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...

Aishteru yo! - My choice of Anime couples

Couple 1

Names : Nomiya Takumi and Yamada Ayumi
Anime : Honey and Clover (both seasons)

Why do I like them:
Nomiya is like a knight in shining armour. Time and time again, he gallantly 'scoops' Yamada off her feet- who is broken-hearted by Mayama’s rejection- and rescues her from being even more humiliated. It is so obvious that this is a love at first sight for Nomiya. He is in love with Yamada from the moment he sees her. In season 2, the scene that forever etched in my mind is when Nomiya holds Yamada's hand when he sleeps so that she will not run away when he wakes up the next morning. In addition, I like him because he is cool and bold enough to declare his love for Yamada even though he knows that Yamada is reluctant to accept him since she is so besotted with Mayama. No matter what, I'm rooting for him all the way!

Comment :
I strongly believe that this is not an unrequited love. Even though there is no definite scene that Yamada responds to his love but there are some hints scattered all over!

Couple 2

Names : Otani Atsushi and Koizumi Risa
Anime : Lovely Complex a.k.a Lovecon

Why do I like them :
I like the determination shown by Koizumi in winning Otani’s love. Koizumi is so certain that one day Otani will accept her as a girlfriend. And guess what? She wins his heart after all. In fact, towards the end of the series, Otani finally admits that he can’t live without Koizumi no matter how hard he tries to deny it.

Comment:
Beauty is certainly in the eyes of the beholder!

Couple 3

Names : Inuyasha and Higurashi Kagome
Anime : Inuyasha

Why do I like them:
They are the cutest couple ever!!!! I like Inuyasha’s ‘silent’ love for Kagome. And I adore the way Inuyasha demonstrates his care and concern for Kagome. I love it when he persuades or apologizes to Kagome. There is a hint of tenderness in his voice. However I detest the idea that Kagome is a pushover. In the anime, she always sacrifices her feelings just to give way for Kikyo. Somehow, other than Naraku, I think Kikyo is the real culprit in this series. Her presence is merely a nuisance to the development of Inuyasha-Kagome's relationship!

Comment:
WTF?! Inuyasha has never kissed Kagome even at the end of the manga series. Not even a single peck on the cheek!!!

Couple 4

Names : Chiaki Shinichi and Noda Megume a.k.a Nodame
Anime : Nodame Cantabile (both seasons)

Why do I like them:
I really enjoy the idea that these two share same interest and both of them are gifted musicians. I also like the way their love develops in the anime. There are certain subtleties that really attract my attention and they are the reason for me to watch this series. I also like the ways both of them complement each other. In one of the episodes (season 2) Chiaki vows to make both of them a golden couple in future. Now, doesn't that sound like a marriage proposal? You tell me!

Comment:
Sometimes, Chiaki is way too rough and too harsh on Nodame. I hate it when Chiaki abuses and scolds her like she is dimwitted (well, sometime she does look and act stupid). But all that put aside when finally he kisses her in the second season (spoiler)....

Couple 5

Names: Kyon and Suzumiya Haruhi
Anime : Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu

Why do I like them:
These two are the most mismatched couple ever! But opposite definitely attracts. I like these two because the combination makes them hilarious! Even though both of them hate each other’s guts, they really complement each other. In fact, Kyon is the anchor that keeps Haruhi grounded. He is the one who tones down Haruhi's precarious personality and insanity.

Comment:
There is no exact confession, but in the last episode, Kyon confesses that Haruhi is more than just a classmate and that her ponytail turns him on. And then he kisses her (oopps! another spoiler).

Third time's a charm...

Third time is always a charm...

Well, I have to agree. In my opinion the third instalment of Jigoku Shoujo a.k.a JIGOKU SHOUJO MITSUGANAE (The Cauldron of Three) has surpassed the two previous instalments (Jigoku Shoujo & Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori). I really enjoy these new episodes.

Basically, the plot is rather similar: A hates B. A sends B to hell via Jigoku Tsushin a.k.a Hell Correspondence. A’s soul will immediately be ferried to hell after his/her death. However, the conflicts or the grudges portrayed in this new series are a bit unpredictable. I really enjoy the surprise or the twist at the end of each episode. It is certainly a plus point!

In this season we will be introduced to two more new characters. They are Mikage Yuzuki and Yamawaro.

Mikage is a middle-schooler who apparently shares body with Enma Ai. She is able to see what Ai sees. And most importantly she can sense if someone has accessed Jigoku Tsushin. Later in one of the episodes, it is revealed that Mikage is actually Ai’s successor. To refresh your memory, in Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori (2nd season), Ai tried to save a boy (Takuma) from being ferried to Hell. As a result, she had lost her body in the final episode. Her body vanished and transformed to sakura petals and scattered in the wind. So, in this season, she uses Mikage’s body as a vessel for her disembodied spirit.

The next new character is Yamawaro. Not much is revealed about him except that he is Kikuri’s playmate. He addresses Kikuri as Hime (princess) and he is always seen tagging along with her. Plus, he also one of the Ai’s assistants and he also can turn into a straw doll if ordered.

For now, I have only watched up to 18th episode. And I can’t hardly wait to download more episodes. If anyone of you are interested H.E.R.E’s the link. Have fun watching!

Heaven on earth...

Overview

KAMICHU! is created by Besamemucho. The story is focusing on a protagonist named Hitotsubashi Yurie (pron: Yuri-e). She is just a regular middle school student who resides in the city of Onomichi situated on Japan's inland sea. The time of the plot is during the laid-back 1980s. Like the rest of school girls Yurie spends her days distressing about exams, assignments, homework and other mundane day-to-day chores. Her other prominent activity is trying to get Ninomiya Ken, the oblivious boy she adores, to notice her. However, this activity is put on-hold when on one momentous night, she is appointed as a Goddess!

The next day, during lunch day she nonchalantly announces to her friend Shijou Mitsue about her newfound divinity. Upon hearing the news, another classmate of her, Saegusa Matsuri, quickly secures on to Yurie’s divinity. Since her family's shinto shrine is on the brink of bankruptcy, Matsuri sees Yurie’s holiness as a way to promote her family Shinto shrine. She hopes that by replacing their ill-starred and hapless rockstar-wannabe god, Yashima-sama, this will make the shrine more popular and definitely, profitable. Matsuri eventually appoints herself as Yurie’s manager. Now, with a self-professed manager, Yurie has to do all normal goddess regimes such as granting wishes, revoking curses, meeting aliens, and not forgetting attending gods conventions. She does this at the same time as attending school and working-up the courage to confess to her object of affection, Ken.

My two cents

Frankly speaking, For some reasons I really enjoyed watching this series on Animax. What I like the most about this anime is the way it depicts the protagonist. Yurie is depicted as a candid and ditsy young school girl however when certain situations call for her she can very responsible and dependable. It is proven that maturity doesn't come with age, it comes naturally. Great power comes great responsibility.

So much I hate to admit it, the whole idea of a human transforms into a goddess is a tad ludicrous but this anime is not crammed with over-the-top magical scenes or events. There are some scenes but they are shown intermittently throughout the whole series. On top of it, tt doesn’t showcase any gruesome and awe-inspiring scenes or events but it displays the theme of carefree and capricious at a different level. Sometimes, simplicity is all it takes!

Another aspect that I really relish about this anime is the presentation of chaste and pure young love. It doesn’t need any blatant or bold love confession. From the Yurie’s blushing face and Ken’s mannerism and gestures we know that both of them are deeply in love...

Other reasons that attract me to this series are the amazing animation and exquisite details. They represent a rich and lush palette of colors. The animation so smooth that when these characters move around, the detailed little eccentricity, mannerism and expressions are beautifully displayed and that make anime more natural and lifelike. A certainly top-notch quality!

I would love to recommend this to all... Download the series HERE if you are interested.

[Note]

1. The title KAMICHU! is actually derived from two Japanese words Kami (God) and Chukagusei (school girl).
2. Some fans dub this series as Spirited Away, the TV.
   

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...

The Big Kahuna: Sesshomaru...

Name : Sesshomaru
Age : Appears 19 but his real age is remained unknown
Species : A full-fledged Dog demon
Family : Inuyasha (half-brother)
Friends : Jaken, Rin and Ah-Un
Admirer : Kagura (Naraku's incarnation)
Weapons : Tenseiga, Toukijin and Whip
Ability : Poison Flower Claws, flight, heightened senses, superhuman strength and speed, immunity to all poisons and sickness


Sesshomaru is a full-fledged dog demon who prefers to fight alone. His true from is a gigantic white dog with similar markings as his humanoid form. When he transforms, his body is surrounded by bright red aura and a tornado circling around him (see picture). Apart from that, he has a superhuman strength and incredible immunity to any poison or dark magic. He is even immune to Naraku's toxic miasma and for that reason, he dubs him as a 'perfect demon'.

In the beginning of the episodes, he is only accompanied by Jaken. However, later in the episodes of the series, he is accompanied by a group of friends. He, apparently, hates his half-brother -Inuyasha because he believes being a half-demon, Inuyasha is a disgrace to the family. He also despises the fact that Inuyasha is bestowed by his late father a powerful sword known as Tetsusaiga. Tetsusaiga has the power to kill 1000 demons with a single stroke. He, on the other hand he is bestowed a sword called Tenseiga which has the reverse effect of Tetsusaiga. Tenseiga is powerful enough to revive the dead. Later, he instructed Kaijinbo (an evil black-smith) to forge a powerful sword to match Tetsusaiga and the sword is named Toukijin (see picture). In the early episodes of the series, Sesshomaru has (time and time again) tried to steal Tetsusaiga form Inuyasha. Nevertheless, towards the end of the series, he seems to lose interest of the sword since the sword is protected with a barrier that repels demon.

Unlike Inuyasha (who is so childish, clumsy and loud), Sesshomaru is stoic, collected, cold and he is a man of few words. It's really hard to understand him. Earlier in the episodes, he acts as the antagonist or the villain (beside Naraku). This can be seen when he incessantly tries to slaughter Inuyasha. He even declares his undying hatred for his half brother and vows to kill him with his own hands. Nonetheless, later he displays his compassion by adopting a young human girl named Rin. Furthermore, Sesshomaru is also an anti-thesis of traditional hero. This can be seen when he tries to save Rin from being killed by Naraku. Then, in one of the episodes (Band of 7 Arc), he even saves Kagome, Sango and Miroku from Mukotsu's poisonous mist despites his great hatred for humans and humanity. These are, by far, the best examples to illustrate his so-called 'heroism'.

Well, compared to Inuyasha, Sesshomaru is much more powerful and invincible. I like his character because he embodies a true greatness of a supposed protagonist, which is kind of ironic. Sesshomaru, the real deal...






[Note]
There are several discrepancies - regarding the plot as well as the development of Sesshomaru's character - between anime and manga version. As for this posting, I only stick to the anime version since I don't really read the manga...