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Synopsis:
Shigofumi, a letter from the dead. The one last attempt from someone to contact the living to say their last words before finally moving on. Fumika is a mail carrier that delivers the shigofumi but she is not set to the job alone as she carries a special staff named Kanaka that not only provides magical assistance but also wisdom in a time of need. Although Fumika is concerned with nothing more then the task at hand through her most recent deliveries she begins to learn about her previous life in the mortal world. However, unlike other mail carriers, not all of her ties to the realm of the living have been broken as Fumika carries one shigofumi that has yet to be delivered...
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 13
Review:
When Shigofumi first started I almost thought that this series was going to follow a bland routine of showing a letter from the dead delivery and it's adverse emotional affects. But this was pushed aside after two episodes as the series not only tells a mini-story with each episode but also holds it's focus on the main characters as well. This is what really drew me into the series as Fumika is a cold and emotionless girl with only one thing in mind, deliver the letter and move onto the next job. But Shigofumi not only presents you with an interesting story in each episode but also unlocks a little bit of Fumika's personality and mysterious past each time giving you two story lines that run parallel throughout the series.
It was interesting to see how my focus changed from wondering what effect each letter would have on a person to wanting to know more about Fumika herself. The series does this extremely well and will soon have you pushing aside the main story and put your attention to the characterization instead. But, you know what? That's fine, because Shigofumi doesn't force your attention to one story element or another but yet seems to know what your interest is at that point in time and gives you the right amount of depth that you're looking for.
Shigofumi is a fantastic series that not only tells a great story with excellent animation but also gives you one hell of an interesting anti-hero... Fumika.
Shigofumi (opening and closing)
Recommendation: |High|
Synopsis:
In the distant future humanity is no longer restricted to life on Earth as it has now inhabited multiple planets throughout the universe. Technology has gone beyond anyone's wildest dreams and as humanity grows so does everyone's political stand points and styles of government used across space which also causes an increase in crime. To keep the peace and laws enforced the GOTT was formed, Galactic Organization of Trade and Tariffs, or a kind of Galactic Police more or less as they not only enforce the law but also keep the peace by performing odd jobs such as protecting political figures or enforcing peace treaties. The GOTT has a special unit called ES that contains 16 superpowered individuals, two of which are Eclair and Lumiere, that are the focus of our story. After a variety of relatively simple missions Elclaire and Lumiere are sent to planet Aure to prevent a violent uprising of it's citizens against it's own government run by a race called the Nouvelesse. But what Eclaire later learns is that the planets citizens were actually enslaved by the Nouvelesse and Eclaire begins to question her orders to support this dictatorship. Later, during a violent stand off between the people of the city and the local military Eclaire realizes she can no longer condone the senseless slaughter of innocent people simply because they are protesting for a better life and turns against the Nouvelesse military and, with the support of her partner Lumiere, manage to destroy most of the militant opposition within a matter of minutes. Although Eclaire and Lumiere are now hailed as saviors of the planet Arue they are now the target of every GOTT member with only one order, execution. Not about to lie down and die Eclaire and Lumiere take off to find out more about the dark side of this galactic law enforcement that they've been employed by for so long.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 24
Review:
Kiddy Grade is a different style of anime which takes something potentially typical and really complicates it, which in this case, it's a very good thing as it's refreshing. As the series starts it just looks like you're getting the usual good looking underage superbabes with ridiculous powers going on a new mission in every episode. They get an assignment, go there, blow tons of shit up and look good doing it with scantily clad space outfits and gratuitous panty shots, and the day is saved. Kiddy Grade puts things on a different level because about the time you start to get bored with this routine the show mixes things up and brings out the real plot it's been hiding all along and reaches out grabs you and pulls you back in. Now, you're watching a plot that gets thicker and thicker with each passing episode which has you wondering if Eclaire and Lumiere will ever get out of the hole they've dug themselves with numerous obstacles that are piling up against them. While all this is going on the series also does a magnificent job of dropping in a few episodes to help explain Eclaires super strength, why Lumiere can control anything with a computer, and why neither of them have aged in almost a hundred years all the while maintaining that sense of hopelessness throughout the latter part of the series. So, enjoy the uber-babeness in the first few episodes because that quickly fades and is replaced with betrayal, espionage, and shadows of the past that bring forth the question of what really is true friendship. This really is a great series by taking it's really shallow looking exterior and hiding away the overly complicated plot that lies within which makes for one awesome show. The animation is top notch, the women are hot (that's always a plus), the right amount of sci-fi action, and the plot has some great twists that present themselves at just the right time. There are no other story arcs to follow as you'll be with Eclaire and Lumiere for the entire 24 episode ride which is fine since things will get complicated enough because even in the future, nothing is ever as easy as it seems.
Kiddy Grade (opening and closing)
Recommendation: |High|
Online viewing: Available at FUNimation's website -
Kiddy Grade (English dubbed) - Sorry guys... no subs, shit dub only
Media type: DVD
From: FUNimation
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
Synopsis:
Jun Sakurada is self absorbed punk that relies on his sister to take care of him. He suffers from Agoraphobia or Hikikomori and spends all of his time in his room browsing the internet and because of the he tends to yell at everyone that tries to talk to him which has now been narrowed down to his sister Nori. Jun has developed a strange hobby of purchasing strange and bizarre things online only to send them back before the return policy expires. One day he gets a letter telling him that he's won a prize and if he wants it to answer "yes" or "no" and to put the letter in his desk drawer and a spirit will take his response. Well, with all the weird things he's bought lately Jun went ahead and accepted his prize and as soon as he closes the drawer and opens again the letter is gone and in the middle of the room an elaborate leather suitcase with a gold monogrammed rose appears in the middle of the room. Curious, Jun opens the case and sees an extremely detailed female aristocratic looking doll laying within and a gold key next to it. Naturally, he picks it up and admires the quality and decides to wind up the doll. After a few seconds he can hear the small mechanics within start to move as the dolls eyes open and the first thing she does... is slap Jun across the face and says she doesn't like to be man-handled. She explains that her name is Shinku that she is the fifth of seven dolls made by the legendary creator Rozen but as she is telling her story Jun is assaulted by a psychotic clown doll that seems to come from nowhere. Shinku tells him that if he wants to stay alive that he must enter a pact with her and become her servant, panicked, Jun accepts and Shinku quickly disposes of the psycho clown and a ring of servitude appears on Jun's finger. As Shinku's unwilling servant he starts learning to deal with his anti-social disorder but Shinku also in turn learns of Jun's modern world and that not everything centers around her.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 12
Review:
Rozen Maiden is a great series that has the right running time of 12 episodes and presents itself in a light-hearted manner for all types of plot aspects like, comedy, drama, even a little action. It has a very interesting story that applies to the Rozen Maidens themselves (the dolls) and each one is unique with her own attitude, look, and vocal style which really stands out and gives them their own remarkable individuality. Each of the Rozen Maidens learn about sisterhood instead of fighting and while this happens Jun is finding himself being drawn into their squabbles as he slowly realizes that he's overcoming his own psychological disorder and begins to fight his own personal demons. This series presents a great message about self discovery through tough love and that everyone has a good side to them no matter how deeply it's buried, you just have to read between the lines sometimes.
My take on this series? It's wonderful, I actually thought it was going to be this overly cutesy goofball comedy and it's not... not even close. Sure, it's funny at times but doesn't rely on stupid gimmicks to make you laugh nor does it try to smash the viewer with complicated drama either. Instead, the series mixes everything with an interesting enough story that you will be pressed to go from episode to episode to learn more of the Rozen Maidens and if Jun will overcome his personal fears while becoming more mature in his own way. Even though the show is a few years old the animation is superb and the orchestrated soundtrack fits perfectly with the look and style of the Maidens with it's semi gothic undertone. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There is a season 2, Rozen Maiden Traumend, but it's no where near the accomplishment of season 1 as it had too many loose ends and incomplete story arcs where as season 1 had closure and you could just simply stop there and be satisfied. But, if you're like me and there is a next season to any anime you like you'll watch it regardless.
Rozen Maiden (opening)
Rozen Maiden (ending)
Recommendation: |High|
Media type: DVD
From: FUNimation/Geneon
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
Synopsis:
Lucy, one of a race of mutated humans called a Diclonius, has just escaped from a government research facility that had been studying her bizarre race. The Diclonius are born with a rare disease that give them two cat-ear like horns and are able to control transparent telekinetic "vectors" which can be used from simple things such as moving items around to destroying anything within it's reach. For seven years Lucy had been tested and tortured but endured everything until her time came for revenge upon her captors and life itself and eventually escapes by carving a path of destruction and with no regard for human life she makes her way to the outside world. Before she gets away however Lucy is shot at with a .50 caliber rifle that breaks a metal helmet she still had on her head and knocks her into the sea. The next day while at the beach, university student Kohta finds Lucy battered and bruised on the beach but the only thing she is capable of saying is "Nyuu" and she isn't even aware of her surroundings. Since Kohta is a maintenance man for his cousin's inn he takes Lucy (who he calls Nyuu since that's all she knows how to say) to the inn to take care of her and maybe help her recover her memory.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 14 (13 + 1 OVA)
Review:
Watching the first seven minutes of Elfen Lied is like having a championship boxer punch you in the gut with all his strength and leave his fist there while grinning right in your face. This is how Elfen Lied attacks you upon your initial view as this series throws senseless blood and violence your way with a no holds barred attitude. Simply put, Elfen Lied is an amazingly powerful series that will have you questioning the length at which revenge can be taken. Through the 14 episodes you learn about Lucy's past and how she is connected to Kohta while the government makes it's move to try and locate Lucy and eliminate her at any cost. What's scary is how Elfen Lied presents it's cast of characters and how they are all tied together somehow by some coincidence and everyone's life has an impact to the main story whether it be past or present. You can't decide whether to love or hate Lucy/Nyuu as you'll question that if her means of revenge are overcompensating her saddened past or if Nana (another Diclonius) is being too naive in her attempt to please everyone around her by doing the right thing no matter what may happen to her. With a few plot twists and a haunting tale of revenge, humanity, the reclaiming of forgotten pasts, and an ending that will linger in your mind for a long time to come... Elfen Lied should not be missed
Elfen Lied (trailer)
Recommendation: |Extremely High|
Media type: DVD
From: Section23/ADV
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
Synopsis:
Set in the fantasy world of Guardia, our story takes place in some unknown time as we see young Red Lynx sky pirate Coud Van Giruet (or just Coud) about to embark on another raid for treasure. However, the rest of the crew isn't so fond of having Coud tag along since he tends to act before thinking which causes more trouble for than the Red Lynx than any enemy that they face. Excluded from the recent raid Coud decides to check out the teams most recent plunder in the store room and finds a coffin. Curious, he takes a closer look and see that it contains a young girl with a huge jewel that is just laying on top of her seemingly lifeless body. Well, since no one is looking, Coud decides to take a closer look at the jewel but when he removes it the girl awakens and her first words she says to him after an awkward moment of silence is "I hate all humans." then slowly walks away. As Coud is about to go after her the ship is suddenly attacked by some unknown military force determined to take the girl they found away, but for some unknown reason Coud decides to protect this strange girl named Reverie Metherlence from everyone. When Coud and Reverie are both backed into a corner during the fight she reveals her true identity as an Elemental Gelade, a living weapon, and fuses with Coud as a giant sword on his right arm. After a lengthy fight Coud learns that Reverie (or Ren) wants nothing more than to find her homeland, with a smile on his face Coud says he promises to help her no matter what it takes.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 26
Review:
I'll admit, when I first started watching this anime I was really put off by the animation and the somewhat lame setting it started with. But, when the shows saving grace, Ren, hit the screen I felt like I was slapped in the face as what I was watching was telling me "take another look..." and her character made me sit up and pay more attention and watch Elemental Gelade from a new angle. From the very first episode this series will actually present you with two stories that walk hand in hand very well from beginning to end one being the overall story about the gelades as humanoid weapons and then the other about relationship of Coud and Ren. But at one point the main story starts to get overshadowed by their mysterious romance and at you'll start losing focus on the main story and start finding yourself going from episode to episode wondering what will happen with Ren and Coud instead.
But you know what? This won't bother you in the least because this fantasy style romance is so well paced that it's what really makes this series unique in it's own way. It's interesting to watch Ren cope with feelings even though she doesn't know what they are and Coud accepts Ren as a person and not a weapon of power and the difference in species doesn't affect him at all.
Although the overall story is a bit weak and the animation kind of dated looking, the extremely powerful romance presented here more than makes up for everything. When it's all said and done you'll get complete closure that might even leave a smile on your face. Recommended to watch at least once if anything, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Elemental Gelade (opening)
Recommendation:|Above Average|
Media type: DVD
From: Geneon/FUNimation
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
Synopsis:
What if everything you had, everyone you knew, was gone in an instant? Would you actually miss them? Would you realize you were taking everything for granted? Maybe the real person behind your mask would finally reveal itself when faced with this dilemma. These are the questions self absorbed little brat Mirai Onozawa asks herself when her and her younger brother Yuki are caught in a massive earthquake while visiting Odaiba for a robot exhibition. The little boy that she found to once be annoying becomes a beacon of strength for her to return home with through a city ravaged by mother nature.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 11
Review:
Here we have a show taking on somewhat of a different angle in terms of storytelling. What we get is a show that tells us about how mankind works together when opposing an uncontrollable force, the Earth itself. As you watch you see everyone does what they can to help each other survive in a time of desperation and also explores the outcome of such devastation. But that's not Tokyo Magnitudes main focus either as it also shows how these turn of events affect one girl and her self-centeredness when she's given the mass destruction she wished would happen for so long. Her outlook on life changes as she realizes she needs to open up and rely on others and also that life at home isn't so bad. As the turn of events unfold she starts to regret her attitude towards her family, and now the young little brother she found so annoying is now her only reason to return home. At first, I completely despised Mirai and just wished someone would slap the shit out of her but as the show progressed you actually begin to understand her bitterness somewhat when she begins to realize how unwarranted it was. Mirai's character growth is amazingly well portrayed and will have an impact on the audience in that you just can't bring yourself to hate this girl like you once did in the very beginning.
Now if you're thinking "An Earthquake destroys Tokyo? Awesome! Let the body-count rise!" Let me stop you right there because that's not what the show is about. It's more like about what happens *after* the Earthquake and how people deal with it. No one person is looking out for themselves but rather what they can do to work together to survive against an un-opposable force. What you get is a remarkable, yet sad, coming of age story of human survival. An excellent and short anime that is worth it's small time investment
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 (opening)
Recommendation: |High|
Synopsis:
Mahoro is a battle android, she is extremely powerful and fast but being revered as the greatest fighting machine ever created has it's price... she has a rather short life span of only a few years. As our story opens we see Mahoro being given a choice from her superiors, retire with a remaining life span of 398 days or continue to fight which will shorten her life span to just 30 days. With an old debt to repay Mahoro retires and heads to Earth to look after Suguru Misato a junior high student whose father happened to be Mahoro's commander that she was forced to kill during an alien terrorist attack. Unbeknownst to Suguru that his father was even a space commander, he hires Maharo as a maid to take care of him since living on his own has started to take it's toll.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 26
Review:
What we have here is a potentially great premise for an over the top hilarious series, but as it turns out it's only average at best... and that's giving more credit than it's due. What this anime wants to do is combine two types of story telling of comedy and dramatic sci-fi and in the end it's shoving way too many story elements in your face and tries to give you closure in a very short period of time. The series could have worked better had only one path been followed but instead it feels like the show goofs off with showing you things like Mahoro cleaning the house, a school festival, Suguru hiding his porn collection, and then towards the end... a near death android battle which, while cool, was out of place with the rest of the events in the season. It doesn't help that all the characters except for Mahoro and Suguru that go with this plot are easily forgettable and you probably won't even remember their names during the show nor will you care. Even the relationship between Mahoro and Suguru seemed to be stuck in neutral until the very end where the series tries to wrap that all up with one episode which only felt like it was taking the easy way out before rolling the credits.
With primitive animation and it's lazy plot that has you going through the motions and then tries to tie all it's loose ends within the last two episodes of the second season, Mahoromatic isn't one I'd recommend all that much. Granted the show does have it's moments but the heavy sci-fi undertone could have been dropped altogether to make this a fun series... but instead, all it does is dig plot holes leaving one of the worst told final episodes I have seen to date. Although semi-enjoyable, by passing on this series you're not missing much.
A tribute to Mahoromatic
Recommendation: |Below Average|
Media type: DVD
From: Hentai Filmworks (Hm? What's that? Whoops, my bad...) I meant Sentai Filmworks
Spoken languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
