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Sep 29, 2014
Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu or Legend of the Legendary Heroes is overall mediocre at best. While the story and characters do make it seem like there should be much potential in series, there is very little resolution or even major conflict, for that matter. Most of the time is spent on introducing the characters and political motives of the kingdoms involved. Perhaps the production was planning on a 52 episode long series in which the plot would quickly build up to something more meaningful. After even 24 episodes, I feel that the pacing is much slower than expected. There is a mix between episodes
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that are filled with action and adventure and others that are more slice of life. This being said. The main plot of the story only picks up in the last couple of episodes of the show.
The technical aspects such as animation and sound are more than acceptable. The main draw for me, personally, would be the voice actor, Jun Fukuyama, who plays the main character Ryner Lute. He is well known for other such roles including Lelouche Lamperouge from Code Geass. Watching a series solely for a voice actor/actress might be foolish to begin with.
I feel that Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu should be much better than it is. It is also rated much higher than it should be as well. The premise should much promise, though the pacing and direction of the series could have been done in a more effective way in the 24 episodes it was allotted. Sources such as ratings or sales might be the main cause for the production being cut short.
Reviewer’s Rating: 5
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Sep 10, 2014
Bubblegum Crisis has a special place in some people's hearts as one of the "must see" series from the 80's. There are really some particular elements from the show that are outstanding. Set in a dystopian future, humanity is heavily dependent on technology in the form of Boomers, autonomous androids, that have various uses. The story of Bubblegum Crisis, or rather the premise as a whole, isn't particularly unique. The Knight Sabers, a group of mercenaries, often meddle in the abuse of Boomers and the Genom Corporation.
The art in Bubblegum Crisis is wonderful. It is refreshing to see the detail that can be achieved
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through hand drawing. Current techniques using computer modeling is unable to produce similar results. The same could be said about the quality of the sound. The opening song, "Konya wa Hurricane," is very emblematic of the sound of the decade. This theme is captured throughout the series.
The characters of Bubblegum Crisis are each very identifiable. Priss expresses very human-like traits and acts accordingly with her personality. However, I feel that there is little room for development due to the episodic nature of the series. Each episode is approximately 45 minutes long and does well to engage the viewer from start to end. Still, little carries over from one episode to the next aside from the characters themselves.
Bubblegum Crisis captures the 80's through its audio and visually striking style. Due to its episodic nature, the potential of the series was limited. Nonetheless, I felt that the series was still very enjoyable and can be used as a gateway into other shows with similar animation such as Legend of the Galactic Heroes or Gunbuster.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Aug 26, 2014
GetBackers is a shounen style anime that tries not to take itself seriously. The show follows on a duo, Ban and Ginji, that are in the freelance business to find anything that has been lost or stolen. The show ultimately focuses on the dark pasts of each character before joining forces together.
The story is seemingly one-sided, Ginji being the main draw of the show and leaving Ban with little development. I don't know if this is by design or how the production came out to be due to constraints. In the beginning, the two engage in several jobs that range from finding lost pets or
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even childhood memories. Afterwards, the first serious arc brings Ginji and Ban back to Ginji's origin. At the conclusion of this arc, the focus should shift to Ban's past, giving him some depth equally. Even giving them a common enemy would be worthwhile, someone who threatens the livelihood of their business, or future in general. However, this is not the case. Instead, they return back to Ginji's origin again to confront another threat. Personally, it seems a bit tiresome at this juncture. In the end, Ban does not get an arc of his own, rather his past is revealed in several scenes throughout the series. This is probably the main complaint I have with the show.
Outside of this, there isn't much else to say. The animation is done well, relatively speaking compared to other productions at the time, as is the opening, ending and soundtrack. Still, it isn't particularly noteworthy either which way.
I feel that the show was cut short of its initial run, being 49 episodes instead of the typical 52 episode length. Perhaps there were other obstacles in its production. After successful 26 episodes, the contract was extended and there was uncertainty over how much longer the series could sustain itself. The entertainment industry is often like this.
Though GetBackers receives solid 7's, it is still enjoyable in its own right. The characters, both protagonists and villains, are designed well, though the plot is less so. Unlike typical 100+ episode shounen anime, I think that GetBackers is still a good show to watch without having to invest too much time into it..
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Aug 4, 2014
Hokuto no Ken is a story of Kenshiro as he travels through a post-apocalytic future. Blessed with the martial arts known as The Fist of the North Star, he uses it to his discretion amid blatant situations of violence, greed, and corruption.
The basis of the story revolves around Kenshiro, who he is and what he does. Typically, the viewer can deduce the former through the latter. He is inherently interesting as a character since he himself does not know how he defines himself. His adventures help direct him towards this goal. For example, early on, he saves two children from murder what innately seems
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to be a whim. However, this may speak towards his own isolation with society or his feelings regarding humanity overall. These open-ended questions may as if the pace is slow, though, it is meant to taken as thoughtful and reflecting. Kenshiro stoically wrestles with issues involving life, love and finding meaning in a life perhaps without love. As Kenshiro solidifies his own persona, the pace quickly picks up in the later half of the series.
The action scenes may seem repetitive as Kenshiro almost too regularly stumbles across average thugs in small towns. However, they are something to look forward to outside of the Kenshiro's inner exploration of self. As we learn, The Fist of the North Star is the supreme martial arts without parallel. However, conflicts between the users and his/her philosophy shapes the future for humanity.
Quickly reviewing the art and sound of Hokuto no Ken, I can only say that they are fitting. While more detail can be found in the original work, the animated series still retains the stylistic feel of the manga. The opening title theme, "You wa Shock," aims to celebrate the raw, and brute strength of men in an overly zealous 80's fashion.
I think that the tiny nuances of Hokuto no Ken are often overlooked in presence of the fighting. Still, I appreciated both on different levels. As Kenshiro defines himself, he is able to express more passion and more will that leads him to his own fate. Being a fairly long series, Hokuto no Ken can seem repetitive, slow or even formulaic at times. Regardless, it does not stretch itself too thin and reaches a definitive conclusion near the end. Finally, Hokuto no Ken is a very fitting series for its time and should be watched by those who appreciate hand drawn animation.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Aug 2, 2014
Fate/Stay Night is based off a popular visual novel that centers around The Holy Grail War between masters and servants. This adaptation remains fairly true to the original source material, for better or for worse.
The premise of the story is fairly interesting. Every 7 years, the Holy Grail War pits selected individuals, typically talented magicians or sorcerers, in hopes to gain the favor of the Holy Grail itself. This, in turn, grants them any wish, for either the master or the servant. What if one of the participants is a clueless high school student?
Enter, Emiya Shirou, a clueless high school student, in more
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ways than one. He can be quoted by saying "so people die if they are killed." Being the main character of the visual novel, there isn't much substance to his character. His purpose is to fulfill self-insertation for the viewer. Furthermore, the series is rather faithful to the visual novel by including several flirtatious interactions between Shirou and a number of female characters including Saber, Rin, Sakura and Ilya.
The art and animation of Fate/Stay Night is good, however, the inclusion of computer graphics in some scenes is distinctly out of place. The soundtrack aside from all other aspects is particularly exceptional. Kenji Kawai composes the songs for Fate/Stay Night as well as other more well known Japanese blockbuster movies. The soundtrack is, for the most part, reminiscent a classical requiem. Only some seem prominent during the actual series. However, the soundtrack has considerable redeeming qualities for the animated series. Track 31, titled "La Sola," is a personal favorite.
I believe that this particular adaptation of Fate/Stay Night remains faithful to the visual novel. However, by doing so, it does not engage the viewer as much as it tries to appease fans of the original source material. This limits the total audience and reduces its overall appeal to general fans of animation. Though some elements are done well, it still feels very much disjointed and disconnected at times. It tries too hard to fuse together different genres of comedy, romance, action, and harem.
Despite its misgivings, Fate/Stay Night is fairly unique and fans of the visual novel would appreciate this adaption casually. Stricter viewers may not entirely agree. I thought that the show was enjoyable, however, it does not have too much potential to watch through again.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Aug 2, 2014
Love Hina may be considered by some as a classic. Certainly, it shares many elements that current day animated series in the harem genre. The main character is Keitaro Urashima, a twice-failed entrant into Tokyo University. As he moves in with his grandmother, he finds himself the manager at an all-girls dormitory.
The premise of Love Hina is completely unrealistic, though, it's not meant to be. It is purposely designed to maximize comedic situations between a clueless high school boy and the world of girls he never knew. I suppose a more accurate description of the plot is a youth's journey to discover love in
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the face of infatuation.
The characters, while not caricatures, possess definitive traits. For instance, Shinobu is quiet, reserved and almost typical of an introvert, though she does act outside of her typical personality at times. The show eventually focuses around the relationship between Keitaro and Naru, who are relatively the most ordinary out of the entire cast. Despite the comical nature of the show, the elements of romance does become more apparent as the series progresses. This makes the show much more true to its definition as a romantic comedy than other shows in the harem genre.
Overall, I felt that Love Hina is a light-hearted show that can be enjoyed casually. It strikes a good balance between comedy and romance that few harem shows are able to reach. Regardless, due to the saturation of the genre, I believe that Love Hina is unable to make a lasting impression on today's audience.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Aug 1, 2014
Yakitate!! Japan is the lyrical ballad of Azuma Kazuma as he attempts to champion the world of bread through power of his own hands. Bread, you say? That's right. Bread. Yakitate!! Japan gives light to the merciless stage of baking wrought with hate, love, jealousy, and incidental comedy. It is unlikely that viewers can comprehend the deep nature of baking, fused with technique, skill and inborn talent. Yaktiate!! Japan begs the question, "how many breads have you eaten in your life?"
The story of Yakitate!! Japan is wonderfully refreshing as it parodies the battle/fighting genre in the whackiest manner. Certain scenes go as far as borrowing
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animation stylings of Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon and even Mobile Suit Gundam. Overall, it is a light-hearted series that takes on a life of its own. It is both unexpectedly comical and unexpectedly educational. Fairly in-depth descriptions of different varieties of bread and baking techniques are included throughout the series. The gags, however, work on numerous levels, from simple (and not so simple) to blatantly outrageous, including puns based on the Japanese language. In which case, this may be lost in translation. Still, the overall effect is still retained.
The art is understated, most of the time. However, this helps to create a dramatic contrast when scenes grow to be over the top. This juxtaposition adds to the comical intentions of the series. As for the soundtrack, Taku Iwasaki leads the helm as the composer. He is better known for his contributions to Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuiokuhen. The soundtrack reflects the whimsical nature of the show with clever use of wind and stringed instruments. By composing Yakitate!! Japan, he completes repertoire from samurai to baking bread and samurai who bake bread.
Unfortunately, character development is typically stagnated in this genre, and parodies of this genre. Yakitiate!! Japan falls to these common pitfalls. (Purposefully or in-parody of? I don't know if this was intentional or a natural progression. Though, the greatest parodies might always keep the viewer guessing.) Though Azuma Kazuma is the main character of the show, Kuroyanagi is the star. His love for bread is unparalleled, and is unashamed to demonstrate it. It might be too bold to say, however, any detriment of the show is redeemed by the inclusion of Kuroyanagi in the cast.
Finally, it should be noted that the animated series was unable to keep up with the manga. Yakitate!! Japan's odd 69 episode run was most definitely cut short due to difficulties in production. This ties in with my greatest issue with Yakitate!! Japan, being that it had to end.
P.S. It's hard to make bread. I tried several of them from the show.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jul 31, 2014
Shingeki no Kyojin has been a hugely popular series since its inception as an animated series. Mankind is under attack from the mysterious and equally terrorizing force known as titans. After a spell of peace, the quiet threat has emerged as even more devastating to humanity. The show follows Eren, Mikasa and others as they are set to face the titans head-on.
The story behind Shingeki no Kyojin is both gripping and engaging. The show suddenly throws the viewer into a world with many unanswered questions. What are titans? How can they be defeated and if so, can they ever be defeated entirely? As the
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plot progresses, the cast slowly uncovers hints behind the origins of titans and leaves the viewer desiring more. Both the art and soundtrack of Shingeki no Kyojin are exceptional. As an example, the first opening, "Guren no Yumiya," left a large impression on those in the anime community. The quality of the animation in the series is surprisingly much higher than that of the original work. Significant amounts of details are added to even townspeople and backgrounds.
This being said, Shingeki no Kyojin appears to be a tremendously entertaining title. However, it is not without its own flaws. The main issue is the pacing. The pacing can be slow, excruciating slow, at times. While this can add to tension, it is taken to the extreme. The show includes a 6-episode arc, in a 25-episode series, which does little to push forward the plot. Due to this overall inefficient use of time, character development is almost halted and conflicts between the ranks and government are not fleshed out in a meaningful fashion. From this one deficiency, the quality of the show decreases dramatically and the viewer is left largely disappointed. Ultimately, it feels as if though all of the unanswered questions posed by the show are simply that, unanswered questions.
For those interested in picking up the show, I would highly recommend reading the manga at the same time for more closure.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jul 30, 2014
Daa! Daa! Daa! is the classic story of boy meets girl meets alien baby meets alien babysitter. It has all the elements of a romantic comedy that one could possibly entertain. Miyu and Kanata are junior high school students that find themselves caring for an alien baby, Ruu-chan, with the help of his escort and babysitter, Wannya. For better or for worse, Miyu and Kanata are currently living alone together due to extenuating circumstances.
As a romantic comedy, Daa! Daa! Daa! falls into a formulaic pattern for a majority of its episodes. For example, Miyu and Kanata are trying their hardest to maintain their everyday
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lives and accommodate Ruu-chan as much as possible. However, due to Ruu-chan having supernatural powers, he creates a large stir. Miyu, Kanata and Wannya then are responsible for calming the situation and rescuing Ruu-chan. This affects the plot directly as well as the character development for both Miyu and Kanata. While some episodes bring together Miyu and Kanata closer than just strangers and more like boyfriend and girlfriend, the next seems to completely nullify any development in their relationship status.
Daa! Daa! Daa! is not an unsuccessful series. It has 78 episodes, a testament to its positive reception when it initially aired. It suffers from the same issues longer and even more popular series in the same genre does. Though the plot may be formulaic, it works to provide entertainment usually. Despite the novel premise of the plot, the chemistry and comedic situations between the characters are eventually unmemorable. Regardless, it may be helpful to know that the target audience for this show is likely to be junior high school students or even younger that are looking for an immediate sour of entertainment.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jul 29, 2014
The premise of Soul Eater is fairly straight forward. New students are inducted into an academy for the sole purpose of being soul reapers. As for the particular genre it falls under, it's a little more difficult to say. Soul Eater has elements of a comedy, drama and typical battle/fighting anime. It's whimsical art style seems to indicate that it could be a comedy, particularly the character designs of Death and Excalibur. As a drama, the relationships between Maka and Soul as well as Maka and Chrona could also be explored in a more meaningful way. Finally, the student soul reapers have been shown to
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have a multitude of fighting techniques though this is not developed very well.
Soul Eater appears to have potential to be a greatly entertaining title. However, it's direction takes it from one spectrum to another in a rather distasteful manner. By spreading itself too thin, it cannot be enjoyed to the fullest. Those looking for comedy will lose interest during the fight scenes and vice versa.
The focus of the characters seems to be off kilter as well. While Maka Albarn is the main character, she gets significantly less air time than the other students until much later in the series. Black Star, Kid and even Excalibur are more memorable characters and make better use of their time than Maka. Finally, when she is the main focus, I find her annoying and boring in comparison.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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