Sunday, June 5, 2016

My Anime Crossed-off List for the Half 2016 & Review - Part 2

Konichiwa minna-san! How you all doin'? Mimi's here.

Welcome to the second part of My Anime Crossed-off List for the Half 2016

For those who had read the first part below and enjoy it, thank you so much for coming back. I really appreciate it, guys. It really meant a lot to me when someone come to my blog (either by accident or on purpose) and enjoying themselves by reading whatever its I'm writing. Seriously.... I'm truly, madly and deeply humble that you guys are able to take some of your time off to read my blog and I hope that you.......

ARRRRRRGHHHHHH.... fak THIS shit!! Who cares about writing intro's anymore?  I mean is not like anyone reading this, are they? (for the love of cursing and being blunt, let's hope not). Can't I just directly say whatever its I wanna say without having to write the freaking intro's? Is it (greeting) really necessary when I'm just mainly writing to MYSELF? Jeez, man.... what a pain in the as* this really is (pheww..... there I said it).

[This post is rated-R for language and bluntness. Read at your own risk! This list may also contain spoilers of certain anime. You all had been warned.]

So, welcome back (myself)! I really hope you (myself) enjoy reading this post as much as I enjoyed reading it. Yeah (myself)~ lolz.... Okay, that's enough of playing, Mimi... Let's get back to finish this post....

[Serious writing] Due to my unspeakable love for anime/manga had grown rapidly these past couple of months, this sort of post is born! Haha, isn't this super fantastic (for me at least)? I absolutely love my anime and couldn't wait to rip and wreck some more using the title that I had extract from My Anime List (MAL) site. Yah, don't worry guys... mah list is totally legit (you can trust me on this). Momma won't put anything she didn't watch/read there unless she actually did (coz putting a lot of random title so it will look 'LONG' is not how you can TRULY enjoy your list and it's dumb and cheating, anyway...). 

Well, as promised in my last post - here's 10 more anime that I had watched so far and some little review about it. I hope you'll enjoy this list as much as I enjoy writing it. Oh, and yeah.... It's not like I get paid for doing this review or anything. I do it coz I like it. And the numbering also have nothing to do with how much I like the anime or not. I just listed them in no particular order because I am that LAZY. As long as we clear on that, I think we are good to go... 

So, are you ready for more anime title dropping, guys? You are? Okay then, let's get going!

1.) Super Lovers 
picture credit: google image
Year Released: 2016;
Date Watched: April 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
Have I ever told you that I'm quite a fan of BL (Boys Love) ak.a Shounen Ai Manga/Anime yet? No? Well, now you do (เน‘→‿ฺ←เน‘). 

Memorable character: Kaidou Ren and  Kaidou Haru

My Review:
First look at this anime and you might be thinking, 'Hey, isn't that cute? The brother/father is holding his child so dearly... Aww, I wish I can have a brother/husbando like that too~'. *insert fan-girl giggling*. Yeah, you probably would think like that. Granted. They look so cute together, aren't they? So....

What's the word again?
Ah!

INNOCENT~

Hehui, nah, fak that! This kawaii-looking anime up here is not really that innocent, my fren... Don't be fooled for a sec (or maybe you don't, I'm just assuming). Anyway, if you had never heard about Shounen Ai genre in Manga/Anime before or have heard about it, but don't know what that's all about - then, you're in for a treat! Mimi's gonna teach you a thing or two about going around the wilderness bush of Anime/Manga. Yeah, baby.... we're going down-low today~ No, no... don't thanked me yet. I'm just getting started....

So, you know when there's a time in your life, where mom and dad were finally at the same page, and told you not to watch certain movies/tv-show/whatever entertainment medium you guys have at home back then for some lame reason like, 'you're not old enough, son' or 'inappropriate for your age'? Then, when you asked back in a boring voice, 'Why dad, oh why?', their response it to immediately flipped out or give you the good ol' guilty stare before saying said 'I have enough of this, go to bed now'! Later, when they're asleep, you kinda sneak up and watch the forbidden thing anyway and suddenly realize that that is a terrible mistake???

Well then, imagine this series in that same light.

This animu shows the story of relationship between two dudes loving each other (yeah, two dudes and I'm going talk more about that later). Don't ask me my opinion about dude loving dudes now, coz to me as long as you love each other and not hurting anyone - you're free to do whatever you want with your life (and it's none of my business anyway). Ok, so this series it's not a "yaoi* hentai" per say, but it's somewhere around there. Nothing hardcore, violent or weird. This is a milder version (which also why its called as 'Shonen Ai' or Boys Love at the first place). You will definitely going to see some kissing here and touching there, but if you're looking for the part where they get down and doing it, maybe not because BL focuses more on romance than any of those stuff.

So now, for the story... Super Lovers is a cutesy love story between two adopted brothers (mmm... brothers) named Haru (the older guy) and Ren (the younger one). So, the story begins when Haru's mother, Haruko-san, whom lives in Canada, adopted a new child (Ren) and later tricked her one and only son in Japan to come back so he could meet and know his new brother. Baffled at Haruko-san decision at first, Haru soon to realize that despite of frailty and cuteness shown in the young eight-year-old boy, something isn't quite right with him. For starter, Ren couldn't sleep, eat, bath or do anything that's considered basically as average human function. The boy also doesn't appear that he like to be around people so much (he bit Haru when he first greeted him), nor does he care if he's wearing clothes or not (which can be a big problem as he grow order because like it or not, he still need to live within the society). So, with an unorthodox or unruly kid in his hand, Haru is forced to civilize Ren by make him re-learn everything from handling chopsticks to taking a bath and it didn't take long before the two brothers hit it off and grew closer to one another. As the two of them begin to explore.....(to be continued).

Well, I certainly wanted to write more about this series. Like seriously... I wanted too. The only problem here is that - I'm not really sure how much more, is 'more' that I can tell you.... I mean, Haru and Ren is such... err.... how should I put it? Well, it's a love story, alright? Let's just put it that way... It is a cute love story between two male characters and LUCKILY, the anime production did a great job at it. They don't give away too much or too little - just a right amount so that you can understand what they're trying to imply in each episodes shown in the series.

Alright, I know when I said it before that I'm okay with whoever its you choose to love, and also for the fact that this is a BL anime, but those still doesn't discount the fact that this series is dude-against-dude action! As much as like watching, there's still some limitation to what my heart can accept and my brain can process on the whole thing. So, that's why kudo's for subtleties or else I don't know how else to watch THIS without being on a verge of cringing every 30 goddamn sec..... 

Rating: 4.1 /5.0 (gotta love that sweet love story man, you just gotta love it)

Reference:
Yaoi - homosexual/gay

2.) Kimi ni Todoke / From Me to You
picture credit: zerochan.net
Year Released: 2008-2009;
Date Watched: April 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
The reason why I was interested to watch Kimi ni Todoke at the first place was only because this one thing - the Live Action Movie! Yeah, that's right. I don't know why, but the actor who plays Kuronoma (Sadako) Sawako seems convincing enough and since the story is pretty good, it eventually leads me to become interested with this anime. 

Memorable character: Kuronoma (Sadako) Sawako 

My Review:
Okay, I gotta be honest with ya.... When I first watch the live action movie based on this anime/manga; I was smitten and thrilled. The sweetness and innocence of this series - just melted me away and I swear, I start feeling the butterfly starts flying in my stomach after 20 minutes of watching the movie. I don't really know why, probably because of the fact that I was 20 years old at the time and haven't watch enough sh*t yet to be as conceited and jaded as I am right now; this anime just speaks to me. In a lovelorn child waiting for sweet romance to happen anytime soon sort-of-way. But now, after I turned 24 - I suddenly realize something that wasn't there before....

This anime is fu*ckin bullsh*t, man!!! Oh yeah~ I mean IT. Like Big Time.

So, we have these two dumb ass leading characters - the first one is the closeted-conceit-jealous your typical everyday guy by the name of Kazehaya Shouta, and the second one is his leading lady, the oblivious-often-misunderstood Sawako (also known as Sadako, like the one from 'The Ring') Kuronoma in this anime series. As you have it, these two characters met on their first day of high school after Sadako pointed him the way to school. Yeah, apparently the guy got a little confused about the direction like he's a ten-year-old or something (I'm calling that another bullsh*t) and they talk a little, bla bla... I don't really care. Anyway, the point is... their brief encounter seems to left an impact on Kazehaya because he been checking Sadako out ever since. Kazehaya likes Sadako because of her quiet but helping nature and want to figure out what kind of person she is, while Sadako is secretly admiring his outgoing personality compared to her timid one and wanted to be more like him. So, they secretly keeping an eye on each other. Big deal, right? All kids have one of those when they're in high school or something. It's pretty sweet, cute even...

 But, here's the thing...  

Despite looking like a cute and almost perfect love story - neither of these two character had been brave enough to tell that they like each other. I mean, I had to sit down and watch like 25 episodes from this crappy series and I can still tell you, NOTHING HAPPENED! Can you believe that? Surely these two would had plenty of time and chances by then, a little sneaking kiss inside the class here, touching hands behind the tree there - yet nothing fuc*king HAPPENED! (Sigh) For a pretty easy-going anime, romance doesn't come EASILY in this series. Seriously, after watching like 5 or 6 episodes from this anime; I'm convinced that the relationship between these two, are never going to get anywhere. I'm sure these two just gonna keep playing the house's without actually making the 'babies' (which doesn't come far off after the final episode). Sigh... I really don't like animu that keeps playing on my 'kokoro' like this. Stop TEASING with me and more (bleep), for goodness sake!!! What are you guys waiting for?

Oh, right... I suddenly remember that they make like 2nd season for this anime and I haven't finished watching yet. Maybe I'll get more action when I watch that one, rather than this mellow/boring pace from the 1st season.

Rating: 3.8 /5.0 (:3)


3.) Sakamoto Desu Ga / Haven't you Heard? I'm Sakamoto
picture credit: google image
Year Released: 2016;
Date Watched: April 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
Another sweet, sweet recommendation from one of my favorite Youtuber. The first glimpse from one of her video led me to Sakamoto series and I am hooked ever since. Honestly, this is like one of the few anime that still airing in Japan right now that I will be anticipating every week. Sakamoto is the COOLEST!!

Memorable character: SAKAMOTO-KUN (droollzz)

My Review:
From being a star student at school, to being a helpful citizen, to helping his friend in need - Sakamoto (no first name) is perfect in everything he does. So it's not really a surprise there, when they also nicknamed him as one of the coolest kid in his school. Girls practically drool when they watch Sakamoto perform what to supposedly be a 'mundane' everyday task, while boys - well, they don't particularly like the attention he's getting, but that doesn't mean they don't fantasize to be like him either (#swagamotorules). But, our perfect/cool guy Sakamoto here doesn't really care about all of that. He doesn't mind if girls trying to crowd themselves around him or boys trying to sabotage his day - since he is guaranteed to take control of the situation like a true BOSS anyway.

Well, to tell you the truth... Just like Himotou! Umaru-chan (1st part), I really like this anime. There's an air of freshness and something new when I first introduced to it. I mean, it's not like everyday you would find someone like Sakamoto (someone this 'perfect' and 'cool' doesn't just grow behind your backyard, okay)so like Umaru; there something about him that is special and you can explore every episode. However, despite this being a 13 episodes series and still airing, not a lot of things had been reveal about Sakamoto life aside from school and public eyes. Anime viewers and manga readers of this series practically doesn't know anything about him (even his real name is still shrouded in mystery). I mean, what a damper.... I almost finished reading the manga (still waiting on a few last scanlation to surface on online manga site), yet they never talks about Sakamoto private life or even his family. TBH, I'm really curious to see what his parents like. They must be an awesome people to be able to produce a super-human like Sakamoto, right?

I guess, at the end of the day- you can say that Sakamoto is a poster anime character who showed you that nothing in this word is hard or impossible, until you at least tried it. Sure, he seem to succeed in every challenge given to him with no sweat, but it's still interesting to see his approach to solve little everyday problems (even though it can be quite silly and outrageous sometimes) and he doesn't even fret about it. Hmm... I kinda like that in a man.... Future boyfriend - please take note, okay? I want you guys to be as cool and sexy like Sakamoto even in desperate situation! (J.K.)

Rating: 4.4 /5.0 (I'll probably rate more if they reveal something about Sakamoto private life)

4.) Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge / Tanaka-kun is Always Listless
picture credit: proyectofreak.com
Year Released: 2016;
Date Watched: May 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
I heard the downloaded OP (opening songs) first, but didn't really watch the series (yeah, I do this sometimes - randomly checking new anime songs on Youtube to entertain myself). I finally get around watching the anime about a week ago only after getting fond with the OP. It's worth it since this had become one of the anime that I been anticipated every week.

Memorable character: Tanaka and Ohta

My Review:
Okay, I'm not going to rip this anime too much because I only just watched it about a week ago, but still, - here's my little two pence opinion about this series. So, as you guys can see from this picture above; the sad, doopey-eye looking boy is the main character in this anime. He's the Tanaka referred in the title series. I'm not sure either it's his first name or surname, but that's what he's always been called. Then the tall one who are standing right next to him is his classmate/best friend, Ohta. Together, Tanaka and Ohta doesn't form a sweet-loving BL relationship with one another, but rather a 'remora' and 'shark' ones (symbiotic). I guess you guys can tell who's the shark and who's the remora  by now, right? No? Well, if you guys still not clear what my reference to shark or remora have to do with this anime, then hold on to your horses, mkay? I'm going to explain.

I don't know how well-aware you are with science/biology knowledge (I'm not really that good either, but I'll try), but symbiotic refers to any diverse organisms that live together. However, the relationship doesn't necessary have to be beneficial for both. For instance, in the case of  relationship between remora and shark; the shark will hunt down its food, eats them, and whatever the remnants it had left behind - the remora will benefited from that. Well, in the case of this anime; you can say that Ohta is (the shark) to Tanaka (the remora). Of course, I mean it in a hypothetically way. Also, if you read on the title, Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge or Tanaka-kun is Always Listless, that kinda give you away what this anime is going to be about... Maybe you never heard about someone being 'listless' before. Okay, hold on another horses, I'm going to explain (again). For you guys out there who don't know what this means - it means that Tanaka here is really a lack of enthusiasm, only care about sleeping and doing nothing s.o.b and Ohta here is his (unofficial) lackey. Anywhere or anything that Tanaka didn't want to do - yeah, count on Ohta to do it for him cause he's available and would love to cater to Tanaka's needs. This is how the relationship between these two had been established at the beginning, and throughout of this series...

Well, as I already stated earlier - I won't be ripping on this anime too much, just the basic thing that you should know about this series. If I can say one or two nice thing about it, then it will be about how sweet and laid back the story was. Tanaka generally hate to do everything, so it's Ohta job to do everything for him and covered up anything he's lacking... A little bit Ying and Yang foreplay, if you will... All in all, what a very nice friend this guy (Ohta) really is. I wish I had more friends like him in IRL, but on the second thought - I don't like the idea of troubling my 'friends', to doing something that I'm capable and should be doing myself.   

Rating: 3.9/5.0 (definitely not the best, but it's an okay anime) ;)

5.) Bungou Stray Dogs
picture credit: google image
Year Released: 2016;
Date Watched: April 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
Another favorite Youtuber of mine recommended this anime and as one of the must watch anime of the season and I thought; 'Hey, that's look cool so, why not?'.


Memorable character: I think I like Osamu Dazai. 

My Review:
So far I'm still watching this anime and to be honest, a little bit confused about what's going on in this series. I know that most the characters in this anime shared the same name as popular Japanese literary figures like Osamu Dazai, Edogawa Rampo, Ryunosuke Akutagawa and many others and they somewhat possess a super power or something, but that's about it. That's all I can recall about this anime and boy - isn't that a lame review I had made in this post so far. Anyway, I think I need to re-watch this anime again (or maybe not) to figure out what the whole story is all about.

For now, this is all I can think off. :(

Rating: _ /5.0 (no proper ratings can be given toward this anime because I still don't understand what it's all about)


6.) Mayoiga / The Lost Village
picture credit: google image
Year Released: 2016;
Date Watched: April 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
The same Youtuber (whom recommended the anime above) also recommended this anime in his video and after briefly being introduced to the anime I started to think, 'This look pretty okay too, so why NOT?'. One thing that you should remember when you're watching these Youtuber video is that; even though their recommendation are usually good, but that doesn't mean that it can't be shi**y as well... :(

Memorable character: Ah.... Mitsumune, I guess??

My Review:
After watching a couple of episodes from this series, I realize that Mayoiga isn't the kind of anime that I was hoping for. Sure, the interesting synopsis: 'A shady bus tour of young men and women is headed to an elusive village called Nanakimura. A destination where people can partake in a utopian existence, free of the world's obstacles... or so goes the rumor.' (credit to MAL) caught my interest at first, but the first impression soon started to fade away as the couple of episode started to kicks in.

So, for starter - we have somewhat like 30+ characters in this anime, who all joined this bus tour with similar goal and mission - to find new place where they can call their own and restart their life again. From young teenager to adult - everyone have their sh*t sticking behind their back when they join this tour which they're all desperately wanted to get rid off. However, things doesn't seem to go according to their plan when people who are joining this little escapade tour - started to missing one by one and there might be sinister being that involves behind their disappearance. A girl had strictly being called out for acting suspicious, while a gallant knight (Mitsumune) tries to protect her. Hence, begin the blaming game among the remaining among tour bus member, weird scary stuff crawling from the forest, and the mysterious circumstances behind the missing people.

Okay, to be honest - I haven't finished watching this anime (I got about 3-4 episodes left), but that doesn't mean that I can't see where this anime is heading. Nowhere. The synopsis serves as a good introduction for the anime, but it doesn't take long before that rail went off fast and not in a good way. Anyway, I don't have anything more to add about this anime, the story line and characters are still confusing and blurry to me at this point - but hey, if you're interested in all of that, then please, by all means - check this anime out.  

Rating: 3.2 /5.0 (yeah, I think it deserved thos kind of rating)


7.) Arakawa Under the Bridge
picture credit: google image
Year Released: 2010;
Date Watched: May 2015  

Reason Why I Watched This:
I found this anime around May last year, so I can't remember it very well now. Sorry bout that.

Memorable character: Nino and Ric (Kou Ichinomiya)

My Review:
So, this anime.... took me about a year to finish (maybe more than that....) and just like Mayoiga, I also have false first impression about the series. Why would I say this? Well, let see then... For starter, I took me like about a year to finish this anime! Like a whole goddamn year!! Doesn't that just tell you something? Okay, just so we clear - I love this anime at first. Like really, I think the story line is pretty great. No, it was AWESOME and I have a HUGE expectation on this series. Truly...

So, we have the main character, Kou Ichinomiya, a man who had a fantastic record in accomplishing everything himself. Yeah, his father is a very successful businessman and had thought his only son to abide this one important family rule and that is - 'never be indebted to anyone as long as your live'. Respecting the family values instilled in him ever since he's a little, Kou lives a pretty nice-less-chaotic life, but that's about to change when he accidentally near drown inside Arakawa river. Luckily for Kou, he was saved by a girl whom living underneath the Arakawa bridge, a homeless/self-proclaim Venusian named Nino. As Kou didn't wanted to feel indebted to anyone - he later granted Nino one wish for saving hiss life and was taken by surprised when Nino said that she wanted to fall in love instead. What even crazier than that is that, she's asking for Ric to become her boyfriend! Kou, who are simply couldn't stand of feeling indebted to anyone, naturally accept her request and start living with her underneath Arakawa bridge...(to be continued).

I KNOW... EXCITING isn't? So far, so good, right? Now, how will these two newly couple start getting to know each other and later start falling in love?  Well, I ponder that one myself too, but then after like 3-4 episodes - I just simply give up. Why? Easy. Because all of these other goddamn character whom also living underneath the bridge with Kou and Nino! From male nun, to star fish, to weird kappa - just name it, they got it all...

Okay, to be fair,I do understand that most of the characters is there for a reason (comedic, mostly), but if this is some sort of avant garde style of anime comedy - then I gotta say, I just don't get it. I don't see any of the scene where cute girl starts turned into a beefy guy (shemale) funny, nor the scene where they practicing fire drill by actually burning the whole bridge down (arson) as hilarious...Also, I don't think that any of these characters make any sense, or really relatable to anyone. I don't know, but the more that I watched this series, the more I'm convinced that this anime is holding out the 'WHO IS THE MOST WEIRDEST CHARACTER HERE' contest. Seriously, they are is the REAL joke of this anime. I wished they could just leave Nino and Kou alone, and let them fall in love naturally even when they have some differences in social status and upbringing. Just let them be, man.... Ah~ After all of that high expectation, I been feeling a bit disappointed.

Man, I don't think that I'll even be that enthusiastic about catching up for season 2. 

Rating: 3.5/5.0 (it will probably be better if they focused on the 'real' story line, instead being weird and trying to top each other all the time.)


8.) Sekaiichi no Hatsukoi
picture credit: google image
Year Released: 2011;
Date Watched: March 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
Another BL. Needed I say more, guys?


Memorable character: Too many guys so I can't really concentrate. But, I remember the main character in this series, Onodera Ritsu. 

My Review:
So, we meet again in this (yet) another Shounen Ai/ BL series. Yes, as a 24 year old legal adult - I can openly say that, every now and then - I watches this kind of stuff without really being conflicted or feeling ashamed about it. I mean, each human being have different taste, interest and hobbies aren't they, so who cares what we do during out spree time, right? Anyway, since the same rules also applies to me, I guess its quite okay to put this series down in this list.

So, lets get down to what this anime is all about first. Sekaiichi no Hatsukoi is basically a love story between two dudes, Onodera Ritsu and his boss/first love, Masamune Takano. The story takes place in a shojo (female manga targeted for young girl/woman) department called Emerald, in a publishing company, Marukawa Publishing where Onodera works as an editor and Takano become his boss. They have a brief romantic relationship in high school, but things goes south pretty quick after a huge misunderstanding between the two. However, now that they're in a close proximity to one another - what will happen next? Will they resume their past relationship or ???

Ok, so that we're clear - I watch these kind of stuff sometimes for basically two reasons; one, I was curious and two, I was really, really bored. This anime, is one of those two things (it got me curious). To be honest with ya, I had watched another famous BL called from the same anime production called 'Junjou Romantika' a couple of years back and boy, wasn't that a trip to hell~ An agony, I tell you! Never watch that anime series guys, they have quite a lot of indecent stuff in it (like sexual, uncomfortable kind of stuff). But, Sekaiichi no Hatsukoi was different than Junjou. It's a bit more tame and the story line doesn't just revolves between these two, but others as well. There's certainly a lot of tug and war going on several characters, but you won't be seeing a lot of ______ guys ______ in this anime, so rest assured. Anyway, if you guys are interested about these sort of things, then be sure to check this anime out, yo!

Rating: 3.5 /5.0 (it's a 'nice' love story)


9.) Akatsuki no Yona / The Girl Standing in the Blush of Dawn
picture credit: google image
Year Released: 2014-2015;
Date Watched: March 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
Great ratings at MAL. That's all I have to say at this point.


Memorable character: Yona-hime

My Review:
Akatsuki no Yona is 2014 anime that follows the redemption of Yona, the sole princess to the kingdom of Kouka. She lives a carefree life as a princess in Hiryuu castle, and being sheltered who her life by her pacifist father, King Il and protected by her bodyguard/childhood friend. Son Hak. On the night of her sixteenth birthday, her other childhood friend/love interest, Soo-won betrayed the (kill) the king and unafraid to frame Yona. Luckily, Hak came in time to save her and the two of them fled from the castle and start heading towards Hak's birthplace, the Village of Wind. In order to save the Kingdom of Kouka, Yona and Hak are told to search for an oracle named Ik-su. Ik-su later tells them the legend of the first King of Kouka, Hiryuu and the four dragons that unified the kingdom. It was then, the two of them, joined by Ik-su's assistant Yun, begin a journey to find the reincarnated legendary dragons in order to survive and save the Kingdom.

Alright, I have nothing against this anime; I think the characters are pretty neat and story line is great. However, I do have a slight issue about the pacing in the anime. I don't think a 26 episodes are really that necessary, when they could probably just shorten it at 24 or something... Honestly, I think its quite long and even though the story line is great and all - I kinda grew tired after watching it after a while. But, then again... this is just my opinion about this series... Other people might not have a problem with a bit longer episodes....  :3


Rating:  4.0/5.0 (it's quite okay, if you love romance, slice of life and adventure type of anime).


10.) Akagami no Shirayuki Hime
picture credit: google image
Year Released: 2015;
Date Watched: March 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
Great ratings at MAL and a story loosely based on Snow White. How can I resist?

Memorable character: Shirayuki and Prince Zen

My Review:
When I first pick up this anime series, I have quite a high expectation that it's going to be one of the good ones based on the ratings, positive comments from other viewers, and (possibly) the story line. I mean, since this is a rendition of Snow White in anime series, I can't help but thinking  how it's going to look like? Yup, I was curious, alright... But, as I began to watch the first episodes - I quickly realize that something doesn't seem quite 'right' in this anime. Not seriously wrong, but you know (the feeling of something is a bit off). One word to put it is....

It's a little bit too 'cheesy' to my taste.

From the semi-independent female character to oversell protective prince in a white horse - I think this anime is lacking what it suppose to have in order to beat the *Disney* predecessor  - ORIGINALITY. Of course, I only saying this because I was expecting to be blown away after all the positive remarks about this anime, but after watching about 2-3 episodes; I started to doubt my decision to jump to the bandwagon. Maybe the fans who like this anime is (wrong)?? Maybe this isn't for anyone... Anyway, all I can say is that instead of enjoying each and every episodes shown, I become more edgy to finish this series off. I was really in a hurry and come to think about it; I don't think that I give this anime a lot of chance....

Doesn't matter what it's - I still can compensate since I haven't watched the 2nd season from this anime yet.  

Rating: 3/6/5.0


So, I guess that's it for the 2nd part of my anime crossed-off list for the half 2016 & review. I might not be continuing this series for a while considering I have a lot of work to do which possibly going to need my full focus and attention. With that being said, this is where my list ended and I bid goodbye. Thank you for those who're reading the first and second part from this post series. See you guys around.... Jya nee!


Mimi says: This is where my busy year starts to take flight.... :0

Sunday, May 15, 2016

My Anime Crossed-off List for the Half 2016 & Review - Part 1

[This post is rated-R for language and bluntness. Read at your own risk! This list may also contain spoilers of certain anime. You all had been warned.]

Well, hello there. How you all doing? Mimi's here.

Okay, it's May 2016 already and looks like almost half of the year had gone. Like the hell? Where did the time goes, I wonder? Hehe, never mind that. I know where all of that time went. It's a question that needed no answer. Silly me for even saying it at the first place.

So, with the half of year almost gone, I guess the time has come for me to step-on this post. Yup, it already stated up there, right on the title. Anyone who are interested with what I'm about to unravel, then please - sit back, relax and enjoy scrolling, but if any of you lots out there whom not only non-anime fan, but also hate anime or anything in general - then what the fak man? What the hell are you doing here? I got no room for people who're not interested in what I have to say. So, leave, please.... (while I'm still asking you nicely).

Anyway, enough with blabbering sh*t - let's get straight to this post. Yeah, My Anime Crossed-off List for the Half 2016 and some short review about it. Mind you that this is only coming from my own opinion as a 24 years old, single, female otaku who enjoyed watching anime in her spree time and had nothing to do with peer pressure nor mass favorites. Also, it's not like I'm getting paid to write this or anything - I just wrote it because I want too.

So, with that being clearly said, I hope you enjoy my list and review. Hope you guys would also enjoy my laid-back style of writing it, yeah?

(Just so we're clear, the numbering on this list had nothing to do with how much I like the anime or whatnot. I just listed them in no particular order.)

1.) Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai / The Flower That We Saw That Day

Image credit: disqus.com

Year Released: 2011;
Date Watched: March 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
I was bored and the main character (the girl in a silver hair, her name is Menma, btw) kinda captured my attention (I thought she's cute). I have no freaking idea what this anime is all about, except for the sole knowledge that one of them is probably dead. I didn't look further though, fearing that it might spoil everything. Since the only character in here that's wearing white dress and have funny hair color is Menma, I just assumed it was her. I was right, though.

Memorable character:
I'll be too nice for saying it was Menma, but since everyone else in this anime are pretty much forgettable character and freaking annoying - hell yeah, it's this is weird-looking girl alright.

My Review:
Hah... What more can I say except I think this anime is pretty lame. Among all the character shown over here, the male lead, which is the guy in the red shirt - probably irritates me the most. I gained nothing from this guy except for his lazy-bum-hating-school attitude and weird connection with the dead girl because he sorta, kinda, maybe liked her when she's still alive. Believe me, as the story progress, you just couldn't help but looking at this little shithead, feeling like slamming his head on the table a couple of times and then says - 'Dude, the fak are you thinking? Let the dead stayed dead. Go to school already you little piece of waste!'... Yeah, I know that's pretty mean, after all the guy is still pretty much grieving for his dead friend, but that's not the reason to avoid school and being a reclusive bum! Heh, what an annoying character indeed... 

Other than the bum, there's also other annoying characters such as Anaru (the pigtail girl), whom secretly harboring feelings towards the bum (his name is Jintan, btw) who existence contributes to nothing except from being a sad, forgotten third wheel, Yukiatsu (cool, brown haired guy) who perfect in every single way, but like the bum, also unable to move on from the dead girl (Menma) whom he likes when he's little (mottainai), Tsuruko (the glass-wearing chick), who also like Anaru, a third (maybe fourth?) wheel and harboring feelings towards Yukiatsu and last but not least, the fatty boy, Poppo, a simple minded guy who even though a school dropout, are doing so much better than the bum since travelling around the world while working and paying for it.  

Okay, despite of some shitty character, to be fair - the story itself is quite nice. What will happen to a close-tight group of friends, after one of them left the world for good (or in this case, stills lingers around)? Will he/she be remembered or completely forgotten? What will happen to people who gets left behind and if he/she couldn't moved on, how that will effect people who're still living? Yup, the story built itself based on these questions and as much as it had its brush of with real life; this anime would probably do better with more interesting characters. 

Rating: 3.1/5.0 (thank God for Menma or the story will suck ass...)

2.) Death Note


Image credit: sergioleoneifr.blogspot.com

Year Released: 2006/2007;
Date Watched: March 2016

Reason Why I Watched This:
For years, Death Note had always been one of the anime that I know, deep down inside of my heart - I need to watch before I die and luckily enough; I'm able to do it this year. I finished this 37 episodic anime with high hope that I shall be entertained for every single episode and sure enough - I got what I bargain for. Funny enough, I only watched the live action when it first come out and I know that the anime will be equally good once I could get down and watch them. Sure, I wasn't left disappointed...

Memorable character:
The two characters, which is Yagami Light and L, are truly the star of this show. 

My Review:
So, you got two equal geniuses fighting against each other for the good and evil. One side wanted to banished (other words, killed) evil people left in this world using the power of God from the notebook he received (that can kill anyone who name are written in it), while the other side is trying to stop him. Yeah, that's pretty much sum up what Death Note is.

You see, I don't really understand the hype of Death Note when this first come out, why people talking about it, praising the anime and whatnot; but now, at 24 years old - I think finally gets it after watching it for the first time. Though the years may gone by and the anime/manga had celebrated its 10 year anniversary only last year; this series are pretty much still brilliant that for a moment there, I almost regretted for not watching this one sooner. I must say, the writer and drawer are absolutely fantastic and they done a great job in making all the elements in Death Note works together without too foreshadowing the other. I know a lot of people might be saying how much they hated the ending because it's too PG-13, but let's get real for a second here.... Don't you guys at least think that in the end, Light get what he deserves? Anyone?

Rating: 4.67/5.0 (Awesome show, must watch for anime fans)

3.) Boku dake ga Inai Machi / ERASED
Image credit: zoo-monkey.tumblr.com

Year Released: 2016; 
Date Watched: March 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
Great rating from MAL and curiosity mostly. No idea how this anime is going to be and just follow with the flow. I thought the art is quite good but never thought that its going to be a serious kind of anime.

Memorable character: Kayo Hinazuki and Satoru Fujinoma. Damn, doesn't Hinazuki-chan tragic life story just make anyone cried a bucket and makes me think hard about my own upbringing. (sobs)

My Review: 
One of the best murder-mystery, psychological anime series I had encounter in my life so far.  I swear that I was so intrigue with this anime, that finished the 11 episodes (out of 12) in just a day! Man this animu was addictive and I love it!

So, we have some time travel going on in this anime where the main character, which is Satoru Fujinoma who can turned back and forth through time to fix tragedy around him from happening. Satoru-kun, who is a 28 years old mangaka/part-time pizza delivery man had always had some guilty-feeling upon a tragedy that happened about 18 years ago to one of his classmates, Kayo Hinazuki, a selected victim in a (unsolved) serial murder case in his town. Unable to save Hinazuki and two others; Satoru have been guilt-ridden for years until he's unexpectedly given an opportunity to travel back in 1988 (after a tragic thing that happened to his mom which served as a key to a crucial detail for that 18 year old case). Knowing that this time he probably have a shot in saving Hinazuki and others, Satoru immediately grabbed this opportunity and guess what: he even got to rock his investigation in a body of his 10 year old self! Yeah, quite fascinating, isn't? Thus, began a game of cat and mouse where one side have the upper-hand of knowing the future and fixing the past, while the other side keeps on waiting for the right opportunity to carry out his/her heinous and diabolical plan.  

To be honest, I usually enjoy watching psychological movies, but when it comes in a form of anime - my reaction towards it are mixed. Yet, I finished this anime with a huge satisfaction playing on my face and thinking - 'Boy, isn't that a good anime for 2016?'.  Man, I got no words to describe how much I love this anime. The powers to travel back through time, the tragedy, and suspense.... Everything is vital in delivering this anime series to where it supposed to be. Some people hated the ending, but I thought that was quite okay and understandable. Anyway, I like it so thumbs up for this anime series!
   
I think I'm going to re-watch this again! Hehe... 

Rating: 4.5/5.0 (For great story-line, character, and art style)

4.) Mirai Nikki
Image credit: yumestate.com

Year Released:2011/2012;
Date Watched: April 2016

Reason Why I Watched This:
This anime had been sitting on my hard-disk for almost two years, so I figure it's about to time for me to watch it and figure what this anime is all about. I heard some hype about it during my first year in university (yeah, 2011/2012), but I was stubborn, so I don't really give a damn so much back then. Anyway, so I finally get down to watch this anime this and yeah, I think I like it much to even watch the OVA's that comes out about a year later (2013). Well deserved coz I'm a sucker for happy ending.

Memorable character: YUNO GASAI (need I say more, fellas?)

My Review:
Imagine a battle-royale RL* set of game, a phone diary that can tell you your future, 12 unknown contestants, and a single throne seat in Heaven that could be yours if you win this game. Then, add on a strong-headed, crazy bitch/stalker female character, a weakling/helpless male lead, BL*, and some other side characters who are willing to go the mile in order to become God. Also, add on some more weapons, gun, explosive or whatever necessary to make the story more gory and exciting and..... 

YOU just got yourself a total glimpse of what Mirai Nikki is, fellas... Congratulations! Isn't that exciting?

So, if you like even one of things I just mentioned, then maybe you gonna like this anime too. Like myself, after watching a couple of episodes - I don't really care about what this anime is really about or how its going to end, as long as my Yuno wasn't the one who is dying. Man, I love this crazy bit*h so much!! Haha... I guess this is the weird side of me is talking (sorry about that).

Well, since I already talked about the plot, let's jump into the characters a little - shall we? Okay, let me introduce to you to the badass female protoganist in this fucked up anime first. YUNO GASAI. Yes, our beautiful little pink haired lady, Yuno.

The one I would proudly called as my ultimate waifu*....

You see, my waifu here is the kind of girl who will do anything for her man, although the same couldn't be said about her man(child) Yukiteru "Yuki" Amano who sacrifices towards Yuno had so far accumulate to nothing but a mere ant-pee contribution (can this guy get any lamer per second?). Man, I had no idea what my waifu sees in this weakling... Ughh, looking at how he's hiding behind her in every freaking fight while scared to make any important decision by himself (not until at least the end of the series, anyway) definitely makes me cringe and wanna punch myself in the face (not literally guys, so please...). Time and time again, I found myself saying, "Man up, Yuki! You pathetic wuss, you! Quit hiding from behind my waifu skirts, you bakayaro*!" Well, I was hardcore screaming back then. Like totally!

But, yeah... Yuno my waifu doesn't care what I have to say... I mean, if you had watch this series yourself then you know how she keeps on running and coming back to this 'ant-pee' (what the fak did I just write?) anyway. Still, it's quite unfair to keep talking about my waifu choice in a detrimental relationship without taking any consideration towards other awesome character such as Minene Uryu and Akise Aru as well. I mean.. have you seen these two? They rocks and bombs in the show! Well, you must know...right? Why? Haven't you watch this weird sh*t yet?

Oh my... Sorry then about that spoiler that I put up there.

Rating: 4.4/5.0 (Oh, Yuno... You deserves so much better man, my waifu!)
Reference:
i.) RL - Real Life;
ii.) BL - Boys Love (Shonen Ai/Yaoi);
iii.) waifu - a fictional character that anime/otaku fans considered as their wife/husband in anime culture;
iv.) bakayaro - Vulgarish ways of saying 'Idiot' or 'Fool' in Japanese.

5.) Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Ummatteru
Image credit: animelib.blogspot.com

Year Released: 2015; 
Date Watched: April 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
I thought this anime series would be similar to Bones or True Detective or whatever, so yeah - I thought I just give it a try first and see how I like it. Well, the cases presented in this anime is pretty good and the character was interesting too, so I decided to stay until the end.

Memorable character: It's in the title: Sakurako-san.

My Review:
So, the basic story-line of this anime series was quite simple; a boy named Shoutarou Tatewaki realized that there's a mystery woman living in a big ol' mansion which existence seems to be hiding from the world and he got curious (yeah, that's also one way to start an anime story except high school settings or perverted teacher-student relationship). Anyway, since his curiosity and raging-boy hormones are getting the best of him, naturally Shoutarou decided to stalk this woman (in non-threatening ways, of course) and after a while, suspected that she's possibly a serial killer (wow, what a turned out).

However, as the series progress, this is revealed not to be the case and this woman, named as Kujou Sakurako or Sakurako-san, wasn't really a murderess. She really is just a normal woman who exceptionally have some weird fascination/knowledge/fetish towards bones (yes, you heard me... BONES). Not only that, Sakurako-san also have a knack to solve the mystery surrounding dead person/bodies (like what again?). Anyway, corpses and bones seems to be piling around this woman so much (though she have nothing to do with it), that in a way, she kinda reminds me of Edogawa Conan from Detective Conan series where murder keeps on happening around him coz really, like he's the only one who can solve it. (sad, but true).

So, the pair later struck a friendship/partnership in investigating strange cases (in one of the most sisterly-brotherly ways I had ever seen in an anime for a while), as they began to unravel the mystery and truth behind the victims death. Quite unlikely pair since they are not related whatsoever, but their chemistry is what keeping this series alive and in one way, making me watch it until the end. 

Rating: 4.2/5.0 (I like it, but not to the point that I'm willing to sit down and re-watch the whole series again coz you know, bones and dead people are kinda ewwy....)

6.) Himoutou! Umaru-chan
Image credit: google image

Year Released: 2015; 
Date Watched: April 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
One of my favorite Youtuber recommended this anime in one of his videos and I was instantly smitten by the main character, Umaru Doma

Memorable character: U-MA-RU.( Duhh!)

My Review:
So, lookie here lookie here.... Look at what we got but a cute little sister by the name of Umaru Doma! Umaru, a beautiful and perfect high school girl to the eye in her school and world... From studying to sports, or beautiful girl to a helpful citizen -  this girl looks like she could do no wrong. In a way, her perfection becomes the solid reason for people to keep their interest in her, even though none of them really know who or what she is, outside of the school.  

It's pretty understandable that like any other animu character or human beings in general; in reality, nobody is really that flawless and boy, don't Umaru know it better... Yes, despite of the perfection image she projected outside and positive attitude towards everything; this perfect girl is living a secret lifestyle that could even make Hannah Montana jealous! You see, the all-around, perfect Umaru here is actually just a lazy, anime/geimu (games) and cola addict, junk food loving, borderline hikikimori (reclusive) little sister. This personality easily submerged when she's at home where she's reverted herself into chibi version and had a child-like manners towards her big bro, Taihei Doma (also known as 'Onii-chan').

Well, well... did I just wrote Umaru is living with her big bro just now? Like really? Only the two of them in the same place? Hehe... don't you guys out there have a dirty mind now... This animu is not that kind of animu, okay? This is the clean vers. and adorable kind of anime. Go search on hent*i site and type (fill in the blanks) if you're interested on that sort of things. Go now! Nobody is stopping you, you crazy sick ped........ 

Anyway, a lot of reviews from people who already watched this anime have their mixed feelings about Umaru... Some thinks that despite of her laziness and spoiled act; she is still adorkable, while others seems to think that Umaru selfish behavior here at least deserved some beatings with a stick... (No... not that kind 'stick' but uh...) Well, if you asks me... if there shall be anything that Umaru deserves to be receiving is probably the title as the 'Most Useless Little Sister in The Anime History'! Yeah, she should have that title if it does exists coz she surely would win that one by default! Hehe...

Anyway, to be fair - I do love Umaru. I don't have a little sister in real life (not like I intended to have one), but if I'm a big brother who is busy working all the time with no dating life; then I would probably love to have a little sister like Umaru too whom I could scold every single day if she become lazy.  I mean... after a long day at work, Umaru would do great as a stress relief for me. Well, at least that's one of the perks that  I could think off if I'm in Taihei/Onii-san shoes.... (I dunno about you...)

Rating: 4.4/5.0 (re-watch value is surely high on this one!)

7.) Jigoku Shoujo/Hell Girl
Image credit: google image

Year Released: 2005; 
Date Watched: March 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
So, about 2 years ago, one of my otaku friend suggested this anime to me. The only problem was, despite of this being a well-known anime series, I never really got a chance to watch it and to say that I never heard it will be me be a freaking liar coz you guys know how big this anime is back on the days. Anyway, I finally got a chance to watch it this year and it took me almost entire month to finish the 26 episodes from the 1st season alone. It's quite good, I gotta say but phew... this is one hellish* anime to finish (no pun intended).

Memorable character: Enma Ai (Jigoku Shoujo)

My Review:
So, this anime.... Where to began? Okay, lets start by revealing the main proto in this anime, Enma Ai, also known as 'Jigoku Shoujo' first. Man, this girl... I'm not even sure if she a good guy or bad guy in the series. I mean, I'm already at the 2nd season right now (Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori), still I don't know which sides she really on. Does she really wanted to help people or just toying with them? I'm not even sure myself. Anyway, despite of not knowing what Enma Ai really thinking or feeling; there's one thing you could certainly expect from her and that thing is; if there shall be any revenge or grudge that needed to be carried out, then she is willingly to accomplish that task for you with a price. Yes, and that price my man - is that you would willingly spend your eternity in hell with the person you've cursed. That simple. 

So, to make Jigoku shoujo relevant to the series, the viewers (like us) are shown with different characters for each episodes with all sorts of problems in the world. Some of them are important, ordinary and others are like... eh?? Making me think is that even legit to be taking a 'revenge'? If it is... then what a funny world we seems to be living in. Anyway, my point is... up to the offering and taking revenge - then this show was great and could do no wrong. But to say that it have more substances or content then what is were, then that would a lie. I don't think this series have anything more to offer than revenge but then again, I'm probably reading too much in this. I guess, when it comes to a series like this; to each its own. So, as my final two cents of review - if you're the kind of people who likes revenge and retribution kind of show, then this anime could be the one you been looking for. Just make sure that you're not get too carried away though... I don't think there was or will be a site that could carry out your vengeance... (though assassins or hit man for hire still exists somewhere IRL).

Rating: 3.6/5.0 (Good)

8.) Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma
 Image credit: google image

Original Year: 2015; 
Date Watched: May 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
Accidental video viewing from Youtube while searching for this exact keywords: Anime Food Porn (yeah, aside from the real porn, this kind of thing exists too, you know?). I mean, what can I say - I was a little bored back then and in the mood for some delicious shiii... (ughh, I mean to say treat... TREAT...). To be frank with ya, I don't have high expectation of finding any good food-related anime but this turned out to be one fruitful search indeed coz once I found it: I just couldn't turned my head away. It's the kind of anime that manage to reel and seek you in the moment you get down to watch it so, good luck in trying to get away coz I surely can't. From torturing your eyeball with glorious delicacies, to getting you 'moan' and 'ahhs' at every dishes served, to 'ooh-ing' at some timed/casual fan-service (you know what I mean); just make sure you prepared yourself to be served by our cheeky chef, Yukihira Souma and his friends. ;D

Memorable character: Yukihira Souma (the amateur/semi-pro chef), Nakiri Erina (the God-tongue goddesses) and.... that's it I guess... Oh, oh... Isshiki-senpai! Isshiki-senpai! The semi-nudist chef. How could I forget about him? (droolz)

My Review:
Whenever anime and food are mixed together, then you need to be careful. There really only two ways to come back from this; either you go hungry along watching the series, or you slowly became addicted to the show (like you're with food!). Each episodes offers a lot of delicious-looking plus mouth watering delicacies that is surely hard for you to turn your head away from. Anyway, so what Shokugeki is all about? Well, this anime brought in the struggle (or was it really?) of an amateur/semi-pro chef, named Yukihira Souma while trying to achieve his dreams of becoming a head chef at his family diner (a position is currently held by his father, Joichiro Yukihira) and so far that's it. This 16 year old boy mainly eat, sleeps, shower and probably shit too by the name of culinary expertise and it hardly even a prob to him cause this kid does have the talent and quite wise for a boy his age (years and years of practicing cooking and experimenting) so, its no surprise that he'll likely ended up becoming a great chef one day just like his old man.

However, despite of his dreams, daddy Souma didn't think that his son was good enough to continue their restaurant business. So, what he did was to close down their diner (for indefinite of time) in order to work overseas and enrolled his only son to a cooking school called 'Totsuki Culinary Academy'. The father and son had been fighting against in cooking challenges for a while now, and it's very important for him that Souma go to this school and learn more about cooking world and horned his skills. Although Souma is left unclear with his father intention at first, he soon realize that Totsuki is a great place to improve himself (considering that he is still 16 and there really is a lot of things he still doesn't know about cooking world). Also, what more interesting about this academy is that they have this thing called as 'Shokugeki', a one-on-one food duel that had become a part of the culinary culture in Totsuki for years. Now, this part right here can be considered as crucial as its what intrigue our Souma over here as it allows him to challenge himself while fighting a better and worthy opponent the next time he wanted to challenge his dad again.

It's amazing to see how much battles or 'Shokugeki' had taken place in this 25 episode series and what's even amazing is how I can't stop craving for more battles, even after I finished watching this series. Talk about becoming addictive, when is the next seasons coming up? Anyone knows? Please drop down in the comment below if you do and thank you in advance.

Rating: 4.5/5.0 (coz I love food so much!)

9.) Shimoneta (A Boring World Where The Concept of Dirty Jokes Doesn't Exists)
Image credit: google image

Year Released: 2015; 
Date Watched: March-April 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
What do you think? Coz I'm a dirty __________ pervert, of course. End of story.

Memorable character: .................. Everyone, I guess??

My Review:
So, I know what kind of anime this one over here is going to be, yet I still take a brave dive into it  anyway cause that's just the kind of person I am (#neverfear). Well, well... Shimoneta - what more can I say about you except that thanks for tons of laughs, eye-covering moments and unnecessary *bleep* of censorship. I mean, this shows probes fun at censorship a lot (and I mean it, like a lot), yet scared of going above and beyond with it dirty tricks (excuse the puns) and dirty jokes it had promised me right from the title. I mean seriously brah... Don't title yourself as a chicken, when you are afraid to admit yourself as being one! (see what I did there? That's a triple puns, in case you haven't catch it yet). Anyway, yeah I have a good laugh - gotta admit, but the deliverance of this anime kinda fall...  flat? Yeash.... So, I came in with a high expectation of seeing some glorious shot and (fill in the blanks) characters, yet I only come out with.... half-baked dirty jokes. What a disappointment this anime turned out to be, not gonna lie. I'm left with a little of unsatisfactory feelings and regret for even considering it at the first place. Ughh... anyway... that's it for my review on this anime. I not even going to add anything nice or even have the energy to bit*h about it. Let's head on to the next and last anime on this post, then...

Rating: 3.3/5.0 (Coz it doesn't delivers, my man! Why should I rated it higher?)

10.) Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo / Yamada-kun and 7 Witches
 Image credit: google image

Year Released:2015; 
Date Watched: March 2016  

Reason Why I Watched This:
I can't remember now, but I think I saw some AV clips from Youtube about this anime with some boy-kissing-boy action. Hehe.... gotta see what that all about...

Memorable character: Hardly could think of anyone, expect for combination of random characters kissing one another. But, if I had to choose... then it will be Yamada Ryuu, Shiraishi Urara and Miyamura Toranosuke...Yatta!!

My Review:
Have you ever heard of a game called as 'Kissing Game'? Yeah, its a game where you and your partner leaned forward for a kiss, and whoever hesitated first loses. Charming game, isn't? Except that it have nothing to do with this anime series whatsoever... Haha, but in a sense - it does have some relation to it since this anime pretty much a kissing-trip for every characters involved! Yeah, from boy on girl kissing to boy on boy kissing or even girl on girl kissing, you can expect everyone in this anime to definitely kissing one another. I mean, not like there's anything wrong with that but, if you guys are like me (who after a while watching some lame shoujo high school anime, start becoming bored with the main character and was expecting more 'action') - then this anime may give you the (choose whatever word you deemed suitable) again. Anyway, I wasn't a big fan for magical/witch type of anime myself, so when there's kissing and switching bodies also involved - it's simply hard for me to look away. This anime is 13 episodes long so prepared yourself for many indecencies that might happened along the way. ;)

P/s: This anime is not hentai, just so you know. And the reason for lot of characters just simply kising each other is not because they're some horny-ass teenagers with nothing better to do, but because they're secretly a witches at their school and kissing is one of the method to change bodies and use others powers.

Rating: 3.5/5.0 (love the boy-on-boy kissing scene between Yamada and Miyamura. I shipped these two so much!)

So, with that ten anime reviews in a row - this is where my list ended and I bid goodbye.My fingers are getting sore from all of these writing but I know that it had to be done anyway. Thank you for those who're reading this entire post and I see you guys on the next post. Jya nee!


Mimi says: If you like this review then I'll be happy to tell you that there is also a sequel (2nd part) coming up!! (probably the earliest next month) So, until then, don't forget to follow this blog and stayed tune. 

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Manga & Anime Talk 3: Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO) Spin Off Manga's

[This post is rated R for Language & Subtleties. Read at your own risk]

Hello, it's Mimi again! How you all doin'?

Ok, guys... So, this is officially my third post in just March 2016 alone. Seems like I have a lot of times on my hand, huh? Wrong! I don't actually.... Haha, yet rather strangely I still manage to find some time to write on this blog. Well, when you're really that interested in something, then nothing is going to stop you from doing it, I guess (just like my case here).

You know that I only write in here only when I have something fun to share, right? No? Wait....

Don't tell me that for as long as I been writing on this blog, no one actually... CARES? Oh, my.. Is my face getting red now? Have I been writing this only for my own gratification? (๋ˆˆ_๋ˆˆ):  You mean whenever I write or rant in here, nobody actually gives a f**k? Like there won't be any hard feelings or consequences, even when I'm writing shitty things about shitty people on the net? Seriously... like no impact at ALL??

Oh, well...

Sounds like somebody (me) is living in a different dimension than another bunch (famous people) whom couldn't afford to make any blunders since it's going to cost them. Well guys, I don't know what else to say about this except;

'Thanks internet for this double standard thing! Anonymity and Indifference. That's all I needed... Why am I the only one manage to escape? I don't know what I didn't do, but this is freaking COOL, man!! (´∇`)b'

Anyway, moving on....

About 4 years ago, I wrote this post. Yes, if you guys already clicked on it, then you know what it's all about. It's a special post, solely dedicated for one of my favorite anime/manga in the world; Great Teacher Onizuka, commonly known as 'GTO'. Haha.... I still remember my determination back then when I was writing this post. I was highly determined that I even ransacked the whole internet just to find the right info and image about it and as the result of that; GTO become the second highest page views for this blog. Pretty cool huh? Well, maybe not so cool considering this is non-profitable blog and nobody gives a sh*t, but hey.... I'm still proud about it anyway.

So, four years had passed since then, and along the way, a lot of things had been happening and changing in the anime/manga industry. For starter, I'm so freaking happy that the original author of GTO, Tohru Fujisawa had decided to continue the GTO storyline by adding more arc to it. Other words for that would be... SPIN OFF's!!! Oh, yeah...

Seriously, I had never been so glad of hearing that word before the new serialization of GTO's comes out. Like, really... I'm so... so glad (╥﹏╥). After the original manga series ended (rather abruptly, I think) in 2002, Tohru-sensei had been working on other manga project that I don't really gives rats about and it kinds of  put a damper on my interest in GTO. I mean, don't get me wrong... It's not that I don't like this manga anymore, but I'm just so sick of waiting! *Spoiler alert* When will Onizuka-sensei is going to regain his consciousness?? Finally, on 2014 - my wishes come true. I found the scanlations for GTO: Shonan 14 Days, thanks to the hard work by people from Mangafox and Mangareader community. 

Hello sensei.
Long time no see, huh?
Picture source credit: http://www.manga-news.com/
Ok, so here's a little confession of mine takes place. When I first read it, I don't really like this spin-off's GTO manga so much. For those who had been following GTO for a long time, you guys probably already knows what it takes to make a great GTO manga chapter; Onizuka-sensei (of course!), the school (Holy Forest Academy), other teachers and students, and a little on the sidelines; some ecchi-ecchi stuff to keeps the wheels going. That, to me - would make a quite great GTO chapter. Oh yeah, and the hidden life lesson/values and whatever along the way. That would be great too. But, wanna guess what I get when I read this manga? 

None of that. 

Yeah, sure Onizuka is still an ecchi/kind teacher as ever but other than that, the settings and all the characters in it are different. For starter, because of some stupid blunder at his old school (Holy Forest), Onizuka is now on the run. So, where would he go? Shonan of course (since it is his hometown). Now that he's in Shonan, Onizuka had nowhere to go but eventually he kinda find refuge at a troubled youth home called 'White Swan' and runs by gorgeous female teacher called Ayame. The readers are later introduced with a few new teenage characters who seems decent enough, but inside a mess! (of course they have to be, or else Onizuka won't be able to help them). Mind in your head that I'm just writing brief synopsis based on my memory recollection and it wasn't a good one. I dunno, man... This manga seems like a GTO, but doesn't really feels like GTO, if you know what I mean. Even the story line itself sometimes seems a bit out of place and forced. It wasn't until after the end of 7th volume (I think), I began to get the GTO vibes around the manga and again, getting comfy with Onizuka-sensei, once more. So, I finished reading GTO Shonan around September last year (because the silly me didn't know that it had been fully translated since July 2014) and yeah, all is good again between me and GTO.

However, as much as I'm happy that all's well that ends well with this manga; I was left with an empty hole in my heart. No more GTO, I thought to myself. No more perverted Onizuka-sensei... Well, that sucks... What am I gonna do now? Should I re-read the manga again? Of course not. It's not like reading it would make it any better... The story is ALREADY good, just as it is. I could re-watch the anime but it only have the same effect as reading the manga. So, what more can I do? Hell, for what it's worst I just do whatever any manga/anime fan would. 

I seek another manga to satisfy my needs. Hehehe...

Which, wasn't really a bad idea, at first. I found myself a couple of decent manga/anime (Natsume Yuujinchou, Skip Beat!, Ookami Shoujo..., Kamisama Kiss.../Blush-DC... blah blah), but here's what I should've consider first before getting into all those; done more research about GTO's. When the manga wrapped up, I should've watch out for news on the internet about Tohru-sensei new work like a true fan. Yeah, I should've done that. But, guess what? I didn't... So, I was running semi-happily emotion in the manga land with all of these other (quite great/some are just nice/hentai.... opss) manga until I have an unexpected run-in (no pun intended) with GTO again. Okay, fellas... I just found yet another spin-off's off GTO and its written/illustrated by none other than Tohru-senpai himself! I found out about this new manga series about two weeks ago (cause I am missing Onizuka-sensei) and stumble upon my luck. As this post is written, I am now I'm at the 3rd volume (chapter 41). See how love prevails?? Haha, is this a happy ending or not? You bet it is (for me anyway). 

The new GTO Spin-Off's Series: GTO - Paradise Lost

The new GTO spin-off is titled as GTO: Paradise Lost and it had been serialized since 2014. Yep, that's right... 2014!! Oh, shi*e... Really, I should done my research earlier, or I else I wouldn't be so out of loop like this! Onizuka-sensei, please forgive me (╥﹏╥)... Now, despite of the pretty innocent, ecchi-hinting title; this manga doesn't have a smooth sail, especially towards its titular character. Well, if you are quite a fan of GTO and were curious about what 'Paradise Lost' is all about, then please buckle your seat and read this singular intro to the manga below taken solely from mangafox.com;

GTO: Paradise Lost -
'Onizuka finds himself in prison.'

What? That's IT? Onizuka is in jail? WTF? Hey, come on mangafox...surely you can give better explanation than just THAT? I mean it sure a big leap from teacher to become a prisoner... How did Onizuka even get there at the first place? Did he get framed, molested, raped, killed someone or what? Tohru-sensei, is this FOR real? What's happened to that Great Teacher Onizuka? Remember him when he used to be that cool teacher and had helped a lot of his troubled student? Come on, you gotta give me more detail about this. Naze? Naze? Naze???!!! <---- (Like A True Otaku, I Scream).

Haha, relax guys... I'm just messing with ya. I told you that I read the manga already didn't I? So, I know what's going on. So far, it had been revealed that Onizuka is in prison because he's accused of abducting one of his student (no name for now) and this whole manga series bounces back and forth from Onizuka life when he's still outside and inside of the prison. I mean, true enough - the guy needs to have a backstory and all in order to land himself in there and that's exactly what he does. Part of real action, part of reminiscing; just like he did in Shonan 14 days. No surprises there, everything is going according to plan. And I'm quite glad that Tohru-sensei had decided to bring back all the characters from GTO in this new manga (especially Uchiyamada-sensei). Kinda miss that baldy teacher. (‾◡◝ )> But, looking at these two spins-off does make one (girl) wonder... 

'Nee, Tohru-sensei... naze ka Onizuka boku ga kirai?' (Lolz for my broken Japanese)

Haha, cause it's freaking true fellas! From one spin-off's to another, Tohru-sensei had been putting Onizuka under a hot water without a moment of hesitation. You don't believe me? Well, let see here... The first spin's-off depicts Onizuka's life when he's in a run for something he didn't (purposely) do which thankfully - ends well, but now that poor guy is in JAIL? I mean, I know I'm not supposed to be complaining when Tohru-sensei had generously resurrected GTO again and again for us fans, but when will this 24 (no longer 22) year old virgin are going to get laid, find his true love, and get his happy ending? A dirty fan would say, oh come on Onizuka-sensei... just freaking f**k already!!! What are you waiting for? Now, that he's in jail, perhaps we could finally see some of that action (subtleties), but this manga is no BL. This is GTO world, man!!! And ecchi one at that too... I mean, this is not Bleach where there is no love arc existed anywhere (you can ship them all you want, just not going to happen) or School Rumble where the main character is so clueless about who truly loves her and keep on going at the wrong guy... Hell, no! This manga supposed to be more fun than that!

So, that's why Tohru-sensei, enough with torturing Onizuka and putting him in deep sh*t already... Starts developing something more meaningful like his future relationship for once or some backstory about Onizuka parents (manga always gets better when their parents starts involved anyway (Naruto, Bleach), ask anyone) instead of this endless cycle of ....... Even Naruto gets married to Hinata in the end and conceived Baruto, so what are you going to say about that, Tohru-sensei? Will mah Onizuka-sensei get the same ending or will he be a creepy sex pedo next? Huh? Huh? I hope you aren't thinking the latter, sensei cause if you are... then I'm gonna burn my lappy and never look at any manga ever again. Period.

Okay guys, that's it for my Manga & Anime Talk - Part 3. Sorry, if I get a little bit carried away... As you probably could smell it, I'm a big fan of this manga/anime so yeah, it pretty pisses me off when my favorite manga arc kinda of run in a circle. Since I been following this manga for 4 years now, I wanna see something more exciting or developed about Onizuka, especially in his personal relationship department. Tohru-sensei, if you're reading this... this is a fan wish and I didn't mean to cause any harm. This is the first time I ever complain about manga and I only mean well. Gomenasai and keep on drawing/writing this awesome series. 


Love from a fan: Mimi Said

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