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Soul Eater is a shonen anime that aired in 2008. Don't let its demographic put you off, though; this anime has a little something for everyone.

There are two arcs in this anime: first, the Medusa arc, and second, the Arachnophobia arc. The first arc follows the main characters' fight against the witch Medusa. There is an equal balance of action and comedy, as well as a few shocking episodes. This arc flows pleasantly and was the more enjoyable of the two.

The second arc introduces a new enemy: Arachnophobia. This half of Soul Eater is more serious and less humorous. There are lots of things going ... on, and it confused me. I found this to be the duller of the two arcs. However, there are intense parts and a plot twist or two. Overall, the story is alright.

The art for Soul Eater is a strong point. It has a cartoony flair but still retains anime characteristics. Consistency is shown throughout the anime; its quality is unwavering. I feel that the mood was set well, from the moon with blood coming from its mouth and the laughing sun to the graffiti on the basketball court. As for the animation, it was never really choppy or unpolished.

Like the art, the sound is top notch and sets the mood. There are two openings and four endings that all compliment the anime. Throughout every episode there is rock and/or hip hop music to fit in with the situation, as well as sound effects dispersed commendably. The English voice acting is excellent, but unfortunately the dub is incomplete. I watched all of the dub, and the voice actors really put emotion into the characters.

There are many characters present in Soul Eater. Most of them have an interesting back story or personal struggle over the course of fifty-one episodes. You will definitely be able to connect to at least one character, if not several of them. Even some of the enemies are likable. All supporting characters contribute to the story, whether it be causing a problem or comic relief; the term "supporting characters" takes on a literal meaning.

Soul Eater is an enjoyable series overall. I found myself giggling at the jokes, gasping at the plot twists, and watching episode after episode. If you like Gurren Lagann and/or FLCL, this anime will not disappoint. However, if you want a very mature, serious anime, you may want to try something else.

I started this manga expecting a book packed with stale, slow-paced humor and far too many references to count. The impression the anime gave me was nothing like this manga.

Story - 9
Lucky Star doesn't have a story, really. It follows the everyday life of four girls in high school. There are a lot of school-based comedy manga, but the way this one is executed is great. Each comic is four panels and they don't fail to deliver a relate-able slice of life.

Art - 8
While the art in this manga is fitting for the simplicity of it, it isn't the best. The characters are supposed to ... be in high school, but when I first saw the characters, I thought they were no older than 13. Miyuki is really the only girl who is recognizable as a high schooler because of the way she's drawn. Other than that, the art is very clean cut and cute.

Character - 9
The four main characters are all, in a way, cliche- with a twist.
There's Kagami, the hot-tempered yet smart girl, Miyuki, the naive, curvy girl with the IQ of a genius, Tsukasa, the shy, innocent girl who is also a ditz, ad Konata, the tomboy whose sexuality is questionable. The characters don't exactly develop, but it's hard to show development in a manga set up in sets of four panels. Character descriptions are given in the first volume and you get a feel for their personality by reading.

Enjoyment - 10
I love how easy it is to relax with this manga. I find myself smiling at many of the individual comics or talking to myself about how I've been in the same situation. VERY enjoyable.

Overall - 9
This manga is far better than the anime. It's quick and easily enjoyable. The one thing that I really didn't like, though, was how the characters talk. They often talk in unnatural sentences that I never hear anyone say. For example, Kagami at one point says something along the lines of, "Wait, I know what you're saying so don't speak so loudly in front of the general public!" Honestly?

I advise reading this manga. It is no doubt better than the anime and it has brought me lots of enjoyment.