Unclean, Unnessecary, Unwanted - Live, Love Anime: Part XII

Diabolik Lovers (2013)
Video: Diabolik Lovers Original Opening

Having been abandoned as a child and raised by the Church, Yui Komori is one day to live in a mysterious mansion that is to be her new home. Upon her arrival there Yui meets the six extremely handsome Sakamaki brothers, who each seem to have taken an interest in her. But something about them seems off, and Yui is about to discover that in addition to coming from three separate mothers, the Sakamaki brothers are all Vampires.

Why I watched this series: There was only one reason for me to watch Diabokik Lovers - just to say that I'd seen it.

Thoughts on the series:
Well, now I've seen it. Having now seen one the most "love it" or "hate it" animes out there, I can now take a side with many other anime fans regarding everything that is Diabolik Lovers. To officially join one of these categories I would have to go with "hate it" for a number of reasons, beginning with the series non-existent and somewhat infuriating plot. Diabolik Lovers didn't have anything resembling a plot until the last four to five episodes and even then the plot was loose, felt forced and unnatural. Though I appreciated that the series finally tried to give itself a purpose and more substance than just watching six hot vampires do what they do, the plot just never really worked. I was left with many unanswered questions and I was unsure of what the series wanted to accomplish by its end. But while the plot was the biggest disaster of the entire series, many of the characters were even worse. The character who was the absolute worst by far was Yui Komori, who for various reasons was a terrible female role model and protagonist. While she did have a few brief moments of sparkle, for most the the series she accepted everything that happened to her and never tried to escape her terrible fate. Her ability to accept this new position as a feeding ground for six thirsty vampire brothers was too much to take, and she early on was nothing more than a "walking blood bag". Alongside Yui were the Sakamaki brothers - six brothers who only seemed there to feed on Yui or fit a sterotypical mold. About halfway through the series I decided to rank the Sakamaki brothers based on their personality, looks, role in the series and relationship to the main protagonist, Yui in order to better form opinions on them and it resulting in the following list:

A Ranking of the Sakamaki Vampire Brothers

Favorite: Subaru Sakamaki - "The Rebellious One"
Of all the Sakamaki brothers, Suburu is by far the favorite. Youngest of the six, Suburu is the most gentle with Yui and is the only one who is somewhat consistently kind to her. He appears to be a delinquent and though he likes it that way he still goes out of his way to see and talk to Yui. Additionally, his long white hair and deep pink eyes are simply mesmerizing.

Runner-Up: Kanato Sakamaki - "The Unstable One"
I grew to like Kanato quickly, though he ultimately could not surpass Suburu. The middle triplet, Kanato's bi-polar approach with Yui was very interesting to watch as one moment he would be like an adorable little brother and screaming at her the next. Additionally, he seems to be the most evil minded of the triplets and took most after his mothers cruel personality. His light purple hair and matching eyes add to his mysterious nature and are perhaps what makes him such an interesting draw, in addition to the Teddy he carries around with him at all times.

Impartial: Ayato Sakamaki - "The Arrogant One"
Ayato was the first Sakamaki brother seen in the series, and from the start I wasn't a fan. The oldest of the triplets, Ayato is the most protective of Yui as a vessel and seems to only care for Yui because of her sweet tasting blood. As the series continues however Ayato changes slightly and begins to better care for Yui as a person, which is strictly what places him third on this list. His "bad boy" nature mixed with his shaggy pink hair and green eyes is quite the combination, but his cold personality wasn't quite my taste.

Impartial: Shu Sakamaki - "The Passive One"
I was sad to see the music lover of the vampires so low on this list, but that is simply due to the fact that Shu Sakamaki did absolutely nothing. The eldest of the Sakamaki brothers and the current head of the Mansion, Shu only appears at random times and did not add anything to the series. He furthermore did not seem to care much about what really happened to Yui and took advantage of her at every brief chance encounter.

Hated: Reiji Sakamaki - "The Proper One"
Who would have thought the brains of the brothers could be one of the most hated characters? As I usually fall for the cool o glasses-type character in many animes, I in no way fell for Reiji and was sad that he had no character growth. The second eldest Sakamaki and the one who truly heads the Mansion, Reiji's personality, somewhat formed to his dark past, are what ultimately rank him second to the bottom on this list. Reiji was also bi-polar with Yui  while being extremely harsh to her and constantly drugging her for his own enjoyment. However, Reiji's black hair and pink eyes made for some wonderful eye candy.

Despised: Laito Sakamaki - "The Sadistic One"
I now and forever will hate Laito Sakamaki with all my being. The youngest triplet, nothing regarding Laito was pleasurable. Of all the brothers he was the most cruel to Yui and constantly would force himself on her more than any of them and it was clear that Laito purely saw Yui as a mortal blood bag available for his enjoyment and any time. Additionally, his nickname for Yui, "little bitch", quickly became annoying and was completely unnecessary. While his despicable personality has everything to do with past and how he was raised, nothing about Laito, not even his cool looks, could save him from being the most vile Sakamaki brother of them all.

Between its lack luster plot, the awful characters and the series overall vampire campy-ness factor, its easy to say Diabolik Lovers is not a favorite, though it did however have two small redeeming qualities. Made up of only twelve episodes, each lasting only fifteen minutes in length, Diabolik Lovers was a very easy watch and a series that didn't require a lot of thinking. Finally, the series had a pretty decent soundtrack and though for most of the series it remained as background music, a few specific tracks really stood out in a positive way.

If you've seen Diabolik Lovers you already know what you've gotten yourself into, but to the vampire loving anime fan who still hasn't, get ready: it's going to be a very bumpy ride.

*50th Anime Series!*
School Days (2007)
Video: School Days Visual Novel Game Preview

High school student Mokoto Ito has a huge crush on Kotonoha Katsura, a young girl who unknowingly rides the train with him everyday and is in the class next door. When Mokoto meets a young girl named Sekai Saionji in homeroom, she agrees to help Mokoto and becomes friends with Kotonoha in order for them to become closer. With Sekai's help Mokoto and Kotonoha soon become lovers, but when unexpected feelings come to light will Mokoto remain faithful to Kotonoha? And if not, what will happen?

Why I began this series: School Days was yet another anime that I'd been meaning to watch for a while, but I was unsure of making it my fiftieth completed and reviewed series. Though for quite some time I'd heard many negative things about it, I ultimately decided to watch it next because of its shorter run time.

Thoughts on the series:
Nothing can even begin to compare to the various shades of messed up that is School Days. Absolutely everything was wrong with this series: its plot, its characters - the series had almost no redeeming qualities. As I try to always find at least one good element for any series, I found this incredibly difficult with School Days and I found myself really digging for something to praise. But let's start at the beginning, with School Days plot and characters. The set up seemed simple from the start - boy likes girl, other girl helps them get together, other girl ends up falling in love with boy, boy finds that he loves second girl and dumps original girl to date second girl, etc etc. Little did I know that School Days would take this simple idea and blow it out of the water many times over. Something that is very unusual for me as a reviewer was the fact that there was no character in School Days I liked, and while I hated every character for various reasons, there was no stronger hatred then for the series male protagonist - Mokoto Ito. Words cannot even begin to describe my feelings for Makoto, a lying, cheating, disgusting protagonist who slept with any and every classmate and quite possibly one of the worst anime characters I've ever seen. Equally infuriating, though not nearly as bad, were both the series female leads: Kotonoha and Sekai. Throughout the series both were incredible jealous, petty and downright insane, constantly at each others throats - literally. I even felt the same regarding the supporting cast who instead of helping the main cast see "the error of their ways" only made things worse. Even unnamed characters did absolutely horrible and cruel things to one another, making the series sink lower and lower. By the end however, I did gain slight respect for two of the series characters. The first was Ootome, one of Mokoto's classmates and love interests who in the end told him off for what he had done to Sekai and completely cut her ties with him. While she ultimately was still in the wrong, I appreciated that she realized what she did was wrong and was finally able to see that Mokoto in reality was a horrible human being. The other character, strangely enough, who gained a little respect back was Sekai - purely due to her actions in the series final episode and scene (*WARNING: SPOILERS!*) I have never felt such a joy regarding a characters death and I was honestly thrilled when she was pushed over the edge enough to finally kill Mokoto, and his death was only the beginning of the bloodshed. Other elements of the series including its animation and voice cast were marginal, making it seem like nothing could save the series. But one of my biggest issues with the series and something I was desperately waited for but never got was some sort of adult intervention - a parent, a teacher, anybody! Set in your average High School and centering around first year students, I was surprised that absolutely no adults were to be found within the show as there were many instances where they could have stepped in or help remedy or prevent certain situations from occurring. This thought was especially prevalent in the final episode, where Sekai is home alone sitting on her bed with Makoto's blood still on her clothes. Due to School Days story and content matter I was desperate for a set of parents or someone to just come in and either lay down the law that what was happening was not ok or just take charge. With a story so horrible and a cast of characters who were downright deplorable, it was hard to find things to like about School Days but after much searching I did however find two good elements, the first being its pacing. The initial episode was hard to get into, but once I had powered through the start it was an extremely quick watch. Each episode, while vile and infuriating, kept me wanting more and watching its twelve episode length in one sitting proved easy. But perhaps the best and only good part of the series was the ending scenes, set to the song 'Kanashimi No Mukou He' (To The Other Side of Sorrow). Incredibly dark and haunting, the piece began as Sekai confronted Makoto and did not finish until the two girls met atop the school roof for the last time, adding so much to the already sad and tragic ending. Had this song not been used during School Days final scenes, the ending would have been nearly as effective. No matter how many times I watch the ending below I will never feel sorry for Mokoto, and though the ending was hard to endure, it was the only thing of value the series had to offer.

First written as a manga, later developing into a Visual Novel Adult Game and finally becoming an anime, School Days is its own entity. A dark, bloody series, School Days is an anime for those who are not weak at heart or easily bothered by impure desires, but is also an anime that is unlike anything else you've ever seen.

Sensitive Pornograph (2004)

Split into two short stories, Sensative Pornograph tells of two couples brought together due to chance encounters. The first, focuses on Seiji Yamada and Sono Hanasaki - two young manga artists. Initially mistaking Sono to be a girl, Seiji still falls for him when he learns that he is a man and they have a romantic love affair - but when Seiji learns of Sono's past, it may be the end of their relationship. The second story tells of a young college student who has been asked to pet sit Aki, the rabbit of a rich client. Upon entering the house however he discovers a young man naked, bound and gagged in the closet who only answers to one name - Aki. Realizing that there was never a rabbit to begin with the student struggles with what to do about the situation, though "Aki" assures him he has been sent many strangers like him before and he will show him a good time.

Why I began this series: I was first introduced to this series about a month ago at a late night 21+ anime convention panel. The only thing I could remember about it was two of the characters names, and when my curiosity got the best of me I took to the internet to see what show they belonged to and officially came across Sensitive Pornograph.

Thoughts on the series:
I was not prepared in the slightest for this two episode OVA, based on its popular Boy's Love Manga. As with another series that shall not be named, I watched this purely out of curiosity - and if anything, I can say I know what it is the next time it is discussed in a convention panel.

Sensitive Pornograph is a 21+ ANIME - Watch at your own discretion!

Hey Class President (2009)

Chiga has always been drawn to the position of Student Council President due to the power it holds and when the President himself, Kokusai, tells him that he is in need of a new Vice President, Chiga agrees to fill the position. When Chiga soonafter discovers that Kokusai is being continuously molested outside of school he quickly takes action and vows to protect Kokusai, but Chiga soon realizes that he is drawn to more than just the position of the President - but the simple, boyish charms of the President himself.

Why I began this series: I first came across Hey Class President in a video on YouTube, but didn't know what it was called. When I unexpectedly came across it again and learned its name, I decided to watch it.

Thoughts on the series:
For a two episode anime, Hey Class President was a great watch. It's story was very different from other yaoi's I'd seen and almost all of its characters were memorable. Unlike yaoi's such as Sekaiichi Hatsukoi and Junjo Romantica, Hey Class President focused on the relationship between Chiga and Kokusai without making either of them seem pushy or over possessive. The series was made even more interesting when the idea of molestation came into play, something that in a yaoi I never seemed to consider as something that might happen. As the story continued, the series later conformed to the usual "yaoi norms" and shifted its focus to the intimate side of their relationship. It was this plot that made me initially interested in the series, and what helped me to quickly love both the main protagonists. Chiga, the younger of the two, was more cautious regarding the others whereabouts and actions, while the older, Kokusai, seemed to be clueless as to many of the things happening around him. Making the younger student the "seme" and the older the "uke"of the pair at first was strange to me, but there was something about it I liked very much. Additionally, both were good at heart and watching them struggle to realize their feelings for each other was very refreshing.

I would highly recommend Hey Class President to any yaoi fan. A quick watch with a good story and characters, its a series that's sure to leave you wanting more and more boy love.

Koisuru Bokun (The Tyrant Falls in Love) (2010)

Second year graduate student Souichi Tatsumi has always disapproved of homosexuality, especially since his little brother has recently eloped with his boyfreind to America. To make matters worse, Souichi's lab partner and undergraduate student, Tetsuhiro Morigana, has recently confessed his love to him. But when Souichi asks Morigana to drink with him, is left alone drunk and drinks from an unmarked bottle hidden in the back of Morigana's closet, their evening is about to become far more interesting.

Why I began this series: More yaoi!

Thoughts on the series:
Until Koisuru Bokun, I had yet to come across a Yaoi that border lined on the "rape" side as opposed to love. While I'm certain there are series out there that cross this line, I was was very disappointed with how Koisuru Bokun handled its romance aspect. I originally thought the idea of an unrequited love between an undergraduate student and a graduate student who does not approve of the gay lifestyle was an interesting concept, and I was interested to see what direction they would take it. Needless to say, when it came to that pivotal moment I was very upset. While it was nice to see Souichi in a more relaxed setting, I did not at all like how Morigana took advantage and forced himself on him in such a state. To add insult to injury, Morigana either blamed Souichi for unknowingly drinking from the drugged bottle in the first place or prefaced his coming actions with the idea that "everything that happened between them was an accident and resulted from their own negligence". It was here that I made some firm decisions about the series as my least favorite yaoi I've encountered so far. Despite this fact however I felt the series still had some good elements, especially Souichi, whom I enjoyed both in looks and personality. The animation was nice and the music was very different, as it was only used in specific spots and very minimalist.

If you're a yaoi fan than Koisuru Bokun is definitely worth the watch. While it may not have been for me, it is a beloved two episode yaoi that's very different from other yaoi's out there.

Trust Me - Live, Love Anime: Part XI

Sekaiichi Hatsukoi Movie: Yokozawa Takafumi no Baii (2014)
Video: Yokozawa Takafumi no Baii Promotional Video

A continuation of Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, Yokozawa Takafumi no Baai tells the story Yokozawa Takafumi, manga editor and former lover to Sekaiichi Hatsukoi protagonist Takano Masamune. Beginning after Takano rejects his love, Yokozawa meets a fellow editor, Zen Kirishima, who works in the department under the same manga publishing company. The two quickly become close and grow to be lovers, though Yokozawa still has some doubts about his true feelings. Will this new love be able to erase his old affair, or will it only deepen Yokozawa's buried feelings for Takano?

Why I watched this film: I was happy to find more Sekaiichi Hatsukoi and then to have the film completely dedicated to Yokozawa

Thoughts on the film:
Within Sekaiichi Hatsukoi itself, I absolutely hated Yokozawa. As most fans of the manga or anime would agree, he was the main person trying to seperate Onodera and Takano and the one causing trouble for them both. He would always be in the middle of many of their problems and would take actions that would just infuriate me, as a viewer. In Yokozawa Takafumi no Baai however, my harsh feelings about him somewhat subsided and I enjoyed seeing him as a more normal, relaxed person. Something I find interesting in all yaoi's, I was especially impressed that Yokozawa was made the "uke" of the pair. With his rough personality it was hard to see any one else dominating over him or being able to make him blush, but Kirishima was able to do it all with ease. Seeing a more sensitive, personal side of Yokozawa made him much more lovable as a character and as a person, while also increasing my respect for him while I don't condone many of his previous actions. In the end,Yokozawa just wanted to be loved, and though he would not be loved by Takano there was still someone out there who was perfect for him. The film itself is pretty cut and dry in its regard to plot, animation and characters if you are familiar with Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, but it still offers a very refreshing second look at one of its most emotional and complicated characters.

If you're read or seen any of Sekaiichi Hatsukoi and have always wanted more, this is the film for you. A short look into the life and personal crisis of Yokozawa, Yokozawa Takafumi no Baai is a great addition to the Sekaiichi Hatsukoi franchise and a film that's sure to change your mind about Yokozawa Takafumi.

Psycho-Pass: The Movie (2015)
Video: Psycho-Pass: The Movie Trailer

"Confident with the success of the Sibil System, the Japanese government begins exporting the technology to other countries. However, when foreign terrorists begin slipping through the System's security and attacking from within, Inspector Akane Tsunemori is sent overseas to investigate. When her hunt for justice forces her into a standoff with an old ally, will she be able to pull the trigger?" (Rotton Tomatoes, http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/psycho_pass_the_movie/)

Why I watched this film: After seeing both seasons of Psycho-Pass I was excited to see a movie as well. Broadcast in select theaters for two nights only I was lucky enough to find a theater near me showing it, and naturally, I sprang at the opportunity.

Thoughts on the film:
Sadly, Psycho-Pass: The Movie was not what I was expecting. Based off the anime series intense and great two seasons, I was expecting something very intense, conflicting and high strung, which was must different than what I got. Most of my upset with the film lies in its plot and script, as for most of the film I was utterly confused as to what was really going on. It got to a point where I completely gave up on trying to understand and focused on who was trying to kill who, even if I didn't know why or what their relevance was to the plot. The film tried to accommodate and make up for this big mishap by bringing back Shinya Kogami, arguably the favorite and most loved character of the series. I was honestly thrilled to see Kogami back in the game as his appearance in the series second season was small and added little to the plot, but in the end his coming back did nothing to remedy the situation and only made the film bit more enjoyable, Additionally, many new characters were added to the film in an attempt to make it more exciting. Doing this only added to the already present level of confusion and the addition of these new characters made the writers completely neglect the old characters we know and love from the series. As a whole the film seemed to be lacking in all areas, which was quite an upset due to its anime series great success.

If you're any sort of Psycho-Pass fan and would be easily upset with the lackluster film, I would honestly tell you to skip the movie. Not the worst, but definitely not the best.

Junjo Romantica: Pure Romance (2008)
Video: Junjo Romantica- Opening 2

Misaki is a young high school boy beginning to prepare for college entrance exams. In order to attend the university of his choice, he agrees to be tutored by his older brothers best friend who happens to be Akihiko Usagi, a famous author whose books are highly praised and loved despite their somewhat inappropriate content. When Misaki goes to meet Usagi and learns of his love for his older brother, Misaki protests and tells him "any other man will do". Taking him at his word, Usagi quickly becomes close with Misaki and a strong relationship forms between them, but the ultimate question lingers - is it love, and will it be able to stand the test of time?

Why I began this series: Just before finishing Sekaiichi Hatsukoi I discovered the same manga author also wrote a similar series known as Junjou Romantica, and since I enjoyed Sekaiichi Hatsukoi so much, I took to watching it.

Thoughts on the series:
While the entire setup and premise of Junjou Romantica was almost identical to Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, Junjou Romantica was completely different. At the start I didn't like the series, especially the fact that my impression of one of the main protagonists, Usagi, was watching him enjoy doing pervy things to the little brother of his current male love interest. As the series continued however I was swept away in the show and I grew to love absolutely everything about it The first thing that grabbed me was its unique characters, as the series centered around three couples and their growing relationships. Telling three similar yet incredibly different love stories, Junjou Romantica took typical preconceived notions of love and showed that love can happen between anyone at any time and for any reason. From the main pair of Usagi and Misaki, to Nowaki and Hiroki and even Shinobu and You, each told their own story and portrayed both the wonderful and painfully difficult sides of romance. Of course, my favorite pairing of the three was Usagi and Misaki, as they each grew individually throughout all three seasons in addition to growing together as a couple. At a close second however were Nowaki and Hiroki, as they also grew but faced difficulties balancing their relationship with their prospective jobs. And finally, not as emphasized but still grasping, was Shinobu and You who in this reviewers opinion had the hardest time of all in accepting their seventeen year age difference. Having such a vast but delicate cast played up the series entire feel and made it seem like one long movie or soap opera, minus the corny parts. Unlike Sekaiichi Hatsukoi and much to my surprise, I had no trouble keeping up each couples story and each individuals personal life and feelings, something I found quite difficult in Sekaiichi Hatsukoi. Alongside the series main cast, the entire supporting cast was equally as important and impressive, bringing little twists and turns to each story which mostly were predictable but in the end that didn't matter. Also noteworthy just in its uniqueness was the series animation, drawn exactly like its sister series. The animation from both series appears so simple, but it proves that you don't need CGI or highly animated characters to tell a beautiful story.  All this said, my biggest praise for the series goes to its Japanese voice cast and its soundtrack. I have never enjoyed a Japanese voice cast so much and Junjou Romantica delivered stunning performances from start to finish. Each voice fit the character perfectly both in age and look and every performance felt organic and genuine. There were very few times I thought about the voice actors reading their lines in the booth and instead would get swept away in the beautiful stories they told through the series. Praise for the Japanese cast aside, I would adore and be over the moon if the series ever received an English Dub but it would have some extremely high expectations to meet. The other element of the series that particularly struck me was the soundtrack. The soundtrack was far more than background music and added so much to the series, it was honestly unbelievable. Every time I heard a familiar track or a track that played during a specific scene, I became excited all over again and relived particular moments where I had heard it before. The soundtrack in its entirety was extremely emotional and beautiful, but one track in particular stole my heart (see below).

Junjou Romantica OST 1 - Track 11: Yumeni, Gokochi BOY

Junjou Romantica is much more than it seems. Yet another extremely popular Yaoi, I would recommend it over Sekaiichi Hatsukoi and to any anime fan due to its moving story, fun characters and emotional connection.

Inu x Boku SS (2014)
Video: Inu x Boku Original Opening

Ririchiyo Shirrakin has always had trouble interacting with others. In order to isolate herself from people she might be off putting towards she moves to The Maison de Ayakashi, a luxury apartment building otherwise known as Ayakashikan. Those living at Ayakashikan are special however, as they each posses the blood of supernatural monsters and are creatures known to the world as "throwbacks". Partially filled with the blood of their ancient ancestors and each holding special powers, residents of Ayakashikan are given a body guard to protect them from any danger that may arise, and Ririchiyo soon finds herself in the constant company and care of Secret Service agent Soshi Miketsukami. Now under the watchful eye of Miketsukami, Ririchiyo must adapt to her new life, but behind her hard shell, strange and unfamiliar feelings will arise and begin to change her fate forever.

Why I began this series: I was looking for a short series and something with romance, when I suddenly remembered Inu x Boku SS and when I found the series had been Dubbed, I started it right away.

Thoughts on the series:
A big welcome back to the cast of Clannad and Clannad: After Story. Needless to say the first thing that struck me about this series was its English Dub cast, and after realizing many favorite Clannad voice actors made up a majority of the main characters I was thrilled to see where the series would go and how emotional it would be. There were many performances of particular note, beginning with Hilary Haag as the rough, introverted Ririchiyo. Haag's performance was wonderful and was quite a refreshing change to see her playing such a serious character unlike her performance as the charming and extremely energetic Fuko Ibuki from Clannad. Opposite Haag was Chris Paton, as the fox yokai Miketsukami and known to me as the voice of the main protagonist in The World God Only Knows. The chemistry between these two characters was incredible and the performances from their actors provided an emotional buildup so great that by the final few episodes, it could not be contained. The other performance that struck me was that of David Matranga as Kagero Shokiin, the "self proclaimed" fiancee to Ririchiyo. Prior to Inu x Boku SS, I had only seen Matranga in his unbelievably stunning performance as Tomoya Okazaki in Clannad and Subaru Asahina in the recently dubbed series Brothers Conflict, and after recognizing his voice in Inu x Boku SS I was shocked. Like Haag, it was quite an interesting and unual thing to see Matranga portray such a goofy and somewhat clueless character, but in the end I still found his performance to be quite something even if I didn't particularly care for anything about the character. With other great performances by favorites including Monical Rial and Greg Ayres, the entire voice casting of Inu x Boku SS was wonderful and I enjoyed seeing much of the Clannad crew back together again. Alongside its voice cast, the series also had lovely animation. A very free flowing and seamless style, there were many beautiful frames and scenes that looked like something out of the perfect romance novel. I particularly enjoyed the character designs for Ririchiyo and Miketsukami, as they both were drawn and animated to physically embody their characters personalities. Ririchiyo's long black hair and dark purple eyes were a beautiful combination to portray her seclusion, while Miketsukami's short white hair and differently colored eyes emphasized his mysterious nature. This animation style was quite different from other series I have recently seen, and due to the series romantic nature this animation style was a perfect fit. If there is one thing the series falls short on however, it is the plot. It wasn't until the final three episodes however that I became really hooked on the series and finally began to understand what was really going on. The overall plot of the series was mostly confusing and very weak, but once more of the romance elements came to light and things were explained, I quickly became enthralled in the story completely. Had the series abandoned its vast amount of filler and completely focused on the growing relationship between Ririchiyo and Miketsukami, I would have loved it start to finish. This said, the final few episodes were both moving and incredibly emotional, and the series may have been one of the best love confession scenes I have ever seen. And finally, the soundtrack. Only make up of a few tracks, the soundtrack added so much to Inu x Boku SS it was somewhat unreal. The entire soundtrack was memorable and beautiful, with the following track being the most gorgeous and love themed musical moment used throughout the entire series.

Inu x Boku SS OST - Track 12: Alone

It's a series like Inu x Boku that makes me want to investigate and maybe read its manga series, just to see how the two compare. Recommended for anime fans who are die hard for romance with just a little bit of a twist, Inu x Boku is a perfect twelve episode fix.

"This Isn't Love! This Isn't Love! I'll Never Admit This Is Love!!" - Live, Love Anime: Part XI

Love Stage! (2014)
Video: Love Stage! Opening

Izumi Sena has always dreamed of becoming a world famous Manga artist, but there's one problem: he comes strictly from a show business family. With his parents professional performers and his older brother the lead singer for the band CRUSHERZ, Izumi constantly feels the pressure of also joining the family business of entertainment. When Izumi is suddenly asked to appear in a commercial similar to one he was spontaneously thrown into ten years prior, he flat out refuses to accept as he was forced to dress and portray a young girl. After much persuading, Izumi agrees to appear in the commercial is reunited with the young male child actor, Ryoma Ichijo, whom he starred with ten years ago and who still believes Izumi to be a girl. Ryoma has never forgotten Izumi and has been deeply in love with him for the past ten years, but when Ryoma discovers the truth about Izumi, will the fact that Izumi is really a boy change Ryoma's feelings for him?

Why I began this series: I was on YouTube and came across a 'Top 10 Best Yaoi Anime" video. I was scrolling through the comments of the video and noticed many people saying the reviewer had left out one of the most crucial and best Yaoi anime of all time: Love Stage!. Only being somewhat educated in Yaoi thanks to South Park and having never seen any Yaoi anime before, I took to finding and watching the series.

Thoughts on the series:
This series swept me off my feet - everything from its characters, animation, story, voice acting, soundtrack was simply stunning. The main pair of Izumi and Ryoma were perfect contrasts to each other, with one being manga loving die hard Otaku and the other a world famous actor and celebrity. Additionally, the chemistry between Izumi and Ryoma was instant, beautiful and inspiring, as the two grew to become close friends and eventually discover their true feelings for one another. The supporting cast was excellent as well, especially Rei, the Sena family manager, and Izumi's famous brother Shogo, both who I grew to love just as much as the two leads. Something I found interesting about the characters in general was that there was not a single one I "hated" or could deem a "bad guy". Because each character was genuinely a good person and dealt with such real emotions, I ultimately decided to root for them all and fangirled many times over because of it. But one of the many things that brought the extremely lovable and memorable characters of Love Stage! to life was the series beautiful animation and art style. The look of the series was so effortless and beautiful, making its short ten episode run feel like something out of a long lost fairy tale. The one thing that especially stood out was the eyes of Izumi, Ryoma and Rei, and how they were animated in relation to their respective personalities. Izumis purple-yellow eyes were unique, absolutely stunning to look at from episode to episode and some of the most beautiful eyes I have ever encountered in anime. Similarly, his eyes reflected how conflicted the innocent Izumi constantly felt about his future and his feelings for Ryoma. Ryomas dark purple eyes were a perfect contrast to Izumi's and portrayed a deep love and sense of devotion that Ryoma had for him. Finally, Rei's more slender yet soothing orange eyes reflected both his upstanding position as a businessman and the Sena family manager alongside his love for Izumi as somewhat of a second father figure. All three of these characters eyes were simply mesmerizing and beautiful.

(Eyes from Love Stage! - Top to Bottom: Izumi, Ryoma & Rei)  

Another element of the series animation that I first took me by surprise but later I grew to love was during scenes where Izumi and Ryoma were intimate together. During these scenes in order to coincide with Japanese censorship law, the respective characters bodies were filled out with a singular color which not only censored the scene but reflected that characters feelings at that moment. This was a very interesting concept and I loved this idea of censorship, rather than blurring something out or making the entire scene translucent.  I found myself constantly lost within the animation and I can truly say it is one of the most beautifully animated series I have ever seen. Then there is the story, and while the story of Love Stage! is pretty cut and dry, it was still incredibly moving to watch. A tale of love, internal struggle and understanding ones sexuality, Love Story! was both a breeze to watch, left me watching episode after episode relentlessly and made me experience a wide variety of emotions. But the story would not be able to thrive if it wasn't for one very important thing: the voice actors. While I am still a reviewer getting used to original Japanese along with English subtitles, the entire Japanese voice cast was brilliant, and while I would absolutely love to someday get an English Dub, its hard to imagine Love Stage! any other way. The voices for Izumi and Ryoma respectively were extremely well done and perfectly fit the characters, making them all the more attractive as the series progressed. The final element, and the element I am most hard one when it comes to an anime series, was the soundtrack - and wow, did I love it. From the series opening, ending, exciting and romantic tracks, the soundtrack of Love Stage! added so much to the series and made it all the more beautiful.

A ten episode series with an additional OVA, Love Story! turned me into a true Yaoi fan and introduced me to new genre of anime that I had never explored before - and I couldn't be happier. Love Stage! is now in my Top 10 Anime of All Time and a series I would recommend to anyone looking for a great love story and who isn't bothered by watching Yaoi or BL (boy love).

Sekaiichi Hatsukoi - The World's Greatest First Love (2011)
Video: Sekaiichi Hatsukoi Original Opening

Ritsu Onodera has always considered himself a "jaded adult". The only son an heir to the infamous Onedera Publishing Company, over the past ten years Onodera has been quitting a number of jobs due to his unhappiness. When Ritsu is made the newest editor to the Shoujo Manga department he is sure he will work for only a few weeks and quit just as he did with the others, but Ritsu is stunned to learn that his boss, the editor in chief, is Masamune Takado - his old boyfriend and lover from high school. With Takado now back in his life ten years later Ritsu is determined to concentrate on his new position, but when Takado declares his love for him will Ritsu accept his past or turn and run as he has been for the past ten years?

Why I began this series: I had just finished Love Stage! and wanted to continue on the Yaoi train. I took to the Internet to find some series similar to Love Stage! and I came across Sekaiichi Hatsukoi.

Thoughts on the series:
While I very much enjoyed this series, I have mixed feelings on it overall. The story was good, focusing on the degraded relationship between Onodera and Takado and how over time their relationship was able to be fixed and even grow. While this plot concept was good most of the story just felt over dramatic and somewhat like a soap opera, as I found myself constantly screaming at the screen. Many of the characters were quick to jump to conclusions, often causing more problems, and then when things would finally be resolved it would start all over again. This however I believe is due to the characters themselves, as they struggle to keep their work and private lives separate among the fact that they are all homosexual. Characters like Ritsu Onodera, Chaiki Yoshido and Shouta Kisa, characters who I would label as the less experienced or the seme in the relationship, were the biggest offenders of this as trust and acceptance were constant issues and this doubt was usually caused by the more experienced partner or uke, including Takado, Hatori and Yukina. After primarily introducing all these issues I was unsure of how the series would be able to solve them all with a single couple, so when I learned that the series would be focusing on three couples made up of members from the same editing team I was somewhat relieved. While having three couples was a very smart move on the series behalf, at times it made things more complicated. Episodes would switch from couple to couple without warning and it was hard at times to remember what had just previously happened with that pair before their story continued. It was made even more difficult by the fact that many of the seme characters looked almost identical, the only difference being eye or hair color, so it was hard at times to realize whose story we had switched to. This fact additionally made the pacing of the entire series were odd and disjointed, as some episodes felt incredibly slow and dragged out while others seemed to fly by. All confusion aside, the stories of each couple were wonderful to watch and each accomplished the same goals just through different means. The greatest couples of the series was Onodera and Takada, as they both shared a somewhat painful past but were able to overcome it as individuals with the help and support of each other. Not surprisingly, Onodera and Takada had some of the best scenes in the series making Sekaiichi Hatsukoi live up to its Yaoi name. The other pair I particularly grew to love and enjoyed watching was Shouta Kisa and Kou Yukina, as each ultimately discovered they needed each other to face everyday challenges. But as with most series there is a character to hate, and for Sekaiichi Hatsukoi, Yokozawa took the prize. While nice to look at, his actions and attitude towards both Takada and especially Onodera had me constantly yelling at the screen and I was glad and somewhat proud that in the end that Yokozawa was left empty handed. These characters were simple, yet deep and complex, making Sekaiichi Hatsukoi a very different kind of Yaoi anime. The Japanese voice cast was wonderful with performances by Onodera and Takada especially notable. While I doubt the series will ever receive an English Dub, it would be extremely interesting to see which company would license it and who would be cast in each role. But for those many anime that never receive a Dub, many anime fans make their own (see below):

   'Sekaiichi Hatsukoi' FANDUB Clip - Season 2, Episode 1

Yaoi as a genre is quickly becoming more and more of a personal favorite of mine and Sekaiichi Hatsukoi was a wonderful addition to my still very new obsession. A series with far more than meets the eye, Sekaiichi Hatsukoi is a series I would recommend to fellow Yaoi fans or anime fans who are looking to experience Yaoi with a far more controlled and censored approach. 

The Boy and The Beast - Bakemono No Ko (2016)
Video: 'The Boy and The Beast' English Trailer

"When Kyuya, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts, he is taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rough-around-the-edges warrior beast who's been searching for the perfect apprentice. Despite their constant bickering, Kyuya and Kumatetsu begin training together and slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son. But when a deep darkness threatens to throw the human and beast worlds into chaos, the strong bong between this unlikely pair will be put to the ultimate test - a final showdown that will only be won if the two can finally work together using all of their combined strength and courage." (RottonTomatoes: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_boy_and_the_beast/)

Why I saw this movie: When I heard Japans latest anime masterpiece was being released in select theaters I could not have been more excited. It was just by chance that I discovered a theater near me was showing the film, both in the original Japanese and the English Dub produced by FUNimation, and I leaped at the opportunity to see it.

Thoughts on the film:
Having not seen writer and director Mamoru Hosoda's other critically acclaimed and award winning film, Wolf Children, I went into The Boy and The Beast completely blind, only knowing a majority of the English voice casting as it had recently been dubbed and produced by FUNimation. The film itself was something I did not expect and went much deeper than I originally thought it would. From the start the plot was interesting, giving off a somewhat "Spirited Away" vibe, mixed with a unique animation and art style that made the whole film feel more rugged. This added not only to the story but also the idea that a majority of the films characters were hard around the edges and that their story was more important for the viewer to see and understand rather than being distracted by the animation. Due to this unique art style the characters seemed very realistic and relatable, though the story itself was somewhat fantastical. But what really set this film apart from all the others was its English dub cast. A cast of FUNimation favorites, including Luci Christian (Ouran High School Host Club), Monica Rial (Deadman Wonderland), Ian Sinclair (Black Butler), Josh Grelle (Snow White with the Red Hair) and Austin Tindle (Tokyo Ghoul), the entire cast did a phenomenal job and left me wanting to watch it all over again. My favorite performances by far however were those of Eric Vale (Teen Ren) and John Swasey (Kumatetsu) as their chemistry and performances left me both overjoyed and drowning in tears. While the story is moving and very emotional, the true star for me was the incredible cast.

'The Boy and The Beast' English Clip - The Sword in the Soul 

(Kumatetsu: John Swasey & Ren: Luci Christian)

A new film by  Mamoru Hosoda making the equivalent of 5.4 million US dollars during the first two days of its release in Japan, The Boy and The Beast is a must see film. A story of acceptance, family and love, The Boy and The Beast is yet another example of how .

For more information about FUNimation, visit: http://www.funimation.com/home
For more reviews of 'The Boy and The Beast", visit: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_boy_and_the_beast/
Want to know more about The Boy and The Beast? Check your local theater to see if it's screening near you!

Brothers Conflict (2013)

Video: Brothers Conflict Original Opening

Ema Ashahina's father has recently remarried and Ema is preparing to move to her new home. But when Ema arrives and discovers she now has thirteen brothers her life is turned on its head. Ema must now figure out how to balance school and her new life, only made more complicated by the fact that many of her new brothers have started to fall for her. Will Ema grow to reciprocate their feelings, or does she simply love them because they're family?

Why I began this series: The first thing that caught my eye for Brothers Conflict was its poster with so many beautiful boys.

Thoughts on the series:

Fan service. Fan service everywhere.
A reverse harem, Brothers Conflict delivers thirteen incredible attractive, irresistible young men as the centerpiece of the series. Unlike other anime series Brothers Conflict seemed to have no plot whatsoever though its animation was nice to look at and its many characters were more than enough to make up the series lost elements. Due to its large cast and in order to review Brothers Conflict more efficiently, I've included the list below with all the voice actors portraying the thirteen brothers and a few additional favorite roles from other series:

Masaomi Ashahina - J Michael Tatum (Sebastian from Black Butler, Shu Tsukiyama from Tokyo Ghoul & Tomoe from Kamisama Kiss)
Ukyo Asahina - Christopher R Sabat (Jason from Tokyo Ghoul)
Kaname Asahina - Ian Sinclair (Tatsumi from Shiki)
Hikaru Asahina - Todd Haberkorn (Hikaru from Ouran High School Host Club, Death the Kid from Soul Eater Haruka Nanase from Free & Free: Eternal Summer)
Tsubaki Asahina - Micah Solusod (Yu from Seraph of the End  & Soul Eater Evans from Soul Eater)
Azusa Asahina - Josh Grelle (Zen Wisteria from Snow White with the Red Hair, Inspector Giniza from Psycho-Pass, Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan & Yuki from Future Diary)
Natsume Asahina - Kyle Hewbert (Ryuji Suguro from Blue Exorcist)
Louis Asahina - Jerry Jewell (Shinya Hiragi from Seraph of the End: Battle of Nagoya, Natsuno Yuki from Shiki & Lau from Black Butler)
Subaru Asahina - David Matranga (Tomoya Oakazaki from Clannad & Clannad: After Story)
Iori Asahina - Eric Vale (Lord Ferid from Seraph of the End, Kazuma from Noragami & Noragami Aragoto)
Yuske Asahina - Matthew Mercer (Captain Levi from Attack on Titan)
Futo Asahina - Vic Mignogna (Tamaki from Ouran High School Host Club, Rin Matsuoka from Free & Free: Eternal Summer, Zero from Vampire Knight & Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist)
Wataru Asahina - Bryce Papenbrook (Kirito from Sword Art Online & Masaomi Kida from DuRaRaRa!!)

From when I first found this lineup to even even after I had finished the series I thought I had died and gone to heaven. A dream cast, the individual performances of all the brothers was very special and fun to watch. While I couldn't choose just one brother as a favorite, I especially grew to love Hikaru for his funny, know-it-all personality, Tsubaki and Azusa for their twin bond, Louis for his relaxing hippie vibe and Futo for his pop-star diva lifestyle. Also noteworthy was Colleen Clinkenbeard as Ema Asahina, as I had never seen Clinkenbeard in a leading role before.

While in the end Brothers Conflict was not anything special, I'm still glad I watched it. A series with thirteen gorgeous boys fighting for the heart of their new sister, Brothers Conflict was a nice series which I would recommend if you're looking for an escape from the usual anime series or a series that requires absolutely no thinking but delivers eye candy one thousand percent.

On The Next Episode of 'Survivor' - Live, Love Anime: Part X

Seraph of the End: Battle in Nagoya (2015)
Video: Seraph of the End: Battle in Nagoya Original Opening

Vampires may continue to terrorize and rule the world but Yu is content knowing that his family, Mika, is still alive. Determined to save him at any cost, Yu and other members of the Moon Demon Company are ordered to carry out a series of attacks on vampire nobles, hoping to reduce vampire control of the city and eventually reach Nagoya. For the first time the humans are starting to have hope in reclaiming their world, in addition to successfully slaughtering many vampires due to incredible power and strength. But strength and power come at a cost, and that cost may be the end of the entire world.

Why I began this series: More Seraph of the End? Yes please!

What I liked about the series: As a second season, Seraph of the End: Battle of Nagoya was excellent. Bringing back it's memorable and spunky characters alongside the series new plot line made it both an easy and exciting watch from week to week. As I've written before, I find that Vampire animes can be extremely difficult to pull off without being campy, dopey, or stale, but Seraph of the End pleasantly surprised me. The basis of any good anime series is its characters and Seraph of the End is full of complex, well developed characters. From the series start I was particularly fond of various vampires, including Mika, Ferid Baldroy and Queen Krul, but Battle of Nagoya made me start to take a closer look at the actions and desires of the Human Race as we were introduced to Lt. Cornel Kureto and Shinya Ichinose. Filled with a plentiful mix of both familiar and new characters, the series feel like it have never stopped to begin with and its second season was begun to simply continue things along. Alongside it's characters, the plot of Battle of Nagoya was quite good. Focusing more on the humans desire and push for ultimate power, the plot had many ideas and concepts that are relevant today, though we do not have vampires running our world. The plot was exciting, emotional, gripping and took many unexpected turns, making every episode a blast to watch on a weekly basis.

What I didn't like about the series: My only issue with the series as a whole is its pacing. Some episodes were jam packed with action and excitement, but others felt very slow and dragged out. While this may have been done in order to explain plot devices and unanswered questions, these episodes seemed removed from the series and I yearned for something either faster or more evenly paced.

Seraph of the End has quickly become a popular and well-loved series, and Seraph of the End: Battle in Nagoya is quite a well done continuation. For any anime fan who enjoys vampires or is a fan of the series in general, Seraph of the End: Battle in Nagoya is a definite must see.

Dance with Devils (2015)
Video: Dance with Devils Original Opening

Ritska Tachibana always thought of herself as any other high school girl but when she one day is summoned by the mysterious Student Council, everything changes. After meeting the council under questionable circumstances, Ritska returns home to discover her mother wounded and hooded strangers searching her house. Desperate to help her mother, Ritska goes for help but is shocked upon her return to find her house in perfect order and her mother gone. When the president of the Student Council, Rem Arlord, suddenly appears and offers Ritska his help Ristska vows to do all she can to save her mother - but who were the men who took her? Why did they do it? Is Ritska really just an ordinary girl? And does Rem and the rest of the Student Council have something to hide?

Why I began the series: I was trolling on KissAnime for a short anime and found Dance With Devils. I thought I would only start it, but due to inexplicable reasons I completed it all in one night.

If you've read my reviews before, you know that I usually divide my thoughts into two sections: what I liked, and what I didn't like. With Dance with Devils, I find it impossible to separate out my thoughts and label things I liked verses things I didn't - so for this review I have put everything in one place, in hopes that it will be easier to understand where I stand with this particular series.

When I began Dance with Devils I thought for sure I would abandon it halfway through, but somehow remarkably, that was not the case. As the series began I was thoroughly confused as to its draw, but as the series continued I began to understand it better. My biggest issue with the series was that it couldn't decide what it wanted to be: Drama? Harem? Fantasy? Musical? While it ended up being a mix of all these genres, the structure of the series was quite odd and some of it felt very out of place. With songs interspersed throughout the episodes, Dance with Devils many times felt like an anime version of High School Musical involving Devils and Vampires, though many of the songs were quite good. This said however, they generally felt out of place and it seemed that their sole purpose was to provide fan girl service - a perfect example being the song played in episode eleven where all the male protagonists came together to form "The Ultimate Boy Band". Along with its songs the characters of the series were uneven and remained undeveloped throughout, though had the series been longer this would not have been an issue. To its credit however the animation was pretty and the English Dub of the series was quite good overall, featuring standout performances from J Michael Tatum as Lord Nesta, Gregory Lush as Lindo and Aaron Roberts as Urie. It's characters however could not help save the series plot. The series had many plot holes that were unresolved, unexplained or were attempted to be covered up by the various budding romances between the heroine and the male protagonists. Due to this the series script was weak and often silly, as it included labels such as "grimwoire" and "dampire". But Dance with Devils did have a saving grace - its ending. While it was nothing particularly remarkable, Ritska made her first independent decision about her feelings for Rem and chose what was best for her instead of what was best for them. As the ending approached I was terrified and nervous that we would be like "The Little Mermaid", with the female protagonist changing almost everything about herself for the man she loved. Ritska however genuinely surprised me when she decided to remain human and lose Rem forever instead of becoming a devil, and I couldn't have been happier. The ending overall left me feeling a wide flood of emotions ranging from relief, to happiness, to sadness and even a bit of depression - though those feelings vanished as the possibility of a second season came to light. If we do get a second season of Dance with Devils, I will be extremely interested to see where it goes. 

While Dance with Devils felt like a cross between Vampire Knight, Twilight and High School Musical, I surprisingly enjoyed it more than I ever thought I would. Dance with Devils in really something, and if you don't believe me, see for yourself.

Noragami Aragoto (2015)
Video: Noragami Aragoto Original Opening

Life has returned to normal for Hiyori, Yato and Yukine. Hiyori continues to attend high school though her soul is still able to escape from her body at whim, and Yato with the help of Yukine is still offering his services for a small fee in order to save up for a shrine of his own. Things may have quieted down for the time being, but Goddess of Fortune Lady Bishamone is still hungry for revenge and determined to find and destroy Yato at any cost. But Bishamone's many regalias are beginning to lose faith in one another and rumors of a traitor among them may bring Bishamone's reign to a swift and silent end.

Why I began this series: After finishing the first season and seeing that the second season was already being released weekly with the Enlgish Dub, I immediately began Noragami Aragoto.

What I liked about the series: Like its first season, many things about Noragami Aragoto pleasantly surprised me. First was its characters - bringing back many familiar faces along with some new ones. Unlike its first season, Noragami Aragotos characters went through some incredible development due to the series story line and overall pacing. Yato, Yukine, Bishamone and Ebisu especially went through tremendous growth physically, emotionally and psychologically, making me as a viewer develop deeper emotional connections with them. Of all Noragami's characters, my favorites are Kazuma and Bishamone, as their individual personalities are quite complex but they also share many painful memories and burdens that they must face with Yatos help. But all of this would not be possible without a solid plot, which Noragami Aragoto delivered. Split up in two "semi-arcs", the series first half focused on Bishamones desire for revenge while the second half focused more on Ebisu and his constant inner battle. Each arc was beautifully crafted and the plot was even from episode to episode, answering all posed questions. This amazing plot crafting elevated the series leagues beyond what I was expecting, enhancing both the characters and the series overall flow. While the series has many high points, its greatest feature was its English Dub cast. Each voice fit the character quite well and brought them to life in wonderful and unexpected ways.

What I didn't like about the series: In general, I had no large issues with the series - it was very, very well done.

I have never seen such a fan following for an anime since Attack on Titan and Black Butler, but Noragami & Noragami Aragoto both deserve the praise they've received. If you're an anime fan who hasn't seen anything Noragami, you need to jump on the bandwagon soon and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Baccano! (2007)
Video: Baccano! Original Opening

When in doubt, steal from the Mafia. Set during the Great Depression, Baccano tells the stories of many colorful characters as they attempt to survive during New York's most difficult time. With the mafia roaming the streets and strange talk of immortality arsing, the city quickly turns into a dangerous place where death and killing occur daily and family secrets hang in the balance.

Why I began this series: As I was searching for a short anime somehow this series popped into my head, and after hearing great things about it I decided to give it a try.

What I liked about the series: Baccano! completely surprised me - from the start I had no idea what was happening, but I liked it A LOT. The story was exciting and took turns I wasn't expecting, the characters were wonderful, the animation style perfectly fit perfectly, and the jazz/swing music used was fabulous. Because of the series large cast, I loved how the series broke up everyone's individual stories and went back and forth between each characters particular "arc". Additionally, spreading the overall story over three years was quite smart and provided both events happening in the present day along with flashbacks to other encounters. This made the pacing of Baccano! perfect and one of only a few series I couldn't put down until I had finished. But more impressive than its story was its characters. A cast of colorful, hilarious, ruthless people, Baccano! had characters that were quite unique and memorable. Many of its characters were serious or insane, though some were purely used for comic relief and comic elements. I particularly took a liking to the hilarious comedy pair Isaac and Miria, as well as the tough yet emotional thug Jacuzi and the sly young man in green, Firo. Alongside its variety of characters, the animation for Baccano! was so old school and different. Shortly after beginning Baccano! I thought the art style looked strikingly similar to another series about gangs and thugs, Durarara!, and it was only after I finished that I discovered it was written by the same manga author and produced by the same studio as Durarara!, The art style of both these shows is more angular and more hand drawn looking, rather then high grade computerized animation. This old school drawing style perfectly fit the story and entire being that is Baccano! and I can't imagine it being drawn or presented any other way. Finally, the music for Baccano! was near perfection. Old style jazz mixed with some swing added greatly to the series overall, making it really feel as if we were back in the 1930's. I also loved that for the Baccano! opening it was a purely instrumental theme that was both extremely well written, performed and catchy. This is a soundtrack I was eager to find and one I would highly recommend to any anime music fan.   

What I didn't like about the series: Only two things really bothered me about Baccano!, the first being its scattered story. It wasn't until I had finished the series that I realized and understood that this unusual presentation of the various stories was one of the highlights of the series setup, but at many points throughout I was very confused as to what was happening in "real time" as opposed to a year or so ago. Similar to its presentation, I wish that the series had been longer. I felt like some of the character arcs got cut short in order to wrap up another section of the plot or bring the entire series to a swift end. I would have loved to have seen some characters continue to grow and develop further past the incident of the Flying PussyFoot, and even see these characters perhaps in more modern times (though we caught a glimpse of that at the tail end of the series with Isaac and Miria). I wonder if Baccano! will ever get a second season, but having been made back in 2007 and with the rise of Durarara! popularity I'm not sure if it ever will.

Baccano! was such a breath of fresh air from everything else I have seen - it is definitely one terrific anime.

Deadman Wonderland (2011)
Video: Deadman Wonderland Original Opening

It seems like any other day for high school student Ganta Igarashi - until he witnesses his entire class slaughtered before his eyes. The sole survivor of the incident, Ganta is quickly placed under arrest as the prime suspect in his classes murder and soon after is sentenced to death row at Japans first and only privately owned prison, Deadman Wonderland. But Deadman Wonderland is much more than a prison, it is also a major part of Japans tourist trade as it pits its convicts against each other in life or death games for the public's enjoyment. For Ganta Deadman Wonderland is the ultimate hell, but he'll need to survive if he ever wishes to discover the truth about his classes murder and why he now has a strange, new uncontrollable power.

Why I began this series: I first heard about this series from a friend who was trying to decide if they'd finish the series. At first I didn't want anything to do with it, but a few days later I decided to at least give the series a try.

What I liked about the series: Deadman Wonderland had many highs, but it ultimately shines in its concepts and their execution. A "Hunger Games"- like setup, the idea of a prison also doubling as a theme park where convicts are forced to play life or death games was a very interesting concept. Things are made more complicated yet elevated further with the introduction of the convicts collars that not only track their whereabouts but also pump deadly poison into their bodies and will kill them in three days time. All these concepts and elements made Deadman Wonderland a psychological masterpiece and opened the series up to endless possibilities and outcomes for its characters. Similarly I also grew to like many of the series characters, favorites including Shiro, prison operator Tsunenaga Tamaki and fellow Deadman Wonderland inmates Senji and "Hummingbird". While I did like and generally enjoy the main cast pair of Ganta and Shiro, the series also had a large supporting cast who added much to the series overall, especially on an emotional level. Additionally, the English Dub cast for the series was amazing with notable performances by almost everyone involved. Other noteworthy elements of the series include its beautiful animation and extremely catching opening and ending themes which I could listen to on repeat for days.

What I didn't like about the series: No surprise here, its the make or break issue with any anime series: the ending. I was so unsatisfied with Deadman Wonderlands ending as it left me frustrated and with so many unanswered questions: Why was Gantas class ultimately murdered? How did they think it was possible a high school kid could've been responsible? After failing to escape Deadman Wonderland, why wasn't Ganta and/or Shiro killed on site or simply exterminated? How much longer could Ganta have survived Deadman Wonderland? What is the real relationship between Ganta and Shiro, and how did Shiro come to be in Deadman Wonderland? How did the power that Ganta and many other inmates posses come to be? What can this power really do? Who is really in charge of Deadman Wonderland, and will the public ever discover and accept its true purpose? With so many questions left hanging in the balance, my issue with the ending is made even worse in the fact that we will most likely never have a second season, so in the end we will ultimately never know.

Deadman Wonderland is a good anime with many horror elements. If you know nothing about it or have never seen it, I highly suggest that you do.

BEFORE WE CONTINUE:

This is where I anticipated finishing this post. After watching Deadman Wonderland I thought I would finish its review and post this review segment right away. However I became side tracked, so enjoy this bonus review of a series that over twenty four hours later I still can't believe I watched and will never watch again...

BONUS REVIEW:
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls (2013)
Video: Corpse Party: Tortured Souls Original Opening

On a dark and story night following their school's cultural festival, a group of Elementary school children decide to participate in a charm known as "Sachiko Ever After", which will ensure they stay friends forever. When a sudden earthquake occurs, they are transported to another dimension where the old Elementary School, Heavenly Host, still stands and remains a dark and dangerous place where the spirits of kidnapped and murdered students haunt the school. The students must discover the mystery behind Heavenly Host and the truth about the murders that took place there, while still trying to remain sane and escape with their lives.

Why I began this series: This four episode series was first suggested to me on Twitter, after making a comment about how nothing was more messed up or disturbing than Elfen Lied - I was very, very, very wrong.

What I liked about the series: The purpose of this series was to be as horrifying, gory and jaw-dropping as possible - and it definitely succeeded. From the very beginning I was completely enveloped in the story and couldn't look away as the students were slowly picked off one by one and brutally murdered. Though it was extremely hard to watch, the animation for the series was very well done and I genuinely felt bad for many of the murdered characters as their deaths were all brutal and extreme. From a psychological standpoint, I very much enjoyed watching a few of the characters begin to spiral down into madness though eventually they would be killed off themselves. While I'm not sure if I would watch it, were there to be a second season of Corpse Party: Tortured Souls I would be very interested to see where the story would go and how they would decide to continue.

What I didn't like about the series: Overall, this series is just not for me. Between the series plot and my weak stomach, I found these four episodes extremely hard to watch though I am quite used to immense amounts of blood and gore. There was something about this series that made everything feel so incredibly real and terrifying, making it a very difficult two hours. But despite all the gore and horrifying scenes, nothing could have prepared me for this (WARNING: MAJOR SPOILER):

This ending was absolutely not OK and so unexpected that I had to re-watch it more than a few times to process what had happened.

My thoughts on Corpse Party: Tortured Souls can be easily summed up and categorized:
1. I cannot believe this anime exists
2. Horror anime is not generally my thing
3. If you don't believe me when I say this series is the most horrifying, disgusting, mentally bashing and emotionally scarring anime out there, check it out for yourself.

He Love Me, He Loves Me Not - Live, Love Anime: Part VIIII

Noragami

Video: Noragami Original Opening

God of Calamity Yato has always wanted a shrine to call his own, but due to financial circumstances is unable to build one. To see this dream come true, Yato offers his services to those on the Near Shore, otherwise known as the human world, for five yen per job. When Yato one day is performing a job on the Near Shore, he saves a young human girl named Hiori from getting hit by a bus. Thankful, yet unsure of how she survived, Hiori returns to her normal life until she discovers that she has the ability to leave her human body and see Phantoms that plague the city. But for the human world to be safe these Phantoms must be destroyed and only Gods, such as Yato, have the power to do so.

Why I began this series: I had heard many great things about Noragami and that it was currently still airing its second season. Due to its high popularity and substantial fan base, I decided to start it.

What I liked about the series: For some reason, I find it hard to sum up my enjoyment of Noragami in words. There were many aspects of Noragami that I both particularly enjoyed and found very different from many of the other animes I've seen thus far. The first was its concepts: while its Gods vs. Deamons (or in this case Phantoms) was not particularly new anime material, the way Noragami centered on it through its characters and other plot lines was very well done. Throughout the series, its characters were extremely well developed in addition to being both relatable and memorable from beginning to end. What I found most enjoyable however about Noragami were the personalities of these characters and how these personalities affected the series tone from episode to episode. I particularly loved the series frequent comic elements, mainly provided by Yato and his regalia Yukine, and how their placement made watching the series both easier and more enjoyable. Additionally, the English Dub for the series was near perfection and the opening theme song was and still is extremely catchy.

What I didn't like about the series: The only main issues I found with Noragami was its beginning pacing and introduction to some of its characters. It took me a few episodes to really get into Noragami, but once I did I was in it until the end.

It's an odd one, Noragami, but I've often found those kinds of things to be the most wonderful. I would recommend it to every anime fan as it is a series that will both leave you wanting more and a series you should see just for the sake to have seen it.

Kimi ni Todoke (2010)
Video: Kimi ni Todoke Original Opening

Sawako has always had trouble making friends due to her "scary" name and appearance that somewhat resembles a monster in a popular Japanese movie. To make things worse rumors have spread around school, saying that if they look or speak to Sawako you will be cursed for eternity. When Sawako one day helps a young boy named Kazehaya find the High School her life is turned upside down, as she makes her first friends. Sawako is thrilled to have made friends, but is shocked when she discovers Kazehaya is the newest member of their class. In just a few days Sawako has made friends and spoken to a boy, but as time goes on and Sawako learns what friends do, will romantic feelings bloom between Sawako and Kazehaya?    

Why I began this series: I started this series a while ago but had put it aside eight episodes in. Having recently decided to finish up all shows on my "In Process" list, Kimi ni Todoke was the first one I wanted to finally complete. And now, I have.

What I liked about the series: I am a sucker for Anime Romantic Comedies, and Kimi ni Todoke is a perfect example of an anime Rom-Com done right. What originally drew me into the series was its simple story line, its characters, its voice actors and especially its unique animation. The series overall focuses on the subtle yet budding romance between Sadako and Kazehaya, as the two go about their everyday lives inside and out of school. Things are made even more interesting when Sadako makes her very first friends and starts to learn and realize that she doesn't have to be alone and that life can be fun. Perhaps the series simple plot and incredibly relatable story line is what made Kimi ni Todoke so enjoyable from start to finish, alongside its incredibly memorable and distinct characters. With the exception of one particular character, I fell in love with the entire cast of the series and found myself many times either rooting for or yelling at the characters as situations arose. The other two factors that drew me in were its Japanese voice cast and the series overall look and animation. I have not seen many animes in the original Japanese but I cannot imagine Kimi ni Todoke done any other way. The voice cast was simply brilliant, with each voice perfectly fitting the character and bringing both the romantic and comedic elements of the series to life. Also brilliant and different was its animation, very raw and simple instead of the usual "high definition" animation I am used to seeing.

What I didn't like about the series: The only thing with the series that I took issue with was its pacing. While anime Rom-Coms are not the fastest paced series and their slower pacing is used for immense amounts of character development, Kimi ni Todoke many times felt very, very slow.

Kimi ni Todoke is a classic, and I would highly recommend it to any anime Rom-Com lover

Snow White with the Red Hair (2015)
Video: Snow White with the Red Hair Original Opening

Once upon a time, there lived a young girl named Shirayuki who lived in the kingdom of Tonburn. Known for her blood red hair and post as an herbalist, Shirayuki spent her days creating remedies and medicines for her fellow commoners with illnesses and ailments. When Shirayuki one day is scouted out as a possible wife for the selfish Prince of Tonburn, Shirayuki flees her country and travels to a neighboring kingdom. The following day, Shirayuki unexpectedly meets a young man named Zen who offers his help in her travels. Lost and alone in a distant country Shirayuki accepts Zens help, but is there more that meets the eye and will Shirayuki's destiny be forever changed by their meeting?

Why I began this series: I had been looking through KissAnime's lists of series, and found Snow White with the Red Hair. The next day, I found the first four episodes Dubbed and I began it right away.

What I liked about this series: This was my first true dive into Fantasy anime, and I loved it. From the series story, to its characters and its animation I was immediately immersed in its magical realm. A story just somewhat similar to Snow White, Snow White with the Red Hair took everything I was expecting and turned it on its head in a beautiful new way. It's simply story and focus on its characters made this fantasy one I couldn't wait to see more of and a series that I would fall deeply in love with. The shinning star of the series however is its characters - all starting with its spunky female heroine, Shirayuki. In many anime series the female leads either are not strong or particularly independent and end up relying on the male protagonist to help or "save" them, but this was is no way the case for Snow White and the Red Hair. Shirayuki is one of if not the best anime female role models I've encountered in quite some time and her attitude and actions made her memorable and reminded me of myself in some ways. Opposite Shirayuki, Zen was another character I fell for both in looks and personality. The two as a pair seemed unstoppable and I quickly found myself rooting for them throughout the entire series. Additionally, the supporting cast made lasting impressions and added much to the series as a whole. Since Snow White with the Red Hair is a Fantasy anime, it goes without saying that its animation was simply beautiful and an anime I could look and get lost in for hours on end.

What I didn't like about the series: Absolutely nothing - this series was pure bliss

Snow White with the Red Hair is an incredible, romantic, fresh anime that has become a new favorite. I would highly recommend it to all anime fans, especially those who love a wonderful love story.

Hotarubi no Mori e
Video: Hotarubi no Mori e Trailer

When a young girl one day becomes lost in the forest, a strange spirit comes to her aid. As the girl reaches out to him, his face hidden by a mask, the spirit explains that no human can touch him or he will disappear forever. The two agree never to touch and the girl decides that each summer as she comes to visit her uncle they will see each other. Years go by, and the young girl and spirit grow closer, still having never touched each other. But their friendship and happiness hangs in the balance, both knowing that one day, Gin will finally disappear. Forever.

Why I watched this: I had been meaning to watch this movie for a while, and I finally did it.

What I liked about it: While this film was very low key, the points made were beautiful. First, relationships do not have to be based on physicality. Second, love is natural; something that grows over time and cannot be forced. Third, beauty can be found in all things. And finally, love will conquer all things. This films message was beautiful, and left me in many, many tears.

What I didn't like about it: The only two things I wish this film had was a well done English Dub and a longer run time. If it had been longer, the two main characters could have grown more and the pacing of the film might have been better overall.

An extremely beautiful film that will leave you in tears, I highly recommend it.

Top 10 Anime YouTube Videos

Since getting big into anime, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect Anime YouTube video. It can be hard to take an anime and set it to a song popular today that makes sense with the series and elevates its animation to a whole other level. However, if you can find a video that does this right, the result is incredible. Of my current YouTube "Favorites" playlist, I have selected my top ten favorite Anime Videos that I have come across thus far. These videos include everything from romance, to epicness and even fan service, but each was selected due to their individual qualities and their overall impact as a viewer. 

DISCLAIMERS:

1.  I take no credit for making any of these videos - all credit and rights go to the creators and song artists 

2. These videos are in no way ranked, they are all personal favorites

3. This list includes videos set to mixes, AMV's and MAD's

4. This list includes both animes series and films

5. SPOILERS - Watch at your own discretion 

6. Enjoy!

1. Romance AMV - Falling in Love

Song: Madza - Falling in Love // Vocals: Alan Wats

Anime: Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou, Kimi ni Todoke, Nerawareta Gakuen, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, Nisekoi, Kaichou Wa Maid-sama, Mayo Chiki!, Toradora!, Hotarubi no Mori e, Sword Art Online, Hyouya, Bokura ga Ita & Byosouku 5 Centimeter

When I first came across this video, I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Over six months later, that feeling hasn't changed and I've now seen over half of the animes used in it, along with a few others currently in progress. The beauty of this video particularly lies in its music/vocals and sequencing. The soft, lilting melody gives the video a weightless feeling that adds to the romantic tones much of it is set to. Additionally, a speech by British philosopher Alan Wats about love and what it means to fall in love is added, enhancing the videos overall beauty while making and stating some very true points about love. But what makes this video really beautiful is how each animes scenes are put together and timed to form one seamless three minutes and fifty-three seconds of pure bliss. The timing of each scene set to music is brilliant, and after watching this video many time, I can't see it being set any other way. Simply put, this video is truly a masterpiece.  

2. You Can Be King Again

Song: King - Lauren Aquilina

Anime: Hotarubi no mori e

This anime film is one I still have yet to see. While the videos does contain spoilers of its ending, the video overall is extremely well done in its editing and setting of song choice. It can be hard to make videos with films as opposed to series due to the fact that the film covers the entire plot as opposed to a series, which breaks things up into smaller pieces and can make editing this kind of video extremely difficult. Where do you put the important shots? How does it relate to the song choice? These are all things video creators must think about and it can be hard to do an anime film justice in such a way. This video however is beautiful, perfectly setting this anime with a song that sends a message of empowerment and reminder that we should always be grateful for what we have here and now. After re-discovering the video for this post, I may finally watch it tonight. 

3. Howl x Sophie [I Will Always Love You]

Song: Gift to You - Jo Blankenburg

Anime: How's Moving Castle

Set to my favorite Studio Ghibli & Hayou Miyasaki movie of all time, How's Moving Castle, the true power behind this video lies in its musical choice and the musical buildup that happens as the video goes on. The scenes begin simple following along with the single melody, but as the piano intensifies and strings are added, the video blossoms into something completely new. The scenes become shorter and focus more on the romantic moments between Howl and Sophie as the music continues to build to its climax at 1:30 as the two walk over the hill together. Additionally, 2:21 to the end of this video is stunning as the music returns to its single melody and we see scenes of the mountains and perhaps the most beautiful moment between Howl and Sophie. This will always be one of my favorite anime couples, just as it will always be my favorite Miyasaki movie.

4. Death Note - Dance With the Devil [AMV]

Song: Dance with the Devil - Breaking Benjamin

Anime: Deathnote

This AMV can be perfectly summed up in one word: EPIC. Taking a more literal approach, this video takes everything remarkable about Deathnote and amplifies it tenfold. I hadn't come across as well done a video set to this song since discovering one set to scenes from the film version of Arther Miller's famous play The Crucible, and when I first came across it, I had to to watch it again just to make sure I caught everything. My favorite anime of all time, this video is the ultimate tribute to Deathnote and all that it is and stands for. Set to the perfect song, this video takes its hard rock edges and merges it with the best psychological thriller anime of all time. Its fast paced setting and perfectly edited scenes makes this video a joy to watch, and every time I see it, I want to watch Deathnote all over again and relive each of its dark twists and turns.

5. [MAD] Love is A Beautiful Pain - Endless Tears

Song: Endless Tears by Cliff Edge ft. Maiko Nakamura

Anime: 30+ (See video description for full list)

If you're an anime fan, you've probably seen this video. With over 30,000,000 views, this video takes well over thirty different animes and throws them all together for one heck of a remix. With so much happening from beginning to end, it's hard to process everything in one take and watching this video multiple times over only makes it more and more beautiful. The song choice is excellent and most scenes are perfectly set and timed to pivotal music moments, especially for the videos ending moments and when the refrain of "I Love You" is repeatedly sung. This video is a classic, and if you haven't already seen it, you really should. 

6. Grell Sutcliff - A Butler to Die For

Song: Shinkou (Grell Sutcliff Character Song)

Anime: Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)

A perfect video for the most deadly efficient reaper of all time - Grell Sutcliff. This video and song is the perfect character representation and captures everything that makes Grell Grell, shinning in its editing and added effects to the series already well animated scenes. Interestingly enough, it was this video that made me finally decide to attend my first anime convention this March, as well as cosplay for the first time as none other than Grell Sutcliff himself. For any Black Butler or Grell fan, this video is an absolute must see for your favorite red reaper.

7. Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso AMV - This Song Saved My Life

Song: This Song Saved My Life - Simples Plan

Anime: Your Lie in April

Being a musician, this video is extremely personal and emotional. We go through so much just to be heard and remembered, and many times we question why what we're doing is worth it and why it should matter. This song and anime is a perfect combination, taking everything about what it means to be a musician and showing both its struggles and its payoffs. Just as the anime Your Lie in April tells us, we live for that moment on the stage when all of our hard work comes together into one beautiful presentation of our heart and soul, and we lose ourselves in the power and beauty of the music around us.

8. Always Love You

Song: Awakened - Ian Mcintosh

Anime: 25+ (See end of video for full list)

This video is so well done it's ridiculous. Watching this video always makes me experience something different and evokes emotions that I never thought possible. Taking each anime and setting it to this minimalist yet powerful song, this video shows that all kinds of people fall in love and that love is something that everyone can find. The video also shows both the good and sometimes difficult sides of love and how a relationship can impact a person so dramatically. All in all, this video is a wonderful representation of love found in anime and is a reminder that I will always love you.

9. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) Say Something AMV

Song: Say Something ft. Christine Aguilera 

Anime: Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)

This video gave me a whole new take on the relationship between Ciel and his demonic butler Sebastian. I at first was confused by the song choice, but the more I watched the more it grew on me and I began to see how the song made a lot of sense with the concepts explored in Kuroshitsuji. While this video is most powerful when the scenes perfectly line up with the songs lyrics, the video as a whole is a wonderful showing of the pair one step away from somewhat of a romantic relationship and having many beautiful moments, especially from 2:28 to 2:40. A comedic yet dark toned anime, this AMV makes the list of videos that has both strongly resonated with and made me cry.

10. TALK DIRTY TO ME

Song: Talk Dirty to Me - Jason Derulo

Anime: Uta no Prince Sama, Kamigami No Asobi, Guilty Crown, Hakkenden Touhou Ibun, Free, Brothers Conflict, Durarara, Kukuro no Basuke, Macross Frontier, Meganebu, Kuroshitsuji, Kill la Kill, Diabolik Lovers, Cuticle Tantei Inaba & Tonari No Kaibutsu-kun

*FANGIRLS* 

That is all.