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Jan 5, 2012
Edited from my previous review, with a few additions.
What show doesn’t start off slow nowadays only for it to actually become better overtime? Unfortunately many anime viewers are impatient and if they don’t like what they see on episode 1 it’s dropped from their viewing schedule. A good example for this would be the Fall 2011 series “Kimi to Boku”. It had to deal with the consistent comments of “OMG TEH GAY DO NOT WANT (an exaggeration but still..) and “It’s boring”. Now i can talk in depth about the latter criticism. As a hard-core slice of life fan, even i had the urge
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to call KtB “boring” after the first two episodes. It was almost too realistic: a group of high school boys doing what high school boys usually do. No mechas, no ecchi, no outlandish premise but an everyday look at a regular group of friends. For most people this is just too mundane to give a watch but if you’re open to a slice of life series or this series is your first slice of life experience then watch till episode 3 and then you can drop this series if it still bores you. The hero who saves the show from total boredom and who also breaths life into these group of mundane characters is the boy with the straw-colored hair: Chizuru Tachibana. Chizuru brings more energy to the show than the entire cast combined and it takes a bit to get used to his personality especially in contrast to the more easy-going twins Yuuta and Yuuki, effeminate Shun, and Kaname the typical megane character. But after a while, the show becomes so much better: the cast really works well together, the stories are more heart-warming and the music works really well at times. At times i want to call Chizuru a walking plot device but his own personality gives the show life which spreads to the other main characters in due time. The stories are very heart-warming and you may think “Oh, wow i did that too!”. It’s a series about high schoolers, so expect to relate to one of more of the stories presented in this series.
What really surprised me had nothing to do with the anime itself but the company involved with the production of it. If you were to tell me a year ago that J.C. Staff was going to animate a slice of life series with an all male-cast, i’d laugh at you. J.C. Staff is the biggest abuser of the tsundere anime character and the mascot promoting such characters (Rie Kugimiya) and most of their works are criticized for being unfaithful to the original source, bad pacing or sub-par animation. Most of their series are about tsunderes or moe characters with little or no originality (tell me Hidan no Aria doesn’t resemble Shakugan no Shana?) and i was really fearing for the worst with news of this adaptation.
Luckily it seems that my fears were quickly dashed and i commend J.C. Staff for doing a great job with this series even if it’s obvious they didn’t really put a lot of effort into it: the production values aren't anything special, the occasional CG sakura petals notwithstanding, and the character designs take a bit to get use to but it's nothing horrendous of the sort.
I really love the voice acting in this series. Yuuta and Yuuki’s voices are so scary similar you actually think they are voiced by actual twins but in reality kudos goes to Kouki Uchiyama (Yuuta) and Ryohei Kimura (Yuuki) for doing a splendid job. Of course the real star is Miyu Irino as the spunky Chizuru, balancing a tight line from being too dull and too annoying. Other notables are Toshiyuki Toyonaga (Shun, also Flit from Gundam AGE and Mikado from Durarara!!) and Yuuki Ono (Kaname, many minor roles). The insert songs used in the series are also timed perfectly in most cases, and surprisingly the singer of those songs is a guy! But the real treat for me is the OP/ED: I really liked the cheerfulness of the OP with contrast with the more reminiscent feel of the ED.
To wrap it up, Kimi to Boku was a sweet surprise that managed to pull itself out of the weak first two episodes to become a great watch for us slice of life fans and a good watch to anyone willing to give this show a chance.
2011 was the year to not judge a book by its cover, and Kimi to Boku is one of the many examples of that rule.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jul 9, 2011
The show that started it all. Natsume Yuujinchou tells the story of Takashi Natsume, a boy who leads a lonely life because nobody understands his ability to see Youkai, but one day he finds the Book of Friends, the names of all the Youkai who were defeated by Takashi's grandmother, Reiko. The concept is so simple, yet the end result is a work of art. Natsume Yuujinchou takes the best parts of its genre and creates a near-masterpiece.
Story - A+
Like i said above, the concept is so simple but in the end in blossoms into a strong, compelling and lovable show. Takashi goes about every
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day the same as any other, with the glaring exception that he can see Youkai. They can be bad or good, Takashi at first doesn't know what to expect from them. Each episode is its own story, describing the Youkai in question, Natsume helping the Youkai and later returning that youkai's name to them. It manages to take a bland and linear formula and turn it into its own work of art. The real essence of the show is the relationship between Youkai and humans.
Animation - A+
Wonderful. Not too over the top, but nothing lacking. It strikes a balance, which is what Natsume Yuujinchou is essentially. Everything gets detailed: from the random background scenes to the characters themselves with precision to match.
Sound - A++
That's not a typo, i gave it another +. For every scene in Natsume Yuujinchou, there's a wonderful piece of music to accompany it. Every. single. scene. Once again, though the music is simplisitic it accels in giving the viewer something to look forward to. Nothing that screams "over the top", but not lacking either. The opening song "Issei no Koe" definitely fits the tone of the show. It's calm, uplifting and transitions a bit in the second half to more upbeat. The ending song, "Natsu Yuuzora"...Oh my god. This song is the very definition of perfect. Listening to this song definitely screams "the conclusion to another fine episode of Natsume Yuujinchou". Natsu Yuuzora represents the same qualities the show has: Uplifting and calming.
Character A-
Probably the only real negative to this show, and why its a NEAR-masterpiece. Natsume serves as the titular character and as such focuses strongly on him. We have other characters as well. Natsume's adoptive parents, the Fujiwaras, serve as one of the few people whom Natsume clearly cares deeply about, but alas they also don't know of his ability to see Youkai and constantly struggles to keep it that way. Occasionally, we see other humans but its mostly Youkai for the most part. Each Youkai has a compellling backstory when they meet Natsume.
Overall: A+
I couldn't picture myself watching Natsume Yuujinchou. I was always a huge fan of the mecha and shounen animes and (stupidly) claimed that they were superior in everyway. But boy, was i wrong. A show doesn't need flashy *pew pew* lasers (aka, animation effects) or over-used cliches to make a niche in its genre. Like most anime, you either love it, like it or hate it. This show falls in the "love it", but if you're not one who likes gentle, easygoing and slice-of-life shows, you may "like it". I can't picture anyone who can hate it, other than a lack of attention-span perhaps.
Natsume Yuujinchou's ultimate strength lies in its simplicity. That can also be it's downfall for many who don't have the patience for such simplicity.
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The good: Pretty much Everything.
The bad: One or two more human characters should be added, but that's it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jul 9, 2011
Ah Deadman Wonderland (referred as "DW" from here on), the only 2011 Spring show i watched. Let's begin with this:
Story: Ganta Igarashi is a 14 year old middle school student accused and later convicted of murdering his entire class, yet he proclaims his innocence and says he saw a "Red Man" actually do the killings. But his "public defender" Tamaki fails to help Ganta and gets sent to DW, a carnival where the inmates are subjected to humiliating and often life or death situations.
The story is pretty generic for the most part. Ganta tries to prove his innocence while trying to maintain his sanity
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in DW. He meets Shiro, a cheerful yet mysterious girl who quickly becomes Ganta's closest friend inside DW. He realizes that in order to survive he needs to take an antidote, called "candy" every two days or he'll die. To get candy, one must get credits, obtained from winning contests. Nothing exciting but nothing outlandish either.
Art: The best part of DW is the animation/art. Even though the blood/violence is heavily censored in the TV version, i found the animation to be top-notch. Each episode really does its best to show us the facial expressions of Ganta (especially episode 6), the Deadmen, everyone else in the show. But the violence is stunning on DW. People getting chopped in half, impaled, electrocuted, eyeball removal, yeah its pretty bad. Yet, ironically those instances are when the Animation truly shows its strength.
Sound: The OP/ED are nothing outstanding, but alright. The background music is just that, background music. Voice acting: Romi Paku is known for voicing every popular male character (see Elric, Edward) that's ever been seen and pulls off a strong performance as Ganta. Rising newcomer Kana Hanazawa (also Mayuri from Steins;Gate, Shiemi from Blue Exorcist) nails it as the aloof and cheerful Shiro.
Characters: I already talked about Ganta, but i'll add something to this. He starts off as your typical whiny shounen lead which gets really annoying as the show is 75% Ganta, 15% Shiro, 10% everyone else, though there are some instances where Ganta really shines (see episode 6). Only near the very end of the very short series, he finally admits that he's weak and seeks the training of "Crow" (aka Senji Kiyomasa), one of the powerful Deadmen inside. Their friendship stems as a result of one of the many "contests", such as Carnival Corpse, inside DW in order to get credits. I won't spoil what happened, but all i'll say is that the loser has to partake in a slot machine game where anything can happen ("Lose your right arm, Lose your eyeball, Lose your hair (?)").
None of the other characters really standout. Ganta suffers the mistake of being too nice to people, especially inside DW. He befriends Takami Yoh, a kleptomaniac searching for his sister but Takami is also in cahoots with the mainman of DW, the Promoter Tamaki (Yes, that guy who was Ganta's public defender, pretty twisted huh?). Later Ganta meets Iron Chain, the group who's plotting to breakout of DW and their leader Nagi.
Enjoyment: Having watched no new anime since last year, i can say with certainty that Deadman Wonderland is a refreshing yet lacking anime in some regards. Only 12 episodes, the ending is very much left wide-open yet very unlikely the show will get any real closure (such as a second season, or an OVA). But for the most part i loved DW. Ganta, while flawed, managed to keep his sanity for the most part. Shiro is loveable, funny and quick to defend Ganta from anyone at anytime. But there just wasn't enough episodes to explain the most important parts of the show, such as the Branches of Sin, Undertakers, and of course Shiro herself, but it's a good show especially given its only 12 episodes. I recommend this show.
The good: Crisp, detailed animation. If you haven't read the manga, you'll love this more than those who read the manga.
The bad: Unanswered questions, failed character improvement.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Mar 2, 2009
**As of Episode 11**
Regios is a show i really didn't pay any attention to until finally 2 weeks ago, and i'm glad i gave it a chance. The anime producer, ZECXS, hasn't done some good animes (Last one being Rental Magica), but i think this one can really blossom into something good.
Story - 7.9/10 (C+)
Filth monsters? lol. But seriously, it's not as boring as it sounds. How about "cleaning" these filthy monsters with magical swords and wizardly staffs? Now that's more interesting. The story centers on Layfon (Or as Felli calls him Fon-Fon), a young kid who has hidden potential while looking like just
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the opposite. Klutzy and Humorous, Layfon manages to join the 17th Squad (16th?) under Nina Antalk, a spirited and focused young girl who works her hardest to achieve success. The plot so far is okay, but i'm docking points for coining the term "Filth" monsters and a really lackluster beginning.
Animation - 7.6/10 (C)
The animation is mostly bland and standard, except when it comes to flashbacks and fight scenes and fanservice scenes. Can anyone say, Felli Meido?
Sound/Music - 10/10 (A+)
I got hooked on the OP song, Brave Your Truth (lol engrish) just from hearing 5 seconds of it. That never happens for me. The same applies to the ending as well, "Yasashii Uso". Both fit PERFECTLY for Regios, One starting the show with a techno rock beat, and ending it with a gentle, soothing slow ballad. Each episode has a different ending version, and i'm most fond of Felli's version and Nina's version the most. The voice actors, while not ultra popular (See: Aya Hirano, Mamoru Miyano), have as much talent (even more, in some cases) as the populars. Episode 4 and Episode 5 treated us to some english, i dunno what's up with those 3 people in that car, but the english is so lol.
Characters - 9/10 (A)
Layfon is NOT the typical idiotic shounen lead character. He's likable from the very beginning, along with Nina and Felli. The rest of the cast i don't really pay attention to, but don't worry it's all good. Layfon's past is now catching up to him, and each episode he goes from "Typical Anime Shounen lead" to "Really Interesting and Evil"
Enjoyment - 10/10 (A+)
Watch Kokaku no Regios! Really, it's got a bit of everything: Fanservice, Ugly monsters, RPG-ish characters and excellent theme songs. What else would you want?
Overall - 9/10
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~~The Good: OP/ED, Characters (Except the Engrish People (See episodes 3-5), Shante), Excellent BGM
~~The Bad: A bit fast at first, slightly annoying fanservice
~~Strong Points: BGM and OP/ED, Characters
~~Weak Points: Animation
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Feb 21, 2009
**Episode 6**
A Tagline for Rideback would be: "A talented ballet dancer turned Ridebacker.
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Story:
For Rin Ogata, her life has always been focused on ballet. After her mother's death, Rin decided to advance more into national competitions. From there she tells the story of the GGP, a new government formed by a takeover. One rainy day, she encounters a strange machine, Fuego. Now the second act begins......
From the previews, Rideback was the most promising of Winter 09. A mix of political conflict and internal conflict and of course, mechs. But these aren't Gundam-esque mechs, these are original, these are Ridebacks. It can be a normal Motorcycle or
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it can be piloted as a robot. When Rin breaks her leg during a ballet routine, she ends her dream of it. It's really amazing that she can do the same routines in a machine, i like the transition there.
Animation:
The animation is another big thumbs up from me. From the Rideback scenes, to just a casual chat, the animation is on par with some of those more popular but less creative animes.
Sound/Voice Acting:
Another reason i was excited for Rideback was because of Rin's seiyuu, Nana Mizuki. A very talented person with tons of effort in her works, i can say this: A great job well done. Then comes the sound: Really good, even just a simple engine turning on makes a good apperence. The OP is okay, but kinda boring. The ED is alright, but Younha (Who also sung Bleach's 3rd Ending) matured too much, her voice just doesn't fit.
Characters:
Rin is your typical young lady: Puts in an effort for anything, a loyal friend and a little klutzy. Her friend Shouko, just the same, only more unaware of the Ridebacks. Then we have the Rideback Club: A group of college students, each with a different background. Tamayo, the group's leader, has an older brother working at the GGP. She's more interested in riding than politics, a good thing there.
Enjoyment:
Rideback is a show worth watching, it has all the makings of a great plot, combined with top-notch voice acting and a complete spin on mechs. I can't wait for the dub.
The Good(+): Voice Cast, Mix of Political and Internal settings, A new spin on Mechs
The Bad(-): The fact that we don't see Rin's Rideback training (it was a timeskip), however note that this show will only be 12 episodes. Some questionable character designs and a lackluster theme song.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 27, 2009
A light-hearted story of a normal, average day told from the perspective of the 5th graders themselves, That sums up Kyou no Go no Ni (Today in Class 5-2). It's a enjoyable show, with enough comedy to last you quite a long time. While there's not alot of actual "plot", there is however, the hilariously mischievous cast of 5th graders that we get to watch, being themselves.
Story: (7/10 - C)
There's not really a story, unless you count each day a different plot a story. There's three periods per episode, 3 different events unfold. Whether it's being locked in a storage room with the girl of
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your dreams or rocking out with a broomstick, each episode leaves you giggling uncontrollably. It's pretty straight-forward: 5th graders being 5th graders.
Animation: (8.5/10 - B+)
I was fairly impressed by the overall pacing of the animation. Each episode was very well drawn out, not leaving one detail untouched. The character designs were, to be blunt, cruddy. I'm not a fan of animes with characters with big eyes (Clannad is a prime example, mostly visual novels), which is an immediate thumbs-down.
Sound: (7/10 - C)
Other than the OP "Nisemono", most of the theme music was pretty bland, or just not enough. There what i call "School Beats", mainly used for shows such as this one.
Characters: (8.5/10 - B+)
Ryota Sato is your average kid, mischevious and always pulling pranks. Take that and multiply it by 6, and you have the whole cast (Minus some of the females). Most of the cast keeps this behavior for the entire show, but i really enjoyed it. Most shows have these same kinds of characters, but they end up failing because of one thing: It DOESNT work for them. It works for Kyou no Go no Ni because it's a school comedy with some ecchi overtones.
Enjoyment: (9/10 - A)
From start to end, i started watching Kyou no Go no Ni with one thing in mind: Let it stay light-hearted the entire way. It did, and i couldn't explain how enjoyable this show was. If you're looking for light comedy, look no farther. Kyou no Go no Ni is a pleasant experience, just right.
Overall: (8/10 - B)
The Good (+): Excellent Voice acting (All voiced by girls, btw.), Catchy OP song, something to lift your spirits with.
The Bad (-): Lack of character development for most of the characters. Cruddy character designs followed by mixed up Ending themes that randomly appear out of nowhere.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 24, 2009
**As of Episode 15**
Toradora is an interesting show to watch. If you like comedy, slice of life, randomness, and wacky looking characters, it won't disappoint. It's a step-up from most comedy shows, and it's really well-told out plot makes it more fun to watch. Overall, it's fun and it's simple.
Story - 8.5/10 (B)
Being made fun of cause of your eyes is one thing, being the "dog" of an eccentric, mood-swinging, beastly "Tiger" is another. Well picture Ryuuji Takasu, a seemingly normal high schooler with a seemingly normal life. Then add in Taiga Aisaka, the person you would avoid meeting in a dark alley. Add in
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Minori Kushieda, the work-a-holic who never seems to sweat, and add in Yuusaku Kitamura, the plain average braniac with a light side.
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I can picture Toradora being an actual non-animated comedy series, because everything seems to fit. You have the perfect cast for such a show, add in a catchy theme song and add in some popular voice actors, and voila. This show really is something else, and i'm glad i can enjoy it so fully. There's a few little speed bumps, but you'll enjoy the wacky ride throughout this series.
Animation - 8.8/10 (B+)
The animation is really nothing special, considering it's a 2008 show, which means: high quality. But for Toradora, each episode has it's own meaning. I really enjoy watching the OP, considering all the animation that's put into just the intro. Overall, it's a normal-high rating for animation.
Sound - 7.8/10 (C+)
Other than the OP, "Pre-Parade", most of the themes used are pretty standard, average. Not to say the BGM is horrid, it's just, standard. It's something you'd expect to hear in a comedy show, the "Woops!" kind of music when someone screws up, or the "Pwned!" kind of music when you get smacked from out of nowhere.
Characters - 9.6/10 (A)
Toradora has an interesting cast of characters, considering there's only less than half a dozen of them. But each character has their ups and downs, sometimes it takes the actions of Taiga to make it known or sometimes it takes the persistence of Ryuuji to make it known. By first glance, you would think that Taiga is a tough troublemaker with family problems, but once you see ALL of her other sides, you'll tend to regret thinking that. Toradora's characters, at a glance, might seem just generic to be funny, but once you see this show, they have their opposites.
Enjoyment: 8.9/10 (B+)
Toradora is a great show if you're looking for any comedy shows. I really thought from the beginning that it would just be another comedy show with the funny characters and no plot, but i was mistaken. Everyone, you need to watch this show. Each episode makes you laugh, some make you scratch your head and some you go "WTF?". Unless you don't like that kind of show preference, than this show is not for you. It's not a show that has to make sense, it's a comedy show. If a comedy show made sense, then it wouldn't be comedy. For Toradora, not making sense is one of it's biggest assets.
Overall: 8.7/10 (B+)
The Good: Wacky, lovable characters for a wacky, lovable show, the multiple attitudes of Taiga, the sheer creepiness of Ryuuji and the great animation that follows. Not a tear-jerker, but not a laughing fest either.
The Bad: There's a point where it gets too random to make any sense, some fanservice. Not enough background on Ryuuji or Taiga to come up with a strong idea of their past. Am getting really tired of Seiyuu's singing the OP/ED for this show.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jan 17, 2009
D.Gray-man is one of those "hit or miss" shows, for me it was a bit of a miss, but some hits.
Story - 7.4/10 (C)
The tale begins with the introduction of Allen Walker, a young man with a strange power to send demons packing. His adventures in the Black Order, his encounters with many different types of Akuma, and his relationships with his fellow Exorcists are shown.
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The beginning felt a tad awkward, it was a little on the comedy side (When Allen goes to the Black Order), and for a show like D.Gray-man, it didn't really fit. It took me a few episodes (and some motivation)
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to get me into it. It was a moderate experience, some good turns, some bad ones. I liked how the filler episodes (yes, there were filler) didn't feel like filler, but more of a depth in character views (Ex. Lenalee, Allen, Miranda). Then there were a couple of "Naruto"-long fights, that really didn't have to be that long. Overall, it was a pleasant ride.
Animation - 7.0/10 (C-)
The animation was far from what we see today, but it doesn't mean that it was THAT bad. The OP sequences were great, however the ED sequences were just a bunch of pictures moving in cool angles. The fights were a mixture of both good and bad. But for the most part, the animation doesn't really change.
Sound - 7.5/10 (C)
The OP/ED themes were really a great step-up than most animes, and i really enjoyed some of the lighter, lax music it had. The trouble of it was, sometimes it got to lax that it started to get boring fast. Mainly, the rest was just a mix of great tracks (Lala's Lullaby from one of the earlier episodes was a great, moving song) to plain tracks.
Characters - 8.4/10 (B)
I can honestly say, none of the D.Gray-man characters will disappoint you. We have the polite and respectful Allen, the protective and light-hearted Lenalee, the mysterious and sometimes shady Kanda, the cheery, upbeat Exorcist Lavi, and the pessimistic time-user Miranda. Each character will leave you feeling the same way they do, and each character brings a uniqueness that leaves you wondering how it can be done.
Enjoyment - 7.3/10 (C)
For the most part (and that same phrase you keep reading in this review), it's a mixture of some good elements and some bad ones. I really enjoyed the light-hearted actions and the teary-eyed moments of the first season, the second season got more intense with the arrival of the Noah Clan, and the rest is ok. The animation needed a good tune-up though, and some better choices of BGM.
Overall - 7.5/10 (C)
The Good:Great character backgrounds, interesting way of presenting each episode, the filler episodes make you feel like it's not filler
The Bad:
Lackluster animation, combined with lackluster BGM made the show more towards a "good" rating. Some episodes left you scratching your head more than others.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Jan 15, 2009
~~Show completed as of March 30, 2009.
Story - 8.8/10 (B+)
At first glance, i thought the whole "defeating spirits" element was overused, but the way Natsume Yuujinchou does it is much different. Natsume's grandmother, Reiko collected the names of spirits she defeated in battles until the day she died, and Natsume wants to return all the names, even though he could risk his life in the process. It really flows well, especially how Natsume punches the spirits like it's no big deal, kinda funny there. Then we have Madara, or as we know him as Nyanko-sensei, the spirit who seeks the Book of Friends only to
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be told by Natsume that he will get it when Natsume dies. I'm surprised that Nyanko-sensei hasn't came up with a plan to kill Natsume, but then again, the pacing of this show is different. When i watched the first episode, i felt like it was Winter, and i was warm from a fireplace (weird, i know), but this show really makes you feel calm, collected and just mellow. Perhaps all the mecha animes and the shounen animes took a toll on me, and Natsume Yuujinchou is the cure to my pain.
Animation - 10/10 (A+!)
The art is spectacular! I can't believe it's so well animated, just blew me away. From the opening sequence, to the ending sequence, and all in between, i really am fond of this show even more. It's so simple that it's perfect, in every way.
Sound -10/10 (A+)
i love the OP, and the ED is the most soft, teary, and beautiful song i've ever heard. The voice acting is really tremendous, with Kamiya Hiroshi as Natsume Takashi (Who also voices Tieria Erde in Gundam 00 btw). The voice actors all do a really marvelous job, it makes you feel like you're a part of this as well.
Characters - 10/10 (A+)
Many people think of people like Natsume as the "gay-ish", femine person. Well, it's better than hearing macho, tough, know-it-all's (Naruto, Ichigo, Black Star) say the same s**t all the time. Natsume is the kind of anime guy i really like, not too femine and not too masculine. Then we have Nyanko-sensei, the lovable kitten who's real form is somewhat dragon-like. Reminds me of Yoruichi's cat form from Bleach, only more enjoyable. Nyanko-sensei always has to say something smart, or pick at Natsume for being weak or too much of a pushover. I can just have these two characters and no other characters appear, and i'd still love this show.
Enjoyment - 10/10 (A+)
Something so excellent as Natsume Yuujinchou is easily overlooked by redundant shounen anime, or money-wasting ecchi. Everyone needs to watch this show, whether you're feeling down, feeling stressed or just plain you. This show will not disappoint. Some might view this as too boring, but those people are the ones who survive off of (redundant) animes such as Naruto and Bleach and Soul Eater. As a former Bleach fan, this show really got me off the shounen animes, and i'm thankful. Give this show a try, because you'll be glad you did.
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The Good: Animation, Characters, OP/ED, Basically Everything
The Bad: Use of spirits (not so much a big deal) as a plot element.
Sometimes it can get too boring.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 12, 2009
At first, i steered clear from any GONZO-affiliated show, but i decided to give Druaga a try. Well, i was, surprised in some ways, disappointed in others. (Which describes most GONZO shows anyways.)
Story - 6.5/10 (D)
Well, it's about a young hero who wants to rid the world of the evil Druaga, at the top of the Tower of Druaga. Sounds cliche? It somewhat is, but the first episode might be a miss for most, because it's mostly a "I had a really sweet dream" episode. Though i did like the funny parts, definetly episode 5, with the whole RPG-look, sex changes and the Roper Dance
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really made me laugh, in a good way. You can enjoy Druaga, though it does randomly change from plot-focused, to comedy relief each episode.
Animation - 9.0/10 (A-)
Well, at least Gonzo is rich, enough to make Tower of Druaga a great animation piece. I really enjoyed how they took every scene into great detail. Though the show was somewhat not plot-focused, it had top-quality animation for each episode.
Sound - 7.8/10 (C+)
Well, typical RPG-like background music wasn't at all worth remembering, though the "Funny" episodes tend to have more upbeat, cheery music. The opening "Swirling" really stunned me. For an RPG-based show like Druaga, "Swirling" felt more for a show like "Katekyo HItman Reborn" or "Gintama" maybe, but it was a hit for me. The Ending, "Touchousha-tachi" by KENN (Who's also Jil's voice actor, fyi.) is a good mix of feelings jam-packed into 1:30, pretty good stuff.
Characters - 8.4/10 (B)
A great ensemble for Druaga. We have the wannabe hero Jil, then we have his older brother Neeba, who in a way cares about him though (to me) he's just a plain mean older brother. We have Fatina: a ditzy, Paris Hilton clone who wants to get to the Tower to claim her "reward", we have Kally: a stealthy individual with a keen sense of direction. Next is Jil's team: Kaaya, a charming young woman with a strange, unknown power who is drawn to Jil's bravery. Ahmey, the "Clare" of this show (Clare=Claymore) who fights to somehow talk to her dead love, through the means of the Blue Rod. We have Melt and Coopa (No, not the Mario-kind of Koopa): A Mage with a presigious background and a willing servant to him. They provide the most comedy-relief in the show. Overall, this is a good kind of cast for an RPG-based anime.
Enjoyment - 8.2/10 (B-)
I fairly enjoyed Druaga, with some complaints about story pacing and easy boss battles (the One-Winged Dragon for example) being too easy. If you have some spare time, Druaga shouldn't disappoint (For only 12 episodes). You'll laugh, scratch your head and cry during the short span of 12 episodes.
Overall Averaged: 7.9/10 (C+)
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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