Guilty Crown (anime)

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Shu gazing off in class

With the holiday approaching, I've found myself with some extra time.  My tv rotation also was lined up for an anime.  So I decided to try a longer anime series since I had plenty of time for it.  Guilty Crown was a title consistently recommended to me on Hulu for a long time. So with that, I went with Guilty Crown for my Christmas break.  Well worth it my friends!

Guilty Crown follows Shu Ouma.  A quiet shy boy who longs to be anyone else.  While hidden away in a run down part of town, he comes across Inori, the lead singer of Egoist.  Inori unexpectedly is part of the terrorist group knonwn as Funeral Parlor.  Funeral Parlor fights the powers that be to get back to a state of order, run by the people of Japan.  Ever since the "Lost Christmas" event 10 years prior, Japan is now under the watchful eye of the world court and is a semi dictatorship.  Shu, through unintentional circumstances, gains access to the Void Genome.  The Void Genome allows it's owner to use "the Power of Kings", the ability to use Voids.  Voids are physical constructs built from the hearts and desires of someone. It seems like Guilty Crown is all over the board but the series explains all of this in it's own time while still showing Shu struggle and grow in a world tittering on the edge of obliteration.

Inori is ready for action

Good - Guilty Crown took some time but in the end, I was really glad I watched it. The whole Void system really is unique.  It made every possible person have some sort of relevance within the show.  The evolution of Voids also allowed for new and more interesting situations to arise.
Guilty Crown did 2 things completely right.  The first of which was a solid plot.  There were times I may have been confused or lost, but the writers took note of every smile and knowing glance.  They explained all of the important stuff by the end of it all, even giving a pretty solid ending.  Something that rarely happens.  It was clear what Gai was fighting for and why Inori was so smitten by Shu.  We learned well enough why Shu called his mother Haruka instead of Mom.  Nothing was forgotten or left out.  More so, everything came together beautifully in the end, cohesively and organically.
The other thing done right was the characterizations.  Without using a heavy hand, you had a good idea what was motivating everyone in the large cast of characters.  You also saw how everyone reacted differently to the world falling into chaos.  Guilty Crown did an amazing job of following multiple paths of people and yet never felt like it was trying hard to do so.  

Funeral Parlor

Bad - I think the series followed Neon Genesis trends a bit too much.  The series seemed repetitive and unoriginal in the first half.  Shy kid gains god-like power and has to handle being in the spotlight suddenly. So the first half of the series was tough to watch.  Still, the series pays off the patient.  The second half totally made up for it.

Worthwhile? - I think this show is totally worthwhile.  I didn't think it was going to pay off but the series really ramps things up near the end.  All the story threads laid out meticulously all come together to a strong end where everything falls in place.  The story never felt forced or too wild, even for bringing the world to an end. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.  I totally did at least! 

Gai Tsutsugami, lead of Funeral Parlor

Simliar To - Neon Genesis Evangelion, The Future Diary, Linebarrels of Iron

The Adventures of Tintin (Film)

Click the poster for IMDB 

So, it was late at night and I was in the mood to watch a movie before bed.  A common ritual that helps me slowly clear out my Netflix queue and helps get me relaxed before bed.  While trying to find a suitable title, I saw The Adventures of Tintin had become an instant play option.  Feeling in the mood for something light, I went for this one.  I figured I would watch half now and half later.  I ended up staying up and losing sleep so I could watch this surprisingly fun action romp!

Tintin and Haddock trying to think of their next move

The Adventures of Tintin follows well known journalist Tintin and his resourceful dog Snowy as they are haphazardly involved in an unexpected adventure.  An innocent purchase of a vintage model ship leads Tintin to have his flat ransacked and his life threatened.  Being the investigating reporter he is, Tintin had to get to the truth of the matter.  This leads him to the the trail of a man named Sakharine.  Sakharine is out trying to find clues to a kings ransom in treasure.  While in pursuit of both Sakharine and the truth, Tintin makes a new friend in the drunkard named Haddock.  Together, they try to outwit and outrun Sakharine whenever they can.

Likes - I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with this film.  I knew it had a long history in the comic world but I had no clue what Tintin was about.  When I began this movie, the very first thing that struck me was the animation.  I had never seen anything so lifelike and fluid. It took sometime to get past the sheer depth of realness of this film.  The way bodies moved, cars rolled by, and fog settled on the streets, it was all done so realistically.  Tintin, if nothing else will amaze you on how gorgeous it is.

Once the shine and glen has worn off the animation, you will see Steven Spielberg has crafted a fun, humorous, and action packed adventure.  The scenes on the boat where Tintin and Haddock first meet are great. The scene later on in Begghar was superb.  The pacing and density of the action scenes amazed me how they transitioned so well from one character to another.  It left me throughly impressed. The dialog is great as well.  There is a slickness that you usually get with a Bond film. 

Look it up on Wikipedia

Dislikes - There were no dislikes with this film.  None at all.

Overall - I was blown away how good this movie was.  As I stated earlier, I stayed up to watch this film.  I was so invested and excited with it I had  to see it all the way through.  For adventure fans, Indiana Jones fans, Comic or animation fans...really anyone. you will really enjoy this great movie.  I give it 5 out of 5 stars folks!
And even better news! The sequel looks like it's coming sooner then expected. Score!

Similar To - Any Indiana Jones film

Review: Bernie (film)

Check out the Wiki Link Here

Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine)

Hi everyone! It's been a spell since I last wrote anything.  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Mine was really good.  It only got better since I had extra time to read comics and watch movies! Bernie was one recommended to me by my friend Lee.  That, along with the fact Jack Black was in it only made me more anxious to watch it.  It was recently available as instant stream on Netflix.  I seized the opportunity and decided to finally see what this story was about.

Bernie follows Bernie, a local mortician in a small town.  Bernie seemingly came out of nowhere.  He had an amazing knack for connecting to people, taking the time to show people someone still cared.  In the small town of Carthage TX, it didn't take long to gain a revered reputation of being a kind man.  One such lady he came across was Majorie Nugent.  Marjorie was known for her cruel, mean streak.  No one had any desire to be near her in any capacity. At the death of her husband, Bernie began an interesting relationship with Marjorie.  A relationship no one had the bravery, or some might say stupidity, to initiate. A relationship which would lead to her untimely death.

McConaughey being douche-y. 

Likes - Bernie plays off as a mockumentray.  The majority of the film is based on interviews of the local townsfolk.  I haven't confirmed if they are true towns' members but they do an amazing enough job that I was convinced they were.   Jack Black does a great job playing the unique character of Bernie. Bernie is very much not the typical Jack Black role, but still, is something Black can easily handle. Bernie was a man willing to help anyone in any capacity, sometimes to his own detriment.
Matthew McConaughey also did a great job of playing Danny Buck, the D.A. trying to convict Bernie of this crime, a very unenviable task.  The town was so in love with Bernie, no one would be willing to hold him to any crime he committed.
Ultimately, the story is the real star.  This was such a strange story and knowing it was true only adds to the weight.

Click here for the IMDB Link

Dislikes - I would have liked to seen more of Black, but thats only because I love him so much.  I felt that the lack of screen time for him was a great choice of restraint and ultimately serves the story.

Bernie (Jack Black) being the kind man he naturally is.

Overall - I really enjoyed this film.  As a Jack Black fan and as a movie fan, this was very unique and interesting tale.  I am glad I didn't see it in theatre because I don't think it would be worth the ticket price.  Still, it was worth seeing and I may even watch it again soon.  For those looking for something quirky and not entirely deep, this is a great find.  A great way to spend a Sunday evening even.  I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Similar too: Stranger then Fiction, Louie

Un-go (anime)

Watch it on Hulu! For free! Now!

My anime urge as not been satiated.  Still not satisfied with my cartoon diet, and possibly avoiding jumping back into the fall schedule, I decided on watching another anime.  My only requirement was that I wanted to look into something short and didn't look like total trash.  After skimming through the Hulu recommendations, I decided that Un-go fulfilled this.  So I jumped in.  And folks, let me tell you. I couldn't get enough of this show!  I think I killed Un-go within 4 days.  I would have done it in less if life hadn't gotten in the way!

Shinjuurou and Inga

Un-go follows Shinjuuruo Yuuki, the Defeated Detective.  Someone after the complete truth, he goes around solving the seemingly unsolvable.  Yet for his many correct deductions, he is overshadowed by Rinroku Kaishou, the head of JJ Sytems and a detective himself.  What the public at large does not know is that Rinroku is constantly a step behind Shinjuurou. Yet with Rinruko's pull and influence, the truth gets buried underneath a fabricated story the masses can more easily consume.  Un-go follows Shinjuurou has he finds his life directly intertwined with Rinroku's

Izumi and Rie

Good - I really enjoyed this series.  First off, each episode was inspired by a Japanese mystery story.  The idea of taking something old and weaving it all together to create something new was really interesting to me.  Each episode specifically named each story it was based off, very blatantly wearing it's influence on it's sleeve.  Un-go did a great job of plotting and pacing.  This was not a collection of episodes but a large web of mystery.  Yuuki was a very intriguing character, a mix of L from Deathnote and Ginko from Mushi-Shi.  Really, the whole cast was very engaging and fun to watch.

The gang looking cool

Bad -  Hmmmm......nothing sticks out that except for I could have done a bit more action.  I say this because the little action there was, was done great! I want more!

Overall - I thought this was a great series.  I was unsure at first but after finishing the first episode I was sold.  And Un-go fully delivered.  This was a series that knew exactly the story it wanted to tell and told it in the time it needed, nothing more.  Concise and focused.  If you've read any of my other reviews, a big problem with anime series is that it has a story it can tell in 5 episodes but it is a 26 episode series.  So you waste a lot of time watching the show, with no real weight on most of the series. Un-go does things right though.  The characters are great, and fleshed out just enough.  Seriously, this was a great time to watch.  So stop reading and go watch it!!! 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Un-Go on Wikipedia

Similar: Deathnote, Sherlock Holmes, Mushi-Shi

Smashburger (Food)

Click here to the SmashBurger Site

Came in the back ally.  Think dirty thoughts now!

So it's been awhile since I've done this but let's talk food!  I work in a pretty nice part of town.  One of the perks of that is that I am near many interesting, niche fulfilling diners and restaurants.  Part of my personal quest is to constantly find new places to spend my precious lunch hour at.  It's amazing how you can pass by a place over 50 times before realizing there is a bagel store there or a Thai kitchen.  So I try to keep a look out as much as I can.  Now I had seen this place being put up during my drive to and from work. Eventually, it finally opened!

Click here to look at their menu

Now, I will admit, this particular trip is my 3rd visit to this establishment, this past Friday during my lunch break.  So I'm not a total newbie at this point.  Let me help you weave through the bombardment of food options and people. Despite the initial crowds dying down of people just wanting to see what Smashburger is about, there was still a respectable line.  A good sign! People are willing to wait to eat these burgers? Wild! After a decent wait, I finally had the opportunity to order.  For the sake of this review I kept things simple.  Water. Smashfries.  And a small Classic burger with jalapeños added.  After ordering, I paid and was given my number.  After sitting and displaying my number at the table end, my food was delivered to me  once it was ready and it as time to pig out.

My meal, hand delivered to my seat

Everything was great, frankly.  I honestly cannot recall another time I had seen such fresh ingredients on anything, let alone a burger.  That came through in the taste as well.  The burger was juicy and tasted like that just made it for me (technical true but let me fantasize).  The smashfries were also great.  It was lightly dressed in a special mix of rosemary, olive oil, and garlic.  So, yes it was very very good.

Let's talk about the overall setup and experience there.  Now first walking in, Smashburger is quite overwhelming.  There are so many amazing options that it can be very, very hard to know where to start.  They offer burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs.  The burgers come in many sizes, depending on your appetite.  Personally, I am the type where I can't eat much in one sitting so I like how I can get a small patty. You can even double up the patties.  There are many styles too. Baja, Classic, Motor City.  On my 2nd visit there I had a Goat cheese and spinach chicken sandwich.  Guys - they have goat cheese!  So it can be overwhelming but ultimately Smashburger is best when you take some time to plan the ultimate burger or sandwich for you.

The evidence of lovely burger time!

Smashfries like WOAH!

Something else that's great are the prices.  This is an absolute great value.  As I mentioned above, there are many options to create your own burger, with prices that are within reason.  My meal was roughly $6.50.  With the quality and quantity of the food, I should have easily and gladly paid about $10.   It was quite amazing that I could pay so little for something so good.  I would easily recommend this for a family or for someone who'd like to take a group out.  You can impress them with your gourmand skills without draining your wallet.  Another thing I like is that it's not like a typical restaurant with a server attending you.  Call me cheap (mainly because I am) but it's nice to know that the price listed (plus tax) is what I pay for.  They do have a tip jar, so please treat them well if you're inclined.  But there is no obligation and I appreciate that. Despite a set up like that, I still had general servers checking on me.  It definitely felt like they knew I was there and were happy for that.

The final word is this.  Great food.  Great service.  Great prices.  And a set up that changes up the notion of the burger enough that it elevates it to a new experience.  Now, with that said.  Go eat there now!

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (Anime)

Watch it on Hulu like me!

Despite the beginning of the new fall season, I haven't felt inclined to watch anything new.  No Modern Family or Parks & Rec just yet.  Instead, I've had a urge to watch someone more anime.  I didn't want to watch something terribly long, as it would take longer to get into the fall lineup.  After looking on Hulu for much longer then I should have, I settled on this little gem - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia.

Teiichi and Yuko

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia follows Teiichi, Yuko, Momoe, and Kirie, the members of the Paranormal Investigation club. After school, this team follows various rumors in school about ghost sightings and paranormal activity.  What's unique about the group is the Yuko is a ghost herself.  She can only be seen by those who are aware of her, and even then, they only see what they think she should be.  The first person to see Yuko with clarity is Teiichi.  The series follows the group as they investigate rumors, delves into how the group came together, and ultimately solves the mystery behind Yuko's death. 

Good - I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with this series, other then some sort of ghost element.  I ended up having a great time with this one.  It has a lot of cute humor between the surprisingly small cast.  The exchanges between Yuko and Teiichi are sweet, once you get past the creepy point of Yuko being a ghost.  In fact, the series deals with that issue head on, which I appreciate.  For being a shorter series, it was refreshingly succinct.  It didn't waste time with filler episodes and even had it's fair share of twists.  This is by no means an action packed, testosterone drenched series but the character interactions and development made this a great show to watch.

The Wiki Site

Another aspect were the various horror scenes.  For being a light hearted series, there was some brilliant and downright creepy scenes throughout.  Without much effort, this series seemed to be able to do it all.

Bad - Honestly, I found nothing bad with this series.  I liked everything about it. 

Someone is being a bit friendly 

Overall - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is a solid choice.  I wasn't sure what to expect going into the series.  Thankfully I like anything, so long as the story is strong.  Dusk Maiden had a strong story, fun characters, and even pacing.  If you're looking for something fun, light, and quick, pick Dusk Maiden of Amnesia.  You will not be disappointed.  4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Similar to: Dorm, Toradora, Casper the Friendly Ghost (maybe), Typical ghost movies

Le Chevalier D'Eon (Anime)

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Hi Everyone! To start off, I know I promised to review the whole Red Riding series but, frankly, I watched it so long ago and I've been itching to move forward.  I did watch all three and I will say if you are looking for something dark and gritty with little hope or light, watch Red Riding.  It was done very real and felt very true to life.  Moving onto the next thing, I invested a lot of my time into Le Chevalier D'eon. At times, it was very interesting, but often I found I had to force myself to sit and watch this anime.  Let me explain way!

Lia's lifeless body

Actually before I explain my feelings, let me explain this anime.  Le Chevalier D'eon follows the very real personage of D'eon de Beaumont, a knight serving under the 18th century king of France, Louis XV.  The series starts with D'eon looking to avenge his twin sister Lia.  She was found floating downriver in a wooden coffin, the word 'Psalms' scrawled across the lid in blood.  Louis allows D'eon his quest so long as he also serves to help the country of France as well, as a spy across France's boarders.  What follows is a long road of treason, betrayal, and magic, that leads as far as Russia, only to come back to the king's doorstep.  D'eon and his fellow spies - Robin, Durand, and Teillagory - find themselves fighting against the undead and the possessed.  The group has a very unlikely aid in their battles though - Lia.  She is able to possess her twin brother and use her unique magic to defeat them effortlessly.  This still isn't enough for the group to overcome all that befalls them throughout their journey.

Good - This anime is unique in many ways.  First is the plot and setting.  I never imagine the Japanese would invest so much into exploring the past of the French.  It was nice to watch something not set in the far off lands of Japan.  Because to that, I feel the cultural aspects of France would be interesting to both countries.  What is new and strange to Japan would hold True of the U.S..  The story overall was pretty interesting too.  I may not have been a fan of the constant new missions, but they proved interesting and developed both the plot and character development.  The animation was good.  Unique compared to the overly cartoony and caricature style you usually see.  It helped add some realness to the series events. 

Maximilian Robespierre

Bad - So I didn't mind this series much but ultimately I felt like I wasted my time.  I never felt very invested in the series.  I was more obliged to watch it since I had started it.  Though I mentioned earlier above, I didn't mind the twists and turns, I felt that weren't helping with the main plot.  I think this anime could have been done more efficiently in 12 episodes and not 24.  Other would disagree the 24 was need to delve in the history and motivations of the players.  I think you could still have a heartfelt series in half the time though.  Another thing that turned me off about the series was the ending.  It was just flat out weird and felt like a let down.  Now, Le Chevalier D'eon has the unique challenge of trying to tie in historical events into his milestones, so I won't fully fault them.  Still 24 episodes, roughly 12 hours of my life, and I feel like that could have done better.

D'eon de Beaumont

Overall - I don't think you should spend time watching this anime.  Maybe if you knew the history for France more, or wanted to watch an anime set within a real historical framework, it might work.  Personally, I was drawn the occult aspects of the show and the political chess game  was interesting.  Ultimately though, none of that drew me in.  Watching any type of TV is meant for entertainment and fun.  I had neither through out the time I watched Le Chevalier D'eon. I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. You could do worse watching this, but really you can easily do better. 

Red Riding Trilogy: Part 1 1974 (Film)

Click Here To watch it on Netflix

Red Riding is a unique trilogy.  The three parts are loosely tied together, primary on catalyst and location.  In many ways, each film is a different aspect and introspection to the Riding districts of Yorkshire.  Each film ties in real life crimes to create it's conspiracy laden fiction.  This film looked very interesting to me for it's unabashed British cast and diction.  Since the first one starred current Amazing Spider-Man, I figured there would be some good things to see.

Check out the Wiki page

Red Riding 1974 is directed by Julian Jarrod and set in Yorkshire 1974.  We follow young reporter Eddie Dunford, played by Andre Garfield.  With the on set of a new story, a young girl is missing, Eddie begins his own investigation.  He quickly finds evidence that this is a unique case.  In fact it may be part of a bigger case.  As he delves more into his search, he meets Paula Garland (Rebecca Hall).  Paula's daughter was one of the missing girls.  Soon, the two find themselves becoming intimately involved with each other.  This is not acceptable to the higher powers of the street.  Namely John Dawson, played by Sean Bean.  Things slowly but surely spiral out of control has Eddie is trying to piece things together, even as he is falling apart. 

Eddie Dunford chatting up Paula Garland

Good - This was a strong yet subtle movie.  It takes some time to figure out what is happening.  And it takes some time to know exactly who it is you want to succeed.   These traits of the film follow well with the movie.  Like real life, we may have all the pieces but it still takes time to get them all together, to make them fit, and see the big picture.  This is a film that demands multiple viewings.  And likewise, who never know who is truly for you and who is for themselves.  So I enjoyed those aspects of Red Riding 1974.  The colors of this film were very dark with low contrast.  It really helped with the atmosphere of the movie, that a stark reality was enfolding you.  All the characters were acted out well, making it a film you could get lost in. 

Bad - The British dialogue is very British, making an American like me a few moment were i didn't know what was being said.  This film series was made for U.K television though and I'm glad they didn't water it down. 

One of the missing daughter

Overall -  I really enjoyed this film.  This is a film that expects the audience to keep up and follow.  And it gives a big pay off for those who stick around.  For fans of conspiracy theories, whodunits, and tragic heroes, check out this great Brit Flick!  4.5 stars out of 5. 

Lost At Sea (Graphic Novel)

Buy it from Amazon! I dare you to!

The general idea of Lost At Sea

I am a big fan of Scott Pilgrim.  I really was blown away by the film.  The film led me to the popular graphic novels written by Bryan Lee O'Malley.  The 6 novels were even more astonishing.  The way O'Mally was able to incorporate so many '90s references while creating an epic love story out of mundane settings was so unique and masterful.  So I've been paying attention to O'Malley and any other work he has.  I bought 'Lost at Sea' as a Christmas gift for a friend, knowing I would be able to borrow it eventually.  Well the time came and I made the call.  While sitting in Dallas Fort Worth Airport during a last minute business trip, I was able to read this whole book in one sitting.  This was the highlight during my one day in Dallas.  

'Lost at Sea' follows Raleigh as she is on a road trip from California to Canada.  On board with her are some classmates from her high school days - Stephanie, Dave and Ian.  They were never really close in high school but random chance and a random phone call brought these four together.  The book follows Raleigh as she sits in the back seat, watching the scenery go by while she dissects every minute of her life.  She randomly introduces parts of her life in no particular order, as if Tarantino were cutting the movie about her.  We learn about how she has no soul and how she may have lost it.  Raleigh explains how cats are following her everywhere she goes and that she has no clue way.  All of these snippets are the small parts of the book but help explain the big point.

Good - I really enjoyed this book, though in not the way I expected.  As mentioned above, I read this book with Scott Pilgrim in mind.  With that said, this book is devoid of the over the top jokes and ridiculous situations from Scott Pilgrim.  Instead, we are treated with slice-of-life sincerity from the eyes of an unsure teenager.  Raleigh cracks jokes that get the whole car roaring, but we sit there with her trying to figure out what's so funny.  'Lost At Sea' presents a moment in Raleigh's life, a key moment.  She doesn't necessarily turn into an adult by the end of the novel, but she finds her way.  She finds a way to deal with the insane, mundane nature of life.  She learns things aren't as bad as they are. This book really brings back that time in your life that you weren't sure about anything, even who you were. The emotion that is conveyed is both subtle and palatable.  O'Malley did an amazing job making the reader feel everything Raleigh was going through, from turmoil to triumph. 

Check out Lost At Sea on Wikipedia

Bad - I couldn't find anything wrong with this book.  The art is cute and fun, especially the attention to detail in terms of the fashions of the characters.  The length I felt was appropriate to the subject.  Everything about 'Lost At Sea' was spot on here. 

Overall -  This book is a solid read for anyone and everyone.  For Scott Pilgrim fans, its a nice change of pace from the outlandishness O'Malley infused into his first series.  For readers clueless about Scott, you are still in for a heartfelt journey with Raleigh.  For anyone whose every felt unsure or lost, 'Lost At Sea' is a great reminder that in the end, everything will be okay. 

Review: Another (Anime)

Watch it free on Hulu!

Aloof Mei Misaki

Looking to fix your anime needs? Well you came to the right place! I watch it all so you don't have to!  For today I'll be telling you about a short horror anime - Another.  The haunting images of Mei were enough to get my started on this anime.  The weird premise and interesting developments where what kept me going.

Another follows Koichi Sakakibara as he moves into a new town.  The same town his mother was from.  Koichi never met his mother due to her death at childbirth, a event that plays it's part later on.  As Koichi arrives at his new school, he meets new friends.  Friends who share a shared concern they dare not speak.  As Koichi explores his new surroundings, he runs into a strange girl, Mei Misaki.  It seems she is a ghost haunting him everywhere he goes.  Eventually, truth reveals itself and a whole new strange reality shows through.

Good - Another is a unique ride of chills and suspense.  When watching this anime, you and Koichi are trying to piece together why the residents, namely the students of class 3-3.  The series has a sharp turn in the middle of it that I honestly did not see coming.  So much so, I had to watch that episode a second time to make sure I caught it.  This anime starts off slow and creepy but builds up to an intense stand off, full of madness and blood.

Koichi Sakakibara

Bad - I wish the anime was a bit longer.  Also, the story can be a little to subtle.  Trying to follow it can be difficult at times.  But since it's an online anime, I think that such a trait will ultimately only help you enjoy the anime more.

Overall - I think this is a great anime.  I wasn't expecting it to be as complex and violent as it was.  I was pleasantly surprised with tho one.  It was like When the Cicadas Cry but in a more digestible manner.  For anime and horror fans alike, spend some time with Another.

The Wiki Page

Review: The Future Diary (anime)

Click here for the wiki page

All the players of the game

Hi everyone! Long time no talk! My personal and work life has been kinda crazy the past month and a half, so I haven't been able to write much.  But here I am, at it again!  Lately, I've been needing a new anime series to watch.  Browsing through the Hulu selection, I chanced upon The Future Diary.  I started it, not sure if I was really going to get into it.  After the 1st episode, I realized I came upon a crazy, wild ride of a show.  So let me tell you all about it!

The Future Diary is a complex concept.  We meet Yukki, a young boy who goes out of his way to be unnoticed.  He prefers observing the world, rather then leave any impact on it.  He writes every moment he can into his cell phone diary, chronicling everything he sees.  One day, he meets with his imaginary friend, Deus Ex Machina, who in truth is a god on the brink of death.  Deus brings Yukki into the game of the future diaries. 12 users are chosen.  The last one left alive wins.  The prize - godhood.  Each user has a cell phone diary, now capable of predicting the future in some way.  After being initiated into this deadly game, Yukki quickly meets one of the other users - Yuna.  Yuna is secretly in love with Yukki.  She confesses her feelings soon enough and her devotion to help Yukki become a god.  This is where the story begins.  

The disarmingly cute but disturbed Yuna

Good - So where do I begin?  When I started, Yukki was not the protagonist I would have expected or wanted.  He is very timid and squeamish.  As the series progresses, you see him change into something else.  In many regards, Yukki reminded me of Shinji from Neon Genesis Evangelion.  A young boy thrust into a world and role he wants no part of.  A boy who tries to grow into what he needs to be, despite the contradicting nature of it all.  The schemes played out by Yuna and the other diary users reminded me a lot of Code Geass.  Each episode ended in a cliffhanger and each episode started out with an elegant and wild solution.  It was really fun seeing the different ways Yukki and Yuno devised their escapes and progress.  Lastly, the sheer brutality and blood reminded me of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.  There was no holding back on the violence on this one.  If you can gather, I've compared this anime to a lot of heavy hitters.  In short, I think The Future Diary is a game changer, a standard maker.  

Bad - Near the end, the story veers off into some really wild stuff.  IF you follow the series, it all makes sense but gives a very different tone the last 5 episodes or so.  But it all ends up fitting.  Also, the ending could have been improved.  I wish they would have ended it the way the manga was ended.  

Click here to watch The Future Diary on Hulu

Worthwhile? - I think this anime is absolutely worth watching.  The story is rich and complex.  The characters are all interesting and engaging. There is so much character development it's hard to keep up.  Frankly, that's just a good reason to enjoy this series a second time.  Whatever is on your watch list, clear it off and put The Future Diary on top.  You won't regret it. 5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Marvels (GN)

After reading Kingdom Come,  I was very eager to read the Marvel equivalent.  Marvels was the answer to that.  I had originally bought this for my friend as a Christmas gift.  He finally let me borrow it and it as worth the wait.
Marvels follows Phil Sheldon, a young man in the beginning his life and career as a photographer.  He is faced with the choice of leaving to cover WWII.  Unexpectedly, he decides to stay in NYC, following a hunch that greater things are to be seen in his home town.  Soon he finds himself witnessing the Torch escaping the cement prison he is entombed in.  Later on, a battle engulfs the city between the Torch and Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Phil begins to see how quickly the public can turn its opinion so quickly.  The books goes on as Phil is there to witness first hand the rise of the mutant menace, the attack of Galactus, and the new era of heroes.
Likes - First off, the art is done by Alex Ross.  If you aren't excited, read more comics!
The story was really fascinating.  For once, we see the world  of Marvel through the eyes of a man, an everyday man, Phil Sheldon.  We see him as we see everyone else at the beginning.  During the unveiling of the Torch, he falls into wonder, awe, and fear.  Later on, the Torch proves himself to be a champion of justice and a creature of virtue.  Soon, mutants begin coming to light.  This was the best part of the story.  Phil plays into the fear of mutants, the normal reaction at the time.  In the same day, events both professional and personal persuade Phil to see things in a different light.  Phil is us, showing us how easy it is to follow the mob and showing us the logic that we all need to follow.  Following Phil is as exciting as seeing Spider-Man foil any caper.  Phil grows so much, you can't help root for him.

Dislikes - I can't really point anything out that I didn't dislike.  This was a solid piece of work.

Overall - This was an amazing introspection into the Marvel Universe. A great read, especially for long time Marvel fans.  You see first hand what life would be like living in a world of "Marvels".  More so, we see Phil grow as a person.  From overcoming his fear of the Marvels, to understanding the reality of mutants, to recognizing that failure even comes to a super hero.  Marvels not only provides a slice of life in an amazing era, it also shows us a man becoming the person he needs to be.  That is the biggest thing you can take away from reading this graphic novel.