Kita ze Inbou! - キタぜ陰謀!

Verdict: 8/10 (No, I didn’t forget about this series)

Impressions:

Ah, yes. A Kaede episode. She was one of my favorite characters in the original series and skyrocketed even further near the end for obvious reasons (assuming you’ve watched the first series that is). That reason being Psycho Kaede. Anyways, the Kaede OP and ED used in this episode isn’t brand-new since they appeared on past SHUFFLE! CDs but I loved the effort they put in to use them. This episode brought back memories (heh) of the first time Kaede and Rin’s pasts were explained and how I felt at that time, which is a mix between excited and sort of freaked out. As for new material, I didn’t notice any new stuff aside from Kaede’s monologue at the end of the episode which seems like all the characters will have in the future episodes.

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Verdict: 9/10

Impressions:

At first I didn’t expect much from this four-minute long picture book. However I was pleasantly surprised at how well done the story was done within the small amount of time. In short, it covers Lelouch’s and Nunnally’s arrival in Japan and their first encounter with Suzaku at the Kururugi Shrine. This was a nice addition to an already marvelous series and gives us a closer look at how ties were already being strained between Japan and Britannia in the past and at how different of a person was before he met Lelouch. Nunnally was as adorable as ever of course. Also, I do find it very amusing how in the future both Lelouch and Suzaku are now fighting on sides that are different from their initial beliefs presented in this picture drama.

I look forward to more picture dramas in the future DVDs especially since I’ve come to like the presentation of the characters and style of storytelling. Speaking of future picture books my entry for the other, more provocative picture book, will be out sometime later tonight or tomorrow. ^__^

Verdict: 9/10

Impressions:

I’m starting to get impatient now (by the way this episode covers chapters 198-199). The awesomeness that is the Arrancar arc is just now starting to heat up now that Grimmjow and the Números (which include Shawlong, Edorad, IIfort, D-Roy, and Nakim) are now invading! They’re going after everyone and anyone, no matter how small the reiatsu or the gender. That makes for some exciting match-ups to come in the very near future. The other great parts of this episode include everything with Rangiku and especially the heartwarming Orihime scene. Orihime, in my opinion, is the only girl in the series/in Ichigo’s life I feel has true feelings for him. I don’t know about Rukia but she seems more like a good friend/partner than anything else. This episode further pushes the OrhimexIchigo-ness that started to peak out a few episodes ago and as a result I can’t wait for the future episode to come where Show ▼

I’m going to have to bring the tissues for that one. Though Bleach probably won’t end with them being happily-ever-after, one can hope that Kubo-sensei explores it much more than a regular shounen mangaka would.

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Verdict: 9/10
Overall series review: 8.7/10

Final Impressions:

After constant delays and countless problems with my old computer I’ve finally been able to watch the last episode of Otoboku. Let me just say that I usually dislike open-ended endings when they aren’t executed properly (e.g. Kasimasi) but for some reason I enjoyed this one a lot. Despite being a Takako fan I enjoyed it for what it was without bias, and that is that it was a beautiful bringing together of two people who were at odds with one another at the beginning of the series and gradually grew closer towards the end. Mariya is still there as well after realizing her love for Mizuho (childhood friends somehow always just “realize” when someone else is about to take their friend away). And granted, there’s still no definite final pairing in the end (damn you Mizuho!) but that doesn’t ruin the overall enjoyment of this series one bit. It was a good journey and I’m kind of sad that it’s over but at least there’s an OVA coming out in a few months!

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Verdict: 9/10

Impressions:

What a good episode! It feels good to be back on track with the canon story (well, some of it was anime-only as well) since I know most of what will happen in the future and can’t wait for it all to be animated. Anyways, one of the first things that should be said is that Eliade is drop-dread gorgeous and her design is done well in animated format. Krory also makes his debut in this episode and his presence is as intimidating as it was when he was first introduced in the manga. I also found it interesting that they managed to have Allen re-injure his eye (since it wasn’t supposed to have been healed until some time later in this current arc). It was okay but the intial injury was much more gruesome (especially in the manga). They skipped some things concerning the Earl but I’m sure they’ll come back to that a bit later. The end of the episode was done very well, showing Krory’s insane speed and ability to hone in on certain people…Show ▼

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Verdict: 9/10

Impressions:

Wow. This was quite a stupid episode. Not a bad-type of stupid, but the good one. From beginning to the end it was filled with random nonsense that’ll either have you laughing your ass off or shaking your head. Though, one cannot ever discredit Komui and his awesomeness. This guy is pure comedy in all things that he does and this episode was no exception. Of course, Allen and the others had to try and prevent him from destroying the town during his trek to “protect” Lenalee. The Akuma featured was absolutely retarded and didn’t feel threatening at all. Overall this was quite an enjoyable and hilarious episode even if it was a bit too lighthearted for the usual mood of D.Gray-man. Anyways, next episode is the return to the canon story!

Verdict: 8.6/10

Impressions:

A very good ending to a very good filler arc. Not only did it have large amounts of Lenalee to offer but also gave us some action that is arguably on par with the manga. Victorio wasn’t such a bad guy after all, he was just trying to protect his princess, Sandra, from being taken away from him and he saw his princess in the form of Claudia. It’s a pity he had to die in the end. I also felt sorry for Claudia but I’m sure that she’ll make it on her own especially after hearing Victorio’s dying words. Anyways, as for the preview for the next episode…WTF? These bastards dare to try and mess with the AllenxLenalee?! UNFORGIVABLE!

Verdict: 8.5/10

Impressions:

Quite the entertaining episode. I loved how they used bits of the manga in this episode as well which is basically the part where Lenalee forgave Allen for an earlier incident that occurred a few episodes ago (when they were battling against Road). There was quite a lot of Lenalee in this episode too and I’m sure Lenalee-fans like myself were because of it. The rest of the episode was executed nicely, especially the directing style. Oh yes, and the battle scenes with Allen, Lenalee and Kanda were quite well done as well. The lack of censoring the blood and slashes to both Kanda and Victorio were a nice touch too. I hope they keep that up in the future episodes, specifically for the canon story. Anyways, this is already better than the previous filler arc in my opinion.

Verdict: 9/10

Impressions:

Well it was about time that they covered the first chapter. I don’t know why they didn’t start the anime off like this from the start but I suppose they have their own creative reasons for doing it like this. So, like the first chapter of the manga, this episode covers Sumire and Lucia’s first encounter. It also shows Sumire’s first encounter with a Virus and her initial reactions before gaining any knowledge of them or having Berserk mode. Speaking of Berserk mode, we see how Sumire came to first access it (by being shot yet again). We’re also treated to some Lucia-ownage that only she can do in her calm and collected manner. Oh, and you’ve got to love the bond-making *coughyuritensioncough* that occurred near the end of the episode. ^^

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Well ain’t this a treat. I was expecting this tomorrow morning but eh, Japan’s already there right? Ahaha~

So they’re finally here. Long overdue (though never really expected until Kyon’s Sister), we can now plug our ears into the voices of Itsuki (Ono Daisuke) and Kyon (Sugita Tomozaku) as they um… express themselves in song… Read more