Good times with friends…

We arrived after 1 PM and immediately went to the dealer room. I was trying to replace a movie poster since my order did not come on time. A quick breeze through more than a hundred shops yielded nothing. However, not all was lost since the manga adaptation of Voices of a Distant Star arrived early. It was all in preparation for this year’s special guest, Makoto Shinkai.

The group decided to split up since another special guest was the distinguished composer, Nobuo Uematsu. Fortunately, my friend got in line 90 minutes early. Unfortunately, there was a line since the beginning of the day and all the special tickets were given out during the Q&A session (which we did not attend and from what I heard, there was a line for that too). Needless to say, he was unable to get my Distant World’s DVD and CDs signed… despite waiting patiently in line for 2 hours.

The other portion of the group (myself included) lined up for the Makoto Shinkai autograph event. Due to fabulous scheduling, both autograph events coincided by half an hour, causing the need to split the group. After some confusion about where the line starts and being shuffled around by Otakon staff, my friend and I wound up being the first ones in line. Yes, the very first one to walk through into the room and shake Mr. Shinkai’s hand… twice.

A very nice and humble guy. He is my idol of the anime world and this event only solidified my respect for him. Tomorrow, I will be attending his premiere of Hoshi o Ou Kodomo and his Q&A session. I’ll try to get my other DVDs and newly purchased 5 cm manga adaptation signed.

As for the rest of the day, I briefly attended the Madoka Magica showing and purchased some Makoto Shinkai-related material. I was unable to attend the Chemistry concert (happening as I’m typing this) so I might purchase a CD tomorrow and attempt to get a signature from the group.

Since I didn’t stay in the dealer room too long, I missed out on some free giveaways and special events. In particular, the Madoka poster if you make a donation to disaster relief efforts in Japan. There’s always tomorrow… but in other news, I felt like an idiot when I went up to the Funimation booth and asked about the release date for Last Exile in Blu-ray. Apparently, that was cancelled…

So Day 1 is over. Tomorrow should be fairly busy with catching Makoto Shinkai again and attending other panels.

Coverage of several series that recently caught my attention…

Taboo-Tattoo

Brief Summary

Taboo-Tattoo is about Seigi and the inevitable war between two superpower nations. Other than learning martial arts and his firm belief in justice, Seigi’s an ordinary boy. However, that all changed when he saved an homeless man from some thugs. To thank him, the man had him to hold onto a piece of rock, one that fused with his hand to form a tattoo. It was an intricate design that otherwise had no significance… or so he thought. Then he was approached by two agents from the United States who were searching for secret weapons. The thing they’re looking for turned out to be the design on his hand. It was no ordinary tattoo. It’s a spell crest, a powerful ability that requires a trade of some sort (like renumerations in Darker than Black). After realizing the power he holds, Seigi must find a way to preserve the “normal” life he lives while helping the two agents recover more spell crests. And with the world on the brink of World War III…

Impressions

I got the impression of Kurogane no Linebarrels but with martial arts and spell crests instead of mecha. Also, the main character isn’t an asshole. However, with that said, the primary draw is definitely Izzie, the female U.S. agent. She’s the one who’s trapped in an undeveloped body in exchange for her abilities. Her underage appearance and cute actions sharply conflicts with her military mindset and inner sadist. A well-rounded character who causes nothing but trouble for Seigi.

With a hint of humor and fanservice, the series promises plenty of action in future chapters. Well-rounded and worth a look into.

Lock On!

Brief Summary

Utsuru Sanada cares only about one thing, photography. To be more specific, photographing girls when they’re in their most beautiful form. However, Kurihara Niko may be the toughest model to get. She’s been traumatized by perverts at a young age and now unwilling to trust any man. Not all hope is lost for Sanada’s very persistent in getting the perfect shot.

Impressions

Fullmetal Panic‘s Sousuke but in photography instead of Mithril. It gets a bit silly with Sanada’s “photographer’s eye” but otherwise, a decent comedy. Combined with the possibility of romance, there’s no reason why anyone wouldn’t read this.

Countrouble

Brief Summary

One would think of angels as pure beings with wings flapping on their backs. With Sasara, only the wings are true. She dresses up as a witch and constantly abuses her charge, Matsuhiro Kouta. However, not everything is bad. She descended from the heavens to help Kouta with love (and to play his games). Most of her spells would kill him. However, the rest are all some sort of countdown where the magic would be cast upon hitting zero. The problem is… not everything would go as expected. For example, one of the spells cast upon him would reveal to the ENTIRE world his thoughts should the timer reach zero. Whether or not it helps him with his relationship, only time will tell…

Impressions

Funny antics centered around an adorable Shizawa and a troublesome Sasara. The latter cares more about staying entertained while the former is the target of Kouta’s affections. However, “you reap what you sow” and with Kouta trying to cheat her into falling in love with him with magic, bad things happen.

This is my most favorite out of the four.

Mayoi Neko Overrun!

Brief Summary

Takumi lives and works in a bakery called “Stray Cats”. Its name came about when the owner adopts them every time she goes traveling. However, cats aren’t the only things she brings back. She adopted him and another child after their orphanage closed. Most recently, her latest trip’s souvenir was… a cat girl.

Impressions

From the same artist of To Love-Ru comes this new work. Fanservice-laden? Yes. Cute? Yes. Recommended? Yes. Do I wish that catgirls are available to pick up as strays? Yes.

Music Hour

Ayano Kojima quickly makes her way up my list of favorite manga characters.

Brief Summary

Invited to a live concert on the beach, Sakuta tries to enjoy the trip but the ongoing battle for his heart makes the otherwise peaceful vacation… a tad awkward.

Springing their plan into action, Ami anticipates some mouth-to-mouth with her brother… but her plan worked too well.

Although, Ayano was able to salvage something from the failed mission. She recognized her feelings truly to be love.

Things got rather heated when a party of rowers passed by. Standing up against each other to hide her topless state, a kiss almost happened.

Key word: “almost”.

Impressions

Poor Ami. There’s always next time.

As for Ayano, she’s the ideal maiden in love. Shy but wanting to go further. So very pure. PERFECT! Still, given how Sakuta loves the INCEST band and the very name of it implies that Eve will eventually take the lead. I’m not feeling anything for the real sister but there’s still time for her character to flesh out. But in the meantime, Ayano is #1.

Year of the Tiger

I hope this wasn’t overshadowed by the more commercialized Valentine’s Day…

]]> http://kokuun.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/happy-lunar-new-year/feed/ 1 Nitey Tiger Waifu http://kokuun.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/valentienes-day-best-romance-anime/ http://kokuun.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/valentienes-day-best-romance-anime/#comments Sun, 14 Feb 2010 20:09:02 +0000 kakiharaa http://kokuun.wordpress.com/?p=7801 ]]>

It’s been a while since I posted, so here’s a simple list of the best romance anime to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

This is a list of the top romance anime that anyone could hope to see. I know I’ve left a few out, but that’s just so you have a reason to comment and not because I’m lazy. I have included no hentai or harem shows; I just don’t think they fit the bill. I also lack yuri and yaoi….If you know a great one post it in the comments. They are in no particular order.

The first up is Kare Kano.  The best school romance show you can watch and it’s directed by Hideki Anno and Kazuya Tsurumaki.

Paradise kiss. Standout for it’s ultra sharp art designs and fashion.  It even has Franz Ferdinand as an ending song.   For it’s high production values and style alone it’s worth checking out.

Nana. This one is a bit longer but it’s so popular for a reason. It’s more reccomened for females, but it’s a solid show all around.

Maison Ikkoku. This is Rumiko Takahashi’s most down to earth and most romantic show. It’s the longest on this list at 96 episodes, but it’s a classic just as all of takahashi’s works are (except Inu-Yasha).

Video Girl Ai, a show that has also aged very well. I think it’s notable for it’s rapid characterization of it’s leads.  As soon as the first episode you can really feel the characters, especially Ai.  It’s only 6 episodes so you have no excuse if you have not seen it.

Futari Ecchi. This anime and manga are intended to present the realistic relationship of two Japanese newlyweds.  It is interesting for the scenarios it presents along the way, but the production values are mediocre and the anime cuts short. You may do better to just pick up the manga.

Kemonozume.  I can’t sing this show’s praises enough! It is certainly one of my all time favorite anime and it blends romance, action, comedy and drama wonderfully. It is truly a must see show. The love portrayed here is the most nuanced and real I have seen in an anime. It’s realistic and out of this world at the same time.

Now, to move into a few movies…

Macross Plus. This film is as much about a twisted love triangle as it is about transforming mecha battles-maybe even more so.  The original Macross has even more love to go around, but you’d have to strap yourself for an epic space story as well if you want to fully enjoy it.

The girl who leapt through time.  It’s a coming of age story with excellent production values.  But I’m sure you’ve already seen it so I don’t have to explain this one.

Millennium Actress.  The story of chasing love across time and space.  Satoshi Kon’s greatest drama and one of the greatest anime films ever.

There you have it folks! Now you have no excuse to ever watch shit like Skip Beat…not that you would, but if you have any friends or loved ones that are at risk-save them. Save them before it’s too late.

Post any titles you think I missed or other related comments. I hope you find your hearts desire sooner or later.

A few bonus videos that go with the holiday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbvssp890Tc

Updated 14 FEB 2010

Warning: Spoilers for the anime lie within!

Impressions

Durarara!! (shortened to DRRR!! in future posts for my own typing sanity) is originally a light novel. Then it was adapted to a manga and now airing as an anime. I have not experienced the source but comparing the two adaptations, I find the manga more satisfying… since it provides more pieces of the puzzle in far less time. Moreover, after reading it, the anime seems toned down. It’s either delaying those scenes or excluding them altogether.  For example, Orihara Izaya was introduced to Mikado as an extremely dangerous. In the anime, he was seen betraying Rio Kamichika’s trust, driving her to attempt suicide. In the manga, his actions were far more sinister and whimsical.

Far more evil and dangerous than what the anime had for his introduction. Also, this wasn’t limited to Izaya. Other characters appear to be more fleshed out in the manga. Some characters haven’t even been introduced yet. However, in the anime’s defense, it will have 24 episodes. That should be enough to cover everything… and then some.

And finally, the one massive spoiler that I can’t keep to myself… Honestly, “Never judge a book by its cover.” applies here.

The Introduction

HOW TO USE THOSE BOOKS

DECISIONS

MENTAL TORTURE

THE SPOILER

Yup. Epic series in the book and on the screen.

/Envy

In the Gate, wishes are granted…

Brief Summary

An alternate take of what Hei encountered when he breached Hell’s Gate…

Known for his huge appetite, the intelligence agencies and select characters have taken interest with Hei… since he’s the judge of the cooking competition. The prize is a nice private dinner date with him. However, despite the number of teams, they were quickly eliminated one after another. First MI-6, then the Russian FSB.

Poor Tanya…

As for Section 3, things aren’t any better but at the very least, they’re not qualified… yet.

Of course, the last team had the most incentive to win. After all, they’re the heroines of the series.

And… where’s Amber?

However, that’s not enough to sate the “Voracious Masked King”. In the end, Hei made most of the food and everyone had a share. Everyone’s a winner.

Impressions

Funny and well-done. They kept the characters true to how they were in the series, namely the second season. Also, I hope that somehow BONES is able to animate Shikoku no Hana but given how wacky the ending was, doubtful. Such wasted potential…