Shin Sekai Yori - 21

Oh hai!

Its Otaku-chan here! Lately I've been down with cold but now I'm back and ready to write more awesome reviews! Again I'll be doing an episodic review of the series 'Shin Sekai Yori' or From the New world! This series hasn't finished yet either but I seriously cannot stop watching it. It's so intriguing that it pulls you into 'its' own little world.

For those who are considering watching this series, now would be a great time to start!

(so much fun!)

This weeks episode picks up where Saki and Satoru have been chased by a 'Fiend' - humans who have essentially gone insane, have ridiculous cantus abilities and of course don't suffer from 'death feedback'. The most powerful sage, Shisei Kaburagi, literally got bent in half...what a painful way to go!

 At which point Saki and Satoru make a mad dash to the 'Security Council Center  where they meet Inui-san who reveals the most shocking twist of all.

The queerats have trained a 'fiend' and have released it on the Kamisu 66th district, destroying human life with the ferocity of a murder hungry animal. The fiend, who is a child is now revealed to be Maria's and Mamoru's child, who had been taken away since birth and raised along with queerats. Having waited 10 years for the child's cantus to awaken, Squeeler's full plan comes to view.

Finally Saki and Satoru realize that it has been Squeelers plan all along, not to kill humans, rather, to capture human babies in order to raise his army of fiends. With this, the queerats can literally dominate the world!

I don't really know when this particular series will end, but I hope it never does! I'll definitely have to do a full series review but for now, Episodic Reviews it is!

Otaku-chan out

Maouyuu Mao Yuusha

Oh Hai!

Its Otaku-chan here and I just couldn't wait until this particular series was over so I decided to do episodic reviews as fast as I can watch them! Maoyuu Maou Yuusha! Epsiode 7!

There isn't too much fighting action compared to episode 6 but it definitely is trying to improve is fan-service.

The Knight and Hero enjoy are sparring lesson which seems to denote they're getting awfully close, even though the romantic feelings are one sided! and for some very very awkward moments like this!

The Devil and Knight also keep upping the antics in order to secure the Hero's love....also leading to another epic awkward moment....

Apart from the laugh and giggles that I got when i watched this episode, Nothing compared to this solution that both the Devil and the Knight come up with! 

What a lucky man!!!

The war itself has seem to have subsided for now, and yet they all seem to know that their current peace isn't going to last. A few more plot points are developing being that the Devil must renew her King of Demon License to which she must return to the underworld, and that there seems to be some Humans planning to disrupt the peace. So look forward to the next episode!

I know I am!

Otaku-chan Out!

Witchblade

Oh Hai!

Its Otaku-chan here! This time doing a review for a well known animation series, 'Witchblade'. It was originally a comic book series that progressed into a TV show and then adapted into an animation and manga series which is definitely worth checking out!

Sought by the greed of men since the dawn of human kind, but only bestowed upon the women whose fate it forever scars...the Witchblade. Is it the righteous sword of God? Or hand of the Devil himself? Now a new bearer has been chosen. And she must discover the answers for herself. As she stands on the brink of destiny, she is forced to seek the balance between ecstasy and ruin. - Prologue for each episode
There are a plethora of reasons to why I love the animation series 'Witchblade'. The universe is so expansive and thorough, there isn't a moment where the story hasn't been already 'fleshed' out! Apart from the anime babes making me think the wrong things, the series plot points, different approaches and ofcourse the characters really do make it on my list of 'Animation Series to watch before you expire'.

Before we begin, I thought I might just explain what the 'witchblade' actually is. And its not much. Its simply a magical sentient artifact that imbues its wearer or host with unimaginable power at the expense of ones own life. It has been describe as having participated in many wars, often by those who have sough to gain its powers!

Witchblade's plot is incredible easy to understand despite it being a very expansive universe. From the very beginning  we already understand that the 'end' will be tragic. The series itself follows Masane Amaha who seems to be unaware that she is the wielder of the 'witchblade'. She is an extremely kind woman but is incredibly clumsy and has no recollection of her memory during the 'Great Quake'. In flashbacks, she is suspiciously found unhurt while carrying a baby in her arms which she now adopts as her child. As soon as they arrive they are caught in a power struggle between a mega-corporation and a government agency and that's where the story really begins.

The characters really do make this series incredible to watch. Despite her clumsy appearance, Masane is really a caring mother who literally gives up her life in order to protect her daughter even though they are not related directly by blood. She, however can transform in a ridiculously seductive blood-thirsty machine of mega-death! I guess you could say that her daughter, Rihoko, is her humanity. Something that grounds the main protagonist. Rihoko is absolutely adorable and displays wisdom and maturity, something her mother lacks! This dynamic mother-daughter duo makes this particular series 'Great!'. Something that really stands out above other animations!

The real sweetener in the deal is the action. Specifically the action sequences  They are somewhat transcendent! They seem to be carefully choreographed and yet they are still able to retain that raw element of power, literally destroying everything that gets in the way! The explosions are amazing! Whenever there are fight scenes, its like fireworks of complete and utter destruction...on a screen! Of-course, having armored clad women fighting is also a plus in my Otaku guide journal!

In the end, the series itself has a high standard to live up to and it seriously does! The women, the action, the utter level of destruction is mind-blasting! Honestly, I felt a bit sad that the series was only 26 episodes but it was definitely well planned out, the characters all fleshed out. It truly is amazing! Its definitely has my recommendation!

Audio - 10/10
Video - 9/10
Star Rating - 4.5/5 stars!

Its has been my pleasure writing this review of such a legendary animation series of this calibre.
From your friendly friend,

Otaku-Chan

Elfen Lied

Oh hai~!

Its Otaku-chan here! Sorry for not being able to post on daily basis but I will try my best! First up for this new week, is one animation series that is horrifyingly delectable! Its a real blast from the past and yet, I've watched it over 50 times! Elfen Lied! Its a series that has burnt itself into my heart through my eye sockets! Here's why!

The series itself centers around a mutant species of human, called Diclonii. They are distinguishable by the little horn-like features that protrude out of their skulls, reminiscent of a devil of sorts. They also have the ability of 'vectors', invisible arm things that can (and will) make humans into a slushi. The extent of which these vectors can extend and the amount of vectors per Diclonii is dependent on the indivual. Needless to say, every singly female Diclonii spells bad news for all humanity. Anyways, 'Lucy', one of the main protagonists of the series breaks out of an experimental island compound, makes it shore however is injured and develops a child like state of mind. She is found by Kohta and his cousin Yuka which she now resides with while fending off assault teams and other members of her own kind.

The characters themselves are amazing. For example  even though 'Lucy' has split personalities, she is an extremely likable character. Throughout the series she is referred to as a monster by other children and is often subjected to horrendous bullying by 'human' counterparts, thus she develops a hatred to all humans with the particular exception of Kohta. In her child-like state, she is 'kawaii' to the MAX! Kohta himself is a pretty smooth character though he's completely oblivious to the feelings of 'Lucy'. Without too many spoilers being revealed there are a lot of other characters that do contribute to the awesomeness of this series.
The real 'meat' of the series is the themes that are involved throughout 'Elfen Lied'. It explores the effects of social alienation, prejudice, revenge, jealousy and the value of humanity through what I would say extremely 'graphic violence'. To be honest it is quiet a dark series but I really felt for the character 'Lucy' who seems to be always drawing the short end of the stick. This series doesn't sugar coat the themes that it explores, it rather does it 'bluntly'. Shock and Awe.

Despite being a extremely gore production, Elfen lied is an incredibly sad and tragic love story. Often it left me in tears just through the sheer amount of pain, sorrow and anguish the characters were put through but it really did make this series one of the very best to this very day! But for those who love drama as well, never fear, Elfen Lied will definitely satisfy your needs. This animation series has everything that makes a series great!

The music and art style in this series was absolutely enthralling. Every soundtrack that was in Elfen Lied was mind blowing. The music matched every scene and every detail and I couldn't help but find myself forming an incredibly emotional attachment to this series! I truly believe that every scene especially from the opening theme and ending theme was beautiful!

All in all, this series is a really merit to the anime community. I would definitely recommend this series to all you mature folks out there, it will at times, have you in tears of sadness and tears of joy, buy more importantly it will make you really 'think' about humanity and its values...
Video - 9/10
Audio - 10/10
Star Rating - 4.5/5 stars!

Its has be splendid returning to my workbench and doing a review as awesome as this. Elfen Lied is a wonderful animation despite its graphic interpretation of human social values!

From diclonii-friendly friend,
Otaku-chan!

Mysterious Girlfriend X

Oh Hai~!

Its your one and only Otaku-Chan here again, doing what I do best! Today we are going to step into the realms where romance and weird come together, spawning one of the strangest animation series that I have seen to date! Welcome to 'Mysterious Girlfriend X', otherwise known as 'Nazo No Kanoho Ekkusu'. Its is a fairly new animation series, only being adapted and released in 2012.
This series in particular is an absolute delight to watch and yet again, it's set in at school. It follows the Akira Tsubaki and the very mysterious Mikoto Urabe. Things begin quiet quickly where Tsubaki becomes ill to which Urabe, offers him her saliva! That's right! Her saliva to which is reluctant to try. Through a series of events, he becomes addicted to her saliva and from there the story progresses albeit in a fashion that made me really consider what an Otaku really was! Don't misunderstand, this series is hilarious to watch!
The characters are hilarious to watch and I found them very like-able. Akira Tsubaki is just your plain average joe until he becomes addicted to Urabe's drool. There's really nothing that stands out about him in particular. That is seriously where this series shines brightest! It opens a new can of weird and mysterious that is Urabe! She is highly dangerous and skilled at using scissors, which she stores in her panties. Apart from the fact that she carries scissor's in her panties, she's pretty much outstanding in everyway. She shows high athletic abilities able to move short distances in a blink of an eye! Now, the 'drool', which happens to be the main topic of series. It really does have weird powers, from sharing thoughts, feelings and even dreams which left me thinking 'What the ...!'. The characters are lovable in their own unique way and yet still somehow relatable! Though the series and characters don't really progress very much, so don't expect too much from this series besides a good laugh.
Overall, there really isn't too much to say about the series. I would say that this series is probably not everyone first impression of great anime but I think it is in its own right. It's originality is something that we don't see to often anymore so it is quiet refreshing! All I can say that its definitely not a series that you'd want to watch seriously, its really just for a laugh with some romance and fanservice thrown into the mix. So of those who haven't seen 'Mysterious Girlfriend X', I recommended that you drop whatever your doing and start watching it!
Visual - 7/10
Audio - 6.5/10
Star Rating - 3/5 stars
It has been a pleasure again to have reviewed this series for you all! Hope you all enjoyed it!
From your friendly friend
Otaku-Chan

High School DXD

Oh Hai~!

Its your one and only Otaku-chan here and today I will be reviewing a very 'Otaku' animation series. The one and only 'High School DxD'! Be warned this series is seriously not for the kiddies! :)
The series itself is fairly new, only being released in 2012! But none-the-less, its a animation series worth watching as its full of fanservice, action, romance and comedy! Truly a great contribution to the world of Otakus!
The story follows Issei Hyodo, a second year highschool student who is especially involved with ero! At first he doesn't seem to have any special traits, he's your average student, who doesn't seem to excel too much at anything besides having dirty thoughts. He lives a relatively peaceful existence and often daydreams of his fantasy girls until one day he is invited to a date by a fellow student, Yuma Amano. Things go steady until the end of the date, where she is revealed to be a 'Fallen Angel', though all Issei can think about is her...oppais. Failing to run, he get's killed, and dies contently for actually seeing real oppais. Even so, he wakes up the next morning having believed that his death was actually a dream. His little peaceful existence is interuppted when 'Rias Gremory', one of the most popular students at Kuoh Academy, appears naked in room and informing him that he is now a devil belonging to her faction! Through out the series, it is thought that Issei only has 'Boosted Gear', one which only doubles his power and strength momentarily. It is only then revealed that he holds a forbidden gear - the Red Dragon, one of which is powerful enough to slay any god or demon.
I thoroughly enjoyed the series! It had action sequnces, one which made my eyes water from the sheer excitement that was happening on screen! It is definitely on the more 'better' looking animation series, the colours appear strong and the series maintains this sharp contrast even in the most brutal of fights. Though the series has a lot of action, it is also very 'Ecchi' as-well. When the series progresses Issei (unknowingly) acquires more attention from the opposite sex leading to what will eventually be a harem. There is an abundant amount of fanservice through the series that will not disappoint the most veteran Otakus. But what really makes this animation series enjoyable is the comedy. Issei's stupidity along with his ingenuity and pervettedness crafts the most hilarious of moments, often leading to Issei being scolded by his own team, something you'll have to watch to see!
The characters where quiet memorable, some of the characters personalities were a bit extreme. Issei is pervetted all the time and that turns out to be his greatest strength throughout the series. Rias, the leader of the Gremory family, as powerful as she is, is portrayed as helpless at times, a little lost you could say, but thankfully, Issei tends to be the one who is able to 'ground' her. The other cast members like Asia the nun, Akeno the princess of thunder and ultimate sadist, Koneko and Kiba are notable members as well, though I wouldn't say that they are the 'main' protagonists of the High School DXD
The music in this series is awesome! The openin theme 'Trip -Innocent of D' by Larval Stage planning was pretty cooled, easily listening! The ending theme by StylipS - 'StudyXStudy' was also epic! Couldn't help but jump around everytime I listened to the ending theme! All round the audio definitely contributes to the awesomeness of this series!
There may be some terms that won't be fully explained in the series. For that I will definitely recommend reading the manga in order to understand the full awesomeness that is High School DXD.
Visual - 9/10
Audio - 9/10
Star Rating - 4.5/5 stars!
This series is definitely for the mature animation viewers but it has most defintely won my heart!
Its has been a pleasure summoning this review with my awesome magic! Stay Tuned for more reviews!
from the Head of the Otaku Clan
Otaku-Chan

Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040

Oh Hai~!

Today is a momentous day, for today, I will be reviewing the number 1 series that started me on the path of an Otaku. This series is none other that 'Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040'! It is a mouthful to say but still, there are a plethora of feelings that I will use to inspire me on this review.

The story is set seven years after an earthquake literally destroyed Tokyo. In the efforts to repair and rebuild Tokyo, Genom, a mega-corporation, produces different forms of autonomous robots dubbed 'boomers' to achieve the monumental task at hand. The boomers are often given menial service jobs as they're often dangerous for humans to venture. However, there has been a major drawback to these 'Boomers' and that is they all possess the capacity to go 'rogue', where they're able to assimilate nearby machines and develop an insatiable hunger to, you know, destroy all humans! When rogue boomers appear, so do the AD police however they often lack the firepower to combat the regularity in which rogue boomers are appearing. Thus the fabled 'Knightsabers' appear! 3 to 4 hot young women, clad with futuristic bad-ass armour that keep the oncoming onslaught of rogue boomers at bay.

The characters! I personally never liked english dubbed animations just because they often fail to do what their japanese counterparts do which is to add feeling and emotions into the series. In Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040, ADV nails it! The voice actors have never been more suited to the characters that they play which is why I really do love this animation series so much! Lets start off with Priss Asagiri. Priss is without a doubt the strongest and coolest member of the Knightsabers with her 'hardsuit' specializing in heavy assault. She is 'tsundere' at first, lacking what I thought was basic human emotion, but as the series progresses, she develops close relationships with her team-mates. Priss eventually develops feeling for Leon, an AD police officer towards he end of the series. 

Linna Yamazaki, is a farm girl who traveled to Mega-Tokyo in order to become a Knightsaber. Being the attractive lady that she is, she's often the focal point of harassment by her superiors. I believe she is the cohesive bond between the Knightsabers; breaking Priss's tough attitude as well as Sylia too! Of-course Linna seems to appear on good terms with Nene. She sports a green hardsuit and is identifiable by her flexibility/agility in combat rather than strength.

Nene Romanova - she's a genius 18 hacker is currently employed by the AD Police. She frequently aids the Knightsabers by hacking in military networks with relative ease. Her personality is amazingly energetic and very much naiive being the youngest of the group. Nene rarely engages in combat as she usually provides tactical strategies against varying threats the Knightsabers may encounter. She sports a red/pink hardsuit.

Now, Sylia Stingray, she's a bit unbalanced in the mind, however she is my most favourite character of all. She beautiful,witty,charming and genius in her own right, able to baffle in the top researches in Genom as to how she was able to manufacture the hardsuits. Her Knightsabers HQ doubles as an upscale clothing store. She sports a white and blue hardsuit, though it is rarely seen in combat both because she remains as support and she has the ability to make her hardsuit invinsible! Her love interest is Nigel, her mechanic and as the series progresses, they further their relationship.

Over all the story I found was quiet easy to follow, it wasn't over complicated and it had it's fair share of plot twists! Even though it's comprised of 26 episodes, I felt the series had a great pace to it which action,drama and romance thrown in the awesome mix that is Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040. There are times when this series isn't...children friendly so do mindful of who is around when viewing this series! 

Audio - 10/10

Video - 10/10

Star Rating - 5/5 stars

This series was seriously downright glorious! Even though it was released in 1998-1999, I still get excited when watching this series because its just that damn good! I'd recommend that everyone watch this! Immediately! 

Its has been my greatest Honor to review, Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 for you all!

From your friendly friend,

Otaku-Chan

Another

Oh Hai~!

Now for all you mystery-loving horror otakus out there! I have a very special review coming up (right now) for you. Its simply titled 'Another'. Don't underestimate this title as I had did, and much to my surprise, it really struck a nerve in the mystery/horror genre. It was originally a manga back in 2009 but was turned into an animation and released in early 2012.

The story starts way back in 1972, I won't be ruining any spoilers by the way, a popular student dies in class 3-3 halfway through the year. Much to the class's dismay, the students and teachers did something freaky-deeky weird, even by my Otaku standards. They all behaved as if that student was still alive thus inviting a strange presence into the class. The series then skips forward a couple years and follow a 15 year old boy, Koichi Sakakibara who is transferred into the class 3-3. There he meets eye-patch wearing girl named, Mei Misaki, who is being ignored by her classmates. This sets the stage as soon all hell breaks out at the school.

I will have to admit, I was a little reluctant to watch this in a dark room at night! Again, I will say that this series is definitely not for young kids. It does carry some very mature theme's often revolving death,suicide and supernatural themes, so don't go showing them this before bed time...or at all really! ahem* back to it! Yes, for all you gore loving otakus this series is something you don't want to miss. 

Now, what I really love about this series is the menacing mystery and the tensions that grow within the series. It purposely builds tension before the epic climax that is the finale of the series. There are so many twists that left me scratching my head wondering what on Earth did I just watched. It only gets better with the onset of paranoia among the students and teachers alike!

Now the characters. They all seem to be aware of some 'evil' lingering in the town but they don't say anything, often leaving the students of class 3-3 to deal with the current predicament. Most adults/teachers are the worst teachers I've ever seen. They lack leadership, direction and even intelligence though it does seem to compliment the main protagonists a lot more. Honestly. Worst. Teachers. EVER! Except for the librarian who seems to be the only adult willing to help, without, dying in a freakishly horrifyingly gruesome way! So you have the outcast girl Mei Misaki which is absolutely without a doubt kaawwwaaaiii!!! (cute) She wears a little eye patch over her left eye. Her personality is cold, indifferent at times. However, she gradually warms up to Koichi Sakakibara, so its kind of a romance type thing going on. She also has the useful ability to see the 'color of death' which is the key to solving everything. Koichi Sakakibara, even though he is the main protagonist, I can't help but hate him. He's the reason the 'ritual' broke, thus sending a whole lot of his class into the fiery depths of hell. Not literally, they just died in a horrible way. The other classmates, especially those of the 'defense council', even though they are all just students, serve as the protagonists of the story, though you can't help feel a sense of pity for them. They're all just trying to protect what they consider 'precious' to them, often at the expense of someone else's life and sanity.

The music! Creepy as all hell! However, it just makes this series that much better! It really adds to the sullen atmosphere that is Another, especially since most of the time the students are usually, at a creepy doll house, and of course a dilapidated hospital that doesn't seem to use lights whatsoever. 

All in all, the mystery in this series is at times just so intense. It won't be long before you start guessing which person is the 'other'! It was good fun though, there are some shock twists that you may or may not see coming! I can definitely say that this series is some serious fun. Its a bit sad that it only had 12 episodes along with an OVA but seriously, this anime should be on everyone's bucket list!

Visual - 9.5/10 - creep atmosphere is amazing!

Audio - 9/10 

Star Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Another review bites the dust! (loving the pun!...I'm so lonely)

aha! been a pleasure as always,

from your friendly friend,

Otaku-chan

Binbougami-Ga!

Oh Hai~!

Its Otaku-chan signing in again! How are we all? Good I hope! Cause I'm just about to make your weekend complete with another anime review! This series has got to be one of the most comedic animations yet! None other than 'Binbougami Ga!' - or when translated into English, 'The God of Poverty/Misfortune'. Don't worry, the series is far from being poor. Here's why:

The story follows a 16 year old high schooler 'Ichiko Sakura' who has been incredibly fortunate with her life so far. She is intelligent and ridiculously wealthy due to her possessing an extraordinary amount of 'Fortune' energy which she draws from anything/anyone around her, causing an unbalance in the world. Thus, Momiji (the God of Misfortune) and her gruesome looking Teddy are sent to the Human world to correct the balance be collecting and distributing Ichiko's fortune. Hilarity ensues!

Straight off the bat you come to understand Ichiko Sakura, she's rich, intelligent and has fortune that can rival even the Gods but is essentially morally bankrupt and throughout the series she gains friendship and learns that money isn't everything with the help (trials) Momiji, the God of Misfortune provides often in the most comedic of ways. The side characters are quiet memorable as well, especially Bobby the ultra perverted monk and Momou, a 'inukami' (dog god) who is a masochist...and extreme level masochist at that! Its really does give this series some contrast with the different types of characters within the series. I do have to say, the seiyu in this series hit the nail on the head! 

I personally found this series hilarious. To the crazy antics Momiji creates in order to steal Ichiko's fortune at times is over-the-top, down-right crazy and often leads to her own demise. Among other things this series parodies a lot of other series most noticeable 'Dragonball Z'. There are some 'zen' moments that make you wonder about life, its meaning as such, but that immediately gets shoved aside for more comedic acts! Now, this isn't a show for the kiddies either. It has some mediocre Otaku themes including but not limited to bondage, fanservice,etc,etc. Though Binbougami Ga! isn't really about the action it does have a hint of drama and a good measure of romance thrown in the mix. Its quiet enjoyable!

Apart from that there really isn't much to say about this series, it really isn't that serious. Its a feel good comedy that I'm sure anyone mature enough can enjoy! Of-course, I wouldn't recommended it for young children to watch because of the Otaku themes but all in all! Its a series that has won my heart!

Video - 8/10

Audio - 7/10

Star Rating - 3/5 stars

Its been really fun reviewing Binbougami-ga for all you lovely folks!

From your friendly friend

Otaku-Chan