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SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

I picked up this manga looking for something light and quick to read. I expected this story to be a generic middle school romance from the get-go, and in many ways it is. However there are some unexpected lessons in trusting your friends and in hard work that as so sweet and genuine you rarely see this in the newer cookie-cutter series that are out there.

Ayuka's outgoing personality is totally refreshing, and the troubles she faces are realistic. Now that is to say, this is STILL a very generic story. But it has a lot of heart. It's definitely geared towards a middle schooler ... audience, so keep that in mind should you decide to read this.

Glass Mask is amongst my most beloved series. It is not often you see an anime about acting, well, ever. One would think an anime about such a profession would be boring and uneventful but the main character Maya Kitajima takes watchers through a journey as she, an unlikely delivery girl with no acting experience takes on the hefty expections and pressure to attempt to snag the nearly impossible role of the Crimson Goddess. As an avid reader of the manga I am glad that this version of the anime has not strayed far at all from the original. This series will send your heart ... soaring, make you laugh, make you cry and want to tear your hair out all at once. I am forever wondering what will happen in the next episode, as I'm sure you will find when you watch this anime. Don't be fooled by the lack of a following, this is an anime you will not want to miss.

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

This was an anime that I had watched in my childhood that had stuck with me till now even in my late teens. I have long since re-watched it and the impact it's had on me hasn't lessened one bit. There is certainly a time in every girls life where she wished to be whisked away to another world, and poor Hitomi has just that happen to her though entirely against her will. This story appeals especially to girls with the appearance of may bishounen throughout the series, however the mecha-like fighters and bloody scenes also appeal to male audiences. While the art may ... be a bit outdated (it was made in the early 90s afterall) it is some of the prettiest of that time I've seen. The attention to detail is exquisite, especially in regards to the scenery. Surprisingly the dub for this anime is tastefully done, so don't hesitate to go subless for once and try for the English version. Escaflowne is certainly an anime that I wouldn't mind watching for a third or fourth time.

SPOLIER-FREE REVIEW

Boy did this anime catch me off guard. When I picked it up I expected it to be nothing special. To say the least, I am currently eating my words. Sugar Sugar Rune tends to strike people as an anime that is easy to guess, predictable even due to the slow pace in the first few episodes. However the story livens up rather quickly. Any true shojo fans will really appriciate the candy corn sweetness this anime has to offer. It's a magical joy ride with excellent character development and adorable art and animation. It saddens me this anime isn't as popular as it ... could be. In all honesty it trumps Shugo CHara! a million times over. The only downside is some of the filler episodes around the middle of the series.

So if you enjoy magic, shojo based stories, great story lines and cute art you'll likely enjoy this anime

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Axis Powers Hetalia is possibly one of the more unique animes I've had the pleasure of watching. Unlike most animes, there is no defined setting, rather the characters are settings themselves. You see, the characters are in fact countries. Yes, countries. The characters are defined through various sterotypes: America loves hamburgers, Japan is a die-hard otaku etc..

Most of the storyline thus far follows the musings of the Axis Powers in WWII (aka Germany, Japan and Italy). It is fiercely entertaining how history is incorporated into the storyline and interactions of various characters. Personally, I was never one who could keep their eyes ... open during history class, but the way historical events are portrayed in the series has awakened a profound interest in history for me as I am sure it will for most watchers.

Unlike most animes, Hetalia is notoriously short with only five minute episodes which are strangely satisfying in that they don't ramble on incessantly.

If you like comedy and hinted shonen-ai this is an anime you will instantly get addicted too. It's not often I give 10s across the board :]

I know what some people might be thinking. Why would they ruin an already renowned anime with what will be a likely mediocre continuation?

WRONG.

The new season itself (from the sole episode I've watched so far) can be completely separated from the much loved first season. The director basically clicked the restart button on the series and we are in for a new rollercoaster of madness. This season is rumored to be working closer to the mangas storyline so no confusing other world as we witnessed in the rather -interesting- FMA movie.

The animation is very fluid and the art is also more true to Hiromu ... Arakawa's style. Eye candy at it's best, if they are starting off this well FMA The Brotherhood is truly one anime to keep your eyes on.

I already know I won't be disappointed. :3

Ludwig Revolution is amongst one of the more odd mangas I've read. I did enjoy the spin-offs of many a beloved Grimm fairytale characters (Blanche and Sleeping Beauty were particularly interesting).

The 'dashing' prince bit is amusing, and the plot twists are fun to follow. Now an amazing story, but if you have time to kill on something that's a bit of a light hearted twisted tale Ludwig's adventures isn't too bad a choice.

A truly gag-worthy anime.

I must admit the series looks adorable from a stand-offish point of view but the storyline left something to be desired. The narration of Shiratori Kuu is very reminiscent of an airhead teen, 'cause frankly... She is one.

But of COURSE she has to be something special. *rolls eyes*

Aside from my obvious disdain for the main character. There were a few decent characters within the series. Setsuna being my favorite, she had more depth to her. If you choose to watch this anime do it to see Setsuna at the very least. Everything else? Not worth your time.