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There's likely only 'two reasons' you might want to watch this, and it probably isn't for the story or characters.

And that's okay.

But thankfully, Manyuu Hikenchou does manage to fit likeable characters and a mostly engaging plot between it's other, main, bouncy draw.

One thing that separates the show is how surprisingly good natured it is to the inhabitants of it's breast obsessed world.

Instead of taking the cheap and lazy route of abusing characters for titillating pay off's, it takes time to let us learn about and even respect them.

Although the main plot is too ludicrous to ever take fully seriously, Manyuu Hikenchou does explore many ... aspects of boob culture that are reflective in our own society.

I know that sounds silly, but speaking for men everywhere, I've never really considered what women themselves think and feel about owning such bosoms in the first place.

The range of emotional and peer pressured strife that women have to endure was more than a little eye opening.

In fact, while the show starts and continues with many graphic scenes of toplessness, as it reaches conclusion, the frequency and detail of these fan service moments are severely toned down.

It's as if the creator, Hideki Yamada, wanted to remove the glamour and one dimensional status of these highly popular body parts and give them some respect and naturalness instead.

The show is far from perfect though, it drags in places and doesn't conclude some of the major conflicts it seemed poised to resolve.

It's an obvious ploy for a second season (which I'm all for) but i'd have preferred a completed arc rather than trying to stretch an already thin plotline even further still.

The voice acting, music and art are all top notch, and I found myself enjoying the show for a lot more reasons than the main two it promised.

As touching as it is entertaining, Summer Wars blends an imaginative coming of age tale with real world dilemmas and consequences. 

Developed by Madhouse, the same studio that helped make 'Wolf Children', the similarities in teaching raw life lessons and colourful art style are apparent throughout.

What could've easily turned into a very clichéd story thankfully has enough unique twists and turns to set it apart, helped in no small part by some very endearing and relatable characters.

One noteworthy role goes to that of the family matriarch, a kindly but no nonsense grandmother who'll be familiar to anyone lucky enough to have a granny of their own.

Special ... mention has to go to the masterful pacing, which is so well crafted you'd swear the film was shorter than the running time claims.

Summer Wars reminded me of the simple joys and bitter realities to be found in everyday life, and that even in sorrow, there is comfort to be found.

This is the best anime I've ever seen and it's not even close, this is in a whole other galaxy of greatness compared to it's peers.

Hunter x Hunter is 148 episodes long (so far) and I devoured it in well under a month, a stunning feat personally for someone who can take months to finish a mere 12 episode series.

Each part of this show was so enjoyable that it felt as if only a few minutes had passed before the next installment was ready to be wolfed down.

What makes it so good? "Takes a huge breath"

The art is modern yet attractive, there ... is absolutely ZERO filler of any kind, each arc has a clear beginning and end with no two saga's feeling quite the same.

The music is wonderful and fits every moment perfectly. The opening and closing credits also contain excellent songs and imagery that change to match the tone of each arc.

The intro's and outro's, rather than being a jumble of random scenes like most shows, give subtle hints as to how the story will unfold. Only as you progress will you be able to appreciate how much thought and intelligence went into making them.

What makes the show truly great though are it's three core tenants; smarts, surprise and variety.

It is cunning and cleverness that often define the victor in this world and right up to the final episode the show was still subverting my expectations with how much wit it had to display.

None of the above would mean anything of course unless you have a great cast of characters to take advantage of, and boy oh boy, Hunter x Hunter has enough of those to fill a dozen epic sized anime's to bursting.

There's so much more detailed praise I'd like to give but I wont because you need to savour all the surprises and excitement for yourself first-hand if you decide to watch it, which I really, really recommend you do.

If you like anime, great stories, or superbly crafted entertainment you simply must watch Hunter x Hunter. It may end up becoming one of your favorite things ever.

It certainly did for me.

Heart-warming isn't a term most people would think to associate with anime, what with the medium relying so heavily on action, teenage romance and harem-like fantasies. Usagi Drop however is that unique diamond amongst the rough, for it will, quite literally, from start to finish, warm your very heart.

You might expect the story of a 30-year-old bachelor taking in his relatives unwanted six-year-old child to be full of twisted fan-service or, even worse, lolita wish fulfillment. Fortunately, the show doesn't sacrifice it's principles to chase those fair-weather fans, and instead focuses on telling a simple tale about the trials and tribulations of suddenly ... becoming a parent.

Usagi Drop doesn't shy from the very real problems that a completely inexperienced adult would face when trying to raise a child, and that's what drives most of the episodes. The surrogate father Daikichi is tested throughout, and more than once he questions his resolve. Thankfully, if ever there was a child that could restore that will to go on, Rin is it. Precocious, bubbly and effortlessly cute, she could make even the most ardent critics of children reconsider their stance.

To further make the show stand out, the art is an unusual blend of watercolor hues and soflty drawn characters. It works remarkably well, and gives the world of Usagi Drop a very dreamy, almost nostalgic sort of quality.

The into/outro songs are fitting for the subject matter, and the title sequence itself has a wonderfully colorful and childlike design.

Usagi Drop was a refreshing surprise and a welcome deviation from the current anime norm. If you're looking for an anime that will put a smile on your face from the start to end of each episode, then look no further.

I was hesitant about watching Durarara after I discovered that not only was it made by the same studio that produced Baccano, a show I found to be very mixed, but that it also shared a similar narrative style.

Thankfully, unlike Baccano, Durarara doesn't keep the separate characters and their respective storylines apart for too long. And once they do come together and, more importantly, start to make sense, Durarara becomes a very compelling drama.

While the plot is intriguing and the pace quick enough to hold most anyone's attention, it is the characters that elevate this anime above it's peers. Some are ... absolutely lovable, some detestable, but all of them are enjoyable watch.

In particular, the eponymous cat helmeted biker and a certain bartender garbed young man are of particular note. Don't be surprised if you end up adding both to your personal list of all time favorite characters.

I won't spoil the plot, the synopsis is all you need to get started.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a modern anime with a great art style and a eclectic cast of endearing characters, Durarara! is the show for you.