Manga of ze Week Long Weekend Bonus! 2


Image by Morinaga Ai

Title: 僕と彼女の×××, Boku no Kanojo no XXX, Your and My Secret, My Barbaric Girlfriend
Author: Morinaga Ai

Genre: Shoujo, Comedy, Romance

Total Volume Count: 6 volumes (on going)

Kenn's Comment: Gender-bender. What can I say? In my opinion (IMO), it's probably one of the better ones...I can't actually think of another series that has a gender bender like this. Actually never mind. But I do think that this is up there with KashiMashi, minus the yuri romance. The main protagonist is kind of irritating, in that he's not accepting it. Even as a guy, he wasn't very interesting. Anyways, there's another Manga of Ze Week tomorrow, so look forwards to that too!

Summary from MangaUpdates:
A rude girl and effeminate boy switch bodies and find that it might be a better fit for both of them. Lots of crazy comedy. Nanako Momoi is the belle of high school... as long as she stays quiet. Once she shows her true self, guys' dreams are shattered for she is a true tomboy. Akira Uehara has the looks and brains, but, unfortunately, his personality is so dull it overcasts a shadow, and nobody notices him. One day, Nanako's grandfather comes up with a crazy invention, and Nanako and Akira trade personalities! She's he, and he's she!


Animated PV


Zomfg. That animated PV is just as cute as Minami's Chibi Miku. It's too bad that it's so short. Anyways, there'll be a long weekend Manga feature later today and tomorrow. I had a long weekend, and a lot of other schools did. Ahaha.

Summer Series Preview 4 - Spice and Wolf II


Image by Arakawa Megumi

Title: 狼と香辛料Ⅱ, Ookami to Koshinryo II, Spice and Wolf II
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural

Animation Studio: BRAINS BASE

Airs: 07/?

Kenn's Comment: Woo. More Horo goodness. Act 0 (OVA) was a small taste of whats to come in the second season, which is pretty much the same kinda stuff that was in the first season. I want that Horo hand puppet though...

Summary from ANN: (season 1)
Kraft Lawrence, a 25 year old peddler travelling from town to town selling and buying various things to make a living during a period much like Europe in the Middle Ages. One night when stopped at the town of Pasroe, he finds in his wagon a 250 year old pagan wolf deity girl named Holo. She appears to be that of a 15 year old girl, except for a wolf tail and ears. She introduces herself as the town's goddess of harvest who has kept it blessed with good harvests of wheat for many years. Despite having the responsibility to watch over the town, she wants to go back to her homeland in the north called Yoitsu, she believes the people have already forsaken her anyway and that she has kept her promise to maintain the good harvests. She manages to bargain her way out of the village by making a deal with Lawrence to take her with him. As they travel, her wisdom helps increase his profits, but at the same time, her true nature draws unwanted attention from the church.

Image by Asato Mizu

Awight. So, despite the picture, I did have my grad ceremony today...more accurately, yesterday. Here's the run down. I'll upload pictures later, when my head isn't killing me.

Got a ride from my parents, who attended the ceremony. Ended up getting there a half hour late though, since my mom's new GPS wasn't cooperating. I wasn't the last one though, and I still had a half hour to kill after I got there. The entrance to the stage was nerve wracking. Waiting in the line up, knowing there's a few hundred people sitting out there, and you're high up on stage, it's quite the feeling. Most people were being their usual selves though. Once up on stage, and seated, all the small things that we were told weren't done. Like the turning around, etc. There was cheering, there wasn't supposed to be, but there was. The principal didn't seem very impressed at a one point. Anyways, the real brunt of the ceremony started. A friend won 6 awards. Top student of the school. I envy him greatly. Even his girlfriend (?) is the top student. It's like Kare Kano >>. Anyways, while waiting for my eight seconds of glory, I was eyeing the various switches and buttons back stage. Found a pen and started clicking it relentlessly for a bit. Once I was up there though, it went by like a flash. I don't even remember what I did. It's real weird. Anyways, my head started pounding after that. It still is actually.

After the ceremony, I went to hunt for my parents outside. Took me a long time to find them. Went to look for Ed and the rest too. Found the two Jasons, Calvin, and Kevin, but no Ed and them. So much for an outing. Ended up riding the rails (SkyTrain, and hence the picture) with Ivy around and around on the various loops. Told her morbid stories, such as the story behind "An Hero", and how to get away with murder. She didn't like them. There was a DIY Disaster poster right outside the train's window, and she didn't notice it, so I told her there was a face beside her, and she turned around. It gave her quite a fright, though she doesn't admit it. It reminded me of one of my favourite manga series, Love Hina. Anyways, like I said earlier, I'll try and get a photo or two up sometime when my head isn't killing me. It's been there ever since I got off the stage.

Edit: Photos here. They're pretty bad. I don't have the pictures of the ceremony though. Don't know where my parent's cameras are. I'll get some, and stick'em in a different post when I find them.




Yoko's PV!



Woohooo. It's more Yoko than you can take (home)! Our TTGL babe stars in her own PV, and catchy new song, StarS. Expect a single release soon ;D Everyone makes an appearance in the PV, even a certain love ;D Anyways, enjoy! ;D Yoko~


Some cool stuff made by kyonkun79 on the Animesuki forums. Fuwa Fuwa Time is a song in K-ON!. Looks awesome, and similar in style to the ending of Higashi no Eden. Kudos to him. The song is pretty fun too. ;D Fuwa fuwa time~

Image by Takeneshi Eri



Kannagi 14! The actual series ended at 13, but an extra DVD only episode will be included in the seventh volume of the DVDs. It's actually out today, so I'd reckon that the sub's be out...in another day or two. And no. This does not guarantee a second season.





Title: 青い花, Aoi Hana, Sweet Blue Flowers
Genre: Yuri, Drama, Romance

Animation Production: J.C. STAFF

Airs: 07/-- 26:08

Kenn's Comment: Yuri. Excellent. Anyways, haven't read this, or heard of it before, so yeah. Anyways, looking forwards to it, since I've heard good stuff about it.

Summary from ANN:
Fumi Manjoume, an introverted, bookish teenage girl, is beginning her first year of high school at Matsuoka Girls' High School. She enters the school year with her heart broken by a previous relationship. At about the same time, she reconnects with her best friend from ten years ago, Akira Okudaira, who is now attending Fujigatani Girls' Academy as a first-year high school student. As they reconnect, they both deal with their own respective romantic problems, and help each other get through them.


Awight, so for today's free block, we drove with John down to Ed's place to pick up a few "special packages". He's got about 17 of them now. After having a popsicle as Ed's, we drove down to the McD's down on 41st for some food. John had two small burgers, I had a snack wrap, a parfait and an ice coffee. Kev and Ed had the usual I guess. Anyways, went to Tec for some Big 2. I'm terrible at it. Out of 4 games I won 2 though. Only because of the hands. Anyways, John didn't want to drive me back to the school, so I had to bus back. The bus only goes to 54th. I'm on 64th. FML. I swear I saw his car at the school when I got there. Grr.

Anyways, while I was walking down the hill to my place, with my music going, Sherman was behind me. Of course I didn't know that, since I have earbugs that cancel out ambient noise, and my music is pretty loud, so I'm pretty much in my own world when I'm plugged in. So he runs up and gives me a light punch. I only notice him then. When I walk with him, we usually end up talking about university and stuff. Don't hang around him that much. Not really much that I can think up of for conversation material. Oh well.

Summer Series Preview 2 - Sora no Manimani





Title: 宙のまにまに, Sora no Manimani, At the Mercy of the Sky
Genre: Seinen, Comedy, Romance, Drama

Production Studio: STUDIO COMET (fitting isn't it?)

Airs: 07/07 10:30

Kenn's Comment: Only 2 chapters of the manga are scanlated to my knowledge, but from the looks of the trailer, and the two chapters, I don't think it'd be that bad. The plot is kinda generic from the outside, but who knows what'll happen. There are currently 5 volumes released in Japan, and yes, it's a seinen manga from Afternoon (Ah My Goddess! was in that too)

Summary from MangaUpdates:
Saku Ooyagi returns to his old town after seven years and becomes reacquainted with a childhood friend, the ever-boisterous Mihoshi Akeno; but the reunion is far from merry since his last piece of memory between them is of her falling off a tree and him diving to save her. Regardless, Mihoshi focuses her all into improving their tattered relationship and forces Saku to join her astronomy club.

Summer Night Market!



Awight, so today I was at ze Summer Night Market down in Richmond. Not there shopping, but working @ ze family stall. Selling Vietnamese Sandwiches, salad rolls, and chicken with rice. Being new and all, I was really slow, missing ingredients and stuff, but I got better as the day went on. Managed to get to the point where I could make a sandwich at a decent speed. After a while I ended up manning the oven and grill, for the bread and chicken. The bread straight outta the oven really hurts if you hold it for too long. And the oil popping off the grill stings for a bit when it hits you. It gets quite cold there too.

Clean up wasn't that bad, except there wasn't any hot water, so you really have to put some back into getting stuff off of the stuff. Funny, cuz the staff was going around telling everyone to close up, but some people were still going for those last few sales.

Anyways, drop by, maybe I'll be there. It's open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Website @ click.

APH x IOSYS



Woo. Axis Powers Hetalia meets IOSYS and Touhou's "Marisa Stole the Precious Thing" It's really well done, and happens to match up with the song very well. ;D


Title: グレート・ティーチャー・オニヅカ, GTO, Great Teacher Onizuka
Author: Fujisawa Tohru

Genre: Shounen, Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life, Ecchi

Total Volume Count: 25

Kenn's Comment: Possibly one of the greatest manga series I've ever read. Onizuka's unorthodox teaching methods really wish that I had a teacher like him in my earlier years. Well, now that I think about it, if you were to mix the personalities and habits of some of my teachers, you'd probably end up with Onizuka. Anyways, the characters are awesome, and Onizuka's antics are a laughing riot. When the drama kicks it, it's seriously kicked in. It's got both an anime adaptation and a live action adaptation, plus a live action movie, so you know this series is beyond legendary.

Summary from AnimeNewsNetwork:
Onizuka is an ex-biker and gang leader who has one goal, to become the greatest teacher. He learns of the power and respect possible as an intern teacher, using his strength and connections to get his students to respect him. Now, graduated, he gets a job at a prestigious private school to handle their 'problem class' that made the past few teachers quit. He must handle a different sort of trouble when the trouble makers include some of the smartest kids in Japan who prefer a more cerebral approach to torturing their teacher. Onizuka must slowly win his students over and deal with their mistrust of teachers while handling the distrust of his fellow teachers.

Summer Series Preview Part 1




Anyways, this is only the beginning. Just like the spring season, I'll be going through all the series that I'll be following. For now, this'll do while I go hunt for trailers.


Title: セブンゴースト, 07 Ghost
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy

Well, took me a while to find a piece of art for this series, since I can't seem to find it on Dan/Gelbooru. Anyways, so far the series has some good action, and good animation (Deen's not bad). Teito really has it hard, and Frau's an awesome character. With 25 episode scheduled, I'm expecting the story to progress a good bit. I'm hoping for a season, since there's still lots of material to cover. Anyways, this is the last of the Mid Series Reviews. Next week will mark the beginning of the Summer Series Previews. I've already got some of the trailers, so stay tuned ;D


The song is pretty cool, and the accompaniment sounds like it'd be on DJ Max. Srsly. The chorus is awesome too o:

A few comments on the video are pretty funny too

"hmm is it supposed to be Allergy? great vid btw =D "

"Build Your Vocabulary: An elegy is a song in rememberance of a deceased person. In other words, the musical equivalent of a ulegy."

"man, do you expect me to know that? im 11 for pete sake..i dun even know that word..and thanks for putting it in such a nice way -_-lll"

The dude was nice. He didn't call you an idiot or a retard. And use a dictionary for words you don't know. Well you know what an elegy is now.

Mid Series Review 15 - Queen's Blade



Title: クイーンズブレイド 流浪の戦士, Queen's Blade - Ruro no Senshi (Vargrant Warrior)
Genre: Ecchi, Adventure, Action

Awight, so this is the second last one. The next one will be 07 Ghost, but I can't find any art of it on Danbooru or Gelbooru, so I'm waiting a bit until one shows up. Anyways, Queen's Blade...what can I say. Don't watch this in the vicinity of other people who don't watch it. Most of the fansubbers use the uncensored version (moar delicious), so the series gets veeeeery close to being called porn. Anyways, the characters (when clothed...and when not) are nice, but my favourite is (at the moment) Nanael, our wonderfully un-angelic angel. Anyways, her comment is probably very accurate of the series. To quote her, "...boobs, boobs, boobs, boobs!..." With naois girls, armour that looks like it serves pretty much no purpose other than keeping this from becoming porn, and some interesting abilities (Melona), and a strong cast of seiyuu, this series isn't that bad, once you get past the boobs, boobs, and more boobs. I have on gripe about the series though. It's slowly working on me though. I just don't really like Kugimiya Rie's role as Melona. I can get used to it, but I usually picture Kugimiyia's roles as flat chested tsundere lolis (Shana, Louise, ...Kagura?, Nagi), so having her as the buxom batshit crazy pink haired slime-girl Melona is kinda funky.


That's right folks. It's now been proven that the second season of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu will be new episodes mixed in with the rerun! The first one would come be Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody, coming chronologically after episode 7, therefore making it episode 8 in the chronological episode list. This also means that I'm probably going to want to grab the rest of the rerun, just for completion's sake. Anyways, the torrents are already floating around the net, so have fun!

Free Block Frenzy!



Awight, let's get this started. Today was a CPD (Collaborative Planning Day), so class started a bit later. Including my morning free block, my classes didn't start until 11:05. Awesome. Ivy said she'd hunt me down today. Damn she was right. It was like she was waiting. Should've taken a different entrance. Only had an hour and a half of classes today.

Anyways, for the free block, we went in John's car, with his relatively unsafe driving, down to the bank for Kevin to do his stuff. After some illegal parking, a complaint about the illegal parking, and an attempted card game, we went down to McD's for some grub and free ice coffee. John and I had a snack wrap and two ice coffees, while Ed and Kevin had burgers and stuff. They had the ice coffees too, but only one and Kevin didn't like it. After two of them, I started to feel sleepy, while Kevin started to feel sick and kinda funky. I seem to have worked myself into a tolerance to Caffeine, so it sorta has the opposite effect to me. Which is awesome. Or Kevin says it's a bad thing, but oh well~. Managed to sleep in the caf while John, Kevin and Ed played Big Two.

Marketing Block Mayhem!



Awight, let's do this.

So, I went into the store, pretty darn tired. Went around on the computer, watched a Haruhi-chan video on YouTube, and then did nothing really. This was all while Rena was wrapping/making a gift basket for Connie, who can't wrap things for shit, although I'm one to speak. Anyways, although I said I wouldn't help her, I ended up helping her at the end anyways. Connie got some pretty bad stuff. The acetate wrapping (clear, thin plastic, not saran wrap) came in seperate sheets, and was too small for the basket. Then the basket was kinda big. The ribbon for tying it all together was really thin, and you'd really have to go insane to make it look nice. Anyways, it took her 50 minutes to wrap and make the gift basket. Dayum. Anyways, after that I was playing Pocket Tanks on my Touch, and giving a play by play, which annoyed the sleeping Rena. She wanted to play too, so I switched to 2 Player mode and eventually lost on the last volley. Not cool. Kept putting in too much power.

After school, I ran into Christ, who told me that Darren had pissed him off a lot and was acting like a retard during his block, so he gave him a Judo flip, and threw him over his shoulder. Ouch. Serves him right though. Darren does some of the stupidest things. Good for you Christ! We salute you.

Free Block Not Frenzy!

So here I sit. Alone in the school store, accompanied only by the loud mechanical humming of a large refrigerator, my iTouch, and a newly donated computer, coupled with an ancient CRT monitor, and a keyboard, standing on it's last legs.
There is no frenzy.
It is calm.
It is quiet, save for the humming and the tapping of the keyboard.

I can hear doors from down the hall shut.
I can hear the occasional passerby in a conversation with a friend as they walk down the hall.
I can see the leaves on the trees, rustling in the wind.

It looks like rain is coming.
Not the Korean pop star, but precipitation from the sky.

As I write about rain, I look behind to, making sure my umbrella is with me.
As I write this, I set aside work that should have been done.
Work that was set aside by another person.
Work that is not mine.

And so, here I sit, in the school store.

By Kenn.

Sporadic One Shot Time!



Title: Hello Baby
Author: Masanori Morita (story), Takeshi Obata (art)

Genre: Shounen, Action, Drama

Kenn's Comment: Shounen knuckle head fans would step into this with baited breath, and then slit their wrists at the end of it.

Summary from MangaUpdates:
A story of love, life, and betrayal.
Set in a certain city, a would-be gangster wanting to be recognized takes on a dangerous offer, to kill a boss of a Yakuza.


Title: 鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, FMA 2
Genre: action, comedy, drama, fantasy

A remake of the first Full Metal Alchemist. This one is supposed to be more faithful to the manga, and so far, it has been. They're moving really quickly through the plot, making what took 2 episodes in the first series, into only one episode. With the subtitle as "Brotherhood", I have a feeling that they'll be either just use it as something to differentiate the two series, or they'll be focusing on the relationship between Ed and Alphonse.


That's right folks. For those of you who've got nothing to do on the long weekend, why not check this series out?

Title: ソラニン, Solanin
Author: Asano Inio

Genre: Seinen, Romance, Drama, Slice of Life

Total Volume Count: 2

Kenn's Comment: It's so nice *u*. The story is great, the art is even better. It's such a realistic story, even the art doesn't use the usual manga deformations. It's a nice series in the fact that there's no magical powers, no supernatural forces acting on the characters, no giant robots, no evil supervillains plotting to take over the world. Just life in it's most natural form. On another note, there are plans to make this manga into a live action..movie I think? Miyazaki Aoi will be starring as the main character, Meiko, and Miki Takahiro will be directing it. It's probably gonna be out next year or so, since the filming only started last month.

Summary from MangaUpdates:
Slice of life with a young couple, Inoue Meiko and Taneda Shigeo, and how everyday occurrences affect their lives. Meiko begins contemplating whether freedom without purpose is really the same thing as boredom. This is a retelling of a very common real life situation, perhaps enjoyable enough for an older fanbase.

Manga of ze Week - Tsuiteru Kanojo



Title: ツイてるカノジョ, Tsuiteru Kanojo
Author: Zappa Go (story), Fujima Takuya (art)

Genre: Seinen, Romance, Drama, Supernatural

Total Volumes: 2 (9 chapters)

Kenn's Comment: ;_; It's a nice story. Although I've read it a while back, I can still remember the happenings and stuff. It's a nice short read with the ability to give you that aching heart that comes from reading sad stories. The romance is quite nice too.

Summary from Mangaupdates:
Have you ever lost anything that was so precious to you, that if it were gone you wouldn't know what to do? For Otokawa Natsuru, that item is a keychain. Hearing from Kazama Miori, a fellow student with renowned psychic powers, that taking something precious can help with relationships, Natsuru takes her keychain on a date with childhood friend Yanagi Eitaro. But somewhere along the date, her precious keychain is lost...

Tour Kenn's Room: Part 1

Hello and welcome to Room Tours Inc. My name is Kenn, and I will be your tour guide for the day. The room has just finished being cleaned, and everything's been put back to normal. Got rid of a stack of paper, and put away stuff from last year. Anyways, let's get this show on the road!



We have arrived at the destination. This is Kenn's room. It is rather large and spacious, but due to the odd corners and angles, it may seem smaller. The wide open floor is often littered with papers ranging from History to Biology to Music. Textbooks love it here. The oak hardwood flooring accumulates dust very easily.



Here we are at Kenn's desk. It's angular design allows for more work space, which usually results in more papers covering it. At it's height, you wouldn't be able to find a clear spot to put a drink down. The desk is a complete workspace, complete with computer, printer, stationary at hand, a phone, and is easily accessible by office chair. The outer side of the desk can retract, giving more room on the floor. Total work mode encloses the occupant within the desk area, and allows for maximum surface area for working.



And this is Kenn's bed. Now, before your minds go into the gutter, I'd like to mention that this bed has been in service for over 4 years. The blanket has an orange pattern, in which
Kenn's mom found to be very feminine. The bed's headboard also serves as a bookshelf.



And just for you sticklers. Here. No porn under the bed.



We are now on the left most compartment of the bed's headboard. Here we can see stacks and stacks of backed up anime. You will also see the complete manga series of Welcome to the NHK!, as well as Makoto Shinkai's Voices of a Distant Star, Promised Place in our Early Days, and 5 Centimetres Per Second. I need more room to fit 16 volumes of Keroro. Sad face.



In the middle compartment, we see three lovely ladies. From left to right, I'm pretty sure they are Katsuragi Misato (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Fate T. Harlaown (Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha), and Hinata Natsumi (Keroro Gunsou). These are about as far as my otaku-ness has manifested to. Once I get a place of my own, maybe it'll manifest itself more clearly. I fear for my wallet.



This is the last stop for today. The right most compartment of the headboard. This is the general purpose compartment, housing dictionaries, books, and yearbooks. There's both a french and english dictionary, but the french one is behind the blue book to the right. The two white things on top are the cases for my glasses.

That's all for today folks. I hope you enjoyed your stay, and stay tuned for Part Deux. While I've covered most of my room, the second helping will be a little more personal!


Wahahaha. It's Luka! ;D She's got a nais outfit in this one. Enjoy!

Afterschool Antics!



Awight, so after ze school we were @ jason's place with the usual crew, plus the Douglas crew (+ justin and danny) for some boxing. But ya know, as fun as it might be, someone's gonna get hurt.

While waiting for John and the rest, we ended up screwing around in the front yard. Ed pulled a shoe horn out and started using it as a weapon. The Douglas Crew (I'm not included in that) are messing around with the gloves, and picking on Allan (who doesn't). Keith and Allan get the short end of the stick, as Ed targets them both. We get one helluva story from Sam about John's wonderous driving. He seriously needs to drive safer.


Boxing Matches

Round 1: A. Qiu vs. E.Y. Ho

And the match begins. The contestants tap gloves. Qiu feints a punch, Ho brings up his guard. The exchange of blows is quick and successive. Ho dashes around the ring, Qiu is in hot pursuit. The roles are reversed. Another exchange of blows. And a T.O. is called within 3 minutes.


Qiu requests for a rest. His lip is bleeding a little.

Round 2: S. Choi vs. C. Rhodenizer

And the match beings. The fighters tap gloves. The exchange of blows is quick and successive. Rhodenizer hits hard. His punches connect with Choi's head. They're locked in a flurry of gloved fists. Rhodenizer lands the decisive blow. The match ends with an injury.

Rhodenizer wins. Choi cuts his lip good.

Round 3: A. Qiu vs. E. Y. Ho

The rematch begins. It's a flurry of fists, and Qiu makes distance between himself and Ho. Ho pursues. They are locked in an exchange of blows. Ho lands the decisive blow, nailing Qiu in the face. The match is won by the newcomer, E.Y. Ho. The inevitable nosebleed starts.
Wahaha. Posting from school on our "new" computer. Hey. It's actually a big jump. We went from a Windows 98 to an XP. We jumped Windows 2k. We're still using our ghetto CRT and delapitated keyboard though. The space bar is messed up. We have USB ports now. It's a great addition you know. We even have external speakers now. Actually, the external speakers aren't ours. I think someone busted the on button too...the owner ain't gonna be happy.

Anyways, Rena (Lena) left early for a "doctors appointment". She goes to the doctor a whole lot more than I do. A friend was waiting for her at the door too. Maybe she's going to a special doctor. Or maybe she's a robot like Chachamaru. And the "doctor" isn't a doctor, but more like a scientist. Think of that. Karakuri Oddette anyone?

Anyways, wait for stuff today. Boxing @ Jason's, maybe go karting with other people later, and a movie on saturday? I feel like a normal 17 year old now!


Title: Phantom ~ Requiem for the Phantom
Genre: Action, Phychological

I'd have to say that this has been a good series so far. The questions are numerous, like most of the other series this season. A good set of characters, but with a title of "Requiem", things may not bode well for a few characters...Anyways, the animation is good, but it's a BeeTrain series after all, so don't expect a lot of fast paced action. Btw. Ein is hot.

Mid Series Review 12 - Hatsukoi Limited




Title: 初恋限定。, Hatsukoi Gentei, Hatsukoi Limited
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life

Well, ya didn't think I'd forget about this little series, did'ya? I admit, I haven't really been following it. I have all the episodes to date, but I just haven't been watching them. Probably should catch up when I have the time. Anyways, this is probably one of the more publicized series of the season. The original manga series was cut from SJ, so lots of people are hoping that the anime can put a proper conclusion to the series, and show SJ that it was a mistake to cut Hatsukoi from the list. My only worry is that J.C.Staff will turn to fan service for sales...and Hatsukoi isn't really a series that needs a lot of fan service. Then again, it is a shounen romance series...


Title: タユタマ -Kiss on my Deity-, Tayutama
Genre: Supernatural, Romance, Comedy

The series is pretty good so far. Lots of nais characters, Yuuri's not a cowardly main character, Mashiro's (both forms) are nais. Anyways, the series hasn't really presented any problems yet, and here's to hoping for a good end!



Awight, so I'll start with the happenings of yesterday

May 12 Free Block Frenzy!

Loitered around with Ed and Kev, and eventually went to 7 for some food. With a little bit more than half of the cafeteria closed due to the elections being held there, there wasn't really much to do. Anyways, we spotted Johnson hard at work for his CS teacher, gathering up bags of ice. Ed asked for one, and Johnson passed one to us. After slipping a few cubes down a sleeping Dennis' shirt, and an injury on Kev's part, we proceeded to stash the frigid bag in Jason's locker, where we hoped it would melt, and tip over, spilling it's contents inside his locker. I found a paper shuriken, and we glued it to his locker. xD Plan failed. D: It didn't spill, and Ed put a sponge in there, so a lot of it got soaked up. Boo

May 13 After School Antics!

Went through an unhappening Marketing Block after finishing a few things, including homework, what little batteries my PSP had, and a short lived youtube session. I went back onto youtube and watched Eli's Dirty Jokes. After Episode 32, I decided it'd be fun to go back and watch some of the older ones. And so I did. Karen came in while I was watching 31, and she didn't get it. I showed it to Eddy and John, and they burst out laughing. She's too innocent. She says we're corrupting her. Wait until you decide to have children, Karen.


Title: グイン・サーガ, Guin Saga
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Well, the series is certainly very intruiging, but at the same time, it's not as entertaining as the other series. It's based off an extensive novel series, and that just makes the job that much harder, since they're probably not going to get through all the novels. They need to choose what to animate, and what not to animate. Anyways, aside from the little things, the music is really really good in the series. I'd thank Nobue Uematsu for that. Even the ending is awesome! (Saga ~ This is My Road by Kanon). Anyways, I can't say I'd recommend this to people...it probably wouldn't rub them the right way. Remus really pisses me off though. He's seriously such a coward. I understand that he's in situations that you really don't want to be in at his age, but his sister, Linda, puts on such a brave face compared to her cowering sister. He's somewhat of a deadweight...

Mid Series Review 9 - Eden of the East



Title: 東のエデン, Higashi no Eden, Eden of the East
Genre: Mystery, Action , Romance

So far, the series, like Asura Cryin', has given us many more questions than answers. We don't even know who the Takizawa actually is. The opening and ending animations are both super trippy, and it's Production I.G. for goodness sake. Plus, the character design from H&C doesn't hurt either. xD Anyways, the series is enjoyable so far, and I'm sure that this series will only get better as we get deeper into the plot.


Alrighty, so today in the market was a rather uneventful day. However, I decided to blog about the happenings in an unhappening day.

The previous three blocks finished updating the records, leaving us, the fourth and last block of the day, with pretty much nothing to do. So for about 10 minutes, I plugged my iTouch into the speakers, played some music and went on to our newly donated computer. Problem: the internet wasn't cooperating. Loading google took a helluva long time. After a while, I unplugged the Touch, and sat there in silence. I started telling the computer to load in a low raspy voice, which really cracked up Rena (Lena) who was playing on her DS. Anyways, after about 10 minutes of that, I started to read a document intended for us to deliver. The English wasn't too great, so I brought it upon myself to correct the English and bring it up to par. I made a decent piece of writing into an stern, professional document, suitable to be passed onto Obama himself. And so, we (me and Rena) brought it up to the HQ of the Market.
"Too wordy"
"orz. And so, we went back down to cut out unnecesary parts, to once again, come back to the HQ to have it looked over.
"Too wordy"
"orz Thankfully, Bach wrote out what should be on the document, so he pretty much did our work.

Mid Series Review 8 - Shangri-la



Title: シャングリ・ラ, Shangri-la
Genre: Science Fiction

I dunno. The past 4 or 5 episodes really haven't left much of an impression on me. It's interesting, but not exactly...very entertaining. I'm hoping I can warm up to it a bit more as the series progresses, and Kuniko is pretty cute. I'm not holding super high expectations for it, but I'm certainly not expecting this to fail. Might I mention that the opening is one of the best of the season?


Title: 魔砲使い黒姫, Mahou Tsukai Kurohime, Kurohime
Author: Katakura Masanori

Genre: Shounen, action, adventure, fantasy, romance

Total Volume Count: 15 (on going)

Kenn's Comment:
Duuuuuude, if you are to read a shounen manga, you must read this! Screw Bleach and Naruto! Well, this is from my personal perspective, of course, and by now, most of you should've figured out that romance is a favourite genre of mine, so w/e. Anyways, the plot is awesome, and the action is great. Touching scenes, and the romance is a nice plus too. Himeko's too awesome xD

Summary from MangaUpdates:
Kurohime is a buxom witch with the power to control magical guns. She once made the mistake of challenging the gods and was cursed for her foolishness. Transformed into a little girl named Himeko, she can only regain her former body and powers when she falls in love. But finding love in a world fraught with evil is no easy task.


Title: EVANGELION: Jo
Genre: Anime, RPG, Action

Release Date: 06/04

Duuuuuude, despite being yet another Evangelion related product, this game look really good. I'm seriously hoping that someone makes a patch for this, since my Japanese is limited...very limited.

Mid Series Review 7 - Tears to Tiara



Title: ティアーズ・トゥ・ティアラ, Tears to Tiara
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance

So far, it's been pretty good. Nothing in the series has really bugged me yet, and the episodes have been enjoyable so far. There's still a good bit of the series left, and a few more characters that need to make their appearance, so I'm guessing it'll get better as it goes.


It starts on a very special day this year. From the looks of it, it'll be some nais eye candy. Hopefully, it doesn't end up like Queen's Blade though. Anyways here's the run down.

Title: ファイト一発!充電ちゃん!!, Fight Ippatsu! Juuden-chan!!
Genre: Comedy, Ecchi

Animation Studio: Studio Hibari
Total Episode Count: N/A

Airs: 06/25 :'D

Summary by megane007 @ mangaupdates.com
Juden-chan is the name given to girls who work as OL which they use electricity to cheer up (recharge) depressed people.
Depressed people are graded into different level of danger. At level A, they are at high risk of suicide. Therefore a company is established to send the invisible Juden-chan to save those people.

Unfortunately the main character often makes mistake and cause trouble. But yet she still handle to save people with some alternative means.


Title: アスラクライン, Asura Cryin', Asura Klein
Genre: Supernatural

Awight, so this is one of the many series I look forward to every week. The story is still pretty much unknown at this point, and unless you've read the light novels, I don't think you'd be able to tell where this one's gonna go. It's given more questions than answers (if any have been given), and given us a handful (two handfuls just for one) of nais girls. Girls such as Shuri, Misao and Kanade. Btw, I'm jacked up on an energy drink right now. It's real funky.


This week's song is sung by Kagamine Rin, and it sounds cool too! ;D


Title: パンドラハーツ, Pandora Hearts
Genre: Fantasy

So far, the series has been pretty good. I'm a bit worried about the pacing though. seeing as the anime managed to get though...a few chapters of the manga. We're not even at the real story yet. I suppose that's why there are 25 episodes for it xD. Anyways, the sound track is awesome for the series. Btw, there's not much fan art on the series yet, but Alice is nais.

Mid Series Review 4 - Hinag...Hayate no Gotoku!!



Title: ハヤテのごとく!!, Hayate no Gotoku!!, Hayate no Gotoku Season 2
Genre: Comedy, Romance

The whole crew's back for a whole new season, bringing along a few new characters. So far, nothing has really been that much different from the first season, unless you want to mention the fact that it's licensed by Crunchyroll. Anyways, I'm looking forwards to the later episodes, since there's a part in the opening which hints at the animation of a certain chapter involving a certain student council president. Anyways, as for the romance in the series, I'd say the only real contenders are Hina and Ayumu. Hayate sees Nagi more as a little sister, and possibly Maria...but Hina and Ayumu get more of the attention.

Mid Series Review 3 - K-ON!



Title: K-ON!, けいおん!
Genre: Music, Comedy, Slice of Life

K-ON! is probably one of the biggest shows this season. In only 5 episodes (thus far), it's caused quite a splash in the otaku population and on the net. Guitars have been selling like hot cakes on a cold winter day, and we'll probably have a live concert with the seiyuu like Haruhi did. All in all, it's a fun series to just kick back and relax to. Nothing you really need to think for, but it's not stupidly-turn-your-brain-off. The pacing is quite nice too, going at about a chapter or two per episode. Btw, Mio is hot.

Mid Series Review 2 - Sengoku Basara



Title: 戦国BASARA, Sengoku Basara
Genre: Historical, Action

It's Production I.G. What can I say? It's a good, strong series so far, that pretty much can be summarized by one word: war. If you've played Dynasty Warriors, then Sengoku Basara is no different. I've come to like Masamune more than Yukimura. The latter becomes a bit annoying after a few episodes, while Masamune retains that cool character position. It's funny though, the army isn't needed xD. Kasuga is hot btw.



Title: 戦場のヴァルキュリア GALLIAN♦CHRONICLES, Senjou no Valkyria, Valkyria Chronicles
Genre: Military, Action, Drama, Romance

From the five or so episodes I've watched, this series is probably one of my favourites of this season. Being too poor to afford a PS3, the anime is the next best thing to playing the game (my computer sucks to much to handle it). With comical moments, good action, a dash of romance, and beautiful animation, which pays homage to the game's style of animation, this series is on it's way to the top of the season.

Summary from ANN:
When Imperial forces attack the small border town of Bruhl, Welkin Gunther, son of late General Belgen Gunther, is forced to fight for his life alongside Town Watch captain Alicia Melchiott. Along with Welkin's adopted sister Isara, the three escape to Gallia's capitol and subsequently join the country's militia forces. As members of the newly-formed Squad 7, they must work to repel the invading Imperial forces and discover the true purpose of the invasion itself.

Afterschool Antics (plus more random crap)



Awight, so this time @ the Market, we spend a good bit (an hour or so) trying to unravel the mysteries of the cash sheets that didn't add up. It's very difficult to be short or over $100 or so, which was ze smoking gun of other problems. Anyways, we enlisted the help of the teacher in charge, who took more than a second, "I'll be there in a second", to show up. Anyways, once he showed up, we managed to get stuff solved (not really). The solution was to sorta...to shunt the work on to the people managing next day. Problem solved!

On another note, I'm working on the mid-series/3 episode thing. Still need to catch up with Hatuskoi, Hanasakeru, and Guin Saga.

On another note, there'll be another game review going up shortly. It'll be for psp again, since it's the only system I have. Too poor to afford another one ;D

On a third note, if you haven't noticed, Ze Manga of the Week's have so far been romance, and shoujo, minus one. If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a romance bum. Action isn't bad, but romance is my favourite. However, I'll start changing things up, so wait up for it.

Manga of ze Week - Half and Half



Title: Half and Half,
Author: Seo Kouji

Genre: shounen, romance, supernatural, tragedy

Total Volumes: 1 (oneshot)

Kenn's comment: Good things come in small packages. From the same author of Kimi no Iru Machi, and Suzuka. A good read.

Summary from MangaUpdates:
Shinichi Nagakawa and Yuuki Sanada are both involved in an accident and die together. But they're given a chance to live again. God lets them live for seven more days. But the catch is that after the time limit, one of them must die again.

There's more. God decrees that their lives will be shared, including emotions (guilt) and physical sensations (pain). They are told not to leave the other's side, else both of them die. What will happen during those seven days?...




Characters:

Shounen Sunday:

Makunoichi Ippo (Hajime no Ippo)
Takamura Mamoru (Hajime no Ippo)
Natsu (Fairy Tail)
Lucy (Fairy Tail)
Negi Springfield (Mahou Sensei Negima!)
Minami Itsuki (Air Gear)
Crescent Mask (Air Gear)
Mechazawa Shinichi (Cromartie Highschool)
Ban Mido (Get Backers)
Kyo (Samurai Deeper Kyo)
Shindou Koutaro (Kotaro Makaritoru!)
Devilman (Devilman)
Yabuki Joe (Ashita no Joe)
Tiger Mask (Tiger Mask)
Cyborg 009 (Cyborg 009)

Shounen Magazine:

Ayasaki Hayate (Hayate no Gotoku!)
Akashi Kaoru (Zettai Karen Children)
Sumimura Yoshimori (Kekkaishi)
Yukimura Tokine (Kekkaishi)
Shirahama Kenichi (History's Strongest Disciple: Kenichi)
Furiji Miu (History's Strongest Disciple: Kenichi)
Inu Yasha (Inu Yasha)
Ueki Kousuke (Law of Ueki)
Hanabishi Recca (Flame of Recca)
Takatsuki Ryo (Project ARMS)
Ushio Aotsuki/Tora (Ushio to Tora)
Kurogane Yaiba (Legend of the Swordmaster Yaiba)
R Tanaka Ichiro (Kyukyoku Chojin R)
Takizawa Noboru (Blazing Transfer Student)

Original:
Boss

Characters that should be in, but aren't:
Amano Ginji (Get Backers)
Syaoran (Tsubasa: -RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE-)
Saotome Ranma (Ranma 1/2)


So, the game is..okay at best. The move system is easy to use, but it gets very repetitive, very quickly. It's not like Street Fighter, where a combination of buttons will execute a move (although you can select that, which probably would be the harder, but more fun way). Also, certain attacks from certain characters are kinda broken. Like Boss (not the Lonely Island song), who has an extremely large range, dishes out lots of damage, and attacks very fast. He's also ugly as hell. It's got a good line up of characters, and I'm glad to see some of the other magazines putting something out (other than Shounen Jump).


Here's this weeks Vocaloid Feature. Palette sung by Luka.

List of things to come



1. Alrighty, I need to finish up catching up the series I'm following, and I'll start the 3-Episode rule. Actually, it's 4 by now, but what ever.

2. I've got a couple IRL stuff to blog about, which I've been procrastinating about.

3. I've got to get those game reviews started. Been too lazy to start, but I know I probably should get it out of my to-do-list.

All of these things should get put up within the week or so. xD That's all for this
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