Genre: Comedy
Age Appropriate: Older teen+
Emotional Response: Kinda funny
Notable Features: cosplay and dirty jokes
Language: Japanese
Length: 3 episodes
Overall Recommendation: Not so much
"Well, doesn't it look like I'm making love to the cameraman? "-Ranko
Cosplay Complex is a short series of only 3 episodes. They focus on a small school group of girls (and one guy) who are interested in cosplay - particularly in cosplay competitions. The primary character, Chako, is a bit of a spaz and has a strange relationship with a strange fairy (and an owl?) who can magically become any outfit needed - provided her dear friend is willing to pay her in tasty treats. Despite the cosplay premise, the series is generally a comedy with a wealth of dirty jokes and fan service. The various members of the cosplay club all have outrageous personalities, that are highly focused on absurdity.
-----
Um, I can't really say much positive about this series. The jokes are okay, I suppose. I got a few giggles in there, but otherwise I wasn't super impressed. It certainly wasn't the worst anime I've seen, but I wouldn't recommend it. Well, that's not entirely true. If someone asked me for an anime that was pretty stupid and maybe funny, this one would be on the list. I think the owl was probably my favorite character, although the younger girl, Athena, is pretty darn cute. So, yeah, not exactly a productive use of anime viewing time.
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Something different: Diabolik Lovers
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
I couldn't become a hero....
Genre: Action - or lack thereof
Age Appropriate: Teens
Emotional Response: Ok, Ok, ROTFLMAO
Notable Features: comedy, demon king, hero, magical appliances
Language: Japanese
Length: 1 season, 12 episodes
Overall Recommendation: Great!
"I'm respected!" - Fino
Raul wanted to be a hero. He was even in a training school to become one, but then the worst (or best?) happened. The demon lord was defeated and there was no longer any need for heroes. The school closed, weapons stores closed and the heroes were forced to find work in different ways. Some attempted to go into security firms, but Raul had no such luck. He ended up as a clerk in the Leon Magic store, selling magical appliances to the general public. Despite having reluctantly
taken the job, when a new employee joins the team, Raul suddenly has a bit more purpose before.
The new employee is Fino-chan, shockingly also the demon lord's daughter! Despite his misgivings, Raul finds himself becoming more and more involved with her. He starts taking his role as her trainer more seriously, and finds himself enjoying her presence, annoying as it may be. Given his role as a former hero-in-training, and her position as the demon lord's daughter, one might think tension would rule the day, but their unlikely friendship makes for some interesting times - both in an out of the store.
-----
Since the series is only 12 episodes, with no likely sequel in the works, I don't want to share too much about the story. It was a lot of fun, though. There is a point in episode 11 that I was literally laughing out loud. I'm sure I sounded a little crazy, but it was worth it. Part of the show was a little slow, but by the time everything was finished it all seemed to be necessary. I could possibly see this lengthened a little bit with additional character development, but it wouldn't have been necessary.
I really enjoyed it, and I'm glad I gave it a try. Sometimes, it's hard to watch anime after anime, but I don't want to take real break. This series was lighthearted enough, short enough, and easy enough to keep my attention without worrying about anything. It would definitely be a good choice for someone looking for nothing in particular. I don't think I would set it up for a 12-year-old, but otherwise it's fine. I recommend it!
-----
What's next?: I have no idea, but I'll figure it out. (That's not a title. I really have no idea.)
Age Appropriate: Teens
Emotional Response: Ok, Ok, ROTFLMAO
Notable Features: comedy, demon king, hero, magical appliances
Language: Japanese
Length: 1 season, 12 episodes
Overall Recommendation: Great!
"I'm respected!" - Fino
Raul wanted to be a hero. He was even in a training school to become one, but then the worst (or best?) happened. The demon lord was defeated and there was no longer any need for heroes. The school closed, weapons stores closed and the heroes were forced to find work in different ways. Some attempted to go into security firms, but Raul had no such luck. He ended up as a clerk in the Leon Magic store, selling magical appliances to the general public. Despite having reluctantly taken the job, when a new employee joins the team, Raul suddenly has a bit more purpose before.
-----
Since the series is only 12 episodes, with no likely sequel in the works, I don't want to share too much about the story. It was a lot of fun, though. There is a point in episode 11 that I was literally laughing out loud. I'm sure I sounded a little crazy, but it was worth it. Part of the show was a little slow, but by the time everything was finished it all seemed to be necessary. I could possibly see this lengthened a little bit with additional character development, but it wouldn't have been necessary.
I really enjoyed it, and I'm glad I gave it a try. Sometimes, it's hard to watch anime after anime, but I don't want to take real break. This series was lighthearted enough, short enough, and easy enough to keep my attention without worrying about anything. It would definitely be a good choice for someone looking for nothing in particular. I don't think I would set it up for a 12-year-old, but otherwise it's fine. I recommend it!
-----
What's next?: I have no idea, but I'll figure it out. (That's not a title. I really have no idea.)
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Anime Milwaukee (AMKE)
Genre: Awesome
Age Appropriate: Awesome people
Emotional Response: Awesome (and tiring)
Notable Features: Awesome - Voice Actors are cool
Language: Awesome
Length: 2ish days
Overall Recommendation: You're so jealous
AMKE was awesome. I'll admit that I was a little unsure about how it was going to go on Friday night. To be fair, however, I'd just finished a full day of work after waking up extra early to travel from Green Bay to Sheboygan in time to get there. When we got to the convention, it was a mess of check-ins and hotel elevators. The highlight of the night ended up being Cards Against Humanity with Guests. There were little groups of people everywhere doing their best to get the guest judges to love their impropriety. We stayed until the end (at 2am) and skipped everything else. I'm too old to stay up that long.
Saturday was total win. Mostly, my day was spent standing in line to get into the autograph sessions. I had two major goals, with everyone else being bonus. I barely made it into the room before they cut the line off, but I made it. SCORE. My goals: Bryce Papenbrook and Patrick Seitz. Through sheer luck of walking through the line, I also scored autographs from Tiffany Grants, Kyle Herbert, Ian Sinclair and David Vincent.
Funny story: Through a various amount of folly, I had nothing spectacular to have actors sign, so I grabbed the phone pad from the hotel room. Turned out to be a pretty great idea! While I did buy photos from Kyle and Bryce, Tiffany made my day with a multi-colored note about the dialing instructions blurb on the bottom of the paper.
Also, Ian Sinclair thinks it would be awesome to married to a woman who wants to go to a Con for her birthday. Heh, my husband is awesome, right?
We discovered that going to the panels with professionals was definitely the way to go. The few times we stepped into rooms with others we weren't super impressed, but we enjoyed every moment we were around the actual voice actors. I'm so happy we made it this year!
Despite the good time I had, and the ridiculous amount of money I spent on useless fun stuff, I think Bryce Papenbrook made my Saturday night. My husband and I were super exhausted after the whole day, and I hurt my ankle Friday morning so I wasn't in the mood for more walking. I forced us to go back to the convention hall to see the last episode of Sword Art Online (with Bryce) to end out night and in the end I got to be in an interesting group photo, hand Bryce my business card (the only one I parted with, haha!) and get an excellent set of pictures of us (courtesy of burst photo). He was so nice and indulgent, both with myself and the other geeks in attendance.
It's Saturday night, and I really wanted to give a good report! I'm pretty much flying high on a good night and lack of sleep. There were probably a few things that I would do differently, and next year I'll know better what to expect. Overall, it's been a good first experience. Tomorrow will simply being more shopping and shopping and shopping. Plus, some shopping. If I happen to stick around long enough, I might hunt down Ian Sinclair and have him sign my 3DS XL case. He was playing with his at the Jamie Marchi panel and we all got him in our Mii Plazas. Fun stuff, yo.
Overall, pretty damn fun. I'm going to go watch SAO, again and review it via the English version. I've seen it, of course, but I didn't review it a second time. You'll just have to suffer through it when I write it up again. Awesome.
-----
Back again: I couldn't become a hero...
Age Appropriate: Awesome people
Emotional Response: Awesome (and tiring)
Notable Features: Awesome - Voice Actors are cool
Language: Awesome
Length: 2ish days
Overall Recommendation: You're so jealous
AMKE was awesome. I'll admit that I was a little unsure about how it was going to go on Friday night. To be fair, however, I'd just finished a full day of work after waking up extra early to travel from Green Bay to Sheboygan in time to get there. When we got to the convention, it was a mess of check-ins and hotel elevators. The highlight of the night ended up being Cards Against Humanity with Guests. There were little groups of people everywhere doing their best to get the guest judges to love their impropriety. We stayed until the end (at 2am) and skipped everything else. I'm too old to stay up that long.
Saturday was total win. Mostly, my day was spent standing in line to get into the autograph sessions. I had two major goals, with everyone else being bonus. I barely made it into the room before they cut the line off, but I made it. SCORE. My goals: Bryce Papenbrook and Patrick Seitz. Through sheer luck of walking through the line, I also scored autographs from Tiffany Grants, Kyle Herbert, Ian Sinclair and David Vincent.
Funny story: Through a various amount of folly, I had nothing spectacular to have actors sign, so I grabbed the phone pad from the hotel room. Turned out to be a pretty great idea! While I did buy photos from Kyle and Bryce, Tiffany made my day with a multi-colored note about the dialing instructions blurb on the bottom of the paper.
Also, Ian Sinclair thinks it would be awesome to married to a woman who wants to go to a Con for her birthday. Heh, my husband is awesome, right?
We discovered that going to the panels with professionals was definitely the way to go. The few times we stepped into rooms with others we weren't super impressed, but we enjoyed every moment we were around the actual voice actors. I'm so happy we made it this year!
Despite the good time I had, and the ridiculous amount of money I spent on useless fun stuff, I think Bryce Papenbrook made my Saturday night. My husband and I were super exhausted after the whole day, and I hurt my ankle Friday morning so I wasn't in the mood for more walking. I forced us to go back to the convention hall to see the last episode of Sword Art Online (with Bryce) to end out night and in the end I got to be in an interesting group photo, hand Bryce my business card (the only one I parted with, haha!) and get an excellent set of pictures of us (courtesy of burst photo). He was so nice and indulgent, both with myself and the other geeks in attendance. It's Saturday night, and I really wanted to give a good report! I'm pretty much flying high on a good night and lack of sleep. There were probably a few things that I would do differently, and next year I'll know better what to expect. Overall, it's been a good first experience. Tomorrow will simply being more shopping and shopping and shopping. Plus, some shopping. If I happen to stick around long enough, I might hunt down Ian Sinclair and have him sign my 3DS XL case. He was playing with his at the Jamie Marchi panel and we all got him in our Mii Plazas. Fun stuff, yo.
Overall, pretty damn fun. I'm going to go watch SAO, again and review it via the English version. I've seen it, of course, but I didn't review it a second time. You'll just have to suffer through it when I write it up again. Awesome.
-----
Back again: I couldn't become a hero...
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Junjou Romantica
Genre: Romance
Age Appropriate: Adults
Emotional Response: Girlish, inappropriate giggles
Notable Features: yaoi, high maintenance boys, comedy
Language: Japanese
Length: 2 seasons, 25 episodes
Overall Recommendation: Top 10
"We're Japanese. Can't we just play it a little vague?" - Misaki
Junjou Romantica follows three new romantic couples that coincide with Sekai Ichi's three couples. There are subtle hints between the two series, if you can find them. Each of the three couples have individual problems, and there is a new love triangle in the mix. Misaki is a young student looking to test into college, but he needs help. He ends up connecting with his older brother's best friend as his tutor, and then it becomes complicated. His new tutor is Akihiko Usami, a famous author and an uncontrollable fiend interested in corrupting Misaki at every turn. When Misaki's brother goes away with his new bride, Misaki stays in town to start school, and ends up free-loading off of Usami by living in his condo and paying rent in cooking and chores. Much as Misaki protests, he ends up in consistently compromising positions with Usagi-san. As the story progresses, Misaki ends up in a terrible complicated mess that includes Akihiko's brother, Haruhiko. Their story revolves around this sibling-rivalry and Misaki's resistance to love.
One day, Hiroki finds himself crying on a park bench, lamenting his unrequited love for an old friend. Nowaki, a much younger man, sees him and drags him along to a mini-rocket launch with a bunch of old guy friends. Despite many his protests, Nowaki drags himself into Hiroki's life by begging for school help and forward declaring his love. Somehow, the large age difference and difference in status becomes a huge issue for them both in their own story of complicated love.
Another complicated romance, including a large age gap, is Miyagi and Shinobu. Shinobu fell in love with Miyagi long ago, before realizing that Miyagi was marrying his sister. He returns from studying abroad on the news that they divorced and seems to think that it's fate. His battle for Miyagi is not only against age and status, but also against Miyagi's long lost love - a former teacher who has passed away. Only when Shinobu is about to give up does Miyagi consider that his old love is ready to be replaced with a new one.
-----
I love this anime. I'll say right now, though, that you really have to be interested in yaoi to appreciate it. If you're not into yaoi at all, stay away. I completely love the funny antics that show up, particularly in the Misaki/Usagi storyline. The others are big more serious, but also smaller in their character development. There is an additional one-episode story, but it's just a little add-on that was kinda fun.
There are so many things wrong with this series, and I didn't seem to care with all of the funnies and romance. It seems like Usagi is taking advantage of Misaki at every turn, and he does for the most part. The only real comfort is that there are episodes where it is clear that Misaki is totally in love, but too afraid to see it for what it is. Also, he doesn't seem to have too much of a problem in most of the morning-afters. I wasn't strongly attached to the other characters, though. In hindsight, I think most of the cameos between Sekai Ichi and Junjou are more easily recognized in Sekai Ichi. They're certainly easier to notice if you watch them back-to-back. I always felt a little clever when I saw them, though.
This is one of the few anime that I will watch when I'm having a terrible time. I can't really put my finger on it exactly, but it's good for my sanity. So yeah, basically if you enjoy yaoi, you'll enjoy this. If you're not sure, try it anyway.
-----
Meowmeowmeow: ANIME MILWAUKEE
I'll be attending Anime Milwaukee this coming weekend. Since it will take a good chunk of three days, I'll not be able to really catch up on any new series. As such, I'll be posting a review of the convention itself! Have a good weekend, everyone! (Maybe I'll see you there??)
Age Appropriate: Adults
Emotional Response: Girlish, inappropriate giggles
Notable Features: yaoi, high maintenance boys, comedy
Language: Japanese
Length: 2 seasons, 25 episodes
Overall Recommendation: Top 10
"We're Japanese. Can't we just play it a little vague?" - Misaki
Junjou Romantica follows three new romantic couples that coincide with Sekai Ichi's three couples. There are subtle hints between the two series, if you can find them. Each of the three couples have individual problems, and there is a new love triangle in the mix. Misaki is a young student looking to test into college, but he needs help. He ends up connecting with his older brother's best friend as his tutor, and then it becomes complicated. His new tutor is Akihiko Usami, a famous author and an uncontrollable fiend interested in corrupting Misaki at every turn. When Misaki's brother goes away with his new bride, Misaki stays in town to start school, and ends up free-loading off of Usami by living in his condo and paying rent in cooking and chores. Much as Misaki protests, he ends up in consistently compromising positions with Usagi-san. As the story progresses, Misaki ends up in a terrible complicated mess that includes Akihiko's brother, Haruhiko. Their story revolves around this sibling-rivalry and Misaki's resistance to love.
One day, Hiroki finds himself crying on a park bench, lamenting his unrequited love for an old friend. Nowaki, a much younger man, sees him and drags him along to a mini-rocket launch with a bunch of old guy friends. Despite many his protests, Nowaki drags himself into Hiroki's life by begging for school help and forward declaring his love. Somehow, the large age difference and difference in status becomes a huge issue for them both in their own story of complicated love.
Another complicated romance, including a large age gap, is Miyagi and Shinobu. Shinobu fell in love with Miyagi long ago, before realizing that Miyagi was marrying his sister. He returns from studying abroad on the news that they divorced and seems to think that it's fate. His battle for Miyagi is not only against age and status, but also against Miyagi's long lost love - a former teacher who has passed away. Only when Shinobu is about to give up does Miyagi consider that his old love is ready to be replaced with a new one.
-----
I love this anime. I'll say right now, though, that you really have to be interested in yaoi to appreciate it. If you're not into yaoi at all, stay away. I completely love the funny antics that show up, particularly in the Misaki/Usagi storyline. The others are big more serious, but also smaller in their character development. There is an additional one-episode story, but it's just a little add-on that was kinda fun.
There are so many things wrong with this series, and I didn't seem to care with all of the funnies and romance. It seems like Usagi is taking advantage of Misaki at every turn, and he does for the most part. The only real comfort is that there are episodes where it is clear that Misaki is totally in love, but too afraid to see it for what it is. Also, he doesn't seem to have too much of a problem in most of the morning-afters. I wasn't strongly attached to the other characters, though. In hindsight, I think most of the cameos between Sekai Ichi and Junjou are more easily recognized in Sekai Ichi. They're certainly easier to notice if you watch them back-to-back. I always felt a little clever when I saw them, though.
This is one of the few anime that I will watch when I'm having a terrible time. I can't really put my finger on it exactly, but it's good for my sanity. So yeah, basically if you enjoy yaoi, you'll enjoy this. If you're not sure, try it anyway.
-----
Meowmeowmeow: ANIME MILWAUKEE
I'll be attending Anime Milwaukee this coming weekend. Since it will take a good chunk of three days, I'll not be able to really catch up on any new series. As such, I'll be posting a review of the convention itself! Have a good weekend, everyone! (Maybe I'll see you there??)
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi
Genre: Romance
Age Appropriate: Older teens
Emotional Response: Come on! Get a move on!
Notable Features: yaoi, romance, manga editing
Language: Japanese
Length: 24 episodes
Overall Recommendation: Pretty Good
"Maybe I really am only in love with your face." Kisa
Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi follows three couples loosely related through a manga editing team. One part of each couple works for Emerald - an editing team that works with shojo manga - however, there is no real reference in the individual stories to the other couples. Two of the dramatic couples are actually caught in a pseudo-love triangle, with two people shyly in love with each other, and one on the outside looking in. Jealousy abounds, however, in the traditional misunderstanding that go with romantic fiction love triangles.
The primary couple is Onodera and Takano (or Ritsu and Masamune). The biggest part of their drama is the high school romance they had that was cut short by a terrible misunderstanding between the two and the sudden moving on Onodera to a different country. In present day, Onodera has started working for a publishing rival of his father's company, as a way to show his independence, and is "misplaced" into the manga department, Emerald. After a very awkward encounter, he faces a major shock when he's faced with the fact that his new boss, the up-and-coming hot shot editor, is actually his high school sweetheart! Between their past, Onodera's denial of his feelings and the unfortunate non-acceptance of Takano's bff (who is desperately in love with him), the story unfolds.
The second and third couples (Yoshino/Tori and Yuu! + Kisa and Yukina) are much shorter interludes mixed in with the Onodera/Takano storyline. Yoshino/Tori/Yuu is actually not that wildly different. The three have known each other for a long time, two are possibly in love, one is on the outside, and the middle of the triangle is primarily oblivious to the tension building. Kisa and Yukina are an awkward pair. Kisa is a 30 year old editor, and Yukina in a 20something art student who works at a bookstore. Kisa admits to himself that he's a bit lame in his chasing of only attractive people, and discarding them later, and Yukina is young and optimistic in the face of Kisa's lack of self-confidence.
-----
I'm attempting not to add too much, because while there are only 24 episodes, the three story lines are fairly separate. I'm not always someone who likes a lot of harsh emotional conflict, depending on the situation. At least, not in cheesy romances like this. The other problem I struggle with in regards to SIH is not a failing in the series, as much as my preference for it's counterpart - Junjou Romantica. I probably could've done them the other way around, since I'm pretty sure this is a spin-off of that, but that's not it worked out.
I really did enjoy this for the most part. I wasn't super dragged into an emotional relationship with the characters, but there was something entertaining about it. I'm not sure if their relationships bothered me because i didn't relate to the characters, or because I really did. Either way, I would definitely recommend this to girls (and boys!) who enjoy the Yaoi genre. If you don't, I would recommend it at all. It's strictly yaoi romance all the way. Sometimes, I've seen anime that has crossed genres, or is so phenomenal that is doesn't matter. No matter how much I may enjoy this when I'm watching it, this is not one of those. Essentially: If you're in the mood, go for it.
But maybe watch Junjou Romantica first. Even if you don't notice the crossovers, there are a couple of cameos in this that make no sense otherwise. Yeah, I'll review that soon.
-----
What's next, hmm?: Junjou Romantica
Age Appropriate: Older teens
Emotional Response: Come on! Get a move on!
Notable Features: yaoi, romance, manga editing
Language: Japanese
Length: 24 episodes
Overall Recommendation: Pretty Good
"Maybe I really am only in love with your face." Kisa
Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi follows three couples loosely related through a manga editing team. One part of each couple works for Emerald - an editing team that works with shojo manga - however, there is no real reference in the individual stories to the other couples. Two of the dramatic couples are actually caught in a pseudo-love triangle, with two people shyly in love with each other, and one on the outside looking in. Jealousy abounds, however, in the traditional misunderstanding that go with romantic fiction love triangles.
The primary couple is Onodera and Takano (or Ritsu and Masamune). The biggest part of their drama is the high school romance they had that was cut short by a terrible misunderstanding between the two and the sudden moving on Onodera to a different country. In present day, Onodera has started working for a publishing rival of his father's company, as a way to show his independence, and is "misplaced" into the manga department, Emerald. After a very awkward encounter, he faces a major shock when he's faced with the fact that his new boss, the up-and-coming hot shot editor, is actually his high school sweetheart! Between their past, Onodera's denial of his feelings and the unfortunate non-acceptance of Takano's bff (who is desperately in love with him), the story unfolds.The second and third couples (Yoshino/Tori and Yuu! + Kisa and Yukina) are much shorter interludes mixed in with the Onodera/Takano storyline. Yoshino/Tori/Yuu is actually not that wildly different. The three have known each other for a long time, two are possibly in love, one is on the outside, and the middle of the triangle is primarily oblivious to the tension building. Kisa and Yukina are an awkward pair. Kisa is a 30 year old editor, and Yukina in a 20something art student who works at a bookstore. Kisa admits to himself that he's a bit lame in his chasing of only attractive people, and discarding them later, and Yukina is young and optimistic in the face of Kisa's lack of self-confidence.
-----
I'm attempting not to add too much, because while there are only 24 episodes, the three story lines are fairly separate. I'm not always someone who likes a lot of harsh emotional conflict, depending on the situation. At least, not in cheesy romances like this. The other problem I struggle with in regards to SIH is not a failing in the series, as much as my preference for it's counterpart - Junjou Romantica. I probably could've done them the other way around, since I'm pretty sure this is a spin-off of that, but that's not it worked out.
I really did enjoy this for the most part. I wasn't super dragged into an emotional relationship with the characters, but there was something entertaining about it. I'm not sure if their relationships bothered me because i didn't relate to the characters, or because I really did. Either way, I would definitely recommend this to girls (and boys!) who enjoy the Yaoi genre. If you don't, I would recommend it at all. It's strictly yaoi romance all the way. Sometimes, I've seen anime that has crossed genres, or is so phenomenal that is doesn't matter. No matter how much I may enjoy this when I'm watching it, this is not one of those. Essentially: If you're in the mood, go for it.
But maybe watch Junjou Romantica first. Even if you don't notice the crossovers, there are a couple of cameos in this that make no sense otherwise. Yeah, I'll review that soon.
-----
What's next, hmm?: Junjou Romantica
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