Kaze no Stigma

Genre:
Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural 

Duration: 24 Episodes 

Synopsis:
Yagami Kazuma, whose real name is Kannagi Kazuma, was banished from the Kannagi household when he was 12 because he lacked power to become a Fire Mage, the magic specialty of the Kannagi family. As a result, he left and began a new life under a new name. 4 years on, he returns, with powers comparable with those of his father, Kannagi Genma, but of a different element. He is now a Wind Mage. Upon his return, three Kannagi family members are killed, and he is the top suspect, since there are traces the Kannagi trio are killed by elements of the Wind. His father goes on a search for him, and challenges him to a duel. Kazuma wins and his father is hospitalised. Kazuma goes on to prove his innocence by helping his blood cousin, Ayano Kannagi, and his blood brother, Ren Kannagi, defeat the real villains who killed the Kannagi trio. This is just the beginning of the trio’s adventure where they will face many magic users and magi, both good and evil alike. As their adventures unfold, and as they seem to be working together for most of the time, Ayano begins to develop feelings for Kazuma. Kazuma, on the other hand, either has no feelings for love, or has not noticed anything, or simply being ignorant. 

Story:  9/10
This anime is one-of-a-kind, at least to me. This is the first time that I’ve watched an anime, expected something to happen, and it did not, but when I did not expect anything to happen, it happened. I’m talking about the genres. They are very misleading. They are not consistent, but yet, they exist. Strong enough to be included in the genre list, anyway. There are 3 parts to the anime which I notice the genres are somewhat intertwined. The first few episodes have, as I recalled, not the slightest bit of comedy, and I was expecting it, since I wanted to watch this anime because of the Comedy element. There are killings, bloody acts, and more. No laughing matter. Then came the next few episodes, and I was expecting more violence, but comedy and romance took over, just like that. This is the second part I’m describing. The third part refers to the last few episodes, where there are dramatic elements involved, and the bloody killings return. The storyline however, remains intact. The story never really strayed, unless you count the usual romantic and comedy elements like amusement parks and hot springs. Apart from that, Kaze no Stigma focuses on the life of Yagami Kazuma, a banished kid who returns to seek revenge, but instead gets involved with family matters, as if he’s been accepted back into the family line. 

Characters:  8.5/10
There are not many characters to worry about, since there are only a few focused ones. The only ones worth looking out for are basically the main protagonists Kazuma and Ayano, and Kazuma’s younger brother, Ren. Kazuma is a cool and collected character, who always considers well before executing his moves. He has a dark past, and it makes him destructive and violent, at which time almost nobody has the power to stop him. Ayano is a typical girl of an anime where she likes a guy and does not admit it. Her characteristics are that she is serious and aggressive, similar to Kazuma, but she does not calculate her moves before executing them, which almost always results in her acquiring Kazuma’s help in the end. As the story progresses, she develops feelings for Kazuma, and gets jealous easily when other girls are with him. Ren is an admirable character. He looks fragile and weak on the outside. He is, initially. However, he grew in strength when things get personal, and that is when his true powers show. Ren seems to be the only one in the whole Kannagi clan who Kazuma actually cares and worries for. 

Animation:  9/10
The animation is absolutely amazing. The effects that occurred when magi clash together are well animated. The proper use of colour to show different elements of magic helps viewers understand which mage belongs to which element of magic. The effects are, to me, what will keep viewers hooked to the screen. Apart from the effects, the characters are also drawn beautifully with fine details to show their differences. The usual anime sort of animation, and that alone to me, is of a high standard. 

Music:  7/10
The songs for this anime are not very pleasing to me. The opening Blast of Wind, sounds quite slow for an anime with a lot of action-packed scenes. There are two significant endings songs, Hitorikiri no Sora and Matataki no Kiwoku, with the latter being one of my favourite original soundtracks. The former has the same flow as the opening song, and is sung by the same singer. But hey, songs that are not pleasing to me might be pleasing to others, so check them out either way. 

Overall: 8.5/10
The anime, as I have mentioned before, is one-of-a-kind, because the genres are inconsistent. This makes it special, not entirely off-focus. No other anime has made me felt this way that I’ll be pulled from one genre to another fairly quickly and without warning. Viewers can expect multitudes of movement and action, since protagonists tend to fight whenever they meet. So for the action-loving viewers, this is a must-watch.

Tokimeki Memorial ~Only Love~

Genre:
Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, School Life 

Duration: 25 Episodes 

Synopsis:
Aoba Riku is a student who has been transferring from school to school due to his father’s work. However, when he finally settles in Tsumugino High, he has unexpected events waiting for him. On the first day of his ‘settling-in’, he already finds himself in the middle of a Student Council event which involves him getting chased by every guy in school in order to obtain a beautiful girl’s contact detail. That beautiful girl’s name is Amamiya Sayuri, a school idol, a high-grader, and a perfectionist. Riku will meet many friends along the way, and not all of them are humans. Hiyoko-Kun, a small little chick, gives advice to Riku whenever he is having problems dealing with situations. Riku will also meet two more beautiful school idols by the name of Kasuga Tsukasa, a volleyball player with an all-out expressive attitude, and Yayoi Mina, a shy and soft-spoken swimming athlete. Their story unfolds when Riku begins to get caught up in a love-square, or love-diamond, involving him and the three main lead female characters. 

Story:  8/10
This series is a typical school life anime, with a show of how students facing everyday problems and overcoming it, and in this case, Riku managing his love life. However, all is not what it seems. A little chick by the name of Hiyoko-Kun, will surely captivate many viewers with its actions and intentions. There are a variety of characters throughout the anime, each with their own unique talent and behaviour. There are so many of them, that by the end of the anime, it is still impossible to remember the names of the other characters, apart from some memorable ones like Student Council President Sakurai Haru and the cold and cool all-round tough guy Inukai Koya. I think the story also has a typical ending, I shall not elaborate further, but it is quite saddening, how Riku makes his decisions to end it all. Viewers may be disappointed or relieved after watching this anime, all depending on which female lead they support. A touching ending, one which might not make you cry, but nonetheless make an impact on you on how you can carefully plan your decisions in life, especially your love life. 

Characters:  8/10
As I have stated before, this anime consists of too many characters, and that it is impossible to remember all of their names by heart. But then, all of them seem to be different and unique in their own way. Riku is a normal everyday guy, while Tsukasa is an over-expressive girl, and Sayuri is an overall genius. I think the development of the characters is very well done, especially the development of the main protagonists. The one true character that develops the most throughout this anime is not the main character Riku, but his fellow female lead, Sayuri. She is very shy and closed-minded at the beginning of the anime, but towards the end, she starts to have feelings for the opposite gender, and becomes more opened and expressive, probably the biggest change of a character in the entire anime. But you would not have guessed who she has feelings for. Watch the anime to find out. For Riku, he does not change much, only that an outcome in the end makes him a better man, since he has to make a direct decision to settle something once and for all. For Tsukasa and Mina, they both have a similarity of opening up to the opposite gender more, because, in Tsukasa’s case, she does not mingle with boys, and for Mina, she simply is a shy and quiet girl. The outcome in the end affects everybody that plays an important part in the anime, mainly the lead protagonists. Basically, the outcome makes them become better people, makes them to want to move on and not be stuck in the present because of a huge decision. You will understand once you have watched the series. 

Animation:  9.5/10
The animation of this anime is one of its strongest points. The backgrounds are beautifully painted, the details are perfectly sketched, and mostly importantly, the characters are well drawn. The girls especially, having the most varied of diversities, that they are recognisable by appearance, but not necessarily by name. Each girl’s hair can be distinguished from one another, even though if they shades are alike, it is thanks to their facial assets that enhances their differences. The guys are also varied in their own way. And not to mention some of them are very detailed. One example would be Dojima Kyohei, the manner of which he is drawn, with full facial lines, and hair features shown in every angle, he is one of the well-created characters in the anime.  

Music:  9.5/10
This is another strong point of the anime. The music themes are definitely worth listening to. The opening song Yokan speaks of encouragement, recommended to those who always feel down in the dumps and needs cheering up, provided there is no one around. The ending song Kiseki no Kakera feels quite upbeat, and it speaks of, well, love. Enough said. The second ending song Himitsu, well, it is not one of my favourites, so I am not able to comment on it. All I can say is, the songs fit the anime perfectly, the longing, free-flowing melody that dissolves the hearts of many who would actually take in the words sung and recite them quietly along.  

Overall: 8.5/10
Overall, I think that this is an anime worth watching, because romantic adolescents can learn from it. Not that it teaches much, but it shows how a decision can affect almost everybody connected either directly or indirectly in your love life. Viewers can expect some predictable events that may occur due to the protagonists’ decisions, or be surprised by none other than Hiyoko-Kun, the little chick. As usual, to those who love the powerful combination comedy and romance elements, then this is the anime for you. For those who love horror and violence, I warn you now, do not watch this series. You are just wasting your precious time. A conclusion, an indispensable comedy and romance anime to add into your collection. 

Kanon 2006

Genre:
Comedy, Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, Supernatural 

Duration: 24 Episodes 

Synopsis:
Aizawa Yuuichi is a normal teenager. He has a cousin named Minase Nayuki. After seven years, Yuuichi returns to Nayuki’s hometown, where she lives with her mother Minase Akiko. Even though he has visited this town when he was young, he has almost forgotten everything that happened. When he sets foot in the new town, he meets with a little girl who looks 5 years younger than her actual age. But Ayu is not the only girl that Yuuichi encounters while he is in this town. There are nearly 6 other girls that make an appearance here and there in the anime. And predictably, all of them have different personalities to boot. Nayuki has the encouraging and never-give-up personality. Ayu has the cute and cuddly personality. Other girls form other different mix of behaviours. The soft and fragile type in the form of Misaka Shiori. The childish and naughty type in the form of Sawatari Makoto. The cold and few-words type in the form of Kawasumi Mai. The kind and caring type in the form of Kurata Sayuri. There are more girls to show, of course, but you just have to watch it to find out. These girls form and affect Yuuichi’s development throughout the series.  

Story:  9/10
The story slowly unfolds as the episodes go. There is no sign of a rush or a squeeze of events because it is now turned into a 26-episode series, with great emphasis placed upon the development of the characters. The strongest genre of this anime is probably ‘Drama’, because of its unpredictability and outcomes of certain events, no matter how natural or supernatural it may be. The romantic factor of the series forms up in two different parts of the series, once in the first half and another in the second half, with Yuuichi having a slight relationship in the first, and a strong relationship in the second. The other female characters do fit in perfectly into the picture, bringing the complexity of the series to a whole new level. Yuuichi bonds with each and every one of them, some forming close friendship, others mutual. Unexpected twists to be expected, keeping in mind how supernatural the outcome may turn out to be. Some may think the ending is unthinkable, or even disappointing, but the series has suffered enough losses throughout. 

Characters:  9/10
One of the strongest points of the series, the development of the characters is what the viewers may look forward to when watching this anime. Obviously, Yuuichi’s development might be the most ‘complete’, given the fact that he is the main protagonist. In the beginning of the series, Yuuichi steps foot into the town with no memories of what that occurred here seven years ago, but as the story unfolds, he begins to understand and remember the significance of events that he encountered while he was young. Other female leads also developed well throughout the series. Makoto seems childish and naughty at the point of time Yuuichi finds her, but as the episodes go, she develops supernaturally. I shall not elaborate further on this. Ayu looks to be her cute and cuddly, love-seeking self, until towards the end of the series that is. Her development seems more complex than that of Makoto’s, and will take some time to indulge and understand. Another female lead, Mai, is of the cold and quiet type, one who does not speak much nor show emotions to others. But towards the end, she responds quite well to others, even though not with words, but gestures or body movements. 

Animation:  10/10
The strongest point of the anime. The animation is unlike any other I have seen before. Apart from the characters, especially the girls, who are drawn in a cute and lovable kind of way, the backgrounds and weather effects also add to the magnificence. Buildings and surrounding instances like trees and lampposts are defined and detailed. The snow, which is like the main weather of this anime, is animated smoothly, making it look as realistic as possible. Incredible animation, kudos to the animators who made this possible. To know how magnificent the animation is, you just have to watch the series to find out. 

Music:  7/10
The weakest point to what would have been a perfectly-created Japanese anime, the music is not as I would have figured it to be. The opening Last Regrets, yes it is sad and emotional, and it fits the series, however, it is too sluggish, and listening to it is like listening to a death song. No offence, but if it’s played at twice the speed, it may have turned out better. The ending song Kaze no Tadori Tsuku Basho, is also a letdown. It has a moving tune to it, making it unsuitable for this kind of anime. The mood is there, since it is a song that has something to do with the word ‘Memory’, but to me, it just didn’t click. What really pulled the points up, are the background music throughout the anime. The different songs and scores that played in the different episodes are simply intriguing, and you often have to listen to it in order to feel calm. There a lot of background music in Kanon, and I can’t name them all, not even one of them, really. 

Overall:  8.5/10
Overall, this is a wonderful anime to watch, especially if you like a moving and emotional story to follow. Although it may get slothful at few points of the series, the characters are what that really brings the viewers back to the screen, because their personalities are varied and diverse. This diversity also makes a viewer wonders what’s going to happen next in the episode, or in the following episode. This anime will surely keep those emotional and romantic people glued, thanks to its Drama and Romance elements.

Fate/Stay Night

Genre:
Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural, Action 

Duration: 24 Episodes 

Synopsis:
Emiya Shirou is a not-so-normal teenager with the ability to sense and change what an item is made of. Adopted by a magician after his parents died in a fire, he is brought up with the mindset of helping others and putting others before himself. His ability to ‘Trace’ makes him special, and also makes him a magician, although he is not taught any of it by his now-deceased magician father. One day, Shirou comes across a fighting scene between a swordsman and a lancer, both having unbelievable mystical powers. Having witnessed such a sacred battle, one of the men chases Shirou and kills him. But he is brought back to life by a fellow magician Tohsaka Rin, and is instantly included as a competitor in a war to win the Holy Grail, an artefact that will grant anything, and is strongly sought after by magicians participating in the war, called Masters, and their mystical companions, called Servants. Saber, Shirou’s Servant in the Holy Grail War, is summoned when he is nearly killed by the lancer who once eliminated him for witnessing a battle he was not supposed to know of. Their story unfolds as they try to fight through and survive the Holy Grail War, battling six other Masters and their Servants, and pursuing to be the only last-standing pair of Master and Servant. 

Story:  9.5/10
Original plot consisting of seven magicians trying to kill one another off and obtaining the Holy Grail in the end. Typical plot consisting of one male lead and several female leads, however, there are no significant feelings between them, only mostly mutual feelings, except for Shirou and Saber. Great build-up which leads to the ending of this story, which may make some of you weak-hearted ones cry. There is also a mystery that involves the male lead character Shirou. See if any of you can figure it out by the 14th episode, the only episode with a different ending song (apart from the last episode). To a certain extent funny, to a large extent enjoyable, especially if you enjoy fighting and action scenes. For somebody who prefers Comedy/Romance type of animes, I’m quite hooked to this one. Very fast-paced, action-packed scenes which will keep you glued to the screen. Although quite boring for the first episode, since it is only introductory, from the second episode onwards (when Saber is summoned by Shirou), it gets interesting to watch. Trust me, this is one irreplaceable anime. 

Characters:  9/10
The development of the characters are quite complete, especially Shirou and Saber, who manage to find their true selves in the end. Shirou, at the beginning of the series, is a simply guy who only knows how to ‘trace’ a substance and either stabilise it or change it to another form of matter. Towards the ending, however, he learns how to use his powers to the full extent, by being able to create weapons just by imaging it in his mind. Saber, Servant of Shirou, is a woman of few words, and rarely changes her facial expression. She does not give up easily, and never shows signs of affection towards the opposite gender. However, that changes towards the end, thanks to brilliant teamwork and sacrifices made by Shirou. For the other leads, Tohsaka Rin is simply unpredictable, from having a hardcore I-want-to-win-it-no-matter-what kind of behaviour, to having a soft spot for helping others, in this case, Shirou. Another Master, namely Ilyasviel Von Einzbern, is a small and cuddly-looking child, but with the ability to control the strongest Servant. Very contradicting, don’t you think? But since she is one notch higher as a magician than any character in the anime, it is no surprise.   

Animation:  9/10
The characters are well-drawn, the backgrounds are well-painted, the actions are well-animated. Special effects take full flight when weapons meet and spells are cast. Character moves are natural and smooth enough to be called ‘near-realistic’. Details are strongly emphasised, although some of the animation might be too fast or quick, some details can actually be seen, like the patterns on swords and the shapes of spears and knives. Some 3-dimensional feel can be felt whenever the characters jump from one building to another, showing the entire town and its magnificence, or when the camera chases a character when he or she sprints across an area. There are, however, some ‘Chibi’ (cute/child-like drawing) animations can be witnessed, especially around Shirou’s teacher, Fujimura Taiga, who has a comical sort of personality. These instances can be regarded as attention-getters, or something which makes viewers look at the screen again. Whenever the ‘Chibi’ is not present, the actions will take its place, and it never fails to make me stare at the screen and watch the whole sequence of fighting between the Servants and Masters. 

Music:  9.5/10
The music and songs for the anime are very emotional and strong at the same time. I didn’t particularly like the first opening, Disillusion, but the others are my favourites, especially the endings Anata ga Ita Mori and Hikari, and the second opening Kirameku Namida wa Hoshi ni. The songs are fairly addictive to me, because I like strong and emotional songs that have deep meanings to each of their sentences. All of the songs are worth listening to, and if you’re like me, you can repeat them infinitely. The background music for the fighting scenes is nice, and it blends perfectly with the motions and actions. Although the background music is worth listening to, it is not encouraged to repeat it infinitely, since it consists of mostly opera-like singing. 

Overall:  9/10
A great anime, one worth watching, maybe again and again. Although the first episode might not make as great an impact on its viewers, it is wise to watch and understand the introduction to know what the anime is going to be like. Full of action, just-enough servings of comical events, and romantic build-up of the two lead characters, this anime has almost all the elements to satisfy the hearts of any and many anime fans, no matter what kind of genres you prefer. A conclusion, one of the most marvellous animes ever created.