tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87665120988753041722024-02-08T12:37:40.209-08:00Tengen Toppa Gurren LagannAnimonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-26319260184277089472014-02-01T11:06:00.001-08:002014-02-01T11:06:26.783-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDSz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdOlllOTmAADQsRmp' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-34497506563213702382014-01-31T22:16:00.001-08:002014-01-31T22:16:58.380-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbG%2BpllOTmAAAdcRpr' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-33037188978660827492014-01-31T06:53:00.001-08:002014-01-31T06:53:51.969-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbmRiZ6WWU5OYAAFEyGtU%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-91354066190287372242014-01-30T20:27:00.001-08:002014-01-30T20:27:13.070-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbGZjpZZTk5gAANy4anw%3D%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-60054008256723516152014-01-30T18:16:00.001-08:002014-01-30T18:16:57.834-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMWbW5oZ6WWU5OYAAFGLGt8%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-71466413389212861892014-01-30T17:32:00.001-08:002014-01-30T17:32:30.386-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbG%2BhllOTmAAAdaxpq' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-72179013922008652132014-01-30T03:35:00.001-08:002014-01-30T03:35:49.100-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbG5lZ6mWU5OYAAFFZGts%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-62134300258774336622014-01-29T15:49:00.001-08:002014-01-29T15:49:29.246-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbWRgY62WU5OYAAFEyGtQ%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-68060408187168577952014-01-29T13:31:00.001-08:002014-01-29T13:31:18.003-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbWepllOTmAAAdmhpy' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-12675680551166993992014-01-29T00:44:00.001-08:002014-01-29T00:44:06.031-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMVbmpuZ62WU5OYAAFGrGuQ%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-53600596860368867062014-01-28T10:37:00.001-08:002014-01-28T10:37:39.244-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbWehllOTmAAAdlBpx' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-75676799121417536852014-01-27T23:04:00.001-08:002014-01-27T23:04:59.583-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdMUbmetllOTmAAAdjhpw' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-9279386948720268192014-01-27T07:19:00.001-08:002014-01-27T07:19:59.229-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXTy%2FNSy9KLEvVTczLzE3VS8rJTy8uyC%2FRS87P1TcyMDTRNzDUz62EyOqW5BfoGhroWujCdOlllOTmAADQkBmo' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-52297752058770989302014-01-26T21:26:00.001-08:002014-01-26T21:26:08.140-08:00My Anime TOP 10: 8. GungraveSUMMARY: opens thirteen years after Brandon Heat is betrayed and killed by his best friend, . He is reborn through the use of Necro-rise as Beyond The Grave, and begins a quest of revenge against the crime syndicate. The series then backtracks to Brandon's youth, follows him and Harry as they rise through the , detailing the circumstances that led to their eventual falling-out.<br><br /><br><br />WHY IT'S NUMBER 8:<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Much like TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann), I had to watch this one more than once. Plus, it may not be on a majority of lists you'll find out there. It was about a decade ago and the first time I had channel surfed to a little network called G4; had to be 2:30 or 3 am so all the gun-play woke me up while drawing my interest.<br><br /><br><br />Years later, I had another go at it (realizing I only saw the second half before). Two words: no regrets.<br><br /><br><br />The main strength of this series, especially in the first half, was its characters. The dynamic between Brandon and Harry, from friends to enemies, back to lifelong friends, was quite fluid and believable. Hell even the use of flashback to carry these episodes wasdaring. Any viewer could have become bored with the prospect but the execution was what made it thrive; notably the decline of Harry and Brandon's friendship, using their own vices to tear them apart: Harry's insatiable greed and Brandon's blind faith.<br><br /><br><br />The defining moment was the elevator scene. Being a smart viewer, I could smell it coming but when Harry actually shot Brandon, I was in shock. The characterization was so strong that I couldn't rationalize Harry committing such an act, acknowledging his increasing paranoia. From there, Brandon's unflinching wrath became justified.<br><br /><br><br />Gungrave's second half was defined by Gunkata, superhuman battles, and Heat's struggle "to get his man". Alone, it doesn't bear much water yet coupled with the aforementioned melodrama, it solidifies. Each move by these friends-turned-rivals is an emotion filled gambit, one-sided (the protagonist, Heat) until the series conclusion.<br><br /><br><br />Harry MacDowell, the perceived antagonist, climbed the ranks of his world's Mafia, for a reason any of us could relate to: in order to succeed, ascend from the gutter he was born into. But did the ends justify the means? Unfortunately, no. Due to fact that Harry made a mess of things by betraying everyone who loved him. He executed his best friend, took his girl, became a kingpin, and sent a hit squad after his once presumed deceased ally. In the pursuit of what?! Power. However, the ultimate cost was power all he had. Karma had found him and loneliness was her gift.<br><br /><br><br />In the end, both Brandon and Harry, had learned from their failings. Brandon embraced the uselessness of his revenge and sought only to grant his friend forgiveness; in contrast, Harry, connecting with his friend and conscience again, he embodied the shame of his vile actions, discovering none was worth what he lost. A denouement perhaps, as the duo slowly experience death via shootout, Brandon in cell degeneration and Harry from old age/wounds sustained.<br><br /><br><br />These old dogs had their run and it had come full circle.<br><br /><br><br />Filed under: Tagged: , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoFwQ0KgCAMBtATzU8jIrqN2bAR%2FjBX0e177zTrG3BJZZM0ksrO7m16dOUxXGoFkw8zfMC0oHwUqxQma52Cp5XyXbPGh%2FEDuSgY0w%3D%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-26269260935771383362014-01-20T15:27:00.001-08:002014-01-20T15:27:47.207-08:00As promised and then some...Here's some stuff that was incomplete for several years and has now been finished!<br><br /><br><br />First is a Halloween image of my own make from 2009, back when I first got my Prismacolor Markers.<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Next is the lovely Orihime Inoue from Tite Kubo's Bleach. This is an image of my make, but that is his character. I don't recall when I made her. Probably around the same time I did the Halloween thing. She stayed incomplete until this year, so she's dated 2014, but originally I suspect she's 2009 or 2010. I think I did well enough to honor yet another hero in my Anime/Manga world.<br><br /><br><br />Surprise Fan Art! Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase byKeitarArima. This is a pretty fun and superbly drawn vampire anime not quite top of my list of all time, but certainly would fall in the top 20. This is a bit sloppy, lots of pencil (carving) marks that could not be erased or cleaned up. I tried doing a bit of new line work to try and tidy it up. Not sure where I got the original image for this, but I enjoy drawing a compilation image after I finish reading or watching a series. This was 2012, so this was right before my "dark age" of no creativity.<br><br /><br><br />Sometime in the near future I'll post the other fan art images that I've done of Bleach and Naruto and a picture ofYoko from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. I am not sure who animates/draws that series, but I loved her attitude.<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoFwVEOgCAIANATIdr66jZkLCsRBtx%2FvTcy7UCUN4z8C%2FLs6ou9nFPvMM3SVXCrbcfakALMVZ7gC2hdkIMXhAqXkTJ%2FODUbsg%3D%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-70880461305145015272014-01-20T01:56:00.001-08:002014-01-20T01:56:07.986-08:00Oneechan ga KitaEven though stories based on characters with a brother or sister complex usually end up being rather disappointing to downright horrible, including the genre's renowned title "Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai", was nonetheless curious about new series .<br><br /><br><br />The promotional trailer for the anime adaptation of yonkoma manga "" by Rikou Anzai looked quite promising, suggesting the show might be different from the usual fare of similar franchises about a brother or sister complex.<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />The story is about high school girl Ichika who is all over her younger stepbrother Tomoya, to a frightening degree. Undoubtedly due to its four panel manga origin, "Oneechan ga Kita" is a hilarious comedy that makes all the right jokes about Ichika's brother complex.<br><br /><br><br />Where other series dwelling on similar themes, like "Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okaishiin da ga", are downright disturbing or horrible, "Oneechan ga Kita" puts the right spin on things as a comedy showing the silly shenanigans Ichika is up to.<br><br /><br><br />The short episode running time of barely three minutes is a definite plus, it keeps the pace fast and doesn't leave any time for dull moments or lets the viewer's thoughts dwell on the usual pitfalls of this genre.<br><br /><br><br />Animation by studio C2C is good, the studio not only translates the manga's art style quite well into animation form but they also use a nice coloring style which gives everything a faded, crayon colored look.<br><br /><br><br />Ichika is voiced by Nagatsuma Juri, she previously voiced Kanna in "Tamako Market" and this anime season she also voices Satone in "Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren" and Shiromi in "Saki Zenkoku-hen".<br><br /><br><br />The victim of Ichika's affections, Tomoya, is voiced by Terakawa Aimi, she also voiced Emi in "Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko" and Moa in this season's "Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okaishiin da ga".<br><br /><br><br />Kido Ibuki voices Mina, she's tackled roles like Natsuki in "Kitakubu Katsudou Kiroku", Akiko in "Onii-chan Dakedo Ai Sae Areba Kankei Nai yo ne", Chinami in "Golden Time" and Kasumi in "GJ-bu".<br><br /><br><br />Wonder how much we'll see of blonde Marina since she's voiced by Inoue Marina who voiced many characters, like Kana in "Minami-ke", Laura in "IS: Infinite Stratos", Matsurika in "Maria Holic", Yoko in "Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann" and Yozora in "Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai".<br><br /><br><br />So far, "Oneechan ga Kita" has been hilarious, definitely recommend this comedy series.<br><br />Why not give it a try? Watching an episode won't even take five minutes of your time.<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXT8opTQXh8sSyVL3y%2FKKUgqLU4mK95PxcfSMDQxN9A0N9Q3P9%2FLzU1OSMxDzd9ETd7MySRH0AvWAVZw%3D%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-10268457755435087672014-01-12T00:58:00.001-08:002014-01-12T00:58:43.451-08:00Anime&Manga Pairing Countdown #20#20 KAZUTO KIRIGAYA X ASUNA YUUKI IN SWORD ART ONLINE (ANIME, MANGA, AND LIGHT NOVEL)<br><br /><br><br />Kirito x Azuna<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />After listing so many rules about this and that, guess what, I've put Kirito x Azuna on this list. Lame, I know. It is pretty easy to see though that these two does make a good couple together, probably one of the biggest reasons for which SAO is so popular, even though, you knowKirito is more often than not flirting with other girls. One of his "harem" members just has to be the recently-grown big-busted sister-turned-cousin Suguha-Leafa. Of course, let's not forget the would-be future partner aka. blue-haired angry gun chick Sinon. Don't worry, though, if Kirito has an iota of common sense, he will remain faithful to his one and only Azuna, right?Someone please agree with me<br><br /><br><br />#19 HITOSHI AOSHIMA X WAGATSUMA AI IN WAGATSUMA-SAN WA ORE NO YOME (MANGA)<br><br /><br><br />wagatsuma x aoshima<br><br /><br><br />Put yourself in the male lead's shoes. If you on the off chance time-traveled 10 years into the future and discovered that your wife is none other than the most popular, beautiful, and ideal girl in your high school, would you do everything in your power to try to make her fall for you when you return to the present? To add to that, you are not popular, bad at studying, and hang out with a bunch of people who hate "normalfags". At this point, you would be pretty desperate to win your "future wife" 's hand, right?<br><br /><br><br />True, it's nothing impressive that Aoshima decided to pursue her. What is impressive, though, is that when the future is somehow changed, and your wife becomes an equally impressive European hotty (who is a lot easier to approach), he still does not lose sight of whom he loves the most, and continues to pursue that relationship despite obvious contradictions in the future. Now that is something to be praised for. Good luck, Aoshima, may you be successful!<br><br /><br><br />#18 GUEN SOO MIN X SO RI JEON IN CAN'T SEE CAN'T HEAR BUT LOVE (WEBTOON MANHWA)<br><br /><br><br />Guen Soo x So Ri<br><br /><br><br />Created by Nasty Cat (manhwaga of Trace), a webtoon deity who can make the most emotional stories ever (manga or manhwa), but somehow sucks at drawing. The only reason why this couple is so far down the list isthe last few chapters is not translated!!! At this point, I am almost begging, please finish translate this masterpiece! Anyways, it tells a love story of an artist who lost his sight and a pure-hearted girl who was deaf as well as mute since her birth, and the only thing that connect them is the inspirational manhwa that the artist used to draw when his eyes were still good.<br><br /><br><br />This is a beautiful love story that teaches us again and again that love is never easy, but it is something that we should not abandon. Indeed, true love is sometimes the least feasible option, but with resolve and determination, one can overcome all obstacles, be it inability to communicate, terminal illness, or financial problems.<br><br /><br><br />#17 SIMON X NIA TEPPELIN IN TENGEN TOPPA GURREN LAGANN (ANIME)<br><br /><br><br />simon x nia<br><br /><br><br />For an anime that isn't even categorized as romance, I myself am surprised that this couple is even on the list. It's probably because how tragic both of their past and how far they've come along together had been something that really touched me. Most of all, their love is one that in the end cannot be. Despite knowing this, both of them still decide to love and do it without regrets, even enjoying their last moments together with cheerful smiles on their faces.<br><br /><br><br />#16 MAKOTO ISSHIKI X RIKKA TAKANASHI IN CHUUNIBYOU DEMO KOI GA SHITAI! (ANIME)<br><br /><br><br />Rikka x Makoto<br><br /><br><br />The cutesy teenage couple brought to us by the wonderful Kyoto Animation, and I promise you, it won't be the last on this countdown. If I am forced to explain why this pairing is great, I can only repeat the title of the anime in English, "REGARDLESS OF MY ADOLESCENT DELUSIONS, I STILL WANT TO LOVE!". Indeed, everyone is entitled to experience love, not even the most deeply-entrenched otaku can avoid it. <br><br /><br><br />Eagerly awaiting for the completion of second season!<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoFwcENgCAMAMCJSikaH25TwSAPWlJA4vbePWO0E%2FGaIh%2Fpu5lbaqnZ3buLWjF42tETUkCWUu%2FKkhkaFyuSIeqUkXQJBA904A80lhqQ' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-46312365385687082362014-01-05T07:55:00.001-08:002014-01-05T07:55:12.734-08:00The Very Best: Like Nothing Ever WasToday I made the conversion over to a new layout on this site to signify the beginning of a new year and also the broadening of the scope of this blog.<br><br /><br><br />Reviewing my old posts, I realized I've never really made a post about what anime I've found to be the very best - my all-time favorites.I imagine this makes it a bit difficult to understand my background and motivations.<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />It's time - my top 10 anime and (now that I am expanding into games) video games.<br><br /><br><br />ANIME<br><br /><br><br />#10 : Welcome To The NHK<br><br /><br><br />Welcome to the NHK is a brilliant show that criticizes the otaku and NEET culture of Japan.In doing that, it explores a wide range of psychological issues, social disorders and tropes in the otaku culture.What makes me love this show so much is that it sometimes still maintains a light-hearted nature, even when the subject matter gets tense.The transformation of the characters is subtle and expertly done.<br><br /><br><br />#9 : FLCL<br><br /><br><br />FLCL takes some time (and multiple watches) to savor.At first glance it may seem too bizarre.But after you've had the chance to figure out the characters, their motivations (or obsessions) and the actual plot to the series, FLCL is excellent.<br><br /><br><br />As an overall experience, FLCL ranks very highly.The music is phenomenal - probably one of my all-time favorite soundtracks.Add to that a show that functions at mach speed, forcing you to constantly pay attention, and you've got yourself a winner.<br><br /><br><br />#8 : Neon Genesis Evangelion<br><br /><br><br />Any mecha fan (which I am) should consider Evangelion to be one of their favorite anime.While this is a bold statement, since Evangelion is a deconstruction of the mecha genre, it's just so, so good that you are kidding yourself if you claim to not like it.<br><br /><br><br />Who knew that a minute long single frame could be so absolutely powerful?<br><br /><br><br />#7 : Gunbuster<br><br /><br><br />We've clearly hit the GAINAX block here.Gunbuster is phenomenal.I've said a lot about the show in the past, and how I feel like Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann basically rehashed the show for the modern age, but I'll say it again.I love this show.<br><br /><br><br />It was far, far ahead of its time and has the best ending I have ever experienced in an anime.<br><br /><br><br />#6 : Mushishi<br><br /><br><br />Mushishi is an experience like no other.It is a series abounding with simple beauty.<br><br /><br><br />I once thought that I would never enjoy Mushishi, but after I started watching it, I accepted that it was much more than most anime could even aspire to be.<br><br /><br><br />I'm also incredibly pumped that there is a new season (after 8 years off the air) coming out in April.<br><br /><br><br />#5 : Steins;Gate<br><br /><br><br />Steins;Gate is a good example of a complex story done right.It has very lovable characters and an interweaving plot that only shows about time travel dare attempt.<br><br /><br><br />It's not always consistent with itself, but that's forgivable when you realize what the story achieves.Kyouma/Kurisu are two of my favorite characters - way up on the list with Araragi and Senjougahara.<br><br /><br><br />#4 : Code Geass (and R2)<br><br /><br><br />Code Geass oh Code Geass.This show just has something for everyone.I've talked a lot about it, and for good reason.It just has an incredibly solid plot - with plenty of twists and turns.<br><br /><br><br />All in all, the show is just masterfully done.While it doesn't necessarily meet my bizarreness quota at all times (there are moments), it is just so unequivocal in the way it pulls at your emotions at some points in the series.<br><br /><br><br />#3 : Mawaru Penguindrum<br><br /><br><br />Get your ticket for the bizarre train.Welcome to Rock 'n' Roll night I'm just a Rock 'n' Roll man.This show is just Fabulous Max.<br><br /><br><br />Those two words describe the show all too well.Mawaru Penguindrum is colorful, creative, vibrant and unlike anything else you've ever seen.<br><br /><br><br />If you're looking for a show about warped love, this is it.Even if you aren't, this is still it and you should watch it anyway because this show is about much, much, much more than that.<br><br /><br><br />#2 : Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica<br><br /><br><br />Madoka has been widely praised and has more fans than most series could ever dream of obtaining.But it's all for good reason and the show is a lot better than most of the fans even realize.<br><br /><br><br />The show stomps all over the magical girl genre in unrelenting vehemence.After the heads roll, there just isn't anything stopping the series from being one of the best dark, psychological and powerful shows anime (or any media for that matter) has to offer.<br><br /><br><br />#1 : Bakemonogatari<br><br /><br><br />I don't think I can thoroughly describe all of the reasons why Bakemonogatari is my favorite show.It's probably because I just love everything about it (I can't say the same of its sequels though they are still good).<br><br /><br><br />The art is gorgeous.The voice cast is brilliant.The relationships are extreme.The dialogue is quick and witty.The presentation is inventive.The comedy, when there is comedy, is hilarious (even though I'm not a fan of comedy).The action, when there is action, is fluid and explosive.<br><br /><br><br />Bakemonogatari is just, hands down, my definition of a perfect show.I can't get enough of it and never will be able to, either.<br><br /><br><br />VIDEO GAMES<br><br /><br><br />Since reviewing video games is a new thing for me, I've chosen only 5 of my favorite games.I very much enjoy RPGs, but that's mostly just because they usually have the best stories.<br><br /><br><br />#5 : World Of Warcraft<br><br /><br><br />Hold on a second!I'm going to explain myself.World of Warcraft took up waaaay too much of my time in high school and college (obviously to the point of obsession, but the amount of time spent on this game is part of the reason for it being on the list).However, there was good reason for that.<br><br /><br><br />World of Warcraft, especially in the Burning Crusade era for me, simply did a lot of things right where other MMOs have either failed or emulated.Character customization with the talent tree - great.Combat always felt fluid and unobtrusive.The dungeons were FUN even when you got down to "farming" them.<br><br /><br><br />WoW was an enjoyable experience for me - not one I ever really want to go back to, though.<br><br /><br><br />#4 : Elder Scrolls Series<br><br /><br><br />Though I didn't really get into the Elder Scrolls series until Oblivion, I really enjoy the lore in the game.Sandbox games can be incredibly fun when the games are well-realized.<br><br /><br><br />And I get to be a Knight/Paladin thing in the games simply by acting like one which is always cool.<br><br /><br><br />#3 : Final Fantasy Series<br><br /><br><br />With only a few exceptions, I have thoroughly enjoyed every Final Fantasy game I have ever played.The stories are generally well-crafted and have enough twists to keep you on your feet.<br><br /><br><br />I also like how the series always wants to reinvent itself, trying something slightly newer each generation.<br><br /><br><br />#2 : "Tales Of" Series<br><br /><br><br />It's probably because I like anime so much that the Tales games are just so appealing to me.That and the action combat.The stories are usually relatively run of the mill (with some very notable exceptions), but the games are just incredibly fun.<br><br /><br><br />I've played many times through on Tales of Symphonia (and a few times through on Tales of the Abyss).Both are phenomenal games and the series on the whole is great, as well.<br><br /><br><br />#1 : Metal Gear Solid Series<br><br /><br><br />The Metal Gear Solid games are the only games on this list that are not RPGs.What I discovered at some point was that it's not so much how I get the story from games that matters - there are imperfections in nearly every kind of gaming genre - it's that the story is actually good and well developed.<br><br /><br><br />Some would argue that the Metal Gear Solid games spend way too much time in cinematics and not enough time in gameplay.Well, the games do it right for me.So many different things are addressed in the Metal Gear Solid games that never seem to get addressed in games, and it's always a pleasure to visit a new part of the series or even revisit an old one.<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoNyFEOgCAIANATIdr86jZWLFkFTljW7et9vureZkThR4qGoX1rnczCqhdOMWWMCWNGrwQ39RcWMoeTDwJRryw70P8wiuEH4dQaPQ%3D%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-79769549255364391962014-01-02T15:23:00.001-08:002014-01-02T15:23:21.873-08:002013 Anime AwardsBest Anime<br><br />OVERALL<br><br />Attack On Titan<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />My Teen Romantic Comedy Snafu, Nisemonogatari, Kill La Kill<br><br /><br><br />FALL 2013<br><br />Kill La Kill<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Kyousogiga<br><br /><br><br />I think it's safe to say that these were easy picks for the best anime series I've seen. The Overall category can be tough because it pits all the best Anime from the past till now but It has to be Attack On Titan all the way. It truly is one of gems we haven't seen in Anime or cartoons in general in quite awhile and it made people who didn't even watch anime, watch it. And like it! As far as the breakout of the fall series, it's simple to choose Kill La Kill, I'm not even going to argue.<br><br /><br><br />Favorite<br><br />OVERALL<br><br />My Teen Romantic Comedy Snafu<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Attack On Titan, Bakemonogatari, Kill La Kill, Oreimo<br><br /><br><br />FALL 2013<br><br />Kill La Kill<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Kyousogiga<br><br /><br><br />This category is really just personal opinion and if you saw my reviews for these set, you have an idea why. But in short, My Teen Romantic is one of the early series I saw after I started watching anime again and what a welcome this anime was. Kill La Kill once again, was an easy call with all its looney tooney action .<br><br /><br><br />Most Artistic<br><br />OVERALL<br><br />The Eccentric Family<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Kyousougiga, Nisemonogatari, FLCL<br><br /><br><br />FALL 2013<br><br />Kyosougiga<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Kill La Kill<br><br /><br><br />The Eccentric family has paintings written all over every frame with its bright and vivid color palette. The most artistic category is a bit weird for me because it is in a vague sense. As far as direction goes, I probably would have given it to the monogatari series but this category is purely from an animated standpoint and nothing more. Kyosougiga hit on all cylinders when it came to its soundtrack and animated characters.<br><br /><br><br />Most Surprising<br><br /><br><br />OVERALL<br><br />Silver Spoon<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Free!, Kokoro Connect, Samurai Flamenco, Arpeggio of Blue Steel; Planet Ars Nova<br><br /><br><br />FALL 2013<br><br />Arpeggio of Blue Steel; Planet Ars Nova<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Samurai Flamenco<br><br /><br><br />Silver Spoon came from out of nowhere. Who knew I would be interested in an anime about Farm life? Well, this has a lot of substance and heart by the time Ep. 11 came to a close. I looked passed Silver Spoon until I heard many praises for it. Definite must watch!<br><br /><br><br />As far as Arpeggio is concerned, I had it out for this anime from the start but I thought it would end up just being a generic action oriented series with lots of fan service. Well, they managed to put fan service here but the show was actually pretty smart and well directed. Every episode was great to watch and save for the gorilla episode in Samurai Flamenco, this show was it for me.<br><br /><br><br />Most Disappointing<br><br />OVERALL<br><br />Birdy The Mighty; Decode<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Coppellion<br><br /><br><br />FALL 2013<br><br />Coppellion<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Samurai Flamenco<br><br /><br><br />Is it possible for me to nominate Birdy as a Most Surprising Candidate as well? LOL, because after the 1st episode, I wondered why this anime had passed me by, then I watched a couple of more and I realized why. There was so much good things that came from the 1st episode with all its potential that It was disappointing to see that I saw it so sparingly in the 20+ Epic. That's not to say though, the 2nd season was great.<br><br /><br><br />Yet as far as just straight up being disappointing goes, it'll have to be for Coppellion which had barely caught my attention from start to beginning, I haven't even watched the last three episodes that's how bad it is. Usually the last three are always a must watch...Also Samurai Flamenco after, yes I'll say it again, the Gorilla/ King Torture fiasco.<br><br /><br><br />Most Underrated<br><br />OVERALL<br><br />The Eccentric Family<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Kyousougiga, Silver Spoon<br><br /><br><br />FALL 2013<br><br />Kyousougigga<br><br /><br><br />WATCH THESE SHOWS!<br><br /><br><br />Guilty Pleasure<br><br />OVERALL<br><br />Oreimo<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Dog and Scissors, Infinite Stratos<br><br /><br><br />FALL 2013<br><br />Infinite Stratos Season 2<br><br /><br><br />I had fun watching Oreimo and Infinite Stratos even though they had shortcomings as well as the subject matter at hand. Overall, these shows were really just for entertainment at that without too much progress towards a plot or storyline. Grab some popcorn and watch without a thinking mind!<br><br /><br><br />Least Favorable<br><br />OVERALL<br><br />Golden Time<br><br /><br><br />Runner Ups<br><br />Coppellion<br><br /><br><br />Since they are the least favorable, or "worst" Anime for me this year, I didn't even bother looking up pictures for these. Watch with caution!<br><br /><br><br />There you have it! A lot of good Anime watched this year for me personally, compared to probably any year of my life. I'd never seen so many in just a year! Just be on the lookout once 2014 comes around and let's see who gets top honors!<br><br /><br><br />Keep watching and Ciao!<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXL88vykkpLkotLE0tLtFLyslPLy7IL9FLzs%2FVNzIwNNE3MATRxrqJeZm5qbqJ5YlFKcV6GSW5OQDqehZG' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-88142723441686445272013-12-28T05:45:00.001-08:002013-12-28T05:45:42.141-08:00The Winter 2014 Anime Season Streaming ListJust Like I Did For The Fall Season, I'm Doing A Winter 2014 Anime Season Streaming List, Since There Seems To Be More Streaming Places Available And Such, And Now Companies Are Announcing Dates And Stuff. Also Included On This List Are Continuing Fall Anime Season Titles. If You Learn Of Any Titles That Are Streaming Anywhere In Your Area, Feel Free To Let Me Know. Otherwise, The List Will Be Updated/fixed As January Goes On.<br><br /><br><br />TABLE OF CONTENTSSTREAMING SHOWS<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />MONDAYS<br><br /><br><br />Title: Yowamushi Pedal<br><br /><br><br />Time: 2PM EST (11AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: United States, Canada, Caribbean, South Africa, and Central and South America.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Onoda Sakamichi is a rather timid, anime-loving first-year student at Sohoku High School. Upon entering high school, he tried to join the anime research club, but after meeting Imaizumi Shunsuke, a renowned cyclist since middle school, and Naruko Shoukichi, who swept the Kansai cycling championship, he ended up joining the competitive cycling club.<br><br /><br><br />Title: Gundam Build Fighters<br><br /><br><br />Time: 3PM EST (12PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming: ,<br><br /><br><br />Region: North America<br><br /><br><br />Summary: The story is set in the near future when Gunpla Battles, competitions that pit Gundam plastic models against each other, have become popular worldwide in the "Second Gunpla Boom." Sei Iori, a first-year middle-school student and the only son of a model shop owner, is talented at building Gunpla, but inexperienced in the Gunpla Battles. He encounters a mysterious boy named Reiji who happens to be an accomplished Gundam Fighter. Together, they strive for the Gunpla Battle world championships.<br><br /><br><br />Title: Bottom Biting Bug 2<br><br /><br><br />Mondays at 6PM EST (3PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Latin America (Central and South America including Caribbean), Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, France, French DOM-TOM, Andorra, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: The protagonist, Bottom Biting Bug XVIII (age 10), loves to happily sing and dance more than anything else in the world. When bitten by a Bottom Biting Bug, people with hunched backs will have their posture corrected, depressed people will start to laugh, and people who had no confidence will suddenly become self-assured - those bitten are cheered up until they seem like entirely different people. However, even the Bottom Biting Bug makes many mistakesThis story featuring typical scenes from everyday life will continue to evolve through the sort of humor that kids love.<br><br /><br><br />TUESDAYS<br><br /><br><br />Title: Tokyo Ravens<br><br /><br><br />Time: 1PM EST (11AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Region: North America<br><br /><br><br />Summary: From the studio behind Aquarion EVOL comes a supernatural fantasy featuring otherworldly battles and forgotten promises. Tokyo Ravens is the story of an ordinary high school boy from a not-so-ordinary family. Hautora was born into an ancient clan of onmyouji known for their mastery of all things occult. Unfortunately, he didn't inherit the magical ability to see spirit energy, so he was doomed to live a normal life. At least, that is, until a mysterious girl from Harutora's past returns to alter the course of his future!<br><br /><br><br />WEDNESDAYS<br><br /><br><br />Title: Maken-ki! Two<br><br /><br><br />Time: TBD, Airs January 15<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: USA<br><br /><br><br />Summary: The students of Tenbi Academy are back for round two! What trouble will Takeru get himself into for season 2? You'll just have to watch to find out!<br><br /><br><br />Title: Phi-Brain 3<br><br /><br><br />Time: 3PM EST (12:00PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Region: North America<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Kaito, a puzzle-loving high school freshman, is selected as a candidate for 'PHI BRAIN.' He and his friend Nonoha find an 'unsolvable puzzle' near their school. The puzzle turns out to be a life-threatening 'philosopher's puzzle' created by the mysterious group P.O.G. (Puzzle Of God). After successfully solving the puzzle, Kaito is designated as a Solver and is joined by other Solvers as they battle P.O.G. all over the world by solving the 'philosopher's puzzles.<br><br /><br><br />Title: Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha<br><br /><br><br />Time: TBD<br><br /><br><br />Streaming: Not available yet ( here)<br><br /><br><br />Regions: USA<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Inari is a cheerful girl with a crush on the coolest guy in school, but she can't seem to confess her feelings to him. When a goddess blesses her with the ability to shapeshift--much to the chagrin to the spiritual world--can love bloom for the young girl?<br><br /><br><br />THURSDAYS<br><br /><br><br />Title: Samurai Flamenco<br><br /><br><br />Time: 1:30PM EST (10:30AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Region: U.S.A., Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Central and South America, EU territory excluding UK, France, French speaking countries and cities; Switzerland, Belgium, Algeria, Monaco, Quebec and Tunisia, Germany and German speaking countries and cities; Luxemberg, Austria, Liechtenstein and Alto Adige and the Middle East.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Masayoshi Hazama: a man who has become a superhero "by himself" with no superhuman powers or any sort of high-tech conversions, NONE!! Hidenori Goto: a cop who found out the true identity of "the superhero" by a strange twist of fate and thus constantly gets in trouble thanks to Hazama, the superhero. This is the story of the birth of a true hero featuring these two young men with a touch of comedy and serious drama, while they come face to face with hardships as they search for the true meaning of becoming a hero of justice in this world!<br><br /><br><br />Title: Nagi no Asukara<br><br /><br><br />Time: 2PM EST (11AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: North America, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Scandinavia, South Africa, Central America, South America, Caribbean, Turkey, Italy, Austria, Germany, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, France, French DOM-TOM, Andorra, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Long ago, all humans lived in the ocean. But some who longed for the land abandoned the ocean, casting off the special raiments granted to them by the sea god to adapt them to life under the sea<br><br /><br><br />Title: Kill la Kill<br><br /><br><br />Time: 2:30PM EST (11:30AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming: , , ,<br><br /><br><br />Regions: (CRUNCHYROLL) North America, South America, South Africa; EU except UK, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Algeria, Monaco, Tunisia, Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, and Liechtenstein in 2 months, (DAISUKI) Worldwide except Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, some Asian areas, France and some French-speaking areas. The subtitles will be offered in English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and German.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: After 6 years since their collaboration on the ground breaking anime series, 'Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann,' Hiroyuki Imaishi and Kazuki Nakashima are back to shock the world! Ryuko Matoi is a vagrant school girl traveling from place to place searching for clues to the truth behind her father's death--the 'woman with the scissor blade.' The journey has led Ryuko to Honnouji Academy.<br><br /><br><br />Title: Golden Time<br><br /><br><br />Time: 3:30PM EST (12:30PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming: Regions: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Netherlands, Turkey, Central and South America.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Banri Tada is a newly admitted student at a private law school in Tokyo. However, due to an accident, he lost all of his memories. During his freshman orientation, he encounters another freshman from the same school, Mitsuo Yanagisawa, and they hit it off at once. Without any memory of each other, their lives become more and more intertwined as if set by the hands of fate. But what is their fate, and will it lead to happiness or another memory to forget<br><br /><br><br />FRIDAYS<br><br /><br><br />Title: Strike the Blood<br><br /><br><br />Time: 2PM EST (11AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions:North America, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Scandinavia, South Africa, Central America, South America, Caribbean, Turkey, Italy, Austria, Germany, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: The fourth primogenitor is the most powerful vampire once thought to exist only in the world of legends. Yet when it appears in Japan, the government for some reason chooses an apprentice "sward shaman", Yukina Himeragi, to observe and obliterate it. Bewildered by the disproportionate task and its specific details, Yukina arrives at the Demon District of Itogami-jima to watch Akatsuki Kojo, and a student at a private high school on Itogami-jima.<br><br /><br><br />SATURDAYS<br><br /><br><br />Title: Log Horizon<br><br /><br><br />Time: 7:30AM EST (4:30AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: North America, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: One day, while playing the online game Elder Tales, 30,000 players suddenly find themselves trapped in another world. There, eight-year veteran gamer Shiroe also gets left behind. The trapped players are still alive, but they remain in combat with the monsters. The players don't understand what has happened to them, and they flee to Akiba, the largest city in Tokyo, where they are thrown into chaos. Once proud of his loner lifestyle, Shiroe forms a guild called Log Horizon with his old friend Naotsugu, female assassin Akatsuki and others.<br><br /><br><br />Title: Recently, My Sister is Unusual (Saikin, Imoto no Yosu ga Chotto Okaishiin Da Ga)<br><br /><br><br />Time: 11:00AM EST (8:00 PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, The Netherlands, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: In the romance comedy, a girl named Mitsuki Kanzaki lives with her step-brother Yuuya after her mother remarries. One day, Mitsuki is possessed by the self-proclaimed spirit of a young girl, Hiyori Kotobuki. Hiyori (in Mitsuki's body) must fall in love with Yuuya to move toward the "Gates of Heaven".<br><br /><br><br />Title: Kuroko's Basketball 2<br><br /><br><br />Time: 2:30PM EST (11:30AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: North America, South America, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: An up-and-coming power player, Taiga Kagami, is just back from America. When he comes to Seirin High School, he meets the super-ordinary boy, Tetsuya Kuroko. Kagami is shocked to find that Kuroko isn't good at basketball, in fact, he's bad! And he's so plain that he's impossible to see. But Kuroko's plainness lets him pass the ball around without the other team noticing him, and he's none other than the sixth member of the Miracle Generation.<br><br /><br><br />Title: Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising-<br><br /><br><br />Time: 3:30PM EST (12:30PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: U.S.A, Canada, UK, Ireland, Iceland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Hajime No Ippo is a Japanese boxing manga written and illustrated by George Morikawa and has appeared in Weekly Shonen Magazine since 1989. After being frequently bullied as a child, Ippo's encounter with the sport of boxing inspired him to think about what true strength really is. Ippo has endured the kind, yet rigorous, instruction of Coach Kamogawa and defeated one powerful opponent after another. He mastered his signature punch, the Dempsey roll, and even became the champion of all Japan. But even as champion, he still hasn't found the meaning of "true strength"<br><br /><br><br />Title: Ace of The Diamond<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Time: 8:30PM EST (5:30PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Regions: Worldwide for Premium Members except Asia; Free Members: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Central & South America, Spain, Brazil, and Portugal.<br><br /><br><br />Summary: I want to pitch to that mitt againA meeting with catcher Kazuya Miyuki changed the 15-year-old Eijun Sawamura's life. He said goodbye to all his friends and knocked upon the door of Seidou, a prestigious baseball school, intent on testing his own strength. There, he met many proud baseball players who were betting everything on the sport! A classic tale, yet new and fresh. All the emotion and excitement of the popular baseball manga is at last coming to television in the form of an anime!<br><br /><br><br />Title: Space Dandy<br><br /><br><br />Time: 11:30PM (on Toonami (dubbed), Animax Asia; Check local listings for times in region if on TV)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: USA<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Space Dandy is a dandy guy in space! This dreamy adventurer with a to-die-for pompadour travels across the galaxy in search of aliens no one has ever laid eyes on. Each new species he discovers earns him a hefty reward, but this dandy has to be quick on his feet because it's first come - first served! Accompanied by his sidekicks, a rundown robot named QT and Meow the cat-looking space alien, Dandy bravely explores unknown worlds inhabited by a variety aliens. Join the best dressed alien hunter in all of space and time as he embarks on an adventure that ends at the edge of the universe!<br><br /><br><br />SUNDAYS<br><br /><br><br />Title: Magi: The Kingdom of Magic<br><br /><br><br />Time: 8:30AM EST (5:30AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming: , ,<br><br /><br><br />Regions: North America, South America, South Africa (Daisuki availability unknown)<br><br /><br><br />Summary: The story follows the travels of a boy named Aladdin around a strange land in which mysterious ruins called Dungeons are said to house priceless treasures. Together with Alibaba, a friend he met during his travels, Aladdin strives to conquer all of the Dungeons and obtain their treasures. Through all the meetings and partings he experiences along the way, Aladdin will also learn of his own fate<br><br /><br><br />Title: Saki - The Nationals<br><br /><br><br />Time: 1:30PM EST (10:30AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />Streaming:<br><br /><br><br />Regions: Worldwide (Except Japan)<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Saki tells the story of a girl's mental and emotional growth as she and her fellow teammates battle fearsome rivals, all gunning for the national high school mahjong tournament, and is a cross between sports action and high school drama.<br><br /><br><br />Title: Noragami<br><br /><br><br />Time: TBD<br><br /><br><br />Streaming: Not available yet ( here)<br><br /><br><br />Regions: USA<br><br /><br><br />Summary: Yato may just be a minor god now, but he's determined to make it big and he's got a plan. Unfortunately, things just don't seem to be going his way. He doesn't have a single shrine dedicated to him, his partner has just quit, and now he's got to find a new divine weapon. Just when things look bleak, he meets a girl named Hiyori and changes her life forever.<br><br /><br><br />ANIME AIR TIMES<br><br /><br><br />MONDAYS<br><br /><br><br />2PM EST (11AM PST)<br><br />3PM EST (12PM PST)<br><br />6PM EST (3PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />TUESDAYS<br><br /><br><br />1PM EST (10AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />WEDNESDAYS<br><br /><br><br />3PM EST (12PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />THURSDAYS<br><br /><br><br />1:30PM EST (10:30AM PST)<br><br />Nagi no Asukara 2PM EST (11AM PST)<br><br />Kill la Kill (, , , ) 2:30PM EST (11:30AM PST)<br><br />3:30PM EST (12:30PM PST)<br><br /><br><br />FRIDAYS<br><br /><br><br />2PM EST (11AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />SATURDAYS<br><br /><br><br />7:30AM EST (4:30AM PST)<br><br />11:00AM EST (8:00 PST)<br><br />2:30PM EST (11:30AM PST)<br><br />3:30PM EST (12:30PST)<br><br />8:30PM EST (5:30PM PST)<br><br />11:30PM EST Dub on Toonami (Check local listings)<br><br /><br><br />SUNDAYS<br><br /><br><br />1:00AM EST<br><br />Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (, , ) 8:30AM EST (5:30AM PST)<br><br />1:30PM EST (10:30AM PST)<br><br /><br><br />REGION BREAKDOWN<br><br /><br><br />(NOTE: THESE WERE LISTED IN A SPECIFIC WAY, SO I FOLLOWED THAT ONLY. SO THERE MIGHT BE A CROSS LISTING OR SOMETHING ALONG THOSE LINES. BUT OH WELL.)<br><br /><br><br />WORLDWIDE<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (except Asia, Premium members only), Kill la Kill (Daisuki: except Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, some Asian areas, France and some French-speaking areas), Saki - The Nationals (Except Japan)<br><br /><br><br />ALGERIA (1)<br><br /><br><br />Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />ANDORRA (1)<br><br /><br><br />Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />AUSTRALIA (8)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Golden Time (CR), Samurai Flamenco (CR), Log Horizon (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />AUSTRIA (3)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />BELGIUM (3)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />BRAZIL (1)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR)<br><br /><br><br />CANADA (13)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Golden Time (CR), Bottom Biting Bug 2 (CR), Kill la Kill (CR, Daisuki), Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (CR, Daisuki), Samurai Flamenco (CR), Yowamushi Pedal (CR), Log Horizon (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />CARIBBEAN (5)<br><br /><br><br />Bottom Biting Bug 2 (CR), Yowamushi Pedal (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />CENTRAL AMERICA (7)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Golden Time (CR), Samurai Flamenco (CR), Yowamushi Pedal (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />CZECH REPUBLIC (2)<br><br /><br><br />Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />DENMARK (5)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />EUROPE (1)<br><br /><br><br />Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />FINLAND (3)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR)<br><br /><br><br />FRANCE (1)<br><br /><br><br />Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />GERMANY (3)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />HUNGARY (2)<br><br /><br><br />Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />ICELAND (3)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR)<br><br /><br><br />IRELAND (8)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Golden Time (CR), Log Horizon (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />ITALY (2)<br><br /><br><br />Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />LATIN AMERICA (2)<br><br /><br><br />Log Horizon (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />LIECHTENSTEIN (3)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />LUXEMBOURG (3)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />MIDDLE EAST (2)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />MONACO (1)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR)<br><br /><br><br />MOROCCO (1)<br><br /><br><br />Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />THE NETHERLANDS (7)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Golden Time (CR), Log Horizon (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />NEW ZEALAND (9)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Golden Time (CR), Samurai Flamenco (CR), Log Horizon (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />NORWAY (3)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR)<br><br /><br><br />POLAND (2)<br><br /><br><br />Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />PORTUGAL (2)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR)<br><br /><br><br />ROMANIA (2)<br><br /><br><br />Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />SCANDINAVIA (5)<br><br /><br><br />Golden Time (CR), Log Horizon (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />SOUTH AFRICA (12)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Golden Time (CR), Kill la Kill (CR, Daisuki), Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (CR, Daisuki), Samurai Flamenco (CR), Yowamushi Pedal (CR), Log Horizon (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />SOUTH AMERICA (9)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Kill la Kill (CR, Daisuki), Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (CR, Daisuki), Samurai Flamenco (CR), Yowamushi Pedal (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />SPAIN (2)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR)<br><br /><br><br />SWEDEN (3)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR)<br><br /><br><br />SWITZERLAND (3)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />TUNISIA (1)<br><br /><br><br />Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />TURKEY (4)<br><br /><br><br />Golden Time (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR)<br><br /><br><br />QUEBEC (1)<br><br /><br><br />Samurai Flamenco (CR)<br><br /><br><br />UK (11)<br><br /><br><br />Ace of The Diamond (CR), Golden Time (CR), Galilei Donna (CR), Bottom Biting Bug 2 (CR), Infinite Stratos 2 (CR), Log Horizon (CR), Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! -Rising- (CR), Kuroko's Basketball 2 (CR), Strike the Blood (CR), Nagi no Asukara (CR), Recently, My Sister is Unusual (CR)<br><br /><br><br />The post appeared first on .<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoNy1EKgDAIANATOdsKgm4jJEvWNKYQdPr2%2B%2BBdEc%2BBaKOSykchpuQ1NWtyWrOelAPLklfMBcuOcTG8osEDpm4wV2dwJjcFj8HURSvc4oE%2F60YgWQ%3D%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-66520431150964756472013-12-26T07:25:00.001-08:002013-12-26T07:25:32.728-08:0012 Days of Meditations #2: Why Can't Most People Stand Old Anime?One of the most challenging things I must handle as an anime fan is when people ask me to recommend them anime. I take recommendations seriously, because I want others to enjoy what they watch-if they get a dud and hate it, I would hold myself liable. My knowledge as an anime fan isn't just for myself; it's also for the service of other anime fans. It's challenging because anime is so vast and wide that one can't just hope to throw out a couple of shows and expect them to be well-received.<br><br /><br><br />So what I do is ask the person to narrow down their preferences. They give out a genre or two, or mention a specific show they like and would like to watch more of.<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />"Would you like to watch a classic?" I ask, giving a baseline, like "older than 2000 .<br><br /><br><br />"UmmI guess not. Something newer, maybe?" they answer.<br><br /><br><br />This is where my heart breaks a little. But I give them what they want, and hope for the best.<br><br /><br><br />What's with this exclusion? When pressed gently for reasons, my friends say, "because it's old", or "they're ugly", or shrug. I, too, have once harbored a strong case of aversion towards old anime, but when I actually sat down and watched a few of the good ones, I realized that I've been closing myself off to excellent works. Though I think that I take anime more passionately than your average anime fan, which makes me more accepting of anime regardless of their age.<br><br /><br><br />Giving a bit of thought for this, here are some reasons I could think of:<br><br /><br><br />* Most people live in the present<br><br />* "Old" is conflated with "ugly"<br><br />* Old is no longer relevant<br><br /><br><br />MOST PEOPLE LIVE IN THE PRESENT<br><br /><br><br />I once overheard a conversation about music. One person remarked that he liked listening to old pop music, like Michael Jackson's Thriller era. The other said, "that can't be pop! It's old!" While this statement is false, because pop music is pop music regardless of how old it is, the second person's attitude illustrates what most people think about old stuff.<br><br /><br><br />The average person don't actively seek out entertainment by himself. We are bombarded every day by music and TV and movies that we could just grab whatever we fancy, give them a spin, and go on with our lives, doing the same for the next hits that come in. Naturally, if everyone is watching and listening to the same things from the same places, it all starts to become homogenous. There's a whole lot of stuff at hand that we tend to forget anything that's already a month old. It's not that they aren't good and are therefore forgettable, it's just that we stop thinking about them.<br><br /><br><br />Also, the sheer volume of presently-available entertainment tends to make us fickle. At the first sign of an unpleasant voice, a boring stretch of time, or an uninteresting episode, we discard the work and go ahead to the next. We channel-surf. Because there's so much at our fingertips, we grow afraid of wasting time. We rush into the next thing right away.<br><br /><br><br />How many anime blogs do season previews? They answer a special need-to note up-and-coming shows, so that people would know what to follow. And yet this just shows that people live in the present-they are concerned with the soon, that will become the now in a few weeks.<br><br /><br><br />I don't blame them. After all, most people don't want to take charge of the entertainment they consume. It's simply something to distract them from the harshness of their daily lives. They're content with others curating for them.<br><br /><br><br />OLD IS CONFLATED WITH UGLY<br><br /><br><br />Have you watched a show before 2000, before digital animation? Back then, anime was made with cels, which were painted and layered to make a single frame, many of which form animation. It used to be a problem that studios ran out of paint to color these cels, like in Gunbuster and (directed by a pre-SHAFT Shinbo!). It was far more expensive and time-consuming to animate with cels than with computers. Nowadays, digital animation allows a wider variety of colors, and CG allows backgrounds or mechanical objects to stay on-model with less work. Anime can be made faster, easier, and cheaper.<br><br /><br><br />I make it sound like cel animation is a bad thing. That's not true at all. Despite its limitations, some of the most gorgeous-looking anime were produced with cels. It has its own charm-some people prefer the less-saturated look (digital is often criticized to be too bright and colorful for its own good). The problem with cel, however, is that if it looks ugly, then it looks really ugly.<br><br /><br><br />On the average, if you sample an old anime, it's probably going to look unflattering. A lot of the classics haven't aged well in terms of looks, but we still love them because they're still good. It's just something you have to keep in mind if you want to watch older shows. All things being equal, it's harder to watch an older anime than a newer one, because it was made in a different eera.<br><br /><br><br />But when you stumble upon an anime that looks beautiful despite its old age? It's worth it.<br><br /><br><br />OLD IS NO LONGER RELEVANT<br><br /><br><br />Anime is continually evolving throughout its storied history. It is a lot more diverse now than before-anime used to be the domain of giant robots and espers and . And since anime today is a result of years' worth of iteratively trying out things, watching something old might seem a regression.<br><br /><br><br />It would make sense that someone who got into anime today had been hooked by watching recent shows. Their taste is calibrated towards such shows, and so older anime may look strange or uninviting. Entertainment is a product of its own time, and older anime was made with different mores or values than today. And when the anime belongs to the science fiction genre, it may look extremely dated with its limited knowledge of science-The amused me to no end because of all the liberties it took with space travel!<br><br /><br><br />But is it really a step back? I am interested in how stories have evolved, so I want to see how the classics first approached things. Appreciating the original Mobile Suit Gundam made me more receptive to the entire franchise; I could draw a clear line of innovation and consolidation from past to present. (Some may look upon this more negatively, that Gundam has regressed since the good old days.) Even if such works are flawed, it pays well to understand what they had tried and why they didn't work, and how succeeding works had refined these elements.<br><br /><br><br />Isn't it refreshing to see how something was done first? Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann was influenced by Getter Robo. Gurren Lagann is larger in scope; it deals with a rapidly increasing scale that by the end, the fate of the entire universe is at stake, and the titular mech reflects this with its impossible size. To watch Getter Robo, the at least, you could get a feel on how the super robot genre has grown.<br><br /><br><br />Conversely, a lot of old anime fans lament the passing of their favorite genres. They dislike shows today and lament the disappearance of those that which they used to like. They are still anime fans, though they aren't fans of anime today. It works both ways!I'm sure I've only scratched the surface; there's probably an entire area of study for this, which I'm interested to know. If you have your own answers, why not post them here! How do you convince people to watch an older show that they wouldn't see on their own? It's agonizing for me, because most of my favorites are pretty old!<br><br />Filed under: , Tagged: , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoNxEEKhTAMBcATPaMV%2FuLfJpiIRdsUkyJ6ep3FbBHtTxTen753153zcNkp7VT3YbFCaZxmmhKl3zeEb4etKCo5OLJVR8K13Vi4Bop5oKm1Q%2BHBVWCHgGsuSi%2F8dCXl' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-24655884376116456092013-11-27T08:11:00.001-08:002013-11-27T08:11:02.670-08:00Tengen Toppa Gurren LagannTengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is one of those anime that you've probably heard of if you hang around anime fans at all or are one yourself. When the anime started running in 2007 the name was everywhere. Mainly due to a large and vocal fanbase. To this day it still has a significant presence in anime fandom. Some call it Gainax's crowning achievement, others say it's an over-rated pile of rubbish. Of course, Gainax's other best known works are Evangelion and Panty & Stocking, so being their crowning achievement wouldn't be much of an accomplishment. In any case, let's take a look at TTGL and see which side is closer to being right.<br><br /><br><br />The story is really simple. Humans have been driven underground. In the underground Jiha village, two young men, Kamina and Simon, decide to breakthrough to the surface. But before they can manage the ceiling collapses, letting sunlight in and bringing with it a giant mecha and a young redhead named Yoko. The three defeat the mecha using a machine Simon found while digging and make their way to the surface. Simon and Kamina learn that humans on the surface have been struggling against beastmen and their giant robots known as Ganmen. They decide to take the fight to the beastmen and create a surface where humans can live in peace. From there you get a pretty standard action story. About the only element that stands out is the underlying theme of overcoming the past, while simultaneously carrying it within you. That's the most interesting part of the story. Unfortunately, the ending is pretty weak. A lot of what happens is also heavily exaggerated, often to the point of ludicrous. Which would be fine, except that they try to pull off several serious scenes. Naturally, they don't mesh well with the overall aesthetic and end up invariably falling short. This is also one of those series that doesn't understand evolution, but uses it as a plot point anyway.<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />The characters aren't particularly deep either. Most of them fall into a rather archetypal role and stay firmly rooted within that role. All of the major characters have their own rather trite arcs. All of which are rather predictable and you've probably seen before, and executed better, multiple times. The supporting characters lack even that basic level of development. They tend to have little to no personalities and they just kind ofexist. Most of them end up getting a few scenes, mostly for exaggerated comic relief, but ultimately say and do very little.<br><br /><br><br />The art in this is not very good. The character designs are largely borked and kind of silly looking. The action sequences gravitate more towards laughable and over the top in their execution than intense. The final antagonist just looks really stupid. Several of the effects they use towards the end just look bad and the series has ridiculous levels of fan-service. On the positive side, the mecha designs are nicely done overall and the design changes when they do time skips are pretty effective.<br><br /><br><br />The voice acting is exaggerated and over the top. Which can get grating at times. There's a lot of shouting as well and the music can get obtrusive at times. The best performance probably comes from Inoue Marina since she's less over the top than most of the other characters and she manages to convey some really good emotional elements, which is really the only element of the serious scenes that works.<br><br /><br><br />The ho-yay factor is a 3/10. There is one canonically gay character in this but all he really does is flirt a bit. Unfortunately, he's kind of a stereotype. Although I get the impression that the presentation of his character is less out of malice and more the general trend of not being very well written that's common among all the characters.<br><br /><br><br />That's Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, a series that's equal parts machismo, mindless action and over the top absurdity. Is it a masterpiece? Well, no. The art and sound are both rather sub-par. The characters and story are both kind of meh. Is it better than a lot of Gainax's other series? Well, it is entertaining rather than infuriating in its absurdity and it does have some interesting elements. So I'd have to say yes. The bottom line is that if you want something that can give you some cheesy entertainment, this isn't a bad choice. It's not as effective at it as Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, but it comes pretty close. Final rating, 6/10. It's a decent anime but don't expect it to nearly live up to the hype. Well, that's the last review of November. Going into December the request queue is: Psycho Pass, Dennou Coil, Watashi ga Motenai no wa dKangaetemo Omaera ga Waru, Kitakubu Katsudou Kiroku & Battle Athletes Daiundoukai. Next week I'll begin with a look at Psycho Pass. If you have a request of your own, just leave me a comment.<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoNx0EOgCAMBMAXyQoeTPwN0QaNWJq2yPd1bnO6ywbc3ms3pfeiYWE0PUTJLOztQZrjghiRVjhxIZ68ieSpdNU%2FNZfMjA%2FcLBo2' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-13718944531095797962013-11-26T02:22:00.001-08:002013-11-26T02:22:51.211-08:00So You Want to Watch Anime? Part 1People often ask me what they should watch if they want to get into anime or have watched only a couple of shows. Obviously, it pays to ask people what genres they like, as anime is just another sub-medium of television and TV, movie and book preferences are all valid. Some of the shows listed here are often noted to be aimed at people who are very knowledgeable about anime, but they are on the list because they stand on their own, and none of us are rookie media consumers.<br><br /><br><br />This list is designed in part to present you with a variety of genres, so you could watch these shows in order to have a better place to start from when looking for additional material - based on what you like and don't like. Future posts will cover movies, and some more shows based on genres and themes. All posts will be organized .<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />Note, unless noted otherwise, episode length is roughly 23-24 minutes, with 3-4 minutes per episode spent on opening song (OP), ending song (ED) and next episode's preview.<br><br /><br><br />1) NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (1995):<br><br /><br><br />One of the most influential shows of the last two decades on anime, referenced in many other shows, from small cameos to scene composition, to whole motifs being taken wholecloth, aside from the fact Shinji, Asuna and Rei are the archetypes on which countless other main characters had been modeled. That of course isn't sufficient, but it's a well told story about a group of teenagers who must risk their lives, relationships and psyche in order to defend humanity.<br><br /><br><br />The show begins slowly, but as you go, the emotional hits and the mysteries keep ramping up, until you find yourself with nary a time to take a breather in between. This show had been considered a reconstruction of the mecha genre when it aired, but the story stands well on its own, and with how influential it is I think holding off on watching this show can only be detrimental.<br><br /><br><br />The "twist to mystery" which also often includes references to the supernatural and real-world mythologies at times had truly been ever-present in longer shows after NGE. Its effect on the anime world can't be understated.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Action, mecha, psychological, teenagers, mystery. Give it at least until episode 8, where it truly shows you what it has to offer. Watch the main series and then watch End of Evangelion, an alternate ending to the last two episodes. Skip Death and Rebirth as it is entirely superfluous. "Rebuild of Evangelion"(Evangelion 1.11, 2.22, etc.) are an alternate retelling via movies, and aren't as highly recommended. I don't suggest this show under the age of 15 - blood, violence, psychological wounds, etc. Often referred to as "NGE" or "Evangelion".<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: 26 episodes. End of Evangelion is 90 minutes long.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: . End of Evangelion had unfortunately been out of print for about a decade now.<br><br /><br><br />2) TENGEN TOPPA GURREN LAGANN (2007):<br><br /><br><br />When this show came out it swept the anime watching crowds, with how over the top everything was, with how each time something occurred the protagonists would "power up" in order to overcome their enemies. The "Rule of cool" and the triumph of will are big draws to this show, which is quite unapologetic about how the campy and "Bro" nature it has, and elevates these elements to an art-form by cranking them up to 11. A fun romp at a neck-breaking pace, not for this show are multi-episode fights against the same enemies, but a show where the power levels and ridiculousness ramp up in an exponential manner, and it is fun - more than a little ridiculous, but not taking itself too seriously is a large part of the show's charm and greater-than-life aspect of the characters.<br><br /><br><br />This show is often referenced in other shows, and while it's filled to the brim with references to older mecha shows, you don't really need to watch them in order to follow this show. Note, first few episodes are a tad slower, but when it picks up it really picks up. Has some of the coolest characters and lines to ever appear in anime - if you ever read a "favourite lines" discussion about anime, lines from this show will be very prominent, and these lines and messages can fill you with energy, as you watch the show, and as you think back on them.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Action, endless action, mecha. There are a couple of weak episodes early, but then it doesn't let up. Often referred to as "Gurren Lagann".<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: 27 episodes.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: .<br><br /><br><br />3) MAHOU SHOUJO MADOKA MAGICA (2011):<br><br /><br><br />For a show from 2011, calling this influential or a classic seems like a rash decision, but this show is "important" in order to truly engage in discussions about anime in the west currently, and its importance can't be understated. This show is a "magical girl" show - where girls are given powers and don a shiny uniform as they battle the baddies - think Sailor Moon as the classic magical girl show. This show though is much darker and more mature by far than appearances would otherwise suggest. I can't tell you too much in fear of spoiling this great great show. Good story, great characters, tough decisions. This is a show about hope and despair.<br><br /><br><br />This show is a deconstruction of the magical girl genre, and many people say you need to watch other magical girl shows first - I say the story of this show stands tall on its own, and in the same manner as the two shows above it, you can watch it and appreciate it for what it is now, and come back to it later after watching more shows and appreciate it in a whole new light. This show can get more than a bit emotional towards its ending.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Magical Girl, psychological, deconstruction. Often referred to as "Madoka".<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: 12 Episodes. There are 3 movies, the first two are a retelling of the show, while the third continues the show. The third hadn't been released in the west yet and thus I can't comment on it.<br><br />BUY: No good deal for this show exists in the west currently.<br><br /><br><br />4) PLANETES (2003):<br><br /><br><br />This show is a drama, and is a very good introduction to anime by people who want "proper dramas" of the sort that western television is filled with but anime doesn't have as many of. A story following the tale of a new space janitor and the crew she works with. Wait, space janitor? Sure sounds like a silly comedy - except it deals with the very real issue of space debris - items left in space after voyages into space or from old satellites, which can cause accidents.<br><br /><br><br />We get to meet an assorted cast of characters, see how they interact with one another, see how they deal with weird situations and requests that come across their path, and get to see their "mundane" situations which seem very strange to our eyes through the eyes of the new recruit, who is the main protagonist. Also, a love story slowly unfolds.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Drama, romance, slice of life, space, science-fiction.<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: 26 episodes.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: - Non-Amazon sellers only.<br><br /><br><br />5) GENSHIKEN (2004):<br><br /><br><br />This show is a "proper comedy", with the comic moments arising from the characters' personalities, the characters' interactions, and the situations they find themselves in, without relying much on gag humor. The show covers a college club focused on geeky pursuits in Japan, including anime, building models, cosplaying (dressing up and acting as characters from anime, manga, etc.), manga-drawing, etc. The show is often funny, with the characters feeling like real and relatable people, for the most part, even though they are also quite ridiculous in their own way.<br><br /><br><br />The characters are young adults, who are also facing the future-fright one often faces before joining the "adult world" and the work-force, and the show handles all these things with aplomb. The first two seasons and the OVA (extra episodes) that connect them all tell one story. Just recently a new season, called Genshiken Nidaime (or the 2nd generation) had been released, which covers the new members of the club and a couple of the remaining seniors from the old club. The show is still very well done, and also includes one of the best treatments of cross-dressing in anime to date. The voice actors for Genshiken Nidaime did change, however.<br><br /><br><br />If you want to watch a comedy/drama that is closer to a SitCom, then this is the show for you. Many jokes make references to insider anime knowledge, but just like Seinfeld or other SitComs from the mid-90s, while you might miss these references, the strong is more than strong enough to enjoy without catching all of these notes.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Comedy, geeks (otaku), slice of life, college, real life, drama(?). Very geeky, to be honest, and walks a fine line between joking with and about the characters. You can watch Genshiken season 1 on its own, Genshiken Season 1, the OVA and season 2, and/or just watch Genshiken Nidaime. I strongly suggest watching all of it.<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: Two seasons of 12 episodes each, connected by a 3 episode OVA in between. Genshiken Nidaime is 13 episodes.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: , . Genshiken Nidaime only recently aired in Japan and hadn't been brought to the west yet.<br><br /><br><br />6) CODE GEASS: LELOUCH OF THE REBELLION (2006):<br><br /><br><br />The show begins with a boy-genius who decides to take over the world, basically. Early episodes have quite a few army-sized fights, but later we see an organization and media being constructed in order to wage war, and a psychological battle between our protagonist and his adversaries as they try to best one another. The "mecha" in this show are colour, and could've honestly been other weaponry, not making much difference to the show. The action never really stops, though after a while it's less oriented on fights and is more political, psychological, and "intrigue" based.<br><br /><br><br />Many people say the second season is considerably weaker, but I find it more emotional and an even better exploration of the main question of the show - how much are you willing to give up, to sacrifice, in order to achieve your goals? Fukuyama Jun, the main character's voice actor, delivers us a master-class performance in his portrayal of Lelouch, acting over the top in a manner fitting the role Lelouch himself portrays within the show's universe.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Action, mecha, intrigue, psychological, thriller, villain-as-hero. Note, there are more than a few moments of "fan-service" during the show, where girls are shown in suggestive poses, this is quite normal for anime. Also, there are a couple silly "high school" episodes, which pause the action at times. The art style is the distinct style of the manga-group CLAMP. Usually referred to simply as "Code Geass".<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: Two seasons, 25 episodes each.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: ,.<br><br /><br><br />7) STEINS;GATE (2011):<br><br /><br><br />A time-travel show, a mystery show. I also think of it as an "action" show but not for sequences of chases and fights, but for being a thriller. The show begins as a simple science-fiction story, about a group which realizes they have a time-travel machine, and the alterations they make to the time-stream, along with the way their relationships develop, but slowly they uncover and time-spanning conspiracy that threatens not just the world and its future, but targets them specifically.<br><br /><br><br />The second half deals with a race against time, within the time-streams, and the emotional toll of endlessly repeating a horrible event on a man's psyche. What had been done must be undone - the second half is quite a deal heavier in mood than the light-hearted feel of the first half. Also, there's a romantic sub-plot here which showcases one of the more enjoyable to watch couples on screen.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Thriller, suspense, science fiction, mystery, time-travel. I suggest this show for those who love a good suspense-thriller sci-fi story, of the sort you most usually get in films, these days.<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: 24 episodes.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: , .<br><br /><br><br />8) FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD (2009):<br><br /><br><br />This is a coming of-age story of two brothers, who after their mother had died had tried to return her from the dead, but the laws of alchemy (the setting's magic) require equal-trades (and in general has internally consistent rules), so one of them had to trade an arm and a leg, and the other traded his body and now animates a walking suit of armour. The brothers are state alchemists, and we follow their journey for the Philosopher's Stone, which will hopefully allow them to transmute their bodies back without having to trade more body-parts for the ones they are missing.<br><br /><br><br />The show has action, and the siblings uncover a mystery as they travel the length of the land. The cast of the show is large, and aside from actions the humor is solid at times as well. You might note how many episodes there are, but this show is enjoyable throughout, and is actuallya good example of a longer action show without running on for hundreds of shows as the more familiar "big shounen" shows do (Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, etc.). There's a reason this is one of the most popular "gateway" shows in recent years.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Action, fantasy, coming of age. Not to be confused with simply "Fullmetal Alchemist" - the show is based on a manga, where the original show aired before the manga's publication was done, and as such had to create their own story and ending from a certain point.<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: 64 episodes.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: , .<br><br /><br><br />9) BAKA TO TEST (2010):<br><br /><br><br />Comedy and humor are pretty personal things, but I think this show is a good nod to humor in this series of posts (aside from the SitCom-ish Genshiken and the moments of levity spread throughout many of the other shows) - this show covers a school-setting where the students' grades power up small fighting avatars, and the different classes fight, vying for better facilities. The show follows the lowest-ranked class, and their efforts to better their situation, and how they spend their time instead of studying - they aren't ranked last for nothing.<br><br /><br><br />This show has a lot of "anime conventions" and "cliched archetypes" - a pervert, a violent tomboy, a mild mannered bodacious girl, nosebleeds to signify someone is lecherous or aroused, and so on and so forth. I know this might sound a tad off-putting, but this show has undeniable charm that enables all these things to coalesce to an enjoyable whole - and that one can easily laugh throughout the entirety of the show certainly doesn't hurt. Comedy is deeply personal, but humor is always appreciated.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Comedy, gag-humor, fan-service, anime-humor, high-school. The title translates to "Baka and Test", where "Baka" means "Stupid" or "dumb", with some nuances - often used by a girl to say someone's dense for not realizing she likes him, in anime.<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: Two seasons, 13 episodes each.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: , .<br><br /><br><br />10) SHIGOFUMI (2008):<br><br /><br><br />Shigofumi, or Letters from the Departed follows the story of Fumika, who delivers "shigofumi", the last letter someone can send after dying. Most of the series doesn't revolve around Fumika, but is vignettes exploring the lives of characters - those who die and those who will receive the letters, the death and its effects on people, and then how they react to the letter they receive. The last few episodes deal more with Fumika's past, and the secrets surrounding her.<br><br /><br><br />This show is a master-class in showing you how you can be made to care for characters in less than 20 minutes from when you first get to meet them. While there's certainly an element of emotional manipulation going on here, it's just so well done, and the stories are all so poignant while being extremely bleak, that you can't help but fall in love with this show. It's one of my favourite shows of all times, but is relatively unknown.<br><br /><br><br />GENRES AND NOTES: Emotional, vignettes, drama, afterlife. Note, the show contains stories of bullying, abuse, sexual abuse, murder, suicide and more. It's definitely not a light show, so some discretion is advised.<br><br />EPISODE COUNT: 12 episodes. Make sure to watch the first two episodes together, they comprise one story.<br><br />BUY ON AMAZON: .<br><br /><br><br />NOTE ON OBTAINING THE SHOWS: I linked to Amazon as someone requested it. Do pay attention to regions, especially of Blu-Rays (BDs). When it comes to BDs, even Amazon.co.uk usually sells Region 1 (USA and Japan) discs and not Europe's region 2.<br><br />Here are the main anime-centric torrent sites, though I will not link to specific torrents or groups.<br><br />- the main western anime-related torrent.<br><br />- Has many of the same things as Nyaatorrent, but more manga and non-translated things appear. Also has issues remaining online.<br><br />- A collection of higher quality videos and often harder to find shows, but you're expected to keep a proper ratio.<br><br /><br><br />NOTE ON SHOWS MENTIONED AND THEIR ORDER IN THIS POST: The first three are the "influential" shows, listed in chronological order, I do think you should make sure to watch all three before delving deeper. 4-5 are shows which are more similar to western shows, as drama or comedy, to ease the transition. 6-8 are all "fun" action shows, thriller or fight oriented. 9-10 are good shows which round up what I'd often recommend, with 10 being a personal favourite, a true gem, showing you again what anime can do, emotionally.<br><br />Filed under: , Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoVydEKgCAMQNEvmtN6CPqbYSOjdLItpL%2Bvni6cW9z7irgzn6KNNQzRrSubhSwVp5hmTAnjgibwyA2DmoPLV88FqB2VoZM6JCDoF2X%2Br%2FlPVmQYvsSjIsU%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-27982674033692554532013-11-26T01:42:00.001-08:002013-11-26T01:42:17.179-08:00Robotics;NotesRobotics;Notes is an anime from Production I.G, you may know them from their work with Ghost in the Shell and the Blood franchise. It's based on a visual novel game by 5pb, the same group that was responsible for Steins;Gate and a list of other games you've probably never heard of. Since their stuff doesn't usually leave Japan. That all sounds pretty promising to me. Let's take a look at the anime and see how long that lasts.<br><br /><br><br />The story follows a young man named Kai and his friend Akiho, who comprise the robotics club of Tanegashima High School. But all isn't going well. They have no funding with which to finish their giant robot and the principal wants to shut them down. To further complicate matters, Kai stumbles upon a mysterious program called the Kimijima report. To its credit, Robotics;Notes does have some interesting ideas, its technology is futuristic but most of it does come across as plausible, and its main plot thread does have some good moments. However, the ending is weak and it's very slowly paced. It isn't until the 16th episode that the major plot threads start paying off. Up until that point it's all build up and the concepts they're working with really aren't interesting enough to merit that much build up. Consequently, a lot of the early episodes just drag. The major romance sub-plot also falls rather flat. They give you some idea that the characters might possibly care for each other beyond friendship throughout the anime, but they never give you a reason to care. Which resulted in me not being able to find a damn to give when they had their obligatory pairing up scene towards the end. In fact, the anime would have been stronger without that sub-plot. What there is of it is just cliched and they could've done everything exactly the same with the characters in question just being good friends.<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />The characters are definitely an issue in this. They're all very typical with little development and no surprises. You've got the kind of lazy shounen protagonist. The perky heroine who wants to catch up to the person she admires. The "tragic" figure who wants to chase his dream but can't as a result of familial disapproval. The weak but kind-hearted girl trying to overcome past trauma and, worst of all, at least in this series, the nerd with no social graces who spends too much time online and uses chat lingo in daily circumstances. You've probably seen all of these characters used multiple times with varying degrees of development. This is one of those series that uses them at their most basic. It tries to give them some development by giving each of them a basic character arc. The issue is that those arcs are predictable, to the point that you can probably guess some of the outcomes just based on this paragraph, and most of them are resolved with very little difficulty only to have the characters remain basically the same afterwards.<br><br /><br><br />The art in this is okay. Some of the technology looks impressive, but the character designs are just kind of standard. The same can be said for most of the backgrounds and miscellanea. The robot fight scenes, what little there is of them, are okay, but they end before you can really get any kind of investment and yet they still manage to have too many pauses. Apparently the 5pb writers think that going slowly is tantamount to good pacing.<br><br /><br><br />The voice acting is pretty good. Particularly Tokui Sora, Hosoya Yoshimasa and Nazuka Kaori. Sure, Nazuka's character annoyed me, but her performance was still good. The music is just really unmemorable.<br><br /><br><br />The ho-yay factor is a 3/10. They hint at it at some points, usually involving Kona, but they never do anything with it aside from bringing it up.<br><br /><br><br />And that's Robotics;Notes. It's not nearly on the level of Steins;Gate. There were some good ideas behind it, but the execution is overly slow and quickly gets dull and the characters are just bland. Final rating 5.6/10. It's slightly better than average. If you love robots, you may garner some enjoyment from it. Otherwise you'll probably just find it boring. Next week, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNoNxUsOgCAMBcAb8SzuPI7YROKnpK%2FA9XU2c0a0Dbii352uo%2BpkmuZHcyVTsQd5kRUi%2F3DbLWrha6HEB6W8FY0%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8766512098875304172.post-65506063877896095552013-11-26T00:53:00.001-08:002013-11-26T00:53:03.660-08:00Sword Art OnlineGreetings guys, gals, and pals,<br><br /><br><br />Remember that time I told you I wouldn't be doing reviews for a while? Well, I lied. Sorry. vv<br><a name='more'></a><br><br /><br><br />But I do feel like I should toss my hat in the ring for the anime SWORD ART ONLINE. It was a very popular and hyped up show of last year (think ATTACK ON TITAN, but a year ago). Unlike Titan though, many people were displeased with the show after we get around half way through. Or at least some of the most vocal voices (mostly thinking of reviewers) were displeased with it.<br><br /><br><br />To bring people up to speed, the story of Sword Art follows Kazuto Kirigaya, except you will never remember that name because 99% of the time he's called by his in-game name Kirito. Kirito and many other players log into the game Sword Art Online (SAO) using what is called a Nerve Gear which fits over the head and uses brain signals to move around an avatar in game. However, once people start to try and log out, they find there is no way to leaveThey are then informed by the game's creator that they are trapped inside SAO and the only way to get out will be to get to the 100th level. If someone in the real world attempts to remove the device, the player's body will die. Additionally, if a person's avatar in the game is killed, their physical body will die.<br><br /><br><br />This is the premise that hooked people really hard. The jeopardy the characters are in is indeed real, even though they are all technically playing a video game. In addition, Kirito is some form of a gamer's wet dream since he is a solo player who spends so much time leveling up that he is practically untouchable for the majority of the game. Some critics claim this makes him a little flat, though I personally did like him and how he interacts with other characters.<br><br /><br><br />What interested me most at first was to compare it to the classic show .HACK//SIGN, which, I have to say, I remembered much more favorably before rewatching it after SAOI don't think there is any part of sign that is better then SAO, so if you need to make a choice between the two, just do SAO. Don't get me wrong, sign is still a classic, and it is probably one of the major reason SAO was even made, but it hasn't aged well.<br><br /><br><br />I won't get into what ticked people off half way through the series as that is major spoilers, but I just want to comment that I personally didn't find it as earth shattering as other people did. Do I think they would have been better off not doing it? Maybe, but it shook up the show and changed the direction, which I think more anime could stand to do. Often the most interesting anime do have a twist like that part way through the series that changes everything. Titan, TENGEN TOPPA GURREN LAGANN, and PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA all do something to that effect, just to name a few, and those are all considered really good anime because of it.<br><br /><br><br />Genre wise, SAO is kinda all over the map, which is part of what it gets flack for, because some people think it's trying to do too many different things in a short amount of time. I think at it's core you should really think of SAO as an Action/Adventure kinda anime, just realize there might be long periods between the action scenes.<br><br /><br><br />Flow on this show is kinda weird, cause there are big time skips during the first half, then the second half is over a much shorter period of time. So the first half is pretty episodic, though they do an alright job of linking the episodes together, just no real "Ermergerd! What will happen next!" feels.<br><br /><br><br />All in all, I really did enjoy the show, which I really think is what matters. A lot of reviewers mark it down for a number of things, but really the driving factor for me recommending a show is if I enjoyed it or if I thought it was important. So if you don't mind turning your brain off a bit when watching a show, I highly recommend watching this and making your own judgement on it.<br><br /><br><br />This has been Tryggy-Sama,<br><br /><br><br />Until next time.<br /><a href='http://blogfog.aws.af.cm/ad/site.php?u=eNrLKCkpsNLXLymqTE%2BvLE7MTdQrzy9KKShKLS7WS87P1TcyMDTWNzTUB5LFIBndxKIS3fy8nMy8VN2i1LLM1HJ9ADEYF7A%3D' target='details'>Full Post</a><br />Animonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205122367223626862noreply@blogger.com0