[Review] Uchuu Kyoudai

FEEL SO MOON~

HAHAHAHA, man, this was like one of the first thing I remembered about Uchuu Kyoudai.  And the fluffy curly popcorn poodle like hair, errr more commonly known as an  Afro Namba. Afro

The thing about this show is that it knows how to make it characters relatable and fun to watch.True, it is heavily slice of life, but yet it made the show work so well. Each and every character of the show has his or her own backstory. In the simplest explaination, every character was a main character. And that formula worked. It really did, because I enjoyed it immensely.

I was regretful when it ended, even with 99 episodes, this was how much I enjoyed it. It felt like it could continue, that it had so much more story to tell.

While Uchuu Kyoudai do not have particular over the top action/magic/whatever crap, it knows how to tell a good story. And a good story wins me over anytime.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 8.5/10
• How much I like it: 9/10

On a side note, Uchuu Kyodai had some awesome music going on. Here are some I personally liked.

• Subarashiki Sekai by Rake
• Kokuhaku by Angela
• Beyond by Miho Fukuhara
• Anata ga ireba ok by Serena
• feel so moon by unicorn
• Eureka by Sukima Switch

[Review] Death Parade

Excellent. What’s with stumbling with all the good finds nowadays?

Death parade immediately drew me in. Right from the very beginning. That sombre mood, artistic touch, heart-pounding life-and-death games *coughs coughs coughs*

But what gave the show its brillance was the incredible insight of its thought-provoking questions it carefully delivers to the viewers.

I watched, I felt, I thought along with this series. At the end of the series, what it left me was yet another sense of nostalgia for finishing a damn fine series once again.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it is worth: 9/10
• How much I like it: 9.5/10

[Review] Ansatsu Kyoushitsu

”There needs to be more anime like this.”

”Why isnt there more anime like this?!”

”When will I find another anime like this?!”

”SIGH, it is over, too soon, far too soon. NOT ENOUGH”

”Okay, so what’s an anime/manga similar to this?” *Scours myanimelist/wiki/google* ohmygod, I watch all the nice similar ones already. T.T *

”OMG I HAVE BLOODY WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME I MISS THIS SHOW SO MUCH.”

”OH *insert anime’s title* , I AM SO SO SO GLAD I GOT TO MEET YOU.”

*cues sappy sad songs and puppy dog eyes* lololol.

Well, but that’s the kind of feeling you would usually have after finishing a damn good anime. Good anime will somehow worm their way to a place in your heart. I miss Ansatsu Kyoushitsu already. You’ll be having a second season, right, right? Koro-sensei is the kind of sensei you cant hate (even you had to assassinate it).

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it is worth: 10/10
• How much I like it: 10/10

Excellent material. Yes, yes, excellent.

Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu

You’ll just know when a series is good when it hooks you right from the first episode. Right from the start.

Kiseijuu is just one of that kind of series.

Okay, yes, granted, it do have some gruesome bloody scenes, but well, if you lived past Shingeki no Kyojin and Hunter X Hunter Chimera Ant Arc and Psycho Pass S1, um, I dont think it’ll be much of an issue to you. It’s not that scary actually, really.

And I need to say that the many thought provoking dialogues in scenes in Kiseijuu, mostly scenes with the Right Hand (Migi) and Shinichi is extremely refreshing and riveting. And excellently well-written. High praise you know. Somehow, all along the series, I found myself questioning: Who really is the real monster? A question of survival or morality? But then the last scenes in the anime just drove something home, and something just clicked.

There were hardly any frustrating characters, and the backbone of the story is very solid.

Strangely enough, the Migi, that came across as cold, unfeeling, very logical and selfish for its own survival, seemingly wormed into viewer’s heart as one of the best bro in the story. Mine included.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 9/10
• How much I like it: 10/10

Psycho Pass S2

When news broke out that Psycho Pass season 2 was on the Autumn’s lineup, I bet all the Psycho Pass S1 fans were so so so stoked. Season 1 was mad fun, it was mad insane, yet it was so so good. Admittedly, it had many gritty scenes, but what particularly made the series shone were it’s strangely compelling characters. Characters that draw you into the series, well-developed characters that made the plot. They made it interesting.

I still love psycho pass, but less so for Season 2.

You know what I mean? There was so much hype following the success of S1, and I expected the same for S2, but while it didnt disappoint me (thanks to Akane), it didnt particularly impressed me either (no thanks to Mika Shimotsuki). And sadly, I felt the absence of Kogami and Makishima. I’m not sure, but I think everyone did.

Strangely enough, I could predict what could happen next in season 2, where I could not in season 1 because they threw so many curveballs and exciting twists. Yet with season 2, I saw it coming. Sort of killed the fun, because the antagonist’s motivation were predictable enough, almost as if he was a mini-replica of Makishima but not exactly either, only less compelling. And where was Kogami?! lol

Although I say that, I still enjoyed Psycho Pass, just love season 1 more than 2. Of cos, Psycho pass is still an excellent show, so if you can take all those gritty scenes, go ahead, I dont think you’ll regret.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 8/10
• How much I like it: 8/10

On a side note, I’m looking forward for the Psycho Pass Movie WOOOHOOOHOOOOOO!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Review] Zankyou no terror

It’s good.

It is, and it kinds of reminds me of Psycho Pass. But that’s not a bad thing, because I dearly loved Psycho Pass. I still do, and am eagerly looking forward for Psycho Pass 2.

I’ve seen a couple of anime in this genre, so watching Zankyou no terror, I cant help making comparisions. It kind of is like a cross between Zetsuen no tempest (Mythology) and Psycho Pass (Crime). And yea, there are other series with similar concepts (No. 6). Although Zetsuen no tempest was kind of a let-down for me.

Excitement. Mind grippingly tense. Fitting music. Smooth scene transitions. And if you ask me to choose, I’ll say I prefer Zankyou no terror. That’s my personal preference but really, it’s all up to you viewers. Though it still doesnt beat out Psycho Pass for me.

I do like that the characters are kinda a little more complex than the average characters, with so many contradictions in their personalities. Their inner conflicts are also interesting to watch, and the focus is NOT just on the main characters but the side characters are also given distinct personalities. The mythology itself was interesting and while they sort of abandoned it in the later half of the series, it was still an interesting watch. Nine was the most intriguing character and I personally liked him best.

However, for some weird reason, I just cant endear myself to Lisa Mishima. I dont know why either, she’s just not very impressionable.

And Five was insane. If I had to honestly described her, it would be a intelligent rabid fan gone wild. Well, sort of. Though I guess, she did made the show more exciting. I wished they develop her character more though. Her background has so much room for character development. If we knew her backstory, maybe…it could have been much better.

The ending wasnt the most satisfying, but I guess it’ll do. I mean, I’ve seen worse. Overall, a pretty good show, save for some flaws here and there.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 8/10
• How much I like it: 8.5/10

 

 

Ah, it’s a good season for anime

Summer.

It sure was a good summer for anime. 2014 showed promising summer season anime, and man, they sure delivered. I wasn’t sure what to expect in the beginning of the season, and now that the season is over, I can say with confidence, that I really really enjoyed it. I don’t know when I’ll enjoy a season this much again. (hopefully soon?)

I think I mentioned this many times, but anime of recent times dont really excite me THAT much as I was before, but I think I rekindled that excitement again. Well sort of, considering I practically marathoned 4 anime within one week, and am on my fifth one right now. IT’S JUST SO. DAMN. GOOD. The problem now is what’s next when I finished all the good anime already. SIGHPIES. Always the problem. Good anime are always LIMITED. Jeez.

AND THANK YOU SO MUCH GEKKAN SHOJO NOZAKI KUN

YOU ARE DA BOMB.

I laughed so damn hard I cried. Every single episode has me in stitches. EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. I mean, how many anime series can accomplish that? The last that tried was hataraku no maou. BUT STILL. I lurbbbb good comedy. Pardon the bad engrish because when one recall the fantastic comedy that was gekkan shojo nozaki kun, grammar and vocab is definitely not the first thing on your mind. Chicken shizz, now that show has me fumbling on my words. And this reminds me so much of Ouran High School Host Club. But it’s just so incredibly funny!!!

Don’t let the synopsis fool you. I sure was fooled in the beginning by the ordinary-sounding synopsis but at the end of the 1st episode, I was hooked. This show held up like a champ.

Ao Haru Ride

OMGGGG, Ao Haru Ride totally upzzz my shojo feels. Hardly seen a good shojo anime these days, so it was definitely a good welcome. Dear anime industry, could you adapt more shojo/slice of life anime plsss. So much potential in that genre, cos there so much potential for character development, something I really really like. I definitely see more shounen than shojo anime series. And while you are at it, could you also adapt more seinen/josei anime too?

Haikyuu

Youth. Ahhhh, shining brillant youth.

Baby Steps

Totally enjoyed it too! It had a good mix of character development, comedy, personal growth and the art was stunning! What the manga couldnt do, the anime could. The animated tennis matches were incredible!

Barakamon

I’m currently watching this, but omg it’s so good. Remind me so much about nodame cantabile and usagi drop all over again. I LOVE THIS KIND OF SHOWS. I keep getting nodame cantabile feels.

Ah, and almost forgot to mention this, but Hunter X Hunter 2011 has come to an end. Suffice to say, all good things come to an end. It was a great ride with Hunter X Hunter, and I never regretted my journey to walk alongside it. It’s a great show. Truly. As a fan, I wish it could go on forever. Wishful thinking on my part, but at the very least, I’m holding out hope that more Hunter X Hunter material from the manga could be adapted into a new season. Till then, Hunter x Hunter. I believe. 😉

[Review] Baby Steps

Man, it has been so so long since I found an anime that I actually liked.

I don’t favour anime with senseless plot that goes nowhere with no character development. And anime with no comedy and no plot is downright boring. And I can’t stand too much fanservice in an anime. Too much fanservice has me rolling my eyes over and over again, feels too formulaic. Like, don’t you have other ways to pull in viewers other than that? So if you’re looking for those as recommendations, nope, I have none.

Recent anime doesnt really have that sparkz factor that keeps me watching it, but I think if anything, this one has. Makes me remember why I like anime all over again. Though of cos, I do know better shows that this, but no matter, this is good on its own.

Baby Steps.

Exactly as it’s title is, it’s showing character progression.

• YES!! Score one for show! My style of show.

It has comedy. And pretty good art style and a colourful palette.

• Score two for show!!

It has plot. And actually seems realistic.

Verdict? I like it.

Actually when the news broke that this manga is gonna be adapted to an anime, I was stoked. I read the manga before and liked it, but I do realise I like it better when it’s animated. You can see the movement of the tennis balls and the players animated, making it much more realistic.

And yes, maybe you might compare it with Prince Of Tennis, but I do like this much more.

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it’s worth: 8/10
• How much I like it: 8/10

 

 

 

 

Best hero/heroine anime characters

Because there’s always one in any anime series. Just depending on how awesome they are.

Hunter x hunter – Killua

I’m still following the most current episodes of hunter x hunter, and with each and every passing episodes, I just keeping sighing because it gets awesome and more awesome. And that I fall deeper and deeper into the badassery charm of Killua. It was badass enough when he kicked the ass out of Pouf in the chimera ant arc episodes, but with his interactions with the Zoldyck family, and Alluka/Nanika, he’s officially one of my favourite character in Hunter x hunter universe. Not that he wasnt before, but the recent showing of his badassery just completely solidify me as his fan.

Hunter x Hunter – Hisoka

Not exactly a hero, but HAHAHAHAH, he still needs to be mentioned. Not because he’s visually stunning (pffft my ass), but because he’s a force to be reckon with in Hunter x hunter universe. And strong people who borders in the grey area of white and black just get classified as hero/villian just based on how much I like them lolololol.

Hunter x Hunter – Leorio

He wasnt much in the earlier episodes actually, because he was overshadowed by more awesome people, err-hmph, like Killua/Ging/Hisoka, but his ummm, teleporting punch that landed a fist on Ging landed him a position as one of the better heros out there.

Psycho Pass – Akane Tsunemori

Brains, she had a brain. And a pretty smart one at that.

Hataraku no Maou – Sadao Mao

Excellent service at MgRonalds, wouldnt you say.

Hataraku No Maou – Ashiya Shiro

Heroism in eating expired udon. Great wife to Sadao Mao

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battle of the teachers: Between Great Teacher Onizuka and Gokusen?

If you’re the serious diehard anime enthusiast, you most probably heard of GTO and Gokusen. Well, even if you’re not, you probably might have also heard of it, because those 2 are probably one of the more popular japanese animes out there, though maybe not as popular as say, Pokemon or crayon shin-chan lolz.

The premise is simple, a savior-like teacher will save all the sorry ass students out there, swoop in to nip trouble in the butt  bud, and kick ass with their martial arts prowess and crashing cars. Suffice to say, darker issues such as deliquency, depression and suicide is a common overarching theme in both anime. Both were popular enough to get a live action AND movie.

Although their methods of education is rather unconventional, however the point of the show is easy to get across viewers. It is not about whipping the students into shape using brute force, it is about changing the attitudes, mindset and outlook of life of the students. How? I’ll leave it to you to watch and find out.

I’ll say though, the choice between GTO and Gokusen for me is obvious. I’ll pick the former because I laughed much harder there. I’m a sucker for comedy you see, so I’ve watched quite a fair bit of comedy animes, and it is usually the comedy animes that I’ll remember most. GTO makes me laugh the hardest when it comes to car crashing btw. Just to put it out there. How? That’s up to you to find out too.

However, the problems the students faced or are going through in GTO and Gokusen are quite real actually. Peer pressure, pressure from grades are just the tip of the ice-berg, because you know, they are way more problems than those. So fyi, the show is not all comedy.

Interestingly, actually I almost gave up on GTO at the first ep, because it felt slow and boring, but it got better in the later episodes so I stuck on. In the end it’s all depend on personal endurance to stick on with a series you arent sure you might or might not like. I did finish GTO in the end, and felt personally that the start was slow but the middle and end was better.

GTO teacher:

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it is worth: 8/10
• How much I like it: 8/10

Gokusen teacher: 

• Objectively speaking, how much I think it is worth: 7.5/10
• How much I like it: 7/10