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- BirthdayAug 11, 1989
- LocationToronto, Ontario, Canada
- JoinedNov 27, 2007
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May 29, 2009
Tsubasa Chronicle: Shunraiki is the newest OVA adapted from the famous CLAMP manga Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. After the spectacular work done by production I.G on Tokyo Revelations I can say I was more than excited to watch this, since I am a big fan of the manga. The plot is also connected to the xxxHOLiC Shunmuki OVAs.
Story:
+ Very close adaptation of the original material
+ The actual plot is very interesting and complex
+ Plot twists are sure to surprise some viewers
+ Finally we get xxxHOLiC/Tsubasa connections
- If you've only watched the anime versions of Tsubasa (including Tokyo Revelations) you WILL NOT understand the plot fully.
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Manga knowledge is absolutely necessary to understand what is happening.
- Celes and Infinity arcs were never animated (the ones who continue after Tokyo), further emphasizing my previous point.
Art:
+ CLAMP style art (if you like it)
+ Production I.G delivers fantastic and fluid animation even during fight scenes
- CLAMP style art (if you hate it)
Sound:
+ Kajiura Yuki delivers once again
+ a blend of new and old songs makes this very pleasing to listen
+ Great job to all the seiyuus specially Irino Miyo for his Syaoran
- I can't think of anything (sorry)
Character:
+ Great level of character development
+ All the characters are very likeable
- Fai and Kurogane fans might be let down by the lack of involvement of the two during this OVA as they spend most of their time as observers.
Enjoyment: I can say this easily, this 2 episode OVA was absolutely fantastic and I really hoped this would last longer. This was one of my favourite parts of the manga and im glad at how well production I.G has handled it once again. This OVA makes my current top 5 for now. How I wish we could just get a third anime season by I.G ;_;
Overall Tsubasa Shunraiki can be fantastic or annoying depending on how you look at it. As a stand alone OVA adaptation of the manga, it is absolutely perfect. If you try to look at it as a continuation of the series, then unfortunately it is almost a prerequisite to have read the manga to enjoy this fully. If you are a fan of the manga then I guarantee you will not be let down by this, if you have only experience Tsubasa as an anime then I would STRONGLY suggest you read it before trying to watch this, it would greatly decrease the enjoyment factor.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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May 26, 2009
What do you know, yet another review for the sequel of what is arguably one of the most popular anime of this decade. Code Geass R2 had an INCREDIBLY big shoe to fill after an very impressive first season. Did the show live up to its own hype? If you are already scrolling over the 'not helpful' button because of my overall score, I recommend you read the review fully.
Story:
+ Fast paced and full of mecha action
+ Plot twists and unexpected events is this anime's favourite thing
+ Very intriguing concepts are revealed regarding the power of the Geass which was left a mystery on season
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1
+ One of the better final episodes in recent memory
- The action shifted from a more tactical and strategic perspective into a more generic "new mecha with higher specs owns everything in its path" fashion.
- As much as the plot twists managed to shock, unfortunately many times they failed to give proper explanations for them.
- Much of the anime was spent on the battles, and then rushed the main plot in the last couple of episodes. Not the best way to spread such a complex plot.
- Many questions were left unanswered, and some aspects were never revisited from season 1.
- They tried too hard.
Art:
+ The glory of HD, I bow to you
+ CLAMP designs (if you like them)
+ Fantastic color pallete
- CLAMP designs (if you hate them)
- Compared to season 1. The animators seemed to have forgotten how to draw curved lines, the face designs could poke your eyes out.
Sound:
+ Not much to discuss, the music is great
+ Fantastic voice acting, kuddos to all seiyuus
+ Very nice insert songs
- Some of the style of the music may not be for everyone's tastes
Character:
+ Very intriguing and mysterious characters. And memorable too.
+ Many side characters with a lot of potential grace the anime constantly
+ Regardless of what anyone says, Suzaku knows how to stir the fanbase's emotions whether its hate, or love.
+ Lelouch makes the anime worth watching.
- If you are not Lelouch or Suzaku, you will never be given much time to shine.
- Characters are introduced, and then disposed WAY too many times throughout the series.
- Killing characters only to bring them back for the sake of shock WITHOUT any explanation of how they survive plagues the show way too many times.
Enjoyment: I cannot lie when I say R2 is definitely an extremely enjoyable anime to watch. But sometimes its hard to not notice how ridiculous it can get in terms of plot and character development. My biggest let down was the way the plot decayed from the fantastic quality of the first season (which I gave a 10 in plot) to the still enjoyable but faulty "trying too hard to shock you" attempts of season 2.
Overall: Code Geass R2 IS a good anime, and its still a good sequel to the greatness of the first season and definitely better than a lot of other animes out there. But the anime itself falls under its own greatness by trying too hard to maintain its reputation. If you liked the first season then there is no way u wont like the second one. And if you have never watched Code Geass at all, I strongly suggest you do. Regardless of the hype, this is still one of the better and most refreshing series in recent years.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 15, 2009
In the never-ending wait for a real second season of Haruhi, Kadokawa decided to present us with this short web series called the Melancholy of Haruhi-chan Suzumiya. And to be fair and honest, these series of short mini-episodes was more enjoyable that I would have ever expected. Here is a short and fast review with its ups and downs
Story:
+ Nice and funny situations ensured in every episode
+ Many overused themes in animes but taken to the extreme for extra lols
- Could have been a little longer in length per episode but thats just me wanting more
- Those wanting actual substance should go look somewhere else
Art:
+
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Rich in color
+ Nice blend of chibi and normal character animations, making some scenes even funnier
+ Chibi forms look very cute
- Obvious ploy to save animation budget (lol)
- The first couple of episode look downright bad
Sound:
+ All the original voice cast is present
+ Some nice selection of background music
- Haruhi sounds like Konata 80% of the time (although its obvious because of the chibi)
Character:
+ All the characters that made the original series a hit return with their quirks turned up to MAXIMUM
+ A lot of forgotten side characters are given many great moments to shine
- Haruhi is WAAAAY more docile and calm than her original version (good for those who didn't like that about her original version)
Enjoyment: For a small series that runs for approx 5 minutes per episode. I have greatly enjoyed watching this. It really was a great way to kill time when I had nothing else to watch.
Overall: If you were a fan of the original series then I would highly recommend you check this out. They are short in length so its something simple to watch and they are a perfect watch when you want to just flat out kill some time and have a nice and light anime break. In the wait for a real second season, this will surely be a great way to kill some of the anxiety.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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May 12, 2009
***I have decided to change the format of my reviews to provide more to-the-point ups and downs of the subject in review. I hope people like this new style since the old essay style reviews are tl;dr and just take too long to write. Anyways here is the second anime I'll review under this new format***
I had made a review of this before but i lost it on the MAL crash a while ago ;-; so here it goes again. Kara no Kyoukai 5: Mujun Rasen is the fifth and currently the longest running KnK movie to date. This movie really is something special for
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those who enjoy getting mindfucked. Trust me.
Story:
+ Very unique presentation for the plot
+ Very interesting plot itself once you realize what is going on
+ 2 hour long movie improved the amount of development for characters and plot itself
- It can very easily confuse the viewer if they are not paying full attention at the movie. Since events in a way are not happening in chronological order.
Art
+ Fantastic background art
+ Awesome animation considering the fast pace of some scenes
+ Detailed look at decomposing and served people >_>
- Some slight weird faces there and then but nothing major
Sound
+ Fantastic background music, there really isnt much else to say...it was flawless in this category. Hat goes off once again to Kajiura Yuki
Character
+ Aozaki finally gets some decent screentime and development
+ Shiki is just a very mysterious and interesting character in general
+ Great character development overall, a notch up from the previous movies
- Kokuto is once again useless and non important >_>
Enjoyment: Easily one of the better anime movies i've seen, and by far my favourite Kara no Kyoukai movie yet. This movie made me a fan of the series. Can't wait for more.
Overall: If you enjoy deep and complex plots with lots of gore and unique presentation. Then this movie is perfect for you, it brings a very interesting plot, a lot of fantastic action scenes, and overall just a lot of entertainment. Fans of KnK will cum buckets over this. Those who havent watched any of the Kara no Kyoukai movies yet I highly recommend you watch them first, it just makes this movie more awesome and the time spend to just get to this movie will be worth it
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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May 12, 2009
***I have decided to change the format of my reviews to provide more to-the-point ups and downs of the subject in review. I hope people like this new style since the old essay style reviews are tl;dr and just take too long to write. Anyways here is the first anime I'll review under this new format***
xxxHOLiC - Kei is the sequel to the first xxxHOLiC anime which is an adaptation of the CLAMP manga of the same name.
Story:
+ A great plot that leaves you wanting to know what happens next
+ Very deep symbolisms and philosophy are presented
+ A bigger focus on character development
+ An actual
...
sense of continuity unlike the first season's more episodic format
+ Great mix of supernatural elements into a slice of life anime
- Fans who prefered the episodic format might be let down
- Less freakish supernatural situations (in comparison) to the first season
- Fans of the manga might be let down at the lack of references to Tsubasa Chronicles this far into the story.
Art:
+ Flawless animation
+ No quiality fluctuations throughout the series, solid and stable all the way
+ CLAMP art (for those who love it)
- CLAMP art (for those who hate it)
- A little spoilerish but I wish they had kept "a certain person'" eye colours like they should have been
Sound
+ Very awesome soundtrack that fits the atmospheres perfectly
+ Very good use of the soundtrack making scenes more powerful
+ Great performance by all the seiyuu's they did an awesome job
- Watanuki's voice can get irritaring sometimes (but thats me)
Character
+ Yuuko is amazing....very deep and mysterious character that just makes you wanna know more about her
+ Watanuki, despite being annoying sometimes, is a great and likeable character
+ The rest of the cast both main and supporting are very likeable
+ Great character development that actually makes you care for them
- Watanuki's short temper irritates me sometimes (but thats me)
- Mokona is also annoying
Enjoyment: xxxHOLiC - Kei was really an incredibly fun anime to watch, I just didn't feel like stopping, mainly because I loved the characters and the plot.
Overall: xxxHOLiC Kei is a great sequel to a great anime that is adapted from a great manga. But even as great as the anime is I highly recommend you read the manga since there is a lot of IMPORTANT material that was left out of both anime adaptations. If you like slice of life and supernatural animes, then by all means watch xxxHOLiC, its one of the best at doing both at once.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 30, 2009
This review will focus on both seasons of Gundam 00.
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is the latest installment in the incredibly massive Gundam franchise produced by Sunrise. This is also the first Gundam series I watched so I will not go into differences to other Gundam series that I see so many of the older fans do.
Story: Most of the story on Gundam 00 is based heavily on war, the countries who suffer from oppresion, the people who want the war to stop, and the corrupt goverments who control the people. To be quite honest I wasnt crazy with the story but I also didn't dislike
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it, i thought it showed a pretty realistic view on how a corrupted goverment and military organizations can cause the murder of millions for their own benefits and yet still keep their citizens unaware and/or on their side while they do so. I wouldnt lie if I said I saw a little bit of parallels with what is happening in the world today, but thats for another time.
Animation: The animation stayed constantly solid the entire series and it had some really cool and flashy effects during battles which made the show a real graphical beauty. Also watching this on HD 720p really makes you appreciate the effort put on the animation. I have nothing bad to say this. Although I will admit some gundam designs on the second season were getting a bit weird....
Sound: One of the great aspects of the series was its very varied and good soundtrack. It made a lot of the battle scenes very exciting to watch. The voice acting was also very well done, and i really enjoyed it. A lot of "pew pew" also made me XD
Characters: Gundam 00 has an incredibly huge cast of characters which some I never even managed to remember their names, there is a large variety of characters that you learn to love or hate in this show. I personally was able to enjoy the characters and being able to see them mature while adapting to the changes in the world was very enjoyable. Even though the show gave the short end of the stick to some of what I thought were very interesting side character with a lot of potential, and gave us some character that I just absolutely detest and hate, Gundam 00 did a good job on giving us interesting characters.
Enjoyment: I loved this series mainly because of the battles, the battles are definitely the best part of the anime and there is plenty of them so I always went into every episode looking for some great action and Gundam was able to deliver that every time.
Overall: There really isnt a reason to not like this show, it is a solid mecha action anime with some solid plot and characters and features some great animation to boot. If you have never watched a Gundam anime before i think this one is a good one to start watching, I had never watched a Gundam anime before but I for one am now a fan of the series and will definitely be watching the upcoming gundams from now on.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 25, 2009
It seems JC Staff loves to makes animes out of light novel publications from ASCII Media Works. Toradora! is one of their newest adaptations, and in the genre of romance/comedy that has been overdone extensively already, I am pleased to say that this anime has exceeded my expectations greatly.
Story: There is nothing extraodinary about the story in Toradora, I dare say its a cliched scenario of the 2 main characters being together for all the series to find out in the end they love each other. However the way Toradora excecutes and delivers this story was done so well that even if the outcomes and
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events looked predictable, it would still keep you on your toes and make you want more.
Animation: This anime's strong point was not on the visual department, however it was still well animated and throughout the show we would be treated to a very rich and colorful anime that was pleasing to the eyes.
Music: Toradora proves that you dont need an awesome soundtrack to make an anime sound fantastic. Apart from a couple of tunes from the OST, there is really no standout songs in the show. However the songs are used so well in the anime they are able to really enhance the enjoyment of important scenes, making the show much more enjoyable. Also very solid voice acting, as expected from a top class voice actress as Kugimiya Rie but I was also highly impressed with Majima Junji's role as Ryuuji. Perfectly excecuted.
Characters: This is by far the show's best aspect. Not every anime is able to deliver such likeable characters and make them blend together so well. Throughout the series I was in constant debate on which of the main heroines I liked most, because the anime manages to develop every character so well. Even the supporting characters are very likeable, and are well developed in this show. And to my surprise, for this genre of anime the show managed to deliver a main male lead that I did not find a complete idiot.
Enjoyment: Man this show has been a blast to watch, every week I would go thinking they couldnt top last week's episode yet they still managed to do it almost every time. This is definitely one of my new favourites animes.
Overall: In the romance/comedy category, it is very easy for an anime to fall into the "overdone" category, despite all that, Toradora is able to keep a refreshing and interesting pace for most of its run and for that I salute JC Staff for this brilliant adaptation to a great novel. This anime proves that even if you dont have a groundbreaking plot, if you are able to provide an excellent execution with what you have you can still produce a top quality anime. If you are looking for a great romcom that is able to set itself apart from others and is able to maintain a great level of entertainment and quality, then I am sure Toradora will not disappoint you and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 23, 2009
To Aru Majutsu no Index is yet another anime adaptation by JC Staff based on a light novel series published by ASCII Media Works. This is a show that has as many good things as it does bad things.
Story: The premise of To Aru Majutsu no Index (Index from now on) had me intrigued from the beginning, a story which is based on a science vs magic/religion is the type of plot I can really get into. However the way the story is executed turned the anime into something that could have been a great show with a deep and interesting plot into an anime
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with long and confusing dialogue that was so in love with its own world that you would wish everyone would stop talking for at least 1 minute. The action that the show would offer you would often get interrupted by more explanation and exposition about the situation and it would hurt the pacing and momentum that the show itself built. The story itself is also very "episodic" in a way. The show has been segmented into many different mini-arcs which followed a pretty basic 2-3 episode long outline:
- Main character gets dragged into a weird situation
- Main character finds an antagonist behind the events
- Main character and antagonist fight
- Main character wins but ends up in the hospital
I am not joking every arc on this anime ends with the main character hospitalized. However despite all these details the story of the anime can still be enjoyable and interesting at times.
Animation: I have no complains with the animation on this anime. It is very well made and its very flashy when in comes to battles and backgrounds. This is a good looking anime.
Music: Apart from the great OP songs from the ever-sweet Kawada Mami. There is not much else to say about the sound department on Index. It does the job well enough.
Characters: Another one of the issues I have with the anime is the way the characters are handled. The actual characters on the show are all interesting on their own way however the anime is only fixated on the main MALE lead Touma, while every other character takes a supporting role cast. In every arc we see Touma encounter a new character, and for those 2-3 episode we see the new character and Touma be the focus of the show but once that is over we barely ever see that character again, or it only lurks in the background. This condition is so extreme not even the "main" female character Index, whose name is on the anime title, escapes this reality. For the first 4-5 episodes we are introduced and aquainted with Index, however past that point she is almost non existent and is only shown for the sake of having at least the most minimal screen time on each episode. Such threatement for the characters really lessened the enjoyment I could've had watching this show.
Enjoyment: Even though i have mostly complained here, I still liked this anime. Im a little sad that it didnt live up to its full potential but its not a bad show on its own right.
Overall: Despite the terrible handling of the characters and the story, To Aru Majutsu no Index manages to be an entertaining show for those who enjoy magic and supernatural abilities. And I would recommend it for anyone who wants to kill time.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 19, 2009
Clannad ~After Story~ is the fourth anime produced by the Key/KyoAni tag team that by now everyone is very familiar with. It is also the first direct sequel of a Key/KyoAni anime, continuing the story after the events of Clannad.
Story: The story of Clannad ~After Story~ is really one of the strong points of the show. Most high school romance animes always end in the main couple getting together and then its happily ever after. However After Story break out of this spiral and shows that life is not all smiles and happy times after high school. One of the charms of the story on
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this season is how real it feels, Tomoya and Nagisa's lives as they enter the working society and struggles of everyday life is shown perfectly here, and it also shows you the unity and importance of family. Its a really refreshing feel that sets After Story on a different field from A LOT of other shows of the same genre.
Art: Althought the first couple of episodes had a small animation decline for KyoAni standards, once again I am left extremely satisfied with the look of the show. The colors, animation, backgrounds, they are all done perfectly well and makes Clannad ~After Story~ a very graphically beautiful show. There is really nothing much to say here.
Sound: This is one of the show's best aspects, using the original soundtracks from the visual novel it was based on, and combined with the various touching moments that you encounter on After Story. You really get to appreciate the wonderful musical pieces that the Key Sound Label has composed. This is an example of good music used at the right times to create a beautiful sounding show. Also hat goes off to Nakamura Yuichi for his role as Tomoya.
Characters: Clannad has been praised by their wonderful characters, and After Story continues to further develop those characters. However past the high school timeline, some people might be a little let down as all the other Clannad heroines are reduced to little side character with limited screen time with the exception of Nagisa of course. On the positive side we are treated to how Nagisa and specially Tomoya are forced to change and mature in order to deal with the world of adult society, and also on the responsibilities of parenthood. After Story manages to do what not every anime can do and that is give you very "real" characters.
Enjoyment: I liked After Story, even though it lacked on the comedy department which made the first season of Clannad so enjoyable. This season brought its own charms. It did kinda feel slow paces sometimes but the last couple of episodes makes it worth it.
Overall: It is sad to see the entire Clannad series end...however, Clannad ~After Story~ is an excellent sequel and conclusion to a great series. Needless to say fans of the first season will absolutely love this and I really recommend everyone to watch this show, it really makes you realize the true value of family and friends and it is also one of the better animes that you can watch.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 10, 2009
Small review for a 1 episode OVA ;)
This OVA is considered to be episode 0 for the second season of Hayate no Gotoku!
Story: Being an OVA and preview of the second season you could expect nothing deep would happen. This was mostly a fanservice episode however it did manage to have some great funny moments and get a little serious for its climax. It wasnt spectacular but by all means it wasn't bad.
Art: This is were most people are talking. Now that JC Staff is in charge of the show the animation has suffered a slight alteration from its first season. Some of the more
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loyal fans might find this change a little hard to get used to but I however thought the animation was not bad a all and was able to get used to it almost instantly. I dont doubt JC Staff's animation department since I know they can do great animation.
Sound: Unchanged from season 1 so you know what to expect.
Character: The characters were always the best point in the anime, and there is no difference here either. All the characters that we know and love retain all their distinctive personalities makes this an enjoyable episode to watch.
Enjoyment: I repeat myself here....I liked it XD
Overall: Fanservice episode with good comedy. What else could a Hayate fan ask for? :P There is no reason you shouldn't watch this if you liked the first season
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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