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.

Anime Review: The Devil is a Part-timer

Anime: The Devil is a Part-timer

Genres: Comedy

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

General Setup: After being defeated, the Demon Lord of a far-off mystical land is banished to an even more frightening world: Earth. Satan and his right-hand general, Alciel escape to Tokyo, Japan through a portal. While they bide their time and recover their magical powers they must learn how to survive in modern times. For Satan, who changes his name to Sadao Mao, this means working part-time at a fast food restaurant suspiciously similar to McDonald's. Things start to get interesting when he bumps into his mortal enemy, the Hero Emilia, who came to Japan in order to finish him off once and for all.

Characters: Mao exceeds Emilia’s expectations and turns out to be a dedicated and hardworking part-timer. During his experiences on earth he learns about humans and grows to feel some empathy for the creatures he previously scorned. It takes Alciel a little while to adjust to the new reality of living on Earth. He rallies eventually though, and takes on the job of housekeeper for Mao and himself. Emilia is in a similar position to Mao, in that she lost most of her powers upon arriving in Japan. To sustain herself financially she works at a call center, but she is significantly better off than Mao and Alciel. Chiho Sasaki is Mao’s coworker at McRonalds.  She has a crush on Mao, however he sees her as a friend instead of a girlfriend. Her character arc changes, albeit slowly.

Plot: The plot is mostly centered on Mao and Alciel collecting the magical power needed for their return to their homeland. Each episode tends to focus on a specific conflict, but the main plot is not forgotten. The balance between advancing the story and providing humor is well-done.

Ending: This anime ends with a bang and a battle, but not all the conflicts are resolved. Whether or not Mao can/will return to Enter Isla is still up in the air.

Things to Watch For: Unfortunately, there is some fan service going on in this show. Especially watch out for episode 10.

Humor: A great deal of the in this anime humor is derived from Mao’s job at McRonald’s. So, if you have ever worked at a fast food restaurant you will be able to resonate with Mao more. However, there is still plenty of humor that does not deal with Mao’s work.

Moral Lessons: People can change. Kindness rewards itself.

Sights and Sounds: The animation and soundtrack were well done. I really liked the music and animation for the opening. The Japanese voices for the sub were good, but the actors for the English dub were mediocre.

Other Media: The Devil Is a Part-timer started out as a light novel series written by Satoshi Wagahara. Besides the anime, two manga adaptations have been made.

Fillers: There are no fillers in this anime.

Length: There are 13 episodes in this anime.

Where to Watch: This anime is available to watch legally for free at Hulu, FUNimation, and Crunchyroll.

Anime Review: Akagami no Shirayukihime

Anime: Akagami no Shirayukihime/Snow White with the Red Hair (Season 1)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars

General Setup: Shirayuki works in the kingdom of Tanbarun as an herbalist. Her rare red hair attracts the attention of Tanbarun's Prince. When he asks her to become his concubine Shirayuki flees the country. She has to sleep outside the first night because she can’t find shelter. The next morning she is awakened when a young man jumps over a nearby wall and face-plants (to be honest, this was the main reason I started watching this anime). The man’s compatriots round the corner to see if he is alright. Shirayuki offers to give him medicine from her stash. At first the man refuses thinking it could be poison, but Shirayuki convinces him by using the medicine on herself. The man introduces himself as Zen. He finds out that Shirayuki is in a predicament and promises to help if she tells him the details. Who could this man be? How does he expect to stand up to a Prince?

Characters: Shirayuki is a great female lead. She is innovative and is not afraid to stand up for herself. Zen is very compassionate towards others, he also has a protective streak. Kiki and Mitsuhide are Zen’s closest friends. Kiki shuts down the stereotype that only guys can be strong and silent. Her stoicness is offset by a refined nature, a female touch, and a tendency towards sarcasm. Mitsuhide seems like a bit of a pushover, but he is very skilled with the sword and holds Zen in check when the need arises.

Plot: The plot takes a little while to get going and the main conflict is not presented clearly. However, the strong characters and beautiful animation more than compensate. Basically: the plot lacks driving force, but is still very enjoyable to watch.

Ending: The eleventh episode feels more like an ending than the 12th episode, which merely reaffirms the conclusion. It is a very sweet ending, but plenty of the story is left open ended. I am so happy that there is a second season coming out for this anime!

Things to Watch For: This anime is very clean. The only problem I had was with a minor character’s outfit for being a touch skimpy.

Humor: A light sense of humor is present in this sweet anime. Obviously Zen face-planting from the wall is an example. A lot of the humor comes from character’s reactions to different situations.

Sights and Sounds: The animation for this show is absolutely gorgeous (as is to be expected from Bones)! The opening for the first season was really up-beat while the ending was a little slower, but still happy.

Moral Lessons: When you make a decide what road you want to take in life walk on it under your own power. Decide who your friends are before worrying about your enemies. Trust in your friends and allies.

Other media: Akagami no Shirayukihime was based off of a manga by the same name by Sorata Akizuki. A second season is currently coming out.

Fillers: There are no fillers in this anime.

Length: The first season has twelve episodes.

Where to Watch: Akagami no Shirayukihime is on Hulu and FUNimation.

Anime Review: Fruits Basket

This is one of my favorite animes, but I will try not to be biased and judge it fairly.

Anime: Fruits Basket

Genre: Comedy and Drama

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

For a video version of this review go here.

General Setup: Tohru Honda is a high-school student who is living in a tent because her mother recently died. She was supposed to live with her Grandfather, but his house is having repairs done, so Tohru is making due. One day she is discovered - she has been trespassing on private land, owned by the Soma family. However, Tohru is offered a place to stay in exchange for doing the cooking and housework. The Somas have a closely-guarded secret that Tohru accidentally discovers - they temporarily transform into members of the Chinese zodiac whenever they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex. Tohru is allowed to stay, but she must swear not to tell anyone of this secret. She eagerly looks forward to meeting all the members of the zodiac.

An Explanation of the Chinese Zodiac: The Chinese Zodiac is a twelve year cycle where an animal and certain attributes are set to each year. Many origin stories exist for this cycle. One version is where God calls all of the animals to a banquet that night. The rat, who likes to play tricks on his neighbor the cat, tells him that the banquet is the next night. The cat slept happily that night and dreamed of going to the banquet. The rat arrived first at the banquet and was given the first place in the Zodiac calendar. When Tohru hears this story as a child she feels sorry for the cat. In Fruits Basket there are twelve people that are possessed by the zodiac spirits, along with a 13th member: the cat. The cat is ostracized and looked down upon even though he is a part of the Soma family.   

Characters: Thoru is a bit of an airhead, but she is extremely compassionate and hardworking. She lives in the same house with Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure. Yuki (the rat) is Tohru and Kyo’s age. He is viewed as a prince at their school. Yuki and Kyo (the cat) have an intense rivalry, kind of like the cat and rat in the legend. They hate each other. Kyo’s temper is easily riled and does nothing to help the situation, but they have both gotten better since Tohru started living with them. Shigure is like the crazy uncle. He is a novelist and is probably the least mature member of the household. The characters in this anime have all gone through hard trials and they grow as they learn to deal with their past.

Plot: This anime is pretty laid-back. It is a slice-of-life show that is mostly about Tohru meeting all the members of the Chinese zodiac. However, the possibility is posed about whether or not Thoru has the ability to lift the curse.

Ending: The anime was created in order to promote the manga, so it only covers a portion of the actual story line. Some resolution is provided in the anime, but to get the rest of the story you need to read the manga.

Things to Watch Out For: This is one of the cleanest animes I have ever seen. The only thing to watch out for is that when the characters transform from zodiac animals to humans they are naked. However, this is not an issue because there are always convenient colored clouds that cover them up.

Humor: Because this anime is so light-hearted there is a lot of humor. A lot of different kinds are used; everything from dry humor to slapstick to puns to awkward situations. No matter what tickles your funny bone you are guaranteed to laugh.

Moral Lessons: Just be yourself. To accept yourself, someone must first accept you. Instead of running away from painful memories you should accept your past and move on.

Sights and Sounds: The soundtrack for Fruits Basket has a happy and relaxed feel, but some songs have hints of tension so it balances out. The anime came out in the early 2000’s, so while the animation isn’t amazing for today’s standards it gets the job done.

Other media: The manga ran from 1998 to 2006. It was written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya. There is also a short sequel manga that came out this September called Fruits Basket Another.

Fillers: There are no fillers in the anime.

Length: There are 26 episodes in the anime.

Where to Watch: You can watch Fruits Basket for free on Hulu and on FUNimation’s homepage.