Inugami-San to Nekoyama-San

And so the year ends with me talking about a Yuri Anime which has captured my heart. The manga was cute, but the anime was even cuter. I was disappointed to find that each episodes were only five minutes long, but in hindsight; I think it was better this way. The short doses of romance and over the top cuteness still managed to fuel my Yuri meter.

The chemistry between some characters are so ridiculous, that it's amazing. The chemistry between the main characters and some other supporting characters was so dang good. Especially that karaoke scene between Nekoyama and Nezu was very intense. Who knew a mouse could be so intimidating? Pretty much zero character development throughout the series, which is to be expected due to the immensely short timespan. Also, I'm glad they didn't try to make it seem more than what it was and just stuck dolling out sensual/cute moments between the characters.

Now the only thing missing is the part where they KISS!

Enjoyment: 5/5

Yuri: 9/10

Sabagebu!

We all have that one anime series that, regardless of what others say, make us laugh our heads off. Sabagebu is one of those animes that just makes me laugh, even if the joke is over used, stupid or just downright ridiculous.

While there is no denying that Sabagebu! is not the first type of its genre, I feel that it has done a good job in making itself fun to watch and leaving you asking for more. Each episode contains several small stories, something which some may dislike. I don't have a problem with it personally, but overall I would still prefer the use of one story per episode or a story arc stretching over two or three episodes. Thankfully, Sabagebu! pulls off the 'short stories in one episode' thing pretty well.

The characters are downright hilarious. Even if you hate the narrator, or the weird looking platypus, you can never go wrong with the characters from the survival club. At first, I was annoyed that the characters were stereotypical cardboard cut outs such as the rich ojou sama, the otaku, and the big breasted one. But after making it past the third or fourth episode, I was hit with the realization that this is what makes the show funny.

I enjoyed the show because I realized that the show was somehow making fun of these characters. You know what will happen because you already know what the personalities are like, and what actions they would undoubtedly take, but when it happens, you will find yourself laughing along with them. I feel that Momoka is what makes the interactions between the characters enjoyable and ridiculous. Her sarcastic and selfish personality made me want to continue watching, if only for the parts where Momoka's actions leads to the group going on some ridiculous mission or taking part in her idea.

Story: There are some genuinely entertaining stories that will make you chuckle or laugh until your throat hurts. However, there is no overarching plot or visible ending. It is what it is, a fun and quirky anime that you can shut off your brain and enjoy.  7/10

Characters: Not much development for any of the characters, and some are just there for the sake of being there. On the bright side, most of them make the show much funnier, the dynamic between Urara and Momoka being one of the best for me. 7/10

OSTs: Does its job but seems boring and bland at times. Opening is pretty generic but the ending is addictive and quirky. 6.5/10 

Enjoyment: A very fun and good time filler with great jokes and enjoyable characters. I defintely get the blu-ray or rewatch it if I want something to tickle my funny bone.  8.5/10

Psycho-Pass

When i first heard of this show in 2012, I stayed far, far, far away from it. This was because I heard that the first episode consisted of a rather brutal rape scene. It was enough to turn me away, but seeing as the sequel came out this year, I thought that I'll brave this show to see exactly why Psycho-Pass was as revered as it was. I wasn't disappointed.

This show is not for the weak hearted. The anime can be very violent at times, the brutality of the killings was enough to make my stomach clench. Also, viewers should be prepared to have their hearts ripped out, stepped on and thrown into the blender because Gen Urobuchi was in charge of writing the script. The uro-BUTCHER has struck again. 

One thing i loved in Psycho Pass was the development of one of the main character's Akane Tsunemori. It wouldn't be a far cry to say that most animes have a rather weak female lead who is always is in need of saving. There have been an increase in anime series with strong female characters, however, it is still not the norm. Yes, there are some episodes where Akane gets saved by the other main character, Kogami, but usually it isn't done so overtly and Akane doesn't blindly walk into traps or suddenly lose her common sense.

It seems to me that the characters in the show are only a small part of what makes it interesting. Their world, the seemingly 'Utopian' society is also what keeps me on the edge. I got to see how their brand of law up keeps peace and at other times, fails to do so and results in dangerous homicidal murderers. The show starts off slow, introducing the characters and the world they live in and what part they play. After the fourth or fifth episode, the pace begins to pick up, and from there, you better grab on to your chairs because it is one damn fine roller coaster ride.

Plot: Slow pace at the start, many great twists in between and a ending that leaves you somewhat satisfied but still has some unanswered questions. Overall, I enjoyed it very much. 8/10

Characters: Main characters are throughly developed, and the dynamic between Kogami and Akane, Kogami and Makishima is fantastic. The supporting cast could have gotten more development however, I would have loved to see Kagari's backstory for one. 8/10

OSTs: Suspenseful and exciting at the appropriate moments. Bloody enjoyable openings ad endings. 8.5/10

Recommendation: For those looking for a intelligent thriller/action anime. Extremely violent and should be avoided if one cannot stomach things such as decapitation, rape and mind fucks among other things. Not for everyone. 2/5

Natsume Yuujinchou San

And so, I finally managed to finish the third installment of the Natsume Yuujinchou series.

 

I think the third season is the most enjoyable out of the three so far. While the first two were enjoyable, i think that Natsume Yuujinchou San has something that the previous two did not. One of things, was that in this season, we begin to understand why Natsume has these contradicting feelings towards Youkai. Several of the episodes show his childhood in more depth, and how being able to see something others could not had affected him during his childhood. As a bonus, we also get to see how Natsume came to live with his current caretakers. 

Another thing which sets season three out from the rest is that Natsume finally comes to a conclusion with his feelings towards both the Youkai, and the humans. That episode was a stunning conclusion to a fantastic season. As the two previous Natsume Yuujinchou animes, season three still deals with themes such as loneliness and forgiveness splendidly. It does not shove the lesson down your throat but instead, allows you to follow Natsume through his journey like an invisible mentor observing your charge. 

The music is very calming, but i think that i preferred the previous two ending songs to this one. I feel it sorts of fall short when compared to the ending songs of the two previous seasons. Never the less, it is still enjoyable. The character development in Natsume Yuujinchou San is also fantastic. Plenty of supporting characters get their screen time, and it didn't feel as if it was too forced. 

Plot: Story varies episode to episode but has very good pacing. 8/10

Characters: Major and minor character developments in this season. 8.5/10

Music: Ending was not quite as good as the previous two but manages to hold its own. 8/10

Recommended: To people who have watched the first two seasons and prefer episodic plots to one overarching story line. 

My neighbour Totoro

And here comes one of the most famous anime movies made by Studio Ghilbi. My neighbour totoro!

I seriously cannot understand how Hayao Miyazaki can make something so utterly enjoyable for people of all ages. The feelings that i experienced from watching this movies was absurd. I enjoyed the innocence and childish antics of Mei and Satsuki. The movie also made me laugh in some parts, because looking at the children of today, they seem so vastly different compared to the ones in this movie.Honestly, i could watch this movie over and over without getting tired of it. It is cute, funny and heartwarming.

What i liked about My neighbour Totoro was the easy transition between a light hearted moment to a more somber one. Satsuki displays a maturity beyond her years, something that was not lost on me when the scene played out. It takes a very realistic approach to much darker themes like death, and i am surprised how well it is done despite it being a 'kid's' film.

One thing everyone who watch my neighbour Totoro will remember is how sweet it was. It shows a time in our lives where we were curious about everything and sought to discover things we did not know. It runs for only one hour, but the movie i would say, was successful in forever imprinting it in my memory. Those who watch this can see why Hayao Miyazaki is so popular and famous. My neighbour Totoro has something which many movies lack. And that is, heart.

RWBY - Season 1

Okay, so this is a series i've been waiting to start on since it came out. Of course, being the horrible procrastinator i am, i decided to pursue this series when my major examinations are less than a week away. To tell you the truth, i did shy away from this series at first, simply because i heard the words 'American' and 'Anime' in one sentence. I will admit i'm one of those people who consider 'anime' anime only when it's made by Japanese people.

From Wikipedia.org

I would say that RWBY still needs a shit ton of work. It has the potential to evolve into something spectacular, but as of now, i would say that it is pretty okay. But one thing's for sure, is that RWBY is unique.

PLOT - 6.5/10

I would say the story is mediocre at best. Although it is interesting, it is also pretty cliche and predictable. The formula of 'Heroes going on a journey to save humanity' has been so overused that i'm actually quite surprised that RWBY didn't fall flat on its face. This show/anime is indeed enjoyable and was better than what i was expected. But by the time Season 1 was over, i felt that nothing big was accomplished. It spent majority of it's time fleshing out the characters and sorting out the dynamics between the various characters.

CHARACTERS - 7/10

RWBY has an interesting cast of different characters with their own unique quirks, back stories and weapons. However, the characters still feel very cliched and one dimensional. Anime fans will watch this and know what i'm talking about. Alot of them feel like cutout boards of various anime stereotypes such as the tsundere, the ditzy but powerful one, the calm and collected one with a mysterious past, the seemingly promiscuous and flirtatious one and even the useless but lovable character. They still need a lot of character development in order for the not-really-fans to form emotional attachments with the characters.

But one thing is for sure, is that the characters all look very pretty. Waifu material if you will.

ANIMATION: 7/10

Let me just say now, that i am definitely not a fan of 3D animation. I utterly detest anime which try (and fail) to integrate 3D with 2D animation. Or even worse, when they create an anime fully using 3D animation. Cough-Unbreakable robot doll-Cough.

I was pleasantly surprised however, when i watched RWBY. Although there are some instances where the animation feels blocky or chunky, it looks pretty damn good most of the time. The action scenes are glorious and i often find myself replaying those parts over and over. The trailer is a good example of this. I recommend watching the season 1 first and then watching the trailers. I promise it would be a much better experience.

The character designs are pretty good too. The weapons are fantastic and very, very creative. Who knew a scythe could also be a high velocity sniper rifle?

SOUNDTRACK: 10/10

I am 100% in love with RWBY's soundtracks. I recommend watching the series before listening to them, for a bigger emotional impact. Their individual character songs are perfectly suited for their characters. I cannot tell you how many times i replayed 'Red like roses' and 'From the shadows'. Goldstar material, these soundtracks are.

The opening song is nothing to scoff at too. 'This will be the day' seriously gave me an eargasm. 'I may fall' is very touching too, i admit. I have to give credit to RWBY for having such an amazing soundtrack. The voice needs some work, but it is mostly so-so. Not really on par with usual animes but the dialogue is hilarious. This show has comedy down to a T.

Oh, and i just discovered that there is going to be a Japanese dub version. Those who prefer japanese to English would be better off watching that one.

RECOMMENDATION: Would i watch this again? Yes, of course. I recommend this to those who are looking for a short but entertaining series. I suggest those who are looking for complex plots and characters to ultimately stay away.

Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou

The second season of Natsume yuujinchou, named Zoku natsume yuujinchou, is just as fantastic as the first season.

Just like its prequel, the second season has a very mellow and gentle feel to it. Each episode is just as beautifully crafted as the next and left me wanting for more. There were some heart rendering episodes, and there were some very happy, fluffy ones that left me feeling better about myself and my life.

The overarching theme of loneliness and the human-youkai relationship is still present, but i was able to discover more of Natsume's in depth feelings of both parties. I think this series does an extremely, fantastic job of comparing Reiko's and Natsume's attitude towards humans and youkai. Although most of Reiko's life still remains shrouded in mystery, it was still possible for me to draw similarities between her and natsume.
Nyanko sensei is a great mentor to natsume, and is good as comedic relief as well. I like how the bond between youkai and humans are shown through the friendship of Natsume and Nyanko.

I would say it is just as good as the first season, and is highly recommended as well. I'm pretty excited to start on the third season.

Natsume Yuujinchou

Now, i actually started watching this anime on a whim. But holy shit this anime is unexpectedly good. The plots are episodic and the episodes mostly give off a very bittersweet feeling. There are many times in the anime where i teared up and honestly, i can tell you that Natsume yuujinchou is one of my favourites.

The animation is, for a lack of a better word, very relaxing ad mellow. I always felt peaceful while watching episode after episode, and it almost felt as if i was floating through the entire first season. All the characters are very likable and the main character, i feel, is very easy to relate to. He suffers from insecurities like all of us and the anime shows him growing mentally, overcoming his inner demons and learning many things from his experience with the Youkai.

Plot: Episodic and each episode is very relaxing. 9/10

Characters: Both side and main characters are likable and provides good comedic relief. 9/10

Op and ed: Both are extremely relaxing and in a way hopeful. 10/10 

Recommended: Great for those looking for a relaxing anime. For those who dislike episodic plots, stay away. 5/5

Edge of Tomorrow

Frankly i don't know what made me write this but i can tell you now that this movie is easily one of the best i've seen in 2014 so far. Edge of tomorrow is one of those movies where i cannot forget, even after i left the cinema, the story is still running over and over in my head.

I think that they did a great job of making this movie based on the source material; a light novel named All You Do Is Kill. The characters connect with the audience seamlessly and i felt genuinely amused by Major Cage's situation and also felt his despair when the movie went on. I hope this movie comes out on blu-ray because it is freaking awesome and i will definitely buy it.

Strike witches The Movie

Now let it be said that this is not the first time i have watched this movie.  But damn, it is good.

I am a sucker for these types of anime. Moe overload and the entire cast are mostly girls, my favourite kind of anime. I know i kind of sound like a pervert here but i enjoy an entire female cast more than a co-ed cast is all i'm saying. The dynamic is completely different but i am a complete sucker for it.

Strike witches the movie is a sequel to Strike witches season 2, picking off where the anime ended. For those not familiar with the anime series, i recommend that you watch it first because the characters will be less unfamiliar and more enjoyable for you. The feeling i get when watching Strike witches (the entire series) is very similar to the feeling i get when watching Girls und Panzer. Moe, check. Military, check. Possible yuri pairings and shoujo ai explosion, check.

The movie is extremely enjoyable for fans of the series like me, and i am happy to say that although it is not the best anime movie i have ever watched, it manages to hold its own. The last 30 mins of the movie is fantastic and very high octane and did i mention that i love friendship between moe girls? Seriously, this stuff is fodder for my imaginary moe world.

Plot: Picks up from season 2 of strike witches. Like all the animes of this genre, it gets boring sometimes but the overall experience is good. 7/10

Characters: This is where strike witches shines. A great cast of fully developed characters (from the anime) with individual personalities and quirks. Outstanding. 9/10

Music: The movie ending is pretty good and fits the overall feel of the series ( not only the movie). The opening is generic but still good. 7/10

Saki Zenkoku-Hen

To be completely honest with you, i didn't find this sequel that amazing. Yes they did have those episodes that made you go HOLY CRAP but those are few and far in between. Saki hardly makes any appearances in this one and its quite weird considering that the anime is named 'Saki'.

The series is trying to hard to outshine its predecessor and added too many characters, even going as far as to explore their numerous back stories. For Saki fans who came back expecting the same delightful characters they fell in love with were met with unfamiliar characters, any bad part about this sequel. Saki zenkoku hen barely holds up against the first season, but it is enjoyable if you are a fan of the series. Newcomers would find everything confusing since many terminologies and awesome character KO attacks are just foreign to them. Throw in many more new characters and it is just chaos.

Fortunately, most of the mahjong matches are still interesting, and i have to admit that it is quite fun to see brand new finishing moves. The soundtrack for Saki Zenkoku hen is impeccable, it soothes your ears and makes your blood pump with excitement at the right moments. I especially love the ost which appears when Toyone debuts.

Watching this before the first season will set you up for failure because you will definitely give up at the second episode. Third episode tops. Oh and some of Miyanaga Saki's past is explored and leaves all of us with a cliffhanger. Those prats.

Plot: Could have been done better but fans will most likely love the fact that the story is continuing. 7/10

Characters: Old lovable characters barely make and appearance and there are far too many back stories which are explored which made it quite boring for me. 7/10

Music: I'm a big fan of anime series with great OSTs. This one definitely outshines the first season. 9/10

Recommended: For fans of the first season. Newcomers should stay away or watch the first season first.
  

Stella Jogakuin Koutou-ka C³-bu

Finally my internet has come back. Take it as a sort of hiatus if you will. By the way, project zomboid is one really, really hard game. Can you believe that i died because i forgot to turn of the stove? Four hours down the drain....

Remember when i was complaining about how the third episode was kinda boring? Yeah, i should have went passed that episode because that is when the good stuff comes barreling in. Have we learned nothing from Madoka Magica? The third episode is always the one where shit starts to go down. Well anyway, on to my thoughts.

This anime is actually quite interesting. In a wacky sort of way. Unfortunately, the story line hinges way too much on the development of Yurara's character. Although i do agree that she is the main protagonist, some back story for the other members of the Stella club would have been nice and informative. The only one club member who got some back story screen time was Sonohara. I personally think that the plot could have been much better, if it was executed properly. The first six episodes were quite enjoyable, but after the seventh, it just became tough to even watch. Only at the end of the anime did the show get back its enjoyment.

The changes in Yurara were exciting but they were a little over the top. I mean a girl can't go from being meek to a confident cocky gal in one or two episodes. Sure, there were signs that it was happening but it was too forced. I loved the buildup towards the new personality for Yura but as it went on, her boldness and arrogance just became too much for me, making me skip a several episodes. Just because you can make a character overly bossy and obsessed with winning doesn't mean you should! If Yura's new personality was a little more tame, i may have enjoyed the several episodes that i skipped.

The animation is so-so but i have to praise one of the earlier episodes where Yura was transported into her dream world. The bizarre colours made the scene so perfect. It was so intense that i almost believed that i was actually there, in the scene. Trust me when i say this. The opening is also quite good. The ending song however, seems quite out of place by the end of the entire series.

Plot: While gun-totting females rank high on my list of favorite genres, this one was poorly excuted. Fun at times but annoying at others. 6/10

Characters: Yurara's character development is the main content of this anime. It should have been more tame, but other than that no complaints. The other characters were distinct and were quite interesting overall. More backstry would have been nice. 8/10

Animation: Did not see anything special about it except in two episodes and the second opening. The rest was average at best. 7/10

Recommended: For people who are looking for major character development and seeing girls being bad-ass. Not recommended for people who look for a good and intriguing story.

Will i ever grow out of anime?

This seems to be a question that my mind runs through nowadays. Maybe i might be a little paranoid, but i wonder whether i would love anime in three to ten years time. My life has already seen an anime decline, watching from 12 different anime titles dwindling down to 1 anime title in December. This might seem trivial but to me, it is honestly scary. Anime has been a constant for the past 4 years of my life. I can say that I've watched over 210 anime titles since the start of my secondary school life (that was when i really got into anime).

Recently i found myself watching less and less anime. The last one i watched (excluding movies) was Madoka Magica. Whenever i try to watch more titles i suddenly feel lazy. Actually i feel lazy for majority of the things i do but Anime is the only one i never really wanted to let my laziness get in my way. But it unfortunately has. I am quite afraid that one day i would not be interested in anime completely. That thought is scary. Anime has opened a gateway of new things for me, such as wanting to live in Japan and reading light novels and learning how to read and write in japanese.

Maybe the one true reason why i am so afraid is because anime is the only thing holding me up right now. In a sense, i am doing the things i do because i am interested in Japan and working my way towards that goal. But what will happen after i reach that goal? Would i fall into a state of limbo? Would my interest in Japan finally wane and leave me without a goal? This may be some sort of identity crisis that most people my age suffer from but i hope that my mind would become less hazy in the future.

But for now, i will try to follow the path that anime has set for me. Who knows. Maybe i might discover that i really am 'in love' with Japan.

Oreimo's light novel - My thoughts

So, this is the first post for the year 2014. I'm going to be talking/sorting out my thoughts on Oreimo's light novel. I agree this is kinda late, but i only recently discovered that it ended before season 2 even finished.

I was browsing on YouTube, watching random videos when i came across one of Kirino and Kyosuke kissing. I went into shock and after a few minutes of stillness started watching the video. Shortly after that i started fan girling and went in search of the light novel ending. I came across many discussions about the epic failure that was oreimo. I searched a little more and found out that many diehard oreimo fans went into rage and destroyed complete collections of their light novels, going as far as to burning them into ashes.

I for one was not a diehard fan of Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai! but enjoyed it well enough. I am a fan of Kirino and kyosuke because i really don't give a flying shit about incest. But as for the ending, i think that it was indeed disappointing but at least i got a kiss out of it right? Well, whatever. There is but one thing i have to say to the author of this series.

You are amazing.

The ending of the novel was definitely a ballsy one, condemning kyosuke to a possible life of loneliess while totally ending the incestuous relationship between him and Kirino. But that is exactly why i admire the author so much. It would be so easy to give in to the oreimo fans, maybe giving a Kuroneko ending or a Ayase ending or even a better Kirino ending. But he didn't! The ending of the light novel was almost like (or maybe it was) a large "Fuck you!" to the fans of the novel, Kyosuke did not end up with anybody and ended up rejecting all possible love routes for the sake of kirino. Whose relationship ended as abruptly as it began.

The author ended it like he wanted it to. That action alone shines through the ending because it says one thing to me. I will end it how i want it too, because it is my novel.

I think that the people who destroyed their light novel books are not actually fans of the light novel itself, but the fictional characters that Tsukasa Fushimi created. Those poor books did nothing at all and suffered the fate of being torn, burnt and ripped. I think that is seriously overreacting. Are they going to do what they did every time something in a light novel doesn't go like they want it to? Sure, i would be pretty angry, probably throwing the book down and sulking for a long time, but in the end i am going to have to accept it. Its like reading a book with no happy ending.

What can you do but accept it?  Regardless of what happened in the end, the rest of the book was certainly better than the ending, was it not?