Mefisto's Anime Blog

Important Announcement

2010-08-25T16:25:00.001+01:00

For personal reasons, I am unable to continue posting and uploading new animes at this time, so I now find myself forced to freeze this project for an indefinite period. However, you will still be able to find/download the current series, and I promise I will do my best to overcome the unfortunate situation I find myself in at the moment. I hope it won't take long until I see you again and you get to see some updates on this blog.
I wish you all the best and let us meet again here!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

By Mefisto, August 25, 2010

School Days

2010-08-24T16:20:00.001+01:00

Genre: Drama, Romance, Psychological, Slice of Life
No. of episodes: 12 episodes + 1 ova
Vintage: July 3 to September 27, 2007 (anime)
January 17, 2008 (ova)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_Days_(visual_novel)

Plot Summary: Makoto Ito rides the train to and from school every day. However, at the beginning of his second term, he falls in love with a beautiful girl that also rides the train. Unfortunately, she barely knows of his existence. Her name is Kotonoha Katsura, and though they attend the same school, they are not in the same class. In an attempt to catch her eye, Makoto enlists the aid of a close female friend of his: Sekai Saionji. She helps him, despite the fact that she - unbeknownst to Makoto - is in love with him. Thus the three are bound in a love triangle of life changing proportions.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Unfortunately I haven't had the time to watch School Days yet, although I've postponed it several times; and every time I thought I'd watch it, I wasn't in the mood for this genre, or something came up.. In any case, I cannot share my opinion on this series with you, however what I can say is that it's quite popular for an anime concerning school-life, probably because it takes a different (more realistic?) approach on adolescence, love triangles and such things, and it surely follows another path (I was convinced of this after watching the first amv). I've seen it being recommended many times for various reasons, so now I can only suggest you try it (after all it's only 13 episodes long), and hopefully it will prove to be entertaining, and not a waste of time.

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Valentine Days (ova)

Youtube amv:

Notes:

1. All the episodes posted on this blog are hosted by a third party, uploading.com. Although you can now download all of them with decent speed and with no problems, you may want to consider becoming a full member (premium member), for a meager $9.95 per month, or $49.95 per year. Becoming a full member would allow you to download files with very high speeds, of up to 10 MB/s (meaning you could dld an entire anime in less than 10 minutes), besides many other benefits.
If you have decided to give it a go, or you just want to find out more about the membership, click here.

2. All episodes on this blog are english subbed/dubbed and, of course, of high quality. For the best viewing, I recommend watching them with the latest version of VLC / Real Player / Gom Player.

3. If you are satisfied with the services provided on this blog, please refer your friends/relatives to this site, so that they can take advantage of it as well.

Mouryou Senki Madara

2010-08-23T23:07:00.002+01:00

Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
No. of episodes: 2 ova's (60 min each)
Vintage: somewhere in 1991
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madara_(manga)

Plot Summary: Born of legendary origins, the young Madara has grown up in obscurity as an apprentice blacksmith. An encounter with the demonic Mouki reveals his destiny, and catapults him into the middle of a mystic quest. Madara fights for revenge with the help of freedom fighters, magical swords and Kirin, the master of the Majin. His goal is to defeat his brother and then overthrow his father, the despotic Miroku.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Although Madara (or Mouryou Senki Madara) is far from being very entertaining or original, and doesn't have that sparkle which can captivate the viewer, it is a pretty good series with a decent story, even interesting I might say. There isn't anything amazing about it, but it did not disappoint me either; I liked the characters and the interaction between (most of) them, and their quest to overthrow Miroku and the many struggles and adventures our main characters go through made this show enjoyable for me (since my expectations were pretty low from the beginning, I was quite surprised at how things developed). All in all, if you like the classic fantasy animes with some good fighting, you should try Mouryou Senki Madara, but only if you're a fan of this genre! (6.5/10)

Download list:

Ova 1
Ova 2

Trailer: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/video/141/

Notes:

1. All the episodes posted on this blog are hosted by a third party, uploading.com. Although you can now download all of them with decent speed and with no problems, you may want to consider becoming a full member (premium member), for a meager $9.95 per month, or $49.95 per year. Becoming a full member would allow you to download files with very high speeds, of up to 10 MB/s (meaning you could dld an entire anime in less than 10 minutes), besides many other benefits.
If you have decided to give it a go, or you just want to find out more about the membership, click here.

2. All episodes on this blog are english subbed/dubbed and, of course, of high quality. For the best viewing, I recommend watching them with the latest version of VLC / Real Player / Gom Player.

3. If you are satisfied with the services provided on this blog, please refer your friends/relatives to this site, so that they can take advantage of it as well.

Some News

2010-08-20T22:41:00.001+01:00

I just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving town for a couple of days, so you won't see any updates in the following days. However, I'll be back on Monday and I will resume the posting.
Any problems or questions will have to wait, but I'll take care of them as soon as I return.

Cheers!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

By Mefisto, August 20, 2010

Ping Pong Club

2010-08-20T20:51:00.001+01:00

Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, Romance
No. of episodes: 26
Vintage: April 5, 1995 to September 27, 1995
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping-Pong_Club

Plot Summary: Inaho Jr. High's Boys Ping Pong Club has only 6 members, the club minimum. Takeda is your average nice guy. Kinoshita is good looking and popular with girls. Unfortunately, the rest are branded as losers. Tanabe is too foreign, while Tanaka is petite and perverse. Maeno and Izawa are truly deviant, and their crazed antics have earned the team some powerful enemies. In spite of their differences, the team needs to work together to retain their practice room and club status.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Along with other shows like Gintama or School Rumble, Ping Pong Club is one of the best animes in terms of comedy I've ever seen. This series pushes the humorous to the extreme in an unbelievable way, by making use of nudity or violence more than once, and successfully earns the title of depraved and gross; this show completely ignores the predetermined boundaries of the comedy genre and the overall result is quite surprisingly an over-the-top and very funny comedy. The humor is far from being subtle and the "protruding pecker" serve of Maeno should give you a clear image of what this show has to offer. Although it goes a bit too far at times, I immediately found myself glued to the screen and wanting to see what incredibly disgusting stunts Maeno or Izawa would pull next. Ping Pong Club takes an unusual approach on the school-life comedy genre, and through great ingenuity, creativity and courage, it became a pillar of comedy animes, and a very original and daring one as well. All in all, this show is certainly not for everyone to watch, but if you enjoy offensive comedy (like I do), then it is a must see! (9.5/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16
Episode 17
Episode 18
Episode 19
Episode 20
Episode 21
Episode 22
Episode 23
Episode 24
Episode 25
Episode 26

Youtube amv:

Denpa Teki na Kanojo

2010-08-19T23:58:00.002+01:00

Genre: Horror, Psychological, Romance
No. of episodes: 3 ova's
Vintage: May 1, 2009 and ongoing (3rd ova TBA)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denpa_teki_na_Kanojo

Plot Summary: Juuzawa Juu is a delinquent high school boy who just wants to be left alone. One day, he is approached by Ochibana Ame, who claims that she knew him in a previous life, and now wants to serve him as his "knight". At first Juu wants nothing to do with Ame, but after a classmate is murdered, he accepts her help as he looks for the killer.
[from Wikipedia]

My opinion: First of all, I should make some things clear: since only the first two ova's have appeared to this day, my review won't cover the third ova (who knows when that'll appear). Although it's very short, Denpa Teki na Kanojo is very fun to watch and manages to bring out a fairly decent and unique story, combining drama, romance, mystery, suspense, tragedy, horror and violence, all in a single show, and surprisingly the outcome is a very enjoyable series that'll keep you busy for about an hour. The strong and original plot that follows some twisted and disturbing themes (it revolves around some crazy serial killers) in a very dark and grim atmosphere (that might remind you of Higurashi), make this Ova interesting and even memorable I'd say, while the high-quality animation and the good background music will leave a lasting impression. All in all, Denpa Teki na Kanojo is more than some crime anime, and if you like the genre and give it a try, you'll be in for some quality entertainment. (8.5/10)

Download list:

OVA 1
OVA 2

Youtube amv:

Flame of Recca

2010-08-18T23:13:00.001+01:00

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
No. of episodes: 42
Vintage: July 19, 1997 to July 10, 1998
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flame_of_recca

Plot Summary: Recca is a boy living in the modern world, only he seems drawn to following the ways of the ninja. On the day he befriends a girl named Yanagi who has a mysterious power of healing, he is confronted and challenged by a Dark Priestess. This battle leads Recca to discover a strange power within himself. Afterwards, he finds that not only is his past and destiny not as crystal clear as he had thought, but there are others with powers practicing the way of the ninja who challenge him one after another.
[from ANN]

My opinion: As I was watching Flame of Recca a few days ago, every bone in my body wanted to scream: "It's Yu Yu Hakusho ffs!".. of course it's a different show, and the background details (here we have ninjas with special powers) and premises differ, but nevertheless the structure is the same, the main heroes are pretty much alike (same model probably), again we see our heroes fighting in the usual tournament as a team, after having been invited by the bad guys, and believe me I could go on like this all night. Oh and Domon is 95% Kuwabara, while Recca gets stronger and masters new techniques with every new fight, just like Yusuke (the fact that both series were directed by Noriyuki Abe should explain a few things). Anyway, although there isn't anything ground-breaking in Flame of Recca, and the plot isn't that deep or complex either, the fights are simply great and ingenious, as each episode follows the match of a single character, and the anime also portrays the internal struggle of each individual very well. The characters are well-built with distinct traits, likable and humorous at times. Flame of Recca did not surprise through originality, creativity or storyline, but through the overall result, following the steps and ultimately the success of Yu Yu Hakusho. And most intriguing is the fact that although it's so similar to the latter, you won't be annoyed by this fact once you realize it, nor will this show get anywhere close to boring, but on the contrary you'll enjoy it almost as much as the original. In conclusion, I'd definitely recommend this anime to all fans of the fighting genre, and don't be reluctant just because of the many similarities between these two, because you'll be most surprised of the outcome. If I were to compare them, I'd say that they are like a single mannequin dressed in two different costumes, both good-looking. (8/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16
Episode 17
Episode 18
Episode 19
Episode 20
Episode 21
Episode 22
Episode 23
Episode 24
Episode 25
Episode 26
Episode 27
Episode 28
Episode 29
Episode 30
Episode 31
Episode 32
Episode 33
Episode 34
Episode 35
Episode 36
Episode 37
Episode 38
Episode 39
Episode 40
Episode 41
Episode 42

Youtube amv:

Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun

2010-08-16T23:31:00.001+01:00

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Supernatural
No. of episodes: 12
Vintage: October 4, 2007 to December 20, 2007
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goshuushou_sama_ninomiya_kun

Plot Summary: Shungo is a normal high school student living in a huge house. One day, his sister Ryoko sends two siblings, Mayu and Mikihiro Tsukimura, to live with him so as to help Mayu overcome her problem - androphobia, by making Mayu and Shungo share the same room and bed, and even taking baths together. To make things even worse, Reika Hojo, the student-council chair, somehow ends up becoming their maid.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun is a good ecchi romantic comedy, and although it is pretty much your typical harem anime with almost no originality at all, it knows how to combine the popular ideas and create a fairly unique show, with a strange premise: Shungo, a martial arts trainee who fights bears in his spare time, offers to help a succubus girl, Mayu, who suffers from a fear of men, by doing many embarrassing and humorous things.. so what should you expect from this series, you're asking? If you like harem animes, quite a lot, because this'll bring you over-the-top laughters and very good situational humor. And you'll get to see the usual swimsuits, huge bouncing boobs, panty shots etc. There isn't much to be told about the story, and you shouldn't expect too much action either (but you'll have your share); anyway the characters make the anime in this genre, and I consider them to be likable and quite humorous (yet not memorable): Mayu is your typical cute, clumsy girl, Reika is a 'toughie', yet you see her in a maid outfit most of the time, and Ninomiya makes a good male lead. I found this show to be pretty entertaining and funny, despite not being a huge fan of the genre. So I'll conclude that if you like these themes, you'll definitely love Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun. (7.5/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12

Youtube amv:

Onegai Twins

2010-08-15T18:21:00.000+01:00

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
No. of episodes: 12 episodes + 1 ova
Vintage: July 15 to October 14, 2003 (anime)
April 23, 2004 (ova)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onegai_Twins

Plot Summary: Maiku Kamishiro's past has always been somewhat of a mystery to him. The only clue he has to who his family might be is an old photograph showing two young children, a boy and a girl, playing in a small pool outside of a blue house. In an attempt to find his family, he moves to this blue house and begins working as a programmer. He's living a comfortable life until the day two very different girls show up at his door, both in possession of the same photograph, and both claiming to be his twin. With no way to prove who is a relative and who is a stranger, Maiku allows both girls to move in with him until they know for sure.
[from ANN]

My opinion: I haven't watched Onegai Twins yet, however a couple of recommendations from a few friends convinced me to give it a try, and therefore I decided to upload it and share it with you as well. From what I heard, it's quite a nice romantic anime, and it is also strongly related to Onegai Teacher. I hope it will rise to my (our) expectations..

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13

Youtube amv:

Gantz

2010-08-14T16:50:00.001+01:00

Genre: Action, Drama, Horror, Psychological, Science Fiction, Supernatural
No. of episodes: 2 seasons, 13 episodes each
Vintage: April 12 to June 26, 2004 (Season 1)
August 26 to November 18, 2004 (Season 2)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gantz

Plot Summary: Kei Kurono is a typical high school student in a selfish world, not caring about anyone other than himself. However when, by chance, he was forced to help out his childhood friend, Katou Masaru, and rescue a drunkard who fell into subway tracks, both he and Katou were killed... Or not. After being run over by the train, they were suddenly teleported to an enclosed apartment with others who recently died. And now their lives are controlled by a mysterious black ball inside the apartment called GANTZ, and they are forced to participate in a "game" of unprecedented danger and horror.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Gantz is mainly an alien-hunting game with some unknown entity (or organization) pulling the strings from behind the stage, while our characters have no other choice but to participate in the fierce battles that await them, putting their lives on the line (does Men in Black ring a bell?). However, this show goes further than that and puts an emphasis on the thoughts and emotions of our main characters, and we get to see things from a different perspective and an omnipresent point of view. Throughout the show, humans are portrayed as extremely selfish, cynical and judgmental creatures, and some of them like soulless monsters. Now put these two pieces together and you get a fascinating show that will leave you in awe. The atmosphere is simply amazing for the entire length of the series and goes very well with the intense fight scenes or the brutal deaths (they were very creative in this aspect!), while the creepy background music will bring out the true flavor of this show. And the animation is top-notch (after all Gonzo studio is behind it), with beautiful character designs, and the voice acting easily keeps up with the other departments. However, the story progresses a bit too slow at times, especially when we get to the fight scenes, and you might even find yourself wanting to scream: "Get on with it already!" a few times. With a solid and interesting plot, intriguing characters and an over-the-top action, Gantz is a must watch for fans of the horror genre and not only, and it would be a serious waste not to check it out (unless you really despise violence and gore). (9/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16
Episode 17
Episode 18
Episode 19
Episode 20
Episode 21
Episode 22
Episode 23
Episode 24
Episode 25
Episode 26

Youtube amv:

Kemeko Deluxe

2010-08-13T22:23:00.002+01:00

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Science Fiction
No. of episodes: 12
Vintage: October 4, 2008 to December 20, 2008
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kemeko_Deluxe

Plot Summary: A chibi robot doll appears in the room of a typical high school boy. The robot claims the boy as her husband and then a beautiful girl comes out of the doll's mouth who knows the boy from 10 years prior and had been promised his hand in marriage.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Kemeko Deluxe is quite a ridiculous show with a strange plot and characters, yet I found myself watching it till the end. The first episode left me wondering what the heck was going on, as it was full of random stuff and the plot was all over the place. From the second episode onwards things calmed down a bit and started to make some sense, getting back on track. While the character development is nonexistent, this show does a better job in regards to the character interaction, and we get to witness how the feelings between the pink-haired girl riding Kemeko and Sanpeita develop, as well as some love triangles and other such affairs. The ending left me disappointed and although this series did not shine, it didn't suck either. And if they were to make another season, as it was strongly hinted at the end, it would surely improve (after all, they would have enough time to rethink, analyze and correct some things). If I were to sum it up, Kemeko Deluxe is just a strange anime with too much randomness, paired with a lot of fanservice and slapstick violence. It is both weird and funny, and although it ain't anything special, it is enjoyable and humorous. And if you like having nonsense thrown right in your face, then this show is definitely for you, and all you have to do is get some popcorn and a drink, sit back and relax. (6/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12

Youtube amv:

Rating System

2010-08-12T16:59:00.002+01:00

I've decided that I should explain how I rate the animes I review on this blog. First of all, the grade that a certain series receives depends on many factors, including the quality of the storytelling, the characters, the animation etc. However, what I find to be most important in an anime is the impression left after watching it, and whether it has a sparkle of originality and creativity.
In the end, the grade should express how enjoyable a series is and give you a hint to the overall impression, but please do not forget that I am also being subjective in the process, and some of you might like/love a series that I do not find that good (after all, tastes differ). The rating should merely act as a guideline, and the same goes with the review that comes with it.
Without further comments, here's how I view the grades:

10 - Masterpiece
9 - Excellent
8 - Very good
7 - Good
6 - Decent
5 - So and so
4 or less - not worth watching (close to rubbish)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

By Mefisto, August 12, 2010

Ultimate Teacher

2010-08-12T13:02:00.001+01:00

Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
No. of episodes: 1 movie (60 min.)
Vintage: February 6, 1988

Plot Summary: At a run down school the "Ultimate Teacher" Ganpachi is sent to get things back on track and prepare the delinquent students for the real world. But the students don't want Ganpachi ruining the gang they got going so their boss, Hinako, fights back Ganpachi aided by her secret power...her lucky kitty underwear. Things get more interesting when we findout Ganpachi is the result of genetic experiments.
[from ANN]

My opinion: I recently found this one by mistake and decided to try it.. first of all, it was released in 1988 so don't get your hopes too high. The animation corresponds to the time period and technology at hand, but it doesn't hurt the eye or anything like that. Actually, you can see the hard work and all the effort that was put into creating this movie. Concerning the story and the actual events, there isn't much going on in Ultimate Teacher, and the storyline is straight, with some twists here and there, just to keep it progressive and interesting, well to some extent of course. However, it is plenty hilarious, and the summary should give you a hint on how serious things are in this movie, and also that you shouldn't expect too much either; it's obvious that its only purpose is to give the viewers a good time and some laughs, but it all ends there, since there's nothing deep going on. And most of the characters are simply present, with no contribution whatsoever, or play a very insignificant role in the story. As for our heroine, she compensates enough as everything is connected to her and she is the epicenter of the movie. Oh, and I shouldn't forget Ganpachi, who makes a great comic relief character, and is damn hilarious at times. All in all, I think that Ultimate Teacher (or Fearsome Bio Human: The Last Teacher) deserves to be watched, as it is a very fun and worthwhile movie, that'll definitely be an enjoyable experience for comedy seekers. (6.5/10)

Download list:

Movie

Youtube amv: --- Funny scene from Ultimate Teacher ---

DNA2

2010-08-12T12:45:00.002+01:00

Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance, Science Fiction
No. of episodes: 12 episodes + 3 ova's
Vintage: October 7 to December 23, 1994 (anime)
February 21 to June 25, 1995 (Ova)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA2

Plot Summary: Karin, a DNA operator from the future, is on a mission to change the course of History by stopping Junta Momonari from becoming the Mega-Playboy who fathered 100 children and led to the overpopulation of the world. But Junta is no playboy; in fact he is allergic to girls. But when Karin shoots him with the wrong DNA-altering bullet, he starts sporadically becoming the Mega-Playboy capable of charming any woman. Karin must try to restore the situation to normal before the change to Mega-Playboy becomes irreversible.
[from ANN]

My opinion: DNA2 is different than your everyday harem anime, and that's mainly because it has a plot.. although quite frail, not that interesting, and of course with many Sci-Fi elements that'll easily remind you of To Love Ru, it's still a plot and is also slowly progressing to some end. Anyway, I thought this series had a good comedic sense and some likable and realistic characters, like Ami - the childhood friend, who has a crush on Junta and cannot confess (I think she's to be pitied), or Karin, a strange and fun(ny) girl with some unusual dreams; however the main character was more annoying than humorous (at least that's how I saw him), except for the times when he "transforms" into his Mega-Playboy self. My current observations don't do DNA2 much justice, because the well-paced storyline combines the action with some fine comedy for the entire length of the series, and the romance plays a significant role as well. Although a '94 series, the art and animation are very attractive, and I must say that the music goes well with the scenes and moods; and the opening theme will easily get stuck into your head after listening it for a few times. It could've been better, it could've been worse, but for me it remains on the same level with To Love Ru, and if you find it enjoyable, I suggest you watch Katsura Masakazu's other work: Video Girl Ai. All in all, this series isn't one to be casually recommended, especially if you usually avoid this genre, but it is far from being a waste of time, so the decision is yours to be made. I for one watched DNA2 and didn't regret it. (7/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13 (Ova 1)
Episode 14 (Ova 2)
Episode 15 (Ova 3)

Youtube amv:

Some News

2010-08-11T21:12:00.002+01:00

Just a short note to let you know that for personal reasons, I wasn't able to post anything today, nor upload any new animes. I ask for your understanding, and I promise that you will see more series uploaded from now on.
Cheers!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

By Mefisto, August 11, 2010

Eden of the East

2010-08-10T19:47:00.001+01:00

Genre: Action, Mystery, Romance, Psychological
No. of episodes: 11 episodes + 2 movies
Vintage: April 9 to June 18, 2009 (anime)
              November 28, 2009 (movie 1)
              March 13, 2010 (movie 2)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_of_the_east

Plot Summary: On November 22, 2010 ten missiles strike Japan. However, this unprecedented terrorist act, later to be called as "Careless Monday," does not result in any apparent victims, and is soon forgotten by almost everyone. Then, 3 months later... Saki Morimi is a young woman currently in the United States of America on her graduation trip. But just when she is in front of the White House, Washington DC, she gets into trouble, and only the unexpected intervention of one of her fellow countrymen saves her. However, this man, who introduces himself as Akira Takizawa, is a complete mystery. He appears to have lost his memory. And he is stark naked, except for the gun he holds in one hand, and the mobile phone he's holding with the other hand. A phone that is charged with 8,200,000,000 yen in digital cash.
                                                                                                                [from ANN]

My opinion: I haven't seen the Eden of the East movies yet, so I will only be reviewing the 11 episodes that aired last year. As a fan of the mystery genre, I found the first episode to be delightfully weird and engaging, and the suspense was floating in the air before I even realized it, so how could I possibly resist the temptation? Well, the show proved to be quite captivating, dealing with many mysteries and following the main characters throughout their adventures, and didn't let go of me until the end. However, I think that it was a bit too short, taking into account how much material it covered (20+ episodes would have been a better choice), and too fast-paced at times. As for the characters, I wasn't very impressed with them, except maybe for Saki, who seems weak at times, but stands strong and is very likable, and Akira, who is enigmatic and more of an idealist; as for the others, they are either neglected, straight annoying or simply don't make an impact. With a strong and creative plot, high-quality animation that you'll hardly find anywhere else, a great choice of soundtracks and with an original and unpredictable story, Eden of the East has easily won my heart and I strongly suggest you give it a try sometime. (8.5/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Movie I: King of Eden

Youtube amv:

Baccano

2010-08-09T21:02:00.001+01:00

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
No. of episodes: 16
Vintage: July 26, 2007 to November 1, 2007
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baccano

Plot Summary: Each of the stories in the series involves several unrelated plots intersecting and crossing each other as events spiral farther and farther out of control. Immortal alchemists, mafia operated speakeasies, and many other elements of pulp fiction mashed together for a world straight out of the movies.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Baccano! is an amazing anime and a unique show even among its peers. Besides other things, it follows several gangsters with completely different personalities and their disputes, however this is just a small piece of the story, since the storyline jumps back and forth between 1930 and 1932, having not less than seventeen main characters; surprisingly they all get their share of the action, and are somehow related to each other. You might think that it is too ambitious of a plan, yet the at first sight unrelated events (and characters) are all connected and give an original taste to one of the best gangster animes I've ever seen, accomplishing something unprecedented. Although quite confusing at times (and very in the beginning), things become clearer as the episodes go by and you only get to see the full picture at the very end. Baccano! is like a very interesting puzzle that makes you want to solve it no matter what. The series starts with a blood bath of violence that captures your attention, and from there on it mixes action with humor and a bit of romance, also dealing with alchemy and superstitions. And with a unique style, great animation and absolutely fantastic soundtracks, Baccano! has risen to the top of its genre and would make a very enjoyable watch for all fans! (10/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16

Baccano! - Opening Song
Baccano! - Ending Song

Youtube amv:

Allison & Lillia

2010-08-07T23:41:00.002+01:00

Genre: Adventure, Romance
No. of episodes: 26
Vintage: April 3, 2008 to October 2, 2008
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allison_%26_Lillia

Plot Summary: The story takes place on a continent where two countries are separated by Lutoni River and Central Mountains. The two countries, the Confederation of Roxche and the United Kingdom of Bezel Iltoa have been at war for over a century and now settled on a cease fire. Allison is a pilot in the Roxche air force and one day reunites with Will, her companion from the House of Future, where they were orphans. Together they find themselves embroiled in an adventure in enemy territory to find a fabled treasure that will hopefully end the war and bring peace to both countries.
[from ANN]

My opinion: I have seen hundreds and hundreds of animes in my life (but don't start assuming that I'm 50+ since I'm not, it's just that I spend too much time on this hobby of mine), and Allison and Lillia is without a doubt the best show in terms of adventures. Since I especially enjoy animes of this genre, I have to say that they're all savurous and possess a charm that will try to pull you into a world of fantasy and delightful adventures, as you'll find yourself glued to the screen by this amazing feeling this anime gives you (and which I cannot explain). I have heard many say that Allison and Lillia is rather childish (and I only partially disagree), but who hasn't ever dreamed of going through such adventures themselves? Who wouldn't wish they'd be in our characters' shoes? And let me tell you, exactly this aspect of the series is what allows the creativity and imagination to run rampant and gives a refreshing feel to this gem of an anime. Diversity is another factor that makes Allison and Lillia captivating and will keep you watching, as you'll witness from a train hijacking to a royal hostage situation, and there is definitely no shortage of elaborate plans, excitement or top-notch action. The art is simplistic and old-fashioned, but I found it to blend in perfectly with the overall atmosphere and it did not bother me at all. All in all, I think this anime is simply excellent and if you have some time, go for the ride and I promise you'll have a great time. (9.5/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16
Episode 17
Episode 18
Episode 19
Episode 20
Episode 21
Episode 22
Episode 23
Episode 24
Episode 25
Episode 26

Youtube amv: --- Just the Opening Song from Allison to Lillia (no spoilers) ---

Ajimu Kaigan Monogatari

2010-08-07T22:31:00.001+01:00

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life
No. of episodes: 4
Vintage: somewhere in 2001

Plot Summary: Seventeen year old Nakaido Hirosuke is just your average high school student. One morning as he arrives at the train station on his way to school, he catches sight of a beautiful girl, Ajimu Yasuna, and immediately falls for her. The two of them get to know each other and become friends, but he can't confess his feelings and she is unsure of hers. As events and other people present obstacles for the potential couple to clear, their relationship begins to develop and their feelings become clear.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Ajimu - Beach Story is a short and sweet romance anime that left me a nice feeling and a lasting impression after watching it. Unlike many of its kind, this show isn't filled with empty material or boring scenes, but instead it manages to capture the magic from the beginning of a relationship in a pictoresque way, saving the romantic and sparkling moments, and leaving out all unnecessary stuff. And I think that the length of this anime (4 episodes of 30 minutes each) was well chosen, since less would have made things a bit too condensed, while longer than this might have ruined the atmosphere. Ajimu Kaigan Monogatari has a quite predictable story, with love triangles, confessions, unrequited love, tears and even some drama, however it remains interesting till the end, and if you are looking for a good romance tale to enjoy for a few hours, this series will satisfy your desire. What saddens me about this show is how underrated it is, and although it's far better than many others of the genre, it is still not popular at all and many haven't even heard of it yet. (8/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4

Youtube amv:

Vampire Princess Miyu

2010-08-06T11:50:00.000+01:00

Genre: Adventure, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
No. of episodes: 26
Vintage: October 6, 1997 to March 30, 1998
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_Princess_Miyu

Plot Summary: Stranded in the space between human and demon, Miyu was born a vampire and charged with the responsibility of returning evil demons called Shinma to the dark. Being eternally 15, she yearns to return to the dark herself but not until she has banished the Shinma from Earth. And since her awakening, she remains cut off by the facts of who and what she is.
[from ANN]

My opinion: I am currently watching this series and only got to episode 4, hence I cannot make any recommendations at this point. However what I can do is share my initial impression that Vampire Princess Miyu left me with all of you. It is a gothic horror story that follows a never-aging vampire girl on her mission to send all Shinma to the dark, and is aided by a mysterious guy called Larva. The plot doesn't follow a predetermined pattern and surely doesn't seem to get boring (at least yet), and it's nothing like the other vampire animes at all. One may say that it takes a refreshing approach and focuses on the creepy and surreal, instead of gore and screaming. Vampire Princess Miyu seems to be a delicately crafted work, in the traditional Japanese way, with beautiful art and elegant character designs, and would make a very enjoyable watch for all fans. (8/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16
Episode 17
Episode 18
Episode 19
Episode 20
Episode 21
Episode 22
Episode 23
Episode 24
Episode 25
Episode 26

Youtube amv:

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

2010-08-05T21:28:00.001+01:00

Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Thriller
No. of episodes: 3 seasons (55 episodes) + 1 special
Vintage: April 4 to September 26, 2006 (Season 1)
              July 6 to December 17, 2007 (Season 2: Kai)
              February 25 to August 21, 2009 (Season 3: Rei)
              August 2, 2007 (Special: Nekogoroshi-hen)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higurashi_When_They_Cry

Plot Summary: On one hot summer day in 1983, a transfer student named Maebara Keiichi comes to a peaceful rural village in Hinamizawa. There, he befriends his classmates Rena, Mion, Rika, and Satoko. Accepted as a full-fledged member of the "club," Keiichi and the gang plays all sorts of activities ranging from card and board games to hide-and-seek. But just as Keiichi was beginning to be assimilated in simple rural life, he stumbles upon the dark history of Hinamizawa. As Keiichi dives deeper into the mystery, he finds that his new found friends may not be all what they claim to be.
                                                                                                                     [from ANN]

My opinion: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (some of you may know this series as When Cicadas Cry) is definitely not your everyday anime, and that's because there are very few series who dare step into the realm of the disgusting, the wicked and the horrifyingly gruesome, and end up being selected as one of the best. Elfen Lied or Gantz were brutal, but this one far exceeds them in violence and gore. At the beginning you may think that it is just another sweet anime with five schoolgirls and a newly transferred boy, following their childish adventures and games, however that impression doesn't last for long, as you'll find yourself wrapped in a very deep and dangerous mystery, and you won't be able to tell reality from fantasy. Unlike many other series that contain excessive slaughtering or violence, Higurashi has an interesting and intelectually involving storyline, and I found myself drawn in to this show before I even knew it. What attracted me the most was the surreal atmosphere that plays tricks on your mind, and how fear and paranoia run rampant throughout the episodes, as the characters' delusions can alter the reality and give you a false impression on the events. All in all, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni is truly a masterpiece of its genre and I strongly recommend you give it a try (but it's absolutely not for children!). (10/10)

Side note: If you've enjoyed Higurashi, you should try Umineko no Naku Koro ni, I think you'll enjoy this one too (the suggestion goes both ways).

Download list:

   Higurashi no Naku Koro ni:
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16
Episode 17
Episode 18
Episode 19
Episode 20
Episode 21
Episode 22
Episode 23
Episode 24
Episode 25
Episode 26

   Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai:
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16
Episode 17
Episode 18
Episode 19
Episode 20
Episode 21
Episode 22
Episode 23
Episode 24

   Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei:
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5

   Nekogoroshi-hen Special (Cat Killing Chapter):
Special

Youtube amv:     --- Don't watch too much, it contains serious spoilers! ---

Seto no Hanayome

2010-08-04T20:45:00.007+01:00

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Action, Parody
No. of episodes: 26 episodes + 2 ova's
Vintage: April 1 to September 30, 2007 (anime)
              November 28, 2008 to January 30, 2009 (ova)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seto_no_hanayome

Plot Summary: The story of Seto no Hanayome revolves around a young teenage boy named Nagasumi Michishio. One day during his summer vacation at Seto Bay, Nagasumi is saved from drowning by a mermaid, Sun Seto. Under mermaid law, however, either the mermaid whose identity was revealed, or the human who saw the mermaid, must be executed. In an attempt to save both Nagasumi and Sun's lives, Sun's family, which is the head of a mermaid mafia group, reluctantly decides that the two are to be married. Sun's father Gōzaburō is enraged about his daughter's sudden marriage. Between Gōzaburō's constant attempts on his life and the madcap antics of a slew of antagonists, Nagasumi has a hard time transitioning into his new married lifestyle.
                                                                                                            [from Wikipedia]

My opinion: If you've been searching for a great comedy and a good laugh, look no more since Seto no Hanayome will easily answer your needs. This anime far surpasses your average comedy anime, and it is top tier in its genre. However, what makes it really amazing is the fact that it never runs out of inspiration for its next jokes, and the hilarious moments just keep coming one after another. Furthermore, this show doesn't rely on comedy alone, but also on romance, school life and a bit on action (especially near the end). At some point I was afraid that since it couldn't become funnier (and I was in for a big surprise), this show might get dull or even straight annoying. But Seto no Hanayome is pretty constant with the fun stuff, and more than that might've produced death from intense laughter. The comedic moments are ridiculously exaggerated and sometimes absurd, yet they are perfectly performed and on the same wavelength with one another and with the characters, matching the overall atmosphere and becoming even more hilarious (is that even possible?). I must admit that I have never watched anything like it before, and this show has the potential to throw you out of your seat, or at least make you want to bang your head on the wall. In conclusion, Seto no Hanayome is beyond insanity and it'll brighten up your day, so stop looking and start watching! (10/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15
Episode 16
Episode 17
Episode 18
Episode 19
Episode 20
Episode 21
Episode 22
Episode 23
Episode 24
Episode 25
Episode 26
OVA 1
OVA 2

Youtube amv:     --- Just the opening song from Seto no Hanayome ---

Sola

2010-08-04T17:11:00.000+01:00

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural
No. of episodes: 13 episodes + 2 ova's
Vintage: April 7 to June 30, 2007 (anime)
September 25 to October 26, 2007 (ova)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sola_(manga)

Plot Summary: Yorito Morimiya loves taking pictures of the sky so much that one day, he wakes up at 4 am to take pictures of the sunrise overlooking the bay. However, he is deterred when he meets a strange girl trying to force a vending machine that stole her money. Yorito helps her with forcing the machine but when the machine finally vends, the girl has mysteriouslly vanished.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Sola is a short and dramatic story with an accent on romance and tragedy, and without a doubt is one of the better animes of the genre. Actually, Sola was voted as the best anime of 2007 in a Japanese poll of over two million votes, and that should say a lot about the quality of the storytelling, animation, music and of the other departments. After all it's one thing for me to recommend it, and a totally different story if there are millions of people all over the world who've liked it. And now to go on with the review.. Even though it starts a bit slow and with the typical 'boy meets strange girl' kind of scenario, the story proves to be mysterious till the very end, and most unpredictable. A bit confusing in the beginning, but with interesting, well-portrayed characters and a lot of suspense, this show will keep you hooked and close to our protagonists. The original storyline, the creativity the writers proved in creating this piece, the many plot twists that keep you on the edge throughout the story, and finally the strong characters that you can truly empathize with, are all praiseworthy and combined create a gem among the mediocre series that have appeared in the last few years. (9/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14
Episode 15

Youtube amv:

Myself; Yourself

2010-08-03T19:08:00.000+01:00

Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
No. of episodes: 13
Vintage: October 3, 2007 to December 26, 2007
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myself;_Yourself

Plot Summary: Sana Hidaka returns to his hometown after 5 years away living in Tokyo. Although there are some changes to the town, most has remained the same. On a detour to his apartments, he notices a girl in a shrine maiden outfit watching him when he visits the shrine. He finds out, the next day at school, that this girl is actually Nanaka Yatsushiro, his old childhood friend.
[from ANN]

My opinion: Myself; Yourself is a touching and mature story, following the tale of five childhood friends who are reunited after several years, and unlike many other animes of this calibre it does so in a very realistic and down to earth fashion. This series is a school life & romance anime, which quite surprisingly does not focus on the relationships between opposite sex, but instead it revolves around friendship (yet the romance still plays a very important part in the story). At first glance it might seem that our characters have carefree lives and happily enjoy their adolescence, however that is merely at the surface, as they all have their own personal problems to confront, from child abuse to suicide. Although there are some minor flaws to the story, and some lost potential (they could've made this show even better), the drama which is skillfully orchestred and the complex characters that are practically the heart of Myself; Yourself, will leave a lasting impression on all viewers. (9/10)

Download list:

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13

Youtube amv:

Spice and Wolf

2010-08-03T14:37:00.004+01:00

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller
No. of episodes: 2 seasons, 13 episodes each
Vintage: January 9 to March 26, 2008 (Season 1)
              May 30, 2008 (Ova 1)
              April 30, 2009 (Ova 2)
              July 9 to September 24, 2009 (Season 2)
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice_and_wolf

Plot Summary: Kraft Lawrence is a 25 year old peddler travelling from town to town selling and buying various things to make a living during a period much like Europe in the Middle Ages. One night when stopped at the town of Pasroe, he finds in his wagon a 250 year old pagan wolf deity girl named Holo. She has the appearance of a 15 year old girl, except for a wolf tail and ears, and introduces herself as the town's goddess of harvest who has kept it blessed with good harvests of wheat for many years. Despite having the responsibility to watch over the town, she wants to go back to her homeland in the north called Yoitsu, since she believes that the people have already forsaken her anyway and that she has kept her promise to maintain the good harvests. She manages to bargain her way out of the village by making a deal with Lawrence to take her with him. As they travel, her wisdom helps increase his profits, but at the same time, her true nature draws unwanted attention from the church.
                                                                                                                         [from ANN]

My opinion: Spice and Wolf tells the story of a young merchant who happens to meet Horo the Wise, the self-proclaimed Deity of wheat, and they start a long and adventurous journey to the Northern mountains, the homeland of Horo.. and that's how it all began; I'm pretty sure that none of you has watched anything similar to Spice and Wolf, and it is indeed a very unique show, as you'll see for yourself if you decide to give it a shot. The settings remind me of medieval Europe, sometime between the dark age and the Renaissance, and the story is about merchants .. sounds odd right? Well if you think so, you'll be damn surprised by what a wonderful job they did in creating this masterpiece, an adaptation after the light novel with the same name. The dialog is intense, smart and high-quality, the characters are surprisingly deep and complex, the adventures that our two protagonists encounter during their journey are savurous and will keep you glued to the screen, the relationship development between Horo and Lawrence is exemplary done and we also get to see the ins and outs of a merchant's life. I admit that I only have words of praise for this anime, but they're fully justified, and you won't be able to comprehend the true beauty of this show without watching it yourself, as words alone don't do it justice. Oh, and I almost forgot: Horo is the best tsundere I've ever seen in an anime. If I haven't convinced you to try it by now, I give up.. otherwise, I promise you'll enjoy and (probably) love this charming series, and you'll wish to read the light novel as well. (10/10)

Download list:

   Spice and Wolf I:
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7 (ova)
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13

   Spice and Wolf II:
Episode 0 (ova)
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12

Youtube amv: