Review 11 ( Special Manga Review) Soul Eater Not!

Summary:

'Soul Eater' is a familiar name amongst most anime fans. A smash hit about the 'DWMA' - Death Weapon Meister Academy in which students are trained as both weapons and meisters in order to combat the forces of evil in the service of death himself. However, Soul Eater NOT! is the new prequel to the orginal series created by the same mangaka ' Atsushi Ōkubo'. With new characters and old favourites returning this could just be the next best work from 'Yen Press' since the original. It follows the story of the weapon Tsugumi Harudori and her two meister friends Meme and Anya as they enter the NOT class of the DWMA (Normally Overcome Target). This class differs from the usual EAT class we're all accustommed to (Especially Advanced Talent), as weapons and meisters in the NOT class are 'non- combatant' and simply wish to control their skills.  Yet with a plot forming involving a certain someone, it seems this light-hearted prequel may not be all fun and games.

Opinions:

My first thoughts were that i HAVE to read this. Being such a huge fan of the franchise i couldn't wait to hear more about my old favourties despite the obvious 'feminine' outlook of the book at first glance. Yet, i can say that although i wasn't disappointed, i think that there is still much to be realised in this up and coming series.

The book mostly focuses on introducing new characters which at present seem to meet all the necessary requirements of past installments. For those who don't know these are; eccentric and down right weird. However, despite the lack of action, there are still some excellent foundations set in this first book, with a loveable array of characters and questions raised throughout leaving an unexpected urge to continue reading.

An additional 'pro' which i believe certainly continues the legacy of the previous books, is the fantastic use of comedy within this manga. I found that what this series seems to be lacking in action, it makes up for comedically in spades. Soul Eater NOT! is definatelty a more girl orientated manga however, with a strong emphasis on relationships and childhood fancy and just a sprinkle of conflict thrown in for good measure. I would recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a great deal of comedy and for old time fans of the Soul Eater world. Hardcore fans however may enjoy certain references but could find the story leaves something to be desired.


Rating: 3.5/ 5.0 Good

Read it here now for free: http://www.mangareader.net/soul-eater-not

Soul Eater NOT! [Jan 2011]

Written by: Atsushi Ōkubo
Published by: Yen Press

 

Review 10! Bakuman Season 1

Summary:

Bakuman is an anime based on the original manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata the team responsible for the smash cult hit 'Death Note'. The story follows the creation of manga and the business itself as the protagonist team of Mashiro and Takagi set out to make their dreams come true and become successful in the manga industry. However, as we soon discover the industry itself is not easy to walk into, not forgetting that our protagonists are both still in highschool! Yet after Mashiro confessess to his secret love Azuki, they make a promise to both become successful and create a manga that will become an anime in which Azuki can star as a voice actor. With each character longing to keep their promise and a proposition of marriage between the two students on the line, Bakuman holds its own as an informative, original and compelling series.


Opinions:

I must say i wasn't initially convinced by this anime as to me it all seemed a tad dull when compared to the usual shonen style anime that we are all accustomed to ( Naruto , Bleach). Yet i was drawn to it straight away as the original manga was created by the minds behind 'Death Note' so i knew it couldn't possibly disappoint and i was right. Bakuman really is one of those animes which stands out from the norm and exceeds all expectations. The real 'addiction' factor which this anime provides comes from its originality and the continuous suspense created as you become more and more involved with the charaters and begin rooting for their success.

The characters themselves do seem a tad cliche to begin with. For example, Azuki; the timid school girl, and her friend Kaya Miyoshi, the more obnoxious of the pair. However in a sense it is this sort of slapstick style that better suits the more informative and semi-serious plot making this anime a very nicely rounded story. In addition the more eccentric characters such as Eiji Nizuma, (a child prodigy and the team's rival in manga) alongside the equally disfunctional Kazuya Hiramaru (who hates working and only wishes to pick up girls); aid this anime making it something that is both informative and entertaining.

I would strongly recommend this anime to anyone who wishes to understand a bit more about japanese culture as you will find this informative in more ways than one.  Not only did it teach me about the great lengths it takes to achieve a serialised manga in japan, but i found myself learning all over again why i love anime as with each episode you soon find yourself striving to watch the next straight afterwards. Alongside a whole host of compelling characters, i'm sure anyone who takes my advice will love Bakuman.

Rating: 4.5 /5.0 Excellent


Watch for free here: http://www.animecrazy.net/bakuman-anime/

Bakuman [Oct 2010]
Created by :  Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata
Directed by:  Kenichi Kasai, Noriaki Akitaya
J.C.Staff,  Media Blasters

Review 9! Ao no Exorcist (Blue Exorcist)

Summary:
Rin and Yukio Okumura are twin brothers who are also the sons of Satan. Born of a human woman, these boys were hidden at birth from an organisation of exorcists who work to combat the forces of 'Gehenna'- the demon world. Raised by Father Fujimoto - the highest ranked exorcist of the True Cross, Rin and Yukio grow up mostly unaware of their history or capabilities. Although both boys previously showed no signs of demonic power, Rin soon finds himself inheriting his fathers supernatural abilities. However, after Father Fujimoto's death, Rin soon finds himself joining the True Cross academy with his brother in an effort to carry on Fujimoto's legacy and fight the forces of Satan himself. Yet in this effort can the boys keep their history a secret amongst the True Cross?

Opinions:

I've recently found that anime seems to be taking a drastic turn to either end of a spectrum. On one side falls the obvious 'Naruto, Bleach, Dragonball' genre  which , don't get me wrong, i do love to watch. Yet on the other side of the spectrum is the constant comedy and 'fan-service' we all know and most hate. However, in my opinion, although both have postive aspects, i feel anime has become something that we can predict to a certain extent. Although ' Ao No Exorcist' isn't ground-breaking, it certainly takes an honest stab at the aspects of other genres that anime fans enjoy.

The storyline although fairly predictable becomes instantly enthralling and grips you from the first episode. We soon find that the characters support the storyline ultimately creating a brilliantly entertaining anime. Comedy, action, fantasy and perhaps a mild bit of fanservice, 'Ao No Exorcist' is definately a huge contender with the other huge franchises at the moment. I believe it is already being created into a second series with the first series coming to the UK on dvd next year. I would also highly recommend the manga if you can't wait that long. An honest, action packed adventure for any range of the spectrum and newcomers alike.

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Excellent

 Ao No Exorcist [April 2011]
 Story by Kazue Kato

Directed by	Tensai Okamura
Produced by	Hiro Maruyama

 A-1 Pictures, Madman Entertainment

Studio Ghibli Top Five!!!!!

1. Laputa: Catle In The Sky

Summary:
Set in a world where civilians previously lived in floating cities in the sky. Laputa is now the last remaining floating city and its location and existance is now myth. Sheeta is a young girl who's necklace may be the only remaining artifact that is proof of Laputa's existance. However with this item comes the danger of those in search of Laputa's power and the treasure said to dwell within.Pazu, a young miner, stumbles upon Sheeta as she falls from the sky from an army warship and into his arms. They soon find themselves on a action filled journey to find Laputa before the people who seek to use it for power driven reasons.

Opinions:
Now this film is truly stunning. I watched this immediately after 'Spirited Away' and although some may disagree this was the film i thought about the most afterward. Both films present similar positives so i'll try not to repeat myself. 'Laputa' is similar in the beautifully crafted characters but i feel the storyline gives the audience a little something more. Action, danger, fantasy and a world that is brilliantly devised, this film rejuvenated my love in anime and animated film. In particular the final half hour, without giving away any spoilers, brings a completely unexpected turn in the story which i found honest, breathtaking and truly memorable. This is what we film and anime lovers look for in a film. Something that sticks with you from the moment the disc goes in the player until the day after when you just want to tell your friends about it. I apologise for the length of this number one spot in comparison to perhaps some of the others - in particular 'Spirited Away'. This is because both films have so many similarities. However, i feel the film in this case speaks for itself. Definately something worth getting!


Rating: 5.0/5.0 Outstanding

Laputa: Castle In The Sky [August 1986]
Story By: Hayao Miyazaki
Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli Top Five!!!!!

2. Spirited Away

Summary:

The story is set around a young girl named Chihiro Ogino who moves house with her parents. However during the trip they unexpectedly take a wrong turn leading them to a mysteious town across the hill that appears to be deserted. However upon eating the food there, Chihiro's parents are transformed into pigs and as the sun begins to set it becomes clear that this is no ordinary place. Chihiro is thrown head first into a world inhabited by spirits and monsters as she must find a way to bring her parents back to their previous state and escape this frightening and bizarre reality.

Opinions:

I was debating as to whether or not i should put this anime in first place but i'm sure if you know anything about anime, even the smallest thing, it will be how amazing this film is. Therefore i decided to save something slightly more original for my first place spot, yet this should not deter you from watching this Ghibli masterpiece. The main reason this stands out above most productions is the immersive world that Hayao Miyazaki creates. It is truly something that drags anyone straight into the action and the immediate originality of the film and its characters. 'No-Face' i must say is probably one of my most favoured characters. He is featured in the first picture and is probably the most creepy yet the most kind hearted character in the film. He may not start of as a gentle character but the idea that a character can be quite frightening and gentle in the same film is a piece of art in itself.
The film also falls above and beyond most in terms of the characterisation as you feel like you're involved in Chihiro's story from the get go. Any audience who watches will probably find their eyes glued to it waiting to see what happens next. 'Spirited Away' as per usual also follows suit with Ghibli's wonderful animation but this feature in particular is a definate cut above most with its breathtaking score by Joe Hisaishi. The music truly helps craft the world created to the finest detail. All in all a film that is commended by film critics, film lovers and anime fanatics alike: not to be missed!

Rating: 5.0/5.0 Outstanding

Spirited Away [ July 2001]
Story By: Hayao Miyazaki
Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli, Walt Disney Pictures

Studio Ghibli Top Five!!!!!

3. Howl's Moving Castle

Summary:
This tale follows the story of a young woman named Sophie, who after an unfortunate encounter with the 'Witch Of The Waste', finds herself transformed into an old woman as a result of a curse that she is unable to speak to anyone about. She soon leaves home in search of a solution, only to find herself becoming a house keeper for the well renowned and self-absorbed wizard Howl, who travels in an ever moving castle so as to avoid the outside world.

Opinions:
The feature which draws me most to this anime as a choice in my top five, has to be the characters themselves. Each one is unique, interesting and bewitchingly brilliant. For instance, Sophie, the main female protagonist of the film, provides a diverse insight for the audience as her character, although in appearance is an aged woman, varies very little from her character before her curse was instigated. She in fact seems quite contented in her appearance and uses various idioms which we would associate with that of an older aged woman. This proves quite amusing at times alongside the quirky and eccentric character of 'Calcifer', the demon who is enslaved by Howl and takes the form of a fire that is central to the castle and thus its source of motion.
However, it is not only the characters of this film which makes it enchanting for the audience. The diverse storyline alongside the crisp and beautifully crafted animation that Studio Ghibli never fail to provide and in some cases exceed, leaves Howl's Moving Castle up there with the best in Ghibli productions. With intense scenes of a world at war, although scarse, alongside the captivating magic produced within this film, nothing seems left unfinished in this wonderfully adapted tale written by Diana Wynne Jones.


Rating: 4.0 / 5.0  Excellent



Howl's Moving Castle [November 2004]
Story Based On Book By :Diana Wynne Jones
Directed By:  Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli, Walt Disney Pictures

Studio Ghibli Top Five!!!!!

4. Kiki's Delivery Service

Summary:
At the age of 13 a witch in training is supposed to leave home for a year and begin her journey toward becoming an established witch. Kiki is the right age for such an adventure as she sets off for a land by the sea with nothing but her broom and Jiji, her trusted black cat companion. She soon finds herself starting a delivery service in Koriko where she makes several friends and catches the eye of a local boy who is an air travel fanatic. However after Kiki falls ill her powers to fly and speak to Jiji begin to diminish.

Opinions:
When watching this film you can't help but find yourself instantly hooked. Whether it's the style of the animation, the incredibly well structured and gripping storyline, the charming and well established characters or simply the genious mind of Hayao Miyazaki, Kiki's delivery service is a huge success in my eyes. It's fantasy based storyline is one of the rare gems that could grip any generation. However i find this is the case with a large majority of Ghibli productions with a few exceptions (Princess Mononoke for example). In addition, the fact that almost all of the Ghibli films protagonists are children or young adolesents is a clear representation that their films are family oriented. Yet although this is the case Kiki doesn't feel like it is forcibly child friendly in the sense that anyone could watch it and still find parts of it they would enjoy even if it wasn't to their tatse. Therefore i strongly feel that this anime deserves a place in my top five and in fact even believe that it will be a film that i will remeber fondly for years to come.


Rating: 3.5/5.0 Good

Kiki's Deliver Service [July 1989]
Story by Hayao Miyazaki
Directed by  Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli Top Five!!!!!

5.  Tales From Earthsea

 

Summary:
Set in a kingdom thrown into chaos with the murder of it's king and a missing prince the world is in need of a hero. The film centres around a rogue wizard naked Ged or 'Sparrowhawk' as he is otherwise known and the young prince Arren as they investigate the evil that is hovering over the nearby towns. After a rough encounter with a slave driver and a young girl with a disfigured face, Arren soon finds himself faced with a quest to save his friends and to confront an evil witch that may be the source of chaos within the land.

Opinions:
I find this Anime exciting in several ways. The fantasy styled environment produces a great setting for all the action that takes place within this story. This alongside the strong personalities of the characters contained, results in an immersive and entertaining film. However, to some extent, this does fall short when compared with the high standards of which Studio Ghibli has previously reached. This is mainly due to some parts of the storyline being seemingly unfinished in addition to the fact that the animation and pace of this film doesn't quite seem to match those of other Ghibli productions. However, despite these errors i still believe this film is deserving of a spot in my personal top five Ghibli films as i found it engaging and otherwise brilliant. This will surely appeal to a large audience and i would advise any long term anime fan or newcomer alike to take a gander at what it has to offer.


Rating: 3.0/5.0 Average


Tales From Earthsea [July 2006]
Story by Hayao Miyazaki
Directed by  Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli, Walt Disney Pictures

Studio Ghibli Top 5 Coming soon!

Sorry for the delay i've been busy recently but my top 5 special of Studio Ghibli reviews is coming soon :)

Review Number 3! Elfen Lied

 

Summary:
Elfen Lied is a short 13 episode action drama series that revolves around the tale of a new form of human species called ''Diclonius''. The new species retain powerful telekinetic abilities in which they are able to use additional, invisible limbs known as ''vectors'' of extreme physical strength. The series is mainly centred around ''Lucy'' a Diclonius who violently escapes an experimental lab during the opening of the series only to lose her memories after a bullet ricochetes off of her metal helmet. She is soon discovered by Kohta and Yuka, cousins who live in the local area. However Lucy has now subconsciously developed a split persona in which the dormant Lucy is suppressed alongside her violent tendencies, and the other, new personality ''Nyu'' remains in her place. Nyu is the more childlike and innocent character of the series used as a portrayal of Lucys ''innocent'' side and is incapable of speech.
As the series unfolds Kohta and Yuka become immersed in the mystery of Nyu's past and with an army on the hunt for the missing Diclonious, and the threat of Nyu's dangerous alter ego's return they really are ''swimming with the sharks''.

Opinions:
This series is perhaps one of the most interesting that i have ever watched and in turn definately in my top 5 all time favourites. I must warn viewers however that this series contains extreme violence and frequent nudity so viewer discretion is advised. This is obvious from the first scene which is particularly well known for it's graphically bloody content. The nudity to me however personally feels unnecessary and superfluous yet i'm sure that the creator of the original manga (Lynn Okamoto) felt it was required to perhaps represent the vulnerability of Lucy and the Diclonius species. However, the violent scenes on the other hand feel apt in this case as they convey the hatred felt by the suppressed Diclonius species due to the excessive testing and discrimination they undergo. In particular, Lucy's childhood plays a key role in helping the audience to understand her emotions.
Personally i feel that this anime does a trumendous job in successfully combining action, drama, mystery and compassion. I felt completely absorbed in the characters lives and feelings and with each episode i found myself that much more immersed. I would recommend this anime to anyone looking for intense action alongside a beautifully crafted storyline and stunning visual animation.

Rating: 5.0 /5.0 Outstanding


Link to watch the series:
http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/elfen-lied-english-dubbed-online-free

Link to buy the series:
http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/3366180/Elfen-Lied-Complete-Collection/Product.

Elfen Lied [July 2004]
Story by Lynn Okamoto
Directed by Mamoru Kanbe
ARMS, Madman Entertainment

Review Number 2! .....Eden of The East

Summary:
Eden Of The East is a short 11 episode mystery series that is a particularly good example of the genre done well. It centres around a young girl named Morimi Saki who, upon graduation takes a trip to the USA. She soon finds herself involved with a mysterious man , Takizawa Akira, who finds himself naked, with no memory and only a gun and a phone as his sole possessions. As the story unfolds they discover that Akira's phone holds the key to the mystery. With a strange woman on the recieving end who grants wishes, ¥10 billion to spend on his ''mission'' and threat of impending death, Akira and Saki must solve the mystery before it's too late.

Opinions:
This Anime provides a more differing experience to the generic series on sale at the moment. With a gripping story the pulls you into each episode more than the last and a slick style of animation to boot, Eden of The East proves an invaluable experience for any anime fan. Certain scenes however are some what odd in the sense that they are left open ended and unanswered. However, with the release of  two new movies at the moment, it is promising that we may have those questions finally answered. However, don't let this detour you from watching this brilliant piece of animation. Eden of The East is a rare Anime that doesnt conform to the generic style, so expect twists and turns throughout but in a way that doesnt leave you feeling lost, well..... not completely. Yet, with a director like Kenji Kamiyama, (Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Blood The Last Vampire) you can always expect a brilliantly complex storyline but with characters and animation that all work simultaneously in quite a beautiful way leaving you fully immersed.
Although a little on the short side, Eden Of The East is a classic piece of anime mastery, and in a sense the length of the series means it isnt too heavy for newcomers to the Anime artform yet still long enough to have enough depth for those looking for something worthwhile to add to their collection.

Rating: 4.5/5 Excellent

Link to watch series online:
http://www.animecrazy.net/eden-of-the-east-anime/

Link to buy series:
http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/15784502/Eden-Of-The-East/

Eden Of The East [April 2009]

Story by Kenji Kamiyama

Production I.G, Funimation Entertainment.

Review 1 !...... Summer Wars!

Summary:

Summer Wars is a sci-fi, action, romantic comedy which is a joy to watch for long term anime fans and newbies alike. It follows the story of Kenji, a highly intelligent math whizz with a high level of computer literacy and Natsuki, a popular school girl who selects Kenji as a ''fake'' boyfriend to take home to meet her family.     The story is centred around a computer based world called 'OZ' which combines the functions of most popular social networking and shopping sites alongside business meeting outlets etc. However as society becomes more reliant on OZ as a large part of their everyday lives this leaves their personal information vulnerable. So after recieving a mysterious crypted text message and solving it, Kenji unintentionally allows a virus programme into the system with access to the worlds technology and thus throwing society into chaos.

Opinions:

By combining a gripping sci-fi adventure with the subtle realism of the family relationships, Summer Wars proves to be a valuable Anime for any collection. The humour and romantic underlay prove to make it a far more enthralling story than the usual ''bog standard'' action film and in terms of science fiction, this Anime can definately hold its own.

Rating:
4.0 / 5.0  Excellent


Link to watch movie online:
http://www.animecrazy.net/summer-wars-watch/

Link to buy movie:
http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/13530420/Summer-Wars/


Summer Wars [August 2009]
Story by Mamoru Hosoda
Madhouse, Warner Bros Pictures