Today in Class 5-2

Synopsis:

Ryouta Sato is just your average grade school kid, he goes to school everyday and... well... you know what? Let's follow Ryouta and see exactly what happens on a typical day at school for a 5th grader...

Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 4


Review:

That short loli series that contains almost (key word, almost) everything you wanted from an anime has been hiding under our noses until now. Okay, okay... I apologize for the skimpy synopsis but there really isn't much more to this series then that. We get to see Ryouta deal with daily school life but things are a bit more interesting than they sound as this series is loaded with fanservice, ecchiness, and sexual innuendo wrapped in a slice of life setting that can involve anything from how boring the library is or finding someones lost set of bloomers... even a memory about a promise of marriage. This series walks the tightrope without moving to one extreme or another making it a highly enjoyable, albeit short, show that even you closet lolicons will have fun watching.

If you're looking for some in-depth plot or detailed characterization, you may want to look elsewhere... it's not here. This is the type of anime that you view at face value and just accept it for what it is, a simplistic slice-of-school-life comedy series from the loli side of things.

With decent animation and a shallow plot, on your next weekend or day off work, pop some popcorn and crack open a beer... or your favorite beverage, sit back and just watch all four episodes in a row as the next 2 hours will fly by.

Today in Class 5-2 (opening)

Recommendation: |Above Average|

Popotan

Synopsis:

There really is no specific timeframe for Popotan as it revolves around three sisters Ai, Mai, and Mii and their robotic maid Mea... and a squirky ferret named Unagi. For some unknown reason, the girls are looking for "The One" as they time travel from one location to another with the help of their mysterious house which leaps into the future or the past on a whim. As they travel throughout time and space the eldest sister, Ai, talks to flowers that they call Popotan to help them locate the "The One" and try and find a meaning to their journey. But things become increasingly difficult as spending time in any present location the girls become attached to the people they encounter only to have that freindship shattered as they must leap to another parallel universe leaving everything behind in an instant. But, as the journey unfolds are they really leaving anything behind or gaining a much stronger bond amongst themselves that can't be broken?


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 12


Review:

With Popotan, I really didn't know what to expect. But, within the first 5 minutes I was given a good amount of fanservice as all the main characters were quickly introduced in a very lighthearted manner. It did catch my attention and set the stage for the rest of the series quite nicely as I began to watch how these four girls had an impact on everyone they came in contact with on their travels and even brings to fruition the question of "What will you choose, friends or family?" This type of predicament weighs heavy on everyone and this is where this series piques your interest on what will the 3 sisters choose when they encounter different people from a variety of timeframes. The show does a great job of showing the viewer that what you may have been looking for all along was always right in front of your face... you just needed a little help to see it. Popotan it a decent show but it falls a little flat in the characterization department because you're never given any reason where the sisters came from, why they travel through time, whats with the magical ability to talk to flowers, or who really is "The One" which may having you scratching your head... hell, you may even wonder why the girls spend 50% of each episode in the nude as they seem to talk about personal matters in the bathtub.

Although not ecchi, Popotan is a fanservice fueled anime with an interesting story that has a bit of trouble explaining itself. It's not a bad show but, not great either as it's interesting to see once but beyond that, it'll be a memory...

Popotan (opening)

Recommendation: |Average|

Yotsunoha

Synopsis:

At the abandoned school of Mochizuki Academy four friends, Makoto Yuki, Nono Nekomiya, Iori Yuzuki, and Matsuri Amachi, meet together after not seeing each other for the last three years to dig up a time capsule that contains childhood memories. However, upon arrival they discover that a former teacher named Yamamoto has taken the time capsule and hidden it somewhere else on the school grounds while leaving clues to where it might be located. As they search for the clues the four also reminisce about days gone by and Makoto comes to a realization that he has always been in love with a girl not for her looks but for her dedication and kindness towards him and those near to her. With the help of Makoto's friends he now knows that it's time to stop hiding behind an emotional barrier and let his true feelings be known.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 2 (It's only 2 40-minute or so episodes)


Review:

So you're checking out your romance anime collection and I already know what you're thinking... "Hey, what is it with all these big breasted hoo-ha floozies with legs that go up to their neck getting all the love? Where's the romance for the diminutive flat-chested shapely cuties out there?" I know right? And hell... I couldn't agree with you more! Well now you can rejoice somewhat because that's when I found a short OVA series called Yotsunoha. Now, with only 2 measly episodes I really didn't expect much of Yotsohuna but it gave me a light-hearted romance story told with plot devices that are nothing new to us. But, the thing that I liked about Yotsunoha is that it's a loli romance that looks deeper than the surface to determine how Makoto is feeling as he's locked his true feelings away for so many years. There is no fanservice and it's not ecchi in the slightest but it's more about seeing how Makoto's friends help him realize how he can love someone no matter what they look like... and Nono tips the cuteness scale in her favor. Yotsonuha really is nothing new in terms of story-telling but uses it's characters in way that isn't touched upon all that much in being a loli romance. It's a heart-warming story with very little conflict that leaves a feel-good impression overall when everything is said and done.

I enjoyed it probably more than others will so take my suggestion with a grain of salt as I can see where some, if not most, will find this a boring waste of time. I'd actually like to see anime of this type in a more serious manner but I have yet to find one. As a romance, Yotsohuna is good, as an innocent loli romance... it's very good. If you're looking for more then that, then pass... I only wish it there could have been more episodes but for it's short time frame it works extremely well.

Yotsunoha (opening)

Recommendation: |Above Average|

Boys Be...

Synopsis:

Teenage romance has it's ups and downs but what if it was seen from a guys point of view? Boys Be... focuses on all aspects of romance while following three friends, Kyoichi Kanzaki, Yoshihiko Kenjo, Makoto Kurumizawa, through one year of high-school. Although this year is full of loneliness, questionable feelings, unrequited love, and missed opportunities towards the female gender.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 13


Review:

Looking at romance from the male side of things eh? Sounds somewhat interesting but the overall concept fails miserably as it could only be seen as if you were looking though the eyes of a woman. As your average Joe Schmoe I'm almost appalled at the direction this series went. Most men I know are not concerned with how blue the sky is, or how beautiful flowers are in the rain, or going out together to pick out clothing that went out of style in the 80's to impress their girlfriends. Romance from a male's point of view eh? Yeah, If we were all a bunch of overly sensitive homos that are in touch with our "inner feelings"... give me a break.

(sigh)

But, let's look at the anime itself. First of all the animation is extremely poor, the lack of detail and disproportional character designs really push you away right off the mark. The plot is heavily cliched and offers nothing new that you haven't already seen before and the thing is that the show tries to pull you back in by throwing in some romantic conflict but it feels unwarranted, rushed, and practically pointless. The characters themselves are almost impossible to connect with as they whine about the most trivial matters but to make things worse... it's coming from a guy making him look like a pansy. Bad animation, lame plot devices, and poor characterization that could only exist in fantasy-land, Boys Be... should be avoided at all costs and if you combined all the episodes together it would make for one long chick-flick.

Hey, when I hang out with the guys it usually consists of drinking beer, eating pizza, belching, farting, and scratching my ass while watching some horror or action flick. But hey, that's just me and that's what made it so hard to connect with this series as I like romance anime but this one was spending way too much time in the make-believe world... pass on this.

Boys Be... (opening)

Recommendation: |Low|

Lovely Complex

Synopsis:

She's 170cm tall, and he's only 156 cm and I... I don't get metrics at all. Anyway, Risa and Otani are the most mismatched couple of people you will ever meet. Constantly arguing about the most trivial of matters but this is what keeps them together and hanging out with one and other. However, when it comes to the simplest of things, whether it be a waterslide ride, ordering the newest item on the menu, or just a ride on a rickshaw, Risa and Otani are the first in line to try it together. Even though Otani just sees this as hanging out with a good, yet annoying, friend... Risa's outlook towards Otani starts to change and starts to see things from a romantic aspect as she can't imagine what life would be like without him.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 24


Review:

Within the first couple of episodes Lovely Complex comes at you with some truly hilarious comedy as you watch how Risa and Otani are a duo that only compliment each other. But, about a 4th of the way into the series that comedy starts to fade as the dramatic aspect of the series comes in to take it's place. And these two that you once laughed at start to weigh heavy on the heart as Risa's feelings become those of love however Otani doesn't know how to respond as he prefers things as they are now. Lovely Complex then becomes a tale of male tsundere as he wants to be with Risa... just not romantically. The thing is... Otani isn't a completely heartless jerk and though his true emotions are hidden, Risa's constant attempts to convey her feelings also help Otani to realize what he's been fighting all along... that maybe Risa really is the only person suited for him. Luckily for us, Risa is not a timid girl and when things don't go her way she knows how to apply force to get the message across...

The main issue with this series though is that it could have been wrapped up in 12 or 13 episodes but drags things out for 24. Although this isn't a bad thing, it does waste time showing Risa fighting for Otani's heart, then giving up, then fighting again, then giving up, then fighting yet again. Some of the episodes should have been devoted to some character depth of Risa's friends or some other side stories but it doesn't and the focus stays on the main characters the entire time which almost (key word, almost) delves into the realm of boredom but manages not to. However, I gotta give some credit to the last episode as it brings back that comedy you initially started with and has you laughing at the series all over again. The animation is a tad lacking, Risa is not a hot babe nor is Otani some suave debonair guy, but... that's what I liked as it gave the show a refreshing turn of events. Although not fantastic, give it a try while waiting for that next great anime.

Lovely Complex (AMV)

*Note - There are spoilers in the AMV but it's done very well.

Recommendation: |Above Average|

Canvas 2

Synopsis:

Hiroki Kamikura has recently landed a job as an art teacher in training at Nadesico Academy. Although he is a renowned artist from his previous works he has now put down the paintbrush and refuses to paint anymore for reasons unknown everyone, even to his cousin who resides with him, Elis Housen. Even though Elis is a student in Hiroki's class he must learn to delicately balance his training position as an art teacher along with his home life with Elis but his professional and private life begin to intermix when one evening while grocery shopping, Elis becomes comatose after seeing the color red from a stoplight. Hiroki wants to help her overcome her fear of the color red as it could hinder her artistic future but then also learns that a childhood friend that confessed her love to him, Kiri Kikyou, has become the physical education teacher at the academy also. Juggling his private, social, and professional life has now become more difficult as they all begin to blend together into one life changing experience.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 24


Review:

Simply put, Canvas 2 is a romance, and there really is nothing extra to add to it. The series quickly introduces you to the relationship between Hiroki and Elis as she has strong feeling towards him since he has always taken care of her and even taught her how to draw but Hiroki is on the thick-headed side and only looks at what's on the surface not reading between the lines. With this the show will string you along for a while making you wonder if Elis will ever get through to him but at that point the show does throw you a curveball by bringing in a childhood friend Kiri whose previous feelings for Hiroki are still present. As you may think this would cause some greater conflict... it really doesn't making Hiroki's dense personality the real troublemaker.

Canvas 2 does have a good amount of character depth but the downside is that once you discover something in the past or what skeletons lurk in someones closet it comes across as a very poor excuse to try and explain anything. As a romance, this is a great series even though it suffers from trying to tie up loose ends and realization of inner emotions all within the last episode but it still presents the viewer with a great ending after the credits have rolled. So if you're hoping for some great love conflict full of heavy drama, this isn't it... it's more of a show that has you watching each character deal with their own inner emotions with a little help from close friends.

Canvas 2 presents you with some decent animation and a somewhat interesting plot, I do recommend watching it at least once... but it's the type of show where after watching it, you'll forget about it.

Canvas 2 (opening)

Canvas 2 (opening remix)

Recommendation: |Average|

UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie

Synopsis:

In the distant future, Earth is not the only source of life and has become the home of many lifeforms throughout the universe. And in this vast and ever growing world we have one lone guy Kazuto. Kazuto Tokino has just inherited his grandfathers bathhouse and despite all odds that are against him he decides to keep the place open. With the lack of funds and his own parents telling him he is wasting his time and effort, only his sister Rika tries to help him but even so she tells him that he's dug himself a money pit that he has no hope of escaping from. Kazuto thinks that things couldn't get any worse, but when out of nowhere a spaceship crashes into the Tokino bathhouse and lands right on him he begins to see his life fade and how he has let everyone in his family down. But, before Kazuto goes to the light from beyond, he sees an angel that tells him she will give him part of her soul to spare his life for the mistake she has made as she kisses him squarely on the lips. When Kazuto comes to, he is told that the space princess Valkyrie accidentally crashlanded her spaceship on the bathhouse killing him but she saved his life by sharing half of her soul with him. The side effect, Valkyrie is also reduced to half her age to that of an 8 year old and the only thing that can restore her is a kiss from Kazuto... although she can only remain as a buxom 16 year old temporarily and therefore the two are eternally bonded together sharing the same soul.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 33 (spanning 4 seasons, OVAs included)


Review:

I've got 4 seasons of episodes to cram into a review so bear with me. Basically we've got the alien babe comes to Earth and falls in love with the average Joe type of anime. But this time we get the added twist of having Valkyrie in the body of an 8 year old and the first season basically focuses on watching Kazuto deal with this. This may seem funny at first but you might get a tad annoyed with it as Valkyrie's physical form changes to that of an 8 year but so does her mentality and some of the episodes are like... babysitting episodes. Thankfully, Ultramaiden starts throwing some seriously crazy-ass characters your way amidst all this like the Vallhalla family's high maid cat-woman, rival princess Hydra who also gets turned into an 8 year old but keeps her adult mentality, Princess Chorus who thinks she's a robot, and princess Laine that travels back in time and meets up with past and present versions of herself just to hang out with her ditzy self. What this show lacks in storytelling more than makes up for it with some bizarre characters that will have you laughing and scratching your head at the same time.

Never have I watched a show quite like this since Ah! My Goddess. It covers just as much ground and then some by catering to pretty much all genres in character types. The only downside is that our main characters, Kazuto and Valkyrie, might seem boring as Kazuto is a down to earth straightforward guy that loves Valkyrie, faults and all, and she loves him unconditionally which makes them almost too perfect for each other. Don't let that deter you from watching as this series never fails to throw enough crazy story arcs your way that will keep you watching till the end and covers all character types. From lolis to big breasted babes with nipples hard enough to poke your eyes out if you stare too long, and even an episode of shota... this series not only gives you some great characters but also enough comedy, romance, and drama to make it one enjoyable show from beginning to end. My big complaint... I want MOAR!!!

UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie (opening)

Recommendation: |Above Average|

Hyakko

Synopsis:

Ayumi Nonomura is having a little trouble on her first day of high school... she's lost. Having no idea where her next class is she wanders the campus grounds looking for a familiar area or someone to at least point her in the right direction with no luck. Eventually she comes across Tatsuki Iidzuka and asks for help but doesn't get a straight answer and after following her for a while Ayumi realizes... they are both lost. About to give up hope, Ayumi and Tatsuki happen across a girl that is jumping out of a window... from the second floor of the school! After a most ungraceful landing followed by another girl... they introduce themselves as Torako and Suzume, who are also lost, but intend to get to the next class by following a straight line across the school grounds. Torako turns to Ayumi and invites her and Tatsuki to follow them to find out just where the next class is. Unbeknownst to everyone, one of the most unique people they will ever meet, Torako, has just become a part of their lives.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 13


Review:

Simply put, Hyakko is a very underrated yet highly enjoyable series. Why? Because it does something that no other series I have seen does, it has no plot... zip, zilch, zero! Instead, it relies on characterization to progress the series and it does a very good job of it. Each episode of Hyakko will put it's focus on one character for maybe 10 or 15 minutes, give you a minisode about who and why they are and then switch to another character. The only thing that they really have in common is that the series shows how their lives are affected by Torako. And to my amusement, Torako is one remarkable character in that on the outside she may seem like that annoying person that you want to leave you alone but in reality she's one of the most interesting and reliable people you'd ever have the pleasure of knowing and one day without her presence would be nothing more than complete boredom.

Hyakko doesn't use fanservice, nor ecchiness, it has no drama, hell... not even a plot to present itself with, but rather relies on a remarkable cast of characters that differentiate themselves from the norm in the most bizarre of ways. When you look at the series as a whole it simply comes down to one thing... Hyakko is just alot of fun to watch from beginning to end.

Hyakko (opening)

Recommendation: |High|

Akane-Iro ni Somaru Saka

Synopsis:

On his way home from high school one day, Jun'ichi Nagase notices a girl being harassed by a couple of kids the same age. Not about to let this go, Jun'ichi walks up to the trouble making teens and asks if there is a problem. But before they respond, they notice that Jun'ichi is the infamous "Geno-Killer" and instead of making trouble quickly back down and leave the girl alone. Thankful for saving her, she introduces herself as Yuuhi Katagiri and asks for his name. Instead, Jun'ichi turns and walks the other direction towards home saying that his name is not important. However, the next day at school Yuuhi arrives as a transfer student in the same class as Jun'ichi and during a simple conversation with her, his less than helpful self-consciousness tells him to make a move and Jun'ichi leans in and kisses Yuuhi squarely on the lips in front of the whole class that gains him nothing more than a fist to the face from Yuuhi. To make matters even more complicated though, later that day Yuuhi arrives at Jun'ichi's doorstep and informs him that informs him that she is moving in as she betrothed to marry him as an agreement between their parents. Jun'ichi's life just got a little more interesting...


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 12


Review:

You're probably saying to yourself "Hey, this sounds... typical" and I couldn't agree with you more. This type of scenario usually develops into an enjoyable anime... but not here. After the first episode this series simply trips over it's own two feet and falls flat on it's face. Through the next 12 episodes, this show does nothing more than goof off... and not in a good way. Presenting you with no story progression, little to no character depth, and a shallow plot that will have you asking the show "What the hell are you doing?" as it borders on the realm of stupidity. The show tries to go off and focus on a different character for each episode which really shouldn't have been done as you won't care about this person and they are totally irrelevant to the main story. This gets frustrating since the relationship between Jun'ichi and Yuuhi will see absolutely no fruition until near the end of the series where the last couple of episodes hand you some last minute drama, try to explain the whole "Geno-Killer" thing, and even show the love a sister has for her brother. Unfortunately, all this is too little too late and you're left with an unsatisfactory ending that really needs a sequel to explain itself... but will never get it.

The animation is solid and the character designs are great but without an engaging plot to go with it, viewing the whole series is a lackluster experience. Watch at your own risk...

Akane-Iro ni Somaru Saka (uncensored opening)

Recommendation: |Low|

Looking Up At The Half Moon

Synopsis:

Yuichi Ezaki has been hospitalized for some time now due to Hepatitis A. Even though he's been told that his condition is getting better he continually sneaks out at night to visit friends or even just to go for a walk. Upon his return however he is scolded by the night nurse Akiko Tanizaki to the point of where she starts locking him in his room. One day Yuichi notices a girl on the other side of the hospital in the east wing staring out the window. Even though he doesn't say anything, nurse Akiko can sense his interest the girl and encourages him to visit her. With this, Yuichi befriends the girl and after talking with her for a while she says her name is Rika and she has been hospitalized her entire life due to a weak heart valve and because of this, she has no friends and spends all of her time reading books. Through Yuichi's desire to get back to the world outside the hospital he shows Rika how simplistic things make life worth living and the real world she has been unable to see for the past 17 years.

Number of episodes watched: 6

Review:

Okay, the first thing that you may think is "two kids in a hospital, one has a serious health condition... this is going to be depressing as hell." Well... yeah, that's what I thought at first too but as it turns out this little series doesn't use any heavy-handed drama or lightweight fluff either. It seems to hold a middle ground very well giving you a bit of drama but then offsets it with a tad of comedy or well-rounded romance progression. This is what pushes you to move to the next episode. Although character depth really isn't necessary, it's still given to you as you learn about the hospital staff that are responsible for Rika and Yuichi's care and makes them just as important to the whole story along with our main characters and even makes you wonder who they really are making them just as interesting as Rika and Yuichi. That same character depth also helps to explain Rika's mild tsundere type attitude which in all honesty, she's in no position to have, but it makes her an intriguing yet somewhat annoying person that can still exude an aura of cuteness and get sympathy from the viewer at the same time.

Even though the animation may seem average, and the plot depressing, this 6 episode series not only tells a great story with an interesting group of tight knit people but also gives you one hell of a message. Enjoy life for what it is whether it may be for 2 days or 2 hundred years, don't dread the future, live for the now. A great little series that should be watched while you're waiting on pins and needles for the next episode of you favorite anime to be released.

Looking Up at the Half Moon (opening)

Recommendation: |Above Average|

Tsuyokiss

Synopsis:

Sunao Konoe, a transfer student from class 2-A, has just started going to a new school that seems to have a strong presence from the higher-ups. On her first day she is determined to join the school's drama club to become an actress just like her mother. However, she's informed that no such club has ever been established. Sunao then decides to start the club herself but must first get permission from the student council president, Erika Kiriya, who turns her request down immediately but gives Sunao one chance to entertain her with a solo play and if Erika is not bored with the performance, she will approve the club. But, things don't go as planned and the poorly constructed stage upon which she is performing... collapses. But Sunao is saved from injury at the last minute from a childhood friend she lost track of over ten years ago, Leo Tsushima, and with this accident Erika turns down the drama club proposal again. Sunao is not about to let this rest and she decides to challenge Erika whenever she can to get the approval for the club.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 12


Review:

With this type of slice-of-life story telling Tsuyokiss could have gone in any number of directions but instead, it dares to be average. This show just seems to borrow all of it's comedic and romantic elements that you've seen time and time again and use them here without making any changes to make it seem different. Which is kind of a let-down because this series actually had some potential to be something out of the ordinary but instead plays it safe using humorous situations that are familiar but still manage to get the occasional chuckle out of the viewer and a romance storyline that progresses in an unsurprising manner. One thing this anime does differently is that about 90% of the female characters are tsunderes, which you would think is a good thing but instead, just seems like overkill more than anything.

Don't get me wrong, Tsuyokiss is still worth watching, but being highly predictable it takes the right mindset to sit through the series without losing interest. I'll commend Tsuyokiss for using that classic animation style that I like in an anime and it uses just the right amount of character depth, which helps offset the other cardboard cutout characters and borrowed storyline. But, if you can't make it through the first episode then you just might want to quit because, honestly, it doesn't get much better as it's all lightweight fluff. Otherwise, give it a try as it really isn't that bad of a show, it's just that it's very... typical.

Tsuyokiss (opening)

Recommendation: |Average|

The World of Narue

Synopsis:

Kazuto Iizuka has a crush on the most bizarre girl in school, Narue Nanase. Narue seems perfectly normal except for one thing... she doesn't hide the fact that she is an alien. On his way home from school, Kazuto happens upon an abandoned puppy but when he picks up the cute little animal Narue is right behind him and warns him to stay away. Just then, the once adorable little puppy becomes a nasty quadra-jawed... thing and attempts to attack Kazuto. However Narue is quick to protect him and hits the strange creature with a baseball bat. As it limps away Narue chases after it leaving her bat behind that has her name engraved upon it. Curious and infatuated with this strange girl, Kazuto discovers she is in the same grade as him and decides to return her bat and irregardless of what anyone says about her and with a little encouragement from his friend, Masaki, he confesses and asks Narue to go out with him. Overjoyed with Kazuto's honesty, she gladly accepts. Kazuto doesn't seem to realize what he just got himself into but as long as he's with Narue... he doesn't really care either.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 12


Review:

The World of Narue can basically be summed up in one word... cute. This anime doesn't waste any time bringing any of the plot devices out, the alien aspect is realized and set by the first episode. The remainder of the episodes are played out in a light-hearted manor that never tries to heavy-handidly force you into any real drama or action. This is actually kind of nice in the fact that you'll always know that nothing really bad will happen and any issues brought forth are resolved by the end of the episode. While I found the animation to be a little sub-par the characterization is done well in that what you're given for each person is somewhat small but does suffice for an anime of this type and put with the 'alien girl' motif the plot itself just seems to have a calming aura to it. The World of Narue is the kind of anime that should be watched after an epically depressing series or when you don't feel like riding the Great Emotional Rollercoaster and just want to kick back and relax with a mellow series. Would I recommend The World of Narue? Yes, but take that with a grain of salt because it's most endearing quality could also be it's Achilles heel... it's cute.

The World of Narue (opening)

Recommendation: |Average|

Kashimashi ~Girl Meets Girl~

Synopsis:

Hazumu Osaragi is having a really bad day. He finally gets up the courage to confess his love to Yasuna Kamiizumi, a girl that he's admired for some time now, thanks to his friend Asuta Soro. However, she is quick to reject him. Heartbroken and depressed, Hazumu decides to take a hike on the mountain that he likes to go searching for rare flowers on but as he reaches the top of the mountain his day suddenly goes from bad to worse as an out of control spaceship crashlands... on top of him, killing him instantly. The extraterrestrial visitors are not heartless though as they immediately resurrect Hazumu but with one exception... he is now a she right down to the DNA structure. Hazumu is about to start life anew with a whole different perspective.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 13


Review:

As you can probably tell from the title, Kashimashi is a yuri (lesbian) type anime and I figured it might be a nice series to pass the time with. What didn't expect is that it's perhaps one of the most compelling romance anime titles I've seen to date. The setup for the series is done quite nicely all within the first episode to set the stage for the entire series as the few friends that Hazumu has help him make the transition to living life as the opposite sex. What I also liked is that the characters are down to earth and everything is presented with just the right comedic element to make it humorous without using tasteless sexual references. Except in the case of Hazumu's dad whose always trying to get a peek in on him, uh, her taking a bath or getting her to wear scantily clad outfits and this comes across as just plain funny. The characterization is truly amazing and it's easy connect with everyone in this show as their feelings are portrayed to the viewer in a manner that's very is to understand on a mentality level. The characterization is done so well in the fact that Tomari, one of the three main girls and also the tsundere (Read the damn "What the hell does all that mean?" thread people!) of the bunch, as she's going through the breakdown process you practically feel what she's feeling at that point in time making for a much more emotional experience than what you'd normally expect.

The animation is of the typical fair but the strong romantic comedy presented here has enough drama to stir up inner feelings and also gives you the right amount of humor to make you laugh when you're probably not in the mood to and it's all put with a soundtrack that's reminisce of something from the 70's. From Hazumu dealing with his new gender and watching Tomari cope with unchanged feelings even though her best friend is now a girl, to Asuto conflicting with himself that he might just be attracted to his friend now... is all presented in one tasteful 13 episode package that should not be passed up even if yuri anime isn't your thing, even the crazy sci-fi element worked to the shows advantage. And all of this finishes up with one hell of a great ending that made me want to go back to episode one and start it up all over again.

Kashimashi ~Girl Meets Girl~ (opening)

Recommendation: |Very High|

Ceres: Celestial Legend

Synopsis:

Aya Mikage and her twin brother Aki are coming of age as they are about to turn 16. As a celebration, they are both called to their grandfathers house for the grand event. However, what awaits both of them is not birthday cake or any presents but instead a ritual... a ritual to determine if Aya is in fact the reincarnation of an angel named Ceres whose sole purpose of returning to the mortal world is to destroy the Mikage family. Destroy them for cursing her to the mortal world so long ago by a previous Mikage desendant that stole an hid away Ceres's robe, the one thing that allowed her to return to the heavens. Not only is Aya the reincarnation of Ceres but her brother Aki also holds the memories of Shiso Mikage, the man that damned Ceres to Earth and used her power to make him become the most powerful man in Japan. But Aya is rescued at the last minute by a mysterious man named Toya who she instantly falls in love with as Aki is taken prisoner so the Mikage family can awaken Shiso's power in him and destroy Ceres once and for all.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 24


Review:

Y'know, I usually try to look at every aspect of an anime series. I look for the good and try to view it at every angle possible and how someone, somewhere may like a show. But this, this... oh... my... GOD!!! Ceres, Celestial Legend is a big... no, the BIGGEST fuming pile a crap I have ever had the displeasure to watch! First of all, the story, we have a somewhat interesting premise with celestial beings but that quickly jumps into the realm of stupidity as almost EVERY female in the country turns out to be a descendant of Ceres (huh?). C'mon, that's just blowing things out of proportion and making it all seem ridiculous as one or two women is believable but hundreds... please. Accompanying this lame story is the romance between Toya and Aya which shows the audience that it doesn't matter what someone is like on the inside, it's what you see before your eyes that matters. As you watch Aya instantly fall for Toya based on looks alone and he basically thinks nothing more of her other than a side of beef throughout the entire show, accompanied with his annoying as hell "pity me" emo angst and brooding silent hero attitude that make you want to laugh at the guy then push him in front of a speeding truck.

Ceres: Celestial Legend has some truly horrible animation as even though it was done in 2000, I've seen anime from the 80's that rival the artwork here. The plot is just plain stupid and the characters that accompany it do nothing more than detach themselves from the audience instilling annoyance and extreme hatred for their existence. Not only that, but the shows last ditch efforts at drama or even character depth and it's broken romance story will only have you sighing and rolling your eyes saying "Give me a break." Simply, DO NOT WATCH!!!

Ceres: Celestial Legend (AMV)

Recommendation: |None|

Kamichu!

Synopsis:

14 year old Yurie Hitotsubashi wakes up one morning and realizes that overnight, she has become a god... literally. Not one to question a new deity, her friend Matsuri Saegusa decides to test Yurie's power but instead they end up accidentally causing a typhoon. A storm violent enough that threatens to not only damage her home town but also destroy the outdoor clubroom of her secret heart-throb Kenji Ninomiya who is the president and also the only member of the school's calligraphy club. Although Yurie is able to calm the storm she also confesses her love to Kenji but amongst the chaos it falls on deaf ears. With the help of the local gods, Yurie learns to control and use her new found power to restore the town's faith in religion and at the same time balance her school life and her feelings towards the young boy known as Kenji and hopefully get the courage, and confess again.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 16


Review:

At first, Kamichu's presentation just didn't make any sense to me. When Yurie said she was a god, no one said anything, no one called her crazy or insane, no one made fun of her, everyone just accepted this fact and the show moved on. At first I was finding myself asking "Wait... what?" but instead of wondering why this anime didn't bring up all these complicated factors I decided to just shift gears and roll with it. And you know what? When I quit trying to over-analyze the show it became quite enjoyable and interesting at the same time with it's tale of local gods and what happens beyond what the eye can see. Not only that, but the character depth is about right for this series as it helps explain everyone's involvement in Yurie's life and even shed some light on their past and present emotional status but at the same time, keeps Yurie out of the overall scope of things making her somewhat of a mystery the entire time. Put this with the overall cuteness of the plot and you're left with a very relaxing atmospheric yet entertaining anime. Although the animation didn't impress me, the new angle of storytelling put with mild humor and an underlying romance that's nicely strung along through the entire series and builds itself up to a satisfying and... adorable... conclusion that makes it stand out. I'd recommend this show to anyone looking for an easy-going series that offers a little something extra with it's tale of divine power in the hands of a shy, soft spoken, yet friendly young girl and the friends that help her every step of the way with her new found divinity.

Kamichu! (opening)

Recommendation: |Above Average|

Otoboku - Maidens Are Falling For Me

Synopsis:

Mizuho Miyanokouji has agreed to grant his grandfather's request bestowed upon him in his will. To attend Seio Academy... for girls. Before he fully realizes what he just got himself into, childhood friend Mariya Mikado is at the ready with her bag of cosmetics and is more than helpful in bringing out Mizuho's... feminine side. With full compliance from the head of the school, Mizuho attends Seio Academy incognito which is met with unexpected popularity.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 13


Review:

Okay, so by the title you're probably thinking that this is some run-of-the-mill ecchi/harem comedy with some doof that doesn't know what the hell is going on. Not so, Otoboku is the exact opposite as Mizuho is an extremely and maturely feminine trap throughout as the show sets out to be relaxing and just a whole lot of fun to watch from beginning to end. Through the show Mizuho helps each girl deal with issues in real life or to excel in school or even just to wear a favorite hair ribbon without being condemned by the student council president. All of this is presented with an enjoyable atmosphere that has a 99.9% predominantly female cast and never takes the story and swings the drama one way or another to any extreme but rather holds a middle ground that is very easy to watch.

The all female cast also does a remarkable job of just being undeniably cute, so much to the fact that you just want to claim each girl for yourself. Even if you see a girl with a sad face your heart will practically sink until she's wearing a smile again which is usually thanks to Mizuho's involvement somehow. The animation also stands out in that it blends both old and new school styles and puts it all together with bright, vibrant colors that accentuate the feminine disposition that the show holds over the viewer.

Although there really is no overall plot other than Mizuho hiding his true identity which really isn't much of an issue as dude looks like a lady and there is very little character depth, that doesn't prevent Otoboku from being a top notch presentation. Otoboku knows how to be hilarious without resorting to ecchiness, it uses quick resolve conflict, and gives you one of the most adorable cast of ladies ever to grace a 13 episode run making for one hell of a great time. This series should not be passed up whether you're a fan of yuri or not and no... I don't get the title either as it doesn't really fit the overall scope of the show at all.

Otoboku (opening)

Recommendation: |Very High|

Kannazuki no Miko

Synopsis:

They say on the moon there is a shrine. Why? Uh... hell I don't know. This wasn't really touched upon in the beginning so let's just skip ahead and meet Himeko Kurusugawa and Chikane Himemiya who are about to share their 16th birthday, on the same day. However instead of being a day to celebrate, an ancient evil that has vowed to destroy the Earth awakens called the Orochi and it's worshipers whom of each posses a mecha of mass destruction. One of these worshipers is Himeko's friend Souma who at first is determined to kill Himeko but by some realization he decides to protect her and becomes defiant to the god he unwittingly follows and in turn attacks the other worshipers. After a destructive battle, Himeko is left homeless and Chikane offers her a place to stay in her mansion. After the Earth shaking turn of events Souma's older brother Kazuki, who is also priest, explains to Himeko and Chikane they are the target of the Orochi because they are the only ones who can summon The God of Swords and stop the Orochi from annihilating humanity. With Souma's help, the girls start the series of events in motion to save humanity and planet Earth.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 12


Review:

Seems like alot of story there eh? Well, you're right. That's kind of the problem you're going to encounter with this series, it tries to do far too much in too little time. So much to the fact that it almost feels like you're being jerked around in the story and alot of what you watch starts to become an incoherent blur and doesn't mesh well with the rest of the story elements that are being presented to you. Kannazuki no Miko wants to be a yuri romance and a mecha action battle anime at the same time and unfortunately fails at trying to mix these together making the mech battles seem practically unnecessary. For one, there are just too many of them for this short run making for roughly one battle per episode which contains nothing more than alot of yelling and fast scrolling backgrounds that ends with a one-two punch resolution. Through this chaos you're also watching Himeko and Chikane's relationship blossom but the odd appearance of huge ass mechs out of thin air and causing trouble starts to become more of a nuisance because the romance gets put aside so you can watch some over glorified fight with big robots.

I'll say this, Kannazuki no Miko is one of the few animes that has a bizarre cast of people bent on destroying Earth as they all had very colorful personalities. The sad thing is that nothing, NOTHING, is explained as to why they hate humanity so much other than a still frame showing some agony in thier life and that really could have been dwelled upon and even showed their side of the story and maybe stir up a little inner conflict in the viewer but alas... you get nothing. This is one anime that could have gone into the 20+ episode region and garnished more interest but as it is, it remains a confusing rush of plot devices that are just being way more complicated than they needed to be. Even the romance aspect between Himeko and Chikane gets sidetracked sometimes and if it were not for the over-dramatized final episode this anime probably would have fallen deeper in the realm of "wait... what?"

Recommended? Not really... even though the animation is decent, the mechs, action, yuri (lesbianism), magic girls, just don't work together very well here. Other than the catchy opening and closing music by Kotoko... there's not much here to get you through the series without losing interest.

Kannazuki no Miko (opening)

Recommendation: |Below Average|