|
Steins;Gate
Dub Version
Sci-Fi/Mystery/Comedy/Thriller
FUNimation
Entertainment
Posted 9/25/12 9:30PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Steins;Gate can be summed up in the term "brilliant chaos"... but only at first, the layers of science, para-science,
paranoia, morality, and love plunge the story deeper than just one summary term. Sinister agendas surround the protagonists
as new areas of science thought to be debunked over and over again are revealed to be truth. Deadly truth in a massive cover
up of exactly what we humans are capable of with particle physics and the understanding of quantum mechanics. Plus the lead
character self proclaimed mad scientist Rintarō Okabe, superbly dubbed in English by J. Michael Tatum, is completely
likeable in his tangent semi-delusional tirades and expositions; it is his simple dream of world subjugation that leads him
to walk a very different path and unlock the secrets of space/time to possibly save or doom humanity.
Tatum voices Okabe
with an intensity that continues to earn him his spot as one of the best VAs in anime dubbing, and can turn on a dime to being
dower and serious to downright perverted in his verbal sparring with female lead Kurisu Makise, a brilliant 18 year old researcher
and lecturer. Kurisu is perfectly voiced by Trina Nishimura, in fact while this reviewer is a fan of Ms. Nishimura, I have
to say this may be my favorite out of her roles to date. Originally a visual novel game developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus and
designed by Chiyomaru Shikura; Steins;Gate was adapted into different manga titles before getting the anime treatment in 2010
for Japanese release in 2011. These are the same developers that brought the advent of Chaos;Head a year or so earlier and
it's eventual anime adaptation which was also distributed in the US by FUNimation.
Artwork, dubbing, pacing, story, action, science, music, comedy... everything is above praise in Steins;Gate.
I'll go so far as to say OVER and above praise. Plus the headache causing examinations of time travel and it's possibilities
and impossibilities in actual science makes this science nerd a happy nerd; the series really lives up to the creator's want
of a "99% real and 1% fantasy" ratio of science fact to science fiction. The atmosphere painted with the animation is at the
same time hazy and etheral yet stark and jarring at the story appropriate moments that slap you across the retinas, and reminds
you to leave your full attention on the screen. The Future Gadgets Laboratory is texting from the future, will you follow
the world lines toward it or will you alter space and time to seize control of your timeline? Steins;Gate gets a 5
out of 5! This series is definitley making it's way to this reviewer's personal collection of anime titles. Dub
Cast:
Rintarō Okabe - J. Michael Tatum Kurisu Makise - Trina Nishimure Mayuri Shiina - Jackie Ross Itaru
"Daru" Hashida - Tyson Rineheart Moeka Kiryū - Jessica Cavanagh Ruka Urushibara - Lindsey Seidel Feris
Nyannyan (Rumiho Akiha) - Jad Saxton Suzuha Amane - Cherami Leigh Yūgo Tennōji Christopher R. Sabat Nae
Tennōji - Brina Palencia Episode List:
1. "Turning Point" "Hajimari to Owari no
Purorōgu" (始まりと終わりのプロローグ)
2. "Time Travel Paranoia" "Jikan Chōyaku no Paranoia (時間跳躍のパラノイア)
3. "Parallel World Paranoia" "Heiretsu Katei no Paranoia" (並列過程のパラノイア)
4. "Interpreter Rendezvous" "Kūri Hōkō no Randevū" (空理彷徨のランデヴー)
5. "Starmine Rendezvous" "Denka Shōtotsu no Randevū" (電荷衝突のランデヴー)
6. "Butterfly Effect's Divergence" "Chōyoku no Daibājensu" (蝶翼のダイバージェンス)
7. "Divergence Singularity" "Dansō no Daibājensu" (断層のダイバージェンス)
8. "Chaos Theory Homeostasis I" "Mugen no Homeosutashisu" (夢幻のホメオスタシス)
9. "Chaos Theory Homeostasis II" "Gensō no Homeosutashisu" (幻相のホメオスタシス)
10. "Chaos Theory Homeostasis III" "Sōsei no Homeosutashisu" (相生のホメオスタシス)
11. "Dogma in Event Horizon" "Jikū Kyōkai no Doguma" (時空境界のドグマ)
12. "Dogma in Ergosphere" "Seishi Genkai no Doguma" (静止限界のドグマ)
13. "Metaphysics Necrosis" "Keijijō no Nekurōshisu" (形而上のネクローシス)
14. "Physically Necrosis" "Keijika no Nekurōshisu" (形而下のネクローシス)
15. "Missing Link Necrosis" "Bōkanjō no Nekurōshisu" (亡環上のネクローシス)
16. "Sacrificial Necrosis" "Fukagyaku no Nekurōshisu" (不可逆のネクローシス)
17. "Made in Complex" "Kyozō Waikyoku no Konpurekkusu" (虚像歪曲のコンプレックス)
18. "Fractal Androgynous" "Jiko Sōji no Andorogyunosu" (自己相似のアンドロギュノス) 19.
"Endless Apoptosis" "Mugen Rensa no Apotōshisu" (無限連鎖のアポトーシス)
20. "Finalize Apoptosis" "Ensa Danzetsu no Apotōshisu" (怨嗟断絶のアポトーシス)
21. "Paradox Meltdown" "Ingaritsu no Meruto" (因果律のメルト) 22.
"Being Meltdown"
"Sonzai Ryōkai no Meruto" (存在了解のメルト)
23.
"Open The Steins Gate"
"Kyōkaimenjō no Shutainzu Gēto" (境界面上のシュタインズゲート)
24.
"Achievement Point"
"Owari to Hajimari no Purorōgu" (終わりと始まりのプロローグ)
OVA - "Egoistic Poriomania"
"Ōkō Bakko no Poriomania" (横行跋扈のポリオマニア)
For more Steins;Gate check out www.funimation.com/steins-gate.
- Michael Meade
Shangri-La
Dub Version
Sci-fi/Action/Adventure
FUNimation
Entertainment
Posted 9/17/12 6:45PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Shangri-La is a mixed bag of interesting and awesome, like a dystopian futurist's greatest dream or nightmare depending
on their personal morals and ethics. The concepts placed in the series are interesting and could very well become the future
if overzealous governmental controls and mounting environmental problems persist... an economy based on carbon-based products
as the world learns to revolve exclusively around carbon with the massive and damaging output humanity continues to demand,
taxation of nations based on exceeding a predetermined amount of carbon emissions, a global caste system (that is actually
acknowledged by all and not swept under the rug as being beneath governments to impose) with far greater divides than currently
exist between a privileged elite and the rest of us. This reviewer will put away such personalized spin on the politics of
the series, but these themes and plot points are key to Shangri-La. The heart of the series truly comes from it's
core cast of protagonists, and main protagonist Kuniko Hojo in particular delivers much of said heart through her beliefs
and moral judgements on what is right and wrong. This further extends through her relationships with her adopted family group
consisting of her grandmother Nagiko Hojo, the head of Metal Works; a role she intends to groom Kuniko to take over someday.
Kuniko's mother/daughter relationship with transexual Momoko provides some of the more tender and intimate sides to the show,
in spite of Momoko's flip attitude and love of sarcarsm as well as her flamboyant references to being a transgender person
she loves Kuniko very much. For this reason Momoko is my favorite character after Kuniko. Getting back to the geo-political
state of the world in this excellent series based on the light novel by Eiichi Ikegami, Japan was mostly destroyed a few decades
prior in the mid-twenty-first century by a massive earthquake leaving Tokyo as the largest jungle-oplis on the planet split
between the home of the elite citizens in Atlas and those left on the surface of the country. At the core, it's economics
that truly drives the political intrigues and conspiracies against the lower castes; which is nothing new to anyone that has
watched the news over the past few years. But Shangri-La really delves deep into the concept of economy driven politics,
rebellion, puppeteering, free markets versus government run commerce, etc. in ways that most fiction hasn't touched in a long
time. This reviewer finds it to be a breath of fresh air, and once you move past the excellent sci-fi angles of the anime,
it really calls the viewer to think about the state of the world and how much economics truly govern in our world today. And
just how good or bad for the human race that is. Animation is gorgeous, as is expected of Gonzo; though if I'm honest
I don't always like the character designs Gonzo sets forth. But I have to admit the designs in Shangri-La from character
to backgrounds and scenery are great and never lose any bit of that when 2D and 3D CG are combined in some scenes. Even
with the level of detail CGI animation can generate today much animation, Japanese anime and Western animation included, does
not accomplish hybrid style well; one form of animation or another always seem to lose some detail and appeal when 2D and
CG are combined but like I said that is not the case here. Dub actors nail every character once more thanks to
the talented crew at FUNimation Entertainment including fan favorite greats J. Michael Tatum (who also did scripting duty),
Todd Haberkorn, Tia Ballard, and Trina Nishimura. Admittedly I haven't watched the original Japanese audio version yet, but
the actors cast in the dub version really do shine in their craft on this series. You can tell the actors involved wanted
to be involved and liked voicing their characters, the cast really put themselves into this one and there's just no beating
that. Dub Cast:
Kuniko Hojo - Lindsay Seidel Mikuni - Apphia Yu Kunihito Kusanagi
- Austin Tindle Momoko - Kent Williams Nagiko Hojo - Linda Leonard Yuri Gamagori - Emerick Jade Tomoka Yamazaki
- Tia Ballard Takehiko - Bryan Massey Ryoko Naruse - Jennifer Seman Soichiro Hata - Todd Haberkorn Shogo Kudo
- J. Michael Tatum Reon Imaki - Jason Douglas Sion Imaki - Micah Solusod Miiko - Randy Pearlman Sayoko - Anastasia
Muñoz Karin Ishida - Jād Saxton Klaris Lutz - Trina Nishimura Zhang - Anthony Bowling Sergei Talsian
- Bill Jenkins MEDUSA - Joel McDonald Old Man Army - R. Bruce Elliot Old Man Camera - Jerry Russell Old Man
Loli - Charlie Campbell Canary - Justin Pate Hiruko - Heather Walker Episode List:
1.
"Returned Girl" "Shōjo Kikan" (少女帰還) 2. "Cursed Sea of Ikebukuro" "Ikebukuro
Jukai" (池袋呪海) 3. "Creation of the Layers of Heaven and Earth" "Tenchi Sōzō"
(天地層造) 4. "Neo-Akihabara" "Chō Akihabara" (超秋葉原)
5. "Crazed Dance" "Ranshin Ranbu" (乱心嵐舞) 6. "Fictitious Battle Line" "Kyokō
Sensen" (虚構戦線) 7. "Sorrow, Love and Hatred" "Hisō Onshū" (悲想恩讐)
8. "Cruel Lipstick" "Kuchibeni Muzan" (口紅無残) 9. "Divine Revelation of the
Sun and Moon" "Tenkei Yōgetsu" (天啓陽月) 10. "Sword of the Power of Words" "Kotodama
no Tsurugi" (言霊之剣) 11. "Butterfly Dream" "Kochō Mugen" (胡蝶夢幻)
12. "Vicissitudes of Life" "Seisei Ruten" (生勢流転) 13. "Flying Girl" "Hikō
Shōjo" (飛行少女) 14. "Transfigured City" "Henbō Toshi" (変貌都市)
15. "Straying and Defeat" "Meisō Haitai" (迷走敗退) 16. "The Mad Forest Hell"
"Kyōran Jugoku" (狂乱樹獄) 17. "Tunnels on a Dark Night" "An'ya Kōro" (暗夜杭路)
18. "The Two-Headed Tale" "Sōtō Kitan" (双頭奇譚) 19. "Tokyo Bombardment"
"Tōkyō Kūshū" (東京空襲) 20. "Modulated Concatenation" "Tsuranari
no Shirabe" (連之調音) 21. "Disappearance of the Holy Land" "Seichi Shōshitsu" (聖地消失)
22. "Eternal Bonds" "Eien no Kizuna" (永遠乃絆) 23. "Prelude to Collapse" "Hōkai
Jokyoku" (崩壊序曲) 24. "Shangri-La" "Risō Kyōdo" (理想郷土)
Shangri-La gets a 4.5 out of 5. For more check out www.funimation.com/shangri-la.
- Michael Meade
Freezing (Dub Version)
Action/Comedy/Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Romance
FUNimation
Entertainment
Posted 9/10/12 11:35PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Freezing... so... much.... FAN SERVICE!! In all seriousness, there is much more in your face fan service in
just the first two episodes of Freezing than this reviewer has seen in a while (coming from the guy
who loves Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, Cat Planet Cuties, and Heaven's Lost Property), but past that
there's a viable storyline here. The series feels like a combination of Evangelion, without the EVA units, dark psychology,
and BDSM fetishism (well here and there for everyone that just said "screw that noise"), and a 90s high school romantic comedy
but set around the early 2060s after a race of interdimensional alien beings begin attacking the planet in a seeming bid to
wipe out humanity and take over our Mother Earth.
Without having read the manga that the anime is based on, I don't know if there is anything lost in translation from
medium to medium, but it feels like there could be much deeper levels to this story. The crew at FUNimation has done a great
job with reversioning the original Japanese series, both writers and dub actors, but it still feels like there could be something
really great in Freezing but it doesn't quite make the mark, it hits the line between average and great with only
a foot over that line into greatness. By no means is in the acting or even the rewrite into English to blame, Caitlin Glass
really shines as female protagonist Satellizer el Bridget and I really like Luci Christian's badass turn as Satellizer's frienemy
Ganessa Roland; the base of the story just isn't original enough to take those few strides into great storytelling. That
said, for a sci-fi rom-com with salutes to Evangelion and major fan service, it is enjoyable on several
levels; again dub actors bring a lot of life into the characters while clearly enjoying the dialogue during the fan service
moments.
And that is the thing, Freezing is not unenjoyable, in spite of what I said above; this is an enjoyable
series if you like action and can laugh at heavy amounts of fan service. The fan service is there to make fun of itself, at
least from this reviewer's viewpoint, much the same as Panty and Stocking mocking standard fan service devices
like the hera transformation sequence with panty flashes a-plenty. For those looking for more serious sci-fi there are interesting
spins on biotechnology and hard light projections in this one.
Animation is the slick colorful style, though when there are intense battles between the Pandoras and Nova the atmosphere
of the scenes change to match the action. A.C.G.T. shows off the studio's worth in the art department in spades.
Dub
Cast:
Kazuya Aoi - Josh Grelle
Satellizer el Bridget - Caitlin Glass
Rana Linchen - Jamie Marchi
Ganessa
Roland - Luci Christian
Arthur Crypton - Patrick W. Reid
Kaho Hiiragi - Alexis Tipton
Audrey Duvall - Martha Harms
Aika
Takeuchi - Anastasia Munoz
Tris McKenzie - Trina Nishimura
Chiffon Fairchild - Cherami Leigh (credited as Ceelee Rose)
Yujin
- Z. Charles Bolton
Elizabeth Mably - Tia Ballard (credited as Abigail Hartman)
André Francoise - Keith Kubal
Ticy
Phenyl - Tia Ballard (credited as Abigail Hartman)
Arnett McMillan - Jad Saxton
Creo Brand - Liza Gonzales
Attia
Simmons - Monica Rial
Mark - Kyle Phillips
Ingrid Berstein - Brittney Karbowski
Leo Bernard - Alexander Moran
Miyabi
Kannazuki - Leah Clark
Sister Margaret - Dusty Jacks
Yumi Kim - Colleen Clinkenbeard (credited as Carmen Smith)
Elize
Schmitz - Stephanie Young (credited as Kelly McHalen)
Cathy Lockheart - Kristi Kang
Kyoichi Minase - Scott Freeman
Milena Marius - Lydia Mackay
Louis el Bridget (child) - Lara Woodhull
Louis el
Bridget (teenager) - Ryan Reynold
Kazuha Aoi - Catherine DuBord
Marin Maxwell - Shelly Osterberger
Olivia el Bridget
- Nancy Sherrard
Noelle Alongrutch - Linda Leonard
Violet el Bridget - Lindsay Seidel
Episode List:
1.
"Untouchable Queen"
2. "Pandora Mode"
3. "Accelerating Turn"
4. "Tempest Run"
5. "She is Rana Linchen"
6. "Machination"
7.
"Sanction"
8. "Pandora Queen"
9. "Godspeed of the East"
10. "NOVA Form"
11. "Ambush! Ravensborne Nucleochede"
12.
"Satellizer Vs. Pandora"
OVA Episodes:
1. "I Want to Touch Her♥Satellizer, the Girl
with Glasses"
2. "Lots of Secrets♥The First Room Invitation"
3. "Someone's Going to See♥Overly-extreme Physical"
4.
"The Genetics Swim Meet♥There Are Nip Slips, Too"
5. "Don't Look♥The Pandora's Bare Change of Clothes" 6. "Freezing Gone Wild♥Sighs-a-plenty for the Pandoras" Freezing
gets a 3.5 out 5. For more check out www.funimation.com/freezing.
- Michael Meade
No. 6 (Dub Version)
Action/Sci-Fi/Yaoi
Sentai Filmworks
Posted
9/1/12 6:37PM EST
|
| Courtesy Sentai Filmworks |
A dystopian Utopia filled with sinister secrets known only by the government created in the aftermath of a great war
that destroyed most habitable land on the planet... anime plot or the Orwellian future we may be headed for? Geopolitical
and socioeconomic worries of the planet aside, No. 6 is a stark look at a possible future and the impact it has on human society,
within the context of this eleven episode series, which is based on the nine volume light novel series written by Atsuko Asano
and the manga adapation drawn by Hinoki Kino, the focus is on the few instead of the many. Though the microcosm does most
assuredly affect the macrocosm in the story, we focus in particular on young men Shion and Nezumi (Rat) from their initial
meeting as young pre-teens as Nezumi flees government manhunters to their paths crossing again four years later after the
fallout in Shion's life for aiding Nezumi. Shion is a gifted student specializing in botany, Nezumi is a rebellious
young drag queen from the slums outside the "perfect" life citystate No. 6 offeres to the privilieged elite that has found
proof of the government's corruption. Yaoi fans that have not seen either the Japanese lanuage original or the dub are probably
excited now at the mention of Nezumi's cross dressing and role as a drag queen to earn money from his performances... *SPOILER*
Yes, Shion and Nezumi fall in love, but there aren't any full on love making scenes that spoil the story by being gratuitous.
The love story aspect is done right, focusing on the mutual bond and affection the two protagonists have for each other, it's
also never made a big deal that the boys are gay as is seen in so many Western productions for the sake of appealing to the
"hey it's so cool to be gay/lesbian/bi" crowd that in essence do not actually contribute to the cause of equal sexuality rights;
instead making one's sexual orientation and identity a trend. Last bit of soap box speak, once more this story does it right,
the bond is never made a spectacle, novelty, or fetish; it merely is what it is, a bond of mutual respect and love between
two human beings. The animation of No. 6, in contrast to the overall grim setting, is bright, fluid and beautiful.
This should not be a surprise though as the studio behind No. 6 is Bones, and this reviewer hasn't seen anime yet from them
that hasn't been appealing to the eye. The dub acting is very well done by the cast; including well known fan favorites Greg
Ayres and Luci Christian. Sentai Filmworks released their dub of the series on DVD and Blu Ray a few weeks ago on August 21.
Definitely a series to pick up and check out if you like to think about your entertainment, and maybe give a thought to the
world and where we're all headed on the current global path... is it better to live in an ignorant, manufactured bliss or
to know the truth and fight for your right to live as you see fit? Dub Cast
Shion - Greg
Ayres Nezumi - Kalob Martinez Inukashi - Luci Christian Safu - Hilary Haag Karan - Lesley Pedersen Rikiga -
Chris Hutchison Episodes
1. "Drowned Rat" "Bishonure Nezumi" (びしょぬれネズミ)
2. "City Adorned in Light" "Hikari Matou Machi" (光まとう街) 3. "Life and
Death" "Sei to Shi to" (生と死と) 4. "Good and Evil" "Ma to Sei" (魔と聖) 5.
"Angel of Death" "Meifu no Tenshi" (冥府の天使) 6. "Hidden Dangers" "Hisoyakana
Kiki" (密やかな危機) 7. "True Lies, False Truths" "Shinjitsu no Uso Kyokō
no Shinjitsu" (真実の嘘・虚構の真実) 8. "The reason for
that is..." "Sono Wake wa..." (そのわけは…) 9. "Stage of Disaster" "Saiyaku
no Butai" (災厄の舞台) 10. "What Lies in the Abyss" "Naraku ni aru mono" (奈落にあるもの) 11.
"Tell Me The Truth" "Tsutaetekure, arinomama wo" (伝えてくれ、ありのままを)
No. 6 gets a 4 out of 5. For more on No. 6 check out www.sentai-filmworks.com.
- Michael Meade
Planzet (Dub Version)
Action/Sci-Fi
Sentai Filmworks
Posted
8/22/12 11:43PM EST
|
| Courtesy Sentai Filmworks |
At first glance Planzet looks like your typical humans versus alien lifeform for domenation of the earth anime, and on
the serfacxe it is, but the real shining point of the feature is human story underlying the sci-fi action. At it's heart Planzet,
originally written and directed by Jun Awazu, is about the bonds of a family and being mature enough to appreciate that
familial love and the lengths they drive us to for the good of our families. The English dub is well cast and very well acted
by fan favorites and lead chaacter voice actors Blake Shepard and Brittney Karbowski. The CG animation is top notch, coloring
is stark and breeds a feeling of hopelessness, but it fits the movie's atmosphere perfectly set in a post-apocalyptic 2053
where the earth has been in many ways decimated by the invading FOS.
In it's scant 53 minute running time, Planzet
caters to many different anime sci-fi subgenres; including alien invasion, mecha, post-apocalyptic rebuilding of the human
race, and space travel and terraforming of Mars (though this last point is only mentioned and never seen) are all crammed
in. At times it feels as though too much has been placed into one stand alone feature, especially with it coming in just under
the hour mark but in the end it works. For those flaws in the story it bears repeating that the real beauty of Planzet is
in the family story of the Akishima (Akejima in the original Japanese) siblings, Hiroshi (Taishi in the Japanese version)
and Koyomi, dealing with life in the new world order after losing their father Kōshirō
in the first wave of FOS attacks in the year 2047.
Overall the movie gets a 4 out of 5, this is earned from the best
CG animation available in the movie's original production year of 2010 and the story of Hiroshi and Koyomi.
English
Dub Cast:
Hiroshi Akishima - Blake Shepherd
Koyomi Akishima - Brittney Karbowski
Kōshirō Akishima - Rob Mungle
Ken Tazaki - Illich Guardiola
Kaori Sagawa - Luci Christian
Yūra Yoshizawa - Tiffany Grant
Commissioner
Yoshizawa - John Swasey
Nakamura - Greg Ayres
Narrator - David Wald
Fractale
Social Science Fiction
FUNimation Entertainment
Posted 8/11/12 5:40PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Fractale is a little more than your average cautionary tale against letting technology rule too much of our lives, it
takes things deeper showing the affects of techologic isolation through use of "doppels". Doppels are cyber avatars that take
our place in the real world as there is no real distinction between the physical and digital worlds in the dystopian eutopia
the world has become. Reliance on and rebellion from the massive A.I. system and the truth behind the system are the key points
of story and action in Fractale, but the true strength of this anime is in fact the characters and their stunted and eventually
evolving emotional states. Protagonist Clain lives on his own, visited daily by the doppels of his parent (who live in separate
towns so their personal freedoms aren't restricted by old world ties to other people) is emotionally separate and separated
from life at the beginning of the series, Clain is also the only "normal" citizen of the world that doesn't have a doppel.
Clain's
world is soon thrown out of the balance he has known his whole life by Phryne's explosive entry into his life while being
persued by seeming, and bungling, villians Enri Granitz and her lackeys Takamy and Butcher. By helping Phryne evade her persuers
Clain opens up his world to adventure, danger, and personal evolution that could help to reshape the world as it has become
known.
Engrossing and enjoyable, as the heavy subject matter and moral issues presented are peppered heavily with moments
of comedic relief and genuinely heartwarming moments (such as when Clain relaizes he wants Nessa in his life), the series
never feels overly preachy with it's message even while making a good point. Said cautionary message isn't stale or highly
cliched in Fractale though, this is primarily due to seeing the converse point of view when it comes to giving ourselves over
to technologic eutopianism. Rarely is the pro-tech view humanized with each side being morally ambiguous enough to let viewers
question which moral stance they themselves side with. Making viewers think and think deeply about something that is taking
place in society in a very real way right now, though the premise is set far in the future and is quite fantastic compared
to the techology level we currently live in, is always a win in this reviewer's book.
Animation is slick and flowing,
which is to be expected of A-1 Studios, the music of the series captures the essence of growing up and questioning authority
perfectly; and is well complemented with compositions designed to show the awe of how big the world is no matter how small
technology makes it seem at times.
The dub cast is superb led by fan favorite Brina Palencia as Clain, adapting her
voice to play a young boy once more. Her Clain is as different from Ciel Phantomhive of Black Butler in intonation and warmth
as to make Clain his own being; at first listen fans may not recognize Brina's voice, further showing why she is one of the
best dub voice actors on the scene. Luci Christian provides the dubbing for Nessa, going from serious to confused to playful
in the same sentence, Luci plays Nessa to moe hera perfection. Christian's Nessa learns as much as teaches Palencia's Clain
as they journey together facing all odds to complete their quest.
Dub Cast:
Clain Necran - Brina Palencia Phryne - Caitlin Glass Nessa - Luci Christian Enri Granitz - Monica Rial Sunda
Granitz - Scott Freeman Dias - Eric Vale Moeran - Stephanie Young Barrot - Bucky Pearl Episode
List:
1. "Encounter" ("Deai") 2. "Nessa" 3. "Granitz Village" ("Guranittsu no Mura")
4. "Departure" ("Shuppatsu") 5. "Journey" ("Tabiji") 6. "The Farthest Town" ("Saihate
no Machi") 7. "City of Pride" ("Kyoshoku no Machi") 8. "Secret of the Underground" ("Chika no Himitsu") 9.
"No Way Out" ("Oitsumerarete") 10. "To the Monastery" ("Sōin e") 11. "Paradise" ("Rakuen")
Fractale gets a 4.5 out of 5. For more on Fractale check out www.funimation.com/fractale.
- Michael Meade
Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt (Dub Version)
Comedy/Action
FUNimation Entertainment
Posted 7/13/12 3:00PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Mix Highway to Heaven (for those of you not old enough to remember this show, it was about an angel that had
to complete several good deeds while wandering as a hitchhiker before being allowed back into heaven) and South Park
with a heavy helping of Viagra, maybe some Spanish Fly and you've got yourself Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt.
Not for the faint of heart, anyone under the age of... hell we'll say 21, and definitely not for those easily offended (re:
towering evil ghost monster made of shit, enough use of the expletive "fuck" in one sentence to make the most hardened sailor
blush, and speaking of hardened... more sex, sex jokes, and sexual discussions than most X rated live action films). That
said, Panty and Stocking is great for all those horrible and wonderful things! Plus the series parodies so much in just one
episode that it shames both SNL and Funny or Die in just hlaf an episode. On top of the funny, both parody and inappropiate,
there's also a turdsicle load, watch the first episodes first half and that will be funny as hell trust me, of action in this
anime. The action also score creative points for Gainax, slight spoiler I suppose, as each monster/ghost/demon is destroyed
after the Anarchy sisters shout the much beloved "repent motherf***er!" finishing move line, the action switches to live action
to watch a sculpted model of the monster get blown up for real.
In short, Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt is a over
the top gross out fun, hyper sexual romp of awesome! The animation is crisp, though not exactly norm in art style the hybrid
of said "normal" character models and chibi style is appealing especially throwing in moments of sexier drawing during the
transformation sequences for Panty and Stocking doing pole dances before tranforming their respective panties and stockings
in guns and katana (Panty's panties = guns, and Stocking's stockings = katana), and the aforementioned live action bits are
brilliant. There isn't much of anything to demerit this series, it is short clocking in only 13 episodes and so far one special
but that's becoming the stand by for newer anime. The stories are episodic without underlying plotlines and a clear course
for the overall story until the end which leaves open the door for a second series. Neither point bothers this reviewer, I
have read other reviews that knock the series for either or both points, but if the reviewer or fans are taking a series meant
to be balls to wall funny that seriously they're missing the entire point and enjoyment of an anime like Panty and Stocking
with Garterbelt.
Dub casting is superb! Jamie Marchi, pulling script writing duties for the show as well, plays Panty with
"some motherf***ing style!" as Panty herself would say. Monica Rial as Stocking is just perfect, Rial can go from cute and
cuddly moe to psycho yandere in 2 milliseconds flat and it is impressive every time. Christopher Sabat (best known for his
dub work on Vegeta and Piccolo in Dragonball, Dragonball Z, and Dragonball GT) plays Garterbelt like the combo of Samuel L.
Jackson and Redd Foxx that no other white man on this planet could pull off, making this reviewer that much more of a fan
of Mister Sabat. Plus Colleen Clinkenbeard and Cherami Leigh as Scanty and Kneesocks respectively are both, pardon the pun
and spoiler, devilishly awesome!.
In closing, this one isn't for everybody, nothing is sacred and being offensively
funny is the aim; and that target is hit so many times it's going to have trouble walking tomorrow! But if you're not
easily offended with an open minded sense of humor this anime may be right up your alley.
Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt gets a 4.5 out of 5 but only because it leaves you feeling teased and wanting more
at the end.
Main Dub Cast:
Anarchy Panty - Jamie Marchi
Anarchy Stocking - Monica Rial
Garterbelt - Christopher Sabat
Brief - Joel McDonald
Chuck - Ian Sinclair
Scanty - Colleen Clinkenbeard
Kneesocks - Cherami Leigh
Corset - Christopher Ayres
Fastener - Christopher Bevins
Episodes:
1. Part 1: "Excretion Without Honor nor Humanity" ("Jingi naki Haisetsu") Part 2: "Death Race 2010" ("Desu
Rēsu Nisenjū") 2. Part 1: "The Turmoil of the Beehive" ("Mitsubachi no Zawameki") Part 2: "Sex and
the Daten City" ("Sekkusu ando za Daten Shiti") 3. Part 1: "Catfight Club" ("Kyattofaito Kurabu") Part
2: "Pulp Addiction" ("Parupu Adikushon") 4. Part 1: "The Diet Syndrome" ("Daietto Shindorōmu") Part
2: "High School Nudical" ("Hai Sukūru Nūdikaru") 5. Part 1: "Raiders of the Nasal Dark" ("The Runny")
("Hanamuputora") Part 2: "Vomiting Point" ("Vomittingu Pointo") 6. "Les Diaboliques" ("Akuma no Yō
na Onnatachi") 7. Part 1: "Trans-homers" ("Toransuhōmu") Part 2: "The Stripping" ("Gennama ni Ratai
o Hare") 8. Part 1: "...Of the Dead" ("...Obu za Deddo") Part 2: "1 Angry Ghost" ("Ippiki no Ikareru Gōsuto")
9. Part 1: "If the Angels Wore Swimsuits" ("Tenshi ga Mizugi ni Kigaetara") Part 2: "Ghost: The Phantom of
Daten City" ("Gōsuto: Daten Shiti no Maboroshi") 10. Part 1: "Inner Brief" ("Innā Burīfu")
Part 2: "Chuck to the Future" ("Chakku tu za Fyūchā") Part 3: "Help! We Are Angels" ("HELP! Futari
wa Enjeru") 11. Part 1: "Once Upon a Time in Garterbelt" ("Wansu Apon a Taimu in Gātāberuto") Part
2: "Nothing to Room" ("Nasshingu tu Rūmu") 12. Part 1: "D.C. Confidential" ("Dī Shī Konfidensharu")
Part 2: "Panty and Brief" ("Panti ando Burīfu") 13. Part 1: "Bitch Girls" ("Bitchi Gāruzu")
Part 2: "Bitch Girls: 2 Bitch" ("Bitchi Gāruzu: Tsū Bitchi") Special: "Panty & Stocking in Sanitarybox"
"Heroine Interview" ("Heroin Intabyū") "Geek of The Dead" ("Gīku obu za Deddo") "A Map of The Daten
City" ("Mappu obu za Daten Shiti") "Chuck to The Future: Part 4" ("Chakku tu za Fyūchā PART4") "Brothers
of The Roundhead" ("Brazāzu obu za Raundoheddo") "District B" ("Dai-B Chiku") "The Hairdresser's Bad
Wife" ("Kamiyui no Akusai") "Bitch Flash" ("Bitchi Furasshu") For more on Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt
check out http://www.funimation.com/panty-stocking-with-garterbelt.
- Michael Meade
Dream Eater Merry (Dub)
Action/Fantasy
Sentai Filmworks
Posted
5/12/12 6:00PM EST
|
| Courtesy Sentai Filmworks |
In Dream Eater Merry you see the anime archetypes fairly quick, but the series quickly builds past them in just the first
episode; and you fast find yourself watching a series that while short is engrossing and thought provoking... at least if
you contemplate dreams. Without spoiling too much, the plot revolves around the connection between what we deem the "real
world", the waking world, and the world of dreams and its denizens. Further than that the series delves into how the two realities
affect each other and the dangers each presents to the other. Slathered with eye popping visuals that blend 2D and CG animation
(not something this reviewer is usually a fan of in the amount done within this series) better than I've seen in awhile. The
anime has been criticized as having more style than substance and being a poor man's Soul Eater, I disagree; the problem is
knowing where to look for the substance, just like reading it's no fun as a viewer if everything is handed to you. As stated
above, archetypes make themselves known in the characters quickly, and though the main characters do transcend these archetypes
at points for character evolution that creates true depth of personality, really humanizing them, they are never transcended
completely. This however, does not take away from the story as long as you can take some fan service and humor. Not in amounts
that would wreck the story but it's there. All that said, Dream Eater Merry does still tackle an interesting concept, that
while done before still carries weight and is fascinating from psychological and philisophical points. Especially when
considering the origins and motivations of the Dream Demons in the pursuits of their individual desires to explore the waking
world, destroy it, and escape from it to their former life in the dream world. Of particular interest from a character
study standpoint is "Chaser" John Doe, the first Dream Demon that human protagonist Yumeji Fujiwara meets as Doe wishes to
commandeer the body of Fujiwara to visit the waking world as humans alomost freely visit the dream world. Also the main protagonist
Merry Nightmare provides interesting character study through her past and why she finds our world so horrible to be trapped
in. Dub actors are spot on in their characterizations of the cast, each finding a perfect vocal range to express the
dialogues, monologues, and exchanges between cast members. That said, this reviewer would have cast Brittney Karbowski (Isana
Tachibana) as Merry and Hilary Haag (Merry Nightmare) as Isana Tachibana, though each did great with their respective
characters, in my mind each actress would have been a better fit with the castings reversed. It's not
uncharted ground, in anime or any other genre/presentation of fiction, but it is presented creativly and enthrallingly; by
no means absolutely perfect but close in context of character and story development for this reviewers money. In short, molds
aren't broken here but they are refined by a good measure. The dub version of Dream Eater Merry gets a 3.5 out of 5. Main
Dub Cast:
Merry Nightmare - Hilary Haag Yumeji Fujiwara - Blake Shepherd Isana Tachibana - Brittney Karbowski Chaser
John Doe - Christopher Ayres Yui Kōnagi - Luci Christian Engi Threepiece - Shannon Emerick Pharos Heracles
- David Matranga Maze Landsbourough - Greg Ayres Mei Hoshino - Emily Neves Takateru Akiyanagi - Chris Patton Saki
Kirishima - Shelley Calene-Black Old Man Tachibana - Andrew Love Nao Horie - Maggie Flecknoe Chizuru Kawanami
- Melissa Davis Lestion - Jay Hickman Ryōta Iijima - Vic Mignogna Mystletainn - Monica Rial Parade -
Serena Varghese Episode List: 1. "Dream Reality"
" Yume Utsutsu"
2. "Dreams and Hopes" " Yume mo Kibō mo" 3. "From Beyond the Dream"
" Yume no Mukō kara" 4. "Dream Eater Merry" " Yumekui Merī" 5.
"Astray in a Dream" " Yume no Naka de Asutorei" 6. "Dream Encounter"
" Yume Kaikō" 7. "Dreams, Swimsuits and the Color of the Sea" " Yume to Mizugi
to Umi no Iro" 8. "Dream Corridor" " Yume Kairō" 9. "Disturbed
Dreams" " Yume Midarete" 10. "Not Waking from a Dream" " Yume kara Samezu
ni" 11. "Protectors of Dreams" " Yume no Moribito" 12. "Nightmare"
" Muen"
- Michael Meade
Ōkami-san and Her Seven Companions (Dub)
Romantic Comedy
FUNimation Entertainment
Posted 2/29/12 11:30PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Ah Ōkami-san, based on the light novel series by Masashi Okita, don't pay attention to your detractors dear sweet
anime series, don't mind their complaints about what they consider your generic character design, and "typical" character
types, your lack of "true" fan service, and don't pay attention to your sarcastic (albeit funny as hell) narrators jabs at
your still developing endowments. We at Anime Ate My Brain love you and accept you for all that you are. Plus those aforementioned
"shortcomings" that this reviewer has read in other reviews, fan and professional, add to the series because the character
personalities overcome them and make each one much more than the overused and shallow archetypal stereotypes applied. That
and we have to remember Ōkami-san and Her Seven Companions is a romantic comedy in fairy tale spoof's clothing with enough
action and fights to keep it exciting for the Shōnen fans. Which is what makes it great! From
spoofing fairy tales and high school romances to parodying anime staples like fan service, take a step back from the details
and look at the big picture. Don't forget to enjoy the funny while your at it.
Putting the soapbox away, Ōkami-san
stands well on the points stated above; it's funny, has great and endearing characters (beyond being anime updates of fairy
tale characters: Ryōko Ōkami = Big Bad Wolf, Ringo = Little Red Riding Hood etc.), has beautiful animation, far
out stories involving everything from stalkers to yakuza and high school gang turf wars and so forth. There's also the personal
aspect for this writer, Ōkami-sans lone wolf personality and trying to tear down the walls she's
built around her heart are something I can relate to. And the incredible dub cast is spot on in each casting, every
voice actor works their character to perfection. Try not to copy Brina Palencia's "Hell Nah!" from the end of episode two
(Ōkami-san the Liar and Ryōshi-kun) as the only way you say "hell no" hereafter. And Micah Solusod's performance
as Liszt, President of The Otogi Bank, is one of the best in the series; completely humorous while aloofly serious, and yes
I stand by that oxymoron. Of course, Monica Rial is always a pleasure to hear; she plays moe characters to a T and with Ringo
shifts to yandere and back to moe without missing a beat. Let's not forget Luci Christian as the sarcastic narrator either!
Some of Luci's best work in my opinion, and I'm a fan of many of her characters, for having an off screen character.
The dub version of Ōkami-san will be released April 3 2012 by FUNimation Entertainment, but for those who don't
want to wait to see and hear the awesome (whether you've watched the subbed episodes or not) FUNi has the first two episodes
on their Youtube page. Watch, you won't regret it; this reviewer is writing a whole review and plugging all twelve episodes
from these two preview episodes alone; never having watched the subbed series thus far so let that give you an idea of how
great this anime is. As long as you don't take it too seriously, you'll enjoy it.
The dub version of Ōkami-san and Her Seven Companions gets a 5 out of 5!
Main Dub Cast:
Ryōko Okami - Brina Palencia
Ringo Akai - Monica Rial
Ryōshi Morino - Joel McDonald
Liszt Kiriki - Micah Solusod
Alice Kiriki - Terri Doty
Otsū Tsurugaya - Colleen Clinkenbeard
Tarō Urashima - Todd Haberkorn
Otohime Ryūgū - Caitlin Glass
Majolica le Fay - Lindsay Seidel
Episodes:
1. Ōkami-san
and Companions at Otogi Bank
Ōkami-san to Otogi Ginkō no Nakama-tachi
2. Ōkami-san
the Liar and Ryōshi-kun
Usotsuki Ōkami-san to Ryōshi-kun
3.
Ōkami-san Gets Tangled in the Ugly Fight between the Tortoise and the Hare
Ōkami-san Usagi
to Kame no Minikui Arasoi ni Makikomareru
4. Ōkami-san and Otsū-senpai's Repayment of Favor
Ōkami-san
to Otsū-senpai no Ongaeshi
5. Ōkami-san Goes Demon-Exorcising with Momo-chan-senpai
Ōkami-san
Momo-chan-senpai to Oni-taiji ni Yuku
6. Ōkami-san and Little Red Riding Hood, and While We're at
It, Ryōshi-kun
Ōkami-san to Akazukin-chan, Tsuide ni Ryōshi-kun
7. Ōkami-san
Goes on a Double Date with Jizō-san
Ōkami-san Jizō-san to Daburu Dēto Suru
8.
Ōkami-san and the Mouse's Bride-Hunt and Pigs Should be Treated Like This After All
Ōkami-san
to Nezumi no Yomesagashi to Yappari Buta wa Kō Iu Atsukai
9. Ōkami-san and the Snow White Who
Isn't Affected by the Poisoned Apple
Ōkami-san to Doku-Ringo ga Kikanai Shirayuki-Hime
10.
Ōkami-san and the Otogi Bank's Longest Day
Ōkami-san to Otogi Ginkō no Sugoku Nagai
Ichinichi
11. Ōkami-san and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Ōkami-san to Hitsuji
no Kegawa o Kita Ōkami
12. Ōkami-san and the Girl who Doesn't Sell Matches but is Still Poor
Ōkami-san
to Matchi-Uri ja Nai kedo Fukō na Shōjo
For more on Ōkami-san and Her Seven Companions check out
www.funimation.com/okamisan.
- Michael Meade
Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva (Dub Version)
Action/Adventure/Mystery
Viz Media
Posted 2/7/12 5:47PM EST
|
| Courtesy: Viz Media |
Video game favorite Professor Layton makes the jump from game to movie in the footsteps of Pokemon, but substantially
better than its cute monster training predecessor. Offering a story with substance and enough mystery to entertain older anime
fans as well as younger. Presented in the U.S. by Viz Media, animation and direction are great, characterization well done
and engaging by the dub actors in the feature. Character design matches the Layton games perfectly, so it’s somewhat
a cross between chibi and western caricature art; a little cartoony but it works very well. For those unfamiliar with the
gentlemanly professor, think a cross between Sherlock Holmes (sans the drug and alcohol use as well as disguises) and Indiana
Jones; with less action throughout but certainly satisfying when it does come around in the story. The story is very much
character driven, which this reviewer always enjoys, concentrating of course on the Layton and his young ward Luke; other
recurring characters from the games are present such Inspector Grosky, Emmy, and Layton’s mentor; and the character
Janice plays a very important part in the story. But other characters are only a means to further the story with no development,
again very much like Sherlock Holmes. There are only two downsides to the dub version of this feature, there is much
exposition on the puzzles and back story to the plot once the mystery is unveiled. If one is not a fan of more cerebral anime
the amount of explanation to the set up and workings of the villains plot at the end could force you to turn off the your
DVD/BluRay players. Downside number two is the ADR engineering on Professor Layton, Viz has usually better quality ADR directing
and engineering in its anime movies and series. It’s not that noticeable in the first hour of the movie, but in the
last 30 minutes it begins to look like a Godzilla dub. It’s not truly bad ADR, but it seems lazy towards the end of
the film; the viewer if paying attention will notice the lip flaps on characters out of synch with the vocals. Not a major
issue to be sure, just not something you come across with Viz. Beyond those two minor points, and point one isn’t
an issue for this reviewer (it’s more of a warning for action oriented fans unfamiliar with the Layton puzzle games),
I found the movie entertaining and may actually upgrade my handheld gaming system to a Nintendo DS or 3DS so I can enjoy more
adventures with the good professor and his assistant number one Luke until the next movie (rumored to be in production now)
is released! Main Dub Cast:
Professor Hershel Layton - Christopher Robin Miller Luke Triton
- Maria Darling Emmy Altava - Emma Tate Janice Quatlane - Emma Tate Inspector Clamp Grosky - Stuart Organ Oswald
Whistler - Robbie Stevens Amelia Ruth - Claire Morgan Curtis O'Donnel - Wayne Forester Marco Brock - David Holt
Frederick Bargland - Stuart Organ Annie Dretche - Maria Darling Celia Raidley - Sarah Hadland Pierre Starbuck
- Robbie Stevens Jean Descole - Jonathan Keeble Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva gets a 4 out of 5. For
more check out www.professorlaytonthemovie.com.
- Michael Meade
Durarara!! (Dub Version)
Action/Supernatural/Romance
Aniplex
Posted 12/29/11 11:52PM EST
|
| Courtesy Aniplex |
Granted Durarara!! isn't exactly brand new and it just finished it's inital run on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim Saturday
night anime block... but it's getting a review because this reviewer fell in love with this trippy, twist filled (and
at times twisted) anime. Set in modern Ikebukuro Japan the series is split into three arcs, the first concluding at episode
12; special episode 12.5 bridges the months between 12 and 13 which begins the second arc which lasts through episode
16. Episode 17 launches the final branch of the story immediately.
The series follows a small bunch of characters that
at first seem to only be related by virtue of all living in Ikebukuro, through the twists and flasbacks connections are found
and explored, and sometimes fleshed out. The story holds elements of action, horror, suspense, mystery, even romance.
The characters most often given focus out of the ensemble are Mikado Ryūgamine, along with his classmates Masaomi
Kida and Anri Sonohara, each with secrets that are at the same time unexpected and yet couldn't be any other way. And as the
first arc moves forward more time is spent on one of the more interesting character of the eccentric and bizarre cast; Celty
Sturluson the Headless Rider. Celty, main heroine of the series and arguably the main character period, is a dullahan;
a headless Irish Faery (think combination Grim Reaper and a Norse Valkyrie) that has come to Ikebukuro in search of her
stolen head and the fading memories it contains. The head was stolen from the 200 year old beautiful dullahan 20 years prior
to the beginning of the series in Ireland, how and by whom she has no clue.
Throw in some gang warfare, even more intrigue, and supernatural happenings that make Celty look "normal", the machinations
of information broker and master manipulator Izaya Orihara, and over the top fights between Orihara and superstrong
collection agent Shizuo Heiwajima keep every episode fresh and engaging. Animation is beautiful, fluid, in fact some
of the best this reviewer has seen from any Aniplex production; Brain's Base is one hell of a studio for it's animation
work on Durarara!! The only downside in character development is the lack of fleshing out interesting supporting characters
like Simon Brezhnev the Russian sushi chef and Dollars members Kyohei Kadota, Walker Yumasaki, Erika Karisawa, and Saburo
Togusa among other Dollars and Yellow Scarves members.
Overall though, each character, no matter how much depth or screen
time given, are all interesting. Indulging in and sometimes smashing anime archetype behavior and personality, no one is ever
quite what they seem but they all have heart and conviction; regardless of which side of good or bad they want to position
themselves in a very gray world.
Voice acting in the dub is excellent with some well known fan-favorite VAs including Kari Wahlgren, Crispin Freeman,
and Johnny Yong Bosch. I've watched both the English and Japanese language versions, and despite being a dub enthusiast in
most cases, the dub actors bring something to Durarara!! that the Japanese cast doesn't in this reviewer's opinion. Personally
I can't think of Celty having any other voice but Wahlgren's.
Dub Cast:
Mikado Ryūgamine - Darrel Guilbeau
Masaomi Kida - Bryce Papenbrook
Anri Sonohara - Michelle Ruff
Celty Sturluson - Kari Wahlgren
Shizuo Heiwajima - Crispin Freeman
Izaya Orihara - Johnny Yong Bosch
Shinra Kishitani - Yuri Lowenthal
Simon Brezhnev - Patrick Seitz
Kyohei Kadota - Steven Blum
Walker Yamasaki - Brian Beacock
Erika Karisawa - Mela Lee
Saburo Togusa - Spike Spencer
Seiji Yagiri - David Earnest
Namie Yagiri - Bridget Hoffman
Mika Harima - Carrie Savage
Shingen Kishitani - Doug Stone
Mairu Orihara - Candalee Whitmore
Kururi Orihara - Candalee Whitmore
Kinnosuke Kuzuhara - Christopher Corey Smith
Saki Mikajima - Cassandra Morris
Kasuka Heiwajima - Blake Lewis
Tom Tanaka - Keith Silverstein
Takashi Nasujima
- Kirk Thornton
Hōrada - Kyle
Herbert
Episode List:
1. "Exit 1, First Words"
"Kaikōichiban"
2. "Highly Unpredictable"
"Ikkyoichijitsu"
3. "Rampant Evil"
"Chōryōbakko"
4. "Utterly Alone"
"Keieisōchō"
5. "False Advertising"
"Yōtōkuniku"
6. "Active Interest"
"Tōhonseisō"
7. "Bad-ass Dude"
"Kokushimusō"
8. "Ephemeral Dream"
"Nankanoyume"
9. "Love and Cherish"
"Iirenren"
10. "Never Before Seen"
Kūzenzetsugo
11. "Storm and Stress"
"Shippūdotō"
12. "Yin and Yang"
"Umusōsei"
12.5. "Heaven's Vengeance"
"Tenmōkaikai"
13. "Takes A Sudden Turn"
"Kyūtenchokka"
14. "Turmoil Reigns"
"Butsujōsōzen"
15. "Dumb Like a Fox"
"Gushaittoku"
16. "Mutual Love"
"Sōshisōai"
17. "Everything Changes"
"Uitenpen"
18. "Out of Your Control"
"Shiseiyūmei"
19. "Anarchy"
"Sōtensudenishisu"
20. "A New King Will Arise"
"Kōtenmasanitatsu"
21. "Everything Covered in Fog"
"Gorimuchū"
22. "Declaration of Disbandment"
"Kaisansengen"
23. "Complicated and Confused"
"Sensakubansō"
24. "Selfless Devotion"
"Sokutenkyoshi"
25. "World at Peace"
"Tenkahōhei"
Durarara!! gets a solid and well earned 5 out of 5!
- Michael Meade
Murder Princess (Dub Version)
Action/Adventure/Fantasy/Yuri
FUNimation Entertainment
Posted 11/28/11 7:00PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Murder Princess is a fun romp through the classic body switching comedy... but a whole lot of sword and monster fighting
thrown in for good measure! The series focuses on bounty hunter Falis, the toughest bounty hunter in the kingdom, and how
her life and fate becomes intertwined with Princess Alita Forland; the last in the royal bloodline but for her missing brother
Prince Kaito.
The animation is slick and beautiful, at times very cartoony in feel and at others almost gritty; yet retaining it's
slick veneer. Story is not unoriginal but there are some things that are too copy and paste/rinse and repeat about the overall
progression of events. While for the serious viewer looking for brand new territory this may pose as a failing it is still
a fun ride through the six episode OVA style series. That said, you'll probably have where the plot is heading pegged by the
end of the second episode, but again it's a very fun trip with many laughs and awesome battles once the Murder Princess takes
up arms to defend her kingdom.
Once more, the cloak and dagger aspects of the series, except for a few that are not given any hints in advance, are
easy to pick about for any fantasy and/or adventure buff but the effort is nice.
Characters are where this series really shines, from the two main characters and their small band of sidekicks to the
villains, most viewers are sure to have their favorites picked before the first show is over. Casting is terrific for this
series, each voice actor dubs their character as though they grew up with them.
The only true downside to Murder Princess is the show's six show length, at times the story feels rushed because of the
OVA nature of the series even though most important plot points are explained and resolved by the end. Perhaps it's this reviewer's
obvious like of the series speaking more than journalistic observation but it feels like there could have been much much more
done inbetween the beginning and end of Alita and Falis's story than we get to see.
One final note, before any yuri enthusiasts get their hopes up considering the attractiveness of the leads, the classification
does not stand in the anime outside one humorous moment midway through the series. There may be more of a yuri nature
to the manga, but as this reviewer hasn't read the manga at this point in time I cannot say for certain.
Murder Princess gets a 4.5 out of 5.
Main Dub Cast:
Alita Forland (a.k.a. Milano) - Colleen Clinkenbeard
Falis (a.k.a. Alita) - Monica Rial
Dominikov - Chuck Huber
Pete Armstrong - Ben Phillips
Jodo Entolasia - R. Bruce Elliot
Milano Entolasia - Brittney Karbowski
Dr. Akamashi - Mark Stoddard
Ana - Carrie Savage
Yuna - Carrie Savage
Cecilia - Wendy Powell
Prince Kaito - Patrick Seitz
Episodes:
1. Birth
Tanjō
2. Coronation
Taikan
3. Return
Kikan
4. Exile
Tsuihō
5. Fate
Shukumei
6. Determination's End
Ketsui no kan
- Michael Meade
Sands of Destruction (Dub Version)
Action/Adventure/Fantasy
FUNimation Entertainment
Posted 11/22/11 1:50AM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Sands of Destruction, based on the video game (World Destruction: Guided Wills in Japan) and manga of the
same name, follows the adventures of the World Destruction Committee to bring about the end of the world... even though they
end up doing more good than harm. The trio consisting of somewhat cowardly yet good hearted Kyrie, the jaded and strong Morte
(who is the only member of the WDC that wants to end the world), and the super strong and heroic Toppy; a small teddy bear-like
bear. The gang's adventures bring into contact with a myriad of characters as they travel from the continent to contintent,
each named for a season, looking for a way to unlock a mysterious orb called the Destruct Code and avoid their adversaries
in the World Salvation Committee.
The series, though short at one season of 13 episodes, has a lot going for it and a lot going on at all times. Underneath
the adventure is a message of acceptance, not preachy, and it doesn't take away from the action; but it is there as a constant
thorn to the WDC's travels is the inequality between humans and the ruling race of beastmen. Even if you're not a fan of the
Nintendo DS video game the series is based on, you'll find yourself sucked into the anime quickly; if not by the story than
by the characters. From Morte's gruff interactions with others to Kyrie's spazz attacks, even Toppy ending almost every sentence
with the word "kuma" (Japanese for bear); these characters are charming... even at their most annoying.
The dub actors are spot on and superb in their characterizations of the cast, and the "guest" stars follow
suit perfectly. To say nothing of the infectious opening theme "ZERO" by AAA (Attack All Around).
The series gets a 4 out of 5, the only detractor is the short length of the series.
Main Dub Cast
Kyrie Illunis - Todd Haberkorn
Morte Asherah - Luci Christian
Toppy Toplan - Robert McCollum
Agan Madoru - Eric Vale
Lia Dragunel - Trina Nishimura
Nadja Gref - Anthony Bowling
Episodes:
1. There Are Two Kinds of Heroes
Yūsha niwa Futatōri Aru
2. There Are Two Kinds of Worlds
Sekai niwa Futatōri Aru
3. There Are Two Kinds of Beastmen
Shūjin niwa Futatōri Aru
4. There Are Two Kinds of Humans
Ningen niwa Futatōri Aru
5. There Are Two Kinds of Men
Otoko niwa Futatōri Aru
6. There Are Two Kinds of Summers
Natsu niwa Futatōri Aru
7. There Are Two Kinds of Companions
Nakama niwa Futatōri Aru
8. There Are Two Kinds of Smugglers
Hakobiya niwa Futatōri Aru
9. There Are Two Kinds of Autumns
Aki niwa Futatōri Aru
10. There Are 108 Laws of Clockwork Robotics
Karakuri Robo niwa 108 no Gensoku ga Aru
11. There Are Two Kinds of Power
Chikara niwa Futatōri Aru
12. There Are Two Kinds of Pasts
Kakō niwa Futatōri Aru
13. There Are Two Kinds of Futures
Mirai niwa Futatōri Aru
- Michael Meade
Bamboo Blade (Dubbed Version)
Slice of Life/Sports/Comedy/Drama/Moe
FUNimation Entertainment
Posted 9/20/11 11:40PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Bamboo Blade, based on the Yen Press manga with animation by AIC's (Ah! My Goddess & Tenchi Muyo!) A.S.T.A.
Division (Gun X Sword), follows the trials and tribulations of a high school kendo team in Japan. The story focuses most
often on small Tamaki Kawazoe, Tama to her friends, the introverted First Year High School daughter of a kendo master who
is reluctantly dragged into joining Muroe High's failing kendo team. The series features typical high school drama
in places but more than that it showcases the meaning of what it means to be a team and shows great love and joy for it's
particular sport kendo.
For those that don't know kendo is the sport form of Japanese swordplay, proper name being Kenjutsu,
the sport is commonly compared to fencing, though kendo is often much more intense.
The animation is superb, and the story and characters compelling; regardless of the fact that it is a high
school soap opera at points the overall story is very engrossing. You'll soon find yourself drawn in and caring about Tama
as she learns how to have friends and be a friend in return along with her teammates Kirano Chiba, Sayako Kuwahara (nicknamed
Saya), Miyako Miyazaki (nicknamed Miya and Miya-Miya), Satori Azuma, Yuji Nakata, Danjuro Eiga (nicknamed Donny), and team
coach Toraji Ishida (nicknamed Kojiro); all of whom are excellently voiced by the voice actors that dubbed the show. The 26
episodes go by much too fast and seem far shorter than their actual number.
For a reviewer and fan that doesn't usually doesn't care slice of life anime, Bamboo Blade was a
truly awesome surprise!
Bamboo Blade gets a well earned 5 out of 5!
Main Dub Cast:
Tamaki Kawazoe - Cherami Leigh
Kirano Chiba - Luci Christian
Sayako Kuwahara - Brina Palencia
Miyako Miyazaki - Leah Clark
Satori Azuma - Carrie Savage
Yuji Nakata - Chris Burnett
Danjuro Eiga - Sean Michael Teague
Toraji Ishida - Ian Sinclair
Also featuring:
Ishibashi - Christopher R. Sabat
Tamaki's Father - Mark Stoddard
Rin Suzuki - Caitlin Glass
Episodes:
1. A Bamboo Broom and a Champion of Justice
Takebōki to Seigi no Mikata
2. The Blade Bravers and Boxed Lunch
Burēdo Bureibā to Obentō
3. Black and Blue
Burakku to Burū
4. Pink and Blue
Pinku to Burū
5. Muroe High and Machido High
Muroe Kō to Machido Kō
6. Tamaki Kawazoe and the Tardy Braver
Kawazoe Tamaki to Chikoku no Bureiba
7. Sushi and Mince Meat Cutlets
Sushi to Menchikatsu
8. Tama and Part-Time Work
Tama-chan to Arubaito
9. Kojiro and The Crossroads of Fate
Kojirō to Unmei no Bunkiten
10. Miyako Miyazaki's Melancholy and The First Tournament
Miyazaki Miyako no Yūutsu to Hajitaikai
11. Animation and Dreams
Animēshon to Dorīmu
12. Azuma's Circumstances and Mei's Circumstances
Azuma no Jijō to Mei no Jijō
13. Teachers and Students
Senseitachi to Seitotachi
14. Satorin's Resolve and Nomming
Satorin no Ketsui to Mogyumogyu
15. First Training Camp and First Public Bath
Hatsugasshuku to Hatsusentō
16. Kirino's Absence and The Preliminary Tournament
Kirino no Kesseki to Yosen Taikai
17. Light and Shadow
Hikari to Kage
18. The Tournament and Muroe High After That
Taikai to Sonogo no Muroe Kou
19. The Armadillo and The Pangolin
Arumajiro to Senzankou
20. Braver and Shinaider
Bureibaa to Shinaidaa
21. Tamaki Kawazoe and Rin Suzuki
Kawazoe Tamaki to Suzuki Rin
22. Winners and Losers
Haisha to Shousha
23. Lie and Silence
Osu to Chinmoku
24. The Sword and The Way
Ken to Michi
25. Kendo and What It Brings About
Kendou to sore ga motarasumono
26. "Since Then" and "From Here on Out"
"Sorekara" to "korekara"
- Michael Meade
Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season 1 (Dubbed Version)
Action/Fantasy
FUNimation Entertainment
Posted 5/1/11 7:00PM EST
|
| Courtesy FUNimation Entertainment |
Based on the Capcom video games series of the same name, Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings is set during the Sengoku Period
(Warring States Period) of Japan's feudal era. The story begins focused on a group of samurai warlords struggling against
each other for dominion of the land, but later sees the need to put aside these petty wars to join against the dark lord Oda
Nobunaga, who threatens not only all other warlord's lands but the very future of Japan with his callous disregard for life
and use of Western firearms and war machines against samurai and villagers alike.
The series follows most closely the exploits of Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura, as well as their respective subordinates
and lord. The warrior's rivaly between the two form much of the subplot as both are incredible warriors with few equals other
than Oda Nobunaga. Both finding the greatest joy in fighting in massive duels to test their vast strength against each other.
The series keeps a side of comedy scattered throughout the larger story, as so often seen in Capcom's video games; that
being said there are pieces of the anime that of course don't sink with history. The giant half mecha samurai Honda Tadakatsu,
a general of Tokugawa Ieyasu, is clearly a mix of future mecha and steampunk influences is the immediate proof of
this when he shows up on the battlefield. Date Masamune's manner of speech and motorcycle handlbars and mufflers as part
of the saddle rigs of his horse and the horses of his army also show this. As such hardcore period piece samurai aficionados
may or may not appreciate Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings as there are spoof element, otherwise if samurai warfare is your thing
this reviewer recommends the first season of Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings. Even among the over the top fights between Masamune
and Yukimura, the technologic aspects that have no place in feudal Japan, and the overly modern mannerisms of some character's
speech; Sengoku Basara is at it's core a story of samurai warlords that old school and newer fans of both samurai films and
anime can appreciate.
Animation and art are fluid and clean, again perhaps too much so for fans of gritty imagery in their samurai anime,
but by this reviewer it certainly fit the pleasant parts of the story and turned just the right amount of dark for the
serious battles between the forces of the alliance and Oda's minions.
Voice acting not only fit each of the characters, but the English voice actors cast also seemed to nail each character's
eccentricities pitch perfectly from small quiet reactions to over the top antics when the story called for them.
Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Season 1 Dubbed Version gets a 4 out of 5.
Dub Cast:
Date Masamune - Robert McCollum
Sanada Yukimura - Johnny Yong Bosch
Oda Nobunaga - John Swasey
Katakura Kojuro - Travis Willingham
Takeda Shingen - Chris Ayres
Sarutobi Sasuke - Michael Sinterniklass
Uesugi Kenshin - Greg Ayres
Kasuga - Stephanie Sheh
Akechi Mitsuhide - Vic Mignogna
Yoshinao - Jeremy Inman
Bunshichi - Scott Hinze
Ichi - Laura Bailey
Magobei - Johnny Bruce Lewis
Azai Nagamasa - Christopher Bevins
Samanosuke - Anthony Bowling
Narrator - Brian Mathis
Additional Voice Cast:
Duane Deering
Jim Johnson
Josh Grelle
Jonathan Brooks
Greg Dulcie
Newton Pittman
Scott Freeman
Episodes:
1. Blue Crimson! A Meeting of Fate
Sōkō Shukumei no Kaikō!
2. Shocking! Encounter at Okehazama
Senritsu! Okehazama no Sōgū
3. The Wanderer! Maeda Keiji
Fūraibō Maeda Keiji!
4. Trembling Scarlet Flower - Loyalty which brings Sorrow
Yureru Hi no Hana Hi o Yobu Shingi!
5. Heroic! Crusade at the Shitaraga Plains of Nagashino
Sōzetsu! Nagashino, Shitaragahara no Gisen
6. Shattered Bonds: Masamune's Disgraceful Retreat!
Sakareta Kizuna Masamune Kutsujoku no Taikyaku!
7. Robbery of The Leadership! The Battle under the Moon
Ryakudatsu no Kyōyū! Sōryū Gekka no Shinken Shōbu
8. The Great Temple of Blood! Kojūrō's Desperate Situation
Keppū Daigaran! Kojūrō Zettaizetsumei
9. Tiger of Kai, Dies at Midai River!
Kai no Tora, Midaigawa ni Shisu!
10. Yukimura, Unable to Recover!? Date Army's Tearful Disbandment
Yukimura Saikifunō!? Date Gun Namida no Kaisan!!
11. Mitsuhide's Betrayal! Honnō-ji Ablaze!
Mitsuhide no Muhon! Honnō-ji Daienjō!!
12. The Tower of the Azuchi Castle: A Struggle to Death with the Future at Stake
Azuchi-jō Tenshu Asu o Kaketa
Shitō!!
13. Inland Sea Clash! Spitting Fire at the Great Fort of the Sea・Mt. Fuji!!
Setouchi no Gekitotsu! Hi o
Fuku Umi no Daiyōsai, Fugaku!! (this episode takes place before episode 12 as a side story before the final conflict)
- Michael Meade
|
