Moribito Guardian of the Spirit-Mother's Day Special-

Wow, long time since I posted an entry here. About 3 months now. Can't be helped though with finals. ^^;

Anyways I decided to post up a review of a series that I watched some time ago as a dedication to Mother's Day. So for those of you who want a little anime-special for the day, especially if you've got mom's who are anime-fans, this is highly recommendable.

A female mercenary who wields a spear and goes by the name Balsa is given a request to be the bodyguard of the youngest prince, Chagum, who is harboring a creature in his stomach that may spell doom for the kingdom. Although hesitant at first she eventually concedes and takes the boy on an epic journey that will prove to be one of the most memorable adventure that the two would ever experience. Along the way they must go undercover many times to avoid the guards sent by his father the Emperor, who feels that the only way to protect his people is to kill his second son as the prophesies and legends have been told.

Lucky for Balsa and Chagum she has many connections and friends to aid her aside from her incredible skills as a fighter and traveler. Although the journey is difficult and time is running out for Chagum as the prophesy begins to slowly unfold before them, they're strong bond keeps them from losing hope of a better future for everyone.

At first I really thought that this might turn out monotonous since it was a period series, (these days they tend to lag a bit), but it actually turned out pretty interesting and surprisingly quite touching. Especially considering the relationship between Balsa and Prince Chagum. I thought this was a very appropriate series to do a review for this day because of these two who form a relationship that is as close to a mother and child one would expect. I can definitely say the dub was well done, so either way you watch this it will be something worth while.

Tegami Bachi

Although Hiroyuki has been in the business since 1986, this was the first manga series of his own that caught my interest.

Can you imagine a world where we had no light? A world ruled by absolute darkness? Well that's what the setting is like for Tegami Bachi. It may sound like a dark series, but really it's got a sense of softness that balances it really nicely.

The land called Amberground is lit by a man-made sun, which is the only source of light, and surrounded by water on all sides. Each portion of land is divided by rivers and defined by class through the source of the light-the farther the land is from the man-made sun, the poorer the people are.

And to make matters even harder for them to live off this desolate world, there are creatures that reside in the shadows who attack those that dare to travel the perilous wastelands between each region.

But to maintain the connection of the people who are separated from their friends and loved ones, there is a government official line of workers called 'Letter Bees' who have made it their solemn duty to deliver letters full of 'heart' to the recipients that wait for them. Together with their partners called Dingos Letter Bees will endure all kinds of obstacles and rough terrain in order to keep the spirit of the people strong and hopeful.

The story begins with a young Letter Bee named Gauche Suede and his last delivery before a promotion to the next city. He is quite surprised to find that his letter is a boy, Lag Seeing, who is marked for delivery to his aunt in another town by his mother. At first he's very reluctant to follow or trust Gauche, but as the two of them (along with his Dingo, Roda) travel towards his destination, he begins to open up to the Letter Bee and develops a lifelong friendship with him. Through Gauche he also gains a new goal in life, and that is to become a great Letter Bee just like him. After this the series follows Lag's journey to becoming a Letter Bee in order to reach his old friend and find the answers to the mysterious abduction of his mother. It is a tough and demanding quest that will bring up some questionable conspiracies along the way, but Lag is more than determined to achieve his goals to the very end.

When I saw it on an advertisement for the OVA, my interest was piqued, so I checked out the manga to see for myself. The first chapter is insanely long, (a 125 page volume!) and in truth I had to go back on it a couple of times before I really could get hooked on it. But after taking the time to just sit and read through the entire chapter, I absolutely fell in love with Asada Hiroyuki's art and story. This steam-punk inspired manga is a crisp series that is still early in serializing, so I suggest people get on it while it's fresh.

I'll admit that it's a little more casual in comparison to the more flightier shounen manga's that I'm use to, but at the same time I think that's what makes it such a soothing and intriguing series. Including the soft blue-purple palette that was selected for the color scheme of the manga/anime. The action goes at it's own leisured pace but I still find it captivating-plus it leaves more time for progression of the story that I find equally appealing with the whole conspiracy surrounding the man-made sun and the day that it had mysteriously burned out. Of course if you don't care for the mellow and slightly-corny theme it best you skip this one (though you really shouldn't), otherwise I recommend this 100%.

Soul Eater

I forgot where I saw this one, but either way I'm glad that I took my chances with it.

There is a particularly unique school known as Shibusen (or Meister-Weapon) Academy that trains a league of budding trainees who seek to become a weapon of Shinigami-sama. In order to fight the evil that threatens to engulf the world in madness, graduates known as Death Scythes and their Meister partners must acquire the proper skills to fight off the opposing forces at hand before an even greater evil resurfaces.

Of course such faculties requires countless experience and various tasks to prepare the younger generation for the future, particularly a certain group of (somewhat) misfit individuals.

A talented young girl named Maka Albarn and her weapon partner Soul are on the verge of becoming an official weapon of Shinigami-sama. She hopes to make Soul a Death Scythe that rivals even her father, so she is incredibly ambitious to be the best.

Of course she's not the only one who's set her heights for the top, and eventually finds herself in the company of an arrogant ninja named Black Star and his partner Tsubaki, as well as the son of Shinigami-sama Death the Kidd and his twin-pistol team Liz & Patty. Together they encounter some life-threatening battles, countless hilarious scenarios, and unsettling clues that drive them to more hazardous clashes that will test their will and partnerships to the limit as they strive to graduate before they're expelled.

A cross-breed of Halloween meets classical Disney-character designs (particularly the gloves, facial structure, and elongated limbs). Soul Eater has a good balance of comedy, suspense, action, and mystery that keeps you on your toes for the next segment. It's monthly unfortunately and the anime had ended quite abruptly too, but again it's a very good series to look over.

D.-Grayman

It's a pretty well-known series already, but it's nevertheless underrated. Especially since the anime had ended a little early and the manga has switched from weekly to monthly a few months back. But even so it is one worth adding to the list.

Set around the end of the 19th century in Gothic Europe, the world of DGM is infested with disease and despair that poisons the mind and hearts of the people. A religious association known as The Black Order has been on a centuries-worth mission to purge the world of this enigmatic darkness that threatens to dissolve humanity off the face of the earth. Their primary enemy that is responsible for this constant threat is the Millennium Earl and his band of sorrowful creations known as Akuma.

Only a group of chosen ones known as the Exorcist can defeat the Earl and his enslaved toys, using what they call God's weapon for the sake of humanity-Innocence. A young boy named Allen Walker enters the Order in the hopes that he can use his Innocence to not only save humans, but the souls locked within the Akuma as well. As he goes through countless missions with his friends, experiencing every hardship possible that challenges their will to fight, Allen continues to learn more about the world in which he was born into and the destiny that drives him to hidden truths about himself.

I found this one on a review a long time ago, and was intrigued by the artwork. I started off with the anime, but then eventually switched over to the manga at some point when I found that there was more in-depth info there. It's great to watch Hoshino's skills progress overtime and how the plot continues to thicken as she progresses with each new chapter. The anime, both original and dub, are really great too and are recommendable. Although it cuts short because of the hiatuses from the previous year(s) and has a few fillers here and there, it's still pretty good. And since it ends with a somewhat open ending there is a chance it could return-small as it may be.

It's definitely one of my favorites, containing that gothic element and Tim Burton-ish style of characters (particularly the bad guys). Sure it's a monthly series, but Hoshino really knows how to deliver by making each subsequent chapter chock full of suspense and invaluable info that fleshes out the characters and plot significantly almost every time.

Fairy Tail

Another old manga that I've been on, but ah well. Gotta post as much as I know, right?

In a world ruled by magic, mages, and mythical creatures of every kind, there must always be an establishment of law and order to maintain the peace within the land of Fiore. And when that is threatened by chaos from the shadows, only those of great skill can defend it. These groups that are formed under the orders of the council are known as guilds, and they contain a collection of powerful mages that keep the world from falling into pandemonium....usually.

The story begins with a young mage named Lucy who is merely browsing the shops of the town, and eventually runs into a boy named Natsu and his feline friend Happy. She tells them all about the world of magic and guilds and how it is her dream to join the most talked-about guild known as Fairy Tail. After a series of events that leads her into a dangerous situation, Natsu comes to her rescue and in the process reveals that he is a mage of Fairy Tail.

Although he goes a little overboard in exercising his prodigious strength against the enemy (causing a squad of soldiers to chase after him when he totals half the town), Natsu assures Lucy that she is more than welcome to join the guild. She gladly accepts his offer, and the two run off towards their destination marking the start of the series adventure.

It seems like only yesterday that I'd found this one on KEFI.org with only seven or so chapters uploaded and translated. It wasn't that big of a series when I found it. Until now that is.

Most of the sites that I go to for manga scans lists the series as one of the top 10 or 5 viewed, and the anime (though having a few slight flaws) has been pretty good so far.

Although most will probably consider this to be one of those series that will eventually be in danger of falling into the ring of long-enduring (mainstream) series like Naruto and Bleach, or that it is a "copy-cat" of One Piece, I don't care. This series is really good, and I'll always consider it to be of top quality.

As I've said before with every good series that I look up-this one has the potential to be great, and continue to be so as it progresses.

[Switch]

Sorry it's taken me so long, got a lot to do so it takes me a bit to add some new stuff. ^^;

Anyway I'm finally up-to-date with this series that was suggested to me last year, and I can definitely attest that this one's another solid series that I would recommend.

Switch is a manga that revolves around a group of drug divisions in Japan known as the Kanto Regional Bureau for Narcotics and Welfare Control (A.K.A Narcs). Their job is pretty self-explanatory, but of course it's no walk in the park. These guys have to do whatever it takes to bring down drug dealers, smugglers, and other abusive activities that require a lot of investigation and undercover work.

And the group responsible for these particular cases is the renown division one. Their primary team, Hal Kurabayashi and Eto Kai, are the latest addition to the department and are just getting started on their career as partners. Although they're an unorthodox team, they nevertheless work together in order to accomplish the case and snag the culprits before they make a run.

As the series progresses they encounter more dangerous situations that involve clandestinely twisted operations , lethal drugs of every sort, and mysterious connections to the past with every step of the way. But even so this pair and the division that guides them continue to press on with their jobs in the hope that they can find the truth before things get out of hand.

At first I had assumed this was the same creator of Death Note based on the art style of the cover, but it turns out that this is actually the work of an entirely different team of manga-ka. Much like the Kindaichi series this is the product of two people working together to create a compelling story with engrossing artwork that is simply stunning. Aside from the great assortment of bishies (*points to background* heh, sorry. Couldn't help but mention that ^^;), the plot of the series is really intriguing as it is dripping with suspense, mystery, and intellectually stimulating anecdotes on most of the drugs that are mentioned.

There is an OVA somewhere floating around the net, and I'm glad to hear that they are on the move to make the manga into an official series since it got good reviews. I'll keep my eyes out for that one, and hopefully get to make a little review for it.

Karneval

I actually found this one about two or three months ago, but I thought I'd do it justice by making a blog for it. As well as some other manga that I will post up after.

The story revolves around a mysterious and naive boy named Nai and his quest to search for his 'brother' Karoku. Along the way he runs into Gareki, a surly technician expert who obliges to help him under the condition that he give him the bracelet that he wears on his wrist-the only clue to Karoku's whereabouts.

The two wind up on a journey that leads them into very dangerous situations with bloodthirsty mutants and other corrupted people who force them into a life on the run. Luckily however they eventually meet with the organization known as "Circus" who are the authorities of defending the public from the sub-humans that they have been narrowly escaping.

Of course they are not just an ordinary elite team that simply fights off the mutated enemies to protect the citizens, they do something a little special afterwords. Once they have defeated and secured the premises, they set up a carnival to compensate the town for forcing them to remain in their homes. Through this they are able to retain order and balance, while at the same time keeping watch over the people.

Although they are a bit of a shady (and comically eccentric) group, Nai and Gareki find that they are an even more reliable source of information that may lead them to the answers they are seeking.

Considering this is her second series, Touya Mikanagi has quite the talent. Her artwork is stunningly elegant and almost vintage-style, full of characters who have sharp features and willowy figures that are similar to that of CLAMP. Combining this with an intriguing mystery plotline Karneval is a manga worth adding to the list of some of the best new series on the rise.

Ocha-Ken, Two of My Favorite Things

While it may not be a 'big' anime series or even a sanrio character, this little guy and his friends are nevertheless something sweet to enjoy for both tea lovers and all things kawaii.

I was just looking for some pics on a whim, when I found a wallpaper of this green tea dog on photobucket. And as usual I let my curiosity lead me to some of the official episodes of this tea dog and his other friends, who are without a doubt the sweetest little things you ever did see.

The anime pretty much revolves around this green tea dog named Ryoku and his friends and the various little slice-of-life lessons they learn everyday. Each one has their own distinctive characteristic and personality, and of course have their own means of getting into a little bit of mischief.

I just love the concept of something as cute as puppies combined with my favorite form of beverage. I thought it was about time there was a cute little mascot to represent such a relaxing drink. I would definitely say this would be one of those sweet short TV series that I would have for my kids when they're young.

Another series that is similar (though of course with a little more adult-humor incorporated) is Koge-pan. A truly misfit character who had an unfortunate little accident that kept him from his original destiny.

Koge-pan tells the story of a burnt bread who desires nothing more than to be bought by a customer. But because of what he is, he can't be bought by anyone and simply sulks around the bakery shop. Of course he makes many attempts to sneak out through a customers bag or figure out a way to make himself more appetizing, but they usually end in failure, which will often times lead him into melodramatic moments of getting drunk off milk. XD

But despite how hard his life is, he tends to look at some of the positive aspects as well as developing some philosophical ways of thinking. In addition he still has his fellow burnt bread friends and the other breads to hang around, so life doesn't feel as bad as it seems.

I crack up on some of the episodes for this one too, and it's nice to see a character with just a little grittiness to his personality.

Both of these short series can be found on youtube, so I would definitely recommend them if you want to watch something quick. They only run for about 3 to 4 minutes.

If you love the unique blend of kawaii sanrio-esque characters and food, these are the ones for you.

Durarara!!

Another interesting series that I found yesterday, but didn't get around to checking it out until today. I actually watched the anime before reading the manga, but either way it's a curiously intriguing story with a cast of equally intriguing characters. But I guess that's no surprise since it's the same creator from 'Baccano!' (which is a big plus on that).

I'll explain my thoughts on the anime first. One of the things I look for in a good series before watching it is the opening. Generally I find good anime to watch when I check out their openings. If it's something that catches my interest, whether it's the music, animation, or both, I will be more than game to check out the rest of it.

The song was quite catchy, and the animation they used to go with the theme song was exactly the same as 'Baccano!' which used colorful still shots to introduce each individual character.

The episode starts off with a boy, Mikado Ryugamine, who has just arrived in Ikebukuro Tokyo to start a new life in the city. Partly this is due to his childhood friend Masaomi Kida's suggestion so that they can go to high school together, but his other reason for doing so was to find a much more exciting atmosphere than his old home which he had never left for 15 years.

Throughout the episode Kida basically takes him around the town to show him the ropes and introduce him to some friends and acquaintances along the way. But it doesn't solely focus on these two, because like I said this is the same creator of 'Baccano!'. The story twists and changes from one point of view to the next, so we not only get to see what it is Mikado is doing but what the rest of the characters doing too.

The other character that the episode switches over to is someone known as "The Black Rider" who is the urban legend of the town that is said to be like a shadow or grim reaper (shinigami). At first you only see tidbits of this character doing an act of justice as she saves some girl from a couple of shady people who intend to sell her off, but you get the full story by the second episode.

Well I would say that this is a series that has got my attention, so I'll be keeping an eye out for it. There's a clear distinction between the anime and the manga since they are trying to maintain thoroughness and consistency, but hopefully they will make it so that the story remains true and will finish with flying colors like the creator's first masterpiece predecessor.

Magical Ban Removal! Hyde & Closer

Well I might as well start this blog off with my first review of a recent manga that I found this week. At first I thought it was simply another version of 'Katekyo Hitman Reborn' with just a few tweaks here and there, but after catching up with the series (39 chapters so far) I found that its got its own flair to it that makes it worthwhile.

The world this manga's setting takes place in is fantasy-based, full of magicians, spells, and.....cute killer voodoo dolls(?). Just like in many other mangas before the main character, Shunpei Closer, is a rather pathetic type of guy who cries and panics a lot at the first sign of a challenge. Although he accepts his cowardice lifestyle, in truth he longs to be someone great like his Grandfather.

Little did he know that the man he admires so much is a lot more greater than just a simple traveler of the world-he is the King of the Magicians. And as if that wasn't overwhelming enough, he finds out that many other magicians out there are after his blood in order to gain this formidable power. Of course in his present state he has no chance of winning against the band of assassins that come after him, which is why his Grandfather made sure to take some safety measures by leaving him a special guardian in his absence.

A teddy bear by the name of Hyde who he gave on his last visit six years ago. At first Hyde acts like a pretty normal stuffed toy, sitting quietly on a side table. But on the day that Shunpei is attacked by an enemy he makes his entrance with one swift punch of his fist. Of course Shunpei's pretty reluctant to this whole matter when he is asked for a little help, but upon reflecting his way of dealing with problems he changes his mind and comes back to Hyde to help him.

Again he is taken for another bizarre surprise as he pulls out a huge weapon from his bear's back called the 'Texas Chainsaw', and watches as his furry friend slices the enemy to bits. Although Shunpei is relieved when it's over and he is given a little praise from Hyde for coming back, this was only the beginning of their high-flying adventures.

You can never be too sure of a series until you've read it, and 'Hyde & Closer' is one of them. I was thinking of simply skipping it when I saw the cover, but I'm glad that I didn't. So far it's been really fun reading it, and watching the characters evolve so much. Particularly Shunpei who makes a very dramatic change in less than 20+ chapters. This a manga with the potential to go far in the future, and I would highly recommend it to fans of shounen and the supernatural-type.

The First Post-Anime/Manga

Anime/Manga has been a hobby and interest that I've developed since I was young. Although there were moments when I fell out of it (and almost completely abandon it) I got right back on it at some point.

And now I don't think I'll ever give it up again. But I digress. The point of this blog that I'm starting is for two reasons. One is because of a belated resolution I made for myself to try to keep some form of log like a journal so that I can get a better habit of consistency aside from better dieting and exercise this year. The other is to keep up-to-date the new anime/manga that I find or currently find attention to. Some of them are really starting to get some good attention now (i.e. 'Soul Eater') while others are still pretty underrated (i.e. 'Magical Ban Removal! Hyde & Closer') and don't get much limelight. But either way they are, in my opinion, of good quality.

And of course I wouldn't mind finding other people who may share the same sentiment or would like to discuss the series, just so long as it keeps within a hospitable conversation that doesn't make waves.

Well here's to hoping I keep up with this for a long time to come. ^__^Y