Monday, 14 October 2013

Strike the Blood Episode 2 Review


“Right Arm of the Saint II”

Hey guys, its time for another Strike the Blood Review! One week sure seemed long, didn't it? Anyway, let’s jump right into it!

This week, we basically were given more insights into both Yukina and Kojou.

1) Yukina and the Lion King Organization

Basically, as already mentioned in the previous episode, Yukina is part of the Lion King Organization. But this week, we are given more insight into this. It seems that there are only supposed to be 3 of the master vampires, but somehow a fourth one has appeared, being Kojou, and Yukina has to observe his actions and if he poses any huge threat, she is to eliminate him. Kinda a huge responsibility if you’d ask me, considering how serious Yukina takes her job! By observing she literally does it 24/7, even moving next to Kojou’s apartment to keep an eye on him. What’s even funnier was that when Kojou was just planning to go to the convenience store she had to jump out of her bath to go with him… And oh my god, her uniform’s all wet, and we can see through it… Anyone, let alone Kojou, would get turned on by that! This is going to be such a fun series, I can just see it now. Also, I wonder if this would turn into a romance anime? Considering Yukina would spend a lot of time with Kojou. Let’s stay tuned to find out.

One controversial thing that I would have to point out, is how ignorant Yukina is to the surroundings. Take the shopping centre scene for example. She didn't even know what a golf club was, and even claimed that she could use the detergent as poison… What does this show? Yukina is sort of isolated from the world strictly for her training as an attack mage, which is kinda sad in my opinion.

2) Natsuki-sensei

Kojou’s teacher, who is apparently an attack mage whose rival is the lion king organization. From what I can see, there is likely to be an exciting battle between the lion king organization and Natsuki-sensei’s organization, since they are rivals and all, and the battle is likely to be regarding killing some demon. I can't wait to see what’s going to unfold.

3) European Church

There was some exorcist from the European church who came to defeat a demon that wreaked havoc. However, according to the law, apparently you’re not allowed to attack demons that are wounded, but yet he wanted to kill that demon, which led to Yukina trying to stop him.

Yukina almost gets defeated but just barely survives, with Kojou coming to the rescue. Just within the short time that Yukina spent with Kojou, she was already wondering if Kojou would be sad if she died there… More romance <3.

However, Kojou himself was nearly defeated and somehow transforms into the forth progenitor, and we’re left with a cliffhanger.

Of course, the questions we are left with and are likely to be answered next week would be,

1. Just how powerful is Kojou and why did he transform
2. Why is the European Church here

And yup, before I conclude the review, I would like to give a shoutout to Taneda Risa, the voice of Yukina. She did a fantastic job, and probably made Yukina one of my favourite characters so far.

Overall rating: 9/10

What we got this week was an awesome action scene as well as more development and background to both our main characters, Yukina and Kojou. Which was done well with good pacing as well as “showing and not telling”.

Ace エイス



Monday, 7 October 2013

My Personal Top 5 Fall Anime Recommendations



Top 5 Anime Recommendations:

Note, all these recommendations are based on first impressions, and is solely my personal opinion, based on the first episodes of the fall season anime. Also, sequels, such as Infinite Stratos 2 and Little Busters: Refrain are not included because they already have an established fanbase and need no further recommendation.

The format will be: Ranking based on 1 to 5, followed by name of the anime, genre, my opinion and short synopsis and what we can expect in future episodes. Then lastly, will be anime that are similar to the ones listed.

5) Outbreak Company

Genre: Fantasy

Outbreak company is about this otaku, named Shinichi, who has somehow been employed to become the general manager of an anime distribution company, after being able to answer all the questions on a job application quiz. But get this, he doesn't do so in Japan, no, he gets sent to a parallel world where maids, warriors, dragons and loli queens exists. Kinda an otaku’s dream if you ask me.

The reason for the recommendation of this series is simple. If you are an otaku, you’ll definitely like this. Mainly because you can relate to the main character, Shinichi, and you’ll definitely be fanboying/fangirling over the references in the show. In addition, its world is so vast that plenty of stories can be developed which can lead to an awesome and well developed plotline.

Similar Anime: Zero no Tsukaima, MM!

4) Nagi no Asukara

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

The main theme of this show is strange really. Here’s a few things I gathered from the first episode (which was awesome by the way)

1. There are sea people and surface people
2. The surface people do not like the sea people, and vice versa
3. The sea people cannot stay out of water for too long
4. Hikari likes Manaka, Manaka likes both Hikari and Tsumugu
5. Hikari is tense towards Tsumugu

In other words, what we are likely to be getting in the next few episodes are developments of relationships between Hikari and Tsumugu, Hikari and Manaka and Manaka and Tsumugu. In addition, we see why the sea people and surface people are so tense towards each other, as well as how they would get closer together, probably though Tsumugu, since he’s quite different from other surface people.

After the first episode, what we got was a huge opening for future possible developments and since this is an original series, there will almost be no spoilers. Moreover, the graphics, especially the scenery of the anime, is freaking amazing. This is done by PA Works, the company who adapted Angel Beats.

Similar Anime: Clannad, Anohana

3) Kyoukai no Kanata

Genre: Slice of Life, Supernatural

This anime was a pretty hyped an anticipated one from Kyoto Animation, the company adapted famous key visual novels such as Clannad, as well as the ever so popular series, K-On (けいおん!). And based on the first episode, it seems to live up to the hype. The story is basically about this girl Mirai who is a spirit hunter and is able to manipulate her blood to use as weapons. Mirai meets Akihito, who is half human and half youmu, and attempts to vanquish him but apparently he’s immortal. Mirai however constantly attacks Akihito whom she claims is using for training. After some explanations and developments the episode ends with Mirai and Akihito fighting a youmu in Mirai’s dormitory.

Personally I’m very interested to see what the series can bring to the table, considering the characters and setting are really interesting. Not to mention, its done by Kyoto Ani so I definitely have high hopes for this one.

Similar Anime: Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi, Sasami-san@Ganbaranai (both are based on supernatural and slice of life)

2) Strike the Blood

Genre: Action, Ecchi, Fantasy, School, Shounen, Vampire, Supernatural


As I mentioned in my review of Strike the Blood, I’m not really that into ecchi anime. But, I’m fine with it as long as it does not get in the way of the story. However, in this case, our main protagonist and strongest vampire, Kojou, apparently only wants to suck blood when he gets turned on. Wow. If they are able to blend the ecchi with the story like that, this would be awesome and I wouldn't even mind the fanservice.

Not only that, for the first episode, it was well paced and basically shows us everything that the series is capable of: Fanservice, well-choreographed action-packed scenes, beautiful artwork and characters and interesting plotline.

Honestly I had no idea what I was going to be getting into when I started this anime, but now I’m super excited to see what they can bring to the table, considering they also teased us about how Kojou became a vampire.

Similar Anime: Hataraku Maou-sama, Blood Lad

1) Coppelion

Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Seinen

Coppelion is a series that truly immerses you. Coppelion is set in the year 2036, after Tokyo was destroyed by a nuclear reaction 20 years ago. The environment and setting is done so masterfully that it really felt like post apocalyptic Tokyo.
The story follows our three main protagonists, Aoi, Ibara and Taeko. They’re known as Coppelion; genetically engineered super teenagers that are able to withstand the high levels of radiation without any from of protection whatsoever. As a result, they are sent into the desecrated Tokyo in order to search for survivors and perhaps how to save the city.

What we got from the first episode was an awesome introduction to the world of post-apocalyptic Japan. As well as some issues that really set you thinking; Coppelion, are they really to be considered human? What can they do to save the city? Do you save every person you meet, or save your medicine for later? If you are interested in such a setting and issues that really set your mind thinking, Coppelion is definitely a series for you.

Similar Anime: Psycho Pass

Honourable Mentions: Log Horizon, Golden Time

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