TARI TARI - Review

When you think about slice-of-life anime with music, popular titles from various subgenres come to mind—Nodame Cantabile and K-ON! are two very different but valid examples. The music aspects of these two titles are a big part of what made them successful, with elements like plot and characters also being important. But what happens when a show that's supposedly centered on music lacks for the most part that very same element? While that doesn't mean it's necessarily terrible, it's hard to deny that viewers will be left with a bitter taste in their mouth afterwards, feeling a bit mislead. And although this was more or less the case for TARI TARI, to what degree is left to how other supporting factors managed to make up for where it was expected to deliver.

Accel World - Review

It's always fun to see how people envision the future to be like. With the possibilities of technology continuing to increase, it's no wonder many individuals have their minds set on a technologically-driven future. Focusing on a rapidly-rising feature in the gaming community, Accel World seeks to depict what it means to take the "virtual" out of "virtual reality", albeit at a limited level. If one's life were to revolve around a video game, what would it be like? Let's see the results of this interesting premise.

Hyouka - Review

In high school, different types of students exist—the studious, the athletic, the sociable. With the stress of university not yet present and parental restrictions generally becoming more lax during this stage of life, these adolescents are given the opportunity to live these few years to the fullest. But how one views a fruitful high school life is entirely up to them. To some, simply spending their high school days alone in peace appeals to them—a grey-coloured life—while others seek to socialize and immerse themselves in extra-curricular activities—a rose-coloured life. But what would happen if individuals from the two group were to interact with each other on a regular basis? Will one's lifestyle influence the other's? These are the questions Hyouka seeks to answer.

Jormungand - Review

I'm slightly bored right now so might as well start working on my series review backlog.

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In a world of violence and bloodshed—where the sounds of blaring firearms and steel clashing is an everyday occurrence—being an arms dealer is neither an easy task nor laughing matter. It is not a position where honesty and justice prevail, but one where deception and cruelty run rampant. But despite the bad reputation and dangers that come with the occupation, there is one individual who has made a name for herself in the business. Her name is Koko (Hekmatyar)... and she is loco. With the help of her talented comrades, the story of Jormungand follows Koko and co. as they travel around the world doing their work. Now, let's see how big of a splash this series has made in the vast body of water that is the world of anime.

ZETMAN - Review

Blogger's Note: Surprised I wrote a series review? Well, don't be. I know that I have five, including this one, on the backlog now and aim to write about one per week starting now. Episodic reviews (SAO & Hyouka) will come shortly.

What is the true meaning of justice? Is it doing the right thing no matter the situation, or achieving the right result no matter the cost? This is the question that ZETMAN centers around. What may seem like the right thing to do can actually end up not being the case and vice-versa, as shown many times throughout the series. The decisions that one comes to based on their kind of justice will undoubtedly vary from person to person. Thus, ZETMAN attempts to illustrate the effects of various viewpoints on justice within a city that is riddled with evil and crippled by the conflicting mindsets that its inhabitants carry.

Tasogare Otome x Amnesia - Review

Upon reading the synopsis for Tasogare Otome x Amnesia, I expected the atmosphere of the series to be more on the darker side with little bits of suspense or horror thrown in. While this was true for the later episodes, it was definitely not the case for the earlier ones, which gave me the impression that this was yet another romantic comedy except with a small twist, in the form of having a human and a ghost being the main couple. Looking at it as a whole, this series has been a slightly weird one. Although it strayed from my expectations, it managed to provide an entertaining experience for the most part. There were both the flaws and the memorable moments; a solid series overall.

Inu x Boku SS - Review

A teenage girl struggling with her interpersonal skills; a loyal man struggling with his intrapersonal skills. Inu x Boku SS tells of the tale involving these two troubled persons. Over time, it is inevitable that one will change depending on his/her surroundings. The influences that come from peers and others are undoubtedly strong. To be able to thrive in such environments, one must be able to filter these influences and only be changed by those which they feel will benefit them. In the end, it is always others that do the shaping; one cannot merely wish to be transformed and have it happen. Whether these changes are good or bad is a whole different story.

Amagami SS+ - Review

"And they lived happily ever after..."

Often times, many people wonder what happens afterwards. What exactly is "happily ever after"? Amagami SS+, the sequel to the school romance anime, Amagami SS, gives viewers a glimpse of the lives of the six heroines after the conclusion of the first season. Not much has changed in between seasons - artwork, characters, seiyūs and staff all remained more or less the same - so fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy this continuation. With that being said, although Plus is a sequel, knowledge of the first season is not necessarily mandatory as the basic premise of the story can be grasped quickly.

Another - Review

Humans are despicable creatures. When all is fine and well, they wear smiles on their faces, going around promoting peace and unity. But when a crisis that threatens them arises, don't expect things to remain the same. Friends suddenly become traitors, acquaintances become enemies, and chaos ensues. The human instinct of "survival of the fittest" kicks in, eliminating the once supported notion of unity. Blood and tears are shed, with no one to clean up the mess. The once peaceful community will become infested with selfish, cruel animals. The difference is like day and night, black and white. This is what Another tries to depict - the horrible, but true, nature of human beings.

Nisemonogatari - Review

An imposter is one who is skilled at the arts of deception, often using their gifts to swindle unsuspecting victims. While its predecessor, Bakemonogatari, focused on the supernatural forms of five everyday animals and how the heroines of the story had to deal with them, Nisemonogatari shifts the focal point to the effect that imposters can have on the lives of those around them, specifically the two Araragi sisters. The sequel brings back the heavy dialogue to a lesser extent, adding in a touch of fanservice to fill in the gaps. While liking one does not necessarily mean it'll be same for the other, there is no doubt that both the Monogataris are NisiOisiN's more famous and successful pieces of work.

Highschool of the Dead - Review

"This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang but a whimper." - T. S. Eliot

Underneath all the blatant fanservice and mindless bloodshed, Highschool of the Dead digs deep into the psychology of the human mind, showing us the lengths of cruelty and inhumanity us humans can go to in order to save ourselves. During times of chaos, the disgusting and selfish core of human beings are fully exposed for all to see, and the world which was once keen on peace and unity transforms into one of corruption and division. True, the story depicted in the anime is just that - a fictional story and nothing more - but it does serve as an entertaining way to foreshadow the possible state of the world if a similar international crisis were to happen. However, as this is an anime review, other factors besides the story must also be taken into account.

Shinryaku!? Ika Musume - Review

After a year of absence, Ika Musume returns once again to invade the anime world, bringing along with her all the gags and skits of the first season back for another run. For those who have watched season one of Ika Musume, this is definitely a must-watch. But even for those who haven't watched season one, you won't be missing anything if you jump right into the second season. All you need to know is that there's a squid girl "attempting" to invade the land. Shinryaku!? Ika Musume is essentially the exact replica of the first season except with different stories so don't go into it expecting something totally brand-new. So, let's begin the review ~de geso.

Ben-To - Review

It comes as no surprise when Japan comes up with another one of their crazy concoctions. Their creation this time is Ben-To - the anime where half-priced bento are serious business and risking one's life for one is the norm. With an idea as crazy as that, it's no wonder there are so many skeptics out there questioning the entertainment value of Ben-To and its ability to compete with the other shows airing in the same season. While a new idea does have its advantages (e.g. viewers are likely to be more curious), there are also disadvantages that follow (e.g. not applying the logic of safety). Now, let's see how Ben-To fared.

Bakemonogatari - Review

I've got to admit, Bakemonogatari has been one of the stranger and more unique anime that I have watched. The premise of an ex-vampire attempting to help solve the problems of his friends and fellow peers is intriguing on its own, but that is just what's on the surface. Underneath the surface lies an anime with heavy, but interesting, dialogue and unique artwork. I found that it wasn't easy to grasp all the concepts and ideas being thrown at me from the get-go, but I was surprised that the dialogue alone was able to convey the messages of the story with ease. Bakemonogatari is definitely not for everyone, but those who decide to watch it to the end will be immensely rewarded.

THE iDOLM@STER - Review

Being an idol is far from easy. On the surface, it may seem like the job is all fun and games. However, as shown in THE iDOLM@STER, unexpected twists and turns make this job a very stressful one. Despite this, being an idol is like a dream come true for many of these girls as they would undoubtedly give everything they have to stay as one. Based on the popular raising simulation and rhythm game of the same name, THE iDOLM@STER had previously been unknown to the vast majority of the anime universe. Before continuing on to the main section of the review, take note that this adaption is my first experience with the iDOLM@STER franchise.

Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai - Review

"How does one make friends?" If you were asked that question right now, what would your response be? For many, there is no true answer to this question as it all comes down to how one determines who or who doesn't become their friend. In Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai (or Haganai as some like to call it), the main protagonist, and practically all the other side characters, attempt to find one of the many answers to this mystifying question. Surrounding this premise is a countless number of comedic moments, delicious fanservice and a tad bit of romance. All this makes for a surprisingly successful series.

Shakugan no Shana II (Second) - Review

Generally, the sequel of a successful series, or any series for that matter, falls short of the fame attained by its predecessor. For the first half or so of the second season of Shakugan no Shana, I must say that I was slightly disappointed with the content. However, by the end of it, I believe that season two has more or less achieved the same level of success as season one. With that being said, there were some differences - both good and bad - between the two seasons. As with all second seasons, I tend to raise my expectations and score them more critically.

Ikoku Meiro no Croisée - Review

Cultural differences can make it difficult for one to understand and get along with a stranger. But when two people are able to make it past this obstacle, their eyes become opened to the wonders and marvels of the other's world. Ikoku Meiro no Croisée is the story about a young Japanese girl adapting to life in the boisterous city of Paris in the second half of the 19th century.

Kami-sama no Memo-chou - Review

Another extremely late review. Will try to finish Ikoku Meiro no Croisée after this, if I have time, that is.

Imagine a riding a rollercoaster. It starts off by building up your excitement as you are slowly ascending the tracks while, at the same time, speeding up. The rest of the ride then consists of ups and downs, loops and turns, and random spins, before ending with a final surge of exhilarating speed. That is how I felt when watching Kami-sama no Memo-chou. The first episode made the series seem promising but it eventually failed to deliver, despite having a decent ending. Let's see how it fared in the usual four categories of art, character, sound and story.

Usagi Drop - Review

Long overdue but as long as it's done, right? Kami-sama no Memo-chou is next.

Do you like the slice-of-life genre? Do you like a story that is realistic in virtually every way? Do you want to feel all warm and fuzzy after every episode? If so, then Usagi Drop is the anime for you! Continue reading and you'll see why.