Shakugan no Shana

I couldn’t get myself to finish it (Actually watching up to this episode was a trial in and of itself in a way). It simply has too many flaws that can't be overlooked. Shakugan no Shana is one of those anime that has a really intriguing plot but can't follow up on it. The first episode was stunning and I was looking forward to a deep and somehow philosophic, mature anime but it turns out to be a bad-guy-appears-and-is-defeated-anime.

STORY
Don't be deceived by the intelligent beginning. I thought I was going to witness an excellent story and drama just from the opening. It quickly became ... boring, lame, and confusing. It evolved into just another of the partly romance, partly action stories, with both aspects being underdeveloped, flat. If I had read a paragraph summary of the show then it would've been just that much more boring (ruining the only part of show) it was one of the few redeeming things the show has, that concept...

It has uninteresting dialogue, repetitive battle scenes, and slow execution. They bring in some sort of awkward romance story that isn't really fulfilling or moving. So this series basically becomes a horribly cliché and contrived romance with absolutely no progress in any meaningful direction. The actual story development with the baddies, romance and all that is REALLY cliché. Neither the story nor characters are worth it for watching this series. The action was actually boring to me, the ones I saw anyway...

It's best summed up as a sword girl + generic male lead fighting to save the day. They came up with some 'intricate' plots but really they aren't that impressive. The show tries to blur its simplicity with many terms and names. It's roughly about a boring and overly confusing and overly repeated plot about mistes, torches, flame hazes, guzes, balance of the world, etc... The whole thing is just confusing and I don't feel like it's my fault. There's not enough explanation yet there's so much confusing, boring dialogue

there was this ONE SCENE that I thought was the ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF WHY it's so...manipulative and impudent at the same time. it also is one of the biggest/annoying problems in new anime that I canNOT STAND.

So they show Shana changing and they show her taking her panties off (lol)
But while she's doing that she's talking about all that mumbo-jumbo and that mumbo-jumbo made no sense.. AND AND because I have yet to thrown in the towel even though the signs are huge that the show is shit, I re-watch that scene. orz OTL I realize it really doesn't make ANY SENSE. it's like they're trying to cover it up with this weird loli fanservice which doesn't do much for me. Have her say shit that makes no sense which they are apparently deluded that the viewer will take in as really too complex and deep or whatevers to comprehend if she takes her undies off while she says it. Was this in the ep I dropped it? PRObably. this is a really bad tell-tale sign that this anime is a piece of popular overrated shit.
talk about trashy, and just plain insulting. i'm sure the loli otakus went crazy over that scene but i didnt...

CHARACTER
As episode after episode passed, I just felt horribly unsatisfied without any character development.They lack any sort of sort of dimensionality: unconvincing voice acting, dull dialogue, no development. Everyone else besides Shana is merely "devices" to make things a bit more intricate and to help push the "story" on. Characters are basically given whatever set of feelings and goals and repetitively do the same action. Nearly all of them are meaningless and replaceable. The male lead is not very appealing and can be easily forgotten. Shakugan no Shana is blessed with Shana, a cute character, but that's it. Shana is the only interesting character and even so she's not THAT interesting. Shana is clearly "loli" which doesn't make me like her any more BTW but hey if you're into that sure…

The enemies are just enemies, it's like they exist only because the anime needed them. They don't explain their background all that much, they don't have motives really, boring, possibly annoying, same old same old, in other words I couldn't care much... From the 1st ep I just thought the baddies just weren't that "cool" but then again I didn't get to see/meet the other baddies I saw in the opening so who knows. But I doubt it...

ANIMATION
I loved the artwork. It's what made me want to watch this in the first place. Though I did find the animation itself to be a little ordinary since I've seen other anime that look like this. It's normal production quality of recent anime. Basically as much as I like the artwork, I can't watch for that

Sound
One department Shana does quite well at is music. Its theme songs are very good and even fits in with the series with the lyrics. As far as voice acting, I couldn't help but feel that some characters weren't sounding too convincing. That could simply be due to the poor execution of the characters and storyline, consequently damaging the mood of the scenes.

There are better anime of this genre out there fo sho. Shana never really passes more than an average/below average show. I would recommend that you watch the openings, because they look awesome and all that & maybe the firsrt couple eps if you just wanna know what it's about but I can't fathom watching all 24 eps... Overall, a show with huge potential that fails to live up to its hype.

do yourself a favor and watch SLAYERS NEXT!! (watching slayers next twice is more enjoyable than watching shana once lol) instead of this anime. it has a girl with red hair too lolz... no but seriously it's actually funny and the serious parts are really good too (this anime is cool... in short while shana just gets lamer and lamer). seriously the characters actually have souls and the story is actually cool (I have this thing against fantasy anything but I love this fantasy anime) and the background music kicks ass and so does the op/ed and the seiyuu. It's better in every single way except maybe animation but I personally prefer slayers next animation to shana animation personally. it's on HULU!

www.hulu.com/the-slayers-next

Shakugan no shana... An anime with alot of potential that overall felt like alot of regurgitated shounen/romance anime was a bit of a let down. The predictable uninspired story line, repetitiveness, cheesy humor, and mediocre character development left alot to be desired and is far from a masterpiece that is popularity would make you believe it is.

Story line:
The initial introduction of the story really got my hopes up; basically about a normal boy who gets pulled into a bizarre battle only to find after words he no longer really exists, and that his entire being will slowly fade away and be forgotten by ... all of his loved ones. While discovering mysterious powers of his own he is emersed into into the world of magic and battles along with the cute but stubborn Red haired girl Shana who fights off those that threaten humanity.

Despite having an interesting few episodes the plot it stale. It moves very slowly and is predictable for the most part. The anime could have easily been done in half the episodes they took. The battles slowly become tedious along with the story. Also the cheesy romance that develops made it almost unbearable to watch after a certain point. If I were to describe the enjoyment of the story line most of the middle episodes drop down to a 4-5 nearly killing the series...

Art:
It was... acceptable. As far as most main stream shows go the art was OK... but it was overall mediocre. It also feels very deceiving that the advertisements and Opening theme for the series has such beautiful animation because its really not that great overall. Some of the battle scenes were well done though.
Character animation wise the most attention is given to Shana; and they do a very good job with her. The rest of the characters on the other hand are uncreative and boring. The main character specifically lacks any real attracting traits that would set him apart from a side character...

Sound:
Opening and ending songs are pretty good, I especially enjoyed the first ending theme Yowake Umare Kuru Shoujo. The music in show overall was acceptable, but nothing really stands out about it.

Character:
The two main characters... try imagining Saber and Shirou from fate/stay night as middle schoolers and that should give you an idea; Although Shana is much more vocally stubborn that Saber ever was.
Shana is the predictable Tsundere character~ The stubborn easily ticked, but deep down shy emotional girl. Her character development is interesting since she doesn't really understand basic human interaction very well...
Yuji also is the predictable week but good hearted normal kid, who grows up to be more dependable courageous guy.
Perhaps what killed the character development was when they attempted to throw in romance... its just didn't work for this plot because of their age... and it split what the story really should have focused on.
There are actually alot of other characters in the story... but their development is mediocre or nonexistent...

Enjoyment/Overall
I don't really have much else to say about this series other than It was actually painful to put myself through the torture of watching this entire series; and I think anime fans that are looking for something deep, a moving story line, and/or epic battles will be very disappointed unless they have very low standards.

The reason its gets overall higher scores is because it was made for a large viewing audience~ incorporating humor, action, Romance, magical/fantasy and slice of life. They say the Jack of all trades is master of none, and this anime proves this point.

This anime.... is just another anime. Nothing spectacular or amazing.

STORY: it started off extremely slowly, and i think the first half of the series was basically explaining the main concept of how people disappear, who Shana was and what she does. I would have rather liked to see all these elements integrated into the story, because otherwise, it is a huge influx of information. The plotline was predictable.

ART: best part of the series. I liked the scenes when there were a lot of red, there seemd to be many shades of red, and it reflected the intensity of battle. NOTE: battle intensity that should be ... in battles, not, the battles that Shana was in.

SOUND: not bad, the OP and ED were kinda catchy.

CHARACTER: Yuuji is such a tool. His kind of character annoys me. Shana was more interesting, but her obsession with melon bread and her "shut up" phrase was ALMOST overdone. But for loli lovers, her habits would make Shana an instant win.

ENJOYMENT: it moved slowly, I had stopped the series for a while because I got bored. I finished it, just to see what the hype was about after the series was complete. Nothing out of the ordinary, a good way to pass time.

If you like lolis, Shakugan no Shana is a good recommendation.

Title: Shakugan no Shana (??????)
Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Novel, School Life
Episodes: 24
Studio: J.C. Staff

Plot (by sirhcle):
Shakugan no Shana is set in our world in which everything is fueled by the power of existence. One day a boy names Sakai Yuji finds that he is moving in a time-frozen realm, whilst a monster (called Rinne) ingests blue flames (power of existence) for their masters (called Tomogara). It is here that Sakai Yuji meets a girl who he later names Shana. Shana is a flame haze, responsible for annihilating Rinne and hunting down their masters. Who wish to use power of existence to become stronger, by harvesting the ... power from humans and in turn the world is distorted.
When a person's power of existence is taken away, they cease to exist. Flame Haze's can produce a torch - an artificial existence that will slowly falter but slowly transitions ones existence to nothing as to ease the sudden shock in disappearance of an individual. Yuji and Shana team up to defeat the Tomogara and their plans of gaining power of existence.

sirhcle's comments:
I've heard a lot about this anime from forums and people, but fail to see how it is so unique. Razz The anime starts off very slowly, but picks up it's pace at the end. I think that the introduction to the world is quite lengthy, although it's concept is not all that complex. The storyline seems to entangle a lot on the relationship side between Shana and Yoshida, but these seem to be premature-junior high school crushes. We are also given 2-whole episodes on Shana's background which helps us understand the role of a flame haze and her behavior in relationships, but it's usually something I'd prefer to pick up along the story.
I found the storyline to be fairly predictable.
Not as great as I'd expected, but still an 'okay' anime. I think the appeal comes from Shana and lolicon lovers. I swear, meron-pan (melon bread?) is selling like hot cakes these days.
I'd recommend people who 'have time' to watch it.

It's a decent series however there is a ton of emotional and time filler. First the good points however and then the filler issue.

The animation is really nice and the story is reasonably unique. The character design can be summed up as either really good or direly lacking depending on the character in question. The story doesn't move too slow, it's mainly a filler issue. The story has depth though it's not as structured as some others. There is no overwhelming sense of the ultimate structure of the fictional universe...it's more of a perspective of seeing the box from within the box then being able ... to view the box from the outside perspective. It could have used more storyline relating to I suppose the "higher-ups" as it lacks a sense of origins for the main female protagonist. There are others who fill the role but it's feels like okay, got some good guys and some baddies...but no firm sense of ultimate agendas.

I found myself skipping through episodes (4-20 second intervals) towards the end of the series as I was losing my patience waiting for something to actually happen. Watching scenery slowly scroll by and characters being lost in their emotions gets tiring when it's present in half of all the episodes.

The series is fair though if they removed the overly emotional content and the fillers like scrolling slowly past scenery it would have been significantly more enjoyable overall. If you've got the extra time and don't mind the filler you may enjoy the series more however.

I saw a fire that ignited and blazed strong for an instant. It grabbed my attention and had me going towards it. The fire quickly died down however, weakened and became very dim. I watch the flame, waiting for it to die, but for some reason it stays: weak and flickering.

This is essentially what I thought about this anime. It starts off really strong in the first four episodes with really cool ideas and even some thought provoking themes that could potentially be explored. I was really interested to see where it was all going to go... and it ended ... up being really disappointing. But oddly, it was never really bad or terrible.

Story: 4/10 (below average)
It starts off great, putting the main character Yuji in a shocking realization: he found out that he died a long time ago and has a limited amount of time before he is wiped out of existence. I loved seeing his denial, I enjoyed seeing Shana initially looking upon Yuji as some object, but realizing through Yuji and his situation that not all people were selfish. Unfortunately, something very convenient ends up happening and from that point on, the story descends to mediocrity at best. The story goes from being unique with cool ideas to incredibly cheesy: protagonist is clueless and is part of an annoying love triangle, girl with superpowers finds boy who holds the key for the bad guys great evil plan, main villains want to obtain ultimate power. It also really fails to balance comedy/slice of life with action/adventure, resulting in a really inconsistent experience. Sometimes they spend way too much time on pointless swimming episodes we have seen a million times or pointless love triangle crap. Other times when you have an interesting arc they don't explore it as much as I would like, and the arcs that are really boring feel like they go on forever!

Characters: 5/10 (average)
Shana's character is what kept the weak flame alive for me, even though she is your typical tsundere. I think the reason I like her is because conceptually her character is very interesting and despite her cliche archetype is the only one that gets any meaningful character development. Yuji's classmates aren't too bad either.

On the other hand...
Yuji is a typical clueless, dense, dull protagonist
Villains are almost all one dimensional and are as dull as dishwater.
Big-Breasts-Blond booze drinker and talking book were both incredibly annoying, with just as painful sidekicks to boot.

Art: 7/10 (good)
It does its job well. I particularly like the flame haze look.

Sound: 7/10 (good)
The ost is actually pretty good albeit repetitive. Serieux was an ost I really liked in particular. A really fitting track for a bad ass red haired chick kicking ass with a sword.

Enjoyment: 5/10 (meh)
This is a very popular series and I am pretty sure a lot of people really like it. I did see the potential and I do see some of the appeal for this show, but I just couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to.

How much you can enjoy this, I think, depends on how much you can tolerate the high school melodrama, cliche shounen action stuff, and some cookie cutter character archetypes. If you can get past all of this: it does have decent animation, good music, some interesting concepts, and some surprisingly charming moments with Shana.

Overall: 5/10 (average)

man oh man, i should stomp whoever told me this was good in the face. Shana is just about as boring and generic as you could get and it is also the creator of that Tsunderie nonsense where every tsundere now has to be a midget who beats the shit out of the people.

there is hardly a redeeming factor about this anime. forced drama, dull characters and a generally childish plot. Ah well, at least I managed to finish it.

Shakugan no Shana... when I first start watching this anime I though I was going for another version of Zero no Tsukaima but after a few episodes I realized that this anime is nothing like Zero no Tsukaima.

I'm not saying that I hated Shakugan no Shana but I have to admit that the character development was very slow and some of the episodes were also quite boring at some point because It was basically the same thing over and over again, and you won't see much development in their relationship either (in a romantic way).

About the Story, well I don't have much to complain about ... that it's well builded and you can understand it right from the beginning, but I do complain about the excessive amount of screen time that is wasted with random images of the a scenario around the main characters. To be honest the only reason I was able to finish this anime was because I have nothing else to watch and I had to keep skipping those boring images in order to get to the next scene.

Right now I not even sure if I'll go for the 2nd season because the 1st one for sure didn't make me happy at all but hey who knows, tastes are tastes maybe you'll enjoy it more than I did but don't start watching this anime if you are looking for romantic scenes between the main characters because you just won't get any, at least in this 1st season.

This is a very opinionated review. I found this anime had great potential but by midway through i realised that no matter how kickass the main heroine is, it wont take away how frustratingly simple and annoying the male MC is.

This is what made me rate this so low. i coudnt stand how much potential this show had at the beginning to how much it lacked towards the end.

Shana the main MC is amazing. her character development was well thought out and all her surrounding characters really complimented her. I especially liked her guardian Flame of Heaven and the other Flame blaze. they are both ... so knowledgeable yet so out of touch with a teenage girls feelings. It was really that element of sweetness that carried the show through for me.

Its the approach to the 'romance' in this show that really disappointed me. typical romantic triangle forms where both girls; who are great in their own way, confess or obviously show their affections to the clueless male MC who does nothing but run around in all his oblivious glory and does nothing to really deserve their unwavering feelings.

I think thats what really bothered me. Yugi didnt deserve their feelings. he was unfortunately a weak male MC. he had moments where he was brightly but overall he was just so bland that i couldnt stand how Shana was falling for him. Although i did appreciate what he stood for as a supporting character. He allowed for Shana to explore her feelings that was unknown to her until she met Yugi.

but overall i truly enjoyed watching Shana become her own person. ill give the next season a shot.

First review and I usually don't care to post reviews but I just had to for this one. I watched the Dub of this, and that is the only reason i actually finished this series.

Story: There was a decent story to this, nothing very original. It was interesting though. The pace in the anime was so slow that you really didn't care much though. It is slow, incredibly slow. Give it one point up for being dubbed there, you could get up and make a meal or go to the bathroom and still hear the plot. I skipped ... through half of this and enjoyed it much more than I did watching every minute. Would have been much more enjoyable if it would have been 12 episodes and they put more effort into the art.

Art: This was the biggest disappointment in the whole series. One of the worst animation I have seen, especially for it's time. If you really pay attention you can really see how lazy they were. All the effort seemed to be put into making this 24 episodes. A lot of filler and still scenes. I enjoyed many 1980 and 1990 anime WAY more than this on the artistic level.

Sound: The OP and ending were pretty good. What really Made this a decent one for sound were the Dubbed VAs. One of the only reasons I kept one with this series. They did a great job on such a slow paced plot.

Character: Can't say I really cared much. The pace was so slow that I was blase about every character in the series. Episodes 14-17 were pointless, just a flashback that didn't make any difference how I felt about the characters.

All in all This would have been a much better series if it would have been condensed to 12 episodes and more effort put into the art, and making the action scenes more exciting. Yes, even the action scenes were slow. I didn't get a feel for any of the characters or feel much emotion during the whole series. There are many anime that I get emotional about, whether excited, angry, or tear-jerker. This isn't any of those.

This anime gives me strange feeling. I can't say I I really enjoy the show. If there is one thing I have really enjoyed the most, it's Shana's voice actress. She sounds so cute and lovely that it was the only reason why it kept me watching the show. But story itself just lacked the kind of development and flow that makes one keep watching.
In fact, the story is rather dull. While I understand how it may be interesting to some, the fact that the story is based on one man's value due to what he holds inside just doesn't make it all that ... interesting. They've done their best to protect the man because he is extremely useful. But that's about it. Usefulness, whether in wit or analytic skills, the flow of the story is at times vacuous, filled with half fillers and slice of life, while other filled with actual story line. One of the review wrote they found it boring; I found the same way after watching few beginning episodes. I skipped the boring part with past history and stories that made no sense, and went to the actual meat of the story. And yet, the meat just did not have that feeling of climatic feeling of despair and helplessness as they have made it out to be. And yet, not to mention that such climatic ending is only in the last episode. The rest is filler and building up to that ending. I just do not feel the reward after watching the show. Even the second season was disappointment, to say the least.
The artwork and sound is quite nice. I would definitely rate it as high as possible if I could as any modern anime nowadays. I certainly have no problem with artwork nor sound. Character requires a bit of work. Perhaps using Osaka person in the show would have made it even more enjoyable. Music is no doubt a great hit in my heart especially in using piano as one of the main instrument. But as stated above, my enjoyment is mediocre; albeit, fair at best.

With the enigma of Haruhi Suzumiya's character, ※Noiji Itō's other lead heroine, by design, is a firecracker: she's strong-willed, intuitive, and a badass fighter. In the concept of parallel dimensions, Shana is the centripetal force, freeing the souls of slaves to the "Crimson Denizens"! That premise and her iconic personality alone, was enough to get me to give this series a watch-through!

※Ms. Itō sure knows how to attach herself to good projects!

⚠️ This review will have spoilers ⚠️

—Story/Characters

I have always been drawn to stories where a lone warrior fights the treacherous, supernatural entities to release humans as their slaves! That's why I loved "Vampire ... Princess Miyu" so much, as a teenager. There was just so much at stake, when the possibility of mortal death was readily on the table! The first episode of Shakugan no Shana has Yūji's pretty and kind classmate completely lose her soul, leaving her body, walking around as an empty husk! Something that was ultimately traumatic and irreversible! Right off the bat, they get you invested in a story that has high-stakes, where lives can be lost!

Unfortunately the adaptation veers off that trail, that is, until the very end... where the ante is suddenly cranked up to 200%! Which is a shame, because the ghost-lore that is incorporated within the mythos of the "Torches" — the concept of it is really fascinating, that memories are residual in the corporeal reality, until their flame is extinguished and then the person is wiped from all mortal memory! While I did like Shana and Yūji as a couple, I felt like the story zoomed-in more on that aspect and the love-triangle with Kazumi, rather than incorporating more of the cool aspects of the world. Though, seeing Shana try to uncomfortably integrate into Yūji's class was amusing and allows for cutesy, moe moments to happen! It was like the moments where InuYasha left the feudal era and tried to act normal in modern-day society!

—Technical

Luna's Favorite Works by Each Respective Creator = ✅

Takashi Watanabe (director), notable works:
* Abashiri Ikka
* Boogiepop wa Warawanai
* Casshern: Robot Hunter
* Dangerous Jiisan Ja
* Fortune Quest L
* Fūūn Ishin Dai☆Shogun
* Groove Adventure Rave ("Rave Master")
* Heavy Object
* Hidan no Aria
* Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaō
* Ikkitōsen
* Jigen Sengokushi: Kuro no Shishi — Jinnai-hen ("Black Lion")
* Lost Universe
* Miracle Giants Dōmu-kun
* Mutekiō Tri-Zenon
* Sanctuary
* Shin Hokuto no Ken
* Slayers ✅
* Slayers Next ✅
* Slayers Try ✅
* Slayers Revolution
* Slayers Evolution-R
* Starship Operators
* Taboo Tattoo
* Uchū Kaizoku Mito no Daibōken ("Space Pirate Mito")
* Ys ✅
* Ys: Tenkū no Shinden — Adol Christine no Bōken ✅

Commentary: I can't say that I'm a big fan of Mr. Watanabe's directing. The only shows that I truly like by him have strong characters ("Slayers") or a solid story ("Ys"). The animation in his productions can be choppy and looks low-budget. Shakugan no Shana (Season One) suffers from this, but it isn't as horrendous as some of his other shows; I'm assuming, because J.C. Staff allotted him with more expenditures and a more talented animation staff. Passable work on Shakugan no Shana, but the characters and story carry the anime more than the visuals or screenplay. Extra commentary on Mr. Watanabe's style is his issue with conveying dark or night-shaded scenes, the climactic battle against Hectate was less riveting, because it was hard to tell what was going on; I had the same issue with the lighting in "Boogiepop wa Warawanai"!

I watched "Shakugan no Shana (Season One)" with the Canadian dub, so I will list the Japanese seiyū, but comments will be on the performances of the English voice actors. Ocean Productions, Inc. localized the entire first season of Shakugan no Shana, under Geneon, and then Funimation acquired the rights, so the other three series have an entirely different vocal cast. I also included the Western animation parts because you'll see talents that worked on shows like "Ed, Edd n Eddy" and "X-Men: Evolution" mixed into the fray!

Rie Kugamiya as Shana, notable roles:
* Yūhi Katagiri, Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka
* Astarotte Ygvar, Astarotte no Omocha!
* Maya Jingu, Burn Up! Scramble ✅
* Drew, ēlDLIVE
* Flora Skybloom, Basquash!
* Nemu Kurotsuchi and Karin Kurosaki, Bleach
* Ikuto Noguchi, Digimon Savers
* Aguri Madoka, Dokidoki! PreCure ✅
* Rose, Dragon Crisis
* Happy, Fairy Tail ✅
* Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist ✅
* Hotaru Imai, Gakuen Alice
* Sophia Hennes, Garo: Vanishing Line
* Masako Hara, Ghost Hunt
* Kagura, Gintama ✅
* Chaba, Gokicha!!
* Vyrn, Granblue Fantasy the Animation ✅
* Hasuta, Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
* Nagi Sanzenin, Hayate no Gotoku! ("Hayate the Combat Butler") ✅
* Alice Liddell, Gekijōban Heart no Kuni no Alice: Wonderful Wonder World
* Aria Holmes Kanzaki, Hidan no Aria
* Alexandrite, Hōseki no Kuni ✅
* Yukimura Sanada, Hyakka Ryōran: Samurai After
* Hoihoi-san, Ichigeki Sacchū!! Hoihoi-san
* Sukuna Gojō, K ✅
* Kurumi Hazuki, Kaitō Tenshi Twin Angel: Kyun Kyun☆Tokimeki Paradise!! ("Twin Angel: Twinkle Paradise")
* Mika Kujin, Kanamemo ✅
* Ning Fu, Ken En Ken: Aoki Kagayaki ("Xuan Yuan Sword Luminary")
* Diao He Liao, Kingdom
* Mari Kikui, Koiken!: Watashitachi Anime ni Nacchatta!
* Mami Mihashi, Konbini Kareshi
* Tio, Konjiki no Gash Bell!! ("Zatch Bell!") ✅
* Rokumon, Kyōkai no Rinne
* Koto, Kyōsō Giga
* Kaoru Daichi, Ladies versus Butlers!
* Kōya Sakagami, Loveless ✅
* Alisa Bannings, Mahō Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ✅
* Daisuke Komori, Major
* Sena Kuroi, Mangaka-san to Assistant-san to The Animation
* Tōko Matsudaira, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅
* Yuni, Mewkledreamy
* Mimi, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne ✅
* Nena Trinity, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00
* Nostradamus, Monster Strike
* Suzume Imamura, Munto
* Miharu Rokujō, Nabari no Ō
* Harley Quinn, Ninja Batman
* Kotora, Nyanbo!
* Ringo Kinoshita, Otogi Jūshi Akazukin ("Fairy Musketeers")
* Isabella Yamamoto, Paradise Kiss
* Rise Kujikawa, Persona 4
* Koboshi Uematsu, Pita Ten
* Meika Daihatsu, Punch Line
* Melona, Queen's Blade ✅
* Angela Balzac, Rakuen Tsuihō ✅
* Atsumi Miyagawa, Recorder to Randoseru ✅
* Mikan Katsuragi, Rental Magica
* Rizel Iwaki, Rizelmine
* Airi Yukifune, Robotics;Notes
* Mizore Shirayuki, Rosario to Vampire
* Yūki Kataoka, Saki ✅
* Thomas Dō, Santa Company
* Ulith, Selector Infected WIXOSS
* Yuzuki, Sengoku Night Blood
* Melty Do Granite, Shining Hearts: Shiawase no Pan ✅
* Momo Akanegakubo, Shokugeki no Sōma ✅
* Mametchi, Tamagotchi
* Iori Minase, The iDOLM@STER ✅
* Taiga Aisaka, Toradora! ✅
* Shannon, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ✅
* Kamyu, Utawarerumono ✅
* Kagura, Onmyōji: Heian Monogatari
* Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière, Zero no Tsukaima ("Familiar of Zero")
* Mio Tsukushi, Zettai Karen Children

Tabitha St. Germain as Shana, notable roles:

Eastern Animation
* Roberta, Black Lagoon ✅
* Pachi, Card Wang: Mix Master
* Alexa, Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Micron Densetsu
* Naomi Misora, Death Note ✅
* Chibi, Dragon Drive ✅
* Ranpha Franboise, Galaxy Angel (only in Season Four)
* Flay Allster and Haro, Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED ✅
* Hilda Harken and Haro, Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED Destiny ✅
* Pucca, Pucca
* Mafura-chan ("Pashmina"), Tottoko Hamtarō ✅
* Kaede Minami, Wagamama☆Fairy Mirumo de Pon!

Western Animation
* Dandelion, Barbie
* Nokama, Bionicle ✅
* Cheer Bear, Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot ✅
* Shirley Stygimoloch, Spikey Stygimoloch, Keenan Chirostenotes, Mrs. Conductor the Troodon, Patricia Paleobatrachus, Minnie Microraptor, Mikey Microraptor, Angela Avisaurus, Mrs. Deinonychus, Arlene Archaeopteryx, Cindy Cimolestes, Sonja Styracosaurus, and Stephie Styracosaurus — Dinosaur Train
* Nazz, Ed, Edd n Eddy ✅
* Pepeline, Felidae
* Maria Hill and Technovore, Iron Man: Armored Adventures
* Martha and Mariela Lorraine, Martha Speaks
* Mistaké, Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu
* Matha, Max & Ruby
* Penny Plutonium, ¡Mucha Lucha! ✅
* Rarity, Princess Luna ("Nightmare Moon"), Bon Bon, Cup Cake, and Derpy Hooves — My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic ✅
* Kala, Voltron Force
* Danielle Moonstar, X-Men: Evolution ✅

Commentary: Years before I got around to finishing the first season of Shakugan no Shana, I watched the first seven episodes in Japanese, and let me say, Ms. Germain gives a really accurate portrayal of how Shana is supposed to talk. The only real difference is that Ms. Germain's voice is more of a nasally cute, and Ms. Kugamiya's voice is more youthful and high-pitched by comparison. I was really impressed though, Ms. Germain did a great job with the role!

Satoshi Hino as Yūji Sakai, notable roles:
* Tōma, Amnesia
* Hiro Iokawa, Asatte no Hōkō.
* Mari Tachibana, Back Street Girls: Gokudolls
* Akito Takagi, Bakuman. ✅
* Botasky, Cat Shit One
* Ryō Sayama, Code Geass: Akito the Exiled
* Ryō Asuka, Cyborg 009 VS Devilman ✅
* Albert Heinrich ("004"), Cyborg 009: Call of Justice ✅
* Noiz, DRAMAtical Murder
* Kamui, Gintama
* Daichi Sawamura, Haikyū!! ✅
* Ao and Sōsuke Inukawa, Hakkenden
* Naozumi Tsuchida, Hanamaru Yōchien
* Kōkin Shūyu, Ikkitōsen
* Haruto Fuwa, Imōto sae Ireba Ii. ✅
* Seiji Komatsu, Itoshi no Muco
* Kyōjurō Rengoku, Kimetsu no Yaiba ✅
* Kō'ichi Sanada, KimiKiss Pure Rouge
* Reiji Myōga, Kiniro no Corda: Blue♪Sky
* Hetian Ji, Kitsune no Koe
* Ikuto Sonomura, Kuro to Kin no Akanai Kagi.
* Kinjirō Sakamachi, Mayo Chiki!
* Ryo Magami, Mazinkaiser SKL
* Kyōya Tategami, Metal Fight Beyblade
* Kō'ichi Aizawa, Nabari no Ō
* Sai, Naruto: Shippūden
* Nitaro, Nitabō
* Riken Yoshinokazura, Otome Yōkai Zakuro
* Momonga, Overlord ✅
* Shō Iwaizumi, Rail Wars! ✅
* Kineshi Hairo, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan ✅
* Yūri Mito, Tayutama: Kiss on My Deity
* Shiage Hamazura, Toaru Majutsu no Index
* Tōya Kamijō, Trick or Alice
* Hayato Shinkai, Yowamushi Pedal
* Rei Shingetsu, Yū☆Gi☆Ō!
* Matsukichi, Yurumates
* Saito Hiiraga, Zero no Tsukaima

Kristen Ayre as Yūji Sakai, notable roles:
* Cloud Van Giruet, Erementer Gerad

Commentary: I never watched the "Erementer Gerad" dub, so I had never heard Mr. Ayre's voice before his role as Yūji Sakai. Yūji sounds kind of awkward at the start of the show, but as it progresses, it seems like he really warms up to the role and does a really good job with the character!

Ayako Kawasumi as Kazumi Yoshida, notable roles:
* Atoli, .hack//G.U.
* Aoi Sakuraba, Ai Yori Aoshi ✅
* Moffle, Amagi Brilliant Park ✅
* Nanoca Flanka, Aoi Umi no Tristia
* Yuriko Aoki, Bakuman. ✅
* Mai Shinomiya, Battle Spirits: Brave
* Anego, Dai Mahō-Tōge ✅
* Harumi Fudō, Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera ✅
* Fear, DT Eightron
* Fō, Fate/Grand Order ✅
* Saber ("Artoria Pendragon"), Fate/stay night ✅
* Kiriko Hattori, Fūūn Ishin Dai☆Shogun
* Sara Halifa, Gallery Fake
* Ruriko Ikusawa, Gate Keepers
* Kanako Ōno, Genshiken ✅
* Tazusa Sakurano, Ginban Kaleidoscope
* Kei, Girls und Panzer ✅
* Gendōmaru, Gintama
* Miharu Sena Kanaka, Girls Bravo
* Tomoko Nomura, Great Teacher Onizuka
* Elle, Groove Adventure Rave ("Rave Master")
* Mishio Manami, Haja Kyosei G Dangaiō
* Watatsuki no Yorihime, Hifū Katsudō Kiroku: The Sealed Esoteric History ✅
* Nono Ichinose, Hitohira
* Matsuri Sakuragi, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅
* Liliane, Kaibutsu Ōjo
* Chikane Himemiya, Kannazuki no Miko
* Chizuru Minamoto, Kanokon
* Hikari Hoshino, Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai
* Kurau Amami, Kurau Phantom Memory ✅
* Tomomi Saikyō, Ladies versus Butlers!
* Mahoro Andō, Mahoromatic ✅
* Shizuru Hibara, Mokke
* Miroku, Monster Strike
* Kaede Shiranui, Ninin ga Shinobuden ("Ninja Nonsense") ✅
* Megumi Noda, Nodame Cantabile ✅
* Asami Onohara, Okusama wa Joshikōsei (TV)
* Mizuka Nagamori, One: Kagayaku Kisetsu e
* Ayumi, Otogi Story Tenshi no Shippo
* Alice and Will of the Abyss, Pandora Hearts ✅
* Rikotto, Parol no Miraijima
* Miu Nomura, Piano (TV)
* Mikan Natsu, Potemayo ✅
* Yuki Azuma, Princess Nine: Kisaragi Joshikō Yakyūbu
* Elmina, Puchi Pri*Yucie
* Leina Vance, Queen's Blade ✅
* Melfina, Seihō Bukyō Outlaw Star ✅
* Lafiel Abriel, Seikai no Monshō ("Crest of the Stars") ✅
* Miyuri Tsujidō, Seikon no Qwaser
* Hanayo, Selector Infected WIXOSS (series)
* Kurumi Matsumoto, Seraphim Call
* Shion Yasuoka, Shion no Ō
* Chikage, Sister Princess
* Kiriko Mamiya, Skull Man ✅
* Otoha Sakurano, Sky Girls
* Sara Werec, Sōkō no Strain
* Sara Mudo, Tenshi Kinryoku ("Angel Sanctuary") ✅
* Nanao Akita, Terra Formars
* Akari Kamigishi, To Heart ✅
* Saki Tenjōin, To LOVEる ✅
* Gerda, Yuki no Joō ("The Snow Queen") ✅
* Tōko Mishima, Yume Tsukai
* Shizuno Misaki, Zegapain
* Henrietta de Tristain, Zero no Tsukaima
* Erika Kuramoto, Zettai Junpaku♡Mahō Shōjo
* Leena Toros, Zoids

Chantal Strand as Kazumi Yoshida, notable roles:

Eastern Animation
* Penril and Poy, Card Wang: Mix Master
* Feldt Grace, Kidō Senshi Gundam 00
* Lacus Clyne, Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED and Destiny ✅
* Ching, Pucca
* Ruri Sarasa, Tokyo Underground
* Ribon-chan ("Bijou"), Tottoko Hamtarō ✅

Western Animation
* Kelly, Barbie ✅
* McKenna, Care Bears: Adventures in Care-a-lot ✅
* Valerie Velociraptor, Dinosaur Train
* Pink Sunsparkle, StarSong, and Tiddlywink — My Little Pony
* Diamond Tiara and Spoiled Rich, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic ✅
* Gemini Stone, Pi, and Bernard — Sabrina: The Animated Series
* Nibbles, Tom and Jerry Tales
* Wolfsbane, X-Men: Evolution ✅

Commentary: Ms. Strand did wonderfully with Kazumi Yoshida! She depicts her doting and very feminine, which fits her personality. Wonderful work! I really enjoyed her as Lacus Clyne in the English dub of Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED, too!

Shizuka Itō as Wilhelmina Carmel, notable roles:
* Haruka Morishima, Amagami SS
* Irina Jelavić, Ansatsu Kyōshitsu ("Assassination Classroom") ✅
* Nana Mishima, Area no Kishi
* Shōko Nogami, Asatte no Hōkō.
* Hildegard, Beelzebub ✅
* Valkyrie, Bikini Warriors
* Minako Aino, Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon Crystal
* Amanda Werner, Blassreiter
* Takao, D-Frag!
* Lenalee Lee, D.Gray-man
* Naoto Fuyumine, Dogs: Bullets & Carnage
* Nadie, El Cazador de la Bruja
* Flare Corona, Fairy Tail
* Luviagelita Edelfelt, Fate/stay night ✅
* Suiren Kōshū, Getsumen To Heiki Mina
* Theoria, Ginga Kikōtai Majestic Prince
* Kei Enomoto, Hatsukoi Limited.
* Hinagiku Katsura, Hayate no Gotoku! ("Hayate the Combat Butler") ✅
* Momoka Kurumi, HeartCatch PreCure! ✅
* Frolaytia Capistrano, Heavy Object
* Akeno Himejima, High School DxD ✅
* Iori Yoshizuka, I''s Pure
* Fujiko Etō, Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaō
* Nanami Ota, Iron Man
* Koko Hekmatyar, Jormungand ✅
* Shinra Kuonji, Kimi ga Aruji de Shitsuji ga Ore de
* Misa Kakizaki, Mahō Sensei Negima!
* Christiane Friedrich, Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!
* Rei Hasekura, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅
* Yukari Satō, Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku: The Legend of Koizumi
* Tatiana Vishneva, Nodame Cantabile
* Tōko Sumikaze, Occultic;Nine ✅
* Ryōko Ōkami, Ōkami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi ("Okami-San and Her Seven Companions")
* Bel, Pokémon Best Wishes!
* Yayoi Kunizuka, Psycho-Pass ✅
* Alice L. Malvin, Pumpkin Scissors
* Liliana, Queen's Blade
* Manami Kuroha, Rental Magica
* Sumika Nagai, Sagashita no wa Ōeya, Mitsuketa no wa Mirai
* Hisa Takei, Saki ✅
* Sakurako Kujō, Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru
* Benitsubasa, Sekirei
* Akiha Tōno, Shingetsutan Tsukihime ✅
* Rindō Kobayashi, Shokugeki no Sōma ✅
* Belial, Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai ✅
* Eika Ichijō, Sky Girls
* Chitose Akiyama, Softenni
* Shinon Kōzuki, Starship Operators
* Hanna-Justina Marseille, Strike Witches ✅
* Bellows, Suisei no Gargantia ✅
* Mifuyu Kisaragi, Tayutama: Kiss on My Deity
* Bōta and Darry Adai, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann ✅
* Michelle K. Davis, Terra Formars
* Ran, Texhnolyze ✅
* Tamaki Kōsaka, To Heart 2 ✅
* Kaori Kanzaki, Toaru Majutsu no Index ✅
* Melda Deitz, Uchū Senkan Yamato 2199 ✅
* Shiori Tsuzuki, Witchblade ✅
* Kozue Takanashi, Working!! ✅
* Himawari Kunogi, xxxHOLIC
* Ai Kaminari, Yatterman
* Alōette, Yoru no Yatterman
* Maiko Okamoto, Young Black Jack
* Kotona Elegance, Zoids Genesis

Anna Cummer as Wilhelmina Carmel, notable roles:

Eastern Animation
* Nozomi Daichi, Chikyū Bōei Kazoku
* Vanilla H, Galaxy Angel
* Miriallia Haww, Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED ✅
* Mea, Popotan
* Miyuki Kuroi, Rockman.EXE

Western Animation
* Princess Starglo, Care Bears: Share Bear Shines ✅
* Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures ✅
* Thumbelina, Barbie Presents: Thumbelina
* Virginia "Pepper" Potts, Iron Man: Armored Adventures
* Star Light and Heart Bright, My Little Pony ✅
* Dawn, The Barbie Diaries
* Caprice, Barbie: Princess Charm School

Commentary: Ms. Cummer as Wilhelmina Carmel was good, it didn't stand out as much as some of the other performances, but I guess that's good because a) she's playing a maid character and b) the other anime role that I saw her in (as Miriallia Haww in "Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED" notably) is very much the girl-next-door type of role, so I suppose that she's really good at playing sweetly demure characters with less of a presence! Wonderful work, though!

Mamiko Noto as Hectate, notable roles:
* Karen Minamino, AIka
* Fiona, Allison to Lillia
* Mayumi Fujimiya, Aquarian Age
* Felicità, Arcana Famiglia
* Azusa, Azusa Otetsudai Shimasu!
* Alice Gehabich, Bakugan Battle Brawlers
* Saya Irino ("Black★Gold Saw"), Black★Rock Shooter ✅
* Makie Otono-Tachibana, Blade of the Immortal
* Takami Komoda, Bokura no ✅
* Lilica Evette, Burn Up Scramble
* Kotomi Ichinose, Clannad ✅
* Satomi Anzaki, Dear Boys
* Yukihime, Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera ✅
* Jil, Druaga no Tou: The Aegis of Uruk ✅
* Yuka, Elfen Lied
* Mavis Vermillion, Fairy Tail ✅
* Satellizer el Bridget, Freezing
* Alex Benedetto, Gangsta.
* Yukinari Sasaki, Girls Bravo
* CAL-141, Halo Legends
* Mitsuki Ikuta, Hit wo Nerae!
* Aya Tōjō, Ichigo 100%
* Ana Coppola, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅
* Rin, InuYasha ✅
* Ai Enma, Jigoku Shōjo ✅
* Ayano Satō, Joshikōsei: Girl's High
* Neiro, Kaiba ✅
* Aoi Kannazuki, Kaibutsu Ōjo
* Kōta Oyamada, Kanokon
* Fujino Asagami, Kara no Kyōkai ✅
* Sawako Kuronuma, Kimi ni Todoke ✅
* Kyoko Asahina, 北へ。 ～Diamond Dust Drops～
* Emi Kizaki, Kurogane no Linebarrels
* Nodoka Miyazaki, Mahō Sensei Negima!
* Einhart Stratos, Mahou Shōjo Lyrical Nanoha ViVid ✅
* Ōka Sayama, Manyū Hikenchō
* Shimako Tōdō, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅
* Yuri Takikago, Mawaru Penguindrum ✅
* Rin Asogi, Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne ✅
* Anna Liebert, Monster ✅
* Shizu Murasume, TO LOVEる ✅
* Tsukiko Sagi, Paranoia Agent ✅
* Inia Sestina, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅
* Narue Nanase, Narue no Sekai
* Akira Sakura, Shadow Star Narutaru ✅
* Moriko Morioka, Recovery of an MMO Junkie ✅
* Saeko Okuyama, Niji-iro Hotaru: Eien no Natsuyasumi
* Haruka Nogizaka, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu
* Ririka Nishizono, Occultic;Nine
* Fūka Yamagishi, Persona 3
* Tomoe, Queen's Blade ✅
* Nayu Hasegawa, Rō-Kyū-Bu! ✅
* Aria, Saint Seiya Omega
* Yakumo Tsukamoto, School Rumble
* Iona Urazoe, Selector Spread WIXOSS
* Kenshin Uesugi, Sengoku Collection
* Limone, Simōn
* Matsuri Shihō, Sola ✅
* Yuki Sōya, Taishō Baseball Girls
* Noel Hiiragi, Tansu Warashi.
* Aisa Himegami, Toaru Majutsu no Index ✅
* Esther Blanchett, Trinity Blood ✅
* Benten, Uchōten Kazoku ✅
* Rinko Jerrard, The Law of Ueki
* Masane Amaha, Witchblade ✅
* Kotori Monō, X ✅
* Hazuki Azuma, Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito ✅
* Kaori, Yojōhan Shinwa Taikei ✅
* Megumi Hasegawa, よみがえる空 -Rescue Wings-
* Tiffania Westwood, Zero no Tsukaima
* Kotone Sasaki, Zettai Junpaku♡Mahō Shōjo

Brenna O'Brien as Hectate, notable roles:

Eastern Animation
* Pan, Dragon Ball Z
* Reverie Metherlence, Erementer Gerad
* Rin, InuYasha ✅
* Nono, Popotan

Commentary: The only other role that I've heard Ms. O'Brien is as Rin in "InuYasha" — this role is very similar to that one. Her portrayal of Hectate is very kiddish-sounding and shy. Outstanding job!

Hitomi Nabatame as Margery Daw, notable roles:
* Nanao Ise, Bleach
* Noi, Blue Dragon: Tenkai no Shichi Ryū
* Kanade Sakurai, Candy Boy ✅
* Kiri Kikyō, Canvas 2: Niji-iro no Sketch
* Sena Aoi, ChäoS;HEAd ✅
* Mana Aida, Dokidoki! PreCure ✅
* Bazett Fraga McRemitz, Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya
* Kanade Yūki, Fortune Arterial: Akai Yakusoku
* Kei Kishimoto, Gantz ✅
* Erika Itsumi, Girls und Panzer ✅
* Kanade Jinguji, Gokujō Seitokai
* Yukiji Katsura, Hayate no Gotoku! ("Hayate the Combat Butler")
* Raynare, High School DxD ✅
* Sphene, Hōseki no Kuni ✅
* Nobue Itō, Ichigo Mashimaro ("Strawberry Marshmallow") ✅
* Unchō Kan'u, Ikkitōsen ✅
* Eriko Takahashi, Joshikōsei: Girl's High
* Momoko Orizuka, Kenkō Zenrakei Suieibu Umishō
* Sonken Chūbō, Kōtetsu Sangokushi
* Rokumon, Kyōkai no Rinne ("RIN-NE")
* Yuna Miyama, Maburaho
* Eriko Torii, Maria-sama ga Miteru ✅
* Rina Tachibana, Mushi-Uta ✅
* Miki Onimaru, Muteki Kanban Musume
* Cryska Barchenowa, Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse ✅
* Niboshi, Nyamen
* Reiko Shirai, Ōyasan wa Shishunki!
* Saori Makishima, Ore no Imōto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai ✅
* Shizuru, Princess Connect! Re:Dive ✅
* Kagura, Prism Ark
* Hime Petit, Prism Magical: Prism Generations!
* Shizuka, Queen's Blade ✅
* Liru, Renkin 3-kyū Magical? Pokān ✅
* Matsuri, Rocket Girls
* Mikoto Suō, School Rumble
* Uzume, Sekirei
* Arcueid Brunestud, Shingetsutan Tsukihime ✅
* Akira Tōdō, Special A
* Shizuma Hanazono, Strawberry Panic ✅
* Fanatio Synthesis Two, Sword Art Online ✅
* Yuma Tonami, To Heart 2 ✅
* Eirin Yagokoro, 東方 Niji Sōsaku Dōjin Anime: Musō Kakyō ✅
* Vivienne Ōtori, UG☆Ultimate Girls
* Minami Yūri, VitaminX Addiction
* Akane Ryūzōji, Walkure Romance
* Kazusa Tōma, White Album 2 ✅
* Ryoko Yakushiji, Yakushiji Ryōko no Kaiki Jikenbo
* Feena Fam Earthlight, Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love
* Misa Anehara, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahō

Janyse Jaud as Margery Daw, notable roles:

Eastern Animation
* Tae Shimura, Gintama° ✅
* Aira, Green Legend Ran ✅
* Kyala, Hightlander: The Search for Vengeance ✅
* Kanna and Kagura, InuYasha ✅
* Tachikoma, Kōkaku Kidōtai: Stand Alone Complex — The Laughing Man ✅
* Kuromitsu, Kurozuka
* Akemi Roppongi, Maison Ikkoku ✅
* Mocchi, Monster Farm: Enbanseki no Himitsu ✅
* Mariko Ozono, Rockman.EXE
* Bloodberry, Saber Marionette R ✅
* Eriya, Tenkū no Escaflowne ("The Vision of Escaflowne") ✅
* Keno Inuzaka, The Hakkenden
* Felicia, Vampire Hunter ("Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge") ✅
* Siu Lan, Xiao Qian

Western Animation
* Harley Quinn, Martha Wayne, and Catwoman — Batman: Black and White
* Eunice and Windy, Dragon Tales
* Sarah and Lee Kanker — Ed, Edd n Eddy ✅
* Tina and Computer Agent, G.I. Joe Extreme
* Phoebe, Littlest Pet Shop
* Spike and Mom, Monster Mash
* Dragonfly, Zebrina Twins, and Ham Hands — ¡Mucha Lucha! ✅
* Mrs. Trotsworth, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic ✅
* Leila Leigh and Bosley, Sabrina: The Animated Series
* Lizard Woman, Spider-Man Unlimited
* Celia, Mailei, and Sachi — Street Fighter (1995)
* Sherkie, Tom and Jerry Tales
* Snarf, Trollz ✅
* Taryn, Riley's Friend, and Amy — X-Men: Evolution ✅

Commentary: I have really enjoyed Ms. Jaud in every anime role that I've seen her in, she typically plays the more sultry women or is someone who often falls under the bishōjo-archetype niche, and I get a kick out of her playing two of the Kanker sisters in "Ed, Edd n Eddy"! Ms. Jaud as Margery Daw was one of the best performances in the show, she was able to convey her emotional complexities really well! Amazing performance!

I blame most of the issues that I had with Shakugan no Shana on the directing, and that includes the choice to make the dialogue overwrought with exposition. It is a trope that usually plagues light novel adaptations, but there are loopholes and techniques that the production staff can use to keep from stumbling. Despite the pitfalls in the production and adaptational drawbacks, the premise and characters in Shakugan no Shana are still really strong and this strength comes through with their array of colorful personalities. I give the first season a 5/10!

Rating: ★★★☆☆

The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the first episode.... Cliche girl saves boy/boy saves girl anime... Shakugan no shana can't be described any other way. The anime is overall ok with it's good soundtrack and art, but everything else makes it mediocre. The plot is cliche, the characters have no depth, especially the villains. One thing in my opinion that can destroy an anime's reputation is the protagonist. In this anime we have a wimpy protagonist, who occasionally learns to get better at controlling his powers ( again cliche). The characters are just not likable, except for shana because she ... is somewhat of a badass, kinda... My point is... You already know what's goin to happen after the first few episodes, and then I don't know why they decided to even have 3 seasons! I u have nothing to do an just want to waiste ur time on boring cliche junk then u go ahead and watch those three seasons. Their only attempt at making it interesting was deciding to put a twist on the third seasons by making the wimp protagonist into a villain. No you no what I meant when I said even the villains don't have any depth... Honestly... Knowing how much of a wimp the protagonist was, I didn't even want to think about him being a villain... I dropped this anime in the third season because of that... I really felt like I waisted my time...

The world of Shakugan no Shana is a fascinating one. It is rich with lore and completely developed into something surreal yet believable. Unfortunately, there are many times in the first two seasons where we become lost in the "comedic" school lives of Yuji & co. or slice of life-esque drama, all of which are irrelevant to the plot. It distracts from the things that make the show interesting, to the point of being boring.
It doesn't help that there are entire arcs of the show that move at a snail's pace, with episodes of buildup leading to each confrontation. Rather than creating suspense, it loses ... it. Plus, the villains are forgettable and their motives can be far-fetched.
The entire third season is just building up to the final battle, where tons of new characters are shoved into the story, forming unnecessary sub plots that pile on top of each other until it's just a giant mess.
Shakugan no Shana does have a saving grace though, and it's in the characters. Shana, who first seems to be a typical tsundere, actually sees development through the story. By the time she has formed a true romantic relationship with Yuji, she has grown out of the needless violence and tantrums, and has become a strong, mature heroine.
Yuji is neither useless nor overpowered. He begins the story with zero skills, but endures hard work and training in order to grow stronger, rather than being given his powers on a silver platter. He has clear goals of wanting to defend himself so Shana doesn't have to, but instead of always protecting her, they become a dynamic team.
The minor characters are a bit annoying at first, but as the series progresses, they become an integral (and even enjoyable) part of the cast. Specifically the other Flame Hazes, like Margery and Wilhelmina. Some of the classmates turn out to be great characters too, like Sato. Though, Kazumi, the third point to a love triangle, remains annoying through the entire series.
Shakugan no Shana has a decent story, and two wonderful main characters, but it falls short when it comes to execution.

(Impressions on Season 2 & 3 included - Spoiler-free)
Take my review as a friend suggestion: Don't start Shakugan no Shana if brought here by its fame.

I'm not an hater, I actually loved many parts of the show (season 2 and 3 included), but it's not what I hoped it would be.

Episode 1 is almost perfect, the prelude to a magnificent world building and interesting plot development, but sadly nothing happens for over 40 episodes.
The first 2 seasons left me with the impressions of a simple love comedy, while the battles had little to no effect in developing the story.
In fact at the moment you start ... season 3 you have almost no information about the world, the main characters and the "power of existence", and feel in the gut that the first 2 seasons were useless.
Later on many things will return, but mostly as "quiet life experiences".

Main character (Yuji) apart, all characters are pretty good and you grow attached to them, they all have the right screen time to build up a decent personality.
The design and animations are a bit old (time is cruel), but still really enjoyable.


To sum my impression in one word: Forgettable.
Shakugan no Shana isn't an anime I'll remember with love, there is no scene, song or character that left a sign and the plot is pretty weak.

The Novel seems to be a better, but can't be taken in account when rewieving the anime.

I'd love to know how it gained its fame.

I'm going to start by saying, I love shojo and shounen titles, it's fun just to watch people duke it out and turn your brain off, or watch a blossoming couple as they go about their relationship.
Now this anime has both, but in my personal opinion they don't do both particularly well, except for one fight in one of the earlier episodes and the romance doesn't make me root for any particular relationship cause non of them seem believable or fun to watch.
We learn bout Shana's job as a "heat haze" which sounds like a '"soul reaper" type gig which they don't explain or show ... really well, like we're supposed to think she kills monsters to counter evil or somthin but she only kills like 2 in the first episode then these small fry never show up again cause we gotta focus on the bigger human looking monsters who are more powerful.
Basically this anime is like the "substitute soul reaper arc" in bleach but instead of going to the "soul society" arc it skipped over to the "arrencar" arc and keeps going with little time to explain.
I see this series has fans and since I bought it cheap I'll continue on to the rest and hope it gets better.

Shakugan no Shana manages to be one of the most unbalanced watches I've had in recent memory. It has strong character development, and basically nothing of anything else.

The characters really are great, especially early on in the show. Shana and Yuji are especially good, though some of the side characters also get decently developed. Sure, it's somewhat predictable, but considering that most anime doesn't include any character development, it's easy to praise the show for it.

The villains are significantly less developed and mostly just feel like they're out of a B-movie. They're wacky enough to keep you entertained, but nothing to write home ... about.

The show does drama really well, and manages to create realistic feeling situations where there is interpersonal conflict between the characters. One thing a lot of shows do wrong is bringing in drama by introducing it from outside sources. Having the conflict be between characters you already know and like definitely gives it more a weighty punch though, and it's easier to get invested. It helps that the drama makes sense, mostly.

Unfortunately, this isn't primarily a romance/drama show. The plot and world-building seems interesting at first, but it quickly becomes a complete and utter disaster. I have NEVER seen a show that is so full of plot holes. Literally nothing makes sense. The last arc of the show is ESPECIALLY confusing. I don't know if this is because the adaptation is particularly poor, or because the light novel's were just poorly thought out, but something clearly went wrong here. I think that if fully-realized, the plot could've actually been good.

The pacing is also pretty bad. Too many filler shots of panning over characters faces or backgrounds. There are also a lot of reaction shots, or reused shots that slow things down. The pacing in the last arc is especially bad and certain fights drag on forever when they should've probably ended quickly.

Speaking of the animation, it's bad. The fight scenes look especially ugly. I also noticed that any shot of characters running (that include their legs) looks really unnatural.

Overall the show is kind of generic, but the characters were interesting enough to keep me watching. If you solely want to watch this because the plot sounds interesting, I would avoid it.