Death Parade Episode 1/ First Impressions: Holy Crap!

I came into this first episode with no previous knowledge of what the show was about. I came in only knowing that it was a Madhouse Production, and I even came in with relatively expectations.

Let's start off with the beginning of the episode, the OP of course! Having not scene Death Billiards, I had no idea what to expect. The OP led me to believe that the show would possess a rather light and comedic mood, similar to that of Amagi Brilliant Park. The OP is deceiving as it is good. It is explosive and colourful, which I suppose you could say the two characters were. I don't think it really the type of song that I want to listen to at the beginning of every episode, but it is a very solid OP and could be used for any of the light comedies airing.

Next, is the actual episode review. Holy Crap! This episode was insane and although it is called "DEATH ParaDe", it's not exactly what I expected. The episode succeeded in doing many things properly. First of all, Madhouse definitely delivered with some spectacular animation. It isn't quite at the level of Fate/Stay Night UBW, but then again, they don't have aren't the unlimited budget works. If I had to compare it to Madhouse's other anime superstar, Parasyte, I would say that the art is better. The colour palette chosen for Death Parade is just so good. The dark shades of purple and black with the crisp and bright colours set the atmosphere just right. Next, in terms of the background music, it was pretty epic. The church-like, somber, opera music fits perfectly with the mood and reminds you what is going on. It has almost a Death Note type of feel to it, with the epic music and presence of a life (or after-life I suppose) altering game. 

Anyways, now we get to the good stuff. Busting out the elevators of doom and gloom are Takashi and Machiko, a married couple that unknowingly have fallen into the afterlife and will soon have their fate decided. An arbiter (he looks like a butler, so I'll just call him that), Dekim informs them that they must play a game before they can leave the room. After serious hesitation, Takashi decides to play the game, in hopes that he will a find a way to out of this world. Each player (Takashi and Machiko) is given 7 Darts to throw at a dart board. The person to score the most points after 7 throws wins. One problem: The board is scattered with pictures of rancid and twisted body parts that, on contact, will cause extreme pain to that organ. At first each of them takes turns hurting each other with the throws and genuinely feeling sorry. After a couple pain-throbbing throws Takashi remembers that he can just miss the board and nothing will happen; however, this comforting love doesn't last long. Takashi also starts to remember his past and Machiko does too. The each realize that the other has potentially wronged them. Subjects of infidelity, grievance, trickery are the leading causes of their insanity. The two proceed to have a blood bath of dart throwing and literal heart-pounding. The net result is that goal of the game is reached. Machiko reveals that she cheated on Takashi and the her baby isn't his. Unknowingly, Machiko is sent to the "Void" , while the enraged Takashi is sent for Reincarnation.

The animation and voice acting was spot on. I could feel the emotions of the characters were hit one after the other by metaphorical slashes to the heart.What's really amazing is the amount of development in such little time. I really cared for each of the characters and often switched sides all the way through to the nail-biting end.

There are many questions that arise. Who are the other lot of characters shown in the OP? Will we see the two ever again in a future episode? Is it possible the perfectly innocent couples meet the same fate?What happens if you choose not to play? Will the show be truly episodic? How will the show continue to top each weeks new episode? What is amazing about this kind of suspense is that it gets you thinking. Instead of just leaving an excruciatingly, painful cliffhanger at the end the episode concludes itself and still has you asking for more.

In terms of constructive comments, I don't have much. My only minor complaint is that the flashbacks seemed too whitened out, to the point where some parts were completely whited out. This is probably because of the nature of the flashbacks, but it's kinda disappointing that I couldn't get more of the gorgeous art.

Anyways, this show definitely exceeded my expectations and undeniably be one of the premier, if not #1, new-airing anime of the season! As always don't forget to Comment, Follow, Like, and CYA!

Hiatus Recovery

After 8-9 gruesome months of not being in the mood of writing, my creative side has taken over, and my will to watch and discuss anime has been reborn. I will now start to do episodic reviews of some of this seasons anime. I will attempt to get a quick summary of my thoughts on the series as a whole so far, then start the reviews. Basically, I will do a cumulative review of the anime I am reviewing for all the episodes I missed and then start the weekly process. Hopefully all my loyal fans have stuck with me and I will be able to both keep it going this time and attract new AAR readers. As always look forward to more content and CYA!

Weekly Anime Episeries: Seitokai Yakuindomo Episode 4

Once again we are back with a stunning anime episode review. And as the last episode this one seems to be rather uneventful, but there are certain minor aspects to look at.

Each girls' previous discussed personality traits are further reinforced.

• Shino: She is afraid of heights and blames herself for not being able to bring the class to Kiyomizudera. Throughout the episode she is still seen with the same perverted and sexual attitude, being able to turn practically anything into a perverted bonanza of fun.
• Aria: We are reminded that she is the rich and dumb character of the series. She works very well in tangent with Shino, but is particularly unaware of how rich she really is. She is also the real only piece of fanservice in the entire episode, besides short skirts. When she unties her tie and unbuttons her shirt, this is one of the only points of fanservice so far in the first 4 episodes. This could demonstrate a leaning towards the direction of perversion over fanservice.
• Suzu: We are constantly reminded of her low stature, and that she is a genius. In this episode instead of getting mad at everyone she is actually pretty normal and even manages to crack a joke of her own.

Next I will just list a few more important-but still minor-points of the episode:

• -When they talk about sex, words such as penis and sex are Bleeped out. This could mean that these words cannot be said on Japanese Television, but otherwise this is a very interesting move that I am not in total agreeance with.
• -Mitsuba has already established the judo team. I expect to see a lot more comedic scenes evolve from the judo team, because Mitsuba is shown in the OP.
• -The president's birthday is June 12th, to which everyone gives presents that are representative of the type of person they are.

Finally, My thoughts:

• As a comedy, I definitely feel like the WOW factor that they had in the beginning has died down a bit. As a ballpark figure I would rate the 2 episodes at about 8-9, to which this episodes definitely falls to about an 7.5-8. It is for sure funny, but the scenes are too irrelevant to anything to be that much more enjoyable.
• Finally, I feel like the show has a prevalency to avoid loving relationships and dramatic moments, particularly in the first and last scenes with Tsuda and Shino. One thinks that the umbrella scene would be highly emotional and end with walking home all happy and lovey-dovey. Nope. The episode actually ends with Tsuda catching a cold in the rain. The show manages to avoid these deep and loving moments and focus on delivering comedy and comedy only. This is a rather interesting approach and should be noted and I will definitely explore this trend in further episodes.

Well thank you again for tuning in to another review. As always I hope you guys enjoyed and don't forget to Follow, Like, Enjoy, And CYA

Weekly Anime Episeries: Seitokai Yakuindomo Episode 3

Welcome back to another episode review. Today we will be reviewing episode 3 of Seitokai Yakuindomo.

• In terms of comedy, this episode was rather lackluster compared to the rest. Comedy scenes are not as funny or plentiful in this episode as the previous 2. This episode can be scene as more of a filler episode, or just basically an excuse to have a hot springs scene to which the directors are able to reveal some skin.
• What this episode does do well is show us how important it is for our main characters to be together. It is mentioned throughout the episode that Shino and Aria act differently because Tsuda isn't around. Also life is boring for Hagimura and Tsuda without the other two to spice things up.
•  What was scene in previous episodes was a lack of real fanservice and an enormous emphasis on the comedic perversion instead. This episode actually produces some fanservice, but only in the way of slight cleavage/boob revelations. What was actually pretty interesting was that the skirts of the girls are pretty high up, and at points where I expected a panty shot, I was left with nothing. This scene is seen when a random girl flaps up her skirt and all we see is a skin. This either means that she isn't wearing panties or her skirt wasn't lifted high enough. It was overall just a weird beginning to the scene.
• The only real bit of development we get is that Aria is rich. It was hinted in the last episode that she was rich, but this one just further reinforces it. We also get reassurance of the size of her upper package, but are reminded of the President's. 

• Since their isn't much to talk about, I will use this time to talk about the OP and ED.
• Opening: The OP, Yamato Nadeshiko Education, is definitely a well made one. It is a catchy tune that's well thought out and destined for this type of show. The animation in the background really does a lot to demonstrate what the show is all about. Overall, it's just a solid OP
• Ending: The ED, Aoi Haru, is very well done and most likely superior in comparison with the OP. Generally, I'm really not one for ED's and I even skip a fair bit of them, but this one was really good. Who is the girl in the animation? Is it Aria? Who knows. All I know is that this an amazing job by "angela" and probably one of my favourite ED's of all time. It is very pleasing to the ear and the animation does a excellent job of showing off the show. Hmmm, isn't it interesting that "Angel" and "Beautiful Fighter", by angela is are some  my favourite OP's of all time? Well, I can tell you that I like this one strictly, because of how good it is and not because it is sung by angela.

Oh well that is it for today. Hope you guys enjoyed. Hopefully the next episode will come back with some of the good all laughs we had in the first 2 episodes. As always, don't forget to Follow, Like, Comment, and CYA!

Weekly Anime Episeries Thing #2: Seitokai Yakuindomo Episode 2

We are once again back with another episode review of Seitokai Yakuindomo. Today, we will be following along the series and review episode 2.

• We start off with what is assumed to be a love proposal to Tsuda. What we find out after the illustrious and catchy opening, "Yamato Nadeshiko Education", is that all she wanted to organize a Judo Club. 
• What we have next is a series of interludes that are meant to keep the audience laughing, but in reality serve no real purpose for further plot advancement.
• The Student Council decide to clean up a room on the second floor. This could be to allow room for the Judo Club though that isn't confirmed.
• The next part is interesting, because as part of the Student Council Tsuda is expected to rank in the top 20 on the midterm scoring. He eventually goes to all three girls to ask for help, but what is interesting is his interactions with Suzu. She agrees to help him on the condition that they can be alone. She obviously likes him and has developed a very close bond with him, in a non-sexual manner of course (At least not yet), that is further developed near the end of the episode.
• Next, we are introduced to our first teacher of the series, Student Council Supervisor, Yokoshima Naruko. She's generally not around the Council Room, but has made her re-emergence after hearing of a new Student Council member. She immediately tries to seduce and woo him. She is a very weird character often portraying a weird and very young girl's voice throughout the proceeding interludes where she is present. She by far the most sexually inclined of the bunch and even states that she could cause trouble with the introduction of boys at the school. As for an opinion on her, I'm really not sure yet.
• After a series of comedic events, we here about a graduation trip going on soon for second years including: Aria and Shino. This will be the first time the group is split up and Tsuda and Suzu have to assume the roll as leaders. This trip is alluded to in the next episode preview as a hot springs episode. It will be interesting to see what direction they take, because so far they haven't really taken too many common anime paths. They don't take in too many anime stereotypes, but instead release random actions that may or may not be considered better or worse. 
• Finally we have a discussion between Suzu and Tsuda near the end. Suzu expresses her troubles when she says, " Yes, when mature people have their childish side, they look cute. Yet, when childish people put on a mature attitude, why are they considered cocky?" This is probably the deepest the show has ever delved so far and is really actually something to think about. Tsuda's prompt response is that he doesn't think of her to be like this "anymore". Their relationship is definitely developed and it will be interesting to see where this extra bit of development in her direction leads us. A story arch, a potential romance, or just useless crap?
• A final comment is that I forgot to mention that Tsuda mentioned his sister was planning to register next year. This is definitely going to come back, but I'm sure if the sister will be introduced in this season or in the second season. It doesn't feel like something they would just throw in.

In conclusion, I felt that it was enjoyable in many of the same ways as the first episode, but lacked the flare and flow or the first.
As always I you liked what you read please remember to Rate, Comment, Follow, and CYA!

Weekly Anime Episeries Thing #1: Seitokai Yakuindomo Episode 1

• Well, I decided to start this series off with a new anime from the winter anime line up: Nisekoi. Except I was searching and searching and somehow I landed on this anime: Seitokai Yakuindomo. And well, I decided to watch it and see if I could maybe review something not from this season to start.Well, all can say is, cool beans...I don't even..

• What really brought me to watching this is that the second season of Seitokai Yakuindomo is airing this season. I assumed that anything with a second season would be pretty decent and so in order to understand the second season, I must first understand the first. The second thing that caught my eye was the character design; they reminded me a lot of the character design of a very familiar show that I had previously seen: Coppelion. (Which by the way, will be seeing a complete review in the near future.) So, I watched the first few minutes and lo and behold the production studio was GoHands. This really intrigued me, because although Coppelion had its hits and misses, the animation and sound aspects were really well. And although I allude to this all the time, I am a relatively new anime watcher. All of this to say, the opening for Coppelion, "Angel", is one of my favourite, if not favourite, anime openings of all time. Now that all the mumbo-jumbo is out of the way, onto the review.

• I went into the show not knowing what to expect and what I got was an immediate dose of sexual humour and even more sexual humour. The show introduces its main characters right from the start. Takotoshi Tsuda is a male high school student that has just transferred to, the recently co-ed, Ousai Private Academy simply because it's closer to his house. Until this new year, the school was an all girls school, and now males are flocking from all over to have their own harem. The three main female characters include: Shino Amakusa the Student Council President who's good at everything and a natural born leader;though, she is scared of heights and also very perverted. Next is Aria Shuchijo, the calm and large-breasted secretary, who also happens to be very perverted. Last, we have Suzu Hagimura, who is the short tsundere accountant who has an IQ of 180, but needs to take naps at noon and can react to situations during her sleep.

• There hasn't really been too much plot revealed at all, but my first impressions are that there doesn't really have to be. I think that it will turn out to be a fine piece on the humour alone. Shino and Aria seem to be able to turn any situation into being sex related.

Ex: Shino"I found a wallet on my way here."
      Tsuda "Do you know who belongs to."
      Shino " I know it's a girl's.
      Tsuda" How's that?"
   Shino " It doesn't have any condoms."

• The show is filled with many humorous sex-related jokes that will leave you wanting more. (well it at least made me want more.) 
• Otherwise there isn't too much else to note, aside from yet another well done and consistent animation job by GoHands. 
• One last thing to note is that there aren't really any "panty or boob shots" in the show. This is weird and a compelling point of the show. Perhaps it intends entertaining through the humour and leave the audience to figure out the rest. I and hopefully anyone watching along will continue to monitor this trend.
• Well, that is all for my views of the first episode of  Seitokai Yakuindomo. It is a very funny anime, so far, and should be enjoyed by any person who does mind watching a series filled with sex jokes. Stay tuned for Thursday's review of the second episode of this show, that is streamable on crunchyroll. Feel free to leave any comments about what you think of the anime, but please no spoilers. As always, don't forget to Rate, Comment, Follow and CYA!

New Year's Resolution Kinda.

Well I'm back in business and my (Chinese) New Year Resolution is to follow the subsequent schedule. I plan to start a new segment to which there will be 3 posts per week. The schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The segment will involve me watching the first episode of a random anime(probably from crunchyroll) and reviewing it the same day. I have yet to think of a name, but hopefully it will be enjoyable. Thanks a lot for the support and hopefully this time I can stick to the schedule!