Anime Banzai ! - アニメ万歳！- For Fans, By Fans

Nadeshiko and Sumomo

[Impressions]

Wow..and I thought I had enough fun watching an episode of Hayate on a vacation, seems like it is the same for Nanatsuiro Drops. Fan service is at work again in this series as it offically annouces that Nobuko has a F cup (wow. big). In this episode, Sumomo misunderstood that Tsuwabuki and Yuki likes each other while Tsuwabuki (in Yuki form) misunderstood the fact that Sumomo has someone she likes was someone else. To add on this, Sumomo saw Tsuwabuki carrying Yuuki in a night scare challenge. Sumomo is jealous or rather for her kind of character. This episode seems a little off from the game but one thing that the anime highlighted was Yaeno had someone she likes too…..well..i guess there’s no need for an introduction. Anyway, the episode concludes with Tsuwabuki and Sumomo together on the beach enjoying the stars of the night. Will Sumomo confess? hmm…I hope one of my fave scenes in the game will appear. It will be romantic.

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3-baka

[Impressions]

heh..I was suprised when they mentioned the Hinagiku fanservice shots (which Nagi isnt happy about it as it is irrelevant) were meant for screencapping maniacs (lol), hesitated on my screencapture button but heck! In this episode, it was pretty unexpected as I thought they would enjoy themselves on the island, in fact they didnt. Live alligator, killa whales and mechas? omg -.- Unfortunately, Hinagiku didnt join them because she is afraid of planes (awww). Lots of anime references in this episode as well and imo, I found that the 3 girls above are somehow the main focus in this episode. yea…they dont get much screen time dont they ? ;) Fanservice, parodies…this is the episode you can get your fingers busy by doing some screencapture before we go to the main thing in the next episode where we have some “close moments” between Maria and Hayate.

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Captain togo

[Impression/Summary]
After leaving setouchi, otoha takes the train to the meeting place. Being out of her own town for the first time, she was amazed by almost anything. Karen boarded the train at chigasaki, somewhere at the middle of the journey of otoha. She sat opposite otoha as she couldn’t find any other seats(she is extremely shy towards males, i seriously think that she is really cute when she avoids other guys xD ).

After alighting the train at the destination, the both of them waited for a long time(really long…i don’t think i want to eleborate on that). Until a robbery happened and the both of them nabbed the robber. Their contact person arrived, captain togo, brought them to the test facility and met with ichijo.

Up until this part, it is quite draggy, but overall its kinda express the personality of each girl. After which is the testing of the nanoskin. There is no sonic diving action in this episode yet =(

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Rika and a panicking Satoko

[Impressions] - 厄醒し編 - Disaster Awakening Chapter

The episode starts with the events in Watanagashi festival, Rika believes nothing could be changed as this wheel of fate is sealed, her death is inevitable. She runs out after the ritual dance and bumps into Tomitake, she warns him of his death and Takano and true enough, after a distance somewhere, Tomitake scratches his neck and dies. Satoko overhears everything but was shocked when she lied the next day Ooshi investigates on her. Meanwhile, Satoko realizes that she has been stalked by an unknown. She realizes no one believed her although Rika is aware of this but she believes what Satoko do will be inevitable in the end. Later on in the episode, the episode shows that Dr. Irie is dead as Satoko visits him, the inspector in charge assured Satoko of what she told him about the stalker, he will inform the local police station to get more patrols . However, that message did not reach there as he was shot by an unknown man with a pistol equipped with a silencer. At night, the “traps” Satoko set rang off as the unknown man closes in to Satoko and Rika’s house.

This episode fills up the gaps of what’s missing in the last arc in the previous season, Satoko will get more panicky and Rika will meet her eventual fate or things may take a twist. Satoko will need think of a plan to counter the myseterious stalker (or rather..a group of em :P). While Rika is aware of whats gonna happen, she is tired of trying to change the fate…I wonder when Hanyuu will make her apperarance as the next episode should the end of this anime exclusive arc. To all who is expecting more blood and gore or even scary scenes, be disappointed, that is not how HiguKai is all about imo.

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A lil jealous for those who had a DS and have the game, Lucky Stars Moe Drill Tabitachi(真・らき☆すた 萌えドリル~旅立ち~) is the sequel to the original Lucky Stars game for the DS, it was released on 24th May 07, seems like players can link up and enjoy a head on battle of different kind of drills. :P bah~ anyway, i like the catchy op of both ver on the DS. man..I wonder when the PS2 ver will be out ;) Visual Novel of Lucky Star! :D

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I wish there was more Erstin goodness =\

According to Densetsu Shoujo’s source of info (2ch) that was annouced like an week ago, an official annoucement of another tv anime series for Mai Otome has been decided. Titled as Mai Otome Zero, nothing else has been annouced yet except the title. The official site is still not yet updated as well. Sunrise is really going all out with the Otome series, I am looking forward to this one although I wished there was more Erstin goodness :P

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Little Busters!

Developer: Key
Platform: PC
OS: Win2k/XP/Vista (64bit XP not tested)
Ages: All

The visual novel by Key is now out, who’s ordering ? According various sources, the game packs a few “mini games” like baseball, rpg-style fighting and others. The game is for all ages, so if you are expecting some hcgs or h-scens out of this, you can forget about it. Maybe Key might do an sequel like how they did Tomoyo After. :P The game’s OP is by Rita and titled as Little Busters! The LE of Little Busters! packs a “not-for-sale” OST, some nice artwork . I am not sure what else is inside though. Anyway, judging from the screenshots I have, it looks promising. If I am not wrong, the theme in this game is more on friendship as the story is about this guy who was introduced into this gang of friends who call themselves Little Busters! After an incident when they were young, they got themselves “famous” somehow. heh….dont count on me for the summary. ;)Buy it if u understand japanese

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The true form? Riful of the West with Duff in her “tentacles”

[Impressions / Summary]

While Jeane had her body being awakened, her mind is still intact. Clare tries her luck and was able to persuade Jeane to return to the norm, Jeane is now half-awakened and she owes Clare her life. With Jeane back in action, this makes the battle against Duff a lil easier. Clare’s persistance suprised Riful especially when she concentrates on the Yoki and distracts Duff while Jeane moves in with her “Drill Attack” to break through his armor. Unfortunately, their hopes of killing Duff were dashed as Riful stops them, apparently with a quick move, her hand turned into tentacles and traps Jeane. While it seems like Riful is open to an attack, Clare advances and hacked her claymore on the head. Riful explodes into many “tentacles” (more like paper strips to me) and the whole area turned into rubble. In the open area, Riful reveals her true form, a titan sized Prime with lots of “tentacles”. Remembering her promise, Riful tells Clare the name of the male Prime of the North. His name is Easley(or was it Isley?) of the North and he has an alias - The Silver King. Riful disappears with Duff in a flash despite her size and Clare realizes how weak and far she is from her aim. Galatea returns back to her original mission to bring Clare back but Clare refused. As Galatea proceeds to fight Clare, Jeane steps in. Oweing her life to Clare, she gives up everything to protect Clare with her own life. Galatea stops for a while and tells them that both of them would not have survived an encounter with the Abyssal Ones. Knowing what that means, the both of them knows that the next time they meet, a fight is most likely inevitable.

Towards the end of this episode, the scene shifts to a battle in heavy snow. A group of Claymores are getting killed by titanic sized Awakened Ones.

Truly an excellent episode in Claymore 17, I didnt expect Jeane to survive and even gave up everything just to protect Clare. With Jeane as part of Clare’s group of “half-awakened” ones, I am wondering whats gonna happen next. Jeane is going to tag along with Clare and protect her. Will Clare really listen to Riful’s words and fight along their side against Easley of the North. The other Prime is not revealed yet and with such powers that Riful have, I cant imagine Clare fighting Easley…damn..cant wait for the next episode.

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Hinagiku and Hayate <3

[Impressions]

Nagi decides to do something that she never done before to gain some experience points (just like an RPG?), in the end, it was a mess. It is all up to Hayate to pacify his little master and guide her along the path. The first manga scene got me laughing and the later scenes keeps the ball rolling. I wonder how much experience Nagi learnt from this “lesson”. None, i guess or rather in a wrong way. Some references I noticed was from SHnY and Char Aznable.

Next episode is something that gets me highly anticipated - a summer holiday at the beach episode (yes..that scene in the ED2). It’s gonna be another crazy episode again as it seems like all of Nagi’s friends are going. lol. I am in love with this scene above - Hinagiku and Hayate, again, I wish they were lovers cos they would make a compatible pair (lol..although this is a comedy anime). Thanks to Hayate, the whole was saved from a disaster by Nagi - Yukiji was one poor thing to drink that “soup” .

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Sekai….

[Impressions]

Before I start, let me just rant a while…Makoto sux, Makoto sux, Makoto shld just jump into the river and die. Anyway, if one were to follow the way how Makoto woo a girl, thats the end of his life. LOL. However, I am pretty impressed on how the anime is able to lump up several “h-scenes” from the game and make its own original in the anime. eg: h-scene at the school rooftop and also some originals like the park and the ktv. It is very obvious that the anime may take a turn and lean towards the bad ending but we wont know if there might be an anime exclusive.

In this episode, Makoto tries to get ecchi with Kotonoha but was rejected as she’s not ready. Kotonoha reveals that to Sekai so Sekai decides to give Makoto a special “education” lesson in how to treat a girl gently (omg.. -.-) in the physical way. Makoto takes the lesson granted and advances on Sekai which Sekai, in the end allowed Makoto to do what he want for she’s secretly in love with him. Kotonoha’s last min sms to Makoto when the both of them were on a “special lesson” is something I am wondering…did Makoto and Sekai had sex together on the rooftop ? or did they stop due ot the ringtone of the cellphone. Basically in the game, Makoto advances to Sekai during a “special lesson” and tells her that he “wanted” her, and thats the turning point.

Kotonoha, on the other hand is still thinking that it is her wrong not to let Makoto do what he wants. For those who played the game, I guess you guys know what ecchi scene to come up next. :P My sympathies lie with Kotonoha although I prefer Sekai’s character. I mean, in my honest opinion, Sekai should just keep off the both of them despite secretly in love with him and instead I consider that kind of act a kind of seduction, yes. Seduction is the word. Of course, Makoto is also being a jerk here in the anime. LOL. Yes…so..my my conclusion? Makoto should just die :P

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Sumomo and Nadeshiko with Yuki (Tsuwabaki) in the middle

[Impressions]

In this episode, Sumomo overcomes the fear of swimming in water and learnt a new spell in such an amazing speed within a day. Nona is definitely not amused with that although she wants Sumomo to be of a higher standard before they battle it out fair and square. Pretty straight forward episode (dont expect much from a mahou shoujo anime like this), but basically a few things has been pointed out in this episode - Sumomo is falling more in love with Tsuwabaki after all the advice from him although she does not know Yuki’s true identiy. The reason behind all this star drop chasing and about Nako-chan, will the anime show that she has feelings for Tsuwabaki ? hmm..

When the episode played the opening song’s music in this episode, I was like “wow”…reminds me of the sweet moments that was portrayed in the game, yea… <3

Pretty sweet episode as usual, not much complaints here although my fave character remains to be Nadeshiko Yaeno. Reliable and a close friend of Sumomo, she will play one of the important roles supporting Sumomo as a friend as the adventure to collect star drops continues.

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“i want to play~” -Konata

[Impressions]

Another episode of lawl, the first scene that came up after the opening pwnz. Honestly, this episode is like trying to promote SHnY as much as it can, not to mention the parody scene where Konata and her collegues in cosplay cafe did that Haruhi dance and also mimic of the voice (well…in real, Hirano Aya voices Haruhi in SHnY as well..hence her voice can change so fast..talented indeed). Konata starts the episode with a big bang by showing off her new cellphone which has a new ring tone as well -Mikuru Theme song! Miyuki is pretty well feature in this episode as well, showing her “talents” in extreme concentration. Flashbacks to the young Miyuki is indeed cute !! As for Tsukasa and Kagami, the focus is not mainly much on them except the part when the both of them and Miyuki goes to a bookshop to buy the manga that Konata wanted and poor tsukasa was “stalked”! :o

Lucky channel in this episode features Akira “LIVE” indeed, yea…singing at ktv with no one else except Shirashi. (lol..poor Akira..her song session didnt last in the ktv room and as usual, that expression of Akira’s face again) but hey! at least the real voice actor gets to sing the song till the end. (nice song imho)

Overall, this is another excellent episode, the fun and humor just keep rising and just a week earlier, we have Da Capo parody…and now? SHnY dance (lol). I am going crazy over this anime

ps: that “Mikuru” realli got me laughing when she said “classfied information” -.- and yea…this post is gonna have lots of funny screenshots :P

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Byousoku 5cm - Akari & Takaki

[Impressions]

I have always been in love with Makoto Shinkai and Tenmon’s works, it has always been astounding. From his previous works like Voices of a Distant Star (ほしのこえ）, The Place Promised In Our Early　Days (雲のむこう、約束の場所) etc, his animation and storyboarding enchanted me as it is so fluid and it compelled me to have that urge to import the DVD. This time, he directed Byousoku 5cm (秒速5センチメートル) and I would say his works have reached another level. The theme of his movie is as what the title is all about. - distance in different aspects

The movie is broken into 3 parts and each part has a name to it. Oukashou, Cosmonaut, 5 centimeters per second

Part 1 is about how Takaki gets to know Akari and soon they find themselves seperated by distance at 2 different cities that are far apart, although physically apart, Takaki makes an effort and overcomes the physical barrier just to meet Akari for once. Yet, as they find themselves going to move to different cities for studies, the physical distance is making it harder.

Part 2 takes place when Takaki is now at Kagoshima (hope i get it right) and now there is a girl in his school that likes him - Sumita. This tanned looking girl who loves surfboarding at the sea is secretly in love with Takaki, although she wants to make a confession to him, she realises that Takaki’s feelings is somewhere else. If you guess it right, Part2 deals with the distance of emotions and feelings. To overcome that, Takaki sends SMSes via phone to Akari.

The final part of this story takes place back to the city where Takaki and Akari has grown up, time has past and while both parties still remember the promises and the feelings towards each other, time has waned the both of them and each of them takes on a different move in life. Time has not stopped for Takaki and Akari for them to be together but time has slowly eroded the bonds of both as they move on in life. Akari is now married and found a companion in life while deep in her heart, she has a fragment of memory about Takai when they were young. That fragment of memory has yet to be eroded by the cruelty of time, however, it is obvious that with time, the bonds will slowly be eroded and forgotten. (as seen in the scene where Takaki finds no one on the other end of the track as he thought the girl, supposingly Akari will wait to see who he is). If you guess it right again, Part 3 talks about the a bond that is eroded by time from the distance between the two.

I am sure some will disagree with what I said. Just based upon my views and how I look at it from my perspective. In my opinion, this animation is about the different kind of distances.

Time can erode feelings and the bonds of parties seperated by a distance. As the distance gets further, one will slowly lose the closeness if they lost contact with each other.

The distance with emotions cannot be overcome with the help of anything by closing in of sheer physical distance.The

A relationship by physical distance can be overcome but as the gap gets bigger, even with modern transport, it is just hard.

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Song: Forest
Vocal: Emily Bindiger
Composer: Kajiura Yuki (梶浦　由記)
El Cazador OST Vol1 is scheduled for a release on the 25th July 2007

Ellis with a smile..

[Impressions]

This episode is awesome, why? Because it is about how about “Professor” Heinz and Ellis’s relation to each other grew from a “scientist-specimen” to a “father-daughter” kind of relationship. It brings the series to its peak as we get to see Ellis from young until the point Heinz got killed and it also show Ellis’s latent powers. Ellis is indeed an interesting girl we have in El Caza and how Heinz changed to like her to the point he abandoned his experiments just for her.

The episode shows that it is very unlikely for Ellis to be the “killer” who shot the “Professor”, there is another someone. While this “someone” is an unknown, there is something true for sure. The “someone” is definitey under orders /related or maybe even Rosenberg himself. That guy is under the govt since he mentioned about peoples’ taxes to the “Professor”, no doubt he will have some major backup up in the upper ranks

The quality and the emotions brought about in this episode simply moves me, the music is another factor that’s worth a praise, it brings out the emotions intended. The insert song was wow and it’s sung in english, seriously moved and I felt sad for Ellis’s past. It’s Kajura Yuki again whose musics are simply dazzling. So much Ellis goodness in this episode….I am starting to like this series again <3

ps: fyi, the insert song’s title is Forest, it is sung by Emily Bindiger and composed by Kajiura Yuki.

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Satoko Houjou

[Impressions] - 厄醒し編 - Disaster Awakening Chapter

As Rika looks at the calendar, she knows she is going to face her same destiny again, a destiny that have been repeating in a spiral- death. The baseball scene in this episode reminded me of Tatarigoroshi-hen in the manga, I wonder if they will show Rika meeting the policeman in later episodes. In this episode, Rika is seen talking to a mysterious person, the mysterious person is voiced by Horie Yui (uguu~)…well, since the voice is by her, Rika is definitely talking to Hanyuu (Somehow, I was expecting Hanyuu to go uguu~ :P ). This epsiode shifts between 2 important perspectives - Satoko and Rika. Satoko is being ignored due to her family background and Rika is well aware of her destiny despite persuading by Hanyuu. The 2 perpspectives merged when Satoko is now well aware that Rika is definitely talking to a “someone” and she is wondering if Rika is bothered by her family background. Rika doesnt mind but Satoko isnt aware of it. Suspicions and misunderstandings may arise but I am not sure.

Since this is an anime exclusive, this arc will be filling the missing parts of season 1 likely and eventually lead to the answer arcs later on. Will Rika able to escape the wheel of death and break free the 1983 fate ? :)

ps: it would be good if there is anime adaptation of 賽殺し編, , it will be interesting if they did :P

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