Well... granted I often end up a sucker for anime that either has harem, a slight bit of perversity, or just one with a big dose of weirdness involved, it doesn't surprise me that, despite how backed up I am in anime to watch, I would come across Demon King Daimao at some point. Granted, it was on the list to look into, ever since seeing a trailer for it at Otakon a while back. After spotting this via Netflix, I checked it out and... I initially had no witty response to it. But let's get into what this is about.
Let's see... picture yourself as a transfer student who found himself as a new entry in a school dealing with magic. Now then, if you were this person, you'd probably have some idea who you desire to be in the future. Okay, now imagine that idea of yours is in your head, only for those dreams to be crushed by the prediction that you're to be the Demon King. for Akuto Sai, this is his reality, regardless of how much he wishes to refute this, and he has to deal with all the undesired attention and rumors that a mere crow (albeit magical) sparked when he made such a claim. Between people giving him Hell (no pun intended) about his predicted future, as well as girls surrounding him with perversity swords and what not, his simple school life is officially anything but that: simple.
Licensed under Sentai Filmworks, it's original run began and concluded in 2010 with merely 12 episodes. It is in English language, so naturally, there are hard copy DVDs and Blu-Rays of this, and as I stated before, found via Netflix as well. While it has action and fantasy, it is also a romantic comedy and harem (which I seem to be a sucker for), and with ample perverse moments involved. With the way it ended, it doesn't quite suggest a season two, but who knows. It's small, but there is a window of opportunity should they bother falling back on it. The boy-turned-Demonic King is voiced by Chris Patton, who is a name seen in quite a few works.
I could go on to talk about this, but at the very least, I will say that unlike some titles (eyeing Magikano), at least the plot is picked up from the initial episodes, and despite that it took a while to get serious, they didn't stray from the focal point in a sense. The part that rattles me is that, obviously, its length. I feel that so much more could be involved in this, but at least unlike the previously mentioned title, it doesn't quite have the whole "Screw You!" ending in which the plot does a complete reset. Nah, compared to that, to me it's favorable, yet leaves a bit to be desired. I'll call it a 7 of 10 as a general score, and hope that this, as well as my new fave Highschool DXD, see some extra episodes attached. Time will tell, right?
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
2013/06/28
2013/05/24
CCXX: "Squid Girl"
A title similar to my last post in terms of plot, Squid Girl, aka Shinryaku! Ika Musume is one that's more down to earth, and thankfully shorter. I never thought I'd see this title so soon, but the internet just keeps throwing the title in my face (in various ways, at that.) I might as well get started on this.
The title character is, of course, Squid Girl, a sea emissary who plotted to invade Earth as the denizen's consequence for the pollution of the sea. And yet, after busting a hole in the wall of the Lemon Beach House (a restaurant owned by the Aizawa sisters Eko and Chizuru), she ends up serving the very humans she wanted to conquer. However, it's not as depressing as it initially sounds, as she meets curious characters, learns things on the surface, and eat loads of shrimp! Will she ever invade the planet?
Unlike Sgt. Frog, Squid Girl isn't perceived as an alien, and while she looks close to human, she actually features and uses traits you would find in squids, well... various squids. The title in question is a slice of life comedy, and having seen stuff of this genre, it's a breath of fresh air to see a type that's actually humorous a little. Squid Girl has 2 seasons that are 13 episodes a piece, with an OVA released August of last year, and another debuting overseas in 2 weeks. Media Blasters licensed this title for the US release, so it has been dubbed, at least Season 1 has, which I found via Netflix. The cast this times feature mostly names I never heard of before, though Christina Vee has a role in here. Christine Marie Cabanos voices the lead character, and I remember hearing her before in Rozen Maiden Overture.
Initially, I couldn't make heads or tails of this, but as it progressed (yes, I still hung in there), I started to come to terms with it a bit more. And it's definitely a bit more upbeat, compared to normal slice of life titles, and a huge plus over the dramatic ones. An interesting thing to note here: in the raw/subbed versions, she stresses the ika term and usually ends her sentences with de geso. In the dub, these are dropped, being replaced by dialogue with squid-based puns. What charms me about the latter is that some of the puns are positioned in a way that it can be considered unintentionally censored.
Squid Girl was as... redundant, but a bit more bearable, so I'll file it as a 7 of 10. I never thought I'd get around to completing this, but I tried, and did. On to the next, as they say...
The title character is, of course, Squid Girl, a sea emissary who plotted to invade Earth as the denizen's consequence for the pollution of the sea. And yet, after busting a hole in the wall of the Lemon Beach House (a restaurant owned by the Aizawa sisters Eko and Chizuru), she ends up serving the very humans she wanted to conquer. However, it's not as depressing as it initially sounds, as she meets curious characters, learns things on the surface, and eat loads of shrimp! Will she ever invade the planet?
Unlike Sgt. Frog, Squid Girl isn't perceived as an alien, and while she looks close to human, she actually features and uses traits you would find in squids, well... various squids. The title in question is a slice of life comedy, and having seen stuff of this genre, it's a breath of fresh air to see a type that's actually humorous a little. Squid Girl has 2 seasons that are 13 episodes a piece, with an OVA released August of last year, and another debuting overseas in 2 weeks. Media Blasters licensed this title for the US release, so it has been dubbed, at least Season 1 has, which I found via Netflix. The cast this times feature mostly names I never heard of before, though Christina Vee has a role in here. Christine Marie Cabanos voices the lead character, and I remember hearing her before in Rozen Maiden Overture.
Initially, I couldn't make heads or tails of this, but as it progressed (yes, I still hung in there), I started to come to terms with it a bit more. And it's definitely a bit more upbeat, compared to normal slice of life titles, and a huge plus over the dramatic ones. An interesting thing to note here: in the raw/subbed versions, she stresses the ika term and usually ends her sentences with de geso. In the dub, these are dropped, being replaced by dialogue with squid-based puns. What charms me about the latter is that some of the puns are positioned in a way that it can be considered unintentionally censored.
Squid Girl was as... redundant, but a bit more bearable, so I'll file it as a 7 of 10. I never thought I'd get around to completing this, but I tried, and did. On to the next, as they say...
CCXIX: "Sgt. Frog"
Sgt. Frog... where do I begin with this? Ever deal with anime that deals with a strange being that plots to take over your world, only to live there and do anything but that? On record, there are two titles like this I have seen, one of which I'm still viewing, so I might as well cover this one since I'm done with it.
Sgt. Frog (Sergeant, in case you're not familiar with the abbreviation), also titled Keroro Gunso, is an anime involving an alien race of frog-like beings, who attempt to conquer Earth, only to mess up in comedic outcomes. The leader of this platoon is the point character Keroro, the platoon's Sergeant. While initially successful in missions prior to this, his arrival to Earth more or less changed him. Long story short, he shifted more towards otaku interest as opposed to his original task. Moreover, he ends up residing in the Hinata residence, whose members include the nerd Fuyuki, the brash Natsumi, and the house head Aki. And even with his squad there, something tells me it'll be a while before he completes his goal...
Sgt. Frog is a title that has an absurdly large episode count and a batch of films under its belt. I can't recall how many of them were dubbed, but it has in this phase 358 episodes that began in April of 2004, with talk of its return. The film count is Super Movie Keroro Gunso 5, which is the latest entry that dates back to 2010, and neither of the films are dubbed. In terms of studios, Sunrise was more or less all over this. The episodes that DID come stateside were licensed under Funimation, something I felt would happen. But as I stated, there is talk of its return, and what hardens this statement a bit is that the manga for it is still ongoing.
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to make of it, and in some ways, I still don't. Even when entertained with pop culture references (especially that of different anime titles), and the occasional 4th wall humor, I still couldn't bring myself to thoroughly enjoy it yet. It is a sci-fi- comedy with action involved, but a tad too long for my tastes, which is funny considering I still keep tabs on Detective Conan.
Well, I'll update this when I decide to come back to it, but for now, I'll call it a 6 of 10. It doesn't necessarily suck, but it wasn't all that interesting to me either...
Sgt. Frog (Sergeant, in case you're not familiar with the abbreviation), also titled Keroro Gunso, is an anime involving an alien race of frog-like beings, who attempt to conquer Earth, only to mess up in comedic outcomes. The leader of this platoon is the point character Keroro, the platoon's Sergeant. While initially successful in missions prior to this, his arrival to Earth more or less changed him. Long story short, he shifted more towards otaku interest as opposed to his original task. Moreover, he ends up residing in the Hinata residence, whose members include the nerd Fuyuki, the brash Natsumi, and the house head Aki. And even with his squad there, something tells me it'll be a while before he completes his goal...
Sgt. Frog is a title that has an absurdly large episode count and a batch of films under its belt. I can't recall how many of them were dubbed, but it has in this phase 358 episodes that began in April of 2004, with talk of its return. The film count is Super Movie Keroro Gunso 5, which is the latest entry that dates back to 2010, and neither of the films are dubbed. In terms of studios, Sunrise was more or less all over this. The episodes that DID come stateside were licensed under Funimation, something I felt would happen. But as I stated, there is talk of its return, and what hardens this statement a bit is that the manga for it is still ongoing.
Honestly, I wasn't sure what to make of it, and in some ways, I still don't. Even when entertained with pop culture references (especially that of different anime titles), and the occasional 4th wall humor, I still couldn't bring myself to thoroughly enjoy it yet. It is a sci-fi- comedy with action involved, but a tad too long for my tastes, which is funny considering I still keep tabs on Detective Conan.
Well, I'll update this when I decide to come back to it, but for now, I'll call it a 6 of 10. It doesn't necessarily suck, but it wasn't all that interesting to me either...
2013/02/26
CCXVIII: "Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-Chan"
Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-Chan is a title I head scratched about for the longest, mainly due to what happens in this one. I watched this prior to the start of my blogging, so this is coming out of me rather late, but hey, it's better than never, right?
Okay, on to the... plot. This title is centered around a boy named Sakura Kusakabe (yes people, this is a boy named Sakura...), who in 20 years supposedly force all women to cease aging. His reason... (I cannot believe this....) was to create a Pedophile's World (...<FACEPALM!!> And yes, before grilling me over these facts, check it out yourself. I swear I am not pulling anyone's leg here!!) In response to this, the killer angel Dokuro Mitsukai was dispatched to eliminate him, since the God was offended, due to the possible outcome of him discovering immortality. However, seeing hope in him being redeemed, she shifts to making sure the thought never corsses his mind by keeping him occuped as opposed to killing him outright. However... because of what she is, this ends up happening regardless in a bloody mess, though this is usually rectified my immediate resurrection. Despite her stance, the Rurutie order will stop at nothing to see Sakura dead. Will they succeed in their assassination, or will Dokuro keep him alive and surpress the forbidden thought... without killing him herself?
This title saw 2 anime sessions, each lasting very short, with 2 episodes paired into one. The first series is 2 episodes made into 4 sets, with the follow up, Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 2, having 2 episode into 2 sets. I just found put that it is dubbed, regardless, it's licensing was done by AnimeWorks as a whole. Not sure if they still do, but this title was released for consumer purchase in the form of DVDs. The first title ran its course in 2005, while the second ran briefly in 2007. Because of the many instances of Sakura getting killed (and immediately resurrected), it has been censored, though viewers could still seek it out with all its blood-splattering glory. Johnny Yong Bosch, who did roles like Adam of Mighty Morphing Power Rangers and voiced characters like Bleach's Ichigo Kurosaki, voiced Sakura. Dokuro is voiced by Wendee Lee, who is known for a wide range of anime roles, such as Haruhi Suzumiya from the anime of the title The melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, as well as Sonia Strumm from the Megaman Star Force anime, in the few episodes that were dubbed here.
For a dark humor title, the blood is a bit much, but I don't mind it. I give it just shy of 7 of 10, like a 6.9, due to not only the title's shortness, but also in part to the frequent, albeit hilarious, moments of Sakura getting killed. I'll leave it at this until I see the dubbed episodes.
Okay, on to the... plot. This title is centered around a boy named Sakura Kusakabe (yes people, this is a boy named Sakura...), who in 20 years supposedly force all women to cease aging. His reason... (I cannot believe this....) was to create a Pedophile's World (...<FACEPALM!!> And yes, before grilling me over these facts, check it out yourself. I swear I am not pulling anyone's leg here!!) In response to this, the killer angel Dokuro Mitsukai was dispatched to eliminate him, since the God was offended, due to the possible outcome of him discovering immortality. However, seeing hope in him being redeemed, she shifts to making sure the thought never corsses his mind by keeping him occuped as opposed to killing him outright. However... because of what she is, this ends up happening regardless in a bloody mess, though this is usually rectified my immediate resurrection. Despite her stance, the Rurutie order will stop at nothing to see Sakura dead. Will they succeed in their assassination, or will Dokuro keep him alive and surpress the forbidden thought... without killing him herself?
This title saw 2 anime sessions, each lasting very short, with 2 episodes paired into one. The first series is 2 episodes made into 4 sets, with the follow up, Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 2, having 2 episode into 2 sets. I just found put that it is dubbed, regardless, it's licensing was done by AnimeWorks as a whole. Not sure if they still do, but this title was released for consumer purchase in the form of DVDs. The first title ran its course in 2005, while the second ran briefly in 2007. Because of the many instances of Sakura getting killed (and immediately resurrected), it has been censored, though viewers could still seek it out with all its blood-splattering glory. Johnny Yong Bosch, who did roles like Adam of Mighty Morphing Power Rangers and voiced characters like Bleach's Ichigo Kurosaki, voiced Sakura. Dokuro is voiced by Wendee Lee, who is known for a wide range of anime roles, such as Haruhi Suzumiya from the anime of the title The melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, as well as Sonia Strumm from the Megaman Star Force anime, in the few episodes that were dubbed here.
For a dark humor title, the blood is a bit much, but I don't mind it. I give it just shy of 7 of 10, like a 6.9, due to not only the title's shortness, but also in part to the frequent, albeit hilarious, moments of Sakura getting killed. I'll leave it at this until I see the dubbed episodes.
2013/02/08
CCXVII: "To Love-Ru Darkness"
A long while back, one of my first 10 entries was a joint review between To Love-Ru and Black Cat. To Love-Ru Darkness is the sequel to another title of the series, so this review is kind of out of place, but I'll deal with Motto To Love-Ru at some point, I'm sure. Alongside an OVA, this title is adapted from an ongoing manga of the same title, which succeeds the original manga. As with the others, it deals with zany ecchi moments, alien beings, and mayhem aplenty, with more characters added to the regular cast.
It has been a while since Rito Yuuki came in contact with Princess Lala Satalin Deviluke. After a marriage that eventually threatened the world, Lala, alongside her sisters Momo and Nana, adjusted to life on earth, living with Rito and his mature, younger sister Mikan. Just as well, other beings like the living weapon Yami/Golden Darkness, also reside on the planet. Of course, peaceful times are threatened once more with the appearance of Mea, a being similar to Yami. On top of having his life at harm's risk, it complicates things with Momo and her plan to make Rito a harem king. As the one centered in another mess, Rito has to put up with life while being targeted in a 3-way struggle: involving Mea, Yami and Momo.
To Love-Ru Darkness, in addition to a pair of OVAs, have the count of 12 episodes, so like it's preceding titles, short. Not dubbed in English, it was made in Studio Xebec, with Sentai Filmworks behind licensing. It was made, and had it's run end last year, though as with halfr the titles I review, the manga has much more content. As there's no english voices, I can't provide any data in that department.
While there isn't THAT much of a difference from before, To Love-Ru Darkness has a bit more of my interest, gaining 8 of 10 from me. That's not to say that this is one of the better titles I have seen, but it is good, albeit a tad redundant.
It has been a while since Rito Yuuki came in contact with Princess Lala Satalin Deviluke. After a marriage that eventually threatened the world, Lala, alongside her sisters Momo and Nana, adjusted to life on earth, living with Rito and his mature, younger sister Mikan. Just as well, other beings like the living weapon Yami/Golden Darkness, also reside on the planet. Of course, peaceful times are threatened once more with the appearance of Mea, a being similar to Yami. On top of having his life at harm's risk, it complicates things with Momo and her plan to make Rito a harem king. As the one centered in another mess, Rito has to put up with life while being targeted in a 3-way struggle: involving Mea, Yami and Momo.
To Love-Ru Darkness, in addition to a pair of OVAs, have the count of 12 episodes, so like it's preceding titles, short. Not dubbed in English, it was made in Studio Xebec, with Sentai Filmworks behind licensing. It was made, and had it's run end last year, though as with halfr the titles I review, the manga has much more content. As there's no english voices, I can't provide any data in that department.
While there isn't THAT much of a difference from before, To Love-Ru Darkness has a bit more of my interest, gaining 8 of 10 from me. That's not to say that this is one of the better titles I have seen, but it is good, albeit a tad redundant.
2012/12/23
CCXVI: "Is This A Zombie?"
Normally, dealing with the undead would leave to some pretty creepy anime, but despite this stereotype, there's been a few exceptions, one of which in the form of Gegege no Kitaro. Korewa Zombie Desu Ka?, or Is This A Zombie?, is another, and is somewhat similar to Gegege no Kitaro, save for it being newer and... different.
Ayumu Aikawa is a normal high school student... well, scratch the normal part. Like our potty-mouthed hero Yusuke Urameshi of YuYu Hakusho, he's one of the dead early, rather hin Ayumu's case it's from the first episode onward, perhaps preceeding even this. Why this is so mainly stems from a serial killer lurking from his surroundings, and trying to save a screaming woman, he meets not only the killer in the dark, but also his end... as a human. Thanks to the silent Necromancer Eluciwood Hellscythe, he is brought back as a zombie, but not the kind that are brainless and blood-craving, as are the ones from Highschool of the Dead. Rather, because of his status, he can use as much power as he pleases, as well as recieve multiple wounds and still rise... and transform into a Mahou Shoujo... wait, WHAT?! I kid not, through some circumstance, he has the powers of a Mahou Shoujo, normally wielded by Haruna, with whom he had a grizzly meeting with, so to speak. With a Necromancer, a Mahou Shoujo, and later a pair of special ninja, Ayumu has to figure out and stop the one behind the killings, especially since the culprit is responsible for his death.
This series has 12 episodes and an OVA made to be the 13th, while there is a second season titled Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka?of the Dead, which ended June of this year. It has the same episode count, yet 2 OVAs. Both are licensed by Funimation for English release, and the first season is dubbed and released in full. Is This A Zombie? of the Dead is currently going through the dubbing process, set to be a 2013 title. Both titles were made in Studio Deen. The first season made its short run in Japan last year, and I assume this was the year it made it's run on English TV. Eluciwood undergoes many voices in this title (this I'm not sure why...), but Ayumu Aikawa is voiced by Austin Tindle, who voiced in other works like Deadman Wonderland and Sgt. Frog. Moreover, it's speculated that Tindle will reprise his role in the next season.
I enjoyed it, even amist all the wierdness and semi-perverted moments it has. I'll easily call this an 8 of 10. To me it's funny, and grew to be a new favorite of mine. I hope season 2 follows this.
Ayumu Aikawa is a normal high school student... well, scratch the normal part. Like our potty-mouthed hero Yusuke Urameshi of YuYu Hakusho, he's one of the dead early, rather hin Ayumu's case it's from the first episode onward, perhaps preceeding even this. Why this is so mainly stems from a serial killer lurking from his surroundings, and trying to save a screaming woman, he meets not only the killer in the dark, but also his end... as a human. Thanks to the silent Necromancer Eluciwood Hellscythe, he is brought back as a zombie, but not the kind that are brainless and blood-craving, as are the ones from Highschool of the Dead. Rather, because of his status, he can use as much power as he pleases, as well as recieve multiple wounds and still rise... and transform into a Mahou Shoujo... wait, WHAT?! I kid not, through some circumstance, he has the powers of a Mahou Shoujo, normally wielded by Haruna, with whom he had a grizzly meeting with, so to speak. With a Necromancer, a Mahou Shoujo, and later a pair of special ninja, Ayumu has to figure out and stop the one behind the killings, especially since the culprit is responsible for his death.
This series has 12 episodes and an OVA made to be the 13th, while there is a second season titled Kore Wa Zombie Desu Ka?of the Dead, which ended June of this year. It has the same episode count, yet 2 OVAs. Both are licensed by Funimation for English release, and the first season is dubbed and released in full. Is This A Zombie? of the Dead is currently going through the dubbing process, set to be a 2013 title. Both titles were made in Studio Deen. The first season made its short run in Japan last year, and I assume this was the year it made it's run on English TV. Eluciwood undergoes many voices in this title (this I'm not sure why...), but Ayumu Aikawa is voiced by Austin Tindle, who voiced in other works like Deadman Wonderland and Sgt. Frog. Moreover, it's speculated that Tindle will reprise his role in the next season.
I enjoyed it, even amist all the wierdness and semi-perverted moments it has. I'll easily call this an 8 of 10. To me it's funny, and grew to be a new favorite of mine. I hope season 2 follows this.
CCXV: "Kodomo no Jikan"
(This post will be at face value a mere review, but there is a Seiko's Thoughts moment in regards to the title. Just making it clear! - SW)
Wow... I'm at a loss of words for this one. I'vce covered titles like Kiss X Sis, M!, the hentai Sexual Pursuit, and many others I scratched mynhead at, most of which I ended up enjoying. I''m kinda thrown about this one, called Kodomo no Jikan, mainly because it deals with a scenario that seemingly only happens in H-manga: an elementary student falling in love with her teacher. Something like this is controversial in the real world, obviously, but this title isn't the real world, but it offically didn't reach the states because of this. That aside, let's peel the skin off of this odd fruit...
In Kodomo no Jikan, Daisuke Aoki is the male lead who landed his first teaching job at Futatsubashi Elementary School, and he manage this withoutn any prior teaching experience/training, so he's hopeful, but has to work his ass off to be a proper teacher. Of course, it's not long after that he has a rather peculiar matter. A precocious third grader by the name of Rin Kokonoe develops affections for Daisuke, and tries anything possible, even going as far as sexual innuendo, to claim him, even going as far as to outright declare Rin as his girlfriend. Then there are others like Kuro, who's quick to nail barbed remarks towards him, mainly on his virgin status. With all he has to deal with, keeping track of the class roster and assignments merely scratches the surface of his troubles, as Rin's actions could cost him his job!! How will this newbie teacher fare?
I've seen stuff like this happened here at home on the news, though I can't say that, as far as they've gone, they weren't even remotely mutual, but more so criminal. I guess it's because of this, as well as the "anti-lolicon" law of sorts that this title was shut down, even when it made it as far as Los Angeles. In fact, responses to this following the LA-based Seven Seas Entertainment's refusal to publish this has been unfriendly, but somewhat legit. I mean, flip the roles around and Mahou Sensei Negima! comes to mind, and that's a success here in the states. Toren Smith, who used to be a manga editor, cited this and criticized that the people who supported the reverse gender scenario in Negima! were hypocrites. Harsh, but I see his point, considering that this would be classified as shotacon. I acually have reviewed Negima! whose series has since then concluded, and made no mention of these terms until today, and I feel it's only fitting that I get into this a little. Before I forget, and I'm sure some of you heard of this term before, but Lolicon is what's classified as underage girl fetish, and is derived from the term "Lolita Complex." Kodomo no Jikan is an example of this. On the flip side of things, Shotacon is similar in nature, though with genders reversed, meaning it's the fetish for underage boys. Like it's female counterpart, it's a hybrid from the term Shotaro Complex, in which Negima! is an example of. I don't get how one could be approved yet another can't, but in my book, I call this a classic double-standard, but I digress.
Kodomo no Jikan isn't a long title, which has 12 anime episodes, and 3 OVAs, one of which is composed of 4 episodes. It's not a new one either, as this began in 2007, the 4-episode OVA releasing in 2009, and the last one releasing January of last year. While I can't verify this of the last OVA at the moment, all animeted works were made in Studio Barcelona, never licensed for the US, so there is no English version, and based on the controversy of its content, most likely never will be. The manga itself, also never officially released here, is still ongoing. In both works, there is a censored and uncensored version.
For what I've seen, normally this would be hard to stomach, but as a romantic comedy, it seems innocent enough at face value, though personally, I find this similar to B Gata H Kei: Yamada's First Time, and with that's said, I'll leave this ar a 7 of 10 before I can give a more accurate rating.
Wow... I'm at a loss of words for this one. I'vce covered titles like Kiss X Sis, M!, the hentai Sexual Pursuit, and many others I scratched mynhead at, most of which I ended up enjoying. I''m kinda thrown about this one, called Kodomo no Jikan, mainly because it deals with a scenario that seemingly only happens in H-manga: an elementary student falling in love with her teacher. Something like this is controversial in the real world, obviously, but this title isn't the real world, but it offically didn't reach the states because of this. That aside, let's peel the skin off of this odd fruit...
In Kodomo no Jikan, Daisuke Aoki is the male lead who landed his first teaching job at Futatsubashi Elementary School, and he manage this withoutn any prior teaching experience/training, so he's hopeful, but has to work his ass off to be a proper teacher. Of course, it's not long after that he has a rather peculiar matter. A precocious third grader by the name of Rin Kokonoe develops affections for Daisuke, and tries anything possible, even going as far as sexual innuendo, to claim him, even going as far as to outright declare Rin as his girlfriend. Then there are others like Kuro, who's quick to nail barbed remarks towards him, mainly on his virgin status. With all he has to deal with, keeping track of the class roster and assignments merely scratches the surface of his troubles, as Rin's actions could cost him his job!! How will this newbie teacher fare?
I've seen stuff like this happened here at home on the news, though I can't say that, as far as they've gone, they weren't even remotely mutual, but more so criminal. I guess it's because of this, as well as the "anti-lolicon" law of sorts that this title was shut down, even when it made it as far as Los Angeles. In fact, responses to this following the LA-based Seven Seas Entertainment's refusal to publish this has been unfriendly, but somewhat legit. I mean, flip the roles around and Mahou Sensei Negima! comes to mind, and that's a success here in the states. Toren Smith, who used to be a manga editor, cited this and criticized that the people who supported the reverse gender scenario in Negima! were hypocrites. Harsh, but I see his point, considering that this would be classified as shotacon. I acually have reviewed Negima! whose series has since then concluded, and made no mention of these terms until today, and I feel it's only fitting that I get into this a little. Before I forget, and I'm sure some of you heard of this term before, but Lolicon is what's classified as underage girl fetish, and is derived from the term "Lolita Complex." Kodomo no Jikan is an example of this. On the flip side of things, Shotacon is similar in nature, though with genders reversed, meaning it's the fetish for underage boys. Like it's female counterpart, it's a hybrid from the term Shotaro Complex, in which Negima! is an example of. I don't get how one could be approved yet another can't, but in my book, I call this a classic double-standard, but I digress.
Kodomo no Jikan isn't a long title, which has 12 anime episodes, and 3 OVAs, one of which is composed of 4 episodes. It's not a new one either, as this began in 2007, the 4-episode OVA releasing in 2009, and the last one releasing January of last year. While I can't verify this of the last OVA at the moment, all animeted works were made in Studio Barcelona, never licensed for the US, so there is no English version, and based on the controversy of its content, most likely never will be. The manga itself, also never officially released here, is still ongoing. In both works, there is a censored and uncensored version.
For what I've seen, normally this would be hard to stomach, but as a romantic comedy, it seems innocent enough at face value, though personally, I find this similar to B Gata H Kei: Yamada's First Time, and with that's said, I'll leave this ar a 7 of 10 before I can give a more accurate rating.
2012/12/16
CCXIV: "Marvel's Black Panther"
I never thought I'd be back to dealing with Marvel so soon, but ever since running into this, I've been curious. BET, a network I've long stopped watching for obvious reasons, collaborated with Marvel in making the Black Panther TV series.
I can't shed much light in terms of the show itself, but as far as on TV appearnces, this wasn't his first. A premier black superhero, he actually debuted on TV in one episode of the Fantastic Four: "Prey of the Black Panther". From then, he has appeared in other works, his latest being Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, as an on-and-off part of the Avenger roster. The TV series is animated, in form of a motion-comic. In this one, T'Challa is the new Black Panther following the assassination of his father King T'Chaka. However, much like that in the United States, there is a corrupt force back in the exotic area of Wakanda, an area concealed from the outer world. However, a group was formed to take over this land, the man behind this being Ulysses Klaw: an adventurer who is responsible for T'Chaka's assassination. Spurred by revenge and honor, and aided by known faces, T'Challa must prove himself as Wakanda's leader and defender. His foes better watch their backs around this cat...
As cool as it looks, it's lifespan is short, given that there are only 6 episodes, each running 20 minutes a piece. Aside from heroes and villains, not normally heard from, there are plenty of familiar faces on both sides: such as Juggernaut, Ororo (Storm), Logan (Wolverine), and Scott (Cyclops) that appear in the series. T'Challa is voiced by Djimon Hounsou, who is also known for the role of Mateo from the film Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, and appeared in televised work, among which delaing with 6 appearances on the show ER. Singer Jill Scott took the role of Ororo Munroe, or Strom from The X-Men, and Stan Lee himself got involved as the voice of General White. It premiered in Australia from January 16th-30th, 2010, while in the US, the dubbed version debuted and ended on BET the following year between November 15th-29th. With only 6 episodes, it wasn't a worthwhile stay for the black hero, but acceptable either way.
I call this one, despite it's shortness, a 7 of 10, mainly because I rarely seen motion-comic works so nicely done. And with that, I'm hoping Marvel will give Black Pather more exposure, like in another film, perhaps... I hope so, at least!
I can't shed much light in terms of the show itself, but as far as on TV appearnces, this wasn't his first. A premier black superhero, he actually debuted on TV in one episode of the Fantastic Four: "Prey of the Black Panther". From then, he has appeared in other works, his latest being Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, as an on-and-off part of the Avenger roster. The TV series is animated, in form of a motion-comic. In this one, T'Challa is the new Black Panther following the assassination of his father King T'Chaka. However, much like that in the United States, there is a corrupt force back in the exotic area of Wakanda, an area concealed from the outer world. However, a group was formed to take over this land, the man behind this being Ulysses Klaw: an adventurer who is responsible for T'Chaka's assassination. Spurred by revenge and honor, and aided by known faces, T'Challa must prove himself as Wakanda's leader and defender. His foes better watch their backs around this cat...
As cool as it looks, it's lifespan is short, given that there are only 6 episodes, each running 20 minutes a piece. Aside from heroes and villains, not normally heard from, there are plenty of familiar faces on both sides: such as Juggernaut, Ororo (Storm), Logan (Wolverine), and Scott (Cyclops) that appear in the series. T'Challa is voiced by Djimon Hounsou, who is also known for the role of Mateo from the film Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, and appeared in televised work, among which delaing with 6 appearances on the show ER. Singer Jill Scott took the role of Ororo Munroe, or Strom from The X-Men, and Stan Lee himself got involved as the voice of General White. It premiered in Australia from January 16th-30th, 2010, while in the US, the dubbed version debuted and ended on BET the following year between November 15th-29th. With only 6 episodes, it wasn't a worthwhile stay for the black hero, but acceptable either way.
I call this one, despite it's shortness, a 7 of 10, mainly because I rarely seen motion-comic works so nicely done. And with that, I'm hoping Marvel will give Black Pather more exposure, like in another film, perhaps... I hope so, at least!
2012/11/02
CCXIII: "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure"
Once a strictly film/OVA/manga franchise, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure gained so much popularity that here in 2012, an anime series is in the works under this name. But it wasn't by those alone. There was even a game series that was made, and apparently, it was so well known, the words "ZA WARUDO", which is English "THE WORLD", just rolls off the tongue. But I digress. Even now, other things, such as the MUGEN build-it-yourself titles, often feature characters that mimic, if not the aforementioned phrase, then the oher bizarre, insanely unnecesssary, yet brutally entertaining moves he performs... down to the steamroller! If I come across this game, I'll mention it in the gamer blog, but for now, let's go strictly anime here.
Interestingly enough that the series is pretty long by itself. But this is expanded on by generation-specific characters, much like that of Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, but longer. The eight generations mentioned makes 8 Parts to the plot, taking place in a certain location, with each featuring their proper title and "JoJo" protagonist. Here's the rundown, but I'll leave you to find out their connections:
Part 1 - Phantom Blood - Johnathan Joestar
Part 2 - Battle Tendancy - Joseph Joestar
Part 3 - Stardust Crusaders - Jotaro Kujo
Part 4 - Diamond is Not Cash - Josuke Higashikata
Part 5 - Vento Aureo - Giorno Giovanni
Part 6 - Srone Ocean - Jolyne Kujo
Part 7 - Steel Ball Run - Johnny Joestar/Gyro Zeppeli
Part 8 - JoJolion - "Josuke Higashikata"
Despite being a physical key player in parts 1 and 3, Dio Brando is the series' main villan, and while physically absent from the other 6 parts, his death more or less influences the plot further. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure started animation-wise as a 6-episode OVA title. A prequel to this, titled JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: ADVENTURE featured 7 episodes, both done under Studio APPP, and licensed by Super Techno Arts for North America. The 6-episode OVA debuted November of 1993, ending on the same month a year later. In addition, the latter OVA set debuted May of 2000, and concluded October of 2002.
There's also a film based on the Phantom Blood arc, and properly titled so. It was made in Studio APPP as well, premiering February of 2007. Now on present day, the anime production is in full swing. An accurate episode cound can't be vouched for, but based on the promotional images of Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando, thoughts point to the anime beginning from Part 1. I will update this as I see the actual episodes released.
For what I have watched, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure isn't in the perfect circle... yet. But with what I have found, a 9 out of 10 is appropriate, as the series is indeed a good one. Here's hoping that the anime performs as highly as the other titles.
Interestingly enough that the series is pretty long by itself. But this is expanded on by generation-specific characters, much like that of Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, but longer. The eight generations mentioned makes 8 Parts to the plot, taking place in a certain location, with each featuring their proper title and "JoJo" protagonist. Here's the rundown, but I'll leave you to find out their connections:
Part 1 - Phantom Blood - Johnathan Joestar
Part 2 - Battle Tendancy - Joseph Joestar
Part 3 - Stardust Crusaders - Jotaro Kujo
Part 4 - Diamond is Not Cash - Josuke Higashikata
Part 5 - Vento Aureo - Giorno Giovanni
Part 6 - Srone Ocean - Jolyne Kujo
Part 7 - Steel Ball Run - Johnny Joestar/Gyro Zeppeli
Part 8 - JoJolion - "Josuke Higashikata"
Despite being a physical key player in parts 1 and 3, Dio Brando is the series' main villan, and while physically absent from the other 6 parts, his death more or less influences the plot further. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure started animation-wise as a 6-episode OVA title. A prequel to this, titled JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: ADVENTURE featured 7 episodes, both done under Studio APPP, and licensed by Super Techno Arts for North America. The 6-episode OVA debuted November of 1993, ending on the same month a year later. In addition, the latter OVA set debuted May of 2000, and concluded October of 2002.
There's also a film based on the Phantom Blood arc, and properly titled so. It was made in Studio APPP as well, premiering February of 2007. Now on present day, the anime production is in full swing. An accurate episode cound can't be vouched for, but based on the promotional images of Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando, thoughts point to the anime beginning from Part 1. I will update this as I see the actual episodes released.
For what I have watched, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure isn't in the perfect circle... yet. But with what I have found, a 9 out of 10 is appropriate, as the series is indeed a good one. Here's hoping that the anime performs as highly as the other titles.
2012/06/02
CCXII: "Samurai Champloo"
I am a nut for anything dealing with swords, so naturally, I couldn't pass up on Samurai Champloo. Another one o those titles I caught on Adult Swim, it's a popular piece, partly because of the theme, composed by SHING02 and the late Nujabes. In direction, this was Shinichiro Watanabe's first directorial effort, succeeding that of the preceding and famous work Cowboy Bebop. As it was critically acclaimed, it reached the plateau its predecessor took before.
Kind of a weird way the three individuals meet one another. Fuu is a waitress who ends up being harassed by a band of samurai, not helping that one of those happens to be the son of Magistrate Tomonoshima. However, things go south for him as she is rescued by a rouge named Mugen, while shortly later, another samurai, Jin, enters. After their own respective battles, the two match glares with one another, sparking a fight amongst themselves. However, during the conflict, the restaurant burns, and the prefect's son ends up one arm less after Mugen sliced it off. Caught by the authorities, they are set to be executed, but Fuu intervenes. As compensation for saving their lives, Fuu enlists their help seeking a samurai that smells of sunflowers. It came with a stipulation, however: until this man is found, they are not to attack one another. And with both acquainted in battle once, this is a tough stipulation to hold... especially when it's the ronin and the vagabond hungrily at each other's throats!
Where Cowboy Bebop had a jazzy to early rock theme to their music, Samurai Champloo features a hip-hop to mid tempo style. A few songs also had R&B elements to them too, and during the battle, the tempo picks up. Even in their game, they feature a turntable (I've yet to play it, but should I do so, I'll put it in the Gamer Base blog.) Like Bebop, Champloo saw 26 episodes aired on TV, shown as part of the Adult Swim block. Made in Manglobe Studio, it was licensed by the defunct Geneon Entertainment, and one of the several titles turned over to Funimation Entertainment, who currently holds the license. Between the anime and the video game Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked, the voice actors have been for the most part consistent. In the case of Mugen, however, he had two different ones: in the anime he was voiced by Steven Blum (who was known as the voice of TOM of Toonami, and amazingly as Spike from the aforementioned Cowboy Bebop anime), while Liam O'Brien (who voiced Taishi of Comic Party and Captain Ukitake of Bleach) voiced him in the game. The latter two are consistent, with Jin voiced by Kirk Thornton (who voiced Saito of Ruroni Kenshin, and as of the game Sonic Free Riders, is the current voice of Sonic series character Shadow the Hedgehog), while Fuu is voiced by Kari Wahlgren (who also voiced Kagami Hiiragi of Lucky Star, and debuted as Haruhara Haruko of FLCL.) I can only say this now, but even with the editing out of some bloody scenes, the nudity, and the language, it's still errs into the not-so-kid-friendly zone as far as content, so keeping the little o0nes away is a must.
Samurai Champloo ended up as acclaimed as Cowboy Bebop with good reason. Fitting enough, not perfect, but another 9 of 10 is satisfying. Personally, as far as directing goes, Watanabe did great.
Kind of a weird way the three individuals meet one another. Fuu is a waitress who ends up being harassed by a band of samurai, not helping that one of those happens to be the son of Magistrate Tomonoshima. However, things go south for him as she is rescued by a rouge named Mugen, while shortly later, another samurai, Jin, enters. After their own respective battles, the two match glares with one another, sparking a fight amongst themselves. However, during the conflict, the restaurant burns, and the prefect's son ends up one arm less after Mugen sliced it off. Caught by the authorities, they are set to be executed, but Fuu intervenes. As compensation for saving their lives, Fuu enlists their help seeking a samurai that smells of sunflowers. It came with a stipulation, however: until this man is found, they are not to attack one another. And with both acquainted in battle once, this is a tough stipulation to hold... especially when it's the ronin and the vagabond hungrily at each other's throats!
Where Cowboy Bebop had a jazzy to early rock theme to their music, Samurai Champloo features a hip-hop to mid tempo style. A few songs also had R&B elements to them too, and during the battle, the tempo picks up. Even in their game, they feature a turntable (I've yet to play it, but should I do so, I'll put it in the Gamer Base blog.) Like Bebop, Champloo saw 26 episodes aired on TV, shown as part of the Adult Swim block. Made in Manglobe Studio, it was licensed by the defunct Geneon Entertainment, and one of the several titles turned over to Funimation Entertainment, who currently holds the license. Between the anime and the video game Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked, the voice actors have been for the most part consistent. In the case of Mugen, however, he had two different ones: in the anime he was voiced by Steven Blum (who was known as the voice of TOM of Toonami, and amazingly as Spike from the aforementioned Cowboy Bebop anime), while Liam O'Brien (who voiced Taishi of Comic Party and Captain Ukitake of Bleach) voiced him in the game. The latter two are consistent, with Jin voiced by Kirk Thornton (who voiced Saito of Ruroni Kenshin, and as of the game Sonic Free Riders, is the current voice of Sonic series character Shadow the Hedgehog), while Fuu is voiced by Kari Wahlgren (who also voiced Kagami Hiiragi of Lucky Star, and debuted as Haruhara Haruko of FLCL.) I can only say this now, but even with the editing out of some bloody scenes, the nudity, and the language, it's still errs into the not-so-kid-friendly zone as far as content, so keeping the little o0nes away is a must.
Samurai Champloo ended up as acclaimed as Cowboy Bebop with good reason. Fitting enough, not perfect, but another 9 of 10 is satisfying. Personally, as far as directing goes, Watanabe did great.
2012/05/03
CCXI: "The Avengers"
Some posts back, I saw before the masses Captain America: The First Avenger, now my wish was fulfilled, when days ago, I watched The Avengers, the Marvel flick comic fanboys were dying for. And boy, was it a hell of a film!! Heading to Silver Spring with my friends was sorth it, despite returning late.
When Loki decides to raise hell, he does so in a big way. Getting his hands on a certain artifact, he wages war on Earth, with little effort at that. But there's one thing you should never, ever do, and that's to rile up a man of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury to be exact, because it made him desperate enough to assemble a band of heroes to raise Hell. Divided, they are greats on their own, but together, they aren't a team to take lightly. From thawed out legends, to destructive faces, The Avengers will save Earth, or Avenge it!
Starring the likes of Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and Scarlett Johansson, it brings together some of Marvel's most familiar and famous faces. The only thing I can say is that you stick around for the whole film to see what Marvel will do next, but if you want destruction, lasers and pipebombs, this movie does not disappoint. Pending on who favors it, we were lucky to see it in IMAX 3D, and it was interesting, despite the gaudy design of the glasses themselves.
Make tomorrow, May 4th, the date people, for this Marvel film is worth seeing. Perfect, 10 of 10, any best rating I say just isn't enough to describe how awesome The Avengers is. I encourage you to see this film!!
When Loki decides to raise hell, he does so in a big way. Getting his hands on a certain artifact, he wages war on Earth, with little effort at that. But there's one thing you should never, ever do, and that's to rile up a man of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury to be exact, because it made him desperate enough to assemble a band of heroes to raise Hell. Divided, they are greats on their own, but together, they aren't a team to take lightly. From thawed out legends, to destructive faces, The Avengers will save Earth, or Avenge it!
Starring the likes of Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and Scarlett Johansson, it brings together some of Marvel's most familiar and famous faces. The only thing I can say is that you stick around for the whole film to see what Marvel will do next, but if you want destruction, lasers and pipebombs, this movie does not disappoint. Pending on who favors it, we were lucky to see it in IMAX 3D, and it was interesting, despite the gaudy design of the glasses themselves.
Make tomorrow, May 4th, the date people, for this Marvel film is worth seeing. Perfect, 10 of 10, any best rating I say just isn't enough to describe how awesome The Avengers is. I encourage you to see this film!!
2012/04/03
CCX: "Buso Renkin"
Arms Alchemy... that is the core device of this anime, as well that the literal translation for its title, Buso Renkin. Another one in which the hero suffers a literally life-changing scenario from the jump, from the surface, I thought it would be like a Bleach knockoff of sorts, but no, this theory is shot after looking at it thoroughly. Plus, unlike Bleach, I wouldn't consider this mainstream, per say, since it was not only made differently, but it isn't painfully long like the other one (sorry Kubo, I just call it as I see them.)
Kazuki Muto is as normal a teenager as they come, just a typical high school student. That normal life comes to an end after saving a mysterious girl. Against this unknown monster, he is killed in action, but somehow wakes up, as if it never happened. Yet, reality slaps him hard when another monster attack him and his sister, Mahiro. To further this, the girl he rescued, Tokiko Tsumura, told him about the monster, revealed to be a Homoculus. She also informed him in regards to him losing his life, as well as the mysterious stone, known as a Kakugane, serving as his heart (which essentially revived him.) Given the choices to flee or fight, he chooses the latter, arming himself with his Buso Renkin, taking the form of a lance. Aiding Tokiko, he intends to defeat every Homonculi and their master. Yet, there is something strange about his Buso Renkin. It may be the kind of stone that will threaten his life. So obviously, he has to fight for his own survival!
Buso Renkin is another Shonen Jump piece serialized in one of their manga anthologies, and like others such as Bleach, became animated, sometimes with the Shonen Jump trademark shown near the title in the English opening sequence. Having the length of 26 episodes, Xebec was the studio that animated this, and it was licensed for U.S. under Viz Media, who also published the manga. Action and Supernatural are the dominant genres in this piece, but it does have romance, in the sense that it's "love in the heat of battle" kind of thing. Kazuki is voiced by Steve Staley in the dub (who I mentioned before as the voice of Eiken's Densuke Mifune), with Tokiko done by Tara Platt (who also did voices such as Rukia's humanized Sode no Shirayuki of Bleach, as well as Temari of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden.) Interesting to note that Platt is married to Yuri Lowenthal, who ironically also has a vocal role in here as Victor Powered, and has done other works alongside her; one of those roles, in the case of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, happens to be Sasuke Uchiha. The flamboyant and comical Koshaku Chono / Papillon is voiced by Spike Spencer (who also done roles like Galbee of Dirty Pair Flash: Mission Two, Majic Lin of Sorcerer Stabber Orphen, and Shinji Ikari of the Evangelion anime works, including the Rebuild movies.)
Buso Renkin is not memorable, per say, but it's well done, so a 7 of 10 should be fine. A decent piece overall, not great, but I'm surely not disappointed either.
Kazuki Muto is as normal a teenager as they come, just a typical high school student. That normal life comes to an end after saving a mysterious girl. Against this unknown monster, he is killed in action, but somehow wakes up, as if it never happened. Yet, reality slaps him hard when another monster attack him and his sister, Mahiro. To further this, the girl he rescued, Tokiko Tsumura, told him about the monster, revealed to be a Homoculus. She also informed him in regards to him losing his life, as well as the mysterious stone, known as a Kakugane, serving as his heart (which essentially revived him.) Given the choices to flee or fight, he chooses the latter, arming himself with his Buso Renkin, taking the form of a lance. Aiding Tokiko, he intends to defeat every Homonculi and their master. Yet, there is something strange about his Buso Renkin. It may be the kind of stone that will threaten his life. So obviously, he has to fight for his own survival!
Buso Renkin is another Shonen Jump piece serialized in one of their manga anthologies, and like others such as Bleach, became animated, sometimes with the Shonen Jump trademark shown near the title in the English opening sequence. Having the length of 26 episodes, Xebec was the studio that animated this, and it was licensed for U.S. under Viz Media, who also published the manga. Action and Supernatural are the dominant genres in this piece, but it does have romance, in the sense that it's "love in the heat of battle" kind of thing. Kazuki is voiced by Steve Staley in the dub (who I mentioned before as the voice of Eiken's Densuke Mifune), with Tokiko done by Tara Platt (who also did voices such as Rukia's humanized Sode no Shirayuki of Bleach, as well as Temari of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden.) Interesting to note that Platt is married to Yuri Lowenthal, who ironically also has a vocal role in here as Victor Powered, and has done other works alongside her; one of those roles, in the case of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, happens to be Sasuke Uchiha. The flamboyant and comical Koshaku Chono / Papillon is voiced by Spike Spencer (who also done roles like Galbee of Dirty Pair Flash: Mission Two, Majic Lin of Sorcerer Stabber Orphen, and Shinji Ikari of the Evangelion anime works, including the Rebuild movies.)
Buso Renkin is not memorable, per say, but it's well done, so a 7 of 10 should be fine. A decent piece overall, not great, but I'm surely not disappointed either.
2012/04/01
CCIX: "Highschool DxD"
Another anime dealing with unusual high school plots. Highschool DxD differs from titles I've seen before, and using high school as a setting... I couldn't help but be curious. But like YuYu Hakusho, it follows that "DEAD KINDA EARLY!?" scenario.
Suppose you are a second year student of Kuoh Academy, who has a overwhelming sexual appetite. With me so far? Now then, imagine that you live your life as normal until you meet a certain girl, Yuma Amano. You two start dating, and when alone, she reveals herself as a Fallen Angel and kills you. To add to things, you wake up with only you recollecting what happened, with abilities you aren't used to, somehow being nearly slain again. Lastly, you wake up somehow to find a naked Devil in your room, Rias Germony to be exact. As well as her identity, you find out that you, yourself, have been reincarnated as a Devil, obligated to work under her Devil family, with the "dreams" of being attacked twice not being dreams at all! For the lascivious Issei Hyodo, that's just the start of his problems, as he now works as the pawn of her family; his left arm sports a gauntlet known as a Sacred Gear, save that his powers as the newest Devil is pretty weak. Is it a dream come true? Has he found his ideal harem, save for the many threats to his life that occurs in the process?
This title is pretty recent, having began on January 6th and ending just last week. Despite lacking any English voices as of right now, Funimation has licensed this anime for the U.S. For now, it will be simulcast on their website. It's a guess, but if it does happen, Funico (Funi + Nico Nico) might see it as well. Still, while being simulcasted under them, Funimation will also see to its distribution on Blu-Ray and DVD. Most stations had their TV versions censored, with the exception of AT-X. Another romantic comedy and harem, it also has its mix of action, supernatural and fantasy, as well as its weirdness in some areas, but I won't spoil it for you by going into detail of that. The studio behind this is TNK (who was also involved with Karin and Cowboy Bebop: The Movie), and its episode length is only 12, so its pretty short. Aside from this there is also a special episode. While it does have it's doses of action and blood, it also has nudity even whilst censored, as well as its fanservice moments, so keeping it from those unsuited and young ones is a must! The seiyuus of Issei and Rias are (respectively) Yuki Kaji (who also did roles like Tai-Yan of Fist of the Blue Sky, the prequel to Fist of the North Star) and Yoko Hisaka (who voiced Mio Akiyama in K-On! prior to English dubbing.)
Highschool DxD is, yes, another harem anime, but in a way, I liked where it was going plotwise, so I'll have at it as an 8 of 10.
Suppose you are a second year student of Kuoh Academy, who has a overwhelming sexual appetite. With me so far? Now then, imagine that you live your life as normal until you meet a certain girl, Yuma Amano. You two start dating, and when alone, she reveals herself as a Fallen Angel and kills you. To add to things, you wake up with only you recollecting what happened, with abilities you aren't used to, somehow being nearly slain again. Lastly, you wake up somehow to find a naked Devil in your room, Rias Germony to be exact. As well as her identity, you find out that you, yourself, have been reincarnated as a Devil, obligated to work under her Devil family, with the "dreams" of being attacked twice not being dreams at all! For the lascivious Issei Hyodo, that's just the start of his problems, as he now works as the pawn of her family; his left arm sports a gauntlet known as a Sacred Gear, save that his powers as the newest Devil is pretty weak. Is it a dream come true? Has he found his ideal harem, save for the many threats to his life that occurs in the process?
This title is pretty recent, having began on January 6th and ending just last week. Despite lacking any English voices as of right now, Funimation has licensed this anime for the U.S. For now, it will be simulcast on their website. It's a guess, but if it does happen, Funico (Funi + Nico Nico) might see it as well. Still, while being simulcasted under them, Funimation will also see to its distribution on Blu-Ray and DVD. Most stations had their TV versions censored, with the exception of AT-X. Another romantic comedy and harem, it also has its mix of action, supernatural and fantasy, as well as its weirdness in some areas, but I won't spoil it for you by going into detail of that. The studio behind this is TNK (who was also involved with Karin and Cowboy Bebop: The Movie), and its episode length is only 12, so its pretty short. Aside from this there is also a special episode. While it does have it's doses of action and blood, it also has nudity even whilst censored, as well as its fanservice moments, so keeping it from those unsuited and young ones is a must! The seiyuus of Issei and Rias are (respectively) Yuki Kaji (who also did roles like Tai-Yan of Fist of the Blue Sky, the prequel to Fist of the North Star) and Yoko Hisaka (who voiced Mio Akiyama in K-On! prior to English dubbing.)
Highschool DxD is, yes, another harem anime, but in a way, I liked where it was going plotwise, so I'll have at it as an 8 of 10.
2012/03/27
CCVIII: "InuYasha"
What in the hell took me so long to speak about this one? It's been a long time since I mentioned any of Rumiko Takahashi's works, after reviewing both Ranma 1/2 (Review #58) and Those Obnoxious Aliens/Urusei Yatsura (Review #115). InuYasha is one of Takahashi's later works, which lasted a little over a decade.
The story takes place in two eras, but the series mainly has its plot set in one. Kagome Higurashi is a middle schooler who resides in the hereditary Shinto shrine of the family. One day, she is pulled into the Bone Eater's Well by a centipede demon and ends up in Feudal Japan, more specifically their Sengoku period. Fifty years prior to this, a dog demon was sealed by the priestess Kikyo, his body pinned to a try and weakened by her sacred arrow. In present day, call it irony or fate, but Kagome, who is Kikyo's incarnation, would be the one to remove this seal, in a desperation move to save herself from the centipede demon, who targets her for the Shikon no Tama, a powerful jewel that was embodied in her. Making short work of the demon, he would have had the jewel as well... had it not been shattered into various pieces, the shards scattering throughout the ends of the continent. With this, the unlikely alliance of Kagome and InuYasha is formed, their task: to get the shards of the Sacred Jewel. But it won't be a simple task, as others also have their sights on them, and one shard can amplify a demon's power greatly. That said, they have to make sure neither one of them dies in the process... lest they kill each first.
As opposed to a comical angle (though it has it's moments), the story takes a more darker route, much like with her other work Mermaid Saga. It still retains the romance aspect from the majority of her works. In total, it bears 193 episodes. Majority of this belonged to the original TV anime, while the latter 26 was made as InuYasha: The Final Act. In addition, there were also four movies as well as a few video games derived from this, which was made from a 56 volume manga series. In the US, both TV anime and the 4 movies were licensed and distributed under Viz Media, who also did such for the manga. In fact, namely all her manga works saw English distribution under Viz, while the same could be said for the licensing for most of the anime made from them, the exceptions being Urusei Yatsura, Rin-ne, and Rumic Theatre. The TV anime was made in the Sunrise studio. The first TV anime aired on both Adult Swim (a late night Cartoon Network block), and Animax Asia. Also licensed here, The Final Act was televised only on Animax Asia, unlike the former. Richard Ian Cox voiced InuYasha for the entirety of the dub, who I earlier mentioned also took up the voice of Ranma Saotome (male) in Ranma 1/2. A little side note, but some of the voices heard from that anime you'll be hearing again in this one. Some people tend to make comparisons as to who in this anime resembles what from the other anime. Getting back on topic, Kagome was voiced by Moneca Stori (who did other voices like Ranma 1/2's Princess Ori, Gundam Wing's Sally Po, and Hamtaro's Laura Haruna.) In The Final Act, she is voiced by Kira Tozer.
InuYahsa has received its love and its share of hate. I still favor Ranma 1/2 over this, but I didn't mind the darker Mermaid Saga, and this one is also okay in my book, so InuYasha gets an 7 of 10 in general. At some point, I might do a 4-in-1 movie review of this title, so be on the look out for that.
The story takes place in two eras, but the series mainly has its plot set in one. Kagome Higurashi is a middle schooler who resides in the hereditary Shinto shrine of the family. One day, she is pulled into the Bone Eater's Well by a centipede demon and ends up in Feudal Japan, more specifically their Sengoku period. Fifty years prior to this, a dog demon was sealed by the priestess Kikyo, his body pinned to a try and weakened by her sacred arrow. In present day, call it irony or fate, but Kagome, who is Kikyo's incarnation, would be the one to remove this seal, in a desperation move to save herself from the centipede demon, who targets her for the Shikon no Tama, a powerful jewel that was embodied in her. Making short work of the demon, he would have had the jewel as well... had it not been shattered into various pieces, the shards scattering throughout the ends of the continent. With this, the unlikely alliance of Kagome and InuYasha is formed, their task: to get the shards of the Sacred Jewel. But it won't be a simple task, as others also have their sights on them, and one shard can amplify a demon's power greatly. That said, they have to make sure neither one of them dies in the process... lest they kill each first.
As opposed to a comical angle (though it has it's moments), the story takes a more darker route, much like with her other work Mermaid Saga. It still retains the romance aspect from the majority of her works. In total, it bears 193 episodes. Majority of this belonged to the original TV anime, while the latter 26 was made as InuYasha: The Final Act. In addition, there were also four movies as well as a few video games derived from this, which was made from a 56 volume manga series. In the US, both TV anime and the 4 movies were licensed and distributed under Viz Media, who also did such for the manga. In fact, namely all her manga works saw English distribution under Viz, while the same could be said for the licensing for most of the anime made from them, the exceptions being Urusei Yatsura, Rin-ne, and Rumic Theatre. The TV anime was made in the Sunrise studio. The first TV anime aired on both Adult Swim (a late night Cartoon Network block), and Animax Asia. Also licensed here, The Final Act was televised only on Animax Asia, unlike the former. Richard Ian Cox voiced InuYasha for the entirety of the dub, who I earlier mentioned also took up the voice of Ranma Saotome (male) in Ranma 1/2. A little side note, but some of the voices heard from that anime you'll be hearing again in this one. Some people tend to make comparisons as to who in this anime resembles what from the other anime. Getting back on topic, Kagome was voiced by Moneca Stori (who did other voices like Ranma 1/2's Princess Ori, Gundam Wing's Sally Po, and Hamtaro's Laura Haruna.) In The Final Act, she is voiced by Kira Tozer.
InuYahsa has received its love and its share of hate. I still favor Ranma 1/2 over this, but I didn't mind the darker Mermaid Saga, and this one is also okay in my book, so InuYasha gets an 7 of 10 in general. At some point, I might do a 4-in-1 movie review of this title, so be on the look out for that.
2012/03/21
CCVII: "Dominion: Tank Police"
Another old title, Dominion: Tank Police is another sci-fi anime that takes place in a world that would be considered unfit for humans outside. I never thought I would get to speak of this one, since it's been a long time since I've actually watched it, and saw little fanfare stemming from it. Probably the only memorable thing from there would be the catgirl characters (which oddly enough would be because of 4chan...)
Taking place in Newport, Japan, the air is severely polluted thanks to a bacteria gas. As such, people are required to wear gas masks just to get around. This gas, however, does not halt the process of crime. In opposition, there's the Tank Police squadron, which hence their name, uses tanks to get around and bust crime. Rookie Leona Ozaki is just transferring to the Tank Police from the motorcycle division, with a thrilling passion about her work. She also cares for her tank Bonaparte. Compared to the other tanks in the squad, it's a runt, but it get's the job done. Of course, there is also the super criminal Buaku and his two love dolls/partners AnnaPuma and UniPuma, the latter two sharing a mutual hate-hate relationship with Leona.
Dominion: Tank Police also has a few interesting things about the series. Being 3 OVA series, they have a specific order. Dominion: Tank Police, which was made in the Agent 21 studio and licensed by U.S. Manga Corps, precedes storywise to the original manga. This lasted for 4 episodes. The second series, New Dominion Tank Police, was made as the direct sequel to the original manga, with a pallet change for AnnaPuma and UmiPuma. This OVA lasted for 6 episodes, made in the J.C. Staff studio, and licensed by Manga Entertainment for the U.S., though that license is expired now. TANK S.W.A.T. 01 was the final animated entry of Dominion: Tank Police, set before the events of the series' Conflict arc. Conflict was made as a different storyline from the original manga, as AnnaPuma and UmiPuma are allies in this one. It was made in the DOGA Productions studio, licensing done under Kadokawa Entertainemt. Another interesting thing to know that this title was made by Masamune Shirow, who also worked on the popular Appleseed and Ghost in the Shell titles. Toni Barry voiced Leona in the dubbing of all Dominion: Tank Police titles (also the voice of Noa Izumi of the Patlabor movies), though between the titles, she was voiced by different seiyuus in the Japanese version: Hiromi Tsuru and Rei Sakuma.
Dominion: Tank Police isn't a die-hard memorable title, but it was a stepping stone for the popular Ghost in the Shell media, given what it contains. With how great the successor was, this title scores a 7 of 10 in great respect.
Taking place in Newport, Japan, the air is severely polluted thanks to a bacteria gas. As such, people are required to wear gas masks just to get around. This gas, however, does not halt the process of crime. In opposition, there's the Tank Police squadron, which hence their name, uses tanks to get around and bust crime. Rookie Leona Ozaki is just transferring to the Tank Police from the motorcycle division, with a thrilling passion about her work. She also cares for her tank Bonaparte. Compared to the other tanks in the squad, it's a runt, but it get's the job done. Of course, there is also the super criminal Buaku and his two love dolls/partners AnnaPuma and UniPuma, the latter two sharing a mutual hate-hate relationship with Leona.
Dominion: Tank Police also has a few interesting things about the series. Being 3 OVA series, they have a specific order. Dominion: Tank Police, which was made in the Agent 21 studio and licensed by U.S. Manga Corps, precedes storywise to the original manga. This lasted for 4 episodes. The second series, New Dominion Tank Police, was made as the direct sequel to the original manga, with a pallet change for AnnaPuma and UmiPuma. This OVA lasted for 6 episodes, made in the J.C. Staff studio, and licensed by Manga Entertainment for the U.S., though that license is expired now. TANK S.W.A.T. 01 was the final animated entry of Dominion: Tank Police, set before the events of the series' Conflict arc. Conflict was made as a different storyline from the original manga, as AnnaPuma and UmiPuma are allies in this one. It was made in the DOGA Productions studio, licensing done under Kadokawa Entertainemt. Another interesting thing to know that this title was made by Masamune Shirow, who also worked on the popular Appleseed and Ghost in the Shell titles. Toni Barry voiced Leona in the dubbing of all Dominion: Tank Police titles (also the voice of Noa Izumi of the Patlabor movies), though between the titles, she was voiced by different seiyuus in the Japanese version: Hiromi Tsuru and Rei Sakuma.
Dominion: Tank Police isn't a die-hard memorable title, but it was a stepping stone for the popular Ghost in the Shell media, given what it contains. With how great the successor was, this title scores a 7 of 10 in great respect.
2012/03/19
CCVI: "Eiken"
Just when I thought I saw it all. I felt that the majority of Gonzo's works would fit in excess cleavage, and then there are those fanservice titles like Girls Bravo and Highschool of the Dead. However... it seems there's still much anime out there unknown to me, which Seiji Matsuyama's Eiken happens to be one of. I thought Girls Bravo upped the ante with breasts, but that's nothing compared to this title! I saw clips of this in the fanmade AMV Hell series, so it took me by surprise actually finding this title.
Densuke Mifune is the common plain, nobody-type character, and is the male lead in this title. After an accidental run-in with the busty yet kind Chiharu Shinonome, he is forced to join the exclusive and mysterious Eiken Club by the also absurdly busty Kirika Misono. The interesting part is that, aside from being mysterious, it's a female-dominant club, with Densuke as the only male in it! As with any love comedy, there seems to be affection between Densuke and Chiharu, but as usual, there are others who intervene, wanting Densuke for themselves. For a klutz, he has too much going for him.
Before I go in on this title, it has received harsh criticism left and right. The manga was badly received, the OVA series even worse. You can say that in terms of criticism, it's received as the worst anime ever made, which says a lot. And the fact it was dubbed makes me really concerned. Chances are that my final thoughts MAY coincide with the other critics, but that's likely the worst case scenario for me. To be fair, I do see the merit as to why this is such, but I'll get into that a bit later.
Regardless, you might as well put this into being one of the shortest title around, for there were only 2 episodes, much like the previously covered Animation Runner Kuromi. Made in the GENCO and J.C. Staff studios and released under Starchild Records, it was licensed under AnimeWorks, a subsidiary of Media Blasters. It ran it's awfully short span in 2003, and the manga, which was published by Media Blasters as well, wasn't relatively long either, only lasting 18 volumes, which obviously meant more to the story. Dubbed in English, Densuke was voiced by Bryce Papenbrook, Chiharu by Becky Chiang, and Kirika by Cindy Robinson. Aside from the manga and anime, it also had a radio drama series, which was most likely also short in length. Given the content, it's considered borderline hentai much like how it was for Golden Boy, another titled I covered with good marks.
As for the criticism, the title did have enough faults to warrant it. For starters, the mistranslation, which is something rather common for manga. Aside from the misspellings, there were some inconsistencies with the names of characters and the academy itself. During it's 5 year lifespan (2001-2006), it went from a 16+ range to an 18+ range, since after the 3rd volume, it went to more mature levels. The anime, however, wasn't shown any mercy in comparison to its paperback counterpart. I have nothing against fanservice per say, but there are times where it is too much, as was the case with Girls Bravo. Yet, with that in mind, it wasn't badly received like Eiken, which debuted much earlier than the former (which is kind of sad, given Girls Bravo debuted earlier manga-wise in 2000, for the same lifespan as Eiken save for having less volumes.) Where Girls Bravo wowed the crowd, Eiken was a disappointment generally, some declaring this as a nightmare, and a demeaning anime.
All that said, I'll give my take on the matter as well, since most of the time I CANNOT take these critics seriously. Anyone that follows this blog should sense how reluctant I am to share the same views as them. Regardless, the animation is kind of sketchy, the content is beyond highly suggestive, and the dubbing is somewhat tolerable, yet mediocre. It is an old title, however, so I'll be lenient and say that back then, I wouldn't mind it, but it's been 9 years, and I've heard better voice acting since then. I'll say the voice acting is a little less than okay, at best. While it's common for anime to be created from just part of the manga series, with the material, before it surfaced here, I'd expect more than just a mere 2 episodes. Another Starchild Records title, FLCL (Fooly Cooly), was another short one, but lasted 6 episodes with only 2 manga volumes (though in all fairness, the anime began first.) While it is another Harem comedy, it also falls victim to the same traits as the others, but they took it too far in Eiken.
Despite all that, I still feel they went just a little too hard on this one. It may have received an F for failure, but I won't call it something that shouldn't exist. Still, it is relatively bad, so being lenient, I'll give this one a 4 of 10. A disappointing title, but at the same time, it's something I won't run into the dirt completely. Besides, it did find its fans (heaven knows how) so to say it's the worst ever is jumping the gun (and a little arrogant...)
Densuke Mifune is the common plain, nobody-type character, and is the male lead in this title. After an accidental run-in with the busty yet kind Chiharu Shinonome, he is forced to join the exclusive and mysterious Eiken Club by the also absurdly busty Kirika Misono. The interesting part is that, aside from being mysterious, it's a female-dominant club, with Densuke as the only male in it! As with any love comedy, there seems to be affection between Densuke and Chiharu, but as usual, there are others who intervene, wanting Densuke for themselves. For a klutz, he has too much going for him.
Before I go in on this title, it has received harsh criticism left and right. The manga was badly received, the OVA series even worse. You can say that in terms of criticism, it's received as the worst anime ever made, which says a lot. And the fact it was dubbed makes me really concerned. Chances are that my final thoughts MAY coincide with the other critics, but that's likely the worst case scenario for me. To be fair, I do see the merit as to why this is such, but I'll get into that a bit later.
Regardless, you might as well put this into being one of the shortest title around, for there were only 2 episodes, much like the previously covered Animation Runner Kuromi. Made in the GENCO and J.C. Staff studios and released under Starchild Records, it was licensed under AnimeWorks, a subsidiary of Media Blasters. It ran it's awfully short span in 2003, and the manga, which was published by Media Blasters as well, wasn't relatively long either, only lasting 18 volumes, which obviously meant more to the story. Dubbed in English, Densuke was voiced by Bryce Papenbrook, Chiharu by Becky Chiang, and Kirika by Cindy Robinson. Aside from the manga and anime, it also had a radio drama series, which was most likely also short in length. Given the content, it's considered borderline hentai much like how it was for Golden Boy, another titled I covered with good marks.
As for the criticism, the title did have enough faults to warrant it. For starters, the mistranslation, which is something rather common for manga. Aside from the misspellings, there were some inconsistencies with the names of characters and the academy itself. During it's 5 year lifespan (2001-2006), it went from a 16+ range to an 18+ range, since after the 3rd volume, it went to more mature levels. The anime, however, wasn't shown any mercy in comparison to its paperback counterpart. I have nothing against fanservice per say, but there are times where it is too much, as was the case with Girls Bravo. Yet, with that in mind, it wasn't badly received like Eiken, which debuted much earlier than the former (which is kind of sad, given Girls Bravo debuted earlier manga-wise in 2000, for the same lifespan as Eiken save for having less volumes.) Where Girls Bravo wowed the crowd, Eiken was a disappointment generally, some declaring this as a nightmare, and a demeaning anime.
All that said, I'll give my take on the matter as well, since most of the time I CANNOT take these critics seriously. Anyone that follows this blog should sense how reluctant I am to share the same views as them. Regardless, the animation is kind of sketchy, the content is beyond highly suggestive, and the dubbing is somewhat tolerable, yet mediocre. It is an old title, however, so I'll be lenient and say that back then, I wouldn't mind it, but it's been 9 years, and I've heard better voice acting since then. I'll say the voice acting is a little less than okay, at best. While it's common for anime to be created from just part of the manga series, with the material, before it surfaced here, I'd expect more than just a mere 2 episodes. Another Starchild Records title, FLCL (Fooly Cooly), was another short one, but lasted 6 episodes with only 2 manga volumes (though in all fairness, the anime began first.) While it is another Harem comedy, it also falls victim to the same traits as the others, but they took it too far in Eiken.
Despite all that, I still feel they went just a little too hard on this one. It may have received an F for failure, but I won't call it something that shouldn't exist. Still, it is relatively bad, so being lenient, I'll give this one a 4 of 10. A disappointing title, but at the same time, it's something I won't run into the dirt completely. Besides, it did find its fans (heaven knows how) so to say it's the worst ever is jumping the gun (and a little arrogant...)
2012/03/17
CCV: "Animation Runner Kuromi"
Animation Runner Kuromi is a short title, but to me, it's entertaining either way. If I were to group this with other anime, it would be alongside Comic Party and Genshiken. In actuality, it stands out as being a parody of the actual business of anime production. To this, I would laugh and weep: laugh because of how they parody this sort of thing, and weep because I myself had such aspirations... before the loan debts.
Animation Runner Kuromi centers on the exploits of Mikiko Oguro, nicknamed Kuromi (which makes her the titular character.) Watching Luis Monde III, she decided to work with animation, and enrolls into an animation school. Graduating, she is lucky to nail a job with a small animation studio, that calls themselves Studio Petit. After being shown around, the director falls ill the next day, and Kuromi is appointed as the Production Desk Manager of the second episode of Time Journeys. It's kind of sudden for Kuromi, but she wanted to work in an animation studio, so how will she fare with her new assignment?
A small OVA series, it only lasted 2 episodes. Created in the Yumeta Co. Studio, it was licensed by U.S. Manga Corps, which was a division of the liquidated Central Park Media group. Alongside a few others, it wasn't touched again as far as licensing since then. It was also dubbed in English, with Kuromi voiced by Lisa Oritz, who also voiced Lina Inverse of Slayers, another title licensed under Central Park, and later Funimation. Dan Green also had a role as the voice of Sheiichiro Haryu. The title is a parody of the business, as I said before, and Luis Monde III is a parody of Lupin the 3rd, another title I previously covered long ago. The OVAs were released as separate titles, with the first Animation Runner Kuromi releasing in 2001, lasting 40 minutes. A slightly longer, 45 minute sequel came out three years later as Animation Runner Kuromi 2.
Despite how short it is, I can't dislike it, rather, I wish there was more of the sort. Even so, Kuromi has a spot in my heart, and the OVA series gets a 7 of 10.
Animation Runner Kuromi centers on the exploits of Mikiko Oguro, nicknamed Kuromi (which makes her the titular character.) Watching Luis Monde III, she decided to work with animation, and enrolls into an animation school. Graduating, she is lucky to nail a job with a small animation studio, that calls themselves Studio Petit. After being shown around, the director falls ill the next day, and Kuromi is appointed as the Production Desk Manager of the second episode of Time Journeys. It's kind of sudden for Kuromi, but she wanted to work in an animation studio, so how will she fare with her new assignment?
A small OVA series, it only lasted 2 episodes. Created in the Yumeta Co. Studio, it was licensed by U.S. Manga Corps, which was a division of the liquidated Central Park Media group. Alongside a few others, it wasn't touched again as far as licensing since then. It was also dubbed in English, with Kuromi voiced by Lisa Oritz, who also voiced Lina Inverse of Slayers, another title licensed under Central Park, and later Funimation. Dan Green also had a role as the voice of Sheiichiro Haryu. The title is a parody of the business, as I said before, and Luis Monde III is a parody of Lupin the 3rd, another title I previously covered long ago. The OVAs were released as separate titles, with the first Animation Runner Kuromi releasing in 2001, lasting 40 minutes. A slightly longer, 45 minute sequel came out three years later as Animation Runner Kuromi 2.
Despite how short it is, I can't dislike it, rather, I wish there was more of the sort. Even so, Kuromi has a spot in my heart, and the OVA series gets a 7 of 10.
CCIV: "Hajime No Ippo"
Hajime no Ippo, known also as The Fighting! or Fighting Spirit, is an anime that dwells in the boxing genre, unlike similar titles like Baki the Grappler from the 55th review (that dealt with mixed martial arts instead of one specific discipline.) Alongside Ayane's High Kick, it stands as one of the titles that instantly pops up when boxing is involved.
The protagonist Makunouchi Ippo is the titular character, who is a rather shy and didn't make much friends since he takes priority in helping his mother in the fishing charter business the family runs. When he is picked on and beaten badly, a middle-weight boxer intervenes and takes the injured hero into a gym owned by a retired pro boxer. Venting out his anger on a sandbag, people captured a glimpse at the latent talent Ippo had for boxing. While initially scolded and doubted, Ippo thought long and hard,until he made his decision to pursue a career in boxing, and even undergoes training for it. Potential alone does not make a great boxer, but for Ippo, it serves as a foothold for a man destined to be champion. Will Ippo step into glory by prevailing every match, or will it be too much for him, and prove that his talent was nothing but built up steam? Stand ready Ippo, the bell has rung!
Hajime no Ippo saw two anime series, 2 animated films, and 8 video games, three of which made it to the US for the Sony PlayStation 2 (2) and Nintendo Wii (1). The anime and films were all licensed under Geneon entertainment, and were made in the Madhouse studio, so they retain their visuals constantly. The premier anime, Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!, saw 2 seasons, bearing a total of 76 episodes. From there, the most recognized fight would be the Ippo vs. Sendo match, which would be revisited in one of the films. This title ran between September of 2000 and March of 2002. A New Challenger was the surname for the second Hajime no Ippo anime, and it was much shorter, since it lasted for 26 episodes, running between January and June of 2009. The two films, both debuting in 2003, were named Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road and Hajime no Ippo: Kimura vs. Mashiba. The manga Fighting Spirit, which debuted in 1990, is still ongoing, so if desired, there may be new material to write from, but this is purely speculation. Ippo is voiced by Steve Staley, who also voiced the lead role of Buso Renkin's Kazuki Muto.
Since then, it has gotten the Youtube Poop treatment with various videos taking that one clip from the show (or Champion Road) and spawning everywhere, or better yet, having its audio paired up with characters that do the same move: the Dempsey Roll. This is such a case for Capcom's Dudley of Super Street Fighter IV, and Namco Bandai's Steve Fox from the recently put out Street Fighter X Tekken. Hajime no Ippo storms a great 8 of 10 overall, and with his punches, he sure delivers some entertainment.
The protagonist Makunouchi Ippo is the titular character, who is a rather shy and didn't make much friends since he takes priority in helping his mother in the fishing charter business the family runs. When he is picked on and beaten badly, a middle-weight boxer intervenes and takes the injured hero into a gym owned by a retired pro boxer. Venting out his anger on a sandbag, people captured a glimpse at the latent talent Ippo had for boxing. While initially scolded and doubted, Ippo thought long and hard,until he made his decision to pursue a career in boxing, and even undergoes training for it. Potential alone does not make a great boxer, but for Ippo, it serves as a foothold for a man destined to be champion. Will Ippo step into glory by prevailing every match, or will it be too much for him, and prove that his talent was nothing but built up steam? Stand ready Ippo, the bell has rung!
Hajime no Ippo saw two anime series, 2 animated films, and 8 video games, three of which made it to the US for the Sony PlayStation 2 (2) and Nintendo Wii (1). The anime and films were all licensed under Geneon entertainment, and were made in the Madhouse studio, so they retain their visuals constantly. The premier anime, Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!, saw 2 seasons, bearing a total of 76 episodes. From there, the most recognized fight would be the Ippo vs. Sendo match, which would be revisited in one of the films. This title ran between September of 2000 and March of 2002. A New Challenger was the surname for the second Hajime no Ippo anime, and it was much shorter, since it lasted for 26 episodes, running between January and June of 2009. The two films, both debuting in 2003, were named Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road and Hajime no Ippo: Kimura vs. Mashiba. The manga Fighting Spirit, which debuted in 1990, is still ongoing, so if desired, there may be new material to write from, but this is purely speculation. Ippo is voiced by Steve Staley, who also voiced the lead role of Buso Renkin's Kazuki Muto.
Since then, it has gotten the Youtube Poop treatment with various videos taking that one clip from the show (or Champion Road) and spawning everywhere, or better yet, having its audio paired up with characters that do the same move: the Dempsey Roll. This is such a case for Capcom's Dudley of Super Street Fighter IV, and Namco Bandai's Steve Fox from the recently put out Street Fighter X Tekken. Hajime no Ippo storms a great 8 of 10 overall, and with his punches, he sure delivers some entertainment.
2012/03/14
CCIII: "Kare Kano"
Kare Kano is a shortened title from Kareshi Kanojo no Jijo, which means His and Her Circumstances, which the anime is also called. Another old title, you can surmise from the title alone that it's another romantic comedy-drama, but compared to others I've seen, this one falls in the normal category, as opposed to being out there in terms of fantasy. I didn't think I'd accept this title, and back then, avoided this show, but eventually watched it from beginning to end. It was likeable, to say the least.
Kare Kano deals with a girl and a guy, naturally. The female lead this time is Yukino Miyazawa, the proclaimed perfect student. Her grades and looks makes her the envy of others in school, and in the start of the anime, she is a High School freshman. However, while her grades may be the real deal, her looks aren't. It's not said but if others viewed her as a prodigy, she actually studies relentlessly to maintain such grades, but that doesn't vouch for her character. She is actually a slob of sorts, also spoiled and stubborn (not to mention that she wears glasses.) Things are all well and good for her outward exterior, but then enters the male lead: Soichiro Arima. With his grades, she is knocked off of her throne, much to her chagrin, and was initially at odds with him, that is until his confession. He, too, is another who wears a mask in front of others, and throughout the anime, we follow these two as they break away from those, while seeing them acknowledge their feelings for one another.
The anime takes the length of the first 7 volumes of the manga, which was published by Tokyopop, who no longer functions in the US. In the manga, it follows them into adulthood, while the anime stops during the cultural festival, as a way to put an end to things. Composed of 26 episodes, it's been over a decade since it first aired on TV, premiering in October of 1998 and ending March the following year. Created in the Gainax and J.C. Staff studios, it's licensed under Right Stuf International, and has been shown as part of Comcast On Demand's Anime Selects, as well as Funimation Channel. Veronica Taylor voices Yukino in the dub, with Soichiro done by Christopher Nicholas (he has also done additional voices for anime like Patlabor: The Mobile Police.)
Kare Kano is definitely a love story, not the best one, but nothing to rag to the dirt either. A fair 7 of 10 goes for this title, but it also stands as one of those to look back on, as a break from the zany ones of the same genre.
Kare Kano deals with a girl and a guy, naturally. The female lead this time is Yukino Miyazawa, the proclaimed perfect student. Her grades and looks makes her the envy of others in school, and in the start of the anime, she is a High School freshman. However, while her grades may be the real deal, her looks aren't. It's not said but if others viewed her as a prodigy, she actually studies relentlessly to maintain such grades, but that doesn't vouch for her character. She is actually a slob of sorts, also spoiled and stubborn (not to mention that she wears glasses.) Things are all well and good for her outward exterior, but then enters the male lead: Soichiro Arima. With his grades, she is knocked off of her throne, much to her chagrin, and was initially at odds with him, that is until his confession. He, too, is another who wears a mask in front of others, and throughout the anime, we follow these two as they break away from those, while seeing them acknowledge their feelings for one another.
The anime takes the length of the first 7 volumes of the manga, which was published by Tokyopop, who no longer functions in the US. In the manga, it follows them into adulthood, while the anime stops during the cultural festival, as a way to put an end to things. Composed of 26 episodes, it's been over a decade since it first aired on TV, premiering in October of 1998 and ending March the following year. Created in the Gainax and J.C. Staff studios, it's licensed under Right Stuf International, and has been shown as part of Comcast On Demand's Anime Selects, as well as Funimation Channel. Veronica Taylor voices Yukino in the dub, with Soichiro done by Christopher Nicholas (he has also done additional voices for anime like Patlabor: The Mobile Police.)
Kare Kano is definitely a love story, not the best one, but nothing to rag to the dirt either. A fair 7 of 10 goes for this title, but it also stands as one of those to look back on, as a break from the zany ones of the same genre.
2012/03/13
CCII: "Azumanga Daioh"
Azumanga Daioh: The Animation is another rather interesting number that I completed long ago, without much to criticize on. In fact, it's one of those titles that is just too hard for me to rag on. Sure, there are areas here and there that just weird me out, but I just can't be critical about this one in the long run.
Azumanga Daioh follows 6 girls and two teachers in a high school (that is never named for some odd reason.) The personalities of these 6 students make them quite the lively, unusual bunch, though that's only the start. Students and staff alike are a colorful mix, some for the insanely comedic, and others just plain damn creepy, as is the case with Mr. Kimura. There is no terms of plot here, as it's simply a comedy that is set in a high school setting. I won't say it's random, but this title does have its moments. Oh, and did I mention there's a giant freaking cat somewhere in it!? Save for the oddball things that happen in it, it's somewhat realistic in tone.
Azumanga Daioh is an interesting title indeed, down to the very title itself. Reason why this is so is because the title is composed of 3 words. The "Manga" part is a dead giveaway, but "Azuma" came from the last name of the title's author, Kiyohiko Azuma, and the "Daioh" part was place there in reference to the magazine it was originally published on: Dengeki Daioh. It also has a web animation titled Azumanga Web Daioh, but I've yet to cross it. The anime itself lasts for 26 episodes, airing originally between April and September of 2002, so it's quite old. Since it was published in the same magazine, this title bears some relation to the manga Yotsuba&!, another slice of life comedy which does not have an anime made from it. As with the manga, Azumanga Daioh was licensed by two different companies. Made in the J.C. Staff studio, this was a title originally licensed for US under ADV Films (which no longer functions.) Following the closure of ADV, AEsir Holdings took it's place as the one holding the US license, much like how ADV Manga published the manga, and Yen Press took over when the former folded. Here's who you expect to hear as the students in the English Dubbing of Azumanga Daioh:
Azumanga Daioh follows 6 girls and two teachers in a high school (that is never named for some odd reason.) The personalities of these 6 students make them quite the lively, unusual bunch, though that's only the start. Students and staff alike are a colorful mix, some for the insanely comedic, and others just plain damn creepy, as is the case with Mr. Kimura. There is no terms of plot here, as it's simply a comedy that is set in a high school setting. I won't say it's random, but this title does have its moments. Oh, and did I mention there's a giant freaking cat somewhere in it!? Save for the oddball things that happen in it, it's somewhat realistic in tone.
Azumanga Daioh is an interesting title indeed, down to the very title itself. Reason why this is so is because the title is composed of 3 words. The "Manga" part is a dead giveaway, but "Azuma" came from the last name of the title's author, Kiyohiko Azuma, and the "Daioh" part was place there in reference to the magazine it was originally published on: Dengeki Daioh. It also has a web animation titled Azumanga Web Daioh, but I've yet to cross it. The anime itself lasts for 26 episodes, airing originally between April and September of 2002, so it's quite old. Since it was published in the same magazine, this title bears some relation to the manga Yotsuba&!, another slice of life comedy which does not have an anime made from it. As with the manga, Azumanga Daioh was licensed by two different companies. Made in the J.C. Staff studio, this was a title originally licensed for US under ADV Films (which no longer functions.) Following the closure of ADV, AEsir Holdings took it's place as the one holding the US license, much like how ADV Manga published the manga, and Yen Press took over when the former folded. Here's who you expect to hear as the students in the English Dubbing of Azumanga Daioh:
- Chiyo: Jessica Boone
- Tomo: Mandy Clark
- Koyomi "Yomi": Nancy Novotny
- Sakaki: Christine Auten
- Ayumu "Osaka": Kira Vincent-Davis
- Kagura: Allison Sumrall
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