Wednesday 30 April 2014

Anime Spotlight : List of Anime from Spring 2014 I'm following Part 2


So it's the new season of shows and everything is starting to get into the swing of things. As such I present Part 2 of my list I'm currently following of the Spring 2014 anime season. There will be a few parts to this list as there is too much to mention in one post. And the I might possibly drop some shows as the season progresses. Let's get into it. In no particular order.

1. Daimidaler
Genre : Comedy, Ecchi, Manga, Mecha, Seinen
Synopsis : The comedy centers around a high school boy named Madanbashi Kouichi who has Hi-ERo particles, the power source to operate the robotic weapon Daimidaler. With the help of Sonan Kyouko from the mysterious Prince Beauty Parlor organization, he stands up against the Penguin Empire that troubles humanity.
Thoughts : Cheesy super robot action with a fair bit of fanservice? Reminds me of the 90s in a good way.

2. La Corda d'Oro Blue Sky
Genre : Dating Sim - Visual Novel, Shoujo
Synopsis : Soon after transferring to Seisou Gakuin, Kanade finds the orchestra club in the middle of preparing for the National concur. Teaming up with the other members, she will improve her skills, meet new rivals and create memories for what will become an unforgettable summer...
Thoughts : I watched the original La Corda a few years back and dare say it. Enjoyed it, this one has an all new cast but will see if it keeps the same recipe.

3. Mahou Shoujo Taisen
Genre : Anthropomorphism, Contemporary Fantasy, Fantasy, Magic, Mahou Shoujo
Synopsis : The dragon sleeps under the ground of this land...
It gives an abundant harvest on the land when sleeping, but brings a disaster when it is awake. In every decade or hundreds of years, the dragon moves its body as if it tosses about unconsciously. The movement becomes the distortion and causes impurity. This impurity lavishes an evil on people. And now, there is a huge indication of a distortion. Gods foresaw the greatest harm would happen to Japan, divide own power and give it off as a messenger of God (Shinshi) in Japan to gather mediums, or Magica who can expel the impurity. With the magical weapon the power of Gods, Magica will fight to stop evils in Japan.
Thoughts : A mahou shoujo show from Gainax, SOLD

4. Fuuun Ishin Dai Shogun
Genre : Action, Juujin, Large Breasts, Martial Arts, Mecha, Ninja, Pantsu, Piloted Robot, Small Breasts
Synopsis : In the late Edo period, Japan faced an unprecedented crisis with the arrival of black ships from overseas. However, Japan drove away the black ships thanks to Onigami, giant robots that have existed in Japan since the ancient times. The country has remained in self-imposed seclusion from foreigners ever since. The story begins in this Japan that never experienced the Meiji Restoration.
Thoughts : This show just screams "QUALITY", I doubt it will survive the 5 episode testing period.

5. Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka
Genre : Comedy, Daily Life
Synopsis  Kokoa arrives at the cafe Rabbit House one day, excited for rabbits. She actually all but lives in that cafe. She meets lots of different girls there, including a tiny and cool girl named Chino, a tough and soldier-esque girl named Rize, a spacey and quintessentially Japanese girl named Chiya, and the ordinary but dignified Sharo.
Thoughts : Cute girls in a slice of life setting? So far has some great laughs and is very relaxing, I know a lot of anime fans don't like these kinds of shows, but I'll continue on with it.

6. Inugami-san to Nekoyama-san
Genre : Manga, School Life, Shoujo Ai
Synopsis : The story of the original manga revolves around Nekoyama Suzu, a timid, shy tsundere girl who loves dogs, and Inugami Yachiyo, a super masochistic, air-headed, friendly girl who loves cats. One day, after a fateful meeting, the two find themselves attracted to each other. In response to Inugami's instinctive approaches, Nekoyama is always bashful. Their friend Aki has to work hard to make jabs at some of the situations of the two, and also to stop Inugami from going berserk.
Thoughts : Shoujo Ai in fairly short chunks is always welcome in my book.

That's it for the second part of my list, still a lot of shows to post about, But have you watced any of the shows mentioned here? What are your thoughts on them? All information was taken from Anidb.net

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Anime Spotlight : List of shows I'm following for Spring 2014 anime season Part 1

So it's the new season of shows and everything is starting to get into the swing of things. As such I present Part 1 of my list I'm currently following of the Spring 2014 anime season. There will be a few parts to this list as there is too much to mention in one post. And the I might possibly drop some shows as the season progresses. Let's get into it. In no particular order.

1. Kanojo ga Flag o Oraretara
Genre : Android, Comedy, Harem, Novel, School Life
Synopsis : Hatate Souta is a boy with the unique ability to see Flags above the heads of other people. The Flags mark critical crossroads in people's lives — when the choices they make will determine love, friendship, victory, and even death. He transfers to Tokyo's elite Hatagaya Academy, but instead of living by himself in the boys' dormitory, he ends up living with five beautiful girls under one roof.
Thoughts : A romantic comedy anime where the main character can see Flags above people's heads, so far seems interesting enough.

2. Selector Infected WIXOSS
Genre : Proxy Battles
Synopsis : In the popular game WIXOSS, there are special cards called LRIGs that few players know about - cards that possess personalities and wills of their own. Ruuko is a teenage girl who just found one of these rare cards. Now, she can use her LRIG to battle in a strange, dark plane of existence. If she wins, her wishes will be granted - but what happens if she loses?
Thoughts : I'm always a bit reserved about card battle/proxy battle anime, but so far this show seems promising.

3. Captain Earth
Genre : Mecha, Piloted Robot
Synopsis : One night right before summer vacation, Manatsu Daichi, a second-year in high school, sees a weird round rainbow floating in the sky above Tanegashima and ventures there alone. He has seen this rainbow before. With the memories of his father's mysterious death and an encounter of a mysterious boy and girl, Daiji arrives on the island while the alarm of a building labeled Earth Engine is going off. Someone asks him if he's a captain, just as robotic intruders from Uranus called Kill-T-Gang arrive. The battle around the shining stars is about to begin.
Thoughts : Ahh Captain Earth, watching this reminded me of Eureka 7 in a good way. I have high hopes for this show.

4. One Week Friends
Genre : Comedy, Coming of Age, Daily Life, High School, Manga, Romance, Shounen
Synopsis : Yuuki is a boy who wants to become friends with his classmate and desk neighbour Kaori. However, she gently declines his friendship, saying: "But, my... memories of my friends disappear in a week..." Even so, Yuuki wants to become her friend, and so the two become friends over and over again as the weeks pass.
Thoughts : When I read the synopsis it reminded me of EF : A tale of memories a bit, but it's nothing like EF. Still a bit unsure about this show as I am afraid it might have a bit of feels to it later on.

5. Love Live S2
Genre : Art, Clubs, High School, Idol, Music, Performance, School Life
Synopsis  The Sequel to the Idol anime Love Live, in the sequel they try again to win the coveted Love Live competition
Thoughts : Yay another season of Love Live, I really enjoyed the first season so I have high hopes for this one.

6. Date a Live II
Genre : Comedy, Contemporary Fantasy, Fantasy, Harem, Novel, Romance
Synopsis : Thirty years ago, the Eurasian continent was hit by a massive Spacequake due to Spirit activity, causing 150 million deaths. And now...
Itsuka Shidou is living under one roof with two non-human Spirits — Yatogami Tooka and Yoshino — since dating them is the best way to avoid mass destruction occurring on Earth. And Shidou happens to be the only person able to seal the unfathomable powers of Spirits away. Alas this only works well as long as Tooka and Yoshino do not become emotionally unstable, and the daily drama among humans can become quite distressing...
Thoughts : The first season of Date a Live was enjoyable, it had cute girls and some cool fighting. Also with a new season there is more chances to see Kurumi.

That's it for the first part of my list, still a lot of shows to post about, But have you watced any of the shows mentioned here? What are your thoughts on them? All information was taken from Anidb.net

Tuesday 15 April 2014

Anime Spotlight : D-Frag, Sakura Trick, Samurai Flamenco and Hamatora


Hey There,  seeing as a lot of shows are coming to an end. I'm going to talk about a few of them every week instead of doing full reviews.

First off we have D-FRAG
D-Frag is a fun slapstick comedy about Kenji, who likes to think that his gang are the bad boys of their school. He meets with the girls of the game-making club, who are all a bit crazy. Kenji gets forced to join the club and his life takes a big turn. D-Frag was quite an enjoyable watch, just a bit on the short side. Luckily there is a planned OAD as I really laughed quite a bit at this show.

Secondly we have Sakura Trick
Sakura Trick is the tale of Haruka and Yuu, two good friends that attend a school that is set to shut down in a few years time. Haruaka being very jealous about Yuu's new friendships, wants to share something "special" with Yuu. Their love for each other grows from there.
As Much as I do love Shoujo Ai and Yuri shows. I was a bit disappointed by the lack of depth to the relationship in Sakura Trick, was kind of hoping for another Strawberry Panic. But still had a few laughs from this show.

Moving on the list we have Samurai Flamenco
Samurai Flamenco was a bit of a dark horse, Famous model Hazama Masayoshi's biggest dream was to become a superhero, despite having no powers or fancy gadgets, he takes on the identity of Samurai Flamenco, a super hero his grandfather always told him about. And fights crime in the name of Justice! Initial impressions of Samurai Flamenco was, heck I thought it was going to be like the movie Kick-Ass, a super hero parody of sorts, which this does hold true. The massive plot twists kept me wanting more. Definitely give this show a watch.

Last up for today's list we have Hamatora
A super power filled Detective anime, that I feel is a bit underrated. Hamatora is about the pair of detectives called Nice and Murasaki. They are also called "minimum holders" humans with special abilities. They take on various cases using their powers, and get involved with a case that will change the world they live in. Hamatora has a great mix of action and comedy. And a great mix of characters, on both side of the struggle, Good and Evil. Had a Getbackers kind of feel to it.

If you watched any of these shows let me know what you thought of them in the comment section below. I will post about more recently finished shows next week!

Monday 7 April 2014

Anime Spotlight : Golden Time, Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren, Kill la Kill and Strike the Blood


Hey There,  seeing as a lot of shows are coming to an end. I'm going to talk about a few of them every week instead of doing full reviews.

First off we have Golden Time
A Romance anime about Tada Banri, who just entered a Law College in Toyko and Kaga Koko a childhood friend and stalker of Tada Banri's new friend Yanagisawa Mitsuo. Koko initially only has eyes for Mitsuo, but after an eventful night her relationship with Banri starts. Golden Time was a fun show to watch, the music and animation were both great. The characters each have their own unique quirks and it was quite interesting to see how they handle the challenges and personal struggles they faced.

Secondly we have Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren
The sequel to Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! A new girl gets introduced who seems to be a childhood friend of Yuuta's and she also knows Nibutani. Rikka sees her as a possible obstacle that could get in between her and Yuuta. Even though I enjoyed Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren I do feel the story is wearing a bit thin. The romance progress was too slow for my liking and the common theme is Delusions for the win.

Moving on the list we have Kill la Kill
Studio Trigger's first show and coming from some of the people that made Gurren Lagann I had high hopes, and after watching all of it I can say for sure. I am not disappointed. Kill la Kill is about our main character, Matoi Ryuuko a high school girl that, after finding her father murdered. Takes up half of the scissor her father made and her search for the killer begins. Even though this show comes off as a bit random at first. It really is worth your time. The music and animation are top notch. And soooo many plot twists!

Last up for today's list we have Strike the Blood
An action anime with superpowers, mythical creatures and of course a harem. Strike the Blood is about Akatsuki Kojou, a boy that is apparently one of the most powerful vampires in the world. And the girl that is supposed to observe him and end his life if needs be, Himeragi Yukina. Strike the Blood isn't anything outstanding. It feels a lot like a cheaper version of the A Certain Magical Index series in many ways. It does have it's moments and is worth trying out if you want a bit of comedy, cute girls and some super power fueled fighting.

If you watched any of these shows let me know what you thought of them in the comment section below. I will post about more recently finished shows next week!

Tuesday 1 April 2014

Anime Spotlight : Noragami, Mikakunin de Shinkoukei, Tokyo Ravens and Gin no Saji 2


Hey There,  seeing as a lot of shows are coming to an end. I'm going to talk about a few of them every week instead of doing full reviews.

First off we have Noragami
An action comedy anime with gods, demons and lots of fighting. Noragami is about a deity called Yato, that is trying to save up so he can afford a shrine, after his previous "Shinki" left him for greener pastures, he decides to take on request that don't involve him fighting. After almost being hit by a bus while looking for a kitten, he meets Hiyori his savior and the story progresses from there. I have to say I enjoyed Noragami quite a lot and I do wish there was more than just the 12 episodes. Watch it if you liked shows like Blood Lad and Yozakura Quartet.

Secondly we have Mikakunin de Shinkoukei
Also known as engaged to the unidentified  A romantic comedy about an ordinary girl called Yonomori Kobeni who finds out on her 16th Birthday that she is engaged to Mitsumine Hakuya, a boy her age that lived in the mountains, though he isn't exactly a human. Mikakunin de Shinkoukei is filled with a lot of laughs, happy music, a tiny bit of drama and enjoyable characters. Give it a shot if you want some light hearted romance fun.

Moving on the list we have Tokyo Ravens
A Fantasy Action anime filled with Ommyoji, familiars and conspiracies. Toyko Ravens is about Tsuchimikado Harutora who is from a prestigious Ommyoji family, but he is unable to see spirit energy. So he has mostly been enjoying a peaceful life up until the day his Childhood friend Tsuchimikado Natsume appears. He gets dragged into the world of Ommyoji and his destiny is set in motion. Toyko Ravens is a fairly decent action anime. Filled with fight scenes, some comedy and romance. Though there isn't much that sets it apart from many other action anime with super powers.

Last up for today's list we have Gin no Saji 2
Also known as Silver Spoon 2. The sequel to Gin no Saji which I loved. In Gin no Saji 2 the tale of Hachiken at the Agricultural school gets continued but in this second season, a lot of the focus seems more to be on relationships with other people. And the realities of being a farmer. If you haven't seen Silver Spoon yet, stop whatever you are doing. And go watch it now!

If you watched any of these shows let me know what you thought of them in the comment section below. I will post about more

recently finished shows next week!