In this section will be my reviews for all the shows I've seen on digital cable or somewhere else. This is the place to be for all the newer reviews. The ones of the past can be found in their own section. I hope you enjoy and be sure to catch some of these shows. Quite a bit are worth the time!
Note: I tend to be a bit sarcastic at times. In order to clear what might be sarcasm and genuine feelings, all thing written in this color will signify sarcasm. Heh heh! Ah yes, there are spoilers running around. I'll try to catch them and warn y'all before hand (maybe I'll do that highlight-to-read thing). AND, and, and there might be other links under some reviews. Those might be little personal rants, raves, or whatnots. They won't be a part of the review, though. They'll just be an extra bonus goody about the show! Okay! Now on to the reviews!
Darkside Blues:
Well... this was an interesting anime. I may have liked it more if I knew what was going on! Boy, was I confused with the whole plot. A lot of the characters were never fully explained as to why the were there; including the character which the movie is pretty much named after or vice versa. The animation was spectacular and it was pleasing to the eye. There was a bit of violence, but given the situation it was to be expected. The movie was okay but not spectacular. There were a couple of moments that caught me by surprise (specifically the end parts). However, in the end, the impression I got (and I told my mom this) was "It had great animation, but no clear point whatsoever." So things were a bit anticlimatic.
Favorite Character: ?
Least Favorite: ?
Cyber City Oedo 808:
Now here was another interesting series. Three jailers have a chance to earn their way to freedom, but for a price: *Spoiler here!* rings around their necks. If you disobey of fail your duty, you lose your head because that ring will explode. The three parts are devoted to each of the guys. Meaning one is the main focus of a certain episode. Those are some rather interesting missions. The animation was really good. I liked it and it was rather detailed. A little too detailed because the movies had some gruesome parts. Now, I don't exactly have the strongest of all stomachs, but it's not completely weak either (I just don't like testing my stomach's limits!). Let's just say seeing a person blown apart only to be put together again in detail is... well, uh... gross. It was a pretty nifty show. Rather violent at times and almost to the point of crude with all the cussing (especially in the first episode. I think it's the character because it tones down in the last two episodes), but also thoughtful during some parts. A good view but I don't recommend seeing it before going to bed.
Favorite: Benten
Least: ?
Macross II Lovers Again:
Now this was a cute anime that is a part of the masterpiece that is Macross. I really liked the animation. It was well done. The plot is also really easy to follow. The characters are rather appealing, too. You have the hot shot reporter, hot shot pilot 1, hot shot pilot 2, hot shot pilot's friends who are also hot shots, innocent singer, Zentraedi fighter, and others. Of course, love will also be a big theme besides music and fighting. I mean, Guy A likes Girl B who may like Guy A and Guy C. Guy C likes Girl B but may have a thing for Girl D, who might have a thing for Guy E. So it's a big love polygon. At the end of this "love" tunnel, I found myself surprised by the final couple, but I should've expected such things from the series. But I thought Guy C should've been with Girl B and such. Anyway, I enjoyed the movie. The plot, music, and animation were all top notch. I would definitely recommend the show.
Favorite: ?
Least: ?
Patlabor 2:
Okay, I really liked this movie. It really made me think about all of us being used as pawns in somebody's game. It would be advisable to understand or have some previous knowledge of the series because some characters aren't explained except for the fact they were part of a previous squad and such. Despite all of that, I enjoyed the movie. I really enjoyed the interaction between Shinobu and Goto. I really like those two. I like how she handles all the power and authority and I really like his sharp sense and keen wit. The scenes between the two are really something else. Anyway, the animation is really nice and most of the color is either brown, grey, or another dark color. The only light is the orange on the vests and some minor objects. The plot really makes you think. I mean, what is this guy's true purpose? Or does he just want to play with our minds? And what is the main conflict-this or that? Now I may be making this out to be "bigger" than it should, but I never really got a good grasp on what was the main conflict until the end. The movie also provides one of those well-used themes of the-past-returning-and-it-isn't-pretty-because-things-were-rather-intimate-in-the-past and whatnot. A really nice movie but I'd recommend getting acquainted with Patlabor first.
Favorite: Shinobu and Goto
Least: ?
Tekkaman Blade II:
Now here was a fun show. May I say I love the song "Reincarnation". Anyway, this is a spin-off of Tekkaman Blade, but it's its own story in itself and it's good to have some previous knowledge. However, if you're like me and you've never seen Tekkaman Blade before II and have no idea what's gonna happen, it's okay! Most of the characters are pretty well explained through the past and it provides some information. If you want more in depth information, see the previous series. The animation is really nice and rather detailed. Warning: there's plenty of nudity -mostly female- flying around because they lose their clothes in Tekkaman mode. While the ladies have more...attention or focus (c'mon this is a show aimed for guys), there is a fair share of male nudity but not as detailed. But that isn't important. What's important is the plot. The series is split into 3 parts with 2 episodes for each part. The first half (episodes 1-3) are focused on the problems with Radam. The last 2-3 episodes are focused on a mysterious black Tekkaman which is really powerful. So powerful it *SPOILER*beat the "invincible" white Tekkaman Blade and nearly killed him. The characters each have their defining qualities. I, personally, don't like the main character Yumi. She bothered me more often than not, and I don't think it was the voice actress because some of the voices were great, in my opinion (I loved Hayato's voice). The latter episodes held my interest more because I grew to like the character Dead End, and through him we see a more human side to David. My favorite episode was #5 because it had practically everything. I just felt so bad. Normally, I'm rather passive when watching movies. If I can feel something other than anger, happiness, or comedy (can't think of the proper word) then that's good. If I feel compelled to sympathize or want to comfort a person, like I did in one part during episode 5, then that's relly good. The only thing that could top that is if I cry (especially if it's over a human. I never really cry over people). So it was a really good show. Animation was nice, music was good, plot was steady, and it was an entertaining 6 episodes.
Favorite: Dead End and Anita
Least: Yumi
Macross Plus: (aka: the review that should get it's own page)
Oh, I'm in love. I adored this series. This was probably the best show I've ever seen. The animation was top notch, the plot was superb, and the music -oh- Yoko Kanno is a musical genius. Wow, I loved the music. To go with the music thing first, I fell in love immediately. I never had the chance to see Macross Plus in its entirety and, after the convention (especially the music videos), I had a great desire to see it (that and Cowboy Bebop- which also has wonderful music by Yoko Kanno). So I stayed up late and prepped myself for Macross Plus. It exceeded all my already high standards. Right when I heard Myung's theme "Voices" (yes, it's better in Japanese, but I like the English version, too) and saw the words "Dedicated to all pioneers" on the screen, I was hooked. I remember hearing the song before and loving it and now I get to feel it. The opening scene was just gorgeous (yeah, I know I'm going out of order - screw orderly fashion!). I've seen it plenty of times during the music videos during the convention, but I've never seen its full effect until now. The animation was something else. I don't know what made that scene so spectacular but maybe it was how everything fit with Isamu and Guld racing and trying to fly, and ending with Isamu winning. All the while Myung watches the race. Then it all just ties with Isamu being a pioneer or something. I don't know. It's just one those flashback scenes that need no words except those through song. Back to the music, it was wonderful -to be expected. Many people dote on Sharon Apple's songs and, I admit, they are really something else and rather cool. All with their unique style. But, my favorite song was "Voices". The melody is so haunting and beautiful. Oh! I'm in love. Some of the niftiest animation was in the fighting sequences and Sharon's concerts. Wow, what a stunning display of animation. Especially with the near end when Sharon's concert is at the Macross. What a display of lights and battle. Well, all of Sharon's concerts are well animated. If there was one concert I liked the best it would be the one at the Macross. Of all the battles I liked the best it would be Isamu vs. Guld's last fight and Isamu and Guld vs. Macross. Some of the lines between those two are just plain funny. I particularly liked this exchange *minor spoiler* Isamu: "And what about those 2 lunches I bought you in high school?!" Guld: "I bought you 13!" Then the ending quips were also great *once again a minor dialogue spoiler* Guld: "You still owe me 11 lunches." Isamu:"Man, there's just no way to please you" (something along those lines). That is just so wonderful. As for the plot, oh wow! It all tied together, the past and present. It was all woven into this wonderful creation. It takes a while to finally figure out who the true villain is. It's probably due to the fact that, unlike previous Macross series, there is no blatant enemy until the end. Heck, there is no enemy until the end! It is also sad to see what becomes of our heroes. One grew disillusioned and had shattered dreams, another hides from the past, another comes across as crazy and coarse because they won't change. The romance is there and it does play a big role, but it's not as blatant as the others. I mean in Macross/Robotech *slight spoiler* Rick and Lisa (I know their Japanese name, I really do...just not at the moment!) end up together. In Macross II, Guy C and Girl D (refer to chart in my review for Macross II) get together. It all tied back to love. While the romance may be there, it is more subtle but not fully concealed and it all ties back to friendship instead of love. These people obviously have feelings for each other but it's never doted on as anything else but friendship. You can speculate what will happen for our heroes in the future relationship-wise, but nothing is really clearly spelled out. That's just the way I see it. I know action speak louder than words (and believe me there is plenty of action and few words), but it came across as there's something there if they choose to pursue it. So, I loved the movie and everything. I loved all the characters despite their faults (if I could stomach the main female, that's great. Bonus points if I liked her! More if she was my favorite!), I loved the plot, I loved the music, and it just made me "feel". This movie is definitely "dedicated to all the future pioneers" and those who enjoy a great show. Best I've seen yet! "Just ride the wind!"
Favorite: I love 'em all!
Least: not worth the hate
Gunsmith Cats:
Heh, heh! Here's another spiffy anime show. I really enjoyed the show. Full of action and humor. The animation isn't top notch but it is wonderful. I love the opening sequence. A nice blend of animation and spiffy, jazzy music. I really like the main characters. The scenes between Rally and Bill are just plain classic. It just reminds of Shinobu and Goto of Patlabor only much more hilarious. The way Rally acts towards Bill also sort of reminds me of myself and what I do in such situations. And folks, I even love that cute little blonde, Minnie May. She is just too hilarious for her own good. I really don't think she has an unhealthy obsession with bombs and such- NO WAY! Rally is just to cool for words. She's tough, aggressive and won't let anybody push her around. Their friend also reminds me a bit of myself. She's pretty funny herself. It's amazing that after all she's been through, she remains true to her pals. Heck, I even like Bill. He just seems so useless or a bother at times, but it fits. His personality is a type I wouldn't really put up with but I would end up liking anyway (grudgingly, of course), given a long period of time. Anyway, the plot is also neat. Just when you think somebody is bad... you're probably right, but there's always a higher being. Gunsmith Cats is like that. A good show!
Favorite: Rally
Least: ?
Voltage Fighter Gowcaizwer:
Here's another movie based on a fighting game. The animation was pretty decent but there were parts that were sketchy. The plot was okay but not outstanding that it would compel a bunch of people to become devoted followers. The characters were pretty well-rounded but still came across as a bit shallow. I guess the main character is Isato but the focus was more on Kyousuke. The only female I liked was Kubira. I never really liked Karin, Shaia got annoying after a while, and I didn't really care for Tsuzu. I think my main annoyance with the females is the use of way too much nudity. I guess when there's a bit too much, I lose a bit of respect. That's another reason why I liked Kubira. She kept her clothes on. But, you could tell this was aimed for guys because the girls' chests (as my mom put it when she saw some of the movie) "have a life of their own". And, of course, since this is a fighting-video-game-turned-movie, there's the obligational shower scene. So like Ana Williams, Chun Li, Mai, and probably others, Shaia gets her own shower scene (oh yay). But, it was rather funny with the ball boy. I, personally, loved Kash (aka Hellstinger). He's smart, talented, and a damn good fighter. His one big monologue about Ouga (Ozaki) and the crystals is one I adore. He's also blessed with the best lines. I also enjoye the villain, Ouga (I like Ozaki better. It rolls off the tongue... Ozaki). Poor guy really isn't the main villain (but, he's still bad). I think, at this point, he just wants release. A decent show with plenty of nifty scenes (I particularly liked the scene showing the end of Omniexist).
Favorite: Kash
Least: Pretty much all the females
Don't worry folks! There's plenty more reviews to come along. Just give me time!
Shows to come:
New Dominion Tank Police (they're back!)
Wrath of the Ninja: Yotoden Story (Coming soon!)
Yoma (that was interesting)
Shadow Skills (Ewwa!)
Battle Arena Toshinden (nice clown suits!)
Tekken (Go Nina!)
Battle Angel (no more mice please!)
Kiki's Delivery Service (I wan't that cat!)
Sol Bianca (nice weapons)
DNA Sights 999.99 (how many 9s are in the title?)
Demon City Shinjuku will probably be revised in the old section along with Street Fighter.
And more!