Year: 2008

Status: Complete, unlicensed

Subbed by: Shinsen Subs

Hatenkou Yugi Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

After being told to “see the world”, young Rahzel is abruptly kicked out of her house by her father. Rahzel begins her travels and incidentally meets Alzeid – a young man on a mission to avenge his father’s death. Rahzel and Alzeid are poles apart in almost everything but continue to their travels together. As they embark on various adventures, their journey brings them reflections on their lives, their pasts and relationships.

Hatenkou Yugi is far from the run-of-the-mill both in storyline and characterisation. I have to say, I have never seen an anime like this! The anime begins with a cheeky humorous tone, but as the plot progresses, takes on a more emotional take on things. Romance isn’t exactly the driving theme in this although there is the question of underlying attraction between Alzeid and Rahzel. Rahzel and Alzeid (later accompanied by Baroquheat) do all sorts of jobs to pay for their travels and ofcourse end up with a variety of ….er interesting (not to mention dangerous) tasks. The best thing about this anime is that the story started out great, had an interesting plot throughout, and wrapped it up well at the end. While the last episode does answer some questions, it leaves some open which in my opinion is a good thing. That said, I am hoping for a second season of this series. Thumbs up to Hatenkou Yugi!

Episodes: 26

Year: 1995

Status: Complete, Licensed by ADV Films

Neon Genesis Evangelion Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

This is a classic anime series from 1995-1996 that is a must-watch for any serious anime fan. The series is set in a apocalyptic / post-apocalyptic world where Angels (which take the form of giant robots) are descending to earth to destroy everything. The narrative follows the paramilitary organization NERV which fights the invading Angels using their own giant mecha called Evangelions. These Evangelions are poiloted by the teenagers Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Soryu. These characters are portrayed as protagonists as they each have their own flaws, from being a spineless wimp (Shinji) to other dynamics that arise between the interactions of the leads. The female characters Asuka, Rei, and Misato became cultural icons due to their attractive designs.

Neon Genesis has a lot of biblical themes to it and includes a large amount of Judeo Christian symbols through the entire series. This adds an interesting dimension to the storyline and adds more depth to an already interesting story. The secret organization also has aspects of international politics as countries other than Japan band together as well to fight off the invading monsters. There are some really nice fight scenes in this anime. If you enjoy destruction, apocalypse, and aren’t too offended by massive amounts of blood than you will enjoy this one.

The later episodes also have a drastic change in tone—some of it actually feels unfinished (I believe the writer left before finishing the final episodes) so there is a change in feel near the end. It turns into a emotional/psychological thriller as the end game plays out between NERV and the Angels in a very climatic end. This postmodern ending might confuse some viewers and even piss off the more sensitive, so it might be worth skipping the final two episodes. There is also a movie version that cuts out some of the extra scenes (some of them just make you cringe a little) and cuts down on the fluff. Overall, this is a classic story and I recommend to anyone not overly sensitive to the inevitable gore and blood that stains the fight scenes. It is also worth noting that Evangelion spawned a few knock-off animes, one of them being the lesser Rahxephon series that features a very similar story and protagonist.

Year: 2007

Status: Ongoing

Subbed by: Eclipse Productions

Shakugan no Shana Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Yet to be rated

Shakugan no Shana II takes off from where the first season left off. After the last clash between Bal Masque and the Flame Hazes, things have more or less returned to normalcy. However, the Bal Masque still have their eyes on the Reiji Maigo carried by the Mystes – Sakai Yuuji. In the meantime, Yuuji vows to fight by Shana, and to do that trains to be stronger and control the power of the Reiji Maigo. Amidst the threat of the Bal Masque and the inevitable love triangle at high school, the mysteries of the Reiji Maigo come closer to being revealed.

The second season brings about some interesting new developments and furthers the plot. While the last season left off with little attention on the romantic aspect of Shana and Yuuji’s relationship, season 2 spends much more time on the question. While I found the first half of the series to be interesting, I also wanted to see more action. Fret not – its not all about love in this season! The action soon begins to pick up with the storyline coming back around to the confrontation between Bal Masque and the Flame Hazes.

The first season really had me hooked to it since the story plunged right into the crisis scenario. The second season doesn’t quite do that since it starts off much slower taking on the high school-drama character rather than the action-packed-world-on-the-edge-of-doom feel. That said, although a little later in the game than expected, the series does deliver some good Flame Haze action. For those of us who were wondering whatever happened to Shana’s feelings for Yuuji, this season offers some sort of closure. All in all, if you watched the first season, you probably want to get your hands on this one!

Year: 2006

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Official Fate/Stay Night Site (Japanese)

Official Fate/Stay Night Site (U.S)

Rating: Great

Emiya Shirou, the sole survivor of a catastrophic conflagration many years ago, was adopted and raised by a magician. Not inheriting much of his father’s magical skill, Shirou’s special power is to be able to reinforce materials and make them stronger. Shirou’s life is turned upside down, however, when he accidentally gets entangled in the Holy Grail war – a war that takes place every couple of decades between seven magicians and their Servants. Attacked by a powerful servant, Shirou unknowingly summons one of the strongest Servant and is inevitably drawn into this war. Will Shirou be able to survive the cut-throat battles with no magical abilities? And for what reason must he fight to obtain the Holy Grail?

Fate/Stay Night has an extremely interesting plot and storyline that really keeps this anime on its feet. The story does get more serious as the anime progresses, but this makes it more rewarding to watch. The anime is filled with action and the battle scenes alone make it well worth the watch. The character development is decent, but be warned, Emiya Shirou will most often come across as being really stupid and really annoying. Since Shirou has a strong sense of self-sacrifice and justice, there are many times when you just want to beat some sense into him and tell him quit his tough-guy act and run for his life. Thats not to say that the character development is bad – its just that Shirou’s character happens to be a moron. For those curious, yes there is a splash of romance down the line but thats all you’re getting out of me at this point. On that bright note, Fate/Stay Night has one of the most compelling storylines, is fast-paced, awesome fights and good characters. Watch it!

If you’re looking for more like this, look no further than:

Shakugan no Shana I

Shakugan no Shana II

Zero no Tsukaima I

Year: 2006

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Alternative Title: The Story of Saiunkoku

Saiunkoku Monogatari Official Site (Japanese)

The Story of Saiunkoku Official Site (U.S)

In the mythical land of Saiunkoku, the prestigious Kou family has fallen on hard times. Kou Shuurei, daughter of the household finds herself doing any job she can get to make ends meet. However, an unexpected visit from the Grand Adviser of the Imperial Palace who offers Shuurei 500 gold ryou for a job seems like their big break. In her enthusiasm, Shuurei agrees to it – but later finds out that her job is to be entered into the Imperial Harem and transform the Emperor into a responsible man to govern the country! Things get interesting as not everything is what it seems to be – and love comes when you least expect it…

Saiunkoku Monogatari is a really interesting series lots more than just romance going on. Although it starts off on the romantic anime note, the story delves into personal relationships, power, governance, politics and much more. The anime portrays Shuurei’s struggles as a woman in ancient times and her battle to bring progress and prosperity to the country. Of worthy mention is the soundtrack as I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it as much as watching the series. The music fits perfectly with the emotions of the characters and the historical setting. For lovers of historical anime, complicated romances, and anime with good storylines, Saiunkoku Monogatari offers all that and more. Highly recommended and looking forward to the second series!

Year: 2006

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Subbed by: KuroNeko Fansubs

Zero no Tsukaima Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Alright

Review: Louise de la Valliere, better known as Louise the Zero, is a student of magic at the Tristein Academy of Magic. As her nickname suggests, Louise is a terrible at magic and has a success rate of almost zero percent! Louise’s troubles really begin at the special summoning rituals where all students summon their familiar spirits. All the other students summon some kind of magical creature whereas Louise summons Hiraga Saito – a human commoner from Japan! For Saito and Louise, their troubles and adventures have just begun! Saito is just getting used to being under a harsh master like Louise while Louise finds herself developing feelings for Saito! Will Saito ever return to Japan? And will Louise be able to share her feelings?

Zero no Tsukaima is a light-hearted anime filled with comedy and drama. Although there is an underlying plot to the whole thing, the emphasis is more on Louise’s inability in magic, Saito getting into trouble with Louise and the two of them getting into trouble in their adventures and wondering how to get out of it. The resemblance to Shana and Yuuji of Shakugan no Shana is unmistakable! Overall, lighthearted and funny with a bit of romance.

For more like this, check out:

Shakugan no Shana: Has the same dynamics as Zero no Tsukaima with the female lead being strong and in control, and having unexpected feelings for the male companion. Shakugan no Shana has a little more emphasis on its story than Zero no Tsukaima and its fights are more intense.

Year: 2005

Status: Complete, Licensed by Ganeon Entertainment

Alternative Title: Shana

Shakugan no Shana Official Site (Japanese)

Shakugan no Shana Official Site (English)

Review: Sakai Yuuji is a high schooler who expected his normal and uneventful life to last forever. However, Yuuji had a rude awakening to reality on his way home from school one day. He suddenly found the world around him frozen in time while monsters began to suck the life-force out of people. Fortunately, Yuuji was saved by a girl in a black cloak with flaming red hair and a sword. The girl, a “Flame Haze”, tells Yuuji that the real Yuuji died a long time ago and what is inside him is only a “torch” that will soon disappear with time. While this new world is opened to him, Yuuji, relatively ok after learning of his own death befriends the girl and names her “Shana”. He decides to help Shana in her mission of maintaining the balance and fighting monsters from the other side. However, what lies ahead for them and how long will Yuuji last before the flame within him dies out?

Shakugan no Shana is a rather interesting anime with a strong female lead, Shana. Shana in many ways is very similar to Ayano of Kaze no Stigma with her fierce fighting spirit and her relatively short temper. The story gets more interesting as Shana finds herself having feelings for Yuuji and soon is torn between her rational side of being a “Flame Haze” and the emotional side of being a girl in love. Amidst all this there’s some decent action and an interesting plot unfolding. All in all a pretty good watch!

As far as rating goes, Shakugan no Shana is on the lower side of a “great” – or on the higher side of an “alright”. Since the anime didn’t strike me as being particularly mediocre, I think I’ll be generous and go with the “great”!

More like Shakugan no Shana: Kaze no Stigma

Year: 2007

Status: Complete, Licensed by FUNimation

Darker Than Black Official Site (Japanese)

Darker Than Black Official Site (U.S)

Rating: Great

Review: Life in Tokyo drastically changed with the appearance of a territory known as “Hell’s Gate”. Its appearance changed the sky and landscape as we know it. Stars in the sky were replaced with fake stars and one could no longer see the heavenly bodies. A giant wall loomed over the city separating Tokyo from the other side. At the same time, beings known as Contractors appeared in the city. They are beings with superhuman powers, who have no emotions and live only to kill. Their existence changed the politics of the world as countries used them for assassinations, covert operations etc. Darker than Black follows the journey of a Contractor by the name of Li ShengShun who works for the mysterious Syndicate. Far from being a normal Contractor, Li ShengShun also known as Hei, is sought after by Kirihara Misaki of the Police. Together with his team, they go on dangerous adventures and missions to complete their job for the Syndicate.

Darker than Black is a very compelling anime. The storyline is creative and original while the plot itself is dark. There is a very gory and violent side to this anime alongside some fantastic action. As the characters develop and more is revealed about the Contractors and Hei’s past, the mystery surrounding Hell’s Gate only deepens. I like the intensity of this anime and the two episode long adventures/story remind of the way Cowboy Bebop was set up. Finally last but not least, the soundtrack is great and is pretty much the icing on the cake for this one! Don’t miss watching Darker than Black!

More supernatural action:

Witch Hunter Robin

Trinity Blood

Year: 2007

Status: Complete

Subbed by: Shinsen Subs

Zombie-Loan Official Site (Japanese)

Rating: Alright

Kita Michiru is a timid girl who has the gift of the “Eyes of a Shinigami”. Michiru has the ability to see the lifespan of a person which is marked by rings on their necks. However, she hates her gift after watching her parents death and subdued her abilities by wearing glasses. All this changes when Michiru accidentally sees the rings of two boys Akatsuki Chika and Tachibana Shito. Much to her surprise, these boys should already be dead – but they’re not! It turns out that Chika and Shito actually work for the mysterious Zombie-Loan and their job is to kill all the evil and illegitimate zombies to pay back the debt they owe. After learning of Michiru’s powers, the boys ask her to lend them her gift in their job to hunt down zombies. Michiru is reluctant but finds herself getting involved in it anyways! What will life have in store for the trio?

Zombie-Loan is my first “zombie” anime. Its nice to have a change of theme once in a while! Zombie-Loan has good animation and a decent plot going for it. The action is good but not smashing. Now whats really good here is the humour – the constant bickering between Chika and Shito, Michiru’s ability to get into trouble no matter what and a very scary Shinigami thrown into the whole mix. The story isn’t really outstanding to say the and neither is there anything terrible special about the characters themselves.In short, this is a supernatural anime mixed with the humour of unlikely partners having to work together for money! I’d say that this is a decent watch with an ok story and humour to keep the anime interesting.

More supernatural goodness:

Bleach

Get Backers

D.Gray-man

Kekkaishi

Year: 2006

Status: Ongoing

Subbed by: Shinsen Subs, Black Order Fansubs

Official D.Gray-man Site (Japanese)

Rating: Great

The story takes place in an alternative end to the 19th century. A conflict brews between the Millennium Earl and the Black Order. The Millennium Earl is the creator of all demons or “akuma” and he creates them using sorrow and tragedy to bind souls and do his bidding – which is usually to kill humans. The Black Order consists of exorcists – those chosen by God to rid the world of dark beings. It falls on the exorcists to destroy demons created by the Earl and to find fragments of a substance known as “Innocence” which is needed to defeat the Millennium Earl. Allen Walker is a young and rather unique exorcist joining the Black Order. Allen’s left eye, which is cursed, has the power to see the souls bound to demons. As the forces of evil gather their strength, will Allen and the other Exorcists have enough power to stop the Earl or will the Earl succeed in destroying Innocence and in ridding the world of humans?

D.Gray-man is quite the action-packed anime with a very interesting plot driving it. Although the series is well past the 40 episode mark, the story is far from slowing down. Allen’s comrades such as Kanda, Lavi, and Lenalee have significant roles to play in the development of the overall story. They give the story the vast breadth it needs to go beyond an “Allen vs. Earl” type plot. There is a healthy dose of humour by the supervisor of the Black Order – Lee Komui. And yes, it is sometimes much needed as the anime gets darker as the plot progresses. I would highly recommend D.Gray-man as a welcome change from vampires and shinigami!

Check out other great anime like this:

Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: This one’s about the journey of two brothers to regain what they lost when they broke the laws of alchemy. D.Gray-man and Hagane no Renkinjutsushi are both set in different worlds and have young heroes on a journey with tragic pasts. Both animes have great action with a darkish compelling plot.

Hellsing

Kekkaishi

Bleach: Its easy to see parallels between these two – D.Gray-man has the Black Order against demons while Bleach has Shinigamis against Hollows. Stylistically these animes are very different but both offer great action and storylines.