Fire Trucks!

“Fire Trucks!”

1st – 285 votes – Elucia de Lute Ima (Elsie) @ Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai series
2nd – 204 votes – Maekawa-san @ Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko
3rd – 179 votes – Sakurai-sensei @ Nichijou
4th – 174 votes – Riccotta Elmar @ Dog Days
5th – 153 votes – Wajima Tomoe @ Hanasaku Iroha
6th – 147 votes – Aizawa Chizuru @ Shinryaku! Ika Musume
7th – 120 votes – Chaos @ Sora no Otoshimono series
8th – 116 votes – Kondou Mikoto @ Kämpfer für die Liebe
9th – 108 votes – Senou Natsuru @ Kämpfer für die Liebe
9th – 108 votes – Toudou Tsumugi @ Hoshizora he Kakaru Hashi
11th – 106 votes – Q @ C
12th – 101 votes – Rebecca Anderson (Becky) @ Dog Days
12th – 101 votes – Hatori Kanon @ Anyamal Tantei Kiruminzoo

Elsea dominates relatively weak Group 14. On second is Denpa Onna’s Maekawa, third, Sakurai Sensei of Nichijou. 4th and 5th are Ricotta Elmar of Dog Days and HanaIro’s Tomoe.

As expected of Kaminomi’s ace, Elsea dominated the competition. There isn’t much of a buzz but Nichijou surprised everyone with Saukrai-sensei at third. Nichijou will not be a dark horse or anything, but they’re not as weak as people would think. Dog Days and HanaIro just pushed more series mojo. 

Comments: Woot Nichijou! Hm…. Tsukimi-tan got 33 votes, fuckyouJapan.

Who will win the next round:

You know what Maybe Hitomi of Madoka Magica might just get it. But there is still A-channel’s Tooru (ace) and IS’ Laura. My bet’s on Hitomi though. GOGOGO NANO-CHAN!!

JULY ROUNDUP

So it’s July and it’s time for a roundup! I decided to screw the Mid-month impressions since I realized it was a bad idea so I just tried to stick with the traditional monthly impressions. The total score per month would be 50 and by the end of the season, I’ll add everything up and do a seasonal ranking. I love rankings btw.

16(new) BLOOD C – (15/50)

The fourth episode was very interesting, a step up from the disappointment of the first three. It’s still a disappointment though, these four episodes, and CLAMP needs to give better execution for me to rate this any higher.

15(new) Itsuka Tenma no Kuro Usagi – (18/50)

I think I’m gonna hold this for a while. While it has an interesting story, it doesn’t execute it well. The characters are bland, there’s the bad type of fanservice, and it has a problem of telling and not showing. For now, I’d consider this dropped.

14(new) Baka to Test To Shoukanjuu Ni! – (22/50)

I love the first season a lot. I guess this one is much of the same but those first two episodes were very lukewarm and boring in terms of making me laugh. I just hope it doesn’t go to the same pile as Maria Holic.

13(new) Sacred Seven – (23/50)

It has an interesting premise but not executed well. I’m very engrossed to the series but it has a lot of glaring faults. There’s still a lot more episodes to fix that though.

12(new) Mayo Chiki – (27/30)

It would’ve made it to the passing mark but the third episode sucked. I think this is my guilty pleasure series this season though so I’m tentatively positive about this one.

11(new) It’s the NEET thing to do – (34/50)

The dialogue and the mystery is the main hook for me. It’s well done and it’s just so witty. There’s still something lacking though and I can’t point my finger at it but it’s a nice start for this series.

10(new) Dantalian no Shoka – (34/50)

The GOSICK this season, Dantalian doesn’t disappoint at all. Animation-wise it;s the best this season, and the plot is also pretty good. The main characters have great chemistry (the fact that they’re both smart is already a win factor) and its building up to something interesting. Again though like the other mystery-solving series before it, there’s something lacking that I can’t point my finger at.

9(new) Moe in Paris – (35/50)

It has a solid start for a heartwarming, educational, and cultural story. It is very laidback, the soothingness creeps to you slowly making you go AWWWW and Dawwwww. I realized though “WHY THE HELL AM I BLOGGING THIS?!!?”. It didn’t cross my mind until now that it gives me the same feeling as Usagi Drop and would be hard to blog. AHAHA I’m dumb.

8(new) No.6 – (36/50)

This is the BL Dystopia fantasy anime of the season. One moment everyone’s serious and then the next moment everyone’s hinting BL undertones on each other. Not that it’s a bad thing since it’s so LOL and they are chugging in an awesome plot. . . I’m very excited for this!

7(new) Kamisama Dolls – (38/50)

This series is completely appealing to all my Anime tastebuds. Interesting story: Check!, Interesting Characters: Check!, You know it will explode sometime soon: Check!, There’s the intrigue you really like in anime: Check!. This is how awesomely Kamisama Dolls rolls.

6(4) Hanasaku Iroha – (38/50)

I think I went overboard in praising this. Episode 16 I was all like, “It reminds me of Toradora! This is the shit!”. Then episode 17 came in to ruin he day. Damn episode 17, Hanairo was getting really consistent! I do hope they start tackling the main characters again now. It seems that the series is at its best when they put Kou-chan (though I personally lost interest in him when he dissed Ohana). Besides it was gonna be hard topping last month’s awesomeness.

TOP 5

5(new) Mawaru Penguindrum – (40/50)

There’s actually two new series I’m in love with this season. This is the one of them. Now that I’ve watched Revolutionary Girl Utena, I totally get why people are so excited about this. It’s very layered with symbolisms (not as bombarding as Utena) and there’s a good story to be told. It seems that the series is concentrating on beliefs; Fate or no fate. It’s not technically bltantly pointed out, but it’s something to realize. Also, those penguins are awesome.

4(5) Ao no Exorcist – (42/50)

It had an awesome mid-season climax; not to mention how it’s getting more and more exciting with the plot starting to finally roll. Big-boobs is a great addition to the cast. The awesome thing about this series that differentiate this from other Shounen action is the focus. It’s very character-oriented. Friends are a dominant team as also is teamwork. Also one must note that this series is really coll. Saying it’s not cool means your blind or something.

 3(new) Usagi Drop – (42/50)

When I watch this series, the thing that keeps coming out of my mouth is the word “DAWWWW”. Damnit the parenthood being shown in this series is so realistic and down to earth. It can really attack anyone who’s watching this. Rin is the most adorable thing ever and I’m glad 2ch isn’t into boning her because if they did, Imma kill all of them. Nice to know that sometimes, people like the idea of parenthood. Afer a long meditation, I realized I liked this quite a bit more than Penguindrum, thus the high score.

2(3) Steins;Gate – (49/50)

The series is completely chugging the plot. . . it’s getting more and more interesting as the episodes progress. I love the idea that Okarin and co. is trying to reverse engineer everything to the point that Mayuri wasn’t endangered at all. But yeah “No hope goiys” so far. . . SUZUHA!!!!!!!!! L

1(1)Nichijou (50/50)

So it manages to be funnier than it already is. . . WHATTUP! I think Mio’s wrestling spree propelled this into a perfect 50.

Addendum:

It seems that the gap between second and third place is getting bigger. Steins;Gate and Nichijou just keep on getting better and better! The new series are sure to challenge that though, especially Ping Duramu and Usagi Drop. So far no disappointments besides BLOOD CLAMPYCLAMPCLAMP.

One for the veterans

“One for the veterans”

1st – 326 votes – Shana @ Shakugan no Shana S
2nd – 293 votes – Cecilia Alcott @ Infinite Stratos
3rd – 291 votes – Nymph @ Sora no Otoshimono series
4th – 280 votes – Huang Lingyin @ Infinite Stratos
5th – 267 votes – Morishima L. Haruka @ Amagami SS
6th – 225 votes – Hagimura Suzu @ Seitokai Yakuindomo
7th – 203 votes – Yuzurizaki Nero @ Tantei Opera Milky Holmes
8th – 172 votes – Eclair Martinozzi @ Dog Days
9th – 168 votes – Sanada Yukimura @ Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls
10th – 162 votes – Nakatsugawa Ui @ Hoshizora he Kakaru Hashi
11th – 158 votes – Amatsume Akira @ Yosuga no Sora
12th – 150 votes – Kinoshita Yuuko @ Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu: Matsuri

Shana beats IS newcomers for a group 13 win. On third would be Sora no Otoshimono’s ace Nymph and on 5th would be Amagami’s Morishima Haruka.

It seems that the flame will never ever die out. Fans frustrated every single year of her losing must be rekindling these flames. IS didn’t dominate as much as what would be expected of a high tier faction while Sora no Otoshimono surprises with Nymph still being strong. 

Comments: HURHURHUR SHANA.

Who will win the next round:

Elsea!!!! Come on fire truck domination! A bit of a mid-tier group (weakest do far) and Tsukimi-tan(Kuragehime) might just get into the top 12.

BLOOD C – 04

I C WUT U DID DER CLAMP. HURHURHUR.

Infinitely better than the first three episodes. It’s still far from the caliber I expect this series to be. . . but it’s getting there I guess. The “everday life” really is done on purpose and it looks like Saya’s now wondering why. I think there was a second we saw a bit of Blood: The Last Vampire in Saya’s memories, but obviously, this series is concentrating on its own story. The action finally got to a point where stuff needed to be censored so yeah. All positives this time around.

Now if only the characters weren’t so CLAMP copy-paste…

Infinitely Moe

“Infinitely Moe”

1st – 309 votes – Charlotte Dunois (Charles) @ Infinite Stratos
2nd – 249 votes – Touhara Asuha @ Astarotte no Omocha!
3rd – 235 votes – Hotogi Shirayuki @ Hidan no Aria
4th – 217 votes – Francesca Lucchini @ Strike Witches 2
5th – 209 votes – Lynette Bishop @ Strike Witches 2
6th – 204 votes – Shiomiya Shiori @ Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai series
7th – 201 votes – Shimada Minami @ Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu: Matsuri
8th – 179 votes – Marui Hitoha @ Mitsudomoe series
8th – 179 votes – Aioi Yuuko @ Nichijou
10th – 178 votes – Reki @ Hidan no Aria
11th – 175 votes – Phantom Thief Arséne (Henriette Mystere) @ Tantei Opera Milky Holmes
12th – 148 votes – Minakami Mai @ Nichijou

Charlotte Dunois convincingly wins quiet group 12. 2nd to 5th would be Asuha of Astarotte no Omocha, Hotogi of Hidan no Aria, Francesca Luccini and Lynette Bishop of Strike Witches.

IS proves to be a top tier anime in this year’s tournament with Char’s win. Strike Witches continues the army making and Astarotte no Omocha and Hidan no Aria continues to prove that they’re not just mid-tiers. Nichijou also shows that they’re not 2nd Prelim fodder, though a round 1 win is somehow unlikely.

Comments: Nothing for Sawako. . . oh well not like I expected much. I need to watch IS.

Who will win the next round:

Shana.

PING DURAMU – 04

 

 

Reminds me of  Utena outlines 

A very interesting episode. It’s starting to form the ritualistic episodic nature (STAR DRIVER, Utena) and I like the grove I’m getting into with this. Learning from watching Utena, no one’s nice. Everyone’s hiding something . The nice blonde actress isn’t as nice as she is, Ringo is hiding a lot even though the guys know her true nature, I’m pretty sure Tabuki-sensei is hiding something too (given how he’s shown in the OP). We haven’t touched the meat yet, but we’re getting there, and at least with Ping Duramu, the creators know how to make a good introduction without going all bat-shit crazy (unlike a certain CLAMP original anime which did things poorly even with crazy being put in).

I’m very excited where this is heading. The series has a very solid start, I just can’t wait til the plot kicks in.

Now let’s all pronounce Destiny in a monotone scary voice.

Uncurrency Anime – Revolutionary Girl Utena

Kashira Kashira, Gozonjikashira!?!?

That’s a very weaboo statement so forgive me. Well it’s time to review Revolutionary Girl Utena!

Well as the name states, the anime is quite revolutionary. I’ve heard a lot of comparisons with this and Star Driver, but it really seems that Utena is the gay mother of Star Driver. More artistic, more creative, and more meaningful than our Mecha Flambouyance of 2010. Not that Star Driver is any bad, but hell this is just WAY BETTER! I think the only thing Star Driver has Utena beat is “Monochrome” but Utena walking the stairs/taking the elevator came really close.

One thing to note about Utena is that it tackles quite a number of relationship taboos. Yuri is very much the prevailant theme, the whole series revolves around Utena becoming a prince or if she’s rightful of being one, seeing as she is a girl. There’s also themes of incest, the second most prevailant theme. We have Touga and Nanami, a more not so serious incest, Miki and her sister, a more close-relationshiped one, and Himemiya and Akio, the one that can eat you alive. It was pretty clear when Akio came to the picture than there was something wrong happening with Himemiya, but OH BOY DID IT GET REALLY. . . IFFY. A love triangle that goes in all ways?!!?!? Also, I could hardly see Utena and Akio’s relationship to be normal anyway, so the whole love triangel thing is screwed. But yeah these are the themes one encounters in this series.

Artistry and creativity is the thing that catches everyone attention when watching the series. It’s even more attacking than Shaft’s Bakemonogatari (well I still prefer Bakemonogatari in terms of art) and the meaning and symbolisms of the different objects and artistry are abundant. Princes and princesses are technically the main theme, wether if one really is a prince, or if there are any prince at all, or the use of the Rose Bride. Castles, roses, coffins are also a big part in the meanign the series is trying to convey. I think the best line I heard in the series is “We’re all trapped in our own coffins” which really symbolizes our struggles, our pushes and pulls, our life.

Plot-wise the series has it in spades. It was very interesting where it was going. What was the whole point of a revolution, the whole duel thing, the end of the world. While I wouldn’t say I liked the ending, a lot of aspects of the series was answered. The only thing to really express the plot is by you yourself watching it. The series often uses repetition in which it almost become something you look forward too. Utena walking the stairs is almost always the highlight of the episode to me, not to say that the fights weren’t good because they were good. AS IN MEANINGFUL GOOD.

All in all, its a series to watch by all generations. Its a very old series and I must say, it still looks pretty good, considering how old it is. The series is something that completely appealed to my tastes and Revolutionary Girl Utena will definitely get a high score from me.

Execution: 38/40

Engagement: 27/30

Characters: 19/20

Production: 9/10

Overall: 93/100 (OLD MASTERPIECE)

 

Black Force

“Black Force”

1st – 358 votes – Kuroneko (Goutou Ruri) @ Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai
2nd – 259 votes – Miyafuji Yoshika @ Strike Witches 2
3rd – 212 votes – Ayatsuji Tsukasa @ Amagami SS
4th – 196 votes – Miyako @ Hidamari Sketch x ☆☆☆ Tokubetsu-hen
5th – 181 votes – Sakamoto Mio @ Strike Witches 2
6th – 174 votes – Kurusu Kanako @ Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai
7th – 146 votes – Haibara Ai @ Meitantei Conan
8th – 142 votes – Avril Bradley @ Gosick
9th – 134 votes – Hasegawa Hirano @ Tantei Opera Milky Holmes
10th – 131 votes – Kosaka Chihiro @ Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai series
11th – 117 votes – Satsukitane Mikako @ Sora no Otoshimono series
12th – 114 votes – Kongou Mitsuko @ To Aru Kagaku no Railgun OVA / To Aru Majutsu no Index II

Kuroneko leads the quiet group 11 match with a sizable margin. Yoshika and Mio of the Strike Witches army gets 2nd and 5th respectively. Ayatsuji Tsukasa of Amagami SS takes third while Miyako of Hidamari Sketch takes fourth.

Kuroneko is the talk of the match; beating everyone with such a high percentage is no easy feat. Still, a very quiet round; veterans keep losing steam with Hidamari Sketch’s Miyako on fourth. Strike Witches fill more slots of their ever growing army, same with Raildex.

Comments: Besides the obvious that Kuroneko will lanslide the match, the only interesting part I’m seeing is Index and Strike Witches fill up slots with fodder. Well I do like Kongou Mitsuko.

Who will win the next round:

Charlotte Dunois… I guess. I really need to get around to watch IS. I feel like she’s gonna be a character I would love. I’m personally rooting for Kuronuma Sawako of Kimi ni Todoke. JUST BECAUSE IT’S SHOUJO DOESN’T MEAN THERE’S NO MOE! She’ll do badly though but maybe it’s enough to be in the top 12?

El Psy Congroo – Analysis 01

EL PSY CONGROO

Okay, so I rewatched Episode 1-3 and I found A LOT OF INTERESTING DETAILS.

First of all, the first half of episode 1 is completely pertaining to them saving Makise Kurisu. I’m almost sure we saw a world line transition in this episode. The mail Okabe sent to Daru about Kurisu’s death was apparently sent 2 weeks prior. I thought the series wouldn’t be able to answer how the first D-mail was sent but it turns out in episode 3, Daru put his phone on the Phone Microwave and got electricity. THAT’S HOW THE MAIL GOT SENT TWO WEEKS BEFORE!!!  I would assume Okabe 2 weeks prior the first episode, is the same one we know currently (Episode 17) and exactly how he managed to go there is quite a boggle. So we learn in episode 1 that CERN is trying to kill Kurisu; Okabe managed to save her using the D-mail.

Also, with that mail sent, Suzuha’s landing was completely different. We see her in the first half in the episode (there was a tremble in the building) safely landing into the current time. When Okabe sent the D-mail though, it must have interfered into her landing, causing Suzuha to crash. Oh god. . .

This would explain Okabe’s question in Episode 1 & 2 on how his memories are inconsistent. He moved world lines. Also we should assume that the crap Okabe’s spouting all the time is true. There is an evil organization; there is such a thing as Steins;Gate. If you listen to what he says clearly in the first three episode, you see A LOT OF FORESHADOWING. Also most of what he said is true.

There’s also the issue on the television thing; LOTS OF FORESHADOWING. I think Daru mentioned on how creepy it would be if they were the ones in the monitor being watched. Let’s check Episode 12. . . yup that’s correct.

One more thing; there was a small premonition in episode 2 that we saw in episode 12. 8 minutes into the episode or something, Mayuri passed her plastic bag to Okabe and in a small second, the ominous scenery in the first few minutes in Episode 12 wherein Mayuri mentioned about the 70 million years thing, appeared. WOW.

Again Steins;Gate is a completely, fully prepared show with a complete grasp with its plot. Another analysis will come after Okabe undo Ruka’s D-mail.

STEINS;GATE IS AWESOME.

There is still hope

“There’s still hope”

1st – 392 votes – Miki Sayaka @ Puella Magi Madoka ☆ Magica
2nd – 391 votes – Victorique de Blois @ Gosick
3rd – 268 votes – Touwa Meme @ Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko
4th – 238 votes – Yuno @ Hidamari Sketch x ☆☆☆ Tokubetsu-hen
5th – 221 votes – Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen @ Strike Witches 2
6th – 209 votes – Nohohon-san @ Infinite Stratos
6th – 209 votes – Sakura Akari @ Jewelpet Tinkle
8th – 195 votes – Nagi @ A Channel
9th – 186 votes – Kamizaki Risa @ Amagami SS
10th – 179 votes – Mitsuki Sohara @ Sora no Otoshimono series
11th – 167 votes – Himegami Aisa @ To Aru Majutsu no Index II
12th – 164 votes – Tsuchiura Iroha @ Onii-chan no Koto nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara ne!!

Miki Sayaka outdoes Gosick top bet, Victorique de Blois in a very close match. The one-point difference almost makes sure that Victorique is at par with the Puella Magis. 3rd would be Denpa Onna’s Touwa Meme, 4th would be the veteran Yuno of Hidamari Sketch and 5th would be Eila of Strike Witches.

Sayaka again proves Madoka Magica’s dominance in this year’s tournament; snipers will be wary to take them out in the first round. Victorique did as splendidly, proving her popularity in this contest. Touwa Meme also performed well, considering the popular age in Saimoe is between 9 to 17. Veterans are outed again, as a relatively strong Yuno manages fourth. Strike Witches and Index II adds a character each for their mass army this year.

Comments: What a match! Sayaka still won in the end though, and the sniping target behing Madoka Magica characters is getting bigger and bigger. Expect a Round 1 assassination with one of these 5 characters (Remember Mio Akiyama in 2009 and Hinagiku Katsura in 2010?). Moving on. . .

Who will win the next round:

KURONEKO. No question guys. Ookami-San is too unpopular for 2ch to realize there’s an “Aisaka-san” nominated. “Ami-san” got 4 votes or something so maybe “Aisaka-san” can get 8 votes!

Kuroneko is like Mikoto Misaka last year.