Sharpeless Witch

I’ll be more than ok with that.

Brief Summary

Things continued to get worse. Battler noticed more oddities with his family. Jessica and Shannon have gone missing. An axe-wielding girl was voluntarily mowing their lawn for no real reason.

His grandfather suddenly showed up and demanded all the youngsters to leave. It was time for a serious discussion between adults… but not about the inheritance. It was for Beato. Everything’s for Beato.

Wandering around, Battler ventured into the forest and found Beatrice Angel Mort. He also found his father… and Shannon (and Shion and Satoko). Like father, like son.

Shannon was his maid for the session… not that Battler was complaining or anything.

But Jessica is still missing. The chessboard has been set up and so, the game begins.

Impressions

An interesting mix of the two series. Rena’s appearance was a tad out of place and the Beato March was just way out there. Kinzo may be 100% gag with his bottomless obsession of the Golden Witch.

Of course, my favorite part was when Shannon showed up at Angel Mort. It would’ve been PERFECT if she wore the standard restaurant uniform. The Ushiromiya maid looks so conservative when standing next to Shion. I would be envious of Rudolf had I not known about the Seven Stakes of the Purgatory. That and they’re not in the proper dress.

Amazing so far. Definitely seeing the parallels and enjoying the obvious humor. Now I’m waiting for that one defining Higurashi moment…

End Of Summer Episodes, Essays, Whatever…

Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

Brief Summary

Some minor developments here and there. Nicchi managed to make some memories with Kanau without her knowing. When she realized the truth, it was already too late.

Taeko continues her research on otakus but it isn’t clear who’s observing who. “She’s almost there…” so they say.

There was also an unexpected visitor. She was discovered at the gates, waylaid by the resident dog before she could start looking for Taeko.

Despite her looks, Kimi wasn’t a real schoolgirl. She’s Taeko’s mother.

Yet, that was not the most shocking event in this chapter. No… it was the unveiling of the last member of the apartment, Tooru Nagato.

Very surprising… along with the rest of the hidden family.

After a sight like that, Kouta didn’t last long.

Impressions

Amazing chapter. It would’ve been better if there was more focus on a single development rather than two or three, depending if you count the end of summer vacation as one. Kimi’s going to come back for sure. It’ll be interesting to see the mother-daughter pair together, especially when Taeko is the more mature adult of the two of them. As for Nagato, as beautiful as she is (and hopefully not one of those tricky traps), she might not be involved in future chapters. Just an overdue introduction for comedic purposes.

A solid series. Funny but with a definite plot. What more could you ask for?

Don’t worry. At least you’re not a drunk child abuser…

Brief Summary

Hei and Yin were given another important mission from The Syndicate. They were to verify and retrieve the a healing stone from the hot springs. One was rumored to come from beyond Hell’s Gate.

Hei and Yin weren’t the only customers. Unlike those two, some were here for pleasure, not business.

Since their intel lacked the target’s exact location, the two agents split up. Yin would take the women’s half. Hei would take care of the men’s.

Though swarmed, Yin had better luck than Hei. At least she found overly attentive acquaintances instead of hostile forces.

The effects of the battle could be felt on the other side.

As for the stone, well… Let’s just say that the mission’s a failure.

Impressions

Damn it. I miss the first season. The sequel just doesn’t feel up to par. Not enough Yin. Too much Suou. Hei is no longer feared for his Contractor abilities, only for his drinking and loli abuse. If only BONES took up this version instead of Twins of the Meteor… I can only wish.

Are you ready for Christmas?

]]> http://kokuun.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/darker-than-black-shikkoku-no-hana-special-chapter/feed/ 3 Nitey Black Reaper Stone from Hell's Gate Nice Place Hot Springs Yin Every Step of the Way November 11 vs BK201 Electric Spring Made in China up0456 http://kokuun.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/kiddy-girl-and/ http://kokuun.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/kiddy-girl-and/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:06:05 +0000 ffviiknight http://kokuun.wordpress.com/?p=7278 ]]>

I have found… perfection.

Impressions

It doesn’t take much to appease me. My ratings may not reflect that but catching my attention requires very few buttons to be pushed. That and if I have time to spare. When finished, I may come to the conclusion that it’s a complete waste of time or more often than not, a bland series with nothing remarkable. Without its quirks, Kiddy Girl -AND- would fall into the sad but growing pile of rejections. However, with them, this is one of my more anticipated shows for autumn.

The first thing that comes to mind is the uniform. Forget the first 5 minutes with the flashback and having the fate of humanity hinge on the outcome of an epic space battle. It’s all about waitressing with Ascoeur and Q’feuille. They’re maids who are ready to serve. I can only dream of my company being like the GTO and providing a maid café for rest and relaxation.

Although I usually despise the useless, naive, and whiny moeblob types, Ascoeur doesn’t seem as bad. Her voice and personality meshes very well. It’s far better than Kuruko from A Certain Scientific Railgun or those disemboweled stuffed animals in Kämpfer. Even if I found myself annoyed at a certain scene, it would’ve smoothed over by the end of the episode. Now, I can’t see her any other way but a clingy pudding addict.

The other half of the ES apprentice team almost became a cookie cutter tsundere. If it wasn’t for the magic wand incident, her hidden mahou shoujo loving side would never be revealed. However, now that it’s public, I see her in a different light. Cute and shy. Jealous if her partner talks about another girl. Q’feuille is so adorable~

Finally, we have the parodies that filled the second episode. It wasn’t overdone like Seitokai no Ichizon. They hit the more (in)famous ones and paced it out. I didn’t have to stop and think about the source. There was enough time to do so while watching it without pause.

All of this adds up to a solid show that holds a guarenteed spot in my weekly viewing. Sure, the starting episodes seem to have nothing related to its prequel. However, I get the impression that the producers want to build up the relationship between the Ascoeur and Q’feuille before diving deeper. After all, they’re not full ES members… yet.

That being said… I want to know why this show wasn’t recommended to me earlier :(

Asuka-chan, The Swimsuit, and It’s Properties

This girl has the weirdest sense of logic…

Brief Summary

In an attempt to justify when wearing a swimsuit in public is appropriate, Asuka somehow came to the conclusion that doing so in a typhoon is fine.

And thus, for three weeks, she had her swimsuit in her schoolbag, waiting… for just the right moment.

Her little experiment was a success… but it didn’t account for the eye of the typhoon.

If it weren’t for an overly curious and concerned teacher, Asuka would’ve made a foolish move.

Impressions

I don’t even… ugh…

There’s no explanation for how naive Asuka is. She’s both an exhibitionist and simple-minded. A silly series that pokes lightly into the little things. Much like Lucky Star without the deafening opening.

Interesting? Yes. Still interesting? Not really.

Déjà Vu Transfer Student?

And you thought it couldn’t get any better (and crazier)…

Brief Summary

A new student transfers into their class. During her class introduction, Hanasaka Shion makes a bold statement. She’s a girl… and a lesbian.

Shion isn’t new to everyone. Maki knew her from junior high.

Their reunion was interrupted when Kizuna wandered too close. Someone’s yuri radar got tripped.

However, Shion did not account for the unexpected. Like most people, her senses were fooled.

After recovering from the cold harsh truth, Shion spilled a bit of juicy information. It was about Maki’s first crush… and how she stole her from him.

The past is in the past. However, that doesn’t mean Shion would stop teasing him in the present.

So much for Maki’s peaceful days…

Impressions

Just when you figured that Maki and Kizuna settled down, in comes a new element that throws everything back into chaos. Shion’s definitely enjoying herself. As pointed out, her love for Maki isn’t romantic. It’s more of a big sister bullying a younger brother. However, she’ll probably be torn between pushing a Kizuna x Maki pairing and wanting Kizuna all for herself. It depends on her yuri power level.

Amusing. That is, Shion’s reaction to the truth. The trap is ever so dangerous…

And you thought it couldn’t get any worse for Battler…

Brief Summary

Another version of the same story but with a certain twist. Some people changed but not so much as to destroy their character. Well… sorta.

At least Battler is the same. He’s still the protagonist of the series.

However, this time, he arrives a day late due to academic reasons. When he got to Rokkenjima, there was something unusual. The island exclusive to the Ushiromiya family had a festival going on… at the Furude shrine?

A familiar cast appears…

As if Battler was Keiichi, the Higurashi girls took him around the booths. Of course, he would lose every contest and suffered a “punishment”.

Finally escaping, he finally finds the rose garden with his family waiting for him. It marks the beginning of this twisted tale… of Umineko x Higurashi.

Impressions

Between witches and being “demoned away”, Battler sure has a lot ahead of him. Not entirely sure about the mix between these two series. Some parts may work well. I can see the Ushiromiya family attending Rika’s performance with George and Shannon sneaking away for their little love scene. But then they accidentally hide out in the Saiguden… marking themselves for Oyashiro-sama. However, due to the age difference between the two casts, that would be the biggest hurdle in merging the two series together.

An interesting development and something to look forward to between episodes of Umineko.

Hwaa Hwaa Hwaaaaa

Brief Summary

In order to buy some time for their class representative’s escape, Akihisa and Minami stayed behind. Knowing that Class F’s scores are the lowest, their opponents thought it’ll be an easy win.

That was not the case. Since Akihisa constantly uses the maximum of his meager abilities, he has better control of his summon. Due to his Expositor nature, he could hold out against stronger opponents.

However, even he cannot win against the odds facing them. Luckily, there’s a fire extinguisher nearby that could mask their retreat. Unfortunately, Minami wants to set some conditions.

Making their way back, their leader Yuuji had a plan. Since they can’t take on two classes at once, they would trick Class C into attacking Class A or at the very least, divert their attention. Luckily, Hideyoshi’s a twin of his sister in Class A. He could impersonate her… but the resemblence is a bit too uncanny. It was too much for some people.

Putting their plan into action, a small glimpse of Hideyoshi’s sister is revealed. So very different.

The ruse was perfect. Class F won’t be interrupted from their duel with Class B.

Impressions

Kinoshita Hideyoshi is a terrible force to behold. A very powerful trap that scrambles the senses. Must… resist…

Minami is turning out to be my favorite character. Sure, she’s abusive and a brute. However, she really cares about Akihisa. Too bad he’s too thick-headed to understand her true feelings. It’s not like they’re hidden at all.

A nice chapter to read. A little bit of fanservice here and there. Now we get to see how Class F will take on Class B on their own, without aid from Class D or intervention from Class C.

Bloody Tears of Desperation

There’s a familiar face!

Brief Summary

Riful was fighting the Organization’s best. However, with injuries suffered from the raining spikes and the Abyss Eaters, she was literally on her last leg. If it wasn’t for Dauf’s sacrificial act, she would’ve been finished off.

However, before Alicia could destroy them, she stopped. There was an explosion of Youki energy. Her twin sister Beth is no longer in control, causing Alicia to awaken.

What was the cause? It wasn’t Uma and Cynthia. It was an old but familiar person.

Priscilla returns and she’s not holding back any longer.

Impressions

I thought I’ll see Uma and Cynthia tossed around a bit before something comes and saves them. I didn’t expect Priscilla to show up that quickly. I thought the author would milk out a couple more chapters like what other action series do. Thankfully, it didn’t turn out that way.

Another thing to note is Riful’s complete loss… only to be saved by chance. I thought she’ll be a more difficult opponent since she could use numerous limbs. I guess she’s just too worn down to really bring them all out. Lots of credit to Dauf though. He saw his woman cry and risked his life to save her. Even though he’s dumb, he’s a real man.

Priscilla appearing within Clare’s range? Oh man. I want to see their reunion.