JPOP video of the week!

Ryuusei by TiA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K76QCVqKbbA

RPGHero's Top 25 Anime Shows

RPGHero's Top 25 anime shows,

My top 25 anime are chosen in the order of shows that have made me change my perspectives after watching them. What I really mean is that they made me feel extreme happiness, sadness, hurt, yearning, closure, or some other strong emotion after finishing the series. So the anime in the number 1 spot made me feel the most and I would think that it would make anyone feel strongly after reaching the completion of the series. The series' that are not complete are longer running shows that I included because of the nostalgia because some of them have been around for 10+ years in the anime and television industry, and are still running on present-day television. Anyway, let's go!

1.  C l a n n a d   A f t e r   S t o r y

"Clannad After Story" made me cry real live tears of extreme sadness and also extreme happiness because I watched it all the way through to the last episode (warning: without giving up in frustration!). For true fans of Clannad, it's been reviewed by them as either a very hard watch or a really great needed finale for the Clannad anime series. The struggles that Tomoya goes through with his baby daughter are above those any new parent would want to face... It is number 1 on my top-25 anime because I think if I watched the series over and over, it would always make me cry again either inside or out.

2. Welcome to the NHK

Welcome to the NHK is really popular, hence its place on Hulu.com with both its Japanese and English dub available for viewers to choose from. For me, its appeal rests on Saito's tenacity to want to both fit in to mainstream otaku culture and also to keep his mainstream pride that his society supposedly took away from him when he was going to college away from home. All of the other stuff that happens in the show add to Saito's character, but only if the viewer could see themselves going through the same situation in Japan and is a strong fan of anime, thus an Otaku. That and, the finale episodes are strong enough to make you want to choose Saito's side! (If you make it that far, that is)

3. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate, granted it is high (extreme) sci-fi mixed with college aged anime characters. When it first came out, I remembered everyone at "Anime Expo" 2012 quoting it, especially the phrase “READING STEINER!”, which is Okabe's exclamation whenever he feels Deja Vu. Back then (in 2012), it had the same popularity as Attack on Titan (which I never actually finished) but without the cult popularity that propelled "Attack on Titan" to international acclaim and thereby widespread popularity. Either way, Steins;Gate has a plot that made me truly think to follow the details on how exactly it all was happening and if it could actually happen in everyday life or reality. Regardless, a very good thought experiment indeed! (You know, just in case that time travel actually comes through...with such ability to mess up time forever...)

4. Hunter X Hunter

The second most popular manga by Togashi, compared to his previous creation, Yu Yu Hakusho. It's long running as a series. Unapologetically it deals with characters who fight to the death and unapologetically it is number 4 on my list. That's because it's a darn good shounen anime! It's one of the best in genre but has gotten a bad treatment with the animation side, whereby they had to create a bunch of different quality anime OST and then remake it totally.      

5. Toradora

Toradora made me want to be in a love triangle so badly, until I realized that everything is easier in the anime universe than in the real life universe, at least here in New York. By reaching the end, I wanted to laugh, cry, smile, and wish I was in love with Aisaka Taiga and overcame all the hurdles to be with her, like Ryuuji did in the anime. The only anime that makes you want to actually be in their love triangle, maybe forever.

6. Gintama

  Gintama would be number one, but I wanted to put a kind of anime that made me feel true sadness there. I've never laughed so much at any other anime or maybe any other television show as much as with --> Gintama. Maybe that's because I actually like anime or in other words haven't found a place in the glamour of the real world. From episode 1 Gintama starts off kind of slow and serious for the comedy it became but it had grown on me. Some jokes do go over my head and that's because they are direct parodies of Japanese culture and current events that only a Japanese person would find true. However, somewhere they mention or allude to people like Obama and Beyonce in their conversations, very quick references.. I recommend Gintama ...for everyone who doesn't get offended easily and wants to laugh.

7. Awakawa Under the Bridge

 Awakawa Under the Bridge is both kind of funny and kind of heartwarming. When the characters get past their awkwardness and struggles, they're able to get along. Riku has the most trouble, being the main character. He wants somewhere to fit in and the closest thing is "Awakawa Under the Bridge" where there are "kind misfits" who won't let him be the type of person who will get in the way of his own happiness. Who that is, is for YOU to decide when you watch "Awakawa Under the Bridge".

8. Kaiji

Kaiji is the story of a person who can't be any more down on luck than the titular character, Kaiji. Your perspective on bad luck (and good) will be forever changed if you watch carefully. I know mine has and Kaiji made this list.

9. Birdy the Mighty

Birdy the Mighty, follows codename: Birdy, who is an interplanetary hero, well agent who takes down the most difficult bounty hunts in the Universe. That is, until she accidentally kills a human middle school boy who jumped in between her and one of those difficult criminal subjects. Her adventure becomes deciding how to continue her bounty hunter job, her model job, and to save the boy's booty ...I mean... body. Birdy is a true multi-tasker and this anime is a pretty good watch. (Best anime starring a female lead)

10. Blood+

The anime Blood+ follows Saya an ordinary high school girl that figures out her true nature. That leads her, along with her gaurdian Saji, to quest where she will answer her deepest fears while saving humankind from being subjugated by another race of vampire demon creatures. But, Saya doesn't want to lose her old life, even though she finds out that she has been living various past lives in the same exact body between hibernation-like sleeps that last hundreds of years. Saya wants to keep her current life, adopted father, and friends above all else!

11. Natsume Yuujincho

Natsume Yuujincho follows Natsume who inherits the "Book of Friends" both because he was adopted and because he resembles it's original owner, his grandmother. This anime is different because it's more peaceful than others, that's why I like it actually. Sometimes, I, RPGhero get tired of anime's EXTREME shounen overtones and having to save everyone all of the time. In Yuujincho, Natsume does get in danger but his human friends and some yokai friends are always there to help him when he needs it. Mostly Natsume tries to save himself and his friends, while living a peaceful life. (Technically this is Shadow Wildcard #1, if I could choose another no. 1)

12. One Piece

One Piece is next. It's one of the most popular anime of all time and one of the first anime I seriously followed, very seriously for a minute there. You have to watch it for yourself to know the hype, just trust me on this one. It's a hit-or-miss with most real anime fans.

13. Bleach

Bleach is another anime I followed when I was first seriously watching anime in high school. It's also another hit-or-miss anime with most anime fans. That's probably because shounen anime follow one character and if that character's plot isn't appealing, it's too difficult to follow a series for 300 or 400+ episodes. But I caught on early and stuck with Bleach until the end of its anime run.

14. C Money of Soul and Possibility Control

C (the short name) is a short anime about the what-if question we all may have. That is, what if our money is connected to the future. Taking it to a crazy extreme, the whole Japanese economy is linked to the future of Japan via a surreal world where value has life in the entities of individual people's futures. Like Kimimaro and his future entity above, which happens to look like a girl. The plot is put together well enough that all of it is actually wildly believable.

15. Gundam 00

Gundam 00, IMO is one of the best installments in the catalogue of Gundam titled series'. It's the most contemporary or modern in terms of setting. Still the same Gundam conflicts of the Gundam meisters are re-hashed again in this series. With the addition of three main characters, (Gundam Meisters:  Setsuna, Tieria, Alelulia, and Neil) and Gundam pilots, each having their own story and place in the Gundam world, the show to me is the most dynamic and interesting in the Gundam line.

16. Darker Than Black

Darker than Black is more of a thriller or psychological kind of anime than actually being a shounen anime. The plot is sometimes very intricate but I like it because of the main character's determination to find his sister, even though he's frequently outmatched and outnumbered by other antagonist characters. Also, it has macro-paranormal elements that make it interesting such as star constellations, large-dimensional gates, and the like.

17. Inuyasha

Inuyasha is an old school favorite. Running in America since its debut in the 1990s. Inuyasha is one of my favorite animes from the Toonami days when they used to have late-night Saturdays. If I didn't fall asleep while watching Inuyasha, I was watching Inuyasha. I'm a longtime fan!

(Moving from paragraphs to sentences here...)

18. Bakuman

The best anime/manga about creating anime/manga. ...and the bond between friends / nakama.

19.Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin ran on toonami's 2002 or 2003 run. The classic popular anime about Kenshin, a penant (that means, dedicated to living an honorable life) samurai and hero.

20. Lovely-Complex

The unlikely pair of would-be lovers in Lovely-Complex is addictive enough to be one of my favorite anime.

21. Ah! My Goddess

If only everyone could stumble onto a hotline, mess up a wish, and have a goddess herself be their soulmate.. and college girlfriend.

22. School Rumble

A kind-of funny anime about if an ex-yakuza finally got into high school after being left back a couple times, then chases his crush who's chasing her own crush who isn't him...

23. Honey and Clover

Art school/college meets a seemingly more mature kind of love triangle, than most Ai anime are about. The outcome is what you might expect at a college, right or no? You have to had watched it to know.

24. Love Hina

Love Hina is one of the first harem anime that gave the genre its own space in anime. That doesn't mean it's all perveted, but some of it might be maybe. Also, there's a love story that is being told here in this Ai anime.

25. Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood 

The remake of the original FMA series, answers the questions left unanswered in the first anime run. All of them...

That's my top 25 anime list

by RPGhero...

:::Action Time:::

Hey fellow bloggers, I know I haven't posted in a while due to lack of ideas, but I suddenly regained some inspiration so it's time to jump into a review! ^^
__

Have you ever thought about what makes an action anime... a good action anime? Well the reason may differ from person to person but in my opinion it just needs a base storyline and well thought out fights. Fights where they just thrust swords at each other and the storyline seems to repeat itself... *cough*... are not too fun. So in these favorites of mine you'll find tons of well-thought out battles with satisfying story lines.

You must be itching to know what my favorites are... well then... without further ado... onto the review! :)

I now bring to you... my TOP 3 action animes! o.O

Number one: I know you all have probably heard of this one before; one of the most popular animes in the world; one that exceeds all average action expectations that one may have; one that will cure your apathy and inspire your dreams; one that will... (did I say "one" enough?)... forever be the famed anime called One Piece!

This anime has everything--from romance, slice of life, extreme drama, and crazy twists to hilarious moments, randomness-you-just-have-to-accept, well-written fillers (Yes, I said well-written and fillers in the same sentence), as well as epic and explosive action. What more can you ask for? Key Magic? They have some of that as well! =P

So just what is this anime about you ask?
(...wait, you don't? *evil stare* Well...I'm telling you anyway...)

Well, if you can't tell just from looking at this picture, it's about a group of pirates who journey across the sea in search of the greatest treasure--"One Piece"! The main character, Monkey D. Luffy, ate a devils fruit that allows him to stretch like rubber! As he journeys he meets other friends who all aspire to make the best of their lives and achieve their goals. As they sail to the future what will become of them? Will they become the best or fall in defeat? You'll have to watch One Piece to find out =P.
_________________

My Personal Experience:

At first when I started watching this anime, it took me a little while to get used to the animation--but once that phase was over I realized just how amazing this anime is. The story line is so well written that even the fillers are good!!! If I didn't look up which episodes were fillers I'd have no idea! Even the moments where you think they can't use that portion of the story effectively blows you away. The structure and planning of the story and how it all comes together + the amazing twists they come up with--and the consistency of that amazement is off the scale for me. I HIGHLY recommend this anime if you're an action and adventure fan =P.

Opening:

Here you go! ^^

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This anime is very similar to my next review: The Law of Ueki.

Like One Piece, it is very well thought out and contains the most unique powers I've ever seen in an anime.

And that's not the only similarity. The main character in this anime, Ueki, has the ability to turn trash into trees. (Wha-?) You heard me. Trash. Into. Trees.

... And although Luffy's rubber ability and Ueki's trash-into-trees ability both don't sound very formidable, they're both extremely strong abilities if you know how to use them.

In this anime Ueki joins a tournament where the winner gets to become God! No--not for selfish reasons. Ueki joins to stop others from total domination. Will his unwavering Justice be able to defeat Evil? You'll have to watch Law of Ueki to find out =P
_________________

My Personal Experience:

At first when I started watching this anime, I thought it was pretty stupid. Like many animes, this one didn't put a lot of effort into hooking in the viewer in the beginning, assuming people will watch their whole series for the explanation. That didn't stop me, since I had heard many good things about it I kept watching. Right after where I would've stopped (around episodes 1-3) they introduced the explanation and made everything click and I was so glad I did. This arena-style anime was very refreshing and brought me some nostalgia I'll never forget ^^. It climbed into my top 3 action animes and is overall fantastic and highly recommended for all action lovers =P.

Opening:

Here you go! ^^

_________________

And last but certainly not least is my favorite shoujo action! You heard me right--girls can't kick butt too! =P

The sister anime to Toaru Majutsu no Index: Toaru Kagaku no Railgun! Yay!

This action anime has my favorite animation out of all the ones before mentioned. I honestly think it's the best animated action anime, but I haven't seen them all to earn the right to say that =P.

What is this anime about?

Well, it doesn't really have a main story line--it's more like a settled multi-plot action anime which was the first of its kind I've ever seen. If you want an idea--imagine Lucky Star... with Action...and an ESPer city... and... and... ok fine that was a bad reference--but still! It's a great anime. The characters are really energetic and fun; except for the somewhat humorous small series of perverted girl-girl comments/moments from Kuroko (the girl on the left of this picture).

What makes this anime so great?

The best things I like about this anime are the amazing characters, themes, art, and high action thriller it gives you... like... you know: chasing criminals... stopping bad guys... fighting evil... (*ahem*, what do you mean I'm just saying the same thing in different words??)... you know... the good stuff =P.

"But Deretsun... how can girls kick butt!?"

Wha-? You still don't believe me? Take a look at this next picture of the "Railgun"...



Believe me now? =P

...Thought so.
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My Personal Experience:

At first when I started watching this anime I was expecting a main story line like Toaru Majutsu no Index (which I recommend you watch before watching Railgun) so I wasn't too thrilled when I found out it was just "another non-major-plot anime." As I felt forced to watch the rest of it I realized that I was actually enjoying it and then I opened up my eyes without expectations and realized how much I was actually loving it! It was very happy and refreshing to watch and I highly recommend it to people who just want to kick back and watch a nice relaxing action anime. (Kind of an oxy-moron isn't it? But believe me--action can be relaxing too! =P)

Opening:

Here you go! ^^

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So if you're an action fan I recommend all these animes to you! Make sure you watch Index before Railgun though, so you can catch the references.

That's all for today, thanks for reading! ^^
:::Deretsun:::

Clannad :::Anime Recommendation:::

Hello fellow bloggers! Interesting... how it took me this long to recommend my FAVORITE anime: Clannad! yay! :)

We all know what school is like: There are different personalities here and there, fun and funny moments we can never forget, as well as relationships that last forever. Clannad is a masterpiece by Key, filled with almost an infinite amount of heart-warming and amazing KMM (especially in the second season). But it's not as normal as you think. Created by the famous Jun Maeda (the co-founder), who I have the deepest respect for, it's filled with psychological moments that will leave you in awe, in tears, and on your knees.

The first season of Clannad is basically like a normal life of an average teenager at school who plans to waste his days living day to day poorly, skipping classes, and just not making the best of what's in front of him. After he meets Nagisa, he realizes his life isn't as dull as he once thought, and he begins to open up to the possibilities.

The second season (although I can't give you too much detail) blew me away. The first season built up to the second season perfectly and Clannad After Story remains to be one of the highest ranked animes on MyAnimeList.net (currently #5).

Very slight spoiler (nothing too drastic):

Clannad After Story has been the first anime I've seen that takes you from high school to graduation and then after that! (Hence why it's called "After Story"...)

So it may seem like a normal school anime but... What if... What if there was a parallel universe that... *ahem* Sorry, almost spilled some important details =P. If you wanted to know what I was going to say, you're going to have to watch Clannad to find out! ^^

It is truly touching and I hope everyone has the chance to see the anime that has literally changed my life. It has so much slice of life that it changed my outlook on many things and Kyoto Animation (KyoAni) does such a great job of character design that it's both pleasing to look at the wonderful art as well as watch the story unfold before your eyes to truly define what a masterpiece is. Keep in mind that the title of "My Favorite Anime" does not come lightly. It battled with others on my list until it climbed to the top =P. I felt really vulnerable while watching it because it made me cry a few times... and I don't cry! It wasn't a "I can hold it back" moment. I literally found tears in my eyes (although I wiped them away quickly before they started to climb down my face) and was in awe of the wonderful story portrayed. I liked everything about it--and I hope you do too!

So what are you waiting for? Go watch Clannad! ^^

That's all for today, thanks for reading! :)
:::Deretsun:::

Spoiler (2nd Season Opening):

You can watch After Story's opening, which I think is very amazing--to get an idea of the art and masterpiece in it. It doesn't really spoil that much so feel free to watch it if you're still hesitant about watching it or you just want to enjoy another awesome opening! ^^

Here you go: