Back to new_user's Profile new_user's Profile

Character: Out of all the series I've seen, Otogizoshi probably had the most potential. Right from the start, we're immersed in the plot and enthralled by the main character Hikaru, who must struggle to pose as her brother and fulfill a quest he cannot. While the dialogue is spare, each character's personality comes across clearly, and you come to like Hikaru and Tsuna, even while you wonder about the mysterious character of Mansairaku. They are real and subtle people, so we are more interested in their plight. Hikaru is clearly a noblewoman in every aspect, but she is not squeaky or shrill like most heroines ... in anime today. Even while disguised as a man, she has an admirable, quiet dignity. If you're familiar with the Heian period, it's interesting to see it here, and if you're not, the story's easy enough to follow and it's fascinating to learn.

Art: In fact, that describes this anime as a whole. Quiet, elegant, and dignified, the art follows suit. Subdued realism meets Heian backgrounds. The care taken to keep this anime historically accurate (in setting rather than events) is amazing. It's worthwhile to watch the extras, if you have the DVD, and listen to the producers explain the detail that went into this work.

Sound: While the opening rock song is nice, it is not altogether suited to the series. All the same, the sound was not a detractor during the series. It didn't interfere with the story and it was atmospheric.

Story: I left the story for last because I found that most disappointing. While the first 13 episodes were fascinating as we followed Hikaru on her journey, the second arc in the series, where we're transported into a modern setting, left a lot to be desired. This half of the series is very slow and vague and at times I even got the feeling the producers didn't know where to go with it. They seemed out of their element in moving to a modern story.

Overall: While the second arc was disappointing, I would say that it's worth it to watch this series for part one of the story if you enjoy historical settings, subtle storylines, and realistic art.

X is basically about an underground war between two opposite, er, cults. It's all very dramatic, sweeping, and extravagant, but I felt that this movie had unfulfilled potential. For example, the story was fascinating, but the ending, while dramatic enough to suit such a fantastical film, was ultimately unsatisfying and made useless all that effort taken to build the audience's interest in the plot. Expect a great deal of angst along with themes of sacrifice, duology, etc. It's not a light anime. The art is pretty and elaborate, typically CLAMP. Each character is painstakingly drawn and varies widely in age (which is nice). I don't ... particularly remember the music, but the same composer produced the X TV music (which was a grand orchestra score very suited to a war in a magical/fantasy setting), so it can't be bad. I would have liked to delve more into each character's story, but not bad for a movie.

Story: Ayashi no Ceres starts out like an average shojo anime with a mysterious, aloof love interest (naturally), fantasy elements, and a love triangle, but unlike other shoujo, this is based on a Watase Yuu work, so expect a lot of drama and some darker moments (see incest). This show ends up moving in some wild and frankly implausible directions, even aside from the usual angst and drama we come to expect from a shoujo anime. It's not light, that's for sure.

Art: What can I say? It's typical Watase Yuu, but the art, especially for the male characters, is delicate and pretty. As with ... most shoujo, it's colorful. I imagine if the work was done today, the colors would be even more vivid and glossy and less faded, but they're not at all bad.

Sound: The theme song was awesome. :)

Character: Unfortunately, as happens with many anime that suddenly choose a villain from among the main cast, we can't really say much about the characters because their personalities change wildly when they suddenly become villains or suddenly embody the reincarnated soul of a vengeful spirit (yes, it happens). The characters become plot devices themselves. Events move this story along rather than the characters.

Overall: If you like your romance staid and centered on relationships and characters, then this anime is not for you. If you like your soap operas full of drama, unlikely plot twists, and fantasy, then this may be for you. If you're a Watase Yuu fan, go for it.

Witch Hunter Robin is part mystery, part supernatural drama. There are no fights against uber villains or anything of that kind, just brief skirmishes with small fries. Instead, this is a slightly more mature anime that is centered around characters and an underlying plot.

The creators of this anime tried to keep the characters as true to life as possible while maintaining this kind of supernatural setting. You see that realism in the dynamics between them at the office (some character are older than others, for example) and in their histories as they're revealed. I thought that the characters could have been explored further, however. ... We're really only offered a superficial view of the characters. There aren't many soul-searching monologues in this series as you may see in others. There is not a lot of dialogue at all, in fact. More often, you'll see pointed glances or pregnant silences underscored with muted, suspense-building music. Subtlety is key in this anime, but in the end, we don't know the characters in this show very well, and we're not very attached to them, unfortunately.

In each episode you learn a little bit more about Robin, the other witch hunters, and the agency where they work. Apparently, though all of the hunters besides Robin have worked for the agency for some time, they do not know much about the true purposes of their company and as their work continues, moral questions arise. Ultimately, this is the major question of the series: are witches evil and what is the purpose of the witch hunters? You'll find that not all of your questions are answered by the end of the series, but this dangling ending seems intentional on the part of the creators of this show. They leave the possibilities open.

At the same time, Robin struggles with her identity as a "craft user" herself and the seemingly cool and professional Amon has to choose his loyalties. These were interesting aspects of the drama, but you have to be patient with this anime. The pacing is slow. Action is infrequent. You learn in bits and pieces about the organization and the world of witches in which Robin moves-- just as Robin, herself something of a newb, does. In fact, at one point in the series, there is very little action at all and it is almost slice of life, albeit a gloomy slice. It's interesting to watch as her relationship and trust with Amon slowly progresses, though this anime never approaches anything verging on romance (pity). The music, meanwhile, is is atmospheric and accomplishes its goal of intensifying the action, well-suited to a mystery thriller.

While not exactly fast-paced, if you appreciate a story that gradually unravels with darker, subtle artwork, you may like this show. It's worth watching just to experience the unique mood that Witch Hunter Robin builds through skillful scripting, art, and pacing. It truly defines mystery.

I'll admit, I wanted to watch this series as soon as I knew the premise was about wolves, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this series actually has a lot of depth. This anime is definitely not a recycled story. It's an original work completely all its own. I liked that the tone of the series was intense, even dark at points. Even the romance subplot is tactful, subtle, and poignant. There was some interesting symbolism in the connection between flower (earth) and wolf. In this series, with its realistic artwork and muted colors, you find themes that give you food for thought ... (ex. themes of reincarnation, a perfect world, definition of paradise, etc.) and at the same time you find yourself rooting for the characters to succeed in their quest. There are subplots to keep you engaged in each character, and everyone will find a character that appeals to them. The characters are real with obvious emotional struggles and you feel for them. Kiba, in particular, though often taciturn and mysterious, comes across as a hero and leader (in a lone wolf kind of way). There is not a lot misplaced humor as you might find in other series; in fact, it is kind of sad at points, but by the end you have the feeling all of it was well worth it.