Maison Ikkoku Review

I finished watching Maison Ikkoku so I will now be reviewing it! Maison Ikkoku began as a 1980 15-volume manga written by Rumiko Takahashi. If she sounds familiar it's because she also wrote the mangas for Urusei Yatsura (Those Obnoxious Aliens), Mermaid Saga (Mermaid Forest), Ranma 1/2,  Inuyasha, and Rin-ne. She's overall a great manga writer. Anyway it then became a 96-episode 1986 anime series by Studio Deen. Additionally, there is are three OVA's: Through Passing Seasons 1988, 90 minutes), Shipwrecked on Ikkoku Island (1991, 23 minutes), and Prelude: When the Cherry Blossoms Return in the Spring (1992, 27 minutes). There is also a 66 minute 1988 film called Maison Ikkoku: The Final Chapter as well as three live action films: Apartment Fantasy (1986, 97 minutes), and two more from 2007 and 2008. Maison Ikkoku is a slice of life, drama, romantic comedy anime. It was very successful and well received and for the most part I agree with that. Maison Ikkoku was a very good classic romantic comedy anime that was rather enjoyable and interesting.

Summary
In the town of Clock Hill, there is an old boarding house called Maison Ikkoku. While the residence is fairly normal, most of its occupants are not. Yusaku Godai, 20 years old, has finally reached his limit with his neighbors' constant disruptions and boisterous partying. Wanting a calmer place to call home so that he can study in peace, he prepares to move away.
However, his plans to leave are suddenly interrupted when he meets the new boarding house manager, 22 year old Kyoko Otanashi. Falling madly in love with her, he decides that the boarding house may not be such a bad place to live after all. Unfortunately for him, Kyoko has her own romantic troubles: she is a widow whose husband died six months into their marriage. And despite her feelings for Godai, Kyoko still cherishes her dearly departed husband, and she believes that no other man could possibly fill the void in her heart. But with Godai's persistence and some help of the other eccentric tenants, she may experience true love once again.

My Thoughts
Maison Ikkoku was successful as both a manga and anime and I liked it very much as well. The series mainly revolves around Godai as he tries to do his best, whether it is school, getting into college, getting a job, or vying for his love interest, Kyoko. At times you have to feel sorry for the guy but feel great when he achieves what he sets out. Koyko a slightly older girl, is still thinking about her deceased husband but at the same time cares deeply for Godai and the other residence and even sticks up for him and helps him out. The other characters are interesting as well, something I'd expect by Rumiko Takahashi. While they can get annoying and become unlikable at times, they do add some excitement to the plot. Of course with every love story we get love rivals as well Shun Mitaka, a handsome tennis instructor, Kozue Nanao, a sweet innocent young girl attracted to Godai, and Ibuki Yagami, a high school student who falls in love with Godai when he becomes a student teacher. I also enjoyed the fact that the guy was kind of the underdog when it came to romance, which is why I feel great whenever he succeeds. Maison Ikkoku is very enjoyable and the last 8 episodes is where things get very interesting but the ending is very satisfying. Oh yeah and Kyoko's dog, Souichirou, who she named after her dead husband, does remind me of my dog.

My Conclusion
I would give Maison Ikkoku 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. Maison Ikkoku is a very good classic 1980s anime. I would reccomend it for anyone who likes classic, romantic comedy, or slice of life anime. While there are good new anime coming out, there's something about the classics that make them very enjoyable. Next I plan on watching and reviewing another 1980s similar anime with similar artwork known as Kimagure Orange Road. Like Maison Ikkoku, Kimagure Orange Road is also a romantic comedy but carries some supernatural theme. Stay tuned because if you liked Maison Ikkoku you'll probably like Kimagure Orange Road as well.

Sousei no Onmyouji (Twin Star Exorcists) Review

As you know I did reviews on Kekkaishi and Ao no Exorcist and I mentioned in both that I would watch Twin Star Exorcists. Well, I finally finished watching Sousei no Onmyouji aka. Twin Star Exorcists in English, so I will now review it! Twin Star Exorcists started as a 16-volume 2013 manga written by Yoshiaki Sukeno. Then it became a 50-episode 2016 anime series by Studio Pierrot. Additionally, there is a game too. I loved Twin Star Exorcists and to me it was a fantastic anime that combined action, supernatural, romance, and fantasy in one. Twin Star Exorcists did a good job of combing action, romance, and comedy which is another reason why I loved this anime.

Summary
Magano, a parallel realm filled with monsters known as "Kegare," is a place where exorcists deal with all impurities. Benio Adashino is a prodigy exorcist who is recognized for her strength and is summoned to Tokyo by the Exorcist Union. On her way, she plummets into the arms of Rokuro Enmadou, a young exorcist with a troubled past.
When these two exorcists witness a couple of children stolen by a Kegare, Benio rushes to save them, dragging Rokuro along with her into Magano. Engaged in a fight she is on the verge of being defeated in, Benio is saved by Rokuro, revealing himself capable of being her rival in talent.
Sousei no Onmyouji (Twin Star Exorcists) tells the story of two talented exorcists who are destined to become the "Twin Star Exorcists" and the prophesised parents of the Miko-the reincarnation of Abe no Seimei-who will cleanse the world of all impurities.

My Thoughts
Twin Star Exorcists was an amazing anime that did a great job of combining all the elements that I love. It gets very interesting, especially towards the end which kept me watching this series. While it's kind of cliche, it is still very enjoyable and exciting. I loved the variety of characters and every I probably liked each character in a different way. We also got to see our characters mature and grow quite a bit throughout the series. So the character development is very strong. The relationship between Rokuro and Benio is something in itself. While they don't like each other at first, their relationship progresses. Oh yeah I mentioned them in my 2018 Valentines Day Post so feel free to ship them. The ending to Twin Star Exorcists was great and I think it did a pretty good job of wrapping up the series.

My Conclusion
I would give Twin Star Exorcists 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. Twin Star Exorcists did a great job of combing action, romance, and comedy into 50 episodes.  I loved this anime and I recommend it for anyone who is a fan of action, romance, or supernatural anime.

Wedding Peach Review

I previously reviewed Tokyo Mew Mew and Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne and mentioned in both that I would watch and review Wedding Peach. Well now I finished it so I am going to review it! Ai Tenshi Densetsu Wedding Peach or simply Wedding Peach started as a 6-volume 1994 manga written by Sukehiro Tomita. Then another 1-volume 1995 manga, Wedding Peach Ai Tenshi Tanjou hen came out. Then it became a 51-episode 1995 anime series by OLM Inc. Additionally, there is a 4 episode OVA, Wedding Peach DX and another 1-volume 2004 manga, Wedding Peach Young Love. Wedding Peach is a magical girl romance anime. While it does sound and look a lot like Sailor Moon and Tokyo Mew Mew, let me point out that the manga writer Sukehiro Tomita also wrote Sailor Moon as well and let's be honest there's not such thing as an original idea nowadays. Besides I'd rather have a good cliche than a bad original idea, the whole reason why cliches become common. Now I'm pretty embarrassed about doing a review on this girly magical girl anime as I am a grown man but I've done plenty of other reviews I'm embarrassed about and will probably doing more in the future. With that being said I really did like Wedding Peach and would recommend it to anyone who likes magical girl anime.

Summary
There are three known worlds-the human world, the angel, world, and the devil world. The evil queen Raindevilla yearns to destroy the angel world with the help or her many devil minions. The goddess Aphrodite sends an angel to the human world, Limone, to summon three love angels in the form of three school girls, Momoko Hanasaki, Yuri Tanima, and Hinagiku Tamano, who together become angel Lilly, Angel Daisy, and the Wedding Peach. The three girls must fight to overcome the evils of the devils, as well as their own lives and restore peace to the angel world by gathering all pieces of the Sacred Four Somethings (or Saint Something Four) and defeat the evil queen once and for all.

My Thoughts
While I'm embarrassed to say it, I did really like Wedding Peach, but it's not the first anime I'm embarrassed to like and won't be the last. The characters in Wedding Peach are lovable in their own way and pretty well thought out. Momoko is your typical cute magical girl but has qualities that make her unique. The story is what sets Wedding Peach apart from other similar magical girl anime such as Sailor Moon. Romance is the best part of the story which is what I really enjoyed in this anime. Momoko takes some time to figure out who she is really in love with and the love-story happens to be a star-crossed lovers romance, like Romeo & Juliet. Wedding Peach is an enjoyable magical girl anime, being cute, funny, and romantic all in one.

My Conclusion
I would give Wedding Peach 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. I enjoyed Wedding Peach and I would recommend it for anyone who like magical or romance anime. I will be watching and reviewing similar magical girl romance anime, Cardcaptor Sakura, Mermaid Melody, and Nanatsuiro Drops in the future.

Da Capo Review

I did reviews on Da Capo II, and Capo III a few months ago and I mentioned I would watch and review Da Capo since the original is usually the best. I also mentioned this in my reviews of To Heart 2 and Hoshizora e Kakaru Hashi too! Well I just finished watching it so I will review it. Da Capo is harem, romantic comedy, fantasy anime. There's a pretty long explanation origin for Da Capo but I will explain it! Da Capo was originally a 2002 game from Circus then there was a 2003 2-volume manga written by Circus. Next the 2003 anime came out. The first season with 26 episodes was released by Zexcs while the second season with another 26 epsiodes was released by Feel for a total of 52 episodes in the main series. Then another manga, Da Capo: Second Graduation from 2004 was written by Circus with 3 volumes. Additionally there is a 2-episode OVA, Da Capo: If which is a different timeline of events of the second season of Da Capo. Da Capo is a magic romantic comedy harem anime. I've said this before, harem anime are usually hit or miss for me but I really liked Da Capo. While I wouldn't call it the absolute greatest it is underrated and should get more attention. This is based on my opinion and if yours is different that's fine. I will be discussing the ending a little bit so....

**************************!!!!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!**************************

Summary
Every year the flowers bloom. Mysterious Cherry Blossoms blooming all over a crescent shaped island. That island is the island of Hatsune...
The main character Junichi Asakura goes to Kazami Academy and has the power to see the dreams of other people in his sleep. He was also taught magic by an old lady that allows him to create sweets. One day, Junichi seems to have seen someone's dream again while he was sleeping. Inside that dream, a girl who was a childhood friend of his appeared. But, he was woken up by his adopted sister Nemu Asakura, forcing him to come back to his regular life. Nemu doesn't actually have blood relation to Junichi but their bond is deeper than other real brothers and sisters. So deep that it gives the illusion that they're lovers.
It was another peaceful normal day waking up early in the morning and going to Kazami Academy. Together with childhood friend Amakase Miharu, the academy idol Shirakawa Kotori, the two sisters Mizukoshi Moe and Mako who prefer eating nabe on the school roof for lunch. Going through their day as usual, their childhood friend, Yoshino Sakura, who they thought had moved to America suddenly appears. It was a surprise for Junichi and Nemu. Sakura tells them, "I came to finish the promise we made during our childhood"...

My Thoughts
Harem anime are usually hit or miss but I really liked Da Capo and while it's not the absolute greatest I really did enjoy it and I think this underrated series deserves more attention. Da Capo has a pretty good storyline and with some very interesting characters which everyone will find one that they love. Throughout the series we see each of the girls' relationship with out main character Junichu Asakura and each have feelings and there is plenty of great romance. Considering this anime came out in 2003 the art for is pretty good. The only downside is that it is because a harem anime it often jumps around from girl to girl at first, but it does focus more on Nemu and Sakura, particularly Nemu at the end.

Utumaru
This ending is so addicting and stuck in my head, Sakura and Utumaru are so cute! So I'm posting this so it can get stuck in all your heads! Enjoy!

Romance Aspect
If you do not want to be spoiled DON'T READ THIS! Da Capo is a romantic comedy harem anime so I will discuss the romance in Da Capo some more. Throughout the story we see how each of the girls have feelings for Junichi and their relationship with him. The two girls who are the main focus are Junichi's sister, Nemu and his cousin, Sakura Yoshino as well as Aisia in the second season. I liked the ending too and I say it did a pretty good job of wrapping up the series. Now, while I usually don't support incest relationships, I will make exceptions. While Junichi and Nemu are brother and sister, they aren't blood related and let me point this out! Marriage laws are less strict in Japan than in the USA, in fact I think they're only law is that you can't marry an immediate blood-related family member. In Japan and many other countries it is legal to marry a cousin and in Da Capo it's legal to marry an adopted sibling. Let me remind everyone people married their cousins all the time in the early 1900s and they saw it as normal. Anyway, I also mentioned Junichi and Nemu as an underrated couple in my 2017 Valentines Day post so if you support them, please ship them, if not that's fine!

My Conclusion
I would give Da Capo 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. It was overall a really good and enjoyable romantic comedy harem anime that had good selection of characters as well as it's romance and drama. I would recommend Da Capo for anyone who likes romantic comedy or harem anime. I plan on watching a two more similar romantic comedy harem anime known as Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary (HaniHani: Operation Sanctuary) and Gift: Eternal Rainbow as well as another similar romance anime Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love will probably review it in the future as well.

 

Miracle Girls Review

I finally got watch Miracle Girls so I am going to review it! Miracle Girls started as a 9-volume 1991 manga written by Nami Akimoto. Then it was adapted into a 51-episode 1993 anime series by Japan Taps (now known as Ajia-do Animation Works). Miracle Girls is a magical girl anime and while not tagged there is a good amount of romance in it as well. I loved Miracle Girls and I think it is a very underrated classic magical girl anime that deserves way more love and attention.

Summary
Tomomi and Mikage Matsunaga are Miracle Girls: they have telepathic link with each other and can teleport when they link their little fingers. Tomomi is a sports star and has a boyfriend, Yuuya Noda. Mikage is the smartest student in school and is in love with her senpai, Hideaki Kurashige. He moved to London to study but they still kept in touch, that is until a selfish princess called Marie decides that he should come with her back to Diammas. Back in Japan the twins are having various problems of their own. But they soon realize that there is a link between Marie, an ancient legend, and a girl they know called Emma.

My Thoughts
I really liked Miracle Girls and it is a great classical magical girl anime that should get more love and attention. Miracle Girls is very enjoyable cute and innocent and everyone can find at least one character and episode they will love. It was an interesting concept of twins who aren't exactly the same but are close to one another with a special magical ability to teleport and communicate with one another. Like many magical girls they also have boyfriends too which made me like this series even more. Overall, Miracle Girls is a great classical magical girl romance anime. I mentioned couples Tomomi & Yuuya, and Mikage & Hideaki in my 2017 Valentines Day Post so please ship them because they are underrated couples from an underrated anime.

My Conclusion
I would give Miracle Girls 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. Miracle Girls is a very underrated classic magical girl anime. I strongly recommend Miracle Girls to anyone who loves Magical Girl or classic anime. I plan on doing some more reviews on other magical girl anime in the future so stay tuned!

Future GPX Cyber Formula Review

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.

Kamichu! Review

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.