Past Anime Review: Rio: Rainbow Gate!

March 18, 2012
Posted by DarrenW

Yes, its me, WWH, bringing you another segment of "big chested" animes.

This was originally not in my list of anime reviews, but seeing that I have not reached the 400th episode of Detective Conan, I don't want to start reviewing it since it might be inaccurate info to you readers. Yep, you guessed it, this is a time filler while I quickly finish it up.

So yea, this may look like an ecchi anime, but I assure you, its not as straight forward as that. Today I'll be reviewing "Rio: Rainbow Gate!" (Not to mistaken with the bird Rio)

The story begins with one of the main character, Mint Clark, alighting from her limo and arriving at The Howard Resort, a casino resort founded by To Howard. (Don't take it the wrong way. Mint is only a 10 year old girl. Haha!). She is joined by her grandfather, a wealthy millionaire, whom is taking a break in the resort.

However, a regular resort visit changes when Mint meets our protagonist, Rio (Rollins) Tachibana! Yes, this girl, also known as the "goddess of victory", is a dealer renowned for bringing endless amount of luck and energy for her guests at Howard Resort. She inherited her skills from her mother, Risa Rollins, who was a world renowned dealer, and continues to work her best under the HR owner.

However, the peaceful situation ended when Rio is assigned to take care and teach Anya Helsing (A Russian that doesn't look Russian at all) to be a a dealer at Howard. Anya discovers a peculiar card lying about in Rio's room. It is later revealed that it is a gate. WTH is a gate? You might say.

13 Gates

A gate is a name given to this special card, of which belongs to a full set of 13 cards. The strongest 13 dealers are all given 1 card each, of which they will battle it out in an attempt to obtain all 13 and become MVCD.

Dahell is MVCD? It stands for "Most Valuable Casino Dealer" *FACEPALM*. Honestly, that doesn't need any acronym.

The adventure immediately begins when a gambler called Elvis immediately challenges Rio to a gate battle in an attempt to win the other gate, but not on a standard gambling table. A GIANT ROULETTE SET.

Tom Howard

Along the way, she meets her old childhood friend, Rina Goltschmidt Tachibana, and close friends in Howard Resort, namely, Tom Howard, Anya, a robot, a fortune teller, a hollywood actress and two mascot twins, who will eventually give her the support to become the MVCD. There will be some tough, life-changing obstacles along the way, but Rio will stop at nothing to achieve her goal!

I have to say, I was very surprised that there was a decent plot development in the anime. Though it is not very "in your face", there is certainly a story unwinding throughout the whole anime, and it is a nice and touching story. However, towards the ending of the series, it gets super super confusing. Particularly when the army of people came in at the last episode, I was like "Who... What? Where?".

Gate Battle

The theme is ALL ABOUT GAMBLING, YEA. The anime doesn't stray off at all with that. Simply clear-cut in portrating anything and everything relating to gambling. Well, no actually. There are also themes of friendship and family shown, which is a good thing.

However, in these kind of winning/losing animes, you kind of already know who is going to win in the end, haha. Though I have to admit, this anime is good at avoiding such situations, because at most times it looks like Rio is actually losing the gate battles. (Woops spoiler).

Secondly, anybody watching this would want to have some prior knowledge about gambling because if you don't you will be confused as of WHO THE HECK IS WINNING OR LOSING. Just look at who's cheering and make your own deduction, haha!

Mint Clark

"Rio: Rainbow Gate!" is an all rounded original and super interesting anime to watch. Though I feel that there are quite a tad too many characters getting introduced, so you get mixed up. Also, WHAT HAPPENED TO MINT'S STORY? I thought that she was supposed to be one of the main characters. Even though I see her most of the time, I don't know anything else besides the fact that she's a small girl with a teddy bear.

Gate Battle!

Overall, it is a nice anime to watch, it turned out better than I anticipated. Many of the scenes in the anime, in terms of gate battles are not based in the real world at all, so the element of gambling takes an entirely different level than your real-life one. Sort of like they "improved it on a massive scale". Ah, but there are too many chested people, though the ECCHI was avoided somewhat. and so please expect ECCHI scenes!

*Wow never seen such a low public opinion!


"Rio: Rainbow Gate!" has 12 episodes and a bonus, and was fansubbed by HorribleSubs and Zing in Winter 2010.



*Irony: Casinos make money off unlucky guests. If the dealer gives its guests luck to win, how is Rio the most valuable casino dealer to the casino if she helps the casino lose money?

Woots! I'm on a record.
Hint: No anime / No Manga. HA!
DarrenW
Edited by Tr3xus

Manga Review: Onidere!

March 14, 2012
Posted by DarrenW

Good evening readers!

Yes, finally, in a long time, I've decided to do Manga reviews to help out DaBrenz!

Yes, today I've decided to write a review about a manga that I've been following over more than 2 years which just ended! "Onidere!"

Mangaka: Crystal na Yosuke

Dafuq is Onidere?
Well, the title is derived from the combination of "Oni" (Demon) and "dere" (Lovestruck).

At one glance, people will think that this is your ordinary school-type manga. Well, it isn't. Our story begins with our protagonist, Tadashi Inamoto, a super normal (can't get more normal than this) but super kind geek in an ordinary junior high school.

However, with an extraordinary girlfriend, Saya Angelica Ikushima! The head of the all-girl gang "Onigashirashu" in Tadashi's high school, she is the most feared 'delinquent' in all of Japan. Possesing superhuman strength with the ability to destroy anything she wishes to, you would be puzzled or confused as to why she is Tadashi's girlfriend.

Well, under that tough brutal exterior, lies a soft hearted Saya-san, who is actually tsundere towards Tadashi. For some reason, she always over-imagines Tadashi as her knight in shining armour, and faints on sight of being alone with him.

Unfortunately for Saya, she has to hide her feelings as it would mean disaster for her reputation as a feared delinquent. So they hide their feelings for one another and slowly, but surely, become closer together as individuals!

Well, thats the basic storyline. There are a ton of characters associated in this manga, all of whom are not really important, but I'll mention one or two.

Saki Nijinose: The treasurer of the student council, she takes pride in her job, but is the complete opposite of Saya-san, of whom she is fragile and delicate. Often needing Tadashi's help, his kindess rubs off on her and she also falls for him. But of course, our main character is too dense to notice that.

President Tomeo Kinoshita: Probably the WEIRDEST character in the entire manga series, the white-haired President Tomeo's main objective is to rid the school of delinquents and serving up "justice", through a hell lot of methods under the influence of the "god of justice", as he puts it. You will see him mostly hated by most of the characters, though his intentions are good but wacky and irritating.

Firstly, you can take the word plot and throw it out the window. This is your average humour manga, and any details on the plot is minimal. However, with each manga chapter you do get some-sort of segmented plot, but near the end you kind of lose it.

For theme, if they were aiming for highschool romance of a tsundere and geek, I would say they did quite well, doesn't stray off that far.

Some points to note: Humour is quite well shown in this manga. Firstly, its due to the manga's uncanny ability to poke funny ridiculous scenes and jokes at each other. Other than that, its mainly because of the random humour, and if you're Japanese, you're able to associate with it even more, because most of them are local jokes.




It's a good job to the mangaka who made this, for it really made me laugh and have a good mood for the rest of the day. So if you're feeling down or tired, read this and become more relaxed!!

However, near the end of the series, you will eventually get quite lost as to WHAT DIRECTION the manga is turning to be. Main plot WAS rushed near the end.

Futthermore, the art was quite messy at times. I'm not sure whether it was the translator's fault or whether it was intended by the mangaka.

Onidere begun release in 2008, and recently ended with 138 chapters, all of which is available on MangaFox & MangaReader.

That's all for now! Over and out!
Hint: MVCD
DarrenW
Edited by FayeA

SUPER DELAYED Final Impressions: THE iDOLM@STER

March 8, 2012
Posted by DarrenW

Wow it's already been so long since the last episode of this show.

Very Sorry!!! Well, the main reason was because nearly ALL the fansubbers pulled out before the season ended. If you went to Doki to get your subs like I did, you will notice the word 'delayed'. Yeah, up till now (3 months) there have been no updates. Because of that, I had to switch to Chibiki (UTW) in and quickly rush up the last 4 episodes to give you this review!

"THE iDOLM@STER", here we go!!!

Wow, where do I begin. I remember 2 seasons back when I was saying that this would be an interesting anime for lolicons and fans of K-On! alike! Well, it has fulfilled that statement, for it is!

Firstly, the story begins when the "producer" (JUST NOTICED HE WASN'T GIVEN A NAME AT ALL) joins the "765" agency as its new manager. An agency with 12 IDOLS. 12. They all have different personalities! Ranging from tom-boyish, androphobics, cheerful, emo, secretive, innocent, proud, childish and more!

The story develops as it is revealed that all the idols have an issue or two with their own lives, hindering their way to become top-notch idols. So its up to producer-san to help them achieve their dream by conquering such issues!

Though some of their issues are solved and the agency gets famous, a villain appears. He is 961 Pro Studio's manager Takao Kuroi! He believes that 765's fame has come too early and is unfair to his agency. So he takes matters into his own hands, by sabotaging 765's events and crippling their idols emotionally.

Producer-san must put a stop to this madness! How will he do it?!
Anyway, I spent a lot of time writing about the 12 idols, so I will use it again!! XD


<Haruka Amami, the main heroine of the anime. Always helping people with their problems and issues, she is the vital piece that connects 765 Productions. Having a bright personality, she is always excited, but is slightly clumsy.

>Makoto Kikuchi, a girl that has actually more female fans because of her "Cool-Boy" personality. She actually wants to be more feminine!



<Highly energetic and cheerful, Hibiki Ganaha is one of the more comical idols. She has a mouse, a hamster, a gerbil, a parrot, a rabbit, a cat, a dog, a pig, a flying squirrel, and a crocodile!

> The two twins of the agency, Ami & Mami Futami, are identical idols, the only difference seperating them are the way they tie their hair, they are also energetic and like animal constumes.

<Yukiho Hagiwara, the most shy and cowardly idol; she always looks down upon herself, and extremely scared of boys & dogs. She always runs off and "digs a hole" with a shovel whenever she is depressed.

>Growing in a family of five siblings, Yayoi Takatsuki cares for her family very much. Being the eldest, she always tries to find ways to make money.

<And the complete opposite; the proud and arrogant Iori Minase, an ojou-sama, whom flaunts her wealth.
She also carries a bunny everywhere she goes and is also a "tsundere" at times.


>Chihaya Kisaragi, whom is always cool and serious at all times. She prefers classical music, and is very traditional & mature.



<Azuza Miura, who looks and behaves a lot like "Mayoi Neko Overrun!"'s Otome. She acts like
the big sister type but has a terrible
sense of direction.

>We don't know much about Takane Shijou, because everything about her is a secret.


< The sexy Miki Hoshii, who you can see from her eyes, likes to sleep a lot. She does things with minimal effort, but
manages large results.




> And Ritsuko Atsuki, the idol turned manager for 765 Productions! She's not left out as well!

Plot-wise, I have to say that it actually has an actual plot for you to observe. This is also very realistic and well thought off if you are in the the world of an idol. Personally, having fragmented stories with each individual idol with a big developing plot was a good choice.

Theme-wise, it portrays an idol's life (physically and emotionally) to such incredible details that I was taken aback. If you ever question an idol's life, this is the anime to watch. The theme revolves around each individual idol gaining new inspiration to be the best that they can be; by either forgetting the past or maturing through an event shown in the anime.

Secondly, it also revolves around the fact that friendship is an eternal source of which motivates everyone. This is very evidently seen throughout the whole series; the problems real life can pose the idols' friendship when the time comes. Lastly, the finale was just awesome. I was speechless. Haruka's arc was especially touching. The anime really makes you sympathize with her and the scenes.

The anime manages to have 14 amazing characters, of which you can relate to every one of them. It also has nice accompanying music. Though I have to say it was disappointing not to hear most of the songs each time it is played.

Personally though, there are lots of criticisms about this anime. I agree with them to a certain extent. Having 25 episodes did have a toll on the amount of interest I had on the anime; I tend to zoom out to do something else while halfway through the episode. I think that is the main reason why fansubs stopped subbing and people stopped watching it although the story does get real interesting from episode 20 onwards.


Overall "THE iDOLM@STER" is a good and honest show to watch. A must see anime for all ages.

"THE iDOLM@STER" has 25 episodes, and finished some 3 months ago. Fansubs are provided by Chibiki (UTW), Doki, MATV & Nuke. Side note, though Doki mentions 'delayed'. The project seems to have been dropped. Please go to UTW instead.

Hint: Saya-san???!!
DarrenW
Edited by Tr3xus FINALLY LOLOLOL

Past Anime Review: Sekirei S1

March 5, 2012
Posted by MedusaS

Shocked?

To those who do know this anime well, I supposed you guys are grinning.
But to those who don't know this anime, let me elaborate for you! "Sekirei!"

Part of the main cast.

The ordinary life begins in 2020 tokyo when we are introduced to Minato Sahashi! He had just gotten his exam results (of which he failed... AGAIN for the second time). Apparently his main reason for failing his exams was because of the fact he has exam pressure. (Wish I was like that). With no job, support from his family or a girlfriend, he sulks away at his tiny apartment about his miserable life.

Minato & No. 3

Of course, being our young protagonist, life is going to take a change for the better! A DRAMATIC CHANGE, for the rest of Tokyo as well! A girl
LITERALLY FALLS OUT OF THE SKY AND LANDS ON MINATO'S FACE. 
She was being chased.

Oh gosh, sometimes I don't understand introductions. Anyway, the girl with the large chest introduces herself as Musubi, a Sekirei. Now at this point, you are most probably asking:

WHAT THE HELL IS A SEKIREI?

Answer: Sekirei (Literally a type of bird) are 107 beings with humanoid appearances, but have supernatural powers. Labelled by numerics, no other Sekirei has the same abilities. Sekireis with single digits have more power, though 106 and 107 also have significant attacks. From a flashback in the anime, it is said that they are an alien race, of which its spaceship has crash-landed near Tokyo bay more than 30 years ago. They also wield special instruments, in which must be operated by their contracted human partner/owner, called an ASHIKABI. A Sekirei is considered 'winged' when the Ashikabi has signed the contract through kissing. Another fact: They are all cute girls or boys.

So Minato ends up with Musubi, and has to sneak her into his tiny apartment. Unfortunately, he gets caught and THROWN OUT by his landlord. After wandering the streets, they  eventually wind up at Izumo House, of which the landlady was nice to let them in. They soon discovered:

THEY'RE ALL SEKIREI TOO.

WOOOOOO

Then the whole development begins when the head of a large corporation in Tokyo, MBI (which discovered the Sekireis long ago), decides to start playing a game. The game is split into four phrases.

First: For each Ashikabi to catch the remaining Sekirei.
Second: Close Tokyo City and wing the final 10% of Sekireis.

Will Minato be able to obtain MORE SEKIREIS?

Yeah, so that's about it basically. I didn't reveal much did I?

Sekirei had a decent plot to discuss, of which was presented in a way which was acceptable. Didn't have much problems understanding the plot. The theme, which i believe to be teamwork, hope and trust, is evident in the show, with the many action scenes and run ins in Izumo.

The Black Sekirei

Personal impression went down the drain though, as I was not at all impresses by big chested girls and if I was not wrong, there was a damn hell lot of ECCHI (Watched in more than 2 years ago) Some random scenes as well which acted like fanservice. Don't ask me how and why I watched this show.

However, must commend Sekirei, for it was able to turn a totally surface ECCHI anime into one that comprised of lots of action and a decent plot for me to enjoy watching. Managed to keep suspense going and had quite an awesome climax scene near the end. Good job! *Clap*

Kuu-chan. A Sekirei

If you are a pervert looking for an anime to get a nosebleed, this is for you. However, if you are in it for a good laugh or looking for enjoyable time, this is also the anime for you.

Sekirei premiered in Summer 2008 and had 12 episodes, and was fansubbed by Kira, Hiryuu. Not a lot of fansubs actually. It also comes in manga, (which I find more enjoyable) and it also has a SEASON 2!! Which I may decide to review when the time comes.

Until them, enjoy your TITS!



Hint: Sweet Spirits?
MedusaS
Edited by FayeA