Darker than Black

Darker than Black is one of the new animes out right now, and I must say that I am very impressed with this one. Animation quality is top-notch, the OP/ED is good, and the plot seems deep and has a lot of potential.

In the world of DtB, Contractors are people who have some sort of supernatural power (ie. defying gravity, material substitution, etc.). The reason they are called "Contractors" is because after they use their power, they must do some sort of penance ritual that is unique to themselves. For example, the first contractor in episode one is able to defy gravity and float/fly. After he lands, he dislocates one of his fingers and relocates it back. Apparently, not all of them have to do something so painful, but they all have to do something. At first, I thought it was stupid, and it still kinda is, but it's worth giving a chance.

The main character, shown above, is Hei/ Li Shengshun. He's also a Contractor and he seems to be able to do a lot of things. However, his power and obeisance hasn't been explained fully yet. I've seen the first 4 episodes, and this show is serious. In other words, there's no mercy - people die - quite depressingly too. It's not gory at all, but it's sad.

This series is going to be gooooooood.

Ikkitousen: Dragon Destiny [Finale]

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've written an entry in this blog. However, due to circumstance, I haven't been able to blog much, but I have been watching anime.

I finished watching Ikkitousen: Dragon Destiny earlier today. I'm a bit sad to see it go, because that's one less thing for me to watch each week - and I'm a creature of habit. However, it was about time.

As a series overview, I have to compare it to the first season of Ikkitousen. Despite an early full-frontal topless scene, the fanservice in the second season was actually toned down compared to the first season. The first season was filled with an absurd amount of fanservice and suggestive sex. The second season - not so much. In exchange, Dragon Destiny (DD) gives way for a [relatively] more coherent and [relatively] more developed story. Also, knowing who each of the characters represent in the Three Kingdoms storyline also helps.

I actually like the animation quality, which is consistent throughout the series. There were some cheap scenes though, but seriously, I don't expect anything more from a series like Ikkitousen. The OP/ED isn't bad either, IMO. Plot's better than the first season, but still bad. However, if you like this kind of short and stupid series, Ikkitousen will still be a fun distraction for 20 minutes.

Animation: 3/5
Music: 3/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Enjoyment: 3/5

Code Geass #11-23

OMG! I honestly cannot recall the last time I saw something so intense. I want more. I want more now. But alas, I can't have what I want. I'll begin with some technical explanations. Code Geass is supposed to be a 25-episode series. However, Code Geass has recap episodes numbered episode 8.5 and 17.5. And thanks to these 2 recap episodes, there weren't enough allotted time slots for Code Geass to finish airing in Japan. What that means is that episode 23 is the "end" and episodes 24 and 25 will not air until summer. Having just finished episode 23, let me tell you - THAT ABSOLUTELY SUCKS.

Code Geass is special because it's an anime where the main character is an anti-hero. I should've seen it coming, but like many characters like Lelouch, the viewer always asks himself or herself, "how far are you going to go?" Well, Lelouch is either a genius or a pompous asshole, because he goes pret-ty damn far.

The last time I covered Code Geass here, it was from episodes 1-10. 11-23 keep up the intensity and even ups the ante. As the show goes on, character relations become strengthened yet threatened at the same time. Truly, nobody knows who's the good guy and who's the bad guy, who's right and who's wrong? There's just so much going on at once, but at the same time, the confusion comes intertwined with a sort of attraction that grabs you and never lets go.

I'm sure many people absolutely hate Lelouch by now, but I, for one, show respect to him - but not because I agree with him. I don't want to give anything away though, so check it out!

Ikkitousen #3-5

I sincerely apologize for the lack of updates. I've really been watching more than I've posted, but I'm under some pretty intense time constraints. Anyways...

It happened sooner than I expected. Last time, I watched about 7 episodes before I got sick of the style of Ikkitousen. This time, it happened on episode 5. Haha

In the past, it was a weak story and I was just fanserviced out. This time around, the story is SUPPOSED to be better, but it's just really slow right now. As for the fanservice, this time around, it doesn't seem that be that bad actually. I don't know. Maybe I'm just desensitized by now.

I never liked Ryoumo [Lu Meng] (the girl on the right in the picture), but she's in almost every episode. However, I do really like Sonsaku [Sun Ce]'s ditsy style of humor. It's just so funny - everything she says and how she says it. These past 3 episodes (when she started to reappear) made me realize that.

Also, these last few episodes REALLY reminded me how poor the story is. For example, Kakuen [Xiahou Yuan] was "saved" by Sousou [Cao Cao]. How? The scene: A Vietnam-ish battlefield. She was a female soldier holding a gun with her panties around her calves. Apparently, she was [almost?] raped by another soldier, and she killed him. Then there's a rustling of leaves and out appears Sousou - in his school uniform with a backpack on, mind you! - with his hand outstretched with a welcoming smile. WTF?! That's just one of the stupid backstories in the show. There's another one that I can think of, but I'll spare it.

It's a good thing these episodes are coming out once a week. I wouldn't be able to handle it otherwise, haha.

Shuffle #1-15

For some random reason, I decided to start Shuffle! during my spring break. As you may have guessed, however, I didn't finish it, since it's 24 episodes. I was surprised to find out that Shuffle! is based on an H-game. I actually feel stupid for NOT knowing. One guy...surrounded by 5 girls...all the time.

I really enjoyed the humor early on, and a lot of it is done pretty cleverly. However, I'm a bit past the halfway point, which is where the story starts to get kinda serious and more adult (R-15 discretion warnings started appearing halfway through). I ruined the story for myself because I read spoilers on Wikipedia, but apparently, things just sort of get a bit more messed up from this point on. It makes me sad, but at the same time, I am kind of looking forward to finishing it.

I really like the OP, so I'll have to get that sometime. The rest of the soundtrack isn't bad, but nothing really stands out, IMO. A fair portion of the vocal cast also did Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, so the voices are pretty good. The humor pretty much your type H-game-based-anime humor, where you have an "innocent" young man surrounded by and more or less "pursued" by several girls.

The female cast is very interesting. I found out that since it's based on an H-game, each of the girls sort of cater to a different crowd of guys. For example, the first girl, Kaede, is the childhood friend of the main character Rin. She is 100% dedicated to him and states quite clearly several times throughout the series that her sole purpose of living is to serve him. (What I find interesting is that he just accepts it when she says it.) The next one, and my personal fav, is Asa. She is energetic and fun and likes to tease Rin a lot. But I think my absolute favorite part of Asa is that she is an amazing chef. Then there's Lisiathus, or Sia. She's the ditzy cute one, while her counterpart, Nerine, is smarter but quiet, and can't cook. And finally, there's Primula, who would be the lolita girl, and she caters to the lolicon crowd.

This show is pretty good, and there's a "retelling" called Shuffle! Memories that I'm looking forward to watching after I finish this series. I won't have much time for a while, but I'll get as much anime in as I can!

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion #1-10

I finally started watching Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. This show is GOOD. If I were to describe it, it'd be something like...the world of Gundam, controlled by a Raito mentality, with a dash of Ouran-ish animation. In other words...it's awesome.

The setting takes place in the not-so-distant future but with very-distant situation. What is the USA right now becomes the empire of Britannia, who's taken over Japan and renamed it Area 11. And now, all Japanese people are derogatorily called "11's." Naturally, many 11s do not like being occupied by the Britanias, so there are quite a few resistance (aka terrorist) groups in "Area 11."

The main character is Lelouch, who we soon find out is of royal Britannia descent, but is hiding due to political circumstances. Lelouch is a young, smart, and VERY ambitious man who aims to retake the throne. Through an interesting turn of events, he obtains a special power that enables him to order anyone who looks into his eye(s?) There's a catch to it, but I won't indulge it here.

As the story develops, Lelouch, taking the identity of the masked knight Zero, leads his own resistance which is later named the Order of the Black Knights - or something like that. And what's an action anime without mechas? Code Geass delivers! The mechas are called "Knightmare Frames" and are pretty impressively designed. They're not of Gundam caliber and variety, but they're good enough for a standard mecha anime. Especially the unique Lancelot.

The animation quality is VERY good. The character designs are spot on and the vocal talent, while not superstars, are still stars nonetheless (Cloud Strife, Tenma Tsukamoto, Kuchiki Rukia, to name a few). I'm a bit disappointed with the soundtrack thusfar, but that didn't stop me from getting the soundtrack/OP/ED anyways. Haha

Ikkitousen: Dragon Destiny #2

Episode 2 was just some more story development. We're introduced to a few fight scenes of some pretty important characters. Assassins, ambushes, Xiahou Dun loses his eye, stuff like that. =)

Les Miserables #1-2

When I found out about Les Miserables the anime, I was aghast. Les Miserables is one of those things that hold a special place in my heart because it was a part of a more innocent time in my life. I was very surprised, but still very happy to find out about it.

For those of you who don't know the story, there are about 3 main characters: Jean Valjean, Cosette, and Javert. Cosette is an orphan who is taken under the wing of Jean Valjean. However, Valjean has one major skeleton in his closet - he used to be a convict and he broke his parole. Javert, who is a police officer/detective of France, has been searching for him for years. Of course, Les Mis has a few other subplots as well, but that's getting ahead of things.

I saw the first 2 episodes so far. I must say that this is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL anime I've seen in a while. The backdrops, the scenery, it's really amazing and absolutely breathtaking. The animation style is reminiscent some Western styles, but that's perfect because if Les Mis was done any other way, it just wouldn't feel right. The music is just perfect for the show. There's a real "aura" about this show. I think the producers really captured the traditional feel of it.

Summary of Ep 1 & 2:
Fantine and her daughter, Cosette, move to a new town, where Fantine must find work to support her and her daughter. In the town, the local businesses there refuse to hire her because she's a single mother. However, she finds out about a new factory in another town that is hiring. Fantine doesn't want to risk not getting the job, so left with no choice, she leaves Cosette with the Thenardiers. Both mother and daughter are heartbroken at the way things must be.

Unbeknownst to Fantine, the Thenardiers are really rotten people, and they take advantage of Fantine and Cosette by demanding payment and forcing Cosette to be their child slave. (It's sad, but it's done to the point where it's kinda ridiculous/funny. Or maybe I'm just heartless.)

Fantine arrives at the other town and is hired into the factory. The factory is owned by the local mayor, Madeleine, who is really Valjean. Years ago, Valjean, still a crook, was taken in by a local bishop. Valjean steals the bishop's silver, but when the police bring him in, the bishop tells them that the silver was a gift. In addition to that, the bishop "reminds" Valjean that he even forgot about two silver candle holders. However, as the bishop handed the silver to Valjean, he says to him, "Don't forget your promise to me, that you would use this silver to become an honest man." At that point, Valjean's life changed forever.

Ikkitousen Dragon Destiny #1

When I first heard of Ikkitousen, I must admit that the idea and premise captivated me. Being the avid Romance of the Three Kingdoms fan that I am, I just HAD to watch an anime about fighting, girls, and, well, Three Kingdoms. I mean, without a shadow of a doubt, I was SOLD. Even though I knew that Ikkitousen is ecchi, I can honestly say that the sheer amount of fanservice was actually a bit too much. It took me about a month to finally gather enough stomach to finish off the 13-episode series. Some months later, though, season two of Ikkitousen comes around, and lo-and-behold, I'm once again...SOLD.

The first episode opens with a bit of action to get the blood pumping (in more ways than one). Then it kinda gets into the politics behind the schools and the factions and the characters. In true Ikkitousen fashion, the story well...kinda crappy, IMO. It's not done well, but it's supposed to be better this time around - which really isn't saying much. The animation is still "just as good." Really, it is. There's still the obligatory fanservice and all that. The soundtrack, while not as catchy as Drivin' Through the Night by MOVE, is still pretty good.

Season two seems to be a little more serious than season one, but I don't doubt for a second that whatever respect the producers are trying to garner for this series will be wiped out somewhere between the 320-330th panty shot.

Here are some screens to key you in on some of the goodies Ikkitousen Dragon Destiny has to provide.

Fafner in the Azure #1

It's been long overdue, but I finally started Fafner in the Azure: Dead Aggressor. I have some pretty high expectations for this show from word of mouth and because it's done by the same production company that created one of my favorite animes of all time - not to mention the anime that still holds my golden standard - Gundam SEED. (Destiny's a different story, however.)

The relationship between Gundam SEED and Fafner are apparent from the getgo. I'm actually a bit disappointed at the lack of differentiation, but that disappointment is easily turned into nostalgia. The character designs are all familiar, but the mechas aren't. They are more reminiscent of the mechas in Evangelion and so is the enemy. But this first monster seems cooler than any monster that ever appeared in NGE.

I've only seen the first episode, but the story seems surprisingly similar to NGE and RahXephon, which was also kind of an NGE knockoff. There's a peaceful city, but then these alarms go off throughout the whole city and everyone is forced into an underground hideaway. Then a monster suddenly appears and no matter what kinds of planes or missiles the people fire at it, nothing works and it seems like only the mechas can get the job done.

Fafner seems like a prototype for Gundam SEED with several Evangelion cues; from the recycled character designs (the main character looks like Athrun and the one girl looks like Miriallia), to the sudden attacks that force people to get into individual safety shelters.

Either way, familiar or not, I'm fully expecting this show to rock my socks off.

Ikkitousen Dragon Destiny ED

Are you as excited about this show as I am?

Tokyo Majin #2-3

As if the spectacular but confusing first episode was not enough for viewers, the next two episodes get even MORE confusing!

In my last entry about Tokyo Majin, I said that the action was ok, but not as good as I expected. Well...I take that back. The action is "good enough" but I really don't mean that in a bad way because in my mind, I'm comparing it to something like...Black Lagoon, which really isn't fair. Tokyo Majin should really stand alone, and it really does.

The horror/mystical setting blended with action is a perfect one-two punch and not something that I've seen since the original Hellsing several years ago. The animation quality is not lacking and all the finer details are there when they need to be.

It won't be long before the story clears up and hopefully, it'll be grand. Grand, I say! Tabun.

Bleach #116

The return of non-filler Bleach was less spectacular than Naruto's, but I'm still hyped up about it. I have a love-hate relationship with Bleach. On one hand, I love the action. On the other hand, there is too much unnecessary fluff in between. On one hand, I love humor. On the other hand, Bleach humor is hit-or-miss and it's a usually a miss for me. On one hand, I love all of the shinigami and their crazy powers (GIN!). On the other hand, they're almost never around (Gin.....)! You see? It's a dilemma, really.

Anyways, the latest episode of Bleach was more of the usual "hang on just a little longer, the action's almost here" fluff. HOWEVER - having read the manga, I'm PUMPED up for the next 2-3 episodes because we're going to get to see some ban kais and ice dragons and bony snakes and white swords and stuff. Yeeeah, it's gonna be quite the party.

Even though I've always thought the arrancor were kinda stupid, I'm really looking forward to the anime versions of them because due to my own lack of comprehensive abilities, I have umm...slight difficulties...understanding and imagining what goes on in the manga. If the arrancor are done well, then I might have a change of heart for them.

Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho #1

A friend of mine recommended this new series called Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpucho. I decided to check out the first episode today (instead of studying for an exam). I was told that the action was supposed to be great. That's enough of a reason already, really.

What I understand from the first episode, it's about a group of high school kids (which anime ISN'T about high schoolers?) who fight demons at night around Tokyo. The action [from the first episode] wasn't as great as I expected, but I DO see a lot of potential in the cast and story. It's just the first episode afterall.

The first thing I'd like to say is that I like the character designs. I especially like the one character who wears the hood and falls asleep in class - don't know his name yet. In addition to that, I also like the design of the female characters. They're "attractive" without the need of big boobs or being overly cutesy. It's hard to put into words, I guess, but it's not something that I see often in many animes.

The story, like I said, as a lot of potential. The genres for this show would be action, horror (which ANN agrees with). It seems to be taking some of the mythology from ancient Japan (or just Asia in general), and I just absolutely love it when animes incorporate mythology or history from certain countries (Mai-HiME, Fate-Stay Night, Naruto, Otogizoushi...to name a few). In the case of Tokyo Majin, there is the incorporation of elements of Asian occult, which IMO, is richer than their Western counterparts.

The OP/ED for this show isn't anything spectacular. But they're not as awful as some of the older Naruto tracks.

I've got some pretty high expectations for this series, so I surely hope it doesn't disappoint. I'm far from being able to recommend it to anyone, but I'd recommend watching anime in general anytime, so if you've nothing else to do, why not?

Naruto Shipuuden #1-2

May 25, 2005 was the day it began. February 15, 2007 was the day it ended. It took over a year, but Naruto filler was finally over.

I know and understand that a lot of people ended up hating Naruto because of the filler. And believe me, the year-long wait was painful for me too. But I always believed that the good ole Naruto would return and I knew that it would be packing heat. (And anyone who's read the manga where the filler began would know.)

To celebrate Naruto's homecoming, Studio Pierrot makes the first episode is a one-hour special. Shippuuden, or the "Hurricane Chronicles," begins with a pretty intense sequence that fast forwards to when Naruto and his team finally finds Sasuke. After a short sequence, we're presented with the new OP song by nobodyknows+ called "Hero's Come Back!" And indeed they have!

The remainder of the episode mainly presents the viewer with some updates about Konoha and her ninjas. Overall, the quality of the animation is once again top tier and I can't be sure, but it seems like there's also a new soundtrack for Shippuuden. I liked the first soundtrack, but honestly, you can handle only so much after 200 episodes.

In true Naruto fashion, the episode ends somewhat of a cliffhanger and totally left me wanting more. The new ED is "Nagare Boshi (Shooting Star)" by HOME MADE KAZOKU.

In my mind, Naruto is still as awesome as ever, with the filler being more of a business/politics issue rather than a creativity one. It's good to have you back, Naruto.

Genesis

On February 19, 2007, I decided to start this new blog via Google.

As a little side project, I hope to dedicate this solely to my anime and manga experiences. Hopefully, this will become something really great and something I can continue doing for many years to come.

This is my goal. This is my promise. However, I will not start until I have a look that I am satisfied with.