Parasyte

Parasyte has got to be one of the most surprising shows I've watched this year.

The anime follows the life of Izumi Shinichi, whose right hand had been forcefully taken over by a parasite aptly named 'Migi'. Shinichi struggles to coexist with the new creature that has replaced his hand, Migi's cold and apathetic personality constantly clashing with his own caring and kind-hearted one.

But trying to keep this new secret from getting out may be more difficult than expected when Shinichi finds out that Migi is not alone and that his own kind, dubbed 'Parasites' are  all over Japan.

Story-wise, I am pleased to say that Parasyte was pretty interesting and kept me guessing. As our main character Shinichi tries to hide his new 'friend' from the people around him, other parasites which have successfully taken over the host (by reaching the brain) also pose a threat to him, since Migi is deemed as a failure of sorts by his own kind.

The pair face many obstacles, and in between Migi's search for truth about his existence and Shinichi's ongoing struggle to survive what comes his way, they meet many dangerous characters ranging from a intelligent parasite and a notorious serial killer.

I like that Parasyte kept me in suspense most of the time, the foreshadowing was done fairly well and there are many emotional moments and amazing action sequences that'll leave your jaw hanging. Seeing as the parasites can take the form of anyone or anything, fights never get boring and the creative use of their shapeshifting abilities was a spectacle to behold.

This is not to say that the anime is without any downsides though, but it isn't anything so remotely bad that it would turn you off before you even started. Parasyte started out slow, but in my opinion it did it's job of creating tension and had good payoffs in the end. While the tone of the show did get draggy and slower toward the end, it didn't take away any enjoyment I'd experienced in the previous episodes!

The characters in parasyte are no pushovers. I like how Migi and Shinichi's personalities  balance each other out. After the first few episodes, I began to realize that Shinichi's reckless and self-sacrificing behaviour is more or less kept in check by the cold and rational Migi. I can't count how many times Shinichi might have gotten himself or someone else killed without the parasite's intervention. But that's not to say that Migi is without his flaws too!

Also, you could also say that Migi is the physical manifestation of Shinichi's consciousness. You know, that nagging voice in the back of your mind, the one that warns you before you pull some stupid shit.

Parasyte is quite dark too. Not like 'Madoka magica' dark, but something comparable to that of 'Psycho pass'. As the anime goes on, I came to see that many of its characters, both antagonists and protagonists, are not bound to the norms of 'morality'. Despite his protests, Shinichi himself operates in a morally grey area, and even the police have questionable ways of trying to rid Japan of parasites.

Parasyte shines because of it's brilliant characters, and most, if not all, are fleshed out during the course of the anime. There are some cliched stereotypes here and there, but that is to be expected. The main thing, is that the characters are not confined to roles of the 'bad guys' or 'good guys'.

Let me just say that Tamura Reiko is my favourite character in Parasyte. She's one of the characters who can keep Shinichi on edge, and the reactions she can get out of him is always a treat. Her social faux passes gave me good laughs time and time again simply because it's so amusing to see a 'superior' species struggle with mundane stuff and saying things weird things out of the blue. There were a few moments in which Tamura Reiko stole the show, and I absolutely adore her for it!

Animation is done by Madhouse and while it's not as gory as some have claimed it is, there is several disturbing moments that made my stomach turn. But fortunately, nothing so utterly horrible that it would scar you for life. I give the anime props in how they designed the parasites; indeed there are generic looking ones but for the most part they vary in looks, and it did creep me out at some points.

Overall: Parasyte was a pleasant surprise. The ending was kinda meh in my opinion but to its credit, it did tie up most of the loose ends and was fairly satisfying.

 Must watch : 4/5

Psycho Pass 2

And so, after much time wasting, i finally got around to finishing Psycho pass 2.

PLOT: 7/10

I think we can all agree that there are an extremely, extremely small percentage of sequels that truly outshine the original material. And sadly, I feel that Psycho Pass 2 is not one of them. Despite its best efforts, the story is not as good as the first. The pacing is slightly off and there is a lot of complicated dialogue thrown in. I've actually had to pause and rewind some parts of the show, because I simply could not understand what the hell the characters were talking about!

You really need to think when you watch, and if you're not in a mood for a much thinking (trust me there's a lot of thinking) and are looking for something fun to kill time, don't even think about watching this. On a side note, I found the talk of paradoxes and Omnipotent gods quite interesting. I find that the way the anime manages to fit this in is quite fascinating, especially with everything that is going on.

"The moment the Omnipotent god creates a rock so heavy that even he cannot carry, he is no longer omnipotent. But if he cannot create that rock, he is also not omnipotent."

"A paradox."

(That is so not what they said, I'm just quoting from memory. The real thing is soooo much better)

Characters: 7/10

Akane: Akane is a badass inspector, even without Kougami. At the end of Psycho Pass I wished that we could've gotten to see more of this new and 'mature' woman that she had become. Psycho pass 2 has fulfilled this wish. Her good leadership skills and level-headed thinking are clearly showcased throughout the show, ad not only that, her attitude towards Enforcers and Inspectors alike have gained her both respect and disdain. In a way, I feel that Akane has been forcibly isolated from her team. Because no one will ever know what has happened between Kogami and Makishima, except for herself and Sibyl.

Not only that, she also makes mistakes. That is what makes her a believable character, not just some cut and paste powerful main character. The anime shows that she has flaws, and how she constantly works to overcome them.

Mika: Oh how you annoy me, Mika. I think they inserted her into this anime purely to make us sympathize anyone working with her, and that is NOT an understatement. It would be fine if se actually contributes to the Plot, but she mostly just hinders it (much to my frustration). I  really tried to like her, but all her actions are carried out on the basis of trying to one-up Akane, despite the fact that she's her senior and has more experience in the field, and ends up digging her own grave.

Despite all of it however, the ending made me pity her. That scene was heart wrenching, and despite the fact that I would give to see her get punched by an enforcer, I wouldn't wish that on her. I feel that she represents 'what could've happened' to Akane if she had been arrogant and overstepped her boundaries. In a way, I'm glad that Akane did not end up like this.

Kougami: Many kougami fans will be pissed to find out that he only makes Cameo appearances in the anime. However, I can honestly say that he helped Akane more than Mika ever did. In a way, it shows that even if he's gone, Akane still draws on his previous lessons and applies them.

Supporting characters: Since it only has 12 episodes, I'm glad that they didnt try to expand on the old and new cast of characters. I hoped to see more of Ginoza, Shion and Yayoi but sadly, they were put on the back burner for Akane and Mika. It frustrates me somewhat because they had so much to work with! Instead of just focusing on the backstory and development of the antagonist(s) I felt that they should have put in more work on the Enforcers. Oh well, no use crying over spilt milk.

Music: 8/10

I very much prefer this opening over 'abnormalize'. The ending is so-so, and as for the OSTs, i would say that they did a pretty sound job of conveying the right emotion at the correct times.

Enjoyment: 8/10

It was a fun ride, and while i think it could have been done better (damn you Mika) it's a pretty good sequel. Unfortunately, most fans seem to think that a sequel should have not been made but i disagree. It was nice to see a sort of 'what happened after' the events of Psycho Pass. I would recommend fans to watch this but ONLY if you discard all notions that this is going to be the best sequel ever, or that you'll be able to see Kougami return and sweep Akane off her feet.

I'm seriously looking forward to the movie.

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

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Welcome to the world of Madoka Magica. We hope you survive the experience. Seems harmless at first sight doesn't it? Cutesy moe girls with frilly clothes transforming to fight for the world! For Justice! Love! Friendship!

Hah! All that cutesy moe stuff? You're looking in the wrong place because Madoka Magica, is truly terrifying and tragic. Don't believe me? Just go see for yourself. My review is supposed to help you make a decision after all. You mentally prepared? Okay, let's get moving.

The show starts off light, giving viewers the illusion that this was just going to be your average, no-brainer magical girl anime. All the character introductions are made, all revolving around Madoka Kaname and her friends. But one day, a girl she sees in her dream appears in her class as the new transfer student. Homura Akemi is pretty, athletic and cool, but there's something off about her. When Homura asks to be accompanied to the nurses office, Madoka does so (hesitantly).

To her surprise, the new girl knows the way there surprisingly well and she asks Madoka a very weird question. Something about miracles. Madoka doesn't dwell too much on it, but one day after school she hears a voice in her head calling out to her. She manages to rescue a cute animal called Kyuubey. From there, the mysteries start to unravel.

Who is this creature? What does it want? Why is it here?

One thing i love about this anime series is the unpredictable plot twist and how each character propels the story forward. Not only that, the seiyuu's have done an extremely good job in potraying the characters. Every sob and scream seems to tear out your very soul. The OSTs for this anime is incredible. Actually incredible doesn't even begin to cover it. Yuki Kajiura is a genius. How she creates this stuff, i will never know. The battle themes are able to bring up the tension, and the emotional scenes are even more heart rendering when combined.

The animation is done by shaft, which is notorious for finishing their work hours before the deadline, ultimately leading to half-assed scenes. However the release of the Blu-ray seems to have fixed all their mistakes (thankfully). Personally, i love Mami and Homura the most out of all the characters because i became somewhat emotionally attached to them during the show.

Plot: Executed perfectly and more than a little tragic. 10/10

Characters: Personally i found Sayaka somewhat annoying. But she did worm her way into my heart a little. Just a little i swear! 8/10

Animation: The original broadcast wasn't very good but the blu-ray release was great. 9/10

Soundtracks: Yuki freaking Kajiura. Battle themes. Op and ending. Need i say more? 10/10

Overall: Deconstruction of the magical girl genre which is interesting and different. Not for the faint hearted. Also, prepare a box of tissues. 5/5

Black Lagoon (season 1&2)

I feel so guilty for not watching anime recently. By recently i mean 3 days, thus i suffered from anime withdrawal. I happened to come across one of the animes which i watched when i was younger.

The first i time i watched this series i didn't find it all that amazing. But rewatching it made me think of it in a new light. I understood the plot much more and somehow started liking the violence and bloodbaths this show provided for me. The action is probably the best i've seen so far. Best as in giving me a heartpounding experience and making me squeal in delight as the characters kick some butt.

This story starts out with Rokuro Okajima, a salaryman in Japan who is sent to deliver an important package under the instructions of his bosses. Unfortunately, the trip was hijacked by pirates who were hired to steal that package. And even worse for him, they take him hostage. Meanwhile his superiors decide that the best way to deal with this unwanted situation is to dispose of the package, along with their worker.

They send men from ex special forces to eliminate the pirates with him on board. He decides to help them as he feels some sort of a connection to these people. The crew of lagoon (boat), Dutch the captain, Benny the brains and the notorious as well as dangerous Revy- also known as two hands. Referring to him as Rock, they opt to follow through with a insane plan to kill their pursuers.

After coming out in one piece they arrive at the dock where they give the package to their client. Rock is  then approached by his boss to go back to Japan. Rock has a change of heart after the blood pumping experience with the crew of black lagoon and returns with them instead, to the fictional town of Roanpur.

Although some parts of the anime may be gruesome, i think its a good classic which never fails to bring up that prehistoric side in all of us, the side which just loves cruelty and bloody violence. If you are looking for a action piece, this is definitely the one for you.

Dangerous but sexy gals of Black lagoon

The fights are not just limited to guns, there is also a fair amount of different killing weapons such as knives, chainsaws, blowtorches and even bare hands. Revy's cutlass action is awesome and Balalaika is the scariest woman i have ever seen. Period.

The woman i admire the most is obviously Revy, though i second Balalaika. Okay let's admit it, revy is a sexy beast and have you heard her logic? Respect dudes, respect. Oh and have you seen Eda's blue eyes?

Plot: 7/10

Characters: 8/10

Graphics: 9/10

Recommendation: Highly recommended. 4/5