"No Black and White in the Blue..."

Last year, scouring the main show floor room at NYC’s Comic Con felt like quite the task.  DC and Marvel had the biggest booths with Lego smack right in the middle of the two comic giants.   Doctor Who paraphernalia was in abundance.  Gaming company giants were there too showcasing new games and playable demos, and everything dazzled the senses.  Nintendo was there promoting Paper Mario: Sticker Star.  And Square Enix also had a sizable booth.  It was there along with the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary chocobos and moogles, I saw it.  Perched on his shoulder, the ominous black bird stared at me in a familiar fashion and I had to have him...  while his glare invoked images of shattered stained glass windows that glistened in my mind and a favourite song began running through my head.

We've Got Serious Business to Discuss

I used to think Australia held the record for having some of the deadliest animals in the world.  As it turns out, Australia's got nothing on TAY.

This week, you may have noticed that two members comprising the new species of the Just Evil Rogue Koalas Formerly known as Admins who are Cutthroat ExtraordinaireS, posted a Dating Game activity.
In all seriousness, over 400 comments later, it's safe to say we had a lot of fun on Tuesday and will continue to have a laugh for a long time to come over one of our finest moments in TAY history.

...Except after all that, I'm still single.  What was any of that for? WHAT WAS THE POINT?!

I harbour no ill will though.  This just reminds me that I don't need no stinking real world man!
Let's get down to some serious business, TAY.

Observations of the (Past) Week II

Because I forgot to post this on the previous blog on this but really should have remembered, I'm giving it it's own.

Before I begin, I have said time and again that I am not an otaku.  Beetchie, you're not an otaku either.  We're anime lovers and certain things we love about Japan but we're not sad, little maubies.

And thus begins my observation:

On "Otaku":

This is very specific to the American weople who believe themselves to be "otaku".  How come...they're mostly maubies? Akward, self-righteous maubies who are misguided to label themselves as such?

I tried hard to curb my embarrassment when this week on American Idol (hey, it's that season again and Momma HOchie has control on the television, and therefore while I eat dinner I watch whatever she has on), my eyes received the following lashing:



::sigh::  Don't make anime loving people look like idiots, you idiot.

It's appalling and reminds me of many of the people I knew.  What.  a.  freaking.  nightmare.

Ugh, I have a headache.

On Celebrities:

I'm certain Armageddon is upon us.  2012 is just around the corner and it has me seriously worried - misguided  Conspiracy Theorist that I am.  Somewhere out there is someone blogging about what an idiot I am to be making a mockery out of Conspiracy Theorists.  Heh. 

What I am uncertain about however, is the number of celebrity deaths in the short span of time.  Scarier is the fact that many of them are under 30.  What the heck is going on? Last year was the bad year to be a celebrity and not much seems to be changing for 2010.

What a horribly, tragic week this has been for Haiti and many of us in the world too.

Currently listening to: Not sure.  Is that the fish tank filter or is it raining?

The End of Year Review I : Anime 2009

Methinks I may have barely watched any anime this year.  I seemed to have been busy with video games and still I've a pile of epic proportions to get through! It makes me overwhelmed just thinking about it.

I may have watched half a year of Bleach and no Naruto since last year as they also started the year with filler, so I cannot even really place those two on a list of any sort.  And that's just terrible because I know the Naruto manga is just fantastic (though I wonder what happened after my beloved Kakashi was revived? Man, that was some trauma there for me).  Bleach has been going well too but after my beloved Ulquiorra got killed (and some time after that after my beloved Shinji made an appearance), I have no clue as to what is going on in the Bleach Universe.  That's a real shame.

So honestly, was there anything I watched? Enough to make a list?

10. Soul Eater

I finished Soul Eater this year.  While the manga is still ongoing and I've no idea what's going on in that either, the series ended horrid-like.  It was one of the worst endings I have seen in a long time.  Justin didn't get to do anything super great, and the whole ending they created was so mushy, typical rubbish with copious amounts of lack luster, that it almost makes me forget how intense this anime was for the most part.  That makes me sad.

Favourite Characters: Justin Law and Crona.  After a while, I was not even happy to see Death the Kid or Frankenstein.  That was probably due to the fact they were barely in it and when they were, they made them wusses.

09. 07 Ghost

Fairly generic character design, an interesting story that was not executed quite right and only the beginning of things to come, this anime could have benefited from continuing the manga (from the little I know anyway).  I suppose most series can though but this was almost Berserk in nature - the prologue to real adventure.  Still, not as gutting as some things I've seen, there were still a few tugs at the heart strings.

Favourite Character: Castor

08. Kuroshitsuji

I began watching this at some point last year, and fell off.  I resumed to find that this series that did not quite have a niche at the start, had become something awesome.  It was always beautiful, dark, weirdly comedic and not in a great way but much more in depth at the halfway mark.  I actually felt a little bit troubled as it went on, watching in awe at times and growing to love every character some more as episode after episode carried on.  I'm looking forward to Season 2 and of course, it really helps that the soundtrack was brilliantly composed by Iwasaki Taku.  That man is a genious.

Favourite Characters: Grell - the cross-dressing crazy Watanuki.  Wha'?, Sebastian Michaelis, Ciel Phantomhive.

07. Moyashimon

Talk about weird.  I liked this quirky, strange little series about microbes and agriculture school.  Huh? How dull you say? Yeah, maybe but its weirdness translated to charm.  Really it's the story of college life and kids on their own and that one kid who could have conversations with various bacteria.  Maybe my description is not making anyone want to watch this but I'll have my memories.  The music was downright quirky too.  It was a fun experience while it lasted.

Favourite Characters: Kei Yuki and Tadayasu Sawaki

06. Darker Than Black

A stylish, dark (har har) anime feel for a dark (again, har har) story about assassins or contractors as they are  called in this series.  There's a second series I have not yet started to watch but I will at some point because I was not disappointed with the first.  I do have complaints though and that's that I found some similarities to Cowboy Bebop.  Of course, it was never as loveable or great as Bebop but few things are.  The soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno made it even more Bebop in likeness but getting past that, the story was a decent sci-fi breed (by the way and this is unrelated, why did the channel Sci-Fi change to SyFy?) with an interesting story to tell with characters I became attached to but did not quite leave me feeling satisfied with the ending.  I suppose that's what a second series is for? Hmm, I'll just have to see...

Favourite Characters: Hei and November 11

06. Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou

H1 and I miss this anime.  Season 1 was good enough to retain our interest for a season 2 and when that began, we were hooked.  The episodes felt more coherent, more daring and bit more endearing as to the fate of Natsume and of course, Sensei.  It was a pleasant watch with an ending I enjoyed.

Favourite Characters: Natsume Takashi and Nyanko-Sensei

05. Bakemonogatari

A twisted love story? Something like that.  Vampires? Well, one and then less than half of one.  Crazy girls with crazy curses? Yeah.  Sometimes shocking? What story about monsters should be without a shock here or there? Dialogue reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino movie?! Brilliant! This anime as incredibly heavy on the talking, sharp on the artistic direction making it Indie from music to presentation and story.  Quite an interesting watch, this anime.  I enjoyed it immensely.  Let me not forget two of my favourite voice actors also contributed to its greatness and deliverance - Hiroshi Kamiya and Takahiro Sakurai

Favourite Characters: Koromi Araragi and Meme Oshino

04. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

Probably the most memorable beginning to any anime I watched this year, this story while no means anything stunning, it put spunk into an otherwise straight-laced deal: Oppressed boy breaks free by seeking the stars, loses his best friend in the process and is forced to come out of the shadow of said friend to attain greatness.

Did I mention it put spunk into two otherwise straight-laced stories? Now leader of the 'free world', boy meets further oppression attained from 'freedom' and the politics behind it.  He saves the princess but endures suffering at the end anyway (well, that's not Western standard but an anime standard, sure).

And all this, all the while in a giant robot.

I'm not one for Mech anime but that's where it becomes interesting - yeah, your standard bad-assed giant robot is present but your standard bad-assed giant robot takes on the personality of the pilot in often stylistic, comical ways that match the edgey art of this series.

It's a 'big' scope anime where nothing is impossible with fun, fun-loving characters that make you feel sadness but pride when their time comes.

Again, Iwasaki Taku masters yet another bit of composition.

Favourite Characters: Leeron, Simon and Kittan

03. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (series)

I'm not quite done yet and I can benefit from knowing a lot more about Japanese culture to fully enjoy this series, but even with the knowledge I have, this anime is insane.  I cannot tell you how fond I am of the stupid Tulip song, or how much I laughed during the first season's characters' introductions (tail fetish? Poor animals...).  The gags are sometimes overdone but the beauty is that they know it and often break that 4th wall.

Favourite Characters: Zetzubou Sensei (of course), and who do I keed? The entire cast both the girls and the boys.

02. Kateikyoushi Hitman Reborn!

The only long-running shonen series I kept up with this year and it continues to make me giddy.  The characters continue to grow ever more loveable, the battles mostly impress me still with the few shocking bits here and there that make me cringe.  Alliances are formed with former enemies (oh, they're still enemies mostly...ha) and new characters add to the level of cuteness and keeps the series interesting.  The filler was good too and as more serious aspects of the series are brought forth, Hitman Reborn! manages to mature the characters at a pace that adds depth to the characters without being brought on unexpectedly or feel rushed.

Favourite Characters: Gokudera (old favourite), Tsuna, Mukuro Rokudo, Yamamoto (who I'm loving more the more I see him), and Spanner.

01. Ouran High School Host Club

Vowing never to watch a show about a host club of boys in a high school, I caved one day and I'm not sure why.  Maybe it was the popularity? Maybe I was bored? Whatever it was, I am thankful for it.  I am also feeling a bit as though I should closet my love for this series.  I am beginning to think I might be a sap sometimes - first Love Hina and now this? At the heart of it all, it's a romantic comedy but as we all know, the Japanese do not do romantic comedies that are cut and dry.  I wish this series would come back for a second season but in the meanwhile, I'll just hope someone gifted me the box sets for Christmas so I can re-watch the antics of the Host Club.

Favourite Characters:  Kyoya Ootori, Kaoru Hitachi, Tamaki Suoh (as much as it kills me to love anyone voiced by Light (Mamoru Miyano)! He's actually quite a good voice actor...grrrrr, and Haruhi Fujioka

This Week(s) Obsession(s): 10/25/2009 - 11/08/2009

07 Ghost

I am just getting back into this, and so far, I am not very enthralled. It's doing well enough to keep me watching but it's also going a tad bit emo? Hm. I know tragedy's about to strike but I can't say I really care. There are two glasses wearing characters for me to love - one good and one bad, a white haired bad man who I don't really have any feelings for, and maybe just a bit too much predictable story line. Ah well, it's not horrid. And I only have 20 more episodes to go.

Bakemonogatari

This one on the other hand... throw me some ghost stories, toss in two of my current favourite voice actors (ask me if I know their names, no but I know other characters they've voiced that I've loved), and then throw in some weird animation (which scares me, quite frankly) but an honestly shocking part in a first episode and a funny, "matter of fact" kind of end to story 1, and I will be hooked. So far, so good. Hope it doesn't let me down but with only 15 episodes, I would HOPE/think not.

Obsessions of Week(s): 7/19/2009-7/25/2009

Patapon 2



I just finished this game last night and it was scary times fighting that last demon. Many times my little one-eyed army got wiped out but they love me, their leader, the Great Znyx. And I love them. I miss playing that game already but the influence is present in most things I do. Just today for our arts and crafts project of wrapping presents for A'Face, H1 and I managed to stick Patapon eye(s) on his pyos. Obsessed, I tell you!

Fran



Another new character in Hitman Reborn - Fran the new Varia Mist Guardian. He's dry, crazy and awesome. I need to have a deadpan character in my fauxanga. I wonder who's most suited...probably Raphael at this point.



He's a smart ass, who is the kind of guy that needs to have a pose to unleash his special powers. Yep. Who doesn't need one of those? Um, maybe...no one.

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei



I finally started watching this and it's as insane as I imagined if not more. The soundtrack including opening and ending theme is fantastic and I like all the crazies in Itoshiki Sensei's class. I do love Sensei too. He's...not quite right but he's often got a point.

Vizards



The return of the Vizards and in particular, Hirako Shinji. I'm always obsessed with him but damn it, he's still just friggin' awesome. I hope he kicks ass like nobody's buisness but I'm fearful for him. Aizen's a complete bad-ass and I don't think it'll end well for the Gotei 13 and the Vizards. I'm also obsessed with Ukitake's unconfirmed death but I don't really want to talk about it right now. Curse you, Tite Kubo!

Currently listening to: "Twilight" by U2.

Obsession(s) of Weeks: 6/25/2009 - 7/18/2009

Kuroshitsuji



I'm almost to the end of the series, and I didn't think I'd be this caring. It definitely got better, a little bit shocking (that Sebastian scene still burns my eyes) and you know, what the eff...seriously, where's my damned soundtrack?!

Grell



With Watanuki's voice, craziness and a tiny pair of scissors, Grell's fantastic.

Spanner



Katekyo Hitman Reborn is eating my soul again. I'm almost caught up but wish I wasn't...it's going so good! Apart from my Gokudera, Yamamoto and Tsuna...I've found a new character to love. He's so cute! The lollipop, his voice and his kind of creepiness. Awww, but poor mini mosca...that was just cruel.

The Sims 3



H1 and I have been playing the Sims 3 and as I feared, it's eating any remnants of soul left after Hitman Reborn in the afternoon. I put Gokudera and Yamamoto in the house together with October. October's a ho (she's with Yamamoto and just about everyone else in the world BUT Gokudera, who I really wanted her to be with), Gokudera's just like his character and I had him name a star after Tsuna. It's been fun times.

Guitar Hero: World Tour



After a long discussion with Beetchie, we've decided that both Rock Band and Guitar Hero: WT both have their plus and minus points. For B., the guitar is more awesome on GH. For me, the vocals win on RB. There are other things but for now, we're striivng for that damned TOOL gig we have to unlock with $8000 of our "Tour Money". WTF. Tool...screwing me over since the 90's, in real life and sim life. Thanks, Asses.

Currently listening to: "Where is Everybody?" by Nine Inch Nails. Yeah, more importantly, where are my tickets?!

Cruelty

A few nerd remarks.

1. I knew Kakashi was dead! I can't believe he was really killed off! For about 4 months? I just had to read it on Wiki to see what was going on with him. It made me depressed reading that damned manga. Awww, my Kakashi.

2. I have been waiting for Rock Band to do the cool thing and add Tv on the Radio and Arctic Monkeys to their setlist. Instead we have MTV controlling what they put on there sometimes and we've been getting bullshit like...the Jonas Brothers? Really, Rock Band. I'm beginning to be really angry with you and your bullshit!

And what's worse? Now I find out that I'd be waiting forever if I waited on you assholes!

How could you let Guitar Hero 1up you?!

Tch.

Update 6/01/09: I'll retract the grievances against Rock Band for the lack of TV on the Radio because as it turns out, there's one track as dlc this week but that does still not cover Arctic Monkeys. So, Rock Band, you're still on the stupid assholes list! And where's your Tool, while I'm at it? Also... a little "Dear Science" from TV on the Radio would also be welcome, thank you.

Guitar Hero 5 and Guitar Hero: World Tour, I'm aimin' for you in September.

Obsessions of the Week(s): 2/22/09 - 5/24/2009

Wow, that's just a sad state of affairs there.

My lack of working computer had me not update the obsessions for months, so instead of just posting what I was obsessing over in its proper place, I'm gonna post it right here and then post my current obsessions in the usual spot.

Of course you know, there's no way I wasn't obsessing over stuff for the past 3 or so months.

Moyashimon



Only 11 episodes long, and I'm not done yet. I love this show but I've been staggering my viewing. It's odd, cute, the main character's a sweetie and who would guess that an anime about an agricultural university could be so engaging. I'll miss it when it's done and I'm expecting something tragic because just like you never trust the quiet ones, you never trust seemingly light-hearted anime. Those damned Japanese! I could be wrong though...

Kei and Sawaki



I do enjoy them. And it's true, the buisness of seeing microbes (and they're all smiley, frownie or overly animated beasts) should be even worse but they're just so damned hilarious too. Seriously though, gross...microbes.

Update: I finished it and I loved its rather entertaining oddities and charm; Kei - you're even more awesome than I thought and that's all I will say in case anyone wants to watch this.

Flight of the Conchords



This season is even quirker and more hilarious than the first. The songs have been mostly good and by good, I mean WAY witty and amazing. H1 and I (I even got Bunji hooked) are having lots of fun but are cursing Ticketmaster for their assholery. I'm still going to try to see them in April.

Update: Well I failed to see them and I'm still bitter about it. More reasons to hate Ticketmaster? Sure thing.

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann



The longest name I've seen in a while for an anime, a crazy ride that I'm enjoying and it's a mech anime. Gasp! I very rarely watch those but it was Gainax, so I decided I would watch. It's light, fast and insane, with loveable characters and even loveable mechs! The great thing about Gurren Lagann is that it doesn't take itself "too" seriously and the mech's take on the crazed personalities of the characters x10. The music's great (another hit by Iwasaki Taku) and I love Simon the Digger (heehee, lame name).



Leeron

I may love Simon, Viral (yeah, he's awesome), Kittan, Kamina and just about everyone else in that show (even if I need to curse out Rossiu, that ass), but I don't love them like I love Leeron. He. Is. A. Mess. And once again, having Vash The Stampede's voice always helps.

Update: I finished it. It kept up with the fun but I enjoyed the first half better than the second. Still, I can't wait to see the movie and I'm happy now that I have my very own fully-drillized Gurren Lagann to call my own.

Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou



H1 and I are enjoying this season much more than the first. It's scarier, funnier and seems more 'full'. Natsume's adorable, and a deeper look at his relationships, especially with this new family is warming.

Nyanko-Sensei!



Nyanko's even more hilarious this season and H1's loving him. He hasn't really been turning to Madara that much...I think he's really trying to teach that Natsume a lesson or maybe he just wants the Book of Friends faster. heh.

Those were the obsessions for about a month or so, and here are the ones after that up until last week Sunday.

Resident Evil 5



Playing Resident Evil 5 proved one of the most fun gaming experiences I've had. It was welcome quality time spent with Bunji, with lots of zombies, lots of lickers and lots of laughs. It was revealed that I was the better shot, I rocked most of the game using just my little handgun and I refuse to give up my magnum.
Bunji took the lead even though really, the lasers in the temple, Bunji? That was hilarious for me to watch, proving that sometimes it's good for me to not play follower the 'leader'. Bwahahaha.
The game's also not that scary but I understand why it isn't because co-op mode would be boring if it were. Of course, being an RE game, there were moments of panic and terror but all in all, playing late at night with my brother was not as terrifying as it used to be.
Chris Redfield never looked so good before and Sheva was just hot.

Albert Wesker



I posted a blog on this but I still miss this ass.

Nintendo DSi



I bought one after contemplating whether or not I should hold off for a special edition or risk having another Wii incident in which I am assed out. Well, Nintendo made enough of the DSi systems and I'm still waiting for an LE version to get, at which H1 will have an almost brand new DSi for herself. And poor Papa HO will get that a hand me down Red original.

Chrono Trigger DS



Heartache. Always with the effin' heartache.

For some reason it's almost as if I never played this game before even though that's not true, but it felt so much more rewarding this second time around. I was probably still reeling from the fact that Bughie J. made me kill off my favourite Magus when I played many years ago.

This game is by far, one of the best games ever made. That's not surprising to most since it is often heralded as such but it certainly deserves all the praise.

Also, Magus seemed more of an asshole than I remember. He's still my favourite though but did they have to do him dirty by adding that extra 13th ending?

Again with the effin' heartache!

Grand Theft Auto IV: Chinatown Wars DS



Cartman said it best, "I heard someone say they needed to kill a Jew?"
Man replies, "What do you want in return?"
Cartman says, "All I want...is Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars DS"

I missed almost all of last season's South Park but as I was playing Chinatown Wars myself one night, I caught that episode and I was in hysterics.

Seriously, Cartman...why DID Chinatown Wars have to come out during the Recession?

Well at least you can get a new copy for $20. Forget lunch!

This game is amazingly fun. I've never played any of the series but I have watched it being played and although fun, the in game world always seemed way to massive for me to handle.
So when the rave reviews started pouring in for the DS game, I was curious and I am beyond glad I took the chance.
Still a massive world, still ultra violent and very much clever, Chinatown Wars ate my soul for a few weeks well.
And then when I had to confront Uncle Kenny...::tear:: Even H1 was sad.

Awww, Ulqui

I can't believe you were offed but at least you didn't go out like a punk.

I'm still hating on Tite Kubo.

Oh, Lork.

I've decided to attempt to cut back on the cursing and the calling of God's name in vain.

Now on to the story...

A few weeks ago, I ordered a couple of fuku-bukuro from JList.

As their description goes, for New Year's there are 'lucky bags' that are of high value that are sold at a discounted price and customers line up to buy them. The catch is that, you don't know what you're going to get in your lucky bag/fuku-bukuro.

If anyone knows me, they know I'm a fool for capsule machines because I love the thrill of getting something potentially cool but unknown.

But, if anyone knows my luck with these things, I always end up getting something stupid that I don't really care for.

The other factor in this story that is needs to be understood is the nature of JList.

JList is a Japanese based company run by this American guy living in Japan. The company sells all sorts of cool, and strange Japanese related items.

However, there are two parts to the site - there's JList and JBox.

The JList section allows one to browse their 18+ items, while the JBox keeps everything PG.

This story will get worse, is probably what you're thinking and you'd be right.

So, when I went to order my lucky bag of anime toys, the description read: get a large sexy ('sekshi' or 'se-shi' as the Japanese pronounce it) figure, plus 6 smaller figures, and Japanese snacks to brighten your New Year.

Being that I require no 'sekshi' up in my room and on my shelves, I ordered the 2nd Lucky Bag option, the description of which read: get a large cute figure, plus 6 smaller figures, and Japanese snacks to brighten your New Year.

The box came today and I was super excited.

Underneath the lucky bag, I discovered the first cool thing - some kind of weird tempura Japanese chip thing which also tastes of wasabi, so I'm not loving:



Notice it's R for Restricted. Eh?:



Followed by a Star Trek figure and I was actually fortunate to get the TNG Enterprise E, even though I secretly hoped for a Klingon Bird-of-Prey.




Then, I pulled out a 20th Anniversary Metal Gear Solid Kubrick figure. Umm, I'm not caring much about MGS, but whatever - it's Kubrick, so that's kind of cool. Of course, it turns out I got none pictured but rather, the secret figure which is a clear variant of Solid Snake, which is SUPER HELLA LAME to me.

Then out came 4 little boxes of girlie figures from an anime I had no clue about. It turns out they're from Lucky Star, which just seems too cutesy for me to watch but is really damned popular, so I'll give it a whirl sometime.

The large figure was really frickin' hilarious and it's a series that was quite the in thing when Beetchie and I went to Japan. It's another one I'd like to watch but not sure I'd enjoy but I'll take my chance (again, because I tried before) on Fate/Stay Night.



I don't know why but this cracks me up terribly:



The last four items in my box were not copious amounts of snacks I was looking for.

No.

For some reason, those crazies at JList decided to 'sekshi' up my space, regardless of what I ordered.






Needless to say, I'm mortified.

I'm trying to palm off the green undies clad Hip Parade legs (I refuse to take a picture of them) with see-through Bust Emperor on Beetchie.

Something tells me, MC would like the off-shoulder Kimono one with black leather thong set.

Did I mention in my very innocent Bento Fuku-Bukuro set, I got all sorts of wonderful bento accessories and stationery...

...plus a pair of boobs?

Thank the Lork, Boohead didn't open this box with me like I intended. He's fascinated enough by boobs.

Currently listening to: "Apocalypse Please" by MUSE.

The End of 2008 Year Review II - Anime

I, and some the times H1, watched 'so much' anime this year that I feel the need to make a review list for this as well.

Starting with the best to the worst, here's what we watched in 2008 (old, new or continuing series):

1. Monster

This is true of most series, but I do not mind not catching a series as it airs but rather enjoying collecting so I don't have to wait weekly for a new episode.
Thank goodness I discovered this series after it aired in full. Monster was intense - A drama, thriller, and dark story about an ordinary, good-hearted doctor that is tossed into a moral dilemma of the most outrageous but plausible circumstances. The worst possible nightmare comes to life for Dr. Tenma as he travels through Germany and Europe after the fall of the Wall. The psychological drama takes him through the dirty streets and dirty underworld of Germany and the remnants of war, and the products of it. From prostitution, mafia, hidden horrendous experiments on children, the Magnificent Steiner, to the creepiest (cutest?) fictional in story storybook and the enigmatic Johan, it's Dr. Tenma as he struggles against the world...and himself.

The question remains, who's the real Monster?

Music Review: Kuniaki Haishima. "B+" It's a very fitting soundtrack. The music, while quite good, was mostly lost to me during the series until midway with that great scene involving the library, Dr. Tenma and Johan 'pulling a Sephiroth'. Notable tracks: "The Seeds of Time", "Grain", and "Sweet Home".

Favourite characters: Johan, Dr. Tenma, Deiter and the Magnificent Steiner.

2. D. Gray-Man

Finally taking a chance on it, I was mostly unimpressed at the beginning of the series. It had potential and the story seemed fairly, well, uninspired at best but a few episodes in and I was hooked. At first it was my obsession with another silver-haired boy but as the story progressed and I realised this shonen series was about to get super hardcore and characters could take a serious beating and possibly not make it intact, I couldn't stop watching.

Suddenly, the series was extremely well-written as the focus became more on the Black Order - a group of exorcists tasked to rid the world of Akuma: the souls of tortured humans hiding in the skins of the humans, who called them back from the dead out of extreme sorrow, but killed by the very ones they loved on order of the Millenium Earl; The Noah (Tyki Mikk - you are probably the most beautifully drawn character of all series watched this year); and a strange little exorcist by the name of Allen Walker.

Surprisingly, I love Allen. It's surprising because it's rare I love the main character the most but sure enough, he's a little odd, overly sweet, has a gambling problem and yeah, Beetchie, he's got silver/white hair.

Of course, with my stupid luck, it would figure that as soon as I get incredibly enthralled with this series, it ends when it shouldn't and I'm left waiting around for the manga to be written. Damn it, I miss it.

Music Review: Kaoru Wada. "B". There were some stellar pieces, some of the opening sequences were okay. Notable Tracks: "Allen Walker", "Tyki Mikk", "Roku Maboroshi Hatsudou", "Sennen Hakushaku" and "Gekisen".

Favourite characters: Allen Walker, Tyki Mikk, Cross Marian, JasDevi and Crowley.

3. Soul Eater

Okay, I REALLY hated this when I saw the first episode. It was too forciful in it's trying to get me to like it. I hated it so much, I stopped watching in May and only recently picked it up again. I'm just about caught up to all the goings-on and if not for Death the Kid, I'd probably still be missing out on something good this year.

Everything about Soul Eater is edgy - the characters, the style, the punches thrown, the punches received, and the music. The story gets insane at one point and it's then it's at its best and like any good action series, the fights are incredible to watch but even more so because the style is so crisp and no holds-barred.

Square Enix is going through some kind of transformation, first with publishing The World Ends With You and now this highly-stylized, 'modern - street punk' series.

Music Review: It's so cool, it's scandalous. Full review in the music issue of the End of 2008 Year Review. The short version... "A+"

Favourite charaters: Justin Law, Professor Franken Stein, Death the Kid and Black Star.

4. Mushishi

This was another mostly serious, creepy anime about beings called Mushi. Mushi co-exist, and sometimes not, with humans. They're in everything but most cannot see them. Sometimes interactions with certain types of mushi can cause great strife or sometimes, even joy. They're usually dangerous to humans but not intentionally. This series is pretty hard to describe as to what it really is but it was an enjoyable watch - often sad, mysterious and quiet. It's beautifully done from the art to the story telling and Ginko (the main and only consistent character) is as mysterious as the mushi he seeks.

Music Review: "B". I'm sure it was fitting as most music set to anime are but I don't recall anything too outstanding about it.

Favourite character: (There's only really one but he is quite loveable) Ginko

5. Katekyo Hitman Reborn

It's beginning to be a trend here but I disliked this series at the start. I read that it got a lot more serious later on, so I stuck with it. I'm still in the process of watching it (up to episode 65 as I write this) and I cannot wait to catch up. After some time, I missed seeing the main character in his underwear and was just getting into the comedy of the series when it turned bad-assed on me.

It's another series that's a bit of a 'first' for me. I love the main character. Unlike D. Gray-Man, Sawada Tsunayoshi is not my favourite but I still do really love him.

It's your typical shonen - there's a fight, after fight, after fight but I'm very impressed by how the fights have those little twists I don't quite see coming but probably should?

Hitman Reborn's premise and delivery is... suspect. Tsuna's in training to become the next Italian mafia boss of the most powerful family in the world. As the 10th Vongola boss, Tsuna is an unwilling candidate, being he's only a 14/15 year old kid in Japan who just doesn't understand why babies are trying to teach him the way of violence and why various people are trying to kill his ass. And who could blame him for being wary of a gun toting baby who speaks full english and is constantly kicking him in the head?
As Hitman Reborn's story goes on, Tsuna unwittingly (thanks to Reborn the mafia maestro hitman baby) gathers his Vongola Mafia "Family" together. Not all of them like each other and they're pretty much all misfits in their own way but Tsuna's "Family" is strong and well, pretty cute as most shonen characters are. So, what I love most about Hitman Reborn are the fights that are damned excellent and the characters and their interactions with each other because they're loveable and fun.

Music Review: I like it well enough and some pieces just really stand out. What's with the Rocky/Road to Victory theme though? And why do I like it so much? "B". Notable Tracks: "Fuuki Iinchou Hibari Kyoya", "Tsuna Kakusei", "Ningen Bakudan I-pin", "Battle 1" and "Hurricane Bomb Gokudera Hayato"

Favourite characters: Gokudera Hayato (white/grey hair, and an unhealthy obsession? - count me in!), Tsuna, Yamamoto (really, how cool is it everytime he does a special sword attack the Japanese name for it flashes across the screen in old school style?), Colonello ("hey!"), Mukuro, and I'm even liking my previously hated Reborn.

6. xxxHolic: Kei

The second season of xxxHolic took a more serious turn. There were more episodes that developed characters and their relationships. While still charming and bizarre, it was short and there was just too much trauma packed into that time period. With the manga still ongoing, the series ended on what H1 likes to delude herself with and call a 'happy note'. Watanuki's surrounded by his strange, collection of 'family' and they're together eating and drinking with no worries in the world. It was a sad, sweet ending to a great series but I know nothing but tragedy's waiting for me in the manga. It is CLAMP after all.

Music Review: S.E.N.S. Project. "B". It's a good, weird soundtrack for the most part. Full review in the previous End of 2008 Year Review I - Music.

Favourite Characters: Watanuki Kimihiro, Yuko, Mokona (H1's favourite), Himawari, and Domeki. That's about the entire cast of regulars.

7. Honey and Clover I & II

Sometimes, I enjoy watching a 'romantic' type series. 'Romantic' is not quite the word I want to use to maintain my cred. here but that's what this show was: various love triangles that ended Japanese like - with nothing being resolved for any parties involved. It was cute, funny, sweet, sad and unsatisfying! But, knowing these things never end well, it was also expected. It didn't make things any less harsh when they unfolded though.
There was nothing super crazy but its strength was all in the characters' development, relationships and broken dreams everywhere.

Music Review: "B+". Embarassing but it was mostly made up of songs from "Clover" by Suga Shikao. Heh... I know, I know.

Favourite characters: Shinobu Morita (crazy mf'er!), Takumi Mayama, and Ayumi Yamada. Aww, stupid Mayama. At least Yamada could be happy at the end.

8. Mononoke

This was the most beautiful anime I watched this year. It was like watching wood block prints in motion. It was a short series, that followed story arcs each dealing with a different Japanese lore ghost/spirit/mononoke! It was sometimes creepy but not too scary either. I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting series.

Music Review: Takanashi Yasuharu. It was a fantastic, thrilling, grand soundtrack that blended some creepy Japanese sounds in there too. I hate it when ghosts call to me! "A". Notable Tracks: "Mononoke", "Isamashige", and "Osoroshige".

Favourite Characters: Only one to love because there was only one main character - The Medicine Seller (great voice actor too!).

9. Darker Than Black

Like I said, superficially this anime reminded a bit of Cowboy Bebop - Mostly due to it's Yoko Kanno composed soundtrack, a 'gate' and a few other things I've said before. That's not to say this should be compared to Bebop and I try not to do that. It had a fairly strong, interesting story with potential for much more than how it ended. It was sometimes fun, the different abilities were mostly impressive and learning what their payment was for using their powers was cool too and sometimes was enough to make me cringe.

Music Review: Yoko Kanno. She's a great composer and at the very least, she composed one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard when she did it for Bebop. This soundtrack's no different. It's more on the jazzy side than some of her others but very smooth, fun and sexy just as Kanno knows to do. However, I was not over impressed initially by the music in the series. It did not really stand out while I was watching but is a good listen otherwise. There are some pieces that were just fantastic but for some reason did not make the soundtrack's final cut and THAT just leaves me cranky. "B+". Notable Tracks: "Keiyakusha", "Was", "Tenderly", "Go Dark", "Guy", and "Yin's Piano"

Favourite characters: Li Shengshun/Hei, November 11 and the Detective Agency fools.

10. Naruto Shippuden

Naruto Shippuuden did not have that strong a year for the first half and throughout summer. I don't care about Sasuke, so any Sasuke related bullshit will automatically drop the anime on a best of a list for me. The only time I want to see Sasuke is when he's getting his ass handed to him, not when he's being a smug bitch to Naruto.

Filler followed during the summer as a set up for one of the saddest anime moments for me. Oh, Asuma Sensei! Why did you have to go? Even though I read it months ago in the manga, it still hurt enough to leave me teary for a month after the fact seeing it in the anime.

Shikamaru shined and since he's my 2nd favourite, I was happy with that. It was also not that great a year since there was not enough Kakashi Sensei.

If we were talking about the manga though...omg, all sorts of hellish rubbish is going down and my little brain can't handle it. The anime is going to be good this year...

Music Review: Pretty good for the most part. Some of the more rock infused pieces can get annoying though. I'm only going by what I hear as I watch weekly so I'll give it a "B-".

Favourite characters: Hmmm, well... there was new to the cast, Hidan! Who I loved even if he killed Asuma. I know, that's just hateful on my part but I did love me some Hidan. And the regulars - Kakashi, Shikamaru, and even got to love Asuma more and gain a new respect for Naruto, who I actually care about now.

11. Bleach

I have to say - Bleach had an even worse run this year than Naruto. This series is going too quickly and is plagued with nonsense fillers while Tite Kubo writes the manga. I love my damned Bleach (H1's convinced I am just a heartless bitch and don't really care enough about the characters as I claim to) but this year was just rubbish. I can't stand how those asshole animators made my Rukia look like a moron by having her say "Kaien-dono" about a billion times before she finally keeled over for the millionth time after getting the impression she should do more major damage than that ass Tite lets her do.

Then there was Orihimeass. I hate her. I don't feel sorry for her. I can't stand her love for Ichigo and she's an annoying, noisy, selfish bitch. The faster Aizen destroys her, the better. The manga might reveal something good or Tite might just let me down as he usually does.

The manga's going okay and I can't wait to see Shinji again but other than that, the 4 or so episodes to end the year when the Gotei 13 showed up to save the fools at Hueco Mundo were not enough to pull Bleach out of a crap hole. I do love you though, Byakuya! Ugh, severing your own nerves to save your sister... awesome.

Music Review: Shiro Sagisu. Not as good as last year's. I mean, I just said it today. If they were to release the next Bleach soundtrack based on what's being played currently - it's going to suck. The rock's not working out. Umm, and I know some of it's from the Diamond Dust Rebellion soundtrack and that just sucked. More Espada music, please Shiro Sagisu!

Favourite characters: The regulars - most members of the Gotei 13 save that wolf, H1...I mean Yama ji and Soi not fon. I didn't care for the Espadas they focused on this year but can't wait for Ulquiorra to return. His clown face is just hotness, H1. Hotness.

12. Natsume Yuuchinjou

A little slow on the start and maybe throughout the entire thing really, I enjoyed the quietness of this series for the most part. Things didn't quite happen they way I was expecting them too and remained kind of a simple watch that could have been better but never quite resulted in something fantastic. It was fine enough for me to be interested in the 2nd series or maybe H1 just really loves her a bitchy Nyanko Sensei, as do I. What an ass, he is! But with Kakashi's voice, he's forgiven and made all that cooler even if you can't really hear it when he's in round form.

Music Review: I don't recall much other than H1 singing the opening bit of the main theme for me. Ass. I can't rate it because I don't remember most of it.

Favourite characters: Nyanko Sensei, those cheering yokai who were dim, and Natsume Takashi...not to be confused with that bitch Reiko.


13. Kuroshitsuji

I started this and it's still ongoing. I really don't know how I feel about this shart. It's kind of endearing, kind of weird, and I feel like it has found its niche. It's comedic moments sometimes just try to hard and don't quite fit in with the supernatural, bloodiness and underlying story of the anime. It's weirdness that I will stick with just to see what it truly develops into.

Music Review: Based on what I remember, I'll give it a meh.

Favourite characters: Sebastian Michaelis (of course), Finian, Bard, Undertaker and Grell.

14. Elfen Lied

Meh. It began pretty good. It was very bloody and had me interested. Being a short series, I decided to watch it through. It was decent but not the greatness that everyone talks about in my opinion. The blood spatter and flying limbs was more for shock value than anything I felt and that can often be annoying. As per usual though, the Japanese know how to make you cry and the abuse scene with the little girl and the killing of the puppy was just hard to watch.

Music Review: Don't remember a damned thing.

Favourite characters: I don't remember them either other than Nyu and even so, she wasn't my favourite.

15. Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror

This was also a collection of story arcs dealing with a certain lore/ayakashi, of which the last collection was Mononoke which was made into its own spin-off series. Other than Mononoke, I didn't care for the other stories. They were alright but I was not that impressed by the art or the stories themselves.

Music Review: This came out first and the soundtrack is the same for Mononoke. It gets an "A". While a certain track in particular just truly stood out for certain scenes, the music just fit better in Mononoke than it did here.

Favourite characters: I don't have any from the other arcs but The Medicine Seller still rocks!

16. X TV

After 5 years, I finally finished watching X. That's pretty lame but I just fell off anime for a while and this was one of them that I didn't finish. So, I did and have to say... it was really dated. What was so fantastic about this anyway? What was the big deal? Sure the art's beautiful but it's CLAMP, so that's to be expected. The whole Dragons of Heaven and Dragons of Earth just seemed pretty emo and self-righteous. The characters though were still loveable and amazing but the end of the series was very rushed.

Music Review: Naoki Satou. A big "A+". This is one of the best soundtracks and music I own. Even after all this time, it's still fantastic. The entire first volume is just a masterpiece and the most notable track from the second volume is "Last Battle". I played that song 49 times this year and it never gets tired.

Favourite characters: Aww, my Sorata. You've always been the one I love most. Yuto, and Kakyo.

17. Bus Gamer

I'm not sure why this was made into an anime but after 3 episodes, it was unfinished and left a bad taste in my mouth. There was no real time to get involved with the characters for the most part. I did not miss it when it was over and I did not really care to see how things ended because it just wasn't that good anyway.

Music Review: Meh.

Favourite characters: Meh. Probably the stupid blonde kid though or maybe just meh.

18. Chrono Crusade

Ummm. I should just stop reviewing at this point. I watched this at the beginning of the year and I remember it finishing and I was not caring. I vaguely remember it being kind of funny or wanting to be, then being kind of serious, then being kind of retarded. Maybe I'm just confused because the descriptions I'm reading are seeming a bit like it was a good series but yeah, I really think I felt rather underwhelmed.

Music Review: None. I can't remember.

Favourite characters: Aion but probably only due to the fact Kakashi's voice actor voiced him, Chrono was kinda cute too and Joshua.

19. Jigoku Shoujo

I fail to see what the fascination with this series is. I tried to watch both the first and second and did not get more than half way through for either. The individual stories were kind of lame, all followed the same formula - which was to make ordinary people harrassed and pushed fix their problems by calling forth this bitch to send them to hell, and by doing so, they person who set the curse would also go to hell when they died. What's the point of living in the now only to be tortured at the end for all eternity? Tch. I mean, sometimes it was harsh - this one person was almost killed by a stalker but pulled the string on the doll to call the Hell Girl to do her bidding but other than that... it was just kind of terrible and then just kind of boring. I remember being very annoyed and the same chariot of fire scene showed every damned episode.

Music review: Meh.

Favourite characters: Meh.

20. Negima

One of my favourite series was Love Hina, so I was very eager to give this series a chance being that it was the same creator. I couldn't get past the 3rd episode. Maybe I should try again...

Things to watch:

H1 and I watched the first episode of Moyashimon and it was cute but started right at the end of the year, so we couldn't add it to the list. I also want to watch Pumpkin Scissors and Claymore in the coming year since I never got around to them.

Currently listening to: "Love Dog" by TV on the Radio. I might be re-thinking this album's position on my end of year review I because it's pretty damned good.