Tigerkinney's Anime Reviews

Rickymex · June 10, 2014

Haven't seen the anime but I'm caught up on the manga. The drool thing is weird but once you get over it and at least it's a quick fix to relationship problem due to the powers the drool has. I don't think there has been an explanation but the girl and the guy are decent people which makes it better. The girl does the thing with scissors but never anything violent.

Tigerkinney · June 10, 2014

I managed to get my mind past the ickiness of the drool thing, but I can certainly understand if anyone couldn't get past. <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1992321&postcount=600" rel="external nofollow">Mysterious Girlfriend X's </a>unique selling point, is both it's major strength and weakness.

Anyway for the relatively long running series that I mentioned watching off Crunchyroll, I have decided to go with watching Kuroko's Basketball (though it's actually 2 25 episode series, so I may well do it as S1 and S2 after all), sports anime's don't actively appeal to me, but this has been a surprisingly compelling watch so far.

I've also completed watching FMA: Brotherhood but I now feel compelled to watch the original series before I post up my review for that show- though hopefully that should give you some clue of my feeling towards Brotherhood. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Rickymex · June 10, 2014

Cross Game is another good baseball anime. The games themselves are realistic (as much as it can in an anime) and there's a lot of character development for most of the main cast. Plus the first episode is just heartbreaking and it just drives the plot all the way.

Jaysin · June 12, 2014

Wasn't sure where else to put this, but I started watching Shingeki no Kyojin/Attack on Titan today and so far I'm really enjoying it. One thing is really bothering me though and it's the design of the Titans. They are so silly and goofy looking and don't fit the dark themes of the show. I legitimately laughed out loud and they're really taking away some enjoyment. The Colossal Titan and the Armor Titan look okay, but the rest are just...silly. I guess it's a good thing the rest of the aspects of the show are as entertaining as they are because if not the Titans would really ruin the show.

The Swanton825 · June 12, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wasn't sure where else to put this, but I started watching Shingeki no Kyojin/Attack on Titan today and so far I'm really enjoying it. One thing is really bothering me though and it's the design of the Titans. They are so silly and goofy looking and don't fit the dark themes of the show. I legitimately laughed out loud and they're really taking away some enjoyment. The Colossal Titan and the Armor Titan look okay, but the rest are just...silly. I guess it's a good thing the rest of the aspects of the show are as entertaining as they are because if not the Titans would really ruin the show.</div></blockquote> I'm with you there. The ridiculous designs are what have kept me from having much interest in the show. There's no way that those things were made to be scary.

Dragonmack · June 12, 2014

the last couple of seasons have had a lot of surprisingly good sports animes.

And unlike Prince of Tennis ( and the way Kuroko's is going, although I really enjoy that series too) its not with the super powered abilities.

Currently on Crunchyroll is

Ace of Diamonds - baseball rookie pitcher trying to become the Ace on a strong high school team

Haikyuu - Volleyball - two freshmen help revitalize a team back to their former glory

Baby Steps - Tennis - a bookworm student starts taking tennis lessons and , through his unique study methods, seeks to improve to the level of the top local players. This one is completely different than Prince of Tennis as its far more realistic in depicting tennis skills, and not the over the top skills Prince of Tennis devolved into.

Even if you don't like sports anime in general, its worth checking these out.

Infernalmiko · June 12, 2014

Not to mention Girls Und Panzer, where a new girl to the school helps revitalize the school's dilapidated Tank-jutsu team and leads them to the world finals.

Tigerkinney · June 16, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">Ikki Tousen: Battle Vixens

<img alt="images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT2Vw8wHmDnclt4ZgYx5JluSW0G4wDejfW8U05Rx6b8jYP4qwQn" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT2Vw8wHmDnclt4ZgYx5JluSW0G4wDejfW8U05Rx6b8jYP4qwQn" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSLktngZiLYgZ_G9-bMNWpaE64SanAkbKN2AwWIHK1Ftz7c2Iuk" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSLktngZiLYgZ_G9-bMNWpaE64SanAkbKN2AwWIHK1Ftz7c2Iuk" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR61mF6Gm7OCgO-6gmSKJYsPsfdbVa4Ezj1R3_sSUl6paN0iv_TDA" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR61mF6Gm7OCgO-6gmSKJYsPsfdbVa4Ezj1R3_sSUl6paN0iv_TDA" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfp--k8-Ly522GWx1r3BjS_BvWS77-6VsAmZWCJ21EYlep5MSirQ" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfp--k8-Ly522GWx1r3BjS_BvWS77-6VsAmZWCJ21EYlep5MSirQ" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Genre: Action, Ecchi Fanservice

Studio: J.C Staff Director: Takashi Watanabe, Writer: Takawo Yoshioka Source: Manga by Yuji Shiozaki

Original Broadcast: July- October 2003 Episodes: 13

Synopsis: In modern day Kanto, Seven High Schools housing 'Fighters' battle for supremacy. Each fighter bears a Magatama (Sacred Bead) that contains the essence of warriors from the Three Kingdoms era of Ancient China (1800 years ago) that seemingly controls their fates.

With fighters trying to change their fates and others looking to make destiny takes it's course, air headed Hakufu Sonsaku finds herself at the centre of the chaos, for she contains the Magatama of Sun Ce, the one who was destined to conquer all.

Recommended Viewing Age: Approx 16 and up- This is the sort of show, where if a girl gets kicked or punched in the chest area, her clothes disintegrate. Every fight is guaranteed to have the girls cleavage revealed and a panty shot at some point. Outside of the battle scenes (which can get quite violent and bloody), there are points where the girls go fully topless, groping and sex scenes- so for the relatively strong sexual content alone, Ikki Tousen can be deemed unsuitable viewing for younger viewers (most teens included).

Action Level: High- If you like girls (and occasionally guys) kicking seven shades of proverbial out of one another, then this might just be the show for you. Most of the fights are of the kicking and punching variety, though there is some grappling and submission moves throw in to the mix (one girl in particular Ryomou works a jiu jitsu submission based style).

Moe/Kawaii Level: Medium- I wouldn't necessarily say this a moe-show but some viewers may find Hakufu to be adorbably stupid, whilst Rei Ayanami look alike Ryomou may have some 'moe' appeal for some viewers.

Animation Quality/Art Style: Character designs look a little dated now, but taken in the context of their early to mid 2000's era, are perfectly fine and some character designs are infact quite striking and manage to stand out from one another. Background art however is very bland, whilst the animation quality is inconsistent- so even for the time period the overall anesthetic quality of Ikkitousen can deemed to be rather mediocre.

Music: The cheesy Eurobeat Stylings (complete with terrible rapping) of Drivin' Through the Night by M.O.V.E are admittedly kind of catchy but the song has no connection what so ever with the anime that it is representing.

First ending 'Let Me Be With You' by Shela is a bland and forgettable ballad. Masumi Asano (the seiyuu for main character Hakufu Sonsaku) sings second ending theme 'Fate' - the somewhat 80's sounding rock ballad, is a more suitable ending theme and at least manages to connect relatively well with the show (unlike the opener or the first ending theme)

Plot and Characters: The overarching plot of Ikkitousen, is losely based on the events that take place in the classic Chinese Novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'. The central theme is that the 'fighters' are either looking to embrace the fate of their ancient counterparts of looking to fight against it and change their destiny.

The central character Sonsaku Hakafu, is not too bright and just wants to fight for fun- she's not the best of fighters until she gets beaten to a pulp and then suddenly gets taken over by a darker alter ego that makes her super strong and pretty much unbeatable. However this 'Dragon' inside of her is a double edged sword, which means that the real Hakufu could be lost forever if it takes her over completely. Her cousin Shuuyou Koukin is determined to prevent this, but there are those determined to unleash the Dragon inside of Hakafu, because doing so will help to improve their own fates.

Ikki Tousen has a huge cast of fighters, too numerous to mention but beyond Hakafu and Koukin, the characters with the most vital contribution to the plot are the eye patch wearing Ryomou (who becomes one of Hakafu's closet allies), Hakufu's flirtatious mother Goei (whose personality hides the genuine concern she has regarding the fate of her daughter), the handsome Saji Genpou (one of Nanyou's Big Four, but has a tendency to stay out of the action and appears to be more of a schemer), Tontaku Chuuhei (the leader of Rakuyo High, and positioned to the 'big bad' of the story) and finally Ryofu Housen (Rakuyo's promiscuous number 2, she is initially portrayed to be one of the most sadistic fighters but a softer, more caring side manages to emerge as the story unfolds).

It's a fanservice heavy fighting show, so of course the usual tropes, such as the main male lead suffering nosebleeds at the sight of a well endowed girl stripping down to a barely there outfit or often nothing at all is to be expected.

Some of the other fighters also have quirks that are inserted into the story for obvious comic relief, one of the big four of Nanyo the burly Gakushuu turns out of be something of a gentle giant with a fondness for desserts, whilst Katouton Genshou of Kyosho Academy is obsessed with the Basics and likes to fix the damage the fighters cause after each battle, by cementing over holes that have been punched into walls etc.

Analysis: Very loosely based on the Chinese Novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Ikki Tousen is one of the earlier examples of the fanservice fighting genre, which see's well endowed girls attempt to beat one another to a pulp, whilst shedding their poor quality clothing. Admittedly not all the 'fighters' (as they are referred to here) are amply chested girls, but they take centre stage, not least the main character.

I'm going to get straight to the point with Ikki Tousen- to put it bluntly, it's a bit rubbish. Beyond the constant barrage of fighting and fanservice, there really isn't much to this show. Despite having a potentially interesting plot, the story never feels important and is just a device for more mindless fights and fanservice- the only time the plot ever seems to be alluded to is during a brief bit of narration at the end of each episode, which compares the actions of the fighters to their ancient Chinese counterparts from the Three Kingdoms era.

Apart from boobs and panty shots, the bulk of Ikki Tousen is taken up by the fights, whilst the fight scenes here aren't bad (and they at least try to vary things up a little bit) they do become repetitive after a while and are sometimes hurt by the inconsistent quality of the animation.

Despite it's terribly executed plot and characters whose motivations you could ultimately care less about, Ikki Tousen does manage to have some redeeming qualities that make the show at the very least a mildly entertaining watch. By embracing the stupidity of this genre, it at least doesn't take itself too seriously, and in the form of airheaded main character Hakufu Sonsaku it takes the dumb fun ball and runs with it. It's during the shows more light hearted moments, that Ikki Tousen becomes a more fun and enjoyable watch, it is when it attempts to be more serious that the show begins to fall apart.

Somehow the manga of this poorly plotted fanservice laden beat em up is still on going and the anime adaptation has managed to spawn three sequel series, but given the poorly executed storytelling for this series, I can't imagine the sequels not being more of the same.

Closing Verdict: If all you want from your anime, is mindless fights and lots of fanservice, then Ikki Tousen, may just be the ideal show for you, if you want something more then it may be advisable to steer clear of this one. It is at least entertaining, in a this 'is crap but at least it's fun' sort of way, and it's main redeeming feature is that for the most part it embraces the stupidity of this genre.

Mediocre

Is the Dub Any Good?: Geneon Entertainment did the dub for this series, with Carrie Savage cast in the lead role of Hakafu Sonsaku. Whilst not an outstanding dub (it certainly doesn't do anything to lift the show), it is at least competent and wisely embraces a tongue in cheek nature towards the source material, Savage in particular, really amps up Hakufu's airheaded personality.

Rickymex · June 16, 2014

You hit it right on the head with this one <img alt="

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Infernalmiko · June 16, 2014

Taking elements of the past seems popular,both taking things from the Sengoku-Jidai and Three Kingdoms period. Samurai Girls was at least amusing and I loved the distinctiveness of the art. The other examples just seem to be crap.

Fortunately I have the 2010 Three Kingdoms show to watch. If you like Chinese historical dramas it's top notch.

Tigerkinney · June 20, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">Tantei Opera Milky Holmes

http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/tantei-opera-milky-holmes-3294-5.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/tantei-opera-milky-holmes-3294-13.jpg

http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/tantei-opera-milky-holmes-3294-15.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/tantei-opera-milky-holmes-3294-1.jpg

http://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/milkyholmes5.jpghttp://www.anime-planet.com/images/anime/screenshots/milkyholmes10.jpg

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Genre: Comedy, Magical Girl

Studio: J.C Staff Director: Makoto Moriwaki Writer: Kazuyuki Fudeyasu Source: Multi Media Franchise*

Original Broadcast: October-December 2010 Episodes: 12 (+ 1 OVA)

* The anime is part of a multi media franchise set up by Trading Card company Bushiroad.

Synopsis: The group of four girls collectively known as 'Milky Holmes' are the four most successful students at the Holmes Detective Academy, but during a battle with their nemesis Phantom Thief Arsene, they lose their ability to handle their superpowers (known as Toys).

Unable to operate as detectives without their toys, Milky Holmes quickly become failures and the Student Council President strips them of the pampered lifestyle that they were used to and gives them an ultimatum to regain their abilities or face expulsion from Holmes Academy.

Recommended Viewing Age: Teenagers (approx 13+) and up- It's not chock full of fanservice or adult content, but there's enough here to make it unsuitable for younger viewers. Main source for fanservice is the well endowed Arsene, who has a tendency to wear stripperific outfits, whilst a beach based episode features nudity from all of the girls (though in all honesty you don't see all that much).

The humour at times can often lean towards being a little perverted, and ultimately it's one of those shows which looks like it could be suitable for a younger crowd given it's aesthetic but the reality is, that it's not.

Action Level: Medium- There is some action to be seen in Tantei Opera Milky Holmes, when the girls face off with their nemesis' the Gentleman Thieves Empire. The action here tends to be of the over the top variety, with a definite comedic slant.

Moe/Kawaii Level: High- Peel away the cutesy surface, and Tantei Opera Milky Holmes does a fairly good job, of showing how certain stereotypical 'moe' character traits can be really quite irritating, but at the end of the day despite this, the Milky Holmes girls are still undeniably cute and at the end of the day still 'moe-blob' stereotypes.

Animation Quality/Art Style: The first thing that will people will draw attention and thus give a hint to the tone of the show, is the cute/moe character designs (particularly of the Milky Holmes girls), the colourful and often bright colour palette is another indicator, that this is an anime with a cute and fun aesthetic. Whilst the background art is simplistic and could be improved upon, to it's credit it does have a childlike quality that suits the mood of the show.

In general though the art and animation has sloppy levels of inconsistency that shouldn't be around in a modern day anime. It's let another mediocre animation effort from J.C Staff, a studio that churns out a lot of anime, but rarely gives it's title's enough due care to be truly outstanding on the technical side of things.

Music: Opening theme 'Sekai Wa Hitotsu! Janai!!' sung the four seiyuu for the Milky Holmes girls, is an generic but energetic J-Pop number that suits the colourful aesthetic of the show , whilst the closing theme 'Honnou No Doubt' by Faylan is a darker, more rock edged slice of J-Pop. Ultimately the opening and ending themes, serve as opposing themes for the protagonists (Milky Holmes) and the antagonists (Gentleman Thieves Empire)

Plot and Characters: Tantei Opera Milky Holmes, takes place in a near future world known as the era of the 'Great Detectives' where people are born with special abilities known as 'Toys'. Those born with 'Toys' either end up becoming master criminals or they become Great Detectives, and there is a constant battle between the two groups.

However the story of the anime, primarily focuses on a particular group of 'Toys' users the Milky Holmes group- four girls at the Holmes Detective Academy- however in the opening episode they lose their abilities, after a heated battle with their nemesis Arsene, the leader of the Gentleman Thieves Empire.

Without their powers, the girls are shown to be utterly inept and somewhat undeserving of their privileged lifestyle- which gets snatched away from them, when their incompetence as Detectives without their abilities becomes too much for the Student Council President Henriette to put up with.

However the twist here (and I won't be giving anything away here because it's obvious from the start) is that Henriette, is in fact their nemesis Arsene. Arsene/Henriette wants to push the girls to their limit, in the hope that it will trigger them regaining the use of their toys, because as a master criminal, she likes the challenge of going up against a strong rival and is disappointed by the fact that she can no longer be challenged to the same extent that she was before Milky Holmes lost their abilities to use their toys. Arsene's henchman also work undercover at the school, but as with Arsene, due to their collective denseness the Milky Holmes girls are oblivious to this fact.

After a privileged position, the Milky Holmes girls find themselves at rock bottom, having to sleep together in the attic, scrambling around for food and facing expulsion from the Holmes academy, unless they can regain their abilities and prove themselves to be competent Detectives, but their general ineptitude and their personal weaknesses often get in the way of their goal.

Each girl in the Milky Holmes group has a defining character trait, that becomes a major Achilles heel and ultimately shows them to be utterly useless as Detectives without the use of their toys- Leader of the group Sherlock Shellingford is a clumsy airhead, Nero Yuzurizaki is a brash (often tactless) tomboy with a borderline gluttonous appetite, Cordelia Clauca is often away with the fairies and has a crippling fear of the dark and finally Hercule Barton is a timid girl who gets easily embarrassed and is unable to get her opinion across. Despite these weaknesses however, the girls are shown to have a strong friendship- though often it takes their adopted stray cat Kamaboko (Fish Paste) to inadvertently rescue the situation.

Thrown into the mix as a rival 'Detective' group, are G4 (Genius 4), though they are actually a Police Investigation Group, that looks down upon Detectives and are lead by the obnoxiously bossy and boastful Kokoro Adechi. Though the group has an upper hand and shown to be more competent that Milky Holmes (whilst the protagonists don't have their toys) they are ultimately shown to be as inept in their own right, particularly Kokoro.

Analysis: Tantei Opera Milky Holmes, not only has an awesome title but it also has some smart targets at the centre of it's comedic plot, ripe for being lampooned. Primarily these are the often ridiculous 'can't live with them, can't live without them' dynamic between overpowered rivals, and the moe cute girls doing cute things genre.

First off though a few other things need to be addressed, before I truly dissect what Tantei Opera Milky Holmes is trying to achieve. 'Milky Holmes' does revolve around a group of budding detectives, all of whom take part of their name from a famous detective- however the protagonists don't take on the personalities of their more famous counterparts and the show has more of a magical girl dynamic, with next to no crime solving done. Those looking for this to be a detective/mystery series will be sorely disappointed and should probably step away now. The detective thing here is just a gimmick, and the show is more of a unique take on the magical girl genre mixed with slice of life comedy.

The real question is, is does Tantei Opera Milky Holmes succeed at what it's actually trying to achieve?

In a nutshell, the answer to that would be No. Primarily that is because despite having some good idea's, the execution of those ideas isn't always that great.

As the show is a comedy, the fairly one dimensional quirks of the main characters is turned up even more, and for the most part this works and when the comedy revolves around the misfortune or general incompetence of the Milky Holmes girls, it's generally funnier and more watchable. The four girls are also just likeable enough, that despite having some annoying character traits, you want to see them overcome their current predicament and succeed in getting their powers back.

Where the show fails however, is that sometimes the attempts at comedy can be a little too brash, a little too over the top and giving the general feeling that it's trying too hard to be 'wacky'. The poster boy for annoying and not even the least bit funny, is henchman known as 'Twenty' an obnoxious narcissist with weird extendable nipples- the character could have been funny if they played things a little more subtly, but he's so garishly over the top, every time he's on screen he makes you cringe, rather than laugh. In general the humour of 'Milky Holmes' is at it's best when it steers clear of crude and often obnoxious 'adult' based comedy and in all honesty would have been a better show, if it stayed more family friendly and kicked the pervy stuff to the kerb.

Ultimately 'Milky Holmes' is more miss than hit, throughout it's 12 episode run, though it has to be said that the show generally gets a little bit better in the second half, with the Milky Holmes girls character traits, growing funnier, rather than becoming more grating throughout the course of the series. The shaky animation quality of the show can also not be ignored and adds to the fact, that despite some good idea's 'Milky Holmes' primarily ends up being more miss than hit.

Closing Verdict: Tantei Opera Milky Holmes is a curiously quirky show, with some astute comedic targets, however the execution is more miss than hit and a more subtler,less obnoxious approach wouldn't have gone a miss.

Comedy is of course subjective though, and there are some who may enjoy (and might actually find the character of Twenty funny) more than me, but equally there are those who may find the show to be even more 'obnoxious' than I did.

Mediocre

Is the Dub Any Good?: No dub has been released of this series, and more than likely there won't ever be one.

Post Review Note: There is a second season released in 2012 and a 3rd in (2013) called Futari Wa Milky Holmes (featuring new protagonists), but these weren't available to watch on Crunchyroll (where I watched the first season). Given the fact that I gave the first season a mediocre grade, the subsequent seasons aren't on my must see list.

Infernalmiko · June 20, 2014

You could save yourself some of the pain by reviewing a classic now and then like El Hazard OVA series or Season 1 Ranma 1/2.

Jaysin · June 21, 2014

Last night I started a free trial of crunchyroll and was browsing through and found an anime called Captain Earth. I thought the mecha design was cool so I decided to check it out. There's a whole lot of backstory thrown at you but its a really enjoyable show so far. The four main teenagers are pretty likable as well. The animation is down right gorgeous though.

Has anyone else gotten into this?

Dragonmack · June 21, 2014

I haven't yet, although now I will check it out. a couple I have enjoyed from this season's anime so far are

The Irregular at Magic high and Black Bullet

Irregular at magic high combines spy action and intrigue along with usual Japanese high school anime but I found it interesting and with good artistic design

Black bullet follows a similar theme to Attack of the Titans with mankind in a battle with fearsome monsters that have devastated most of earth but it has some interesting characters ( and super-powered lolis who kick ass <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> ).

Tigerkinney · June 21, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Infernalmiko" data-cite="Infernalmiko" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>You could save yourself some of the pain by reviewing a classic now and then like El Hazard OVA series or Season 1 Ranma 1/2. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> Suppose I have been watching a lot of random mediocrity lately, given my latest set of reviews. Mind you I still enjoy watching and reviewing them. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Have decided to review Kuroko's Basketball after both seasons, Season 1 finished in such a way, where the story only felt half finished.

Jaysin · June 22, 2014

I haven't yet, although now I will check it out. a couple I have enjoyed from this season's anime so far are
The Irregular at Magic high and Black Bullet
Irregular at magic high combines spy action and intrigue along with usual Japanese high school anime but I found it interesting and with good artistic design

Black bullet follows a similar theme to Attack of the Titans with mankind in a battle with fearsome monsters that have devastated most of earth but it has some interesting characters ( and super-powered lolis who kick ass ).

I added Irregular and Black Bullet to my queue when I first went through the list actually. I just finished what's aired of Captain Earth so far and it's such a blast of a series. The dynamic between Daichi, Hana, Akari, and Teppei is really well done and is building nicely. Every episode seems to make the show even more enjoyable. It's the first thing I've watched in quite awhile where I'm impatiently waiting for the next episode and I just finished it today!

On the subject of Crunchyroll, I was hoping people could make some suggestions for me. I've always really enjoyed sci-fi, mecha oriented things, and supernatural things. So any suggestions along those lines would be super helpful. Or crime noir. I saw there was an anime called Night Raid 1931 that looked promising.

None Crunchyroll related, does anyone know of any pirate themed anime that isn't One Piece? I've tried repeatedly to give it a shot and I just can't stand it but I'm on a pirate kick right now.

Rickymex · June 22, 2014

I added Irregular and Black Bullet to my queue when I first went through the list actually. I just finished what's aired of Captain Earth so far and it's such a blast of a series. The dynamic between Daichi, Hana, Akari, and Teppei is really well done and is building nicely. Every episode seems to make the show even more enjoyable. It's the first thing I've watched in quite awhile where I'm impatiently waiting for the next episode and I just finished it today!

Might have to give it a try if you praise all 4 characters this much instead of the Claire Stanfield or Lelouch where one character is badass and all the other are just there to fill roles.

On the subject of Crunchyroll, I was hoping people could make some suggestions for me. I've always really enjoyed sci-fi, mecha oriented things, and supernatural things. So any suggestions along those lines would be super helpful.

For Supernatural there's D.Gray Man. I think I watched an episode or two but I think its darker shounen style if that explains anything.

Dragonmack · June 22, 2014

Infinite Stratos is decent too, a mix of harem and mecha. but only season 2 is on Crunchyroll. You'd have to see season one elsewhere, which I recommend seeing first because otherwise, season 2 wont make much sense.

Also Valvrave the Liberator from a couple seasons ago. its on crunchyroll and is good.

Tigerkinney · June 25, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">Fate/Stay Night

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Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Action, Romance

Studio: Studio Deen Director: Yuji Yamaguchi Source: Visual Novel by Type Moon

Original Broadcast: January- June 2006 Episodes: 24

Synopsis: After a great disaster left Fuyuki City in ruins, Shiro Emiya was raised by a Magi named Kiritsigu, after the disaster left him orphaned. Now a high-schooler and with Kiritsigu having also passed on, Shiro helps others with the tiny bit of magic he has managed to learn, however when caught up in a battle between two powerful magi, Shiro finds himself able to summon a beautiful warrior known as Saber to protect him.

But Shiro suddenly finds himself thrust into the Holy Grail War, with the prize at the end granting the victors any wish that they desire. But Shiro and Saber find themselves competing against six other teams of Master and Servant, in a no holds barred duel to the death that will challenge Shiro's morals to the core.

Recommended Viewing Age: Teens (approx 13+) and up- Saber does appear nude in some scenes (though you don't get to see anything that would be considered titillating), so any form of fanservice in this series can be considered very light. However the generally dark imagery of the series, and some blood soaked violence (particularly towards the end of the series, where the fighting becomes more intense) would make it generally unsuitable for younger audiences.

Action Level: Fairly High- Fate/Stay Night features plenty of the kind of action expected of a Supernatural Fantasy series, with clashing swords and explosive Magi spells. The 'Servants' who do the majority of the fighting throughout the series, are varied enough in their abilities, fighting styles and weaponry of choice for the battles to not become repetitive.

Moe/Kawaii Level: Fairly Low- I wouldn't really call Fate/Stay Night a cute or overtly 'Moe' series, though several of the female characters may elicit a 'Moe' type of appeal, from protagonists Saber and Rin, to supporting characters such as the demure Sakura (a close friend of Shirou that regularly visits his home) and Ilya (a master that is a young girl).

Animation Quality/Art Style: In terms of art and animation, Fate/Stay Night is one of those series that could have been absolutely top drawer, but falls short due to inconsistency issues and some truly odd animation choices. With the anime adaptation helmed by Studio Deen, there was a fear that it might be as poorly animated as there other well known VN adaptation Higurashi, but the standard here is fortunately much higher.

Fans of the original VN, will be pleased that the character designs stay true to the source material, without looking as though they were lifted straight out of the computer game (a charge that could be levelled at Studio Deen's Higurashi adaptation), and whilst the background art isn't jaw droppingly spectacular (even for a near decade old series) the series does a consistently good job of creating a dark and moody atmosphere, whilst the vivacious battle scenes (of which there are many) benefit from consistently vibrant choreography.

However despite the series generally being visually appealing, there is the odd bit of animation that will truly leave the viewer scratching their heads- none more so than when a completely out of place 3D CGI Dragon appears in one of the later episodes.

Music: Both opening themes were sung by Saichi Tainaka, the first theme 'THIS ILLUSION' has an ethereal quality that melds well with the general atmosphere of the series, whilst second theme 'Kirameku Namida Wa Hoshi Ni' has a more vibrant urgent pacing that matches well the action element. It has to be said though that primary ending theme 'Anata Ga Ita Mori' by Jyukai is a bland and forgettable ballad (it's only positive point, being the fact that you won't feel any guilt skipping it, if you intend on marathoning several episodes together).

However it's Kenji Kawai's well crafted and atmospheric soundtrack that truly steals the show here, complimenting and enhancing every scene throughout and genuinely being one of those occasions where an excellent soundtrack manages to lift the quality of the visual product.

Plot and Characters: The over-arching plot sees seven teams of master and servant, compete against one another in order to obtain the Holy Grail. In order for a team to be victorious, all the other servants must be eliminated, though taking out their masters would also sever the link that the spirit servants would have to the world they suddenly find themselves in....

Fighting to the death, is something that does not sit well with self proclaimed 'Hero of Justice' Shirou Emiya, with the protagonist of the series consistently wanting to settle things by more peaceful means, but the often cruel rules that are in place for the Holy Grail War, forces Shirou to make some difficult decisions that go against his sense of morality.

Due to having something of a guilt complex, over being the only survivor of the disaster (which we come to learn has a major connection to the current events taking place), Shirou tends to be put the well being of others over himself and consistently puts himself in harms way, much to the chagrin of his 'Servant' Saber. However the stoic Saber shares near enough the same moral fibre as Shirou but their respective stubbornness sees them clash over a number of issued throughout the series. Despite often differing in opinion, inevitably Shirou and Saber's bond grows stronger and this leads into their original goals being skewered by their budding relationship.

Primarily an action series with it's fair share of emotional drama, it does find some time for some light relief. These light relief scenes, primarily take place at Shirou's home with the somewhat accident prone homeroom teacher with a large appetite Taiga placed as the main source of light relief, whilst Saber's stoic mannerisms, struggle to adapt to modern life and somewhat awkward relationship with Shirou are another prime source for some lighter moments, between the more serious stuff.

Despite being a rival in the Holy Grail War, Shirou manages to form an alliance with the aloof Rin Tohsaka, a skilled Magi that goes to the same school as Shirou. Though Shirou's idealistic sense of justice, clashes with Tohsaka's more cynical and realistic viewpoint, the pair build up a strong frienship with one another, though this doesn't entirely sit well with Rin's cynical 'Servant' Archer.

To go into the rest of the cast (nominally the other Masters and Servants, that compete against Shirou/Saber and Rin/Archer in the Holy Grail War) in great detail would give a little too much away in terms of the plot which as expected with this kind of story, includes plenty of twists and turns. The motivations of the Masters and Servants all vary and inevitably they clash with the morals of Shirou, whilst the final opponent in the way of the protagonists has a cruel link to Shirou's past.

One final point to take notice of though, is that each of the Servants are legendary heroes that have been summoned from the past . Only referred to the type of servant that they are (e.g Saber, Lancer, Archer) in the Holy Grail War- we do however learn their true identities throughout backstories and confrontations, with Saber's true identity being particularly surprising.

Analysis: Visual Novels are a popular source material to adapt into Anime, but the sheer scope and multi branched storylines, make them a difficult proposition to handle. What the team handling the adaptation always struggle with is whether or not they concentrate on one particular route or try to meld together various routes into one story- the former alienating fans who of the VN that preferred a different 'route', the latter often coming across as messy and unfocused.

The anime adaptation tries it's best to reach a compromise between both stalls, whilst various routes are aluded and other characters do get a day in the limelight so to speak (notably the Rin/Archer Partnership), it's primary focus is on Shirou/Saber. Whilst Shirou/Saber's character development and other relating factors such as backstory are well handled, by having the primary focus on them, everything else seems a little bit sketchy. Quite simply, it's the sort of vast story that needed more than the 24 episodes without leaving it's audience a little bit frustrated by leaving out details.

Some may well find the more cynical supporting duo Rin/Archer to be more relate-able than the idealistic Shirou/Saber, but curiously enough I found the fact that they weren't so well fleshed out as characters, added an air of mystery to them, something that keeps the audience consistently on it's toes, regarding Rin's alliance with Shirou.

As for the main protagonist himself, Shirou's unrealistically ideals and martyr like ways are bound to aggravate some but he does manage to grow as a character, and the backstory is at least strong and convincing enough for him to be the way he is, plus he regularly gets challenged over his thought processes by Saber, Rin and Archer.

The over-arching plot does suffer a little from Deus Ex Machina syndrome, with some form of power conveniently appearing just when it looks like the protagonists are about to get curb-stomped by a ridiculously powerful foe, but in all honesty that is to be expected in a fantasy story such as this one. Perhaps what irks more, is when after battling one another and attempting to bash one another into dust, some of the Master's become friends after the event- in truth it's only after one arc involving an innocent looking but malicious Magi but the very idea that they could even entertain the idea of becoming friends is utterly preposterous.

Despite the plot-holes, underdeveloped supporting characters and sometimes aggravating character motivations, Fate/Stay Night still manages to be an entertaining and enthralling fantasy action series and primarily this is because it manages to strike the right atmosphere, helped along tremendously by Kenji Kawai's superb soundtrack, whilst it also strikes the right balance regarding the amount of light relief - there's just enough there to lift the tension when needed and to give the audience a breather but not so much that it becomes detrimental to the story.

Perhaps Fate/Stay Night does hide it's multitude of weaknesses with enthralling action sequences and just the right mood and aeshetic (both visually and sonically- dreadfully ugly CGI Dragon's not withstanding) but only those looking to consistently nitpick over stuff (such as every detail of the plot/character motivation not being spelt out to them) would fail to be at the very least be entertained.

Closing Verdict: Fate/ Stay Night is far from a perfect Visual Novel adaptation, and iffy CGI Dragons aside, the core of it's weaknesses stem from the usual problems of trying to condense a multi branched story into a single narrative- but despite these imperfections it still manages to be an entertaining and often enthralling fantasy series, with a good balance of action, drama and just the right amount of light relief.

Recommended

Is the Dub Any Good?: Geneon took on the dub for this series, using L.A based voice talent. Mela Lee probably has what is her career defining role as Rin Tohsaka, whilst other fine turns include Kate Higgins (Saber), Liam O'Brien (Archer) and David Vincent (Assassin) amongst a generally strong ensemble effort.

Jaysin · June 26, 2014

I know you did the review awhile back, but I'm in the process of watching Asura Cryin' and I am enjoying it quite a lot. I find it to be incredibly entertaining and pretty much good fun all around. I haven't found the plot confusing either.

I guess that just goes to illustrate the old sayin' of different strokes for different folks.

Tigerkinney · June 28, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I know you did the review awhile back, but I'm in the process of watching Asura Cryin' and I am enjoying it quite a lot. I find it to be incredibly entertaining and pretty much good fun all around. I haven't found the plot confusing either. I guess that just goes to illustrate the old sayin' of different strokes for different folks.</div></blockquote> You actually liked that show, more than me ?! My opinion is sacred, how dare you disagree with it! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Indeed Asura Cryin' is one I did a while back now- I did think it got better in the second season but yeah it certainly looks like you liked that one more than me.

Tigerkinney · June 28, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">Tsuritama

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<img 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Genre: Comedy-Drama, Sci-Fi

Studio: A-1 Pictures Director: Kenji Nakamura, Writer: Toshiya Ono Source: Anime Original

Original Broadcast: April-June 2012 Episodes: 12

Synopsis: Raised by his Grandmother (due to his parents passing away when he was young), Yuki Sanada is a socially awkward teenager who has always found it difficult to make friends, due to an intense fear of public speaking and the fact that he is constantly having to move schools due to his Grandmother's work.

Arriving on the Island of Enoshima, Yuki is encountered by a quirky individual called Haru, claiming to be an Alien, who seems ever so keen on learning to fish with Yuki. Managing to enlist the help of surly classmate and skilled angler Natsuki to teach them how to fish, a friendship gradually blossoms between the three boys, but fishing won't just bring them together as friends, it will also bring them together to help save the world!

Recommended Viewing Age: Suitable for Most Ages- Tsuritama is a relatively unoffensive show with no fanservice to speak of, though it does have just enough mildly edgy content to put this more into the realm of a Parental Guidance rating, rather than something you would freely let anyone of any age to watch. Some of the comedy is a little bit politically incorrect, such as the racial stereotyping to be found in the DUCK organisation, whilst at one point some of the more serious drama leads to a character being slapped across the face.

Action Level: Very Low- Not really an action show, though the final episodes do ramp up the excitement a bit more, with a particularly dangerous fishing trip.

Moe/Kawaii Level: Low- Though a generally light hearted and quirky show, Tsuritama does not really come across as trying to hop on the Moe-Blob bandwagon. Certain characters, especially Haru could be considered to have adorable behaviour and moe like qualities, but in general Tsuritama is a show that can be considered to be more quirky than cute.

Animation Quality/Art Style: Tsuritama's art and animation, won't make your jaw drop but it's solid and consistent with a bright and summery colour palette that perfectly invokes the mood of the show. The relatively simplistic background art has a child like charm, whilst the character designs are solid and consistent, whilst maintaining a strong sense of individuality throughout.

Music: Lead by a catchy organ riff, opening song Tsurezure Monochrome by Fujifabric has a quirky indie rock vibe that really manages to suit the overall mood of the show, whilst closing song, the sweetly sung ballad Sora mo Toberu Hazu by Sayonara Ponytail taps into the shows summery aesthetic.

The soundtrack put together by Kuricorder Quartet, featuring inventive use of woodwind instrumentation, manages to conjure up a fun vigorous mood that does a good job of supporting this slightly oddball show.

Plot and Characters: Essentially Tsuritama, revolves around two plot-threads Yuki's growth to become a more confident person and a save the world from an alien invasion plot, all brought together by the past time of fishing. At first Yuki is reluctant towards befriending Haru (who is given board at Yuki's home by his Grandmother) and not really at all interested in fishing but he comes to appreciate Haru's company (to the point that he would really miss Haru if he went away) and by the end of the series comes to really love fishing.

The constantly cheerful and childlike Haru, has a tendency to upset people with his lack of (though this is due to a naievity that may well point to the fact that he is in fact what he claims to be), but his friendly joyful nature makes him easily forgiven. He also carries around a water pistol, that whenever he squirts at someone,mysteriously gives him the ability to control their actions.

The surly Natsuki, is intially reluctant to teach Yuki and Haru how to fish but he eventually gets coerced into teaching them, and over time he defrosts and he genuinely comes to appreciate their company. Natsuki's somewhat cold personality, can be attributed to the fact that he has yet to really get over the death of his mother, and is unable to accept that his father has moved on and fallen in love with another woman, something which has younger sister Sakura has been able to accept.

Steering things towards the saving the world from an alien invasion part of the story, is the half indian Akira, who works for the mysterious organisation known as DUCK, who are investigating something known as the Bermuda Syndrome. Always with his companion, a Duck called Tapioca, Akira initially seems to be a possibly antagonistic figure, seeing as he has been sent to observe Haru (who the organisation refers to as JF1) and investigate the strange happenings in Enoshima (People being sent into a trance and doing the Enoshima Dance, Boats going missing) but like the other three protagonists of the series, he comes to befriend them, after sharing several fishing trips.

Tsuritama is a relatively light hearted show, though more of a comedy drama, rather than a fully fledged comedy. The comedic aspect of the show is very much cultivated from the quirks of the characters- such as Haru's generally quirky and childlike behaviour, Yuki's anxiousness over public speaking (which causes him to break out into a cold sweat and contort his face into a demonic like expression) and Akira's communication with his feathered companion Tapioca. In general the mysterious international organisation that Akira works for the turban wearing, curry eating DUCK are clearly more comedic in their presentation than those that would be typically seen in more serious anime.

Analysis: No one can level the accusation that Tsuritama's premise a mix of Fishing and visitors from another world, is unoriginal. The very idea of an anime centred around the past time of fishing, is unique in itself, yet alone melding it to a save the world from disaster plot. There's nothing original about an anime where the world is on the brink of catastrophe but there is something unique about the fact that the key to preventing disaster, is of all things....Fishing!

But what if you as the viewer, has no interest what so ever in fishing? Given anime's core audience, I can't imagine the majority of them being keen anglers and going down the river bank or hopping on a boat to get their catch of the day.

Well Tsuritama manages to get the balance just right, making the fishing element feel like an important and integral part of the plot, without it taking over the anime completely and alienating a good chunk of viewers. It shows enough respect to the past time, without going into laborious detail about different types of fishing tackle etc.

If you get to the core of Tsuritama, it's not an anime about fishing....it's an anime about friendship, that just happens to have fishing in it. It's the bond that gradually grows between Yuki, Haru and Natsuki that is Tsuritama's greatest charm.

The socially awkward Yuki is a protagonist that will relate to many, and they've done well to portray him not as a freak (accept for when he pulls his Demon face in moments of anxiety), whilst his gradual growth to becoming more confident as a person, is realistically handled. By the end of the series he has grown but not to the point he has become a completely different person.

Though rather than Yuki, people's enjoyment of Tsuritama may well rest more on Haru, whose quirky childlike demeanor, straddles the border between charmingly cute and flat out irritating- which curiously enough is often how Yuki feels towards his strange new friend. A big part of this can be credited to Miyu Irino's vocal performance as the character, whose delivery is borderline irritating but absolutely spot on for the character.

Tsuritama it's not without it's faults however beyond the Marmite like qualities of it's co main character, the 'save the world' element feels a little bit tacked on, whilst the series is definitely more charming, when it sticks to be light hearted, rather than when it attempts to inject in some serious drama, such as Natsuki's family issues. In general Tsuritama, loses some of it's easy going and relaxed charm in the second half, with both the dramatic and comedic elements feeling more forced. To it's credit though, the final episode does manage to be genuinely exciting and unless you have become irritated by them (probably Haru) you will be invested in the fate of the cast and the general well being of Enoshima.

I get the feeling though, that Tsuritama would have always ended up as just a reasonably good series built upon an original and quirky idea, if the second half, had continued on in exactly the same vein as the first half....because if it didn't at least try to evolve in the second half, trading on relaxed and quirky charm alone probably would have worn a bit thin.

Closing Verdict: At the end of the day Tsuritama is show that both thrives and ultimately dies upon it's curiously original concept. Despite Fishing being a big component of the show, you don't have to enjoy fishing to enjoy this anime, what could be the deal breaker however is how much you can a main character with a demeanor and voice, some may well find to be too annoying for their liking.

Mildly Recommended

Is the Dub Any Good?: Sentai Filmworks did the dub for Tsuritama, and whilst it's not terrible, it's not a patch on the original. Where the dub ultimately fails, is that Clint Bickham is unable to recreate the same borderline irritating childlike charm of Miyu Irino's performance as Haru.

Jaysin · July 4, 2014

Your Fate/Stay Night review is what's finally pushing me into checking it out.

This question might be harder for someone to answer. I was recently showing someone the different anime listed on Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Crunchyroll and they pointed out an anime on Hulu Plus that he used a lot of the same ideas as Trigun, but they were executed better. I can't seem to remember the name and going through the list hasn't jogged my memory at all. I'd just ask the guy, but he's one of those people that just kind of weaves in and out of lives and right now he's not around. Anyone have any ideas?

Rickymex · July 4, 2014

Outlaw Star? Gun Frontier? Any other clues such as what the character looked like?

Jaysin · July 4, 2014

I'm afraid I don't remember much since I didn't actually start the series. I'm fairly certain it was released sometime in the last few years or so though. Though I do love Outlaw Star.

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