Yuzuru Hanyu – The Newly Crowned Ice Prince

As the figure skating competitions for the Sochi Olympics came to full circle with the exquisite exhibition gala, I find myself overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions and needing the time and place to get the words out. Aside from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, which is really the home games for me, the competitions this year have been the most emotional experience personally because of a single man/boy – the 19 year old rising star from Japan, Yuzuru Hanyu. 

The Bones Party – Noragami, Space Dandy First Impression

Noragami

Great first episode to what I foresee to be a likeable show. I'm kind of glad they cut out the first chapter, because it is essentially a one-shot with no real significance and the pacing will have to be airtight if they are going to make do with one cour. But by taking it out, coherency did suffer, however minimal. The girl who got bullied by her classmate called up Yato when she saw his message on the wall of the toilet stall, but this tidbit is extremely glossed over in the anime, which could leave some scratching their heads. The animation and the sound track are both flawless, and I'm enjoying the heck out of the OP/ED. It is some real stylish stuff. Overall, it didn't blow me away, but it's a solid package that maintains my interest. By the record, Bones does well with adaptions, so I'm looking forward to see this one unfold.

Space Dandy

This is definitely Bones' more high-profile offering going into season. Did the first episode live up to the hype? Well, I'll be honest, my feelings are somewhat mixed. The plot itself so far has been nonsensical, but I do expect that to change for the the better over the next few weeks. I can't say the same thing about the humor though and I'm going to be real worried if the rest of the show is banking on it to succeed. The prowess of the script writers is yet to shine through, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The highlight here is the colorful, over-the-top, and wonderfully dynamic animation. The animators were clearly given a heck lot of freedom to do what they wanted with it. The music is also fantastic and does everything in its power to set the mood. Whatever it is, I can assure you my excitement has not gone down a single notch as I have plenty of faith in the talents involved in this thing. If nothing else, this opening is as crazy, absurd, and silly as it promised, so it did its job in that regard.

Kyoukai no Kanata – Review

Year: 2013
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Synopsis:
 Akihito Kanbara is a high school sophomore in the literature club who believes himself to be a "Meganest", and although he appears to be human, he is actually half Yōmu, which makes him invulnerable to wounds, due to the fact that he can heal so quickly, and also immortal. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it appears as if she is about to attempt suicide by jumping off of the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is considered heresy even among other members of the underworld, so she is shunned. Soon after Akihito saves Mirai, disturbing events begin to arise."

To Aru Hikuushi e no Tsuioku (The Princess and the Pilot) - Review

Studio: Madhouse

Year: 2011

Director: Jun Shishido

Screen Play: Satoko Okudera

Original Creator: Koroku Inumura

Synopsis:

" As a beautiful daughter of the noble family del Moral, Fana was proposed by Prince Carlo, who is the crown prince of their country Levamme. However, since Levamme is at war with Amatsuvian, the marriage had to wait until the war ends. Meanwhile, as a bestado, the lowest caste in Levamme, Charles had always dreamed of flying and eventually became the ace pilot of the air force. Although he was often mistreated, a glorious chance came about when the Amatsuvian bombarded del Moral's home in order to get rid of the future empress. Charles was then entrusted with the top secret mission of delivering the princess to the prince."

2014 Winter Anime Season Preview

2013 is definitely not the best year for anime. Against the usual trend, Summer actually give us the best lineup, followed by a below-average Fall season, not just by Fall standard, but any standard. So how does the Winter fare? Well, I can only say it doesn't hold any surprises – it is as insipid as it has always been. There is the usual crop of fanservice driven shows that's the signature of every Winter. I don't know what I would be looking forward to if not for Bones' comeback after a year of absence. Oh right, seems like the much anticipated Sailor Moon remake will be finally making its appearance. So without further ado.

Interactive Chart via: http://anichart.net/winter
Synopsis credit goes to ANN & MAL.

Black Lagoon (two seasons + OVA) Review

Year: 2005 (2010 OVA)
Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Action, Drama

Synopsis: [ANN]
Okajima Rokuro is a Japanese businessman…in a town full of Japanese businessmen. His normal day consists of social drinking with clients and being kicked around by his bosses. He finally gets a break though, as he’s sent by his company to the tropical seas of Eastern China to deliver a disc…only his boat gets hijacked by a band of mercenaries that were hired to steal it. “Rock” (as he is newly dubbed by his captors) catches the interest of the only female merc “Revy” as she thinks he’s worth a ransom, taking him hostage. However, the disc turns out to be more trouble than its worth, and complicates things both for Rock, and the mercenaries known as Black Lagoon.

Paradise Kiss - Review

Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Josei, Romance, Drama
Year: 2005

Synopsis:
"Yukari is a typical high-school student who listens to her parents and attends school everyday. As she starts to question her way of life, she encounters a group of fashion design students who has a clothing label known as "Paradise Kiss". The group needs to find a model to showcase their designs in an up-coming fashion show and decides to pick Yukari instead. Initially, Yukari was reluctant to be associated with this seemingly eccentric group, but eventually, she realises that they are really nice people. Furthermore, their passion and enthusiasm to follow their ideals and dreams make Yukari realise that she has not been enjoying her life and this motivated her to pursue her own dreams."