Vindicating Anime Blog

Shiki (OP2) - "Calendula Requiem" by kanon X kanon

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 07:24:00 +0000

This is the second opening theme song of Shiki entitled,「カレンデュラレクイエム」(Calendula Requiem) by kanon X kanon.

Download - Lyrics - Subs by Fubuki

Really a typical anime opening theme song, but despite that, it never bores me listening to this. It really has some pop in it and a lil' bit of drama. Nothing much really, but I like the previous opening theme song because it was a bit more mystery-inclined.

Hope you liked it.

Shiki (ED1) - "Walk no Yakusoku" by nangi

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 07:19:00 +0000

This is the first ending theme song of Shiki entitled,「walkの約束」 (Walk no Yakusoku; Promise of the Walk) sang by nangi.

Download - Lyrics - Subs by Taka

Really a sad song though I don't particularly like to listen songs like this since it makes me sleepy esp. since I watch this show at night, but still, it never regrets me. It has a fine tune, and sometimes, it keeps on ringing in my ears.

Shiki (OP1) - "Kuchizuke" by Buck-Tick

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 07:10:00 +0000

This is the first opening theme song of Shiki entitled, 「くちづけ」(Kuchizuke) sang by Buck-Tick.

Download - Lyrics - Subs by Taka

At first, I thought this really sucked, but as the show progressed more and better, the theme song has gotten better and better, and has become a fitting song for the series. The only thing I liked about it at first was the piano part at the end of the song.

Hope you liked it, too.

Amagami SS — OP1, ED1, ED2, & ED3

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:40:00 +0000

OP: 「i Love」 by azusa - Download!

Vocals: azusa
Lyrics: azusa
Composition: azusa
Arrangement: azusa & t.sato

Sing along! (Redirects to another website)

ED1: 「キミの瞳に恋してる」 (Kimi no Hitomi ni Koi Shiteru; I'm in Love with Your Eyes) by 伊藤静 (Itou Shizuka) - Download!

Vocals: Ito Shizuka as Morishima Haruka
Lyrics: Fushimi Kazuyuki
Composition: Tsunami Kohei
Arrangement: Tsunami Kohei

Sing along! (Redirects to another website)

ED2: 「きっと明日は…」 (Kitto Ashita wa…; Surely Tomorrow...) by 佐藤利奈 (Satou Rina) - Download!

Vocals: Sato Rina as Tanamachi Kaoru
Lyrics: Ogawa Maki
Composition: Yokoyama Masaru
Arrangement: Yokoyama Masaru

Sing along! (Redirects to another website)

ED3: 「あなたしか見えない」 (Anata Shika Mienai; I Can Only See You) by 今野宏美 (Konno Hiromi) - Download!

Vocals: Konno Hiromi as Nakata Sae
Lyrics: Kurosawa Naoya
Composition: Kurosawa Naoya
Arrangement: Kurosawa Naoya

Sing along! (Redirects to another website)

Fate/stay night Film — Ranks #1 in DVD/BD Sales!

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:27:00 +0000

The Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works film sold 44,000 copies to debut at #1 on Oricon's Blu-ray Disc sales chart for the September 27-October 3 week. It is the first time that any home video release of Fate/stay night — DVD or Blu-ray — has ranked #1. Until now, the highest that any release in the franchise has ranked on the weekly charts was #2; the sixth volume of the television anime series reached that rank in August of 2006 by selling 22,000 copies on DVD.

The DVD version of the film sold 10,997 copies to rank #1 for the week as well.

[via Anime News Network]

I've been wanting to download the 1080p version all this time... yet, 9GB seems a space too big for me. :<

Kimi ni Todoke Season 2 — January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:22:00 +0000

The November issue of Shueisha's Bessatsu Margaret magazine is announcing on its cover next Wednesday that the second season of the Kimi ni Todoke television anime series has been green-lit. The new season will premiere next January on the NTV network in Japan.

[via Anime News Network]

All this time! I've been waiting for this!

Anime News Network — Simulcasts Oreimo

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:57:00 +0000

Anime News Network (ANN) and the anime licensor Aniplex USA have jointly announced that ANN will simulcast the television comedy anime series Oreimo. The series, which is also known by its full title Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai ("My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute"), revolves around a high school boy who learns that his little sister is a closet otaku who collects anime DVDs and bishōjo video games.

Now this has really gotten my eye. All I care is that they won't disappoint me with all simulcast news going on.

To the Future by Kazemon15

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:34:00 +0000

Spoiler for
Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

This AMV is made by Kazemon15 from the Kazemon Studios from the anime Katekyo Hitman Reborn!. It premiered on October 2, 2010, and categorized as serious, action, and drama with character profile and sentimentality. It uses the song This Is War from the American rock band, 30 Seconds to Mars.

For the download and information, click here.

Impression: Consider yourself an idiot for barely understanding the essence of this AMV for not having watched Katekyo Hitman Reborn!. And... that goes for me as well.

Iron Man — 01

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 21:17:00 +0000

Iron Man isn’t worth watching – based on episode one. I’ll give it two more shots. If nothing works, then this isn’t just MADHOUSE.

OP: Fine. Really nice Iron Man-theme, but for some reason, it hasn’t become my taste.

As thrilled as I was that most of my anticipated anime, including Iron Man, is premiering on October 1, 2010, it had let me down. Half of the show was used up on talking, and nothing in particular was worth remembering except for the character buildup of Tony Stark, who’s seemingly perverted and who’s seemingly arrogant.

I’m not a huge fan of Iron Man or anything, but I do think it is was worth the anticipation. I have watched some movies of Iron Man and has really made me happy, but still, I can’t seem to put the pieces together on why I can never be in love with the Iron Man series. As for the comic book, I’m not interested, not because they’re books with pictures, but because there are other things worth reading.

Enough about the blabber on why the Iron Man in this anime has let me down. Let’s proceed to something more specific than general, negatively.

So, Tony Stark is voiced by Keiji Fujiwara, who also voiced Fullmetal Alchemist’s Maes Hughes. There’s really something about his voice that’s been making me irk since then. It’s either his acting wasn’t good enough (which I highly doubt so) or Tony Stark just isn’t my feel. I had a hard time thinking about whether Tony Stark is really perverted or not or is he really arrogant or not. The voice feels kind of different. I know that they probably did it on purpose, but it isn’t just Anime.

And the art doesn’t feel right to me. I previously mentioned “[…] this isn’t just MADHOUSE,” and I was referring to the too westernized art. It was fine. I’m cool with it, but I hope I get used to it sooner or later or I’ll probably really drop it faster.

Anyway, the new Iron Man Suit, Dio, was like “kewl.” But to be honest, I wasn’t really “surprised” about it; I was more like “interested”. Comparing the old Iron Man suit to Dio, it would’ve blown into pieces already! Even when Dio fell, it wasn’t damage; if it were the old Iron Man suit, it would’ve seriously took the beating.

Although, unexpectedly, while the trainees were testing the Dio suit, a virus brainwashed their buddy and killed them, and proceeds to the exit without fail. As Iron Man catches up, they go into a short fight. Of course, the old Iron man wins the fight, but, while expecting that Dio would fight back, a giant robot scorpion ambushes him. Iron Man easily wins their fight but leaves mysteries behind, and OMFGNOWAI, the Dio suit is gone in a short amount of time. Oh gawd.

ED: Very good music. Really artistic animation but little.

“So, will you continue blogging this show?”
Please hope I can. It just means it sucks this bad that I can’t even blog something I’ve already started.

P.S. I did this as a half-assed review. I tell you, I can’t say anything more about the disappointment in Iron Man. I think I expected too much… too much.

AMV Samurai Champloo by Koys and Soul's Team

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:29:00 +0000

Spoiler for

SAMURAI CHAMPLOO!

An AMV made by Koys and studio Soul's Team entitled "Tabidachi" from the anime, Samurai Champloo. It uses the song of Yoshida Brothers also entitled "Tabidachi". It premiered on September 6, 2010.

What I love about this AMV is that it uses an instrumental soundtrack, and has a nice, serious atmosphere. It also has a plot for the video and easily understood without any 'plothole'. Though what surprises me the most is that the intro (where you can see the "Soul's Team" phrase) kind of 'degrades' it. Without rewatching it, it's almost as though it never happened.

Another thing about this AMV is its timing. When you hear the instrument pluck/strum, it changes its 'picture' or scene.

This is probably one of the best AMV.

Cat Shit One — Gets English Dub for Free HD Streaming

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:45:00 +0000

An English dub has been produced for the computer-animated Cat Shit One anime, and the producers are planning to use it for a free, high-definition stream worldwide. The anime was initially planned for 12 episodes, and one episode, about 22 minutes long, has been produced. That episode was already streamed with Japanese dialogue in Japan this past summer.

Studio Anima director Kazuya Sasahara adapted Motofumi Kobayashi's Cat Shit One manga for the anime. ADV Manga released three volumes of the original Cat Shit One manga under the title Apocalypse Meow in North America. The manga follows three American soldiers — Bota, Perky and Rats — during the Vietnam War. The trio just happen to be cute animals in the Cat Shit One recon group.

Source: animeanime.jp

Image © 2010 Motofumi Kobayashi/anima inc./IDA

Update: 2009 trailer removed due to geographical restrictions. Thanks, LUNI_TUNZ.

I watched this show for a few minutes to see if it could stop me from sleeping, but it didn't work. It was really impressive, but I was just so tired...

I should really watch this show.

Berserk — New Anime Project Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:15:00 +0000

The wraparound jacket band on the 35th volume of Kentarou Miura's Berserk fantasy manga is announcing this month that a new anime project is launching. More information will be provided in Hakusensha's Young Animal magazine and the affiliated Young Animal Web site.

The manga has been running in Young Animal since 1989. Oriental Light and Magic and VAP already adapted the story into a 25-episode television anime series from 1997 to 1998, and Media Blasters released this earlier anime in North America. Dark Horse Comics and Digital Manga Publishing are publishing the 34th manga volume this month. Dark Horse Comics describes the manga as the following:

His name is Guts, the Black Swordsman, a feared warrior spoken of only in whispers. Bearer of a gigantic sword, an iron hand, and the scars of countless battles and tortures, his flesh is also indelibly marked with The Brand, an unholy symbol that draws the forces of darkness to him and dooms him as their sacrifice. But Guts won't take his fate lying down; he'll cut a crimson swath of carnage through the ranks of the damned — and anyone else foolish enough to oppose him! Accompanied by Puck the Elf, more an annoyance than a companion, Guts relentlessly follows a dark, bloodstained path that leads only to death … or vengeance.

[Via Earl.Box, raito-kun, AICN Anime]

Update: More background information added.

Update: A television commercial narrated by singer, actor, and well-known Berserk fan Gackt will promote the release of the 35th manga volume. Four versions of the commercial will run from Wednesday, September 29 to October 3. The official website will re-open after a revamp on Tuesday at about 9:30 a.m. with the television commercial and a separate, web-only commercial. In addition, an official Twitter account, "Berserk_project," has launched. Source: Comic Natalie

Berserk is a dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura. It shows action, horror, dark fantasy, and drama. It's still being published by Hakusensha (Japanese publisher) and Dark Horse Comics. It mainly targets seinen.

The manga originally runs from December 1, 1990 and still ongoing. It currently has 35 volumes.

Basically, I'm expecting a lot from the new anime production. And my highest expectation: an endless anime.

Wallpaper Redemption by yuukine

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:42:00 +0000

Redemption

Because everyone returns to heaven someday,

You'll never need to say goodbye.

Currently, I'm using a wallpaper provided by `yuukine, a Senior Member in Anime Paper, my #1 source of anime wallpapers. The author also wants to specially thank `Valuna and `alenas.

What I find so amazing in this wallpaper is its painting. Its "painting effects" really makes me fall in love with it. The original wallpaper isn't really like it; the image you see above is basically forced to fit the whole desktop (1366 x 768), so it cuts the other parts of the wallpaper.

If I'm correct, the previous version of this wallpaper has a tree (though it's still cut with my desktop settings). And, not to be rude, it really destroys the beauty of the wallpaper.

Hope you like this wallpaper, too.

AMV Welcome to My Secrets by Noss

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:38:00 +0000

SPOILERS in Welcome to NHK!

Welcome to My Secrets is the title of the AMV Noss made. It premiered on September 11, 2010. It uses the song of OneRepublic, Secrets. It shows the romance between a perverted guy, who keeps on watching ******, but falls in love with a pure and kind girl.

What's so amazing with this amazing music video is because it has a storyline that you can understood, but in the second-half, it's a bit confusing between the guy and the other girl who's eating together with the guy. Everything could probably be just a dream, but still, it's essential for this awesome AMV that really uses 'everything' in the series.

I also like how it goes with the intro, but I didn't really like it that much because of the German sub.

I'll give it a 4/5. It doesn't seem like there's nothing much wrong with it, anyway.

Kaichou wa Maid-sama! - 88/100 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 09:20:00 +0000

I love this anime.

I’d like to let you know how much I love Maid-sama! despite the negative comments on different (re)viewers.

(1) I’ve heard that Special A > Maid-sama! but hear me out, I have never tried/wanted to watch Special A. Lots of my female friends here in our school, when I ask about interesting anime (that’s ‘romantic drama’), recommends me to watch Special A. For so many times, I wanted to watch that show but there was really nothing that makes me think that it’s special. I’ve watched a few harem, bishounen, shoujo anime before, but I personally think they aren’t outstanding. I’d really prefer something like Maid-sama! wherein there’s a girl and a boy that turns out to like each other, but then another boy appears out of nowhere and interferes their relationship but couldn’t even budge it (at least a little bit).

(2) The atmostphere - an unusual ending: kiss then fight (tease)? It really made me feel the atmosphere as though I was the one trying to kiss a superhuman girl. Same goes to the humor (3).

(3) What makes them special is lovecom. In connection with the fifth compliment on Maid-sama!, what makes a ‘romantic drama’ unique is its comedy. I fairly think that Maid-sama! has accomplished that very well and it has made me laugh about lots of things well.

(4) Eye candy art. What’s so nice about Maid-sama! is because it has a really amazing feel on the effects on ‘lovely’ scenes/situations. Though, I don’t want to put it disappointingly, it’s not as good as Kimi ni Todoke’s but it’s enough ~~artwork~~ masterpiece to watch it.

(5) Maid-sama! has unrealistic characters; Takumi Usui who’s ~~almost~~ perfect, and Misaki who’s almost perfect, which makes them the superhuman couple. Honestly, I’m tired of watching anime that’s too incline with reality. For example, Kimi ni Todoke. I really love that show, and I give it a 90/100 as my rating. But if you think about it, if I have watched Kimi ni Todoke (disregarding the ending), would I still be interested to watch more romance (that’s incline with reality)? Sure, the second time I watch another romance like Kimi ni Todoke probably wouldn’t bore me, but sooner or later, there’ll be nothing. (Action and adventure genre is a different story, same with comedy, etc… They have different materials so it’s not really good to compare them with this romantic drama that’d just end obviously [includes the topic, Maid-sama!, and the specially mentioned, Kimi ni Todoke.])

(6) The buildup is great. When Hinata Shintani appears, it made me really praise Maid-sama! when Hinata said, “You look really cute in your maid uniform.” Those words made me think that Misaki really does look good in it. “So what’s the buildup in it?” If I’m correct, the 4 episodes before the appearance of Hinata didn’t show Misaki in her maid clothes. It made you forget about the physical appearance (or at least, the outfit) because of the enjoyment you get in this anime. When she wore the maid clothes, it made me say, “Really nice clothes,” right before Hinata said she’s cute in it.

(7) I prioritize Maid-sama! more than the other anime. I don’t know why but Maid-sama! doesn’t seem to be that appealing compared to other shows like Shiki, The Legend of the Legendary Heroes, Occult Academy, etc. It makes me wait until Saturday 22PM until the release of the latest subbed episode of Maid-sama!. How much I love this anime is over the top. If people say to me that liking this anime is stupid, then I’d rather like this stupid anime than other anime.

So, basically, Maid-sama! has unrealistic characters, fine line of comedy, great buildup for particular scenes, nice Takumi rival, the feel of the atmosphere, and the pleasing feeling before, during, and after watching it.

(8th Compliment)
It almost has moe, shoujo-ai, shounen-ai, and has an Internet sensation cross-dressing guy that looks like a cute girl when he wears girly clothes, but also looks really manly when he wears manly clothes.

[Note: I just realized, through the bullet-listing style, you could actually finish a review like this. Why haven’t I thought about this before?]

Sengoku Basara — Film in 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 09:02:00 +0000

The final episode of Sengoku Basara Two aired on Sunday with an announcement that production on an all-new theatrical film has been green-lit for 2011.

[Via Uri-Sure Matome +]

[Via ANN]

No, seriously, I need to watch Sengoku Basara now!

"Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is Special!"

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:46:00 +0000

Based on the 25 episodes that I've watched this series, I can say that Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is a nice series that's worth a green-lit for a second season. The preview of episode 25 really sadden me up to say, "Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is ending next week." But with hopes high up, there have been green-lits acting up this year, so I'm sure there's Kaichou wa Maid-sama!!.

EDIT: Few days after watching this episode, it really hurts me to see Hinata cry and all that. I know, it really isn't manly to do so, but it's one of those things that you can only do. I really want to cheer him up ever since he's been centered around in this episode. This is another reason why I want a green-lit... NOW!

[This post was intended for my impression of episode 25, though most of these comments are responses to some comments in RandomC.]

More after the jump...

While watching episode 25, the second-to-the-last episode of the series, my perspective on Usui has really changed ever since I've heard about the rumors on the teacher I've been looking up to. Before I speak more about what the issue is all about, it'd be nice if you take this blog post really personally (in my perspective) than you usually do.

The teacher that I mentioned is a Geometry teacher. He's really smart, and went to a military school. Teachers can be different in many ways, but the way he teaches is really in a lightning speed. We, the students in our room, have been having a lot of problems in Geometry, regardless of the fact that our teacher teaches us really fast. For me, it's one of those special subjects that you need a self study than just have a teacher that manages your study. [Skipping all the other info.] While being raised in a military school, he's a strict teacher. Of the reason why I italicized 'strict', that's because he is the only teacher that imposes discipline through push-ups, squat press, and all of those other tiring exercises (at least for me, since I never exercise).

As the first quarter passed by, I got a good grade: 84. Why's it good? In our classroom, the highest grade there is, is 85; and we're the second section. In the first section, their lowest grade is 85. Sounds absurd, right? Well, what'd you expect... from these rumors:

There have been a lot of issues about the teacher I've been looking up high. To begin with, why is it that our classmate, who has high scores in activities, quizzes, tests, and our periodical test, got only 82, wherein I, who had a bad start, got 84? Weird, right? Well, that's because we're doubting about how he grades. He grades based on his "impression" or what the student did to him. In short, favoritism. It's kind of sad... no, it is sad.

So, why can I say this freely? Who can testify this, anyway? Easy answer: our 4th year high school students and the alumni.

And... what's worse is that, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back, he was making a Math Park as the project of the whole school, so he had to obtain P50.00 each student. With about 400 students, that's a total of P20,000 and to our dismay, there was no result. Question now is, where has the money gone to?

My feelings about my teacher right now is really different... I somewhat feel an evil aura around me. Not to mention about after hearing those rumors, I'm a person easily-influenced by ideals and all those kinds of stuff. It's not easy for me to take this, despite the fact that I'm conscious about who I am.

Uhhh... Why is this suppose to be related to Usui, anyway? @__@

Thing is, it's another teacher that told us about this. What's more about how she describes him is that he's like a girl: VERY moody. Sad to say, it really kind of makes him sound... gay, and not to mention, he's a male teacher that I'm looking up to 'cause I want to be like him (not until now, since I know he's like a girl).

Err, lol? Usui? Like a girl? Moody? Girly? Nonsense. = ="

Main point is that in this episode, he's been easily influenced by the fortune-telling. Usui is someone that everyone can look up to, but that easily-influenced reaction reminds me of our Geometry teacher, which makes me think "I DON'T WANT TO GIVE A DAMN."

[Two days later after this draft post.]

I'm a guy that easily wavers, but struggles hard not to. To put it simply, this post's just to take off my dark feelings for that said teacher. Relating it to Usui is kind of BS, and hurts a lot of fans, I know.

I'm sorry if I did (and for the wall of text). :(

AMV Momentum by -Keiko-

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:52:00 +0000

You can find a
SPOILER for Bakemonogatari!!

Momentum - The AMV that -Keiko- and the studio, Askadelya Team made, which premiered on the 4th day of July 2010. They show a character profile, romance with some drama, and sentimental themes. The song used is by The Kin, entitled Together.

It mainly shows the following anime: Bakemonogatari, 5 Centimeters Per Second, Clannad, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, and Kanon. The ending of this AMV is a spoiler of Bakemonogatari, as mentioned in the previous remarks.

This AMV participated in the Japan Expo Contest and won the 18th place. It took the creator a month and a half to create it. Though it looks bad at some angles, it's his first AMV (with a storyline), so it seems pretty nice for a first timer.

Personally, the 18th place wasn't so surprising at all if he got this. There are a few things that the creator should have chosen and didn't choose. The angles or how the guy is doing, makes things look a little bit complicated. But the ending was kind of nice, but a little bit terrible. He should have put up some 'SPOILER!' warning.

Yoroshiku ne~

noreply@blogger.com (Xevar) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:40:00 +0000

Introduction — "Boredom Kills so I Made This Blog"

Introductions are probably the worst thing that I could make as a blog post. I mean, really, I could blab about myself all day long, problem is, how do I start introducing myself? So, right now, I’m basically just saying what my mind is speaking right now. But anyway, here I go and give this introduction a try.

As my first blog post, it’s pretty nice and really better to start with an introduction post.

I’m known mainly as Xevar in various online communities but most of the time, you’ll find me as a lurker (especially these days since I’ve been busy with school work). Currently, I’m planning on blogging shows this Autumn (September to November, if I’m correct). I also blog randomly depending on the occasion but I’m blog more of what my theme in this blog is so it’ll be mostly Japanese-related such as anime music, manga, and news in anime industries. I’m really into mostly any shows but probably action and dramatic/lovecom genres are on top.

As you’ve noticed, I said I’m busy with school work which, most of the time, you can find me as a lurker. It might sound weird and all that when I’ve just got into this blogging hobby, but actually, the happiness you feel from the difference between blogging and doing the things before I started lurking is really big. When I blog, it really energizes me giving me some weird exciting feeling especially when I hear my favorite anime music or when I try to remember the awesome episodes of my favorite anime, compared to doing those “meant-to-be-lurked” things.

That aside, I don’t know how to read Japanese and I watch anime so I’ll be watching them sub. Just a note: you might see some screenshots that I’ll be putting up with subs so I’m really, awfully sorry if you’re annoyed by it.

I hope you can give me a fine welcome as much as I want to give you one. Enjoy reading the blog posts in this blog!