And right when I thought that Haimura wouldn't be saying his "I remember" line, they sneak one in during the last minute of the show. Bravo.
Just a spectacular end to an amazing first season for Akatsuki no Yona. This was my biggest surprise of the season/s and got me hooked on the manga as well (all caught up to Chapter 74). Loved the introduction of Zeno (completely like his character) and that Hak x Yona moment at the end was awesome (although I liked it slightly better in the manga).
http://i.imgur.com/WAz7pVd.jpg
I'm pumped for the upcoming OVA. I think that I already have a decent idea of what part of it will at least be about (Kija's "love" scale).
Hopefully, a second season is announced after the OVA comes out. And I need my new scantalations in the manga. Being ~30 chapters behind sucks :(
Oh, how I love Venus and Chibiusa. Thus, this episode made me a happy Sailor Moon fan.
http://i.imgur.com/LbatQJc.gif
But damn, that was a long ass letter. Great show and a fun/feels-filled ride most of the way although the last third got pretty bogged down. 8/10.
I look forward to the OVA.
"Hey Haimura! Stop stealing my line!!"
- Mufasa
http://i.imgur.com/IgnLgiu.jpg
Kind of boring but Iselus and Isaac make a good pair/couple (cue Marvin Gaye). It looks like things are finally going to heat up next week. Moths bout to go HAM.
Come on Kousei...
You... can... do...
Oh gawd...
http://i.imgur.com/6BFzuTX.gif
Best god damn episode. Evar. Yona went HAM.
"She da' man! ... Well, sort of."
And dat ending. Yona be like...
http://i.imgur.com/QnDnwv2.gif
"The Last Man on Earth" has been an absolute riot so far through the first 3 episodes, adding its own unique comedic twist on a classic premise, and looks like it will continue to go strong throughout its first season. Will Forte is back taking on a slightly different persona from his usual MacGruber and channeling a bit of his own Tom Hanks in "Castaway".
While the first episode takes on a more serious tone, the second episode is where things REALLY take off and the show comes into its own comedically. Give this show a few episodes to see what it is really about.
Will Forte and Kristen Schaal have an instant chemistry that leaves me cringing and smiling at the same like classic "The Office" episodes featuring Michael Scott's best escapades. I can't wait until more of the rumored cast members show up and add even more wrinkles.
One last word. Fox, if you dare go "Firefly" on this show and cancel it early, I will not be pleased. That is all. Go watch this show now!!
Bow chicka bow wow. Tusk gettin' it IN with Ange. Finally. He da man.
And I liked the bit of sobbing and feeling down. They didn't drag it on too long. This was definitely a lighter transition episode for the final conclusion. My body is ready.
The Phil-Carrol dynamic is just pure gold. I could feel the cringe each time. It was glorious.
And I'm so happy that they didn't waste too much time into introducing January Jones at the end of this episode. The next one is going to be EPIC especially with that little preview. We all knew the "dilemma" was coming and it looks spectacular.
I loved the scene between Tsubaki and Kousei. She finally took the first step. And just when you thought that the death flags couldn't possibly increase, A-1 stepped up their game once again. RIP Neko-chan.
Yuki's specialty is her ass. Mmmhmmmm and with that that wedding dress lingerie... Basara is a lucky man. And my gawd, dat plot (and by plot, I mean actual plot; although the "plot" is great in this show as well).
Yona's eyes this episode... She is one "fiery" woman. Hak, wife that up ASAP.
This was THE episode where I thought "The Last Man on Earth" really took off and came into its own. This episode set the tone for what I think will be a fantastic series. The introduction of Kristen Schaal's character added a hilarious dynamic to the whole situation. Her chemistry with Will Forte was immediately apparent. I could feel Phil's (comedic) "pain and suffering" and it made for some serious laughs. I was smirking throughout this one and the last dinner sequence in particular had me dying. This was a superb start to a very intriguing series. I've got my hopes set high and I can't wait for next week's new episode.
This first episode was defined by a great performance by Will Forte who did a masterful job of combining his well-known comedy with a more serious and darker tone stemming from his situation of being the "last man on Earth". While it wasn't exactly the most unique and original idea in the beginning, this was all done to setup the fantastic second episode where I thought this series really took off with its own brand of comedy and different take on the classic formula. I'm really looking forward to this show.
Damn. The desperation was real during this episode. Those chicks want "it" from Kou sooooooo bad. Respect.
Not a bad series. A relaxing SOL watch with nothing too complex to think about. It's more about the comedy and Mashiro-tan than anything else.
Oh my GAWD! What an awesome episode but dat ending! Please don't be true. Momoka and Tusk!!!
Cross Ange is a masterpiece. AOTS. No scratch that... Anime of the Year.
http://i.imgur.com/LnHM5LS.jpg
"Just when I thought that the singing was out, it pulls me back in!!"
And dat cliffhanger... will most likely not be that big. Just like this entire season.
Nice episode again. Poor Kaori-tan looks like she is about to get owned but is giving it one last shot. Also, I always love when the rivals get together and this one was a memorable shindig for sure. And, of course, the obvious question...
http://i.imgur.com/l8SDxND.jpg
I love me some Ami and this episode did not disappoint. I liked that we got to see a bit more of her past and what defines her. And still Chibiusa = best Usa.
I absolutely loved the performance between Nagi and Kousei. I didn't expect them to do a well choreographed duet on the same piano. Nagi's shipping stock is quickly rising in my book. Super kawaii. Also, the "banging your rival's little sister" angle works for me as well.
In regards to Kaori, I'm expecting the M. Night Shyamalan "I see dead people" quote from Kousei at the end of the last episode as a twist to this whole thing.
"Mission Accomplished." ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪
- George W Bush & Sony Pictures
I'm watching this... For FREEDOM!! 'MURICA!!
http://i.imgur.com/4PZuwRl.gif
The second season of To Love-Ru Darkness has finally been green-lit. Thank you based Santa-san for giving me more Momo and Gintoki on this glorious day. All I can say about this momentous occasion is:
http://i.imgur.com/Lyvbd6t.gif
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-20/to-love-ru-darkness-gets-2nd-season-new-ps-vita-dating-sim/.82452
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya was such a beautiful movie made by Studio Ghibli and directed by Isao Takahata (of Grave of the Fireflies fame) based upon the famous Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. This is a movie that should truly be considered a "work of art". The classical Japanese art style, which left in sketch lines and seemed to be painted on, took a little getting used to but ended up being spectacular especially with the concluding moon parade sequence. Along with the music and singing, these elements were incredibly immersive and really helped to transport me back to 10th century Japan. The portrayal of all the characters' emotions really stood out to me from the combination of the superb voice acting/singing and vibrant and dynamic art (definitely go with the original Japanese VAs). I could really feel all the pain, suffering and emotions that Kaguya was experiencing throughout the movie. It was just all around top notch work.
The story itself was heart-wrenching (for me at least) and fueled by the emotions of Kaguya. Takahata definitely went with a more somber and emotionally distraught interpretation of this famous tale. As the viewer, you could really feel the love between Kaguya and her parents, but empathize with how they struggled to understand each other at times. At times, I felt so frustrated by Kaguya's father that I just wanted to slap the shit out of him even though he meant the best. I'm also a sucker for happy endings and I definitely got hit by the feels train at the end. That beautifully animated flying sequence when Kaguya and Sutemaru were finally reunited really had me going but then BOOM. And then came "the ending" (I don't want to spoil any of it so you'll just have to watch). I did feel that the story was a little hard to follow and unclear towards the end but this was when we were entering "artistic license" and "rampant symbolism" territory. It was pretty clear that Takahata wanted to leave some things open to the audience's own interpretation.
All in all, an excellent watch and definitely Takahata's best work since Grave of the Fireflies. I recommend watching this with the original Japanese voice actors but the English dub didn't do a bad job either. I hope that Ghibli will continue to take on more eccentric projects like this in the future. I would have definitely loved this movie even more if it had ended on a happier note, but this is how The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter goes. You don't mess with a 1000+ year old classic. Anyway, get out and watch this because you don't come across a piece of "art" like this too often.
Ohhhhh baby. The brand new HD remaster in 16:9 of all the seasons of The Wire will be airing from Dec. 26-30 on HBO. Digital versions will be available to buy on Jan 5 and the BluRay will be released in the summer. In the words of the great Senator Clay Davis, "SHHHEEEIIITTTTTT".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1dnqKGuezo
http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/03/hbo-announces-hd-remaster-of-the-wire
We're up to episode 7 with Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) and it has been one of the most pleasant surprises for me this season. Yona of the Dawn is being animated by Studio Peirrot and I know that they got a lot of flack for Tokyo Ghoul (among other shows), so I was a bit hesitant to start this. However, so far the pacing has been great and Peirrot has stayed faithful to the manga. The ancient setting is pretty cool and immersive, and later on adds an interesting fantasy element that gives Yona of the Dawn its own unique world. There is also a solid romantic element (and quite a struggle involving it along with many will they/won't they moments), very well-animated action & fighting scenesn (Hak is a beast), drama/feels, and some nice comedic moments spread throughout.
As I said before, the gradual pacing of the show has been great. Because of this well-done pacing, the main characters of Yona, Hak and Soo-Won have gotten great opportunities and scenes to shine, develop and uncover some deeper feelings and emotions that allow us really connect a lot more to their situations and struggles. Yona has been one of the better versions of an estranged princess that I've seen, and Hak has served as an excellent foil to her (while being a complete bad ass and a gentleman and scholar at the same time). Soo-Won has been portrayed as a deeper and more conflicted antagonist so far especially due to his childhood friendships with Yona and Hak. I really hope that they keep him that way instead of going full classic bad guy.
I believe at the moment, Yona of the Dawn is set to be at least 2-cour. I've greatly enjoyed the adventure that Yona and Hak have set out on so far and I'm really excited for the future characters and developments (can't spoil it) to come. Definitely check this show out if you are looking for a new adventure anime with a splash of romance, an ancient setting, a bit of a fantasy element, and plenty of strong characters to bring it all together. Here's hoping that Studio Pierrot doesn't screw this up.
Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken has been a very pleasant surprise for me this fall season. While it definitely delivers in bunches with its otaku-centric humor, I think that any anime fan can find plenty of laughs here as well. I love the relationship between Kaoru and Hajime, and in 3 minutes, you couldn't ask for more. Also, Kaoru-tan is one of the best girls of the season. Science.
