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Jul 2, 2013
Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is an anime that has a very appealing hook at the beginning of the series but as it progresses I felt that so much potential was lost.
One of the main draws of this anime started with the high school itself. Most animes tend to take place in some prestigious academy and when seeing just how run down Seita High School felt like a breath of fresh air. You see Misaki doing her best to make the school better but it seems that everything is against her. She is smart, intelligent and hard working but is forced to go this sub-par school
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because her family is too financially unstable to send her somewhere better. This forces her to work at a maid cafe to help support her family but is afraid of her secret being leaked out to her fellow peers.
While I understand that this is supposed to be some sort of romantic comedy I feel that this anime lost its way as it progressed. It had a unique setting with a unique character in a unique situation but it soon falls on its face. It becomes this wacky, generic romantic comedy when it could have been so much more. For instance I wanted more time given to Misaki's financial struggles and how it affects her work and schooling, or how run down the school really is and the gravity of their situation. Heck there was a potential development with Misaki concerning her father and how he ditched the family. This is a such traumatic event for any child to experience yet the anime makes light of this when it could have been used to further develop Misaki and give insight as to why she is the person she is. Heck perhaps have an episode where the man comes back and have an arc where Misaki is struggling because of that. To actually address the possible domestic issues that is plaguing Misaki and see her conquer it in the end. To me that would show more strength than her just pasting some unlucky fools left and right.
The anime was supposed to have shown Seita High as this underfunded, almost dangerous school to attend and yet that goes out the window by episode 3 when three of the antagonists suddenly become Misaki's biggest fans. While I'm fine with these three delinquents coming to terms and making up with Misaki they way it was executed was nothing short of silly. They suddenly become these pansies when they had the potential of being Misaki's biggest obstacles in bettering the school. The entire setting goes from this dangerous, ghetto school to your typical anime high school setting after the first five episodes, destroying the very thing that made this anime interesting to begin with. I have no problem with these three guys (the baka trio) making up with Misaki in the end but I felt that it should have been treated with more seriousness. After all one of the characters in the baka trio, Naoya Shirakawa, was supposed to have been a very dangerous character during his middle school days and his potential of being an early antagonist to Misaki was destroyed before it had a chance to even begin. Even if they did make up considering the background of these characters I thought it a grave injustice to have someone like Shirakawa end up becoming some stupid idiot. I would have liked him and his friends to be allies with Misaki and perhaps even still go to the Maid Cafe to see her but still remain very dangerous characters that you wouldn't want to mess with instead of the clowns they ended up becoming in the anime.
While I'm all for girls who can kick some ass the way they set Misaki as nearly untouchable is silly. It destroys any credibility this anime was trying to show that Seita High was this barbaric school. I wanted to see Misaki struggle more, to actually take caution that she would not be a target of gang violence in school. Have some of the male students even make death threats to her. Stuff that would make Seita High a dangerous school to attend. Perhaps go further with the gangs and have the trouble of turf wars within school grounds with Misaki doing her best to quell the violence before someone got killed.
I still enjoyed the anime for what it was but again I felt that it lost its way. This anime could have been something else. Not only a romantic anime but an anime that took a serious look at the Japanese Public School system and its flaws, gang violence, domestic problems and poverty all serious issues that this anime could have worked with and had at its disposal but instead flaked out after the first couple of episodes and becomes just another generic anime in the end.
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama could have been so much more than just a generic romantic comedy. I watched this anime hooked from the beginning but then got bored of it by episode 20 and barely managed to finish it without giving up. This is not a bad anime, it is decent but that, in itself, is a disappointment.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jan 31, 2012
It is often said that there is no originality to be found when watching Harem animes. While it is mostly true at this point there is no reason not to watch one. Shuffle! is one of those harems that seems to be quite stereotypical though it does add a twist here and there.
Story: 6
This is a harem and the story is not exactly genius. The concept of gods and demons living alongside humans kind of irked me but it wasn't so bad that I wanted to stop watching it. While bland at first it does get quite deeper, especially concerning some of the characters
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like Rin, Kaede and Asa. My biggest gripe with the story is that attempts to jam too many characters in and try to work histories with them. You grow attached to a character and BAM! you don't see them for two episodes afterward. The story would have flowed so much better had there not been so many characters. Which brings me to my next point.
Characters: 6
I'm sorry but I'm not buying Rin's character. He's quite a boring fellow and his bland personality makes it difficult to believe that all these girls are after him. And while he does mean well he makes some very silly, obvious mistakes that make you want to smack him. He does redeem himself in the end (IMO) but overall he's not the best one out of the bunch. On the other hand, Asa and Kaede were done extremely well with fleshed out histories that explain their motives and reasons as to why they like Rin the way they do. While Sia and Nerine are cute I honestly feel awkward when they come on screen. If it wasn't for the fact that the story revolved around this whole demon/god world thing the story would have gotten along without them. Asa, Kaede and Rin have history behind them that could have been expanded so much more if not for Sia and Nerine needing screen time. For that the characters are alright (with Asa and Kaede being exceptional) but there are simply too many of them.
My biggest gripe about the characters is how hunky-dory they all were. Sure one of them starts to lose it (won't say who) but for the most part I feel that all these girls get along WAY too well, so much so that I was almost tempted to stop watching the show. I really wanted some more drama and hate amongst the girls and I felt that the developers failed in this aspect. I really have a hard time seeing so many girls get along with each other when they are competing for the same man.
Art: 8
While somewhat bland at times the animation is smooth and fluid. It gets noticeably better when the girls don't have their clothes on (I'm not complaining) but overall it is pretty good.
Sound: 7
The music was kind of blah. While it suited the mood it is forgettable. However the music used for the serious interlude (the one with all five girls standing naked looking miserable) is actually quite fitting and memorable, like something terrible is about to happen.
Voice cast wise I watched the English dub. Rin sounds...boring which suits his character. His sad voice doesn't really convince me either but he does a good job getting angry. The rest of the girls' voices fit and though not spectacular each do their job. Quite frankly I felt that Nerine's and Kaede's voice actresses did an admirable job.
Overall: 7
This anime really is the sum of all its parts. While it was not the best anime I have ever watched it was enjoyable for what it was and did get me pondering on the characters for a bit of time. If you are looking for a humorous, light hearted harem that eventually turns up the heat this could be for you.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Apr 30, 2010
This show seems to conjure up both love and hate from many people who watch anime. It seems that I am with the former as I was immediately hooked straight from the beginning.
While I do not want to ruin much of the plot, it is very good. Dicolonius are a what one would call a "evolved" form of human being that is cable of great feats. Not only do they possess great stamina they are able to use a power known as "Vectors" to manipulate the objects around them. These "vectors" are best described as arms that are able to grab onto things. Unlike normal
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arms, however, they extend very far (between 6-11 meters) and are capable of lifting heavy objects (like cars), or slicing through human flesh like salami. This is about as much as I can describe without spoiling too much.
The art is good but a bit dated. It is very graphic though, with much gore and nudity. If one could describe the goriness, think Hellsing OVA or Akira. The show could have done without so much nudity (the show is serious yet it is still trying to use fanservice...I appreciate it but too much saturation) but overall, the art is good.
The sound is amazing. The OP is sung in Latin and is reminiscent of a Gregorian Hymn (though it is a woman singing it). The OP alone is beautiful and I am glad that the show used the theme several times to emphasis certain plot points or events.
Most of the characters are likable but you may have already seen them in most other animes. The main character, Kouta, is the typical dude that is mostly normal but for some reason attracts women to him like moths to a light.
Yuka is his infatuated cousin who normally tries to get his attention every chance she gets. Nyuu is a seemingly innocent, pink haired girl that is very trusting and has a limited vocabulary. Nana and Mayu are two girls that are seemingly abandoned by their parental figures and are living a harsh life that no young girl should have to live.
In general, this description barely scratches the surface for these characters as each have their own, dark past and certain reasons for their motives. To reveal anymore would spoil everything so watch the show if you care to know more!
While the show is great, there are some parts that prevented this show from being a ten. One was the nudity. While I don't mind the nudity if it is for the sake of a scene (like a lab), the echii moments were unnecessary and distracted from the show at times. I also did not like how the show, as serious as it was, tried to disguise the fact that this show is a harem. (You know, lucky guy with a bunch of women in his place.)
This show is very dark though. It poses questions as to what is human and what is not. Is the death of an innocent being for the "greater good" really worth it? What of the ones who are guinea pigs, the ones who are "not" human yet are still capable of dreams, happiness, hope and love?
One being kills the other because it has the power to kill when in fact, both have the power to kill and destroy.
Overall, I really enjoyed watching the series. Episodes 5 and 13 were easily my favorites. It is a very moving series that will play with your emotions. My eyes watered in the last episode...for a series to do that to me is worthy of recognition.
While I recommend this anime, do keep in mind that it is not for everyone. I loved this series from start to finish, complete with an emotional roller coaster. For those not into this genre, it may not be for you and has disappointed its fair share of viewers.
Even so, this anime is amazing and an instant classic in my book. Watch it and decide for yourself. Just make sure to keep some tissue nearby just in case though!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Apr 25, 2010
"There is no Tsukihime Anime."
Ah yes, those infamous words. Before all of you say anything, I DID finish the visual novel and I HAVE read the manga (well, the first three volumes) and guess what, I STILL enjoyed this anime so sit back, relax and let me tell it like it is.
As far as story goes, I don't see what the problem was. Quite honestly, I thought the visual novel was redundant when explaining the differences between a Dead Apostle and a True Ancestor. In the anime, it goes straight to the point and makes easy on the viewers. Dead Apostle is a human
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turned vampire. True Ancestor is a transcendent race, vampires yes but were never human to begin with. While the plot is still much deeper and complex in the visual novel, don't really undermine the anime's version of it. If you are a huge Tsukihime buff and want to know EVERYTHING about Tsukihime, then you won't like the anime. But if you just want to get in and enjoy a decent anime then won't bore you to death with details, then watch the anime.
The art was done well in my opinion. While they could have brushed up a bit better on some characters (Nero and Roa come to mind) in general, the characters look like they are supposed to. In general, the art is not outstanding but is still pretty good.
The music, especially the opening, is what made this series. Very nice tunes from start to finish. Having only watched the English version of this show, you will probably recognize the voices right away. Arcuied is voiced by Michelle Ruff (Rukia anyone?) and Shiki is voiced by Steve Staley (who voiced Toshiro Hitsugaya). In short, if you enjoyed the Bleach dub (like I did) then you will like the dub in this series as well (since half the Bleach cast is in here.) Cannot comment on the original voice acting.
No doubt the weakest part of the series is the characters. Arcueid comes across as far too clingy to Shiki (she liked Shiki in the visual novel as well but she wasn't hitting on him every other minute), Akiha is well, the same basically, Ciel is meh and Nero and Roa were punked.
Which brings me to another point. All of these guys got severely gimped in the anime. Shiki is on his knees having migraines 99 percent of the time, Ciel gets owned every single time she fights, Akiha is no better, Nero is as scary as a house cat (no Soil of Genesis and 999th Beast really blew hard) the list goes on and on. Seriously, the only one doing anything in combat was Arcuied (when she wasn't trying to molest Shiki) and even then she has trouble from time to time.
Even so, this show does have its moments. I have to say that episode 7, the amusement park episode, was really funny and awkward and the times between Shiki and Arcuied when they are not hunting vampires is also neat to watch.
Overall, the anime is not the visual novel. It is not as good as the visual novel and when compared to the visual novel, it would be considered below average. But I came reviewing the anime and only the anime and found it to be a short yet enjoyable series.
Don't get turned off by all the hate that this series is receiving. Make your own choice and watch it. You might be surprised. (In a good or bad way!)
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 25, 2010
This review will talk about the first season of Sailor Moon.
I have to thank Sailor Moon for one thing and that was getting me to watch anime. I was about nine years old when I first watched it on "NBC" and despite the face that the show's heroes were teenage girls, I got hooked.
Fast forward nearly eleven years later and I decided to re-watch it in its native (Japanese) language and format. It was far better than the one that I watched on NBC.
Simply put, if you can get over the weird transformations, this season is alot of fun to watch. All the main
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characters give you reason to care about what they are doing. Usagi, Rei, Minako, Ami and Makoto (or Serena, Raye, Mina, Amy and Lita if you watch the English version) all have vibrant personalities that often are odds with one another, often making for some very funny episodes and good laughs.
Even the bad guys are interesting in their own right. The relationship of one of the main antagonists, Nephrite, and Naru (known as Molly, being heroine's best friend) is very touching yet solemn as it is a doomed love. This probably had to be the best part of this season, the relationship between these two characters. As a guy, I have to say, the end of their tragic relationship nearly moved me to tears.
I cannot tell you the story outright otherwise I will spoil it but it is good though it starts off really slow in the beginning. Basically, it is about an evil witch named "Queen Beryl" who is attempting to revive her former master, "Metallia", an ultra uber creature I suppose, by using the life force of humans by taking their energy. It is up to the Sailor Scouts to prevent this from happening. This is the main gist of the story though there are several twists and turns.
The art not great. Perhaps the greatest weakness of the show, some of the fights look real choppy. There are times where it seems as if the animators just skipped an entire fight scene by having Sailor Moon throw her tiara at the enemy and obliterate them. In that case, why have other Sailor Senshi then?
The music and voice acting in the original is great. "Moonlight Denetsu" is a very catchy opening and most of the in show music uses baroque and classical elements.
In all, the first season of Sailor Moon blasted off on the right foot and set the standard of other magical girl animes that came after it. Definitely one of the strongest seasons in the entire Sailor Moon series.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Apr 19, 2010
I remember first watching Fist of the North Star in the action channel. I was but a little kid at the time and I really did not know what was going on. Unfortunately, the exploding heads and cussing was a deterrent at the time and I stopped watching it.
Fast forward almost ten years later and I decide to watch it and honestly, I am glad that I did.
The story is fairly simple. It takes place in a post apocalyptic world where the strong live and the weak die. Crime is at an all time high. Bandits and cut throats kill, pillage and rape to no
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end. Kenshiro is a man who was betrayed by his best friend, one who kidnapped his wife and nearly killed him, leaving him for dead. Kenshiro, who survived, is now out on a mission to find the man who betrayed him, kill him and save his wife.
While the exploding heads are a neat treat, it is the characters that really shine. Don't expect any teenage heroes in this show. While I do like watching Belach and other Shonen that are chuck full of teenage heroes, this show has none.
All the characters, from Kenshiro, Shin, Rei, Raoh, Toki, Shuu they are all memorable and likable in their own way. This heavy focus on adults is a breath of fresh air and is a nice distinction from all the teenage shonen that is out there. Kenshiro especially has to be one of the manliest protagonists out there and hearing him say "You are already dead." has you know that he is dead serious and is not willing to play games.
The music is catchy, especially "We are Shock!" is a nice opening theme and flows nicely with the action scenes.
If there is anything that takes away from this show is the art. This show was made in the early 80's and is heavily influenced by it. Everyone in the show has shoulder pads in one form or another and the bad guys all seem to have mohawks. Many scenes are used over and over again and there are times where the characters' look are somewhat inconsistent from episode to episode.
Even so, this show is must watch for those who are into action packed, bloody fights without having to hear a bunch of whiny sermons. Overall, I had a blast watching this show, it was great through and through.
Now if you excuse me, I am going to watch Kenshiro use some ATATATATA action against some unfortunate fool and see his head blow up!
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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