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Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso was a series that personally touched my heart. As one that gradually stopped playing piano in order to pursue the violin, there were times where I could place myself in the shoes of protagonist musicians Kousei and Kaori when they were performing. However, I never experienced the suffering associated with persevering in the world of music. Yet, the series was executed in a way that allowed me to sympathize and feel pain of these prodigal players.

The series in its entirety was just a cycle, starting with a lie and ending with the revealing of the truth. In order to reach ... the truth however, main protagonist Kousei must first rediscover the meaning of his own life so that he can focus on the lives of others. As Kousei’s character growth comes to a conclusion, the focus of Kaori begins. What A-1 Pictures has executed so beautifully was illustrating the liveliness of Kaori with beautiful spring scenery and bright lighting in the beginning of the series along with her gradual degradation with more monotone colors coinciding with the transition to fall and winter towards the conclusion. As character development plays a huge role in progressing the series, the anime paid careful attention in eloquently portraying that. The performance sequences were also very noteworthy, every frame detailed to smoothly transition to the next.

What the anime adaption prevails over the original manga series is the actual hearing of the musical performances. Though the manga describes in detail the intensity and feelings associated with the music, nothing beats actually hearing it. While listening to the performances, the viewer can grasp the emotions going through the the performers and the audience. And because it is western classical music, the genre is not tailored to any specific tastes, thus it does not deter the viewer from feeling the fervent passion due to unpleasant-sounding noises.

Overall, what the anime has done was bring to life a tear-jerking story chronicling the lives of two kids: one to see how her story concludes and the other to see how his progresses. Kousei’s life teaches us is that you can overcome any obstacle in life, and Kaori’s life teaches us to live that life to the fullest. Though the conclusion of the series may be predictable, the series wasn't relying on the surprise factor of how everything ends, but rather painting a story of how it inevitably concludes.

Nearly three years after the release of Kara no Kyoukai: Epilogue comes its sequel, Mirai Fukuin. A franchise that came about over 15 years ago as a light novel series, Kara no Kyoukai has been a prominent figure within Type-Moon. The first anime adaption was released back in 2007 with great success, and six years later the latest movie still lives up to that hype.

The Mirai Fukuin movie adapts two of the five short light novel stories released back in 2008: Möbius ring and Möbius link. The first half of the movie, Möbius ring, portrays two people possessing similar abilities of precognition. However, one tries ... to live her life as a normal schoolgirl and the other utilizes his foresight ability and becomes a professional bomber. The second half, Möbius link, fast forwards to over a decade where Mikiya’s and Shiki’s daughter Mana plays the role of the main character where she and her partner investigate anomalies in the city. What I enjoy about these premises is the fact that though they may seem unrelated, the stories intertwine with one another. Similar themes of precognition and questioning what the future holds are present in both chronicles. Though there is much less action in Mirai Fukuin compared to the previous movies, what made up for it was how beautifully executed the stories were.

Along with magnificently adapted stories, Mirai Fukuin possessed beautiful animations. As always, ufotable is able to make every scene come to life, whether it is rain droplets falling from the sky, Shiki’s Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, or even bomb explosions. Ufotable’s unique animation style is what makes Kara no Kyoukai stand out. And coupled with the beautiful animations is the beautiful music. With Yuki Kajiura as the composer and Kalafina performing the ending theme like the previous movies, one can expect that each song completely fits the atmosphere. The trinity of story, animation, and music is overall spectacular, each category supporting the other two to make it look even more stunning.

However, one cannot create a great story unless the characters themselves are equally as good. Mirai Fukuin introduces two new prominent characters, Mitsuru Kamemura and Mana Ryougi. Seo Shizune was previously seen in the sixth movie, Oblivion Recorder, but has been expanded greatly in the latest installment. Seo and Mitsuru both possess the power of precognition, but differ greatly on how they use it. As previously stated, one tries to become a regular schoolgirl, which is Seo, and another becoming a professional bomber, which is Mitsuru. Mana of course is the daughter of the two most prominent characters of the series. The three character’s personalities were fleshed out quite nicely in just one movie. Of course, characters such as Mikiya, Shiki, and Touko play a role in Mirai Fukuin.

Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable movie. I did, however, find it slightly disappointing that there was next to no action in Mirai Fukuin, but when it did, it was spectacular. Though three years was a long wait to watch the next installment, it was worth it. Type-Moon, Nasu Kinoko, and ufotable did an incredible job with this series and I hope they will provide more high quality features in the future. The movie ending quite nicely, and I am glad that the Kara no Kyoukai franchise ended in such a manner.

A highly acclaimed series, Kyoto Animation did a splendid job on animating Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai. The series strayed away from the typical slice-of-life romance by involving school kids with dark pasts they want to keep secret: the cursed days when they were infected by the eighth grade syndrome, also known as chuunibyou. However, the original light novel series that made the anime possible is often overlooked.

Written by Torako, the story of Yuuta and Rikka spans just only two volumes. What must also be taken into account is that a number of characters from the anime does not exist in the original text ... including the twin tailed Sanae Dekomori, Rikka’s older sister Touka Takanashi, and the sleepy Kumin Tsuyuri. However, the absence of such characters does not mean the story is more boring; instead, it allows for more room to focus on the relationship between ex-chuunibyou patient Yuuta Togashi and current chuunibyou patient Rikka Takanashi.

Each chapter separates a series of events. For example, one chapter may be about Yuuta visiting Rikka’s house, and the next would be a school field trip. Plot-wise, there is nothing much other than the adventures the couple have together. Volume one tells how the two classmates eventually become lovers. Volume two, however, introduces a new love rival that tests how serious Yuuta and Rikka are for one another. Overall, the plot was average but nicely executed. The story was clear to the reader, and there were a few unpredictable plot twists.

Even for a light novel, there was a lack of illustrations that would help portray the story. However, the art did provide clear visuals on the characters’ appearances. And like most light novel illustrations, the art was beautifully drawn. Emotions were clearly expressed and color tones and shadings were of top quality. Though he is not known to many, Nozomi Osaka did a great job of illustrating the world of Chuunibyou.

In terms of how well Torako portrayed the characters in the series, he did an outstanding job. The main character Yuuta is clearly seen as a somewhat feminine male lead who struggles to lead a normal life yet is tempted to revert back to his past chuunibyou self. Rikka is known for her delusional antics and her undying devotion to Yuuta. The popular Shinka Nibutani regrets her chuunibyou past and currently lives her school life as a dance club team member and class representative. Her friend Kazari Kannagi is also popular, second only to Shinka and a great support for Yuuta when he is troubled. Makoto Issiki is seen as a pervert with a pure heart and Yuuta’s childhood friend Satone Shichimiya is a self-aware chuunibyou patient who is in love with her “Hero.”

Overall, it was a great read. Though it was not an exceptional piece of work, it is a series that should be eventually read, especially when one is already familiar with the anime adaption. Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai is different from many popular light novel series that have badass or infallible main leads. Yuuta has flaws he must overcome, fears he must get rid of, and a love he must requite. The chronicles of the Dark Flame Master is not just about action, it is also about acting. Acting on one’s feelings for another and signing a contract to be together forever.

Kyoukai no Kanata, or Beyond the Boundary, is an action-packed series animated by the well renowned Kyoto Animation. Adapted from the light novel, the anime was made not to disappoint. However, its execution was not the most successful one.

STORY (6)
This is probably every action fantasy lover's dream come true. I has pretty much everything: blood manipulation, immortal half-demons, exorcists, secret organizations, you name it. A dark fantasy series, we follow a group of students who aren't actually human as they battle youmu (literal term being dream demon) and protect the people of the town. As the story progresses, the plot thickens and these youmu and ... other exorcists wreak havoc in the the world of humans. Secrets are revealed, and each character must decide their own fate. Because it is an action fantasy lover's dream come true, most plot twists aren't surprising. Built upon cliches, the story is admittedly interesting but unfortunately predictable.

ART (9)
The highlight of the Kyoukai no Kanata series. Because it was animated by KyoAni, it was not surprising to see well-made graphics and the fluid motions of the fights scenes. Lots of care was taken for the backgrounds, and many particles were seen throughout whether it be smoke, snow, rain, light, crystal, blood, or shadow. Very clear facial expressions, there is not much to be disappointed about the animations.

SOUND (7)
There isn't much to say about the sound. Though distinguishable, there aren't any noteworthy soundtrack songs. Voice acting quality of course was nothing special and the opening and ending songs were soothing but typical. Though I must admit, the insert song the cast sang at the end of episode 6 was very catchy.

CHARACTER (6)
Taking one look at any of the characters, you know it was animated by KyoAni. But ignoring the trademark KyoAni base character designs, we have a glasses girl who can manipulate poisonous blood and an immortal senpai who loves glasses girls as the protagonists of the series. What stood out to me the most were the Nase siblings. I enjoyed both of the characters' personalities greatly, and to be honest, I probably would have enjoyed this series more if they were taking the main roles in the series.

ENJOYMENT (6)
Before the start of the anime series, I thought it was going to be a solid series. I mean, even though the studio was over-hyped, Kyoto Animation was animating a battle fantasy series. From watching Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai, I was expecting amazing battle scenes. And that's what I got: amazing battle scenes. However, everything else was nothing special in my eyes. I did think the series itself was interesting, but I wasn't as engaged with it as much as I would like. Like Mirai would say: "fuyukai desu." How unpleasant.

OVERALL (7)
I admit, this series will be memorable. Not so much because it was the best anime of 2013, but because that's what the series was made for. It's an okay series, not the best but not the worst. However, like series such as Guilty Crown, I felt as if this series could have been executed much better. Overall, if you got some time, I would recommend watching this action-packed series. But if you got other things to do, there is no hurry to watch Kyoukai no Kanata.

I was looking forward to this movie for some time after reading MAL's synopsis, but after completing it, I felt as if I set my expectations too high.

STORY (6)
Nerawareta Gakuen, or Psychic School Wars, is a misnomer. Not once did anyone have a psychic battle against one another, let alone a war. From what I saw, a new handsome transfer student brainwashes all the students that had an aptitude to do some little magic, and were sent out to bully those who do not have powers. This in turn led to the tyranny of the student council, who created an inquisition hellbent on reprimanding those ... who bring cell phones to school, because of course cell phones are the root of evil in a learning institution. Hypocritical I say. Of course, the underdog hero saves the day with his pervasive powers and changes the heart of the transfer student responsible. Turns out, humans were living on the moon in the future.

ART (10)
Admittedly, the art was very good. Very fluid motions throughout, and very beautiful scenery. I had a problem at the beginning with the sakura petals floating everywhere in every scene: on the beach, outside on the streets, at the edge of a cliff, and somehow inside a subway train. Reflections of the most random things like stairs and tables did also irk me a little. The amount of realistic details remind me of Makoto Shinkai's works. But overall, I think the animations were the only thing other than the sound that made me watch this all in one sitting.

SOUND (8)
They captured everything pretty well to be honest. The wind, the drops of water, and the piano. Though somewhat generic, the soundtrack was soothing and fitting for the scenes they were played in. And with a cast with Kana Hanazawa and Daisuke Ono, you know that the voice actings are not half-assed.

CHARACTER (5)
Generic hot guy transfers into school. The main hero is known to be a pervert and at times can be serious. Pathetic-looking, and his heart wavers too easily. His childhood friend loves him ever since they were little and he never took notice. He also cracked her windows yet no one actually cared to mention anything about that. A girl whose past we barely even know attempts to commit suicide, however a hot time traveling transfer student saves her and she becomes his henchman. Another girl from the student council falls in love with the transfer student at first sight. They all have a some form of relationships with one another. Be reminded that they are all in the 8th grade.

ENJOYMENT (6)
I was seriously looking forward to Nerawareta Gakuen. From reading the synopsis, I thought that the new transfer student will rule over the school and create a brainwashed army to send them to defeat the badass main lead. With awesome battle actions and stuff. Boy, was I disappointed. Near the end of the movie, I thought they were going to go all out since the main character realized his powers. Instead, he offered to have a gathering at a beach. Pretty anticlimatic.

OVERALL (7)
All this anime had were very pretty and fluid animations. The plot was pretty generic, the characters generic, and my expectations were not even close to being met. When I think of psychics, I think of people reading each other's minds, planning out each other's next moves in some sort of strategy. Not feeling each other's soul or whatever and create a cliche with other psychics. I would rate this lower, but averaging the above scores, I got a perfect 7. Should the score be lower? Maybe. But I decided to be fair and just average everything together. Unfortunately for Sunrise, this work has disappointed me.

*Please note that I will not be comparing Hinamizawa Teiryuujoto it's alternate series Higurashi no Naku Koro ni. It will be rated on my impression of the series itself, not based on outside influences.*

STORY (7)
-The story takes place underneath a bus stop where a group of people share stories to pass the time while waiting for the bus in the rain. The stories however are directed toward the village Hinamizawa and the dam constructing project. The stories though are suspected to be true and that the unexplained deaths explained are caused by Hinamizawa's shrine god Oyashiro. It's basically your typical storytelling manga but with a ... horror twist. The stories interest me but there is no action involved in the real world underneath the bus stop. I predict in the coming chapters though that there will be.

ART (9)
-The graphics are very highly oriented to a horror manga, which it is. The violent scenes appealed to me because of how clean it looks. You can easily distinguish the characters by look, no two look alike at all. The characters themselves look appealing (at least the girls). The backgrounds are highly detailed without any white-outs (blank backgrounds).

CHARACTER (9)
-Each character is totally different from one another.There are two high school students Mion and Rika whose personalities are the exact opposite of each other. There is a photographer named Mitsuru who came to Hinamizawa to research Oyashiro's Curse. The last two characters are dam workers Tonegawa and Arakawa. Tonegawa doubts Oyashiro's Curse and believes it's all coincidence. Or he hopes it is. Arakawa is a witness to multiple accounts of his co-worker's death and is a believer of the curse, having seen it for himself multiple times.

ENJOYMENT (8)
-In truth it was a pretty interesting manga. I liked the horror sequences and the occasional humor placed throughout the series. Though it is not recommended for people who dislike horror manga, for those who do will enjoy it.

OVERALL (8)
-Though I've only read three chapters due to the fact that I am unable to find any raws, the time I spent reading it was non-regrettable. Ryukishi07 has yet to fail me and I recommend this to any horror or mystery fan. Though it doesn't make your hair stand on end, you will wonder what will happen next and what will befall the small group underneath the bus stop in the rain.