Greetings everyone, and welcome again to my video awesomeness. I’ve been getting a good amount of positive feedback about these, so I’m very happy to report that. In this video I talk about two of the new summer animes: Sacred Seven and Kamisama Dolls. As usual, comments, suggestions, constructive criticism, etc. are welcome with open arms.
http://youtu.be/TlEZMYCsB9o
Best,
Phil Bohn
Alternate Titles: None
Original Japanese Release Date: 2000
Episode Length/Run-time: 102 Minutes
Summary:
The Half-Human Half-Vampire Vampire Hunter who goes simply by ‘D’ is continuing his quest to fight against the vampire nobility that rules over a far-future post-apocalyptic world. Because of his reputation he is called upon by the Elbourne family to rescue their daughter, Charlotte, from the clutches of Meier Link. But D is not the only one on the hunt, and seperating Charlotte from her new love may prove more difficult than D originally expected.
Review:
A long awaited follow-up to the classic movie Vampire Hunter D, Bloodlust is a worthwhile addition to the family.
The Vampire Hunter D series is based on a series of novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, this particular movie is based off the third book. Acclaimed artist Yoshitaka Amano’s wisdom is drawn from yet again to bring the pages of the novel to life on the screen and his dark style creates artistic poetry on the screen. Angular features, dark odd creatures, and towering spires adorn the movie in a distinct style that one has to see to believe.
Unlike the first movie the storytelling in Bloodlust does become slightly muddled. Which is not helped by the somewhat confusing and uncertain dialogue. The finale of the movie is also somewhat of a letdown, ruining the otherwise perfect pacing the film had all the way through.
Despite that the film has all the surprises, twists, action and pleasant oddities as the first film. It remains a worthwhile watch to be enjoyed more by adults than kids. This film, while not perfect, stands as a strong follow-up to a classic and should be on any anime fan’s must-watch list.
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Alternate Titles: Code Geass – Hangyaku no Lelouch, Code Geass – Lelouch of the Rebellion
Original Japanese Release Date: 2006
Episode Length/Run-time: 25 Episodes
Summary:
With the aid of gigantic robotic robots known as Knightmare Frames colonialism has taken new meaning and the Empire of Britannia has invaded Japan and placed it under colonial rule. Lelouch a Britannian living in Area 11 (Japan’s new name) vows to free Japan and overthrow the Empire. One day after school he stumbles upon a military secret which happens to be a young girl named C.C. She gives him the power of Geass which can be used on any person only once to make them obey any order. With this weapon Lelouch’s rebellion begins.
Review:
Code Geass, reviewed here in full (both first and second season) is a very well done anime. While plots of overthrowing governments, coup de etats and war is nothing new to anime Code Geass brings lively characters and it’s own interesting spins to the rehashed themes in such a way that it feels fresh and new. One of the fantastic things about this anime is the pacing. It moves at near breakneck speed wasting no time to get to the meat of the show. From there on they don’t dally with stupid antics (okay, they do very rarely) and focus on progressing what they set out.
The mech battles in this show are really well executed and Lelouch’s character as the ringleader is perfect. Possible best friend to Light Yagami Lelouch is calculating, careful, cunning, and slightly cocky in just the right ways. While we’re on the subject of characters they are just the right mix for everyone watching. Enough bishonen to go around, cute girls ranging from well endowed sexy to loli and your stereotypical characters thrown in there to round out the mix nicely. Sometimes the stereotyping is taken a little too far and the acting could be seen as borderline corny. But generally speaking it’s done at the right times and I feel it’s presented in such a way that works for the series overall.
The one thing that really docks this series overall is the fights in the second season. Throughout the whole series there is gray area moral dilemmas argued and a clever cat and mouse both on and off the battlefield between Lelouch and Suzaku. However, in the second season Suzaku, apparently, closes the mental gap rather quickly on Lelouch. All of a sudden he, quite annoyingly, shows up out of the blue at just the right moment to squah Lelouch’s plans and win or thwart the battle. As a viewer it not only screams unrealistic, but it screams annoying.
Despite this, the series is very well executed and has something for everyone. The animation is clean and crisp and the music does not disappoint either. With the characters and engaging plot I’d easily classify this anime as a gateway drug into the world of mecha for any fan or fan-to-be.
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Alternate Titles: Byōsoku 5 Centimeter – a chain of short stories about their distance, 5cm per Second, 5 centimeters per second
Original Japanese Release Date: 2007
Episode Length/Run-time: 62 Minutes
Summary:
Three short stories wrapped up into one film follow the life of Takaki Toono from adolescence to manhood. In each his childhood love Akkane manifests in a different form as their relationship changes with age.
Review:
This film was created by Makoto Shinkai. One of the most influential and visionary directors (yeah, I said it) of our time. So, with a name that can do no wrong, and has yet to create anything less than astounding where does Byousoku sit?
One of the things Shinkai is known for is his animation. Form his distinct, slightly realistic character design to how the light hits everything from puddles of water to blades of grass his perspective is flawless. His perspective on the world is nothing short of visually stunning. The colors are vivid and create an amazing setting for a real life story.
Another thing Shinkai also works with often is an overarching theme throughout his films. Like Voices of a Distant Star looks at time, Byousoku looks at distance. How there is a difference between physical distance and the distance between two people’s hearts. The fact that two people can be emotionally close no matter how far they are, or how far apart people can be emotionally even if they’re physically close with each other.
This is a story that anyone who has ever loved can relate to. As a slice of life there’s not much more to describe and the best thing I can say about this film is simply: Watch it. By not doing so you are doing yourself a disservice as an anime fan. Very rarely can something evoke so much emotion from places you didn’t even realize your heart could hurt.
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Episode Reviewed In: Episode 18
Alternate Titles: None
Original Japanese Release Date: 2006
Episode Length/Run-time: 26 Episodes
Summary:
Haruhi, a poor yet bright girl, attends an affluent school entirely on scholarship. One day she accidentally breaks a vase which costs far more than she can afford. In order to repay her debt to the school, and mistaken for a boy, she agrees to be a part of the school’s Host Club, a group of affluent, charming and good looking young men who entertain the ladies at the school.
Review:
Ouran High Host Club is a fun ride that’s near and dear to many people’s hearts, or at least many girls. It is a fun and fantastical ride through the lives of the cast members. Each of the characters, while cliche, has a distinct personality which is lovable. Each character has something which people can enjoy and relate to.
This anime was not reviewed by myself. I understand the love and fandom which a lot of people hold dear to their hearts. From a critical perspective though I can’t justify a 5. I personally see this anime more as a 4 at best.
The reason for this is, while it is a fantastic series with lots of memorable moments it floats from one antic to the next. They are very well made antics that are entertaining and engaging for the viewer. But this whole series, however fantastically executed, exists entirely on what’s basically filler. Random small arcs start and end, develop the characters a little more, entertain, bur do little to create an overall plot. While there is a conclusion, because there was never all that much going on in the way of a major story there’s little to conclude. The series basically ends as it began.
But, for what the series sets out to do, it does it well. As mentioned before it’s entertaining, enjoyable, and evokes an emotional connection from the viewer.
Perhaps you see a side to the series more on the 5 side than I do. Either way, I highly recommend it, especially recommend it for you romantic-comedy lovers.
Alternate Titles: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Gurren Lagann, TTGL
Original Japanese Release Date: 2007
Episode Length/Run-time: 27 Episodes
Summary:
The world is oppressed by monsters ruled over by the Spiral King, Lordgenome. Humans are forced to live underground and any found disobeying will be killed. One day the meek Simon the digger comes across a drill key and a Gunman mecha while expanding his home city further below. With this and the gun-ho bravery of his friend and older brother figure Kamina they venture to the surface to defeat the spiral king. But they soon learn there’s more to the Spiral power that both the king and Simon harness and how it plays into the fate of humanity.
Review:
This anime is a fan favorite by a huge portion of the anime community. It’s hard to argue against the fact that it has become a near instant classic simply for the fandom which it has earned.
Gurren Lagann is a rare breed. The anime is the original source of the story. All light novels, mangas, games, and movies came after. A good way to describe the series is mecha for the masses. While it is a mech series with REALLY over the top robots (we’re talking movers of worlds here) it’s not so steeped in sci-fi that the average viewer can’t relate to it.
The series is divided into three main arcs. The first arc, where most of the main cast is introduced focuses on defeating the Spiral King. You meet the busty Yoko, the fabulous Leon, and the vicious enemy yet friend Viral. This arc focuses more on evolving the characters and having the viewer fall in love with them over progressing the main plot.
The second arc is where the real story begins to fall into play. (This is spoiler free, so I won’t tell you what happens to the Spiral King, you’ll just have to watch for yourself). You begin to learn there are more forces at work than previously suspected and the final piece of the main cast joins the crew, Nia, daughter of the Spiral King.
Then, IT happens. I won’t ruin what IT is, those of you who have watched the series already know. But it is one of the most heart-breaking tear-jerking moments in anime. Congrats though, you’re only about halfway done.
The final arc has a time-skip into the future. The characters are older and they face an evolved threat.
This anime is great at that 14 episode halfway point (with the whole IT) thing. The only criticism of the second half/final arc is that it gets a little too over the top. One thing keeps outdoing the next until you literally have mechs the size of planets. It’s not an awful setup, and there are much worse over the top anime out there. But for a serious viewer it can detract just slightly. The positive side is that its, for the most part, right at the end. So you’re likely so engrossed that you can forgive this aspect.
This anime is a fantastic watch for just about any anime fan because it tickles the palette in all the right places. Full of action, sexy men and women, relationships, fighting, sci-fi, a touch of fantasy, great characters and more there’s little wonder of why it’s so well loved. Form a critical standpoint it does stray a bit, knocking it down from a five, but that hardly ruins the experience for the average viewer.
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Alternate Titles: None
Original Japanese Release Date: 2011
Episode Length/Run-time: 8 Episodes
Summary:
The continued antics of the Marui Triplets. Futaba is the tomboyish one, Hitoha is the quiet pervert, and Mitsuba the self-proclaimed princess employ their antics and wreak havoc in a comical manner on everything around them.
Review:
The second season of Mitsudomoe follows much the way of the first season. Each episode is broken into two, generally three, vignettes that follow a slice of life of the Marui triplets. While there is a lose overall story of their day to day lives and the passing of time represented by seasons and events there is no overarching plot with a set beginning, middle, climax, resolution, and end.
In this way though, Mitsudomoe is one of the most fantastic pick up and go shows you can find. Each episode goes from garnering a sincere chuckle to side-splitting hilarity. While I expected the antics to get tired and boring, after all there’s only so many jokes about a girl being a perv (right?), they never got to that point. Somehow the writers continued to find ways to make the content new and fresh while still being funny. No small feat, I assure you.
The animation or music is nothing to swoon over, but that’s clearly not the point of this series. Pouring money into a high animation budget would’ve likely detracted from the home-grown silly that the slightly cartoonish style produces.
You can completely watch this season without seeing the first. But why would you want to? Sure it’s not chronological but you may as well start a good thing from the beginning. However, if you do decide to pick this one up in the middle the only thing you may not understand (and the only thing I didn’t really like) is the first episode. The first episode is a mock TV show referenced throughout the series called the Gachi Rangers (much like the power rangers). This episode seemed less funny and out of place, but it hardly detracted from the overall quality of the show.
On a humor scale, this anime easily gets a 5/5.
However, I try to score like a critic, and since it doesn’t really have a plot it’s bumped down to a 3/5 on an overall scale. Bur seriously, if you like funny you do not want to miss this one.
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Hey all you anime fans at the Supercon Convention! Want to win some cool anime prizes? If so you’re in the right place!
We are giving away the following prize pack to one lucky Supercon Con-goer:
Included is one Wolf’s Rain box set, the ENTIRE SERIES of .Hack//Legend of the Twilight in a Boxed set, and a manga straight from Japan. This whole pack is well over $60.00 USD before shipping! They’ll be great additions to anyone’s collection.
How do I win?
Entering is simple. Write a comment to this post below on something you like about anime or Supercon. Any length is acceptable (EX: “Panels” will work)! Be sure to include your REAL e-mail, no we won’t spam you, and a name you will remember.
Then, tune in to episode #91 in one week and listen for the name you put down to be called as our winner. If we call your name then congratulations! You are our lucky winner!
If you win please e-mail us from the e-mail you used in your post with a picture of: you at Supercon, of a Supercon flyer/booklet, your armband, your pass, etc. Some kind of proof you were there at the con. We will then cross-reference the e-mail we have from your post and mail you your goodies!
It’s just that simple!
Note: The Winner will have one week from when we broadcast live on Sunday the 10th at 8pm EST on Ustream to claim their prize. We put the episodes on iTunes and for download on the site normally by the following Tuesday. So if you didn’t win be sure to tune in next week for episode #92. That means you have a full week to enter!
Do I have to pay for anything?
Nope! It’s completely free to enter, just follow the rules above; you don’t even have to pay for shipping! You will of course have to be willing to provide your real address so we can mail the prize to you.
Why do I need a picture of something from the con?
This is something we do special for people who attend the cons we go to so we need proof you were there. If you want us to attend a con in your area let us know by submitting it in our contact form. If you are reading this and did not attend Supercon this year don’t worry! We will be at Otakon in Baltimore next holding a similar contest, and we run a number of contests for the people on our site and who listen to our show.
Good luck! Post in the comments below to enter!
What are we looking forward to most this anime season? Listen to find out!
Episode 89: (Right Click and “Save Target As” to Download)
[mp3player width=177 height=20 config=fmp_jw_widget_config.xml file=https://www.aaapodcast.com/aaapodcast_episode89v2.mp3]
Intro song –– Tougenkyou Alien from the anime Gintama by the artist Serial TV Drama
FORUM MEMBERS: Lunarrosebunny, danagra, eclipse, neozectt, questlyfe, shorttermcrook, bezerk hollow, yggdrizzle, robdrizle
Trivia Winner: (11 correct)
Answer: That is Menchi from the anime Excel Saga (Classic kids, classic!)
Correct Answers: ShorttermCrook, Snakeblade31, Bob_Guardian, thaivun, dramaticpaws, yellowdays, robertthecrimson, bravogangus, eclipse, bobobobobobobobotgo!, Yggdrizzle
Week Winner: Yellowdays
We’re going to Otakon as press, as some of you know, and we have submitted a request for interviews for:
Johnny young Bosch and Makoto Shinkai!
We will be at Supercon, our lineup is:
Friday | 7:00pm-8:30pm | At Anime Panels 400 | The Great Cosplay Dating Game
Saturday | 12:00pm-1:00pm | At Anime Events 100 | The Best Anime You’ve Never Seen
Saturday | 3:30pm-5:00pm | At Anime Events 100 | Traveling to Japan
Saturday | 8:00pm-9:00pm | At Anime Panels 400 | The Girl’s Guide to Con Going
Sunday | 2:00pm-3:00pm | At Anime Events MACC 1 | Anime Video Games **Debut**
Anime News Break
Summer 2011 Season
Anime News Break
Winner of the Metrocon raffle is: Delliott!! Contact us soon!
Reviews
Roukou – Deadman Wonderland
Chiaki – Mitsudomoe Zouryouchuu
Outro Song — Samurai Heart~Some Like it Hot!!~ from the anime Gintama by the artist Spyair
Hello everyone. I’m back with another video. This week I’m talking about the recent anime that just ended called AnoHana. (PS. the guy I mention as “he” at about 2:30 is supposed to be Jintan. I messed that up).
http://youtu.be/w5X8KA3pDE0
As always, comments, criticism, etc. are appreciated.
Best,
Phil Bohn
