previously covered. This would explain why the bonding of humans and technology feels rather... natural. Having 26 episodes, it was originally licensed by Geneon Entertainment, but Funimation picked up the title sometime this year, and was even featured on their Funimation Channel (though I can't verify if it still does).
Chobits is pretty okay, and succeeding Angelic Layer, I had no problems putting up with it, for the most part. Chobits get's a 7.2 of 10.
Chobits deals with Hideki Motosuwa, a college held-back moving from his rural territory to the city, in order to attend a prep school there. Aside from the common desire for a girlfriend, he also desires a personal computer, or persocom. To explain, a persocom is like an android of sorts used as a PC, which proves to be VERY pricey. Discouraged on how expensive it is to get one, he tries to settle in his new life, only to encounter a persocom right near a pile of trash. This persocom, named Chi, grows quickly attached to Hideki, and now he is stuck teaching her new things, granted that even to prodigies, she is a persocom unlike any other made.
A little romantic comedy, I found myself asking "Can a man love a machine?" Such instances have been tried before, but this is one of those anime that poses that question constantly. The comedy is generally tasteful, though it get serious when heading towards its final episodes, and a lot of things, more so regarding Chi, are revealed after the worst of scenarios. Like most CLAMP works, it is seen as a crossover to related works. Chobits, believe it or not, is set in the same world as, and more or less succeeds, Angelic Layer, which I previously covered. This would explain why the bonding of humans and technology feels rather... natural. Having 26 episodes, it was originally licensed by Geneon Entertainment, but Funimation picked up the title sometime this year, and was even featured on their Funimation Channel (though I can't verify if it still does).
Chobits is pretty okay, and succeeding Angelic Layer, I had no problems putting up with it, for the most part. Chobits get's a 7.2 of 10.
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