May 2014 Archives

Psycho-Pass

The story of Psycho-Pass takes place in Japan in the year 2113. Akane Tsunemori has recently assigned to Unit One of the Criminal Investigation Division in the Ministry of Welfare’s Public Safety Bureau, and is tasked with hunting down criminals with the other members of Unit One, apprehending them, and, if needed, eliminating them on the spot. As Akane and her team take down more and more criminals, they begin to notice a subtle connection between all of them, and eventually become entangled in not only the web of the criminal mastermind known only as “Makishima”, but a conspiracy involving the criminal justice system itself.

Brynhildr in the Darkness: Episode 02-04 Review

Brynhildr in the Darkness is an anime that is pantomiming a depth I’m not sure it possesses yet. The plot is thickening, and I’m enjoying some aspects while being leery about others. They mystery behind the witches’ creation is what I’m most anxious to see. How did all the girls become witches? How is the lab still in operation? These are questions I’m interested in the show addressing.

Baby Steps: Episode 02 – 04 Review

I found myself at several points thinking to myself what all the sports anime tropes are. The early ultimatum-based skills test, the final chance to succeed before being forced to quit the sport forever, the academics suffering because Our Hero is pouring himself into his newfound love….Nope. Not here.

Shocker & Terror: Kamen Rider’s Darkest Themes

Thematically, Kamen Rider started off as a darker science fiction series with a moralistic core. As time went on, we eventually saw series released under the Kamen Rider name with a more lighthearted approach. However, the grimier roots of Kamen Rider seem to remain fan favorites!

LUFIA: CURSE OF THE SINISTRALS

The Nintendo DS is arguably one of the best modern handheld consoles for accommodating role-playing games. This can certainly be said for Neverland’s remake of the classic Lufia series, which has made good use of the system’s capabilities and then some.

Cosplayer Spotlight #22: Kirayume

A shared burning passion for costuming, performing, and all things magical are just a few reasons why the cosplay duo Kirayume was formed. Daydreamer Nessa (Nessa) and Sparkle Pipsi (Suzanne) have been avid fans of Japanese animation and video games since childhood, and both ladies became seamstresses to express that love through costume-making.

Attack on Titan: Mikasa Ackerman is Not a Feminist Heroine

Attack on Titan has garnered a reputation as a feminist anime, one that I don’t believe is entirely deserved. It’s true that it has many feminist-friendly elements to it, but it is also deeply problematic in many ways. After so much build up, I admit I was disappointed by what it had to offer.

The World is Still Beautiful: Episode 02-04 Review

I am utterly enthralled by The World is Still Beautiful. Princess Nike as a character is shaping up to be one of my favorite characters this season, and there’s no doubt why. She is the epitome of what all girls see in a princess, but she is also tough, brave, and intelligent. Although this sounds like a recipe for a Mary Sue, a character of complete perfection, there are flaws in her character that fit to the setting she’s placed in.

Mushi-shi Season 2: Episode 02-04 Review

With the release of episode four, Mushi-shi is now a quarter of the way through its second season and while the tone of the stories has changed, the method and pacing remains the same as the first season. The first four episodes cover darker stories, all relating to the death of a person close to the featured characters.

The World is Still Beautiful

Princess Nike meets King Livius I and is surprised to find that he is younger than her. King Livius I demands to see Nike’s rain summoning and Nike refuses, saying that he needs to show her how beautiful his world is for her to perform the ritual. After a few attempts on Livius’ life, and at one point Nike’s saving him with her rain and taking an arrow for him, Nike begins to soften towards the king and care more about him. She starts to have a desire to protect him, and he her. In a country strife with inner political conspiracies as well as racial/class tension, Nike must now learn how to win the court’s and the nation’s affections to truly belong in Livius’ world.