It's been about 8 months without any updates from my hiatus. I'm going to have this blog back and running around mid-February! Keep a look out for new posts.
Otakukini is a Anime/Manga merchandise subscription box services that includes all sorts of stuff such as manga and DVDs. They've been around for quite some time, their first box came out around January of 2016 with the Villain Box. The one I'll be reviewing is the Champion version of the Fantasy box. Otakukini comes with 2 box sizes, the Champion box prices at $24.95 and the Ultimate Box prices at $35.00. Shipping currently costs $10 and they ship to the following places: United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. Everything in this subscription box service is licensed so you don't have to worry about bootlegs.
2IN1 Okami Chibiterasu Plush and Case
This is pretty much a wolf/okami plush that happens to double as a pencil pouch. Personally I don't see myself using it as a pencil pouch since it's large but it's a pretty nice plush to keep in my room. I might use it as a storage to keep small things.
Inuyasha Ear Headband These ear headband are pretty cute and they match the ears of Inuyasha himself. I don't really cosplay so I might not wear this but I'll keep just in case the time comes around.
XXXHolic Yuuko & Kimihiro Tumbler
I'm so happy this box came with a tumbler because I just had one that broke last week so I got a great replacement here. I haven't seen this anime before but I love the artwork on this. My favorite item so far.
Inuyasha 3D Mini Figure Keychain
I was also excited to see this because my keychain collection could use an additional keychain. This keychain is Inuyasha holding the Tetsusauga in his hand. The charm is about 2 inches so it's not that huge. Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles Magnet Collection
This is a great collectors item for anyone who loves Tsubasa, this is the Reservoir Chronicles Magnet Collection. If you are looking for any magnets to change up your refrigerator, these are the magnets for you.
Overall, everything in this box was cool and awesome, I knew about two anime/manga series in this box which is okay. This is a great box for anyone who loves anything anime/manga related and it works great as a present as well. You get an amazing amount of stuff for your money and not any cheap or filler stuff. A new thing that they are going is including exclusive items that is only found in the champion boxes so that people would have something different from the ultimate box. Make sure to check their Facebook or Twitter for updates on future box themes. Check out the Otakukini box on Otakukini's website.
The Winter 2017 anime season is now ending, with plenty of series having now aired their final episodes in the past week. As we get into April, the Spring 2017 season’s upcoming series are about to take over. We start our look at Spring 2017 with the new and returning titles that the upcoming season will bring. This simulcast season is full of spin-offs as well as several returning titles such as Attack on Titan and Danmachi.
Attack on Titan Season 2
After four long years, we are finally going to see the second season of Attack on Titan. Eren Jaeger swore to wipe out every last Titan, but in a battle for his life he wound up becoming the thing he hates most. With his new powers, he fights for humanity's freedom facing the monsters that threaten his home. After a bittersweet victory against the Female Titan, Eren finds no time to rest—a horde of Titans is approaching Wall Rose and the battle for humanity continues! Air date: April 1, 2017
Danmachi: Sword Oratoria
Just like Danmachi, Danmachi: Sword Oratoria is a light novel that is a spin off, this one focuses on Aiz Wallenstein and her point of view. Today, once again, the strongest female swordsman heads to the giant labyrinth known as the "Dungeon" along with her allies. On the 50th floor where mysteries and threats such as a decayed dragon's corpse that crumbles to ash and an irregularity that creeps ever closer to the party loom, Aiz calls for the wind and heads deeper into the darkness of the Dungeon. Eventually, she finds herself meeting a boy for the first time. Air date: April 15, 2017
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Of course Studio Pierrot will never let go of the Naruto franchise and has a golden opportunity to continue it with Boruto! Naruto was a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief. He achieved his dream to become the greatest ninja in the village and his face sits atop the Hokage monument. But this is not his story... A new generation of ninja are ready to take the stage, led by Naruto's own son, Boruto! Air date: April 5, 2017
Alice & Zouroku
I decided to watch this series because, one, it's from J.C. Staff which is one of my favorite studios, and two, it looks like it's will be a sweet series just like Sweetness and Lightning or Barakamon. Of course this show is more fantasy and supernatural. The fantasy story begins with a group of young girls who hold a power named "Alice's Dream," which allows them to make their imaginations come true. These girls have been locked up and treated as research subjects. Sana, one of these girls whose specific power includes the ability ignore the laws of physics and physically manifest anything she can imagine, has escaped. Afterwards, she meets an old man named Zouroku, who dislikes disruptions in his everyday life. Air Date: April 2, 2017
Re:CREATORS
This new anime is from Black Lagoon creator, Rei Hiroe, and animated by Studio Troyca. Humans have created many stories. Joy, sadness, anger, deep emotion. Stories shake our emotions, and fascinate us. However, these are only the thoughts of bystanders. But what if the characters in the story have "intentions"? To them, are we god-like existences for bringing their story into the world? Our world is changed. Mete out punishment upon the realm of the gods. In Re:CREATORS, everyone becomes a Creator. Air date: April 8, 2017
Tsuki ga Kirei
It's been a while since I've watched a romance anime, probably since Snow White with the Red Hair 2, so I decided to pick up this title. The series focuses on characters Akane Mizuno and Kotarou Azumi, two third-year middle school students who become classmates for the first time. The series will depict each characters' growth and connection to the people around them, such as classmates, club-mates, teachers, and parents. The anime will also center on the youthful adolescent romance of the characters, who are hounded by change and uncertainty as the seasons inevitably pass. Air Date: April 7, 2017
SAKURA QUEST
The anime I'm most excited for is SAKURA QUEST. I love any anime from P.A.Works and if you enjoyed Shirobako, you'll enjoy this. The story centers on five girls who work in the tourism bureau of their small provincial town. The town revives its "micro-nation" tourism program, which originated from a nationwide movement during Japan's bubble economy period, and hires the five girls as "monarchs" (tourism ambassadors). The anime will depict one year in their jobs in the tourism industry, and show how they change and grow. Air Date: April 5, 2017
I hope you found my wishlist interesting and you can check for more anime coming up this simulcast season by going to Anichart.
So, we are continuing off from where I left off in part one, looking at my favorite anime of 2016 from the Summer and Fall simulcast season. Most of the anime I've watched either were a second season or a spin-off.
Summer 2016
Sweetness and Lightning
So this is one of the most heartwarming anime of the year, if you liked Barakamon, you will love this. Kohei Inuzuka is a teacher who has been raising his daughter, Tsumugi, by himself following the death of his wife. Having mostly bought ready-made meals for his daughter since, Inuzuka's encounter with one of his students, Kotori, leads him to take up cooking in order to provide proper meals for Tsumugi. The reason for the comparison is because of Tsumugi and Naru, their personality is very spunky and bright. They also look very similar, only difference is that Tsumugi has overflowing hair.
Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance
This is the continuation of the first season of The Heroic Legend of Arslan, sadly this season was only 8 episodes compared to 25 because of the Seven Deadly Sin 4 episode special later that Summer. This season was more focused on Arslan's adventures in the port city of Gilan after King Andragoras, his father, commanded Arslan to leave Peshawar without his allies, and not return until he has gathered an army of fifty thousand soldiers, which was pretty much exile. Of course, his closest teammates stayed by him. Too bad the season ended before a major battle, I think if they had at least a full 12 episode season it would've been better. Hopefully a 3rd season is coming soon.
Amanchu!
This is one of my favorite slice of life shows I have seen, it's very relaxing(seeing that it takes place in an ocean coast town). Futaba Ooki, a shy girl who just moved in from the city to the oceanside town of Shizuoka, meets Hikari Kohinata, an erratic girl who loves scuba diving. Together, they join their school's Diving Club and discover the joys of underwater exploration. The highlights of this show are the facial expressions, they are so cute, especially the cat looking animal. I've seen some people mention yuri which to be honest I don't see because girls in general can be this close without it being yuri, I mean Hikari is Futaba's only closest friend so of course she's going to be close to her. Also what I love is the opening, it really summarizes what the show is all about, and it's soothing to listen to.
Handa-Kun
This show gave me a good laugh throughout the whole series. Hated by everyone around him, Seishu Handa goes about his high school life regarded as an outcast—or at least that's what he believes. In reality, Sei is the most popular student on campus, revered by all for his incomparable calligraphy skills, good looks, and cool personality. However, due an endless series of misunderstandings, Handa perceives the worship he receives from his legions of fans as bullying, leading the school's idol to shut himself off from the rest of his classmates.
But distancing himself from his peers doesn't deter them from adoring him; in fact, his attempts at drawing attention away from himself often end up unintentionally converting even the most skeptical of students into believers and fans. This show is a spin-off series of Barakamon, in Barakamon, Handa is a pro calligrapher, despite his young age. When the elderly curator of an exhibition criticizes his calligraphy for being too unoriginal, Handa gets angry and punches him. Because of this, his father sends him off for a retreat on Goto Island There, he meets the colorful villagers, interacts with them, and begins to find his own style.
Shokugeki no Soma: The Second Plate
Shokugeki no Soma was the hotest thing back in the Spring and Summer simulcast 2015. This is the second season of this cooking anime. Shokugeki no Soma is about Soma Yukihira, whose dream is to become a full-time chef in his father's neighborhood restaurant and surpass his father's culinary skills. But just as Sōma graduates from middle school, his father, Jōichirō Yukihira, gets a new job that requires him to travel around the world and closes his shop. His father sends Soma to an elite culinary school where only 1% of the students manage to graduate, where he meets many amazing students and experiences new events that allow him to grow further towards his cooking goal.
In this season, it continues where the last season left off in the autumn elections. The Election is used to determine the current class standing of a Generation through a tournament styled event. I'm not going to spoil the winner for anyone who hasn't watched the season yet.
Other anime I watched in Summer 2016:
Nanatsu no Taizai: Seisen no Shirushi
Orange
QUALIDEA CODE
TABOO TATTOO
Fall 2016
Izetta: The Last Witch
Set on the eve of the Second World War, the story follows Izetta, the last surviving member of a clan of witches that possesses the ability to magically manipulate any object that they touch. Izetta pledges to help protect Princess Finé and the tiny Alpine country of Eylstadt from invasion by the imperialistic forces of Germania. What I love about this series is the setting and storyline. All the character development was great as well, this show was almost like a historic drama. One anime that is somewhat similar to this is Maria the Virgin Witch since it's in a similar time period, I believe World War I but there's more witches in it.
Sound Euphonium 2
What I love about this season is the dialog, there's more heart to heart discussion between the characters and we get to learn a lot about their background stories that we didn't know about in the first season. Following their success in the qualifying round for the Kansai regional competition, the members of the Kitauji High School concert band set their sights on the next upcoming performance. Kumiko Oumae and her friends remain determined to attain gold at the Kansai competition, but trouble arises when a student who once quit the band shows interest in rejoining and sparks unpleasant memories for the second-year members. Someone mentioned yuri between the main characters, which in my opinion it's just fan service because for one, we all know that Reina has a serious crush on the music instructor, Taki-sensei.
Lostorage incited WIXOSS
This is a new series from the WIXOSS storyline. This series follows a girl named Suzuko Homura who, along with her LRIG Riru, finds herself in a new Selector battle in which her memories are placed on the line. I think anyone who's new to the series can watch this and understand it well without having to watch the first two season which focuses on a different group of main characters. The difference between Selector and Lostorage is that in Selector, if you lose, you get the opposite of your dream and if you win, you become a LRIG. In Lostorage, if you let the coin time limit run out, you lose your memories and if you win, you get to recover a memory you either want to keep or remember again. Another season called Lostorage conflated WIXOSS has been announced and will air sometime in 2017.
As we get into the new simulcasts of 2017 where there's lots of excitement with the new season of Blue Exorcist and the announcement of Attack on Titan 2, let's look back at 2016 where there was a wide variety. Here are my top anime that I have watched throughout last year.
Winter 2016
ERASED
Those who have watched this know that this is one of the best anime of the year. It's about this 29 year old named Satoru who is a struggling manga artist but has a unique supernatural ability of being forced to prevent deaths and catastrophes by being sent back in time before the incident occurred, repeating time until the accident is prevented. The way this anime was directed was amazing, it was like I was watching a mystery/thriller film. This could easily be a top film and that's the dynamic of this anime. I don't really want to spoil much since this is an anime full of suspense so I'm going to leave it at that.
Haruta & Chika
If you've watched Hyouka and Sound Euphonium, it's basically a great mixture of the two. Haruta and Chika are members of their high school wind instrument club that is on the verge of being shutdown because there are only four members. The two are childhood friends that got split up, but reunited nine years later and they spend their days studying and also trying to recruit new members. When a mysterious event occurs within their school, they band together in order to solve the mystery. It's a great anime because you get to see the relationship between two childhood friends as well as the backstory of the members they try to recruit and their relationship to club when they attended previously.
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
As opposed to being in a virtual reality like in SAO or Log Horizon, this is set in a fantasy world where they physically live in. The story follows a group of people who suddenly find themselves in a fantasy world with no memories from before their arrival, and chronicles their struggles to survive and make a life for themselves. I want to tell you that A-1 pictures did a beautiful job animating this series, the background was done in watercolors so it give off this simple look to the anime. Although there's a few battle scenes in the anime, I think the main focus is the teamwork and relationships in this group that didn't know each other until they woke up in this world.
Snow White with the Red Hair 2
This is my favorite romance anime of 2016 and in a while. The last romance anime I enjoyed was Blue Spring Ride and My Love Story. I don't want to spoil much from the first season, Shirayuki is a normal herbalist citizen in the kingdom of Tanbarun with one rare unique feature: her beautiful red hair. However, her hair gets her noticed by Prince Raj, who orders her to become his concubine. Refusing his orders, she cuts her hair and leaves it behind as part of what he wanted and escapes to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. On her way there, she meets and befriends Prince Zen the Clarines and his two aides Mitsuhide and Kiki, becomes a court herbalist. That's the basis of the first season. What I love about the second season is more the development in relationships between all the characters and how some mature overtime.
Other anime I watched in Winter 2016:
GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri 2
Musaigen no Phantom World
Luck & Logic
Spring 2016
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
So this Anime is an Amazon exclusive and can only be watched with Amazon Prime (I have Prime Student so lucky me) so anyone watching this outside of Amazon are watching on pirated Anime sites D: I know Crunchyroll got rights to a home release soon so please watch it then and don't support pirated sites. I know a lot of people compared this to Attack on Titan but the only thing similar is the apocalyptic settings, personally I think the characters in this anime are more better personality wise. Plus it's from the same studio so I think the reason for WIT Studio putting out anime like this and Seraph of the End, which I enjoyed more, is because of the delay of Attack on Titan 2. This anime was animated beautifully, the art design is somewhat similar to old school anime series.
A mysterious virus appears during the industrial revolution that transforms infected humans into Kabane and rapidly spreads. Kabane are aggressive, undead creatures that cannot be defeated unless the glowing heart, which is protected by a layer of iron, is pierced. One day, a hayajiro hijacked by the Kabane crashes into Aragane Station and they overrun the city. A young engineer called Ikoma uses the opportunity to test with success his anti-Kabane weapon, the "piercing gun", but is infected in the process, although he manages to resist the virus and become a Kabaneri, a human-Kabane hybrid.
The animation is beautiful, it has
Kuromukuro
As you guys may know, I'm a big P.A.Works fan. I love all the anime they made, it's animated beautifully with great story line. Kuromukuro was produced to celebrate P.A. Works' 15th anniversary and what a great way to do so. I'm not the biggest fan of mecha anime but I've watched shows like Comet Lucifer or Heavy Object that really enjoyed.
During the construction of the Kurobe Dam, an ancient artifact was discovered, and so the United Nations Kurobe Research Institute was established. Intellectuals from all over the world gathered to study the object, and the children of those researchers attend Mt. Tate International Senior High School, including the institute head's daughter, Yukina Shirahane. In the summer of 2016, a lone samurai once again awakens. Kennosuke, the lone samurai, mistaken Yukina as the princess he was protecting back in the Sengoku era.
This was my favorite anime of the year, there was great character development, action scenes, etc. I recommend everyone to watch this.
Mayoiga (The Lost Village)
This Anime was one of the more interesting one since it's about the human physiology. A group of 30 young men and women go on a bus tour to Nanaki Village, a shadowy village with an urban legend of being a utopia. Many seek either to start a new life or escape the troubles of their old one. Upon arrival, they discover the village has no inhabitants, with small signs of life that are slowly deteriorating. The truth of Nanaki Village has yet to be discovered.
All of them have some sort of deep issues physiological issues that they want to get away from but in Nanaki Village, they have to face them. I'll leave it at that since I don't want to spoil it since it's an important part of the anime.
Magi: Adventure of Sinbad
The spin-off/prequel manga titled Adventure of Sinbad follows the origins of Sinbad, years before he becomes the King of Sindria. Sinbad conquers Baal and gains the allegiance of the Djinn residing there, thus becoming the first ever Dungeon Capturer. Sinbad returns home in time to have one last encounter with his mother at her deathbed and leaves Parthevia to start his own journey to change the world.
I love the Magi series and so I was excited to see this spin off. This was a fun series to watch as we get to see Sinbad meet new friends that are seen in the main Magi series.
