A-kun and TharzZzy's Anime Review 3
The Abnormal and The Strange
BTW, if you're wondering where we stand on Dubbed versus Subtitled, it doesn't matter much to us. The first one you hear is the one you'll like the most anyway, because you feel it fits better. The main thing we think about is cost versus having to watch the subtitles. Some people can follow the subtitles fast enough while others can't.
Besides, it doesn't matter much. No matter which you buy, the opening and ending songs will be in Japanese anyway, save for the Fatal Fury saga, Tekken and a few others.
Anime Ratings: These are our opinions on these Anime. You may object to the ratings given. 0 means don't even bother with it. ***** means you've gotta see it at least once.
Mixing Codes: If there are two things that conflict, such as Romance and Combat, this means there's a little of both. The proportions may not be fair. When there's something like Combat and Blood, that means the fighting may vary. Some fights may not get as brutal as others.
Main Codes: What's listed under Main is the main theme of the series or at least what we felt was the main theme. The others are varying.
Rating Codes:
[Silly] - There's at least something that'll make us smile. Silly moments what everyone can enjoy. If this is the Main Code, that means that if you don't get or don't like most of the jokes, don't bother seeing the rest of the series. It's probably not your thing.
[WAFF] - You get a Warm And Fuzzy Feeling when you see this movie. WAFF means the stuff that may follow some angsty scenes and it should get you the feeling that everything turns out for the better.
[Angst] - There's some depressing/serious scenes. If this is the Main Code, then there's a lot of angst in the story. Don't expect too many happy moments.
[Combat] - There's conflict in the story. Whether it's purely physical like hand-to-hand fighting or just competing in sports, there's a conflict. If this is the Main Code, then the world is probably surrounding fighting.
[Blood] - Expect some REALLY violent fighting. Weapons will most likely be used to draw blood. Sometimes, it won't be much, but it will be there. If this is the Main Code, it's probably pretty violent all throughout the story.
[Violence] - Ultra-violent stuff here. Those with weak stomaches should NOT watch this. If Main Code, expect some rather excessively violent scenes.
[Romance] - Ah, love. Not for those of iron stomaches. They'll rust. If this is the Main Code, don't expect much of anything else.
[Underwear] - There are a lot of shots of underwear/tight swimwear or people in states of partial dress. They might have torn clothes or it might be that a girl's skirt gets blown up. In some cases, you'll get Crotch Camera, which, depending on your preferences and the gender of the person with Crotch Cam, may make you either get a nosebleed or retch. If this is the Main Code, then get used to the butt-shots and Crotch Cams.
[Nudity] - *blush* Yes, there's probably some topless girls running around or at least you'll see the nude back of a girl. Nudity can appear separate Underwear.
[Sexual] - *AHEM*, there's some more-than-obvious sexual interactions or more than subtle hints to that angle. It may be cut short before they get going or they might decide to fade out just as it's begun, but there is definitely sexual scenes suggested. If this is the Main Code, then people under the legal age should probably not view this unless it's for a sexual education course. In other words, you can see some positions often found in the Kama Sutra.
[Twisted] - If Twisted is ANYWHERE in the code, then expect sick or perverted things. Example: Tentacle beasts, horny space monsters, ogling of women, strange fluids, etc.
[Bizarre] - Expect the strangest things. Cats turning into coats then back to cats, creatures too bizarre for words, and just unusual/unnatural things. Monsters, demons, and genetically-made freaks are included.
[Sci Fi] - This is either super high-tech stuff or unusual vehicles that would not normally appear on Earth. Aliens also fall into this category. Unless in the Main Code, the world doesn't revolve around this super-tech.
[Magic] - These are usually magical worlds. They may not be heavy in magic, but there's usually at least a spell or a chant. If the Main Code, well, you get the picture. This category also works for anything that involves psionics, spiritual energy or any other form of super-natural attack.
[Religion] - It's usually a presentation of another Religion, most likely one familiar to Japan such as Buddhist, Taoist, Shinto, Christianity, etc. If it's the Main Code, there's stuff within that may be stuff that may be offensive to those who are heavily religious as this will probably present a new form of religion that may contradict yours. Close-minded people beware.
----
Otaku No Video (Subbed)
Main Code: [Bizarre][Silly][Angst]
Secondary Code: [Sci Fi][WAFF]
A-kun's Review: Ah, such a classic. A mix between the animated story of a young man's descent into the world of Anime and a live documentary of various kinds of Otaku. You won't find a stranger story. The documentary brings shocking revelations as to how far some fans'll go for what they love and the anime shows just about the same, but the anime goes on to show how an Otaku can become the Otaking (king of fans). We're uncertain if the documentary is real or not (it certainly presents facts and numbers like a documentary), but the anime is absolutely strange.
In actuality, otaku can translate into fan, but it sometimes refers to dangerously fanatical fans. Regardless, many otaku consider the title as sort of a badge of honor. Not because they're dangerous, but because they're fans of such a caliber.
Anime Review: **
TharzZzDunN's Review: N/A.
----
Shinesmen (Dubbed)
Main Code: [Silly][Sci Fi][Bizarre][Combat]
Secondary Code: [WAFF][Magic][Romance]
A-kun's Review: This is definitely a must-see if you like ridiculous super-heros or comedy. Imagine you're being interviewed for a job. You're doing quite well and this could be the job of a lifetime. Suddenly, you're tossed a curious question. "What color do you think is best for a super-hero?" Struggling, you recall your kid brother telling you that a hero who's color is red is _his_ favorite, so you go with that. "Red." you declare. Little do you know that red is know a color you should be content with as you'll be seeing it a lot off and on again.
You get the job and you begin walking with one of the people who interviewed you only to find that you're staring at a wall for some reason and without warning, it opens to reveal an elevator. Suddenly, your world is spun upside-down as you are officially made a member of the Shinesmen, a team of power suit wearing superheros. And we aren't talking business casual. It's more of a "you've got to see it to believe it" things.
Anime Review: ****
----
Moldiver vol. 1 (Dubbed)
Main Code: [Silly][Sci Fi][Bizarre]
Secondary Code: [Combat][Underwear][Nudity][Romance]
A-kun's Review: Okay, let's say you develop a suit with all of Superman's powers. What would YOU do with such a thing? Easiest answer: Become a super-hero! The suit is actually part of a chip which is inside something that looks like a normal credit card. Sure, instead of a weakness to some glowing rock from another planet, you only get 666 seconds to operate it (which breaks down to eleven minutes and ten seconds), but with the powers this suit has, the time limit isn't really much. However, it feels a tad formulaic, but there's plenty of brother-sister weirdness going on to make this a fun story. However, I have to say, the dubb seems a tad strained at times. Then again, maybe I'm still in shock from Devil Hunter Yohko.
Anime Review: ***
----
Tekken (dubbed)
Main Code: [Combat][Blood][Sci Fi][Religion]
Secondary Code: [Silly][Angst]
A-kun's Review: Oooh, kick ASS! If you've played the game, then get used to the sight of Kazuya Mishima, Heihachi Mishima, Jun, Lei Wulong, Jack and Nina Williams. The story begins with Jun and Kazuya meeting for the first time as children. We find out why Kazuya has that big scar on his chest. Years later, Jun recalls everything just as the discovery of a hybrid lifeform is found. Jun finds herself swept up in a twisted game of playing god as she receives an invitation to a fighting tournament where Kazuya and Heihachi are sure to be. We finally see a good villian (and by that we mean he has all the qualities of a villian that really _could_ take over the world if he tried), but unfortunately, he's so obsessed over his little pet experiment that when it fails, he kills all of his assistants (save Nina) and detonates the island. Meanwhile, Kazuya and Heihachi are hashing out some "family business".
Some of the story comes off sounding cheesy as most of the major characters have a tendency to talk aloud to themselves. There is a point in the video when they get all metaphysical and crap, so beware if you don't like philosophical crap mixed with your fighting series. In the dubb, we get a taste of some american music, featuring Soulhat, Stabbing Westward, The Offspring and a few other musical talents of varying nature, but I'm not sure if you'd get that if you were to listen to the subtitled version.
Anime Review: ****
----
Slayers: The Motion Picture (dubbed)
Main Code: [Silly][Magic][Combat][Blood]
Secondary Code: [Angst][Sci Fi][WAFF][Underwear]
A-kun's Review: If you've seen Slayers, then you know Lina Inverse, sorceress extraordinaire. This little adventure takes place before she even meets Gourry, but a true heroine can't afford to go on a long adventure without a companion to talk to in case of boredom. Besides, sidekicks can be fun!
Enter Naga the White Serpent. She's as powerful as Lina in _most_ regards and she ranks as Ultra-Sexy as her apparel is little more than a cape attached to a leather bikini and some ornaments. Naga can be exceedingly intelligent and knowledgeable at times, but there are two major problems with this super-babe.
What, you may ask, is so wrong with her? The first is her ego. Sure, you may think, "Aaw, I could handle that". Then, there's her laugh. Oh, a laugh isn't that bad. When it has terrified entire villages, frightens off dogs and cats alike and aggrivates the migraines of kings, then it is definitely bad. And she seems to have this obsession with being Lina's best friend and greatest rival... at the same time.
Since there's an important story line, you won't see Naga insulting Lina as much as she would normally. One of the biggest insults Naga has is about Lina's cup-size. Naga is about a DDD-cup while Lina is about a-
Lina Inverse: FIREBALL!
A-kun: AAAAIIEEEEEEE!
Anyway, we see Lina doesn't take this lying down, as she blasts Naga whenever she can disguise it as an 'accident'. In the end, while they might blast, poke, pound and insult each other, Lina and Naga are pretty good friends.
Anime Review: *****
----
Kotestu (dubbed)
Main Code: [Silly][Magic][Nudity]
Secondary Code: [WAFF][Combat][Blood][Underwear][Sexual][Bizarre]
A-kun's Review: This is a damn good story. While I'm disappointed that there's one video of this, I'm certain there's a manga that contains more of the story. And who knows? Maybe'll there will be another made some time in the 2001-3001 millenium.
The story begins with a corporation hiring a member of an underground magic-user guild. That member goes about hunting down a female detective that's been making trouble for the corporation by using an enchanted camera to follow her. Well, a young girl suddenly stops the camera, just as a mini-gang of four try to pick her up to take a 'tour of Tokyo'. Well, after some fighting, the detective and the girl go back to the detective's office to find out that the girl is named Kotetsu and is the younger sister of a guy who used to work at the detective's group.
I won't spoil the rest of the story, but get ready for the three following jokes: nosebleeds, awkward situations, and misinterpretation.
The voice actress for Kotetsu in the dubb sounds rather british, but for some reason, that just adds to the effect of Kotetsu. I rather enjoyed this anime and if you don't mind the dirty jokes, nudity and perverse little acts they show, this is will be quite the experience for you too.
For once! An anime, outside of Slayers, where the lead female ISN'T a super-sexy girl and the lead male isn't a chisel-chested super-hunk. And the villians aren't bad either!
Anime Review: ****
----
Hades Project: Zeorymer tapes 1 and 2(subtitled)
Main Code: [Combat][Angst][Sci Fi]
Secondary Code: [Religion][Nudity][Blood]
A-kun's Review: This wasn't that bad, for a giant mech anime. Most are either really kiddy (Giant Robo, anyone?) or super depressing (Neon Genesis Evangelion). This was a better story than Giant Robo, but was, at times, just as depressing at Evangelion. Only with less impact. You've got your Class A spineless wimp in Evangelion. In Zeorymer, you've got a Class B. The kid is willing to fight, when pressured into it, but no one seems to know how to pilot it, save his co-pilot. But, like all people who get overwhelmed, the Class B wimp freezes up, allowing another conscience to take over his body.
The other conscience is none other than the man responsible for Zeorymer and the other seven robots. Fortunately for the world, the good guys got the best, Zeorymer, but without a good pilot, it's weaker than the other seven robots. However, at it's maximum, not even three of the other robots together are a match for Zeorymer.
But, one has to wonder why they don't just get another pilot. Easy, the Zeorymer and it's 'cousins' will only respond to people with specific DNA and apparently, the DNA is so specific, you'd even have to have the same personality, so no matter what, you'll wind up using that person. Although, they could've done a better job of keeping track of their pilot.
Anime Review: ***
----
Fist of the North Star (The Movie?) (subtitled)
Main Code: [Combat][Blood][Violence]
Secondary Code: [Religion][Angst][Bizarre][WAFF]
A-kun's Review: A-kun says, "BARF!". This is a super violent anime set in an post-apocalyptic world where there's not much water and trees are a rarity. If you can't stand the idea or sight of a man's head exploding, guts flying everywhere or giant monsters biting off the heads of ninjas, this is definitely an anime to avoid. There are some tender moments, like where the main character helps a little girl to speak again or when the main character helps a man get his sister away from a bunch of ugly punks. You can't beat righteous justice. Of course, there is one scene where a character in the story reveals the power of Geometry by using it to slice people into about sixty-eight pieces. See, kids? This is why Geometry is so important to learn, so after the fall of humanity, you too can slice your opponents to pieces without killing yourself in the process!
Anime Review: **
===============================================================================================
Reviews coming soon: Golden Boy 1-6, Fatal Fury 1-2, Fatal Fury: The Movie, Street Fighter: the Movie, Street Fighter TV series volume 1, Blue Seed (complete), Blue Sonnet tapes 1 and 2, Revolutionary Girl Utena tapes 1-4, Irresponsible Captain Tylor (complete), All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku tapes 1-4, Cutey Honey tapes 1-4, Gunsmith Cats tapes 1-3, Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer 1-2, Gowcaizer: the Movie, Ushio and Tora tapes 1-5, Burn Up, Burn Up W tapes 1-4, Devil Hunter Yohko 5 and 6, My My Mai tapes 1 and 2, Gude Crest, Ellica tape 1, Legend of Crystania: the Movie, El Hazard OAV 1-4, El Hazard2 tapes 1 and 2, El Hazard: An Alternate World tapes 1-4, El Hazard TV series 1 (complete), Ayane's High Kick, Maison Ikkoku tapes 1 and 3, Battle Skipper tapes 1-3, Zenki 1-6, Project A-ko 1-4, Project A-ko: Grey Side/Blue Side, Capricorn, Tenchi Muyo: The Movie, Tenchi Muyo: The Movie 2, Tenchi Muyo the first TV series 1-6, Dirty Pair Flash (missions 1-3), Dirty Pair Original 1-2 and 4, Dirty Pair: Affair on Nolandia, Dirty Pair: Conspiracy on Flight 007, Dirty Pair: Project Eden, Oh! My Goddess vol. 1-5, Ninja Scroll, Ninja Resurrection, Galaxy Fraulein Yuna tapes 1 and 2, Return of Yuna, BASTARD!! tapes 1-4, Bakuretsu Hunters tapes 1-7, Those Who Hunt Elves 1-4
Saber Marrionettes J tapes 1-3, Clamp School Detectives tapes 1-6, Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, Battle Athletes 1, Iczer 1 vol. 1-2, Iczer 3 vol. 2 and 3, Iczelion, Knights of Ramune (Lamune 40) tapes 1-2, Princess Minerva, Aika tapes 1 and 2, Video City Ai, Panzer Dragoon,
Ruin Explorers 1 and 2, Golgo 13, Ninja Cadets, Cowboy Bebop 1-3, Haunted Junction vol. 1, Fushigi Yuugi tape 1-8, Sakura Wars vol. 1-2, Slayers NEXT (complete), Slayers Explosion Array, Slayers Dragonslave, Battle Angel Alita, Debutante Detective Club, Silent Service (the one with the nifty submarine), Armitage III: the Movie, Dragon Half, Zeguy part 1&2, Dangaio tapes 1-3, Sailor Victory, Gunbuster tapes 1-3, Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell, Princess Mononoke, Pokemon the First Movie, Bio Booster Armor Guyver tapes 1-6, Bio Booster Armor Guyver: Out Of Control, Sukeban Deka tapes 1 and 2, Ultimate Teacher, 8th Man After, Wicked City, Suikoden: Demon Century, Dark Warrior 1: Genesis, Genesis Survivor Gaiarth tapes 1-3, Megami Paradise tape 1 and 2, Bubblegum Crisis 1-8, Bubblegum Crash 1-3, A.D. Police 1-3, R.G. Veda tape 1-2, Bean Bandit/Roadbuster, Super Deformed Scramble Wars, Robotech (end?), Luna Varga 1 and 2, Starlight Voyager Odin, Windaria, A Wind Named Amnesia, Gall Force 1-3, Gall Force: New Chapter 1, Gall Force: Earth Chapter 1, Nadia: Secret of Blue Water vol. 1, Plastic Little, MAPS tapes 1 and 2
Sol Bianca 1, Angel Cop Perfect Collection, 3X3 Eyes Perfect Collection, Heroic Legend of Arislan tapes 1 and 2, Sonic The Hedgehog: The Movie, Iria Zeiram tapes 1-3, Iria Zeiram live-action, City Hunter: The Movie, Firetripper, Rumic Forest, Mermaid's Flesh, Mermaid's Gaze, Ronin Warriors (complete), Voltron, Powerdolls tape 1, Cyber City Oedo 808 tape 1, Orgus tapes 1-6
(
geocities.com/tokyo/island) (
geocities.com/tokyo)