Review of Bleach (Video)

Anime Spotlight #12: Guilty Crown

Description:
In the near future, the outbreak of a terrible disease called the Apocolypse Virus places Japan under the military rule of a global organization called the GHQ - a group tasked with checking the spread of the virus and administering vaccinations. Apathetic high school student Shuu Ouma lives in Tokyo, spending his days editing videos and trying to be left alone. But things change when he meets the beautiful pop idol, Inori, who is on the run from GHQ soldiers. While trying to save her from her captors, he acquires a mysterious power called the Void Gene that allows him to pull items or weapons from anyone under the age of seventeen. Now, Shuu must decide whether to join the efforts of the well-funded radical terrorist group "Funeral Parlor" and fight against the GHQ, or shrug off his newfound power and resume his normal life - assuming that either the GHQ or Funeral Parlor's charismatic leader, Gai, will let him.

Anime: Guilty Crown
No. Eps:  22 Eps
Studio: Production I.G
Aired: Fall 2011-2012
Tags: ACTION, MECHA, SCI-FI, NOITAMINA, ROMANCE

Reason for Spotlight:
This Anime was one of those Anime that made me question reality and life, it also was one of those Anime that got me pretty much hooked right from the start. The character development in this Anime was so amazingly put together and the storyline was even more amazing. If you like an action packed drama with some romance and tears then this Anime is perfect for you.


My Rating: 5 Stars
AVG. Rating on "Anime Planet" ATM: 4.1 Stars

Anime Recommendation #9: If you like Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) you might like...

If you liked Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji):

In Victorian England it is commonplace for the rich and wealthy to have a staff, led by a head butler, to run their households; the Phantomhive Estate is no different. The young and demanding Count Ciel Phantomhive, child owner of a toy company, lives in the grand countryside manor. Sebastian is his head butler, and the epitome of perfection; he effortlessly and gracefully completes his day-to day chores and fixes the countless mistakes of the other employees. However, whilst on the outside all seems prim and proper, a more sinister secret lies just beneath the surface. Sebastian is in fact a demon bound by a contract with the young count; he will loyally serve and fight for him in return for his soul.



You might like Pandora Hearts:

On the eve of nobleman Oz Bezarius's fifteenth birthday, he and his loved ones gather to celebrate in a coming-of-age ceremony. But after Oz steps under a long-stopped clock and the hands finally move once more - thus fulfilling a mysterious prophecy - he is violently thrown into the legendary prison known as the Abyss by three cloaked intruders. Existing in another dimension, the Abyss is home to lifeforms born within its walls known as Chains; these beings can only live in the real world if they make contracts with humans, binding their power to the person's body. However, there's a catch - in time, the human will be overcome by the Chain's power and then thrown into the deepest level of the Abyss. When Oz wakes up in the Abyss he is quickly attacked by hungry Chains, only to be saved by one named Alice - a Chain who appeared just before he was thrown into the prison. Together, the two make a contract and return to the real world, where they are enlisted into the Pandora organization - a group researching both the Abyss and the trio that threw Oz into it. Along with members of Pandora, the duo searches to find Alice's lost memory fragments that are scattered throughout the world, to discover the secrets of the Abyss, and to determine if there's a way their contract can be broken without killing either Oz or Alice.

Reasons/Similarities:

• Supernatural 
• Master-Servant Relationship 
• Fan girls ship the "Master-Servant" a little to far :P 
• Comedy 
• Action
• Bad guys 
• Mansions 
• Set in the olden times
• Slight Romance
• A weird Char (Break/Caretaker) - You will only know what I mean if you have watched both, so.... get to it :P 

Anime Recommendation #8: If you like Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion you might like...

If you liked Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion:

In 2010, the Britannian Empire enslaved Japan using powerful mecha known as Knightmares; in the aftermath Japan was renamed Area 11, and its people began a hard and terrible existence. Lelouch, a Britannian student living in Area 11, has grown up hating the Empire and everything it stands for. One day, in the middle of a terrorist attack, Lelouch meets a mysterious girl who grants him the ability to control minds. Can he use his new power to fight for freedom, or will his hatred twist his good intentions into mindless acts of vengeance?

You might like Guilty Crown:

In the near future, the outbreak of a terrible disease called the Apocolypse Virus places Japan under the military rule of a global organization called the GHQ - a group tasked with checking the spread of the virus and administering vaccinations. Apathetic high school student Shuu Ouma lives in Tokyo, spending his days editing videos and trying to be left alone. But things change when he meets the beautiful pop idol, Inori, who is on the run from GHQ soldiers. While trying to save her from her captors, he acquires a mysterious power called the Void Gene that allows him to pull items or weapons from anyone under the age of seventeen. Now, Shuu must decide whether to join the efforts of the well-funded radical terrorist group "Funeral Parlor" and fight against the GHQ, or shrug off his newfound power and resume his normal life - assuming that either the GHQ or Funeral Parlor's charismatic leader, Gai, will let him.

Reasons/Similarities:

• Mecha
• Sci-fi
• Minor Romance 
• Futuristic 
• Action
• Main guy
• Power given to a person that had none
• Main goal to change the world 
• Twists and turns 
• Music that fits the Anime
• Many More

Anime Spotlight #8: Magi

Description:
In a sand-swept land of caravans, brigands and adventurers, legends tell of the ominous dungeon towers that suddenly appeared 14 years ago. It's said that by clearing one of these prisons, you can obtain treasure beyond your wildest dreams, and even form a contract with magical genies of immense power - assuming you make it out alive. In this world, Alibaba is a young rogue who wants nothing more than to get rich by clearing all of the world's dungeons, starting with the nearby tower Amon; Aladdin is a curious young boy with a magical flute and a hidden ability; and Morgiana is a slave who can't escape her chains. As their fates intertwine, the three find themselves wandering the land, battling powerful enemies, and taking a stand against powerful forces that seek to corrupt the weak and innocent.

Anime: Magi
No. Eps:  25 Eps
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Aired: Fall 2012-2013
Tags: FANTASY, COMEDY, MAGIC, ACTION, ADVENTURE

Reason for Spotlight:
This anime has everything that you need, Magic, Comedy and a good old Adventure. With this Anime, it teaches you a lot, and there is moments where you honestly can't believe it, but if anything becomes to serious, you can count on this Anime to cheer you up. There is something unique about this Anime that I just can't figure out. There is a second season, but I have yet to watch it yet, but I am planning on, because I want too see more of this Anime.


My Rating: 5 Stars
AVG. Rating on "Anime Planet" ATM: 4.28 Stars

Anime Recommendation #6: If you like Fate/stay night you might like...

If you liked Fate/stay night:

The Holy Grail War is a battle between seven magicians who each summon a mythical hero to fight for their cause. Shirou, a twice orphaned high school boy, had so little magical talent that his foster father did not bother teaching him about the war and its meaning. Thanks to that lack of foresight, Shirou finds himself in a bit of a pinch when he accidentally summons a hero of the strongest class, and is sucked into the fray. The Grail grants the winner any wish they have. But driven by an unyielding sense of justice and self-sacrifice, for what will Shirou fight?

You might like Shakugan no Shana:

Sakai Yuuji thought he was a normal high school student, until one fateful day when time stopped. Watching in horror, he witnesses a monster devouring the "frozen" people around him; but luckily for Yuuji, he is saved by a sword-wielding red-headed girl that calls herself a "Flame Haze". The girl informs him that he has been dead for some time now and that his current self is merely a replacement for the human that he used be while alive. He is, she says, merely a torch whose life will come to an end when the blue flame in his chest ceases to burn. After this rude awakening, Yuuji realizes that he is able to see the flames of life in other "torches"; and after discovering that a friend of his is also a torch -- and her life is burning out faster than his – he gains the courage to live out the rest of his life with meaning. Will Yuuji be able to find his place in the world before he ceases to exist?

Reasons/Similarities:

• Romance
• Magic
• Fantasy 
• Action
• Great Fight scenes
• Girls kicking asses
• Girls being less annoying than the guy
• Has a main guy that's really pointless to start with but then becomes more important and stronger throughout
• Has weird relationships 
• Slowish Start but once your into it, your into it
• Both have been Dubbed :P 

Review of Bleach

First off I just want to say, I am reviewing this just a little different to my normal Anime reviews because it was such a long Anime with different ARC's thrown into the mix.

The Bount ARC:
Although I did enjoy this ARC there wasn't a huge need for it, as all it did was make Ichigo stronger in which they could have did without this ARC. At times I was grateful for this ARC but most the time I was praying for it to hurry up and finish so I could jump back into the main storyline.

The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai ARC:
Ahhh... I have mixed feeling for this... At time I feel what I feel for the Bount ARC but I also feel like, I needed this ARC to have a small break from the main storyline. I loved this ARC but I also hated it. (Confused about this ARC).

The Past ARC:
There was no need to have this ARC they could have explain this in flashbacks in which they ACTUALLY did. But no really... I found it pointless... only good thing about it was we found a little bit more about the Vizords...

Zanpakutō: The Alternate Tale ARC:
This is the only ARC that I enjoyed and loved. I have no mixed feelings with this. This ARC was needed in my opinion. It took one last break before diving into the main storyline. I just loved it... I always wanted more to do with the zanpakuto's and I got it in this ARC.

Main Storyline:
The main storyline was a perfect 10/10 for me, from the start to the finish it was amazing to see how far the storyline went and how things progressed with the characters. From seeing weak people to very strong people at the end was the best thing ever. So much in this storyline was unique and nothing I have ever seen before and it kept me on the edge of my seat at certain times.

The Sound and Animation was fine although I hated the first opening titles but loved them from then on. The ending songs… on which I got to hear were okay but nothing special. .

The Characters in this Anime is amazing and omg... I am in love with so many of them.

Ichigo is my fave guy character in this Anime. - He is weak yet grows strong, he loves and he protects with all he has.

Renji is my fave lieutenant in this Anime – He is strong, funny and knows when he has to grow stronger and he also has a need to protect people.

Rukia is my fave female character in this Anime – Although the first god knows seasons, you never got to see her kick ass, eventually you did and that’s when I fell in love with her.

Last but not least, my fave Captain is Toshiro because why not!? – He is amazing, not the average likeable character yet I like him. He is all for getting his job done yet most the time slips up and enjoys the fact things don’t go right. Awesome character.

Also I ship Ichigo and Orihime <3 – Haters gonna hate :P

Overall I really enjoyed this Anime but some of the ARCs made me… rate this lower than I would have liked to rate it. WELL WORTH THE WATCH. :D

Final Rating:

Story- 8/10
Animation- 10/10
Sound- 10/10
Characters- 10/10
Overall- 9/10

Anime Spotlight #5: Hamatora

Description:

"Minimum"— Otherwise known as "small miracles", is a special power that only manifests within a few, select humans. Those who possess this ability are called "Minimum Holders." 2014: Yokohama. The detective duo of Nice and Murasaki, otherwise known as "Hamatora," wait again today for work with their friends at a table at Cafe Nowhere that they use as their agency. Suddenly, a job they receive seems to have a weird connection with the serial killer that their police friend, Art is searching for.

Anime: Hamatora
No. Eps: 12 Eps
Studio: NAZ
Aired: Winter 2014
Tags: MYSTERY, ACTION, DRAMA, SUPERPOWERS


Reason for Spotlight:
This is a recent Anime but because I have only recently watched it and enjoyed it, I felt like it was right for me to show it off. Not only is this first season completed but also the second season was only recently completed.  I rated a very high rating yet the AVG. Rating on Anime Planet doesn't really match to what I would have though it should deserve. This Anime was well thought of, the animation style was superb and the characters were amazing. It also helped to know there was a second season as at the end of this season it does say "To Be Continued". If you like Anime where there is mainly one main plot line and you like superpowers then this Anime is perfect for you and remember there is a second season out already called "Re: Hamatora".



My Rating: 5 Stars
AVG. Rating on "Anime Planet" ATM: 3.6 Stars

Anime Spotlight #4: Tears to Tiara

Description:
Rhiannon is the fair and gentle daughter of a village chief. Unfortunately for her, she's also exactly the sort of maiden who is needed as a sacrifice to wake the Demon King Arawn from his thousand-year slumber and is soon kidnapped for this very purpose. However, when Arawn is summoned, he decides to spare Rhiannon's life, instead killing her captor and freeing her from mind control. Taken with his kindness, Rhiannon immediately decides to marry the Demon King, making him the new village chief. All of this is bad news for Rhiannon's protective but hot-headed brother Arthur, who must now pledge his knightly service to his new Lord, Arawn. Together the three of them must journey and together they must fight, encountering new friends and new foes along the way.

Anime: Tears to Tiara 
No. Eps: 26 Eps 
Studio: White Fox 
Aired: Spring 2009 
Tags: HAREM, ACTION, FANTASY, SEINEN, ADVENTURE, MAGIC, DEMONS, MEDIEVAL


Reason for Spotlight:
This was an amazing anime although at first a little slow and annoying. This anime is so under-rated.. I have barely or at all ever seen anyone talk about this Anime before, which is sad because I loved the idea of including a certain legendary story in it. This anime needs more love and more attention starting from today. If you liked the anime "Utawarerumono" or "Tsubasa Chronicle" then you may like this. 

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

AVG. Rating on "Anime Planet" ATM: 3.47 Stars 

Anime Recommendation #1: If you like Shakugan no Shana you might like...

If you liked Shakugan no Shana:


Sakai Yuuji thought he was a normal high school student, until one fateful day when time stopped. Watching in horror, he witnesses a monster devouring the "frozen" people around him; but luckily for Yuuji, he is saved by a sword-wielding red-headed girl that calls herself a "Flame Haze". The girl informs him that he has been dead for some time now and that his current self is merely a replacement for the human that he used be while alive. He is, she says, merely a torch whose life will come to an end when the blue flame in his chest ceases to burn. After this rude awakening, Yuuji realizes that he is able to see the flames of life in other "torches"; and after discovering that a friend of his is also a torch -- and her life is burning out faster than his – he gains the courage to live out the rest of his life with meaning. Will Yuuji be able to find his place in the world before he ceases to exist?

You might like Kaze no Stigma:

Years after having been exiled from the Kannagi household for being unable to utilize their fire magic, Kazuma returns to Japan, only to discover that the Kannagi family's very existence is threatened. Unknown to them, during his absence, he had become a Contractor and thus acquired a vast strength in wind magic. Not showing any remaining contempt for them, he offers to help solve the Kannagi household’s problems in return for large sums of money. Together with his younger brother Ren and the feisty heir to the Kannagi household, Ayano, he fights to protect those he cares about... for a price!

Reasons/Similarities:

• A main Girl and Boy
• Fire
• Swords
• Magic
• Pink/Red Hair
• Action
• Fighting
• Kick ass girls 

Review of No Game No Life

The storyline is most definitely unique and a great idea but although I did love this anime the ecchiness just was a little too much for my liking. But apart from the ecchi it was one of the most enjoyable anime ever. I did have a break from it half way which is also why it clearly lacked something over than just the fact I don't like ecchi stuff.

The Animation and Sound was not a problem to me at all, hardly ever is... as you can see from my other reviews... only now and then is it a problem.

The characters are another thing all together. I had a love/hate relationship with each and every character apart from Jet who I just love for some reason. Shiro and Sora just really annoyed me at times yet at other times really made me happy and smile. The relationship between them is just so cute and amazing but things were just a little over the top. Same with all of the other characters for example Stephanie.

Overall I really enjoyed this Anime but things just weren’t as good as it could have been. I loved the ending and if there was to be a second season I would watch it.


Final Rating:

Story- 8/10
Animation- 10/10
Sound- 10/10
Characters- 8.5/10
Overall- 8/10

Review of La Storia Della Arcana Famiglia

First off I want to say, I can see why some people didn't like it, but I did.

The story was amazing but I also felt like it lacked something... I wanted a bit more action but other than that I felt like it was an awesome storyline and it was unique apart from using Tarot cards which I think other Anime have used.

The Animation and Sound was not a problem to me bar the fact the Dubbed voice of Felicitá was a tad annoying at times.

I really loved the main three characters; Felicitá, Nova and Libertà. Nova and Libertà's relationship develops so much throughout the anime and I really loved that. The only problem I had with the characters was the fact I wanted more storylines to the other main characters for example I wanted to know more about Dante.

Overall I really loved this Anime but wished that a few things were different and of course, I wished it would have been longer.

Final Rating:

Story- 9/10
Animation- 10/10
Sound- 9.5/10
Characters- 9/10
Overall- 9/10

Review of Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist)

Okay.

I was putting off this Anime for a while and I don't know why, because as soon as I watched ep 1... Well that was me hooked.

The storyline was AMAZING and UNIQUE. Okay yes throughout the whole thing I was thinking of how much certain things reminded me of other anime but that’s to be expected once you have watched so much anime. Other than that it was unique in every way. The twists and turns it took left me clicking for the next episode and the comedy in it helped with the emotion when it got to a certain point.

The sound and animation in my opinion was spot on and didn't need any work. Although other people may think different. The "Dubbed" voice actors were amazing. Especially Johnny who voiced Yukio :D

The main two characters. The brothers. The love and care they have for each other. This is when I realised that the love of those two were just like the love of "Ed and Al" from "Fullmetal Alchemist"(Also Rin reminded me a lot of Ed and also Yukio of Al).

Rin is the "Main" character with Yukio coming a close second. I loved how although Rin was the main character they made room to explore the other characters in the anime. The friendship in this anime was very well developed.

Overall I loved this Anime and I am very pleased that I watched it. (Also the opening and Closing themes for this anime was amazing)

Final Rating:

Story- 10/10
Animation- 10/10
Sound- 10/10
Characters- 10/10
Overall- 10/10

Introduction

Hello,

My name is Tara (19 years old) and I live in the UK.

I go to college studying Media (TV & Film).

I love watching Anime. (If I didn't watch anime, then being on this site is kind of... pointless).

Anyway I am fun to hang around with I think... errm.. well I hope! 

A few Anime that I have watched is: Vampire Knight, Shakugan no Shana, Fullmetal Alchemist, Inuyasha, Bleach and Sword Art Online. 

A few of my fave Anime Genres is: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Supernatural and Action. 

This blog will include anything to do with Anime, for example: Reviews, Spotlights and Top 5/10/15/20 lists.