Shangri-la (anime)

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Kuniko's parent Momoko

Hi Everyone and Happy New Year!  To to kick off this new year, I am going to review Shangri-La, a 22 episode anime I watched on Hulu.  I had to dig a little deeper then usual through my recommendations to find this one.  But I was glad to have done so.  This was a high concept anime that really did it's homework and made for a very entertaining time.

Shangri-La follows Kuniko, a vibrant and charasmatic young girl.  As the heir to the Metel Age presidency, many eyes look to her, some for guidence, some for scrutiny.  Metal Age is a terrorist group in direct oppoistion to Atlas.  Atlas is a corportation in charge of rebuilding Tokyo in a new world based on a carbon market. A massive earthquake devistated the metropolis and shifted Japan's place in the global market.  Kuniko goes though a journey, along with friends, family, and peers joined together through unknonwn forces.  This may seem a little jumbled but hear me out.

Mikuni

Good - So my above description may seem all over the place.  Really though, it is a testament to how much was packed into the series.  Without much belaboring or long explanations, Shangri-La is able to create a complex world similiar to our own.  One controlled by limited resoucres and global markets.  A world run by corporations and military powers.  It took me some time to full understand what was driving the groups Metal Age and Atlas, but I figured things out eventually.  And I enjoyed the process.  It was fun and it paid off with the story and character development.  I still had some trouble following the global buying and selling of the stocks, but I've never watched any show or movie that made the Stock Exchange mor exciting the Shangri-La.
Another great aspect of this show was the character development.  Following not only Kuniko but Mikuni and many others, you could see real growth.  Chacracters weren't being rewarded for who they were but more who they were becoming.  It made me feel really attached to the whole cast and made me excited to watch each new episode.
Lastly, anyone whose watched enough anime knows that some of the best series can be crippled by a week ending.  Shangri-Laa does not suffer this.  In fact, it was one of the best series endings I've watched

Detestable Ryoko Naruse

Bad - There is nothing bad about this series.  The only challenge, as I would label it, is this is a series that can be tough to crack at the beginning.  It can be hard to understand how things fit and what is actually happening.  Trust me though, if you stick with it, the pay off is worth it.

Overall - I loved this series.  This was smart and even felt very real considering how true-to-life the concerns were.  The characters were all great - heroes you loved and villains you loathed.  A great flow of mystery and plot.  All of this capped off by a truly solid ending.  5 out of 5 stars.  Watch this anime as soon as you can.

Similar - Full Metal Alchemist, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Future Diary

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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

Un-go (anime)

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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

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (Anime)

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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. 

Review: Another (Anime)

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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.

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Review: The Future Diary (anime)

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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: El Cazador de la Bruja (anime)

I've gotten to a point I've almost exhausted all the anime series Netflix has to offer.  I was getting desperate, not sure what to watch. El Cazador de la Bruja's description offered something I was interested but I wasn't sure if it would deliver.  I decided to give it a shot.  It took some times, and a few attempts to get through the first episode.  I managed to watch this whole series in the end and it was a fun trip.

Streetwise bounty hunter Nadie.

El Cazador de la Bruja follows Nadie, a bounty hunter, as she captures Ellis and brings her to her client.  As the series progresses, Nadie and Ellis develop a relationship beyond the expected.  They go from ward and watcher to sisters.  Nadie goes from simply protecting her cash cow into looking out of Ellis' best interest.  As the 26 episode series progress, strangers turn to enemies, who in turn become trusted friends.  Truths are revealed.  Hearts are broken and mended.

Likes -  It took some time but in the end, I came to really enjoy this anime. El Cazador de la Bruja has all the makings to be a repetitive anime series, like Hell Girl, but I never felt like the I was treading ground I had already covered. There was a natural evolution to the story and settings, akin to Gurren Langann, There were times I was a bit lost as to what was going on but I've had that with any good series, anime or otherwise.   I respect a show that goes full force forward and expects the audience to keep up.

Naive bounty Ellis

The big home run with this series were the characters.  Nadie immediately comes off as a caring individual with enough experience to not trust everyone she meets.  Which is in great contrast to Ellis, a young amnesiac devoid of recognizing any social cues.  From the beginning, we know that Nadie looks after Ellis.  A simple observation but has many implications through out the show.  The other characters like Blue Eyes and Ricado are developed naturally and thoughtfully.  Nothing feels forced.  All the characters seem to fall into the place we expect hem too in time.  Seeing each person get there is the real fun of the whole series.

Click here to watch the 1st episode on YouTube!

Dislikes - There isn't anything specific I disliked about this series.  I enjoyed it fully.

Overall - I recommend this series.  It was a lot of fun and definitely an enjoyable ride.  It offers settings and stories unique to anime, offering something fresh to longtime anime fans.  The are plenty of actions and gun battles.  The real enjoyment in this series comes from seeing the characters grow into something you can't help but love.  4.5 out of 5 stars!

Review: Str.A.In (anime)

For me, I have an anime addiction.  At any given point, I need to be involved in an anime some way.  If I am not in the middle of one, I feel weird, like I'm not doing a good job of being myself.  With all that said, you can understand why I choose to watch this anime.  Not so much because it looked good or interesting, but because I had a need to watch something were the characters have huge eyes. Still, Str.A.In surprised me by being a pretty thoughtful, emotional run.

(SPOILER ALERT! Read this paragraph last! MAYBE!)

Str.A.In is set in a world were aliens are a constant threat to the earth and to humanity.  Enter Sara Werec.  She is the sister of Ralph Werec, a war hero, and Strain Pilot prodigy.  On an unfortunate night, her school and attack ed destroyed by an invading fleet.  This ambush was led by the one time hero, Ralph.  No one knows why he has switched sides.  After the attack, all the admiration he had garnered quickly becomes hate and fear now.  Sara must now take on a new identity in order to have a chance to confront her brother and understand why he has turned into such a monster.  

Likes - The first thing I liked about this show is how it started.  Similar to Gai-Rai: Zero, the first episode is this insane sucker punch.  If you've read the above paragraph, I've ruined it for you.  If not, you're set to have your head spinning. You really don't get a feel of things until the second episode where you come to see where the current struggle is heading.  

Another aspect of Str.A.In I liked were the lighter moments.  There were many comedic, cartoony moments and stories.  I'm glad for it though because if not for those, Str.A.In would feel so heavy and depressing,  It would be a struggle to watch the 13 episodes.  As the good times are a distraction for Sara, they also serve to distract the audience from the real story - People are dying, by the hand of one man, and no one knows why.

Related to the story are the characters.  At first they seem like stock characters, flat and no thought put into their creation.  Over time, the people and their stories, opinions, and experiences all begin to tie together creating unexpected complexity. Str.A.In started off seeming like another mecha driven anime but became a series about the meaning of family, friends, and the importance of letting go.  

Dislikes - Mainly, I could not stand Sara.  I think that was the point of her.  Watching her constantly pushing people away and instead finding comfort and conversation from an inanimate doll was creepy and sad.  I understand this is important to the story but it took her way too long to get out of this depression.  You can look at it as how much damage she really suffered by being betrayed, but still, it was SOO annoying.  Once you get past Sara though, the other characters can be charming and fun, especially compared to Sara's black light. 

Overall - I enjoyed this anime.  I don't know if I would brag that I watched this or that it was ground breaking. It did serve as a good way to pass the time and fulfill my anime addiction.  So if you watch a lot of anime, you might enjoy this one while looking for the next big thing.  For other people, there is a lot more out there to watch.  Overall 4 stars, though I don't know if I'd highly recommend this. 

Review: Night Raid 1931 (Anime)

Man, it feels like forever since I wrote anything on here.  I haven't really watched anything that spurned any strong opinions in me lately.  That changed when I finished this unexpected gem of an anime series, Night Raid 1931.

Night Raid 1931 follows the exploits of an espionage group - Sakurai Kikan.  This group is made up for four members - Rash Aoi, stiff Kazura, stoic Natsume, and grim Yukina.  Sakurai Kikan is a very special spy team since each of it's members has a special psychic ability.  Each one plays an essential role in protecting the Japanese occupation China.  The group goes on various missions in the beginning of the series.  In time we come to see that they are ultimately trying to prevent a 2nd world war.


Likes - When I first began watching this series, I wasn't really sucked in.  In fact, I only watched it to have something to do before bed.  As the series progressed, I lost sleep since I just had to push forward with the next episode.  The first strong point about this series is the overarching theme and plot.  At the beginning, it seemed the team was being sent out on random missions.  Halfway through, the series started to have a clear direction and, eventually, a fitting climax.  That is focused, thought out writing.  So many anime series will have 26 episodes, but the series can be summed up in less then 6 of those.  Night Raid 1931 is above that.  Every episode was vital to the plot.  When a series does that, then I end up not feeling like I wasted time on filler.  


The second strong point of the series is the characters.  I thought a team of 4 for Sakurai Kikan seemed small.  On the contrary, it was the right amount.  We come to see each member as a unique and interesting person.  The back and forth between Aoi and Kazura adds a healthy balance of opposing views and tension.  As the story charges forward, you understand the choices both men make.  With Yukina, you can feel her pain and frustration with dealing with her brother.  Each members' unique abilities also helps to create a very tight, symbiotic fluidity amongst the team as well.  I think the characters were the greatest triumph of this series.  


Dislikes - My only complaint is the play order that was given by Netflix.  I think their instant stream includes OVAs not normally a part of the series.  The second episode was actually the team's first meeting of each other.  It would normally be fine but I had no clue what was going on.  Other then that, nothing in particular stands out worth complaining about


Overall - I recommend this series highly.  The depth of the characters reminded me of Baccano! and the theme of war reminded me of Full Metal Alchemist, two series dear to my heart.  This series managed to surprise me with its depth, pacing, and overall excitement.  Put this one on the top of your 'To Watch' List!. You won't regret it!

Review: Angel Beats! (anime)

Angel Beats! was another Netflix recommendation.  I wasn't nearly as sure about this one as some of the other suggestion in the past. With only 13 episodes consisting the whole season, it would be worth a shot.  The series turned out to be a nice surprise

Angel Beats! is a unique show in many ways.  For one, all the students at the high school are dead.  Yes, this high school is actually a strange purgatory for those whose lives have been cut short.  In the opening episode, we are introduced to a small faction within the student body rebelling against the school authority.  The face and prime enemy of this rule is Angel, a small, white haired girl capable of taking on a whole team of experienced and heavily armed student soldiers.  As the story progresses, alliances change, motives come to light, and we begin to see things are not at all what you were expecting.

Likes - There were a number of things I liked about this series.  First off, I enjoyed the animation.  If nothing else is was a nice clean and vibrant series.  It was really full of life.  I don't prefer that style but i found it fitting for the overall hopefulness the show was trying to convey.  Secondly,  the music was solid.  Angel Beats! actually had a real band involved and making the music.  So there was a distinct sound and consistency that stamped the series throughout. As a musician, I really enjoyed the music animation.  I could tell instantly that the animators were paying attention to how the music was actually played.  It wasn't some random strumming on the guitar, but in fact everything was in line with the song.  I appreciated that level of detail made.
The one big element of this series I enjoyed were the characters, character development, and overall plot.  There is a very large cast that constantly evolves in the this series.  It's amazing how there is as much development as there is.  The characters are very interesting and are all worth knowing.  As you watch the series, the plot turns into a redemption story for each of the main crew.  This is what really had me enjoying this series.

Dislikes - Nothing in particular stands out that didn't like.  I think the story was executed well and within a reasonable amount of time.  I 'm not totally raving about this series because it's not my usual forte.  It was very good for what it was though.

Overall - I would recommend watching this anime.  If you're looking for something cute, something dense but concise, and/or something uplifting, watch this.  It was nice to watch a story with as much development and earnestness as Angel Beats! did.  With the holiday break beginning for a lot of folks now, I think this would be a great time to watch this series and continue the good cheer of Christmas!

Review: Hell Girl (anime)

Hell Girl was another series Netflix recommended to me based on my previous tastes.  With such a frank title, I figured I'd give it a shot.  Despite my best judgement, I managed to finish this series and felt let down afterwards. 

Hell Girl is an episodic series like Mushi-shi, each episode containing a full story.   Hell Girl follows Ai Enma, a spirit who offers revenge to anyone with enough hatred in their heart. There is a basic underlying climax the series builds up to. 

Like - The animation was absolutely gorgeous.  I don't think I've seen an anime done as well.  It had moments of normal animation but during the sequences near the end, where Ai comes to exact revenge, that when we see the best of this series. 

Dislike - I didn't enjoy watching this series.  I actually started watching this episode and stopped 7 episodes in.  Feeling weird about not completing the series, I decided to read the reviews and see what I was missing out.  Many reviewers said that it started slow but picked up, with the ending being a great pay off.  So I stuck with it, forcing myself each day to watch one episode.  When I finally finished this series, I felt completely let down.  When watching a series feels like a chore, you know something is wrong.  Nothing grabbed me or seemed interesting.  The story seemed repetitive, the characters seemed uncompelling.  There wasn't anyone I wanted to know more about.  If there was, I wouldn't see them past the episode I watched.  The Hell Correspondence group added some humor and clarity, but even they seemed distant.  The series focused on Ai, whom we are kept at an arms length for so long, I lost interest and concern by the time they revealed her past in the end.  

Overall - I don't recommend this series.  As I said, it is beautiful to watch.  An episode or two can be very interesting and fun but a full 26 episode series just felt so unnecessary.  This series could be done with more punch and focus within 13 or even 6 episodes.  Drawing things out to 26 though made it very difficult to sit though.  I give this 2 out of 5 stars. 

Review: Mushi-Shi (anime)

Nothing special regarding how I started watching this series.  Netflix recommended it.  I read the description and figured it was worth the shot.  What a pay off though!

Mushi-Shi is about Mushi Master Ginko, a man who travels the lands, doing what he can to help those afflicted by mushi and trying to get a souvenir when he can.  This series is very episodic, each episode containing a full story.  The full series has no ultimate goal or climax. Instead, we see different people having different troubles.  Ginko tries his best help each one out.

Like - Though I'm not a big fan of series that don't have an ultimate plot, I really enjoyed this one.  The main reason being Ginko was such an unassuming, endearing main character.  He viewed the people afflicted by the mushi and the mushi themselves both as being victims of circumstance.  Ginko is a mix of ghostbuster, MacGuyver, and Doctor Who.  Not one to allow anyone to die, he has to find a solution where everyone, mushi and person, can walk away better off.  The animation itself wasn't anything special but the scenes were very beautiful.  Seeing the world still untouched by modern progress in each episode was really enticing.  The animators were able to create a gorgeous landscape that I had no regrets getting lost in.  The last great piece of the series was the music.  It was more orchestral then other series I've watched previously.  All these elements together create a series that was very mellow but was still very inviting.  Something truly unique.

Dislike - This isn't much of a dislike as much as it is a possible different direction.  It would be nice to see the series go towards a larger climax.  The last episode actually had very little of Ginko, though he still played a big role.  Other then that, I can offer no improvements to this show.

Overall - I really enjoyed this series.  I actually put off watching my normal slew of films of drama and horror so that I could watch the next episode of Mushi-Shi.  It's hard for me to put my finger on it exactly, but I think the characters, specifically Ginko, really drew me in.  I was glad to watch this series and I think you should too.  5 out of 5 stars!

Review: Phantom:Requiem for the Phantom

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is a very redundant and poorly worded series title.  Thankfully, the series itself was crafted in a much more thoughtful fashion.  As usual lately, I was in need of a new anime series to follow, especially since the US TV season is on break.  Netflix suggested this to me.  I  was hesitant but after the 3rd episode, I was hooked.  This series proved completely worth my time.  I even found myself losing sleep. I was so engrossed with the story I would stay up way past my bed time.  

Phantom follows Zwei, a Japanese boy who has no memory of his past.  He finds himself fighting for his life the moment he awakens.  After his initial struggle, he is taught the ways of the assassin by his predecessor, Eins.  Soon, with his new abilities, we watch has Zwei rises and falls with Inferno, the organized crime syndicate he works for.

Likes - I didn't just enjoy this series, I loved it.  The story was great.  There was alot of development for all the major characters involved.  Specifically, Zwei. We see how he really asks why his life is the way he it is.  He rises.  He falls, He realizes what matters in life.  But so does Eins.  She eventually comes to see Zwei's philosophy to be better suited for her then the bland one offered to her by Scythemaster.  Even Cal, who is introduced later on, grows up as well.  If you want a series that offers alot of character development, watch this one.  It is central to the whole plot.  I liked how it was an adult series, swearing, but only when it made real sense.  Overall, I think this was a very thought-out, well crafted series.  

Dislikes - My main complaint is the animation style.  It is so plan that I was turned off by it.  I thought Phantom was another generic series about who-knows-what.  I'm glad I stuck around because it was worth the pay off.  Another complaint I have is about the ending.  What the hell happened????

Overall - I highly recommend this series.  It is a bit long but with so many characters running around, it could easily run longer.  I know I raved about Baccano! before but I think after you watch that, make the effort to see this one.  You won't be disappointed.  5 Stars!