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Although I was skeptical at first of D. Gray Man, thinking it would be just another mindless action-driven series that just happened to include a dark background, I decided to watch it on the recommendation of a friend... I have never been so glad that I listened to him.

Story (9)- With such a (relatively) long series length, one might expect that the show's plot drags or contains numerous filler episodes, but the true reason for this unusual length is that the show just has so much plot, such great, powerful, and emotional stories that it would be a travesty (there I go again, overdoing it) ... to force it all into a more standard 24-ish episode length. The show's basic premise is interesting and provides great start for the series, which continues its power throughout.

Art (8)- Even though the animations are more or less average in here, the character designs are unique and memorable. The designs of the characters and the show's intriguing environment make these amazing art designs possible. Allen Walker is one of the most uniquely designed characters in anime, and the art works with this to create a strong experience (who can forget the Millennium Earl's creepily cartoonish appearance?)

Sound (8)- For the sake of brevity, I will quickly gloss over this section, which is regrettable, since there were some truly memorable songs in this anime. (one of which almost made me cry... a remarkable feat.) The basic point of music in this anime: it is well done and contributes to the mood, but I personally wish there had been even more of those hauntingly beautiful tracks.

Charcters (7)- The characters here do suffer from being a little flat in the beginning, such as Kanda's gruff "I despise you all" demeanor, but as the series progresses, these characters develop in their own time, giving them an almost organic feeling of personal growth (I've even grown a bit of a soft spot for Kanda after learning a bit more about him...)

Overall, this is not a series to be missed. It consistently does well in all areas, and the only major complaint I have is that there isn't more of it. After completing the entirety of Dubbed episodes on Netflix, I tracked down the rest of the show because I simply couldn't get enough. Sadly, I still can't get enough, which has prompted me to begin the manga. But back to the review! This is a great work, that will tug your heartstrings, loosen its grip for a second, and then firmly yank them again to create a wild roller coaster ride of emotions that is exhilarating and enticing as this is a damn good show.

I first came into contact with this anime months ago when I was browsing through netflix, saw something that remotely interested me, and decided to throw it into my queue. It wasn't until almost four months later that I finally watched the first episode, on a recommendation from a friend. At first I was unsatisfied, and I did enjoy the show, but not as thoroughly as I have enjoyed many others.

Story (6)- the story is perhaps the weakest part of the anime, starting out with a strong emotional beginning, only to let that pathos base disintegrate under the weight of the increasingly quirky Sohma family. ... While Tohru's pain and loneliness are a constant theme, they never are treated as completely as they should be, and the viewer is left with an uncomfortable feeling of problems left hanging by themselves, metaphorically duct-taped but never actually solved.

Art (9)- While not necessarily perfect in animation (there are many shows that outdo it in basic artistry) this show's vibrant, calming backgrounds create a soothing atmosphere, which compliment the themes of unity and happiness within a family. Whenever I considered abandoning this anime in favor of something else, I was suddenly grasped by a beautiful and tranquil scene, reminiscent of old Chinese painting styles that quickly changed my mind.

Character (7)- If the show featured only Shigure, then the characters would have been much more engaging. Sadly, it doesn't, and many of the characters grow boring very quickly. The "I'm the cat and I hate the rat!" device can only go so far...

Sound (6)- Music does contribute to the mood of the show, but it is not especially extraordinary or gripping.

This show was enjoyable, but more so for me on the artistic level. If you are looking for a plot-driven, deeply philosophical series, this anime will scratch your back for a while but leave an irritating itch in the end. If you want to see an anime with a unique, and nice look (that's the best word to describe the look to this show, just completely and entirely nice), then this show will be much more engaging. All in all, not a bad show in any respect, but could still be forgone for a more captivating series.

Blassreiter- German for "Pale Rider" (I made the connection only after my friend looked it up on Wikipedia, stupid me)- is a true treat, one that despite its flaws still managed to enthrall me for every second I was watching.

Art (8)- The art in Blassreiter is well done, but when compared to the lofty expectations box art and promotional posters set, it falls short. Even though it fails to live up to its own expectations, the artwork succeeds more in a figurative sense. Dark tones and numerous Gothic references set the depressing mood of the show, but when it leaves these dark corners the show ... really starts to burn in the light. This series is best watched at night, and would have been far more appealing to the eye if more of it took place after sundown (maybe that's an exaggeration, but just watch it and see if you disagree that the daytime sequences aren't nearly as compelling as the nighttime ones).

Sound (5)- Well, I spent far too much time on Art, so sound will need to be quick. Overall, the soundtrack doesn't do much to add to the show's atmosphere, and outside of the awkward and unfitting film-noir esque ending sequence, the show's music didn't leave much of an impression on me.

Characters (7)- Most of the characters in the show were compelling and interesting, if a little flat. While I was glad to see Joseph and Malek growing ever so slightly, many of the other characters go through the entire series without even the smallest shift in personality and end up as tired stereotypes.

Story (9)- Now this is the real kicker. Certainly, it may be easy to deride the show for its overly-depressing tone, I found the story to be very compelling, adding a sense of reality and relatability to the characters. The dark backstories may at times be too depressing and slightly repetitive, but they still work for the show. The weakest area of the plot is in the emergence of these evil robot creatures and the response to them, and the show is especially slow in the beginning because of this. If one can accept the basic premise of the show however (easier said than done) it can quickly become one of the most entrancing plots developed. Beware though, as this show tries its hardest to make you feel like crap, and does its job very well...

Overall, Blassreiter may be hampered by small weaknesses in underlying plot structure and annoying combinations of CGI and out-of-place music, but the show's dark atmosphere, religious parallels, and central message of hope in a world filled with evil and despair will leave you anxiously watching up to the very end.

Ah Girls Bravo, what to say...
On paper, this anime would seem to fail in many aspects, but yet this is one of the most enjoyable shows I have ever watched, simply for its lively, funny, and slightly stupid mood. While there isn't much to talk about in artwork or sound department (nothing incredible, at least).

Story (5)- The story (or what there is of it) is linked together solely by containing the same characters and the same basic problem with Yukinari. Most episodes are completely irrelevant to the plot of the show, and thus lack any sort of powerful punch behind them.

Art (6)- The art ... of this show is average, not exceedingly well done nor horrible.

Sound (6)- The sounds of this show are much like the art (nothing extraordinary, but not bad). That said, I still enjoy listening to the opening theme and singing along while driving.

Character (7)- The characters of this show are admittedly flat and slightly repetitive, but nonetheless each seems to have a unique charm. I found myself regretfully liking the wimpy Yukinari, enjoying Miharu's naivety, and becoming ever more annoyed with Tomo. The show actually makes use of the character's flatness, using it to create unrealistic yet adorable individuals to populate its world.

Enjoyment (10)- This is the part of the rating that makes no sense in context with the rest. Given the above information, most would assume that this show is simply a mediocre way to pass the time. But somehow this show manages to provide unending fun, and had me falling over laughing at many of its immature, cheesy jokes.

Overall, this show, despite its faults, manages to pull together quite an experience. Ignoring its blatant fan service (but seriously, who's going to complain there?) the show provides endless amounts of cheap humor and innuendo in the likeliest of places. Girls Bravo doesn't strive to push the boundaries of storytelling or force the viewers to reassess his/her life. Instead, it offers moronic humor and cheap laughs that will nevertheless provide hours of pure, mindless entertainment.