I just watched a franchise known as Future GPX Cyber Formula so I will now review it. Future GPX Cyber Formula is one of the few anime that does not have a manga. There is the original series, a 37-episode 1991 and then a few OVA series all from Sunrise. The OVAs are Future GPX Cyber Formula 11 (6 episodes, 1992), Future GPX Cyber Formula ZERO (8 episodes, 1994), Future GPX Cyber Formula Early Days Renewal (2 episodes, 1996), Future GPX Cyber Formula SAGA (8 episodes, 1996), and finally Future GPX Cyber Formula SIN (5 epiosdes 1998). I recommend watching the original anime series first and then the OVAs in the order I listed them. Future GPX Cyber Formula is a auto-racing, sci-fi, drama anime and while not tagged as one, there is a little romance in it as well. It is pretty similar to Speed Racer. Future GPX Cyber Formula was a pretty good anime and I think it deserves more attention.
Summary
Fourteen year old Hayato Kazami is the youngest driver of the Cyber Formula, a Grand Prix in which each vehicle is equipped with computers to aid in racing. With the help of Asurada, the most advanced cybernavigation system, and team Sugo, Hayato races to become the winner of the 10th Cyber Formula Grand Prix. Along the way, Hayato will have to learn what it truly means to be a racer and that victory cannot be achieved simply by driving the best machine. In addition, Kazami will have to gain the respect of the veteran racers, thwart those who attempt to steal Asurada, and participate in races outside of Cyber Formula. In the future OVA we see Hayato and his team grow and take on new challenges that come their way as well as develop the relationship with his childhood friend who is 2 years older than him, Asuka Sugo, the teams communications staff.
My Thoughts
Future GPX Cyber Formula was a pretty good anime in my opinion. While I'm not a racing fan I did enjoy this anime. Considering this anime came out in the 1990s the art and animation is pretty decent. It's a good classic that I think most people will enjoy especially those who like auto-racing shows. There is a great diversity of Characters in Future GPX Cyber Formula and I think we can all find at least one to relate to. What I really like about Future GPX Cyber Formula is that there are a few subplots to add to the main plot to add excitement. While not labeled as one, there is romance in Future GPX Cyber Formula, mainly between Hayato and Asuka. Feel free to ship them too! Overall, Future GPX Cyber Formula is a underrated classic anime that deserves more attention.
My Conclusion
I would give Future GPX Cyber Formula 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. It is an exciting and enjoyable old school series. Future GPX Cyber Formula is an pretty good underrated classic anime that deserves more attention and I think every racing fan should watch.
I recently watched Kamichu! also known as Kami-chu!: Kamisama wa Chuugakusei or The Goddess is a Middle School Student in English. As you may recall I did reviews on Telepathy Shoujo Ran, Inari Konkon, and Kannagi and I mentioned in each of them that I would watch and review Kamichu. Kamichu actually started as 16 episode 2005 anime series by Brian's Base and a 2-volume 2005 manga was written by Haruharu Naruko. I need to point out that the first 12 episodes are TV and the last 4 episodes are DVD specials only and I recommend watching the specials after the first 12 episodes. Kamichu is a supernatural, fantasy, slice of life, drama, romance anime. I think Kamichu is a underrated anime and I loved it. It's a pretty cute anime and everyone will probably find at least one character they will love.
Summary
Yurie Hitotsubashi was an average middle school student living in the city of Onomichi on Japan's inland sea in the 1980s. She spent her days worrying about exams and trying to get Kenji Ninomiya, the clueless boy she likes, to notice her. Then one day during lunch she suddenly announces to her friend Mitsue that the night befire she had become a goddess. Their classmate Matsuri quickly laches on to Yurie's newfound divinity as a way to promote her family's bankrupt Shino shrine. She hopes that replacing their hapless local god, Yashima-sama, with Yurie will make the shrine more popular (and profitable). Now, with Matsuri as her manager, Yurie has to grant wishes, cure curses, meet aliens, and attend god conventions. All while attending school and working-up the courage to confess to Kenji.
My Thoughts
I loved Kamichu and it is a pretty underrated anime that I think should get more attention. Kamichu gives you the slice-of-life genre and character situations that most of us can relate to. The art and animation is incredible and is more realistic much like many Studio Ghibli films. All the characters are fantastic and lovable in their own way and I guarantee everyone will find at least one character they will love. Our main character Yurie is shy, klutzy, adorable, and lovable and a character that most of us will love. Vying for Kenji's attention also adds excitement to the plot. Overall, Kamichu is a cute innocent anime that is enjoyable with great characters and a heartwarming charming theme. Also feel free to ship Kenji and Yurie! (So many guys named Kenji in anime are always getting these cute girls) (I wish there were more romances with a shy boy though!)
My Conclusion
I would give Kamichu! 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. Kamichu! is a adorable, heartwarming anime with characters that everyone will love. I recommend Kamichu! for anyone who enjoys slice of life, drama, supernatural, or god-themed anime with with some romance added to it.
I mentioned in My Review of To Heart 2 that I would watch Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi. Well, I just watched Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi or A Bridge to the Starry Skies in English, so of course I am going to review it! Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi started as a visual novel developed by Feng. Then Feng wrote a 2-volume 2011 manga on it. It then became a 12-episode 2011 anime series by Doga Kobo. Additionally there is a 26-minute OVA also by Doga Kobo. Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi is a romance harem anime. Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi has mixed reviews which is expected of a harem anime but I kind of did like it and the ending is what made it good for me. I will be talking about the ending so...
Summary
Kazuma Hoshino is preparing himself for a new life as a teenager. Because of his brother Ayumu's weaker than average health, their parents thought it best for the family to move out from the city to a more rural environment. Now the brothers set off to Yorozuyo Inn where they'll be staying until their parents can settle affairs back in the city and set up their new home. Their arrival does not go as planned when they get on the wrong bus, wind up in the middle of nowhere, Ayumu gets his hat stolen by a wild monkey, and Kazuma gets lost in the woods trying to track the animal down. It all leads to a chance encountered with a spirited young girl named Ui, who Kazuma ends up accidentally falling onto and kissing while she tries leading him back to the bus stop. This hardly sits well with Ui's friend Ibuki who kicks Kazuma and sends him on his way. Much to Kazuma's continued horror, his bad luck is perpetuated at the inn thanks to its landlady Senka and her slightly perverted sense of humor, and then finding out that two of his classmates are Ui and Ibuki! Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi finds Kazuma adapting to his new school, dealing with the multiple women who have entered his life, providing emotional support for his younger bother, and coping with living with his new landlady. However, for some reason, something about this place is bring whispers of the past into Kazuma's mind. Small flashes back to a more innocent time and a friendship long forgotten. What could this deja vu mean?
My Thoughts
There's mixed opinions about Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi but I honestly liked it. While there are some "mature" scenes in the anime, it wasn't enough to really ruin it for me. I've said it before, most harem anime are either hit or miss but this one managed somewhat nail it. The artwork and characters are pretty good. I mentioned Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi in My Endings Rant and while I would've preferred for Kazuma to end up with his childhood friend, Madoka, we all learned in Golden Time that childhood friends don't always end up together and you may meet new people you like. Anyway still think Ui is a pretty good match for Kazuma them confessing their love for each other in the last episode and the last scene with them kissing under the stars sealed the deal of which girl Kazuma will end up with.
My Conclusion
I would give Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. It was good romance harem anime and I recommend it for anyone else who is into the romance or harem genre. Two more similar harem romance anime I plan to watch and review in the future are Da Capo and Gift: Eternal Rainbow. I also plan on watching and reviewing Lamune, a similar romance anime that is not well known.
I recently watched Mizuiro Jidai or Aqua Age, Blue Green Years in English so as you probably have guessed, I am going to do a review on it. Mizuiro Jidai started as a 7-volume 1991 manga written by Yuu Yabuuchi. Manga artist Yuu Yabuuchi is known for writing manga about the growth of pre-teens and the early romances between them. She is also known for writing Naisho no Tsubomi (Tsubomi's Secret). Anyway, Mizuiro Jidai then became a 47-episode 1996 anime series released by Studio Comet. Mizuiro Jidai is a drama slice of life romance anime. Mizuiro Jidai is an underrated classic anime that I think should get more attention. It is a heartwarming coming-of-age anime.
Summary
Yuuko is a shy middle school girl who has feelings for her childhood friend, the boy next door. When she finds out that her best friend also likes him, she is unsure what to do. The story explores the relationships between three characters as they confront everyday junior high problems.
My Thoughts
Mizuiro Jidai is a underrated classic with a coming-of-age theme. We follow Yuuko Kawai as she faces challenges of growing up as well as her relationships with her friends and childhood friend/love interest, Hiroshi Naganumo. Mizuiro Jidai is a touching classic that gave me flashbacks of being a teenager. I will mention episode 39 is a summary and some of the other episodes are flashbacks. Mizuiro Jidai has a good amount of romance in it that is relate-able to Cardcaptor Sakura in which it is cute, young, and innocent. Childhood friends Yuuko and Hiroshi sort out their feelings for one another and support each other throughout the series. In my 2017 Valentines Day Post I listed Yuuko and Hiroshi as an underrated couple that deserve more attention so feel free to ship them!
My Conclusion
I would give Mizuiro Jidai 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. Mizuiro Jidai is an underrated classic coming-of-age romance anime. It is a heartwarming story about the difficulties faced during teenage years and how to overcome them as well as developing romances between teenagers.
I finally watched Tsuki ga Kirei (Tsukigakirei) also known as As Moon is Beautiful or The Moon, So Beautiful in English. Unlike most anime, Tsuki ga Kirei does not have a manga or visual novel and is just a 12-episode 2017 anime series released by Studio Feel. Tsuki ga Kirei was well recieved and become a popular school romance anime. I agree with that and I also loved Tsuki ga Kirei as it gave you the animation and the emotions it brings.
Summary
With the new school year comes a new crowd of classmates, and for their final years of junior high, aspiring writer Kotarou Azumi and track team member Akane Mizuno end up in the same class. Though initially complete strangers, a few chance encounters stir an innocent desire within their hearts. A yearning gaze, fluttering heart-the hallmarks of young love slip into their lives as fate brings their paths to a cross. However, though love is patient and kind, Kotarou and Akane discover it is not always easy. Despite the comfort they find in each other's company, heartache and anxiety come hand in hand with pursuing the feelings in their hearts. With the uncertainty of how the other truly feels as well as the competing affections of those around them, the road ahead is unclear. Even so, under the shining light of a beautiful full moon, Kotarou gathers his courage to ask Akane a single question, one that forever changes their quiet relationship.
My Thoughts
Tsuki ga Kirei was a great school romance anime. While it seems like typical school romance at first it becomes more unique as you watch. Because this anime came out recently in 2017 the visuals and animation are fantastic. Tsuki ga Kirei takes you through the stages of falling in love from when Kotarou and Akane meet, to becoming friends, and eventually becoming a couple. You also get a feel for the struggles the characters are having with their love life, school life, and making decisions about their life. However, if you want something bad enough you will stop at nothing to help you achieve that goal which is shown strongly in Tsuki ga Kirei. Tsuki ga Kirei is a very enjoyable show that has many feelings and emotions in it. Overall, the theme is that love can triumph and succeed no matter what obstacles stand in your way.
My Conclusion
I would give Tsuki ga Kirei 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. I loved Tsuki Ga Kirei for its range of emotions and artistic work. To me this anime is like a piece of art. I strongly recommend Tsuki ga Kirei for anyone who likes romance anime.
As you may have read I did reviews on Saint Tail and Full Moon wo Sagashite and mentioned in both that I would watch and review Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne. Well now I finished watching Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne, or Phantom Thief Jeanne in English, I will now review it. Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne started as a 7-volume 1998 manga written by Arina Tanemura and then adapted into a 44-episode 1999 anime series by Toei Animation. If Arina Tanemura sounds familiar she also wrote the manga Full Moon wo Sagashite and several other works such as Time Stranger Kyoko, The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross, Mistress Fortune, and Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura. Time Stranger Kyoko did have a 11-minute OVA but only Full Moon wo Sagashite and Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne had their own anime TV series which is quite a shame as I along with other people would love to see more of her manga get made into anime. Now back to the actual anime, Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne is a magical girl, fantasy, mystery, romance anime that has a Kaitou/Phantom Thief theme similar to Saint Tail. If you liked Saint Tail then I guarantee you will also like Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne. I liked Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne and it is a good anime that every magical girl and Phantom Thief lover should watch.
Summary
Maron Kusakabe looks like a normal 16-year-old on the outside but is actually the reincarnation of Jeanne d'Arc. With the help of the angel, Fin Fish, Maron works as the thief Jeanne at night to seal the demons that reside in pieces of artwork, preying upon the weak hearts of owners. She is branded as a thief due to the fact that the artworks disappear after she seals the demons. One Day, a new neighbor and classmate appears, as well as a rival in her night job, the thief Sinbad. With her own best friend being the detective's daughter, out to capture her and the appearance of her new rival, Maron's work is anything but easy.
My Thoughts
Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne is a good anime some things are better than others. Considering this anime came out in 1999 the art is absolutely fantastic. Now the story and characters are also great as well. The manga runs longer and has more detail and goes into further depth. Each character is quite unique with their own backstories which are revealed further in the manga. I will probably read the manga since there is more detail to it. Overall, Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne is a must watch for anyone who likes magical girl anime.
My Conclusion
I would give Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. I strongly recommend anyone who likes magical girl anime or Saint Tail to watch Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne. I wish more of Arina Tanemura's manga should be made into anime. In the future I will watch Wedding Peach, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Mermaid Melody which are similar magical girl anime.
As you know I did a review on Kirarin Revolution about 5 months ago and mentioned I would watch Full Moon wo Sagashite. Well I finished watching Full Moon wo Sagashite also known as Searching for the Full Moon in English so I am going to review it. First Full Moon wo Sagashite started as a 7-volume 2002 manga written by Arina Tanemura. If she sounds familiar she also wrote Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne (Phantom Thief Jeanne) and many other manga. I think more of her manga should become anime. Anyway it was adapted into a 52-episode 2002 anime series by Studio Deen. Full Moon wo Sagashite is a music romantic comedy supernatural drama anime. Full Moon wo Sagashite is known for initially looking cute and innocent at first but is in fact one of the most emotional saddest music anime and one of the saddest anime ever. Now that being said, I loved Full Moon wo Sagashite and it exceeded my expectations. It's a great anime with pursuing your dreams/ambitions. Oh yeah, I will talk about the ending but I will try not to spoil it too much but just in case...
Summary
Two years ago Mitsuki Koyama's older friend, Eichi Sakurai, moved to America before she could confess her feelings to him. Though she cannot contact him, they made a promise to fulfill their respective dreams: Mitsuki wants to become a professional singer, adn Eichi an astronomer. She hopes that one day her music will reach him across the world with a brilliance like that of the full moon. There is just one catch: Mitsuki suffers from throat cancer, which makes her voice quiet and singing strenuous. Her grandmother, who has a hatred of music, insists that Mitsuki undergo surgery to remove the cancer, but she refuses due to the risk of losing her voice. One day, two shinigami-Meroko Yui and Takuto Kira-appear to tell her that she only has one year left to live. This sudden revelation spurs Mitsuki into action, and she decides that with Meroko and Takuto's help, she will become a professional singer in the time she has left. Full Moon wo Sagashite is the emotional story of Mitsuki and her shinigami friends as they discover what it means to sing-and ultimately, what it means to live.
My Thoughts
Before I explain my thoughts I should point out that there are several differences between the manga and anime and the anime was changed at little bit to make it more "family-friendly", nevertheless it is an emotional story. Full Moon wo Sagashite was a fantastic series that combined supernatural, romance, and music together into one hell of an emotional ride that exceeded my expectations. The emotional level is probably comparable to that of Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noburo Sora (Which I reviewed previously), Kobato, and Your Lie in April. The last 13 episodes in the anime will pretty much put bullets through your heart. While sad it also gives you hope as well. The Japanese pop band Changin' My Life provides most the songs used and their lead singer Myco was the voice actress for Mitsuki Koyama in the anime and the music is just amazing. It really brings out the emotions and makes can make you really sad at times but gives you hope and optimism as well.
Shinigami are known as "death spirits" and usually they are seen as bad but Full Moon portrays them as being good and Takuto and Meroko both help Mitsuki out. Full Moon wo Sagashite covers the concepts of pursuing your dreams and never giving up. Mitsuki also comes to terms with her romantic feelings as well. Full Moon wo Sagashite is a sad emotional anime but has a happy/bittersweet ending. In fact the ending to Full Moon was pretty much the cherry on top. It seemed like the type of ending where you have to decide things for yourself, whether you think it was happy or not but does make you hopeful regardless. The quote at the end was "I'm going to keep shining, just like the moon.. I'll light the way." It was pretty much filled with emotions but also gave me hope as well, just like the anime, and was a great finale to a fantastic story. I even had to watch the ending again to just take it all in. The only cons to this anime is that there are a quite a few questions that are left unanswered and there are a few filler episodes at the beginning but overall they didn't ruin the anime for me. Also, what's sad is that Takuto and Meroko's voice actors, Yakkun Sakurazuka and Chieko Honda are both dead. In the anime Takuto dies from a motorcycle accident in his human life and Yakkun Sakurazuka died in a traffic accident.
My Conclusion
I would give Full Moon wo Sagashite 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. This anime was a masterpiece filled with emotions. I would recommend Full Moon wo Sagashite for anyone who likes music or romance anime, or is looking for a sad emotional journey with a happy ending. Next I will watch and proably review another one of Arina Tanemura's works, a magical girl series called Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne (Phantom Thief Jeanne). Later I will be reviewing a similar magical girl series, Mermaid Melody. Yes I know both like Sailor Moon but there are differences between them.
