Tokyo Majin

Synopsis:

Tokyo, metropolis of wonder, you might think of visiting the theater, or maybe sampling the local cuisine, but while you're out you may have to avoid the living dead that are wandering the streets. Tatsuma Hiyuu and his group of misfit friends, Kyouichi Horaiji, Aoi Misato, Komaki Sakurai, Yuuya Daigo, and Aoi's self proclaimed protector, Hisui Kisaragi are all set to the task of discovering the source behind bizarre happenings that are going on. But upon further investigation it seems that there is a greater power that is more than mere magic that is causing the recently deceased to return to the world of the living. Luckily for this group of mismatched teens... they all possess some great spiritual power, for some reason or another, as they set out to put an end to the zombified uprising as well as obliterate any other supernatural threat that dares to endanger Tokyo.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 26


Review:

Well, that about covers the first two episodes. Tokyo Majin is the type of series that reads great in it's description but as the series progresses you start to find that you begin asking yourself just what the hell are you watching. This series wants to be a complicated presentation with it's story of supernatural beings that cause trouble throughout Tokyo and bear a grudge against mankind. Then you watch as the super powered heros step in to stop any problems that arise but this in itself is sort of a hindrance because Tokyo Majin begs to be questioned. Why is that demon attacking? Where did it come from? Why? And just where did this group of select teen protagonists happen to obtain enough divine power to shake the very foundation of humankind itself? The answer... you don't know, you won't know, and as the show goes on you practically feel that you just can't accept this as it is. Now, Tokyo Majin will give you a tad bit of background on one of the many enemies that are faced or perhaps something about one of our heros but honestly, it's just not enough and as you're presented with fabulous hand to hand combat scenes with magical outcomes one question will constantly remain... "Why?" and to that I would have to say I am just as lost as you are.

While you're given some great artwork and a story element that relies heavily on the supernatural it just doesn't follow through with the characterization to back up the mysteries of the unknown making for one confused mess of an anime. Not only that but throughout the series you will have to listen to how all of the protagonists deem themselves worthless and will constantly try to empathize with the audience to feel for their plight but it garnishes nothing more than loathing towards each character and their complete lack of self preservation without crying to weak friends the sympathize.

An anime that reads better in it's description than presents itself to the viewer, Tokyo Majin raises more questions than it can answer in it's bizarre two part one season run and put with the extremely poor self loathing characters, just doesn't deliver the show you had hoped to expect. If you think you can accept this at face value then by all means, watch it but otherwise... just pass and move onto another series.

Tokyo Majin (opening)

Recommendation: |Very Low|

They Are My Noble Masters

Synopsis:

Ren and Mihato Uesugi arrive in the big city after running away from home due to family issues involving their drunk and abusive father. Determined to make a life for themselves without relying on anyone they set out into town to find jobs. During his fruitless job hunting Ren encounters a young looking woman who is about to collapse from heat exhaustion and he rushes to her side to see if she is okay. Even though she says she is fine, Ren and Mihato persist in helping her to her home, appreciative for the offer she graciously accepts their hospitality as Ren carries her home but when arriving at the front gates the young woman's home happens to be a huge mansion. She then introduces herself as Miyu Kuonji, sister of the famous orchestral conductor, Shinra Kuonji. After being introduced and hearing their story, Shinara offers Ren and Mihato living quarters in exchange for becoming her servants as butler and maid. They both enthusiastically accept but now their training period begins.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 13


Review:

Simply put, this show is alot of fun to watch. This is the type of series that you can watch without having to worry about overly complicated plotlines or some heavy drama that'll drag down the show at any time. When watching They Are My Noble Masters just take it at face value because if you try to look for some greater overall meaning to everything, it's not there, which may leave the viewer thinking that the show is shallow. But, after sitting through the whole series, this is fine, since I didn't have to put to much thought into the show and I could enjoy the simplistic comedy mixed with the right amount of perverted ecchiness and laughed because overall, this short series is just a good time. They Are My Noble Masters does have quite the cast of bizarre characters and the thing that did impress me is how the show manages to dedicate some portion of an episode to explain a bit on their background to help you understand why they act the way they do and it all comes together extremely well with the next to non-existent story.

Fairly decent animation, a plot that is fueled only by the cast of crazy characters, and comedy that doesn't need to rely on exaggerations to be funny, They Are My Noble Masters is a series where you can just turn your brain off, hit play, and just enjoy it for what it is... a simple comedy that explains itself very well.

They Are My Noble Masters (opening)

Recommendation: |Above Average|

Toradora!

Synopsis:

Ryuji Takasu is a nice guy, really... he is. The only thing is that practically all of his fellow classmates think that he's out to kill anyone who gets in his way. The constant scowl on his face along with the eyes of a murderer strike fear into anyone who gets near him before he can even say two words. While making a trip to the bathroom, Ryuji accidentally bumps into Taiga Aisaka. A small girl in stature that practically makes her look like a doll in Ryuji's eyes but before he even has a chance to speak, he gets a fist to the face courtesy of Taiga, or, The Palmtop Tiger as she is known for due to her short-fuse attitude. Later, Ryuji discovers that he is also the neighbor of the diminutive ball of fire when he accidentally finds himself in possesion of an envelope written by Taiga that was meant for his best friend, Kitamura. Just as Ryuji realizes that there is nothing in the envelope he is attacked by his undersized assasin of a neighbor, Taiga, who actually snuck into his apartment to get the letter back. After a brief fight, Ryuji explains that there was nothing inside the envelope and that she has nothing to worry about and then strikes a deal with Taiga. He will help her get a date with his friend Kiramura if she in turn helps Ryuji get a date with her best friend Minorin. And with a simple hand shake, the bond between two of anime's most mismatched people has only just begun...


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 25


Review:

Toradora, it's plot is re-hashed. Toradora, it's predictable. Toradora... you'll find yourself hanging on every episode from the moment it begins till the very last credit has rolled. This is the prime example of how to take a story that you've seen time and time again, drop in some remarkable characters to help tell it's tale, and give it back to the audience in such a manner that you want to watch it even though... you already know what will happen. This is what makes Toradora such a fantastic show. Throughout the series you watch Ryuji and Taiga help each other out in trying to set up dates with thier friends but that is when this series puts a a small thought in the back of your mind that calls out in a feinted voice "You know this is wrong, Taiga needs Ryuji more than she realizes and Ryuji would be a confused mess without having to keep after Taiga." Yet as the series goes on it ignores this and instead presents real world conflicts that arise and are intelligently handled by the cast in a most pleasant and mature manner while that nagging voice persistently calls out to you making you move onto the next episode as you need to... no, you *want* to know what happens between Ryuji and Taiga.

As the series moves on you almost start to feel that you're being teased because even though you want to know how Taiga and Ryuji's relationship stands, other events present themselves having to put that situation on hold. While some may deem this as somewhat annoying, I think it's fantastic because it makes the viewer progress onto the next episode while at the same time fleshing out all the other characters no matter how small their bit-part is.

With great animation, a predictable yet compelling romantic comedic plot, and set to one of anime's most remarkable cast of characters, Toradora should not be missed as their emotions will become your emotions. Watch it and then sit back it in awe as there really is nothing out there that will present itself as unbelievably as Toradora has.

Toradora! (opening)

Recommendation: |Very High|

Sky Girls

Synopsis:

In the not so distant future humankind is nearly wiped out by an unknown species named W.O.R.M. or Weapons Of Raid Machines which resemble gigantic sea creatures. Through our perseverance the W.O.R.M.s are defeated but the human race is left battered and bruised but victory is ours in the end. However, after the massive fight for existence, the worlds military forces have somewhat diminished not leaving many veterans over the age of 30. In order to build up a strong military force quickly, young recruits of any sex are asked to join ranging anywhere from ages 16 or younger. A new weapon called the Sonic Diver, a powerful mecha-exoskeleton, is developed for combat for any future W.O.R.M. threat that may arise but due to it's complicated technology only 4 girls show any signs of compatibility with the machines. The military sets out and recruits the young girls, Eika Ichijo, Otoha Sakurano, Karen Sonomiya, and Elise von Dietrich, to prepare for a fight that mankind is not yet ready for.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 26


Review:

Sky Girls takes a somewhat interesting premise and works itself around it in such a way that it's presented in a light-hearted manner. But, you know what? This is perfectly fine and sits very well with the series overall because what you have is the potential for a story about the bleak survival of existence and military hardships but instead presents you with a story about unity and shows you that when you work together as a team you can achieve that ultimate goal of accomplishment. Now, some may take this as unnecessary fluff that cushions the series way too much but you know what? Not every anime needs to punch you in the gut and toy with your emotions, Sky Girls does the exact opposite and shows you the true power of friendship amongst the girls... even in the midst of battle that not only by relying on each other but also those around them that they can overcome any obstacle.

Although the animation is about average and the plot plays in the shallow end of the pool I still say watch it at least once if you're in the mood for a feel-good type of anime. Sky Girls presents you with a great story and well explained character depth that won't have you worrying about the overall outcome because you already know what it will be giving you is a sense of satisfaction and this works to the shows advantage. It's a great time all around.

Sky Girls (opening)

Recommedation: |Above Average|

Chaos; HEAd

Synopsis:

Takumi Nishijo hates the real world, or... the 3D world as he calls it. He spends all his free time in a metal container that he's actually turned into a make-shift hideaway where he can sit on his computer all day, playing online roll-playing games and holding conversations with his delusional girlfriend, Seira. The only time he ventures outside is to go to school to fulfill the minimum requirements to graduate. While in a game chat-room with his friend Grim who is trying to bring Takumi up to date with the world around him, Takumi couldn't care less. That is, until Shogun enters the chatroom and starts displaying images of a murder that he explains... hasn't happened yet. As Takumi realizes that he knows where the murder is taking place and decides to investigate but by the time he arrives at the supposed scene of the crime he finds a body that has been staked to the wall with metal spikes and a pink-haired girl covered in blood wearing a Suimei Academy school uniform, which is the same school Takumi attends. Stricken with fear Takumi flees the scene of the murder only to find that when he goes to school the next day the deadly pink-haired girl is in the same class as him and reminds him that her name is Rimi and she has been his friend since childhood. Unable to recall anything from his past Takumi decides to unwillingly play along to find out what has been happening in the 3D world he has been disregarding for so long.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 12


Review:

Chaos;HEAd is the perfect example of a show that starts out in an almost flawless manor giving the audience a psychological horror and mystery combined that grabs you instantly but then quickly loses it's appeal. Unfortunately, as the series progresses it loosens it's grip on the viewer with it's repetitive storyline that keeps resurfacing showing no sign of resolution of Takumi trying to ascertain what is going on and keeps hitting dead ends or far too cryptic outcomes that he doesn't understand usually resulting in Takumi whining to himself insurmountable times bordering on just plain annoying. However, with Chaos;HEAd's short run it starts to feel like the show really doesn't have time to be messing around with dead end outcomes but rather should get to the point and explain things as the show progresses. But, this doesn't happen and instead the show literally tries to throw everything at the viewer during the last episode making for an extremely rushed presentation that while may end in a satisfactory manner it is poorly presented almost making it feel like the directors just decided to say... "Well, here you go." Leaving you confused but forced to accept what you just watched.

The animation is fantastic, the story had so much potential, but the presentation was an extreme let down with it's rushed plot devices and a main protagonist that bordered on the brink of annoying with his constant whining. Chaos;HEAd is still a good show just not one you should sink yourself into as by the time it's over you practically feel, you were given what you wanted to see which in most cases is a good thing, but here... just didn't work out all that well.


Chaos; HEAd (opening)


Recommendation: |Below Average|

Solty Rei

Synopsis:

Set in an unnamed futuristic city filled with humans and Resembles, which is anyone whose had a limb replaced with a robotic counterpart, a man named Roy Revant has had life deal him a bad hand and he has become an emotionless bounty hunter that looks forward to nothing more than his pay at the end of a job. Twelve years ago a cataclysmic event took place called the Blast Fall as the sky above the planet has an aurora shell which supplies an atmosphere, but also acts as a prison as anything straying too close to the sky is instantly destroyed by lightning. Due to a scientific experiment gone wrong at the Reestablishment Universe Committee building in the center of the city, it caused the Aurora Shell's lighting to hit the center of the city and cause massive death and destruction, this caused Roy to lose his only daughter Rita and he has been searching for her ever since. After his most recent bounty though it seems that Roy has made some new enemies as he was assaulted the next night by the criminals partner that is also a resemble that happens to be equipped with a bladed chain whip. Wounded and almost out of ammo it seems that Roy has finally met his match when from above a young girl literally falls out of the sky and lands on his enemies weapon before it strikes Roy saving his life. Even though his enemy gets away Roy's not about to leave an unconscious girl lay on the street so he scoops her up and takes her home to let her rest, the next day she awakes but can't remember anything but for some unknown reason will not leave Roy's side for a second.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 24


Review:

This was a fantastic series and the sci-fi aspect was great since it wasn't overpowering and yet highly original. I'll admit I was expecting some cutesy little loli protagonist that spends alot of time in a euphoric stage and giggling for no reason... not so here, Solty doesn't come across as cute nor is she supposed to be. She does deal with alot of hardships for being quite young, one of them is Roy's grumpy exterior but lucky for us Roy is the type of guy that puts up alot of emotional barriers but lets everyone around him tear them down resulting in him usually sighing and giving a gruff "fine...". This results in some great characterization as you'll start connecting with everyone that comes in contact with Roy and Solty and the plot uses this and does things in a backwards manner of storytelling that, in the end, is just plain sneaky. The series puts it's lighthearted events first instead of toward the end allowing the viewer to laugh while watching everyone on screen have a great time but after a few episodes the show let's you know that that's enough and brings in the suspense and drama and puts everyone in *alot* of emotional distress which has you questioning if anyone will ever get a break. In the end it uses those comical moments from earlier in the series that made you laugh and represents them as memories which is remarkably effective in bringing closure to everything and showing the strength of family ties. Presented with great animation and unparalleled character depth to match a great sci-fi story, Solty Rei is definitely worth seeing if only once.

*Note - FUNimation seriously needs to stop using that angle option on your DVD player. It's beyond annoying and 75% of DVD players out there don't have the option to turn off the on screen 'angle' notification.

Solty Rei (opening)

Recommendation: |High|

Ergo Proxy

Synopsis:

First off, I have to apologize because I can't really go in detail with a synopsis because in Ergo Proxy everything happens for a reason. One slip up and I'd be providing anyone who wanted to watch this series with a shock absorber but Ergo Proxy wants to jilt the viewer and not have it fluffed with an expected answer. In any case, I'll try to keep it somewhat short.

Set in an unknown futuristic world where humans and androids (called an autoreiv) co-exist Ergo Proxy begins telling it's story of a virus called Cogito that's infecting the autoreivs. This virus grants autoreivs with a soul as they begin to think and act for themselves and even sometimes taking the lives of thier human owners. Investigating this case is Re-l Mayer, at a recent crime scene after disposing of an infected autoreiv she momentarily makes contact with extremely fast moving figure cloaked in shadow. After that Re-l meets a man named Vincent Law through a brief encounter at the Citizen Intelligence Bureau who is an immigrant trying to become a model citizen by hunting infected autoreivs and disposing of them. Re-l is later assaulted in her own apartment by the same figure she encountered earlier in the day but this time another monstrous figure shows up and protects her at the last minute. Both "monsters" start fighting and disappear into the night but Re-l notices something left behind... a pendant that she saw Vincent wearing when she met him earlier in the day. Before she can question Vincent about it he is already being sought after by the law from a public disturbance that involved him and that very same creature that keeps appearing whenever he's around. Vincent escapes the city but Re-l won't let it rest and wants to know the truth and follows him into the barren wasteland of the future.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 23


Review:

Ergo Proxy greets you with hand painted backgrounds, cel-shaded animation, and a bit of CGI to make this one gorgeous anime. Matter of fact, it's so beautiful that you might get lost in admiring how good it looks and lose track of the story. Be careful though because it may seem a tad complicated in the beginning so that you need to hang on every word (subtitle) being said so there's no time to be admiring the animation, but there is always the backstep button. Ergo Proxy will be handing you alot of questions which you won't know the answer to unless you just keep watching and delving into everyones psychosis. At times there is so much to take in you almost can feel your head ready to explode and the creators must have sensed this as you'll be given an episode or two where the characters do nothing more than goof off which is a relief and let's you relax and maybe even laugh a little. The plot is both complicated and simplistic at the same time in which I can say pay attention but don't be afraid to accept what is there before your eyes.

The characterization is fantastic. You really get attached with the main characters, especially Re-l. She's not the typical anime female as she is strong, independent, and has a dark aura that makes her extremely sexy... I mean, interesting. Watching Vincent go from your basic dork to a wasteland roughneck is a slow process but helps you understand his point of view on everything. Then there's little Pino, the infected autoreiv, that represents a 8 year old girl that provides some comic relief through her own innocence.

Top notch animation, deep rooted characterization, and put with a brooding tale of sci-fi desparity... I highly recommend watching this series at least once.

Ergo Proxy (opening)

Recommendation: |Very High|

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Synopsis:

Hinamizawa looks like your normal country-side town with no more than a population of 2000. Shortly after Keiichi Maebara moves to town he slowly learns from his friends that not everything is peaceful as it seems when he hears the story of what happens after the annual Watanagashi Festival. Even though the festival a celebration to commemorate and give thanks to the local god, Oyashiro-sama, every year for the last four years one of the towns-people is murdered and another disappears. Determined to discover why his friends are hiding this town secret, Keiichi soon finds himself getting drawn into bizarre series of events that take place around the festival.


Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 26


Review:

Right from the start you'll notice that Higurashi no Naku Koro ni has a strong, remarkable, original plot. What makes this series out of the ordinary is that it's not one long 26 episode story, what actually happens is a series of events told from a different characters point of view and plays out over a few episodes. It also shows what could have taken place had things been said differently or if someones actions changed slightly, which may seem a bit disorienting at first but then you realize you're just getting answers to questions you were probably already asking. Now, the characters aren't someone to get attached to or look for depth... that would only ruin it to be honest. They are only plot devices to unfold the story with and I didn't mind this at all and this is coming from someone who relies on the characters to make an anime stand out but here it's the plot that's putting this series at the top of my list.

It's extremely violent, bloody, and may even have you wincing at times thinking "ouch!" so whatever you do... DON'T LET THE FIRST EPISODE FOOL YOU! I can't stress that enough as it's all cutesy right up till the last few minutes as the shit is about to hit the fan. The animation is a little old looking but easily overlooked as you're going to be pulled into the towns mysteries anyway and you won't even notice it after a while especially when mixed with such a compelling plot. *HIGHLY* recommended.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (opening)

Recommendation: |Very High|

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Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai

Synopsis:

In the small village of Hinamizawa they celebrate the Watanagashi Festival every year and give thanks to the local god Oyashiro-sama. But, for the last four years, with the festival also comes a terrible curse in which one of the towns people is murdered and one goes missing. One young girl named Rika Furude is forced to live this nightmare time and time again as she remains in a constant cycle of time that repeats itself with the same outcome that ends in the same result no matter how many times she's seen it... her own death. Rika, decides to fight destiny and change the very fate she's been resigned to with the aid of her friends that believe in her.

Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 24

Review:

First and foremost people, watch Higurashi no Naku Koro ni which is season 1, or you may find yourself scratching your head wondering what's going on. With that said, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai is the second season and a continuation of the bizarre story from season 1 and it picks things up and gets it moving with the element of mystery and brings in a few characters you may remember and shows you what's been happening since you left. Alot of the plot holes are now being filled in explaining what really happened and why and links the two seasons together remarkably but while doing that also changes the overall tone of the entire series.

While season 1 consisted of eerie situations, some extreme violence, backstabbing, and a general aura of creepiness... season 2 (Kai) changes this and shows you a different outcome had things been done differently for a given scenario and displays a bond that strengthens amongst friends and it's actually a nice change in pace by doing a complete turnaround of events. You'll see how friends trust friends no matter how strange the consequence and in doing so face a bleak destiny and change it to something that they all look forward to.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai is a story that relies very heavily on character development and done so in the amazing sense that while you may despise a particular person you almost begin to feel for their plight as you watch their background story unfold. However, Kai never let's you lose focus on it's protagonists as you'll be cheering when they manage to work together to overcome an obstacle that seems next to hopeless.

I'll commend Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai for changing it's violent upbringing into a very powerful story about friendship and showing the audience that you don't have to accept the fate you think you've been assigned. Although the animation is a bit on the average side, the fantastic story more than makes up for this and as such gets a very high recommendation.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai (opening)

Recommendation: |Very High|