Spring 2010 1st Impressions: Horny Girl + Demon King (Extra: Hetalia News)

The new season turned out to be better than I expected it to be. So I thought of checking out the first episodes of the new titles that I think have a chance to be good despite my low expectations. But before that:

I got lazy to make a Hetalia news post, but for those who haven't heard about it yet *points image above* that's the cover of the Hetalia Fan Disk to be released next month. *her favorite duo's in the image.... very pleased* Moreover, the manga has been licensed by TokyoPop and it will be released on September this year. Lastly, I made a few updates on the movie news page. Hehe.

Now for the first two Spring 2010 series I've checked out so far:
[ B Gata H Kei ] perverted fanservice.... but not crap? O_O
[ Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou ] typical... but likable? O_O

[ B Gata H Kei ]

The premise of this series got me really disturbed because it's the first time I've encountered an anime plot with a very very very horny female leading character (though the show isn't hentai).
But it got me very intrigued as well... since it's something different.
Yes, it had perverted fanservice, but it's fanservice that isn't "accidental panty shots" nor "too-much-of-a-coincidence gropings". In other words, the pervertedness here is not only to please the perverted audience, but the actual character who is providing such fanservice is also enjoying it O_O
Perverted fanservice usually disgusts me and as I've said earlier.... the horny leading female disturbs me.... but....she doesn't annoy me ^^;
What? You think only men can get horny? I'm not saying that being horny is a good thing o_O But.... humans, whatever gender, are... errr.... animals after all O_O;;; Women aren't as innocent/pure as how they're usually portrayed in ecchi shows.
The uniqueness of the leading character compare to other perverted romantic comedies is the reason what actually made me.... impressed with this series O_O (She's not: "Kyaaa! For some reason your face got between my boobs and you get to touch my a$$ yet I don't know why;... Kyaaa! So embarassing! I'll call you a pervert though I'm wearing very fit blouse and a very short miniskirt that I'm almost not wearing anything" THANK GOODNESS) The generic leading character of an ecchi comedy is there.... but he doesn't have a harem O_O (THANK GOODNESS)
Don't focus on the pervertedness; try to look into its other aspects. There IS a story, right? Characters HAVE personalities, right? She may be perverted but amateurs are still amateurs. The real thing is different from what you see in erotic reading materials. She is epic fail as a slut; and her escapes/relunctance/fear make this a comedy instead of a hentai show.
And though the premise implies that her goal is to be a whore, on how things are going... from what I see... the story isn't focusing on having a girl make love with someone, but have her learn what true love is. She might be advancing to sex or kisses, but slowly she's seeing that it's actually more wonderful when someone being a gentleman to you... or someone helping you out... compare to being f*cked. =_=
I see development in its story.... but I just hope it doesn't take too long and repeat too much of the gags. They're hilarious, but when overdone, it can give one headaches =_= And hhhmm... it appears the only our leading character is the perverted one, because the other couples of this series seem.... pure. I'm very very interested on the other characters:

I can't believe it, I actually look forward to see more from this series O_O It's surprisingly well done! At least on its first episode. But whatever, I'm really excited to see those other bishies *_* I'm also interested on the girl beside the bishie with a red jacket.... she's pretty~ Ehehehe.... Leading girl's best friend seem nice too.

[ Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou ]

I wanted to ignore this series because it appears to be your typical fantasy series with your strong yet abused leading guy and for some reason is surrounded with different types of stereotypical bishoujos. He has a harem and he gets to have advances on them.... though they're mostly misunderstandings.
But even with the cliches.... I was still impressed with the show. O_O
I guess it's mainly because of the twist that a kindhearted guy happened to become destined to become some evil lord. How he fights that destiny has become interesting for me. And I think there will be religion references. There was a church... and he aimed to become a high priest (which appears to be a pope).... I like that *fnd of religious references*
His relationship with the leading female also got me interested~ They had a bad first meeting, but later become allies with an oath, then later there's the twist on the guy's fate, then the tension and misunderstandings come, but afterwards they could actually continue in being in good terms. I think those scenes of our katana girl beating up the demon king will continue, (and I admit that may become really annoying in the future if there'll be so much of it x_x) but their non-fight moments are still... romantic for me:

YES!!! I SHIP THEM OKAY???!!!

And here's something I find surprising.... even though the main female cast seem like stereotypes, for some reason I don't... find them annoying O_O.... They seem like the usual... but there's actually something different and interesting about them o_O Or perhaps I'm having.... I dunno....
And yeah, there are pantyshots and stuff... and those I will always find annoying.... but.... but... I'm not that bothered?
This show confuses me. It has many of the things that I'm supposed to be annoyed about, but I wasn't annoyed. I don't understand it either.... except that it has occured to me that this has become much better than I expected it to be. With this show I'm reminded that you can't underestimate those premises that seem typical because the actual story could actually have potential.
But hhhmmm.... even if the first episode had been impressive to me, following episodes have the tendency to make this fail =_= but ah well, even if that happens, I think Hiroshi will continue to entertain me xD Haha!

Anime Review: Ookiku Furikabute

Animation Production: A-1 Pictures | Director: Tsutomu Mizushima | Series Composition: Yousuke Kuroda | Original Creator: Asa Higuchi

The series, set in Saitama, follows Ren Mihashi, who had previously excelled as his middle school baseball team's ace pitcher, due to his grandfather's connections as its manager. As he graduates to high school, whose baseball team his grandfather does not manage, he initially does not believe he is good enough to succeed at baseball, however, but assisted by his friends, he grows in stature, confidence and skill, helping his team excel with his own ability.

[ OVERALL IMPRESSIONS ]

I am not that knowledgeable about baseball, but you don't need to be one to appreciate this series. There are a number of animanga titles out there that deal with this sport, but Ookiku Furikabute (or Oofuri for short), in my opinion, is one of the best out there.

When thinking about the types of players that are incredible in a baseball team, one usually thinks of the pitcher and/or the batter, right? I thought that as well, but Oofuri made me realize that the other players are actually just as incredible. Well, yes, other sports show also show that teamwork is essential and that players in other positions have value as well, but it's not as emphasized as how this series did. This series made me realize that the relationship between the pitcher and the catcher is important, that the coach or the captain aren't the only ones who think of strategies, and so on. What's more, the players of the leading character's team aren't good because they're main characters.... nor because they highly depend on the skill of the most talented one. They are all skillful in their own way... and they got it from experience, hard work, and trainings. It may be true that it's too incredible for their newly formed team had beaten the champions from the previous tournament; but take note that they were underestimated, and they had been well prepared for that big game. It's no shounen sports miracle at all; they deserve it.

Moreover, it's not your typical shounen sports show wherein the leading character is someone who at the beginning has no idea or interest about the sport but later turn out to be extremely good on it. The leading character of Oofuri is different, because he became skillful out of hardwork. The players that are born gifted in the series even acknowledge that there are things they can't do if it's out of hard work. It's so wonderful that this series shows not only the awesomeness of gifted ones, but also the hardworking ones as well.

Like other good sports shows, this series also shows that an athelete doesn't only need skills, but he needs mental training as well. There are also strategies in sports, so it's valuable for players to do observations, analyses, and think of plans. You don't need to be intelligent to be good in such, but it's also important to do well in studies. Failing grades suck, no matter what a talented athlete you are. Baseball isn't everything.

Emotions and confidence also count... what great things one can do when he's happy and supported; how underestimation and intimidation can affect an individual; and so on. There are a lot of dramatic and also heartwarming scenes/moments in this series.... but none of them felt forceful.... nor angsty. It's not boring either.... it may look plain and simple, but it's actually very entertaining! It has great humor, from crack to subtle humor. Blame it on the characters for being so much fun~

Speaking of the characters, I really love the characterization and character development in this series. Not only the members of the leading character's team, but the players from other teams and even those who don't play at all are incredible in their own way. I find none of them as stereotypes.... which is perhas why I find none of them annoying. Even the females! It's true that not many of them get a big role in the show, but at least they don't just exist there to become a main character's love interest nor just to act as cheerleaders. What I also find wonderful is that many of the characters get a chance to shine! And if you watch this series form beginning to end, you can see that there is character development, and that's not only on major characters! They don't change fast, but they improve little by little... and only in the end you realize it easier how much they've changed compare to how they were before.

The relationships between the characters have been really wonderful as well. Opponents are friendly rivals; teammates have been like family; and so on. Hmmm... about the team bondings in this series, their interactions.... can make people think it might be BL/shounen-ai ^^; But seriously, it's not, and our boys get crushes on girls (*remembers Haruna's unrequited love*....*giggles endlessly*).... but maybe the creator is teasing the fans and giving subtle fanservice.... haha! If you watch those scenes with a perverted mind... you might think of... things. But honest, they're really innocent boys ^^; (Fine, I'm not sure with one of them *eyes Tajima*). I see those as friendship love.... and they're really adorable~

Overall, you don't need players with flashy/fancy/wild hairstyles nor teens with unbelievably muscular bodies to have cool characters. Neither do you need balls that emit flames or have players run in speed that can take down trees to have a cool sports series. By being simple, and focusing what a sport is supposed to be like, is enough to create a brilliant series.

Movie Review: Eden of the East: King of Eden

Animation Production: Production I.G. | Director and Screenplay: Kenji Kamiyama

The story continues where it left off from the Eden of the East TV series, and brings Morimi Saki back to the USA in order to find Takizawa Akira. The other Selecao however are actively moving to take part in the game, and a few in particular are making dangerous moves in order to eliminate Takizawa or move towards their picture of a better Japan.

[ OVERALL IMPRESSIONS ]

The animation quality in the movie seems to be just the same as the TV series... or perhaps the animation in the TV series had been more amazing to me because it had featured incredible stunts and even surreal events. This movie focused on realism instead, and I have no complains because how well the movie had portrayed that.... at least on most of the parts. I thought since Akira's in New York, he'll be speaking in English but he didn't have trouble in communicating with an American when he spoke in Japanese... with an exception of two english words: "terrorist" and "bomb". Ah well, maybe those keywords and his expressions are enough for one to get what he meant, but that doesn't explain how he had gotten information from the personnel in the taxi company.

Anyway, speaking of Akira, we're back with Akira and amnesia again inded, but at least he was given an identity now... and being the prime minister's successor does make him Japan's King if his wish does get granted. It's still a mystery for me (or is this a plot hole?) on how he managed to be in the place where he and Saki are supposed to meet at such proper timing even though he got his memories erased. Unless No. 6 had something to do about it.... but I kind of doubt. And about No. 6... he's a creepy p0rn lover... but he ships Akira x Saki. I don't know what to think about him. I see him as someone amusing but an ass at the same time. Haha!

Now about the love story, Akira and Saki's reunion had been really wonderful~ The power of true love~ Haha! Oh I really find it romantic that the movie plot that Akira remembers is actually his and Saki's story~ Daaaaw~ Akira's being her prince charming again by helping her out even though he doesn't recognize her.... yet he's holding her hand xD And my favorite moment has to be part when they rode the carousel together:

I love carousels. Explains why I love the scene so much. Ohohohoho. This series got my attention because I saw the series poster/ad with the two of them riding on one in the first place!!

Now about the other characters, I was so impressed at first that they're now running a company that could actually support Akira.... but in the end they had to shut it down... making them not that helpful again. But still, I'm happy they've outgrown their NEET status... at least most of them. Having work has its value. There can be troubles, yes, but you can't depend on your parents for long. The movie even showed an example of that... with the news of tax on inheritances. It's still unfair though, but reality is cruel.

What I enjoyed most in the series are the bizarre events (they are so creative! I love 'em!!!).... what I enjoyed in both is the comedy (side characters are very perverted xD)....

What I enjoyed most in the movie is the love story (For someone who's tired of cliche, I'm actually fond of destiny/fate stuff. Ehehehe)...

SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! =3

And this character:

She's so HOTT!!!! I doubt my sexuality every time I see her And she's on Akira's side and even said that she has been like his guardian angel. Hahahha! OH I LOVE NO.11!!!! *_*

Anyway, the end of this movie was once again a cliffhanger.... things that are left hanging will get revealed in the sequel..... and I'm actually already spoiled on it O_O I like and don't like it.... uuuuggghh.... I'll see it first before making more reactions.

Spring 2010 Anime Series Preview

I watched the Lightning Thief movie yesterday and it got me quite disappointed. To forget my disappointments on it, I thought of doing some animanga hunting . . . that's when I found out that the chart of the Spring 2010 anime is already out!

EDIT: Version 2 of the chart is already out and so I (xtine06) reposted this one along with my comments and thoughts tooo~~

Notes to consider:

• These are our initial impressions on the anime. We could still change our mind.
• Titles are in alphabetical order.
• Kiddie shows and sequels we're not familiar or won't be included. Neither movies nor OVA's. Just the TV series.
• I got lazy to include the image for each series . . . maybe xtine06 will have the time to do so . . 

Angel Beats

In a world after death, angels fight for their fate and their future. Yuri, the leader of the Shinda Sekai Sensen, rebels against the god who destined her to have an unreasonable life. On the otherhand, Tenshi, the chairperson of the student council for the world after death, battles against the SSS members. SSS members utilize armed weaponry to battle it out against the angels harnessing supernatural powers.

Sapphire Pyro: *sees the word "Angel" in the title* . . . *checks out at once* . . .Okayz, it has a supernatural premise . . . and it deals with the afterworld and war between supernatural beings. It's my kind of thing but I'm not that sold to it. It's hard to tell if the story's gonna be as promising as the premise . . . but the characters seem fun (though most are female again . . . moe fanservice a no no) and the art will definitely be fantastic (I love Aniplex). And oh that cast: Kamiya Hiroshi and Eri Kitamura. Hhhhmmm . . . . I don't have high expectations. I expect this to be a generic supernatural series. I'll be skipping this, unless people who've seen it will tell me that it's totally not what I anticipate it to be.


xtine06: Story seems to be really interesting. It's pretty unique for me and I think this will really give something to worth watching. Well, just like Sapphy's comment, I am afraid that this will have a touch of moe and fanservice, which could really ruin everything. Unless I can also get awesome reviews or someone will really recommend it to me, I'm gonna skip this and MIGHT watch in the near future. 

Arakawa Under the Bridge

Ko "Riku" Ichinomiya, a young upper-class man, meets a beautiful homeless girl named Nino on the banks of Arakawa River, where many of Tokyo's most unusual people live.  

Sapphire Pyro: The premise was really really interesting so I checked out the manga. It was hilarious but it was too weird for me . . . but the directors behind Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (Yukihiro Miyamoto and Akiyuki Shinbo) will be behind this . . .and that main cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Maaya Sakamoto, Keiji Fujiwara, Takehito Koyasu, and Tomokazu Sugita. OMG Shet.
Oh I don't know. Maybe I'll be able to appreciate the anime's style of weirdness.


xtine06: I dunno what to say. I like the synopsis but I don't know if I like the image on chartfag's chart. It look really weird. Do I need to appreciate weirdness so that I can get to watch this one? 

B Gata H Kei

Yamada is a high school student, and a virgin, who aspires to have 100 casual sex partners. Despite this, she soon finds herself targeting and pursuing only one boy.

Sapphire Pyro: I am very disturbed to the idea of a female leading character that has that kind of sexual fantasies. No, I can't take it.


xtine06: A definite NO from me! What kind of high school student aspires to have 100 sex partners!!!!! 100???!?! OMG. She is so weird. 

Giant Killing

East Tokyo's team is nearing the bottom of Japan's top football league table, consistently losing, team morale is low and fan support is dwindling - the ETU are in danger of being finished forever. Only the coach is blamed, but he is ready to prove that the team can win against the nation's biggest club. 

Sapphire Pyro: Ah . . .a football anime. I'm no fan of football, but I enjoyed Eyeshield21, so I thought this is worth giving a try. I checked out the manga, and I liked it! I love how the main character manages to make individuals that don't seem football athelete materials into excellent players! He has impressive tactics, and the character himself is fun. And I think I'm gonna like the implied love story . . . and the characters have been likable. Tsubaki is my type (a bishie, ohohoho). I also like it that this sports series values fan support. Yes, we are that important! w00t!
So far so good, and with Toshifumi Kawase as the series composer, I don't think the anime adaptation would be that bad. I'm worried on the director though . . . that person did shows that have disappointed me. Uggh . .


xtine06: Cross Game has already ended and hopefully, this new football related anime will really catch my attention. I am a complete nob when it comes to football so watching it will really bring me to a 0_0 reaction most of the time. But since the story is a bit interesting and I like plots where the weak tries hard to overcome endeavors, I will be giving this one a big shot. 

Hakouki : Shinsengumi Kitan

Chizuru Yukimura is the daughter of a Dutch-trained doctor who vanishes on a trip to Kyoto. In search of her father, Chizuru sees a Shinsengumi member transform into an ogre. After being captured, it's revealed that his change was caused by her father - she joins the Shinsengumi in seach for her father, and the cure.

Sapphire Pyro: I love historical settings and shinsengumi samurai stuff. This series will certainly promise some action and political stuff, which I'm very fond of. And what made it more delightful to fangurls are the many bishies in it~ Kyaaaaaa~
However, it's based on a reverse harem game . . . IT'S BOUND TO SUCK! I've read the manga, and oh gawd it was angsty and I would really want the leading girl to DIE already. She's useless and she knows it. What she did? CRIES. She tries to be useful later, but she's still PATHETIC. And she blushes over every freakin' bishie in the show and she doesn't know why her chest feels so tight. And oh, she has the demon blood . . . but she's the one being protected. Fantastic. See what I hate with reverse harem shows? The one on the ceter DOESN'T DESERVE to be treated in such a special way. I'm not being a jealous fangurl . . . she just sucks that much that she brings shames to us females. Uuuuuggghhh . . . .
However, the leading guy is so cute. I will be satisfied by just staring at him. Haha! And I haven't watched a shinsengumi anime for a long time. Maybe it's worth a try . . . I have to endure my hatred towards that leading girl. Arrrgghh . . . .


xtine06: Ooohh..after sometime, Shinsengumi strikes back  to the anime world. And I think I will give this a try because the picture attract me as well as the story. Speaking of pictures, who is that person in the chart? He looks SO HOT. 

Heroman

Heroman is the story that centers on the boy named Joey, who lives in the west coast of US. He discovers a simple toy robot, to discover that it becomes "Hero Man" a giant robot he can pilot and fight against evil, alien invaders and other threats. 

Sapphire Pyro: I've read the manga and though it wasn't as bad as I expected, it's still your typical shounen show with a lot of overused shounen cliches. And seriously . . . a toy robot that becomes a mecha at such a proper time. And a mere boy is gonna be saving the world. And typical shounen is not complete without a love interest to be rescued! It's disappointing that Stan Lee and BONES are wasting their time on something this pathetic. I expect something better from them.

xtine06: Well, this a typical shounen anime ala Voltes V mode. I am not really into this type of genre anymore so this is a pass. This must be something huge though, with Stan Lee behind this anime series. 

Hetalia Axis Powers Season 3

A continuation of the long-running series of shorts about world countries as personified characters, living through strange moments in world history. 

Sapphire Pyro: This is my number one favorite series . . . so NATURALLY I would be following the third season as well. The webmanga and the published manga still has so much material. There are a lot of characters that have not yet been introduced, and some minor characters didn't get the screentime they deserve. Aside from making up on those, I wish the third season will improve the animation and avoid the unfinished strips. Second season had shown improvements, so I expect the third season to do the same.

xtine06: I wouldn't miss this for the world. It's education and its fun! 

House of Five Leaves

Akitsu Masanosuke is a timid ronin on his way to Edo from the countryside when he accidentally encounters a playboy named Yaichi, who asks him to be his bodyguard. But it turns out that Yaichi is actually the leader of a group of bandits called the "Five Leaves," and he's hoping that Masanosuke will join them. Masanosuke is reluctant to help them, but as grows closer to his eccentric new companions, he learns to relate to them and grow as a person in the process.

Sapphire Pyro: I did not enjoy Ristorante Paradiso (this series has the same original creator as RP); but that doesn't mean I won't be checking out this one. I dropped RP because the leading girl annoyed the hell out of me and seldom do I enjoy shows that focus on cooking. BUT THIS has a male for a main character . . . and the series is in a historical setting . . .samurai era to be specific. I expect some action, politics, and perhaps some nice drama. It involves gangs and politics . . . how could this not intrigue me. I find it very interesting . . . and I find it delightful that some favorite seiyuus will be voicing two of the main characters: Daisuke Namikawa and Takahiro Sakurai. Yay!

xtine06: The Edo era again huh? It seems that after a long while, Edo is getting its former glory in the anime industry. This looks really interesting....will definitely give a shot, not to mention that Daisuke Namikawa is on the VA list!! Yey!!!

Ichiban Ushiro no Dai Maou

Akuto Sai aims to be a great magician and clergyman, but on the day he is admitted into the Constan Magical Academy, his aptitude test predicts his Future Occupation as a "Devil King". Resented by his class head, desired by a mysterious girl and guarded by a female android, he leads a hectic new school life.

Sapphire Pyro: Well, yes, I like the magic stuff and the word "demon king" will always attract me. But seeing a bunch of pretty girls wearing short skirts among the main cast just screams ecchi and moe fanservice. The ones behind the script and the series composition are also responsible for some of the generic shounen shows that didn't please me (e.g. Weiss Survive). Besides, the premise already bored the hell out of me . . . so . . . no. Totally skipping this one.

xtine06: Maou??! It makes me miss Yuuri and the whole KKM gang. Awwwwww. I love the story but please, can this type of anime not survive without moe fanservice and ecchi moments? The presence of fanservice really ruins it for me. 

Kaichou wa Maid-sama

The romantic comedy centers on a student council head Misaki Ayuzawa, who despises the slovenly male dominated population at her previously all-boys school. However, Misaki's most handsome schoolmate discovers her secret, that she works after school at a maid cafe. 

Sapphire Pyro: I liked the manga. I thought it was just a stupid shoujo series that focuses on maid fanservice, but it didn't turn out to be that way. She's just doing her job, that's it. The main guy had been hilarious and fun. These two had been really cute together. I find the manga enjoyable.
However, I don't think I'd want to waste time on a shoujo anime that is based on the manga I'm not that hooked into every week. I'll just catch up on the manga instead, and just watch the anime adaptation when I find the time. I don't think I have to worry much on how the story will go in the anime, because the series composer behind Hanasakeru Sieshounen and Victorian Romance Emma is behind it (Mamiko Ikeda). Also . . .*checks out the director* . . .same person who directed Cromartie High School??? And now doing shoujo??? . . . okay . . . that's just a huge genre difference, hehe.

xtine06: I've been hearing about this manga for a while now and some of my friends are also reading them and found them enjoyable. I'm really an anime type of person and I only read the manga in special occasions and so now is my chance to go and watch this series. 

Kiss x Sis

Kiss×sis's story begins with Keita Suminoe, a male third-year junior-high school student studying for his high school entrance exams. He is living in a home with his older twin stepsisters, Ako and Riko, who kiss, flash, and display their love for him in public. They help him prepare for his exams. Although they share no blood-relation to him, Keita begins to become romantically attracted to his two stepsisters and initially dislikes himself for it. Seeing this attraction, his two parents encourage him to eventually get married to one of them.

Sapphire Pyro: I didn't bother to check out the manga of this series anymore because from what I've been seeing, the main fanservice that it offers is the perverted one. Sorry, that's not my kind of thing. And besides, the plot seems stupid. I don't find pleasure in watching two girls lusting over or seducing their stepbrother.
I would like to save myself from headaches. I believe avoiding this series is a very good idea for my sanity.

xtine06: Try googling it and you will understand why I will not even bother to watch this one. 

K-On Season 2

It's Yui Hirasawa's first year in high school, and she's eagerly searching for a club to join. At the same time, Ritsu Tainaka, a drummer, and her friend Mio Akiyama, a bassist, are desperately trying to save the school's light music club, which is about to be disbanded due to lack of members. They manage to recruit Tsumugi Kotobuki to play the keyboard, meaning they only need one more member to get the club running again. Yui joins, thinking it will be an easy experience for her to play the castanets, the only instrument she knows. However, the other members think their new addition is actually a guitar prodigy...

Sapphire Pyro: I love the first season but if the second season was just made to answer to the demand and it will just have the usual stuff . . . no matter how enjoyable or cute they are . . . I'd rather just watch it when I find the time, or not at all. Besides, I'm not a hardcore fan of the series . . . but I still like Mio, Ritsu, and Tsumugi very much.

xtine06: The highlight of my spring anime!!! I am looking forward to hearing them again. Their music is really unique and nice. *sings "Fuwa Fuwa Time" * Waah! I am so excited to see K-On again! 

Mayoi Neko Overun

The story revolves around Takumi Tsuzuki, a boy who lives with his older "sister" Otome, though the two are not related by blood. Otome runs a decrepit confectionary store called Stray Cats. One day, Otome picks up a mysterious beautiful girl off the streets.

Sapphire Pyro: I'm totally skipping this. Main reasons: 1) Main guy with a bunch of pretty females usually equal to ecchi and senseless harem 2) I'm not fond of cats anyway.
This will just give me headaches. I don't think I need to bother.

xtine06: Moe + Fanservice + Wierd Plot = No Watching

Ookiku Furikabute Season 2

The series, set in Saitama, follows Ren Mihashi, who had previously excelled as his middle school baseball team's ace pitcher, due to his grandfather's connections as its manager. As he graduates to high school, whose baseball team his grandfather does not manage, he initially does not believe he is good enough to succeed at baseball, however, but assisted by his friends, he grows in stature, confidence and skill, helping his team excel with his own ability.

Sapphire Pyro: I'm not yet done with the first season; nor am I updated on the manga series . . .BUT I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! I'm totally gonna catch up on this soon!!!
It seems boring at first and I'm not exactly fond of baseball; but the story's heartwarming and the characters are very lovable! Yes, Mihashi is also a super-talented main character, but unlike other sport series, he became that talented out of hard work . . . not simply because he's gifted or is a prodigy.
Besides, I miss Abe (favorite character's voiced by one of my favorite seiyuus: Nakamura Yuuichi), Haha! Totally looking forward to this!

xtine06: Unfortunately, I haven't watched the first season so I cannot really watch this one yet. 

Rainbow - Nisha Rokubo no Shichinin

Around 10 yeras after World War II, a group of delinquents are sent to the Shōnan Special Reform School and must learn to cope with the atrocities and unfairness they encounter there. A student that had already been residing there when the teens arrived acts as a mentor, teaching them about friendship and guiding them through difficulties.

Sapphire Pyro: The premise was very intriguing and I cannot ignore stories in World War setings so I checked out the manga and hhhmmm . . . it's not for kiddies. There's sexual harassment, and oh it makes you see how devasting life in prison is. I admit it was pretty angsty . . . annoyingly angsty . . . but they have the right to be angsty, after all they've gone through. I didn't see the sense of the fights at the beginning though, but I'm happy that their relationship became better later. It's a serious story that's so tragic and depressing . . . I don't recommend it to those who prefer happy stuff and are too innocent to witness such horrible things that man could do and experience. Anyway, for me, I find it interesting . . . but I don't think it's the type I'd want to look forward to every week.

xtine06: This has seriousness all over it. A perfect opposite for K-On for this season, I will give this one a shot and see if it captures my interest. This has a very nice plot and has a potential for showing a hopeful ending, thus the title "Rainbow". 

Senko no Night Raid

In 1931, the Imperial Japanese Army is dispatched to mainland China due to the recent Japanese wars. In Shanghai, a cosmopolitan city of intrigue, there exists a special military spy organization, "Sakurai Kikan", that has since been buried in history. 

Sapphire Pyro: It's an action-packed spy series in a World War setting . . . how could I ignore this???! I dont think I have to worry about the animation quality because what's shown in the promo videos already seem great; and just when did Aniplex disappoint me. Haha! Moreover, the director (Jun Matsumoto) and the series composer (Shinsuke Onishi) behind Persona Trinity Soul will be handling this series as well . . . so I don't think I have to worry on those areas either. All those already make this series so promising, but it even added some seiyuu fanservice for me: Namikawa Daisuke and Yoshino Hiroyuki are voicing two of the main characters. Sweet~

xtine06: Whahahaha. I'm with Sapphy with this one!!!! A spy series and this would really be action packed! Another Daisuke Namikawa and this is another sure thing for me. 

Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitte Iru

Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious power. Right after he was born, his mother left him near an orphanage, and he was later found. Because of that event, Yuki strives for independence. He hates being a burden to anyone near him, but at the same time, he is afraid of being left alone. Moreover, ever since he can remember he had a strange ability where when he touches others, he can feel their emotion. Unable to control it, he often made insensitive blunders in the past. He later meets with a mysterious yet beautiful man who saves his life, but somehow he feels so nostalgic, like he's met him before. While death threats and his ability increasing, a man who claimed to be his older brother suddenly appears, so what will Yuki do when he learns the truth?

Sapphire Pyro: I've read the manga, and I love it. Yes, it's your typical fantasy story with the oh-so-special main character with so many warriors protecting him. And yeah, its main fanservice are its bunch of gorgeous bishies . . . and it will certainly bring delight to those who are fond of shounen-ai (I highly doubt there's going to be yaoi; which I think is a good thing). But fortunately, the main character was as helpless nor as pathetic as I've expected him to be. There are angst and cliches, yeah, but it remained interesting . . . especially the relationships. There are bonds and betrayals . . .I find them so intriguing. And what I enjoyed a lot as well are the cool action scenes and the crack comedy. Haha!
I'm hoping for the story in the anime to be okay, because though the series composer didn't please me with Suteki Tantei Labyrinth, her other works (07-Ghost and Moyashimon) turned out good~ So I don't think I need to worry much in that area. Besides, it also has the seiyuu fanservice: Takahiro Sakurai, Akira Ishida, Daisuke Ono, Jun Fukuyama, Mamoru Miyano, Marina Inoue, Shinichiro Miki, Takehito Koyasu, and Yukana. Splendid~

xtine06: I am watching this one because of: (1) Jun Fukuyama, Daisuke Ono, Maria Inoue, Mamoru Miyano and Yukana  are there (2) The picture is really LOVE and HOT and (3) The story is damn interesting!!!

Working!!

Set in a family restaurant in Hokkaido, the northern prefecture of Japan, 16 year old high school student Takanashi Souta works part-time along with his strange co-workers: Taneshima Popura, a high school girl who's a year older than Souta who's easily mistaken for a elementary/middle schooler, and Shirafuji Kyoko the 28-year old store manager who doesn't bother to do any work at all.

Sapphire Pyro: I thought it was just a show with a bunch of stereotypes and moe characters , but when I read the manga I've realized how wrong I was. It's actually about a set of wacky characters that work together on a certain restaurant. The characters that I anticipated to be annoying turned out to be pretty likable. Moreover, it had been really cute and hilarious! The characters had been fun and what I've read so far had been enjoyable. The original material is in 4-koma format with scenes that aren't that connected though, so I'm hoping that the anime adaptation would be able to put things together well. Also, wow . . . that seiyuu list . . . Jun Fukuyama, Kamiya Hiroshi, and Daisuke Ono. Nice~

xtine06: I though FukuJun is not busy this season but I guess I am wrong. This is his second anime for this season and it's kinda a spice of life feel for me. Mainly because of FukuJun's presence, I am trying this one out. 

Yojo-han Shinwa Taikei

The novels protagonist is a nameless third-year college student, and the story follows him as he looks back at the earlier years of his college life, and his adventures with the members of his club. 

Sapphire Pyro: I don't often see anime that are about college students so I guess this is worth a shot. The available plot seemed boring because it didn't tell much except that the main character was just reminiscing his past. But what got me intrigued was that the main character was mentioned to be nameless. Moreover, the rest of the cast seem to have something peculiar about them. I'm hoping for it to be not as plain as it seems . . . and with the director of Kaiba (Masaaki Yuasa) handling this series . . . and with MadHouse being the studio behind it . . . I don't think I have to worry much.

xtine06: Why nameless character?? This nameless thing arouses my curiosity so much that I will check this one out.

General Impressions:
Sapphire Pyro: The same as the previous years, the spring 2010 season has a lot of promising shows as well. I am most interested on the unusual ones . . . and those that I'm already very familiar with. What I'm definitely going to blog out of the list is Hetalia. If I have the time, I'd want to cover Oofuri 2, Uragiri, and Working!! as well. Those that seem really promising are House of Five Leaves, Yojo-han Shinwa Taikei, and Senkon no Night Raid; and I think I'll be very tempted to blog those. But there's no way I'm dropping Durarara!! . . . damn . . . =P

xtine06:  As compared to the previous season....SPRING is really a definite season to look forward to. I have lots on my list right now. Finally, the upcoming titles are now really interesting and something worth the watch. But before that happen, I need to dump off my other animes piled in my computer so that I can really enjoy the upcoming Spring 2010. 

Durarara!! - Episode 12

Finally caught up with this...

(Oh they're so cute when clinging to Dotachin xD And ah, Walker and Erika went "SUGOI! SUGOI! SUGOI!" Oh they're really so Isaac and Miria.... just more psychotic xD Haha!)
So much Selty, Mikado, and Izaya. *totally not complaining* There had been big revelations in this episode but there's no annoying prolonged angst *pleased* and it also appears that things are "back to normal" but thanks to Izaya, it's being hinted that this is just the end of the first half and something more intense and dangerous is about to come up in the upcoming episodes~

[ SEIJI x MIKA ]

I am relieved that their involvement in the main story is now over. I really love it when Izaya told Seiji that his love was epic fail. His "true love" was crap. His passionate acts were for the wrong person.
Anywayz, so it has now been revealed that "Selty" is actually Mika. We see how she stalked Seiji (which was really creepy... to the point that she forced herself in and still doesn't see the obviousness of Seiji not wanting her inside). Seiji almost killed her, and Namie used plastic surgery on her to please her brother's fantasies.
Seiji was in totaly shock upon that revelation naturally. It took him a while to recover, but I'm happy that he didn't go violent and neither did he reject Mika totally for his failure in recognizing his love.
Mika, on the other hand, is unbelievable. Yeah, a stalker's love is creepy. But for her to love him even though he almost killed her and even willing to die to protect him.... her love sure is something (Mikado even compliments her for it.). It's as twisted as Namie's.... but in a different way. (Why does a loser like Seiji get such incredible everlasting love from women???!!!.... and one of them is even my goddess.... aaaahhh!!!!)
Ah well... I still don't like Seiji... but I no longer dislike him as much as before because... well... he apologized to Mikado o_o he's not the self-righteous bastard. *relieved* I'm happy that they're in good terms now. Mikado had even complimented Seiji even though Seiji tried t beat him up. Ehehehe

[ SHINRA x SELTY ]

So with Mika's identity revealed, and that she even mentioned who did the surgery on her, Selty was able to figure out that Shinra knew about her head from the very beginning.
I find Shinra incredible for able to predict when Selty will be able to figure it out and what angry lines she would be uttering to him. And I'm very pleased that Selty didn't waste screentime in beating him up and going away to continue the angst, but she let Shinra clear some misunderstandings. Though Shinra still owed Selty a punch, and that one punch is enough to someone not really combat material. Hehe.
Shinra had his turn as well, but you can't exactly call it a "punch" because his target is getting rid of the helmet and he called it a substitute for a wedding kiss. LOLz.
Anywayz, Shinra said that he's afraid that Selty might leave him if she finds her head. Even if she claims she won't, there's no assurance. He's so serious in having her by his side that he'll do anything, even using her feelings, just to keep things that way. Shinra's not the kind of lover who'll already be happy once she's happy; shows that his love isn't... well, perfect. He highly depends on her and doesn't deny it.
But he's freakin' madly in love with her so I don't care. And they're finally canon. w00t!!!!! I love canon relationships that don't take gazillion episodes to happen. It's not healthy to my shipper brain, LOLz.

[ IZAYA x NAMIE ]

Hmmm... though my other favorite couple is already canon... my OTP isn't and I don't think they'll ever be because Namie loves Seiji and Izaya loves humankind... haha!
Well, but I love the idea that Namie is now with Izaya when she has nowhere else to run to now~
Also, many of Namie's failures in her schemes have something to do with Izaya's interferance.
I'd like to think that it's all Izaya's plan to have Namie run to him. Ohohohohohoho~
He's even recruiting her to Dollars. Izaya.... come one, there's a part of you that's attracted to Namie!!! Evil likes evil.... also gorgeous men like beautiful women.... ohohohohoho~

[ LOVE TRIANGLE ]

Love triangles usually annoy me because oftentimes there'll be emo-moments... and I hate it more when siblings or best friends quarrel over one girl. In DRRR!!, the love triangle is with best friends + pretty girl.... but what made this triangle likable for me is that the three of them have a good relationship, and the best friend boys aren't into some big angsty fight just because they're in love with the same girl. In other words, they're still best friends even if they're rivals in romance. So I totally not complain.
But hhhmmm.... Kida's so crack that it's difficult to take him seriously. He already has a girlfriend (and he seems serious about her) so the winning couple appears to be very obvious. I'm not a huge fan of Anri, but I find Mikado x Anri really really cute (my favorite moment between them is when Mikado had accidentally spit shake on her upon shock of learning that Mika's a stalker in the manga. Got me amused so much~ Haha!).

[ LOLz: MIKADO PWNS ]

Mikado isn't exactly a fighter, but who says he isn't capable of kicking ass? Haha! Oh I love this part. The quiet and timid one is kicking his loud and hyper best friend. What a wonderful relationship. LOLz. I love these two~

[ LOLz: KIDA GESTURES ]

Kida's always entertainment in his screentimes. Hahahaha! His gestures on telling Mikado about what he heard regarding the Dollars meeting had been really really cute~ Also his voicings! Hahahha!

[ LOLz: IZAYA GESTURES ]

But no DRRR!! character could ever beat the lord of hilarious gestures! Hahahahha! Oh gosh he's so childish and he does numerous poses while in one location.... but he doesn't seem to be the type who stays put in one position either. Haha!

[ SHIZUO + IZAYA ]

So cute that Shizu-chan had spotted Izaya-kun again~ Their comedy's so overused.... but I'll never get tired of this gag~
Also, when Izaya changed position to evade Shizuo's attack, he went behind Mikado and pulled him away a bit for Mikado not to get hit. Oh come on dear Izaya, you could've done it in a different way, why the Mikado shoulder holding xD

[ IZAYA -> MIKADO ]

Maybe Shizu-chan is angry at him in this episode because of the way Izaya's touching Mikado. I can't help not seeing Izaya as a pedo pervert when he's with Mikado. LOLz Izaya is so impressed with Mikado that he even made Mikado special enough that he gave him free service (Namie's number) and promised to keep his secret not buyable (that he's the founder of Dollars). He had also been given Mikado advices on how he could continue his extraordinary life, and even encouraged him to evolve.
IZAYA'S FONDNESS TO MIKADO IS SO OBVIOUS THAT IT'S CREEPY AND AMUSING AT THE SAME TIME!!! BWAHAHHAHAHAHA!!!

[ HEAVENLY WAR ]

(Izaya, it's bad to play with heads okayz x_x Selty's head is too beautiful for your basketball!!!)

Izaya loves having Mikado for a boss (he even gave Mikado a hint of who he is in the chatroom) and even finds it cool that a mythical creature is in the same group as he is. Things seem to have settled down but Izaya just had to show us that he took possession of Selty's head and is saying that he wants to start a war... more of a heavenly war to be precise.
Izaya loves information and it appears that it doesn't exclude myths. This series already involves Irish mythology, but we get to learn now that it will involve Norse mythology as well. Izaya had claimed to be afraid of death, but now he tells us that he believes in afterlife: heaven and hell. He doesn't care where he ends up as long as he exists, but naturally he would prefer heaven. He has heard that brave warriors get to go to heaven in Norse mythology.... and he would like to be one of them.... so he wants to start a war where he can fight in.

DRRR!! is going to the next level... meaning more awesomeness!!! HOORAY! xD Hehe.

[ NEXT EPISODE ]

Who the hell he is.... I have no idea...
But I saw yellow scarves so possibly more Kida background next episode. More serious gang war parts of the plot... yessss~

[ UPDATES ]
I only noticed it recently... but anywayz, I'm amused with the official site's new intro page:

Kasuka movie image? LOLz
And ah, for those interested, the DVD page has been updated with pictures from the first and second volumes. Hehe.