Finally caught back up on this show. Someone tell me, why does it move so darn slow? I think if it turns out to be 52 episodes, I’m going to cry.

Here comes trouble...

I actually really like Kurumi. I always like manipulative troublesome girls in media for some reason, and she’s no exception. Especially with her phony mask. It’s quite amusing watch her slowly breakdown as her constant attempts to pull something on Sawako fail. I did actually try to do my hair like hers, but it just looked silly. The miracle of animation I suppose.

It was also pretty amusing to watch her say these awful things to Sawako, and watching them roll right out Sawako’s back. Sawako is too naive to be bothered by such things.

On that note, I really like Sawako, she makes putting up with the slow pacing worth it. I really want to be her friend.

It also amuses me, the many complaints people have about Kazehaya being perfect. He’s obviously easily jealous, though he tries to control it. I guess it’s so socially accepted for guys to being jealous and possessive, it doesn’t come across as a flaw.

To be honest, I didn’t like Dramacon, I felt like it was rough around the edges and still needed a lot of improvement. I did feel like Svetlana Chmakova had a lot of potential, but that it wasn’t brought out. So I picked up the first volume of Nightschool The Weirn Books hoping to see that potential come out. I was sorely disappointed.

Where do I begin? With the positive I suppose. The setting itself was interesting, an urban fantasy including a night school. While some parts of the plot didn’t make sense—hunters, what? I did not understand who they were or what they were about or whatever—it was decent enough. I even really liked the side characters, especially Alex’s older sister. The little bits of humor were also pretty amusing.

It doesn’t sound too bad. So where does it fall apart? First is with the main character, Alex. She’s your typical anti-social tough girl. On top of that, she has a secret hidden power. No way! She’s just so boring and bland; I had zero interest in her at all.

Second, was a little small thing that filled me with rage. Chmakova uses emoticons in a lot of her dialogue. What sense does this make? She draws her own panels. She should be able to use the characters expressions to convey said emotion, not emoticons. It’s very unprofessional, and while I might otherwise tough if out without this, the emoticons utterly turned me off.

The final nail was the disappearance of Alex’s sister. The first volume spends a lot of time focusing on her, and she’s a very likable character–much more then her sister. Then, at the end, she just disappears. With her, the only reason I’d have for reading the series disappears with her.

It’s very hard to make me dislike something, so I gotta give a round of applause to Chmakova for accomplishing that.

The movie trailer series, as I like to call it, as everything was just a prologue to the movie that will be coming out. I honestly didn’t care one wit about the story, and considering how complicated things got, I’m glad I didn’t. I just really liked the characters. The ending was pretty dang sweet though, for an open ended ending.

However, I am really excited about the movie.

I really loved episode 7 of Trapeze, especially seeing the Yazuka guys turn into little dogs. I always liked how it wrapped, with him still struggling with the disorder, but acknowledging he’s going to work on it and get better.

Real profession.

Episode 8, I didn’t like nearly as much. I can’t really put my finger on it, while it was seeing the same thing I deal with portrayed it a humorous light—part of my OCD is obsessively checking things, or the fact that I found reporter really annoying, and boring compared to the past couple characters. Maybe it was that the nurse wasn’t in it so much. I honestly don’t know. Just the fact it didn’t mesh with me.

One thing I did like was the message how while being obsessive has a bad side, it has a positive side too. It’s hard to feel that way, but then again, maybe my participation on Borderline Hikkomori is proof of that.

An Azuna centric episode.

I really enjoyed this episode; it was awesome, heart-wrenching, and touching in a single episode. Better yet, they didn’t stretch the episode beyond the length it needed to be—looking at you Kimi ni Todoke.

I really liked watching her step beyond fanfiction into original fiction, taking her first steps into becoming an author someday. I suppose this is going to stir up on controversy of ‘But if she was writing fanfiction, she was an author!’ Perhaps, but honestly, I feel original fiction > fanfiction, merit wise. There’s a lot more work involved when you have to create the characters, the setting, start from scratch without people already being attached to the work etc.

Part of me wonders if Azusa is actually a caricature of the author. It wouldn’t surprise me if she was.

Why didn’t Kazama join the rest of the group at the end? I don’t understand. She seems to be getting jealous but her isolation appears to be self imposed.

Also, I have no idea if Murasame is going to the beach of the fanzine. I’d rather she go to the fanzine. Much more interesting. I’ve only seen a beach episode…how many times now? As much as I love the characters, with the AIC animation, I don’t think watching them prance around in swimsuits that would be interesting to me. Yes, I’m shallow, but so are beach episode.

Someone who cries louder then me? Woah!

Now this is the Umineko I’ve been missing! On a side note, I’d like to apologize for how long it’s taking me to get posts up. I’ve been suffering from a bad fatigue since Thanksgiving break.

The whole with Ange going places was pretty boring, but as soon as we got past that to the tests, the episode got a lot better. George reveals a not at all unexpected dark side, and Jessica proves that she understands that she can no longer make choices just for herself anymore.

My theory for the 3rd arch may be closer then I thought...

Both of these two led to the starts of some pretty awesome fights as George picks a battle with Gaap, and Jessica takes on Ronove.

He's willing to become a murderer for me! How romantic!

I’m not really sure what’s going to happen with Battler and Maria. I’m not even sure Battler wants to save his step-mommy, so I’m guessing Ange is going to be on that line. Still, I think it’s clear that Battler is a lot weaker in resolve then Jessica and George. I can’t see him trying to take on a witch or demon. Unless it’s Beato.

I’m not sure Maria even has anyone left she loves. Her response may be “Kill them all, kihehehe!”

Kieli is an example of a manga that from first glance seems completely clichéd, but turns out to be a pretty amazing story.

The story opens with the backstory of the world. On a non-earth planet, war broke out over the abundant resources. Near the end of the war, the technology was discovered to make a superhuman solider that ran off an energy source placed were the heart should be, and the only war to killed them was to remove said power source. They were called the Undying. It’s never said why, but eventually the world’s resources were depleted, ending the war. The church then took control, slaying as many Undying as they could find…

Then the story flashes foreword to 80 years after the war, and we’re introduced to the main character, Kieli. The church is still in control, and rules with an iron fist, outlawing anything they dislike, and disposing of anyone that displease them. Kieli herself doesn’t quite fit in with the world, she doesn’t believe there’s a God within the church, doesn’t fit in with the girls at her (of course) church school, and has the strange ability to see ghosts.

One day, she runs into Harvey, an Undying who can also see ghosts. He has with him a radio that contains the spirit of a dead solider. Being on vacation from school, she joins him on a journey to help the solider return to the point of his death and rest in peace.

Most of the story consists of the various adventures the group has with the ghosts they encounter. These stories are well-done, having a vibe of the storytelling seen in xxxholic, creepy and unique. There’s also more to the story as Kieli struggles with her inability to connect with living people, and Harvey attempts to cope with being immortal. Kieli does have hints are a larger underlying storyline, but it’ll be awhile before it’s revealed.

Other things add to the story’s entertainment value. The art is beautiful, and the world-building is well done. My only real complaint is the characters aren’t that original, but they don’t detract from the story either.

Interestingly enough, I don’t feel this story is anti-God. Anti-established religion, maybe, but the church comes across as a corrupted government rather then a religious establishment. I’m Christian, I read it, I was not offended.

Volume 1 is current for sale by Yen Press. Honestly, I’m really impressed by Yen Press, they’re new on the manga market, but seem to have very good taste in the mangas they choose to license. I’m starting to expect something good whenever I see they’re selling the series.

Meow~

I love cats. I loved this episode. Also, this episode used some lovely soundtrack pieces.

There’s not really much else to say.

Look at the kitty

Some mangas age better as others. I’m not sure how Moonphase was received in 2000, but now it definitely seems bland next to the sleuth of Vampire manga now available, especially the extremely similar Rosario Vampire. Still, Moonphase is still fun in a sort of campy sort of way.

The story follows Kouhei, a photographer, who free Hazuki from her imprisonment in a caste, and ends up with the 14-year old vampire as a companion. Things get complicated as the vampires previously watching over her attempt to take her back, and Hazuki goes on a search to find her mother.

The first few volumes are actually pretty good, story wise, as well as pretty intense. Kouhei ends up hospitalized, and nearly dies, as well as a torture scene. The characters, while not original by any means, are not shallow, and are pretty entertaining to watch mesh together. The storyline gets wilder as the series continues, past the point of reason, but the characters continue to be fun to read about.

The one thing I really didn’t like is the constant jokes about Kouhei taking advantage oh Hazuki. Hazuki is 14 years old, and looks younger. The joke wasn’t funny the first time, it was actually downright creepy, and just gets creepier as it continues.

Moonphase has been released up to volume 13.  Currently, Tokyopop has put it on hold.

Though she is awfully cute...

I want the main characters to hook up already! The tension is starting to drive me crazy.

One of the things I really like about Sasameki Koto is how interesting the characters are. They never throw in complete cliché, (although Akemi’s sister was close) but present different characters. We’re at episode 8 when we finally get to know the character that has been making cameos throughout the series. Turns out she’s a slightly annoying but very entertaining fangirl.

A true fangirl

It also seems the main characters relationship is finally moving foreword as Murasame finally considers that maybe Kazama has a secret crush on her. As there aren’t many episodes left in the series, let’s hope this one actually concludes with the two of them together.

Aww....

-insert boob bounce here-

Things are mixed up once again, as now the kids will be competing with each other for the inheritance. Oh, and Kinzo has changed from his pathetic self in the second arc to this crazy ‘You all failed as kids, and should die!’

We flash back to Maria who goes off the deep end after the death of Sakutaro and attacks Rosa. To me, it felt excessive. Yes, Rosa sucked as a mother, but that doesn’t mean I want to watch Maria kill her off over and over again.

The episode definitely had its lulzy moments too. Shannon’s bouncing boobs that don’t follow the laws of physics at all anyone?

The theory is presented, thanks to RabbitPoet, who got it off Zilch, that Shannon may actually remember different archs. This actually does make sense.

Overall, this episode feels like one of the rougher episodes that happened earlier in the series, not the polished episodes I’ve come to expected, and not nearly enough of Battler and Beatrice showing off.

You should probably get comfy and use to painful deaths Shannon.

Ugh. I want cool Umineko back. Maybe I’m just missing the point. I don’t know.

            I think the main weakness of Kobato is the lack of any real conflict. Sure there’s the stuff with the nursery, and there’s the fact that Kobato only has a year, but none of it feels like real conflict. As a result, Kobato is never downright terrible, but it’s never amazing either. It’s very static and predictable. On the other hand, it’s nice to have something that you’re sure is going to turn out enjoyable.

Placement of the paint glob was lovely.

CLAMP is not CLAMP without yaoi bait, and in this episode, we finally get yaoi bait for Fujimoto. Kobato heals his scarred heart and receives another piece of candy.

Yaoi bait

This episode did a fair amount of developing Fujimoto as a character. Too bad I could care less about him. I suppose we know why he enjoys the kindergarten so much now…there’s nothing like the unconditional love of a kindergartener while your peers hate you.

Aw...so cute!

I really hope to see an outfit change for Kobato soon. The more I see the dress, the more I hate. I swear, those stripes make her look like she gained 50 pounds.

Crazy person alert.

As Thanksgiving is upon us for those of us in America, I want to present five anime/fandom related things that I am thankful for.

1. This blog and many others. I am very thankful, not only for this blog, but for the many people I’ve been able to talk to, and get the opinions of. While there have been bumps, and still make embarrassing mistakes (Mammoth anyone?), it’s definitely been a fun ride, and I hope to doing this for awhile. Also like to have a nice shoutout for RabbitPoet and Steelbound, you guys have a huge influence me and motivate me to do my best.

2. My boyfriend. I love him to bits, and one of the best things that have ever happened to me. While there’s definitely more to us then this, I’m not entirely sure we would have become such good friends if it wasn’t for our shared interest in anime—especially K-On. Even now, I love dating a guy that I can talk anime with, anytime, anywhere, and he still gets what I’m saying. It doesn’t hurt any that we have similar interests in anime too. Just recently we were talking about the last episode of Sasameki Koto.

3. Livejournal. If there’s ever a place I get to enjoy being an anime fan, its Livejournal. With many different communities for different shows, it’s not hard to find someplace that’s fun to hang out, and there’s so much to join in on, such as roleplays. There are also little things that have become part of my daily life, such as fandom secrets. I don’t advertise the fact that blog here, (although I mention it on my profile) so I always get a huge kick out of someone I recognize on Livejournal ending up here. Hi guys.

4. For reminding me that life goes on. I know this sounds weird, but I went through some downright brutal crap this summer, but when I felt like everything was falling apart, anime helped me keep moving foreword. Even as it felt like everything was falling apart, fansubs would still come out on a weekly basis, and remind me that life was good, and no, the world was not ending.

5. For providing me a way to bond with my sister. My sister and I have very different interests, and it’s not always easy to find something that we enjoy doing together. Luckily, watching anime has been something we both enjoy, and many an evening has been spent watching it with my sister. It’s been a great aid in helping us stay close.

I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Guess what?

Guess!

I have another Cross Game ship.

I’m really happy to have this series back on track. It just keeps picking up to the level of awesomeness is had when it first aired.

I think this series just gets better as it goes on.

Episode 5 of Trapeze was utterly delightful, although a little rough on me. I really liked having him break like glass every time his OCD kicked him, that’s actually a really good metaphor for what it feels like. I also liked how he became a chameleon as he just wanted to blend in to everything else.

crack

The humor was straight of for this episode too, from his inane fantasies to the wig drama.

I think he looks better without the wig...

I liked hearing about Banto again too. Oh Banto.

By the way, did anyone else watching gg fansubs version see the trailer for Eden of the East movie? Definite moment for fangirl squealing.

Episode 6 was extremely interesting. I’m pretty sure we can all relate to knowing someone who can’t seem to live without their cellphone.

This episode was more then that though, as it played beautifully on the frustrations and dangers of adolescence

Shot down.

I really liked how the doctor and the nurse were developed in characters in the episode. Especially the nurse, I think she’s my favorite character. It interesting how their lifestyle does lead them to be sorta lonely people, although they at least have they patients they helped. Part of me thinks the ending was pointing that out while being a general, aw, so cute, and so so awesome.

Awww!

Next episode is another OCD patient, but not a type that I can relate to. I think I actually prefer not know about the disorder in the show.