Anime Characters: Conflicting Feelings

10. Misa – Deathnote

Her loyalty and love for Light was both her strong point and weakness. Something felt very tragic about her character.

9. Revy – Black Lagoon

Reckless and blood thirsty, she is likable on the surface but also has a darker, uncaring, unwavering self.

8. Griffith – Berserk

Charming and skilled, however his dream for more power cost him his soul.

7. Shinji Ikari – Neon Gensis Evangelion

Prehaps the most human character of all time. His angst, loneliness and fear are not particularly likable characteristics but they are relatable.

6. Hajime Saitou – Samurai X

One of the select few who is on par with Kenshins sword skills, whether he is friend or foe remains ambiguous.

5. Toshio Ozaki – Shiki

He is both analytical and a great schemer. However, his scientific curiosity makes him appear less of a human then the so called monsters themselves.

4. Wrath – Fullmetal Alchemist

Powerful and loyal to whom he serves. He murdered the original Greed tho… Unforgivable!

3. Eva Heinemann – Monster

She is materialistic, narcissistic, power hungry, wickedly cunning and yet strangely real.

2. Schrödinger – Hellsing Ultimate

Perpetually wearing a playful smirk and is the only character to defeat Alcurad. He is just on the wrong side of the playing field.

1. Slaine – Alnoah.Zero

He is highly skilled, tenacious and his background as an outsider makes you feel sympathetic for him. However, he becomes ruthless, manipulative and desperate whilst in pursuit of looking for Princess Asseylum.

Anime by the Genre: Romantic Comedy

I haven’t watched as much romance comedy anime that I would have liked. I admit, harems have always been one of my least favourite anime genres. The way the protagonist always seems to be this cardboard cut-out type of character yet somehow manages to have a swarm of girls after him doesn’t make sense to me. Although to counter, the shows tend to be more focused on the quirks of the girls rather than the main character themselves. Instead of sticking purely to one genre, I will be including all anime that have a primary focus of romantic comedy. I think anime in general has the habit of the guy never getting the girl until the last episode and while this can be entertaining, I feel like there is a lack of anime which actually explore relationships beyond the crushing stage. So here goes my personal top ten romantic comedy anime. I might of put School Days on here but I don’t think the comedy was intentional. I hope you enjoy!

10. Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou (2014)

 9. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (2006)

8. Your lie in April (2014)

7. Bakemonogatari (2009)

6. Ore Monogatari (2015)

5. Nisekoi (2014)

4. Clannad (2007)

3. Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun (2014)

2. Toradora (2008)

1. Spice and Wolf (2008)

Death Parade Review

11/05/15

Genres: Mystery, Game, Psychological

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It’s not just grief. There as many emotions as there are people. 

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Have you ever wondered what happens after you die? Death Parade gives you an answer for this age old question. A used concept but one which is  not often explored in anime. Set in the world of Quindecim, the newly deceased are judged by beings known as arbitrators through regular games like pool, darts and twister but with a psychological twist. Those who win go to reincarnation and the losers go to the void. The episodes take a mostly episodic turn, where we are given a new duo of newly deceased each week.

Decim is our protagonist. A cold, but likable arbitrator who has a fascination for dolls. Through the series he develops to become more human in nature. This is mostly due to a mysterious raven haired girl. She is a special case because she cannot be judged on the account that she can’t recall any of her memories. Her and Decims chemistry is nearly the highlight of the series. It comes only second to the psychological games themselves.

What I enjoyed about these was the way the characters would develop after their memories slowly return. Whether they stand strong to their morals. Or like in many cases, whether they snap. Death Parade really shined in its episodic nature. The plot between Decim and the mysterious raven haired girl also had some beautiful and emotional moments. The only disappointing part of the story was how Quindecim was run itself. It gave many hints of something greater going on but left very little explained. Side characters like Clavis, Oculus, Quin weren’t unlikable but felt like they added very little to the story.         

The character designs are original, it’s one of those shows were the art stands out in a good way. Shades of green and purple seem to be particularly vibrant. The animation is smooth and descriptive. It does a good job of expressing characters subtle emotions, particularly while their slowly unraveling the truth about themselves. The OST does a great job of building the tension and increasing poignancy in important moments.

Death Parade can be a thinking anime but its best watched for the emotional punches. For the most part you know what to expect each episode. The fun part is watching how the characters will unravel with the information they are given. Watching Decims stony face as he pulls his strings never got old. The ending felt satisfying in wrapping up the “Raven Haired Girl” and Decims story but the greater story felt like it was only half told, rendering it mostly pointless unless a second season was planned.

Verdict

Positives:

• Character designs and art in general
• The “Death” Games – moral decision making
• OP
• Decim’s character development

Negatives:

• Redundant yet enjoyable side story
• Weak overarching plot; it felt hollow
• Clavis, Oculus, Quin did not add much

Top 25 Anime

1. Soul Eater

2. Neon Genesis Evangelion

3. Hunter x Hunter (2011)

4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

5. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan – Tsuioku-hen

6. Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

7. JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Diamond wa Kudakenai

8. Fate/Zero

9. Steins;Gate

10. NHK ni Youkoso!

11. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica

12. Mushishi Zoku Shou

13. Monogatari Series: Second Season

14. Cowboy Bebop

15. Monster

 

 

 

 

 

16. Planetes

17. Katanagatari

18. Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Hakairoku-hen

19. Berserk (1999)

20. Gankutsuou

21. Baccano!

22. One Punch Man

23. Death Note

24. Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch

25. One Outs

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First Impressions: Parasyte Episode 3

24/10/14

Genres: Psychological, Horror

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However, if I so choose, I can take on an entire classroom… And massacre everyone in three seconds.

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Third episode in and we finally got to meet the teased parasytes during the prior episodes. Not much action and overused directing techinques make this one of the weakest episodes yet. However that’s not to say the new introduced characters weren’t interesting or the build up wasn’t interesting.

While being slow at times this episode did succeed in managing a tense atmosphere at times. Taiyama the female parasyte becomes one of Shinchi’s teachers and while for the most part she’s reasonable, it’s understandable why he is so frightened making for some tense moments. It was nice to be able to differentiate between the different parasytes.

The music was notable better, having both better placements and less dubstep. Animation on the other hand took a turn for the worse, the use of poorly executed cg model’s for background characters were more notable then ever and the overall animation didn’t was up to par with previous episodes. Also there was several occasions where we would see Shinchi’s reflection, which while effective atmosphere building the first time, it felt cheap after several iterations.

Migi now works as a kind of antenna for Shinchi and I really love there back and forth. When you begin to think that there forming a semblance of a relationship, Migi goes and says something effective yet utterly humane, for example using a hoard of school kids for a meat shield.

Verdict

Positives:

• Good build up
• Shinchi and Migi’s discussions
• Shinchi’s being scared

Negatives:

• 3D background characters
• Reflection
• Poor animation

Anime by the Genre: Fantasy

Fantasy in anime can be either really god or really bad. Cliches in anime are already overused, so to use another trope heavy genre makes up an otherwise generic ride. However among the bevy of mediocre there are a few gems. Whether it’s the world building, magic systems, sword play or lore you like, if fantasy is your thing there’s bound to be one to fit your taste. So here goes my personal top ten fantasy anime, I hope you enjoy.

10. Akame ga Kill! (2014)

9. Attack on Titan (2013)

8. Spice and Wolf (2009)

7. Magi (2012)

6. Claymore (2007)

5. Mushishi (2006)

4. Fate/Zero (2011)

3. Berserk (1997)

2. Hunter x Hunter (2011)

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

First Impressions: Mushishi Zoku Shou S2 Episode 1

21/10/14

Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Fantasy

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I will never see you again but remember this there is no place in this world where we don’t belong.

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The second season of Mushishi Zoki Shou is really just a continuation from the first. Most likely the split the two in half to increase sale prices which has been increasingly popular trend for modern anime. However based upon it’s episodic nature, the entirety of Mushishi could be cast into singular season without confusing the viewers. However this episode was slightly different.

We took an adventure to the past with Ginko facing some of his adolescent trivialities during his Pre Mushi-shi days. Being handed from one master to the next Ginko stumbles upon a Mushi-Shi named Sugoru, who is willing him to teach him the path, despite knowing he’s a natural attractor of Mushi, which can cause some good deal of troubles. Suguro had a very laid back attitude, that similar of adult Ginko. As for young Ginko it was fun to see him in a different, more childish light. This was one of the rare occasions where we got see his character develop.

Art and animation where as expected, if anyone else has seen the series before. Beautiful scenery with green sweeping mountain vista’s in contrast with the stark, dimly lit , secluded forest’s of the night. Both feeling as authentic and magical as one another. The music was a memorizing as the animation was fluid with occasional guitar strings being plucked at just the right moments.

The tragic story of Ginko’s youth was as beautiful as it was sad. A brilliant first episode and a most welcome comeback.

Verdict

Positives:

• More Ginko back story!
• Cracking of the “Egg”
• Some nifty insight for Ginko’s mannerisms
• OST

Negatives:

• Slow pacing may draw some viewers away

First Impressions: Fate/stay Night Unlimited Blade Work Episode 2

19/10/14

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic

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Even if you refuse to admit it, a hero of justice must have an evil to defeat.

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This episode was all about Shiro learning his role in the war, which viewers new to the universe will greatly appreciate. We also got introduced to character called the false priest also known as Kotomon Kirei, for those who have watched Fate/Zero will know him well. While being a build up episode the pacing was handled well and the cliff hanger at the end of the episode looks like we will be in for some action next week.

Rin and Shiro’s early scenes were fun to watch and there overall development in this episode was well done. Rin’s fanservice made for some funny moments. Whether or not they maintain a neutral alliance will be interesting. Saber and Shiro had a nice moment together, confirming yet again that he is her master.

Animation as per usual was beautifully done and goes to prove that you don’t need action to make some beautiful. Sinister directing and awkward angles in the church scene made the information drop all the more interesting. Voice acting remain largely the same however I would like to add that Kirei’s voice actor does an exceptional job, being both deep and ominous.

 More embarrassed Rin is a good thing. Although still some people have a problem with her character design, not having yet read the visual novels I can’t really comment on this. However I might add that this episode was for introducing new viewers who are totally unaware of the previous iterations and for that it did a pretty  good job.

Verdict

Positive

• Kirei the false priest
• Rin’s fan service
• Exciting cliff hanger!

Negative

• Shiro’s naivety
• No action

First Impressions: Psycho Pass Episode 2

17/10/14

Genre: Action, Sci Fi, Police

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I wonder if this is enough for the smell to stick to me?

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This week our team investigated the link between WB and the mysterious bomber they caught during the first episode. While it did pact some explosions, it had noticeable less action giving way for some of the newer team members to get introduced as well as some questions that got answering to. It was really nice to see that Akane being as confident as she is still has feelings towards Kougami, even if it was just second hand cigarettes.

We had a few good moments with Tougane and Akane. Tougane is shaping up to be a Kougami look a like but has a more questioning presence which I may even go as far as to call sinister. His family being related to a famous pharmaceutical company seems like it could play a part in the plot.

We didn’t have much Mika, while being frustrating as her character is I still think it’s important to keep Akane in line. With the amount of inspectors becoming enforcers staying in track is now more important than ever for her. Hinakawa, the new fluffy red haired enforcer didn’t have much of an introduction but his background in cybernetics makes him interesting, as well as his quiet, laid back attitude.

The sound was again great and if I could say if there was one improvement based from the first season to it would have to be the animation, which has been consistently strong. This episode seemed particularly vibrant.

The bomber seemed rather dramatic, which came off as being cheesy but It maybe that “WB” was controlling him through some method. As for the villian himself, he still remains much of an enigma. We see him crying which makes you think, that he thinks he is doing the right thing. My guess on what WB stands for is Western Bureaucracy after all it’s Akane who he is targeting. Also he most likely knows the secret of the sybil system.

Overall a great episode. It didn’t have all the bombastic action of the first. Simply explaining some of the mystery behind it, made it all the more exciting.

Verdict

Positive

• Kougami’s second hand smoke
• Enticing mystery
• The interactions between Tougane and Akane

Negative

• Cheesy bomber
• The enforcer and inspector dynamics still feel underdeveloped

First Impressions: Parasyte Episode 2

16/10/14

Genres: Psychological, Horror

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I would protect your life of course. But I am more then capable of making you incapable of speech.

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This weeks episode mostly focused on Shinchi’s and Satomi’s blooming relationship, after the incidental boob grab in the first episode. It was nice to see them together, although it was constrained due to Shinchi’s focus on keeping Migi at bay, which of course led to some hilarious situations.

Yes, that is a penis hand. The humour in this episode was handled well with Shinchi forced to keep Migi a secret from his peers and friends. It also led to some heroic moments, yet again reminding me of a super hero type archetypal. There was some scary moments as well and just like the previous episode the gore was handled beautifully. There was a particular scene towards the end where Shinchi’s expression changed to a somewhat evil face after stopping some bullies from bullying a cat. It was nice to notice the minute changes in Satomi when this happened, I think she knows something’s up but nothing more than that.

The animation like the first episode was smooth, the fighting scenes as well basketball scenes where exceptionally executed. However the sound does continue with it’s mix of dub step and suspense, which felt out of place and on occasionally ruining the atmosphere. The build up to the over arching story seems interesting so far but has yet to really make an impression.

Lastly Migi’s and Shinchi’s relationship got more development. It was interesting to see how Migi see’s humans and more parasitic then themselves. As always his banter and tainted humour are entertaining, yet again being the highlight of the episode. It’ll be interesting to see how these two develop through the series. So far a solid adaption and sticking to the source material even more so than the first episode.

Verdict

Positives:

• Penis arm, this goes without saying
• Shinichi and Migi differing perspectives
• Nice balance between comedy and horror

Negatives:

• Mixed OST, the dubstep ruins the atmosphere
• Throwing rocks at a cat trapped in the sand