Anime

Aria*

Some people said that Aria is quite similar to Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou(Yokodashi), in a sense that it is such a relaxing manga, and now in anime form, I expect it to be a relaxing, slow anime. The first thing that I noticed watching the first episode is the background music, somehow remind me of Yokodashi, such soothing, instrumental, relaxing music. After checking the credits in the OP, yes, the one that made the soundtracks for Yokodashi OVA2, Choro Club, is here again in Aria! Since I love Yokodashi so much, I was really excited that I would hear such relaxing music again in Aria. Since I haven't read Aria manga, I can't compare the anime with the manga version. But the very first episode already give you hints that this anime would be a relaxing one. Animation wise, very well done, the backgrounds are quite detailed, and the character design is likable. Enyoying it so much. Talking about favourite character, I seem to like Ai-chan. She's original character created for anime. Kawaii ^^/ End of season comment: Overall, a very good anime by itself, and also very good anime adaptation of the manga. The animation, is not of godly level, I'd just say very good animation. The main attraction of this anime is in the storyline; slice-of-life story, about mundane things that happened in their daily life, appreciation of the obvious things, but if thought carefully and deeply, are miracles in their own ways, though there are also not-so-ordinary things, like going back to the past, and the legend of cats. The director has successfully, IMHO, brought ARIA manga alive in anime form. I'm really interested in his careful planning of each frames of the animation, which for me seem very movie-like, or of cinematic quality. He has successfully presented the awesome vistas/panoramic views in ARIA manga, in appreciation of natures and changing seasons, the relaxing and carefree feelings, in the form of anime. The anime (and the manga) actually put forth the idea of "To appreciate everything, to enjoy everything". It is also can be thought as to appreciate even minor happiness in your life, as opposed to being bothered with minor unhappiness that you experienced. As the mangaka said in his second volume of AQUA, if I'm not mistaken, people tend to remember bad things that happened to them, though how small, how silly they are, but people tend to forget or ignore the happiness that that they enjoy in most part of their life. This anime, for me, has successfully highlighted the point the mangaka wanted to stress; the principle behind his work. Another good point of this anime is the excellent, relaxing soundtracks by Choro Club, in collaboration with Senno. The soundtracks really fit the mood, the feeling presented in this anime. Couldn't help myself but to listen to the soundtracks countless times; simply awesome (though got to admit that I got it on the net for free, but if I got some money... a must buy soundtracks ^_^; ). Though this ARIA series has ended, the good news is that they are planning on making the 2nd season of ARIA, supposedly by next year, as being pointed out by Matthew on his blog. A definite must-watch anime, huh? To wrap everything up, this anime is for those who like slice-of-life kind of story, with the relaxing and carefree feeling that is brought to you while watching this anime. Though, very sad to say, not for everyone, but why not give it a try? |

Anime vs Manga Anime episodes of ARIA and the corresponding manga chapters in AQUA and ARIA. Anime episodes Manga chapters in ARIA 1 1 2 14, 3 (AQUA) 3 11, 10 (AQUA) 4 ??? 5 16 6 22, 29 7 24 8 7 (AQUA), 9 (AQUA) 9 19 10 6, 7 11 26 12 ??? 13 9 | Comments for past episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 12 13 Official Site: http://www.ariacompany.net

ToHeart 2*

Seem to me that this one is going to be my Kamichu! for this season. Konomi-chan, small, weak looking, is so kawaii!!! She looks like a middle-schooler, though she is already in her 1st year in high school. Intentionally done, by that character designer. Good. Animation is nicely done, unlike ToHeart - Remember my memories that put me down. And, since Konomi is omega kawaii, definitely going to watch this till the end. Yay! End of season comment: In the end, it failed to be my Kamichu! of the season. Really. Yes, Konomi is loli. Yes, she's my lolita. She's my carmen. But, apart from that, nothing special about this anime though. It failed, I'd rather say far from reaching the level of the first To Heart anime; animation and storylines wise. But whatever it is, I'd say I enjoy watching this harem anime, though I hate that stupid guy who hurt my loli-lovely-kawaii-cute-gentle-innocent Konomi. Seeing different girls featured in every episode is nice, but that stupid guy is annoying. Watch this anime to support Konomi. Nothing else. After all, Konomi is mine... (laugh) Ha ha ha ha ha x100 (cough cough) |

Comments for past episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Official Site: http://www.toheart2.net

Mushishi*

An amazing anime that deserves an entry in my anime page. No. It should be here. It must be here. I was quite late watching Mushishi, which means that I didn't watch the first episode raw, since I was a bit discouraged to watch this; upon browsing through other blogs, it looked too cool to me. Hating cool thing so much, I though I won't watch this one. There're many other anime to watch. So I thought. But somehow, I didn't know why, I downloaded the anime when the subbed version came out. Maybe I'd just take a look at it. I was wrong. Just like when I was wrong not watching Utakata earlier on. This is just an amazing new anime for this season. Serialised in the same monthly magazine as Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, this is supposed to be an adult genre manga, thus the anime. You'd notice that my site is all that green. I love green. And watching Mushishi, which most of the screens are greenish, is such a refreshing experience. But, enough with that green thing. The story itself for me is strong enough to make it a very good anime, and with very well done animation on the animators/studio part, making this one of excellent animes. The story revolves around Mushi, and Mushishi. Mushi, judging from the kanji, means "bug", and Mushishi, supposed to mean "bug's master"? ^^ Since in this anime, Mushi refers to that 'weird' creatures, so Mushishi is the one who knows and understand the creatures, some sort of sensei/expert. Watching this anime is a must! Simply great. (But if you're mostly into action anime, and can't stand watching slow anime, don't sleep ^^ ) End of season comment: Though actually it hasn't ended yet (to be continued on cable TV, if I'm not mistaken), but it ended at episode 21 in other TV channels in Japan. A very nice anime to watch, very nice animation, very nice soundtracks, very nice complicated storylines, and full of mysteries. It offers endless rewatch value. (Somehow it made me feel wanting to become a Mushishi, and travel all over the remote places in Japan. Really) ^_^; | Official Site: http://www.mushishi.jp

Mai Otome*

A must watch for those who watched Mai Hime. Somehow, I love this Mai Otome; more yuri, more fanservices... Sidenote: The two main charaters, Arika and Nina were there in Mai Hime. Nina was in the second episode of Mai Hime, and also in the ending animation for every episode, and Arika was in the last episode of Mai Hime. Have fun looking for them ^_^ End of season comment: Excellent season! Even better than the first season. Even more yuri... It is everywhere. It permeates the very aspect of anime. yuri rules in the season :p Overall very nice storyline in this season as compared to the previous one. I made me looking forward to every new episodes of the anime. | Official Site: http://www.my-zhime.net/, http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/maiotome/

Shakugan No Shana*

Shana is a sword-wielding-melonpan-lover loli that you'll miss. Must watch this sword-wielding tsundere loli epic. End of season comment: Shana is loli... Yeah. Shana is loli. That's all. Somehow I felt that the storyline is just average, nothing special in particular, but the point that Shana is loli makes it special :p | Official Site: http://www.shakugan.com/

New anime season is coming!!!

I think I'm going to watch these anime: -ARIA: People in YKK forum often meeention the manga, and now it is in anime form. -Mai Otome: I watched the first seaaason. Let's see if it turns out to be another good one. -Rozen Maiden Traumend: Cute dolls are cute... No comment. ^^ -ToHeart2: Looks interesting. Hopefffully they won't spoil the animation like ToHeart - Remember My Memories. (Looks rori too...) -Shakugan no Shana: Sword-wielding young girl... Looks intersting. But if it turns out to be too shounen to me (i.e. beyond my shounenness threshold), maybe I'll drop this just like what I did for Tsubasa Chronicle. I want to cry, because this Kashimashi ~ Girl Meets Girl anime broadcasting is postponed to next year (latest in MoonPhase site). :depressed: And here is an updated full list of animes coming up this Fall season. Additional comments #1: Another interesting one that I came across is Noein. Very well animated. Nice somehow, though the character design is not to my liking, but it's okay. Mai Otome and Shakugan no Shana also turned out to be good. For Mai Otome, it is somehow funny to see the same characters in a different alternative world. Shakugan no Shana is also very nice, erm, sword-wielding young girl is nice eh? Additional comments #2: Lost interest in Noein. Too cool to my liking. |

Ichigo Mashimaro*

Judging from the promo and prelude for the anime, well, I want to say something. No. I'd rather say I want to shout... Plug your ears with your fingers. Kawaii!!! �������!!! Banzai! Banzai! Banzai! Sorry... Erm... Here are some screenshots from the prelude: screenshots cuteshots Recently, I bought this 4th volume of Ichigo Mashimaro. It has some profiles for each character. Additional comment #1: After watching the first episode, I felt something was missing from the anime. Oh, there was no background music. And I also felt that anime version Miu-chan is somewhat more more hyperactive than she is in manga. It's kind of weird to see her flying from that swing. But as long as my Matsuri-chan remains Matsuri-chan, I think that it is okay. No big matter. I really love the opening animation; so cute. But the ending is somewhat weird for Ichigo Mashimaro with that slow-paced song. Additonal comment #2: Starting from episode 2, the anime improved with appropriate BGM. Definitely good adaptation of the manga! Moe~ Matsuri-chan's shots... here Uh... Cuteshots: opening and episode 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 End of season comment: It ended last week... :cry: The last episode, episode 12, it not really conclusive, it implies that there're more to it than the ending. Not really an ending though, and with the manga still ongoing, this is really acceptable. This anime is just about their cute daily life, so there's nothing to achieve in the end like shounen anime typical storylines with that become the strongest one in the end, or to save someone from that evil someone. Though I want more from the anime, the end was really acceptable, and given that they covered almost half of the manga, the anime adaptation is, for me, satisfying enough. They did well combining the short chapters in the manga, yes, even though they altered some storylines a bit, but it was well done. And, since I was able to see animated version of my lovely Matsuri-chan ^^ , it was a "Yay!!! Banzai!!!" anime to me. Official Site: http://www.tbs.co.jp/ichigomashimaro/

KamiChu!*

As one of the earliest anime to come out for this new season, I just downloaded randomly anything that came to my sight. But I made no mistake downloading this anime. Really. Beautifully animated anime, detailed background drawing, beautifully composed soundtracks, and cute girls. Yurie is just way too cute. The story started out with Yurie saying "Last night I became a god." At first it made no sense at all. What she meant saying that innnocently. Uh. I think you should watch the anime though. No point telling the story while you can find that easily in other anime review sites, right? This "Kamisama wa Chuugakusei" (God is a middle school student) or KamiChu! is a definite must watch for me this season. And one more thing, Kamichu! is serialised in Dengeki Daioh monthly manga magazine from which many cute anime come from. So expect this anime to be a cute one, perfect for those with moe complex. Moe... I really love the picture on the left. Perfect shadow and composition... Here are some beautiful screenshots from the anime. And... Um... Cuteshots from episode 2 3 7 8 9 10 11 12 + Cuteshot Special!

Even with all this her cuteness, it has come to the end at episode 12... Hence the... End of season comment: I like the animation, smooth, with very detailed backgrounds, and cute character design. Many people compared the anime with animes from Ghibli studio, especially Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi or Spirited Away (somehow the translation has got nothing to do with the original Japanese title... whatever), especially with that so many Kamis (Gods) around in this anime. But, I'd rather look at the anime itself rather than comparing it with some other anime. For me, the most important attraction of this anime is "Yurie-sama is cute that I can't stand the cuteness of her to the extend of falling unconscious for a while after watching new episodes of Kamichu, then waking up saying Kamichu!, then chanting 'Yurie-sama is cute Yurie-sama is cute...' repeatedly, while at the same time getting obsessed with Yurie-sama's blushing faces, then making screenshots of her blushing faces, falling unconscious at the very moment of seeing her virtual cuteness with her so kawaii blushing faces, then..." description. Sorry for such a long description that spans many lines. Erm... :clearing throat: As I said before the main attraction of this anime is... (read the above mentioned lines again please), while, objectively, this is a very well made anime for this season. Storylines wise, I think in each episode, the producer tried their best to highlight Yurie-sama's cuteness, while not letting the story went rubbish, it was well written. My personal favourite episode is episode 11, in which the whole episode is centered at Yurie-sama's laziness at New Year, not wanting to come out from that kotatsu, which is unique, a new idea for anime episode. I'm talking about the whole episode that she didn't come out from that kotatsu, and they successfully made her look cute as much as possible. While the episodes are mostly about her duties as God, helping people, attending meetings with Gods, and some other Godly matters, the main story is that she falls in love with this one guy, and in the end gathers her courage to confess to him, only to find that he loves her too. Simple, but the whole anime is really well made. And about Yurie-sama... (ignore me...) she... well... Yurie-sama!!! Official Site: http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Animation/kamichu/

Akahori Gedou Hour - Love Game*

Or in japanese way "Akahori Gedou AWA- RABUGE". This show consists of two stories; Zettai Seigi Love Pheromone, and Sore Yuke! Gedou Otometai. Don't ask me why I like this show; I just happened to like this anime at the very first moment I watched it. The animation is just okay, not that fantastic or super amazing. The soundtracks uh whatever, just okay for this anime. But, this is unsual for me to watch anime with the animation just... It's very hard to explain. But I really love the jokes, and I laughed hard many times while watching this anime for the jokes and for the stupididy of the anime. There is good mix of yuri, lolikon, and shoutakon plus Kamen Rider(my friend said it is like Gundam, I dunno. My knowledge of mecha is zero) and Mahou Shoujo. ...and she is cute, uh... Cuteshots: 1 2 3 4!!! End of season comment: Enough to say that I had fun watching this anime. Animation, soundtracks, and storylines wise, just average, but really such an anime that is worth watching to kill some time... In the end, seigi(justice) is aku(evil), while aku is seigi. Love Pheromone side that wanted to do justice always ended up doing evil things, while Gedou Otometai, whose aim was to do evil always ended up doing good things ^^; Loli, shouta, and yuri are mixed up in this anime though. Final words; Utano-chan is cute... Uh... Going to miss her. Official Site: http://www.gedou.net/index.php

Zettai Shounen*

At first I thought that this anime is of shounen genre, hence the name shounen, but I was completely wrong. Yes. Completely. There's no way that this anime is of shounen genre. If you like slow paced anime, breathtaking, relaxing kind of storyline, then this is for you. Even the very first episode made me go "waaaai~". So relaxing just like Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou. If you like Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, Mahou Tsukai Taisetsuna Koto, Piano, Kino no Tabi, Emma and so on, which are kind of "slice of life" type of anime/manga, I would say, give it a try. Animation wise, very well animated, kind of suprising to me that many new animes this year have very good animation. End of season comment: Simply said, this anime is amazing, but not for everyone. Thought provoking anime as it is, slow enough to make you doze off. Simply Zettai Shounen-ish. Though I seemed to like the Tana part of the anime more, but both parts are very good in their own ways. As been said in my first impression of the anime, overall it feels like Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, and also ARIA, though closer to YKK in Tana part (less talking), and more like ARIA in the Yokohama part (more talking). Though the ending is somewhat too short, still feel so Zettai-Shounen-ish, not really dissapointing ending by any means. The concept of balance, somewhat like Yin/Yang, which in this anime are Cold/Hot colored lights or Material Fairy/Evil, is quite interesting. I really enjoyed this anime. | Comments for past episodes: 11 16 Official Site: http://www.zettai-shonen.com/

Paniponi Dash!*

Weird. What a weird anime. That chibi/small cute sensei, uh, so cute. It reminds me of Sensei no Ojikan. For me, the animation and storyline are a bit, in a disorganised way, but cute. Especially when the cute loli sensei is unable to pronounce "Massachusetts" in MIT. Uh so cute. If you don't mind getting some headache/dizziness for the wierd disorganised animation, you should watch this anime for the cuteness. Additional comment: Watch this anime for omega kawaii Bekki!!! End of season comment: A totally amusing, "crazy" anime. A lot of cross-references to other anime/manga/series. Worth watching, but somehow very hard to understand for people who are not really into manga/anime. It also requires some understanding of anime culture and japanese culture. Very "hectic" animation, but in an interesting and funny way. Simply one of the funniest anime this year. (Really appreciate the "cafe alpha" reference to Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou in episode 16. That's really surprising.). |

Comments for past episodes: 8 16 20 26 Official Site: http://www.paniponi-dash.com/

Petopeto-san

First impression. Cute. Somehow I feel that Petoko, look like this one character in Watashi no Oniichan loli manga. Uh. Compare Petoko with that loli girl wearing swimsuit in the banner for Lolitron site. They look similar right?

For me the animation is just average; nothing to be proud of for this. The main attraction is the cuteness of the anime itself. Soundtracks, un, just average too. Again, it is just the cuteness that made me hooked to this anime. Pe-to-ko-chan!

Official Site: http://www.petopeto.com/

Da Capo Second Season (D.C.S.S)*

As the one who has watched the first season, I would say that animation for this one is a lot better that the first one.The backgrounds are a lot more detailed, smooth animation, but somehow, I find that the characters are drawn a bit less cuter that the first one. Banana... Watch it then you'll know what I meant with "banana" here... Additional comment: Aishia!!! Aishia!!! Aishia!!! Use your magic to suppress the very existence of Nemu!!! Aishia!!! Aishia!!! (the chant continues)... End of season comment: Um. It ended just like that. It's been expected that Nemu will be with her onii-chan. Nothing special. Good animation. Good storylines (i.e. well twisted plots, though the ending was expectable). But the most important thing in this anime is Aishia. Nothing more, nothing less. I care less for anything else. It's Aishia. Aishia!!! Aishia!!! Aishia!!! (the chant continues)... Aishia!!! | Official Site: http://www.hatsunejima.com/index.html

Karas*

The first thing I want to say about this OVA is What a very well animated anime! The CG blends very well with the background. The armour looks so kakkoii, and the katana looks so real. They sure put lots of efforts to make this OVA. The soundtracks fit the anime very well, complementing the already well made animation. It's just kakkoii/cool x100. If you like to watch some kakkoii anime, watch this. Seriously. Official Site: http://www.thekaras.net/

Shuffle!

One day, the gate to Shin & Ma dimensions opened up to human world. 10 years later, this one lucky guy, while wandering around after school, finds these two (cute) girls, both seem know his name, while he never met them anywhere before that day. The very next day these two girls, are the new tranfer students to his class, suprisingly they are actually princesses from these Shin and Ma dimensions. To make things more interesting, the kings of these two dimensions, offered their princesses to him, and he has to choose one of them to be his WIFE. Uh. Damn lucky guy. Animation wise, I would say, nicely done, approximately up to the quality of D.C.S.S. But with so many anime of Harem genre this season, I decided to watch D.C.S.S instead of this one. But it is not because that this anime craps, it is just that I'm just being selective with what I want to watch. Somehow, I feel that this anime is really worth watching, but... later.

Official Site: http://www.shuffle-tv.com/

Amaenaide yo!

Or literally "Don't get spoiled", this anime sure got too much fanservice for the first episode of a new anime. Too much is not good. It's better to give 'em bit by bit. The first episode is like spoonfeeding the viewers with lots of fanservice unnecessarily. Uh. But it's nicely done though. But for me it's too much. I like something more in balance. (nod) Basically this one guy (in harem anime you got one guy surrounded with tons of girls by the way. So it's is understandable...) can release his power (Buddha power?) when he sees something ecchi (nose bleed). And of course the girls around him got to have him nose bleed so that he can release this power to banish these evil ghosts (simple. understandable.you don't need any logical reason for ecchiness.). Erm. It reminds me of Gantz (the anime that I hate so much), you know it right? Where this one guy got more powerful when he thinks of ecchiness. By the way, animation is okay, above average. The backgrounds are not that detailed, juts okay. For me, I won't watch it raw since the story does not whet my appetite...

Official Site: http://www.vap.co.jp/amae/

Okusama wa Joushikousei

Or "My wife is a highschooler", this anime is about this one sensei with one young 17 year-old wife. They go to the very same school, and this sensei is a teacher in the very same class that the hot young wife is in. Being a married couple, but trying to keep the secret from everyone in the school, is quite hard, especially for this young 17 year-old wife. Enough for intro. The main important thing is this "Danna sama! Danna sama! Danna sama!". It reminds me of Rizelmine. Again Danna sama. Somehow, it feels like Ichigo 100% If you like this Danna sama thing, and if you like Ichigo 100%, and some ecchiness, you'll like it... kamo... Animation wise, unnnn.... just average, and the soundtracks are not that notable, just futsuu/average...

Official Site: http://avexmode.jp/animation/okusama/

Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo

Or "Madam is a Magical Girl", we seem to have two anime starting with this "Okusama wa" something for this season. This is different from Okusama wa joushikousei, where it means "My wife is..." in that context. This is another anime with the main intention is to "fanservicing" the viewers. I found that this anime have some inconsistencies in the animation and backgrounds, sometimes the backgrounds are detailed, but the way they draw/animate the characters, for me, does not fit this nice backgrounds. Most of the time the animation and backgrounds are just futsuu/average, nothing to be proud of. Storyline wise, I think it is okay so far, this one guy move to this one house with this okusama who is a magic user. Some ecchi things do happen in the first episode, but not as excessive as in Amaenaideyo!. It's just okay, and enough to stimulate the viewers to continue watching this anime. But for me I won't be following this anime, I've had enough of anime of the very same kind (fanservice fanservice and fanservice again and again)... (sweating)

Official Site: http://www.mahousyoujo.com/

Suzuka

Well, actually the title is a person's name, which literally means "refreshing air". It starts out with this one guy passes by school field, as he happens to see this one girl training for the high jump. "Uh she's cute" is what it seems to be in his mind. He is on the way to an apartment as he is going to start school in Tokyo. As you might expect, the girl lives in the very same apartment in a room just next to his room. The story continues...

The animation is just average, but the storyline is just okay... well, just not my type. There are some fanservices though for you to savour...

Official Site: http://www.suzuka-tv.com/

Moeyo Ken

I have to state that I didn't seem to like this anime from the very beginning (the very seconds), that it feels so shounen. But it's a waste not to comment on this anime since the animation is well above average for me, and for the fact that the character design is done by Takahashi Rumiko. Yes the one who is well known for Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha. But... well again, what to say... yes, the animation is well above average, and seem to me that it uses some 3D CG, notable when one train passed along the road (that train is possibly done with 3D CG). (uh well Honey & Clover also uses some 3D CG, well some anime nowadays... uh) Just to say it blends very well. Uh... That's all. Just to say that it is not crap, and it is worth watching for those who watched Inuyasha... (sweating)

Official Site: http://www.moeken.jp/

He is My Master*

I think you already know the manga. If not, take a look at Akatsukimanga. The japanese title for this anime is Kore ga watashi no Goshujin-sama. This one guy Yoshitaka inherits all his late father's wealth. With that much money, he's got nothing to do. Yes. Why not hire maids? (You got it. This is an anime for those who like maids) Yoshitaka, a lolicon hentai guy, hired 2 maids (later on he'll have 3 maids). You can imagine what will happen if we combine that kind of guy with 3 maids, can't you? This will be my favourite anime for this season. Cute animation. Kyaha. :Screenshots: and :more Screenshots: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... End of season comment: Aaaaa.... no more maids. No more panty shots. No more yuri. No more lolikon. No more Mitsuki-chan... (cry). The animation and backgrounds are just futsuu/average, nothing great about that, but the whole maid-ecchi-loli-yuri thing is the main attraction of this anime. It's very self descriptive... I really enjoy the whole season of this anime \(^o^)/ Yay!

Emma*

So far I've read only the manga (by Iichan fansub) and watched the previews. I think I would watch this one too. Maid again. Could it be that this season will be full of maid anime? But, this anime is not that kind of hentai/lolicon anime. Just a love story between a maid (of low social class), with a guy of high status, well, in England. The animation looks promising from the preview. After watching the first episode, I would say the animation is very good. It would make this anime one of the most worth-watching anime for this season. The soundtracks fit the anime well, that the soundtracks sound Victorian (and this is an anime about Victorian Era love). End of season comment: Very open-ended ending, prompting you people to read the manga. But it really worth watching the anime, very well done, smooth animation, soft lines, detailed depiction of Victorial age London (I've never been to London, but this anime teaches me a lot about London :) ), slow serious no nonsense storyline, maids (uh), and the most notable feature of this anime is the excellent soundtracks! It made me listening to the soundtracks again and again (I wish I could buy it. Uh. Such an excellent CD). Another notable feature is the absence of any trace of fanservices... Uuu... But the whole series is very satisfying for those who love slow storyline, romance, and 'beautiful' soundtracks.

Futakoi Alternative*

Very different from Futakoi, the one from year 2004. The twins are there, but this is not the same story. The twins are older, and the main guy is different, but the name of the city still has the prefix "Twin". The animation is way better than the first Futakoi, but still retain the cuteness of the twins. This will be one of my best anime for this season. Additional comment #1: Very very nicely done anime. Simply one of the best anime for this year. But I found that I couldn't understand the anime very well (remember that I watched the RAW/untranslated ones). Lots of puns that I couldn't understand. But, still this anime is worth watching. Definitely. Additional comment #2: Every episode is just very unique on their own. I have to repeat this line again, "Simply one of the best anime for this year." It is artistic, while at the same time cute, and also at the same time unique. There is no simple word to describe how good this anime is. May be some of you don't like the storyline or the cuteness in the anime, but for me, this is one of the anime that may revolutionize the way people do anime, just like what Gankutsuou did last year. "Artistically done, being cute at the same time, simply a revolution." goes well with the title itself - alternative. End of season comment: Watching the final episode, I felt like crying. Uh. What a great anime. What a great studio. They really made an Alternative to Futakoi. Very well done animation, smooth movement, well planned storyline and plots, good mix of actions, puns, humors, absurdity (gravity defying movements...), and romance. I really love the last episode when Rentarou was forced to give a speech, and after some erm ah aaa and ano, he shouted to the crowd "Happi- desuka?", replied with a big loud "Happi- desu"... I really love the moment when the three of them walked along a road full of cheery blossoms... I really love the moment when the ran together happily passing the river, with the setting sun in the background... I can go on with the "I love this that..." talking, but this is one of the anime I'll never forget... (humming the ending song...)

Hachimitsu to Clover*

Shoujo drawings. Shoujo animation. Shoujo storyline. 3 bishounen guys meet this 1 cute little girl. The story begins... She's too cute especially when holding that what kind of leaf. The animation is very good, and the flow is very creatively done. The soundtracks fit the anime very well and at the right time. The anime also feels so musical. Love this anime. I'll watch this to the end. Additional comment #1: Hagu-chan. Hagu-chan. Hagu-chan. HAGU-CHAN!! Additional comment #2: Definitely one of my super favourite anime for Spring 2005. Every single episode is very good mix of humor, (actions?) and love. What such a feel-good anime to watch. They also maintain the animation quality in every episode, combined with suitable properly placed soundtracks and j-pop songs. The most important thing is that Hagu-chan is cute as usual. Uuuu.... Chou kawaii/super cute (loli-looking-cute-small-chibi 19 year-old girl. Yes. She's a 19 years old Art School student.) End of season comment: One of my favourite for 2005 anime. The animation is consistent throughout the series, good mix of simplified, chibi forms with normal animation, and most importantly, I was truly moved by the soundtracks and insert songs in each of the episode. The soundtracks and the insert songs fit the story very well, I would say the best anime this year in term of soundtracks and insert songs, that set the mood in the anime very well, complementary to the already well made animation, moving together with the storylines. In term of storylines, I'd rather say that this anime has two distict facets, or two different extremes of storylines, from a totally hectic, unorganised, funny, puns-filled story, to such a sad, sorrowful, depressive story, with unrequited love, tears-shedding, confusion, searching for meaning of life. Generally the first facet is in the first part of the story, while the tears-filled facet is in the second part of this 24 episodes anime. Yes. I truly had good laughs in the first part of the show, while, somewhat moved by the second part of the anime. Such a well done anime adaptation of Hachikuro manga, really, not wasting my time watching the anime... I'm truly satisfied (craving for the DVDs). Official Site: http://www.hachikuro.net/

Gokujou Seitokai*

"A girl goes to a school in an isolated island. She is supposed to stay at her relative's house there. But no house, just a burned-down house. No more house. She sleeps in front of the school. The next day she goes to the school. She is appointed as a class representative. Therefore she is in Gokujou Seitokai, something like school board. She misses the meeting. She's lost somewhere in the school. She stumbles into a girl who is chasing a suspect. She end up chasing the suspect instead. Later she is the one who get the suspect. The head of the school board is impressed. She is now her secretary. She gets a nice room in the school hostel for the Gokujou Seitokai members. Oh. Sorry. I forgot to mention. This is an all-girl school. Nice. That is why I watch this anime. Yes. No other reason. The storyline is illogical to any sane human beings. But never mind. I don't bother. I'll watch this anime." End of stupid review. The animation is nicely done. But not to the level of other great animes. But it is good. The characters are drawn nicely and consistently. But I think that only if you like this kind of story then you should watch the anime. The animation and the soundtracks won't impress you. Just watch for the storyline. Additional comment #1: Nice. Every episode felt more Yuri-ish. Yay! Additional comment #2: Kanrinin is way too cute. Ehe! Especially in episode 11 and 13. Comments for past episodes: 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 End of season comment: Such a good anime to watch. As I already mentioned, the animation is not that great, but well above average. But, really, I had fun watching this anime. Every single episode is unique by itself. Think of Doraemon, each episode is not really related to each other except for some episodes. Had good laugh watching this series, and the characters are kawaii too. Somehow, good anime to learn Japanese though, learned a lot from this anime, since many of the important repeated lines in the anime are written, though intended to be puns, really helpful. ^_^ Love the OP and ED songs too, together with cutely made OP/ED animation. Ermmm... the ending, good ending... So Gokujouseitokai-ish. Everything goes well in Gokujou Seitokai, isn't it? By the way, Kanrinin!!! Official Site: http://www.gokujo.konami.jp/pc/index.html

Fushigi Boshi no Futago Hime*

Or "Twin princesses of weird star" (sorry for the trans, but I love to call it this way. Sounds like Hokuto no Ken/Fist of north star). Currently watching this anime subbed (uh too lazy to download every single RAWS out there). Apparently the target age for this anime for shougakusei/grade school kids, but no harm watching it, right? It's too cute that it's a waste not to watch it right? Basically these two princesses got some power to save the star as the power of blessing from the previous princess of the country starts to fade away. They level up as they keep using their power to do good deeds (uh what a simple storyline typical of bedtime story. It feels so good). Erm, but I have fun watching this anime, too cute, even though, animation wise, not that fantastic-futuristic-CG-blends-with whatever comments that I usually give to very well animated anime. It's still worth watching. The OP and ED songs are so, uh, making you feel like to dance. Cute... Uh.

Official Site: http://futagohime.jp/

Tsubasa ~ Reservoir Chronicles

The latest anime from CLAMP. I don't really like some latest manga from CLAMP. Somehow the quality of illustrations (for the manga) are not as good as Card Captor Sakura, X and Clover. But I'll watch this one. The story line for the manga (and thus the anime) is good.

Additional comment #1: After watching the first episode of this anime, I felt that I should watch this anime for sure. First, as I said before, the storyline is good. Second, the soundtracks are composed by Kajiura Yuki, as you should already know, have made numerous good anime soundtracks. Third, it is CLAMP! However I'm still a bit dissapointed with the character design; it doesn't feel like Mokona Apapa at all. Somehow I feel that it is a downgrade from the previous CLAMP animes.
Additional comment #2: After sometime. I decided not to watch this anime. I felt that it is too Naruto-ish. And the main point was that this is not by Mokona Apapa. Bye x2. Sayounara.

Ichigo 100%

One guy goes up to the rooftop only to find a girl fall in front of him from the sky, showing that ichigo (strawberry) pantsu (you know it right? the one chii wanted to buy from pantsu shop). He never know there is such a beauty in his school. He falls in love with this ichigo pantsugirl. I don't think I should tell the whole story from the first episode, but expect lots of panty shots from this anime. :)

AIR*

I've been waiting for this anime since last year and watched the previews/promos countless times. Since I watched Kanon last year, I seemed to like the animation from Key Studio. So kawaii. This will be another kawaii anime to watch. Lots of those kawaii girls with their own unique kawaii personalities. Misuzu goes Gao Gao Gao all the way... End of season comment: Well. It started out to be cute anime. Ended up to be a very sad anime. Really worth watching for everything (storyline, animation and soundtracks).

Mahoraba*

Cute anime to watch. The main female character is just plain cute. The animation is GOOD, and CUTE. But somehow I hate the pencil drawings in the middle of the anime and for the ending. Maybe new way of doing animation? Just like what was done in Gankutsuou. I've seen that many times though in other anime, but I think it is too much in this anime. Anyway, this is one of my favourite anime this season as I was going moe all the way while watching this anime. Kozueeee-channnnn... == moeeeee-channnn. Additional comment: After watching many episodes of Mahoraba, I think I can tolerate the pencil drawings. It's kind of cute though :)

Mahou Sensei Negima*

From the same creator of Love Hina. I think this anime adaptation of his work is better than Love Hina. Cute. About a ten-year-old Negima-sensei with his 31 (cute) (girl) students. Additional comment: I love this anime. It's cute.

Ultimate Girl*

As stupid as Chouhenshin Cosprayers, Hit wo nerae and Love Love trilogy...

Magical Kanan*

For this anime, I just watched the subbed version of the anime. The animation is nicely done for mahou shoujo. The main character was intentionally designed to look like a loli/underage. Nice. Very cute. :) After waching the whole episodes, I would say the animation is above average, bright color, smooth animation, cute, maybe sometime you find it a bit SM and ecchi, but not that much. The storyline is well done, but so typical of magical shoujo, she'll win in the end right? After so much hardship whatever. But not that expectable, with some nice twist. Worth watching though. And I really love the ending song. So cute and sexy. Ehe...

Jinki:Extend

I rarely watch mecha anime. The only mecha anime that I've watch so far is Fullmetal Panic. But this one maybe the second mecha anime that I will watch to the end. The main character, what's her name, Aoba, is cute, that's why I think I should continue watching this. GOOD animation. This should be one of the anime you should watch this season. I don't know how to comment on the mecha part though, but I think the mecha design is nice.

Additional comment: I got bored with this. Somehow... I'm not a mecha fan to begin with.

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Consists of 4 OVAs. 2 OVAs were out in 1998, while the other two OVAs in 2002. I really love the soundtracks, thanks to those who shared them on the net. It's hard to find the CDs locally, and I don't have credit card, so there's no way I would be able to get them. The OVAs feature selected chapters from the manga, retaining the styles from it. Really slow storyline, just like in the manga, with some modification to the original story in the manga to fit the flow of the anime. Somehow, I think that the director of the anime (intentionally) made the anime adaptation feel more yuri-ish and with some fanservices, though not excessively done. For me, I like the manga more than the anime version. But the director did a good job in making the anime version of the manga. I wish that I can have a cup of coffee at Cafe Alpha... And have such relaxing life style; Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou way... Un...

Rizelmine*

Cute!!! (*moe mode turned on*) By the same production that made Ultimate Girl, Chouhenshin Cosprayers, Hit wo Nerae, and Love Love, M.O.E. You can expect what kind of anime it is already right? Right? Why didn't I noticed this one before? Uguuuu~ This one feels more like Final Approach (or I should say Final Approach feels more or less like Rizelmine since this one was made in 2002). But in this anime, one loser guy got a wife, but underage/loli-age??? The story begins... After finishing this anime, I think this is the one of the best anime from M.O.E. Better than Ultimate Girl, and the trilogy (Cosprayers-Hit wo Nerae-Love Love). Really worth my time watching the series... Danna sama!