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