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Synopsis:
On the post apocalyptic world of Jerra, Geist, a genetically engineered soldier of death has had his stasis satellite crashland planetside. Geist is part of a project called the Most Dangerous Soldier designed to tip the scales in favor of the Regular Army who is in battle against the rebels of the Nexrum Army in an ongoing civil war. However, the project is a failure and all of the Most Dangerous soldiers became mentally unstable and went on psychotic killing sprees. All of the soldiers were eliminated save for Geist who was far too powerful and was subdued into a space prison. Now Geist is back and ready for the next battle.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 2
Review:
Since there is not much to say about these OVAs I'll just cover them in one review. M.D. Geist is a sci-fi action flick, pure and simple. As a matter of fact, the show focuses on action so much that it's hard to pick apart what little plot there is other than watching a show that gives Geist a chance to don cool looking armor and strike poses while avoiding bullets without moving. This is your typical 80's macho man action movie so there really is no characterization or much of a plot other than watching Geist killing anyone in his way being an emotionally devoid machine of death. Geist's quest to constantly be in battle even leads him to accelerate the annihilation of mankind. This is one show that has not aged very well and it's 80's animation doesn't help and what may have been cool back then comes across as extremely cheesy these days. The sequel, Death Force, that was released 10 years later doesn't do much to change the formula with the mindset that the audience wanted more of the same but that prediction couldn't be further from the truth and plays out worse than the original. The only thing I can really give credit to is the fact that this movie uses a psycho as it's protagonist which isn't something that's done regularly but you'll still loathe the guy while watching him destroy mankind. The English track wasn't that bad but I find this hard to recommend as it's presentation is extremely dated that can't even hold onto it's nostalgic roots.
M.D. Geist: Merciless Soldier (AMV)
Recommendation: |Low|
*Note - The license for this was once held by Central Park Media then ADV films but both are now defunct so no media info.
Synopsis:
Momo is a shinigami, a god of death leading deceased souls to "the other side". But, unlike other shinigami, she is drabbed in white and tries to ease the suffering of everyone relating to someones death whether they are living or already dead. Such as, conveying messages from the dead to the living. As Momo is helping those in their transition into the afterlife though she can't help but cry in the process because those that are already dead can no longer weep for themselves. With her familiar Daniel, a winged black cat, this is her story of how the god girl of death emotionally affected several people during the end of the journey we call life.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 6
Review:
Shinigami no Ballad has a very interesting premise for a series. But, the downside is, that it plays out very slow and very boring for most of the series. Oddly enough, the emotional impact that it boasts falls short in it's delivery which will leave you feeling not overly involved with each person's transition to life after death nor anyone involved with the situation. It doesn't help that Momo, although cute, seems to hold herself at a distance from the audience making her screen presence rather weak and her plight to help those she is involved with rather disjointed and unable to garnish the any real feeling from the viewer. You'll notice that Momo also helps those who are destined for a premature death to remain in the realm of the living but this doesn't provide any additional sustenance to the overall story and what you're left with is an excruciatingly slow paced anime that's practically sleep inducing.
This anime has a whole lot of nothing to offer to the viewer with it's shallow drama and lax characters. While you're watching, you'll feel as if Shinigami no Ballad just didn't even want to achieve it's main goal of gaining the audiences sympathy towards the characters but instead blatantly bores you instead. The animation is decent enough but there is absolutely nothing to back it up and most who will decide to watch this anyway will more than likely lose interest and give up after the first episode making it hard to recommend. Sometimes an anime can have too much of a relaxed atmosphere to it.
Sinigami no Ballad (opening)
Recommendation: |Below Average|
Synopsis:
What we start with is your typical drama/romance anime where Haruka Suzumiya has a huge crush on Takayuki Narumi for the longest time. Being a brick-headed guy that he is, he never notices, so one of his outgoing friends Mitsuki Hayase decides that she's had enough of both ot their timidness and sets up a meeting up on a hill where Haruka and Takayuki meet but they have no idea that they've been tricked to see each other. When they see each other they realize that the whole thing was a set-up but Haruka takes a chance and flat out tells Takayuki she's in love with him and has been for the longest time. Surprised, Takayuki has no clue how to respond but agrees to date Haruka anyway and slowly realizes that he really does like being with her and drops the l-bomb on her too. On his way to visit Haruka for a date, Takayuki runs into Misuki and she mentions it's her birthday so being thankful for his setup between him and Haruka he takes a little bit of time to purchase her a gift making him late to his date (typical guy, eh?). Haruka gets worried about Takayuki's tardiness and decides to give him a call however as she steps into the phone booth to make a call the last thing she hears is the squealing of tires from a car that has lost control heading right towards her. Takayuki later learns that while she isn't dead but is in a coma that lasts for three years, Haruka awakens but doesn't realize the passing of time or the changes to peoples lives.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 14
Review:
Drama, drama, drama, this series... this series really made me question the human psyche as I just couldn't understand how these four people could put up with each others emotional issues and the uncomfortable situations it puts them in. Now, the characterization itself was great and is presented to the viewer in a straight-forward manner letting you know everyone's stance on life in general and how each others relationship changed and developed over time while Haruka was in a coma. Takayuki goes into a depression after Haruka's accident and Mitsuki constantly stays with him and takes care of him, gives up her dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer then takes on a shit job while Takayuki spends his time wallowing in self-pity and doing nothing else... for over a year. I gotta ask... are people really this stupid? Are you really gonna give up your dream to support some bum that can't get off his own ass (for over a year!) and get a damn job instead of moping around? Seriously, who wants this much drama in their life? I couldn't answer these questions positively and it left me feeling disjointed and mocking the characters rather than understanding their disposition in life and love. I like anime drama but not so much that it show everyone's lack of common sense and that really pulled the series down separating the somewhat decent plot from the irrational characters.
Recommendation? The animation was good and the story was solid but placing a bunch of nonsensical people to play the part will more than likely just have you shaking your head and sighing so I'll say... no, if this sounds like a drama you'd sit through then you're far more understanding than I.
Rumbling Hearts (opening)
Recommendation: |Low|
Media type: DVD
From: FAILimation Undertainment
Languages: English;Japanese
Subtitles: English
Synopsis:
Mai and Reo are two girls that love each other very much. But when Reo becomes ill and is bed-ridden, Mai visits her at home and decides to employ some sexual healing to bring her lover back to good health.
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 1
Review:
Did you really think there would be much of a synopsis for a one episode hentai anime? That's all there really is to it. This little anime basically shows two girls that undeniably love each other and how they express their feelings to each other before, during, and after sex. Now while this might sound boring or lame, I found it to be rather refreshing as not too many hentais (at least the ones I've seen) put this amount of heartfelt verbally expressive passion into it's character relations or sex scenes. The girls not only yell about what they feel when being touched, but also what feelings that they are holding toward each other in their heart while exerting their physical attraction towards each other. This presents some rather emotional muff-diving and melon-licking scenes filled with two good looking adorable girls making alot extremely cute moans and groans as they push each other to the point of ecstasy. This hentai does present a little back story on how Mai and Reo met and also exploits Reo's tsundere attitude alot because fight as she might, she can't stand being away from Mai for very long.
There's really no story here other than giving you a wonderful yuri themed anime with a few short but very passionate sex scenes. If you're a fan of yuri anime like I am, I would say give this show a watch because even though it is a hentai, it has a gentle presentation that shows you that it doesn't need to be hardcore to be erotic.
Recommendation: |fap-fap-fap-fap... oh, uh... High|
Okay, well not that extreme, but it did get your attention didn't it? Complex 69 (i.e. me) is looking for someone who wants to have their reviews added and spread the good word of anime. I've been flying solo for over two years so why now you ask? Well, there's alot of shows out there and I can't very well cover them all and also there are some popular anime series that I have no desire to watch (see Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood or anything with Gundam in the title) No real reason, I just don't feel like watching them. I don't care what you review, as long as it's anime and you don't lace it with corporate fanboyism. Hell, you can write reviews for hentai just as long as you use some common sense in choosing your words. All that's really required is that you have finished the series, so no reviews for ongoing series like Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, and of the like and no reviews for shows you dropped.
Think you're up for it? It can't hurt to give it a shot, you know you want to, and out of the 6 or 7 of you who visit one of you wants to join the review (skeleton) crew, right? You already know the review format so send me a shout out over at the Wildside Cinema forums or reply here, I don't care.
Or don't reply and I'll just delete this post in a few days and I'll keep traveling down that lonesome road myself. Later!
Synopsis:
An alien race called the Cthulhu (yeah, you read it right) have been wandering the galaxy in search of a new home and have come across Earth. The show opens with the Cthulhu planning their first attack but they have realized that Iczer-1 has already made it to Earth before them and must destroy her in order to proceed with their plan. Iczer-1 is an android created to fight and destroy any who oppose the Cthulhu but has turned on her creators opposing any evil actions that they take. During her time on Earth Iczer One has found a partner to synchronize with named Nagisa Kano, when synchronized, Iczer-1 becomes extremely powerful and it also unlocks Iczer Robos, Iczer-1's giant mechanical robot, full potential when fighting together. But, after a brief encounter with Iczer-1, Nagisa is very reluctant to accept anything that is happening and won't help. Will Iczer-1 be able to convince Nagisa that she is the only who can help save the Earth from it's ultimate take over?
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 3
Review:
Hey everyone, grandpa Endo here again with... 'scuse me, "Hey... Hey you kids get off my lawn!!" ... damn whippersnappers... with an anime classic, Fight! Iczer One. Now, maybe it holds some nostalgia for me but that doesn't deny the fact that it's still tells a strong story with some great sci-fi elements. First, let's take a look at our heros that bring about the excellent story. Here we have Nagisa who is beyond annoying with her constant screaming but to offset her practically unwanted screen time is Iczer One, the beautiful heroine from space. Iczer-1 is a quiet and sort of shy superhero but she is determined that Nagisa is the chosen one to help her stop the invasion of Earth by the Cthulhu but Iczer-1 one also has other deep-rooted feelings toward Nagisa. Next, the enemies, the Cthulhu, are ruthless and quickly give a sense of hopelessness to the story while Iczer-1 and Nagisa try to save the Earth and whatever they do seems to be too little too late and even then more obstacles arise and therefore you'll be mentally standing alongside Iczer-1 as she attempts to overcome the odds against her. To make things worse, the Cthulhu employ the services of Iczer-1's sister, Iczer-2, (Yeah, not very inventive with the names but what are you gonna do?) and all of this explodes into a furious battle of strength and emotion. It's not very often an anime can demand respect from the audience for both the protagonist and the antagonist but Fight Iczer One does this in one magnificent feat.
Now even though the story itself is a little primitive, aliens attack and one hero defends the Earth, that it might not seem like much. But it's the characters, both good and evil, that present themselves so remarkably well that they help tell this fictional tale in such a manner that you'll be planted to your seat until the last credit has finished scrolling across the screen. This show is still outstanding even today with great action, grotesque enemy designs, creative characters, an engaging (although somewhat cliched) plot, an awesome 80's soundtrack, and yuri undertones that are quite heartfelt throughout, makes this mini-series worth checking out as the 3 measly episodes really are the perfect length for this anime.
Fight! Iczer One (AMV)
Recommendation: |Very High|
*Note - Here's something interesting, each of the 3 episodes contained were originally released roughly about 1 year apart from each other in Japan. Damn! The first two episodes end in such a cliff-hanger waiting an entire year to see what happens next.
*Note 2 - The license for this series has been lost and no one currently holds the rights so no media info.
Synopsis:
Transferring to a new school is never any fun and and Eiko (A-ko) Magami and her friend Shiiko (C-ko) Kotobuki are about to be late on their first day of class. While talking about their transfer to Graviton High School, Eiko notices the time and realizes they are about to be late and without a moments notice she grabs Shiiko's hand and starts running... at speeds in access of 100mph... Luckily they make it to school on time and introduce themselves to the class but Shiiko's lively introduction only garnishes the attention of the most wealthy and powerful girl in school, Biko (B-ko) Daitokuji. Biko is immediately smitten with Shiiko's cuteness and becomes determined to make Shiiko her best friend doing what ever it takes even if it means removing Eiko, but Eiko's unexplained superhuman strength and powerful bond with Shiiko isn't about to let that happen. Although Eiko not only has to deal with Biko's constant attempts to claim Shiiko for herself but she also learns that Shiiko is also the lost princess of a race of transvestite cross-dressing aliens that also intend to kidnap her and bring her back to their home planet. Whoever thought true friendship could be this complicated?
Reviewer: Endosanity
Number of episodes watched: 1 (It's a movie)
Review:
Today, I've got the ultimate slice of life/comedy/action hit of the 80's, Project A-ko... and although it was released in 1986 it didn't see the local market until the late 90's. This movie set the standard of so many cliched plots still used today, such as... "she was a typical high school girl, but..." and the whole female sailor-suit school uniform wearing slice of life comedy routine was sort of initiated by this movie. Not only that, but this movie also parodies a multitude of classic anime flicks while providing a low level of comedic fanservice and panty shots now and then... and we're talking 1986 here people. To me, this movie set the standard for so many genres used to this day in the anime community, and I still enjoy watching it even today as it's hilarious in it's own way and the Japanese voice actors give a phenomenal performance and it's classic 80s soundtrack only works to the movies advantage. The character set here is nothing short of brilliant as these wonderful ladies are so different from each other yet offset each others screen presence perfectly with A-kos superhuman strength, B-kos determination of making C-ko her friend, and C-ko who is just plain annoying as hell, and Marie who only says a few lines but pulls off one the of most hilarious scenes in the entire movie. These girls give an amazing performance that catapult this movie to its iconic status that it still holds to this day. I also like the way this movie presents it's message of friendship while putting it with crazy over the top action, decent animation, and hilarious comedic routines, that still make me laugh every time I watch it.
Don't be put off by it's age, give it a try... you might actually like it. I understand how most will avoid a movie this old but it really was ahead of it's time and remains a staple for me. Rent it, buy it, hell... stream it! No matter how you watch Project A-ko, it's a true classic in every sense of the way.
Project A-ko (trailer)
Dance Away & Follow Your Dream (Project A-ko AMV)
Come Out and Play (Project A-ko AMV)
Recommendation: |High|
*Note - This movie has traded license holders so many times that I'm not gonna bother with the media info on this. It now currently belongs to some company called Discotek. As for me, I saw the U.S. Manga version on VHS. Y'know, those old gigantic video tape things... nevermind.
