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Reviews~
First impressions~
Anime-related thoughts~
Favorite anime:
1. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)
2. Mushishi
3. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
4. Yuri!!! on Ice
5. Space Brothers
- Created By KyraChan
Durarara!! Review
When I first watched the first episode of this with my friends, I knew that I would be finishing it on my own later. Something about it, especially the first episode, just felt like... well, like Disneyland. So much fun, so much intrigue, and so much going on, all for you to enjoy. So, what makes it so enjoyable?
Note, this is only a review on Season 1. A review on Season 2 may or may not be incoming.
Plot Summary
Taken from MyAnimeList:
In Tokyo's downtown district of Ikebukuro, amidst many strange rumors and warnings of anonymous gangs and dangerous occupants, one urban legend stands out above the rest—the existence of a headless "Black Rider" who is said to be seen driving a jet-black motorcycle through the city streets.
Mikado Ryuugamine has always longed for the excitement of the city life, and an invitation from a childhood friend convinces him to move to Tokyo. Witnessing the Black Rider on his first day in the city, his wishes already seem to have been granted. But as supernatural events begin to occur, ordinary citizens like himself, along with Ikebukuro's most colorful inhabitants, are mixed up in the commotion breaking out in their city.
Story
Durarara!! can easily be split into two halves. The first half establishes a lot of information - the huge cast, the organizations within the city, and how every cog in this giant machine works together. Despite this huge amount of information, the first half of this story is done rather well. We get attached to the characters as well as the world they live in, and get involved with the story, which leaves off of on a satisfactory note.
The second half of the series is where it really shines, however. As stories that follow different characters converge, we learn things about our main characters that we would have never guessed. There are many plot twists, and some of them can actually be really, really sad. It's complicated, but it's comprehensive, and it works really well.
Characters
There are a lot of characters in Durarara!! Normally this might be a huge red flag, but Durarara!! manages not only to balance them, but to develop them and keep us attached to them throughout the course of the story. Despite being pretty unique in personality, this show manages to avoid patronizing them, instead making them act in realistic ways, making this wonderful and absurd world seem a lot more real.
Also, huge applause to Durarara!! for creating one of my favorite, if not my favorite, female characters in anime.
Animation
The animation in Durarara!! is solid. It carries a certain, fairly unique style that's recognizable without being preposterous, and carries its quality throughout the series. While nothing about the show's animation could be considered groundbreaking, it still supports the show well.
Music
Like I said before, this show has a huge cast, and it loves to flaunt it. This show's first opening and ending are not just beyond amazing, they're almost legendary, as they showcase the huge cast in a great way to incredible tunes. While the second opening and ending aren't quite as good, they still work well for the show.
As for the soundtrack... well, frankly, this too, is great. It adds to the unique character of the show, taking a jazz style and adding its own quirky edge.
Enjoyment
One thing I love about this show is its references to real-life anime. You'll find a movie theater advertising Baccano!, Darker than Black and/or Jigoku Shoujo, or characters surrounding a cut-out of Holo from Spice and Wolf, or countless other references. As a person who has seen a lot of these shows, these references are a huge treat to find and recognize.
Another thing I love about this show is the voice acting. In fact, Masaomi's voice was so interesting I had to go look up his voice actor - Mamoru Miyano has been my favorite voice actor since.
I should mention Celty, since I referenced her above. I feel like she truly is a strong female character, which is rare, since I usually don't care about female characters in general - "strong" or not. I love how much emotion they can depict with her, despite her not having a real face to show it. But one of my favorite things about her is her relationship with Shinra. It feels very realistic and grounded, something that's not seen a lot in anime.
Another character I absolutely love is Izaya. He's one of my favorite villains of all time - I mean, he's someone who's just so manipulative, so good at fighting, and just seems to know everything. He's a perfect compliment to yet another beloved character, Shizuo. Shizuo, while easily angered (and insanely strong when he is angry), has a good heart. These two are just so much fun to watch when they try to kill each other every time they meet.
Yet another thing I must mention is this show's use of social media (and chat rooms). Some shows have touched on the "virtual reality is reality" using VRMMORPG's, but this has the same thing, giving information and character interactions purely through online chat rooms, which adds yet other touch of reality to it.
But maybe the thing I should take note of last is that this show just has an amazing atmosphere to it. There's this sort of magic to it that's hard to explain. This unknown thread that ties all characters and stories together - I personally find it amazing and baffling.
Final Verdict
Overall Quality: 8.9
Overall Enjoyment: 9.6
Recommendation: Full Moon
Honestly, this show really is a lot like Disneyland. While still a part of reality, it seems separate, full of an unexplainable magic, something that's just so fun. There's a unique quality to it, something that can't really be replicated anywhere else. While there are some sad moments, you come away feeling as if you had the time of your life. I consider it one of my favorite anime, and for that, I can't give it anything other than my full recommendation.
Space Dandy Review
A while ago I asked you guys what anime I should review, and got a tie. Well, here is the second anime you asked for, one that has become one of my personal favorites - here is Space Dandy!
Plot Summary
Taken from Wikipedia:
The space opera series follows the misadventures of Dandy, an alien hunter who is "a dandy guy in space," in search of undiscovered or rare aliens with his robot assistant QT and a cat-like alien named Meow. Though he and his crew act with the best intentions, Dandy is unaware that he is being pursued by Dr. Gel of the Gogol Empire.
Story
Space Dandy is a more episodic anime, with few reoccurring characters, and it does this very well. Each new episode is a completely new adventure, some of which are clear and down-to-earth, some of which are abstract and thought-provoking. Of course, some are stronger than others, but each episode is memorable and distinct.
But not only are the individual episodes, but later on in the series we discover the linking factor between all the episodes, creating a memorable conclusion to a memorable series.
9.3
Characters
Space Dandy is full of a fun and entertaining cast of characters. While some of the reoccurring ones can be a little cliche, they still bring their own uniqueness, sometimes being downright surprising. The individual episode characters are incredible, too, bringing their own flavor to the episode.
8.5
Animation
The animation is a strong point for Space Dandy. While having its own overall colour palette, some episodes bring in their own palette, adding to their individuality. It also flows very well.
9.1
Music
Honestly, I found the OP to be amazing, but the ED to be forgettable.
As for the OST, some tracks were done pretty well, but many simply served their purpose without adding much further to the anime.
7.7
Overall
Space Dandy is extremely fun, and most definitely worth your time to watch. If you're looking for a good comedy that manages to be thought-provoking at the same time, or something with a unique style, this anime is one to check out.
Gibbous
8.65
Recommendations
Neon Genesis Evangelion: If you're looking for something more on the psychological or thought-provoking side, why not check out one of the anime that Space Dandy parodies?
Daily Lives of High School Boys: If you want more comedy (or more parody), this anime should be able to satisfy your needs.
Other
I freakin' love Bea. He spends most of the time just layin' low, not really standing out, and then at the end he turns out to be a double agent, except he goes "screw you all" and tries to take over the world himself with Dandy and his Pyonium energy. He's completely brilliant XD
Why wouldn't I love an anime that ultimately parodies one of my other favorite anime?
And seriously, I love the style that this show has. There's a reason why I created the theme of my personal blog after it.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Review
I finished this series a little over a week ago, and since it's known to be one of, if not the best anime of all time, I should do a review with my own thoughts on it, right? ^^
Plot Summary
When the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, attempt to bring their mother back through alchemy, it comes with a price, Edward losing an arm and a leg, and Alphonse losing his entire body, now only a soul bound to a suit of armour.
And so they set out to find the only thing that can help them get their bodies back - a Philosopher's Stone.
Story
Honestly, this show has an incredible story. The story carries a deep, emotional aspect, but doesn't let that slow down the plot. It's constantly moving and never really slows down, yet it still manages to be well-paced. It can be a bit dark, but that darkness never feels forced or overbearing.
9.5
Characters
The character development in this show is amazing. Many characters have tangible growth. The characters are all multidimensional and are likable in their own right. And indeed, nearly all the characters have development.
9.7
Animation
The action scenes are some of the best I've seen, and the fluidity of the animation can be fairly great. It's one of Bones' best. That being said, it's not the most beautiful anime out there.
8.9
Music
The music is yet another highlight to this anime. The openings and endings are all pretty solid.
The background music ranges from good to epic to absolutely beautiful. It contributes so much to the anime, and yet is enjoyable enough to be listened to independently. To be honest, it's so good that when I was listening to it while I was writing this, I had to take a moment to just... appreciate the music I was listening to.
9.3
Overall
All I can say is that there's a reason why this show is ranked #1 on MyAnimeList.
Full Moon
9.35
Recommendations
Since any classic shounen anime I recommend wouldn't be able to compare with this show, I'm going to review some other beautiful classics:
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Also every dark in tone, though more philosophical than most. It has its flaws, but is definitely worth a watch.
Mushishi
It has a bit more of a somber tone, but the story and animation are just absolutely beautiful.
Other
Honestly, I think the manga is better, but as an anime, this show is absolutely incredible.
Okay, I teared up at Envy's death. I didn't think I'd ever do that.
And, of course, GreedLing is still my favorite character.
Umineko no Naku Koro ni Review
A looooooong time ago, I allowed Snowzi to request a review as a reward for winning my Lilium challenge. Now, over a year later, I have finally gotten around to watching (and reviewing) the sort-of sequel to the highly praised Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.
Plot Summary
When Battler and his family all gather at the family-owned island to discuss the successor to the family name, all seems normal. However, people quickly start being killed through methods that seem to only be possible using magic. This is supposedly the work of Beatrice, the "Golden Witch" who has lived on the island for many years. Battler, however, is adamant that magic does not exist, and so he must disprove the magic to the most difficult of foes - Beatrice herself.
Story
The story is definitely Umineko's weakest point. It's convoluted, hard to follow, and doesn't quite know what it wants to be. One of the most frustrating aspects is that there is no clear divide on what is certainly true and what is supposedly true, and that causes problems in that, after a point, nothing seems to be real and everything seems to be pointless.
The other large issues is that Umineko doesn't really end, or rather, it doesn't have a proper end. It ends after a cliffhanger that brings up much more questions than answers, and makes the entire series seem pointless.
3.7
Characters
The biggest issue with the development of Umineko's characters is that nearly half the cast gets little to no screen time, let alone development. However, a few characters are developed well. The frustrating thing, is, after a point we seem to watch the same development happen over and over again, making the character seem shallow when in fact they are not.
5.2
Animation
While there is a certain beauty to the series, there is a lack of quality there, too. The color scheme is a little more dull than it should have been, and there really was not very many scenes that impressed.
7.3
Music
Both the openings and endings were done extremely well. The background music held its own, too, though no track in particular stood out very much.
7.7
Overall
While there are some good aspects of Umineko, it is simply not complete. The first season was intended with a second season in mind, and without that second season, it becomes confusing and worthless. Add in a lack of quality, and I simply cannot suggest you take the time out to watch it. If the idea interests you, I suggest explore it through some other medium, such as the video games or manga.
Crescent Moon
5.98
Recommendations
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
If you're looking for something similar, but complete, this is what I recommend.
Danganronpa
Another show with brighter colours and better executed mysteries.
Other
Before I watched this, I watched a review on it in which the reviewer just ended up slashing it to death. I went in convinced that it wasn't really as bad as he said it was. ...it is. It is as bad.
And... ugh, I feel like this was more of a rant than a review. It's hard for me to explain why I do or don't like it without spoiling much. Actually, I don't even know if I could explain why I don't like it even then.
And honestly, even though it's bad, it does have a tendency to stick with you. I might buy some of the manga when I have the money just to see where the story actually goes.
Log Horizon Review
As a reward to you guys since this world reached 5,000 views, I allowed you guys to vote for my next review. However, since I ended up with a tie between Log Horizon and Space Dandy, I flipped a coin and ended up with Log Horizon. However, you can be assured that Space Dandy has come near the top of my to-review list.
Also, please note that this is only a review for the first season, as I have not finished the second season yet.
Plot Summary
When the MMORPG Elder Tale releases its twelfth expansion pack, thirty thousand players suddenly find themselves inside the game, taking the appearance of their virtual avatars. Shiroe, Naotsugu and Akatsuki decide to create a team and figure out this strange new world that they must now build their lives in.
Story
The plot of Log Horizon seems to be built around the idea of creating a buildup to to an event near the end of each arc. While it is often entertaining enough, at times the buildup can be slow and boring. However, when that moment strikes, it gets insanely exciting to see the awesomeness that all those slow moments were building up to.
8.7
Characters
The great thing about Log Horizon's characters is that they all seem real. They each have their complex, 3-dimensional, individual personalities. This makes them all a lot more interesting and likable. The interactions between the characters also seem to have a sense of reality to it, rather than ever feeling forced or unnatural.
While some characters don't get much development, there are some that are developed quite well.
9.3
Animation
While the Log Horizon's animation is solid, it does very little to stand out. The action scenes are more focused on strategy rather than actual action, which, while being a plus in certain aspects, doesn't help the ability for the animation to shine the way it could.
That being said, the colours designs are chosen well. The character designs are also incredible.
7.6
Music
Both the opening and ending are animated well. The songs themselves are catchy and energetic, and they bring the right sort of spirit to the show.
The background tracks are also great. A lot of the music could be listened to on their own fine, and fit in well with the world of Elder Tale.
9.2
Overall
Putting Log Horizon as one of my favorite anime isn't a mistake. It's incredible in the areas of characters and music, and while there are faults in the story and animation, it isn't enough to really bog it down. Though it may seem slow at points, continue watching and you may find yourself with a delightful anime.
Full Moon
8.7
Recommendations
Death Note
If you're looking for another show utilizing strategy and mind games, this one may fulfill your desires.
Fullmetal Alchemist
Though the premises are quite different, if you're looking for another show with a well-developed world and well-developed characters, this one's for you.
Other
My friend was talking about how much he liked Sword Art Online. I told him Log Horizon was better. He didn't believe me. Then, after much nagging on my part, he watched it. ...he agrees that Log Horizon is better.
...Seriously, why would someone pick Sword Art Online over this? Sure, the animation's better, but everything else is just worse...
And lastly... *ahem*
*sings* DATABASE! DATABASE! JUST LIVING IN THE DATABASE, WO-AH!
