Is This Truly A Love, That Can Never Be? - Live, Love Anime: Part XIIII

Papa To Kiss In The Dark (2005)

Video: Papa To Kiss In The Dark Ending Theme

 

Mira has always lived with his father Kyosuke, a handsome AV actor who has raised Mira on his own. Having just become a high school student, Mira is excited to attend his new school alongside his childhood friends, Kazuki and Shun, who still tease Mira about his utter devotion and love for his father. Mira has always talked it all up to their father-son bond, but reality holds a dark secret - Mira is not only in love with his twenty-nine year old father, but they also have a very romantic and active relationship.

Why I began this series: I had heard of Papa To Kiss In The Dark before, but hadn't thought much about it. When I came across it again, I decided to watch it.

Thoughts on the series:

Somehow I had hoped Papa To Kiss In The Dark would be different than what I thought it to be - I was wrong. Papa To Kiss In The Dark was exactly as advertised and more, taking me on an uncomfortable roller coaster of pure shock and surprise. From its title I was expecting this short yaoi to be centered around a father and son in a romantic relationship, but I was in no way prepared for all the twists and turns to come. Many aspects of the series plot surprised me: his father being only twenty-nine when Mira himself was already fourteen years old, the degree of their romantic relationship, the fact that Miras friend Kazuki was in love with him, the fact that Mira was adopted according to his families register - shocks came one after another. There were so many shocking parts I at many times considered completely abandoning the series and forgetting I had ever heard of it, but in the end I decided to stick it out. Ultimately, the plot for Papa To Kiss In The Dark was extremely unexpected and something I personally don't find the least bit romantic. Alongside its "interesting" plot, were its simple and absent minded characters. All of Papa To Kiss In the Darks characters were quite bland, and the only topic of discussion between them was sex. With the exception of Takayuki, every character in the series was only invested in Miras personal life and what his real relationship with his father truly was. This led me to quickly discard many of the series characters, with the only two of merit being Takayuki and Shun as they were the only male characters who were not trying to completely uncover Miras secrets or try and sleep with him. I have never been comfortable with incest in any anime and Papa To Kiss In The Dark took incest and threw it against a wall to elevate it times one thousand, but while I in no way agree with the relationships that Papa To Kiss In The Dark portrayed, there still was some beauty to be found within the series. Though made in 2005 with simple animation Papa To Kiss In The Dark had some beautiful frames, most occurring during scenes outdoors. These scenes were both simply stunning to look at and greatly helped as a distraction from its plot. Ironically, the character designs for the series were also quite beautiful, as I felt my heart drop with every new introductory character shot, even for characters who participated in events that I did not agree with whatsoever. The animation may have seemed simple but it truly had some shining moments. Finally the series had a surprisingly beautiful music, from just its background use in various scenes to its catchy and perfectly matched ending theme, which added much to the series overall look and feel.   

Papa To Kiss In The Dark is a series that mostly likely I will never watch again. A yaoi comedy about father-son love, Papa To Kiss In The Dark is exactly what you'd expect from any Shounen Ai.

Kirepapa (2008)

Thirty-five year old author Chisato has always enjoyed driving his son Riju's friends away, fearing they might try to take advantage of him. However, one of Riju's friends, eighteen year old Shunsuke, can't seem to be tricked and has always taken a liking to the beautiful Chisato. When Chisato one day jokes with Shunsuke about meeting and possibly going out with the author of his favorite novel series, Shunsuke eagerly asks if he would really do it - and when Chisato finds out his favorite author is really Shunsuke under a pen name, what will he do?    

Why I began this series: I came across Kirepapa quite unexpectedly online and began watching it due to its short run time.

Thoughts on the series:
I have very mixed feelings on this series as I enjoyed the first episode much more than the second. Another yaoi surrounding a very close father and son, I was glad to see that Kirepapa was nothing like Papa To Kiss In The Dark and was a yaoi that more resembled others I've seen. Its first installment was wonderful, bringing and tying all the romantic elements together beautifully in Chisato and Shunsukes relationship. Likewise, Chisato and Shunsukes confession scene was beautiful and showed how both were suddenly changed upon learning the others feelings and accepting what they had as love. With small plot twists here and there, the first episode left me wanting more and more, but sadly as I began the second episode my opinions on the series began to spiral downward. Chisato and Shunsukes relationship was still alright to watch, but it was Chisatos son Rijus relationship with a much older man that quickly made me uncomfortable. While this was the case however, I was happy to see Chisato so concerned for his son and overly protective of him now that a lover was actually in the picture. It was here also that Chisato learned to accept their relationship just as Riju accepted his fathers with his fellow classmate. While its plot wavered, Kirepapa had a plot that was leagues better compared to Papa To Kiss In The Dark. Plot aside, the series had some lovely animation and very nice character designs which made the series both an easy and nice one to watch.

A yaoi ranking somewhere in the middle of all the Shounen Ai I've now seen, Kirepapa is worth the watch for any true yaoi fan. While not hardcore, it is yet another series beloved by fans for its beautiful men and love story.

Ikoku Irokoi Romantan (A Foreign Love Affair) (2007/2008)

Ranmaru, the son of a yakuza mob boss, is about to marry the daughter of a fellow mob boss, Karou. Though they detest each other, they agree to be married while at sea on an Italian cruise ship and quickly become the center of attention as they are both foreigners. When the two get into a fight following their wedding and Ranmaru is thrown out of their shared room, he goes to the ships bar where he runs into competing yakuza members. Wanting to protect his honor and manhood Ranmaru prepares to fight but is suddenly stopped by the Italian man, Alberto, who afterward reveals his obsession with the Japanese and the Japanese culture. The two talk and drink the night away at the bar, but when they find themselves alone and in a drunken state, who knows what can happen. 

Why I began the series: Like many other yaois I've stumbled across, I found Ikoku Irokoi Romantan unexpectedly and thus began another one of the greatly beloved yaoi series of anime.

Thoughts on the series:

Alongside Love Stage, Junjo Romantica and Hey Class President!, Ikoku Irokoi Romantan was a yaoi I really enjoyed. From its story, to its characters and animation, Ikoku Irokoi Romantan was a series that ultimately turned out to be a hidden gem. The first things that grabbed me was the series premise, something different that all other yaois as it told a tale of unexpected cross nationalistic love. This idea is what made me fall in love with the series all together, as it showed not only that love can occur between two people no matter their gender but also no matter their nationality or background. The plot overall was very smooth and made for a quick easy watch, throwing in a few unexpected twists that added to its drama and budding romantic elements. But perhaps even more well done and noteworthy were the series two main characters, Ranmaru and Alberto. Both complex in personality and absolutely gorgeous in animation the pair had me wanting more and more even when I had finished the final episode, additionally making me yearn for a "second season". Both Ranmaru and Alberto were genuinely nice people who met on various coincidental occasions and soon discovered something more to their relationship, a sentiment that was a nice change from Papa To Kiss In The Dark. I additionally harbored a huge respect for them both, Alberto especially as he saved Ranmaru from being kidnapped and almost sold as a sex slave. Their bond and relationship was something very beautiful to watch, and the series animation made this already beautiful story shine even brighter by showing that it was both an incredibly sexy yet intellectual series. The character designs of Ranmaru and Alberto were nothing short of stunning and made even more interesting by Ranmaru's firm decision to wear only a Japanese kimono and Albertos love of the Japanese culture. Between its sweeping, romantic plot line and its gorgeously animated characters, Ikoku Irokoi Romantan was a beauty to behold.  

Ikoku Irokoi Romantan is a highly underestimated yaoi, though deeply loved by those who know if its existence. For any yaoi fan, it is a definite must see if you haven't already.

Romeo x Juliet (2007)

Video: Romeo x Juliet Opening - You Raise Me Up

"Two households, both alike in dignity..."

Loosely based on William Shakespeare's most tragic love story Romeo & Juliet, Romeo x Juliet gives a new fantastical twist on the classic love story of our two "star crossed lovers". After surviving her entire families slaughter by the power hungry Lord Montague, Juliet has lived the past fourteen years in hiding dressed as a young man named Oden. But Oden is more than he appears and more commonly goes by another name, The Red Whirlwind, who has vowed to bring peace and justice t the people and land known as Neo Verona. All the while, Romeo, the only son an heir of Montague, lives out his life as a noble prince, but when he and The Red Whirlwind unexpectedly cross paths, what dark secrets will be revealed and will Romeo and Juliet be able to survive this forbidden romance?

Why I began this series: I had just finished performing in Charles Gonoud's Romantic Opera of Romeo & Juliet with a professional opera company when I suddenly remembered seeing an anime with the same. Hoping that it might even slightly resemble Shakespeares beloved play and looking for a new romance anime, I began it right away.

Thoughts on the series:

For a a completely new take on Romeo x Juliet, I loved this anime adaption. While its content was quite different than that of Shakespeare's work it still had the overall appeal that the play should have as one of the most beloved love stories of all time, adding in fantasy elements that seemed to make the series really take flight. With its main focus still on this tragic love, Romeo x Juliet was able to tell the story in its own way with a fantastical plot that was able to show Romeo and Juliet not only as two young people in love, but also as real people. Though everything revolved around their forbidden romance, they were forces to be reckoned with as individuals. This was especially the case with Juliet whose strong and courageous personality far out shined Romeo's quite and reserved stature, reversing their roles from Shakespeares original play. To have Juliet take the lead with Romeo behind her was a wonderful change, painting her not as a damsel in distress who needed saving but rather a young girl with a strong sense of justice and morality who had fallen in love. In addition to this, the plot had many small twists that either completely diverged or were non-existant in the play: Tybalt being the older brother of Romeo, Montague slaying the Capulets purely for the desire of power, Mercutio being somewhat of a villian  - though different it all came together and worked quite well for the series new setting. But perhaps even more remarkable about this adaptation were its characters and the quality of life brought to the series by the English Dub cast. Including all of characters from the original play along with some additional faces, the series characters were all memorable, lovable and wonderful, making its large cast seem like one family. But these characters would not have been brought to life if it were not for the English Dub cast, and wow was it amazing. Featuring countless voice actors of note, the Dub cast brought such a life to the series it was unfathomable and featured some performance of extraordinary stature. The brightest star of the series was Brina Palencia as Juliet, who gave the heroine such spunk along with such a depth of emotion, it was incredibly moving. Alongside her work at Shirayuki from Snow White With The Red Hair, her portrayal of Juliet could be argued to be some of her best work. Another performance that particularly struck me was that of J Michael Tatum as none other than William Shakespeare himself. Tatum's take on the infamous bard was quite interesting and a refreshing take on what Shakespeare himself might have been like, adding in his own comedic flair while still keeping true to Shakespeares passion for art and story telling.  Like Palencia, Tatums performance was one that I completely unexpected and was thrilled to see from the moment he entered the stage. And finally there was Lord Montague - easily one of the greatest villains in all of anime and played by the absolutely spell binding Sean Hennigan. With too many stunning performances to mention, it quickly became clear that the series characters were the driving action and life behind this tragic love story. Next came the animation, which while older and more simplistic fit the series overall look and feel quite well. The backgrounds of many scenes were especially beautiful, alongside a few character designs that fit the time period of the series while still making it feel like it really was Shakespeare's play. The script of the series was also quite interesting, balancing current age terminology with a large amount of quotes from the original play, as well as many lines from Shakespeare's other works. The only issue with this however was that it was inconsistent, as some episodes sounded more Shakespearean than others and it was blatantly obvious when the switch in slang occurred. But the true gem of Romeo x Juliet lay not in its plot, characters, voice acting, animation or script - its true beauty lies in the series soundtrack composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto. Known primarily as a video game composer, Sakimoto delivered a simply breathtaking score for Romeo x Juliet that added such a level of emotion to the series that didn't seem possible. The music itself is enough to make one cry and is one of the most well composed, beautiful scores of music I have ever come across in anime. It's entirety is noteworthy, but the two tracks below swept me off my feet the moment I heard them:

  

Romeo x Juliet Original Soundtrack - Unmei

Romeo x Juliet Original Soundtrack - Kimi no iru Sekai

For any Romance anime fan, Romeo x Juliet is a must see. With its sweepingly romantic story, lovable cast of characters and absolutely beautiful score "there never was a tale of more woe, than that of Juliet and her Romeo". 

From Winter to Spring, And Everything Inbetween - Live, Love Anime: Part XIII

Akagami no Shirayuki-hime - Season 2 (Snow White With The Red Hair) (2016)
Video: Akagami no Shirayuki-hime - Season 2 Opening

Shirayuki continues to work at the Castle of Clarines as an Apprentice Court Herbalist, learning all she can about the herbalist trade. Having fled her home country and stumbling upon the Second Prince of Clarines, Zen Wistalia, Shirayuki has been happily working and living out her days alongside the Prince and his beautiful country. When Shirayuki is suddenly invited back to her home country of Tanbarun by royal invitation of Prince Raji, the very man who first drove her out, she agrees to travel home and meet with him in hopes that he has become a leader that both she and her country can be proud of. But Shirayuki's departure is only the beginning of many dangerous adventures that will test the resolve and ever growing bond between the red haired beauty Shirayuki and Zen, the fairy tale prince.

Why I began this series: After becoming a huge admirer of the first season of Snow White With The Red Hair, I was thrilled and excited to learn that its second season was forthcoming and dove right in as episodes were broadcast.

Thoughts on the series:
It's hard for almost every anime series to have a successful second season. With all the stops typically pulled out for the initial season, second seasons usually all flat on their faces and lead to disappointed and disapproving fans - but not Snow White With The Red Hair. A prime example of a series done right by its second installment, Snow White With The Red Hair - Season 2 was not only a marvelous continuation of its first season, but shone brightly in every way possible. Continuing the story of Shirayuki and her days in Clarines, the plot focused more on Shirayuki's actions towards her work and her relationships to others, mainly her close relationship with Prince Zen. What I loved regarding the second season plot was its continuation of romance alongside character development of characters who both are prominent throughout the series, as well as characters who were secondary. This especially was the case as over many episodes the relationship between Shirayuki and Prince Raji of Tanbarun was developed, showing the two becoming friends and how Shirayuki was enough to change the selfish Prince. I was thrilled to see Prince Raji, voiced by favorite voice actor Todd Habberkorn, brought back to the series and developed so that he became another well loved character among all the rest. Similarly, the relationship between Shurayuki and Zen was portrayed beautifully, showing how their feelings for each other were absolute through their ranks force them to behave in a certain manor. The pair of Shirayuki and Zen is one of the most real, honest relationships I have ever seen in anime, and quite honestly one of the most beautiful. The series other characters, including Mitsuhide, Kiki and Obi were also explored and expanded in a way that hinted at possible romances and feelings that could make a third season quite interesting. It was all this that led to the romantic elements of the series, which were absolutely breathtaking and enough to make me squeal many times throughout. But its well done plot was only the beginning. All the characters of Snow White With The Red Hair were simply magical, and unlike fairy tales, there was no "bad guy". Though one could argue that Prince Izana fits this profile the most, all the characters were lovable, memorable and relatable, bringing a new light and life to the series second season. As previously stated in my review of its first season, Snow White With The Red Hair features one of the most perfectly cast and well done English Dub voice casts I've ever seen, and its second season did not disappoint. Bringing back all its familiar voices along with some new, the English Dub for its second installment was a continuation of utter perfection and a reassurance that while FUNimation may like to cast their favorites, they turn out some amazing work. But Snow White With The Red Hair - Season 2 didn't stop there. One of the things that drew me to its initial season was its animation - vivid, colorful and simply stunning to watch. Bringing the series romance and fantasy to life, the animation and art of Snow White With The Red Hair truly is like something out of a fairy tale, and one reason that if and when a DVD of the series will be released by FUNimation, I will be one of the first to purchase it. In addition to its simply beautiful animation, the series music is also truly remarkable. With tracks that feature a sweeping, grand orchestra, the soundtrack added so much to the series it was unbelievable. Just as with a DVD of the series, when the soundtrack becomes available I will be one of the first to get it.   

It's no stretch to say that Snow White With The Red Hair is one of my all time favorite animes. Filled with fantasy romance, it is easily one of the most beautiful anime series of 2016 and a love story that will leave you breathless.

Prince of Stride: Alternative (2016)
Video - Prince of Stride: Alternative Opening

Nana Sakurai has just transferred to Honan Academy, a school once famous for the extreme sport known as 'Stride'. When Nana learns that Honan's Stride Club has been disbanded, she goes in search of potential members who might be interested in joining and making the Honan Stride team great again. Nana has always been a fan of Stride and it was the very reason she chose Honan Academy, but in order for the team to compete she must quickly find six members to resurrect the club and train with before her dream of becoming a Stride Relationer can become reality.

Why I began this series: I had seen that Prince of Stride: Alternative was being compared to Free/Free: Eternal Summer, just with running instead of swimming. Since I enjoyed Free so much, I decided the give the series a try.

Thoughts on the series:
A Free and Free: Eternal Summer wannabe, Prince of Stride: Alternative ultimately wasn't quite able to hold its own as one of this winters newest sport anime. Centered around the fictional sport 'Stride', a cross between track running, an obstacle course race and gymnastics, the series attempt at showing this intense sport was commendable while it was not successful in its portrayal. The series plot was much like that of Free - a story about a group of students coming together, becoming friends and working towards the same goal of winning Strides most coveted competition, End of Summer. While I am a sucker for a good sports anime, my overall enjoyment of a sports anime relies heavily on the plot and how that goal is worked for and achieved - leaving Prince of Stride: Alternative in the dust. The plot was predictable and somewhat uneven from episode to episode, but its biggest offense was that at times it was both incredibly underwhelming and unrealistic. While watching 'Stride' competitions throughout the series was thrilling, the sport itself was something that was hard to believe and find even the slightest bit possible for mere high school students. The sport itself may have seemed impressive in addition to being an unexpected new take on your classic track and field team,  but it wasn't enough to make me want more of Prince of Stride: Alternative. Similarly, the characters of the series were uneven and underdeveloped, starting with its main 'Stride' pair of Riku Yagami, voiced by Austin Tindle, and Takeru Fujiwara, voiced by Ricco Fajardo. Due to the characters themselves each had their good points as well as flaws. with the flaws becoming more present as the series progressed. Riku more than Takeru at many times seemed only to whine about their situations, ranking him low on the character totem pole, but no character could have been worse than that of the series head fan of Stride: Nana Sakurai. Something I both completely unexpected but also wasn't surprised to discover, Nana added nothing to the series whatsoever and was easily the throw away role. The sole purpose for bringing Stride back to Honan, Nana stayed as background the entire series and only came forward slightly in the final episode, adding herself to the long list of uninspiring, bland and boring female protagonists in anime. Prince of Stride: Alternative did have some saving graces however, including its animation, overall message and its music. Though a bit rough overall the animation throughout was nice to watch, especially scenes involving Stride competitions and practices. These scenes were the peak of the series overall look, drawing me back into the fictional world of Stride time and again. The animations downfall however were a few of its character designs, especially Takeru Fujiwara whose appearance looked awkward. But in the end Prince of Stride: Alternative was about teamwork and becoming a team by overcoming the hardest of obstacles, and that message was the series ultimate success. Teamwork can be hard to obtain but with the power of friendship and believing in yourself and your team, anything is possible - a message very similar to that of Free. Lastly, the series music was high energy and added much to the series both as a driving force of action, especially during running and competition scenes. Even when episodes appeared to only be filler, the music was impressive and unrelenting.

Based off a game of the same name and story, Prince of Stride: Alternative was a highly anticipated sports anime of this winters season. While it may not have been what I expected, Prince of Stride: Alternative is a series that is worth the watch if you're looking for a series along the lines of Free but is not quite up to par with many other sports series.

Hai to Genso no Gurimaguru (Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash) (2016)
Video: Hai no Genso no Gurimaguru Opening - Version 2

When a group of young people find themselves in a strange fantasy world with no memory of who they are or how they came to be there, only one thing is certain - they must survive. In order to do so they must form a party and attempt to adjust to this world known as Grimgar, where killing goblins and other mythical creatures to earn money is the only way to ensure survival. This new world is beautiful and magical, but it is also crawling with many dangerous creatures who are a constant reminder that while this world may be full of fantasy, death is around every corner.

Why I began this series: I first came across Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash when FUNimation posted a English Dub preview video of the series on YouTube. With their continuous release of Broadcast Dubs, I quickly took up Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash as it was filled with fantasy elements like those of my first anime, Sword Art Online.

Thoughts on the series:
Another highly anticipated and hyped winter series, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash was a smashing success for anime fans. Produced by A-1 Pictures, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash brought a new take on the struggles of survival and how even during the toughest of situations, anyone can be strong. The series plot was very similar to that of Sword Art Online - group of young teenagers find themselves in a new world where they must learn to adapt to their new lives and face their problems and fears without hesitation. Even though the plot wasn't as intricate or gripping as that of SAO it still made great strides in its development, leaving me wanting more and more from week to week. The plot was strong from beginning to end, showing both the beautiful and painful sides of this new world, alongside the challenges the characters faced and how those outcomes changed each of them individually and as a party. The series characters also were very well done and though some shined more than others, each had a different perspective on the present situation, how it should be handled and if the risk was worth the reward. The character who quickly took my attention was the parties leader and healer, Manatoe, who's calm and collected head was the baseline of the party, as well as their rock and guide when the unthinkable seemed to happen. Other favorites included Mary and Ranta, as the distant and outspoken characters of the group. Surprisingly I was not drawn to Grimgars main protagonist, Haruhiro, or his fellow party members Yume and Shihoru, as the three seemed dull compared to some of their deeper and more complex cast mates. But while its characters may not have been completely likable, the series animation and music were just that and much more. If anything, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash shines in its animation, using painting-esq, hand drawn scenes for almost every background with just small bits of CGI animation thrown into the mix. It was the look of Grimgar that first drew me into the series, with its simplistic yet stunning beauty. My only critique however with its style was how dark toned it seemed to be, even when the scene called for a much happier light or outcome. Finally, the music for Grimgar was a wonderfully prominent element that completely took me by surprise. Instead of the standard Orignal Soundtrack Grimgars music exclusively featured songs by the same artist, which were played almost to their full capacity throughout the series. While they were mainly used during scenes that involved action or times when the party was not hunting but rather exploring the town, the music wonderfully showed how the characters were not only hunters and survivors but also real people just trying to find a way to survive in this new world.

Like with Sword Art Online, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash will either sweep you off your feet or leave you wondering why you began it to begin with. For any true SAO or fantasy anime fan, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is definitely worth watching from this winters season.

Hyakujitsu no Bara (Rose Maiden) (2009)

Set in a fictional world during a great world war, Commander Taki Reizen of the 15th division Rozen Maiden leads his country's most powerful military forces alongside his faithful knight, Klaus von Wolfstadt. The country known as Eurote has held strong against its enemy, The Western Alliance, though they have lost many brave soldiers in battle. After initially meeting many years ago and being suddenly reunited at the Military Academy, Taki and Klaus become close friends and find there is something more between them, but Taki is hesitant to move forward even as they have their first romantic encounter. Now in a time of great struggle and sorrow Taki and Klaus must not only fight against the enemy but also the feelings and intimate moments between them that are strictly forbidden.

Why I began this series: I came across this series quite unexpectedly online and decided to watch it because of its short run time. Little did I know that it was a series I had seen part of already before at a certain 21+ panel at a convention not long ago.

Thoughts on the series:

Ultimately, I did not know what to think of Hyakujitsu no Bara. A yaoi with such a different story and struggle than any I'd seen, I was initially intrigued by the series war elements and how it would tie in a forbidden romance. I have always found war a difficult subject for any type of entertainment and Hyakujitsu no Bara proved no different, showing the hardship and horrors that war brings to all people no matter which side they belong to. For the romance aspect, I had very mixed feelings on how the relationship between Taki and Klaus was defined, as Klaus would often overtake Taki without his consent. I was reminded of Koisuru Bokun and how its romance elements seemed more like rape as opposed to love, making me really examine my feelings on the series and its main characters. As the first of the two episodes neared the end, I truly felt sorry for Taki and Klaus used him for his own personal, sexual gain, so much that he ended up injuring Taki immensely and making me feel an absolute hate for Klaus. But as I continued to the second episode, those feelings began to change and I grew to respect him somewhat as we explored their first meeting and eventual reunion. It was in the second episode however that Hyakujitsu no Bara truly shinned both in plot and character development, showing gripping and extremely emotional flashbacks that drew the two together. The flashbacks were purposeful and very powerful, showing how Taki and Klaus were more than just military soldiers, but real people with feelings and desires. It was during these flashbacks that I began to gain respect back for Klaus as it became clear that he both truly loved and was deeply devoted to Taki. As a couple the relationship between Taki and Klaus seemed very submissive and broken, but due to the circumstances of war and position it somehow worked. Having to struggle with both the war and their feelings for one another, both Taki and Klaus were constantly conflicted over if what they felt or what they were doing was moral - things that are still debated and relatable today. Additionally, Hyakujitsu no Bara had simple, hand-drawn animation and a musical theme that added much to the stark, reality of the series content.      

Hyakujitsu no Bara was a yaoi that really made me think. While it may not have been my absolute favorite, it was quite different from all the others and one that is definitely worth the watch in you haven't already seen it.

Love Pistols (Sex Pistols) (2010)

Most humans are descended from apes, but 30% these humans are in fact descended from other animals, such as the cat, snake, bear or dragon. Known as "Zoomans", these beings are able to transform into their descendants forms in addition to appearing human and can bread with regular humans and other Zooman males. When Norio discovers that he is a Zooman, he must face all the advances of various Zooman males who want to have his children and the idea that he is not completely human himself.  

Why I began this series: I had seen the title online for some time and became curious, especially when I read that it involved animal instincts. 

Thoughts on the series:

Sex Pistols was simply not for me. It's plot line was both confusing and so weird that I could not fully get into the series, making me have to look up the overall premise and plot line to better understand what I had seen. Additionally, the characters were bland and it was difficult to follow who descended from what animal, who was trying to get with who and who was fully human as opposed to Zooman. There seemed to be no music for the series and the animation was simple and somewhat disproportionate to the jaded plot line. 

A supernatural-science boys love crossover, Sex Pistols is a short series that is dearly loved among yaoi fans. Very different from all others, Sex Pistols is worth the watch if you are able to over look many details and be able to get past its weirdness.

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.