My Anime Binge List: December 2016

January 4, 2017January 4, 2017 / MOKA / 4 Comments

Not only has a new month started, but a new year as well! With that said, HAPPY NEW YEARS! I hope everyone is off to a great start for 2017. I know it has been awhile (and I mean awhile) since I last posted something on this blog. One new year resolution I have is to be active again on here. Scold me if I don’t follow through. I mean really, please do. It would most likely motivate me.

Anyways, I have here all the anime I binged on in December. I was actually watching a lot of anime last month, even I was surprised myself. Of course, not all those anime made this list because I either did not watch all the episodes within 24 hours, or they were still airing, so I could not finish the anime in one go (so many good anime, it was excruciating to wait for episodes to come out). In any case, here are the binge-worthy anime of December:

*I’ve linked the summaries to the titles for those who are not familiar with any of the series discussed below

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu

Episodes: 25

Genre: Psychological, Drama, Thriller, Fantasy

Mob Psycho 100

Episodes: 12

Genre: Action, Slice of Life, Comedy, Supernatural

♣ ♣ ♣

Bungou Stray Dogs

Episodes: 12

Genre: Action, Comedy, Mystery, Seinen, Supernatural

Drifters

Episodes: 12

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Historical, Fantasy, Seinen

♣ ♣ ♣

Ushio to Tora

Episodes: 26

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Shounen, Supernatural

Watashi ga Motete Dousunda

Episodes: 12

Genre: Harem, Comedy, Romance, School, Shoujo

♣ ♣ ♣ = BEST-LIKED

Which anime did you binge on?

Saint☆Young Men Transcending Religion

April 22, 2016May 5, 2016 / MOKA / 17 Comments

To some people, religion is a sensitive topic, and here, we have a film that revolves around two iconic figures of religion: Jesus and Buddha. Heavy on Christian and Buddhist references, yet still maintaining respect for both of the religions, Saint☆Young Men is one of the most unique and charming movie I’ve ever come across.

The story is about how Jesus and Buddha decides to take a vacation in Japan while trying to stay incognito by living like ordinary humans, which in their case is a difficult job with their godly powers of miracles and enlightenment that would automatically activate depending on the situation.

Jesus trying to overcome his fear of submerging in water, but ends up parting the pool like the Red Sea.

It’s unique and refreshing to see figures that are so well known and worshipped around the world living in a small apartment and trying to make it to the grocery store in time for the sale events. I’m quite familiar with Christianity since I am Christian myself, so I was able to understand all of the references for the jokes relating to Jesus, which lead me to appreciate them more than if I didn’t have the background knowledge, which was the case with the Buddhism references. I didn’t find those jokes as hilarious compared to the ones about Jesus, but don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed every bit of it and the movie as a whole; my familiarity with Christianity just enhanced the whole experience. So, to those who are very knowledgeable with both of the religion, I think this movie will be even more enjoyable.

The whole idea of humanizing these godly figures maybe controversial to some, but personally, I don’t think it is offensive at all. It really depends on how you look at it. This movie should not be approached with condescending eyes, but rather, it should just be taken at face value—entertainment. I highly doubt this movie was trying to convert anyone or disrespect the religions. If we’re really looking for some deep implications from this movie, it would be the notion that being empathetic and understanding to one another transcends any religion, culture, and race. Even though Jesus and Buddha have completely different ideologies, they try to understand each other, like how Buddha can’t eat meat and so Jesus will be considerate of that, and those compromises and understanding allows them to have a wonderful bromance. This compassion is not just confined between the two of them; it is also shown through the people that they encounter everyday.

Visually, I found the movie beautiful. Moreover, it had a peaceful ambience about it. The character designs are a bit cartoonish; however, it seemed appropriate for the movie and it complement the characters and the background too. I honestly don’t think the movie would have the same impact or hilarity if Jesus and Buddha were drawn typical anime style with big, coloured eyes and detailed hair (although, Jesus still has beautiful hair anyways). The simplistic drawing style is befitting for this movie.

I really enjoyed watching the OVA and the movie. The OVA focuses more on the perspective of Jesus and Buddha’s landlady, and a general introduction of the characters. The movie, then, is specifically centered on the antics of our two main figures. I suggest watching the OVA first to have the full experience. All in all, I definitely recommend this to anyone. I’m really glad I was able to come across this movie. I’m hoping they make a series out of it!

Saint☆Young Men Trailer

April 18, 2016May 5, 2016 / MOKA / 2 Comments

I can’t wait to watch this movie! I’ve watched the OVAs and it was so entertaining! I just love the whole concept. I’m sure that the movie will be even better than the OVAs.

UPDATE: Read my review on it here!

What Kinds of Baths do Cute, Adult Men Take? (Orenchi No Furo Jijou)

April 13, 2016April 13, 2016 / MOKA / Leave a comment

Orenchi No Furo Jijou showcases the cute sides of hot men—or is it sea creatures? In any case, this might be the first short anime that I’ve actually finished! I’ve never been into short episodes; however, this anime just kept me wanting to see more of what happens in Tatsumi’s bathroom!

Screen Shot 2016-04-10 at 4.21.45 PM.png

Is it just me or does his hair remind you of Pikachu?

Basically, everything begins when Tatsumi saves a merman that he sees collapsed on the side of the river. Then, he lets Wakasa (the merman) stay in his bathtub after finding out that the river that Wakasa lived in is now polluted with garbage. With an adult merman occupying his bathtub, Tatsumi experiences eccentric events and even more bizarre creatures that all occurs in his little bathroom.

Episode 11

I can’t stress enough how hilarious this series is. It made me laugh every episode! Wakasa and his friends are so adorable even though they’re all the handsome, adult men type—aside from the jellyfish. So, I couldn’t help but fawn over them. Tatsumi and Wakasa’s bromance is so funny but heartwarming at the same time. I love all the weird antics that Wakasa does, and how Tatsumi just goes along with it. That boy has such a kind soul. Everyone in this anime is so cute. SO CUTE. I just can’t say that enough!

Episode 1 & 8

The visuals in this series really stand out. When it’s not in cartoon chibi mode, the art is fantastic. The handsomeness and cuteness (can’t leave that out) of all the characters really shine through. My eyes were very pleased. Also, I enjoyed how this anime revolves around the bath. Coincidentally, I’ve been wondering if there is an anime that showcases the bath culture of Japan, and I thought that it would be interesting to see one that plays around with that theme. Although this anime doesn’t really focuses on the cultural aspect, it was still entertaining to see the characters take all kinds of baths, including an alcoholic one (I wonder if there are people who have actually immersed themselves in a bath full of wine).

Episode 11

This anime definitely made my day! I recommend this if you’re in need of some laughter. Since it’s only around 4 minutes per episode and only 13 of them, it’s worth the watch. I actually wish there was more episodes, I already miss all that weird cuteness in this series.

Animes That Are Just Not My Cup of Tea

April 9, 2016April 10, 2016 / MOKA / 16 Comments

I’m going to over generalize and say that everyone has probably drank something that wasn’t their cup of tea, so instead of gulping down the whole cup, they eat the biscuits instead and forget about the tea. A similar scenario can be said for animes. As an avid anime watcher, this is a pretty common decision for me. I admit that I’m guilty of dropping animes quicker than drinking tea. Here’s a few of the animes that I have dropped recently in no particular order:

*I’ve linked the summaries to the titles for those who are not familiar with any of the series discussed below.

Dance With Devils

I was excited to see good-looking characters, but then they started singing, and that’s when I said sayonara, ganbatte. I just found it too cheesy for my taste—not that I have anything against musicals. This one just wasn’t for me.

Dropped: Ep 1

Log Horizon 2nd Season

I really liked the first season, and I found the beginning of the second season still interesting. However, I think it was towards the end that I just couldn’t find the motivation to press play anymore. I didn’t really think the focus on Akatsuki was particularly interesting.

Dropped: Ep 14

Mekakucity Actors

I liked the visuals and it was interesting-ish, but something about it just made me reluctant to start the next episode. It might be because there was too much techy stuff going on in the first episode and my attention just wasn’t there.

Dropped: Ep 1

Diabolic Lovers

I actually gave this one a second chance. I got further into it than on my first try, but there was just too much s&m kind of vibe going on that I got a bit uncomfortable watching anymore of it. Mainly, I tried watching it because of how good looking the characters are, but dang, why they gotta be so sadistic?

Dropped: Ep 7

Tokyo Ravens

The poster incited me to watch this, but then I was disappointed by the character design of the main protagonist during the show. Also, the beginning of the first episode didn’t hook me at all and I wasn’t really looking forward to anything else, so I decided to cut my losses and move on.

Dropped: Ep 1

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar

It maybe because I was just fed up with the game genre around the time I started to watch this, or because starting an episode with the protagonist waking up in a different world was beginning to be too generic in my books, but the first episode just didn’t spark up any enthusiasm in me.

Dropped: Ep 1

On Trial:

Zankyou No Terror

I kind of want to know what happens in the end, yet I don’t really care at the same time. I think the depression in this anime is getting to me which just makes me reluctant to keep watching. I’m not really a fan of Lisa, but I heard that there’s some romance between her and one of the members in Sphinx which is my main motivation to tough it out and finish this anime.

Currently on Ep 6

No Game No Life

This series is starting to become too humdrum. I don’t have any particular interest in the characters. I think the fan service in this is redundant, especially with Shiro’s. I don’t know why there’s a need to sexualize an 11 years-old. However, I’m still considering on finishing it because I’m curious about how their game with the Warbeasts will turn out.

Currently on Ep 9

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

I’ve put this on hold for awhile because I was waiting for the next episode to come out. But, then I don’t find myself wanting to go back to it, yet I know it’s a good series. So my mind is a little bit contradictory about whether to continue or not to continue. Maybe when I’m in the mood I will turn to this anime and finish what I started.

Currently on Ep 2

Well I Wish I Could Be Psychic Too (Ghost Hunt)

April 8, 2016April 10, 2016 / MOKA / 11 Comments

Wow. Just wow. I haven’t been so intrigued with an anime that deals with ghosts and the likes since the time I watched Another. Ghost Hunt is one of the best supernatural animes I’ve seen!

The basis of the anime is about Mai, a highschool girl, who ends up working for the handsome, narcissistic Shibuya Kazuya a.k.a Naru, the manager of Shibuya Psychic Research, after accidentally causing his assistant to be injured. While working under Naru, Mai learns more about the paranormal world as well as discovering her latent abilities.

Episode 1

It’s a funny coincidence that I stumbled upon this anime when I’ve lately been quite interested in psychic/mentalist stuff after watching a couple videos of Lior Suchard—a famous mentalist. He’s a pretty fascinating guy. If you haven’t heard of him, I highly recommend you check him out! Anyways, the anime reminded me of him since it deals with psychic abilities; however, that’s not all that kept me watching.

Episode 1

First and foremost, the characters are all excellent. I love how diverse the main characters are—a psychic researcher, a highschool girl, a monk, a priestess, a Catholic priest, a spirit medium, and an onmyoji (yin and yang master). You’d think there would be at least one redundant character but no. I found that they all play an important role in the team and they really complement each other even though they practice totally different beliefs. Not only are they vital players in solving and exorcising spirits, they also provide the comical relief that this anime needs. I really have no complaints with the characters except that sometimes Mai gets ridiculously annoying when she just runs her mouth at Naru. I mean, I can understand where she’s coming from since her reasons can be morally justified, but I can’t help think that she just needs to shut up and have some faith on Naru. Plus, she’s like the newbie in the paranormal world, so she doesn’t know enough about the supernatural to the point where she can just lecture a pro. Other than that, Mai is pretty tolerable and she plays a key role in solving the mysteries.

Episode 4 & 6

For the story, I liked how it’s not the generic solve-one-case-per-episode. Rather, the narrative is divided up into files where they would usually have 3-4 episodes to them, which really gives the cases more substance. I have to mention that there are some cases that gave me major creeps. The most notable one has to be “The Doll House” which is the second file that they tackle. One heck of creepy episode I tell you. It gave me the same feels as live-action horror films do like the Paranormal series. And I think that’s an accomplishment for an anime that takes on the horror genre. Many animes with this genre doesn’t really live up to the nature of it, so I was surprised that I got that spooked when I watched this anime. However, I have to note that not all the files have that horror aspect to it, but that doesn’t really degrade them in any way. All the files have their own engrossing elements that’ll keep you watching.

Episode 21

I wish this anime had more episodes like Detective Conan does. Not once did my attention or interest falter from watching all 25 episodes in one go. It has all the right components that can keep it going. I highly, highly recommend this anime, especially to those who favor supernatural/mystery genres.

The Mystery Behind Finishing Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro

April 2, 2016April 21, 2016 / MOKA / 5 Comments

Detective Conan-demon style? Well, it’s something like that. Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro was interesting enough for me to finish all of its 25 episodes, and I think that already says a lot.

This anime is about a demon named Nougami Neuro who ate all of hell’s mystery. In order to sate his hunger, he ascends to Earth to hunt for the ultimate mystery. Neuro employs Yoko as a cover since he can’t make it obvious that he is a demon. Yoko is a high school girl who agrees to work with Neuro because of the promise that he will help solve her father’s brutal murder. So as Yoko becomes more famous with each case they solve, the more delicious and complex cases they encounter, including clues to Yoko’s mystery.

Episode 1

I started this series thinking that I will probably quit on the first episode, but low and behold, I ended up completing all twenty-five of them. What’s odd about it is that this anime wasn’t crazy interesting, nor did it really stimulate me to guess who the murder for each crime was. In actuality, the perpetrators were pretty obvious—to the point where some episodes would just blatantly show 90% of their face during their murderer act. Rather, the anime would focus on how the criminals executed their crime and their motivations. So what kept me watching? Honestly, I think it was because of how easy it was to understand what was going on. Also, I really liked the Neuro-Yoko combo, they provided great comic relief to balance the brutality that happens during every episode. Likewise, Neuro by himself was such a great character to watch; not to mention that he was pretty attractive…his human form anyways. And as usual, I would look forward to any sign of a romantic spark between Neuro and Yoko—if there was any.

Episode 19

I can’t say that I rate this anime high up in my list though. If anything, it’s a pretty mediocre series. There were some dull cases here and there, and I thought that Yoko’s mystery would have more presence during the show, but it wasn’t really until the last four episodes that it was addressed. Also, I found it a bit inane and repetitive that a lot of the suspects would start laughing as a soon as they were named the criminal and then they would show their true colours which would usually be in a demonic-looking form of their motivation. I guess it was a way to show a juxtaposition between the actual demon who was solving crimes and humans who gives in to their demons and commit the crimes.

Episode 18

Overall, I don’t know if I would recommend this series, but maybe if a pretty cool demon detective interests you, I think this might be worth the watch.

monomania fantasia

a fancier term for my otaku-ness

Anime

My Anime Binge List: December 2016

Saint☆Young Men Transcending Religion

Saint☆Young Men Trailer

What Kinds of Baths do Cute, Adult Men Take? (Orenchi No Furo Jijou)

Well I Wish I Could Be Psychic Too (Ghost Hunt)

The Mystery Behind Finishing Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro