Sunday, January 27, 2019

Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love Review

As you may know from my other reviews of romantic comedies such as Iriya no Sora, Ufo no Natsu, This Ugly Yet Beautiful World, Fortune ArterialThe World of Narue, Da Capo, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu, and Operation Sanctuary, I mentioned I would review Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love. I did watch it about 5 years ago so I had to watch it again to get refresh myself. Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na also known as Brighter than the Dawning Blue or Crescent Love for short, started as a 2005 visual novel by the company August. In my opinion August is underrated and has made some really good visual novel turned anime such as A Good Librarian Like a Good Shepard (Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai), Fortune Arterial, and Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary, the last two I reviewed previously. Then a 7-volume light novel written by Tasuku Saika came out in 2006. August wrote a 2-volume, 2005 manga. Finally, it was made into a 12-episode anime series by Daume in 2006. Crescent Love is a romantic comedy, sci-fi anime. I loved Crescent Love and it is an amazingly underrated anime that deserves more attention. I will be discussing the ending too so...

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Summary
At a time of peace between the Earth and Moon, in the aftermath of the great war between them. On Earth, young Tatsuya Asagiri is amazed to learn that his home is to have a Lunar exchange student, for a homestay guest. Even more amazingly, his guest is none other than the Princess of Lunar Sphere Kingdom, Feena Fam Earthlight As Tatsuya struggles to deal with the ramifications of this, and as tensions between Earth and Moon, he also learns that there is more to this homestay than meets the eye, and that he and Feena have a shared destiny.


My Thoughts
I really loved Crescent Love, and while I know some people found it cliche, I absolutely enjoyed it from start to finish. Crescent Love is very underrated and deserves more attention. First, the art and visuals are fantastic which is what I expect from something made by August. The characters are pretty entertaining too and our two main characters, Tatsuya and Feena. Tatsuya and Feena befriended each other as children. As they meet again Feena is now the princess of the moon. While they both start to have feelings for each other they are also from different worlds. While cliche, he whole star-crossed lovers is something that I admire and enjoy. There are many different emotions that went through me while watching. While there were comedic moments, there's also emotional moments. As usual I found myself rooting for Tatsuya and Feena as they show how strong their love is for one another. While there are a few minor things that may have confused me, there really nothing bad I have to say about this anime. Overall, it was picture perfect.


Why I loved this Anime (**********SPOILER ALERT**********)
There is a strong romance theme throughout this Crescent Love. Earthling Tatsuya, and Lunar Princess Feena are in love with each other, but the Earth and Moon are at odds. However, they don't let this stop them and even use their love as a way to bring peace. They show that love is so strong that it can conquer whatever obstacles are thrown in their way. It's a lesson I will never ever get tired of watching. I mentioned Crescent Love in my Endings Rant as an anime that had one of the best endings. After getting shot Tatsuya is miraculously brought back to life to be reunited with Feena and the rest of his allies, friends, and family. A few years later, Tatsuya and Feena marry and bring peace between the Earth and Moon showing that their love for each other triumphs over anything. Kind of strange though that Tatsuya and Feena look the exact same they did a few years earlier but whatever. I also mention Tatsuya and Feena as an underrated couple in my 2017 Valentines Day post, so please ship them!

This is the definition of a Perfect Ending

My Conclusion
I would give Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na 3/5 stars it was alright! NO, of course I'll give it 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score! I would even give it 20/5 stars if I could! This is probably another example of a what I would call a perfect romantic comedy anime with a perfect ending. I would highly suggest Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love to anyone who's a fan of romantic comedies or has watched anything else by August who I hope creates more visual novel/anime.


Friday, January 25, 2019

Nanatsuiro Drops Review

As you may have known from my other reviews of Happiness and many other magical girl anime I said I would watch and review Nanatsuiro Drops or Seven-Colored Drops. Well I just finished it so as usual I will now review it! Nanatsuiro Drops started as a visual novel by UNiSONSHIFT in 2006 along with a light novel written by Tamaki Ichikawa, about 2 months later. Then UNiSONSHIFT wrote a 6-volume manga, Nanatsuiro Drops in 2006 followed by a 1-volume manga, Nanatsuiro Drops Pure in 2007. Finally in 2007, Studio Barcelona (now Diomedea) released a 12-episode anime series and it was the first TV series they released. Nanatsuiro Drops is a magical girl romance fantasy anime. If you combine Happiness, Princess Tutu, and CLAMP's Cardcaptor SakuraKobato and maybe a little bit of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, Sailor Moon, and Mermaid Melody you get something like Nanatsuiro Drops. As a grown man who works out, played hockey, and listens to rock music, I'm rather embarrassed about about reviewing (and liking) this girly magical girl anime but it's not the only anime I'm embarrassed to review so I got nothing to lose! Besides my identity is secret to most of you reading this! With that being said, I absolutely loved Nanatsuiro Drops. It is by far a very underrated anime series that doesn't get anywhere near the attention I think it deserves so I will explain more in this review. Also, I will be talking about the ending so...

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


Summary
Masaharu Tsuwabuki is a normal student, though not very social. One day he meets a new transfer student, Sumomo Akihime, and her best friend Yaeno Nadeshiko, Both the only members of the gardening club. Masaharu is forced by a teacher to join the club. But then he bumps into a strange guy with dog ears, switching his drink with the guy's by mistake. He drinks it and is turned into a stuffed animal. The teacher, Natsume Kisaragi, tells him that the only way to turn back to normal is to find the chosen girl and let her catch the seven stardrops. The girl is Sumomo, that accepts to help, though she's not allowed to know the animal's true identity or he will turned into a stuffed animal forever.


My Thoughts
Nanatsuiro Drops was amazing and very underrated. While there are only 12 episodes and I kind of wish there was more, it is definitely worth watching. I absolutely loved and enjoyed this anime from beginning to end and this is what I would think of as a perfect heart warming anime. I liked the art and visuals especially with the magic aspect. The sound is decent and one particular song in the end does bring out the emotions. I really loved the characters in Nanatsuiro Drops and I found them to be quite cute, lovable, and entertaining to watch especially our two main characters Sumomo and Masaharu. We also see out some of our other characters help out too particularly, Nona Yuuki and Yaeno Nadeshiko. While Sumomo can be a crybaby, she is so lovable and probably one of the most adorable, kawaii, moe anime character I've come across. (It's common in magical girl anime)

Isn't Sumomo adorable?

Comparisons to other Anime (**********SPOILER ALERT**********)
Like I explained it reminded me a lot of Cardcaptor Sakura, Happiness, Kobato, and Princess Tutu with some similarities to Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, Sailor Moon, and Mermaid Melody. Sumomo must collect star drops while being assisted by a cute animal much like in CCS, Kobato, and TRC. The relationship between Sumomo and Masaharu is very similar to the romance in the previous mentioned anime. Masaharu loses his memories much like in CCS, TRC, and Mermaid Melody but promises to continue loving Sumomo exactly like Syaoran's promise to Sakura in Cardcaptor Sakura: The Sealed Card as with the other anime the main couples continue loving each other. You also have concepts in fate and the power of love much like in the other aforementioned anime.


Why I loved this Anime (**********SPOILER ALERT**********)
Nanastuiro Drops is such a cute anime with a pure, innocent, warm, touching love story. The first few episodes are a little more on the lighter side but still enjoyable. The second half of the anime is where things really get great and really put everything together in the best way possible. While Sumomo and Masaharu spend more time together they fall in love. However, after collecting the seven stardrops, Masaharu will lose all memories with Sumomo. He promises to Sumomo that he will continue to love her even if he without his memories. I mentioned Nanatsuiro Drops in my Endings Rant as one of the best endings and it was truly the icing on the cake. Probably one of the greatest endings in any anime I've watched so far and it was so good I had to watch it again (like 3 times) just to take it all in. Masaharu was able to keep his promise and continued to love Sumomo and they share a kiss. Nanatsuiro Drops definitely has a strong romance theme. While there will be moments of pain and sadness, Sumomo and Masaharu show that their love for one another is so strong that they can overcome any obstacle together. It's a lesson I'll never get tired of watching in anime and shows what it truly means to love someone and be with the one you love. I'll stay with the one I love (If I had someone) even if my life falls apart cause I know they'll be there for me to keep things together. Sumomo and Masaharu are also a underrated couple as I said in my 2017 and 2018 Valentines Days Posts and they truly deserve more attention so please ship them!


My Conclusion
I would give Nanatsuiro Drops 3/5 stars it was okay! NO, of course I'd give it 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score! I'd even go higher and give it 25/5 stars if I could! Honestly, I really don't have anything bad to say about it. This is exactly what I would call a perfect anime with a perfect ending to go with it. I would highly recommend Nanatsuiro Drops to anyone who likes magical girl, romance, cute/kawaii/moe anime or any of the similar anime like Cardcaptor Sakura, Kobato, Happiness, Princess Tutu, Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, Sailor Moon, or Mermaid Melody and I guarantee you'll probably love Nanatsuiro Drops as well.


Sunday, January 20, 2019

Nishi no Yoki Majo: Astraea Testament (The Good Witch of the West) Review

If you may recall I reviewed Gosick and said that I would watch and review Nishi no Yoki Majo: Astraea Testament also known as The Good Witch of the West in English. Well I just finished watching it so I will review it! The Good Witch of the West started off as a series of fantasy novels from 1997-2003 by Noriko Ogiwara. It then became an 8-volume manga in 2004 also written by Noriko Ogiwara. If she sounds familiar she also wrote novels and manga for Red Data Girl an anime which I also reviewed previously. Under Hal Film Maker it was released as a 13-episode anime in 2006. The Good Witch of the West is a drama romance fantasy mystery anime. I really loved The Good Witch of the West with its interesting story, characters, and its different themes. I won't try to spoil to much but just in case...

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Summary
Firiel Dee has lived all her life in the peaceful Cerafield countryside. On her 15th birthday, Firiel's life changes forever when she goes to a ball in Cape Amber wearing her mother's necklace that her friend and father's pupil, Roux Ltskin, gave to her. Lord Roland and Lady Adale, members of the royal family, recognize her necklace as belonging to the runaway Blue Princess - leading Firiel to the discovery that she is the long lost princess's daughter! Now, she must compete with all of the other candidates to become Queen of the land.


My Thoughts
I loved this anime and felt some similarities in the art with Red Data Girl as both were written by Noriko Ogiwara. The Good Witch of the West had different themes drama, romance, fantasy, and mystery so this anime would appeal to a wider audience. One thing, it doesn't really have much of Japanese theme but is more of a Medieval Western style story. The plot was great and it kept me interesting and wanting to watch more. More things began to unfold and I realized there was more to this anime than what I initially thought. The characters are quite unique and interesting in their own way as well. We have Firiel making her decision on whether to live as a queen or live a simple life. Additionally, we have some great romance in this anime as well. While Firiel sees her slightly younger childhood friend Roux as a little brother at first but does have romantic feelings for him later. Also, The Good Witch of the West had a lot of kiss scenes in it as well for an anime that is 13 episodes. Not as much as Mermaid Melody but about as much as Ano Natsu de Matteru (Waiting in the Summer) or Ai Yori Aoshi. I think I counted about 7 or 8 kiss scenes between Roux and Firiel. I also, mentioned in my 2018 Valentines Day Post that Roux and Firiel were an underrated couple that deserve more attention, so feel free to ship them. The ending too was great and definitely made me feel pretty good. Overall, The Good Witch of the West was a great anime with an interesting plot and characters!


My Conclusion
I would give The Good Witch of the West 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. It was a great anime and at I really found it interesting and exciting at times. I would recommend The Good Witch of the West for anyone who is a fan of romance, drama, fantasy, or mystery.


Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Tada-kun wa Koi wa Shinai (Tada Never Falls in Love) Review

I recently watched Tada-kun wa Koi wa Shinai also known as Tada Never Falls in Love which came out rather recently. Unlike most anime, Tada Never Falls in Love was never based off any manga but just became its own 13-episode anime in 2018 by Doga Kobo. If that company sounds familiar they also produced New Game!, Engaged to the UnidentifiedLuck & LogicHoshizora e Kakaru Hashi, and that other anime I don't talk about. Tada Never Falls in Love is a romantic comedy anime and is probably one of the best romance anime of 2018. I would suggest it for anyone who likes romance anime. The ending was very sanctifying as well and since I might be discussing it a little...

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


Summary
Mitsuyoshi Tada is a boy who has never known love. One day he is taking pictures of the cherry blossoms in full bloom when he meets Teresa Wagner, a transfer student from Luxembourg. Upon arriving in Japan, she got lost, separated from her travel companion. Mitsuyoshi helps her and brings her to his grandfather's coffee shop.


My Thoughts (******!SPOILER ALERT!******)
I enjoyed and loved Tada Never Falls in Love and it definitely reminded me of the other romantic comedy anime that I also liked. It is a trick title "Tada Never Falls in Love" because this is a romance anime. Because this came out in 2018 the Art is amazing with some beautiful backgrounds and great variety. The characters are fun, enjoyable, and entertaining to watch in every which way. Their interactions with each other was what also made this anime great and something special. Now, I really feel Tada's pain as he is in love with a girl who is engaged to someone else. That always happens to me, whenever I like someone that girl always has a boyfriend. The only difference is that girls only sees me as just a "friend" while Teresa actually loves Tada back. Anyway, I absolutely sympathize with Tada on his situation and it does give me hope as well. The ending definitely satisfied me greatly with our two main characters, Tada and Teresa finally realizing their feelings and coming together after that sense of heartbreak after Teresa's fiance calls off the wedding. The only downside was that it was 13 episodes which normally isn't a problem but this story seemed to go at a slower pace so I would've liked it to be a bit longer. Overall, Tada Never Falls in Love was a great enjoyable anime.


My Conclusion
I would give Tada Never Falls in Love 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. It had many great qualities and at times did play with your emotions, yet was very fun and enjoyable. I would recommend Tada Never Falls in Love for anyone else who is a fan of romantic comedies.


Monday, January 14, 2019

Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary Review

I just finished watching Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary so I will now review it as usual! Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary also known as Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary (which I will refer to it as since this is the shortest title) or The Moon in the East, The Sun is West: Operation Sanctuary originally started as a visual novel developed by August and damn those are some long titles! If that company sounds familiar they also developed other visual novels turned anime such as Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai, Princess Holiday, Fortune Arterial, and Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na the last three of which I have reviewed or will review! I believe they are an underrated company and wish they would create more visual novels for anime. It then became a light novel written by Okada Runa. Finally, it was adapted into a 13-episode 2004 anime by Radix. There is also a 4-episode 2004 OVA as well. Now keep in mind that the episodes for both the anime and OVA are only 12 minutes so half a normal anime episode. Additionally, there is another 1-volume 2004 light novel Tohonseiso Sukururaifu written by Kano Kiichi and a 1-volume 2005 manga written by August themselves. Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary is a romantic-comedy, harem, sci-fi anime. Now to me, this is a very underrated anime that doesn't get the attention that it deserves. I found the Operation Sanctuary to be very enjoyable and was quite satisfied in the end. I will be talking about the ending too so...

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


Summary
Naoki Kuzumi is a junior in high school. He lost his parents in an accident five years ago and is living with his aunt, uncle, and cousin Matsuri and being cared for by his childhood friend, Honami Fujieda. He always thought his life was ordinary, besides the fact that he can't remember what happened in his youth. One day as he is taking a nap on a bench, a redheaded girl -- Mikoto -- literally falls from the sky onto him. For some reason, she thinks he's her younger brother. Naoki's time period is a temporal shelter for those in the future, when many are suffering from an incurable disease. When she heard her younger brother Yuusuke had been taken to Naoki's time, Mikoto herself had gone back in time.

The OVA follows Mikoto's senario.


My Thoughts
Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary is a underrated romantic comedy that I think should get more attention. Operation Sanctuary has a very interesting concept and the last few episodes really pull everything together quite nicely. Considering this was made in 2004 I thought the art was great. Though August developed the visual novel and the anime made by them usually has some pretty underrated art. I thought the characters were a quite enjoyable to watch, cute and lovable in their own way, even though other people may have found them bland. While we see things through Naoki's perspective I also started to like Honami for her caring personality and Mikoto for her cheerfulness and optimism. Operation Sanctuary was usually a more calm relaxing anime aside from the last few episodes but it did get emotional at times. While some people found it boring I loved it for its romance aspect, art, and characters. One more quick note, the last episode is pretty much a run through of the series so the story basically ends with the 12th episode. So that last episode isn't really necessary to watch but I watched it anyway.


I also noticed Honami Fujieda looks like Haruka Nogizaka from Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu and kind of has a similar kind, loving, caring personality.


Ending (**********SPOILER ALERT**********)
As you may recall I mentioned Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary in My Endings Rant as an anime that had a great ending. I loved it as it was as it was a sad story at times but finished it off with a happy ending. The ending to Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary was fantastic as it seemed to tie everything in together. Probably one of the best case scenario endings in my opinion is the couple getting married and Naoki and Honami both get married in the end. Mikoto seemed to view Naoki as more of a brother and as it turned out, Yuusuke and Naoki were kind of the same person. Honami is Naoki's childhood friend and cared for Naoki and is probably what I consider the perfect wife. I think Honami truly deserved to be with him more than anyone else. I mentioned Naoki and Honami in my 2017 Valentines Day Post as an underrated couple that should get more attention so please ship them!


My Conclusion
I would give Tsuki wa Higashi ni Hi wa Nishi ni: Operation Sanctuary 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. It was a enjoyable romantic comedy that ended great. I would recommend Hani Hani: Operation Sanctuary for those who like romantic comedies and are looking for something more relaxing and short. In the future I will be reviewing another August visual novel turned anime, Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love as well as two more romantic comedies, Gift: Eternal Rainbow and Lamune.


Saturday, January 12, 2019

Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu (Haruka Nogizaka's Secret) Review

I just watched an anime called Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu so I will now review it! (What else would I do?) Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu or Haruka Nogizaka's Secret began in 2004 as a 16-volume light novel written by Yusaku Igarashi. Igarashi then wrote a 4-volume manga which came out from 2006-10. Then it was made into a 12-episode anime in 2008 from Studio Barcelona currently Diomedea Inc. Additionally there is a second 12-episode season Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Purezza in 2009. Finally it is finished off with a 4-episode OVA Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu: Finale in 2012. Additionally, there are two games: Cosplay Hajimemashita (2008) and Dojinshi Hajimemashita (2010). Also, there is a very similar 4-volume 2005 manga, Menacing Dog's (Another Secret) written by Shaa the same illustrator of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu with a very similar story and some of the same characters. I will be reviewing the anime series as a whole. Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu is a romantic comedy anime. I did enjoy this series, though there some cheesy and awkward moments I liked the concept overall.


Summary
Hakujo Academy is a private high school with a student body filled with elite students. At the top of this list is the beautiful Haruka Nogizaka, an intelligent and wealthy girl who comes from a prestigious family, and is by far the most idolized girl at school. Yuuto Ayase is a timid boy who has the unbelievable luck of sitting in class with Haruka every day. Like many others, he admires her from a distance, never even dreaming of approaching her. But with a sudden twist of fate, Yuuto's random visit to the school library brings Haruka's darkest secret to light, one which could potentially destroy her current repuation of elegance. As it turns out, the school's most beloved princess is actually a huge otaku. This revelation marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship between these two classmates.


Purezza (Purity)
Haruka's manga and anime hobby is still concealed by her dear friend Yuuto, but Yuuto's other female friend starts to feel affection and attraction towards him, so a feelings war begins among their circle of friends. Meanwhile Yuuto tries to make Haruka happy doing what she likes the most: drawing manga, watching anime, and attending special anime events.


Finale
Yuuto and Haruka are looking forward to spending time together on a school trip. However, Shina finally works up the nerve to tell Yuuto she has feelings for him. This event drives a wedge between Haruka and Yuuto and forces them to confront how they feel. 



My Thoughts
I really liked the concept of Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu although I do think it could have been executed a little better. For one thing we see many references to other anime, particularly Shakugan no Shana. I really love the concept of the popular girl with the a shy boy and I really wish there were more love stories like this as I am one of them and seem to fail at finding a girlfriend. Yuuto and Haruka are enjoyable to watch and they are quite a lovely couple as I mentioned in my 2018 Valentines Day Post. While I don't like the other characters quite as much they are pretty entertaining. There are some pretty cheesy jokes and some  mature content and awkward scenes so this anime is strictly for older audiences. However these scenes didn't ruin the anime too much for me. Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu may look like another romantic school comedy but it is still enjoyable and not too rushed with the development in each episode.


Oh yeah and Touka Tennouji look pretty familiar to Ruri Hoshino from Martian Successor Nadesico.


My Conclusion
I would give Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu 4.5/5 stars or a 9/10 score. It has a nice concept and I would suggest anyone who likes romantic school comedy anime to watch this. While there are some "awkward mature scenes" it didn't ruin it too much for me and I still enjoyed watching it. In the future I will watch and review some other romantic comedy such as Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love, Lamune, and Mamoru-kun ni Megami Shukufuku wo! (Venus to Mamoru).


Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch Review

First Review of the New Year 2019! If you have been reading my blog and its reviews you may have recalled in my other reviews of several different magical girl anime I mentioned I would watch and review Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch or just Mermaid Melody for short. Well I just finished it so I am going to review it now! Mermaid Melody started as a 7-volume 2002 manga written by Michko Yokote. If she sounds familiar she is primarily a screenwriter for anime many of which I've reviewed. The first 52-episode season Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch was released in 2003 by Actas Inc. and SynergySP. Then we get a second 39-episode season Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch Pure in 2004 from the same studios. Mermaid Melody is a magical girl romance anime. Again I'm a grown man who listens to rock music, works out, and used to played hockey so I'm definitely embarrassed about reviewing this girly magical girl anime but it's not the first anime I'm embarrassed about reviewing (and liking) and won't be the last. I'm anonymous to most of you reading this anyway! I got nothing to lose! Mermaid Melody has some pretty mixed reviews. I absolutely really love Mermaid Melody and I recommend this for anyone who likes music or magical girl anime. It's kind of a mix between The Little Mermaid and Sailor Moon. I will be talking about the ending too so...

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


Summary
Pichi Pichi Pitch
As the mermaid princess of the North Pacific (one of the seven mermaid kingdoms), 14-year-old Luchia Nanami entrusts a magical pearl to a boy who falls overboard a ship one night. Luchia must travel to the human world to reclaim her pearl and protect the mermaid kingdoms. Using the power of music Luchia is able to protect herself and the mermaid kingdoms from a growing evil force.

Pichi Pichi Pitch Pure
After the final battle against Gaito, Sara had given her life to remain with him. The sea world is now at peace, but only with six mermaid princesses.
While Karen, Noel, and Coco have returned to their kingdoms, it should be time for Luchia, Hanon, and Rina to do the same. After all, Tarou Mitsuki is leaving for Germany, and Kaito Domoto is heading to Hawaii. Luchia is devastated, and when things couldn't get any worse, Kaito is lost at sea! Worst of all, a strange angel named Michel has appeared, wanting the mermaids to join him. But on the lighter side, Sara's spirit tells Luchia of Sara's successor, a young mermaid named Seira. The mermaids are in for another adventure!


My Thoughts
It is a guilty pleasure anime of mine and while I'm embarrassed to say it, I loved Mermaid Melody. As you may have guessed this anime was inspired by the original story of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson with differences though. I know there are mixed reviews on this series but I really enjoyed it. Luchia must retrieve her pearl but also falls in love with Kaito as well. She cannot tell Kaito or else she'll turn into bubbles so Kaito has to figure it out himself as he is in love with both the human Luchia and mermaid Luchia not knowing they're the same person at first. I definitely loved the characters in Mermaid Melody. We have seven mermaid princesses from different parts of the seas. To me Luchia, Hanon, Rina, Kaito, and Hippo are unique and lovable in their own way. The other characters have some interesting qualities as well including some of the villains and while some may find them a bit cheesy I was pretty entertained by them and found them very interesting, cute, and lovable. I kind of wish we got to see more of Seira in the second season. I also enjoyed the music to Mermaid Melody as well as I felt it fit the story and really was a mix of emotion and Luchia's so cute with her looks and voice. Seira's song, "Beautiful Wish" really did shoot many people through the heart. While it's sad it also gives you plenty hope and courage!


Also, "Kibou no Kane Oto (Love goes on)" really gave me the nice warm, fuzzy, hopeful, optimistic feelings that a romantic magical girl anime should give you! This reminds me of the ending songs in any childhood flick (usually by Disney) that comes with the happy ending.


Romance Aspect  (***************SPOILER ALERT***************)
Romance plays a major part in Mermaid Melody and there are some major themes about love and hope in the story. Of all anime I watched Mermaid Melody definitely has the most kissing (excluding ecchi and fanservice). I know there are 91 episodes total but, I mean there were probably at least 11 kissing scenes with Luchia and Kaito alone and 14 total in the series, IDK I lost track! First, we have Luchia who likes Kaito but he does not know the human Luchia and Mermaid Luchia are the same. Once, Kaito realizes Luchia is both the mermaid princess and human he knows he can love Luchia regardless. I mean it was pretty obvious Luchia was the mermaid as there were some pretty clear signs. In the second season we are given a love triangle along with Kaito having amnesia in the mix. However, our mermaid princesses do not give up hope. While I did not mention it in my Valentines Day Posts of 2017 or 2018, Luchia and Kaito are definitely the OTP of Mermaid Melody. Additionally, Hanon likes a much older Taro Mituski but in the second season begins to fall for a slightly younger boy Nagisa Shirai. Rina also has her love story with Masahiro Hamasaki. Even Hippo too falls in love with Yuri while in his human form. While Luchia and Kaito are guaranteed a happy ending, we are unsure about what will become of Hanon and Nagisa's romances but hope for the best. However, I loved the way the story ended as well and I mentioned Mermaid Melody in My Endings Rant as a good ending. It left me very satisfied with a warm fuzzy feeling that the ending of any romance anime should give you.


My Conclusion
I would give Mermaid Melody 5/5 stars or a 10/10 score. While there may have been a few kinks it did not ruin the anime for me at all and I just loved it so much that I couldn't give it anything lower than 5 stars. I would recommend Mermaid Melody for anyone who likes magical girl, music, or romance anime. If you liked The Little Mermaid or Sailor Moon then you'll probably like Mermaid Melody too. I will be watching and reviewing another magical girl anime Nanatsuiro Drops in the future so keep enjoying my blog!