We think we've got a pretty good thing going here. So we thought, "Why keep all this goodness to ourselves?" If everything goes as planned we will soon have our very own YouTube channel up and running! If you love our reviews, but wish they had a little something more feel free to check out our channel for the video form of our reviews.
Not to worry, we will be keeping to the same format as the reviews we post here. However with the video reviews you get pictures, our lovely faces, and much more! Plus we have the opportunity to post discussion videos about related topics.
Coming soon: Rose Squad Reviews!
This is our cover photo - still working on the official logo!
General Set-up: A new RPG game called Sword Art Online has just come out for the NerveGear, a technology that allows the gamer to do a full dive into the game. This means that instead of controlling their avatar with a game controller players can move around in the game as if they were in real life. Many people buy the game, eager to try it out. However, soon after they begin playing the game the players discover that they cannot log out. The game’s creator has trapped them inside the game and the only way out is to clear all 100 levels. To make matters worse, if the NerveGear is removed or if their avatars die in the game, then they die in real life. Players must fight for their lives to survive in a strange new world.
Characters: Kirito is the main character of the show. He was a beta player for SAO, and his previous knowledge of the game is augmented with a natural knack for sword fighting. For being the main character, I found him rather flat. Even though the story focuses on him and the viewers watch him explore the world of the game we don’t learn much about him as a person. Asuna is another player in the game, and a friend of Kirito’s. She is a more vibrant and dynamic character than Kirito. These two main characters are accompanied by a contingent of colorful companions.
Plot: The premise of this anime had a lot of potential, so I was disappointed with the way it was presented. The first few episodes ramble before getting to the main focus of the anime: clearing all 100 levels. The story advances quickly - almost too quickly. By the 7th episode the leading players have cleared almost ¾ of the game, but this accomplishment comes at the cost of having a weak base for the storyline. I would have enjoyed this anime more if they had used the initial episodes to more gradually advance the storyline instead of introducing the viewer to random characters with little or no role in the overall storyline. The first few episodes describe trivial sidequests and span time gaps that are ill-explained. These faults aside, I still found Sword Art Online engaging enough where it needed to be and have enjoyed watching my favorite episodes more than once.
Ending: After episode 14 my interest greatly dropped off. The anime could have ended at that point and I would have been fine. I did not develop enough of a connection with Kirito to feel inclined to continue watching. However, if you do decide to keep watching I am sure that you will enjoy the second half of the season. The ending of the first season does provide more of a resolution than where I would have liked it to stop.
Things to Watch For: For the most part this anime does a good job of keeping things clean. However, there are a few sexually charged scenes and a few immodestly dressed characters.The fighting scenes and violence contains no blood, but may still bother younger viewers. When characters die in the game they explode into shiny fragments. This has the upside of little gore, but also the disturbing knowledge that the characters die in real life.
Humor: This anime has a more serious tone that is broken up by lighter bits of humor.
Moral Lessons: A fake world cannot replace the real world. Life is sacred. A true friend protects those they hold dear. Just because relationships are formed in a fake world does not mean that they are not real.
Sights and Sounds: The animation is gorgeous! There is not a scene in this anime that looks bad. The animation almost makes up for the show’s other faults. Seriously, if this review was over just animation Sword Art Online would get a 5 out of 5 stars score each time. The sound effects for Sword Art Online were really well done. For example, each weapon has a unique sound. The openings are upbeat and catchy, while the endings have a slower feel.
Other Media: This anime was based on a series of light novels by the same name. There is also a second season called Sword Art Online II. There are also several manga adaptations to the series.
Fillers: Sword Art Online has no fillers.
Length: There are 25 episodes in the first season of Sword Art Online.
Where to Watch: You can watch this anime for free legally on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
General Setup: Ryuji Takasu looks like a juvenile delinquent, but he is really a nice guy. On the first day of school he accidentally bumps into Aisaka Taiga, who looks cute, but has earned the name ‘Palm-top Tiger’ for her hot temper. Ryuji finds out that Taiga has a crush on his best friend, Kitamura Yusaku. When he admits to her that he likes her friend Kushieda Minori the two agree to team up and help each other to win over their crushes.
Characters: I liked how Takasu Ryuji broke the mold of male-character stereotypes. He enjoys traditional housemaking chores, such as cooking and cleaning. He is also kind and gentle. Taiga puts on an intimidating front, but underneath she is just a scared little girl. It took a little bit for me to get used to her character design - she is very short. Kitamura wasn’t what I expected him to be. At first I expected him to be the calm and act as the voice of reason, but sometimes he is immature. I’m not sure what to think about him, now that I have finished the anime. I liked Kusheida’s character. She is eccentric, but pulls it off without being too strange. She sometimes acts happy to hide her sorrow.
Plot: The plot for Toradora isn’t anything super special, but it stays strong throughout and brings up some interesting plot events.
Ending: I personally did not like the ending. It felt like the producers were trying to avoid the cliched ending and ended up with something that was completely unexpected. However, aside from the last few episodes, I really liked this anime.
Things to Watch For: Ryuji’s family isn’t the best off financially, so his mom works as an entertainer at a bar. All most all of her outfits have low-cut necklines. Also, there is more fan-service scattered throughout the show.
Humor: A lot of the humor is derived from the strange things Kushieda says or the situations the characters find themselves in. I liked how Taiga and Ryuji are constantly having to verbally shove each other to interact with their crush. They have a good ‘wing-man’ dynamic. Some of the humor comes from Ryuji’s pet parakeet, Inko-chan. To be honest, I thought Inko-chan was creepy and didn’t really fit with the feel of the show.
Moral Lessons: Be true to yourself. You can’t run away from your problems.
Sights and Sounds: I really liked the style used for this anime. Originally, I didn’t think I would like this show, but the style was one of the things that kept me watching. Also, the animation and music for the openings and endings are phenomenal!
Other media: The anime is based off of a light novel series. There is also a manga adaptation, an internet radio show, and a video game.
Fillers: Toradora has no fillers.
Length: Toradora has one season that is 25 episodes long.
Where to Watch: You can watch Toradora on Hulu and Crunchyroll, but Crunchyroll only has the first six episodes available to non-premium members.
Anime: Kaichou wa Maid-sama (The President is a Maid)
Genre: Shoujo, Drama, Romance, Comedy
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
General Setup: Misaki Ayuzawa is the student council president of Seika High, a school that has recently transitioned from an all-boys school to co-ed. The girls are still a minority and Misaki, a self-professed hater of the male gender, has taken it upon herself to improve the quality of life for the female students. However, she has a secret that she would do anything to keep from being revealed; in order to help out her single mom she works as a maid at a cosplay cafe. Misaki’s world is turned upside down when Takumi Usui, the most popular boy at Seika High, discovers her secret. At first she despairs that she will lose her tough reputation as the ‘Demon President’, but when a few days pass and Usui has not told anyone of her secret she becomes confused. To make matters worse, Usui soon becomes a regular at the cafe. What are his motives?
Characters: Misaki is a hard worker, refusing to quit, even to the point of exhaustion. She has a strong personality, but is open to constructive criticism. Even though she is embarrassed of her workplace she doesn’t hate the job. Not much is revealed about Usui’s personal life. He keeps a close watch on Misaki and helps her several times. Usui doesn’t seem to care what other people think about him. He is liked among his classmates, but prefers to be alone.
Plot: Most of the plot centers around Misaki and her job at the ‘Maid Latte’ cafe. However, it is complex in that it shifts to cover a wide spectrum events in her life. Halfway through the anime the focus changes from Misaki’s efforts of keeping her secret safe to a love triangle. All in all it is a fun show to watch; I have done so three times!
Ending: The anime does not cover all of the content revealed in the manga, but it comes to a good stopping point as any. Some threads are left untied, but the ending feels resolved.
Things to Watch For: Just be aware that one of the side characters likes to cross-dress.
Humor: This show is funny! Most of the humor is presented in the form of gags. For example, when the boys of Seika High are acting up, as they often do, Misaki will whip them into shape and send them flying, literally. Also, there is a group of boys from Seika that frequent the Maid Latte and provide comic relief.
Moral Lessons: Keeping peace means listening to everyone’ suggestions, even if you don’t like them. Trying something new and getting out of your comfort zone is beneficial in the long run. You can’t do everything by yourself.
Sights and Sounds: One of the things I liked about this anime was that some of the characters are in a band and you get to hear them play on multiple occasions. It’s like watching a miniature music video in the middle of the episode! As a whole the soundtrack has a light happy feel, but there is also a driving force behind the music. I especially liked the little violin sound clips played between commercial breaks. The animation for Kaichou wa Maid-sama is not the best, but it’s not the worst either. About medium, I guess. There is something about watching this anime that is calming.
Other Media: Kaichou wa Maid-sama is based on a complete manga series by Hiro Fujiwara. One OVA has been made for the anime.
Fillers: I am almost next-to certain that there are no fillers in this anime (my definition of fillers is staying true to the manga). There are a couple times when the anime takes a slight diversion from the main plot. These may or may not be in the manga; it’s been a while since I read it.
Length: There are 26 episodes in the anime.
Where to Watch: You can watch Kaichou wa Maid-sama for free on Hulu. Video Review:
Title: The World is Still Beautiful/Still World is Beautiful (Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii)
Genre: Fantasy, romance, comedy, shoujo
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
General Set-up: Nike is a princess of the Principality of Rain, a nation whose rulers have the ability to summon rain. In order to maintain peace with the powerful Sun Kingdom Nike agrees to an arranged marriage with the Sun King, Livius I. When she arrives in the Sun Kingdom she is surprised to find that the Sun King is younger than she is. The two are off to a rough start when Livius throws Nike into prison because she refuses to summon rain for him. Will they ever get along?
Characters: Nike is 17 and the youngest of four sisters. She is brave and headstrong, but also has a compassionate heart. She quickly realizes that Livius’ rough facade stems from pain in his heart. Livius appears to be 12, but is actually 15. He is mature beyond his years and has seen much of life’s pain. Under his care and guidance the Sun Kingdom has grown to be the most prosperous nation in the world in just three years. Livius is the character who changes the most in the anime.
Plot: The concept behind this story was familiar, but with original touches. The plot was straightforward, but with enough pizzazz to keep things interesting. I liked how Nike’s powers extended from not only summoning rain, but having control over all the components that make up a storm, like wind and clouds. It was the little details that really made this anime.
Ending: The end has a nice feel to it, but the story is not completely resolved. I am excited to read the manga and find out what happens next.
Things to Watch For: There is some fanservice in this anime. Also some adult themes are referenced. For example, one of the side characters is shown waking up in the morning with the innkeeper's daughter.
Humor: The World is Still Beautiful does have humor, but it isn’t one of the main pillars that make up the show.
Moral Lessons: Even though bad things happen beauty is still evident. Love heals.
Sights and Sounds: The animation for this anime was good, but nothing spectacular. I like the opening song and how every few episodes they would change or add something to the animation of the opening. It made me watch it each time so I could see what was different. To summon rain Nike sings a song. Part of this involves singing select lines in English. For example, the song begins with, “It’s a tender rain.” Whenever it is raining outside I have the urge to run outside and attempt to sing her song like I am the one summoning the rain.
Other Media: The World is Still Beautiful is based on a manga that started in 2012 and is ongoing.
Fillers: There are no fillers in This World is Still Beautiful.
Length: There are 12 episodes in this anime.
Where to Watch: You can watch This World is Still Beautiful on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
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.
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!
