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May 25, 2017
Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou is an ideal show if you're looking for something with immediate satisfaction and minimal time commitment. This slice of life well illustrates the thoughts and actions of high school adolescence. And although it debuted in 2012, the show has aged well and can be re-watched time and time again.
Danshi Koukousei strays away from high school anime cliches and has you fondly remembering those responsibility-free years. The gags and slapstick is in the forefront with the story plot peaks out behind the back seat. What's nice about the various skits in each episode is that they slowly continue as the episodes go
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on. But of course the episodes can be viewed out of order and still be enjoyable. Danshi Koukousei is unapologetic about depicting awkward high school boys and girls. It's refreshing to watch characters worry about their sibling's unkempt rage rather than an overused romance trope. Their insecurities, hesitations and flaws ground them in their animated reality. However, because the scenes are comedy-driven, if Japanese style humor is not to your taste it can be difficult to fully appreciate the comedy. (Story: 8)
As short episodic shows go, art is rarely the forte. The characters are simply shaded and the backgrounds often have generic scenery or patterned tone backgrounds when focusing on a character. With that said, the animation does not cut corners on character movements compared to other short series. It’s a fair amount of effort coloring and animating the series, considering the attention 4-Koma length shows usually receive. It may not be the most memorable art style, but it’s hard to forget the spiky hairdos of our “delinquent” friends. (Art: 8)
The music score for Danshi Koukousei, is memorable, but not necessarily because of its musical finesse. There isn’t much to say other than that it’s meant to be amateur-ish, with comedians in the singers' position. The opening and ending songs stay consistent throughout the run. The opening is an upbeat number and the ending imitates a student-created song fit for the school play. Aside from that and the spoken segues, the other sounds involve cicadas and guitar strums (Sound: 7)
Hidenori and Yoshitake are undoubtedly the stars of the show. They are often the center of drama due to their larger than life personalities. Mostly their dynamic is thanks to the voice actor duo, Sugita Tomokazu and Suzumura Kenichi. From their performance in Gintama (as Gintoki and Okita), they naturally transition to another slap stick comedy together, with Sugita’s Gintoki clearly shining underneath Hidenori's actions. However, the side characters in Danshi Koukousei were just as memorable, with their fair share of screen time. It’s easy to sympathize with the other boys because they are often the ones picking up the pieces. They gain depth beyond their given archetypes and shine in separate spin-offs. (Character: 9)
It’s now been five years since this series came out, and yet the series ages well. It can be re-watched multiple times and still cause ceaseless chuckles. Personally, this show has brightened some gloomy days as the characters become endearing old friends. The show is meant to be laughed out loud while evoking universal reminiscence of childhood. Danshi Koukousei thoroughly makes fun of itself and the slice of life genre. It sets itself apart by leaving out the drama and presenting unadulterated amusement. (Enjoyment: 10).
The highlights:
- Longevity of the humor and re-watchability
- Nice balance of mundane life and outlandish scenarios
- Usage of side characters and their evolving involvement (School Council, Mitsuo and Literary Girl in particular)
- Main voice actors' character dynamics, especially Sugita Tomokazu's (Hidenori) and Suzumura Kenichi's (Yoshitake) roles.
Points of Improvements:
- Abrupt segues to the "High School girls are funky” (女子高校生は非常）portions, and their less successful delivery on jokes
- Amateur sounding soundtrack with limited variety
- Art lacking detail and being average in style
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Feb 16, 2010
I simply had to write something after watching the twentieth episode.
This review is based on the assumption that the first series Inuyasha has been watched. Like most other people, I was kind of unsure to write a review on Inuyasha Kanketsu-ken because it's pretty much the continuation of the first season, but there are quite a few differences from the old season to this recent one.
Story: Most people are deterred from watching the previous seasons because it honestly is basically episodes and episodes of filler. I, personally get turned down by filler, but this series is pretty much the concluding wrap up of
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the whole Inuyasha storyline. So each episode has an in-depth meaning and it's pretty important not to skip over, or something will definitely be missed. If you think each episode is fight scene, fight scene etc, don't worry it's not all of it. Yes there is fighting still, because they are trying to get Naraku....
Art: The art design seemed a lot cleaner and crisp. I especially enjoyed the ending themes and opening theme imagery; definitely great effort was used to create some of the graphics. (Check out second ending theme song, and you'll know what I mean). I am really happy that they didn't change the art of the characters too much, because of course it is a continuation.
Sound: Thank GOODNESS for SAME VOICE ACTORS. I would have had a tizzy if someone else voiced Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru...but aside from the character's voices, the soundtrack is the exact same from the previous serie, so don't expect drastic music change in any part of this anime. EXCEPT in the opening and ending themes . I enjoyed the ENDING themes MUCH MUCH better than the previous series. They are much more emotional and heartfelt but still definitely has a beat to dance to. No ballads. And with the themes, the art is very scenic and enjoyable to just listen. I was so impressed by the songs With You by AAA (1st ending theme), Diamond by Alan (2nd ending theme) and Down the Distant Road by Takekawa Ai (3rd ending theme). They are all so good to listen to, and the art definitely fits the songs. The water ripples and luminescent sakura petals kept my eyes drawn to the scenery in the 3rd ending with such awe. I am currently obsessed with trying to find the release of the single and so forth. That's how good it was. Right Visuals + Right melody = Absolute perfection. Don't get me wrong, the other two endings were just as good. Definitely check them out. I am not writing much about the opening because it is the same one throughout the anime, plus it's a little more slap happy than the endings...kind of contrasts a bit :/ but that doesn't take away from it. I enjoy listening to Do As Infinity just as much.
Characters: They pretty much condensed the numbers of characters. So a lot of filler characters, and some side characters are not featured anymore. Any fans of Koga or such will be sad to see that there will be very little of him featured.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 14, 2009
Where to begin with the complexity of NANA? I never thought I would ever write a review for this anime, but probably the cliche of anything good, but this was the best anime ever. Seems very stupid and retarded that I have posted everything a ten (surprised myself there) but NANA fills in the bill for the freshest anime with such unique counterparts to any other I have ever watched.
Story: It really reflects nicely on struggles of real life and the cruelty of fame versus all the fake happiness and careless feeling USUALLY portrayed in animes. This wasn't a slap-happy, comical show but more
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of a slice of life anime with much emotion and feelings that made me truly connect with the characters who don't stray from people in the real world. Nana and Nana's (will refer as Hachi) slim connection showed such intensity and how Ai Yazawa (author) fit every little piece together really made a nice puzzle of art, design and a story plot of innovation. Honestly, I have never watched Beck (another music anime) but to me, this story plot really made the mark and will probably leave an imprint on my mind for a long time.
Art: The characters were drawn in a sort of common way with the slight difference in facial features and height. But the way Yazawa dressed their apparel was so far out amazing. I myself, when watching, had the temptation to run to the nearest clothing store and pile on t-shirts to rip and style with that gothic/punk appearance. The designs seemed to fit each character perfectly and match with no obvious flaws. It was also nice to see very different hairstyles of the characters from spiked, bob, all the way to bald. That just of course added to the personalities of the characters making them more appealing
Sound: Olivia Lufkin and Anna Tsuchiya compounded on the anime by adding their new (back then unknown) voices as Nana (Black Stones) and Reira (Trapnest). I had actually heard Olivia before watching Nana and when I saw her artist posted as Olivia inspi'Reira (trapnest) I was going...why would she bother having such a long name? Little did I realize her voice was over in this anime which led to her fame as a new artist waiting to shine. Their voices were different from one another yet complimenting each other since in the anime Reira and Nana have very different song styles. When they sang for opening and ending themes it didn't feel the episodes never officially ended after the ~20 minute mark but continued till the end of the video completed. I usually after hearing the ending themes of animes quickly load to the next video, but for NANA I kept on listening placidly till the end of the song was over. Took more time but made me feel more at peace about this certain anime.
Character: It was refreshing to view the characters not a perfect people but with problems, addictions, smoking, lust, cleverness which added more to their attitudes and uniqueness as individual characters. I would say Hachi was the most corrupted one of them in the beginning for being indecisive and untrustworthy on love; but Nana soon sailed in as more of the girl in need since she was such an imperfect girl striding and persisting to just be loved. Each character is memorable and brings a part of the story to the table equaling each other. Though Nana and Hachi were the main characters it seemed that every character in the anime was equal in spotlight sharing and no one was overpowering any other character. All of them were in there for a purpose.
Enjoyment: It's obvious I had an amazing time with this anime saying that I officially finished at 2 am in the morning. For some insane reason I could not stop myself from ending the show. Every episode had a cliffhanger and the unconcluding thought seemed to drawl at my head. I loved every part. I would not say each episode was a filler they were all there for purpose. And now I am continuing the anime by manga (Starts on Vol. 12 Ch. 33).
Overall: An excellent drama like anime revealing the real world and that fame is not always how it appears. Does have its comical sides with a more worldly feeling. An A+++++++++ to anyone who has ever felt unhappy of themselves and cannot understand the pain they go through (Sounds really cliche but works).
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 21, 2009
CutexGuy, probably one of my all time favorite manga in the world. Most of the time, gender benders annoy me and just add unnecessary and irrelevant problems into a story. But in here, CutexGuy focuses mainly on the gender bender aspect in a light, and comical way. The story is a comical romance and shows the fictional world of being both a guy and girl (without explicit details). A very nice light read that humors the mind and since it is shoujo, the drawing are very "crisp" and gentle.
Story: The story is a simple but sweet plot, with a few bits of humor
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sprinkled througout the manga, but overall a nice shoujo with not a straight forward ending. Having not read the ending, CutexGuy is a relaxed work and definitely any reader of any age can read it (Thank goodness it's not one of those ecchi based manga). If you want an easy plot, good characters and funny/interesting situations added into the concoction, this is a manga for you. (Focused more towards girl for the bishies).
Art: The Art is really well done in the book. CutexGuy does not have bold, thick line art as most shoujos do not; focuses on details on the clothing, facial features, scenery and other sorts.
Character: The author of this book (whom I have forgotten), draws very good bishies, such as Jun Tadano and other guys who bring up the romance and nose-bleed appeal to the girls. And there are also very mature and beautifully drawn girls who match up to the charisma of the guys in the manga. There are really a variety of drawn characters shown, from the shy innocent guys and girls to the guys who stand out in a crowd.
Enjoyment: This was a manga that I read for time to time when I had to do other work but wanted to enjoy a little break from working. It is really a small read and the chapters I believe are about 40 pages. It's very easing on the mind and a quick plot to understand.
Overall: Excellent manga, simple read with very amazing drawings and images of bishies (well mainly one). A small story that probably won't stay in one's mind for a long time, but it's a cute series that should be recommended for people to buy and store in their houses. But then again, that's just me. This was my first manga review, and so I hope it has influenced you to read the story.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Jan 20, 2009
Air TV is the prequel and first impression of melancholic and deep emotional harem anime. Where Kanon and Clannad (also harems) are developments after Air and have further story development. Honestly, I did love this anime very much, but there were too many small various downfalls that led to give it 8. The story plot at first appears all jumbled and distorted, and it becomes more clear down the road; but in a slow manner that people must use their own logic to come with the ideas.
Story: To tell the truth, this show really needs to be re-watched a couple of times to
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get the full idea of what Key (developer of all three animes) is trying to project. That's why most people turn away from this kind of show because it's hard to determine and is not a "in your face" answer. Also, since it is only 13 episodes, they could only put much into the show; and I think there really seems no exact closure which is very disappointing.
Art: Misuzu, Yukito and the other girls in the anime are drawn and created so well. One thing especially well known by Key is their drawing of "glassy eyes." To me, that is one of their most dramatic artistic aspects. And the detail in each scene and movement, is shown perfectly; by not revealing a pause in the readers' viewing.
Sound: Key also has an amazing ear for developing small soundtracks to go with a certain scene and depicting the moods. The main song themes, Tori no Uta (Bird's Poem), Farewell Song, and Aozora (Blue Skies), were all sung by Lia but the lyrics were developed by the software company's main scenario writer, lyricist, and musical composer, Jun Maeda.
Character: One downside to some harem animes, like this one, is that there are many different girls. Each one has their own situation and much character development is brought. But as soon as the girl's situation is finished they are sort of "tossed away" and are not brought up much in the anime anymore. Key has done that matter in Air for most the time. Sometimes there are too many different characters brought up in the scenes, its very questionable as is to what their purpose is; but in the end, the girls are benefiting each other to creating a more full character development for the next girl.
Enjoyment: This anime really isn't one that you would see straight 13 episodes in one day because of the intense emotion and problem-solving is very draining of the brain. But if Asian dramas suit you, then Air fits perfectly within that category.
Overall: My own ranking for this was actually a 9 earlier, but as I wrote this review, it shows that Air TV is still and was only a pre-show of what Key's animes would become. That is how Kanon and Clannad turned about because they were the further tuning and corrections of Air TV. Honestly, if Kanon made you cry, then Air will melt your heart even more. Even with only 13 episodes, if took my breath away and left one of the deepest marks emotionally. If you think anime is all blood, action or romantic comedy, then this show is most certainly not for you. I still consider one of my top favorites and a wonderful break from all the generics.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 18, 2009
An excellent anime that holds a captivating and suspenseful story plot. Blood+ is definitely a must watch anime and one that should be re-watched over and over. It is one anime that has supernatural features, slight parts of romance, and even some historical event correlation intertwined in this fictional world that has the inhabitants called chiropterans; bat-like creatures that feast on human blood. I, myself am not one who favors all gore and blood soaked scenes, but the story in Blood+ really captivates me. The bloody fight scenes all connect to the main plot and is not one excessive blood fest. Plus, this anime is
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one of those shows that gets you "hooked" and makes you think strategically and use problem-solving to sort of determine what is what and how things work.
Now getting to the characters, they are wonderfully drawn and thought out, each with their own obvious personality. Even with the side-characters, they all equally stand out and none are really overshadowed. It isn't one of those animes that add filler characters to let the story drag on and what not. Once characters are drawn in Blood+, they are kept and have their own scene time throughout the whole thing (meaning Saya is not the center of all the attention).
One downfall to the characters are their character development. Most of the time, they hold rare emotional view points and don't develop quite as fast. When watching, one usually feels a part of the anime (if it's a really good one), but the characters perceived by myself are somewhat 2-D and impersonal. Other than that, this anime is of course a great one that should be on everyone's watched/will watch list and even though I am not even finished with it yet, I am most definitely impressed with high standards and cannot believe how I missed watching such an excellent anime.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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