Back to Monkey_D_Luffy's Profile Monkey_D_Luffy's Profile

Story:
The story starts off really giving you feel of a "saving the world" type of story. There's these people called Dragonauts who pilot dragons and are trying to save the world from Thanatos. However, this plot basically gets thrown to the side as the love story between Jin, a human (not a Dragonaut,) and Toa (a dragon.) The romance between them is okay in the beginning, but it quickly becomes so annoying and bothersome. Also, the huge twist in the plot that occurs like a little past half way through the series was a pretty dumb idea.

Art:
The artwork and animation is okay, but what really ... just completely ruins it is the CG animation that they use for the dragons. I personally just don't even like CG, but I can usually tolerate it. However, this I couldn't tolerate very well. The dragons just looked so out place and too weird. It really would've been better if they just were normally animated, not CG animated.

Sound:
The OP and EDs are fine I guess. There's appropriate tunes for the series, so I can't complain there. However, the background isn't all that. I mean, it's not horrible, but they probably could've done a little better with it.

Character:
Character...oh man, what a disaster. Just like the story, it starts out okay. When you first see the Dragonauts they seem pretty cool and all, and Jin doesn't seem too bad, as well as Toa. However, this quickly changes as well. Jin and Toa and their relationship becomes so lame. Kazuki, Jin's best friend from years ago, who now wants to murder him, becomes possibly the number one most annoying anime character in history, and the other characters really just have no depth to them at all. However, I can't really complain about the character designs too much. Oh wait...yes I can. More than 75% of the females in the show had boobs bigger than Africa. Don't get more wrong, big boobies are great, but this show just kinda ruined it. You'll se what I mean if you watch the show.

Enjoyment:
The series starts off pretty enjoyable with some pretty decent action and all. However, all too quickly does it start to bore the viewer as it begins to revolve solely around Jin and Toa's horrible relationship and undying love for one another. It just gets so tiresome to watch after a while.

Story:
The story has a main central plot. Two samurai (although I think Mugen shouldn't really be considered a traditional samurai) and a teahouse waitress meet and the swordsmen end up accompanying her on a journey to seek out the samurai who smells of sunflowers. However, each episode, or occasionally every two episodes, really has its own story, but still falls into the main storyline perfectly because these episode stories are really the stories of their travels.
In the beginning the whole sunflower samurai thing was somewhat vague and unexplained, but the truth of it becomes revealed throughout the series. I think it was a great story ... that was well developed and the ending was actually pretty good in my opinion. It really didn't leave you hanging at all because the main storyline was entirely resolved (despite what the idiots who believe it wasn't resolved say.)
This story takes place in Japan's Edo Period (1603-1868,) however is really a revisionist historical series, meaning that the makers added some modern day elements that are anachronistic, predominately because the show contains hip-hop cultural attributes (i.e. break dancing, turntables, graffiti, Mugen's style, etc.) Also baseball did not arrive to Japan until 1878, ten years after the end of the Edo era, but the episode that contains a baseball game does fabricate a story that would make it possible. On the other hand, it does still actually show a lot of Edo historical aspects (such as the persecution against Christians, the nation's restriction of foreign affairs, Ukiyo-e paintings, and even a fictionalized version of a real life samurai (Miyamoto Musashi.) This blend of historical traits mixed with some modern themes makes the show very enjoyable.

Art:
Superb. The art style was very cool and the animation was nicely done. Consistently, throughout the whole series that is, the art was great, showing that they didn't slack off and really wanted to do a good job with this. The fighting scenes were brilliantly animated and always fluent, and the variety of camera angles and movements made it all very exciting.

Sound:
Yes, outstanding, definitely. The music is meant to reflect the hip-hop genre, and it does so very well. The OP is a cool song that fits the style as well as the samurai theme of the series. The ED is also a nice song for the show, and on several episodes there is an alternate ED, and then it goes back to the main ED, so the changes every once in a while are nice.
The background music is top notch, especially during the action sequences. The music gets you so into the feel of the battle and makes it quite exciting. The sound effects are awesome. In the middle of the episodes when that screen shows up that says Samurai Champloo (where like a commercial would usually be,) as well during the actual episodes when one scene changes to another, there are cool sound effects like turntables and such that further add to the hip-hop feel.
There's all this talk about the hip-hop, but maybe you don't like hip-hop. However, trust me, it makes the show so enjoyable and adds greatly to the overall feel of the show, generating a remarkable outcome.

Character:
The show primarily revolves around three characters: Fuu, Mugen, and Jin.
Fuu is a 15 year old girl who lost her mother to illness and was always told she never had a father. Thus, at the start of the show, she was alone working as a waitress at a teahouse. It is her goal to find the samurai who smells like sunflowers, for a reason I can't disclose because I believe it'd be considered a spoiler. She loves to eat despite her small stature often bickers primarily with Mugen.
Mugen is a swordsman who really helps give off the hip-hop feel. His fighting style incorporates a break dancing like art with swordsmanship, making it very cool, original, and enjoyable to watch. At the start of the show he's displayed as a lone wolf sorta guy who is a troublemaker always on the hunt for a tougher opponent. Anything about his parents or family is basically unknown to him, however the focal point of his history is revealed, which is enough to satisfy the viewer.
Jin is more of a classical, orthodox, and traditional samurai. He remains as a rather cryptic and sophisticated type of dude. Always being more calm and quiet, he differs greatly with Mugen, which is great. However, their sword skills are equal, and thus they agree that after their journey with Fuu is complete they would kill each other. Jin's history, like Mugen's, isn't given to you in its entirety, however I think more than enough is given about him, telling you basically what you need to know.
The contrasting personalities and styles of this trio makes the story extremely enjoyable because it always creates great comedy and humor. I think everybody could come to love these characters due to their separate traits. The supporting characters are usually pretty interesting and perform their roles nicely, all that is needed for a supporting character really.

Enjoyment:
Unique and top-notch samurai sword fighting mixed with other weapons such as kusarigamas and the occasional firearm. Great humor produced by three significantly different characters. A story that every episode keeps you occupied and drawn in. A wonderful soundtrack and magnificent artwork that boost the quality of the show.
What more could you ask for in a shounen series? It's a great action show that shouldn't be passed up, if anything simply for how incredibly enjoyable it is.

Story:
It's a story that does indeed focus on a vampire, however the story makes it so that it doesn't revolve around the vampireness, because it really focuses on Jirou, the main character, going up against the Kowloon Children. The background story is revealed in small tidbits at the beginning of each episode, and is rather enigmatic at the start, however unveils as you progress over the episodes and is completely revealed on the final episode. The story itself really is kinda crappy, however the fact that they managed to fully pack the story and it's background story into just 12 episodes is somewhat notable I ... suppose.

Art:
The artwork is pretty well executed. The fight scenes are fluently animated. Contrary to most vampire genre series, the overall color to the art isn't very dark and shady, providing it with a little more lighthearted feel and mood, however still becoming serious when necessary.

Sound:
The OP is a pretty cool JRock song that definitely suits the series. Good choice for this one. The ED then switches to a light and more melodic tune, giving it a nice contrast. The sound effects work well, and the background music also fits the scenes nicely.

Character:
Well, lemme just start off saying that the main character and vampire, Jirou, has really just a cliche vampire look. Long black hair and red garb, particularly consisting of a long trench coat (hmm...sound like Alucard.) But then there's his brother, Kotarou, who has an appearance that is pretty much the farthest thing from vampire looking.
I'd really like to note though how much I dislike the fact that Jirou seems basically invincible and can defeat anyone with little to no effort, with the exception of the final battle. I don't really like seeing that in a show, despite how much I like action and shounen series.

Enjoyment:
The story is bearable, the art and sound's fine, the characters are fair, but for some reason, I really didn't find it very enjoyable. It lacked the elements to continuously draw me in and make me want to keep watching. Why? Well, the fights were mostly pretty curt, and as I've said, they weren't that entertaining because Jirou basically kicked too much ass in several short seconds, with the exception of the final match. I believe it was also devoid of the suspenseful attributes that most vampire series usually succeed in. Honestly, if it continued past 12 episodes, it probably would have become incredibly boring. Overall, I do feel it is a decent show for a quick 12 episode short series.

...Probably the worst One Piece movie that's been made.

Story:
It's just a recap of the Arabasta Arc, which had an a great storyline, that would alone get definitely at least a 9, but the movie left out some great parts like Ace's appearance and Mizu Mizu Luffy. Several things were changed around and shortened (especially the crew's battles) that took away some of its excellence. It is a movie though, so I was expecting a bit to be deleted and left out, but that's why it wasn't too great of an idea to make the 8th movie a recap of an arc, especially a fairly long ... arc that had a lot in it.

Art:
Some people like One Piece's art, thinking it's unique and different. Some people hate it, thinking it's ugly and horribly drawn. I like it, so I give it an 8 out of personal opinion. The movie did include some nice visual effects as well that added to the animation.

Sound:
Meh, nothing special, but by no means bad. Just...not anything special.

Character:
Character would get a ten, appearances weren't left out. Like Ace's, those pirates who travel with their boat on sand, and those turtle looking guys. However, it did of course include the main characters and all, which are all fabulous.

Enjoyment:
I did enjoy it, and I think most One Piece fans would, just because the last time I watched the Arabasta Arc was a long time ago, and so this kind of refreshed my memory of it. However, like I've said, it left out several great parts, and I think I would've rather had a totally different movie as the 8th movie. A movie that doesn't follow the storyline, just like all the other movies preceding this one.

Story:
Not the most amazing storyline for a One Piece movie ever. I mean, after all, it is essentially just a treasure hunt, which is pretty exciting, but something that isn't too uncommon. It has some pretty good twists and comedy though, as usual with One Piece, which is good.

Art:
The art really is, of course, just the same as the regular One Piece series's artwork. I know some people say One Piece's art is just horrendous, but personally, I just think that those individuals aren't very open minded, and that, in fact, One Piece's art is actually quite unique, and unlike many others. So the quality ... of the art just lies in personal opinion I think.

Sound:
One Piece has some of the greatest music and sounds in all of anime. This movie lives up to the reputation. Simple as that.

Character:
If you're a One Piece fan I'm sure you'd agree that the series's cast is just phenomenal. But this is about the movie. So, putting the main characters aside, this movie features a style of One Piece characters that make it the great show it is. An old baasan who's like 2 feet tall that's stuck in a treasure chest, a foolish, yet apparently genius, central enemy who is destined to rule the world, and two of his loyal henchmen who sport afros and mohawk things. Character has always been one of One Piece's great points, and that stands true is this film.

Enjoyment:
I would not say that this is the number one best One Piece movie that's been made, however it definitely is still good and absolutely wroth the watch. Perfect way to see a nice side story while waiting for the next episode to be released. It doesn't feel like you're watching a stupid filler either while watching this movie, if you're perhaps worried of that. Overall, definitely give it a watch, chances are you'll enjoy it.

Story
Quite a unique storyline, much different than most out there. Although the story could have probably developed even more and a lot better if there were more than 11 episodes. That just cut the story too short, which was kinda disappointing.

Art
Personally, I don't like this type of art style that was used in Z-Loan too much. Usually I'd prefer artwork more like that of Death Note. However, I think the art fit this particular series well, however it isn't the best art out there.

Sound
Usually I like loud songs and metal songs, but the opening song was just horrendous. I couldn't stand listening to it. The ... ending theme was fine though. The background music fit the scenes it was used in well, so they did that good. Nothing else really so say about the music work. It was overall good.

Character
Very good characters. The tension between Chika and Shito was great for the story, especially because no matter what, they were stuck together because of their hands. All of the characters were pretty interesting themselves. Michiru had a good background story. Koyomi was my probably favorite, with her energetic normal self, and then becoming the lesbian Yomi, her alter-ego. Then there's all the others like Yuuta, with her "talking" hands, Bekkou (or ferryman), who's the leader of Z-loan, even though he appears like somebody you wouldn't really expect to be in charge, Chika's father, who looks like a girl, Chika's sister, who does nothing but text message on her phone, Shimotsuki, who's a younger girl, yet a chairsperson, Shiba, who at first appears to be a good guy, and the Shinigami, who becomes a like a small creature after losing his core.
The cast is all very interesting, however, since the series is too short, it didn't allow for too much development, so that's why I give a 8, and not 9.

Enjoyment
Definitely a great series if you're bored one day and just wanna watch a whole series, packed with parts of action, comedy, and horror. I watched it all in one day, since it's only 11 episodes, and I think it's best viewed like that. Very enjoyable series overall, even if it is very short.

Overall
Overall, as you can see, I give it a 7. For reasons I've already explained above. I'm pretty sure an OVA will be coming out, so at least maybe we'll get to see a better ending in that.