Ano Natsu De Matteru / Waiting in the Summer Anime Review

Ano Natsu De Matteru Score: 9.3/10

INTRODUCTION & SYNOPSIS

Ano Natsu De Matteru is a 12 episode (1 OVA ep) series that released in 2012. The series is basically an updated/ slightly different version of an anime called Onegai Teacher (circa 2002) – or so I’ve heard. I’ve never seen Onegai Teacher myself; thus, I will be judging it as a stand-alone anime. Ano Natsu De Matteru, or Waiting in the Summer is, in my opinion, a brilliant anime that deserves a second season. You will laugh, cry, and be emotionally invested in each of the character’s pursuits.

Our story begins with the young and quiet freshman, Kaito. Kaito lives alone with his older sister, as both of his parents are deceased. He digs up an old video camera and begins to film a bit to cure his boredom. As he pans across the town’s tree-scape, a bright flashing light envelops the sky! A mysterious and near-fatal explosion occurs, leaving Kaito falling through the air. As he wakes up for school the next day, he can’t help but wonder - was it all just a dream? He has no signs of injury.. With the emergence of a new transfer student with bright orange hair and blue eyes, Kaito becomes side-tracked from the matter. Ichika (the transfer student) quickly receives the attention of Kaito and his group of friends with her striking looks. They decide to invite her to be in their movie they plan to make over summer, and she accepts! Through twists in turns (and classic anime plot), Ichika ends up staying with Kaito for the summer, while his older sister is on business in Bolivia. The summer is to be filled with movie making fun! However, Kaito starts to notice interesting/ strange things about Ichika that connect her to the flash of light and explosion from before...

PROS

The first pro that comes to mind, are the characters. Each character is love-able and unique in their own way. Kaito’s group of friends include his best guy bud Tetsuro who helps him win over Ichika, and two girls Kanna and Mio. Kanna is a tom boy who is really into Kaito, while Mio is a shy girl with feelings for Tetsuro. The web gets even more complicated, so I won’t go into it. With such a mix of boys and girls – you know there’s got to be some juicy love octagons! I feel it was quite well done though. The female lead Ichika, who is a year older than the freshman bunch, befriends Lemon-Senpai in her class. Lemon-Senpai is by far my favorite character as she plays the catalyst, putting the characters in situations to create fun and exciting romantic development. She has lots of funny moments, and as a standing joke does a creepy laugh whenever she is mixing things up “U-hu-hu-hu-hu.” > . < Also, Ichika has a space pet named Rinon who is super adorable and has lots of funny little scenes! 

Next for pros: the development of Kaito and Ichika’s relationship. By far, one of the best romantic developments I’ve ever seen! Nothing feels forced, and their relationship seems real and is super heart-warming. Number one cutest anime couple in this universe. I say universe, because as it’s revealed from the very beginning to the audience – Ichika is an alien! Which brings me to another pro, the comedy. The comedy in this anime is so well done and balanced perfectly with the story’s other elements. Some of the funnier moments include irony and reveals. For example, Ichika is an alien and they end up making a movie where the lead female is an alien... so they are essentially making a movie about what is really happening without knowing it. Ichika also has an intense fear of the “Men in Black,” which was really funny. Especially when it’s later found out that the “Men in Black” really exist! (in this anime world at least) However, as I said previously, the comedy is evenly mixed with the other elements. Other elements being pulling at your heart strings so much. Be prepared to shed some tears in this one. Your happiness can be taken away quickly just when you think things will turn out one way, things can change!

Lastly for pros, Ano Natsu de Matteru has brilliant animation and music. I have zero complaints about any song on the soundtrack or the way it was animated. In particular, the ending theme is really beautiful. The character designs are also stand out and different from what I've seen in other anime. 10/10 art and music. Also, the Japanese voice acting was very well done.

CONS

This anime, as you may be able to tell from the score, has very little cons. However, there is one thing in particular that forced me to take the score down slightly. The OVA episode. The OVA episode really brings nothing to the table aside from despair. It's practically the same as looking at pictures of your ex boyfriend/girlfriend. Not worth it. They just depressingly take a hop back through memory lane. Additionally the main female protagonist isn't even really in the episode!

Lastly for cons, I think anyone would agree, this series NEEDS a second season! There is so much more to explore with this concept, and I wallowed in a depression once finding out that there wasn't one (especially after that horridly sad OVA episode).

FINAL THOUGHTS

All and all, this series is very well done. A near masterpiece, in my opinion. Although, I wish for another season; I think they did extremely well for the twelve episodes they were given. I would definitely recommend anyone to watch this series so I hope you'll check it out!

Inu X Boku SS (Secret Service) Anime Review

INU X BOKU SS SCORE: 9.5

INTRODUCTION & SYNOPSIS

Inu x Boku SS or Inu x Boku Secret Service (12 episodes + 1 OVA) is one of the better anime I have seen in a long time. I have been looking for something, specifically, with comedy, a fresh take on romance, a unique story, and clean art style - this is that anime to a T. One thing I want to clear up before delving into it's premise is the type of show that this is. Most everywhere I have seen this show talked about, it is told that this is a shonen and sometimes it's depicted as a reverse harem. This show is neither of those. I would sooner classify it as a shoujo, since it's main themes are drama and romance, and it's certainly not a reverse harem. None of the other male characters are romantically interested in the female lead aside from the one male lead. So, if you were hoping for an action packed shonen or a reverse harem, keep looking!

The story follows high school age Miss Ririchiyo Shirakiin, part of the elite Shirakiin family who posess yokai powers. On episode one, her elite living quarters are introduced, a modernly styled tower with everything one could ever need - this is the main setting of the show and what everything revolves around. Very few residents stay at this mansion, as it is especially for those with powers and is protected by a force-field. Each of the residents have their very own secret service member that has powers as well. Miss Ririchiyo does not have a secret service member until she is approached at her door by an overly obedient gentleman, Mikitsukami, who begs to be able to serve her. 

What's most interesting about this show is that the powers and unique characters are all kind of just a side plot. The true story lies within the connection between Mikitsukami and Miss Ririchiyo. I can't say more about it, to avoid spoiling it for you. However, it's very good the way it all comes together if you can have patience to see it all finally revealed. 

PROS

As you can probably tell from my rating, this show mostly has positive aspects. First, it goes without saying, the animation and soundtrack are superb. The opening theme for this show is amazing, and I even downloaded it. I love the sound effect that happens on the commercial break sections - just perfect! All of the scenes were relaxing and serene, and the character designs were excellent. Speaking of characters, all of the characters were really quirky and unique, which added a lot of enjoyment to the show. Even very small side characters had distinct personalities; not one character came off as flat or uninteresting. The two side characters I enjoyed the most were Karuta and Watanuki. Karuta is an adorable girl with candy pink hair who is always off in the clouds with a vacant expression eating food. Watanuki, is a blonde boy with striking blue eyes who constantly trains to try and impress Karuta; even though he can never be stronger/ braver than her, she loves him the way he is.

Moving on to our two main characters, Mikitsukami and Miss Ririchiyo. I can't say a lot about Mikitsukami without ruining the plot, but let's just say... he is in fact a very interesting character. He turns into a nine tailed fox Yokai when defending his mistress, his normal character is designed as a dreamy Bishounen character with one golden eye and one sea blue eye. For the first half of the series his overlying character traits are extreme attention to detail, and over obedience. He appears very mysterious and polite to the audience as well as Miss Ririchiyo, but has an interesting back story that is revealed at the end describing his connection to and reason for being so attached to her. Miss Ririchiyo on the other hand, is a small loli style character with a cool attitude. When using her powers she has wings and small horns. She comes off as sarcastic and rude, but she instinctively acts this way, while feeling differently inside. Some might classify her as a tsundere, but if she is one, she is a much more played down version of one - seeing as she isn't feisty really. She is a mature and logical thinker, and it's fun to watch her accidentally fall for Mikitsukami. For the first half of the show, she truly believes she has an "irregular heartbeat" that needs to be checked out because of the way he makes her feel.

Lastly, for pros, the comedy and drama in this show are really well done and balanced. A lot of people don't categorize this as comedy, but I found it really funny! Especially the OVA episode, I was cracking up. As for the drama, none of it felt melodramatic; I enjoyed watching it play out and the mysteries beneath being revealed. I felt like the show had a lot of interesting content going on.

CONS

There really aren't a lot of cons with this one in my opinion. The only thing I can say is that I wish it had a second season so, so much. I don't think there is any plans for one though, so that's disappointing. I'm considering reading the source material for this because I really enjoyed the characters, which brings me to the next con. I wish there was more screen time for some of the side characters, but with a twelve episode show it's to be expected. 

Lastly for cons, I want to state that this show might not be for everyone. I loved it, but I understand that some people may find it boring or to niche for their tastes. I can't really point out why, but I think that will be the case for some people with this series.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I will always look back on this show with fond memories, Inu X Boku SS was stand out and highly enjoyable. I have awarded this show a 9.5 out of 10! If you think it would suit your fancy from my description above, I think you should watch it right now! There is a solid English Dub, for dub fans, and it's only 12 episodes - what do you have to lose?!  

The Devil is a Part-Timer! Anime Review

THE DEVIL IS A PART-TIMER SCORE: 8.25

INTRODUCTION & SYNOPSIS

The Devil is a Part-Timer is a unique, fun anime that I really enjoyed watching. I would classify it as comedy, slice-of-life with a bit of action and small doses of romance. It had all of the elements necessary to make a great story; however, it was cut short a little soon. Rounding out at just 13 episodes in length, with no second season out yet, that was a bit of a let-down. All of that aside, I still think it’s worth a watch, especially if you consider yourself a casual anime watcher.

Satan, from the underworld, king of evil-doing, is sent through a gate warp from his kingdom of Ente Isla into modern day Tokyo with one of his faithful generals Alciel. The two wander about the streets of Tokyo in human form trying to make sense of their circumstances, when they get mistaken as rambunctious cos-players and get taken into custody by the cops. Through a turn of events, the duo decide to put down roots in Tokyo, as they will be here for the foreseeable future. Satan himself, going by Sadao Maou in this world, gets a part time job as “Lord of the Fries!” at Mc “Ronald’s.” Thus, the title, “The Devil is a Part-Timer.” If I had to compare the concept of the show to something else, it’s like the comedy “Coming to America” with Eddie Murphy. People from a totally different world coming to the modern world and trying to get by. Heck, they even both get part-time jobs at McDonald’s!

PROS

The Devil is a Part-Timer made me laugh. It was a funny show and the characters were quite comical. Each character displays their own unique type of comedy whether it be dry humor, sarcasm, slap-stick, rude humor, dumb accident and even cutesy humor, which makes a well-rounded cast perfect for a comedic and casual show such as this. Additionally, most of the characters were very like-able, which makes you care enough about their plights to watch the show.

A lot of the humor also came from the circumstances the characters were put in. The situation of coming to modern day Tokyo, being Satan, being an angel, being a devil’s general, etc, humor comes from that. The setting and circumstance make for a unique show. Especially since things go in such a way that you don’t expect. The devil turning out to be a nice, happy-go-lucky guy who freaks out if he is even a little late to his part-time fast food job.

Lastly, I want to commend the animation and voice acting. I think it was superb. (I watched this in English Dub) Particularly, the language that they used for Ente Isla, while it was a fake language, it sounded extremely convincing!

CONS

As for cons of this series, I don’t have a lot really. Most tie in to the show’s length. I’m aware that the show is originally a light novel, so I know there is probably more content than what we were given. I am hoping that there is a season two! For example, the love triangle (ish) thing that forms between the Hero Emi, Satan, and one of his Mc Ronald’s employees Chiho was really interesting and I wanted to see how it all played out. That said, the show had a satisfying enough ending, but I wanted to see more.

Lastly for cons, the intro was super boring, and I skipped it every single time. It could have been better selected.

FINAL THOUGHTS

All and all, The Devil is a Part-Time is a solid comedy anime. All things considered, I have awarded it an 8.25 out of 10. If you are looking for a casual and fun show to watch by yourself or with friends, I highly recommend The Devil is a Part-Timer!

Dangan Ronpa: The Animation Anime Review

DANGAN RONPA: THE ANIMATION: SCORE 10.0

INTRODUCTION & SYNOPSIS

Yes, I know what your thinking, "Really?! A PERFECT Ten?!" Especially those of you who have played the visual novel; I'm sure you're really mad right now. But, it's true, I did not find flaws with this anime. I am judging it as a stand alone, and not comparing it to the game. I strongly believe that if you have not played the game and just watch the anime, you will love it. If you have played the game, I'm sure it's not as much to write home about considering it's basically the same story with less character development. Standing on its own though, it is really, really good. Dangan Ronpa is just an all around good story and franchise.

This is a mystery, horror (not "gore-or") anime with some psychological elements that will keep you glued to the screen episode after episode in suspense. We are introduced to a boy named Naegi who is excited to start his life in a new and prestigious school he worked quite hard to get in to. However, as he takes his very first step into the promise land, everything goes completely blank. He then wakes up in an iron clad classroom completely alone with no reach to the outside world. Over the intercom, he hears to meet in the gym. In the gym he convenes with 14 other young hopefuls who are just as confused and mystified as he. Then a creepy looking bear pops up.. to explain their fate. All 15 young captives are stuck in this school forever. Unless, they commit the perfect murder to one of their cohabitants. Once the corpse is found, the students have 24 hours to investigate, and then the trial begins. If the students can guess correctly who the murderer was, it is not the perfect crime, and so the murderer is executed in extravagant fashion in front of the jury. However, if they pin the murder on the wrong person, all of them die except the correct murder who walks away clean with their new-found freedom...

PROS

Dangan Ronpa has one of the best story lines I have ever scene, executed perfectly, keeping the truth behind the school a complete mystery until the very end. It has all of the elements needed for a great mystery. I can't give away too much more about the story line, as it would completely kill (no pun intended) the show for you. So let's jump into characters. Every character has something "super" about them that makes them special, such as being good at a sport, hobby, or way of life. There are only a few characters who get decent development along the way, but the ones who do are worth it. &While there isn't a ton of development for every character, it almost doesn't matter at all in this type of show. It's clear from the start that one character will be making it to the end - Naegi of course, our MC. The best thing about this though, is that we don't know who else is going to make it with him. We can't form any attachments to anyone, but that doesn't matter, because the audience has more fun figuring out who will be executed next. Which brings us to another pro, the trials.

Who will commit the next murder? What will their motives be? Who will they try to pin it on? All questions are raised when a new corpse is found. As the captives scrounge the scene for clues, the clock ticks until trial. Trials are the best part of this show, and if you aren't hooked by the first episode, you will be by the first trial. Every single time, I did not know who the murder was, and it was impossible to guess until the characters started bringing things to light and pin pointing evidence, which made it extremely interesting to hear, and in fact, even see. The visuals for the trial periods were insanely good, and made the atmosphere just right. Speaking of, all of the visuals were great in this anime. The art style was super unique and the horror style was too. Although the whole color pallet was turned dark for the animation, all blood was bright pink. I don't know what else to say about that, besides that it worked.

Lastly, the ending was gold. You will not see it coming, and it isn't disappointing in the least. The extravagance and trickery behind the school is shockingly satisfying to finally hear laid out after 10 or so episodes of wondering. Which brings us to the only (somewhat not really) flaw that I have tacked on at the end here: the show is short. If it were a full 24 episodes, I think it would have been even better.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As I'm sure you may have guessed by the lack of cons and rest, Dangan Ronpa earned a perfect 10 out of 10! Mysterious, Enthralling, Can't Get Enough horror and adventure. A classic toil between hope and despair. A must watch.


Watched on: Dubs2go.net

NEW Let's Play: Amnesia Memories

Welcome to a world you know nothing about.. Waking up with Amnesia, you have no choice left to go along with whatever you see and take it for face value. Your spirit guide Orion will help you along the way as you enter the first world - Heart World. This Otome has an anime adaptation, which I have reviewed here.

Thank you for watching <3

SoniAni: Super Sonico the Animation Anime Review

SoniAni: Super Sonico the Animation Score: 8.00

INTRODUCTION & SYNOPSIS

Super Sonico the Animation is a light-hearted, kawaii, slice of life, comedy series spanning just 12 episodes that was released last year. The show surrounds around Super Sonico, basically depicting a year in her busy and fun life. Most episodes begin with her over sleeping, finally to be woken up by her six little kittens; she dashes off to University on her bike where she is a Marine Biology Major. After school, it's off to her part-time modeling gigs, where the photographers near always try to take advantage of Sonico's naivety, leaving her mysterious yet over-protective manager to have to step in. After that, she helps her out at her grandma's restaurant serving beers to the lively regulars. Finally, she ends the day with band practice because she is, of course, the lead singer and guitarist in First Astronomical Velocity with her two best friends. Wasn't kidding when I said busy right? Now throw events, helping others, and mishaps in the mix for a real whirlwind of a day!

PROS

This series really took me by surprise, as it was surprisingly quite enjoyable! Let me preface this by saying I typically find it difficult to enjoy a series with no romance. This series was straight up fluffy, slice of life, comedy with no romance, and it was still quite good! I also find it hard to get through series with fan service, and this show pushed it a little bit in that respect - yet it wasn't a road block for this series in my opinion! To me, this was easy-going entertainment. My favorite thing about this show was just watching it's super kawaii-ness.

The lifeline of the show is its interesting characters, and that's all you really have to go off of in an SL/comedy since there isn't a clear story line. Each one had a unique and dynamic personality that was never one-sided. Everyone had angles and more to them than an arch-type. Of course, there is the main character Sonico who is the cheery and fun type of girl. The show is seen through her eyes, and I did like her a lot. I found her to be very amiable; We definitely get to see her grow, which is great. Some stand-out side characters I will mention are Sonico's band mates, her manager, and the upperclassman who gave Sonico her guitar. Sonico's band mates are Suzu and Fury; Suzu is the super confident bassist and band founder who always looks out for Sonico and Fury, while Fury is the food-obsessed drummer always eating pork buns and providing comic relief. All three of them had great chemistry when together, especially in the zombie episode! Then, there is Sonico's manager Kitamura, who we never see the real face of, as he is always wearing a demon mask. I found him to be particularly funny and kind-hearted. His best moments being in the Okinawa episodes. I also really enjoyed the episode where Sonico receives her guitar, Daydream. She receives it from an upperclassman who is really cool and in to rock and roll. She gets Sonico to be who she is today and brings out her confidence. It was very heart-felt, and I think any guitar/ music fan would enjoy it. Also as honorable mentions, the few people Sonico meets throughout the episodes and helps have really interesting mini stories and personalities.

Last, let's talk animation; stellar. The colors were popping off the screen, but not too much so. The character designs were on point, and the intro and endings were great. Specifically, the endings, as they were quite unique. At the end of each show, it was a different full blown music video for one of Sonico's songs. Some of my favorites were when she was a giant walking through Tokyo, and the zombie apocalypse one! On that note, the music was really nice, and voice acting on par. I will note, if you watch the English Dub, her speaking voice isn't going to match her singing voice at all as they keep the music the same, sung in Japanese. I liked the music that way, so it didn't bother me, but just as a heads up.

CONS

As for the cons, there are only a few. First, I would have liked if there was more of a story-line, so that a season two could be feasible. Many of the episodes were quite random, lacking in backstory and connection. For example, there is one episode in which Sonico takes a "soul searching" journey with no real destination in mind, and it comes totally out of the blue. You're left confused, and it was honestly a pointless episode, which is really bad if the show is only 12 episodes long. Sometimes episodes came out of the blue in a good way, but not always. 

Additionally, there are a few cons with Super Sonico herself. For one, why does she sleep, bathe, and live every waking moment with head phones on? It makes no sense. I don't mind it; however, it would have been nice to be given an explanation. I think, it's because she is a vocaloid, but this is never determined; no one even seems to notice. The only other issue I think people may have with her is that her life, and she herself, are a unrealistic. I think that's part of what makes it fun though.

Lastly, because I am a die-hard romance fan, I was super disappointed that there was nothing between her and her manager Kitamura. I felt like there was something when he protected her in the Okinawa episode, but nothing ever resurfaces after that. Big let down.

FINAL THOUGHTS

All and all Soni-Ani: Super Sonico the Animation was quite the enjoyable anime. It especially impresses me because of it's genre. Thus, I have awarded it an 8 out of 10! If you like girly, fun shows, and are okay with no romance, then give this a watch! I hope that they make a season two!

NEW Let's Play: My Last First Kiss

I'm so excited to announce another new series on my channel! It's "My Last First Kiss." &I am excited because this is Voltage's newest game so far (Butlers Until Midnight premiers next month), so this one is top notch, with more songs, better animation, and backgrounds. I thought at first it would be too similar to "Dreamy Days in West Tokyo," which is a really good Visual Novel, but rest assured "My Last First Kiss" is completely different, the only similarity being adorable childhood flash backs! It starts out with a dramatic flashback. You confess your one-sided love to Hiro in the poring rain. Rejected, your childhood friend Ayato is by your side to cheer you up. Flash forward to six years later, none other than Hiro himself is the head of your new work project... could it have been written in the stars? Unfortunately for you, it's not so likely.. However, Lady Luck may still be on your side yet as you re-unite with 5 childhood friends on the rooftop. Will one of these men be your Last First Kiss?

As a final note, I will still be continuing Be My Princess - switching off between the two each day for those of you who aren't in to Prince/Princess stuff. Hope that's okay- Enjoy lots of new videos coming your way! <3