Rss

  • youtube

Archives for : Reviews

Sankarea (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : October 18, 2013
1

Category: Reviews

Tags:,

Sankarea

review provided by TJ

Title: Sankarea: Complete Collection

Director:Mamoru Hatakeyama

Author: Mitsuru Hattori

U.S. Distributor: Funimation

Release Date: Oct 1, 2013

Format and Length: DVD/Blu-ray; 13 ep; 300 min

Genre: supernatural, romance

Industry Age Rating: TV- MA

Overall Personal Rating: B-

Similar Series:Dusk Maiden of Amnesia; Another

Synopsis:

Chihiro Furuya is a high school boy obsessed with zombie movies.  He has been every since he was a little kid.  His whole life pretty much revolves around zombies and the undead.  It has gotten to the point with him that he is not even interested in real girls.  Even though he admits that he knows zombies are not actually real, he also freely admits that “Zombie girls are the only ones that do it for me.” Naturally, when he finds an old notebook with the recipe to what appears to be a reanimation potion in his attic, he is ecstatic and cannot wait to try it out.  Which he proceeds to do on a cat that recently died.  So he goes to a deserted area to experiment.  But one night during his experiments, a girl stumbles upon him while he is at work.  This girl is Rea Sanka. For some reason or another, she decides to help out with what he is doing.  It is actually her who thinks of the correct plant to try and the cat is successfully brought back to life.  Sort of.  The body is still dead and decaying, but the personality that was housed in it is back.

 

However, one day as she is going to meet Chihiro, she ends up slipping and falling down a cliff and getting horribly injured.  But then she gets up and just walks away.  It turns out she had stolen and drank some of the potion.  The fall did kill her, but she got up as a zombie.  So now that Chihiro’s wildest fantasy had come true, he has to work to find out how to stop her body from decaying while helping her attempt to sort out her screwed up home life.

 

Commentary:

 

Overall there was nothing terribly wrong with Sankarea.  I liked the art and the story was, at the very least, different.  The opening and ending themes had good songs and the animations were fun to watch too.  I did really like the voice acting.  Every character’s voice seemed to fit them and for once the male protagonist did not sound like he had been smoking for twelve years as is common in many anime.

While the story was different and interesting, it was still weird and some parts of the plot were just a little bit disturbing.  The first and most obvious example of that is that Chihiro is, for all intents and purposes, fantasizing about necrophilia.  His dream girl is a dead girl.  And when he finally meets his dream dead girl, his problem now is to try to stop her body from decaying.  But that’s not the end of it.  Rea’s home life is probably just as disturbing as Chihiro’s fantasies are.  There is so much weird drama and it all adds up into one very odd and disturbing series.

 

It really is not all bad though.  If you can look past the fact that she is dead, some of the scenes in Sankarea are really sweet.  Looking at the superficial relationship between Chihiro and Rea, they look like to high school kids enjoying each others company.  There is humor, awkwardness, arguments, flirting, all the normal things two dating teenagers do with all the normal drama that comes with high school relationships. It was cute and sometimes quite funny.

 

Overall Grade:  B-

 

Much of the plot was weird and disturbing, but if those points could be over looked then it becomes a nice, cute romantic comedy.

 

“In the Radius:”

 

Other titles that are similar to Sankarea are Dusk Maiden of Amnesia or Another

Sakura Hime Volume 11 Manga Review

Posted by :Joann On : October 17, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:

Sakura Hime 11Title: Sakura Hime Volume 11

Creator: Arina Tanemura

U. S. Distributor: Viz Media / Shonen Jump

U. S. Release Date: October 1, 2013

Format: Manga, 184 pages

Genre: Supernatural shojo

Age Rating: T for Teen

Overall Personal Rating: B

 

Synopsis:

At the palace, Fujimurasaki is now the leader. He is out to get what he wants by any means. Shri seems to be playing on many sides, is he really serving anyone? There is a plan to destroy Enu’s group from within.

The secret relationship between Hayate and Rurijo is no longer a secret and the consequences are swift. Rurijo suffers the most as she is cast away and her own group turns their backs on her, causing her to turn to revenge against Sakura. A battle begins between the two buy things change very rapidly.

Kohaku still has a crush on Hayate, even though she knows how he feels about Rurijo. She realizes that she still is close to Sakura and, as a ninja, maybe that is enough. However, there are a lot of people competing for her attention.

Suddenly, Asagiri is kidnapped. An attempt to saver her requires switching places and pretending to be one another. They must find Enju because he is using Asagiri’s power to resurrect Princess Kaguya.

 

Commentary:

Wow, according to the author’s notes, this is the second to last volume. In a way it feels like it as the pace quickens and the art work stretches to greater heights.

I must say that the art work is as gorgeous as ever. It seems to me that there is a richer and bolder use of tones and patterns which I thought worked well and I enjoyed the look. The images of Rurijo are especially well done. They are somewhat complex images as she is transforming but I can’t explain too much because of spoilers. Although complex, they remain and elegant. My only minor complaint it the eyes. They are very expressive but the girls eyes are a bit over done on the size to a point of near distraction. The rest of the anatomy is well done and has a natural flow to them. The costuming, as always, is fabulous;  well detailed and drawn beautifully with graceful, flowing lines.

The story is moving fast and a lot happens.The final scenes in the book was a well told part of the story and it was well portrayed in the illustrations. It was complex with the trickery, surprise, sadness and bravery. I don’t think there is any hint to how the finale will play out, but it looks like we have to wait until February!

The author’s notes have a lot of information about the story which really helps to fill out the story and make things clearer. I actually think there would have been gaps in my understanding of the story if I hadn’t of read them. Also in the author’s notes, it tells about a recent sight seeing trip in Japan. I found it interesting and enjoyable, even with the comment on foreign tourists which was funny because it is true in more than one way.

 

Overall Grade: B

Other manga by the same artist: I O N, Full Moon, and The Gentlemen’s Alliance.

 

One Piece Season Five Voyage Two and Three (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : October 17, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:,

One Piece season 5 part 2Title: One Piece Season Five Voyage Two and Three

Director: Hiroaki Miyamoto

Original Creator: Eiichiro Oda

U. S. Distributor: FUNimation

U. S. Release Dates: Part Sept. 3rd, 2013; Part 3 Oct. 15th, 2013

Format: DVD / 24 Episodes / 600 minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Shonen

Age Rating: TV14

Overall Personal Rating: C

 

Synopsis:

Voyage 2

The tragic secrets of Robin’s past are revealed in series of heartbreaking flashbacks! Bullied because of her unique powers, young Robin’s only friends were the kindly scientists who nurtured her genius intellect while her mother searched for the answers to life’s greatest mysteries. Lonely and afraid, Robin took comfort in the company of books until the day the World Government arrived.

Commanded by men who feared the might of science, an army of warships launched a brutal attack on the peaceful island of Ohara – an attack that threatened to separate mother and daughter forever! Robin’s dark past left her with a lifetime of scars, but Luffy and the Straw Hats never give up on family! Even if it means a deadly showdown with the assassins of CP9!

Voyage 3

While Luffy races to save Robin from the cowardly clutches of Spandam the madman, the rest of his mates fight for their lives against the heinous henchmen of CP9! Nami steps into save Sanji from taking a beating at the hands of a lethal bathing beauty, and Chopper goes on a rampage after eating one too many Rumble Balls during his showdown with a samurai lion!

Meanwhile, Franky teaches a zipper-mouthed freak a thing or two about the punching power of cola, Zoro’s swordplay is hampered by being handcuffed to Usopp, and Sanji reappears just in time to introduce his wolfish opponent to the burning power of the devil’s leg!

Commentary:

In the world of Anime there are very few series that have the longevity that One Piece has enjoyed. It has been on the air in Japan since 1999. That is a insane amount of time when you conceder that most series last anywhere from 13 to 52 episodes. There are a few that have been long lived shows, but One Piece just might be the one that carries with it the most devised fandom. The fact that One Piece is so huge in Japan is enough to show off its fandom and it garners a large fan community in the US and around the world and even with that said there are still some anime fans out there that just don’t see the draw to the series. Now I am one of the group that understands that there are a lot of people that think its great, but all I see when I watch it is how it appeals to the lowest common denominator which can be a good thing or bad. For me I just think it makes it all too silly and some what boring.

In these two box sets I find myself being even more bored than usual. On Voyage two there were all of the flash back episodes for the crew that left me wondering why it was even made. At least Voyage 3 followed through with some real action and moved the plot along.

The one real strength of One Piece are the characters and they are a full rich group. I’m not just talking about the crew I am also including the rest of the antagonist in that statement. Each of them have their quirks and strengths that make the confrontations both fun but lively. In may of the great shonen series out there the battles end up being both fights and somehow teaching moments, whereas in One Piece they are battles but at the same time explorations in the strange world of the series and an imaginative grouping of abilities and powers. I guess that is why so many people like the series and at the same time the only thing that drives it along.

 

Overall Grade: C

For these two box sets I was somewhat disappointed with the amount of waisted time and filler that is thrown at us. I did enjoy the some of the humor that come from the fights and how things were resolved. I guess that if all you need is a series about fighting and battles then One Piece is a reasonable option, but if you are looking for something that has some substance to offer then be sure to look elsewhere.

 One Piece season 5 part 3

Sakura Wars: The Movie (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : October 16, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:,

Sakura Wars: The MovieTitle: Sakura Wars: The Movie 

Director: Mitsuri Hongo

Studio: Production I. G.

U. S. Distributor: FUNimation

U. S. Re-Release Date: Oct. 22nd, 2013

Format: Blu-ray / DVD/ Feature Film / 85 minutes

Genre: Sci Fi, Steampunk, Supernatural, Mecha

Age Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: B

 

 

Synopsis:

 

When something wicked stages chaos, the Imperial Assault Force sends the divas of the Flower Division to drive steel through evil’s spotlight! Sweet Sakura, glamorous Sumire, adorable Iris, tactical Leni, mechanic Kohran, Kana the martial arts master, exotic Orohime, and stoic leader Maria are always ready for action! Just as a fresh face joins the ensemble, other members begin to vanish one after another. When a deviant virtuoso unleashes demons to terrorize Tokyo, it’s up to the maidens of metal to pull their act together and drop the curtain on evil!

 

Commentary:

It has been some time since I had seen Sakura Wars: The Movie and this re-release is a welcome reminder of the quality work that was being released over 10 years ago. I recently had a conversation with another huge anime fan and they mentioned that there was a large amount of new titles making their way over to the U S and how they were impressed with how good this new anime is, but also noted that there is a much more naive approach to the overall stylized look to the new series. This is were films and series like Sakura Wars that were in the forefront of the new CG animation manage to stand out strictly based on the high quality of the production. With so much of the films and series concepts based on the then rather recent Steampunk idealism it is rather telling how that aesthetic managed to really shine through.

Having the film in Blu-ray helps make the original visual concepts stand out and at the same time help support the story for what it is. The story concept is the one weak point in the entire project. With this film being so short there is a lack of story but plenty of action to carry it through. There are plenty of question from the very opening segment to the finally that it pays not to get too wrapped up in the story. At the very least there is a simplistic approach to the story that manages to keep it entertaining and at the same time allow the visual aspects to the film to shin through.

 

Overall Grade: B

I guess that by now you can tell where I stand on Sakura Wars: The Movie and yes it is all about the animation, but I also have to mention how much I like way that they managed to make these  young ladies more than just pretty girls who sing and fight monsters. They also managed to stand out as individuals and each characters did add a little variety to the film. Sakura Wars: The Movie is one of those 2001 films that is a perfect reminder of what was going on in anime at that time and how much ground was covered in the high quality production and the use of the new technology to do more than just look good. If you have never seen this and are a Steampunk / Mecha fan then this one is one for your collection.

Voice Over! Seiyu Academy volume 1 Manga Review

Posted by :Joann On : October 10, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:, , ,

ItemDescription-36Title: Voice Over! Seiyu Academy volume 1

Story and Art: Maki Minami

U.S Distributor: Viz Media

U. S. Release Date: Oct. 1, 2013

Genre, Format and length: Shojo manga,

Overall Personal Rating: B-


Synopsis:

Voice Over begins with Hime Kino just starting to attend Holly Academy. Although the school has many programs, she is there for its well known voice acting program. Since she was little, she has wanted to be a voice actor, specifically to become a character for the anime Lovely Blazers. See, when she was young she met Sakura Aoyama, one of the actors for the show and this became her inspiration. Now at the new school, things aren’t going as smoothly as she planned.

Hime, along with three other students who haven’t kept up with the rest of the class, end up in a group with extra lessons because they aren’t mastering their skills. It turns out the voice acting is more complicated than she expected. One of Hime’s problems is her voice! When she tries to act the cute voice she would need for being a Lovely Blazer just isn’t something she can do. She sounds more like a guy or a gorilla. It is such a problem that when she gets offered a part, it is for a male role.  Is she willing to give up her dream in order to learn and get a job?

 

Commentary

I was glad to have a new series to read. Lately it has all been waiting for the next volume of the many series I’m in. Voice Over is primed to be a cute series and Hime makes a great, although somewhat typical girl character. She longs to be cuter and is a bit unlucky, but as she works toward her goal, she is enthusiastic and isn’t giving up.

This first book was heavy on the setting up of the series and it didn’t flow smooth enough. Some of it seem forced or too rushed, leaving me unattached to the characters. I do like the setting. I like the idea of stories taking place in the field that produces them (For example: Manga about the manga industry; I’ll give it my all Tomorrow and Bakuman.) Now that the basic information is all laid out, there will be more time for serious story development.

Visually, Voice Over has a nice consistency with lots of tone and clear lines, which is a style I prefer. Hime has that cute school girl look with the giant eyes. The guys are styled in the current trend of the tall lanky guy with his hair falling over his face. The costuming and details help add to the fun and the characters. The look of the series is definitely one of its strongest points.

The gender bending element of the plot is tucked away in Hime’s voice. She so wants to be cute in looks and voice, but the truth is that her gruff voice is appearing to take her in a direction she wasn’t counting on. This is where the comedy comes from and we will see where is will all lead.

 

 

Overall Grade:  B-

 

Eureka Seven AO: Astral Ocean Part 2 (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : October 10, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:,

Eureka Seven AO: Astral OceanTitle: Eureka Seven AO: Astral Ocean Part 2 

Director: Tomoki Kyoda

Studio: Bones

U.S Distributor: FUNimation

U. S. Release Date: October 15th, 2013

Format and length: DVD / Blu-ray / 320 minutes / 12 episodes + OVA

Genre: Mecha, Science Fiction

Publisher/Industry Age Rating 14+

Overall Personal Rating: B+

Synopsis:

During a dangerous zero-gravity mission to keep a clash in space from colliding with Earth, Ao meets his mother for the first time since she disappeared. Chaos erupts when the vengeful enigma known as Truth learns of her return. As Ao fights to protect his mother and solve her transient state, he discovers a weapon so powerful it can alter Earth’s timeline.

Conflict elevates across the globe as this warhead and new intelligence on the hostile aliens polarizes former allies. When another pilot and his machine from the future enter the fray, Ao will finally learn his true origin – as well as his role in saving his mother, his friends, and his planet from obliteration.

 

Commentary:

Even with the complexity of the series I found Eureka Seven AO: Astral Ocean to be a very entertaining show. It often kept me guessing and confused as to what was going on, but rather than leave me guessing I was brought back into the know rather quickly. Not only does this keep the series interesting it manages to show off how well it was written. The creative team behind Eureka Seven AO had a vision and understood how to deliver it.

Studio Bones also stepped up with a beautiful animation. On several occasions I was blown away by what was going on in the background. It is very easy to focus on what is in the foreground and just have simple background work that is beautifully rendered. In this case I was constantly amazed on how much activity was going on all around the focal point. In many ways I think this attention to detail on the world around the action also added to the level of enjoyment.

Overall Grade: B+

The one thing that brought me down was the ending. I’m not going to give anything away, but I would have enjoyed some more info at the end. Other than that I thought it was a strong 12 episodes. I wasn’t so hip on the OVA and more often than not they are just throw away stories that don’t have any impact on the plot and I have never been a fan of filler episodes. On a whole, I was very please at how things wrapped up. I know that part one of Eureka Seven AO came across as too complicated and by releasing them in 2 parts and with 2 months separating them. For those of you that come back to the series after the gap I know you will be pleased and just hope that those who were confused come back around to get the rest of the story, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

In the world of mecha anime Eureka Seven has carried a bit of mystique with it and may purest don’t like the new series. I have to tip my hat to this series because it pushes the boundaries and creates its own story. You don’t have to know the original story to get  into this one and I would highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys mecha series that make you work to keep up with them.

 

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan volume 17

Posted by :Patches On : October 9, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:,

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan 17Title: Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan volume 17

Creator: Hiroshi Shibashi

U. S. Distributor: Viz Media / Shonen Jump

U. S. Release Date: October 1st, 2013

Format: Manga / Paper Back / 192 pages

Genre: Supernatural, Action, Shonen

Age Rating: T for Teen

Overall Personal Rating: B

 

Synopsis:

While the day belongs to humans, the night belongs to yokai, supernatural creatures that thrive on human fear. Caught between these worlds is Rikuo Nura. He’s three-quarters human, but his grandfather is none other than Nurarihyon, the supreme commander of the Nura clan, a powerful yokai consortium. So, Rikuo is an ordinary teenager three quarters of the time, until his yokai blood awakens. Then Rikuo transforms into the future leader of the Nura clan, leading a hundred demons!

Volume 17 of Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan revolves around two separate stories. Caught in The Ripper’s scissors-hold, Rikuo faces off against this terrifying enemy whose Fear feeds on the pain of children. Nura does his best to discover and thwart the evil Yokai and at the same time release the souls of his victims.

Speaking of eating, brother and sister team Ryuji and Yura travel to the worst tourist destination ever, the Village That Devours People! Together they manage to discover if this urban legend is true or false and in doing so manage to make a few fans in the process.

Even though these two stories do not seem to connect is there something about them that binds them in a way that just might bring forth an old rivalry for the Nura Clan? If so what will come next?

Commentary:

Most of my roots in the world of the Yokai tend to flow back to the classic Manga Mushi Shi which is a real stand out for me, but in the case of Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan I see its much more populist approach and that it give plenty of action and fun but also carries a certain reverence for the supernatural. In volume 17 it seems to focus on the fears of humans and how our own fears end up creating and sustaining the monsters that we both are drawn to and repulsed from. Both stories show a very dark side of the Yokai and at the same time play right back into the weakness of humans and their inability to not become prey to their own demons.

I know that the underlying connection between both of these stories is really at the center of the plot for the series, but I liked the way that each story was rather self contained. There is still plenty of overarching plot development and at the same time the story in front of you manages to take center stage. All to often these shonen end up getting lost in either the overall plot or forget about it all together. This was a breath of fresh air and possibly the strongest aspect of the entire volume.

The one area of weakness that I came across was the way in which Ryuji and Yura come across in the Village That Devours People. They both ended up looking rather silly at times and Ryuji ends up being more of a sap than the strong heroin that she really is. I wish that she would have been give more common sense. Yura ends up coming across as a punk and more of a manipulator than a hero. I know that it is sometimes the important to give us an anti hero, but this time Yura is just a punk who ends up looking cool.

Overall Grade: B

Honestly, I like this series and am looking forward to volume 18. This volume would have scored much higher if Ryuji and Yura had not come across so poorly. The first story , The Ripper, came off rather well and kept me interested the entire way. There is also the underlying connection between the two which opens up plenty of possibilities and also places more doubt on Nura’s rightful place and his powers. It sure is headed in the right direction and I have a feeling there will be plenty of more excitement to come. If you are looking for some action and a little supernatural fun then this is the series for you.

We Without Wings – Under the Innocent Sky (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : October 6, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:,

We Without WingsReview provided by Katie K.

Title: We Without Wings – Under the Innocent Sky

Director: Shinji Ushiro

Studio: Nomad

Author: Takamitsu Kouno

U.S. Distributor: Funimation

U.S. Release Date: October 8, 2013

Format and Length: DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack / 12 Episodes plus 1 OVA / 300 Minutes

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Ecchi, Harem, Psychological

Industry Age Rating: 17 and up (nudity and fan-service, plus more)

Overall Personal Rating: D

Similar Series or Titles to Check Out: Colorful, Qwaser of Stigmata, Rosario Vampire

 

“That the world may know peace…” “Ya wench!”

 

Synopsis:

Takashi Haneda has a secret he cannot speak of, wanting to escape his dull school-life to another world. However, he is stopped by feelings for people he has in this world, his awkward younger sister Kobato, and Asuka his girlfriend in word only. Shuusuke Chitose is a happy go lucky part time employee at a gimmicky restaurant and free-lance writer for a men’s magazine. One day, he has a disastrous first encounter with Hiyoko Tamaizumi. The next time they meet, Shuusuke discovers that they are fellow employees at the same restaurant. Hayato Narita is a loner, street smart, ex thug who does handyman work and occasional odd jobs for underworld syndicates. He is normally annoyed by people, but when night falls, that all changes with random encounters with two gangs and a girl with a uniform fetish named Naru, and Takashi’s sister Kobato, in cat cosplay.
How will relationships with all these girls greatly affect these three young men, and what exactly is the relationship they have with each other? Throw in excessive amounts of fan-service, random humor, an alternate medieval world, the Japanese view of hip-hop and gangland, and of course the narrator DJ Condor, blaring from the 80’s style boom box, and you get We Without Wings – Under the Innocent Sky.

 

Commentary:

We Without Wings – Under the Innocent Sky was an interesting experience to say the least. The story line  is an attempt to put a new twist on the harem genre, adding a psychological aspect normally reserved for more serious genres, and at first glance, looks real interesting and full of potential. Three guys, leading three completely separate lives, all linked together (can’t elaborate more without spoilers). They all work to pursue their own goals, relationships, and living life the best they can, while in control. Everything they try to cover is a wide range of subject matters, including but not limited to; anti-social behavior, fantasy worlds, the pain and uncertainty of life, murder, suicide, schizophrenia, domestic violence, gang violence, societal issues, bad rappers with absolutely no ability to flow or keep a beat, and of course fan service in every aspect of every scene possible under the sun.

 

We Without Wings – Under the Innocent Sky is based on a graphic novel/eroge game put out by Navel. The majority of game based animes have a common theme, they don’t make good series. This series has a plethora of cute girls, giving every inch of fan-service possible, in all age ranges, including a couple that are much too young to be showing “their stuff”. They all have their own, somewhat distinguishable personalities, which strictly fall into cliché patterns. Every fetish is basically covered. And for those who want more than fan service, there is episode #8. Back to my original point though, that the majority of game based animes have a common theme of not making a good series, this anime is no exception. The story was flat, incoherent, and actually painful to watch at times. It often was hard to link one action to another, even when following only one of three character paths. They did try to make up some short comings with humor but sometimes it felt they were trying too hard at it, and at those times, the jokes simply fell flat. The only thing it did have to offer was the fan service, which quite often went too far, and even got the indignation of a battle-hardened ecchi fan. Everything you need to know about this anime can be seen in the first couple episodes. If you can handle it, you may make it through, and have some appreciation for it. The ultimate issue with this anime is they try to squeeze too much into the story. Attempting to do so in a twist to the harem genre, though a noble attempt to make it deeper than your standard one lucky idiot attracts several girls and then his awkwardness ensures comedy. Though it may have worked better if they didn’t have to do it all in eleven episodes, not counting the fact that they wasted the first episode completely. Maybe they could have spent more time on the story, explaining how it got to where it did in the end. Oh and a couple final notes, I would like to see a gag on Miyako when she is acting like she is overdosing on caffeine. Also almost everyone in this series has some sort of psychosis. Episode #8 part 2 is a full blown hentai scene. And episode 00, the traditional cliché beach/hot spring episode found in all harems, is quite interesting in itself, opening with a yaoi scene, and proceeding pretty much as expected from that point forward. Viewer discretion is advised.

 

Extras:

We Without Wings – Under the Innocent Sky special features include commentary for episodes 4 and 8, textless opening and closing animations, U.S. Trailer, and Funimation Trailers.

 

Overall Grade: D

We Without Wings – Under the Innocent Sky went a bit far with the fan-service for my taste and it also had no plot cohesiveness.

 

“In The Radius”:

Colorful, Qwaser of Stigmata, Rosario Vampire all include ecchi scenes. If you like ecchi then I recommend these animes for you.

Blood C: The Last Dark (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : October 5, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:,

Blood C: The Last DarkTitle: Blood C: The Last Dark

Director: Naoyoshi Shiotani

Written By: Clamp, Nanase Ohkawa and Junichi Fujisaku

Studio: Production I. G.

U. S. Distributor: FUNimation

U. S. Release Date: October 22, 2013

Format: DVD / Blu-ray / Feature Film / 105 minutes

Age Rating: TV MA

Overall Personal Rating: A-

 

Synopsis:

 

Saya is part human, part monster, and has one thing on her mind: revenge. Visions of twisted experiments and creatures slaughtering everyone she loved fuel her thirst for vengeance. With blade in hand and rage boiling in her veins, she tracks her tormentor to Tokyo, where flesh-hungry beasts have begun to feed. There, she joins a group of young hackers hunting for the same man. As Saya slices her way through lies, traps, flesh, and bone, how much blood will she shed to cut down the mastermind behind her madness?

 

Commentary:

 

This is my first trip into the world of Clamp’s Blood C and I have to admit that I was completely blown away. The quality of the animation was wonderful and truly representative of Production I. G.’s work. The one thing that really stood out in this movie was the straightforward approach to the story. I was amazed at how clean and direct it was. Even though I was not familiar with the Blood C series I was able to get into the movie without any of the back story. The opening sequence was dramatic and a strong introduction into the story. Being a fan of some o the work of Clamp I was able to gradually begin to see their handy work,  but it wasn’t until midway through the movie that it became clear that the were directly involved in the story.

Overall Grade: A-

I think that if it weren’t for the added connection to some of  Clamp’s other  stories that Blood C: The Last Dark could have fallen victim to its own heavy story line.  Overall the story is very dark and all to often these types of plot lines end up going too dark and pushing the viewer away. With the addition of these classic Clamp icons the mood of the film is lifted just enough to keep the viewer engaged.

With the over look and feel of the series keeping the plot moving and the added Easter Eggs from Clamp, Blood C: The Last Dark is a genuine winner. It also feels completed at the end. I did not walk away feeling cheated or  left in the dark.

If you are into this type of thriller or you have been a fan of Blood series them you should not miss this one.

 

Claymore volume 23 (manga review)

Posted by :Patches On : October 4, 2013
0

Category: Reviews

Tags:

Claymore 23Claymore 23: Mark of the Warrior

Creator: Norihro Yagi

U. S. Distributor: Viz Media

U. S. Release Date: October 1st, 2013

Format: Manga / Paperback / 200 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Action, Supernatural

Age Rating: T+ for older teen

Overall Personal Rating: B+

 

Synopsis:

Rebel warrior Miria penetrates the headquarters of the secret Organization that created her, discovering the appalling truth about Yoma. Meanwhile, human warrior Raki joins the Claymores on the battlefield and seems closer than ever to his goal of reuniting with Clare, his Claymore companion. Yet the cycle of violence cannot be stopped – an epic battle is brewing and Priscilla, a powerful force for evil, is back in the fight!

Commentary:

With so may years gone by Raki has grown up to be a rather tough looking man. I was very happy to see him rejoin the series and especially happy about the way he came back to prove himself. It was rather a redeeming moment for his character. It is also great to have Clare back in the action. I was beginning to worry that the one real core element to the series was lost in the overflow clutter in the previous few volumes. Getting these plucky warriors back to the main plot is important and now that the three main characters are reunited (Clare, Raki and Priscilla) things can begin to take shape and work toward a conclusion.

The thing about Claymore that makes it work so well is that issue of making these women so fierce yet at the same time so human. They know that they are on the path to losing their humanity and they more than anyone work so hard to protect humans.

It is a little of a shame that the plot is beginning to reveal some of the secrets about the Claymore and as they open the curtain to reveal the truth I am finding it to be a little disappointing, but it is still entertaining.

 

Overall grade: B+

I guess that the one thing that holds this volume up for me it the reuniting of Raki and Clare. Funny thing is that it isn’t as touching as I would have expected. Claymore still has its essence, but as we move forward the reality of who and what they are is taking a little of the shine off the warriors.

This still a series that holds plenty of action and adventure and with the way things are shaping up it looks like the coming volumes will have plenty to offer.