Guilty Crown 22: Final Impressions

There is no doubt that Guilty Crown was one of the most visually stunning to watch.  From the music to the animation, Guilty Crown became a favorite among many.  However, plot-wise and character-wise . . . it could use a little work.

I had pretty high expectations in the series(like so many others did), but it turned out to be very troll-like the way it messed with your emotions whenever a character died and in some occasions, brought characters back to life (cough cough - Gai).  I even stopped blogging about it because I preferred to keep the raging to myself.  It became quite easy to depict the similarities it had to Code Geass.  Although, I don't think it lived up to its predecessor. Still, despite the lack of character development(something I wish it had more of), I'm glad I watched it.  There was no bigger troll than "OH MA SHOE."  I don't think I've ever been so frustrated with a character in my life!  Yet that bittersweet ending almost made me cry.  Oh well, at least I got some pretty cool songs out of this. And that first episode . . . one of the best intro's I've ever seen!

Guilty Crown 15: Oh the Irony

Hare RIP.  This is what happens when Gai dies and Shu takes over.  He has got some serious trauma issues. The fact that Hare had high hopes about Shu becoming the nice, noble King – like the one in her stories was ironic.

It was a very unexpected turn out.  I did not see Hare’s death coming.  Or that Shu would undergo another traumatic incident.  The next episode is sure to be interesting.  It is called Tyrant after all.

For those of you who liked Hare, sorry I cannot sympathize with you.  She wasn’t one of my favorites.  But I still didn’t think she’d die.  I did consider her to be an important character in the story, at least.  Guess not.  How convenient was it  that Inori lost her rival?  I don’t think Inori will feel the same way about Shu anymore, though.  Not after that unsettling way in which he handled her.  Compared to the first time Shu removed Inori’s void, you can definitely feel the difference.  Shu’s change in personality was emotionless, heartless, and plain scary.  

  I don’t think this is what Hare meant, Shu.

Guilty Crown 14: Thoughts

So what's my void reading Shu?

IT'S OVER 9000!!! XD

Shu?  Is that really you?

Looks like this weeks episode was an instant hit.  Finally, the plot seems to be going somewhere again. Not to mention that Shu has become even sexier now that he's gotten more of his confidence back. (That's it Shu. Believe in yourself!  You could be a king!)  It used to be that Shu had always shown leadership qualities as a kid. But ever since that "black christmas" incident, that all went away.  Thanks to Gai, he was given the chance to be himself again.

The device . . I think I'll just call it a scouter (DBZ is still influencing anime).  The scouter Tsugumi finds happens to read the power level of people's voids, making it much easier to uhh I don't know recruit a few people!  I like where this is going :)

It was pretty funny how Shu and the others held Tsugumi and forced her void out.  We weren't the only curious ones I suppose.  I didn't find her void very impressive though.  I would have been impressed if it was some big gun or highly dangerous weapon, but I guess that wouldn't go with her.

Did you all notice Daryl hesitate at the sight of Tsugumi?  I did!  I think it's loove!!  And what exactly did Inori do to those guys?  This could turn out to become a problem for Shu.

I am looking forward to next week's episode.  I just hope it keeps up with this excitement it has now.  It would be fun to see the students do some training or something.

Guilty Crown 13: A Festival Now?

I agree.  What are they thinking?

Daryl megane = Kyaa!

Two weeks has passed since the incident with Gai and Mana.  Now, the center of the city has been blockaded. No phones, no TV, no internet- how boring.  In hopes that the blockade will be lifted soon, many students outside of the blockade zone have gathered in school.  Most of Funeral Parlor has separated, but others like Ayase and Tsugumi, even Daryl have taken shelter at school, blending in as students.  And since there's nothing better to do (really?), the school decided to have a festival.

Saw this coming . . .

So, because a bunch of crazy wackos have decided to cause chaos, Shu and the others must save the day. 

"Bleh!"

Of course!  Ayase's droid are legs.  LOL.  She literally kicked ass in this episode.

And they made a pretty good team.

But, besides introducing Shu's new ability to lend someone their droid and Ayase's new android legs, this episode was just basically building up to introduce a bigger problem for them to face.  GHQ and the government were planning to "eradicate" the area they were in.

More like, what will you do, Shu?  What will you do . . . 

Side Notes:

• Overall, this episode was meh :/
• Megane!! >.<  
• Check out the new OP and ED.  I like the OP song, but I'm having a hard time adjusting to it.  It doesn't feel right.

                        [OP2]

                         [ED2]

My Top 10 Anime Male Characters of 2011

I'm pretty late . . . but in response to Nopy’s Top 10 Anime Girls of 2011, I have decided to make my own top ten list.   Except, in this list I have chosen my favorite anime male characters of 2011. I haven't covered many anime series this past year, but I hope you find a liking to any of the fallowing series based on my top male picks, in case you aren't already familiar with them.

Also, I happily welcome the new year!  Let's have another great year full of memories.  Fighting!

10.  Ouma, Shu from Guilty Crown

I am not as fond of his personality as I am with his character design.  I love the way he looks. Pretty shallow of me?  Maybe.  He's cool and all, you know, willing to save lives.  But I just think he LOOKS even cooler. Especially when his game face is on and is about to extract someone's void because when he does, his eyes turn red and he becomes a completely different person.  A much more confident, kick ass, Ouma, Shu.  Or it could be that I just like his powers and the yellow streaks in his hair.  All I can say, is that Shu is by far my favorite male character in Guilty Crown . . to look at ;)

9.  Niwa, Makoto from Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko

The anime wasn't my favorite, but I liked the main protagonist.  He didn't turn out to be a complete jerk or hid the fact that he was related to Erio.  He was very brotherly, the way he always took care of her.  Plus, he doesn't look that bad either.

8.  Hasegawa, Kodaka from Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai

Another brotherly type, but a little more experienced than Niwa - having a little sister himself. Don't be fooled by his looks.  His dyed-looking hair isn't the trademark of a rebel.  If I could have an older brother, I'd want an older brother like him, I guess.  One who watches out for me, is there for me, and is patient with my weaboo characteristics.  But most importantly . . one who cooks for me - muahaha!

7.  Yadomi, Jinta from Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai

Even Yadomi can be labeled brotherly . . . [I must really want an older brother XD].  Although, his feelings towards Menma were more than just that.  He was willing to marry her.  I find that adorable.  He was very loyal to her throughout the whole series and never gave up on her and her dream.  His situation is rather heartbreaking, yet very heartwarming.  How can I not love him.

6.  Asaba, Yuuta from Kimi to Boku

Yuta is very underrated.  He is frequently out shined by his younger brother Yuki.  That's probably why he's one of my favorites.  I find him more mysterious.  My affection towards him grew after his date with that girl.  That was a cute episode.  I also love that he's a tsundere, like most of the males in this list.  If I had to choose between a twin, it'd be the one who is not willing to stand out because that's actually what would make him stand out, to me.

5.  Okumura, Rin from Ao no Exorcist

Mr. Okumura was my first favorite.  I find him very attractive - demon looking and all.  He has the sweetest smile, even though that's not the case in this pic - his tsundere face is pretty cute too. Apart from his smile, I adore his laugh.  It's so cute and innocent . . . KAWAII!  Am I the only one who thinks he's a total hottie when he pins up his hair?!  (Ehem) Other than that, he is a pretty heroic character . . . one of those -I don't care about my own well being as long as I can protect my friends- attitude.  It's very hard for me to acknowledge him as Yukio's older brother, though.

4.  Kawachi, Daikichi from Usagi Drop

Obviously, he'd be on this list.  He went out of his way to take Rin into his home when she needed it.  I admire that about him.  It was very precious to see his dere attitude as time passed with his new daughter. I certainly wouldn't hate the guy who would take me in under those circumstances.  

3.  Tsukahara, Kaname from Kimi to Boku

I am a big megane fan.  Cute boys with glasses . . kyaa!  Kaname is too cute . . . and funny.  I don't know how many times he's smacked his friends, throughout the series.  He definitely keeps his friends on check.  I wouldn't mind a boyfriend who is as tsun tsun as he is.  I don't think I'd like a guy who is too sweet.  His smile is very sweet though.  I really enjoyed the anime.  He was never a bore to watch.  Their couldn't have been a better class representative.  I just wish I was one of those crushes of his :(

2.  Takano, Masamune from Sekaiichi Hatsukoi

I think the perfect word to describe Takano would be "smexy."  Believe it or not, here's another megane. He's not wearing his glasses in this pic, though.  He's also gay, in case you didn't know - which makes me want him even more, sigh.  And since I don't stand a chance with him (plus he's not real), I settled with admiring his qualities as a man.  He's pretty straight forward, clever and an excellent lover.  Wait, what do I know?  I do know that he's wanted by more than one man and a few woman in the anime, so there's that. But why are you with Onodera?! After all the pain he put you through!  Argh!

1.  Kazehaya, Shouta from Kimi ni Todoke 2nd Season

Last, but not least . . . Kazehaya-kun.  I'm not really sure why he's my favorite.  I think it has a lot to do with the essence he gives off in the anime.  I love shoujo anime's.  I love shoujo characters. Shoujo's have all that good stuff.  The sparkles . . . the bubbles . . . and, the drama.  Throughout the series he basically builds up for that moment, that moment when he finally confesses his feelings to Sawako and vice versa. But he goes through all these obstacles on the way there, it's frustrating.  Although, it's throughout the journey that his character develops. That's when I find how short tempered, selfish, and insecure he is. Not to mention what a total cry baby he was as a kid.  Still, I can't help but fall for these princely type characters because once that moment comes when they hug the girl or share a kiss, my heart can't help but go doki doki.  I believe every girl has fantasized about a guy like Kazehaya to be her knight in shining armor at one point.

[Images Source: Zerochan]

Currently Watching, so far . . . Happy Holidays!

I'm back fellow bloggers!  Happy Holidays!  Sorry for being dead these last few weeks. At least, it feels that way.  Usually I'd post about every other week or so, but school caught up to me this time. Now I know what it is that delays other bloggers from posting, jeez. HIATUS HIATUS!! Thank goodness school is over(for now) and winter break has begun!

To start things off . . I'd like to wish you all a Happy Holidays, since I probably won't be posting anytime soon once x-mas time starts.  Have you all had fun x-mas shopping?  Do you celebrate Hanukkah? Kwanzaa?  If so, Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa!  May you all have a great anime filled season!

A little more of THIS . . .

A little less of THIS . . .

AND A LOT MORE OF THIS! ^0

Okay, maybe not much of that.  It's probably not a good idea to get too Haruhi wild on that day. Let's not over do it with the eggnog people.  So, in honor of the holidays . . . I will now summarize my overall thoughts so far on the anime I am currently watching this season . . . using only winter related images ~whaa!? :O

BLEACH

As far as Bleach goes, it is probably best to just hold off on the anime for a bit and pick up the manga. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying to give up on the series for good.  It is a great series, but since I am so used to watching them continuously with no long week interruptions, I can simply rid myself of the suspense by reading the manga and find out what happens next.  Since the series has been going on for so long, it will probably keep going for a long while.  But other than that, this season of Bleach has evolved quite a bit.  The artwork and character designs look much nicer. From what I hear, the production has been putting more money into the art and the series has finally returned to more manga material.  It all seems to start anew . . . new characters, new plot, new OP! but still, no Rukia :(

BOKU WA TOMODACHI GA SUKUNAI

With one episode left to go this season, the neighbors club have unknowingly become friends. They do friend-like activities any normal group of friends would do.  Except for their mere lack of knowledge in certain situations. Like not knowing how to use a cellphone ~LOL.  Of course, being "friend free" for most of their lives, I understand why they wouldn't know - having no friends and all.  But other than their over exaggerated personalities ehem . . (Yozora) . . the comedy still packs a good laugh.  And a lot of fanservice. -_-  Not really my taste, but it's not intolerable either.  I am just dying curious to know what happens with Yozora and Kodaka!

GUILTY CROWN

We're almost half way through this season and it just started to get good.  Finally.  So getting past all these character complaints about Shu and his incompetence as the hero and protagonist of the story, I personally don't pay much attention to these characteristics so many people over analyze. Neither his, or any other characters' personality bothers me.  This is one anime I haven't been over analyzing at all, really. I became bored with it a few episodes back and didn't give it much interest anymore.  I just settled with watching it every Thursday, but this last episode caught my interest once again.  The series is beginning to unfold.  We find out who Shuuichirou and his Anti-bodies really are and discover more about that girl from Shu's "blast from the past", who looks strangely familiar to Inori and is somehow affiliated with Gai as well.  The plot has taken a turn for the worst without Shu there.  Gai's illness spreading, and with Inori and Undertaker on the brink of disaster, someway, somehow . . . I guess Shu will have to get over his trauma and come to the rescue once again.

KIMI TO BOKU

I love Kimi To Boku!  I think this is my favorite anime of the season.  It turned out to be a very heartwarming story, filled with comedy and meaning.  I love how each and every character influences one another, making their bonds stronger. They each make up a piece of a puzzle to their "gang".  That's the reason I like it so much.  It reminds me of the friendship I currently have with my friends.  We all play a certain part, a certain role and balance each other out, kind of like how Kaname's serious attitude balances out Chizuru's, well, not so serious personality. "You and Me" really is, a very unique anime.  It emphasizes the importance of friendship and all those little things that make life a bit sweeter.  I just hope Mary comes to her senses and responds to Chizuru's heart in the final episode.

SEKAI-ICHI HATSUKOI,

Now, I know most of you guys don't watch Yaoi, unless you're gay yourself and it is most likely that you girls do. I don't know why, but that's how it is sometimes.  Being a Yaoi fan girl, I really don't mind the lovey dovey moments. You can even say that this anime has me on the brink of becoming Yaoi crazy.  I really enjoy how Sekai-Ichi portrays each characters' personality and relationships. There is always an "opposites attract" aspect to their relationships for some reason.  Along with their insecurities, which seem to be the main cause to most of their problems, it gives the story a more real feeling to it, making the series easier to relate to.  There is just one episode left to go and it looks like it will have a similar ending to the Junjou Romantica series. Onodera's engagement will most likely pop up again and Takano will end up confronting Onodera's rich folks and make it clear about their love. OR vice versa.  I will miss this heartwarming romance that somehow always manages to pull at my heartstrings.  

Well, that's it for today!  Happy Holidays~

[Images Source: Zerochan]

Guilty Crown 01: First Impressions

Government resistance couldn't be more epic!  What seemed like the most anticipated series this fall, was even better than I expected.  I was hooked since the start of the song - a very beautiful song, I might add. 

Summary:

In Tokyo 2039, an unidentified virus outbreak had taken place 10 years ago called "Lost Christmas" and Ouma, Shu - a 17 year old boy somehow gets mixed up in it.  He meet a young girl named Yuzuriha Inori, who happens to be the voice of the internet artist Egoist.  And he just happens to be a fan of the internet sensation. Not only that, but she is also a member of the resistance guerrilla group called "Undertaker." The resistance rebels against the government's multinational organization called CHQ.  That's when Shu's life changes and eventually obtains the power "Ability of the King" where a crown shape appears in his right hand and uses it to extract tools or weapons from his friends. 

  

I honestly had no idea of the plot that was taking place, so I kinda had to read about it.  I was just too busy admiring the music and visual effects.  What always grabs my attention in anime's are the songs, so if an anime has a crappy story, but a great song, I'd probably watch it.  Luckily, this anime has an interesting story AND a great soundtrack.  If you're waiting for the soundtrack to be released like I am, the singles for the OP "My Dearest" is to be released November 23 and the ED "Departures" is released November 30, 2011.

I'd say that the anime definitely lived up to its hype.  The OP(first episode only) was very interesting to see. You see Inori in one setting, as an internet sensation singing to a very sad song, then another setting, with her running for her life as she struggles with constant mecha attacks.  That's great editing!  It didn't get good until the end though.  That was really something. I've got to watch Code Geass after this!

                             

His game face is on! :O

I know what I must do . . .

What I wouldn't give for a huge weapon sigh. . . BRS, now Guilty Crown.  This is torture . . . I must be a masochist.

BTW, does anyone know the song that was playing during the scene when he unleashes "The Ability of the King?" I'd really like to have it in my collection - meaning my Ipod.