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Anime Improvements

The Loveless anime isn’t as confusing as the manga. That’s a great improvement. I think I can see what the manga was going for after watching the anime. It looks like it was trying to be mysterious, and was just poorly handled in the beginning. I don’t know if it improved any as the manga progressed because I stopped reading it. I got a little farther into the story with the anime.

The art in the anime is better than the manga. It could just be that it’s animated, but the characters seem a bit more real. As far as the art goes, that’s good. However it also makes the creepy parts, well, more creepy.

As far as improvement over the manga, that’s about it.

Disturbing Behavior

Ritsuka is a very emotionally disturbed kid, that’s sad enough. Then you got a creepy guy stalking him and saying he loves him? That’s just too much.

My Opinion

The Loveless anime is a marginal improvement over the manga. Unfortunately, it’s not enough of an improvement. Even with the story making a bit more sense in the anime, it’s still a bad story.

I feel really bad for poor Ritsuka. The kid is messed up.

Is it worth it?

No, it’s not. It’s a little better than the manga, but that’s not saying much. There are much better anime to spend your money on, even if you’re just renting it. Get one of those and avoid Loveless.

Anime, Reviews, Loveless, Ritsuka

The anime of Air Gear was a bit different than I was expecting. I don’t know why, but I was expecting something aimed at a younger audience. Something along the lines of Yu-Gi-Oh! on roller blades.

Air Gear is for an older crowd. It contains quite a bit of harsh language and some occasional nudity. Not “Whoops I can see her panties” fanservice either. I’m talking full on boobs. Naked boobs. In the first episode. There might be more than that in later episodes, I dunno.

There are some Yu-Gi-Oh! type elements to the story, but the anime it most reminds me of is Bleach. Maybe that’s just because of the way the episodes end with a cliffhanger. All of ‘em I’ve seen end right in the middle of something important.

Story

Ikki is a delinquent. He’s the leader of the East Side Gunz, which seems to be comprised of himself and his 2 friends. He gets in over his head and gets humiliated by a real gang of thugs.

That gets him in trouble with the Noyamano sisters, the family he’s living with. On the bright side, it does lead him to discover their secret. They’re a group of Storm Riders. A gang that uses ATs, Air Tracks, to compete with other gangs.

He borrows a pair of ATs and gets into even more trouble.

My Opinion

I can’t stress this enough, this show is for older teens at the youngest. The language alone puts it into that age range.

It is a decent show though. It’s got some action and some humor. Right now I wouldn’t say it’s great, but I’ve only seen a few episodes. It could get better, and I hope it does. I plan to add the second DVD to my rental list.

Is it worth it?

I’d say rent it. If you’re not offended by harsh language and occasional nudity, it’s a pretty good show. Not the greatest anime, but it is entertaining.

Anime, Reviews, Air Gear, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Bleach, Air Tracks, Storm Riders, Harsh Language, Nudity, Boobs, Older Teen

Mushi-Shi is hard to describe. I just found out how hard when I tried to tell my g/f that I think she’d like it.

Her: “What’s it about?”

Me: “Nevermind.”

I’m sure a lot of anime fans have had similar conversations.

What is a mushi?

Mushi seem to be another form of life. A more pure form of life. When I say pure, I don’t mean it in the good/evil sense. Mushi are closer to the essence of what life is. Because of this they’re not bound by trivial things like physics or reality.

Story

Ginko is a mushi master, a.k.a. a Mushi-Shi, who seems to wonder around helping people with their mushi problems. That’s apparently a lot more common than people realize. Them little buggers are everywhere.

My Opinion

This is a really cool show. It’s a very soothing, almost relaxing kind of show. it’s not boring though, there’s plenty going on. It even has a bit of action every now and then, but overall it’s very subdued.

Art

The art is great, especially the backgrounds. The scenery is amazing. The character design is pretty good too, but they can’t really compete with the backgrounds.

Voices

This is an anime that I have no preference on when it comes to the sub/dub debate. I think the cast pretty much nailed it. Both Japanese and English voice actors do a great job on Mushi-Shi.

Character

Ginko is an interesting character. That’s a good thing since he’s the only regular on the show. he almost reminds me of David Banner from the old Incredible Hulk TV show. He wonders from place to place helping people.

He’s kind of mysterious. I’ve got a lot of questions about him after watching the first DVD, though I doubt many of them will be answered. Honestly, I’m not sure I want them to be answered. I like him just fine the way he is.

Is it worth it?

I think so. It’s an interesting show, you should watch it. It’s got some cool stories with great art told in a very laid back kinda way.

If you can’t stand to watch anime that isn’t filled with explosions or fanservice, you might want to skip it.

Anime, Reviews, Mushi-Shi, Mushi, Ginko, Mushi Master, Funimation

I’ve done a bit more thinking about Paprika and I believe I’m ready to review it. This is a movie worth thinking about. It inspires thought.

Movie

Paprika is about dreams. A group of scientists are researching the psychological impact of dreams. To do this research they’re testing an experimental device that lets them step into another person’s dream.

Things get ugly when one of the prototypes is stolen. People that have used the device start going crazy. They’re being sucked into dreams while they’re awake. As this goes on things get worse. The dreams grow and merge like a creepy psychedelic katamari. Eventually ordinary people are sucked into the dream.

That’s the main story, but the really interesting parts are happening around the edges. How the characters deal with the problems they’re facing and how they deal with themselves, that’s the best part of Paprika.

Special Features

I loved the making-of documentaries on this DVD. My favorite one is the comparison between the author’s version and Satoshi Kon’s version of the story. I’d almost say that my favorite part of the DVD is when Satoshi Kon and Yasutaka Tsutsui are recording their parts in the movie.

There is also a great discussion between Satoshi Kon, Yasutaka Tsutsui and the 2 lead voice actors. They talk about parts of the movie and dreams in general. It’s pretty darn interesting. If you get a chance you should watch these special features.

Is it worth it?

Paprika is worth every penny. It’s a great movie and the DVD has some really interesting behind the scenes stuff.

It does contain some nudity and some adult situations, so I wouldn’t recommend it for the kids. It’s a must see for their parents though.

Oh and if anyone knows where I can find an English translation of the book, please let me know.

Anime, Reviews, Paprika, Satoshi Kon, Yasutaka Tsutsui, DVD, Special Features

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m running late, but I had to post this. The trailer for the live-action Speed Racer movie is online. It looks amazing. Go check it out.

Speed Racer Trailer

Merry Christmas!

I just finished watching Paprika. I was going to write up my review of it, but I decided to hold off for a while. I’m going to have to watch this movie at least one more time before I can really review it.

Expectations

I was unsure what to expect from this movie. Satoshi Kon really has the ability to play with your mind when he makes a movie. Paprika is about dreams, so there was no way to tell what was in store for me.

What I did expect was stunning visuals and a fairly intricate story. I wasn’t disappointed. The dream sequences are amazing and bizarre. Paprika really delivers a surreal dreamlike experience.

King Kon

After watching the movie I also realized that I hadn’t written about some of Satoshi Kon’s other works. I really should, they’re worth talking about. So I’m going to add some of his movies to my anime rental list. Some of them I’ll be watching again, but I’m looking forward to it.

Expect to see the full review of the Paprika DVD next week. It will include a review of the movie and special features found on the DVD. There are a couple of really good making-of extras.

Reviews of other Satoshi Kon movies will depend on when I get to watch them, or re-watch them. It all depends on how quickly I can get hold of the DVDs. The ones I’m hoping to review are…

• Tokyo Godfathers
• Perfect Blue
• Millennium Actress

I can’t wait to watch ‘em again.

Anime, News, Reviews, Satoshi Kon, Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers, Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, DVD, Rental

The harsh realities of a country ravaged by war are slightly more prominent in the manga.

Check out my review of the Pumpkin Scissors anime too.

I really liked the Pumpkin Scissors anime, so when I went manga shopping I picked up the first volume of the manga. I wanted to see if there were any major differences. I also wanted to see if the manga was as good as the anime was.

Story

It’s been three years since the devastating war between the Empire and the Republic of Frost ended, but the people of the Empire are still suffering. Disease and starvation are rampant. Bandits, some of them former soldiers in the war, threaten the population. The task of rebuilding is immense. That’s why Imperial State Section III was founded.

Known as Pumpkin Scissors, Imperial State Section III is in charge of war relief and reconstruction.

My Opinion

While the Pumpkin Scissors anime is kinda depressing, the manga is even more depressing. The harsh realities of a country ravaged by war are slightly more prominent in the manga. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. By giving a somewhat more accurate picture of what State Section III is up against the manga is better able to tell the full story.

That makes it sound like the manga and the anime are very different, but they’re not. There were only minor differences from what I could tell. Those differences, though small, are pretty powerful.

Is it worth it?

Yep, this is a manga worth reading. Ryotaro Iwanaga has done a great job with the Pumpkin Scissors manga. I highly recommend this manga. It is definitely worth checking out.

Manga, Reviews, Pumpkin Scissors, Imperial State Section III, Ryotaro Iwanaga, Iwanaga Ryotaro

Yesterday I did a review of a manga that I’d already reviewed the anime of. Is that redundant? I don’t think so.

Been there, Seen That

Most of the books I picked up this week are mangas that I’ve already seen the anime of. Pumpkin Scissors Volume 1, Love Com Volume 1 and Read or Die Volume 2. I like to check out other versions of the stuff I like, or the stuff I almost like. That last bit is probably more important. A lot of times something that I almost like the anime of will be something I really like in manga, and the other way around too.

Think about all the times you’ve complained because the anime was different from a manga you love. (You know you have, don’t deny it.) So if an anime is only so-so, shouldn’t you check out the manga? It could be a lot better.

2 Sides to Everything

I’ve done my share of griping about anime versions. Ok, I’ve done more than my share. I even started writing an anime blog so I’d have a reason to bitch about anime. I mean, what’s the deal with making someone a pop star in the anime when it wasn’t needed in the manga? (I’m looking at you Love Hina)

It only makes sense to try both versions before you make up your mind about a story. For instance, you might remember my less than rave review of the Loveless manga. I really don’t like the manga, but I added the anime to my list of DVDs to rent. Why would I do that? Because I might like the anime even though I hated the manga.

Or maybe I’m just a sucker for punishment.

Opinion, Anime, Manga, Love Com, Lovely Complex, Pumpkin Scissors, Read or Die, Love Hina, Loveless

I was surprised to find out that one of my gripes about the anime isn’t an issue in the manga.

I’ve reviewed the anime version of Love Com, Lovely Complex, and I enjoyed it. I thought I’d check out the manga and see how it measured up. Love Com’s story is pretty much the same, at least so far. Though I did have a couple of pleasant surprises.

Story

Koizumi is tall for her age, really tall. In high school anything that makes you stand out can be a real pain. It doesn’t help that Otani is in her class. He’s short, and when they’re together the difference is amazing.

When they join forces to go after the people they’re interested in things get complex. Otani wants to date Koizumi’s friend, and he offers to help her get the guy she likes. These two can barely get along. How are they going to work together?

My Opinion

The manga story matches the anime pretty well, at least in the first volume. It may diverge later on though. I’m not sure.

I was surprised to find out that one of my gripes about the anime isn’t an issue in the manga. I had a problem with Koizumi’s exaggerated expressions. They’re still there in the manga, but they work a lot better. Maybe it’s because I’m used to that sort of thing in manga. I don’t think that’s it though. I think it works because it fits better with the art in the manga. Either way, I’m glad that it’s not distracting like it is in the anime.

Is it worth it?

Yep, it’s worth it. It’s better than the anime in my opinion. The art and story work much better together in the manga. I’d definitely recommend this manga to anyone who likes romantic comedy.

Manga, Reviews, Love Com, Love Com Volume 1, Lovely Complex, Romantic, Comedy, High School, Risa Koizumi, Atushi Otani, Aya Nakahara, Shojo Beat

Nina is starting to develop a crush of her own. Who could it be?

Check out my review of the first volume of Ultra Maniac to get up to speed.

Ultra Maniac Volume 2 keeps the comedy going, but in a slightly different way. There’s a bit less magic in this manga. That’s not a bad thing though, volume 2 shifts it’s focus a little bit that’s all. It’s still funny, but the romantic aspect takes a more prominent role.

There are a few new characters introduced in this volume as well. Leo, Nina’s pet and Yuta, a friend of Nina’s from the Magic Kingdom.

Story

Nina is still trying to help Ayu get Tetsushi, the boy she likes, but things don’t look good. Nina doesn’t really think that they’re right for each other, but she’ll try to help her friend. Nina is starting to develop a crush of her own. Who could it be?

If things aren’t hard enough Yuta, someone Nina knows from the Magic Kingdom, shows up. He’s going to the same school as Nina, and he wants to date Ayu. What’s Nina going to do?

My Opinion

I really like volume 2 of Ultra Maniac. Even without magic going wrong all over the place, it’s still a great manga. The art still has some great moments. I love the way Wataru Yoshizumi draws the exaggerated expressions. Nina is just so cute when she’s drawn like that.


Another thing I liked about this volume of Ultra Maniac is the bonus section. There’s a short story featuring Leo, Nina’s pet. It’s pretty darn cute.

There’s also a comic describing the creator’s love of The Powerpuff Girls. I completely understand what she’s talking about. I love the Powerpuff Girls too. It was a great series. More than that though, it was cool getting to know the creator. You don’t get much of that in American comics.

Is it worth it?

Yep. Ultra Maniac Volume 2 is a great manga, even with less magic this time around. I’d suggest checking out this series.

Manga, Reviews, Magic, Romance, Comedy, Ultra Maniac, Ultra Maniac Volume 2, Volume 2, Wataru Yoshizumi, Powerpuff Girls

It’s crap like this that gives all manga a bad name.

I can’t really describe the story of Loveless. It makes no sense. None. You could scan the pages and replace the text with random words and it would be about the same. Hell, it might even be better.

Here’s some of the weirdness…


• Ritsuka’s brother was killed.
• Ritsuka isn’t Ritsuka.
• Some creepy guy is hanging around outside Ritsuka’s (who’s not Ritsuka) school.
• Ritsuka (who’s not Ritsuka) is naturally wary of the guy, then decides to hang out in the park with Mr. Creepy and take lots of pictures.
• Oh, and apparently everyone has cat ears until they get it on.

WTF!?

My Opinion

This has got to be the worst manga I’ve ever (almost) read. It’s garbage.

The artwork shows potential, but it’s inconsistent. One panel might look great, the next one looks half finished. That’s probably the best thing I have to say about Loveless.

I had a bad feeling about this book from the start. A sentence in the very beginning has a mistake in it that threw me off. “(I always wondered he meant by “real name” but…)“. Not what he meant, just he meant. It’s bad enough that the story doesn’t make sense. C’mon, at least proofread your crappy ass manga!

It’s crap like this that gives all manga a bad name.

Is it worth it?

No. It is a waste of money. If you want to throw away $10 just send it to me. I’ll use it to buy some good manga. Then I’ll review it here. Everybody wins and nobody has to suffer through reading a waste of ink like Loveless.

Manga, Reviews, Loveless

Story

Tokyo Majin is your normal everyday school drama. It’s got everything you’d expect.

• The Mysterious Transfer Student
• The Tough Guy
• The Student Council President
• The President’s Best Friend
• The Sports Star
• Moister Sucking Zombie Puppets
• Demonic Guitar Players

Wait…. What?


Ok, so maybe it’s not what some people would call “normal”.

Something is disrupting the natural flow of energy in Tokyo. That’s causing some very scary crap to go down. Good thing it’s also given a group of high school students special powers. They’re able to fight the demonic forces that keep popping up to cause chaos.

I’m not saying that there isn’t some tension in the team. Tough Guy Kyouichi Houraiji does not get along with President Aoi Misato at all. That pisses off The President’s Best Friend Komaki Sakurai. Which also bothers Sports Star Yuuya Daigo that has a crush on Sakurai. So they get along about as well as a real group of high school students.

They don’t always get along, but they get the job done.

My Opinion

I’m loving this anime so far. It’s got a pretty cool story and lots of action. When things get creepy, they get really creepy. The maker’s of this show don’t do things half way. Tokyo Majin has a great blend of tension, action and drama.

Is it worth it?

I recommend this anime. It’s worth checking out.

Tokyo Majin is worth a rental at the very least. It’s got a darn good story and some cool action. I like horror and supernatural type stories though. If that’s not on your list of favorites you might feel differently.

Anime, Reviews, Tokyo Majin, Horror, Supernatural, Demonic, ADV, ADV Films, Mysterious Transfer Student, Tatsuma Hiyu, Tough Guy, Kyouichi Houraiji, Student Council President, Aoi Misato, The President’s Best Friend, Komaki Sakurai, Sports Star, Yuuya Daigo

Description

Minami-ke is a slice of life comedy, but since it focuses on three young sisters it also covers school life. Thanks to the ages of the Minami sisters the anime gets to do stories from elementary school, middle school and high school.

Since the anime follows the lives of Haruka, Kana and Chiaki the show is more character driven than it is reliant on a story. The 2 anime shows it reminds me the most of are the same way. Azumanga Daioh and Lucky Star both have well developed characters and rely on their reactions to the various situations they’re put in.

The Minami Sisters

Haruka Minami

Haruka is a mother figure, that makes sense because she’s the oldest. Haruka tries to keep Kana in line and is protective of Chiaki.

Kana Minami

Kana is the middle sister. She’s full of energy and jumps in before she thinks things through. Even though she’s older than Chiaki, Kana acts more like a kid.

Chiaki Minami

Chiaki is the youngest sister. She’s very advanced for her age, even though Haruka and Kana try to shelter her.

My Opinion

I was surprised at hw much I liked Minami-ke. I enjoyed everything about it right from the opening of the first episode. The art is crisp and well done. The characters are well developed and relatable. The humor is genuinely funny. I’ve yet to see anything I dislike about this anime.

Is it worth it?

I highly recommend checking out this anime. When it comes out in the states I’ll definitely be buying this one. I just have my fingers crossed that the dub isn’t screwed up too badly.

Anime, Reviews, Minami-ke, Azumanga Daioh, Lucky Star, Slice of Life, Comedy, School Girls, Haruka Minami, Kana Minami, Chiaki Minami

Magikano is a cookie-cutter magical harem anime. I doubt there’s very much, if anything, original about it. So don’t expect great things. What you can expect is some brainless fun. Hey, Miyazaki can’t make ‘em all.

Story

Ayumi Mamiya just transferred to school, and has made quite an impression on the guys. Imagine Haruo Yoshikawa’s surprise when he gets home to find her in a maid’s outfit. Seems like she’s going to be living with Haruo and his sisters. There’s more to the story though.

Ayumi is a witch and she’s cursed. She needs Haruo to break that curse, but his sisters are witches too and they protect him from Ayumi. So Haruo is living with four witches and has no idea because every time he sees something that he shouldn’t have they use the Memory Hammer to make him forget.

Oh, and just to be safe toss in a crush on Haruo from the student council president, who is also a witch. Add some fanservice and you have Magikano.

My Opinion

You really only need to see one episode to recognize the type of fluffy fanservice you’ll get with Magikano. That’s no big deal, sometimes fluff is fun. There’s nothing innovative about Magikano, but it’s executed fairly well. Since the dub is made by ADV you can find the first episode on the DVD included in the December 2007 Newtype USA.

Is it worth it?

Rent it.

With something like this it’s hard to say. It depends very heavily on your own personal preference. If you like goofy harem anime with some magic and fanservice it’s a good bet you’ll enjoy Magikano at least a little. I’d suggest renting this one, or picking up a copy of Newtype, first to find out if it’s derivative humor appeals to you.

Anime, Reviews, Magikano, Majikano, Harem, Magic, Witch, Fanservice, Fan Service, Ayumi Mamiya, Haruo Yoshikawa, ADV, ADV Films, Newtype, Newtype USA

AnimeNewsNetwork, my favorite anime news source, posted about a South Carolina Books-A-Million store moving it’s manga section.

Keep Moving

What I find interesting is why they decided to move it. Not the part about some mom spazzing out, but the fact that they put Absolute Boyfriend in Kids-A-Million, the kid’s section, to start with. I reviewed the first volume of Absolute Boyfriend. I can tell you that it is in no way suitable for children. The rating on the back of this manga says very clearly “Older Teen”.

How many 17-19 year olds shop in the kid’s section? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Absolute Boyfriend might not be smut, but it’s not appropriate for the kid’s section of a bookstore either. This is one instance where I have to agree with the outraged parents. Books-A-Million screwed up. Big Time.

Silly Bookstore, Manga’s (Not Just) for Kids

Where I shop the manga is with the other graphic novels, located near the sci-fi/fantasy/horror/gaming section. That’s in the main part of the store where it belongs. All the manga displays I’ve seen in the kids section have been age appropriate. Score +1 for Barnes and Noble. I guess that’s why it bugs me that Books-A-Million would just toss all the manga, including those meant for much older readers, in the kid’s section.

Growth Spurt

ANN goes on to say that Books-A-Million have helped the growth of manga in the U.S.. Now they’ve helped to hurt manga. With their irresponsible practices they’re perpetuating the idea that just because it looks like a comic book then it’s only for kids.

Better check the anime in the kids section. There might be some hentai in there. Even worse, Uncut Sailor Moon.

News, Opinion, Manga, Absolute Boyfriend, Books-A-Million, Kids-A-Million, Barnes and Noble, Smut, Outraged Parents