[*Whatever By The Books*]

I don’t know, I have this feeling it’s starting to go too over-the-top for me. There’s this nagging feeling I get that I’m not the target audience of this anime..-wry- And a bit that they’re trying too hard to appeal to said target audience. Unlike my general front-page blurbs, the following paragraph has spoilers.

In episode 4, nothing much really happens. Everyone goes around doing strange stuff - Leopard gets cabin fever and ‘borrows’ Akiha’s computer to threaten her school.  A strange guy with a box on his head tries to actually threaten the school, but is squished by a huge rock.

Leopard tasks Akiha (and Honoka) to get another thingamajig he needs (remember the antimatter thing in the last ep? -wry-) — this time, Itsuki catches her…and they get handcuffed together. Bougainvillea and Mintao were also mentioned in this ep, but I figured they weren’t important enough, haha.(Even though they do find out Itsuki is still somehow alive.)

Like I said, not quite getting it. Screenshots are still there if you expand post, though. Continue Reading »

Episode 5 revolves around a strange redheaded young man called Enjou Tomoe, who, after being saved from a few thugs by Shiki, bums around at her place. And eats a lot of strawberry Haagen Dazs ice cream!

It seems this goes on for a very, very long while — at least a month or so? At the rate of one small container of ice cream a day. -wry- Where does he get money to eat and stuff? Or wash his laundry?! His one piece of clothes? XD

At almost two hours long (1h53mins!), the fifth Kara no Kyoukai (Garden of Sinners) movie is longer than many films currently in the cinema (I think) — while it starts off slowly, it builds up to a spectacular revelation. And though it ends somewhat predictably, it’s the journey that matters, isn’t it? There were parts that reminded me a lot of what I would call a great mystery novel — enough clues to puzzle the viewers, yet it all fits together like the pieces of a well-oiled puzzle (wait, I think I mixed my metaphors up..) . I admit it’s a bit more gory than I’m used to, and a lot of parts had me gasping in horror…

And while I don’t think Touko is as awesome as in the previous ep (Sigh, opening a briefcase just isn’t as cool as calling runes..), I have renewed respect for Shiki’s prowess as a fighter.

Even if you haven’t watched the previous four movies, or weren’t very happy at a few of them (I know I was disappointed by the first one), give this a try and you might love it as much as I do. Read on for spoilers and all 146 screenshots (I cut it down from 178! XD Captions tomorrow). Continue Reading »

This episode was awesome, though I wish they’d shown more of Chibitalia. XD (I remember reading that yonkoma, and there was more to it!)It is only five minutes, which is a pity; but unlike other reviewers have said, I didn’t feel like it was rushed, nor did I feel like the characters were talking too fast. And yes, no screenshots for this since my MPC seems to be working up. ._. You get random art from talented artists instead. XD Sources tagged in imageshack pages for the images.

My favourite bit in the ep, though? Definitely PASTAAAAAAAAA……and I went video-surfing after I’d watched the ep, too. Oh, also — happy belated Chinese New Year, everyone who cares!

Continue Reading »

It’s rare that I’d say an anime surpasses the manga, but I’m liking Maria Holic so far so much that I’d definitely say the anime is just as good as or even better than the manga. :)

The fourth episode of Maria Holic opens with a little surprise for people who’ve been attentive to the OP. There’ve definitely been some colour changes — a few of the screenshots I managed to catch are below, or just visit the gallery.

VS Continue Reading »

Otaku Review brought this interesting ‘new’ device, Navikare, to my attention a few days back. No, it’s not navi-care…While Navi certainly stands for Navigation, Kare (ka-reh) is short for Kareshi, or boyfriend. Also…where’s GPS-tan?? You’ll have to make do with tenuously-technology-related pictures for this post..sigh.

It seems the Japanese have finally capitalised on the possibility for otaku needing tour guides. Since it says ‘Drama CD’ on the AnimeVic link, I’m presuming it’s nothing as high-tech as a GPS — but as Otaku Review says, who is to say it isn’t possible in future?

Okay, so it could well be bad for business if you’re a tour guide. XD But I don’t usually go on tours anyway, though I’d definitely go for this if it’s affordable. Let me backtrack for a bit. Continue Reading »

First part of this ep is somewhat puzzling…but we do find out that ‘osananajimi potential’ girl is called Lilin Mafes. (Leerin Marfes?) Later on, Layfon talks to Nina about growing up and fighting the Limbeekoon; about how he took his skills for granted, and winning was common or you died, but that he’s looking for another way to live, because apparently his military skills have ‘failed’. I liked this ep! Read on for the screenshots (or just visit the gallery) to find out why. Continue Reading »

There’s word that the first episode of Hetalia will be screening online soon, about 1.5 hour’s time soon. Airing is set at 4pm (GMT +9, I presume), and I’m checking this page waiting for it to update when the time comes, though I don’t know if it’s the right page. -wry- Countdown to the episode: here