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Story: 10

One of the first things I am going to do when starting off with this review, is to explain some things that people might not know, that if one goes into the Manga, that knowing will help one enjoy the read a lot more. If one is familiar with the Japanese culture, then one will likely already be familair with the setting and senario, and have an understanding of why the things go on as they do.

Here in America, and other European cultures, there is a high reguard towards the concept of individualism, so being really different and good at something is not a bad thing. However, over in Japan, the culture revolves around the group, rather then the individul, thus someone who can't be a part of the group gets left out.

And that basically sums up Cat Street. It is a bunch of kids so individualistic, that they end up being left out because of it, even at times frowned upon because they can't convert to the societal norms. Sometimes it is because they are made fun of, sometimes it is simply because they don't feel like they fit in.

That is the true charm in the storyline of Cat Street, that it deals with these feelings, of dreams, up and downs of life. Most stories that tell about acting, singing, being a famous star of some kind or another, they leave out the nitty gritty and focus mostly on the good times, but Cat Street gives good dosages in each.

Art:

The art... the artist was great at depicting the feelings of the characters to an extreme. All the changes were there, including as time passed on. The detail on making each character look different worked very well, and one can distinquish places and things.

Characters:

At times, the main character can seem wishywashy, but one has to look at the fact of how she lived her life for the past years... shut up in a box. One goes and grows with her and the other characters, and it build strong contectiosn with the characters.

This was one of those novels that I had to put down and come back to, because there were points that I felt like something really bad would happen to the characters I had come to know and love. I didn't want their friendships to end. And bad things did happen to them, but good things did too.

There is a whole bunch of wonderful conections in the Manga, between the characters, and it is fun to follow the strings of how their relationships developed.

Enjoyment:

I fell in love with this work, and I am not a romance buff. I was rooting for the character the whole time.

Overall:

If you are the kind who can't stand your favorite characters that you love having the simplist life hurts happen, it possibly isn't for you. But it is drawing and compelling. read more

Story: 8

For the most part, the storyline is good. It is well thought out, and even original, and rather enjoyable. However, there is a thing about the first episode of Higurashi no Naku ni Rei. It doesn't quite fit with the rest of the Higurashi no Naku that we know.

How to put it, it seems more like something we might see from "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya." Or maybe one of the random Omake from the end of Bleach This isn't a bad thing, but if one has come to expect something from a fandom, it might come across as an actual shock to the system.

It doesn't quite fit, and one might feel that there were things let out, and that some things are overly exagerated. Enjoyable, yes, but probabbly not one expected. The thing is, before one makes the judgement of the OVA, don't drop it on the first one simply because it is different. It becomes more familiar as one goes.

Art 8:

The art is very good, what one expects from Higurashi.

Sound 7:

To me... the sound... was awsume, but... it wasn't the same as Higurashi, or it was to simular. It kind of bothered me.

Character 10:

This is one of the reasons I stuck around past the first episode. I love the characters. They are well developed and have their own personalities. One also sees a huge what if situation here too, seeing an alternative world that one could see and get ahold of.

Enjoyment 8:

As much as I enjoyied the whole thing, I found the first episode, not what I had expected.

Overall: 9

It's a good series. Yes, I knocked down way low on some things, but really... it was for things that were very particular, and mostly dealt with that one first episode. Don't get me wrong, it was good, and did lead up to the next episode, but it was also odd... so be forewarned.

NOTE: If you are wondering how the two "no Naku" worlds tie in, there is a clue dropped in the OVA. read more

Story: 7 - I will personally say, it is rather hard to top Diamond Dust Rebellion story wise. Because of the previous movie, I actually came in... expecting a little bit more then what is given. The story line, while interesting, came across as nothing really spectacurlarly new for the world of Bleach.

Art: 10 - I found the artwork to be what one would expect for this particular animel, and that I had expected.

Sound: 10 - Same with the sound.

Character: 6 - We don't get to love all our favorite characters even more here. Even Rukia really doesn't get any character depth added to her. The only ones possibly that do are the sixth and twelth division captains, but that is possibly because we tend to see so little of them.

Enjoyment: 8 - Not what I hoped for, definatly, but the emotions did pull at one, and the humor that was there, was histarical.

Overall: 7 - This movie could have had a lot more put into it then it did have, truth be told. It doesn't have the same charm that the rest of the Bleach fandom does, which was dissapointing, but it does work to feed the fan bliss craze, if one thinks about it. read more

Story 6:

The storyline of "Asura Cryin' " happens to be one that has a lot of detail and a lot of planning to it. However, it is one of those storylines that as good as it might be, was definatly not executed to the best ability. On top of this, there are a few things that one should know before they watch the anime.

One of the things that is problematic is that the storyling does not flow well, there are constant flashbacks, and important details that help the anime to run are revealed at intervals that are not always the best time for them to come into play.

Another thing is some of the humor that is crammed into the storyline. While some of the humor is actually funny, some of it is not that funny, or it happens to be put in at the wrong time, or the humor is not needed for the story to run along. Some of the humor is sex related.

Another thing is, "Asura Cryin' " is not really about the occult, and not really about the church. It is really a fantasy version of the two, where magic, demons, and mechas exist. Yes, I said mecha... technollogy actually plays a big role in this, which was not something I was expecting. But the way they work together is a nice asspect, however, not exactly executed to the best ability.

Art: 7

I may be the only one, but I was in a way disturbed that two of the male characters had a bang of hair that was longer then the rest of their hair, like double the length, if not more. The art work, which is beuatiful, had been given a down trodding by such things as this that just don't seem in place, or they have a wierd effect.

Sound: 10

The sound on this is supreme. The opening and ending is beuatifully done, not to mention that the voice actors are fairly good. The sound effects also work into it well.

Character: 9

Another strong point in "Asura Cryin' " is the numbers of different characters that are within the work, and the depth that has gone into them. Problem is, we only get a glimpse of them overall.

Enjoyment: 8

I had to say I enjoyied the anime for it's relativly neat ideas and concepts here, though I was disapointed by the way the storyline was executed, it seemed sporadic and disconjealed.

Overall: 7

This Anime is definatly not going to be for everyone. As stated above, it will have it's problems. But if one overlooks, or is even forewarned about the storylines... ddity... they might be able to get through it. read more

Story: 9

Not very many anime have made me cry, feeling sad, yet feel so overwhelmingly happy about the story. It reminds me of some of my favorite books, where one falls in love with the characters and can feel almost what they feel. While there is so much more I want to know, this gives a great set up for the full lenght Anime coming out.

Art: 8

The art work was crisp. The details were exceltent. I enjoyied the realism of the buildings, and the designs on some of the more ornate objects. Won't go into them as this might provide spoilers. The world is in darkness, but it is placed into a blue hue, so that it is neither scary, nor is it hard to tell details on.

Sound: 10

I have a bias here... I have always been a huge fan of the style of music presented in here, it is both haunting, yet somehow soothing at the same time, which fits this fully.

Character: 6

I personally think that we'll get more character development in the Anime, but we might not. We are only given a small glimpse of the characters, but as this is a special, that is to be expected, isn't it? The characters are still lovable and filled with personality. It is just not much there.

Enjoyment: 8

I was jerked to tears. I had thought, alright, this is going to be one of those happy go lucky Anime's at first, but then I came to the conclusion that it wasn't, and that it was a very thought provoking piece, which makes me wonder if the Anime coming out will be the same.

Overall: 9

I was mondo impressed. For such a short peice, and such a well developed world, they got a lot into the special here. Also, it drew on the emotions in just the right way, allowing one to sypathize with the characters. It is also a rather mellow story, but beuitiful none the less! :) read more

Story: 8

Mahou Shoujo Tai Arusu is one of those animes where the storyline can, for the most part keep you intriged and wanting the next episode, as each small episode ends in a cliff hanger for the most part. The story overall in itself is genius, and except for a few things is very likable. So, what isn't likable about the storyline?

The thing about Mahou Shoujo Tai Arusu is that it likes to slam the reader over the head with 'ideas'. For example, there are messages that become apparent in some of the episodes. One is that we depend to much on technollogy. The other is that evoulution is true, which might upset people who either refuse to believe it, or hate it when it isn't treated like a theory.

And the overall theme is peace instead of violence. The problem with this message, is human nature itself has always had to have a balance of these two. Of course, this is a story where there needs to be a happy ending, so this in a way works.

Art: 7

The art in here is experimental in the style. There is a lot of detail in their, but in the same time, not a lot. For example, there is detail put into the intricate designs of the costumes and clothing, but the hair and other things lack texture, and it isn't blocked in, not to mention that shadow for visual depth is lacking, giving the anime a kind of haunted look.

And some of the techniques don't quite fit. For example, when the characters cry, their tears become really sparkly and look more three dimentional shadow wise then anything else. Other times, one is given a wierd effect as they distort things visualy.

Also, flash back are flash backs, flashing in and out for a few seconds. While this fits with the mood and theme of the anime, it should be warned here... if you run the chance of having siezures, you may not want to watch this anime, even if you might find it delightful.

Sound: 10

The sound was haunting, action packed, and fit the moods as they came and went. The score was beutiful and is one of the highlights of this anime.

Character: 10

Part of the enjoyment of the characters is that, if it isn't am unnamed character, they are given lots of attention to detail on the designs of the characters. The second part of the enjoyment is the depth behind hte characters. Each has a very distinct personality, which actually helps the storyline along, and to go into depth about the characters would spoil the actual story.

Enjoyment: 8

While I rather enjoyied this, there was a point where I had to put down the anime. The main reason is, I got annoyied at the time with Alice's overly positive attitude at that time. However, I met characters that I really liked later on, others that I knew I was meant to hate.

Overall: 7

This isn't going to be for everyone. Some will take one look at the art style and choke. Others will get fed up with Alice's attitude of positiveness, while others will not like things bashed over their head. But it is at least worth watching for a bit to from ones own opinion... read more

Story: 10

Obvious clue of intrest can be told from the Movie's title, that the storyline will deal with Holmes. This asspect of the storyline for Detective Conan fans is a good thing, because if you know Conan/Shinji, you know that he is a major Conan Doyal fan.

Also, there is the odd technollogy which does not exist yet, the virtual reality system. This is a change from most Detective Conan storylines as we are dealing with something that has not come into being yet. For the most part, new technollogies are introduced as possibilities when they become possibilities, so this adds an interesting effect. Even Dr. Asaga's inventions have some bases in current reality.

Also, the story line is quite involved with the details of who when and why, the clues being dropped all throughout the virtual reality world. If one doesn't yet know about Sherlock Holmes, I do suggest learning somethings, as that would make the movie even more enjoyable then it is.

Art: 10

I loved the renditions of the art work. The big feature in this one was London. The details are just how I've seen them in picture books, including Big Ben, the clock tower in all its full glory. Also, there are some funnies that got programmed into the virtual reality game, but you will have to keep your eye out for them.

Sound: 9

There was enough new sounds that I felt like I was actually transported along with Conan and the others. The electronic noises and some of the music were really nice to hear and made for a nice change in pase.

Characters: 10

There were quite a few unique individuals here, including four new kids who Conan meets at the sneek peak release of the virtual game. They have... for the most part, a good deal of development along the way character wise, as because they are rich kids, they are a tad snobby.

Enjoyment: 10

I enjoyed a lot of it, getting to see Sherlock Holmes, and even one of my favorite murder mysteries that still remains unsolved even to day. I happen to love how they handled the theory about the murderer and worked it into the plotline. Who is it and what did they do? I really can't tell as that would be a major spoiler in itself, and I... who tends to not mind spoilers, was glad this one wasn't spoiled for me.

Overall: 9

While I think most people would actually like this, I am thinking there might be some people who might have a problem with the truthfully non existant technollogy in here, but that, along with the Sherlock Holmes theme, helps to make this movie as great as it was. Plus... think about it... if Dr. Asaga can create the devices he can, the virtual reality system could certainly exist too. read more

Story: 10

One might think that the idea or inspiration for this movie came from the 911 attacks, however, this is not so, the same way as Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers had no relation. This was released in April of that same year, so it was months before the attack happened.

Why the comparison to the attacks? Well, because for one thing there are a few simularities and second, one might feel a bit of nolstalgia from this movie, a good kind, as... well, the thing about detective mysteries, it is very rare that the detective gets to die, so you know that there is a happy ending, which is nice in comparision to the 911 attacks.

Art: 9

It had beautiful art work in this. I loved for example, the design for the two towers, and I also liked the paintings of the painter. There are other things I liked about the art, but hey... that would kind of give spoilers for the movie.

Sound: 7

This one didn't have much varience from the typical Detective Conan score, not from what I could see.

Characters: 8

How to go about this without spoiling things. I have to say that the murder in this happened to have such a beautiful, dramatic reasoning behind it, but murder is still murder. It was one that I have to say I definatly liked.

I loved how Sonako is rather concerned with her looks, but when isn't she? I also liked how quite a few of the canon characters, expessully Ran and Conan get their kicks of heroics. Sherry is as always, her pesimistic self.

I am seriously trying to think of things to say that doesn't give away the plotline here. The new characters almost have no character development along the way, until the very end. So that is a problem.

Enjoyment: 10

My enjoyment was high, but I related this to the 911 tradgedy. And it wasn't like it was, oh... they based this on 911, but I did wonder and go research that small detail there. I had to say that I was rather impressed with the action scenes too. I can't tell much as for this one it would give away the plot line... and for murder mystery, that can be a bad thing.

Overall: 8

For this movie, I would say that a lot of people might like it, but there are going to be a few people who don't, might call it clique. Some people might go and say that it is based of 911 and they are trying to make money off of it, much like someone did with the Two Towers Movie for Lord of the Rings.

I also wonder if this is going to be brought over here, or if they might skip bringing the movie over here. Or if they will release the third and forth movies in time, they will be able to release this in time for the tenth anaversary of 911, which to me would be cool, but for some people, they might not like it. read more

Story: 5

Let me pose a question to the reader of this review. Does a good storyline need obscene humor to make it good? No, what it needs is good plotlines. To say the least, I felt the overall concept of Love Hina, a guy getting stuck in charage of basically a bording house and not able to pass the entrance exams to be an awsume storyline.

However, I found the execution of the storyline to be overiddled with panty shots, panty humor, and to be a tad bit sexist. Actually... make that a lot sexist. Then again, I am a female who ended up watching this because of a bunch of boys at my school, and I know that while a few panty humor scenes are funny, to many are derogatory and can lose the charm.

If you want it for the panty shots and such, then this storyline is definatly for you, but truth be told, what could have been a really good storyline gets overloaded with this kind of stuff, which is a dissapointed. I think there is ten at least in each episode, if not more. Not to mention I hear the English version was edited.

Art: 8

What I have to give to Love Hina is it's art style. I will openly admit to being a tad jelous of those girls looks. There is not one ugly one amoung them, unless you count the guys relative. Thing too though... is it actually possibly to have all beautiful women in the same house. I mean, at least one of them should at least be average.

Sound: 8

I remember it being humerous and fitting for the anime. Other then that... I really can't recollect much as it really didn't stand out to me. I am more of an artsy person and I tend to be tone death.

Character: 7

I personally think there are to many characters to keep track of for one thing. Also, while the personalities on the characters are awsume, I would for one thing think that they would get an idea of the true personality of the guy after a certain amount of time, but no... they tend to jump to conclusions. They also seem to run heavily on sterotypes, which runs down the true charm behind them.

Enjoyment: 8

I have to say that Love Hina is addictive to watch, it is no wonder guys like it so much. But it really had no storyline whatso ever and it is very humor driven. And I didn't find everything funny... the raiting is more of for the momments I did find funny.

Overall: 7

I could say that Love Hina is overated, but for the kind of Anime it is supposed to be, I have to say it isn't. One shouldn't go into this anime looking for a good storyline. One needs to go in looking for a good, possibly perverted laugh. Yes... I have to wonder still about how perverted the guys I was with were, and how much they were not after watching this. I see them as the type with playboy bunny magazines and such.

That is who I think that this show is aimed for, NOT for girls like me, but guys that need a hormonal fetish fullfilled perhaps.

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Pandoras Hearts is one of those Mangas that has a great storyline with great parts to it, but also some things that can drive the reader nuts.

Story: 6

I found the new use of shingami in the manga to be very unique, unique in the fact that the soul reapers so to speak, aren't really dead souls in the asspect that we usually see, like in Shifumi Letters or Bleach. This was a plus when I first started watching the Anime, which drew me to the Manga.

Also, the storyline is chalk full of references to Alice in Wonderland. Many of the characters and chains are based off of characters from the book, and if you have read the books or seen any of the adaptations, this too might also draw one in.

I also saw a resemblance to the short Manga, Fairy Cube. The re are small elements in there that fit into both, like the stuffed rabbit toy, the small girl, or even the fact that there is a raven based being in both of these peices of work. Perhaps Pandora was influenced. In fact, it is likely that Pandora is highly influenced by a lot of things.

Normally, this would get the story a eight or higher, but I came across the problem of the fact that there are some rather dry cliques and humor running about that tend to get dragged out to the extreme, to the point at times of annoyance. I wish not to go into them as that would rather ruin the story.

Art: 8

The art is lovely, and well done, but there are a few times that it gets a little bit sloppy. This tends to be more noticible if one comes from an Anime that has brushed up and covered these mistakes up. And to note, I've studied art, so I could possibly be nitpicking things, but there were a few points where, even though I enjoy the art work pretty much, there were times I was a bit turned off. But then I'd come across an extremely good peice and it would go back and forth..

Character: 7

Gilbert is my favorite character. You learn early on that he has problems beliving in himself and his abilities, not to mention self esteme issues. He is also very loyal, yet also very childish, for which he gets made fun of. One also learns that his outward appearance doesn't exactly match his inner, but this isn't something one learns until later on.

Alice is another one of my favorite characters. Most of the really good humor comes from her, Gilbert or the Uncle, but mostly her. She also has a majorly firy temper that one can find quite enjoyable. Her self pity moments are rather logical, as she has been trapped in the abyss for so long.

What isn't so good is our main hero. Sure, he is all spunky and happy go lucky in the beging of the Manga, but when he takes an angst trip, boy does he take them. One needs to be forewarned that there might be times that one might want to strangle him for these reasons. There are also a few other such problems too, that brings a really good character cast down from normal.

Enjoyment: 9

Despite the problems in the Manga, I find I am enjoying the storyline very well. It is unique enough that one wants to find out the ending and to see where the author takes the reader on this journey.

Overall: 8

One needs to be fully forewarned, as great as Pandoras Heart is, there are going to be times when one may or may not get frustrated with the storyline. I know I have and I have had to put it down, cool down a bit, and come back. Particularly when the main character has gone into his angsty moments. read more