The Anime Grand Prix - Song Award

Every single year, the magazine Animage, in a joint effort with the biggest magazine about Anime in Japan (Newtype), elects the best Series of the year, a combined result from the reader’s opinion with the editor’s view.
As we’ll find several award categories, I decided to firstly launch the award for the best song.

1995 and 1996 Winner.


"...and the Oscar goes to..."

1979

1. "Kita no Okami, Minami no Tora" by Mitsuko Horie, for Baseball Enthusiasts (Yakyuu-kyo no Uta).
2. "Taga Tame Ni" by Tokyo Meister Singer, for Cyborg 009.
3. "Tobe Gundam" by Koh Ikeda, for Mobile Suit Gundam.
4. "Captain Harlock" by Ichiro Mizuki, for Space Pirate Captain Harlock.
5. "Ginga Tetsudou 999" by Isao Sasaki, for Galaxy Express 999.

1980 (1st Half)

1. "Fukkatsu no Ideon" by Isao Taira, for Space Runaway Ideon.
2. ''Honoo no Takaramono'' by Bobbi, for Lupin III : The Castle of Cagliostro.
3. ''Coming Home to Terra'' by Da Capo, for Toward the Terra.
4. ''Cosmo ni Kimi to'' by Keiko Toda, for Space Runaway Ideon.
5. ''Taga Tame Ni'' by Tokyo Meister Singer, for Cyborg 009.

1980 (2nd Half)

1. ''Cosmo ni Kimi to'' by Keiko Toda, for Space Runaway Ideon.
2. ''Fukkatsu no Ideon'' by Isao Taira, for Space Runaway Ideon.
3. ''10 Billions Light of Love'' by ???, for Cyborg 009.
4. ''Be Forever Yamato'' by Isao Sasaki, for Be Forever Yamato.
5. ''Hateshinaki Yami no Kanata ni'' by Takeshi Obo, for Ashita no Joe 2.

1981

1. ''Lum no Love Song'' by Yuko Matsutani, for Urusei Yatsura.
2. ''Joe...Forever'' By Joe Yamanaka, for Ashita no Joe 2.
3. ''Ai Senshi'' by Daisuke Inoue, for Mobile Suit Gundam II.
4. ''Monument of Love'' by Ippo Hiura, for Rokushin Gattai Godmars.
5. ''SAYONARA'' by Mary MacGregor, for Galaxy Express 999.

1982

1. ''Macross'' by Makoto Fujiwara, for Macross.
2. ''17 year old Legend'' by Yuji Mitsuya, for Rokushin Gattai Godmars.
3. ''Monument of Love'' by Ippo Hiura, for Rokushin Gattai Godmars.
4. ''Cobra'' by Yoko Maeno, for Space Adventure Cobra.
5. ''Shippu Xabungle" by Akira Kushida, for Xabungle.

1983

1. ''HELLO,VIFAM'' by TAO, for Ginga Hyoryu Vifam.
2. ''Cat's Eye'' by Anri, for Cat's Eye.
3. ''GET IT'' by Akira Kushida, for Xabungle Graffiti.
4. ''Honoo no Sadame'' by Tetsuro Oda, for Armored Tropper Votoms.
5. ''Aura Road'' by MIO, for Aura Battler Dunbine.

1984

1. ''Ai Oboeteimasuka?'' by Mari Iijima, for Macross : Do You Remember Love.
2. ''Kaze no No Reply'' by Mami Ayukawa, for Heavy Metal L-Gaim.
3. ''Galient World'' by EUROX, for Panzer World Galient.
4. ''Sora Kara Koboreta Story'' by Da Capo, for Sherlock Holmes.
5. ''Time for L-Gaim'' by MIO, for Heavy Metal L-Gaim.

1985

1. ''Ro Ro Ro Russian Roulette'' by Meiko Nakahara, for Dirty Pair.
2. ''Meros no You ni -Lonely Way'' by AIRMAIL from NAGASAKI, for Aoki Ryusey SPT Layzner.
3. ''Mizu no Hoshi e Ai wo Komete'' by Hiroko Moriguchi, for Zeta Gundam.
4. ''Zeta - Toki wo Koete'' by Mami Ayukawa, for Zeta Gundam.
5. ''Touch'' by Yoshimi Iwasaki, for Touch.

1986

1. ''Kanashimi yo Konnichi wa'' by Yuki Saito, for Maison Ikkoku.
2. ''Kimi wo Nosete'' by Azumi Inoue, for Laputa.
3. "Silent Voice'' by Jun Hiroe, for Gundam ZZ.
4. ''Ci-ne-ma'' by Picasso, for Maison Ikkoku.
5. ''Meros no You ni -Lonely Way'' by AIRMAIL from NAGASAKI, for Aoki Ryusey SPT Layzner.

1987

1. ''Get Wild'' by TM Network, for City Hunter.
2. ''Suki Sa'' by Anzen Chitai, for (Maison Ikkoku.
3. ''Pegasus Fantasy'' by MAKE-UP, for Saint Seiya.
4. ''Pure Stone'' by Risa Yuuki, for Zillion.
5. ''Dream Adventure'' by Norito Sakai, for The Three Musketeers.

1988

1. ''BEYOND THE TIME'' by TM Network, for Gundam : Char's Counter Attack.
2. ''My Neighbor Totoro'' by Azumi Inoue, for My Neighbor Totoro.
3. ''STEP'' by a.chi-a.chi, for Mashin Eiyuden Wataru.
4. ''Soldier Dream'' by Hironobu Kageyama & BROADWAY, for Saint Seiya.
5. ''Samurai Heart'' by Hiroko Moriguchi, for Samurai Trooper Warriors.

1989

1. ''Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta nara'' by Yumi Matsutoya, for Kiki's Delivery Service.
2. ''Running To Horizon'' by Tetsuya Komuro, for City Hunter 3.
3. ''Miracle Girl'' by Nagai Mariko, for Yawara!.
4. ''Shining Soul'' by Satoko Shimizu, for Shurato.
5. ''Midnight Blue'' by KISS ME QUICK, for Patlabor.

1990

1. ''Blue Water'' by Miho Morikawa, for Nadia : The Secret of Blue Water.
2. ''FIGHT!'' by Yumiko Takahashi, for Mashin Eiyuden Wataru 2.
3. ''Cha-La Head-Cha-La'' by Hironobu Kageyama, for Dragon Ball Z.
4. ''Odoru Ponpokorin'' by B.B. Queens, for Chibi Maruko-chan.
5. ''Traveling Light'' by MANNA, for Dragon Ball Z.

1991

1. ''Winners'' by G-Grip, for GPX Cyber Formula.
2. ''Cha-La Head-Cha-La'' by Hironobu Kageyama, for Dragon Ball Z.
3. ''I'll Come'' by G-Grip, for GPX Cyber Formula.
4. ''Eternal Wind - Hohoemi wa Hikaru Kaze no Naka'' by Hiroko Moriguchi, for Gundam F91.
5. ''Blue Water'' by Miho Morikawa, for Nadia : The Secret of Blue Water.

1992

1. ''Moonlight Densetsu'' by DALI, for Sailor Moon.
2. ''Hohoemi no Bakudan'' by Matsuko Mawatari, for Yu Yu Hakushô.
3. ''Kaze no mirai he'' by Arika Sato, for Legendary Brave Da Garn.
4. ''The Winner'' by Miki Matsubara, for Gundam 0083.
5. ''Magical Dreamer'' by Lindberg(?), for Yadamon.

1993

1. ''We Gotta Power'' by Hironobu Kageyama, for Dragon Ball Z.
2. ''Moonlight Densetsu'' by DALI, for Sailor Moon R.
3. ''Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai'' by BAAD, for Slam Dunk.
4. ''Sayonara Bye Bye'' by Matsuko Mawatari, for Yu Yu Hakushô.
5. ''Mouichido Tenderness (Tenderness Once More)'' by KIX S, for Victory Gundam.

1994

1. ''Yuzurenai Negai'' by Naomi Tamura, for Magic Knight Rayearth.
2. ''Daydream Generation'' by Matsuko Mawatari, for Yu Yu Hakushô.
3. ''Wind Climbing - Kaze ni Asobarete'' by Aki Okui, for Mahoujin Guru Guru.
4. ''Sekai ga Owaru Made Wa'' by WANDS, for Slam Dunk.
5. ''Seventh Moon'' by Fire Bomber featuring Basara Nekki, for Macross 7.

1995

1. ''A Cruel Angel's Thesis'' by Yoko Takahashi, for Evangelion.
2. ''Just Communication'' by TWO-MIX, for Gundam Wing.
3. ''Yuzurenai Negai'' by Naomi Tamura, for Magic Knight Rayearth.
4. ''Get Along'' by Masami Okui and Megumi Hayashibara, for Slayers.
5. ''Itsuka Kagayaku'' by Keiko Yoshinari, for Magic Knight Rayearth.

1996

1. ''A Cruel Angel's Thesis'' by Yoko Takahashi, for Evangelion.
2. ''Give a Reason'' by Megumi Hayashibara, for Slayers Next.
3. ''You Get to Burning'' by Yumi Matsuzawa, for Nadesico.
4. ''Successful Mission'' by Megumi Hayashibara, for Saber Marionette J.
5. ''Heart of Sword - Yoake Mae'' by T.M. Revolution, for Rurouni Kenshin.

1997

1. ''Rondo–Revolution'' by Masami Okui, for Revolutionary Girl Utena.
2. ''Soul Refrain'' by Yoko Takahashi, for Evangelion : Death and Rebirth.
3. ''Yuusha-oh Tanjou!'' by Masaaki Endo, for GaoGaiGar.
4. ''Thanatos -If I Can't Be Yours-'' by Loren & Mash, for The End of Evangelion.
5. ''Mononoke Hime'' by Joe Hisaishi, for Princess Mononoke.

1998

1. ''Dearest'' by Yumi Matsuzawa, for Nadesico : The Prince of Darkness.
2. ''Infinity'' by Megumi Hayashibara, for Lost Universe.
3. ''Tank!'' by Seatbelts, for Cowboy Bebop.
4. ''IN MY DREAM'' by Eri Shingyoji, for Brain Powered.
5. ''Saa'' by SURFACE, for Mamotte Shugogetten.

1999

1. ''Butter-Fly'' by Kouji Wada, for Digimon Adventure.
2. ''Platinum'' by Maaya Sakamoto, for Cardcaptor Sakura.
3. ''dis-'' by Mika Arisaka, for Infinite Ryvius.
4. ''Will'' by Chihiro Yonekura, for Soul Hunter.
5. ''Taiyou wa Yoru mo Kagayaku'' by Wino, for Hunter X Hunter.

2000

1. ''Platinum'' by Maaya Sakamoto, for Cardcaptor Sakura.
2. ''Still Time'' by Hidenori Tokuyama, for Saiyuki.
3. ''Sakura Saku'' by Megumi Hayashibara, for Love Hina.
4. ''Tsuki No Mayu'' by Aki Okui, for Turn A Gundam : Earth Light.
5. ''For Real'' by Hidenori Tokuyama, for Saiyuki.

2001

1. ''For Fruits Basket'' by Ritsuko Okazaki, for Fruits Basket.
2. ''Gotta Knock a Little Harder'' by The Seatbelts featuring Mai Yamane, for Cowboy Bebop.
3. ''Love Destiny'' by Yui Horie, for Sister Princess.
4. ''Reckless Fire'' by Yasuaki Ide, for S-Cry-Ed.
5. ''Dearest'' by Ayumi Hamasaki, for Inuyasha.
   

2002

1. ''Anna ni Issho Datta no ni'' by See-Saw, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
2. ''Invoke'' by T.M. Revolution, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
3. ''Wheels of Destiny'' by FictionJunction YUUKA, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
4. ''Hemisphere'' by Maaya Sakamoto, for RahXephon.
5. ''Northern Lights'' by Megumi Hayashibara, for Shaman King.

2003

1. ''Melissa'' by Porno Grafitti, for Fullmetal Alchemist.
2. ''Kesenai Tsumi'' by Nana Kitade, for Fullmetal Alchemist.
3. ''Akatsuki no Kuruma'' by FictionJunction YUUKA, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
4. ''FIND THE WAY'' by Mika Nakashima, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
5. ''Brilliant Road to Tomorrow'' by Angela, for Uchuu no Stellvia.

2004

1. ''Ignited'' by T.M.Revolution, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
2. ''Reason'' by Nami Tamaki, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
3. ''Shangri-la'' by Angela, for Fafner.
4. ''Tori no Uta'' by Lia, for Air.
5. ''Fields of Hope'' by Rie Tanaka, for Gundam SEED Destiny.

2005

1. ''Vestige'' by T.M.Revolution, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
2. ''Sousei no Aquarion'' by AKINO, for Sousei no Aquarion.
3. ''Kimi wa Boku ni Niteiru'' by See-Saw, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
4. ''ETERNAL BLAZE'' by Nana Mizuki, for Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's.
5. ''Link'' by L'Arc-en-Ciel, for Fullmetal Alchemist : The Conqueror of Shamballa.

2006

1. ''COLORS'' by FLOW, for Code Geass.
2. ''Hare Hare Yukai'' by Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, and Yuko Goto, for Suzumiya Haruhi.
3. ''Kimi wa boku ni Niteiru'' by See-Saw, for Gundam SEED Destiny.
4. "Red Fraction" by MELL, for Black Lagoon.
5. ''God Knows...'' by Aya Hirano, for Suzumiya Haruhi.

2007

1. ''Motteke! Sailor Fuku'' by Aya Hirano, Emiri Kato, Kaori Fukuhara and Aya Endo, for Lucky Star.
2. ''Daybreak's Bell'' by L'arc-en-Ciel, for Gundam 00.
3. ''Colors'' by FLOW, for Code Geass.
4. ''Friends'' by Stephanie, for Gundam 00.
5. ''Sorairo Days'' by Shoko Nakagawa, for Gurren Lagann.

2008

1. ''Diamond Crevasse'' by May'n, for Macross Frontier.
2. ''Triangler'' by Maaya Sakamoto, for Macross Frontier.
3. ''Northern Cross'' by May'n, for Macross Frontier.
4. ''WORLD END'' by FLOW, for Code Geass R2.
5. ''Prototype'' by Chiaki Ishikawa, for Gundam 00.

Current Winner (2009): "A Path" by Nami Miyahara (Janice), for Casshern Sins.




P.S: In 1993 Wikipedia gives the Victory to Moonlight Densetsu for Sailor Moon R, but so does the same for "We Gotta Power" which means that we can't be accurate at all about this, but in case of doubts, I followed the source with main information. Altough, still risky. In 1999 the same happens with Platinum for Cardcaptor Sakura.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animage
http://animegrandprix.blogspot.com/

Animage - The Anime Grand Prix

Although the quick association with Anime, you may not recognize what is this after all. Animage is a Japanese anime and entertainment magazine which Tokuma Shoten began publishing in July 1978. Quite a few manga was serialized in this magazine, such the renowned Nausiccä of the Valley of the Wind from 1982 through 1994. In spite of this, you may be thinking what’s so big about it… well I just considered that Animage and one of its relevant creations (the Anime Grand Prix) would fit as an interesting and appropriate subject to open the first article in our blog.

What is the Anime Grand Prix? It’s an annual prize, determined by the Animage readers’ votes to the anime of the year, counting with several secondary awards, such for the characters, songs or even the selection for the best episode of the year. This event started right a few after the unleashing of the magazine, in 1979, and the first prize was announced at the issue 1980 January (frequently announced at the next year’s June issue every year). And this turned the Anime Grand Prix as one remarkable pillar in the story of the Japanese animation – it’s probably the oldest one with such a height and likely, the royal link between the fans and their celebration of the work from many directors and authors until the half of the 90’s. This method to recognize the best works annually, will find some rivals at the second half of the 90’s and at the beginnings of the new century, such as the Animation Kobe Event and the Tokyo International Anime Fair.

Is this a threat to the rule of Animage main event?

Well, both Animation Kobe and the Tokyo International Anime Fair work in a different way and have their own selection processes. In my opinion this fact, and besides the query that I lifted, just have to be excellent for us, as it gives another views and break with the honorable (and yet) monopoly, of the fans. Having this said, it’s fair to say that after Animage, I will also approach the other main events and establishing here their results, as I still consider, that this brings interest and deserves to come out more often than it already seems to be.

Baccano!

Original title: Bakkãno!

Genre: Adventure; comedy, fantasy.
Author: Ryohgo Narita
Director: Takahiro Omori
Studio: Brain’s Base; Aniplex.
Original run: From July 26, 2007 to November 1, 2007.
Lenght: 16 episodes.



"The Vice-director doesn't talk about the possibility of him being the lead character."


One of the main attractive points of Baccano it’s the constant change of date… the story actually starts in 1711, aboard the ship Advenna Avis, but besides this particular year, you’ll watch several times the appearances of years like 1930, 1931, 1932 and 1933 (specially these ones but notice that you’ll have to pay attention to even more than those). This is the first factor to make Baccano a kind of complex anime. You see, the story by itself it’s not that hard to follow, but the huge mass of characters, as the massive ground for their interconnection and the hypersonic rewinds and forwards will actually turn such a short and simple plot in an completely advanced test to your own abilities to catch and arrange all the information.

Another thing that it’s obviously the trump card of Baccano it’s that you’ll sooner realize that it’s all true what it’s said in the first episode… there is not such thing as a protagonist in the story! In fact, I would say that if has to be one, it is definitely (and in an abstract view), not one individual but the net established around all of them... and notice that this simple factor can cause difficulties to your perception of the series.

Plot

A group of alchemists at the 18th century, and their collective demands to get the eternal life, will lead to the summoning of a demon. He will grant them their wish, within some rules. Some of these new immortals will endure and you’ll find them at the American soil amidst the Great Depression, which it’s a profit context to the use of several bunches of gangsters that, alongside with the first ones that I referred, will spice the tale, specially yielding the flow of action and blood. Even so, if there is a reason to pick the main scenario protagonist, then, for sure, the transcontinental train “Flying Pussyfoot” would win all the bets.

What’s the great goal of the script? I guess you can’t say at all, that Baccano has a common approach… even this straight aspect isn’t obvious, and that maybe can explain why the “first” ending of this anime will so suddenly smash you with a sort of cold breeze – I just only can figure that it doesn’t have to end, in fact, even the beginning of the plot is unconventional. Although, the main target is not that hard to understand… without any central character, with a total chronological mess and without any defined ending, it’s fair to say that this anime seeks to describe a lot of personalities, performing their connections and how they work with each other, how they go on with their lives, influencing the others and at the end, after they arrive and attach, they’ll eventually depart too. And that’s it…

Did I wrote “first ending”? Yeap… thirteen episodes aired on TV, and the final one was clearly to be set as the final episode of the series. And it’s true that, for better or for worse, the plot ended there and it would be a bit unnecessary to arrange more characters and prolonging it… but the truth it’s that the 14th;15th and the 16th episode, in spite of didn’t aired on TV, they were unleashed in DVD, making Baccano even more uncanny.

High Point:

• The originality of this anime, not because of the script by itself but because of the peculiar approach.
  

Down point:

• Another ending that decreases the overall quality of the story.

Story: Effective, well maneuvered - 8.5;
Characters:

• Voice performances (just a few, yet, still above middling - 7.5)
• Personality's construction (so many characters, played in such a short anime, and still, even if the great majority of them are far from being memorable, it’s also true that you’ll recognize them even if in the middle of the crowd - 8)
  

Animation:

• Design (not a masterpiece but you definitely can’t say that is unpleasant - 7)
• Dynamic (worry not, it doesn’t lag - 6)

Sound:

• Soundtrack (a bit recurring but well contextualized - 7)
• Effects (Just average - 6.5)
  
  Overall: It may not set foot as one of the greatest series that you’ll watch, but it’s still a tasty anime - 7 cookies.

Spoiler Box - OST Pandora Hearts

Yuki Kajiura

"Everytime you kissed me"

Pandora Hearts

Original title: Pandora hãtsu

Genre: Mystery, fantasy, action, comedy, romance.
Origins: Japan.
Author: jun Mochizuki.
Director: Takao Kato.
Studio: XEBEC.
Debut: April 3, 2009, ran until September 25, 2009.
Lenght: 25 episodes.


"It's never fun to reject a single person.
But he can't be allowed to exist."


Pandora Hearts, was definitely a good surprise. At first it didn’t kept my full attention I must confess, but it suffered a significantly boost episode after episode. The plot its quite complex at a first sight but it can captivate you if you give it some time, and the same goes for the characters.

Oz Vessalius, it’s the main character and heir to one of the 4 duke houses that you’ll find at the series, well, 1 of 5 to be more accurate. And as you already may figured, this is not the kind of anime bursting with modern buildings and filled with hi-tech equipments – it is actually an anime linked to a past where nobles leads the social pyramid and horses and carriages are the great and luxurious ways of travel.

Attempting to not spoil too much, this 15 years old guy is wealthy and he just got in that kind of edge that all the teenagers feel sooner or later, he’s becoming a men. What’s the great deal about this detail? Well you’ll notice that Pandora Hearts will attempt to mess a bit with your own thoughts, this can be a quite cerebral anime sometimes and it will help that our leading character feels lost in this transition (it may not be even the main reason for this, but it will help for sure…). Oz is rich, the guy is straight in the way to become an important noble, perhaps even a duke, he have an uncle that cares about him, a really loyal servant and a cute and dependent sister. He is a cheery guy and he plays a lot… happy scenario, uh? Not quite, in fact his ego is broken, he feels lonely and he acts sometimes much more like a depressed person than he actually attempts to appear.

Disappointed? Don’t! After all, it’s not just Oz, but all the main characters, none of them stands full of certain and even the smartest ones are in a desperate need to discover something (well maybe 1 or 2 will also endeavor to avoid those kinds of unwanted researches).
Why are they in a sort of common demand? Well they actually were connected at same point with an epic tragedy and even some of them just lost their memories somewhere across the plot. And why this is a good thing? Above all because it accentuates the individuality of each character with the plus of extract any single point of stability, you may actually don’t feel certain about much.
To make the things even better, Pandora Hearts gives us the Abyss, where you’ll find the chains, contractors and the own will of abyss. I shall not give you many clues about this because it’s this the main vector of the series, it just boosts Pandora in originality and complexity and it’s what in my opinion turns it so much appealing after all.

Is Pandora Hearts that good?

Honestly I just think it’s your won if you watch it, but I can’t say that it’s the loss of the year if you don’t keep your eyes on it. Unfortunately Pandora Hearts ends too suddenly and after an obvious decrease of its overall quality… In the last episodes I just felt that something was changing, and not in a good way, sometimes it even seemed that the graphic quality of the series got less accurate and the worst thing was the script – it happened some kind of inversion to the plot, I can say that I almost watched 2 or 3 episodes where nothing new was bring to the story, any kind of development, almost like the teamwork was expecting some kind of defined destiny and that, it’s only my guess, didn’t happened.
Plus, you’ll probably observe that after all the characters got drunk and depressed, they suddenly find the headquarters of their enemies, which by some unknown reason wasn’t achieved by the vast resources of the significant organization (which is Pandora), linked to many of the main characters (if not all)… and besides this fact, you’ll just feel that existed a sudden need for desperate action in the 24th episode, almost like a run against time to give the series a decent end and avoid an abrupt ending but this, clearly isn’t succeeded.
Notice that at 5 minutes, before the end, it didn’t happened yet the “boss battle”, nothing really defined for the story were revealed and the destiny of a lot of characters remained unsecure and ambiguous.

In the end you’ll be trigged to read the manga if you need to keep following Pandora Hearts or, besides that and just like me, you’ll wait for a good new, such the announcement of the release of a second season (unfortunately nothing of this its yet granted).
The anime itself follows really close to the manga, which can be a good thing if you want to follow the story but it didn’t went too far ahead yet, if compared to the current ending of the series.

Even so, the story filled with riddles appears to be solid, with a good add of humor and drama. The approach to Alice in Wonderland in a twisted way, almost like a piece of work of Tim Burton it's as well, an enjoyable side of Pandora Hearts. The lack of action it’s also evident, but it works well as it is, at least at some point of the plot. But it’s clear that this same plot gave much more chances and opportunities to input more action than they actually did. The script it’s not that revealing but at least it will make you think. You may find some insufficiencies on the sound effects but the themes and the soundtrack are huge and it works perfectly well. At the graphic level, the medieval and dark environments are interesting but notice that the approach present in this anime will not satisfy everyone. Even I can say that the amateur design (deliberated) that you’ll watch sometimes can hardly take your breath away but at some point it actually can be a good bet and turns the animation much more original, specially at the treatment conceded to the abyss, the chains and some characters.

About the high and down points, I already mentioned them, so I’ll only pick 2 of each, the ones that I considered utterly relevant :

High points:

• The originality of the script, the story itself;


• A great soundtrack for sure that suits perfectly in the environment of Pandora Hearts.

Down points:

• The sudden and hasty ending;


• Less action than I would enjoy to watch and some insufficiencies with the dynamic of the animation.

Rating:

• Story 9/10


• Characters (Voice performances 8/10; Personalities Construction 8/10)


• Animation (Design 7.5/10; Dynamic 6/10)


• Sound (Soundtrack 9.5/10; Effects 6.5/10)

Overall: 7 cookies and a half glass of milk as it is for now, eventually, if comes out the announcement for the release of the second season, make it 8 cookies.

Well that's all for now, enjoy your anime ;)

Scenes - Baccano!

Coming Soon!

Scenes - Pandora Hearts

Coming Soon!

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

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

Original Title: Kodõ Giasu: Hangyaku no Rurüshu

..................................................
Genre: Drama; mecha; alternate history.
Origins: Japan.
Company: Sunrise.
Debut: October 5, 2006 (ran until September 28, 2008).
Lenght: 52 episodes (divided in 2 seasons).

Directed by Gorõ Taniguchi and written by Ichirõ Õkuchi.

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

..............."Yes... I... destroy... worlds... create... worlds..."

If the mecha world in Anime was already a strongest genre, it became even greater with the release of Code Geass, since now we can say that 2 of the most succeeded series have their plot supported in this mechanical environment. In spite of that, both (Evangelion and Code Geass) made a different approach and you’ll easy notice this: mecha in Code Geass are no more than military instruments with constant upgrades and if it’s true that concedes an indispensable dynamic and atmosphere to the plot, it’s also true that it doesn’t have by any chance the vital role played by the biological Eva’s in Evangelion. Even so, I guess it’s also fair to say that Code Geass simply doesn’t need it as you’ll may find inside much more than the mecha universe, mainly, an overwhelmed script where military tactics lift this masterpiece to a whole new level.

But let me clarify a bit better why this sudden approach to Evangelion in this review. In fact, I only made it in order to unleash a sort of quarrel between them, (shame on me) but here’s a thing: after 15 years of dominion, it just feels right to simply ask, is Evangelion yet the best, ever, masterwork that you’ll may find in Anime?

And it’s with this tiny and innocent issue that I launch this review, without properly answering it.

Plot

What if in a near future, the European Union, the Asiatic emergent superpowers and an American Empire obtain place as the 3 leading superpowers? This perspective it’s rather attractive, after all, aren’t China, USA, India and the EU the major powers nowadays? You’ll effortless find half of the global population gathered in those 4 blocks. Isn’t hard to acknowledge the author prospect where he simply uses this as motor to establish an alternate universe where you’ll find three superpowers: the Holy Britannian Empire moved by a social Darwinism, the Chinese Federation ruled by traditional emperors and the Euro Universe, a weakened block due to its several political issues.

In the middle of this political net, you’ll find Japan, the source of over 70% of the world’s supply of the high energy mineral sakuradite and for that reason, a priority target for the main superpowers.

The series is set after Japan’s conquest by the Holy Britannian Empire at 2010 a.t.b. with their powerfull Knightmare Frames, the ultimate military weapon which you’ll gladly flavor its evolution at the course of the battles, one absolute truth that you’ll find in war. Seized in Japan as a mere political coin of trade, Lelouch Lamperouge, prince of Britannian, was disowned by its father along with his fragile sibling Nunally, which are unable to walk or see as the result of the murder of queen Marianne, where she was also badly injured.

Lelouch is consumed by its hate against his father and when he gains Geass, he’ll manage to seek revenge for his mother and he’ll try to find out the truth about her murder and at the same time he’ll embrace an epic project of changing the whole world in which is beloved sister Nunally can live happily.
In the end, if you just want to put the things straight simple, you’ll find at the genesis of Code Geass a total paradox between revenge and the desire of protect the beloved ones. And I believe that it’s this same paradox which grants to Lelouch such a hazy character: trust me, you will hate him, damn you will! But you also will be compelled to LOVE this guy… unconditionally.

There you go such an efficient and uncommon main character. His psychological traces will overwhelm you. A young and absolute genius, that type of weak character at physic actions, where you’ll get use to watch a several bunch of girls trying to protect his skin, even that delicious ninja housekeeper! But also that type of guy which will manipulate every single mind that he can put its hands onto. Besides his limited body skills, I would say that this guy it’s also pinpointed by its own huge ego. He is a genius but sometimes he is just too much aware of that.

From prince to a political puppet.
From student to a rebel.
From savior to traitor and from hope to global hate.
Lelouch it’s probably, in my opinion, one of the most well succeeded Anime characters.

Now, if you gather this unique atmosphere of such a well achieved social/political/military context, with exceptional characters, a remarkable design and an amazing movement dynamics where the action simply flows through an effective soundtrack and if you add an accurate taste of humor and drama and join an advanced mecha world with a scrumptious script… my friend, you will have here, at your own hands, one masterpiece that, for sure, it’s just one of the best animated series ever made.

One special note to Geass, the power of the kings, as you may not be aware of which consists exactly. A Geass is set as contract between an immortal and a human who receives a unique power (it remembers me a lot the contract made by the shinigami Ryuuk and Light in Death Note). It’s a mysterious ability which certain people can bestow upon others, as a simple “now, just die”. You will notice that this power have multiple forms and each user have a different type of Geass. Yeap, it’s true, there is more than one Geass and you’ll also find out, eventually, those immortals that I just mentioned now.

High points:

• Addictive, you'll definitely won't feel bothered;
• An excepcional and dynamic design;
• You'll find some dazzling themes in the soundtrack;
• Terrific history, full of emotions. Unfair it's something that you'll hastily learn its meaning.
  

Down points:

• The script it's really... really good. But I bet you'll feel sometimes that it drunk a bit from Death Note or Evangelion;
• Huge womanly world, a lot of cute chicks - Super! But why they all fell in love for the same guy?

As final rating: 9 cookies and a half glass of milk. Even now, why the hell I’m so tempt to give all the cookies?

Well folks that was my review. As Gravihk said before, feel free to participate. We’re counting on you too!

Soul Eater

Yōkoso, Anime lovers.

As my first review, I'll shed some critique upon Soul Eater, a series which is airing in MTV Portugal since Feb 1, 2010 (yes, who'd think MTV PT aired more than cheesy reality shows and hip-hop?! It's crazy, I tell you!)

So, the question at hand is... What can we expect from Soul Eater?

As an Anime based in mental disorders... I'd say PRETTY DAMN MUCH! We can see characters with all kinds of behaviors, from wild ego trips, obsessive-compulsive attacks and the all-time classic phobia. The story is quite simple, really. Shinigami (i.e. Death God, Grim Reaper, and so on...) has a strange school where kids are instructed to hunt down evil souls and witches. Some of them are called Meisters, the others are Weapons (and yes, they DO turn into weapons).

Now, I know what you're thinking, "This sounds like a Bleach rip off", right?


WRONG!

Apart from being a somewhat short Anime, it digs out aesthetic components that would remind every soul of Punk or Goth with a light, almost childish feel to it. The characters aren't very elaborate visually, but are amazingly charming and well designed, making you fall in love or hate them instantly! From heroes to villains, there's a quite varied array of looks and styles, which keeps monotony levels quite low. And the witches are just freakishly adorable!

You could say, however, it's has s subtle western feel, which may pose as a discomforting element to some "traditionalists". My advice is: bear with it, you might be quite surprised when the action packed scenes start... After about 5 minutes from the start of the first episode! Yes, that's right, it's action packed to boot and it looks, if you don't mind me saying, breathtaking! As said, the simplicity makes you actually understand what's happening, instead of having a bunch of scribbles dancing around your screen, while you're desperately trying to make out if that red twisted dot in the corner is that awesome power he'll never use again... EVER! So no frustrations there either.

Sounds too good to be true, eh?

And you're actually right. It does have some lows. The main character can actually seem quite dull or irritating, sometimes portraying that aggravating, geeky book-work who always scored A+ in every test and still whined about it. It's more noticeable toward the end, chewing out some of the series' charm. The plot twists and turns to a strange/bizarre outcome which almost leaves you with an exclamation mark over your head, while, in my opinion, they discretely remove in your face one of the best and most amusing characters. You can actually tell when they are following the plot or just gliding through the mayonnaise, giving you the eerie feel that it's all going nowhere. But worry not. It does go somewhere. It's just not according to the expectations they build throughout 50 episodes... Sure, you get what they wanted to do, but it still doesn't work all that well. A lot is left untold, too, so you end up repeating "wtf" over and over again. They don't even give us a post-ending credits scene after the last episode! Now that's just cruel, isn't it? Shame, I tell you! Shame!

The soundtrack's kind of ubiquitous. It's there, you hardly notice it, it's not bad, you just don't go out whistling any particular track.

A very unique point (which you might like or dislike, depending if you're a healthy dirty minded young man or a sensitive conservative girl holding onto her cherries) is that there's a sexual joke in almost every episode. Some of them are quite explicit, actually, providing lots of those dirty comedy reliefs we hentais love so much.

This peculiar 51 episode Anime started it's airing in April 7, 2008 in Japan, animated and produced by Bones, Aniplex, Dentsu, Media Factory, and TV Tokyo. As we'd all expect, the manga, by Atsushi Okubo, is yet far from le grand finale... Which could mean:

• a) a sequel *yay*
• b) a rushed ending to the Anime...Tsc tsc...

So putting it simple:


High points

• More action packed than Tarantino's Kill Bill;
• Original, clean and fun illustration;
• Delightful psychologically strange characters.

Down points

• Somewhat incoherent plot with a sudden ending;
• Hypothetically irritating main character;
• Not so catchy soundtrack.

As final rating I'll give it 7 cookies and a glass of milk. It's still a kick ass series worth watching and I'm sure it can be amusing to almost every Anime lover!

Don't refrain from giving your personal opinion on all this. After all, that's what we just did, so feel free to participate!

Until our next critique,
sayōnara

Scenes - Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Coming Soon!

Briefing

Hey, hail, salut, ça va? Awesome, I hope.
Well, this is a sort of baby blog yet, so I will perform a brief introduction. As the title enlighten, this blog wants to survey that globe of big eyes, passionate and colored heroes with ancient enemies, that animated world, mostly Japanese which many of us simply call, Anime.

Honestly, I don’t have any defined ideal about the format of this blog, but granted it’s my wish of sharing experiences about some series and able to participate here in such many different ways, which mainly, I hope, you can enjoy and share your own views. Any opinion counts and it shall help me to improve this (our) spot.


For now, my guideline consists in the will of simply gathering here information about Animage and other similar events. Also, share some news, express my personal review about some current series (obviously also from the past too), playing with charts and simulate a kind of annual ceremony, I guess it would be a cute idea too.

I also expect to find some partners, I think that it would be much more interesting assembling multiple views about the same subjects and having different ways of being, of interests, at the end, assorted ways of thinking. The conversion of a collective effort, would turn this blog more reliable and dynamic too.

Well, I guess that's it for now. AS i already said before, any suggestion its gladly welcome. And from now on, it may start our Anime New World.