My manga story

     Like I have described before (read my anime story here), I was fascinated by the manga style of drawing from early on. However, I didn't start reading manga until the very end of middle school. My friends introduced me to Library Wars (note: there is an anime, but it is rather bland and not as good). This was the first manga I had read. After that I would usually read manga if I had enjoyed the anime. So, by principle, I watch the anime first and read the manga later. This is especially true if the anime only covers a portion of the story line and I am dying to find out what happens next. But, having read the manga beforehand makes watching the anime more enjoyable because the characters you know and love are suddenly able to come to life and are so much more intense.
     
     Yesterday I finished the last volume of Library Wars, my first manga. It was a bitter-sweet experience. While I was eager to discover the exciting conclusion I was also sad that the story was going to end. When I first started reading the series only five or so volumes had come out. That number has grown to 15 volumes total. Now that the series is complete I would like to go back and re-read it all at once, to get the full grasp of the story's journey. One thing is for sure, Library Wars will always hold a special place in my heart.

Another Picture!

     I'm sorry if I seem more excited than I should be. It's just that I get to explore photography to take pictures for this blog! Each little thing (like another picture) will enhance the quality of the blog and enhance your experience as readers.

     Also, I get a little thrill of accomplishment each time I get a picture. It's like I have completed a challenge! This time I got a picture for the Akagami no Shirayukihime review. I played around to see all the fun settings I have on my camera. It turned out pretty well!

     I plan to have another review up by next week. I try to post weekly on Sundays - have you noticed? So, be sure to check back every week and see if there is something new!

Coming Soon: Pictures!

     I thought the blog looked a little bland, almost like there were too many words. Then I realized the perfect thing to spice it up: pictures!

     However, that was easier said than done. I wanted to break the mold and NOT steal pictures off the internet. This means that all the pictures I post on this blog are original. No plagiarism here! Unfortunately, this also means that I have to take a picture that not only looks good, but goes along with the anime that is being reviewed. Believe it or not, it is harder than it sounds.

     Luckily I have overcome the odds and succeeded in taking a picture for the Naruto review (click the link here to view its beauty). My brother was willing to do a partial cosplay and act as my model (thanks bro!).

     I hope to get more pictures soon and thus improve the quality of the blog.

     ~ Until next time

Anime Review: Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)

To watch a video of this review visit our YouTube channel.

Anime: Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)

Genre: Shoujo, Romance, Drama, Comedy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

General Set-up: Kuronuma Sawako is viewed as an outcast because of her solemn manner and because her stark facial features make her look like a ghost. It doesn’t help that her nickname comes from a popular horror film. Usually when she tries to interact with people they run away scared. Kazehaya is the first person to look her straight in the eye and say thank you when she gives him directions on the first day of school. As she gets to know him Sawako begins to make friends with more of her classmates. She becomes fast friends with two other girls, but Kazehaya is special for some reason.

Characters: Sawako has a sweet personality despite her frightening face. She is optimistic, but is naive to the point where insults fly over her head. Kazehaya is popular with his classmates, but doesn’t let it get to his head. It is pretty obvious he likes Sawako. Ayane and Chizuru are Sawako’s first friends. Ayane is sophisticated and pretty, while Chizuru is more of a tomboy. The characters change over the course of the show, but it is gradual.

Plot: The pace of the plot is similar to a slice of life show and it isn’t too complicated. The main purpose of the story is for Sawako to learn things about the world and herself. The second season has more tension than the first season. However, the anime as a whole is really cute and sweet. I enjoyed watching it.

Ending: The ending is pleasing, if a little long in the coming. I mean, it takes 30+ episodes for Sawako and Kazehaya to get their minds on the same page and figure out that they both like each other. It also doesn’t help that there are a few ‘misunderstandings’ along the way. But nothing ever works out perfectly in real life, so if nothing I guess it is realistic.

Things to Watch For: This show was really clean. I have nothing else to say!

Humor: Kimi ni Todoke did not focus on humor as much as other shows. Not to worry, it is still present; it just isn’t as in your face. Other similar shoujo anime create humor by placing the characters in awkward situations that are funny, but can be painful to watch. I easily get stressed when watching such situations, so I was glad that Kimi ni Todoke did not do this.

Moral Lessons: By the time you call someone a friend you have been friends for a long time. Misunderstandings can be fixed with kind words. It’s okay to have romantic feelings for someone.

Sights and Sounds: The animation style used in Kimi ni Todoke is different than most I have seen; it is still stylized, but more realistic. The look fits the show very well. I really liked the second opening and ending, especially the ending. It is just beautiful and it balanced well with the tension in the second season. Plus, there is something about it that feels like an ending. Kind of sad and happy at the same time.

Other media: Kimi ni Todoke is based off of a manga that is currently ongoing, as well as a light novel series. A live-action film and two video games were also produced that were based on Kimi ni Todoke.

Fillers: There are two fillers in this anime. Episode 16 from the first season is a summary episode and the first episode of the second season summarizes the first season from a side character’s point of view.

Length: Kimi ni Todoke is split up into two seasons. The first season has 24 episodes while the second season has just 13.

Where to Watch: Kimi ni Todoke is available on Hulu and Crunchyroll. However, you have to be a premium member of Crunchyroll to watch past the sixth episode.