Anime Reviews

Alternative Name: Number 6
Years of Released: July 8, 2011 – September 16, 2011
Episodes: 11
Genre:  Action, Mystery, Sci-fi, Drama
Favorite Characters : Nezumi, Shion
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A+

Summary: The story takes place in an ideal city known as "No. 6". Shion, a boy raised in the elite and privileged environment of his home, gives shelter to another boy, who only gives his name as 'Nezumi' (Meaning mouse or Rat) on the former's 12th birthday. After spending a rainy night with his new friend, Shion discovers the next morning that Nezumi has disappeared without a trace. Four years later, Shion experiences a spate of incidents around him in which a deadly infection by parasitic bees causes its victims to age rapidly. Shion's co-worker is one of the victims and Shion is arrested on suspicion of murder. While Shion is being transported to the Correctional Institute, Nezumi appears and rescues him. Shion begins to find out the hidden truth behind the Ideal City No.6


My review:
I loved it. I watched No. 6 a couple of times already. Lots of people are debating whether it is shounen ai or not? Was it just friendship or something more between Nezumi and Shion? I believe everyone can think whatever they want. And it doesn't really matter because you wouldn't even be bothered with such small details when you get into the world of No. 6. Amazing animation, unique drawing style, colorful backgrounds, and dynamic story line made this anime a big success.




Recommend: Everyone

Alternative Name: Silver Soul
Years of Released: April 4, 2006- Ongoing
Episodes: over 340
Genre:  Samurai, Action, Shounen, Comedy
Favorite Characters : Gintoki, Okita, Hijikata, Katsura, Takasugi
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A+

Summary:The story starts with teenager Shinpachi Shimura who is saved from a group of aliens attacking him by the samurai Gintoki Sakata. Shinpachi is amazed with Gintoki and decides to start working with him as a freelancer in order to learn "the ways of the samurai" while he helps Gintoki in work to pay the monthly rent from where he lives. Both also meet Kagura, a young female alien who belongs to the Yato Clan, one of the strongest Amanto races. The three of them become known as "Yorozuya" and while they work as freelancer, they also come to meet Gintoki's former comrades during the Amanto's invasion such as the terrorist Kotaro Katsura as well as Shinsuke Takasugi, a major antagonist throughout the series. They also encounter several times the police force Shinsengumi, who normally ally with Yorozuya in their works, since they commonly involve dangerous criminals.


My review:
Gintama is my favorite anime in comedy genre. It's very unique. I have never have seen anything like it. The characters are making fun of their own show as well as mocking the other anime shows. It is very bizarre, inappropriate at times, with practically not plot whatsoever, hilarious mess of a comedy.




Recommend: Definitely the one to check out

Alternative Name: Byousoku Go Senchimeitoru
Years of Released: March 3, 2007
Episodes: 65 min
Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice Of Life
Favorite Characters : None
My Rating: G
Grade: B+

Summary:
The Story is set in Japan beginning from the 1990s and ending in modern day, with each segment centered on a boy named Takaki Tōno. It is important to note that the first episode takes place during a time period when cell phones are uncommon and email has not yet reached the general populace.
Takaki Tōno quickly befriends Akari Shinohara when she transfers to his elementary school. They grow closer to each other due to similar interests and attitudes; for instance, they both prefer to stay inside during recess due to their seasonal allergies. As a result, they form a strong bond; they speak to each other using their given names without any form of honorifics, which is very unusual in Japan, even among people who are romantically involved. This fact is lost in the movie's translation to English and other languages, which reduces the implied closeness of their relationship.


My review:
Beautiful animation. Breathtaking art. Absolutely stunning. I loved watching it but I personally think the plot could be better. In the end I felt it was such a waste of all that work that had been put up into creation of the movie. That's the only reason I didn't give it an A. But it is well worth seeing.




Recommend:
Everyone

Alternative Name: Kare Kano, Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou
Years of Released: October 2, 1998 – March 23, 1999
Episodes: 26
Genre: Drama, Josei, Psychological, Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice Of Life
Favorite Characters : Soichiro Arima, Yukino Miyazawa, Hideaki Asaba
My Rating: PG
Grade: B+

Summary:
Yukino Miyazawa is a Japanese high school freshman who is the envy of classmates for her good grades and immaculate appearance. However, her "perfect" exterior is a façade, a charade she maintains to win praise. In the privacy of her own home, she is spoiled, stubborn, a slob, and studies relentlessly and obsessively to maintain her grades. On entering high school, she is knocked from her position at the top of the class by Soichiro Arima, a handsome young man whose very existence Yukino considers a threat to the praise on which she thrives, and she vows to destroy him. When Soichiro confesses that he has a crush on her, Yukino rejects him then boasts about it at home. Her observant little sister Kano points out that her rivalry with him comes from admiration, causing her to rethink her own feelings.


My review:
I liked it. I only wish it to be done in a better quality than it is. That was the only thing that bothered me while watching Kare Kano. Other than that the story and characters are great. In many ways this anime exceeds nowadays romance comedies. I recommend to try it.



Recommend:
If you are in the mood for romance

Alternative Name: Seiyou Kottou Yougashiten
Years of Release:  July 3, 2008 – September 18, 2008
Episodes: 26
Genre: Comedy, Shounen Ai
Favorite Characters : Yusuke
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: B

Summary:
Keisuke Tachibana. The owner of the Antique Bakery, as well as a waiter. He was childhood friends with Chikage, the son of his family's live-in housekeeper. He was also Ono's classmate in school and harshly rejected Ono's love confession. He seems to be the only man whom Ono finds attractive, but who is not attracted to Ono in return. Tachibana comes from a rich family. He was kidnapped when he was a child. The one thing he remembers about his abductor is that he loved cake and fed him the cakes he bought every single day. Although Tachibana was rescued, his abductor was never found. After this ordeal, his family became overly protective of him. He feels obliged to play the "good boy" for his relatives because he does not want them to worry about him. As a result of his experiences, he often suffers from nightmares and has no taste for sweets..


My review:
Antique Bakery actually turned out better than I expected. Even though there is not much shounen ai in the story and it is mostly one sided and not the main focus but it didn't ruin my impression at the slightest. The only thing I can complain about is that looking at all those delicious cakes was so hard. I wanted to try them all.


Recommend:
For shounen ai and cake fans.

 

Alternative Name: ナナ
Years of Released:  April 5, 2006 – March 27, 2007
Episodes: 47
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Josei, Music, Romance, Slice Of Life, Tragedy
Favorite Characters : Nana Osaki, Shin, Yasu
My Rating: PG
Grade: A+

Summary:
The two Nanas meet on a train by chance, both on their way to Tokyo. After a string of coincidences, they come to live together in an apartment numbered 707. Despite having contrasting personalities and ideals, the Nanas respect each other and become close friends.


My review:
Before I watched Nana I have read many good reviews on it and that made me check it out for myself and I don't regret doing so. The reason I hesitated at first as you may or may not know that I am not a huge fan of music genre and punk rock in particular but once again I can happily admit being wrong. Music is a big part of Nana and it's fantastic. I like to listen to those songs over and over again. I even I have one of them as my ringtone. There are no monsters to kill or a world to save. Just regular people trying to find themselves in this world, who are working hard reaching their goals, and dealing with everyday life. It's always nice to have good friends you can count on as well. The more the story progresses the more complicated the relationship between Nana and Hachiko gets. I can admit in a way I understand Nana's feeling and I'm sure many girls will as well. There are lots of fun moments, sad moments, silly moments, and the moments of desperation you will share with characters of Nana. Let's not forget that it's Josei meaning that the target audience is late teenage girls and adult women. Just keep that in mind when you watch it. Other than that I'd say go for it. Great anime.



Recommend:
Recommended for late teenage and adult female audiences.

Alternative Name: ブリーチ
Years of Released:August 2001 – ongoing
Episodes: About 300. Ongoing.
Genre: Action,Comedy,Supernatural, Shounen, Bangsian fantasy
Favorite Characters :Aizen Sousuke, Byukuya Kuchiki, Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, Gin, Kenpachi, Yumichika, Yoruichi, Toushirou
My Rating:PG-13
Grade:A

Summary:
Ichigo Kurosaki is a teenager gifted with the ability to see spirits. His life is drastically changed by the sudden appearance of a Soul Reaper—one who governs the flow of souls between the human world and the afterlife—named Rukia Kuchiki, who arrives in search of a Hollow, a dangerous lost soul. When Rukia is severely wounded defending Ichigo from the Hollow, she attempts to transfer half of her spiritual pressure energy to Ichigo so that he can defeat the Hollow. However, Ichigo takes almost all of her energy, transforming into a Soul Reaper, With her powers diminished, Rukia is left stranded in the human world until she can recover her strength. In the meantime, Ichigo must take over Rukia's role as a Soul Reaper, battling Hollows and guiding souls to the afterlife realm known as the Soul Society.

My review:
Bleach is of the "Three Whales" of anime as I call them. Those three right now are Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece. They have been on air every week for years and it doesn’t seem like either one is going to end any time soon which if probably a good thing, right? But the problem with such mega popular anime is that the creators are trying to make as much as they can out of it causing story line to suffer. Sometimes they add so called fillers to give time for manga story line progress further. This is very understandable but not less annoying for fans. That is one of the reasons I don’t watch Naruto Shippuden right now and waiting for it to end first as I mentioned in earlier posts. Bleach on the other hand is one of those rare cases when I actually enjoyed watching fillers. They are well thought through and hold the same easygoing atmosphere.

Bleach is really easy to watch and you get hooked right away. It is very funny anime with great fighting, extraordinary characters, and alternative view on afterlife where shinigami (gods of death) are vs. Hollows in a way representing good vs. evil. It was really interesting to get to know the characters and their special abilities and bankai. When I first saw Orihime’s powers I remember thinking “Fairies? Seriously?! You gotta be kidding…” It was a little weird at first but I got used to it eventually. I found myself enjoying watching it and wanting to watch more and more. So don’t hesitate if you have never seen it before and try it but be prepared to spend some time because we are talking about hundreds of episodes here. Have fun!



Recommend:
One of the "Must See" ones

Alternative Name: Kureimoa
Years of Released:  April 3, 2007 – September 25, 2007
Episodes: 26
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Supernatural
Favorite Characters : Claire
My Rating: R
Grade: A-

Summary:
In a world where humans coexist with sentient monsters called Yoma that feed on human innards, an organization has created an order of half-human, half-yoma warriors to protect humans from the yoma, for a large fee. The people of this world have dubbed these warriors "Claymores" based on their swords. They are also referred to as "Silver Eyed Witches", based on their appearance and seemingly cold nature toward others. Each Claymore has a rank number which is based on their strength and ability.


My review:
Claymore is a great anime if you are in the mood for dark fantasy. Beautiful blond silver eyed ladies fighting monsters and sometimes each other using swords. Some blood in it but in this case it’s justified. Add to that nice story and a pinch of angst and you will get delishious dish called Craymore which is best served cold. All I can say I really liked it and I just might watch it again sometime.



Recommend:
For those in the moon for dark fantasy

Alternative Name: Kara no Kyoukai, Boundary of Emptiness
Years of Released: December 1, 2007
Episodes: 48 minutes
Genre: Action,Supernatural, Thriller
Favorite Characters : None
My Rating: R
Grade: B-

Summary:
Mikiya Kokutō becomes intrigued by the mysterious series of violent deaths occurring in his town and Shiki Ryōgi, a beautiful but unsociable girl. As he tries to become closer to Shiki, he realizes that Shiki is connected to the mysterious deaths and that the supernatural forces involved with both could kill him. It is revealed that in Shiki's family, certain members of her family possess two distinct personalities, both aware and conscious of one another, but possessing different qualities. The dual consciousness, and Shiki's upbringing as a demon hunter, has caused to reject other human beings...



My review:
Garden of Sinners has very high quality animation which is very pleasing to an eye. It was one of the best thing about anime. The are a lot of fighting and blood. To tell you the truth I watched it because if was beautifully drawn and animation was well made. I wasn't so interested in the story and neither did I like characters. It's not for everyone.



Recommend:
If you are in the mood to try something new

Alternative Name: Furumetaru Panikku!
Years of Released: January 8, 2002
Episodes: 24/12/13
Genre: Action, Mecha, Romance, Comedy
Favorite Characters :Sagara Sousuke
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A-

Summary:
The series follows Sousuke Sagara, a member of a covert anti-terrorist private military organization known as Mithril, tasked with protecting Kaname Chidori, a spirited Japanese high school girl. He moves to Japan to study at Chidori's school, Jindai High School, with assistance from his comrades Kurz Weber and Melissa Mao. Having never experienced social interactions, Sousuke is found as a military maniac by his schoolmates as he interprets everyday situations from a combat perspective. He comes to relate with Chidori who realizes that Sousuke is protecting her, but he does not reveal the reasons due to orders as well as the fact he does not know why Chidori is being targeted by different organizations.

My review:
Funny, sweet, and easy to watch comedy about army maniac Sagara and a girl he needs to protect named Kaname Chidori. I had fun watching it and the interactions between main characters were very much entertaining. Did I like it? Oh, yes. Would I watch it again? Probably not. But it was definitely worth my time.


Recommend:
If you are looking for some romance comedy then it's for you.

Alternative Name: Rozario to Banpaia
Years of Released: January 3, 2008 – March 27, 2008
Episodes: 13/13
Genre: Action, Harem, Romance, Comedy, Supernatural, Ecchi, Vampire
Favorite Characters :Mizore
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: B

Summary:
Tsukune Aono is a normal high school freshman who is unable to get into any private school due to his poor grades. However, with help from his parents, he gets enrolled to a private school called Yokai Academy. When he arrives at the school, he soon discovers that Yokai Academy is a secret school for supernatural monsters and mythological creatures disguised as humans, and any human who finds out about its existence will be killed without mercy. Realizing this, Tsukune fears for his life, thinking that his admission into Yokai Academy is a mistake. His luck soon changes when he quickly becomes friends with the beautiful Moka Akashiya, who turns out to be a vampire attracted to the sweet taste of his blood...

My review:
 Monsters, vampires, big boobs, and panties. You name it. Even though I'm not a fan of ecchi genre but this one is pretty good. I had some good laugh and some of the girls weren't so bad. If you are a fan of ecchi then this one is definitely for you. And if you are not it's still worth a try.


Recommend:
For guys mostly

Alternative Name: Monsutā
Years of Released: April 6, 2004 – September 27, 2005
Episodes: 74
Genre: Psychological, Thriller, Detective, Drama, Horror
Favorite Characters : Johan
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A-

Summary:
Dr. Kenzō Tenma is a young Japanese doctor working at the Eisler Memorial Hospital in Düsseldorf during the 1980s. A highly accomplished brain surgeon, he appears to have everything on his plate: a promotion in the offering; the favor of the hospital's director Heinemann; and Heinemann's daughter Eva as his fiancee. However, Tenma grows increasingly dissatisfied with the political bias of the hospital for treating patients, and seizes his chance to change things after a strange massacre brings the twins Johan and Anna Liebert into his hospital. Johan has a gunshot wound to the head and Anna keeps muttering about killing, and Tenma decides to operate on Johan instead of the mayor of Düsseldorf who arrived afterwards. Johan is saved, but Mayor Roedecker dies...

My review:
 I was very impressed after watching Monster. It is quite rare to come upon an anime of such type nowadays that are made not just to entertain you but to make you think. European settings, mostly dark and gray backgrounds set up a curtain mood. The characters are also drawn very realistically. If there were no fillers, Monster could be so much better. The story had been dragging on way too long in my opinion. Sometimes it seemed too depressing but it was intended I suppose. Very well done.


Recommend:
Highly recommended