My dropped list

I know it's been a while since I updated my blog. I have been uber busy these few months. I also felt rather down since the endings of all my favorite anime series. Well, good things always come to an end, finally.

At the moment, I just came back from anime-shopping. Well, I might say most of this season's anime series are not really my cuppa tea.I have been downloading several 1st episodes. And finally I decided to drop some.

1. Infinite Stratos a.k.a IS

This is a seinen anime with a science fiction theme. It's about a boy who is forced to study in all-girls school. Why? Well, it seems that IS technology can only be used by girls and by twist of fate, Orimura, our male protagonists, seems to posses the ability to harness the IS...

The reason why I dropped it is because I don't really fancy harem kind of anime and also, mecha anime has never been in my list.

2. Fractale

This is another science fiction themed anime series that I have to drop. The edge that this series offers is the setting. It resembles the future Ireland. Somehow, this series reminds me of one of the Studio Ghibli's productions.... But I couldn't recall which one.

3. Oniichan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki Janain Dakara ne!

Now, that's a mouthful! Well, I dropped this just because I found it rather distasteful. Falling in love with your brother is quite revolting. I know, I know... they are not related by blood at all...But then again it doesn't appeal to me. Dropped!

Well, soon I am going to share about my on-going lists...

Here and back again! めんどくさい!

Ulquoirra-sama? Not you again! Tsumaranai, ne!

Right now, I am so bored with BLEACH. Currently we are at episode 269 and I am not the kind of person who watch lengthy episodic series and this is so dragging. Mendoukusei! We are back to Espada Arc. Gosh! How long will it take this time. Sigh... Should I drop this series? Maybe I will give this series another 3 to 4 more episodes. Then, I will decide...

The final piece of the puzzle: Bleach 252

OMG! This is the showdown you don't want to miss! This is the episode that answers my confusion regarding Byakuya's high treason. In one of the arc's episodes he did mention that all his actions were done because of his pride. I was tad baffled with that statement and this episode completes the whole puzzle.

Apparently, Kouga was once a Kuchiki and his past action had tainted the name of the Kuchiki House. And for that reason (among other crimes he had done) he was exiled from the house as well as Sereitei. As the 28th head of the Kuchiki House, Byakuya was entrusted by his grandfather, Ginrei, to annihilate Kouga if he managed to break free from his imprisonment, which he finally did with the help of Muramasa. And as a responsible and loyal member of the family, Byakuya shouldered the responsibility without any qualm or quandary. And that actually what he meant by his pride

Well, this episode we learned about why Byakuya and Senbonzakura were on Muramasa's side. It is because Byakuya needed to know the exact location of Kouga's burial ground. He had to do what he had done (including obliterating Rukia's zanpakutou Sode no Syirayuki) so that Muramasa would be convinced and his cover would not be blown. In this episode we will witness the fight between the two, which I think between a father and a son. In my opinion, this episode is a must-watch. The fighting scene is the best ever (after Ichigo vs. Grimjow). And in this episode we witness the release of Senbonzakura's final scene White Imperial Sword. However, the excitement is curtailed since it will be continued in the next episode... This is killing me!!!!

Check out the screenshot!

Il Postino: ala Japanese...

Lag, Niche and Steak... hard at work

LETTER BEE OVA (Jap: Tegami Bachi) is one of those animes that have made me cried violently. Yes, I am a freak and I don't really care.

I dunno, somehow the portrayal of the protagonist, Lag Seeing, has captivated me. I realised now that I have a soft spot for forlorn and pathetic orphan boy. His voice and his eyes are so compelling. Other than that, the storyline is so effective.

Lag Seeing is a Letter Bee or in layman term, a postman (or boy if you will). He is accompanied by a 'dingo' named Niche and Steak (who is actually Niche's pet). So, the story actually revolves around him doing a task of delivering a 'package' named Darwin. And during the delivery, he discovered that Darwin is actually a 'dingo' of a former Letter Bee who had died during a mission. He is to deliver the 'package' to the grave of the former Letter Bee.

The stinkin' pathetic Darwin...

Anyway, during the plots, there are several clips of Lag Seeing's past and how he became a Letter Bee. We will also be introduced to Gauche Suede, the very man who saved Lag he became Lag's source of inspiration.

I have a gun, a girly gun!

Actually, this OVA is the spin off from the original autumn 2009 serialization. After I watched the OVA, it triggers me to watch the series. Apparently, Lag Seeing is one heck of a cry baby, in every nuance of the definition. It seems that he cries in almost all episodes. I know, it is kinda cheesy but that actually attracts me to this series. Like a moth to a flame...

Bleach 246: Let's go spelunking!

In this episode Bleach: 246, we can see that the conflict between the shinigamis and zanpaku-tous is getting more and more intense. How I wish I have read the manga to know what Byakuya has in his sleeves, because this is killing me. I wonder why does he join Muramasa and the zanpaku-tous' guild and abandon the Soul Society.

In this episode, a group of shinigamis (Ukitake, Kyoraku, Yoruichi, Zaraki, Yachiru and Kurosaki) went into the cave where the zanpaku-tou use as a secret hideout. Now, that explains the dark scenery. However, their mission is stalled when they are ambushed by bunch of zanpaku-tous. To my surprise, Ukitake's zanpaku-tou, Sogyou No Kotowari, is actually kids. And they are so playful. I guess they complement Ukitake's cool and calm temperament. Then, we are also introduced to Kyoraku's zanpaku-tou, Katen Kyokotsu.

In this episode too, we are exposed to what really happens to Yamamoto so-taicho. Somehow, I feel that this episode is rather dragged and unnecessary to the whole plot. Anyhoo, here's the screeshots!

Memories are meant to last...

Have you ever felt that you haven’t watched enough animes? Or, there are still a lot of anime series that needed to be watched by you? Well, apparently that is how I feel. That’s the reason why I love doing aniblog- hoping every now and then. This is how I encountered the series entitled XAM’D LOST MEMORIES.

I have just finished 4 episodes of this series and I would love to recommend to all of you. The graphic as well as the animation are so breathtaking and awesome.

[These screenshots are taken from episode 1. Click to enlarge]

Plot Summary:

The story opens with a ritual done by a group of people in some castle. Then we are taken to a scene that involves weird looking spaceship and crew members.

Next, we are then introduced to a character named Takehara Akiyuki. Apparently, he is a high school student who is living with his mother on the island of Sentan. On this particular morning, something has made him late to get to the bus to school, but he manages to arrive before it leaves. When he spots there was this albino-like girl stands in front. He notices that she doesn’t possess an armband needed to board the bus. So he helps her. While on the bus, radio announces of the ongoing war outside the island, and the students are unaware of the Northern Government forces coming.

As they arrive at school, Akiyuki notices that the pale-skinned girl is still sitting while the rest of the passengers are getting off the bus. Suddenly, the bus explodes. Akiyuki and his friends are thrown to the ground due to the extreme impact of the blast. Obviously he isn’t hurt. Then there is a glowing orb floating above the remains of the bus. It fires out many energy beams in numerous directions. One of these beams penetrates Akiyuki’s arm. Apparently it injects something into him that causes him great pain. Still suffering from the pain he then notices that the albino-ish girl is still inside the bus. He rushes to help her, and to his surprise, the girl apologizes for getting him involved.

At that moment he realizes that she was the mastermind behind the bombing. She introduces herself as Nazuna and tells Akiyuki that he’ll be okay with the Xam’d Lost Memories. Before she dies, she touches his forehead in order to create a mask that covers his face. The mask triggers the transformation of his body into a large white being. Upon his transformation, a guard arrives on the scene threats to shoot him and he does. The impact of the bullets throws his newfound body onto the ground. Witnessed by Haru, Akiyuki announces that he still wants to live…

That's all from episode 1. Seriously, this anime is the one to watch. If you are interested to download the whole series, try this LINK. Have fun while you are at it!





[Note]
Somehow, there is something about this series that reminds me of animovie, Nausicaa.

Lazarus of Soul Society...

BLEACH episode 224, is certainly a shocker when Hinamori Momo suddenly appeared out of nowhere! She was in time to save Matsumoto Rangiku from Apache's lethal attack.

In order to save Rangiku, she 'masked' her reiatsu from being detected by the three fraccions... And then she launched a fire ball using her zanpaku-tou Tobiume....

Apache, one of three Halibel's fraccion...

Eat this you arrancar bitch!

Have no fear! Hinamori is here!

Look can really be deceiving! This is the face of 5th Division's Fuku-taichou...

Don't worry Rangiku, I'll be by your side...

She is also master ni Kidou... she can mix more than 2 kidous at the same time!

Those who are not really familiar with her is forgiven because she had disappeared from Bleach airtime for quite sometime.

The last time she appeared was during the Arrancar Arc. During that arc, she was seen talking with Hitsugaya through a video monitor. She wholeheartedly believed that Ichimaru Gin was the one who manipulated Aizen and that Aizen really was innocent. Then, realizing the grave situation, she was quickly made unconscious by Yamamoto and his lieutenant Choujirou Sasakibe. From the short conversation it was proven that Hinamori had not gotten over Aizen yet.

In this episode she suddenly appeared to aid the guild fighting the Espadas at the fake Karakura Town... She declared her self as Aizen-taichou's enemy without realizing the mentioning of the word 'taichou'. This means she still has hope that Aizen will someday repent and come back to soul society....

So, for in-depth analysis of her character, check this LINK.

Once upon a time...

Currently I am watching anime TEARS TO TIARA produced by White Fox. This anime is actually adapted from an eroge RPG with the same title. The anime is first aired on 5th April 2009 and it is simulcasted by ANIMAX. Up till now the channel has aired 6 episodes so far.

This anime is set in an alternative universe which emulating the middle-age world. The main protagonist, Riannon, is kidnapped and set to be sacrificed in order appease a resurrected demon lord, Arawn. She then is rescued by her brother, Arthur. As her brother Arthur attempts to rescue her, Arawn is finally resurected. He, in turn, anihilates those who resurrected him and eventually frees Riannon from her captors. Because of this herioc act Riannon admires him and hence names him as the next leader of her clan by wrapping a red muffler around Arawn's neck. Which means he must marry her, one way or another.

This anime is focusing on war as the main theme. This eventually leads to a party of companions being assembled for adventure, with Arawn acting as the leader.

Frankly speaking, I'm still watching this anime and it is way too early to do a review. So this post is merely to recommend the anime. Currently, this anime is aired on Animax every Sunday at 12.35 a.m. Since the episodes are aired at wee hour I have been missing 4 out of 6 episodes. So, if you are missing the episodes and want to start from scratch, you can download the episodes HERE. Have fun!

Check out the opening video!



[Note]
Since this anime is adapted from an eroge, so there are some characters that are scantily clad. Therefore viewers discretion is advised.

The man I love to hate...

Name : Aizen Sousuke
Species : Shinigami
Occupation : Former Shinigami Taichou. Currently the leader of the Arrancar
Location : Las Noches, Hueco Mundo
Zanpaku-tou : Kyoka Suigetsu (Mirror Water, Flower Moon)
Power : Kanzen Saimin a.k.a Perfect Hypnotism

Aizen-sama is the most devious antagonist in BLEACH. In fact, he is the most mysterious character in this anime. He is not like any other archetypical villain. He is portrayed as a soft spoken gentle bespectacled cultured man. But, truth be told, he is the most manipulative and deceitful antagonist. However, the only person who realizes this is Hirako Shinji taichou. Then again, he was also deceived by Aizen's Kanzen Saimin just like anybody else. Talk about irony!

Every conflict, conspiracy and atrocity is revealed in the Pendulum Arc and thus making Aizen-sama, imho, the most intelligent and conniving villain ever. He had painstakingly plotted the whole commotion 100 years earlier from the original plot. We are finally revealed that he was the real perpetrator behind Urahara Kisuke and Tsukabishi Tessai's banishment from the Soul Society. He was the one who brought the Visoreds a.k.a the Vizards into existence and who ever thought Kaname Tosen and Ichimaru Gin were with him all along...

Aizen strength is so incredible. Because of his immense power, he is able to govern the Las Noches, an alternate world crammed with Hollows . Even the 4th Espada, Ulquiorra Schiffer obeys to his order without any qualm and quandary. His powerful reiatsu alone can effortlessly overpower one of the strongest Espadas, Grimmjow Jaegerjaques, to his knees! When he was a shinigami, he defeated Kurosaki's bankai - Tensa Zangetsu with just one finger.

Through his glorious power and sheer strength, Aizen Sousuke attains everything he wishes for. He is a perfect villain to date!

From left: Ichimaru Gin, AIZEN SOUSUKE and Kaname Tosen in Arrancar uniform.

[Note]
The color of the Arrancar uniform defies the norm of symbolism. It doesn't use black -which symbolizes evil and darkness. Instead, it is in white with black trimmings. Compare this to the uniform of the Shinigami which is black with white trimmings...

Back when they were...

As an avid Bleach fan, I am glad that these episodes (a.k.a The Pendulum Arc) are finally aired! These episodes are the genesis to all upheavals and commotions that are taking place in Soul Society. From these episodes, too, we will be enlightened on the transformation of the Visoreds a.k.a Vizards. (Picture: These are the former taichous who are currently the Visoreds. Except Ukitake Juushirou)

The plot takes place around 100 years before the present plot. Here, we will be re-acquainted to the young version of the current characters.

Currently, Shinji Hirako is a Visored. However, back then he was actually the Taichou of the 5th squad. His Fuku-taichou was Sousuke Aizen. Who is currently residing in Hueco Mundo as the leader of the Arrancars. Right from the beginning, Hirako had never trusted his fuku-taichou. Aizen seemed to have so many hidden agendas who apparently had a knack in spying on people.

Other than Hitsugaya, Ichimaru Gin was also considered as Boy-Genius (Tensai) by the society when he managed to snag a numbered seat in the 5th Squad at a very tender age. He was proposed by Aizen after he managed to slay one of the shinigamis.

Next, we will also be introduced to Urahara Kisuke who was also a Taichou back then. Currently, he is living like a normal human being in the real world. Before he was exiled from Soul Society, he was the 12th squad’ taichou and his Fuku-taichou was the spunky and cantankerous young girl, Sarugaki Hiyori. Who is currently a Visored. Eventually, he will be exiled from Soul Society because of some illegal things he did in the past. In episode 208, we will also be re-introduced to Kurotsuchi Mayuri who was imprisoned by choice. Urahara was persuading him to join forces with the 12th Squad a.k.a The Technological Research Bureau that specializes in doing research and create new inventions.

In these episodes to, we will be re-introduced to one of my favourite characters, Kuchiki Byakuya. In one of these episodes, he is portrayed as a conceited and high-and-mighty young boy who has the tendency to get annoyed easily, especially when he was provoked by young Shihouin Yoruichi. Back then, she was the Taichou of the Covert Ops or the 2nd squad. In these episodes to, we will re-introduced to Soifon (who is currently the Taichou of the 2nd squad) who was one of Yoruichi’s subordinates.

What I'm really looking forward in this arc is the transformation of Visoreds. I believe, among all 'species' in this anime, Visoreds are the coolest. Unlike Arrancars, even though they utilize Hollow power they are not evil and their hollow transformations are temporary.

The Visoreds: Hachiigen, Love, Kensei, Hiyori, Hirako, Lisa, Rose and Kuna

Can’t wait for the next episodes!!!

I'm seeing red!

Overview
This anime opens with a scene of Sekigahara battle. Then our attention is shifted to a heated duel between Mibu Kyoshiro and Oni Me No Kyo. However, their duel was stalled when a shooting star slammed into the plain and inadvertently overwhelmed the battle as well as the duel...

4 years after the scene, Kyoshiro is, obviously, saved from the tragedy. Nevertheless, he has an amnesia. Maybe it is because of the immense impact of the shooting star. He is now a gentle and harmless traveling physician.

Then, enters a so-called bounty hunter Shiina Yuya. She thought Mibu Kyoshiro is Oni Me No Kyo. But she is mistaken and Kyoshiro is just a weakling.

What happened to Oni Me No Kyo?

In my opinion, aesthetic-wise, SAMURAI DEEPER KYO is brilliant. It integrates Japanese history (The Battle of Sekigahara and Tokugawa Era) without forsaking the element of surprise, comic and excitement of an anime. The fighting sequences are awesome and very remarkable. I really love the portrayal of Sanada Yukimura. His exterior doesn't indicate any signs of a great swordsman. But that is all stripped off during one of the fighting scenes. Same goes with Benitora a.k.a. Tokugawa Hidetada. Through his attire and the Kansai accent when he speaks, he certainly manages to obscure his real identity. I also love the idea that the protagonist (which one? You gotta watch this anime first) is an anti-thesis of a traditional hero. Somwhow, the protagonist reminds me Kenshin Himura a.k.a Hitokori Battosai. Although he has a samurai katana in his hand, he tries his best not to resort to violence.

Now here comes the not-so-good part. Plot-wise I think that this anime is a bit let-down. I understand most of the storyline up until episode 11. After that, this anime is is quite confusing! There are way too many conflicts and too many characters for a short anime (26 episodes). Maybe because, I am not really well-versed in Japanese history.

Another problem I would like to point out is, I don't really relish the idea that some of the villains turn into monsters known as Kenyou. I find it a tad ludicrous... And, why the title is Samurai Deeper Kyo, is beyond me!

All in all, I would love to recommend this anime to all. However, please equip yourselves a bit on Japanese history... Download HERE for the full episodes.







[Notes]

1. Sanada Yukimura, Tokugawa Iyesu, Tokugawa Hidetada, Hattori Hanzo, Okuni and some other characters are actually based on real people back during Tukugawa Era.
2. Does Hattori Hanzo ring a bell to you? If you ever watched Kill Bill, the blacksmith who forged The Bride's katana is also named Hattori Hanzo...

Only the strongest will survive...

When I watched the first 2 episodes of JYU OH SEI a.k.a The Planet of the Beast King, I thought that this anime would be kind of intriguing. The twins Thor and Rai seemed to be such interesting characters. And the murder of their parents is really good for the development of the plot.

Personality wise, I really enjoyed the fact that Thor and Rai were different from each other despites that they were twins. And I thought the twins would end up as the main protagonists of this anime. But, my expectation was crumbled into smithereens when I learned that Rai was dead in the earlier episode and his character was totally obliterated from the series!

Then, entered characters like Tiz, Third, Zagi and many more. By this time my interest of this anime has gone down...

The whole plot is kind of 'squeezed in' and the development is somewhat minimal since there are only 11 episodes altogether. And before you even know it, you are at the final episode. However, that's actually intentional. This anime is action-oriented. The plot specializes in events or scenes that are quick and 'painless'. You will highly unlikely encounter any scenes that are dragged and stretched.

Theme-wise, this anime exhibits the survival of the strongest and in doing so, humanity is sacrificed. This anime gravely reminds me of a great classic novel by William Golding -Lord of the Flies, which, sadly enough, I despise so much!

In a nutshell, if you are an action-anime junkie, this anime fits the bill perfectly. As for me (I much prefer a romantic and comedy anime) I think I'll take a rain check... NEXT!

'O the pain...

When I bought dvd VIOLINIST OF HAMELIN, I was hoping this anime is going to a great anime since it is dubbed as 'classic'. FYI, I don't really read reviews of any animes prior to watching them, so I was unprepared for the ultimate surprise! Oh, it's a SURPRISE, all right!

Oh, my GAWD! This is the lousiest and the lamest anime ever. I never expected that it's gonna be as suck as this. Fine, maybe the plot is just o.k but we DO need to consider other more important elements like the ANIMATION and the SEIYUU... which apparently the creator failed to take into consideration!

This anime is filled with endless panning stills, and stills. Even for some of the supposed action-packed scenes. They are way too frequent as to hamper the animation altogether. The action scenes are mellowed and 'mangled' beyond repair. It's more like reading a manga on dvd than watcing an anime. To make things even worse, the seiyuus are not up to par. IMHO, they are so lifeless hence they fail to enliven the characters...

To rub it in, the portrayal of the characters are so lame (with big capitol L) and somewhat 'ludicrous' too. The main protagonist Harmel uses a gigantic violin to fight the enemy (seriously, I thought it was a cello!) and Raiel uses a piano as his weapon (what is up with that?). He carries the humongous piano along the journey... Now, is that ridiculous? or is that RIDICULOUS?! In addition, the names of other characters are kind of let down too... -Flute, Oboe, Drum, Demon King Chestra (In Japanese king is pronounced 'Ou' so, Ou CHESTRA), Sizer...(maybe it's taken from synthesizer?) YUCK!

The only plus point of this anime that I can think of is the use of classical numbers like Tchaikovsky' Nutcracker Suite and Mozart's Requiem.

All in all, this anime is totally a let down... sigh... Anyway, if you want a solid proof, try downloading the series HERE and mark my word!




[Note]
The anime was suffering from the lack of fund hence the extensive use of stills and lengthy loops.

The best ever!

I really adore the 9th opening theme of BLEACH! Sugoi, neThe title is VELONICA. What I love most about this opening is, yes, the artiste - AQUA TIMEZ. FYI, Aqua Timez has contributed 2 songs for the series ALONE and SEN 'O YORU 'O KOETE. I believe they have the best sound ever! Alone is also their masterpeice and it was used as one of the openings. The latter is used for the ending theme of Memory of Nobody. I don't know if there are any other songs. Sorry, I couldn't remember all...



Another reason why I enjoyed this opening is because, in the video we can see all characters: Kurosaki and his mortal friends, the Shinigamis, the Visoreds and not forgetting Aizen and the rebels. I really can't wait for the upcoming episodes!

BTW, after the opening song ends, the song afterwards is the 17th ending by STEREOPONY entitled HITOHIRA NO HANABIRA... It's a cool song, indeed! The vid is so amazing. In fact in this one you can see almost all characters. My favorite would be Grimmjow Jeagerjaques. But, song-wise, I prefer the opening better...



[Note]
I can't wait for Bleach 195th episode. I believe, in this episode Neliel will transform into her resurrección form, Gamuza!!!

The Awakening of Oderschvank...

Bleach 192 is the episode I've been waiting for so long! This is the episode where NELIEL TU ODERSCHVANK 'comes' and rescues Kurosaki Ichigo! YEAYY!!! For your information, she is the former 3rd Espada of the Arrrancar.

Who is Neliel Tu Odersvhank? Well, she is also known as Nel Tu, the girl that tags along Kurosaki during the Hueco Mundo Arc in Bleach Series. She is also accompanied by three hollows, named Dondochakka Bilstin, Pesche Guatische and the pet named Bawabawa. Check this LINK to know more about her.

Nel Tu in in child form...

The real Neliel Tu Oderschvank, the former 3rd Espada

Oderschvank's power, VIOLET CERO DOBLE...







The Resurrección form - Gamuza and her lance Lanzador Verde

Behold and fear the wrath of Oderschvank!

Souten Ni Saze!...

Name : Hitsugaya Toushirou (Eng. Toushirou Hitsugaya)

Nickname : Tensai (Boy Genius), Shiro-chan, Toushiro-kun

Gender : Male

Birthdate : 20th December ????

Place of birth : Jurinan, Distric 1 Rukongai

Type : Shinigami (Soul Reaper)

Rank : Taicho (Captain)- The youngest captain in Gotei 13.

Squad : 10th Division of Gotei 13

Zanpakutou Type: Water and ice
-Shikai - Hyorinmaru
-Bankai - Daiguren Hyorinmaru
* Release 1 - Ryusenka
* Release 2 - Senen Hyorou


Seiyuu : Romi Paku (Japanese), Steve Staley (English)


Extra:
When Hitsugaya was young, there was always seemed to be an icy manifestation within himself. Then, he always dreamt of being in an icy plain. One night, He dreamt again of the icy plain and in that dream he finally met Hyorinmaru for the first time. However at that time he could not hear the spirit's name. He woke up to find Rangiku (now, is his fuku-taichou) warning him for not being able to control his power. Obviously, he had accidently frozen his grandmother. Rangiku, then, convinced him that power like his needed to be controlled. she continued on convincing him to become a Shinigami. With Hitsugaya's innate talent, he joined the Shinigami academy regardless his tender age. From there, he was known as a prodigy (tensai). Since he was a genius, he was quickly promoted to captain of the 10th Division. What is so ironic, now he is Rangiku's superior.

Angel or Vampire?... it's your call!

I have downloaded the series ROSARIO + VAMPIRE (Rosary And Vampire) around last month and somehow I didn't have the urge to watch the episodes. So, two days ago, I gave it a try. Hmm... what can I say. This anime is not my cup of tea. It is a combination of comedy, ecchi, yuri (girls love) and action .

This 13-episode anime is adapted from a manga, and it is originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Manga to be exact. The anime version was aired in Japan since January 2008 and it ended in March.

The Plot

Aono Tsukune is an average high school student who is unable to get into any private school, due to his below-par test scores. The only school he is finally accepted into is actually an underground school for yokai (monsters), who are in disguise as humans. The very first student he meets is Akashiya Moka, who turns out to be a vampire. They, eventually, becomes friends for an unusual reason; she is attracted to the sweet taste of his human blood. Tsukune begins to fear for his life when he quickly learns that his admission into the Yokai Gakuen is a mistake.

Even though Moka's vampiric nature always gets the best of her, she is a kind and overly sweet girl and apparently Tsukune quickly falls head over heel for her. Along the way he meets with an over-developed succubus named Kuruno Kuromu and a young 'lolita' witch Sendo Yukari. At this point there will be ridiculous love conflict! What's more, Yukari confesses her obsession for Moka.... Want to know more? [Download] here for the episodes. Have fun!

The Verdict

Well, I find that the elements are rather repulsive and distasteful. Call me old-fashioned, it's simply not my cup of tea!

Intrigue! Thy name is BLEACH!

*Gasp*... Something is rotten in the state of Denmark (Shakespeare's Macbeth)! In episode 182 the whole Soul Society was in total lunacy! The Gotei 13 were divided into two sides; pro-Ichigo and anti-Ichigo. Nonetheless, after one incident, Amagai-taichou finally agreed to help Ichigo and Rukia in saving Lurichiyo.

In episode 183 - 184, Kifune Makoto had revealed his true colors. Aparently, he was what Kira thought he was. Kifune was actually in-cahoots with the Kasumi-Ouji. In one-on-one battle with Kifune, Kira began to attack Kifune and Wabisuke had the upper hand against Kifune's Reppu, initially. However, Kifune managed to overwhelm the strenght of Wabisuke as he was actually using bakkotou; the forbidden weapon created by the Kasumi-Ouji.

In episode 185, Kira finally won. How? Apparently, bakkotou would consume the users after reaching a certain limit. That's why it was forbidden by the Soul Society in the first place. So, what happened to Kifune? You do the math. Renji brought the broken Reppu to Yamamoto so-taichou as the evidence of the conspiracy plotted by the Kasumi-Ouji. After seing this, Yamamoto ordered the entire Gotei 13 to invade the manor and apprehend Kumoi. In this episode too, we are revealed to Amagai's true strength when he released his zan-pakutou Raika.

In episode 186, this where the intrigue starts. Kumoi was finally cornered and he used Lurichiyo as a shield. Then, Amagai appeared out of nowhere. He was thought to take Kumoi into custody but instead he slayed him then and there and took away Lurichiyo! And then he tele-ported himself and Lurichiyo to Yamamoto... So, the questions here are, why did Amagai kill Kumoi since Kumoi was the main suspect of the whole crime? Was he trying to conceal something? Why did he prevent Ichigo and Rukia from saving Lurichiyo? And finally, why did Kumoi, was angry over someone (presumed to be Yamamoto or Amagai) for breaking his promise to protect him? Hmmmm..... can't wait for the next episode!

Code... what??

Last week, while I was browsing the Internet for new anime to download, I just realise something was amiss... What's with Code Geass : R2? Then it hit me. This is the new installment (part 2) of Code Geass series. Funny, though. I have the first series at home; Code Geass : Lelouch of the Rebellion but I haven't managed to finish watching the whole episodes. I guess because it bores me to death!

This is a sci-fi themed anime and it was produced by CLAMP. The plot is rather so-so. But the primary reason why I don't fancy this anime is because the theme. Gosh! For an anime, I believe the theme is rather serious, too serious in fact. It's too 'political' for me. And, even though most animes like to manipulate exaggeration but the idea that this anime is portraying is rather far-fetched (just because I don't fancy it)!

The anime takes place somewhere in the future in the alternate universe. In that world, Japan is invaded by The Holy Empire of Britannia. Then, Japan is given a brand new name : Area 11. The country then is shared by the citizen of Britannia as well as the original Japanese who are referred as the elevens.

So, what on earth is GEASS? Well, according to the anime, geass is the power to manipulate people's minds. It is represented by a glowing, bird-shaped symbol (see picture). This power is bestowed upon Lelouch Lamperouge by a mysterious green-haired girl named C.C. Who is she? Well, you have to watch it, if you wanna know more. With the new-found power, he finally has the means to defeat Britannia and fulfill his two wishes: to seek revenge for his mother and to construct a new world in which his beloved sister, Nannaly can live happily.

This anime also features the extensive use of mechas weaponry. The mechas are known as Knightmare Frame. Lelouch's childhood friend and son of Japan's last prime minister, Kururugi Suzaku is in the service of the Britannia Army as a soldier, and was chosen to test an experiment new model of Knightmare Frame, the Lancelot.

This anime exudes the theme of survival and sacrifice. It also tells us that revenge is sweet however too much revenge can be detrimental! Overall, this anime is OK. But I don't really fancy it, period!

If want to download the series, try this L.I.N.K. Have fun!

[Note]
CLAMP is the very same production that produced manga-animes like Chobits, The Tsubasa Chronicles, XXXHolic and Cardcaptor Sakura. If you notice, the artwork is very distinctive. This is the signature style of the production.

And The Plot Thickens... Bleach 180 - 181

In episode 179, the audience are revealed with Kifune's 'visit to the Kasumi-Ouji's manor. It seems there's more than meets the eye! The plot is getting more complicated and the conflict is getting intense in episode 180. What is Kifune's relationship with Kumoi and what was he doing at Kasumi-Ouji's manor? I simply can't predict the future episode but one thing for sure the 3rd Seat Kifune of 3rd Squad is up to no good. Will Kira Izuru once again brandishes his zanpaku-to Wabisuke?

In episode 181, Kurosaki, Rukia, Kenryuu and Enryuu managed to usurp into Kasumi-Ouji's manor in order to save Lurichiya-sama. They tried to stop the wedding however being withheld by Soifon and her squad (which one? Can't really recall). Apparently, they were accused of attempting to kidnap Lurichiyo-sama. In this episode also, we will witness Enryuu's power as he has released his overwhelming zanpaku-to. His brute strength has caused the palace's roof to disintegrate. However, my favourite scene would be the fight between Soifon-taicho and Kurosaki Ichigo. So incredibly intense! I like the part when she released her Suzumebachi in order to stop Ichigo's attack. However the fight was short-lived when it was interrupted by Rukia's Sode No Syirayuki's Hakuren (why?!!!....).

The effect of this incidence is, Kurosaki and Rukia have caused tremendous turmoil in the Soul-Society and they accidentally became the most-wanted fugitives.

In a nutshell, these two episodes are awesome and to all Bleach avid fans, don't forget to download these episodes A.S.A.P!

P/S- I just read something... Shinji Hirako used to be the Taicho of 5th Squad before he became a vizard! Sugoi, ne! No wonder he could beat/block Grimmjaw Jeagerjaques' cero effortlessly!