Log Horizon

As a "summoned to another world" subset series of the fantasy genre, its about a large population of players who found themselves suddenly living the MMORPG game...just like "Sword Art Online". But that's where the comparisons end.

Story wise, Log Horizon offers a more tactical approach in living in this fantasy game world, maybe because of the fact that the main protagonist of the series is a master tactician. The things and events around you are explained directly, instead of assuming the viewer already knows everything about the MMORPG world. This saves time in the development of the story or the character as there are many things to cover.

You also get involved in the machinations of political maneuvering and backdoor diplomacy without getting too much into the details of things that could end up as a boring scene. Its an action adventure with a greater scope in terms of the effects on their lives and on the new world that they are in, rather than a focusing on a cog that is moving along in the grand scheme of things. This, in my opinion, makes the story more appealing than the other "summoned to another world" series that I've seen so far. Along with the development of each character, the relations that they create along the way, elements come together that makes you want to see the story till the end.

The series scores average in terms of production and animation, so is the character design which is not that elaborate. But it does make it easier on the eyes when you watch the action scenes.

Youjo Senki

The series, known for its aliases such as "The Battle Chronicles of a Little Girl" or "Saga of Tanya the Evil", is a venerable cornucopia of anime and manga plot elements that seems to work on its target male demographic.

It combines the "reborn in another world" genesis with the historical trope of a "Great World War" as its background. Then you have the supplemental battle force reminiscent of the "Strike Witches" (mages used in combat with technological implements to boost or augment their magic...with their main propulsion on their legs reminding me of "Striker Units"), a main protagonist that is both a cunning, calculating genius who always have an agenda (Like Light in Death Note) and a cute loli to boot (her demeanor and built reminds me of Aisaka Taiga, but that's just a bonus for me).

The lighter tone, and almost humorous take on Tanya's situation makes it a bit more enjoyable to watch. As the way main protagonist thinks may lead one to assume this as a dark, psychological piece, the approach the story deals with the plot gives it a lighter tone that it has to be.

Animation production did a good job on giving the anime the gritty feel of a contemporary war movie mixed with medieval elements to support the "mage" part of the equation. Not making it too comical, but not making it too realistic. Average points for character design and development, but what's with those overly pouty lips of the young girls. especially Tanya and Visha.

Inu to Hasami wa Tsukaiyou

One boring evening, I happened to cross path with this anime that suddenly took my attention because of the cute puppy, but also because of the premise of the series.

"Inu to Hasami wa Tsukaiyou" is a series about Kazuhito, an avid book reader and one of the fans of the famous and mysterious writer known as Akiyama Shinobu. Because of an incident in a cafe, he was shot and killed while protecting a stranger. With his intense will to live (he doesn't want to die before reading the last book of his favorite series by Akiyama) he came back as a cute little Dachshund. He was later taken in by the stranger, Natsuno, who, can not only hear his thoughts, but also the author known as Akiyama. Together they went through strange and hilarious adventures, while Natsuno is recovering from a slight writer's slump.

The animation style is quite average, along with the voice acting, for a series of such production. But what draws me in is the development of the characters and the story as the lives of the two progresses. The first 2 to 6 episodes, although filled with some comedic moments plus a dash of mystery (almost like a detective drama), expresses deep emotions about loss, self-doubt, and search for atonement and salvation. All rooted from the untimely death of Kazuhito.

I do like the love-hate relationship the two have. Its a sense of hating their guts, at the same time feeling they cannot live without the other. There are a lot of times that Natsuno displays jealousy when girl fawn over Kazuhito (being a cute fluffy dog).

A scene which disturbs me, though, is where Kazuhito declares that his book collection are his 'children'. Natsuno, being the author of those very books, also considers herself the mother of those books. She then blushes and thinks of ways how they could have children, with Kazuhito being a dog and all. She then blabbers on about different ways they could conceive given their physical differences. Oh well, a small price to pay for such an enjoyable series.

This would definitely keep you craving to see the next episode. Whether it be the next chapter of an adventure they are having, or a new on they are opening up.

Gate: Jieitai Kano Chi ni te, Kaku Tatakaeri

I wanted to watch this series since I saw some vines about it, and with a short glimpse starting at episode 12, I got hooked immediately. It seems to have all the elements that I am so wild about; wizards, warriors, dragons, inter dimensional travel, cute moe girls, cute tsundere girls, demigods, military stuff, tanks, jet fighters, explosions, guns, military deployments, sieges... this whole series essentially is a big nosebleed fest for me.

"Gate" is about a portal that opened in modern day Ginza, where an army of knights, ogres, monsters and dragons went through and waged war on the humans. After the initial onslaught on the civilians, the military was able to fight back. Caught in the middle of saving the civilians is a self-confessed otaku and JGSDF office Itami. Although with the help of their modern equipment, the JGSDF was able to fight back and occupy the gate on the other side, Itami became a central figure of peace negotiations as he uses his knowledge of fantasy games to maneuver himself around the new surroundings.

As good as an otaku geekout series this was, there were a lot of things bothering me as the series progressed.

One is the obvious similarity of the situation of the occupational forces in Afghanistan and the JGSDF as they occupy a stronghold of the holy mountain where the gate portal is located. The villages around it also developed in the same way as other communities that surround a US base in modern times.

And much of the progress and display of might portrayed by the military is by the sheer advancement of their weapons over the primitive clans and races. The only redeeming fact is that Itami has a moral obligation to be valiant, pure and true to the spirit of inter-gate peace and interactions. Without him, the series would just be a big show of modern age man bullying a more primitive race.

I was also dumbfounded at the scene where the JSDF Special Forces, cut down the CIA-backed Special Forces/ Operators into shreds... along with other Russian and Chinese Special Forces that infiltrated Japan because of the magic word... "oil". Well, I have no proof to disprove that premise... after all, not all Specials Forces capabilities of nations are known. But, man.., talk about floating your own boat.

But all in all, the series is a good watch for its balance of action, slice of life play, comedy, and other fun stuff... after you get past the grim realities of all that diplomatic backstabbing, family back stabbing and a destructive spiral into despair caused by feelings of anger and vengeance.

The Silent Hill Experience with "The Silent Hill Memories" Site

Searching through the net while reminiscing my time with various Silent Hill games and media, I happen to come across this site called "The Silent Hill Memories".  Mainly a Russian site, the English site contains a treasure trove of pictures, articles, updates and... a very large data base of downloadable OST mp3s. A resource for every one who plays or ever played a game of the Silent Hill series.

Asian Home Box Office in "Screen Red"

Asian movie affecionados rejoice!!

There is now a channel dedicated to Asian movies (Japanese, Korean, Chinese) which are professionally subtitled, like one of those feature films with foreign languages, and delivered right to your cable TV. From the guys at HBO Asia and Mei Ah comes 'Screen Red', quality Asian movies and features.

Me and my wife can't get enough of Japanese dramas and movies. We'd buy tons of DVD's, download series from the net, or borrow some top quality original DVD's if we're lucky enough. But now, with the 'Screen Red' channel featuring award winning feature films and distinct movies with their own charater and flair, our appetite for the best Asian movies, whether be it Japanese, Korean or Mandarin, is topped off. Its a dream come true.

The problem now is, we don't get much sleep because of all the good features, especially in the weekends.

Highschool of the Dead

I used to hear about the series 'Highschool of the Dead', but it was only recently that I came around to watch it.

A group of students (with some teacher) trapped in the city that is over run by the undead (referred in the series as "Them"). As the 'monsters'rise up and run over the lives of the living, a different kind of monster emerges from the hearts and minds of various antagonists that are introduced within the story.

The anime series based on the manga by Daisuke Sato and the art of Shouji Sato, it brings about a deep, dark, melancholic storyline as the series progreses.

A sort of Survivor/Harem/Fan Service Overload type of anime with dark overtones as the group of surviving students go through the ordeal of locating their loved ones amidst a zombie pandemic happening around the world.

Along with the abundance of boob, ass and upskirt fan service, the ragtag team of survivors also fit your common stereotypes which a lot of otakus find 'moe'. Take your pick; a blonde bombshell airhead of a teacher/nurse Shizuka, the genius tsundere Saya, the slick and cool sword weilding Saeko, the tough but softie of a 'childhood friend' Rei, and the innocent lolli Arisu. Mixed into the fray is your typical all around good guy Takashi and the gun and mecha otaku Kota.

Takashi tries out one of those new comfy sniper mats

Aside from the tons of eye candy every few seconds, the storyline is a pretty decent one to keep my interest in the progression of the story. You can't wait to see how their adventure progresses on. Character development also takes you through some twists and turns as they appear twisted in some ways.

Semi nude apron covered sword weilding warrior chicks: AWESOME

Although watching only a few episodes, It was enough to make me look forward to watching other episodes.

"Robo Tandang"

My son and I made a short clip inspired by the Cartoon Network series "Robot Chicken", we call it "Robo Tandang" (robo rooster).

This goes to show that this happens when everyone is bored, you can't play outside because of the typhoon, and the dvd player is not working.

Sucker Punch

I didn't know anything about this movie. I only got to know about it when my buddy and I went out to buy some DVDs, and there was this intense fight scene being shown on a big ass LED TV in the shop. I was like, staring, ogling, just plain hypnotized by the fight sequence and the pretty girls that were lashing it out with hordes of robot gunners.That was my introduction into Sucker Punch, the 2011 action-fantasy movie by Zack Snyder and Steve Shibuya.

Its the story of a girl, referred in the movie as 'Babydoll', trying to escape from the asylum , after a bunch of horrible events perpetrated by her stepfather, who was also the one who interred her in the institution. Unbeknownst to her, her stepfather made a deal on the inside that would silence her if further investigation is held about the before mentioned horrible event.

Seems like a simple plot, and it is really, but the twist to the storytelling is that Babydoll moves in and out of her fantasies to help her cope with the events that are unfolding. These fantasies are also metaphors for the missions or tasks Babydoll and her friends had to got through to accomplish their goal of escaping.

Within these fantasies is where the intense fighting sequences takes place. You'll see them face off with enemies and scenarios which is made with an eclectic mix of World War 1 , Medieval Japan, Knights and Orcs, Mecha and Zombie soldiers. All inter layered seamlessly, amidst all that modern firepower, intense melee-type fight scenes, hand to hand combat, and flying around like kungfu masters. Which, by the way, are sooooo awesome!! I never stared in awe at action sequences like this since the first Matrix film.

Its like a fanboy's (or otaku's) fantasy movie where petite-katana-wielding-double-pistol-waving-school girl like uniform wearing vixen faces off not in a girly manner but in a battle that rivals sequences from anime's like 'Basilisk', 'Gundam' and 'Fists of the North Star'.

For me, I could get enough of all the fight sequence, but the story is too depressing. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Babydoll, for all the things she had gone through and will be going through.

But unfortunately, that's all there is to it. A story which could be told differently, or shorter, spiced up with tons of effects and fight scenes. I alone enjoyed parts of the movie while the people I saw it with was lost and appalled with the movie, trying to make sense of it all.

At the end of the movie, my son suddenly cried out, 'What the hell was that? its like an in-flight movie for crazy people....'

I had to pop in a DVD of Disney's 'Cars' just to calm him down.

(my son was surprised to see High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens in a revealing outfit, blasting caps and fighting with axes. I told him, they all had to grow up some time...)

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

After much fan fare, hype and push from peers and the internet...I gave in and watched the 2 "seasons" of 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya' (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu)

The story revolves around the friendship between the eccentric and pushy Haruhi and the logical and kind Kyon. When they both got into the same high school, Kyon was the only person who was able to talk and keep up with Haruhi's quirkiness. Naturally, the two became close as Kyon is pulled in various troubles instigated by Haruhi.

Haruhi then forms a club, on Kyon's suggestion, to find the interesting characters Haruhi deems as worthy of her attention. She then manages to get Nagato (the cosmic sentient computer), Asahina (the time traveller) and Koizumi (the esper). Haruhi aims to investigate strange events with the club she formed, but unbeknownst to her, the very people she recruited for that purpose are the very people she wants to investigate.

As the series progressed, a lot of strange events happen around the two. Together with their fellow club members, they investigate all leads and information, no matter how trivial they are. But from all the investigation, it seems that Haruhi is the cause of all these strange events. As it turns out, Haruhi has the power of a god to create reality. And those strange events are caused by Haruhi's foul mood or frustrations or just careless wishful thinking. After all that fanfare, I was disappointed in the series. But because of the character design and quality of animation, I continued to watch at a more leisurely pace. The story fails to keep me interested. But you have to praise the skill of the writer or the director, for making an original pacing of the story, not skipping the chronological order but scattering the pace of the episodes. It is paced in such a way that you remember the other events even if it happened a few episodes or season back.

The series capitalizes on various exaggerated comical non-sense pulled from older animes. Although funny, there are a lot of down time in the episodes. What ticked me off is the time-loop story arc (the never ending summer) where there was 5 or more episodes that shows the same story and turn of events, with a slight change in scripting and costume at times. I think 3 repeating episodes should have been enough to get the point across but doing it with 5 turned me off and put me on hiatus with watching the series for at least a week.

As for the reason behind Haruhi's outlook and eccentric behaviour, everyone feels the same once in a while. A feeling that one is leading an insignificant life. This is one of the drawbacks of information overload. It's like wanting to be a part of everything and making a large impact not only in one's life but also in others. As life is short, the period in which a person can find their true self and fulfil their potential is even shorter,and it happens in the part of life where one is ignorant and inexperienced.

I know the cute characters have a hand in this being a success, but the story is not solid enough to support my interest in the series.

Strike Witches

I finally got my hands on a complete series of Strike Witches. I saw an episode long time ago but I wasn't able to follow up on it. It was sort of an interesting story which made me decide to view it.

In the story, the year is 1939, a group of girls from different parts of the world with supernatural abilities are banded together to form the 501st Joint Fighter wing to help fight off the invasion of a mysterious alien race called the Neuroi. Taking to the skies like the fighter planes of the previous world war, they are equipped with leg-mounted 'Striker Units' that, not only gives them the ability to fly, but also amplifies their magical abilities. They fight to ward off further invasion and retake the land theylost, only to find that the real threat, the more frightening enemy, comes from within the human race.

(the girls in their fragger formation)

Although the characters are based on outstanding fighter pilots from history, the names of the countries are changed. For example; Japan is known as Fuso, Germany is Karlsland, USA is Liberion, and so on.

(beach side phones: very convenient)

Watching every episode, I can't help but think that this series is one big fan service after another. Young, nubile, petite girls, wearing military upper garments but wearing only panties and bloomers as lower garments, showing off their crotch and camel toes most of the time (wait a tick...15 yr old girls with camel toes? they must be doing some mean ecchi things to each other in their dorms). Almost all types of moe and anime flags are present in the series. Even a hint of lesbian inclination and feeling out each other's boobs. By the way, all sizes and types are represented. I think these are made to keep viewers glued to the series. But I do like their approach on character development as each member of the group tells their own story.

(air crash bags: very comfy)

Lolitas with heavy equipment and large guns? I've seen this formula before. Its like Gunslinger Girl with wings...and a slightly lighter overtones.

Good animation and character development, but this series is just good as a light viewing selection.

Kannagi (Crazy Shrine Maiden)

Am watching the anime Kannagi for the nth time...but this time I had more time to ponder the things pointed out in the series...or how I perceived the contents of the anime.

Kannagi is the story of Jun, a freshman from the provincial city of Kannagi who has a knack for art and a strong spiritual sense. Spending an all nighter to carve out a spirit he once saw as a child out of a holy tree, the statue rooted itself to the ground and blew up. From where the statue once stood now stands the girl Nagi, who is the personification of the land deity who once protected the land.

Because of the holy tree being uprooted, there is nothing left to purify the land. Since Nagi is a god, she cannot come in contact with these 'impurities' with the fear of her pure essence to be tainted by manevolent spirits. With the help of Jun, who seems to be able to hold these impurities without being tainted, they revelled across the city of Kannagi, purging impurities...taking on other deities, all while trying to cope with the trials and problems of being a teenager. Together their lives turn upside down with various adventures into the divine, the supernatural and mundane.

An underlying theme in the story is that Nagi, the land deity, has began to doubt her divine nature as she fails to remember her true identity. Only in her lapses of unconsciousness does the real deity, a separate entity or personality within her, shows up. And disappears as Nagi reverts to herself.

It s bit of a notion... of a god or a deity to doubt themselves. Only after her exposure to the material world, where all is substantiated by evidence...where nothing is taken in according to faith, does she start to manifest this condition. Her corporeal state in the world of the living has begun to influence her judgement and beliefs. A sad notion at that, trying to bunch in together omnipotence with the frailties of human nature.

A bit of a nice watch due to the animation, hilarious content and catchy theme song. Some might not be suitable for the young ones as you have to explain things like 'yaoi' (boy on boy love), homosexuality (both male and female), fetishes, and a bit of 'whip-action-while-boy-is-dressed-in-a-dog-costume-eating-from-a-dog-plate'. I think it would appeal to mature audiences (or young adults).

(p.s.: As of press time, I have yet to watch the rumored special episode)

GhostBusters DVD Box Set

I happen to come across a DVD box set of one of my childhood favorite movie franchise. 'The Ghostbusters' movie box set includes the DVD of the 1st and second movie.

It was fun to see them again in action, and the antics of Harold Ramis, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson still is funny to me even until now. Its one of the few film franchise that I believe would still appeal to the newer generation of viewers. As proof, my son named these films as one of his favorites (alongside Garfield, Avatar and Alvin and the Chimpmunks).

I had to admit that my preference in characters had changed. During my childhood, I looked up to Peter Venkman... now, I prefer Ray and Winston. Their one liners gave the story some enjoyable punchlines.

As the film is not much of a laugh-fest...it is still enjoyable to watch because of the story, the dynamics of the characters, and the situation they all get themselves into.

As much as the film brought a lot of laughs, viewing enjoyment, and a bit of nostalgia, the special features left a lot to desire for. The featurette about the special effects used was a total bummer, it made me fall asleep at least three times. I was expecting the same featurette I saw back in the 80's. It was more of a documentary back then...now its like a long commentary with the effects supervisors chat it up.

Tenkousei: Sayonara, Anata

starring:

Misako Renbutsu (Kazumi)
Naoyuki Morita (Kazuo)

After the divorce of his parents, Kazuo returns with his mother to the town where he spent his childhood in. In his first day as a transfer student, his childhood friend Kazumi, coincidentally becomes his classmate. She began spurting embarassing stories of them as children, how they took naps together, how he wet his pants and promising to be married to each other when they grow up. Kazuo tries to avoid her but Kazumi keeps on clinging and hanging around him, eventhough she already has a boyfriend.

While visiting Kazumi's house, her parents told her to bring Kazuo to the spring to refresh his childhood memories because he seems to have forgotten everything about them.Messing around beside the spring, both of them fell into it and as they came out, their bodies have switched. After that, everything goes crazy as they tried to live each other's lives since they cannot fully explain to their families what happened.

Although the movie is a funny comedy in the first half, it becomes a melancholic drama on the second half as Kazuo, in Kazumi's body, started to manifest symptoms of a serious illness that threatens his life...in her body...coz you see..the switching...oh, you get the picture. In the end, Kazumi professes her love for Kazuo and is happy to die for him. In fact, they are both willing to accept the same fate for each other.

The movie ends with a note "...human life is short, but the stories they leave behind lasts forever. To the youth of today, what stories are you going to leave behind?"

The english title of the dvd is "Switching: Goodbye Me". But the direct translation of the title is "Transfer Student: Goodbye You". It seems they took some artistic liberties in titling the movie. The 'Goodbye Me' part came from the night they were alone together, saying farewell to their bodies, seeing their bodies for the last time. Saying "Goodbye, me".

The cinematography and sound mixing of the movie is very good. The angles and transitions makes for a smooth flow of the story as the insight on the different characters are developing.

I was also impressed with how well and cute Misako and Naoyuki played out each other's personality in their own persona. I was especially amused on how Misako acted out Kazuo's character, the way she walks, her speech pattern, her personality were totally different in her 'Kazumi' role. Naoyuki also did good but did not potrayed Kazumi's energetic personality and overactive imagination that well. Based on their overall performance, these two are actors to watch out for in the future.

Here are some links about them:

Tenkousei's official site
Misako's Dramawiki profile
Misako's yahoo blog

Shakugan no Shana Second

After a short wait, my officemate gives me the second season to last time's Shakugan no Shana.

I must say there are a less battle episodes here than in the first season. Although the season started with a battle, after that the following episodes divulges more in the development of Yuji and Shana's relationship.

But still, the battle in the final 3 episodes are intensde, with a startling finish.

I give it a 3 star rating...but I think the first season was better.

Shakugan no Shana

The power of existence, an underlying force which controls reality. It is powerful enough to change all aspects of time pertaining to the existence of a single person. Everyone has it. Its so powerful, there are beings out there that feed on it in order to live forever and gain powers. And to lose it is to be erased from existence...past, present and whatever your future may be, all will be gone. And it will shift the course of existence for everyone, like a ripple effect from the disturbance of the time-space continuum.

This is the theme behind the anime 'Shakugan no Shana'.

One of the main characters, Yuji Sakai, is an ordinary teenager who expects that his ordinary life will last forever. All that changes when walking home one day, he is trapped within a 'fuzetsu' (a wall that temporarily detaches the area it covers from the normal realm of time and existence, therefore people within it is frozen in time) and witnesses a battle between 'Rinnies', that eats the power of existence from people and give it to their 'Tomogara' masters, and a girl 'Flame Haze', the ones who track down these Rinnies and Tomogaras to restore balance. He was later informed that the real Yuji Sakai was already dead and that he himself was a 'Torch', a shell with a temporary power of existence (resembling a lit torch) within them and they would eventually fade away from existence (as the flame runs out). Yuji eventually names the girl Shana (after her sword 'Ninetono no Shana') and does his best to live not as a 'torch' but as Yuji Sakai. Because of a treasure inside him that has the ability to regenerate the power of existence lost within the day, a lot of Tomogaras came after him battle after battle. Yuji and Shana eventually form an ambiguous relationship that, in the end, Shana declares as her love for Yuji.

My impression of his anime is like a combination of 'Bleach' and 'Kono Minikukumo Utsukushii Sekai'. It has a lot of swordfights, reference to a supernatural spiritual energy and an impressive heirarchy of masters and minions...like in 'Bleach', without all that gore and blood. Also, Shana and Yuji's love story evolves within the story the same way it does with '...Utsukushii Sekai'.

Its a good series to watch. I wasn't that intrested in the beginning, but I was absorbed into it as the series progressed. Can't wait to get a copy of the movie and the second series.

Kanokon

My arms still tired from killing all that fish (If you can understand Japanese, read the 'Ore wa hitogoroshi da!!' post in headtrip trauma), I couldn't go to work the next day, I ended up watching the latest series sent by my officemate.

This time is the love-comedy anime 'Kanokon'. Its about the everyday life and relationship of the fox spirit Chizuru and the mortal Kouta. They are both students of a middle school where humans and spirits interact normally as classmates under the strict rule that the spirits don't expose themselves to what they're really are to the humans.

The story becomes more complicated with the arrival of the stoic, clueless wolf spirit Nozomu who also fell in love with Kouta.

There are a lot of spirits that doesn't approve of their relationship and regarded it as pointless. But because of the power that comes out of their special bond, the other spirits were proven otherwise.

But don't be fooled by the series' appearance. Although the characters are cutely drawn, there a lot of lewd and topless scenes, mostly derived from Chizuru's lust and wanting for Kouta's body. One of the teachers who is also a spirit, regard this as her being in 'mating season' mode all the time. In one episode, Chizuru says she likes Kouta because for humans, its mating season all year long.

There are a lot of strange but funny things also. A spirit guardian who loves instant noodles, a bear spirit who's into internet and stocks, a weasel spirit in love with a frog spirit. And when the school was attacked by a snow spirit, all frog, bear and turtle spirits began to hibernate.

This is a funny and intresting series so I recommend this to the same people who enjoyed Kannagi. I don't recommend it for the youngins though...

Kamisama Kazoku

Kamisama Kazoku is about the family of a god whose brood are god and goddesses in training.

The story revolves around Sematarou, who is the only son, and his platonic relationship with his guardian angel Tenko. Despite their rowdy treatment of each other, and exchange of wise cracks, they are percieved as a couple since they are together all the time.



As part of his god training, he lives the life of an ordinary human along with his family of god and goddesses, which creates a big mess for Samatarou and Tenko. Also, the mother and father has a habit of spoiling Samatarou, much to his chagrin as he wants to get things by his own strength. As a god who grants wishes from the heart, he only wants his son to be the best god there is.

Things gets messy when Samatarou falls in love with a human girl, who is a transfer student in their class. Jealousy flares as Samatarou learns the ways of human emotions. But, while living a carefree life, evil works in the background...slowly making itself known as various incidents starts to make sense. Will Samatarou and Tenko's feelings for each other be enough to pull them out of this test?

The artwork and storyline are not that intresting, normal to say the least, but the situations they get themselves into are. You'll stay glued to find out how things will turn out.

Dance in the Vampire Bund

I found an interesting anime in the web the other day. Its entitled "Dance in the Vampire Bund". Unlike most of the animes based on the vampire lore, it has a single twist of its own; Mina Tepes, the decendant of Vlad II (therefore the princess of all vampires) decided to expose their kind to the world and plans to create a country for vampires off the coast of Tokyo Bay called 'The Bund". She wants the vampires to coexist with the humans, to the dismay of other groups, human and non-human alike.

Accompanying her is Akira, an amnesiac-student-by-day werewolf who swore to protect Mina forever.

The first episode was a doozy, I didn't like it that much but the story left me in anticipation for the next episodes. Although a serious romance-action anime, it has its share of goofy parts. Also, it has a lot of 'lolita' aspect woven into it as Akira has grown from boyhood while Mina stayed almost the same (I was a bit surprised about the 'puting the lotion on a nude adolescent vampire princess' portion in the second episode.

Its still a good anime to watch, as it is still an ongoing series.