Needless – Chapter 95

Cruz’s evolution from a timid and frightened coward to a courageous and accomplishing hero has been a lengthy and challenging process.  But his positive growth throughout the series, especially from Chapter 50 onward (or about where the anime diverted and made its own conclusions), is undeniable.  And the opening scene of Chapter 95 is a perfect snapshot on how far our protagonist has come.

Shinryaku!? Ika Musume S2 – 3

Is it ironic that Ika Musume invaded the surface to liberate the oceans and topple mankind, yet, through inquiring and imitation, she is slowly becoming human herself?  Or perhaps is it clever that she goes through this gradual transformation?

Autumn 2011 – First Week Impressions (Part 3)

This post looks at Persona 4, Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai, and Ben-To.

These three anime were some of the most anticipated (or ones I’ve heard positive game/light novel reviews for) anime of the season.  When I did my minimal amount of research on each series, Persona seemed like the only one to grab my attention with its story and characters while the other two seemed like fun, entertaining series with Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai (shortened to Haganai) being the comedy and Ben-To being the fighting/action series.  And that’s pretty much what I got from their first episodes, so it’s good there were no surprises.  But were all three good enough to keep for this season?

Autumn 2011 – First Week Impressions (Part 2)

This post looks at Tamayura ~hitotose~, Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon and Chihayafuru.

Well, this post should be easy.  All three shows in this post are in the undecided category at this point, meaning each is fighting for one of the final slots for this season.  Each show that is put in this category will survive another week and have one more chance to make its case to be kept for this season.  Oh, except Phi Brain.  That show doesn’t stand a chance against these three, so consider it dropped.

Autumn 2011 – First Week Impressions (Part 1)

This post examines C³ CubexCursedxCurious, Working’!!, Phi Brain, and Kimi to Boku.

The first bunch of shows for this Autumn season have aired and everyone is busily sampling what each have to offer.  The first week of a new season is always the most active and pivotal since this is the time when people begin to decide whether to stay with an anime for 12+ weeks or not.  Many allow each show to have two-to-three episodes before passing judgment but not me.  One episode is usually enough to influence me one way or the other, so let’s see how these first few shows performed.

Shinryaku!? Ika Musume S2 – 2

Ika Musume’s natural curiosity in everyday activities is a driving force behind the stories and comedy in Shinryaku!? Ika Musume.  Her fascination and energy turn simple, ordinary events, like going to elementary school or losing weight, into exciting and entertaining skits.  Furthermore, it’s not just an outsider’s examination and commentary on these subjects, there’s always a unique hint of zest that spices up each skit for a complete comedy every time.

Needless – Chapter 94

How about that?  As soon as one surprising opponent goes down, another one, perhaps even more shocking and unexpected, shows up to challenge Blade and company.  Wow, don’t expect any breathers anytime soon, because it seems like it will be constant fighting until the end.