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また いつか! [Mata Itsuka] [See you Again Someday!].
Gintama' is not the end of the Gintama Anime.


[ REVIEW ]


DONDAKEEEE!!


... Gintama' is a series that, without doubt, captures almost every important essence of Anime (Comedy, Action, Drama, etc.) all within one show.

While it may be true that Gintama is mainly focused on the comedy aspect, the series is able to embody many action scenes, especially in the Arcs, as well as drama and sadness.

Contrary to popular belief, many don't want to start watching Gintama either because the series is too long, too 'overrated' in their eyes, or just does not pique their interest. However, when you actually get around to giving the series a chance, you will not be disappointed, and you will definitely be hooked.

The Second airing of the Gintama Anime proves to be as enjoyable as the first one. Despite being shorter (51 episodes), Gintama' managed to pull off arcs filled with action, hilarious comedy, and more lovable characters (Such as Jugem-Jugem!)

The second season also has a more improved animation style and a widescreen showing, unlike the first one. This is a definite plus for the show.

It's really tough to describe Gintama in a review. So, if you're sitting down reading this one, I only have one thing to say: GO watch.

And, don't forget, this is not the end. Gintama will definitely come back one day.

2011 is definitely one of those detective anime years, and then... there's Un-Go.


Story - 6/10

Story? Plot? Do those exist in this series? So far, all I understand from watching 8 episodes is that Inga, one of the main characters, is some sort of boy/woman who feasts on souls by obtaining truth from others. Which is almost what they implied in the summary of the show. Other than that, the story has BARELY progressed at all since the beginning.

Art - 7/10

Mediocre good fine art. Nothing to comment on here, but the pointy chins did annoy me at first, but I got used to it.
...
Sound - 6/10

Nothing special, except for the opening and endings which are good.

Character - 6/10

To make more of an understanding, I'll list my thoughts on each character:

Shinjuurou Yuuji - The 'Defeated Detective', according to the other characters. To me, he's a statue. His character has not progressed or developed at ALL (same with the other characters, may I point out). His blunt and emotionless attitude can get on the nerves of some people at times.

Inga - To me, the best aspect of the show, and the only reason I'm continuing with it. Inga is nothing THAT special, don't take me like that, but the boy Inga character design is nice to the eyes, I'd give that. Same with the seiyuu, of course. Other than that... what is Inga? No development, yet again.

Rie - The detective's daughter. Her job? To annoy the main characters to no extent. She is an ok character, nothing new. Typical.

Kazamori - Surprisingly easier to deal with that most of the other characters. She's the typical 'loli' in anime. You just have to have one in a series.

Enjoyment - 6/10

When a new episode comes out, I watch it depending on my mood. Seriously. If I'm actually interested in an anime, I'd be looking forward to every week, waiting for it to be put up. Un-Go? Not really... Still, Inga's antics and Kazamori keep me going.

Overall - 6/10

Mediocre show. If you're going to watch it for the 'detective mystery' aspect (which actually happens to be one of my favorite genre), then don't. It won't meet up to your expectations on that field.

It's really hard reviewing a series after it first came out, so please bare with me. (Note: this review will be updated throughout the course of the released episodes)

Kimi to Boku (You and Me) is an anime that revolves around 5 childhood male friends who have started their second year of high school.

Story
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The story is pretty fair so far. Since it is a slice-of-life anime, the pacing might be a little too slow for some people, whereas others can find it to be calming. I personally think that this anime could develop into something bigger and more entertaining as the episodes progress. There is so ... much potential for a slice-of-life revolving around an entire male cast and their daily lives, unlike the typical 'moe girl' one. This might be one of those few rare findings where the entire main cast consists of boys, but it does not belong to a shounen-ai category, which is a good thing for those who are not a fan of that genre, although shounen-ai lovers can enjoy Kimi to Boku the same.

Art
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The art is 'ok'. I have not much to comment about it. It isn't very detailed or very plain, but somewhat in the 'neutral' zone. One thing I immediately noticed upon watching this series is the character's 'eyes'. Even though there is not much to complain about them (they ARE rather unique in terms of style), but in the end you get used to this art type and go along with it. The colors are pretty calming and soothing.

Sound
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Not much to say about the sound. It's pretty decent, and flows along with the plot line. The slow scores and cheerful ones fill in the gaps of the 'everyday life' feel.

Character
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The characters are pretty likable, and since this series has just started, we don't know much about their background. They all fit into the typical stereotypes, although some produce a good fair amount of uniqueness in them. In the end, the viewer is able to relate to and enjoy the character's actions.

Shun -> Many complain that he looks like a girl, but because of promotional art, we know that he'll soon cut his hair (maybe that will bring all the 'complaints' down). He's a pretty likable character and is the 'optimistic' one out of the group.

Yuki -> Likes manga, the younger of the twin brothers. Is quiet.

Yuta -> The older twin, talks a bit more. Not much is known about him, till now.

Kaname -> The strict one who keeps all the friends in order. Despite the fact that I don't really relate characters from different series, Kaname gave me the 'Kyouya' feeling (Kyouya from Ouran High School Host Club).

Chizuru -> Still did not make his appearance.

Enjoyment
--------------

The pace is slow, but mellow. This might change after more episodes are released though. overall, I think one can enjoy Kimi to Boku pretty well. If you hate slow every-day-life ongoings, then I don't recommend this series, although, as I mentioned before, this is an 'early series' review, so this might change with the introduction of more characters, and possibly a 'plot'.

Overall
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7/10
Decent anime with quirky characters and a stable storyline. As I mentioned (countless of times) this might change soon (my rating might either rise or drop). If you're a fan of slice of life and would like an anime that focuses on the everyday life of male students, then Kimi to Boku is your anime.

C the Money of Soul and Possibility Control tried to deliver an interesting story that combines both realistic and fictional elements within it. That be said, the creators did, in fact, accomplish what they had set to achieve.

Story (9/10)

The biggest factor that helped this anime is the story. Now, how many anime do we see that revolve around financial matters that could destroy the world? Not many. The story has a solid background and a defined structure. However, some elements were left out of the plot line, although they are implied (How exactly is Mashyu the main character's future? A suggestion as to what she ... means/will be is implied). Overall, the creators were able to create a good solid plot line for them to build up.

Art (8/10)

The art was decent enough for viewers to enjoy. I personally did not care much for the 3D designs the creators added from time to time. In fact, sometimes it deemed confusing for the viewers. However, the artwork itself is crisp clean and enjoyable. The opening was nothing special, although it did represent the nations of the world within it.

Sound (8/10)

Good background music, but nothing special or out of the ordinary. The opening theme was catchy, but, again, not that special.

Character (7/10)

When it comes to characters, C the money of Soul and Possibility Control has a range of different characters that fulfill their needs. However, yet again, some unanswered questions are left. Who created C? What about Masakaki? These are left for the viewers to deduce.
The characters could have been developed in a more realistic manner. The main characters had potential, and it was fulfilled in the last episode, though unanswered questions, as I mentioned, were left behind.

Enjoyment (7/10)

Whether you know anything about finance and economy or none at all, C will deliver an enjoyable show for viewers to watch. Intense moments combined with beautiful artwork and sound will make it a decent show to watch.

Overall (7/10)

I was not expecting a masterpiece out of C, but it did deliver a solid story that is both realistic yet fictional at the same time. The different characters and plot line all bring out a certain element that stays within the viewer, even after finishing the show.

Gosick received a lot of hype before it aired, and many people looked forward to the airing of this "masterpiece" novel. Will Studio Bones do it justice?
I would like to mention that I have not read the novel and thus I am only reviewing the anime version.

Story - 9/10
I am a sucker for detective / mystery anime. The first episode, however, did not meet up to my expectations. It introduced the characters all right, and I did enjoy the little mystery they had. However, being a fan of detective anime / stories, such as Detective Conan, I found the case pretty simple and repetitive ... in many shows.
But, my views changed by the second episode. One cannot help but admire Victorique's detective skills, and the two part episode (2 and 3) proved to be entertaining. It was also suspensful in a way, since viewers are left with cliff hangers at the end of the second episode.
It might be far too early to judge the overall story, but I give it a 9/10 at the moment, and we will see how the whole series unfolds, though I have really high expectations at the moment.

Art - 10/10
I'm not surprised at the rating I give the artwork. Studio Bones generally produces eye catching art style, and Gosick did do justice in that. The character designs are interesting (though many say that Victorique resembles Shinku from Rozen Maiden. But that was the author's style, not the studio's. Besides, it suits her!) The opening and ending have very beautiful artwork, and the style is somewhat different than what is IN the show, but still captivating. I give it a 10/10.

Sound - 9/10
The music accompanying the series is both mysterious and captivating. It actually draws the viewers in, and sets an overall mood for the show. The opening and Ending songs (Opening by Yoshiki*lisa and Ending by Lisa Komine) are very catchy. The intro is amusingly happy and hyper at the beginning, then at the chorus very enjoyable to the ears. I think it was very well done! As for the ending, many fans rave that it is better than the opening. I personally prefer the opening, though the ending is nothing short of masterpiece. I give the sound a 9/10 only because the music in the show is somewhat repetitive.

Character - 8/10
It is a bit too early to judge the characters of the show, so I cannot truthfully rate them. First, let us take Victorique, the main female protagonist. What I adore about her is the fact that she is not only a good detective that puts a pipe in her mouth whenever sleuthing (Sherlock Holmes?) but the fact that after those moments she is a girl in the end. Her random antics (barrel roll! I'm so bored!) keep the viewer entertained, and intrigued by her inner personality. And viewers still wonder what sentimental value her "gold necklace" has. Was it her mothers? (I somewhat believe she had a relation to the villain in a way?)
Next is Kujou, the main male protagonist. He is quickly introduced, and for some reason is attached to Victorique from the moment he set eyes on her. What I enjoy is his somewhat "split" personality (one moment provides the comic relief, another moment he is dead serious). However, the fact that he is the "third son and tries to surpass his brothers" is somewhat cliche? I don't know, maybe it's just me, but this is present in other anime too. But, Kujou proves to be a promising character and "side kick" to Victorique.
Other minor characters are also appealing in their own way (a hyperactive teacher?) but some somehow have weird character designs (the Detective and his "drill" hair).
I give the characters and 8/10 at the moment since no further information is given about them, and we are only on the third episode, aren't we?

Enjoyment - 9/10
Gosick happens to be entertaining, and viewers sleuth alongside the characters, wondering what will happen next. Some cannot wait for the next episode to come, while others are patient enough to think about the mystery during the one week period of time. 9/10.

Overall - 9/10
Gosick looks like a very promising anime, and the fact that it is being produced by Studio Bones only makes it more appealing. Detective / mystery genre fans will not only enjoy Victorique's sleuthing with Kujou, but also her "cute" personality while not being serious.

"What would you do if you woke up in the after life?"
That was what the main protagonist of Angel Beats, Otonashi, felt when he was informed by Yuri, the SSS leader.
Angel Beats is Key's fourth Anime adaption, and it brings the viewers the same effect that they got from their previous works, including Clannad and Clannad after Story, Kanon, and Air TV.

Story [10/10]
The story of Angel Beats is a truly unique one. It is located in the after life, and the female protagonist, Yuri, is the leader of the SSS (Shinda Sekai Sensen), a group that rebels against God for giving them an unreasonable ... life. Otonashi finds himself joining this group. Their enemy? Tenshi.
Tenshi might look like an innocent girl, but she wields weapons that pierce through hearts. However, everybody in the after life cannot die.
Her motive: To make the members accept their previous lives and disappear. Yuri, along with the other members, rebel against her and God for giving them an unreasonable life.
Even though the series itself is 13 episodes, you can tell that it has Arcs, starting off with the Tenshi one.

Art [10/10]
The art is outstanding. It is true that a new studio handled Angel Beats, not like the studio that made Clannad and other Key Anime. However, this studio proved to be good enough to deliver appealing art styles to viewers.
It is notable that episode 12 had an intensive art style filled with emotions like the other Key Anime.

Sound [10/10]
Yet, another 10/10 for this Anime. Angel Beats has an amazing OST that touches the soul. The main theme song is sung by Lia, who also sang the openings for Clannad and Air TV. Along with this comes GirlDeMo, or Girls Dead Monster. This group sings multiple songs during the series.

Character [9/10]
The characters of Angel Beats are intensive and dynamic, but there is one flaw in this series regarding it's characters: Viewers do not see the past lives of all the members in the SSS. There are many interesting characters that are not covered. However, the main characters received dramatic story lines that are sure to make viewers cry and to give viewers multiple feelings about the story.

Enjoyment [10/10]
I waited every week till Angel Beats episode, and I would wake up to watch it airing on TV. That is how much I've enjoyed Angel Beats, and it's become part of me. I enjoyed the suspense that it gave viewers every episode. At the end of most episodes, the story leaves a cliffhanger that keeps viewers anticipating for the next episode.

Overall [10/10]
Angel Beats is a masterpiece, just like any other Key works. It delivers feelings of love and emotion, mixed with fast paced action and fighting. It is a must watch for all Key fans and for fans of action and drama genre Anime.