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?!  

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