1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!1up!

I actually found this picture a while ago but I’m lazy…now I’m gonna go celebrate my love for yandere with some Higurashi. I was quite busy over the summer so right now I’m catching up with a lot of anime…maybe some posting later if I find something interesting.

Hello all. This is Rho, just saying hi from København, Denmark, on vacation. Denmark is great - full of old and new, Pølser hot dogs, Danish danishes, blondes, Carlsberg beer (”Probably the Best Beer in Town”), Legos, furniture, and food that is twice the price of good ol’ American meals. They do have a small fantasy/anime store here, which is nice.

BrokenAnime will be back on schedule reviewing very soon - bear with us as we enjoy the last bits of summer and procrastination. I will continue to review Blade of the Immortal and Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu as soon as I get back (from Greece next, actually). …unfortunately I can’t really speak for Kazeryu or Ryo, but I think they’ll post some soon. Hang tight!

Cute. Smart. Talented. Rich. Hella Otaku.

Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu is tender and sweet. I just wish an image of Kouta from Kanokon didn’t pop up every time Haruka talks…

So Kazeryu, whom I get 90% of my anime from, shows me this show “Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu” one day, telling me it’s about a cute princess-like female closet otaku. Watching a bit of the first episode with him, nothing really hit me as that interesting or unique. The story appeared to be about your usual high school romance - I didn’t get to the part about Haruka secretly being in love with anime yet, though. As I watched more of the series later, I became more endeared to both the traditional yet otaku Haruka, and her probable love interest Yuto, an honorable yet normal guy. This show seems like it has enough romance, moe, plot, and Haruka to keep me watching for a while.
You may mouseover any 3-panel thumbs for a larger view, in addition to being able to click any picture for larger views.

Episode 01 - Relatively Detailed Synopsis (to see a much shorter summary, skip below)
At the start we see a bit of a show called Clumsy Girl Aki-chan reminiscent of A Little Snow Fairy Sugar…don’t be confused like I was…it’s just a show that our hero Yuto Ayase is watching grudgingly, after his otaku friend Nobunaga recommended it to him. Enter onee-san and sensei, who are partying it up like no tomorrow downstairs. OP: “Tomadoi Bitter Tune” by Miran Himemiya and Chocolate Rockers

After escaping the crazy older women, Yuto heads to his private school where he is met by some of his classmates. He expresses his lack of interest in women (due to the crazy antics of the aforementioned women). OooOOooo…don’t speak so soon - enter Haruka Nogizaka, the school’s uber rich, refined princess, is playing a sweet melody on a piano, surrounded by admirers. Haruka is a masterpiece of good breeding - flawless and popular. We gonna need a montage of Haruka:

As Nobunaga bothers Yuto with the details about Clumsy Girl Aki-chan, Haruka overhears some of this, and suddenly excitedly stands up, to the astonishment of all. Later, at the end of the school day, Yuto bumps into Haruka at the library while returning an issue of an anime magazine for Nobunaga. Haruka drops an issue of Innocent Smile, the same anime magazine Nobunaga had…Uh oh.

The next day Haruka avoids Yuto like SARS…and the whole school notices. In a rooftop reconciliation, Haruka expresses her utmost fear of being identified as an otaku, while Yuto assures his acceptance of it, and pledges to keep her secret anime obsession safe. Yuto and Haruka head back to the library at night to return the issue of Innocent Smile that Haruka didn’t get a chance to return earlier (or else her name and overdue item would be announced on the intercom!). The two bond a bit, and decide to call each other by their first names. ED: “Hitosashiyubi Quiet!” by the show’s seiyus.

SHORT SUMMARY - Episode 01
Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu episode 01 introduces the audience to the protagonist, Yuto an average high school boy who finds out the secret otaku interests of the angelic Haruka - a special secret that bonds them together.

How long can the secret be kept? And would it not be better for Haruka to accept herself? Being an otaku should not be a shameful thing…especially if you’re also very talented, smart, yet humble.

IMPRESSIONS
The Good
Fairly good artwork, though nothing outstanding. The prospect of an adorable female otaku makes my heart beat…for a bit. The fact that Yuto is not a jerk like so many other male protagonists in high school romances is a good thing. Also, the amount of otakudom is balanced out by Haruka’s modesty and popularity, as well as Yuto’s relative ambivalence towards anime. Yuto’s acceptance of Haruka’s anime interest and the impending romance between them will be sweet and warm.

I suspect a lot of the show will be about Haruka’s admirers trying to get Yuto away from her. I dunno really, I haven’t read the light novels…

The Bad
I wish I had not watched Kanokon…Haruka would be 3 times cuter without the Kouta-i-have-no-balls voice. Yes, Mamiko Noto (the seiyu) was Kotomi from Clannad and Mitsuki from Kimikiss…but once you go Kouta - you don’t go back. Also, with the relatively simple premise of the story…how long can this story go? Will it devolve from a romance(with a bit of comedy) into a slice of life…?

Who’s more of a girl? A: Kouta; B: Haruka

MORE SCREENSHOTS

Hella 5 Cm Per Second

sigh…it’s not good to assume things so quick…

Nobunaga: more otaku than first imagined.

who brings their figures to school…

Obligatory fanservice. Ero-po-po!

One time this drunk chick started hugging me…then she asked if I was a Jew…………… h’noooo……….

~And I would walk…a thousand miles…~

No, you look!

Girl, I know what you’re tryin’ ta say…

awwwww

Pelvic Thrust

Probably epic. Probably cliché. Probably a retarded name for a series.

Birdy the Mighty Decodeshows off some solid action scenes, with interesting poses and camera angles

I think I was surfing the Yukan Blog when I caught sight of this weird series title: Birdy the Mighty Decode… I thought to myself, “wow…wonder what this series could be about…” And so I watched the first episode, and was moderately entertained. Here is what I expect to be an enjoyable, but not terribly unique or compelling boy-meets-hot-alien-girl series. I liked Urusei Yatsura and Onegai Teacher…oh wait…those were different in genre than this new show, which seems to be more geared towards action than anything else.
You may mouseover any 3-panel thumbs for a larger view, in addition to being able to click any picture for larger views.

Another boy and alien girl romance…? maybe.

Episode 01 - Relatively Detailed Synopsis (to see a much shorter summary, skip below)
We start out the show with a scene of two ships embattled someplace in the galaxy. A well-shaped female alien named Birdy pilots a Federation ship chasing down another ship which contain the not-so-sexy alien brothers Geega and Bacillus, along with their pilot. The brothers decide that if the pilot stops, they’ll satiate their hunger by eating the pilot. They don’t get their chance. Birdy herself somehow lands on their ship, promptly punching open the hatch, barely missing the brothers who have narrowly escaped…without the pilot. Show OP: “Sora” by Hearts Grow

After the OP we see a girl in a space outfit modeling for the camera. Arita Shion, as she is known, happens to be an idol who exclusively poses in science-fictiony outfits. Her picture also happens to be ogled by 2 high school guys in a convenience store. Their friend, Tsutomu (aka Senkawa), and male protagonist of the story, hasn’t gone through puberty and isn’t so interested in no badonkadonk. Enter noisy girl Hayamiya and Shion herself, with lots of food to buy.

Cut to Shion and her fruit-loops manager(I think) who are talking in a room. We find out that they are actually Birdy and her companion Tute who are here on Earth looking for Geega, who happens to have disguised himself as a human, along with other Federation illegal immigrants. In the next scene, Geega discusses his Earth stay and his unsuccessful research on a “Ryunka” that his doll-obsessed employer has. Whatever.

Tsutomu meets Hayamiya and reluctantly lets her join him in exploring a supposedly abandoned building just for kicks. In the same building though, is Geega in human form who tells the kids they’re on his company’s property. While the teens try to leave, they get caught up in a fight between Geega who has been tracked down by Birdy. Tsutomu gets tossed by Geega at Birdy, who promptly (accidentally?) shoots a beam at Tsutomu, effectively destroying him.

Tsutomu happens to wake up, no problems, no glasses needed, and with the memory of a crazy dream. His parents are moving out today, and he is home alone…or is he? He trips on the stairs and falls, soon to awake and discover himself…in the body of Birdy?!

ED: “Let’s Go Together” by Afromania

SHORT SUMMARY
Birdy the Mighty Decode episode 01 introduces the audience to Tsutomu(Senkawa), an average high school boy who meets, and is obliterated then resurrected by the hot Birdy. Birdy, an alien investigator who arrived on Earth to track down an alien outlaw name Geega, kicks ass and shows off her own.

ohhh. oh.

IMPRESSIONS
The Good
This shows seems to have fairly good artwork, though nothing outstanding. Birdy is pretty fly, but I think (I can’t confirm this) the show will not devolve into simple, continual fanservice…hopefully. I’ve read that people think the story will be cool, and I hope so too.

The question is not whether this show will expose Birdy as much as possible, but rather, how often. Let’s face it: excessive fanservice either ruins series, or just shows how shallow they are.

The Bad
Soundtrack and voiceacting aren’t anything to be admired…and I remember several occasions when Birdy’s voice overs were quite off. Also, the alien-girl-meets-boy plot can become really old, if it hasn’t already. Birdy the Mighty Decode should tread carefully, lest it break down into a fanservice-y rip-off of something else. And what the hell is up with the title…

Her mouth is not moving the way I think it’s supposed to be…

MORE SCREENSHOTS

…her mouth is probably bigger…

Ow. Naru x 300 = this is madness

Pound it. (Birdy breaking into Geega’s ship)

…

is it just me…or does her face look a bit odd?

That looks like a bottle full of gnarr

WEEEE! Sex change!

WEEE again!

~Katamari Damacy~

What? I only got into this anime cuz I have multiple moe factors not because I’m going to contribute to fights or plot? WHAT???

Maybe I’m just seeing this in the wrong perspective. Is it so wrong to expect a decent shonen type anime now? I guess I should have seen this coming with the serious lack of testosterone but in this episode any fighting that would have happened was cut off. No Kannu vs Chouun. No Kannu & Chouun vs horde of bandits. This has turned into a fanservice under the guise of a plot oriented around fighting. Not gonna say that that’s a bad thing, but I’m quite annoyed right now.

Look at me…I’m a main character too!!

So Chouhi knows that she can’t compare the the future harem girls so she has to try so hard to get some more screen time. Maybe she should just give up and learn how to shoot a gun so she can join the Strike Witches. I mean she’s close enough to not wearing pants.

Chouun combines her superior intellect with her lesbian tendencies to seize control over the newfound harem. And since there aren’t any men to be seen it looks like she’s not going to have any competition….wait no men means this is gonna be one big yuri fest? Maybe not with Chouhi around.

2 girls 1 box. Wait that’s a lot of…no nevermind I hate myself for thinking that.

And from this week’s chibi segment:

It was actually quite funny…one of the few times Chouhi’s put to good use. Though the best part was definately chibi Kannu.

I almost wanted to put a “Who do you think I am?” in here, but I felt like it would be a sin.

These are definately the bandits Kannu “fought” in episode 1 before the OP. Did she not beat them up or something? Or this is a low budget show and character designs are being recycled…

You can tell who’s got experience and who’s the first timer. Innocent girls being violated by other girls ftw.

Now this really is shameless. There is no way the dagger was supposed to be the focal point of this shot. “This is the only weapon I have and I’m a little worried.”

I guess all girls past puberty have massive oppai.

That fat bandit. His face. Why am I laughing?

Despite this being very old and overused and obvious, it is still used and the guard falls for it. He must have been…desperate…

I have tricked a monkey. This makes me feel smart and I shall look smug. And Kannu has that “How did she do that?” face.

And so Chouun makes off with more future haremettes…wait there are guys?

They must be playing on easy because no one should be able to get through a dungeon in less than 5 minutes without a dungeon map. They didn’t even fight a boss.

Yes, Chouhi, you are a retard. I would have liked to see better animation when she cuts down the tree, but that may have been asking for too much.

So this little cut and Chouhi’s “fight” with Chouun was all the fighting in this episode. I wanted to see Kannu+Chouun own bandits, but instead we get to see how stupid the commander is. Good to see the animators making good use of their time…oh and there is a serious lack of blood but that I could see coming.

And next week…

So the highlight of next week’s episode might be the introduction of Bachou. Hopefully they don’t make her character a mess.

Wow chinese sex toys are weird…I don’t even know what to say to this…

So for a while my soul was consumed by gaming. Apologies to people who read my posts about not so popular series and the staff ><”. Anyways onto blogging about Koihime Musou…

Oh no, it’s the loli brigade! Too bad their reign is short lived, but that’s why Strike Witches is airing this season…right?

Sorry, do I love you? It might just be me, but the hair color of this black-haired bandit hunter (Kannu) isn’t very consistent. But that aside, she’s got plenty of redeeming factors.

And our other character, who seems to be the complete opposite of Kannu. Flatter than her male underlings, but dreaming big. Coincidentally she wields the same type of weapon as Kannu and is very adept at it even though it’s twice as tall as her. But since when did physics play a role in anime?

So for an action anime there is quite a bit of fanservice. It’s not something unexpected seeing how things like Kanokon were able to make it onto the air, but still I would rather prefer action anime to focus more on the action rather than the fanservice. Maybe it’s just because they put the bath scene in the first episode rather than saving it for later

So how are them flotation devices?

Oh man did she just cut through that huge ro—oh it’s Kannu. I wub yoo

Loli raid! Loli feast! Loli happy! Plot happens?

So where is this plot actually going to go? From the looks of the OP they pick up a few more people on their “journey to change the world” and fight against some aristocratic-looking blonde girl. I don’t know, action animes always find a way to fill up episodes so once I watch the second episode I stored in my hard drive I’ll have a better idea how worthwhile this show is going to be (plot-wise, I’m already willing to endure 12 episodes of this as long as Kannu gets enough screen time/pantsu shots).

Wow this chibi segment really took me by surprise. Totally did not expect that after a “this character had a horrible childhood” flashback. That said it was really cute except it almost seems like more time was put into drawing the owner than Kannu. Seriously, her curves are so polygonal even though she’s the main character. Usually it’s the minor characters that get shafted, but…

It was pretty funny watching the little “bandit” be carried down from their hiding spot. There are other moments in the episode that were amusing, but once again I hope that this won’t begin to replace the fighting scenes in this. Speaking of fight scenes, I enjoyed the fight between Kannu and Chouhi. My knowledge of animation is very limited, but it was smooth and the characters were drawn well.

Kannu’s hair style is original at least, but it’s also really unusual. the side ponytail is fine (ponytail in general) but the bangs are far too long. And uneven. In fact, I feel like I spend too much time looking at her hair when I should be looking at…nevermind…

What? These are Chouhi’s clothes? On Kannu? It doesn’t even seem remotely possible. That said, Chouhi must be crazy because they fit Kannu perfectly.

Kitty hairpins have feelings too! I almost want it to start eating things with its super long tongue like Guchuko’s horns.

Wow another surprise in the ED. This too is very cute and something that I’ll look forward to when I watch this series. On another note, I’ll be eagerly awaiting the clean ED to come out so chibi Kannu doesn’t have all that text over her…

So while proofreading I realized that this post is not even remotely organized and I’m too lazy to switch things around. Maybe I should stop blogging at 0300….anyways screen shots incoming

<

A suiting image, for a badass series.

Slice ‘n Dice

I will not lie. I have not really been that impressed with new series that have been coming out recently. Generally I see a lack of artistic attention to detail and so-so plots that I feel need to be worked on. However, I do think the new series of late have potential to be amazing, and I do believe the new stuff I’ve seen is quite entertaining. That being said, I was hesitant to watch Blade of the Immortal because I was afraid the anime might disappoint, as I am actually quite endeared to the story and art that Hiroaki Samurai has created in his manga. Blade of the Immortal, the manga, is a story of revenge and redemption, reaching into history and emotion. After watching this first episode, I can safely say, Bee Train (the production studio) will not let Blade of the Immortal fans down. In fact, while watching,
I HAD A FIESTA IN MY PANTS.

Whatchu lookin’ at

Episode 01 - Relatively Detailed Synopsis (to see a much shorter summary, skip below)
We begin the episode (past the OP) with a scene of a samurai-looking individual slicin’ up some peeps, who then gets hit on the head with a pebble by a kid who calls him a murderer. Then a huge reverse swastika (aka “manji” - kudos to Kazeryu) appears, with a declaration of the episode’s title, “Criminal”. The scene I just described was a flashback of Manji, a hard-boiled, rugged swordsman who is now recalling himself killing a lord and a hundred guys in a confession booth to a priest. The priest, who is actually a fake, pulls a pistol and pops a cap in Manji’s head. Too bad Manji is invincible, and little worm things (kessen-chu) heal over his wound. Priest -1, Manji +1. See below.

Then we switch scenes to see Rin, Anotsu, and Habaki. Rin, a young girl, is by her father’s grave, thinking back to her father’s death at Anotsu’s hands. Habaki, a government top dog, converses with Anotsu, offering Anotsu and his sword “school”, the Itto-ryu, the opportunity to guard the Tokugawa dojo (I’m assuming the subber meant training students of the Tokugawa’s dojos). For those who haven’t read the manga at all, I think this was supposed to be kind of vague. That’s ok, because this will all hopefully become more clear later.

Our attention is then turned back to Manji, who discusses his curse of immortality and “quest for redemption” with Yaobikuni the nun, who has the same kessen-chu worms within her that keep them alive. Then, Machi, Manji’s crazy yet also gorgeous sister comes in spreading flowers and insanity everywhere. Night falls and again, we see yet another flashback of Machi’s husband confronting, rebuking, then promptly getting killed by Manji. Machi, who had observed this happen, lost her wits soon after.

Manji, who enjoys long walks in the park, takes a little walk only to discover more thugs wanting to slice him through. This time, they have Machi (who thinks this all is kinda funny) as a hostage to tempt Manji to fight the twenty of them. The following pictures should be explain the outcome.

The episode ends with Rin at her father’s grave, promising to avenge him.

SUMMARY
This first episode introduces the audience to the main players of this series: Manji, the near invincible/immortal swordsman pursued by many wanting his head; Rin, the young woman with a vendetta against the Itto-ryu; Anotsu, the leader of the Itto-ryu responsible for Rin’s father’s killing; and Habaki, the mysterious government official. Manji slices up some baddies using Manji’s crazy sister as bait, and Rin promises to avenge her father. Look forward to Manji and Rin meeting and joining up to find the Itto-ryu!

The OP is REDONK

IMPRESSIONS
The Good
From start to finish, I was not really disappointed with anything at all. The refined look of the characters and backgrounds, a soundtrack both epic and elegant, and some awesome fight scenes are just some of the praiseworthy things I’ve seen. The team working on this series, including character designer Yoshimitsu Yamashita (who worked on Samurai Champloo), Maaya Sakamoto as Machi, Rina Satou as Rin(Satori from Bamboo Blade), and composer Ko Otani (Mobile Suit Gundam Wing) just make this anime more bomb.

Hella Inuyasha

The Bad
This episode might be confusing for those who have not read the manga before (which I highly recommend), as the episode introduces a handful of important characters right off the bat. Also, though I personally don’t have a problem with it, Manji is portrayed here much more as a soul-searching, conflicted ronin rather than the gruff anti-hero that he is in the manga. He’s still badass, but I never really imagined him as much of a thinker…
NOTE: Thought it may seem so after just one episode, Blade of the Immortal, at least in the manga, is NOT just mindless violence. Hiroaki Samura (the manga-ka) has put in much artistic and storytelling skill, expressing his unconventional views on samurai prestige, love, and good vs. evil.

This is…who? Hyakurin just appears randomly after Manji slices up some baddies. People may be slightly overwhelmed by all the characters introduced this episode, especially when their significance is not fully explained.

Cute. Except for the OP song lyrics…those are odd.

Insanity is pretty sexy.

Whose hands are dirty…?

~Wheeeeeere’s your heaaaaaaaad at?~

Too many mutha uckas, ucking with my shi

Blue? Orcs!

~Blinded by the light~

Too bad in this ep we don’t actually get to see that much action, which BOTI is known for

Champloo that shi’

Keep watching…the power of the Reich compells you

Impending Doom.

Episode 14 “(Super) Written Test〜 Heart-Throbbing, Trembling, Nervous, Lies？〜” at a glance:

It’s testing time at Shibusen… Steins administering a test thats meant to test everything that they should know as students and as meisters/weapons in general. Many have different plans for how to pass the test… Whether it be intense studying like Maka, working out like Black Star, or even doing ritualistic chants like Maka’s father (for her sake). When it comes to the test though, the only one who doesn’t crack under pressure, get caught cheating or completely forget about what a taking a test means is Maka, who is under a lot of pressure to score the highest in her class like her legendary mother had before her. In the end, Maka can rest assured as she gets a perfect score and tops the class charts, hopeful of one day making Soul Eater a Deathscythe and following in her mother’s footsteps.

Why meow for attention when you can do this? (Nyannn ~^-^~)

This is how I study

Kid’s perfectly symmetrical drawing of Liz?

Deathscythe spends half this episode chanting.

This is why you shouldn’t cheat on tests.

Patty: Stupider than first imagined

Soul Eater knows how to cheat in style.

She did this entirely with test papers and crayons…

Perfect time for an autograph.

2nd place… “Ox Ford” lol.

Maka and Deathscythe when young… Even as a guy, I thought these pictures were cute.

And he read to Maka… whatever happened to this side of him?

Nyannnn

Mewww… spent all of Deathscythes money on herself instead of Maka.

A gift… from papa…?

Clueless.

The new ED: “Style” by Kana Nishino

The new ED has great art… a great song… but seriously, it shows the same shot of Maka walking/running looped for almost a minute! The shots above are literally almost all of the scene changes in the actual ED. The quality was superb.. but enticing and interesting? It was definitely not.

Review: I guess tests are at every school you could go to…

This episode doesn’t really go anywhere… the only thing it really does besides provide some pretty hysterical laughter is offer a deeper insight into Maka’s relationship with her parents. The photoalbum with her and Deathscythe when they were younger was pretty cute. He was probably quite the pimp, he was only 18 when Maka was born (younger than me O_O, and no, I do not have any children… that I know about…).

All in all… Yes, the classroom antics were funny. Yes, I found myself laughing hysterically from time to time as the show played off of the character’s personalities even more. But, if you’re looking for another action-packed episode of Soul Eater, this is one you can skip right on through.

Preview:

Contrary to the episode 14, the next one looks like its going to be an action-packed time in Soul Eater… Also, the return of Chrona and Ragnarok in episode 15, “Black Dragon that Eats Souls～Cowardly Liz and Her Pleasant Companions？～”.

Photodump:

Its bath time at Haruna’s house, and Rito is invited!

Episode 12 “Their Secret” at a glance:

This episode revolved around Rito’s continuing mission to become the greatest man so that the world doesn’t meet its messy end at the hands of Lala’s father. More specifically, it revolved around his indecisiveness and his secret relationship with Haruna. Unsure of what to do, Rito begins to jog and bumps into Haruna at the park. They make their meetings a routine and begin to anticipate each other every day. Haruna helps Rito train and watches in awe of his self-improving attitude towards his exercise. After getting invited back to her house during one rainy night, things start to heat up while Rito’s clothes are drying and he’s lounging around the house in only a towel after his bath. After a bump and a fall, it seems like their feelings are finally going to be shared in the form of a kiss when Haruna’s sister finally comes home to interrupt them.

I wish I could make this face right.

The eternal struggle

Father in law?

To be a man… you must be swift as the coursing river…

A romantic meeting in the rain?

I like this dog’s style

Onee-Chan!

Haruna’s cooking is really that delicious?

Love Hina shot incoming!

New ED: “kissの行方” by Anna

Although this ED sequence is better in my opinion than the first one, including more animation and better composition, it has wayyyy too much Haruna.. none of Lala, whom I love. Give me more Lala!

Review: Needz moar Lala!

This episode felt less like Rito’s journey to become the best man in the universe and more like he was having an affair behind Lala’s back. It’s hard for me to be at peace with Rito’s relationship… whichever way it goes… if its SO indecisive. Even the episode title… “Their Secret” just screams like he’s cheating on Lala… the girl who he should be working out for, not to impress Haruna.

Even the new ED just screams that Rito is leaning towards Haruna… like he always does… In episode 13, if you missed it, he actually considers his new-found feelings for Lala that have developed made me so happy to watch… Also Lala screaming “Yuki Rito is the person that I love” should help his decision lean more towards her. I hope he comes to his senses and we can see a little bit more of the girl I love.

Preview:

Rito’s journey to become a man continues as he finds himself on a mysterious planet fighting for his life? In the next episode of To Love-Ru, “Princess Jungle”.

Photodump: