Hakuouki: Shinsengumi Kittan Review

Story: 7/10

What really made me watch this series is its setting, handsome samurais during the edo era and that they turn into vampires and then one girl accidentally stumbled upon their secrets, its really my kind of show. The setting is unique but the writers wasn't able to fully utilize it. It really has a lot of potential and I think it would have been better if they have focused a bit on fleshing out the historical battles in the series because it really need details since I don't basically know what's going on with the war. They keep jumping from one event to another, I can't really follow it since I'm not familiar with Japanese history, all I know is that some part of it is fictional, I just don't know which part. I wish they made use of the higher ups that manipulates the war from behind since those peoples would make a good antagonist beside Kazama and company. I also had a problem with the character's motivation specially in the last episode when Hijikata was babbling about being fake warriors and then drank the Ochimizu and later on said that he had done that because he lost control of his emotions. If you can't understand what I'm saying here go watch the last episode and you'll be able to make sense of what I'm saying here. There were still a lot of plot holes like why is Chizuru's father together with Kazama and what happened to Chizuru's brother, I hope those will be answered in season 2. I really hope that this won't turn out like Vampire Knight but I'm not keeping my hopes up so that I won't be that disappointed.

Art: 9/10

While my impression on the story is mostly negative, the art on the other hand is really commendable. I could feel the edo era with every episode mainly because of the background and the bgm that accompanied it. The background isn't really detailed but what makes up for it is the lighting during certain scenes. The lighting reflects the mood in every episode, the setting sun, falling cherry blossoms etc. The character designs are really good they stand out from the norm, the guys are really handsome and Chizuru really looks adorable but I think the original material is more superior than the anime. Well, that's usually the case since its from a different medium and a good example of that is Vampire Knight and Maid-sama since the original drawing of the mangaka is more stunning than the anime version because it has been simplified and I can forgive that since its inevitable. The animation on the other hand is really good and I wasn't expecting that from Studio DEEN. The animation during the fight scenes are really detailed but sometimes it looks cheap and that's probably because of lack of budget but that didn't get in the way of the sword fight scenes since I really enjoyed it. There are also some instances that the faces of the characters are deformed but I don't mind it since that's a common event during the middle part of a series.

Character: 6/10

To tell you the truth I don't really like the character of Chizuru since she's really helpless all the time that I often wish she would die on the course of the series. She's always a damsel in distress, sure she has a katana but it's really useless with her, I haven't even saw her battle someone. I don’t really like useless girls like her, it would have been more interesting if she could fight someone and defend herself even if she's weak I'll accept that at least she's trying. The characterization in this series is really weak since their characters is not that developed and I think I could overlook that because there will be season 2 but as it stands now, there is only one character that had caught my attention and that's Kazama. I really expect this series to have a love story but I haven't even had a glimpse of it, I don't know who Chizuru likes since she keeps on blushing to anyone she talks to. Series that are based on otome games usually has a problem with who the girl would end up to and I'm tired of that so I hope Chizuru would choose someone even if it's Hijikata or anyone I'm fine with it but I really prefer Kazama since I think they really fit each other.

Sound: 8/10

From the opening song to the ending song I could really feel the ancient Japan setting from the series and I like it because it feels like every time I watch the series I'm transported back in time and like I'm living during that era. The OP song "Izayoi Namida" by Aika Yoshioka is really beautiful accompanied by an awesome opening animation it makes the opening of every episode exciting. The ED song

"Kimi no Kioku" by mao on the other hand, I like it than the OP song since it's really catchy and the lyrics of the song kind of tells a story and it's really sad. The ending animation that accompanied that song are mostly stills but the art is really awesome specially the lighting.

Enjoyment: 7/10

I still enjoyed this series despite it's flaws and mainly because of the twist and revelations from some of the episodes. I really enjoyed it also because of the handsome guys and I've got to admit Chizuru still looks adorable even thought she keeps pissing me off. The premise is really interesting that every episode I'm always looking forward on what they would reveal and I'm still looking forward for the next season since this ended with a lot of untied knots. I won't recommend this to everyone since I think it won't be everyone's cup of tea because not everyone watch shows because of it's bishies and potential love story and people might get annoyed with Chizuru and yours truly is often annoyed with her. I will recommend this to people who are interested in watching shows that has ridiculously handsome guys and a story where the girl is surrounded with those guys and add the fact that those guys are samurais and vampires at the same time, so if you like this kind of series I think it's worth a try.

Rating: 7/10

until then...

~ja

Kaicho wa Maid-sama! - 11 Quick Post

Misaki's mom sure is hot XD why the hell did her husband left her??

This part was hilarious but I felt sorry for Usui. That's not how you return a favor, he even fixed Misaki's flooring.

LOL XD Usui look so gay here....This part was when Misaki tried imagining Usui's family

It's nice seeing Misaki get caught up in uncovering Usui's secret but what surprised me was Shizuko's forcefulness this episode...she's really funny XD

OH THAT ASS!!! XD

When Misaki thought that Usui is seeing another girl she gave that reaction...

Misaki felt kind of sad or disappointed but she still insist that she's not interested in Usui. I think Misaki still doesn't want to accept to herself that she's falling for Usui.

Usui have known from the start that Misaki and her friends have been following him so I think Usui changed his course of action because he had noticed Misaki's sad expression. Awww how nice of Usui but Misaki still treats him coldly.....

When I thought that Misaki had thrown Usui's address....

Good thing she still picked it up...is this a sign that she's considering Usui's feelings? (who knows)

I wonder why does Usui wear his glasses at home....

until then...

~ja

Kaicho wa Maid-sama! -10 Quick Post

Hell, yeah I would like to see this event on Maid-latte

This part is hilarious....Kou thought that Usui is Misaki's boyfriend then as Misaki denies it then Usui told him he's just a stalker. LOL XD

I really like this part Kyaa!! XD

ARGH!! Kuuga really gets on my nerves he's so arrogant and full of himself. I think Misaki should have punched him.

He even made Sakura cry and also insulted Misaki...damn you Kuuga

Go Misaki!! give him a piece of your mind. Thank goodness Misaki act as herself here..

Haha!!! Shizuko exploded. No wonder if I'm in that situation I'll probably blow up too

Misaki then remembers this scene which result to..

This episode wouldn't be complete without Misaki's tsundere side showing up

until then...

~ja

Hakuouki - 09 Quick Post

It was a really good episode with some action and revelations but....

What the hell Kazama you already have Chizuru in your arms but because she chose to side with humans...

Kyaa!! Hijikata-san XD

You let her go WTF?? You let her go because she didn't chose you? That move seems stupid T_T

until then...

~ja

Angel Beats! - 10 Quick Post

Kanade's so cute in this episode.

When I thought that this is a light hearted episode well, I was wrong damn you Jun Maeda to be able to evoke such emotions hands down to you. The first part of this episode is full of laughs but then here comes the heart wrenching scene...

I was really touched with Hinata saying that he'll marry Yui whatever illness she had. I hope a guy like him exist in our world. I really wish that they'll get a happy ending somewhere, somehow. With Yui gone, who will be GirlDeMo's vocalist? Also what's with the shadow thing in the last part of the episode?

until then...

~ja

Summer 2010 Anime Preview

Oh my it's already the summer season and in our country it's already the wet season and the start of classes. There are a number of good shows this season, it's a shame that I probably won't be able to watch most of the shows this season but I'll find a way to watch it with my busy schedule.

As usual, I only included here shows that have caught my attention and I don't include kiddie shows or shows that promote toys (e.g. Bakugan, Yu-gi-Oh!). The information on this anime preview is based from: Chart fag's charts, Fansub WIKI, AniDB, ANN, MAL.

Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi

Release Date: July 1, 2010

Animation Production: J.C. Staff

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvuNXkGvtiw

Summary:

The story centres around Ookami Ryouko, a high school freshman girl known for her fierce looks, unusual canine teeth when she smiles, and wild demeanour (her family name is homonymous with the Japanese word for "wolf"). Akai Ringo is a short high school freshman girl with seemingly cute, angelic looks but a dark demeanour (her name is a Japanese wordplay on "apple" and "Red Riding Hood"). Together with their odd friends, the two fight to change the world, one issue at a time.

Pasted from <http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7381>

Impression:

First thing I noticed in this series is the character design reminds of Toradora and Ookami looks like Taiga when she grows up (if she would still grow up). As you all know I'm a sucker for love-comedy series and series with tsundere characters so what's not to like in this series. I know that I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover 'cause I might get disappointed later but the summary, the fact that this series is a love-comedy, the tsundere and this one's being animated by J.C. Staff I would really think that this series would be awesome. If I have the time yep, I'm gonna watch it but from the looks of things I think that won't be possible.

Amagami SS

Releasse Date: July 1, 2010

Animation Production: AIC

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvlajwQ7LV8

Summary:

A second-year high school boy finds himself uneasy during Christmas time due to an experience in the past. However, this year at Christmas, he gets his last chance to ask out a graduating female senior named Haruka Morishima — or one of several other classmates. The story of the anime will be arranged in an omnibus format, with each heroine getting her own version of the story animated. Each heroine will sing her own version of the ending theme song.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/8676/Amagami_SS>

Impression:

I'm really interested on how this anime series will work out since it's the first time for me to see an anime with an omnibus format and if ever this would turn out to be a good series I think anime based from games (e.g. La Corda D' Oro) should also follow this format. The animation and character design is good but somehow reading the summary and watching the PV it looks mediocre but I think it's worth a try.

Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu

Release Date: July 1, 2010

Animation Production: ZEXCS

Episodes: 26

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcDgfvgImSY

Summary:

Ryner Lute is a lazy student of Roland Empire Royal Magician's school. One day, Roland Empire goes to war against a neighboring country Estaboole, and he lost his classmates in the battle. After the war, Lute sets out for a journey to search the relics of a "Legendary Hero" at Emperor Sion Astal's command. And he finds out that a deadly curse is spreading through the continent.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/8086/Densetsu_no_Yuusha_no_Densetsu>

Impression:

The character design and animation looks old school so that's one minus points for me but I got to admit the blond girl looks hot. I'm really wary on picking up ZEXCS shows since they tend to always disappoint me so another minus point. So no I probably won't pick this one up even if it finishes airing.

Kuroshitsuji 2

Release Date: July 1, 2010

Animation Production: A-1 Pictures

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2BoVFt0xDM

Summary:

Features two new main characters, Alois Trancy as the master and Claude Faustus as the butler.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/6707/Kuroshitsuji_2>

Impression:

I actually like the first season of this though I can't finish it since I don't have the time but I know the ending so I'm really looking forward for season 2. What a shame I won't see Ciel anymore but maybe there will be a cameo somewhere in the series but I think the new butler looks like Sebastian. Mizuki Nana as Alois Trancy is another plus for me and I missed Sebastian's cocky smile and his usual of course I'm one hell of a butler so yeah I would like to watch this.

Shukufuku no Campanella

Release Date: July 1, 2010

Animation Production: AIC

Episodes: 12

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M39abXGUU8

Summary:

The story takes place in a trading city Ert'Aria. Leicester Maycraft is an item engineer belonging to an adventurer guild "Oasis". One night, he is at a party with his friends to see a meteor stream on the rooftop of a chapel. One meteor grazes them and hits the steeple of the chapel. There he finds a secret room and a sleeping girl. The girl wakes up and says "You must be my father!". The encounter with the mysterious girl brings an unexpected adventure to Leicester.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/6979/Shukufuku_no_Campanella>

Impression:

This one feel is like an online rpg, sort of like Ragnarok Online with the job classes and different styled towns but besides that it didn't catch my attention. Meh….the summary looks mediocre and the PV doesn't reveal much so I'll probably pass on this one.

Seitokai Yakuindomo

Release Date: July 3, 201

Animation Production: GoHands

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8Mkp_AilGw

Summary:

Takatoshi is a new student in the recently gender-integrated high school. He's asked to join the student council as the vice president. Thus begins his days as the only normal boy among 3 female student council officers.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/8675/Seitokai_Yakuindomo>

Impression:

I might have not been impressed with the summary but heck the PV looks interesting since the 3 student council officers are cute girls with S, M, L sizes. Though it looks somewhat a bit of a rip-off of Maid-sama! But I think it's still worth a try 'cause you'll never know if a series is good if you won't try it.

Shiki

Release Date: July 8, 2010

Animation Production: Daume

Episodes: 22

Trailer: http://www.okiagari.net/gallery/index.html

Summary:

This series is about village with a population of about 1300 people, and during one fiercely hot summer, many mysterious incidents happened one after another.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/7724/Shiki>

Impression:

Whoa the PV really looks creepy but at the same time it's really interesting since it's rare to see a horror, suspense anime. This kind of reminds me of Higurashi with the mystery and the killings but I think it's a lot different than that. Oh my there sure are a lot of good shows this summer but I'm so busy with school work >_<>

Sengoku Basara Ni

Release Date: July

Animation Production: Production I.G.

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjthOB7TZEk

Summary:

The second season of Sengoku Basara.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/6634/Sengoku_Basara_Ni>

Impression:

I really enjoyed the first few episodes of Sengoku Basara because of its testosterone filled fight the 'manly' jokes throughout the episode. I think I already lost the interest to continue the original series so I doubt I'll watch the second season.

Strike Witches 2

Release Date: July

Animation Production: AIC

Episodes: ?

Trailer: (Sorry, I can't find any trailers…)

Summary:

The second season of Strike Witches.

Impression:

I really love this anime so of course I would want to watch more.

Sekirei ~Pure Engagement~

Release Date: July 4, 2010

Animation Production: SevenArcs

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ2mj8b6O6U

Summary:

Second season of Sekirei.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/5277/Sekirei_~Pure_Engagement~>

Impression:

Meh…I never really watched the previous seasons and I never liked excessively ecchi shows so pass.

Nurarihyon no Mago

Release Date: July 5, 2010

Animation Production: Studio DEEN

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AowYgV2W9Hg

Summary:

Rikuo Nura - a kid that is 3/4 human and 1/4 youkai. He lives in a house full of spirits alongside his grandfather who is the leader of the youkai. Rikuo is destined to take over his grandfather leadership but his human side has no interest. Rikuo is just a normal kid who has no interest to become the leader of youkai.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/7592/Nurarihyon_no_Mago>

Impression:

Uh…..I don't know my side on this one, honestly. I don't hate the PV or the summary but I'm wary of DEEN since they ruined Vampire Knight. The summary reminds me of Inuyasha but I don't know if this series will as interesting as Inuyasha but I think it's worth to watch 1 episode.

Asobi ni Ikuyo!

Release Date: July 10, 2010

Animation Production: AICPLUS+

Episodes: ?

Trailer:

Summary:

The story revolves around Kakazu Kio, an ordinary high school freshman living in Okinawa. A girl with cat ears appears before him during a memorial service for one of his family ancestors. The girl calls herself Eris and claims she is an alien. Before long, fanatical alien worshipers and a mysterious government agency are in hot pursuit of Eris, but Kio's childhood friend Manami — who wants to follow in her father's footsteps in the CIA — captures Eris. Kio finds himself having to protect Eris from everyone.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/6166/Asobi_ni_Ikuyo!>

Impression:

The summary looks mediocre and what's with Japanese and their cat fetishes?

Gakuen Mokushiroku: High School of the Dead

Release Date: July 5, 2010

Animation Production: MADHOUSE

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4La9zQ_w1tk

Summary:

A mysterious, lethal disease is on the loose worldwide, resulting in a catastrophic death rate of humanity, and the increasing rise of attacks, caused by the living dead.

In Japan, several high school students and a school nurse have banded together to escape Fujimi High School shortly after it was attacked by zombies. The group now attempts to figure who or what was responsible for this plague, and in the meantime, attempt to survive the present apocalypse.

The story is initially narrated through the eyes of Takashi Komuro, one of the students who had survived in the initial outbreak.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/8074/Highschool_of_the_Dead>

Impression:

Character design reminds me of Shikabane Hime but hopefully it won't end up like that (it still pissed me off that I wasted my time watching that anime). Hell yeah!! More blood and gore!!! I've read some chapters of the manga and I think it's really good I was always on the edge of my seat when I read it and I really think it's in the good hands of MADHOUSE. I'll definitely watch this I'll definitely watch the hot girl with violet hair fighting with a wooden kendo stick *nose bleeds*.

Mitsudomoe

Release Date: July 2010

Animation Production: Bridge

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLIy6OWlBgk

Summary:

The somewhat precocious and sadistic girl 'Mitsuba', the somewhat lecherous muscle girl 'Futaba', and the somewhat mysterious girl 'Hitoha'. Better known as the (mischievous) "Marui Sisters", this is the story of how these three triplets go about their days in Class 6-3 with their cute yet wild antics.

Pasted from <http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7224>

Impression:

This is just purely moe and it looks ridiculous so pass.

Black★Rock Shooter

Release Date: July 24, 2010

Animation Production: Ordet

Episodes: 1

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO9fvkwboY4

Summary:

Black★Rock Shooter tells of the narrator's despair and hopelessness as they wander aimlessly, searching for something important to them that they presumably lost. Eventually the narrator gains new hope and decides to move on into the future with courage. The video for the song of the same name became massively popular, featuring Black★Rock Shooter traveling through a bleak city and countryside, riding a motorbike and wielding weapons. Black★Rock Shooter is an original character design by Huke, and happens to resemble Vocaloid Miku Hatsune.

The famous 3DPV by Anomaro-P gave Black★Rock Shooter a plotline and backstory, which involves her sister betraying her and turning evil and Black★Rock Shooter being forced to kill her sister to stop the destruction. This plot eventually became the inspiration for the upcoming 2010 anime.

Pasted from <http://myanimelist.net/anime/7059/Black%E2%98%85Rock_Shooter>

Impression:

Of course I'll watch this!! I've been waiting for this for a long time!! I'm interested to see Yamakan's Ordet approach on this one…will it fail or succeed?

Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin

Release Date: July 5, 2010

Animation Production: A-1 Production

Episodes: ?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDc6qfYRupg&feature=player_embedded

Summary:

It is the year 1999. In Nagano Matsushiro stands the pyramid of Japan, the private Voltstein Academy.

This place is famous for the repeated occurrences of occult phenomenon within its premises. Hence, it is also called the Occult Academy. The dean is committed to studying the occult, while the students are zealous in their everyday schoolwork.

One day, the dean passes away and his occult-hating daughter, Kumashiro Maya, visits the academy. There, she meets a self-proclaimed spoon-bending "time agent" from the year 2012, Uchida Fumiaki. As the two encounters various bizarre phenomenon within the academy, the reason for Fumiaki's timeslip to 1999 becomes clear.

Pasted from <http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7435>

Impression:

Whoa the premise and concept is really interesting and it's the 3rd anime of the Anime no Chikara so it's an anime original we don't know how this series will turn out. It's probably worth a try but I would probably pick it up when it's already finish so that I'll marathon it.

If I have the time I would probably pick up:

Ookami-san to Shichinin no Nakama-tachi,

Kuroshitsuji 2

Seitokai Yakuindomo

Shiki

Strike Witches 2

Gakuen Mokushiroku: High School of the Dead

Black★Rock Shooter

Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin

There are a lot of shows that I like @_@ oh I hope its still vacation. This is probably my farewell gift, no I don't want to call it that..I'll just call it see you later gift since I won't be able to blog this season since I'm busy with school work but I'll probably be back when it's sem-break. I hope this have been helpful and I would like to thank people who took their time to read my blog, arigatou gosaimasu.

As usual I'll end this with…

Until then…

~ ja

See you on my sem-break or vacation ^_^