No More Magikano!

After watching such anime as "Ai Yori Aoshi" and "Boys Over Flowers" (romantic, comedy), I can honestly say that there's little to no romance or comedy in "Magikano."  I   would say that there's enough profanity and panty shots to make some people happy,  but (and I'm watching the final episode as I'm writing this) the series is doing nothing for me.  I think I only added it to my Wish List because  it was recommended by Amazon. (http://www.amazon.com/)  And it truly didn't seem that awful when I checked out the trailer on YouTube
 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ2ywlfAZ_Q)
One review on Amazon even said "the truth of the matter is that Magikano certainly isn't one of Gonzo's shining achievements in anime." I have to agree, and I honestly like the majority of the anime Gonzo has the license for that I have seen.  "Red Garden" wasn't too bad once I got into it.   "Romeo x Juliet" is one of my faves, even though it didn't stay true to Shakespeare's original story (SN: I wrote about it in a previous blog post in late January/early February.)  And I truly enjoyed "Witchblade," in spite of my hubby's expectation that I wouldn't because of the physical attributes of the main heroine.    "Magikano," in my opinion, is not equal to the standards set by its Gonzo predecessors.  Yes, I know Gonzo is only responsible for licensing, and not the actual creation of the series, but after enjoying other anime series released by them, "Magikano" comes off as a magical disappointment!

A Heart-felt Ending

After experiencing a disc malfunction with "Ai Yori Aoshi," I decided to watch Rumiko Takashi's "Mermaid Forest."  Takahashi is best known for her work with the "Ranma 1/2" anime and manga franchise.  I've only viewed the first 2 seasons and 1 or 2 of the "Ranma 1/2" movies, and I find her work interesting.  I've watched "Mermaid Forest" in the past, so I knew what I was getting into.

An ancient Japanese legend says that if one were to partake of the flesh of the mermaid, one would be granted eternal life and youth. Yuta ate the mermaid's flesh 500 years ago and became immortal. Since then he has had to deal with living a lonely never-ending life, watching his loved ones grow old and die. Wishing to have a normal life, to live and to die like others, he searches for a mermaid for centuries, thinking she may be able to tell him a way to become mortal again. When he arrives a village, he meets a girl named Mana, who also became immortal by eating a mermaid's flesh. Together, they start their journey in attempting to find a mermaid and regain their humanity.

After watching the entire series of "Mermaid Forest,"  I was in the mood for something romantic--don't ask me why--so I pulled out Studio Ghibli's "Whisper of the Heart."  This was not  directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, but he was involved with some of the production work.

From the creators of the Academy Award(R)-winning SPIRITED AWAY (Best Animated Feature Film, 2002) comes a tale based on the screenplay from the legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki. During summer vacation, a schoolgirl named Shizuku, who longs to discover her true talents, observes an ordinary-looking cat riding by himself on the train. Intrigued, she decides to follow him. This chance encounter leads her to the mysterious Seiji, a boy who is determined to follow his dreams, and The Baron, a magical cat figurine who helps her listen to the whispers in her heart. Soon, Shizuku's exciting adventures carry her far beyond the boundaries of her imagination. Featuring extraordinary storytelling, enchanting animation, and an all-star voice cast, this 2-disc set will inspire dreams and warm hearts of all ages.

I can't think of a better end to my final anime marathon before I attend Katsucon over the President's Day weekend, especially since Valentine's Day is this Monday!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Ai Yori Aoshi: Bluer Than Indigo Made Me Blue

I woke up around 6 o'clock this morning in anticipation of one final anime marathon before I attend Katsucon over the President's Day weekend,  I was in the mood for a romantic comedy, so, of course, Ai Yori Aoshi (Bluer Than Indigo) came to mind.  I love the storyline!!!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ai_Yori_Aoshi
Sadly, a scratched disc brought my marathon to a grinding halt around noon!!!!!!!!  DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!  After fixing myself a quick lunch, I decided to watch "Mermaid Forest," an anime based on the work of  Rumiko Takahashi, who is best known for Ranma 1/2.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mermaid_Forest
I wish Katsucon would hurry up and get here so I can see if the vendors in the Dealer's Room have any of the anime I want!!!!!!!!!!