12/27/13

[AOW] Marmalade Boy (12/22-28/2013)

[Previous AOWs][Akia's MAL page]

I thought for one of the last 2 AOWs in 2013 I'd go to some classics I don't think many people know about. The Marmalade Boy manga was released in English back when Tokyopop still published a lot of manga (most manga published at the time were from them). It's a shoujo love series with a pretty interesting twist. 


Type: manga adaptation
# of Episodes: 76
Synopsis:
Miki Koishikawa's ordinary life as a high school sophomore is turned upside down when her parents suddenly announce that they are getting divorced in order to swap partners with a couple they met in Hawaii. They seek her approval of the shocking change, and at a dinner where Miki meets the other couple as well as their son Yuu, who is about her age, she reluctantly agrees to the arrangement. Yuu, while at first a jerk who takes every opportunity to make fun of Miki, turns out to be fun and attractive, and Miki finds herself falling for him. Little by little, she accepts her new family arrangement and opens up to Yuu as they become friends.
Miki and Yuu's relationship starts to become complicated because of the previous relationships that they had and developed with other characters. These include Miki's long time classmate and former crush, Ginta Suou, and Yuu's former girlfriend, Arimi Suzuki. A secondary subplot develops when Miki's best friend, Meiko Akizuki, herself starts to have her own problems because of the relationship she has gotten into with one of the teachers, Namura Shin'ichi.
Throughout the series, Miki and Yuu's relationship is further developed and tried, influenced by other characters around them and the relationships that they develop with these characters.
Miki Koishikawa lived a normal life - until her parents tell her they'll get divorced.. She doesn't agree, until she meets Yuu Matsuura... the handsome son of another couple, with whom her parents are switching spouses. They all live together now in an enormous house, and Miki and Yuu find themselves falling in love. They'll have to struggle with their own feelings, other people who want to be with them, and whatever Lady Luck and Fate throws in their ways...
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/334/Marmalade_Boy#zC3qXqWBBFRezmCt.99

12/17/13

[AOW] Garden of Words (12/8-14/2013)

[Previous AOWs][Akia's MAL page]

Shinkai is the only anime movie director other than Satoshi Kon and Miyazaki that have managed to continually make really good anime films that can appeal to even a hard core otaku such as myself. This time around though Shinkai went back to making a much shorter film- clocking in at only 45mins (of which the time includes credits). Most full length anime can't even make me feel the sadness this film managed to do in only 45 mins. Shinkai is really good at this considering Voices of a Distant Star is even shorter, yet managed to make me tear up as well.


Type: manga adaptation
Synopsis:
One morning commuting to school during the rainy season, Takao opts to skip his first class and head to the park to sketch shoe designs, and encounters Yukari Yukino, a well-dressed young woman drinking beer in the early morning drizzle. They do not speak to one another, but as the rain clears she notes the school crest on his vest and decides to bid him farewell with a tanka, leaving Takao puzzled as to its origin and meaning. The two continue to encounter each other in the park on rainy mornings and grow closer in each other's company, but never formally introduce themselves to one another. When Yukari expresses an interest in Takao's shoemaking, he decides to make a pair of shoes in her size. As her foot is being measured, Yukari admits that she needs to learn how to walk on her own, hinting at her deep personal troubles. The rainy season ends, and whilst Takao and Yukari tell themselves that it's better for the other to go back to their normal lives, both sincerely wish that it would rain so that they could meet again.
We have met, for each of us to walk forward.

Takao, who is training to become a shoemaker, skipped school and is sketching shoes in a Japanese-style garden. He meets a mysterious woman, Yukino, who is older than him. Then, without arranging the times, the two start to see each other again and again, but only on rainy days. They deepen their relationship and open up to each other. But the end of the rainy season soon approaches...
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/16782/Kotonoha_no_Niwa#Vh5iEphHlm1HbuPj.99

12/5/13

[MB] The Mature Ed (December 2013)


WELCOME Nettaversers to my newest series~ dedicated to bringing you the best in manga (IMO) entertainment. :D Y'all get an anime every week and now you'll get anywhere from 3-5 manga (or manwha which is the Korean name) a month. Instead of doing this series weekly, I've decided to do it at least monthly with the possibility of bonus entries throughout the month. The main entry will feature at least one manga for girls, one for boys and a third for both. Sometimes there will be 5- one for young girls, one for 20+ gals, one for young boys, one for 21+ guys and one for all. For this month, I'm going to feature some of my all time favorite series~ LET'S GOOOO!


Wellllllllllllllllllllll, This would not be a list of my favorites without featuring the manga that got me into the *cough* smut *cough* Josei subsection of manga which is primarily aimed at older readers who want more than sparkly typical romance found in girls manga. I was debating between featuring this one or Midnight Secretary since I read them both around the same time (as well as Love Bird but that one wasn't all that great- you can check out a video review I made about the first 16 chapters here). buuuuuuuuuuut this one wins simply because it was the first and still holds a remembered place in my heart. Unfortunately this series was never released with an official English translation so the only way to read it is online. Oh, and I also made a video about the series back when I was part of Itadakimasu Studios. Check it out here!

Desire Climax // 欲情©MAX (Yokujo©MAX)
# of Chapters: 48
Where to Read: [1][2]
Status: complete as of 2006
Genres: Drama, Romance, Shojo, Smut, Josei
Synopsis: 
The Omori are a poor family.Mio Omori's father died when she was young, and her mother has been hospitalized for some time with an unspecified illness. She lives alone with her little brother Hinata, doing a number of part-time jobs to get by. One night, when going home after work, she encounters upon a violent young man who throws money at her, saying he'll 'buy her', after stealing her first kiss.
The next day her mother tells Mio that their landlord, who happens to be among her father's closest friends, has offered her a job as a maid at their mansion. Eager to help the family, he feels that it will be safer at night that way, and her mother agrees to this despite her daughter's opposition. To her horror, Mio finds out that the violent man who stole her kiss is none other than Shoei Jinnai, the son of their landlord and the most popular and high-achieving student at her high school; so much so that he is widely known as 'Prince Jinnai'
In his own strange way, the Prince starts to treat her as his girlfriend, going so far as to tell Mio he loves her. When they finally start dating, Mio's brother Hinata becomes extremely jealous and tries to interfere with their relationship. When Mio catches them kissing, she runs home, but the next morning their house is demolished on the Prince's order.




While this one is primarily written for the dudes, I really enjoyed the drama aspect of it. While most Seinen manga are meant to be a little more pervy, this one didn't really give off that vibe. Seinen manga is actually aimed at older business men who in a way get part of their sexual needs meet by reading comics... at least that's what a lot of websites have said. I can't really vouch for that since the only Seinen I've read is this and a few other series such as Sun Ken Rock (i really wanted to feature that series as well but I can't feature two for the older guys! Sadface.jpg).

Bitter Virgin // ビターバージン
# of Chapters: 32
Where to Read: [1]
Status: complete as of 2008
Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Seinen
Synopsis:
As a junior high school student, Hinako was sexually abused by her stepfather and became pregnant. Her mother learned of the pregnancy when Hinako miscarried, but did nothing. As a result, the abuse continued, and Hinako soon became pregnant again. She was told that the pregnancy may make her incapable of bearing children again, but since the doctors felt an abortion at that point would be dangerous, she carried the baby to term and her mother had it put up for adoption immediately after birth without Hinako ever seeing the child.
Hinako ends by saying that although she never wanted the child and was relieved to have it adopted, and had never seen him, she wonders whether it would be all right if she at least celebrated his birthday, which is today. As she breaks down in tears, a stunned Daisuke, desperate for a proper answer, assures her that she has the support of God. This manages to calm Hinako down, and she thanks him and leaves.
At first, Daisuke cannot believe Hinako's story. However, the next day a baby carriage's brakes slip, and it begins to roll down on its own. While Daisuke instinctively jumps to protect Hinako and manages to stop the carriage, both of them are knocked to the ground. In the process, Hinako's skirt gets hitched up, revealing a scar on her stomach which Daisuke recognizes as a Caesarean-section scar, similar to one he saw on his mother's stomach as a child.
With Hinako's story proven true, Daisuke realizes that her ordeal was the cause of her aversion to men. Unable to get her out of his mind and worried for her well-being, he resolves to keep her secret safe and to help her in any way he can, and soon finds himself falling in love with her.

#1 recommendation for the month!

I KNOW I already featured two manga for older audiences.... but this one is the only manga that even made straight up a waterfall of tears fall from my eyes. A lot of anime fans (well the ones in my age group) tend to recommend the anime version of this but they haven't read the manga which is far superior. Normally reading something, even if I feel sad, won't make me cry but I can't read this series without a few tears forming no matter how many times I read it. Everyone I've asked has said the same thing. While this manga does have a very slow, gorey start- don't let that off set you from reading it. Out of all the manga I'm featuring here this one is my number one recommendation for the month. Hands down the best manga I've ever read overall (it does take reading the whole series to get the full feel because it does start out seeming like it's just going to be fanservicy and gore filled without  any real pay out).
  
Elfen Lied // エルフェンリート
# of Chapters:107
Where to Read: [1]
Status: complete as of 2005
Genres: Action, Drama, Romance, Supernatural, Seinen
Synopsis:
Elfen Lied takes place in Kamakura, Japan, focusing on a new strain of the human race, Diclonius, similar to human beings with invisible arms called vectors but different at the genetic level and notable due to physical abnormalities, particularly a pair of short horn-like protrusions. One such Diclonius, Lucy, is the main character of the series: Initially held in a facility built for experimentation, located off the coast of Kamakura, she manages to escape and wreak havoc, but is injured in the process, an event which causes her to develop a secondary, childlike personality known as Nyu.
Lucy is found by two locals, Kohta, who studies at the local university, and his cousin Yuka. They take her in, and become involved with the numerous, often brutal, attempts to recapture her by a Special Assault Team and a number of other Diclonius, who shift frequently from oblivious to murderous.
 

12/3/13

[AOW] Kill la Kill (12/1-7/2013)

[Previous AOWs][Akia's MAL page]


Nothing like featuring an anime that's about crazy amounts of action and fan service to start off December. ANYWAYS, I am really late to the game with this one because I've been spending too much of my time trying to finish the story mode on Persona 4 Arena and lots League of Legends in between looking for a new job or two as well as getting through finals (I really want this semester of college to be over). This has resulted in a service lack of my watching anime. During this time, Kill la Kill has been the have to watch anime this season. It's pretty much as crazy as Panty and Stocking; no surprise considering a good chunk of the staff that worked on P&S is working on this anime as well.


Type: I'm not really sure how to classify this since this manga has been coming out since around the same time the anime started... this could be the same thing that happened with Evangelion
# of Episodes: 25
Synopsis:
Ryuuko Matoi carries a large weapon shaped like half of a pair of scissors. She's looking for the woman with the other half, who killed her father. Satsuki Kiryuuin, student council president of Honnouji Academy, is said to know the woman's identity, so Ryuuko transfers there. Those who arrive at the school receive a special "goku uniform," and Satsuki has used that power to rule the school in fear.
The story is set on a high school that the student council president Satsuki Kiryuuin rules by force. Wielding a giant Basami scissors sword, the wandering transfer student Ryuuko Matoi brings about upheaval on the campus. Ryuuko searches for the mysterious figure who caused her father's death, but confronting her are the student council's "four divine kings." Fortunately, Ryuuko is aided by a talking sailor uniform who tells her, "Wear me. When I am worn by you, this power will become manifest."
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/18679/Kill_la_Kill#XrYEVjwEJmOlD23V.99

11/16/13

[AOW] Vanguard (11/10-16/2013)

[Previous AOWs][Akia's MAL page]

SOOOOOOOO I go to this like game night every Friday at a local Whataburger. We mainly play card games such as YuGiOh and Magic the Gathering, with the occasional Heroclix session thrown in but lately we've also been playing some Vanguard; pretty straightforward game in comparison to the others yet it is also proving to be the most fun. Don't get me wrong, I like the others as well but the learning curve is much higher for them. BUUUT as one of the players say "it's easy to learn to play Vanguard, but it's difficult to be good." ((pssssst the show is free on YouTube in English. You're welcome!))


Type: Manga Adpatation/ TCG
# of Episodes: 130+
Synopsis: 
 Aichi Sendou is a timid young boy in his third year of junior high school. He has been living his life looking backward rather than forward, trying not to stand out. The one thing that keeps him going is his trading card Blaster Blade from Cardfight!! Vanguard, a trading card game that takes place on a different planet called "Cray" and is popular throughout the world. When Aichi's Blaster Blade is stolen by his classmate Katsumi Morikawa, he chases him to a local card shop named Card Capital. There, Aichi has his first cardfight with Toshiki Kai, an aloof and cold-hearted high schooler who has outstanding abilities and who originally gave Aichi his Blaster Blade when Aichi was little. Aichi wins the fight, reclaiming Blaster Blade, and begins to enjoy a fulfilling life as he delves deeper into Vanguard. Among his new friends are Misaki Tokura, the niece of the shop owner, and Kamui Katsuragi, a young but highly skilled boy. Aichi's primary goal throughout the series is to become a stronger fighter, so he can once again battle Kai and have him recognize his worth.

11/5/13

[AOW] Outbreak Company (11/3-9/2013)

[Previous AOWs][Akia's MAL page]


My buddy Donny keeps telling me to watch this but every time I try to watch the first episode something just gets in my way, which is a shame considering I've been looking for an anime like this (otaku rules the world basically) to fill in that hole Oreimo and Genshiken Nidaime left in my heart. As of posting this 5 episodes are out. I am slightly worried about watching this though because Donny said the recent episode was kind of weird.
Having a light novel author father and an eroge illustrator mother, Kanou Shinichi is a thoroughbred otaku. However he does not have any special power except for his broad knowledge, sharp insight, and impeccable instinct about "MOE" and its products, from manga to anime to games to light novel to figures. One day he found himself transported to a fantasy world where elves live and dragons fly. And he is given a task—not to fight monster or embark on a quest, but to enhance cultural exchange by becoming a "moe missionary" in this fantasy world! He meets a palace guard who has a bit of fujoshi taste, a half-elf maid, and the empress who is a little girl. He comes up with the idea of building a school. At first it runs as a comedy but later there are serious matters that Shinichi needs to face: ethnic discrimination, social problems, conflict with neighboring countries, sabotage by opposition elements including Japanese government, etc. Can he overcome the obstacles, successfully bring "moe" culture to the fantasy world, and help the people there as well?
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/19369#kWQe2WFXQ8E2L1CJ.99


Type: Adaptation of Outbreak Company: Moeru Shinryakusha
Having a light novel author father and an eroge illustrator mother, Kanou Shinichi is a thoroughbred otaku. However he does not have any special power except for his broad knowledge, sharp insight, and impeccable instinct about "MOE" and its products, from manga to anime to games to light novel to figures. One day he found himself transported to a fantasy world where elves live and dragons fly. And he is given a task—not to fight monster or embark on a quest, but to enhance cultural exchange by becoming a "moe missionary" in this fantasy world! He meets a palace guard who has a bit of fujoshi taste, a half-elf maid, and the empress who is a little girl. He comes up with the idea of building a school. At first it runs as a comedy but later there are serious matters that Shinichi needs to face: ethnic discrimination, social problems, conflict with neighboring countries, sabotage by opposition elements including Japanese government, etc. Can he overcome the obstacles, successfully bring "moe" culture to the fantasy world, and help the people there as well?
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/19369#kWQe2WFXQ8E2L1CJ.99
# of episodes: 13
Having a light novel author father and an eroge illustrator mother, Kanou Shinichi is a thoroughbred otaku. However he does not have any special power except for his broad knowledge, sharp insight, and impeccable instinct about "MOE" and its products, from manga to anime to games to light novel to figures. One day he found himself transported to a fantasy world where elves live and dragons fly. And he is given a task—not to fight monster or embark on a quest, but to enhance cultural exchange by becoming a "moe missionary" in this fantasy world! He meets a palace guard who has a bit of fujoshi taste, a half-elf maid, and the empress who is a little girl. He comes up with the idea of building a school. At first it runs as a comedy but later there are serious matters that Shinichi needs to face: ethnic discrimination, social problems, conflict with neighboring countries, sabotage by opposition elements including Japanese government, etc. Can he overcome the obstacles, successfully bring "moe" culture to the fantasy world, and help the people there as well?
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/19369#kWQe2WFXQ8E2L1CJ.99
Synopsis:
 Shinichi Kanou is a young secluded Otaku who is offered a job thanks to his vast knowledge of anime, video games and manga and just after meeting his new employer, he is kidnapped, awakening in an alternate world with a fantasy setup. Shinichi then is informed that he was in fact selected by the Japanese government to help improve his country's relations with this new world by establishing a company to spread the unique products of the Japanese culture to this new, unexplored market.
Having a light novel author father and an eroge illustrator mother, Kanou Shinichi is a thoroughbred otaku. However he does not have any special power except for his broad knowledge, sharp insight, and impeccable instinct about "MOE" and its products, from manga to anime to games to light novel to figures. One day he found himself transported to a fantasy world where elves live and dragons fly. And he is given a task—not to fight monster or embark on a quest, but to enhance cultural exchange by becoming a "moe missionary" in this fantasy world! He meets a palace guard who has a bit of fujoshi taste, a half-elf maid, and the empress who is a little girl. He comes up with the idea of building a school. At first it runs as a comedy but later there are serious matters that Shinichi needs to face: ethnic discrimination, social problems, conflict with neighboring countries, sabotage by opposition elements including Japanese government, etc. Can he overcome the obstacles, successfully bring "moe" culture to the fantasy world, and help the people there as well?
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/19369#kWQe2WFXQ8E2L1CJ.99
Having a light novel author father and an eroge illustrator mother, Kanou Shinichi is a thoroughbred otaku. However he does not have any special power except for his broad knowledge, sharp insight, and impeccable instinct about "MOE" and its products, from manga to anime to games to light novel to figures. One day he found himself transported to a fantasy world where elves live and dragons fly. And he is given a task—not to fight monster or embark on a quest, but to enhance cultural exchange by becoming a "moe missionary" in this fantasy world! He meets a palace guard who has a bit of fujoshi taste, a half-elf maid, and the empress who is a little girl. He comes up with the idea of building a school. At first it runs as a comedy but later there are serious matters that Shinichi needs to face: ethnic discrimination, social problems, conflict with neighboring countries, sabotage by opposition elements including Japanese government, etc. Can he overcome the obstacles, successfully bring "moe" culture to the fantasy world, and help the people there as well?
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/19369#kWQe2WFXQ8E2L1CJ.99
Having a light novel author father and an eroge illustrator mother, Kanou Shinichi is a thoroughbred otaku. However he does not have any special power except for his broad knowledge, sharp insight, and impeccable instinct about "MOE" and its products, from manga to anime to games to light novel to figures. One day he found himself transported to a fantasy world where elves live and dragons fly. And he is given a task—not to fight monster or embark on a quest, but to enhance cultural exchange by becoming a "moe missionary" in this fantasy world! He meets a palace guard who has a bit of fujoshi taste, a half-elf maid, and the empress who is a little girl. He comes up with the idea of building a school. At first it runs as a comedy but later there are serious matters that Shinichi needs to face: ethnic discrimination, social problems, conflict with neighboring countries, sabotage by opposition elements including Japanese government, etc. Can he overcome the obstacles, successfully bring "moe" culture to the fantasy world, and help the people there as well?
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/19369#kWQe2WFXQ8E2L1CJ.99

10/30/13

[AOW] Kyoukai no Kanata (10/27-11/2/2013)

Since I am WAY behind with posting these AOWs, you get 4 this week >.<


[Previous AOWs][Akia's MAL page]

This anime was a readers choice. Thank you Antonio for the suggestion ^_^ I have only seen one episode of this so far. Initial impressions is that this one is well animated, but will probably rely on the ditzy moe factor a bit too much... as with a lot of anime coming out these days. The fights are worth watching though, and I do hope this show can pull of some punches to make it remember-able.


Type: Light Novel Adpatation
# of episodes: 13
Synopsis:
The dark fantasy follows a high school sophomore named Akihito Kanbara. Although the boy appears human, he is half youmu and invulnerable to wounds because he can heal quickly. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it seems she is about to jump from the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is unique even among members of the spirit world. Disturbing events begin to unfold after Akihito saves Mirai.
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/18153/Kyoukai_no_Kanata#TvI58szmgmdJRsda.99
Akihito Kanbara is a high school sophomore in the literature club who believes himself to be a "Meganest", and although he appears to be human, he is actually half Yōmu, which makes him invulnerable to wounds, due to the fact that he can heal so quickly, and also immortal. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it appears as if she is about to attempt suicide by jumping off of the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is considered heresy even among other members of the underworld, so she is shunned. Soon after Akihito saves Mirai, disturbing events begin to arise.
The dark fantasy follows a high school sophomore named Akihito Kanbara. Although the boy appears human, he is half youmu and invulnerable to wounds because he can heal quickly. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it seems she is about to jump from the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is unique even among members of the spirit world. Disturbing events begin to unfold after Akihito saves Mirai.
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/18153/Kyoukai_no_Kanata#TvI58szmgmdJRsda.99

The dark fantasy follows a high school sophomore named Akihito Kanbara. Although the boy appears human, he is half youmu and invulnerable to wounds because he can heal quickly. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it seems she is about to jump from the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is unique even among members of the spirit world. Disturbing events begin to unfold after Akihito saves Mirai.
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/18153/Kyoukai_no_Kanata#uXMz7u5GWzmEx5kA.99
The dark fantasy follows a high school sophomore named Akihito Kanbara. Although the boy appears human, he is half youmu and invulnerable to wounds because he can heal quickly. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it seems she is about to jump from the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is unique even among members of the spirit world. Disturbing events begin to unfold after Akihito saves Mirai.
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/18153/Kyoukai_no_Kanata#uXMz7u5GWzmEx5kA.99
The dark fantasy follows a high school sophomore named Akihito Kanbara. Although the boy appears human, he is half youmu and invulnerable to wounds because he can heal quickly. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it seems she is about to jump from the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is unique even among members of the spirit world. Disturbing events begin to unfold after Akihito saves Mirai.
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/18153/Kyoukai_no_Kanata#uXMz7u5GWzmEx5kA.99

The dark fantasy follows a high school sophomore named Akihito Kanbara. Although the boy appears human, he is half youmu and invulnerable to wounds because he can heal quickly. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it seems she is about to jump from the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is unique even among members of the spirit world. Disturbing events begin to unfold after Akihito saves Mirai.
Read more at http://myanimelist.net/anime/18153/Kyoukai_no_Kanata#uXMz7u5GWzmEx5kA.99
The dark fantasy follows a high school sophomore named Akihito Kanbara. Although the boy appears human, he is half youmu and invulnerable to wounds because he can heal quickly. One day, Akihito meets freshman Mirai Kuriyama when it seems she is about to jump from the school rooftop. Mirai is isolated because of her ability to manipulate blood, which is unique even among members of the spirit world. Disturbing events begin to unfold after Akihito saves Mirai.

9/24/13

[AOW] Kokoro Connect (9/22-28/2013)

[Previous AOWs][Akia's MAL page]

I don't really feature moeblob shows as AOW... but I decided that since this one is getting an English dub I might as well give it a chance... because the whole body swap concept without having to be a hentai sounds interesting!


Type: Light Novel Adpatation
# of episodes: 13 + 4specials
Synopsis:
The five members of the Cultural Research Club - Taichi Yaegashi, Iori Nagase, Himeko Inaba, Yui Kiriyama, and Yoshifumi Aoki - encounter a bizarre phenomenon one day when Aoki and Yui switch bodies without warning. The same begins to happen to the other club members, throwing their daily lives into disarray. At first the five students find some amusement amidst the confusion, but this unwarranted connection also exposes the painful scars hidden within their hearts. As their calm lives are shattered, the relationships between the five students also begin to change...

9/17/13

[AOW] Genshiken Nidaime (9/15-21/2013)


[Previous AOWs][Akia's MAL page]

Basically this continues off from where Genshiken ended (the manga version... I know the anime adaptation of the original series varied from the manga). So far the series has been a carbon copy of the manga, but as my friend Elijah says it feels weird animated... but I like it. That's probably because I am a suedo-fujoshi (rotten girl) even though I don't like yaoi... I like stuff such as 07-Ghost and Free!. Anyways, I am also reading the manga as it is released in English rather than fan translations online so the anime is ahead of the manga for me. I really like seeing this characters animated... ESPECIALLY Madarame and Hato. I'm not for a pairing or anything, I just think they have that weird bromance going on and will help each other out.


Type: Manga Adaptation
Synopsis:
Another college semester begins and the returning members of Genshiken attempt to recruit new club members. Three new members join the club, attracted by Ogiue's BL drawings. She welcomes the new members but fears the club will become a "rotten girls" haven for yaoi fans and is getting a bit too far removed from it's original purpose.

9/12/13

[AOW] Genocyber (9/8-14/2013) [Why'd I Bother #3]

[previous AOW's] [Akia's MAL page]

I am going to warn you up front this anime is pretty... bad in a good way? I'm putting it as "why'd I bother" because I'm not a glutton for watching gorey as hell anime; Genocyber takes the gore cake and makes it asplode. This 5 episode OVA series is not one you'd introduce your friends to as their gate way to anime unless they are big fans or over the top gore sequences... and some pretty messed up scenes. If this anime had been made today I can guarantee it would have been cancelled as soon as the story boards were released!


Type: Manga Adaptation
Synopsis:
As the nations of the world begin to merge, world peace is threatened by the private armies of individual corporations. The Kuryu Group has just discovered a weapon that will tip world power in their favor. The Genocyber: a nightmarish combination of cybernetics and psychic potential. Many desire to control this monstrosity, but can its hatred be contained... Battle erupts, and the cyberpunk world of the future is about to explode with violence.

8/5/13

[AOW] FREE! (8/4-10/2013)


[previous AOWs] [Akia's MAL page]

There is something about this anime that pulls at my fujoshi heart (though I don't like boys love at all... oh and I'm pretty sure this isn't a BL anime anyways).... much like how 07-Ghost did when it was airing on Japanese airways. I don't know what it is about this anime that keeps me wanting to see more of these boys swimming and interacting... it could be the awesome balance of character types, the fantastic op/ed, the super duper crisp art work or just the fact that this show was made because fans wanted it which rarely happens with anime. This one was pretty much petitioned to be made!

Type: Original Series
Genre(s): Comedy, School, Sports, Slice of Life
Synopsis:
 The story revolves around Haruka Nanase, a boy who has always loved to be immersed in water, and to swim in it. Before graduating from elementary school, he participated in a swimming tournament along with his fellow swimming club members, Makoto Tachibana, Nagisa Hazuki, and Rin Matsuoka. After achieving victory, each of the boys went their separate ways. Time passed, and in the middle of their uneventful high school lives Rin appears and challenges Haruka to a match, showing Haruka his overwhelming power. Not wanting it to end like this, Haruka, gathers together Makoto and Nagisa once again and brings a new member named Rei Ryugazaki to create the Iwatobi High School Swimming Club in order to defeat Rin. [MAL]

6/29/13

[AOW] Binbougami ga! (6/30-7/6/2013)


I can't say anything about this anime because I haven't seen any of it but for this AOW I took a suggestion from one of my Facebook fans, who's name is Elijah. The main concept seems pretty interesting and I know those who have seen it seem to like this one so I'll probably give it a try pretty soon.


Type: Manga Adpatation
Genre(s): Comedy
Synopsis:
At the expense of the people and things around her, Sakura has absorbed so much "happiness energy" that she has caused an energy imbalance in the world. In order to return balance to the world, the Poverty God, Momiji, sets out to take away Sakura's ability to absorb this energy. Will Momiji be able to put a stop to Sakura's absorbing abilities, or will the God succumb to her happiness?

6/25/13

[AOW] Malice@Doll (6/23-29/2013)


This has got to be the most mature "anime" I've decided to have as AOW... it's all about sex robots turning human and then experiencing almost too much pleasure yet this anime is only rated 17+. Really oddly animated, the pacing is a bit weird and the only real saving grace for it is that this one is directed by the same person as Serial Experiments Lain. Below is the video that got me to watch this lovely film.


Type: OVA
Genre(s): Horror, Sci Fi, Supernatural
Synopsis:
Malice, a sex robot living in an abandoned human city, is assaulted and violated by an mysterious creature. Upon awakening, Malice finds out that she has become human and can pass on her humanity to her fellow machines. However, her gift soon becomes a curse when her fellow robots rage out of control after being exposed to the pleasures of life.

[Akia Convention Report] (ACE 2013) Photos


Got back from ACE a few days ago. I'll be posting a few articles on this here blog about the experience. Overall a really well put together convention, especially considering this was only their 3rd year! Here are some photos from the trip:

Set 1- Take by my friend Marcus.
Set 2- Taken by Ziek the Freak.
Set 3- Taken by Akia.


6/18/13

[AOW] Naruto: Shippuden (6/16-22/2013)


Normally I'd refuse to put a long running anime as Anime of the Week simply because  for the most part I'm not helping you discover a new series to watch which this blog series is meant for. Long running series tend to be the ones people know about already (take into consideration most people already know about Bleach and One Piece as well which Naruto is one of the big 3 from Shonen Jump) so putting Naruto is like a waste buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut I'm currently re-watching episodes of this series in preparation to be second animal path Pain at the Albuquerque Comic Expo June 21-23, 2013 (I'm dressing as Orihime from Bleach on the first day, Pain the second and an original cat maid character the 3rd day). The whole arc about Naruto finishing off all the paths of Pain was really interesting, the whole thing because the like 3 or 4 versions of the Akatsuki is probably my favorite part of Naruto (other than the hotness that is Garra but I digress on being a fan girl right now). *sigh* I ended up spending about 9 hours marathoning episodes one day even though I only meant to watch a specific episode. I have the otaku disease bad!


Type: Manga Adaptation
Genre(s): Action, Comedy, Super Natural, Shounen, Super Powers
Episodes: ongoing
Synopsis:
Naruto: Shippuuden is the continuation of the original animated TV series Naruto.The story revolves around an older and slightly more matured Uzumaki Naruto and his quest to save his friend Uchiha Sasuke from the grips of the snake-like Shinobi, Orochimaru. After 2 and a half years Naruto finally returns to his village of Konoha, and sets about putting his ambitions to work, though it will not be easy, as he has amassed a few (more dangerous) enemies, in the likes of the shinobi organization; Akatsuki. 

[previous AOWs] 

6/6/13

[AOW] Oremimo s.2 (6/2-8/2013)


*siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh* I'm really going to miss this anime when it's over. I relate way too much to Kuroneko, and Kirino has grown on me despite my hate for her when I first started watching the series when it premiered a few years back. I'll really miss this antics of all the characters... there will for sure be a gaping whole in my heart only this show could fill.


Type: Light Novel Adaptation
Genre(s): Comedy, Slice of Life, Seinin
Episodes: 13
Synopsis:
Kyosuke Kosaka, a normal 17-year-old high school student living in Chiba, has not gotten along with his younger sister Kirino in years. For longer than he can remember, Kirino has ignored his comings and goings and looked at him with spurning eyes. It seemed as if the relationship between Kyōsuke and his sister, now fourteen, would continue this way forever. One day however, Kyosuke finds a DVD case of a magical girl anime which had fallen in his house's entrance way. To Kyosuke's surprise, he finds a hidden eroge (an adult game) inside the case and he soon learns that both the DVD and the game belong to Kirino. That night, Kirino brings Kyosuke to her room and reveals herself to be an otaku with an extensive collection of moe anime and younger sister themed eroge she has been collecting in secret. Kyosuke quickly becomes Kirino's confidant for her secret hobby.

[previous AOWs] 

5/3/13

[AOW] Fate/Stay Night (4/28-5/4/2012)


One of my roomates bought this anime on DVD  a few weeks ago simply because Best Buy now price matches to Amazon... they are going to lose lots of moola lol. Anyways, I've been a fan of all things in the Fate universe for a while now, but I never saw the anime in English... which now that I'm watching it I sure did not lose out by watching this one in Japanese. Though, I am a fan of Liam OBrien's sexy voice. Mmmm. Well, he does a pretty good job as Archer (the male pictured above) but the rest of the cast is pretty weak in the voice department. I particularly really dislike Sakura's vocie- it is way to child like. BUT if you are ok with watching in Japanese with subs, do it. Save your ears the trouble. The only reason I'm watching this one in English is because I've seen it before... and I like to have some anime playing while I work on my blog.


Type: Visual Novel Adaptation
Genre(s): Action, Fantasy, Magic, Shonen, Drama, Tragedy
Episodes: 24
Synopsis:
Raised by a mysterious sorcerer after the horrific death of his parents, Shiro Emiya has only just begun to help others using the small tidbits of magic that he's learned. However, when he's suddenly caught in a battle between two more powerful Magus, Shiro finds himself performing a spell above his expected ability, summoning the beautiful spirit warrior Saber to protect him! But safety is only momentary as Shiro and Saber now find themselves thrust into in a secret world of dark magic and deadly challenges: a no-holds barred duel to the death known as the Holy Grail War! At stake: a prize of unimaginable power. But can the inexperienced Shiro and Saber survive long enough to even enter the contest? First they'll have to withstand waves of treachery and assassination, even as Shiro scrambles to learn everything he'll need to know to stay alive as seven teams of Magus and Spirit Servants face off in mortal combat! 

[previous AOWs]