Beck anime review

Synonyms: Beck - Mongolian Chop Squad

Type: TV

Episodes: 26

Status: Finished Airing

Aired: Oct 7, 2004 to Mar 31, 2005

Producers: Madhouse Studios, Marvelous Entertainment, Starchild Records, FUNimation EntertainmentL, Asatsu DK, Kodansha

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Music, Shounen, Slice of Life

Duration: 25 min. per episode

Rating: R - 17+ (violence & profanity)

First of all, it is much better than expected. The storyline was so interesting and wonderfully executed, that I even disregarded the sub par drawing style . I like the idea of a band struggling to make it big not only in Japan, but as well as in America.

I was instantly drawn into it through the main character Koyuki (Yukio) and his feeling of emptiness at the beginning about how he didn't see his place in the world, and then finding it by being introduced to a well known bandand falling in love with music. Ruyuuske is the average underground musician in the beginning with his experience. The story is about Ruyuuske creating a new band out of nothing after his old one falls apart and starts a rivalry between him and the other guitarist, which always happens betweens underground musicians. upon the 2 of them meeting they have a rocky friendship which in the end works out as they both complete the new band together and set off to try and make it in scene.

Art- the dark tones and colors really put you in the mood for whats happening. You can see the cold and somewhat dampness to the streets and alleyways. the darkened clubs and bright school atmosphere perfectly give the feel of the true life. Although some people have complained about the art being a little bad, i enjoyed the nice change up. And seeing places named after famous American clubs and other places added a type of comic relief of sorts.

Sound- Sound is a big one, especially for a music anime. I watched both versions, sub and dub, and i prefer the dub solely because of the music. The accents isn't what got to me about the sub it was the tone of voice. During supposed "in your face" songs the Japanese singer seemed lacking. Both versions had the acting done great, and the music quality pushed my rating up to 10.

Character- This is the part that seemed the most realistic to me. The band members being different from one another especially, never have ai seen a band with all the members listening to the same music. You have Chiba as the punk and Rap influenced singer, Koyuki Classic Rock Guitarist, Saku the Hard Rock Drummer, Tyra a New Wave bassist, and Ryuuske the Blues and rock lead Guitarist. Each one brings their own sound and feel and they combine them all for the bands sound. How the characters had their flaws, got on your nerves, and excited you seemed natural, like real people. 

Enjoyment-  I enjoyed this anime a lot, I was drawn in and just couldn't stop watching. towards the end it just got better and better as the reality of the scene comes into play even more. The last couple of episodes could be seen as unexpected or a bummer of sorts, but hey, it happens

Opening titles:

Akuma to love song manga review

Synonyms: Devil and Love Song, Devil and Her Love Song

Type: Manga

Volumes: 13

Chapters: 91

Status: Finished

Published: Dec 2006 to Apr 5, 2011

Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo

Authors: Toumori, Miyoshi (Story & Art)

Serialization: Margaret

"Devil and Her Love Song" 's a refreshing shoujo manga because it escapes the usual stereotypes you can find in this genre. The main character, Maria Kawai, is quite original for a shoujo heroine. She's brutally honest, has no tact whatsoever, and is usually so serious she tends to be scary. She also seems harsh and rude. She was expelled from the exclusive St. Katrina's school (she claims it's because she beat up her teacher) and ends up in a regular high school where her bad reputation precedes her.

That's the surface, but this manga obviously invites the readers to dig a little deeper in their characters. The really insteresting aspect of Maria is her apparently lack of understanding of how the world works... She's actually so transparent, that she fails to act acordingly to what's socially acceptable. And just as layered as she is, you'll find that the other main characters are equally complex: a guy called Yuusuke who seems nice and cheerful but seems to hide a different character beneath; Megumu, the rude, antisocial loner who, despite himself, can't help but get tangled with Maria... 

At least in the first two volumes, you only catch a glimpse of the true characters hiding beneath the exterior, and this proves to be very interesting: nothing is that obvious nor predictable, as it often happens in this sort of stories. 

Often the mangaka can focus too much on the story and not enough on the art, or vice versa, but Toumori Miyoshi has it spot-on. The art style is one of my very favourites - close ups of the characters leaving me in awe of her work. She has a way of making every character portray exactly what she wants them too in every scene, almost like a movie, setting the mood with just a few body language changes, something rare to find (from what I've seen) in a manga.

This is not your average "bad girl/boy who is actually nice" plot. I'm curious to see where the story will go ( I am still reading), but be warned that this (at least for now) is a character driven plot. There's not much going on in matters of action or conflict. So far is mostly about showing the true nature of its characters, and that is done in a beautiful way, with gorgeous art to boost. It's a very enjoyable read and promises even more entertainment in what's to come

Aishiteruze Baby anime review

English: Love You Baby

Synonyms: Aishiteru ze Baby

Type: TV

Episodes: 26

Status: Finished Airing

Aired: Apr 3, 2004 to Oct 9, 2004

Producers: TMS Entertainment, Animax, Toei Video, Sunny Side Up

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Shoujo

Duration: 25 min. per episode

Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

I'll first do recommendation for those who are too busy to read all of a review. I recommend this anime for everyone who wants to watch something touching. Not really a romance, its more of a slice of life anime that should be able to find itself on everybody's list. Its an anime without grand events or drastic plot turns, its just goodness that keeps on going.

Kippei, an highschool goofy kid who spends most time slacking out and flirting with girls suddenly is entrusted with a 5 year old kid to take care of. This setup evolves into an incredibly heart warming story to cherish and rejoice, dealing with everyday problems of raising a child and struggling with his own carelessness and ineptitude Kippey becomes attached to yuzuyu quickly and tries his best to make her happy. Dealing with a child everyday brings many worries and consumes most of his time but also makes him grow into a mature responsible person. 

The innocence of a child and how they perceive the daily events creates an amazing charisma towards this relation, dramatic scenes further enhances the feelings creating an intricate empathy towards the situation and drawing the viewer into it. Further along theres a touch of romance that fits perfectly as a symbiotic situation to the main plot. The main female characters (yuzuyu and Kokoro) are just overflowing with cuteness, their sad hearts makes you want to comfort them understanding perfectly how kippey matures for the sake of them.

Another strong suit of Aishiteruze Baby, the three main characters involved are all characters that you can root for and most importantly beleivable. There are many anime's that try to oversell certain characteristics of characters, sometimes almost to the point of overkill but there is nothing like that in Aishiteruze. The characters were just great! I don't want to spoil anything for anybody but I just wanted to add that Kokoro is, I think, the only main female character that I haven't found annoying in some aspect. Her character plays her personality very well and everything is fitting. Definently not some simple female character with some haunted past or one dimensional issue that in a big turn of events get solved and falls head over heels for the main male character

Technically the characters have a particular drawing style in which the drawings and animation are watchable but not on par with the latest animes. I enjoyed personally some still shots on key moments that portrays how a sweet memory is engraved into the mind in my opinion.

Like the animation, the in anime sound track is very simple. I hardly noticed it while watching it. Music is used very liberally but enhances certain scenes. The voice actresses/actors? for Yuzuyu and Kokoro were perfect in my opinion and made the anime that much better. Titled Sunny Side Up is one of the best opening songs I have heard. I never, ever, fast fowarded past it and listening to it gave me feelings akin to the opening song of Fruits Baskets. 

I really, really enjoyed this anime. Its a type of anime that you can just watch at anytime and in any mood. It should cheer you up! Its a pity that more people haven't watched this anime so hopefully this review can change that.

Opening titles:

L DK manga review

Synonyms: L♥DK, L DK, L.DK

Type: Manga

Volumes: Unknown

Chapters: Unknown

Status: Publishing

Published: Mar 2009 to ?

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo

Authors: Watanabe, Ayu (Story & Art)

Serialization: Bessatsu Friend

LDK is an abbreviation frequently used in the world of Japanese real estate to describe apartments. It stands for Living, Dining and Kitchen area, and is preceded by the number of rooms. If you're fond of complicated relationships and is patient, then you will like this kind of manga. There are lots of teasing parts that can make you excited. Its typical romance? yes, but it has a hot guy who's hard to understand but sweet, nice girl who doesn't cry all the time, good art, great romance scenes, everything a shoujo reader needs.

Shuusei Kugayama is the "prince" of his high school, but he always turns down confessions—including one from Aoi Nishimori's best friend. Although she initially hates him for this, when Shuusei moves in next door to Aoi, who lives alone, she starts thinking that he might not be such a bad guy after all...

Yes, we've encountered this many times before, girl and the prince of the school living together but there's sexual tension almost immediately and the guy has a wicked sense of humor and the girl is cute, plus new characters are introduced often who are fun and have their bad points in their own way.The story continues as their feelings for each other change. I found it addictive to read and completed all 30 chapters in a flash. 

As for the characters, they are not shallow and each one has some unique story. Shuusei is a bit hard to understand but I'm hoping future chapters reveal something about his past. Aoi is not a typical cry baby so I'm happy about that too. She's a little indecisive but  no body's perfect.

Art is also good. You don't mix characters because they are not too similar physically and the details are not less. They don't wear the same clothes or the same hair styles all the time so i found it lively to read. Overall, the manga balanced the comedy and romance very well. I highly recommend reading this manga

Stardust wink manga review

Type: Manga

Volumes: 10

Chapters: 49

Status: Finished

Published: Dec 29, 2008 to Dec 28, 2012

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo, Harem

Authors: Haruta, Nana (Story & Art)

Serialization: Ribon Magazine

Intriguing manga. Who does she ends up with! To tell you the truth. A love triangle between childhood friends. I stopped after chapter 17(that was more than 1 or 2 weeks ago), because I thought it was boring. I thought that way because I craved for more romance. But I picked it up again now.. I find it intriguing now. Doesnt appeal to all of the audience but yeah girls will like it. Our normal shoujo.

Anna Koshiro has been friends with two handsome guys, Sou and Hinata, since childhood. She has a crush on Enamoto, a first-year high-schooler, but she has difficulty finding a boyfriend as everyone always wonders about the relationship between Anna and Sou and Hinata.

One day, she goes to Sou's house and finds out that Sou has a girlfriend. She is not jealous, but she feels like she has lost him. On the other hand, Sou's girlfriend is upset about how Anna comes into Sou's room so freely and asks Sou not to let Anna into his room again. However, Sou disagrees and ends their relationship. Anna decides to overcome the odds and confesses to her crush. Enamoto accepts, but upon finding out that Anna has a boyfriend, Sou gets upset.

On their first date, Anna finds herself in her room with Enamoto. She tells him about something that happened in the past: She once had a chipmunk named Coco, and when it died, Sou and Hinata brought her another chipmunk and telling her it was Coco. Her mother had told her to treasure Coco as the two of them had used their own money to buy Anna another chipmunk.

Enamoto then shocks Anna by asking which one of them she likes. After she replies that the one she likes is him, Enamoto tries to kiss her but Anna gets scared. She wants to call for Hinata and Sou but she can't. They both suddenly appear after Anna kicks Enamoto away. Of course, she cannot continue dating him after what happened.

Although she can't get what Enamoto asked out of her head, Anna is sure that the she will never be anything more than friends with Hinata and Sou. But what will happen when Sou confesses his love to Anna and asks her to go out with him? 

The progress is slow. The confusion state of Koshiro Anna is so long. It'll be hard for you to figure out or guess to whom she'll end up with.I want her to end up with Sou~ It's really hard to surpass their dilemma. Each one of them(3) tries to balance friendship and love. But, that makes this manga a good manga.  The art is Cute! Cool! BUT, I had a problem with some characters. I interchanged them because they looked so a like, except for their fringe line's direction. 

Parfait tic manga review

Synonyms: Parfait Tic

Type: Manga

Volumes: 22

Chapters: 149

Status: Finished

Published: 2000 to 2007

Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Shoujo

Authors: Nanaji, Nagamu (Story)

Serialization: Margaret

I was pretty surprised how much I really got into it too!  First off, the art is GREAT!  And this one was like, blatantly <3-triangle, spelled out in the first chapter.  But I never, for a moment, doubted whether or not Fuuko liked the cousins.  The relationships are really REALLY well done.  There's nothing rushed about it.

Fuuko is a happy and cheerful girl. One day, two cousins, Daiya and Ichi, move into the apartment upstairs. Cold Ichi and mischievous Daiya gave a very bad first impression. All three are going to the same school as well. How will Fuuko's high school life turn out?

I found this story to be extremely interesting and realistic. Usually in manga, the girl falls in love with a guy and stays with him and eventually moves on to the second guy and stays with him permanently if it's a love triangle. However, this manga portrays life- girls that are unsettled on their love. The truth is, we don't understand our hearts and our love interests tend to change as well. The same happens with the female protagonist of Parfait Tic, Fuuko. 

She's uncertain as to her feelings for Daiya and Ichi. And Daiya and Ichi are so lovable as well. Of course, the male protagonists are clichéd. You have Daiya, the fun, lively, and funny one who's in danger of failing school. He appeals to the fun-loving Fuuko chan and she takes a liking to him. And then on the other hand, you have the cold Ichi kun, the smart one who doesn't take any nonsense. He's more secretive and has a lot more complexity to his character than Daiya. However, when push comes to shove, he too has feelings for Fuuko. It's a battle between the cousins for Fuuko's love. Who will win? 

The only flaw with this series is its length. I feel like some parts are dragged out way too long...especially with Fuuko when she's rejected by one guy and has to learn how to move on...or when she's confused about her feelings for one or more of them. It gets annoying when you need to plow through 10+ painful chapters of her feeling remorse and depression when she sees the face of the guy that she used to like and now has to learn to act normal with. It was extremely annoying and repetitive, especially since this cycle of like, love, express feelings, get rejected repeats two/three times. And the guys...at times I felt like they were being cowards, Ichi mostly. He acted like a spoiled brat rather than that masculine shojo male figure girl's look up to. He doubted himself and he caused Fuuko to feel pain...now that does happen in manga, but it takes him forever to realize his mistake and his true feelings. But then again I think it takes time to over come issues in real life too right?

It's very cutesy, typical shoujo. I LOVE the facial expressions though, especially chibi versions. Overall, the artwork is visually appealing, but I enjoy it most for its comedy. I will definitly recommend it if you are for unrequited love or for love triangles. GAH I wish the series will end soon because it's taking forever. I think I know who she ends up with so for those of you who have read up to chapter 114 [because I'm updating myself with onemanga.com], there's probably a final arc where she will switch her love interest to the other guy [don't want to mention any names], and I think that'll be the conclusion of the story...or so I hope.

Anyhow, definitely a cute one to read so try it and see for yourself :D

Koishi tagari no blue manga review

Synonyms: Koi Shita Gari no Blue

Type: Manga

Volumes: 6

Chapters: 24

Status: Finished

Published: Not available

Genres: Romance, School, Shoujo

Authors: Fujiwara, Yoshiko (Story & Art)

Serialization: Cheese!

I dont recall what it is that first drew me to this manga, but whatever it was, god bless.

This is a story of "a fake love turned real".At first, it sounds a little stupid, with the 'fake girlfriend/boyfriend' thing, but as the story develops, it gets actually really good.

“Won’t you become my girlfriend?”

On the day of her high school entrance ceremony, Ao got asked that by Riku, a guy that she has only just met. But by that, he meant to ask her to become his fake girlfriend, just to pretend. Ao was surprised by the sudden request, but after knowing Riku’s true feeling, she decided to agree to become his fake girlfriend...?

It really reminds me of Bokura Ga Ita, because of the complicated relationships and because of the numerous love triangles; but this is what makes the story so interesting.

The one thing that really strikes me about this manga that's different from your other typical love triangle shojou manga is that there isnt a 'bad' character. You can sympathize with every character and understand their motives, insecurities and thoughts and perhaps even admit that you'd do the same in their situation  Ao, for example, isn't the type of mindless girl who would sacrifice anything for a boy, she values her friends just as much. The ideology of love/having a boyfriend is the most important aspect of a girls life that is presented is so many manga really irritates the feminist inside me but these characters, Ao especially, were a refreshing and realistic change.

The art is different, and admittedly can be messy at times; for those of you looking for hot bishies, you won't find any here (the character of Riku makes up for this loss) However one thing I have to congratulate Fujiwara on is the expressions of the characters. They are absolute comedy gold, and make the characters all the more lovable.

All in all, it was a pretty pleasant read, that made me laugh at times and feel kinda emotional at others :]

100% no kimi e manga review

Synonyms: 100% to You

Type: Manga

Volumes: 2

Chapters: 8

Status: Finished

Published: Aug 11, 2004 to Jun 13, 2005

Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo

Authors: Suetsugu, Yuki (Story & Art)

Serialization: Bessatsu Friend

Actually one of my friends picked up this manga for me. I just casually started reading it on a very tired and lonely day. By the time I finished it.. it really put me in a good mood. This story was just absolutely TOO cute. :) Don't be fooled by the cover art, this is a light story. This story follows the basic shoujo theme of boy-meets-girl-etc. The story follows their relationship with the dog throughout the manga, and I love dogs, so maybe that's why I loved this manga so much.

Always giving in to many little things, Yuzu transfers from a prestigious girls’ school to a co-ed because of her family. Since the first day, she felt uncomfortable with the too open ethos of the school. While trying to fit in, she met a guy who she is irresistibly attracted to. He, Yuzu, and a puppy, form a map of love together.

Yuzu is very naive girl as expected from shoujo heroine but she is not an airhead. While on the other hand Kashio is not popular guy in the school like every other male protagonist in shoujo manga. To be frank most of the story seems to be like unrequited love story. But the dog always keeps them together no matter what happens. The puppy forms a very special bond between them. The characters are well developed for a 8- chapter manga. The art is really nice. I really liked yuzu's hair and how cute the puppy is drawn.

I would definitly recommend this manga. Its really puts u at peace. Its very nice read for a boring day. You get the guy- girl  love story with  loads of cuteness from the puppy. Its very light story, it makes you feel like you dint even know when did the manga end. After that you will wish for more. :)

Happy reading.

Good morning call manga review

English: Good Morning Call

Synonyms: Kare to Kanojo ni Hanataba wo, His and Her Fortune Bouquet

Type: Manga

Volumes: 11

Chapters: 56

Status: Finished

Published: Sep 1997 to Apr 2002

Genres: Romance, School, Shoujo, Slice of Life

Authors: Takasuka, Yue (Story & Art)

Serialization: Ribon Magazine

Cute and funny, Good Morning Call is a manga I'd recommend to any shoujo fan that is looking for a upbeat and lighthearted story to enjoy some time and laugh a little.

GMC is the story of Nao Yoshikawa, a 15 year old girl who stays behind in the city when her parents move to the countryside. Excited at the prospect of living alone for the first time, she soon encounters a problem: the apartment where she's going to live has also been rented to a boy, Hisashi Uehara who (of course) is one of the most popular guys at her school.

Unable to decide who should keep the apartment (and also faced with a raise in the rental fee), these two decide to become roomates, even though they have nothing in common and didn't even know each other until then. You can probably guess what happens next.

I really like the way this mangaka draws her characters, especially when they make silly expressions. The heroine in this is quite silly, but likeable, and her relationship with Uehara provides some really funny situations, most of them thanks to the fact that he is probably one of the least romantic and cheesy shoujo heroes ever.

The low point is probably the extension. Most readers might be put off by the lack of real plot in the second half of the series. Some volumes are actually full of fillers that, while funny, don't really bring that much to the story.

Suki Kirai Suki manga reveiew

English: Like, Dislike, Like

Synonyms: Suki Kirai Suki, Like, Dislike, Like, Like Dislike Like, 23:55 I Love You

Type: Manga

Volumes: 1

Chapters: 4

Status: Finished

Published: Jul 2000

Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Shoujo, Slice of Life

Authors: Obata, Yuuki (Story & Art)

Serialization: Betsucomi

I adore Obata-sensei's works. So cute yet bitter-sweet. I pickedd up this manga just because its by Yuki Obata and it definitly lived up to my expectations. 

He hates to lose and is a little shorter than other boys. A little cheeky, but when he smiles, he's really cute. This is the Miyamoto that Hitomi loves so much. Just before the entrance exam for high school, she has two chances to make a confession. But she is dazzled and doesn't really have to courage to do it, so she decides to leave it for after the exam. Or at least that's what she thought... 

This is a very popular story about love, which makes the heart go "squeak"!!

Also contains the one-shot story: 23:55 I Love You

what distiguishes this from your usual shoujo are the characters' well developed personalities and the way their thoughts and actions are portrayed 

though its easy to understand, follow and anticipate their actions, the outcome is still not predictable throughout the story - and that makes it special

because somehow, by perfectly portraying the ambiguous signals in a might-be-love relationship, this manga has captured the awkwardness of love like no other - it's so easy to relate to the feelings of the main character going back and forth with their decisions, torn whether to ... or not... and what if... all those insecurities are conveyed so vividly, i felt drawn right into the stories and kept reading from start till finish in what felt like a short time (especially the second story, which also deals with the question love or friendship in a unprecedented way - at least for manga, as far as i know)

i definitely recommend this to anyone who's up for a little romance and the up (and down side) is: you can finish it within an hour, so it's a good read while taking a break e.g.

The arts good, not extraordinary, not bad either... i didn't really pay it much attention, since i was caught up in the story ^^"

Beast master manga review

English: Beast Master

Synonyms: Cactus Summer Surprise, Fly

Type: Manga

Volumes: 2

Chapters: 9

Status: Finished

Published: 2007

Genres: Comedy, Romance, Shoujo

Authors: Motomi, Kyousuke (Story & Art)

Serialization: Betsucomi

Beast Master is a very unique manga. It is my absolute favourite manga of all time. I have reread it several times and I still laugh or cry while reading it. The manga is simple, cute and sweet and as such, I will try to keep this review simple as well.

Yuiko Kubozuka is a high school girl who loves animals. Unfortunately, animals hate her and flee from her whenever possible. So when a new classmate, Leo Aoi, turns out to be a scary guy who resembles a wild animal than anything human, she is intrigued. Not only because Reo has an affinity with animals which she envies, but also because he isn’t the wild animal that he seems to be. He seems to hide a very sweet disposition behind his scary features.

Or so she thought. The truth is revealed when they are attacked and Leo immediately behaves like a wild animal and gets violent like a blood-thirsty animal, just to save Yuiko.

Will Yuiko be able to tame this wildest of all animals or will he be just like the others and flee from her? Or the better question, will she flee from him?

The first volume also contains a story called Fly

The second volume also contains a story called Cactus Summer Surprise.

The story is cute and well written. There is also a few darker scenes but it only makes the story better. I haven't read many shoujo where there's a guy who goes on an insane killing (not really) or fighting spree when threatened. It's definitely different. There are also a lot of comedy in it that just makes your heart melt. It's unique and different all the while keeping true to your typical shoujo (eg. typical bitchy high school girls).

The art stays true to that of shoujo manga. 

You are given a cast full of completely likable characters. You have a small teenage girl who is strong and independent and you have a big scary looking guy who's really just a kid on the inside. It's as if the mangaka is telling you not to judge people by their looks because mostly everyone has a different personality versus their looks. Maybe except Toki...but he's an exception. 

It's only 2 volumes and completely worth it. It is one of the best shoujo I have read. Also, the mangaka has written the more popular Dengeki Daisy which has a similar premise of a strong independent girl and a scary but torn up guy. Both are incredibly good and the best of shoujo. I highly recommend it to everyone unless if shoujo is definitely not your thing.