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Dec 9, 2014
Hakushaku to Yousei is a very creative and heartwarming novel series written by Tani Mizue. It tells the stories of a fairy doctor, Lydia Carlton, her employer Edgar, and his friend and servant, the mysterious Raven. Every book tells a different story, focusing on the mysteries involving many kinds of fairies and magic.
They are all unique, and our protagonists encounters a lot of interesting characters along the way.
HakuYou is set in the victorian England, making it even more interesting. It's described very beautifully, and I can always see a picture in my head of how the scene looks like, imagining Lydia's beautiful dress and Edgar's
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elegant suit. With earls, princes and castles, HakuYou paints up a beautiful picture of an amazing way of living. This, combined with the heart-tickling stories about fairies and fogmen, makes a very unique shoujo novel series.
Lydia makes a great heroine, being quite level-headed with no intention of getting deceived. This is brought up repeatedly because of our hero, Edgar's, flirtatious manners. Holding on to the thought of him only being a liar, Lydia is able to keep her distance to him despite all his statements of being fond of her.
Edgar himself is hard not to like, however, and it's hard to understand what he's thinking. He's almost as big a mystery as the many events taking place in this fairytale, and makes the story amusing in many ways. Girls easily fall for his gentleman facade, if not for his handsome face. I can't even count all the times where people have been enchanted by his blonde hair and ash mauve eyes. Lydia seems to be the only one who's not really that impressed by Edgar, and that might just be what caught his interest in the first place.
The third protagonist, Raven, brings a lot to the story as well. He's a "kuudere", and keeps a very cool attitude throughout the series. Like most of the characters in HakuYou, he's a very interesting character and has a lot more to him than what meets the eye.
Lydia's companion is just as charming, as he happens to be a tea drinking fairy cat with a suit, appearing as quite a gentleman although he can have quite a bad mouth. His suspicions about Edgar are just as bad as Lydia's, and he won't trust him in the very least. Despite this, he will sometimes realize that the earl can do better than anticipated.
Other characters are introduced in every book, and many of them are great, but these four are the ones writing the story. It's impossible not to like them, as the split personalities makes a great team when it really comes to it.
The amazing illustrations are all drawn by Takaboshi Asako, and the elegant style fits the theme perfectly. Every picture is remarkably beautiful, with many details while still keeping the "fairytale-ish" feeling. The faces of Edgar and Lydia will be etched inside your head while reading the story, as will the cool Raven and the tea-drinking Nico. Takaboshi's artwork is just as enchanting as the story itself.
This was my first light novel series, and how I love it. There's that little something about Hakushaku no Yousei that I find so very attracting, and that is probably the enchanting, mysterious, fairytale-like storytelling with unique characters in a beautiful setting.
Whenever I read this story I can feel how my heart's warming up, it's like gaining new friends in every chapter.
If this was convincing enough, then I would like for you as well to share the adventures of the clever fairy doctor and the deceiving earl!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Dec 8, 2014
You might already have noticed that Ore Monogatari is not your common shoujo manga, and I would like to give a more detailed review so that more people starts reading this despite the hideous face on the cover. Believe me, this manga is really something!
Ore Monogatari is a shoujo comedy that fits most people's tastes, maybe because it's not like anything else you've read. However, if you're struggling with the idea of a gorilla looking protagonist, you could need some time to consider.
That shouldn't be too much of a bother, though, because Takeo is hilarious. This manga shows that looks really doesn't matter.
Storywise Oregatari focuses
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on the same thing most shoujo manga do, and that is romance and comedy. Both of them are equally good in this story, and makes it really enjoyable. As the story keeps going, you'll find yourself fall in love with it more than expected.
The drama is the exact kind of drama you'd see in most shoujo manga, however, it's a little special in this manga because of our hero. There will be many misunderstandings, but it's cute and you'll definitely enjoy it!
Takeo makes a great protagonist, being very caring yet easily misunderstood because of his looks. You might think of him as a comedy relief, but he's got lots of good points (and this comes from a girl who adores bishounen). Eventually you will fall in love with him as well, you'll want to encourage him, and comfort him when things go wrong.
However, Takeo is of course not the only reason to read Oregatari, believe it or not!
The heroine, Yamato, is a very sweet and timid girl. You've probably seen her character many times before, but she's got something special to her as well. You'll realize what after you start reading.
Suna, Takeo's best friend, sounds like a real bother when introduced to you, but he's actually a really attractive character. For some reason, he's pretty pulled-back and doesn't show much emotion towards people other than Takeo. However, when you see him laugh together with his friend, you'll fall in love with him too. These three makes a great and refreshing trio.
Other than them, there are other characters like Suna's sister or Yamato's friends who all contributes to the story. Takeo will encounter more people on the way, and in the end, everyone will enjoy his company realizing that he's not as scary as he looks.
The overall art is adorable, you'll see a lot of pretty faces besides the main characters. Oh, haha, and then there's Takeo!
Takeo is drawn pretty roughly, but you'll soon get used to it and learn to love his character. His face is quite amusing, actually. The girls are really cute, and the style fits perfectly for a shoujo manga. There's nothing to complain about, actually. It's great!
I'm enjoying this manga a lot. I started reading it just recently, but it's really fun and you can't help but like it. Take a look at Takeo's face and then start reading it!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 4, 2014
Kanojo ga Flag wo Oraretara, "If her Flag Breaks", is looked upon as the most time wasting anime of spring 2014. And trust me, I do understand why. However, for some reason, this was one of the animes that I enjoyed the most. I want to explain why, so, here's a review of someone who actually liked this so called flop.
The novel is the most known work by it's creator, Takei Touka, and has received a couple of manga adaptions. However, that doesn't mean that it's well-known. I must say that I'm surprised it actually got an anime adaption, but I'm sure they had something
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in mind. And I'm happy I got to know this story.
The story starts of like any harem comedy, which is probably why some people can't stand it. Other than our protagonist's strange power, it doesn't have any other special treats. The thing about flags is a quite original idea, and it was really entertaining even though it was pretty silly.
However, we're told pretty soon that something's off, which is probably the main thing that keeps the interest. Other than that, the comedy was actually quite enjoyable, having me laugh out loud in every episode. The harem is really big, and some characters are seen less than others, but all of them have their own characteristics which makes them special in one way or another. However, they have one thing in common; they reeeaaally love Souta. This was something that could get highly annoying at some points, seeing how everyone loses their heads when they're with him.
The reason I kept watching was probably since it was really funny, one of the very few animes that makes me laugh even when I'm all alone watching it. Also, I really liked some of the characters.
It was really late, but suddenly, the main story broke free, releasing a huge plot twist that really messes with your head. I never thought that I'd get confused while watching Gaworare, I never did. It was probably since it was so unexpected that I enjoyed it so much, but I actually do think it was quite good. The character relations were nicely handled on this point too, I was more than satisfied at the end. Although some parts of the "serious" story were just as silly as the rest of the show, I did enjoy it, and it raised my score a lot.
My favourite character was Akane, right from the start. She's by Souta's side through the whole show, and she really deserved the ending she got. Just like most characters in this show, she's really stupid whenever it comes to Souta, but she's still very charming and really cute.
The most outstanding character would still be Nanami, though, the most noted heroine with a cute personality. I got really happy when her true role was revealed. This really sorted out the character relations, and she kept her important role while still being a good character.
The other characters also have their roles, some being a little more noted than others. As an example I want to bring up Ruri, who I experienced being more of a witness, watching over the whole story and only making a move now and then. Her character was quite a mysterious one, which made her even more appealing even though she was a robot. This was really interesting.
I do have one complaint though, and that would be the old granny looking like a baby. This is one step over the line, but her aside, everyone were really nice characters.
Hatate Souta was a good protagonist, starting of as a depressing view and developing into a hero who really wants to save everyone. He does question some of the characters' actions, but he treats everyone like his friends and we know that his life would be less cheerful if everyone wasn't in it. His actions in the final scene were really touching.
To be honest, I do think that "Kanojo ga Flag wo Tateru Wake" is one of the best ending songs of spring 2014. The melody is sweet and really nice to listen to, I never skipped it while watching the anime, and I'm actually listening to it while writing this review. Also, the illustrations that were shown within those 1:30 seconds were really beautiful. The opening was cute as well, although I didn't find it as good as appealing as the ending.
Voice actors were nice, they fit their characters and I have no complaints. Ohsaka Ryota, Souta's VA, was a great fit. And once again, our sweet little Hanazawa Kana made a great job as the trap.
The character designs were really really nice, all girls (and the trap!) were cute and had different hairstyles and features. I liked all the colours that were used in this series, they were bright and cheerful, making you happy while watching. But as soon as we reach the depressing parts, the screen gets gray and dull, making us feel just as down as the character in focus. I also want to point out that the school uniform was adorable.
Other than that, the art was really pleasant, fitting the theme with it's infinite cuteness.
The BGs were at most times very well done, I especially liked how they portrayed the sea. Blue colours were a favourite.
With this said, I really did enjoy this show despite it's silliness. Even though it was really stupid at times, I could still laugh at it, which is important to me. As I was able to enjoy both the comedy and the "serious story", I want to give this show 7.5 in score, but since decimals are a 'no-no', I'll score it with an 8. So keep this in mind; this anime was not a complete flop, since I was able to enjoy it to this extent.
… Or maybe that just means that it really is a flop.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 3, 2014
Hitsugi no Chaika is based on a novel written by Sakaki Ichirou, whose "Outbreak Company" made a hit in the fall season last year. However, if you're expecting a moe comedy with big-chested kemomimis you will not find what you're looking for in Hitsugi no Chaika!
The story of Chaika and her coffin starts off with a BANG, we only get a few seconds to get to learn the protagonist Acura Tooru before the heroine makes her entrance with a bloodthirsty unicorn after her. Right here, the big adventure has already started.
The story follows Chaika, Tooru and his sister Akari with yet another companion on their
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hunt for body parts. Yes, you heard me, body parts. These body parts happens to be leftovers from a late emperor, and of course these are very valuable and powerful. However, our lovable heroine's only wish is to gather >her father's< leftovers and bury him. Simple? Not by far. If you couldn't guess, Chaika is not the only one who wants these body parts. Yet, this is not all the story has to offer.
Our protagonists are a fun bunch of people with their own characteristics and personalities that make them fun in their own way. While Tooru's character is a very common one, it's hard not to like him in some way. The most interesting character is of course Chaika though, with her lovable innocence and incoherent way of speaking. She's pure as an iris, yet she's quite strong when it comes to magic. Akari is quite charming too, with her sarcastic tone and huge brother complex, but she's not anywhere close to Chaika.
Alongside our heroes are yet another set of characters we get to know, giving us a chance to bond with the opposite side. I would not like to call them enemies, but they do want to put an end to Chaika's little journey. These are not evil people with fangs and big breasts, they are people who do what they think is right and they have their own problems they struggle with.
I was quite fond of this side of the story.
As the story progresses, more and more secrets surfaces, and the mysteries raves about our heads. It is when the story gets more and more complex and the main characters begin to realize that there's something they don't know, that it really starts to get interesting. The studio made a good job keeping the tension up, and no episode was particularly boring. However, some short arcs could have been made a little more interesting. Otherwise, the main story is really not bad.
The character design never ceases to fascinate me, Chaika is adorable and her dress is very creative and detailed. Some designs may seem a little weird, but they were definitely original and interesting to look at. It was nice that some of them were really colourful and really stands out from the environment.
The animation is really nice, but since the animation quality has risen so much recently, it's hard to tell if it's that much better than many others. However, there weren't really anything that I found unpleasant, so I can't complain about it.
Something I loved was the beautiful backgrounds and the many colours we see in certain moments. They give a great impression of the fantasy world we're supposed to be in, and it hits me right in the heart. In one scene close to the end, I had to take several screenshots just because the artwork was so beautiful.
However, in "unimportant" scenes, the colours are pretty dull and not really that sparkling, so it has it's ups and downs.
Chaika's incoherent sentences was voiced by Anzai Chika, a name I had never heard about earlier. However, she did a great job and the voice fit perfectly. Most voices in HnK were unknown to me which was nice for once. Of course I have my favorites, but it's always nice to welcome new voices, and they were all talented and played their roles well.
The music was fine, even though it was not the best I've heard this season, it's listenable. The opening theme is literally stabbing you in the chest with a sharp melody that fits the show's darker sides, and the ending follows the same theme but with a slightly softer voice. The opening and ending animation was quite nice and fitting, but I mostly skipped it since I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
With a charming heroine and a complex story, I give Hitsugi no Chaika an 8 for one of the best series in spring 2014.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 19, 2014
I want to start by telling you this: Sayonara September is a swedish manga written by a swedish author, and is not yet available in english. I have no idea who put it up on MAL, but since it's here, I want to give it a fair review.
I'm sorry if my english has any flaws.
Story:
As you can read in the synopsis, it's about young Alex who moves to a new city and starts studying in a comic school. It starts of innocent like that, a lot of comedy and character introductions. However, it's in the second volume that the story gets serious. SS goes from
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"funny" to "depressing", and we learn about our heroine's past, which is not a happy story. I completely love how the story develops.
Art:
SS was written and illustrated by one of my favourite artists ever, Åsa Ekström. Her style is unique and I really can't find any flaws in it. I'd recognize her style from miles away. The character designs are realistic, while they fit in the world of manga and the backgrounds are also really nicely done. Nothing is bad.
Character:
All characters in this series plays their part. Everyone in the main get their time in the spotlight, as their pasts are brought up. Their personalities differs from every person, from the energetic Alex to the pulled-back Lillian, the super-gay but lovable Christoffer to the supporting Janne who really can't draw at all. As the story continues, new characters with their own unique personality are introduced and plays their part in the story. The relations between them changes and develops more and more, in ways that will both break and heal your heart.
Enjoyment:
I enjoyed every second reading this, every page. I have all three books in my bookshelf, and if anyone is interested in reading this, I might take my time to scanlate them for you. This story is great, and I'd recommend it to anyone. However, I have to point out that it contains both yuri and yaoi, as well as straight sex.
Overall: A straight ten.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Oct 13, 2013
Okay, I decided a long time ago that my first review would go to Fruits Basket, so I guess it's about time. Before I start I want to say two things:
First of all, I finished Furuba almost a year ago, but I re-read a few chapters from time to time, and I still remember almost everything.
And second of all, my english may not be the best, so don't be surprised if there's something that sounds weird.
Story - 9/10
At first, it's not really something special. It's a cute girl who meets a family who turns into cute animals when they hug people. Cute.
However, that's not
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all there is to Furuba. This whole story isn't about people turning into animals, so don't stop reading before you understand that.
Furuba's story is darker than it seems. There are secrets, tragedies and unsolved mysteries that turned this 'cute' manga into something much deeper, something you'll remember for the rest of your life. And what's even more remarkable is that, despite all these tragedies and all this despair, everything gets a happy end. I admit it, I cried my eyes out.
Art - 9/10
At first, I was thinking about giving it 8, but then I thought about one of my favourite pages, one where you see Katsuya holding little Tohru and smiling, and realized how much I love this style.
Natsuki Takaya is, without a doubt, one of my favourite mangakas, and her style goes through a huge transformation between the first and the last book. Another thing you can't help but notice between book 1 and book 23 is how the characters have grown. If we take my favourite character, Kyo, as an example, I didn't notice until I started comparing. And wow, she's really done a great job here! Even when they're all grown up, you have no problem telling who the characters are. This gets an extra point from me, cuz I just happen to love to see characters grow up (and sometimes get a family, like in Clannad or Itazura na Kiss)
So, art is a 9.
Character - 10/10
This is doubtless the best part of Fruits Basket. The characters.
Let's start of with the main characters.
Tohru is probably one of my favourite shoujo heroines of all time. I've seen people who find her hard to believe, but in my point of view, it doesn't matter. Manga isn't reality, so she makes an excellent protagonist. She is sweet, helpful, a little slow, but with a heart of gold. Nuff said.
Kyo and Yuki were also good characters. I can say that now.
Kyo was my favourite right from the start, which is probably on of the reasons to why I disliked Yuki. He's acts mean and sometimes violent, but he really cares about Tohru (an excellent tsundere, that is). Yuki seems perfect at a first glance, but later you realize that he's not like you thought. After 23 books, I didn't hate him anymore.
However, the supporting characters are just as important as the main. They all have their own problems and personalities, and you get to see them work everything out, with the help of our lovable heroine. Everything gets a happy end, and I can only think of two (fairly important) characters who didn't fall in love.
In the end, you'll like at least one or two.
Enjoyment - 10/10
I love Furuba with all of my heart. It did take me a lot of time to finish it, since I read online with a bad internet connection, but in the end I'm so happy I did. There were so many moments and characters that touched my heart, and in the end I was crying like a little baby. The best manga I've ever read since the day I was born.
Overall - 10/10
Everything that needs to be said has been said. Wonderful story, beautiful artwork, and lovable characters. I'd recommend Fruits Basket to everyone I know.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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