The series follows a Japanese student who wakes up in America with no memory, he is immediately confronted by a masked girl who forces him to fight, he wins but does not kill her. She says that she is called Ein and from henceforth he is known as Zwei, she proceeds to train him as an assassin and he is eventually given missions along side her by a sinister character known as Scythe Master who works for a criminal organisation called Inferno. At first there targets are members of the local Mafia but it becomes clear just how far Inferno will go when Zwei is sent to kill the wife and child of a Mafia boss. Over the course of the series we learn that Inferno is full of internal rivalries that will lead to factional in fighting and pit Ein and Zwei against each other. Later in the series Zwei learns who he really is and ends up acting as big brother to Cal, a little girl who’s sister was killed in the crossfire.

This anime series covers 26 episodes and presents itself through three main arcs with some lapses of time occurring between the arcs. If you’re expecting some kind of fan service treat like with series Sekirei and Ikki Toussen than you will be disappointed, also on that note this series is pretty hardcore nothing to gory but definitely not for young kids. This first mission consists of the dynamic duo breaking into a drug lord’s mansion, which heavily references the final battle in Scarface. There’s even the globe above the fountain (“the world is yours”), albeit a hologram instead of a physical sculpture. Twists and turns in a world where the main character is on a quest of identity, self, love, strength, and just about a dozen other things. All the characters feel real and it was just a series that I really enjoyed.

The voice cast for both the English and Japanese actors/actresses did great in their character roles bringing out the emotional scenes very well. The ending, as anime sometimes does, isn’t FULLY a true ending which leaves it open for a possible continuation. I tend to refer to this anime as the modern setting of the anime Claymore. There is not connection between those two anime but I feel like the are on par quality wise but this series isn’t as mystical and is better off in the area of plot.

Now that I have explained what the plot is like, if you are still wondering if this anime series is for you, ultimately Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is worth renting if you’re interested in the concept. There’s an astonishing amount of plot in Requiem; I’ve barely described half the story in the above synopsis, and I’m still leaving out a lot of details, most of them interchangeable things about how Inferno takes over the underworld by shooting everyone who doesn’t toe the line. While the animation is generally good there are a few occasions where things seem to slip resulting in characters looking very rough and over simplified. The series has a lot of potential but it seems to squander it in odd places, and the entire arc with Cal ending in a big explosion isn’t a surprise either, but it leads to one of the more confusing elements of Phantom, which is the final arc of it all. Ending flops aside, I would say this would be a worthy addition to your collection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWsbax2sVeo

• Picture Dramas (HD; 1:17:33) recounts some of the same material as the series covers, as well as new stories featuring the characters, in minimally animated shorts. Most of these feature still panels that the camera pans across, with occasional added elements like blinking stars and the like. There are twelve of these shorts included in this section.
• Original Commercials (1080i; 4:08)
• Textless Opening Song – Karma (HD; 1:32)
• Textless Opening Song – Senritsu No Kodomotachi (HD; 1:32)
• Textless Closing Song – Jigoku No Mon (HD; 1:32)
• Textless Closing Song – Transparent (HD; 1:32)
• Trailers for other FUNimation Releases

Based on the Japanese role playing game of the same name, Persona 4 takes place in a rural town named Inaba. There have been mysterious murders occurring whenever there was fog after heavy rain. There were also rumors about a channel on television airing only at midnight called Mayonaka TV, during which it is said that one can see his/her “other half” when staring at the TV screen. After hearing about a recent unsolved murder which occurred during the fog, the characters—Narukami, Chie, and Yosuke—discuss how each of them had attempted to watch the mysterious TV channel and witnessed the murder victim. The protagonist later realizes that during midnight when the channel is on, his body can phase into his television set as a gateway to enter another world infested with shadows.

The action was good, if quick, and the design of the Persona is definitely worthy of the best JRPG designs. The story seems to follow that of the games where our heroes must venture into the strange world and unlock their Personas. 13 episodes in so far I would say this is a compelling show that fans of the game will eat up. I liked the little detective club investigation done in the real world and how that led to the resolution in the TV world. The characters are fun and even a little bit strange, which I really enjoy because it gives the series a unique offbeat comedy feel to it. The transition from one element to the next is also well done, the kids chatting about odd urban legends folds right into them becoming reality.

I always judge an anime’s potential on its first five episodes and so far Persona 4 is pretty promising. If you have yet to experience the wonder of Persona 4, then I highly suggest you play the game if you cannot follow what exactly is going in the anime. It’s fast and a lot to absorb in 22 minutes. It covered all the basic points, but I believe it would be very hard for any person new to Persona 4 to understand/absorb what exactly is going on. This is most apparent in the fact that there are only about 3-5 sentences in each scene before something completely different happens. I truly believe that I could only follow what was going on because I have played the game beforehand. I did like the consistency with the jokes, and the group dynamics really shone through the responses each of the characters had.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psucPlmAspQ

Analyzing the series thus far, I would have to say that I wish that there were a more innovative way to integrate the focus on the outside world with the television world so that they would balance out. Don’t get me wrong, I do like the way they incorporated it in the series but having too much of a focus on either is starting to seem like an issue as it either turns into a repetitive situation or the show is forced to add filler scenes that don’t really do much for the series’ plot. With Nanako’s investigation into Yuu going nowhere, we come to the final part of a good character focused episodes: the character’s monologue, insight, and resolution. For those looking for an anime that breaks the cliche that all videogame anime are terrible, I think we found ourselves a winner.

It is quite rare that I go into a series with no real expectation of enjoying it, and that’s how I went into B Gata H Kei. After getting familiar with the series before popping it into my blu-ray player – it’s reputation did not suggest good time ahead. It’s also nice to be pleasantly surprised every once in awhile! There’s this girl at school, Yamada, who wants to make like a hundred sex friends. She totally thinks she can devirginize one hundred different boys! Can you believe that? B Gata H Kei is a romantic comedy based on likely the most perverted premise any non adults only rated anime ever had. Afraid of rejection by more sexually experienced partners, she attempts to find a mediocre-looking virgin male as her mate. As luck would have it, she meets Kosuda Takeshi, a boy in her class who fits her bill exactly. Now the fun starts!

I want to get this out the way immediately, the characters are not flat, or boring and its certain to keep you entertained, you dont have to be an eccih lover to watch this. The creators manage to keep the punchline fresh by subtly changing the relationship between Yamada and Kosuda. From then on, the show pretty much concentrates on Yamada’s clumsy attempts to seduce Kosuda, which, of course, never work as intended. They’re helped along by a good supporting cast, too – Yamada’s little sister Chika and best friend Takeshita both prove to be fountains of good advice for Yamada, while Kosuda has to deal with having other competitors for his affection.

This was the first big role for art director Michiyo Miki and Chief Animation Director Yuuko Yahiro and frankly, it isn’t anything to raise your eyebrows at, even with the eye candy Yamada and her busty compatriots are dishing out at you. The humor is dead on though, as I about laughed my head off with the revolving bed scene in the love hotel, and several other routines in the series. If you like off color humor okay, this is one of the best I have ever seen. Rarely does anything in the media honestly acknowledge the sex drive of women, so I hate to say it, but this anime series was refreshing to see. I liked the little demon symbol that they used repeatedly to cover nudity. It also showed up for condom boxes and such. The sparkles for Kanejo’s brother were amusing especially when there were so many that they covered his face.

Yamada undergoes the biggest transformation throughout the series, although even her character development isn’t all that impressive.  Considering Kanejou is still in love with her brother and Keichi is still in love with Yamada by the end, I have a feeling a second season was wanted by the animators. Voice acting in this anime is patchy in general, but as expected, the main female protagonist has done really well in this department. Alright, I KNOW that this is an ecchi comedy. I’m aware that it’s not a series meant to have any sort of depth or even intelligence, but here I want to draw your attention to the main female protagonist’s maroon-haired rival, whose voice acting gig is on another level entirely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdUWfe-GnTQ

So in conclusion, if you have nothing better to do and like ecchi shows or tsundere girls this might be the show for you. Even though this anime is good in general, it falls under such a niche genre I can’t recommend it to those looking for just ‘something’ to watch. There is an audience for this series and if you enjoy ecchi series there might be something here for you. The blu-ray quality is excellent and FUNimation has yet another winner in its catalog of great anime titles. Also, at just 12 episodes it contains the perfect pace of what an anime series should be.

Oh, how I wished one of the female staff writers would have covered this review. Being a male this review could have a tendency to be biased as there are boobs, breast, boobies, and boobs scattered thorugh the series. It shocked me a little at first with how much fan service was in it but it was more surprising to see an anime that came with fan service and actually still had an enjoyable story to it. But there is another part to the story: that of the BONDS of LOVE that can cause people to reach so deeply, and call so urgently upon their strength in order to protect those bonds, that something BRAND NEW can emerge. Color me surprised! Minato and his harem of buxom Sekirei are continuing battle against the other Sekirei and the sinister MBI whose leader is forcing the Sekirei to fight. When not fighting the girls like to relax in the bath although this time their modesty is protected by convenient steam. I won’t dock points for that.

One day after talking to his yet again disappointed mother he comes into contact with a girl named Musubi who was under attack. The girl runs but takes him with her and soon finds that Minato, while unknown to him, is an Ashikabi, one of the mysterious set of masters that have the genetic trait that can become partners with some of the 108 cute girls, buxom women, and bishounen called “Sekirei”. The reason for the partnership allows the Sekirei to use all their power to win in the competition held by the mysterious MBI corporation. Sekirei: Pure Engagement, The Complete Series is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.78:1. The animation is crisp and fluid, and although mostly all the characters look alike there is a certain charm to the art. This has all the hallmarks of this type of anime: the sexy fighting girls, the embarrassed, reluctant male hero, titanic battles, and a darling way of presenting young love.

In Season 2 of Sekirei, Minato is drawn further into the wild and often dangerous world of the Sekirei and what is known as the “Sekirei Plan,” a violent game created by the powerful MBI corporation and its leader, Hiroto Minaka. The curse has been broken we finally have a fan service anime with a BRAIN! Underneath all of the nudity, panties and bouncing there are likable characters with real personalities not to mention a fair story line. Yes that’s right, this series actually has a purpose beyond fan service! But, if you watched the first season you already know this! Still, it pushes things a bit! There is the over-arching story of a city being ruthlessly controlled by a corporate Police State; not a government, but a megacorporation that soared to power after its founder discovered a hidden technology on a remote island. See how complex it can be? Sekirei: Pure Engagement is actually kind of surprisingly reserved and restrained, considering the silliness of the overall enterprise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr8XgBH2zzc

Though there are plenty of series from that genre that are compelling and very successful, this show’s fatal flaw, at least from the brief encounters I’ve had with it, seems to be that the characters don’t have unique or well-developed personalities. But, still the genre in which the content is contained is a game-changer for me. That’s why the fans want to see this show. Otherwise, yeah, it’s average plot, average main guy, who’s got some guts, and your average harem with powers. There’s lots of breasts, so many of the characters are so endowed you’d think there was some sort of disease going going around. The other type of fanservice is the ikkitousen style of exploding clothes during fight scenes. All in all, its a goofy rendition of what a serious anime series should be. As long as you know what kind of genre you are exposing yourself too, you should find lots to enjoy here.

Serial Experiments Lain opens with the main character, Lain, receiving her first PC (personal computer). Lain is your average Japanese teenager, though a bit shy. Her family belongs to the solid Japanese middle class and she lives in a clean suburb. However, Lain’s interactions in the Wired, a global communication network, take a sinister turn when she begins receiving emails from a fellow classmate, Chisa, who committed suicide. The emails state that Chisa did not die, but merely abandoned her flesh and now exists solely within the Wired. After this revelation, the series takes on an increasingly dark, surrealistic atmosphere as Lain is drawn deeper into the Wired, and perhaps closer to her electronic doppelganger and God himself.

Though not explosively intense, the visuals in Lain are superb in their subtly. As the series progresses, the standard images of the Japanese cityscape become twisted; the buzzing of power lines are an ever-present roar, their shadows intersect and the concrete sidewalks while pulsating with energy, psychedelic confrontations between Lain and her electronic double, and an increasing sense of unreality, as typically mundane scenes and interactions are twisted into surrealist nightmares. The story follows a fairly standard non-linear format, a style of storytelling that has been more warmly embraced in Japan than America. Lain splices together fragmented vignettes with a chaotic mess of colors and sounds to bring the audience from Lain, the epicenter of the series, towards an expansive vision of the future of mankind and technology.

Released 10 years after Akira, Lain explores many of the same concerns central to the anime classic and rests comfortably within the Japanese cyberpunk subgenre. However, Serial Experiments Lain is an interesting response to the quintessential cyberpunk anime films (Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Armitage III). Unlike the rebellious motorcycle punks and cybernetically-enhanced police women, Lain is a shy junior high school student whose increasing integration into the virtual world of the ‘wired’ (something much more vast than the Internet) leads her to question reality, the concept of ‘self’ and ‘God,’ and her very identity. The choice to explore a variety of post-modern philosophical musings through the perspective of a young schoolgirl, an iconic figure that became (and continues to be) a highly commercialized and exploited figure in Japan, is of key significance to the series. The young girl has become a signifier of contemporary Japanese consumer culture in its obsession with the ephemeral (youth and beauty) and the material. The vulnerability of shojo characters is particularly significant in relation to contemporary Japan, underlining the fact that the country is intensely aware of its anomalous international position – economically powerful but militarily vulnerable, no longer completely ‘Asian’ but certainly not ‘Western,’ with its traditions constantly threatened from both within and without.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMj8g5ieer4

Serial Experiments Lain is a complex series that moves slowly and offers little in way of answers to the questions it poses. Drawing from a variety of intellectual and historical references and layering complicated narratives with dark surrealist images, it is also a series that deserves close attention and revisiting. Serial Experiments Lain is another important addition to the long history of films and series that address Japans ongoing negotiation with technology and modernity and I highly recommend it for the passionate anime fan and any interested in Japanese filmmaking. Casual viewers looking for popcorn-entertainment, beware.

Naruto Shippuuden is a continuation of the Naruto manga, and continues the same storyline after the passing of two and a half years in the Naruto universe. It is a very long series, one that we couldn’t possibly tackle on Japan Cinema. However, I do want to revisit one of the best fights, emotionally and physically involved, I have seen an a mainstream anime. For those unfamiliar, I will provide some backstory and general information on the character of Pein himself, and the events leading up to their confrontation. In the Naruto: Shippūden anime, it spanned from episode 152 to episode 175. The arc detailed Akatsuki’s attempts to capture the Eight-Tails and the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXzZxmBKjqY

Who Is Pain?

Pein is the leader of Akatsuki, controlled by a single conscious mind, each of the six bodies are individually named after one of the six Buddhist paths of reincarnation. He adopted the name “Pein” to conquer Amegakure before killing Hanzo, becoming a “god” in the eyes of Amegakure’s citizens.

Motive?

Want to know exactly how Pain goes into detail on why Naruto is in his plans? Well, the beasts would be used to create a deadly Kinjutsu technique that could wipe out one of the five great nations in an instant, so if countries go to war and do not have ninja villages to fight for them, they would turn to Akatsuki and their “weapon”. Whichever side has Pain use the technique first would wipe out the opposing country. After witnessing the mass destruction caused by the weapon, the other remaining countries would become too afraid to start wars for fear of being wiped out as well. Thus, through this mutual fear, war would cease to exist and the world would know peace, until the people forget that fear and use the weapon again. Thus the cycle would repeat, creating small periods of peace in an endless chain of hatred.

Why it’s Great?

But most of all, this fight was the only fight Naruto had where the person he fought really made Naruto question his believe and show Naruto that the justice and dream, while right and noble, were being done completly wrong. This was a fight that change Naruto. and it was one hell of a fight. Because Konoha only expected one invader, the multiple points of attack made it difficult for Konoha react. The Fifth Hokage called for Naruto to return to the village to aid in its defence, but the messenger toad Kōsuke was killed by Danzō before he could leave. The anticipation of wanting Naruto to come save the village really embodies the ‘hero’ factor that we all wanted him to become. Having caught word of Pain’s attack, the toads at Mount Myōboku prepared for the counter-attack. Shima, who was at Konoha at the time, was told to prepare a reverse summoning to bring Naruto to Konoha, moments after the Shinra Tensei levelled the village.

For me, a good story arc would be one that starts with something simple, moves on to develop into a deeper plot that keeps you guessing all the time about what happened in the past to lead to these events and what’s going to happen in the future. The story should be balanced with glimpses of the past and its resultant effect on the present and the future. This is exactly what happened when we see the past episodes of Naruto’s frog training pay off when he shows up using his newly learned senjutsu techniques and a perfected Wind Release: Rasenshuriken. Naruto defeats the Asura, Human, Animal, and Naraka Paths, before the Deva Path regained enough strength to fight on its own again. Really it only goes to show just how much battlefield inexperience he has. He’s got power through the roof, we all know that for a fact. However, in terms of experience in battle and especially war, Nagato and Itachi both have him beat. However, add in the equation of Pervy Sarges’ death, and you have one of the most emotional outings ever revealed in Naruto. Like the ingredients above, this arc had everything. Character development between Jiraiya and his students. Who Pain really is, and the Great Sage’s prophecy comprises the plot twist. And the emotions after Naruto hears the news. The set up was perfect and I truly felt Naruto’s loss.

It was also the turning point that when Hinata interrupted the fight that Naruto realized she really was in love with him. Believing that he had killed her, Naruto lost control of his anger and slipped into his six-tailed transformation. Also, the progressing story should show deeper insights of the character’s past, background, the reason for specific behavior, their little secrets and how they are all related to the main plot. Though complex plots are more enjoyable to read, not-so-complex plots with simple characters that we can really connect with, are also good to watch. Eventually the Nine-Tails’ chakra suppressed, Naruto and Pain resumed their battle, with Naruto tricking Pain into using a Shinra Tensei on dozens of shadow clones, giving Naruto enough time to strike him with a Rasengan during the five second window. The last body of Pain was defeated, and Naruto used its chakra receivers to track down and confront Nagato himself. In the end, Naruto prevails but we get a surprising turn of events and that is Nagato/Pein coming to the realization that maybe he was wrong? After hearing Nagato’s story, Naruto reflected on everything he had heard. Naruto agreed that some of the things Nagato mentioned were true, but he also said that Jiraiya had believed in him, and that he would believe in what Jiraiya had believed in, and that was why he would not kill Pein. Nagato then stated that Naruto was like him when he was younger. He said that he would believe in Naruto. A great arc that all fans of Shippuuden will enjoy and a good example of a great moment in Anime history that does the manga justice and wrapping things up in a nice, ambitious manner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYUD3VyABkI

Deadman Wonderland is a 12 episode anime series that debuted in the Spring. It follows Igarashi Ganta, a survivor of an earthquake that ravaged Japan a decade prior, once again finds himself the sole survivor of a catastrophic event when a mysterious being, the Red Man, slaughters his middle school class and bequeaths supernatural powers to Ganta. Ganta is soon framed for the murder of his friends. There are rumors of a season two coming around, as the manga is still ongoing, but as of right now the series stands at a very short 12 episodes.

With its mix of graphic gore packaged in a smiley-happy people theme park setting, Deadman Wonderland is a bit of a mind-f*ck, and it’s darn proud of it too. Going to an adult prison is scary enough for a young teen – but Deadman Wonderland throws curveball after curveball at Ganta to the point where he can barely maintain his sanity. However, what’s most reprehensible about the show was just the sheer joy it seemed to take in being bloody and gore. You can hardly blame the series for lacking a proper conclusion when there wasn’t really any major conflict going on. Ganta befriends a mysterious girl, Shiro, and engages in fights organized by the sadistic, bloodthirsty assistant warden, Tamaki Tsunenaga.

Personally, I’m more curious about Red Man, and the powers he imbued Ganta with. Is Red Man a psychopathic killer, and why give such power to Ganta? After you start to meet the other characters in “G-Block” where all the real baddies are held, you then get a pretty good barrage of stereotyped character after stereotyped character. Characters aside, odd anime series like this one usually demand a second watch to really digest all the bits and pieces fed too you. This series is no different. What does it all mean? Honestly, I don’t know, and that’s one of the awesome things about Deadman Wonderland. It really is a toss up between gore and actual plot. The story isn’t what this series is really about. It’s all about gruesome senseless violence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLslfYh7hVQ

Deadman Wonderland’s setting is interesting, especially the environment. A prison that secretly houses super-powered inmates that duke it out? Yes, I believe that the Deadman Wonderland anime could appeal not only to Japanese fans but also to overseas fans. After all, violence is cool in any language right? If anything, taking such a lighthearted approach at the beginning just managed to make the possibility of death in the future all the more impactful. Like its theme park setting, Deadman Wonderland is a strange, but exhilarating story — strap in and enjoy the ride. But first, make sure the kids are asleep before tuning in.

Imagine a world where robots have long been put into practical use, and androids have just come into use. Similar to Will Smith’s I, Robot film, the robot society is governed by the three laws of robotics, but with the latter sporting “halos” of light so that they can be instantly recognized as non-human. One day Rikuo checks the log on his family’s android and discovers that she went somewhere without an order and a curious message is left in the log, Are you enjoying your Time of Eve?

He, along with his friend Masaki, traces Sammy’s footsteps and come upon an unusual cafe. This cafe’s main rule is to not discriminate between humans and androids. This environment bring up a slice of life story that really focuses on and developing the characters in a thoughtful manner. Once at their seats Masaki and Rikuo notice that the android that they followed inside no longer has a ring above it’s head and they start to get paranoid that this place might be dangerous. That said Yoshiura clearly knows his science fiction, with constant references to Asimov’s three laws of robotics.

The film also holds up a very real mirror to how humanity acts, both in its positive and negative aspects. This is also influenced by the fluid animation in itself and most people can see the nods to Satoshi Kon in it. I can also definitely see the Shinkai similarities. This looks to have the same airy, atmospheric visual style that his films do, though perhaps a little more polished. The music is also great. Its usually minimalistic, but when it does show up, it shows up in a modern, contemporary feel that really makes you think you’re in a cafe. I’ll also mention that the length of each episode varies. The first is around fifteen minutes long, but each episode after that got a bit longer until the very last episode, which clocked in about twenty-seven minutes in length.

Sure, it may sound a little “I-Robot”-ish but the story is deeper than just androids freely thinking on their own. For me especially, it was definitely one of those films that resonated with me and provided a interesting exchange of ideas that were lingering in the back of my mind. This has become a social problem and these people are frowned upon as a result. Rikuo, one who has taken androids for granted for his entire life, one day discovers that Sammy, his home android, has been acting strangely and finds a strange phrase recorded in her activity log. Where it came from and why it is there are the reason to keep watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QXCLNxkTjg

Regardless of the taste, I would recommend Time Of Eve as just an interesting story if nothing else. Doing away with the usual 2D animation that sometimes meddles with 3D, this one puts 2D characters in complete 3D environments perfectly. And sometimes recreates those wide angle and 24p authentic film effect in some scenes. Steve Jobs (R.I.P.) would love this kind of show, I’m certain.  It does have a few flaws in place, but not enough of them or seriously critical to effect my experience in a negative fashion. This cafe’s main rule is to not discriminate between humans and androids. Let’s hope in the future we adopt the same way of thinking.

As a fan of Asian movies and longtime fan of anime, I found the perfect combination in a little anime called Skip Beat about the behind-the-scenes world of drama and movies in Japan. The story focuses on a young, naive girl name Kyoko Mogami who after being dumped by her singer boyfriend Shotaro Fuwa vow to take vengeance on him by becoming more famous than he is. The trouble is, she doesn’t have any talent to become a star let alone be brighter than the star Shotaro has already became. However, what she doesn’t know is that she does have a talent. She simply hasn’t given it a chance to grow.

Kyoko’s whimsical plan for revenge starts with her trying to become a talent for one of the biggest talent agency in Japan, L.M.E., which also happens to be Shotaro’s rival agency. As ludicrous as the plot may seem, Skip Beat tells a story of a girl who has always lived to make others happy. This time, she’s finally doing something for her own sake, though the reason is questionable. To bar Shotaro from the limelight he so lust after, Kyoko tries to become an actress. This ridiculous motive gives Ren Tsuruga, L.M.E.’s poster child, great distaste and disdain for Kyoko. As an actor who wholehearted love his work, he can not forgive someone who acts with the evil thoughts of revenge as the backbone for all her actions.

I find the entire series is immensely funny and incredibly educational. There has always been movies about…making movies. This is my first time seeing it on the 2D screen. The humor mainly comes from Kyoko and her army of ghouls that erupts form her loveless heart. After being dumped in such a humiliating manner, Kyoko vows to lock away her heart forever. Her inability to recognize love or understand it is both funny and poignantly sad. It’s also an eye-opening experience getting to see the casting process, what getting into character means, the entire filming experience from working with cast and crew, to interaction with the director. This anime is truly an in-depth view into Japan’s acting world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOcZY_yxDVA

The show isn’t perfect though. One, it ends a bit early and die-hard fans must read the manga to know what happens next. Rumor of a second season has been floating about but there hasn’t been anything concrete. And two, while the show has its funny moments and interesting in its attention to the background story of making a movie, the topics covered every episode might not be of interest to everyone. If you’re into flying maiden or guns a-blazing scenes, this show won’t have any of that. You will, however, get to see all the wires to make a girl fly and how fake guns work. Skip Beat shows how a movie or drama is put together and how actors create a world that can cause an audience to suspend believes for a few hours. If that’s your cup of tea, this is the show for you.

Rideback is about a girl who is the daughter of a famous dancer. During one of her performances she falls and then quits her dancing career. Some time later when she joins the Theatrical Academy, she finds out about a Ride Back club and then rides the bike to waste some time because of the very rainy weather outside. But something is wrong with the bike and she looses control. While trying to stop she finds out that the bike responds to her movements. She is able to sort of dance with the bike and gets inspired by it. As Rin gets more and more into the Rideback scene tension between GGP and “terrorists” heat up, causing an even bigger mess and getting Rin and her club members caught up in a situation there is no turning back from and forcing Okakura to confront his past.

As you can tell, the show very subtly evolves from light college adventures to a dark story about terrorism. Rideback is a real winner because the formula works, taking a typically unlikely anime premise and making it believable and compelling. Rideback is a show worth watching, it has all the makings of a great plot, combined with top-notch voice acting and a complete spin on mechs. Action fans will also be happy as no mecha series would be complete without intense, fast paced, robot battles.

Don’t let all this mech talk detour you away from this series, if that isn’t your cup of tea. The machinery draws you in, but you stay with the shows for their human qualities.  It’s got a questionable start, there is no denying that, but we also get to learn a little about the software and hardware that makes them work. It really is exhilarating to watch, with Rin just only trying to get used to the Ride Backs, and how she incorporated some of her ballet moves into Ride Back racing. Also with Studio Madhouse backing up the animation department, you know the visuals will be top notch.

Like with most anime series, there are scenes that generally speaking, didn’t need to be there. Even though it is a relatively short series, there was some fat that could have been trimmed. Most people won’t complain about it though since Rideback features motorbike robots, racing, action, emotional scenes, cuteness, intrigue & wonderful animation! But due to the short span of the show (12 episodes) it doesn’t have some of the depth and psychological make up that we expect from a lot of great anime.Still, Rideback, to my surprise, is much more complicated than I though it was going to be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agt93XYLvf8

I heard Rideback has a 2nd season in process. This time it tells story of Rin’s daughter. If this is true, I welcome it with open arms. If it was not for the pacing in the early episodes, I think that Rideback could easily be at the top of my list for 2011.  There was untapped potential in some background themes and one or two moments that should’ve been really emotionally hard-hitting felt a bit clumsy. That said, the idea of a transforming motorbike was slickly done and Rin was such a likeable lead character. In the end, everything meshed together and it’s more about what would you do in the current situation you are in on an instant whim to react. So the story feels right to me. Recommeded for any anime fan who wants a nice bite size series to get into.