Plot Summary:
Rikugou Tokidoki is a high schooler going through the motions. School, life, they’re all the same: take them as they come, and whatever. His is the way of total apathy-until it’s shattered. What started as a virtual tour of the Bakumatsu Era becomes something terrible and inexplicable, as detachedness and half hearted feelings won’t do: now is one of them.
he is attacked by a monster that is all to clearly real and saved by a swordswoman wielding a katana, in the process of which the virtual goggles shatter, revealing that the sky and horizon are no longer projections. There are two worlds, not one, and for reasons unknown to any but it, the Yue has brought him to the second. Forced to take his adaptive ideology to the limit, he finds himself steadily more involved and steadily more alive. Which is good, because someone who comes from one world to the other cannot help but be different-in ways far from insignificant. There are times and places were

Studio:
Studio Deen

Cast:
Fukuyama Jun as Rikugou Tokidoki
Yusa Koji as Shinonome Kon
Paku Romi as Kuchiha
Nakata Jouji as Shamon
Suwabe Junichi as Bonten

Genre:
Historic, Fantasy, Adventure

Airtime:
Amatsuki aired from April 04, 2008 till June 27, 2008

Episodes:
Amatsuki has thirteen episodes. Judging by the ending, a sequel is almost guaranteed.

Review:
There are a thousand types of feelings an anime can try to evoke, and about the only thing they all have in common is that they are trying to create some kind of effect. Somehow, however, the one emotion I never expected to see was indifference. I doubt it was deliberate. Amatsuki managed to be somewhat interesting in the end, mildly intriguing, and the characters became just passingly real. However, that took until the end of the anime; by and large, Amatsuki scores a constant, steady impression of ‘ho hum’. Not really good enough to get excited, not really missing anything enough to irritate you, most of the first half of the series spectacularly does not create any reaction at all. It did go up, so the sequel is probably worth seeing, just in case, but overall-ho hum. Take your time.

The male lead, Rikugou, is kinda-nothing. He’s the quiet timid type that, barring a harem situation, will seem useless but win the compassion of some emotionally malnourished female warrior, usually tsundere, by being a nice guy. Usually they’ll turn out to be incredibly powerful later, and we’ll go through a toughening(haha) period. Check all those, and his power actually is very interesting, blends well with the explanation of the world and even fits with his character-and yet, response is still half-hearted. The female lead, Kuchiha, is tsundere-that’s about all there is to say. Someone born with a powerful wolf spirit(they call it a dog, but the only thing that monster will fetch for you is your head), she’s been subject to a lot of abuse and ostracism; perfect material to fall for the un-judgmental lead male. The only one she shows her care for openly is Shamon-sama, the exorcist/monk who accepted her possession and raised her. Your typical atypical monk build(ironic how predictable that one is), he’s a drunk, is always ready to enjoy good food, and is known to fall asleep during meditation. However, his spiritual power is great, he’s open minded and kind, all the usual. None of which, as per all, manages to break the tone much. Finally, Shinonome Kon, also from Rikugou’s world, from his school in fact. He was taken to the same world minutes before him, but there’s a time inconsistency involved: from the second world, Kon was there two years before Rikugou showed up. Originally a delinquent who skipped classes and had a tendency to brawl, he’s still something of a troublemaker, though dependable for his friends. Until nearly the end of the series, there is no clearly defined adversary, though full of ‘might be’s', those shadowy types that could be on anybody’s side, assuming you know what the sides are yet. An old and favorite tactic. But whatever.

Yawwn…oh? Hmmm..not bad. I guess. Huh, interesting. Heh. She would say that. Mmm, kinda cute. Hey, who’s that guy? Weird. Whatever. No, I’m not sleeptyping, I’m describing watching the first six or so episodes. How they achieved it I don’t know, but they managed, no matter what the material, to register overall, as ‘mildly interesting’. After that things begin to get a little better, and smoothly upgrade to a somewhat more energetic version of the above routine. Somewhat. Judging by the flow, and the fact that it is probably more accurate to think of this as the first part of a three(or so) sectioned story than as any complete telling of its own, it and it’s sequel are probably worth seeing. If the pattern continues in the next set, this could get quite good before its through. It’s more that the anime takes its leisure than that it lacks the right material. I actually do recommend watching Amatsuki, since there’s a strong chance it will continue to improve come next season, but I also do not recommend rushing. It’s not worth it; take your time. It’s only thirteen episodes, you finish it when you finish it. So long as you’re ready when the next set is, it’s fine.

For now, all I can say is that Amatsuki is a two point five, and that the sequel will probably be better. Watch it at your own pace to be ready when it comes, and we’ll all find out together.

Final Rating: 2.5/5

This review was brought to you by Z.N. Singer

Credits:
Info such as cast and airtime were taken from ANN’s encyclopedia listing. All else is and always will be the origination of the author.

Summary:
In the Rune-Midgard Kingdom, Roan, a young swordsman, travels with Yuufa, a childhood friend and an Acolyte. Adventuring together after some tragedy befell their old party, they search about for adventures and monsters. Over the course of a few recent travels, they acquire a few new friends, and meet some old ones. And learn of disturbing things. The land is changing. Some shadow grows over it. Dead friends reappear, same in face, horribly changed in soul. And in time it becomes clear that there is a grand journey to be made, the adventure to trump all adventures to be had, the monster of all monsters to stop. Neither Roan nor Yuufa can be allowed to cling to their childishness anymore. Both must grow, and discover strength of the body and mind-and heart. The Dark Lord is pulling strings again, and any darkness, any weakness within, can become an enemy.

Studio:
G&G Entertainment

Cast:
Sakaguchi Daisuke as Roan
Mizuki Nana as Yuufa
Hisakawa Aya as Takius
Momoi Halko as Maya
Nakai Kazuya as Illuga
Arakawa Minako as Judia
Koyasu Takehito as Keough

Genre:
Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Romance, Drama

Airtime:
Ragnarok aired from April 06, 2004 till September 28, 2004

DVD Availability:
Yes.

Episodes:
Ragnarok has twenty-six episodes. A sequel is unlikely.

Review:
Everyone has their own opinions on what makes an anime good. Action, romance, fan-service, strong characters-there are as many opinions as there are people. I’ve always preferred to answer from a more general angle. I say nothing matters more than the story. Tell the right one, tell it well, and everything else-voice acting, color, animation, etc-will cease to be important. Tell it wrong, and a multi-billion dollar budget won’t change anything. I recently had two anime stage an allegory of this on my computer. One was Kaze no Stigma, a slick 2007 production from Gonzo. The other was Ragnarok, a low budget, antiquely animated, square screened blatant RPG rip-off. Ragnarok kicked Kaze no Stigma’s rear all the way to the end, falling only just short of that rarest of accolades, a five out of five. I take great pleasure in telling you why.

Lead male, Roan: a swordsman whose love for his childhood friend is still immature, just like he is. Good hearted, talented, protective, and yet slightly pathetic, he is the seed of a great warrior-but only a seed. For now. Lead female: Yuufa. Light hearted, cheerful, and even more childish than Roan, the only thing that seems to bring a true shadow to her face is the memory of her dead brother. Seemingly oblivious to Roan’s devotion, she blissfully follows behind eating bananas, when someone doesn’t need her healing abilities. It’s a luxury with a time limit. Sidekick one, Maya the Merchant. A manipulative little thing with a bouncy pink teardrop for a pet, at first she’s only along for the ride, and to collect profitable items she herself isn’t strong enough to reach. However, she isn’t as selfish as she might seem, and establishes herself as a dependable member of the party in time. Takius, the mage. A woman of power, her senses are sharp enough to allow her to navigate the world blindfolded, as she literally does, for reasons known only to her. She is dedicated to the ideal of truth and eradication of evil, as well as her teacher, Zephel-sensei. Later to join are Illuga and Judia. Illuga is an assassin, though he rarely seems it; he is tall, silent, and superbly skilled. Fighting with two blades worn over the backs of his hand, he was once part of a party that included Roan, Yuufa, and Yuufa’s older brother. Playing the part of the imperturbable, he is apparently impossible to affect or move unless he decides to care, a valuable trait when dealing with his partner, Judia. A Hunter(thanks BW) who fights with her falcon and a bow, she’s energetic, direct, has a healthy appetite, and lives largely and blissfully in the moment. She makes strong backup though. On the opposing side are three figures who are somehow connected to the dark force emerging. A demon who’s bitter hate of humankind knows no reason, a mage whose losses have driven him to a mad search of a truth that will save the world, which the dark lord has promised him. And finally, a man everyone in the party knows, but who no longer resembles him; his antipathy is his driving force, believing in hate and cleansing the world of humans, from whom all troubles come. Seemingly invincible, he comes and goes, leaving chaos in his wake, despite the best efforts of the heroes. Until all comes to a head…

Ragnarok’s strength takes a while to see. Until about episode seven or eight, there’s only sporadic hints of the story’s potential, as the group is assembled and some background provided. This is the sole reason for the four point five, instead of a five; I can’t really give a masterpiece mark to an anime who’s first seven or eight are so not, however strong it becomes. Besides for a glimpse of the tip of the plot, it’s mostly so so, and sometimes trying. Hints of the quality they might be capable of are a little more common. Then episode nine happens, then ten, then eleven, and by then, everything has turned around. Plot, whether involving the nemesis or the characters, kicks in like a rocket booster, and everything is level five from there on out. All the most frustrating aspects of the characters become demons to exorcise as the stakes expand and engulf them, leaving no room for immaturity, for weakness, for being coddled, for being selfish, for being blind. Every minute of the ‘trying’ moments I mentioned become fuel for the fire as those faults are faced, made real by all the time we spent wincing through them. Watching growth is most satisfying when you first learn to care about them as they used to be, and the old ‘trial by facing weaknesses in an inner world’ has rarely rung so true. One by one, every character is brought face to face with their mistakes, weaknesses, pasts, and cleansed in fire. Action settles in to stay, as characters learn greater strengths, only in time to match the increased efforts of the enemy. And when the climax comes, it is everything a character strong action climax should be, as everyone’s efforts converge on victory, and even one or two that you never expected to be significant somehow manage, by complete accident, to help save the world. The rising triumph, the screamed refusal to bow to the odds, the final efforts of everyone they’ve fought beside so long, all come together with all the impact you could wish for. One of the most powerful feelings a story like this can tap is the fierce pride in the indomitable spirit of humankind, and Ragnarok does: magnificently. And in the end, though there have been losses, the closing is definitely upbeat-the sun is out. Life continues. And the party moves on.

I was completely taken by surprise by this anime, I could have sworn that kind of power wasn’t there, but at some point it suddenly managed to grip me and never let go. This is the sort of anime where reviews are most useful: where without someone who finished it to tell you, you might not realize its worth. I’m glad to be here to tell you otherwise. Don’t judge this one until ten or eleven, or you could miss something fantastic. Don’t let the blatant RPG elements fool you(character power-ups come in the form of class changes, you don’t get any more obvious than that). Once you get used to them enough to ignore them, this thing is incredible. Remember, this was almost a five.

Final Rating: 4.5/5

This review is brought to you by Z.N. Singer

Credits:
Info such as cast and info are taken from ANN’s encyclopedia listing. All else is and always will be the origination of the author.

Plot Summary:
In the Treisting school for magic, the name of Louise Francoise is famous – for failure. Without one successful attempt at magic to her name, everyone eagerly awaits what spectacular unwanted results will come of her attempt to summon a familiar. And as far as everyone can tell, she lives up to her reputation: instead of a creature of some magical nature, she summons Saito, a Japanese boy of her own age. A human, and therefore not bound to her will as a proper familiar, he is every way the failure anticipated, and she takes it out on him unmercifully. But the marks on his hand aren’t normal either, and some of the staff think they know what it is. If so, there are a lot of surprises ahead for Louise, Saito, and everyone who thinks they know them. Especially Louise. Summoning a human familiar is bad enough, but falling in love with him is just ridiculous…right?

Studio:
J.C. Staff

Cast:
Kuyimiya Rie as Louise Francoise Valliere
Hino Satoshi as Hiraga Saito
Inoue Nanako as Kirche
Sakurai Takahiro as Guiche
Horie Yui as Siesta
Inokuchi as Tabitha
Kawasumi Ayako as Henrietta de Tristain

Genre:
Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure

Airtime:
Zero no Tsukaima aired from July 02, 2006 till September 24, 2006

Episodes:
Zero no Tsukaima has thirteen episodes, plus two sequels. The second, at the time of this review, is in the midst of airing.

Review:
Ah – unexpected love. It comes without our realizing it, softly changing our lives – not. Unexpected it may be(to the characters), but it is neither soft nor subtle, heralded by hissy fits and bouts of beatings with a riding crop and orders of extra laundry duty. Frankly, I found the representation to be kind of tasteless. However, if you find blatantly oversized female accessories a plus rather than a gag, the constant presence of perverts and half-assed sexual passes amusing rather than wince-worthy, and you are okay with a lead male character that not only allows a petite pink haired little tyrant to beat him with a horse crop, but cringes and runs around the room when she tries, you might like it better. Personally, however, this series rates a two.

Okay, characters first. Female Lead: Louise Francoise. Long haired, short tempered, and very proud, her attitude is actually pretty sympathetic when you consider that she has had to spend a year already as the ‘Zero Louise.’ Mocked by everyone, befriended by no one, her pride has been all she had to stand on for some time. Male Lead: Saito. Tousle haired, taller in height but shorter in personality force when compared to his temperamental taskmaster, his attitude, and what he is and isn’t willing to put up with, seem to change depending on whether the producers want to be comic or serious. He has a way of switching between being your typical spineless harem male and being a guy with few options but still conscious of his human pride. Kirche – enter the fan service. Flame haired, a flame familiar, and a flaming approach to dating, she fall into steaming infatuation with Saito the first time he does something right, and tags along ever since. When she’s not trying to seduce him – and she is equipped for the role as only an anime character can be – she can actually be quite useful, and she certainly isn’t always a shallow, shameless competitor to spur on Louise. Tabitha – extreme quiet girl, and for some reason, best friends with Kirche. Go figure. A very powerful mage, her silence helps conceal the fact that she is probably the strongest student attending. And finally, Siesta – the real competition. A maid, so no airs, and pretty (aren’t they always?), whose very honest liking and admiration of Saito is something that attracts him all the more for the fact that his default status with the aristocrats and his mistress is something like a dog that can understand English – er, Japanese – and carry laundry. The rest you can meet in the show, if you watch it.

Plot flow, and general handling…oy vei. It takes till episode eight for any hints of an overall plot to show itself, which is the point where it actually intrudes, since of course there isn’t much time left at that point. That’s supposed to be where the climax starts, not the emergence. To compensate, the emergence and climax almost blend together. That itself isn’t necessarily a problem. After all, the series precept leaves plenty of room for some nice character development, as Louise and Saito pitch basic human dignity against the utter disappointment and humiliation he represents to her. You could have easily made seven very nice episodes dealing with all that – but Zero no Tsukaima opts for filling them, by and large, with episodes that have all the substance of cotton candy. The first two episodes are actually the best. The entirety of the first episode is taken to cover up till the summoning, actually a good thing, since you get a clear snapshot of Louise’s life and standing. Thanks to that, you have the basis to understand why she treats Saito the way she does. The second episode does a good job of establishing both Saito’s situation and allowing Saito to establish his human dignity. You need to be able to respect your main characters, and episode two deals with this well. Unfortunately, the rest of the series took such a shallow approach that not only does this not do any good, but it could even be considered a waste of airtime. All that those two episodes took such pains to establish went to pieces when put against the repeated use of the horse whip. It crosses a line of human dignity that simply cannot be passed off as comic. Someone willing to use a riding crop on a human so constantly for such petty reasons is someone I cannot sympathize with, and someone who not only allows it but cringes like a puppy, I don’t want as the hero.

Eventually, the plot kicks in and puts an end to the horrifying fillers(three through five, seven), but depth of any sort never quite makes it to Zero no Tsukaima. The handling as a whole was blatantly geared towards a sequence of sequels, and characters relationships advanced to the dance routine ‘one step forward, one step back.’ That is, every ‘resolution’ was almost immediately taken back so nothing would change. We’ve all seen this before: I hate it. And I certainly have better things to do than watch two sequels rehash the only worthwhile part of the story concept until even it loses all flavor.

Fan service, blatant sexual humor just within acceptance for the targeted audiences age, comedy based on being bossed and tossed around by every pretty girl in the area – does this series miss a trick? I am aware there are people for whom this is the description of a dream anime. To them I say: have a ball. But the rating in this review is a two.

Final Rating: 2/5

This review was brought to you by Z.N. Singer

Credits:
Info such as cast and airtime were taken from ANN’s encyclopedia listing. All else is and always will be the origination of the author.

Summary:
Claus and Lavie are teenagers well used to looking after themselves. Both their parents long dead, they rely on themselves, each other, and their fathers old vanship(airplane equivalent) to succeed as pilot and navigator as their fathers had. Earning enough money to buy a booster to let their old ship win the upcoming race is their present biggest concern. But the race is interrupted, and a dying pilot with a seven star mission changes everything. Alvis is a young girl not much more than five, but somehow she is important enough that all the most powerful people and organizations in the world seemed involved in her welfare, whether to protect it or endanger it. The most powerful single ship in the world, the Silvana, has taken personal responsibility for her safety, but this isn’t nearly enough to satisfy Claus. Whatever she is to the world, to him she’s a child he’s quickly learned a wish to protect, and he intends to do just that, whether it means being a member of the Silvana, flying a fighting vanship, or changing the course of the world itself….

Studio:
Gonzo

Chiwa Saito as Lavie Head
Mayumi Asano as Claus Valca
Anna Shiraki as Alvis E. Hamilton
Junko Noda as Dio Eracles
Michiko Neya as Delphine Eracles(the Maestro)
Eri Kitamura as Tatiana Wisla

Genre:
Alternate world, Sci-fi, Adventure, Drama.

Airtime:
Last Exile aired from April 7, 2003 until September 29, 2003

Episodes:
Last Exile is a twenty-six episode series. I am not aware of any specials or OVA’s.

DVD availability:
Yes, in full, with nice extras, by Geneon.

Review:
A reviewer is a critical being. However much I may enjoy a show while I’m watching, ask me to evaluate it afterward, and I will usually find and mention some flaw, often recommending and criticizing in the same breath. Thanks to this, my family often refuses to allow me to give an opinion(oh, if only they knew I was actually publishing reviews here, hehe). So when I tell you that Last Exile is, in my opinion, as perfect a product as humanely possible, and that I’m reluctant to bring up what few things might be considered faults, this should tell you something. An unreserved five out of five is something you will rarely see from any objective reviewer, certainly me, but Last Exile makes it. Easily.

The main characters grow on you quickly. Claus is quite, kind, and seems a bit of a wimp, but his absolute competence in the air trumps all. When he is pushed, he usually gives the lie to his demeanor, without ever breaking it. Lavie is the spunk sort of female lead, but far from a stereotype: the ease with which she goes from depressed to banzai will quickly win smiles and no small bit of fondness. Alvis(Alue, when Japanese say it) is quiet at first, but blooms into a very endearing and true to life child of five. Few things are cuter than when a child of that age is done really right, and Last Exile does it right. I speak with authority: I have five younger brothers and two younger sisters. Of course, they do just about everything right, but all in their time. Dio-sama is a queer card, and it takes a while to realize what type he really is, not to mention whose side he’s on. But he, too, finds his place with the watcher, well in time for his role in the finale. The crew of the Silvana are all without question individuals, some more interestingly than others, and a few the focus of some very nice human subplots to the epic scale of the action. As for the arch-villain: ah, perfection. Sane and yet utterly twisted, a better antagonist for everyone to hate has never been found. Equal, maybe, but better, never. No matter what aspect you discuss, the word that comes to your head most to describe this series is masterpiece. I am a reviewer. I do not say ‘masterpiece’ lightly.

The ride is smooth and steady, though where it is all going comes in pieces. Who Alvis is, why she’s important, why the people who are involved are; the pieces come together slowly. People who are blood-and-adrenaline type watchers may well find the pace a bit frustrating. But whether they know why or not, action is present in plenty, as the Guild makes multiple attempts to get Alvis, and Captain Alex, on occasion, pulls operations of his own that are also somehow involved. The people are developed as smoothly; revelations, discussions, and climaxes occur naturally within lulls, even as real people, trying to find time to be human, would. Never does either the human stories or the action seem stifled or unnatural: they interweave around each other with a ease that is astonishing. It’s this kind of masterful presentation and delivery that make Last Exile such an extraordinary anime.

Action is more on a broad scale than in detailed one on one duels. Flotillas of ships, squadrons of vanships, flocks of the Guild’s starfish, this is the type of action that makes up most of Last Exile. Claus does occasionally have a dogfight, and once, seemingly outnumbered, we see exactly why the Silvana is known as the ‘kill ‘em all Silvana’, but in the end this not the kind of thing that makes the victory. Don’t underestimate them though. If you want pulse pounding against the odds fighting, tension and then the thrill of victory, you will find it here. In time. And there is, near the end, one astounding one on one fight whose execution was so intense, flawless, and innovative my jaw almost drops just remembering. It’s not very long, but with the job they did, it bears mentioning. Things do bog down a bit in the middle of the teens, but only for about two episodes, and most of what’s happening is still significant. In fact, whether ‘bogged down’ is the right term is debatable. I made the mistake of thinking Claus and Lavie were brother and sister until episode twelve or thirteen, and this left me kind of skewed for a while when it came to the character subplots involving them. In any case, it’s the calm before the storm; that part, even as things clear and everyone finds their way, leads straight into the climax, and climax it is. I will give no spoilers, of course, but I want to say this: Many anime try to make you feel, at some point, that you are seeing something wonderful. Last Exile, when the time comes, makes you feel as if you are watching a miracle.

Last Exile rates that rarest of ratings, a full five out of five, for being simply the greatest masterpiece of animated storytelling I have ever seen, standing eye to eye with anything Miyazaki has ever done. And I do know what I just said.

Final Rating: 5/5

This review was brought to you by Z.N. Singer

Credits:
Info such as cast and airtime taken from ANN. All else is and always will be my origination.

Plot Summary:
In their closed-off underground village, Kamina and Simon chafe at the limits imposed by the village elder. Yet all this will change, when Simon stumbles across a fantastic device – just as the village’s peace is broken by a violent intrusion.

Company:
GAINAX

Cast:
Katsuyuki Konishi as Kamina
Marina Inoue as Yoko
Tetsuya Kakihara as Simon

Genre:
Adventure, Comedy, Science-Fiction, Drama, Mecha

Air Time:
Gurren-Lagann aired from April 01, 2007 – September 30, 2007

Episodes:
Gurren Lagann is a 27 episode long series. There are also two “bonus” episodes, the uncensored version of episode 6 and episode 5.5.

Review:
The creators of the legendary Evangelion return again with a new mecha anime, Gurren Lagann. Does it make the cut?

Simply put, Gurren Lagann’s art is unique. The anime is full of explosions, gunfire and lasers which are spectacularly rendered and drawn. Gurren Lagann has a very crisp look to it which is enhanced by awesome use of simple colours.The characters and mecha are drawn simply, but effectively. Combined with breathtaking backgrounds and animation make Gurren Lagann a different and refreshing visual experience.

The Gurren Lagann story is one of my favourites. The anime consists of several arcs which are seperated by time lapses. The use of arcs within a 27 episode series is a fairly ambitious idea and it works perfectly in Gurren Lagann. The story stays fresh and the action is always exciting.

The characters in Gurren Lagann are all equally unforgettable and you will grow fond of each and everyone of the massive cast. Specifically though, Kamina is made one of the most badass characters ever seen in an anime. The characters also age and subtly change their personalities as the anime progresses, making them seem more human.

The music in Gurren Lagann is also unique with several hip-hop and rock songs being used. The characters sound amazing, and they deliver some of the greatest lines in anime history (most of them being said by Katsuyuki Konishi.) The music, sound effects and dialogue work together perfectly and create heart-pounding action scenes.

Gurren Lagann is hilarious and all the while managing to produce some of the craziest retro-mecha action I’ve ever scene. At times I have finished an episode and found myself out of breath. Don’t start watching Gurren Lagann expecting “Evangelion 2″, because it’s far from it. Gurren Lagann delivers an oldschool Super Robot action experience in a modern format (GATTAI!) The story and characters are fantastic and each episode leaves you needing more. Once again Gainax have made a mecha masterpiece, completely different from Evangelion, but just as amazing.

This was probably my favourite anime of 2007 and I strongly advise this to anyone looking for something fresh and fun.

Final Rating: 5/5

This review was brought to you by Ondema!

Credits:

• Anime News Network (ANN)
  
• Wikipedia

Plot Summary:
In a world rife with deadly creatures called “Youma”, a young silver eyed woman, Clare, works on behalf of an organization that trains female youma half-breeds into warriors with the ability to destroy these creatures. Considered a rogue for picking up a stray child & almost losing herself to her youma side by “Awakening”, she is constantly assigned rather dangerous missions…

Company:
Madhouse Studios

Cast:
Houko Kuwashima as Clare
Motoki Takagi as Raki
Romi Paku as Teresa
Aya Hisakawa as Priscilla

Genre:
Fantasy, Adventure, Medieval

Air Time:
Claymore aired from April 03, 2007 – September 25, 2007

DVD Availability:
Avex Trax has released the first 15 episodes on DVD and is releasing them in DVD compilations of 3 episodes each along with Limited Edition packages as well. Claymore will be fully released on DVD on March 26, 2008.

Episodes:
Claymore is a 26 episode long series, with possibility for a sequel.

Review:
Graphically, Claymore is above average. Backgrounds are carefully painted and there’s no shortage of blood during gore scenes.

Each of the Claymores are all drawn uniquely with subtle features which set them apart despite them all carrying near identical traits. The creative design on the fodder Youma is fairly bland but the uniqueness of the Awakened Ones compensates for it.

Claymore provided a compelling story which was perhaps the main driving force of my continued watching. The first few episodes have such a perfect pace of story progression which was lost towards the end as they begin to try and stretch events.

Character development is fairly well done. Certain characters are addressed more or less than others. That said, they did everything right in the development of Teresa. The couple episodes which she stars in are some of my favourite.

The score in Claymore fits the mood well, the Ending Theme in particular is incredible. On the most part the music fits the mood well, it has ups and downs but is generally solid. The sounds of the fights are visceral and gritty, whether it be the clangs of swords, the spatter of blood or the rippling of muscles. Voice actors play their part well, and once again with Romi Paku’s voicing of Teresa being my favourite. Not much criticism here, basically Claymore sounds awesome.

Claymore like most anime began with a bang. Delivering both gory hack n’ slash and compelling story, much like Berserk, the first 12 or so episodes were phenomenal. As the series continued, however, it slowly went downhill. Fight scenes became less detailed and almost DBZ-esque with long monologues and power-up scenes and the story progression grinds to a halt. Don’t get me wrong though, Claymore does deliver, and unfortunately like most anime the first half of it is significantly better than the second.

On a final note, Claymore contains both good and bad aspects. If you’re a fan of crazy gore involving demons, petit blond-haired girls and big swords then Claymore in the anime for you, and you might even get a fairly epic story thrown in to boot. Ultimately Claymore does shine and gives fans of medieval adventure anime something to sink their teeth into while the wait futilely for the rest of the Berserk manga to be adapted into anime.

Final Rating: 4/5

This review was brought to you by Ondema!

Credits:

• Anime News Network (ANN)
• Wikipedia
• Avex Trax