2015: The Summer of Animes - Part 2

I thought I'd seen the best of the best:

Nothing could top Deathnote 

Nothing was as action filled as Psycho-Pass

No series was more popular than Attack on Titan

No show continued to surprise me like Fullmetal Alchemist 

And finally, no soundtrack was more stunning than that of Sword Art Online.

But as the summer continues and I delve deeper into the hole that is Anime, it appears that I have been gravely mistaken.

In my last post regarding anime, I listed my top five anime series that I'd watched as well as an honorable mention and a few series I was still working on. Well, a few weeks later, I have a few updates, a few more series that I've made it through (for better or worse) and a few series that I currently working on. So here's where I stand:

UPDATES:

1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, R1 & R2 (2006)
Continued Story (Sung theme of Code Geass)

I had written before that I would definitely be continuing into season two of Code Geass, and continue I did at a vigorous pace. After the incredible ending season one left there was no question that I would be starting season two that same night (or morning as it ended up being in reality)

"The only ones who should kill are those who are prepared to be killed". Code Geass follows student Lelouch Lamperouge who seems ordinary at first glance but is actually a former prince of the Holy Britanian Empire. When his mother was mysteriously killed and his father the Emperor disowns Lelouch and his sister Nunally, the two go into hiding in Area 11 (recently re-named Japan). Things take a turn when Lelouch becomes involved in a terrorist plot, which not only reunites him with a childhood friend but also introduces him to a mysterious girl who offers Lelouch a power known as "geass". By accepting the girls contract, Lelouch is granted this power which allows him to bend the will of others and command them to follow whatever order he gives no matter what. Wanting to avenge his mothers mysterious death, create a world where his little sister Nunally can live happily and get revenge on his father, Lelouch vows to use this power to create a better world. But with such a power, will Lelouch be able to overcome his past while paving the road towards a better future?

Why I began this series: I had recently finished Deathnote and was looking for a similar series, which led me to Code Geass

What I loved about the series: Like Black Butler, my love of Code Geass can be summed up by one character: Lelouch Lamperouge (later known as Lelouch vi Britania). The development and drive that Lelouch endures throughout the series is amazing and I found myself rooting for Lelouch the entire time. The connections Lelouch has with every single character, whether main or secondary, is strong and he uses these characters to his own advantage while also showing that he genuinely cares for them all. Lelouch is a character of a select few who I will never get tired of.

What I didn't like about the series: The begging few episodes seemed slow, but as Code Geass continued I became increasingly interested and eventually hooked on its every move.

Code Geass is an anime that while released back in 2006, is still one of the most admired and talked about anime shows of all time. It has received critical praise from both Japan and the U.S.A in addition to cultivating an enormous fan base in both countries. I would recommend Code Geass to everyone, simply because it is amazing and has one of the best endings in anime history.

2. Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Original Opening Video

  

Sad to say, I finally gave up on Fate/Zero. I was never able to get into the story or connect with the characters enough for me to continue watching Season 1. But while I may not have made it through the series, it still has a great opening track!


COMPLETED SERIES (*NEW*)

1. Clannad (2007-2008) & Clannad: After Story (2008-2009)
Clannad: After Story Original Opening Video

High school delinquent Tomoya Oakasaki hates his life. With the passing of his mother at a young age and his father who has turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with this loss, Tomoya finds no joy or happiness in his hometown or his school until he meets the shy, young Nagisa. After learning that Nagisa is repeating her senior year due to poor health and that she loves drama, Tomoya vows to help Nagisa make friends in addition to reviving the schools Drama Club - but could there be more to their relationship than meets the eye?

Why I began this series: I had just finished Code Geass, when I decided I wanted a break from action and thriller anime series. I was curious about "romance animes" and began trolling the internet for possibilities, fearing that all romance animes would be either boring or too X rated for my liking. I found Clannad at the top of every romance anime list and decided to give it a try, and I have to say that watching these shows is one of the best decisions I ever made.

What I loved about the show: Clannad and Clannad: After Story are simply beautiful series. The original series introduces the characters and shows their friendships continue to grow, especially between Nagisa and Tomoya. Clannad: After Story continues this but shows how these relationships grow after Tomoya, Nagisa and their friends graduate from high school and enter the real world.

Clannad and especially Clannad: After Story are known for one thing: siring emotion. Both series made me experience every emotion possible, from joy to sadness and everything in between. I have never laughed so much or cried so hard while watching a series until Clannad and Clannad: After Story, and I can now say that it is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever had the privilege of watching.

What I didn't like about the series: Nothing - both series were simply beautiful both in body and soul

Like Deathnote and Code Geass, I would recommend BOTH Clannad and Clannad: After Story to everyone. Beautiful, magical, touching and even a bit nostalgic, both of these series are magnificent and are not to be missed or overlooked.

ANIME SERIES IN PROGRESS:

1. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Original Opening Video

Current position: Episode 17 of 25
Will I continue into Season 2: There has been no announcement of a second season of Blue Exorcist but if one does happen I'll be there to see it
What I like about Blue Exorcist: There is much to like about Blue Exorcist, from it's lovable characters to the idea the series revolves around. Also bursting into blue flames is pretty cool.
What I don't like about the series: A few episodes at times feel slow and a few characters get pretty neglected, but this changes when more demons are introduced and Rin is forced to face challenges he never expected to
Why you would enjoy Blue Exorcist: If you love series with action, comedy, demons and blue flames than this is the series for you


2. Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign (2014)
Original Opening Video

     

Current position: Episode 8 of 24
Will I continue to Season 2: Since this series is so new there is no news currently on a second season, but if there is a Season 2 I will definitely be watching
What I like about Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign: I finally found a vampire anime series that is not boring, stupid or 'Twilight-esq"
What I don't like about the series: So far I have almost no complaints about the series, but I am watching the show slowly as weekly new episodes are released with the English dub
Why you would enjoy Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign: This series uses a story line about vampires that is incredibly smart. If you are looking for a series that in no way resembles Twilight but still uses your favorite blood-sucking monsters, look no further.

Nothing will ever top Deathnote 
Psycho-Pass will always hold a dear place in my anime heart
No series will continue to scare me more than Attack on Titan
Fullmetal Alchemist will always be fun to watch

And Sword Art Online started it all

But now:

There will never be a more beautiful love story than that of Clannad and Clannad: After Story
I will never forget the blue flames from Blue Exorcist
And Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign will be the end of my summer anime train

Until next time, Viva anime!

'The Diary of Anne Frank': The Unforgetable Story

Above: Sara Farb as Anne Frank

Above: (Left to Right) - Maev Beaty as Miep, Yanna McIntosh as Mrs. Van Daan, Sara Farb as Anne Frank, Christopher Morris as Mr. Dussel, Lucy Peacock as Mrs. Frank, Shannon Taylor as Margot Frank, Kevin Briere as Mr. Van Daan, Joseph Ziegler as Mr. Frank and Andre Morin as Peter Van Daan 

"I want to go on living, even after my death" - Anne Frank

A powerful play with an even more powerful message, The Diary of Anne Frank has been hailed as one of the most influential plays of all time and one of the most studied within schools. Having read the play back in seventh grade, I had a love for The Diary of Anne Frank and remembered reading aloud the scene where Anne hands out Christmas presents to the members of the family. A timeless story as told by the young girl forced into hiding with her family has never shone brighter on the stage than this production at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

Taken from Anne Frank's actual diary, The Diary of Anne Frank recounts the events and actions that took place for the Franks as they were forced from the streets into hiding during the Holocaust and reign of Hitler. Hitler has just instated that all those of Jewish faith are to be rounded up and taken by train to concentration camps where they will will be exterminated. Scared for their lives, the Frank family goes into hiding in the attic of a nearby work building with the help of family friend Miep who pledges to keep their hiding secret and help however she can. Anne must adjust to this new life, by following the rules set in place by her father, while still keeping her true self and memories alive with the help of a diary.

The entire cast was simply incredible, but leading the charge more than Anne Frank herself was Joseph Ziegler as Mr. Frank. Ziegler gave a brillian performance as Anne's father and greatest confidant while in hiding, and his final speech explaining the fates of his family was simply incredibly. Second to Mr Ziegler was Sarah Farb as a funny and headstrong Anne Frank, Lucy Peacock as Anne's distant mother and Meav Beaty as the now famous friend to the Frank's, Miep.

This production had one surprise after another. Before the play began, the cast gathered on stage and each member told a personal story of themselves at Anne's age, thirteen years old. Anne herself, actress Sara Farb, had the most heart wrenching connection as her own grandmother is a Holocaust survivor. After these stories the cast explained the set and time frame that the play takes place in before exiting the stage and beginning the show. Another surprise I found with this production was its excellent and powerful use of choral music. For a majority of the production a small choir could be seen behind the ethereal set and provided music which enhanced and greatly added to the production without intruding on its sensitive subject matter. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the production was the fact that acting never felt like acting. Director Jillian Keiley's direction of the company and production as a whole was able to transport the audience to the attic of the work building and see the play as the true story of the Franks while in hiding.

Ending note: Before the show began, my mother and I were approached by a Festival member and asked to participate in an event created around this production of The Diary of Anne Frank. Playgoers from all places and of all ages were asked to step into a special booth and record an entry from Anne's real diary. It didn't make sense, until we walked in the theater and heard various entries being read aloud over the theater speakers by previous playgoers. The idea that my voice would be heard before a future showing at the festival was incredibly inspiring and moving.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's The Diary of Anne Frank Trailer

For photos and videos of this production, visit:

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=29426&prodid=57763

For more information about the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, visit:
http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/Default.aspx

***NEXT REVIEW:*** 

The Adventures of Pericles or Pericles, Prince of Tyre

Director Chris Abraham Brings Risk and Laughter to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Stage in Hilarious New Production of 'Taming of the Shrew'

Above: Deborah Hay (Left) as Katherina and Ben Carlson (Right) as Petruchio

The ultimate question: Can Katherina be tamed? One of the most famous and widely produced Shakespearean comedies of all time, The Taming of the Shrew offers an answer to this question along with scores of laughs and "unusual" circumstances. I was excited to see Taming of the Shrew after seeing Hamlet previously that afternoon not only for a change of pace, but also because I had never seen this play staged live. Now that I have, it can easily be scored as another one of my favorites.

Set up in this production as a play-within-the-play, The Taming of the Shrew follows sisters Bianca and Katherina as one is being courted for marriage while the other is not. Courted by various men, Bianca is ready and willing to give her heart to the man who is able to catch it, while Katherina shows no desire to be married and instead turns to violence and her foul tongue to voice these opinions and cause trouble. Knowing that Katherina will never get a husband this way, their father strikes a bargain with the suitors: once Katherina has found a husband, he will allow Bianca to be married to the man of her choosing. Eager to win Bianca, the suitors quickly realize that it is impossible to find a husband who can tame Katherina, until a willing man steps forward claiming he can do just this. Katherina may be a wild flower, but is there something more underneath her hard shell?

Like Hamlet, creating a stand-out production of Shakespeare's greatest comedy is quite a challenge. While reading the program before the show, I was excited to see that director Chris Abraham set the production as a play-within-the-play, just as he did A Midsummer Night's Dream last season. This angle brought a whole new light to Taming of the Shrew and made for quite the introduction to the actual play. It was almost time to start when my mom and I noticed that a man had sat down next to us holding a brown paper bag with a bottle inside it. It wasn't long before my mom quickly realized he was wearing a fake nose and leaned over to tell me she thought Carlson was sitting just two seats away from us. At first I thought she was crazy, but suddenly it all made sense. As the play began, Carlson (known at this time to be a man called Christopher Sly) got into a drunken argument with a few "ushers" until he flung himself on the stage and joined the company. The players then decided to play a trick on Sly and convince him that he was their lord and master. After awaking and falling for their trick, the players then tell Sly that they will perform a play for him in his honor and for his entertainment - and thus The Taming of the Shrew began. This opening was not only an incredibly fan-girl moment for me, but also one of the most clever and hilarious ways to introduce Shakespeare's play into action.

Leading this rampage of humor and laughs were Deborah Hay and Ben Carlson as the dueling Katherina and Petruchio. Carlson showed his vast talent for comedy throughout the play while utilizing the full potential of Shakespeare's text. Opposite Carlson and the star of the production was Deborah Hay. After seeing Hay a few years ago as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and not loving her portrayal I was interested to see if and how Shrew would fit her, and I was incredibly happy to see the two together were a perfect fit. Playing Katherina to her fullest physical comedy and screaming her unyielding comments at various characters, Hay proved a force to be reckoned with and commanded one thousand percent of the audiences attention. Comedy is always harder than tragedy but Hay succeeded in this and more with ease. From running, to screaming, to being flipped upside down, Hay's portrayal of Katherina was incredibly well done and hilarious from start to finish. Carlson and Hay prove to be quite the power couple, both in Shakespeare and real life.

Another set of players additionally stood out in this production: Tom Rooney as the faithful servant Tranio, Mike Shara as the suitor Hortensio and comedy gold Gordon S Miller as the servant Biondello. Rooney and Miller were seen together for a majority of the play and were a pair with striking comedic chemistry while Shara also took the spotlight with his unforgettable portrayal as a suitor/tutor to Bianca.

A romp from beginning to end Taming of the Shrew joins the Festivals roster as the leading comedy of the season, bringing scores of laughs and fun for both participant and audience members alike that is not to be missed.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's The Taming of the Shrew Trailer

For stage photos and videos of this production, visit:

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=29356&prodid=57753

OR visit the Stratford Festival's YouTube Channel

For more information about the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, visit:

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/Default.aspx

***NEXT REVIEW: The Diary of Anne Frank***

Stratford Shakespeare Festival Strikes Gold with Modern Day 'Hamlet'

Above: Jonathan Goad (Left) as Hamlet, Geraint Wyn Davies (Right) as The Ghost

Hamlet. Perhaps the greatest known work of William Shakespeare's with over 4,000 lines for the actor playing Hamlet himself. It is a huge understatement to say that Hamlet is quite the undertaking, between its themes, characters and powerful emotions it brings from start to finish. Taking such an iconic Shakespeare play and turning it into a fresh production is perhaps the greatest challenge every theater company faces, but as usual, this proves no trouble for the actors at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and its director Antoni Cimolino.

Hamlet tells the story of Prince Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark and heir to the throne. After losing his father and learning of his mothers remarriage to his fathers brother Claudius, Hamlet becomes removed and is uneasy with the fact that such a man could take the throne. Hamlet soon learns that a ghost, appearing in the image of the fallen king, has appeared to a few men and Hamlet vows to speak with him. Upon meeting The Ghost and learning that it is his father himself and that he was murdered by his own brother in order to ascend to the throne, Hamlet vows to take revenge on his uncle and all those close to him. But amidst the madness will he lose his mind and himself along the way?

The deciding factor that makes one production of Hamlet shine is non other than the actor playing Hamlet himself. After attending the festival last year and learning that festival favorite Jonathan Goad would be taking on the lead role, I was interested to see how the production as a whole would play out. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Goad brought a new and incredibly intriguing approach to the Prince of Denmark, enhancing the madness and bringing every ironic or sly remark to light. Goad's Hamlet was both powerful and breathtaking, while still showing Hamlets softer side along with his incredibly vulnerability.  Festival director, Antoni Cimolino, could not have picked a better leading man.

Also important and equally impressive were the supporting members of the cast. Festival veteran and fantastic actress Seana McKenna took on the role of Gertrude, Hamlet's newly remarried mother, while Geraint Wyn Davies took on the dueling roles of Claudius and The Ghost (Hamlet's father). Opposite of Hamlet was Adrienne Gould, taking on the role of Hamlet's tortured love Ophelia. I was especially happy to see Gould take Ophelia to a whole new level and make her as cunning as her father while still embracing her happy and easy going personality. Ophelia's mad scene especially was remarkable as Gould took Ophelia from being a frail young girl to an incredibly physical character as she slipped farther away from reality.

Another remarkable part of the production was its set and costumes. A minimalist set made up of only several black movable pillars and benches, the cast was able to move about the stage freely and use the entire space to their advantage and do everything from running circles around the stage to climbing over five stories in the air, Secondary to the set and incredibly symbolic was the costume design and color scheme used in the production. Hamlet was dressed always in black with a majority of the characters wearing this, gray or other dark colors, while the Players and Queen were the only characters ever seen wearing color. As the play continued these characters changed into dark colors until black, white and grey were worn by all members in the final scenes. These aspects only enhanced the production and took this iconic classic to a striking modern day Hamlet.

Tragedy. Drama, Emotion. All the driving forces of Shakespeare's greatest and most renowned play. But through all the hardship and struggle Stratford brings another Shakespearean classic to life, asking audience members that familiar question : "To be, or not to be?"

  

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Hamlet Trailer

 

For stage photos and videos from this production, visit: 

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=29231&prodid=57749

OR the Stratford Festival YouTube Channel

For more information about the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, visit:

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/Default.aspx

***NEXT REVIEW: The Taming of the Shrew***

2015: The Summer of Animes

I've always been a huge fan of anime films, especially those by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, but not not until March of this year did I acquire an obsessive love for a new flavor of anime: anime series. After a friend turned me onto Sword Art Online there was no turning back, and since then I have managed to plow through six anime series with two more still in progress. The following list are my top five favorites as rated by plot, characters and my overall enjoyment of the series, other considerations taken into effect include animation, how much the English dubbing fit the series and the series soundtrack. Along with my top five and two series in progress is an honorable mention that I just couldn't leave out. So here they are, my top five animes!

Top 5 Animes:

5. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) - Season 1, Opening 3 Video

'Equivalent Exchange' is the name of the game. Focusing on the adventures of two brothers with a specific goal in mind, Fullmetal Alchemist follows scientists and alchemists Edward and Alphonse Elric as the embark on a journey to correct past wrongs and regain what has been lost. After attempting to bring their deceased mother back to life through a form of alchemy that is strictly forbidden, older brother Edward loses and arm and a leg while his younger brother Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate attempt to save his brothers life, Edward attaches his brothers soul to a nearby set of armor which now walks and talks as Alphonse himself. Bent on getting their bodies back, the brothers leave home to track and find the one thing that can help them: the philosophers stone. But in order for something to be gained, something of equal value must be lost.

Why I began this series: The same friend who turned me onto anime in the first place also recommended this series to me, and it delivered.

What I loved about the series: A solid story line, incredible character development, great action scenes and an almost close to perfect dub made this series a great one to binge watch. The series was strong from start to finish with continuous motion making each episode more interesting than the one before it. The connection between the two brothers especially made this series enjoyable, showing that though the Elric brothers have been through tough times they will do whatever it takes to right the wrongs they've done even if it means making a few enemies along the way and taking some lives in the process.

What I didn't like about the series: The biggest issue I had with this series was keeping track of all the characters and all the forms of alchemy or for lack of a better word, "magic", they could do. All the terms and phrases used to associate with alchemy were easily jumbled and could be confusing if you weren't paying close enough attention. This however did not hinder my enjoyment of the series but in fact made me pay closer attention to what was going on from an episode to episode basis.

All said and done, I would highly recommend Fullmetal Alchemist to any die hard anime fan.

4. Psycho Pass: Seasons 1 & 2 (2012 & 2014) - Season 1, Opening 2 Video

Similar to Fullmetal Alchemist, Psycho-Pass delves into the continuous question of humanities relationship to technology and makes viewers question the idea of "true judgement". Set in 2113, Psycho-Pass follows a unit from the Public Safety Bureau, the modern day Police Department. A unit made up of Inspectors who take charge of cases and Enforcers trained to help catch criminals and eliminate them if necessary, the series focuses on the one piece of machinery used to judge all those at a single glace: Dominators. Newly assigned inspector Akane Tsunemori must dive head first into this line of work, learning not only how to handle the job, but how humans fit into this judgement system known as The Sibiyl System.

Why I began this series: Unlike Fullmetal Alchemist, I began watching Psycho-Pass completely on a whim because it looked "interesting.

What I loved about the series: The first thing that struck me about this series was the music. The soundtrack elevated the series above the plot and became more then background noise for the characters. The plot was also very good, a steady moving and cliff-hanging series of episodes made me want to watch one episode after the next without stopping. The dub of this series also lended much to the characters, bringing them to life while also being relatable. The best part of this anime however can be summed up in one character and perhaps one of the greatest anime villains of all time: Shogo Makishima.

What I didn't like about the series: I've never been one for extreme violence, so Psycho-Pass started out a little rough for me. Once I got over that aspect I was able to enjoy much of the series.

I would recomend Psycho-Pass to anime fans who enjoy a bit more gore and action while still asking questions about the human race and our place among technology.

3. Attack on Titan (2013) - Original Opening Video

Will humanity survive? Set in the years 830-845, Attack on Titan follows the lives of three friends, Eren Jager, Misaka Ackermann and Armin Arlert as they do what all of humanity is attempting to do: survive. Living within walls more than 50 feet high, the surviving human race hides in fear from an enemy that appeared nearly a hundred years beforehand who have been terrorizing the Earth since their appearance. Giant human-like creatures with various heights and abilities with one common goal and craving: the taste of human flesh. The final surviving portion of humanity must fend for themselves when two Titans of extreme power appear and infiltrate the outer wall, allowing Titans from the outside to flood the city of devour humans. Will all of humanity be lost to the Titans? Can Eren and his friends save the rest of the human race, or is there more than meets the eye?

Why I began this series: A more recent anime, since its broadcast Attack on Titan has gained a HUGE fan following and is one of the most talked about anime shows today. Learning this, I thought I would check it out for myself.

What I loved about this series: The original idea and through process behind the series is the shinning star. Who doesn't love humanoid creatures with a strange desire for human flesh!? Everything from the Titans origins to humanities constant struggle to survive makes every minute of this anime worth watching.

What I didn't like about this series: While the plot is strong for a majority of the series, it loses its way in the middle until rediscovering its footing and purpose. This results in a set of episodes that are slower in pace and less exciting.

I am still surprised I made it all the way through Attack on Titan, but never the less, it's one to watch if you're already riding hard on the anime bandwagon.


2. Sword Art Online (2012) - Original Opening Video
 

The anime that started it all had to make the list. Like Attack on Titan, Sword Art Online has a huge fan following and is a series that is still alive and thriving. 30 years in the future, SAO follows the events of thousands of people who have recently purchased the new VRMMO game available called Sword Art Online. A game where players are transported into the virtual world via special gear, SAO becomes a quick hit among players until all are summoned by the creator of the game, known as the gamemaster, and receive terrifying news: it's not a game, it's real. All the players are now trapped in SAO until someone can clear the game, but if a players health drops to zero or the gear used to run the game is removed, that player will not only be deleted from the game but also killed in the real world. A diligent player of the game, Kirito, must do all he can to survive what quickly becomes known as "the death game" while confronting demons of his own, trying to save those he loves, and surviving until the very end.

Why I began this series: My friend turned me onto this show, and thus began my dark hole of anime binge watching

What I loved about this series: Absolutely everything about this show is amazing. From its characters, to dialogue, gorgeous soundtrack and a close to perfect English dub, SAO hits all the strong points of a successful anime series.

What I didn't like about this series: There is little about this series that I don't like. It's first season, which is actually comprised of seasons one and two, is great while its third season begins very slow but eventually picks up in drama and action. The third season of SAO has been recently dubbed and is now being shown on television on a weekly basis. I make sure not to miss an episode.

I would recommend Sword Art Online to anyone who is looking to get into anime but doesn't know where to start. A gentler, non-violent series that centers around a great concept and unforgettable characters makes SAO one amazing anime.


And finally....

1. Deathnote (2006) - Original Opening Video
 

Bored high school student Light Yagami is like every other kid, until one day he finds a notebook entitled Death Note. The notebook seems ordinary until Light finds a specific set of rules within the notebook all beginning with one supreme statement: The person whose name is written in this notebook, shall die. Debating the notebooks authenticity and whether or not he should use it, Light quickly learns that this notebook is real and makes good on its threat. Soon after, Light meets the owner of this notebook a Shinigami, also known as a God of death, who tells him that since the notebook was dropped in the human world it will now belong to Light until his death. With new power in hand Light vows to use the notebooks power to cleanse the earth of criminals and become the God of the new world he creates.

Why I began this series: Like Psycho-Pass, the title of Deathnote was "interesting" and after beginning the series I was able to finish it in less than two days. I still have absolutely no regrets.

What I loved about the series: Absolutely everything. A physcological thriller with with lovable characters and a strong, intense plot that is the driving force for the series. Deathnote is still the only Japanese anime series I've watched where the English dub is perfection. A spectacular cast of characters matched with perfect fitting voices and one plot-twist after another makes Deathnote a series not to be missed.

What I didn't like: I loved everything about this anime, but if I had to choose a negative it would be the use of one character, Misa Amane.

I recommend Deathnote to anyone and everyone. It is simply a spectacular series.


Honorable Mention:

Black Butler: Seasons 1 & 2 (2008 & 2010) - Season Two, Original Opening Video

Tea anyone? We join this series set in 18th century Victorian England at the home of thirteen year old business tycoon and pampered brat, Ciel Phantomhive. After losing his parents in a mysterious fire Ciel is left all alone to run the family toy company. Ciel lives a comfortable life with faithful servants and "one hell of a butler" named Sebastian. At first glance it seems Sebastian is simply the most loyal of servants, but things aren't always as they seem. Sebastian has vowed to do all in his power to makes Ciels ultimate wish come true in exchange for devouring his soul upon its completion. Would you expect any different behavior from a demon?

Why I began this series: I had seen various things on the internet about the series and thought I'd give it a try. It took me longer than most to get into the series as a whole but it's a great regardless.

What I loved about the series: Two words - Sebastian Michaelis. Demon or not, from his animation to his deep English voice, to his two signature lines of the show, Sebastian is what makes Black Butler noteworthy. He is simply one Hell of a butler.

What I didn't like about the series: When I began the series I at first thought Ciel was a girl (which I later learned was not the case, through the English dub was voiced by a woman). Ciel as a character bothered me in the beginning and came off as a selfish brat whose sole purpose was to be annoying. The further into the series I got the more I saw that these characteristics are what make Ciel Phantomhive interesting and he could often be amusing. The biggest negative of the series however is its jumbled plot and slow flow from episode to episode. Certain episodes bring us more action and drama while other episodes get lost in the confusion and sometimes make us think we're in a different story all together.

Looking for a spot of tea, perhaps a Foret Noire or perhaps you just adore well done English accents? Black Butler is for you.


Anime Series still in Progress:

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006) - Season 1, Original Opening Video

Current position: Season 1 - Episode 21 of 25
Will I continue into Season 2: Absolutely
Why I love about Code Geass: The dub is pretty spot on, good characters, solid plot and beautifully styled animation.
What I don't like about the series: Starts slow, but picks up quickly with rapid fire action
Why you would enjoy Code Geass: It is one of the most popular animes out there and if you're looking for a great internal character struggle of good and evil, then this is a great series for you.

Fate/Zero (2011-2012)

Current Position: Season 1 Episode 7 out of 13
Will I continue into Season 2: Maybe, depends how the rest of Season 1 pans out
Why I like about Fate/Zero: Beautifully animated with strong female protagonists
What I don't like about the series: I have yet to fully get into the series, but since I am already halfway through Season 1 I'll go till the end
Why you would enjoy Fate/Zero: Strong female characters and a war where spirits are summoned by humans to battle for the ultimate prize make Fate/Zero a good anime to watch if you're looking for a milder flavor of anime.

So there it is, my top five animes along with an honorable mention and a few still in progress! Viva anime!!