Kat and Chele are back and talking about another magical girl favorite, Princess Tutu. Princess Tutu is about a duck who turns into the magical Princess Tutu, whose job is to collect the scattered heart shards of the prince from a magical story come to life. Take a listen as our hosts discuss what got them into the series, their favorite parts, and what they thought of the swan lake themed ending.
Under the Cherry Tree is a new podcast we’ve created to share our love for anime, manga, otome games, and other animated shows and dramas we enjoy. To start off our launch episode, we discussed Puella Magi Madoka Magica, a magical girl series with a twist. There are spoilers and maybe even some awkward bits, but we invite you to join our conversation and even share your feedback about the silly things we discussed. 🙂
Ooooohhh~
Alright, so here’s one thing you could do:.
Do you have a Nintendo DS or DSi? If you do, do you have the game Rhythm Heaven? If that’s another yes, then I recommend these cute levels to play just because it’s that time of the year.
Don’t know what Rhythm Heaven is? Here’s a quick synopsis: Rhythm Heaven is a DS/DSi game where you play mini games that all have specific rhythms. When you get a grasp of the beat you can really get things going! The game has you play through the whole level, and when you finish you are graded with either a Try Again! which does not let you continue on to the next level and has you repeat the level you failed, Ok. which lets you move on to the next level but lets you know you could use some work, and Superb! which lets you know that you did great, maybe even perfect! Once you get a Superb on your level there will be random instances where you can get a Perfect on that level, but be careful because you only get three chances before the chance for a perfect moves. When you finish the levels in the column, you unlock a Remix stage, where the game mixes all of the levels in that column creating a new beat and sees how your rhythm is.
Here’s the list I recommend:
If you don’t own Rhythm Heaven, no need to worry! You can find the songs on YouTube, or watch people play on perfects. I will warn you that listening to the songs doesn’t have all the same effects since the in-game sound effects really help shape the song.
How about some Shoujo Manga? Shoujo Manga tends to have romantic aspects, I’ll suggest some that I’ve enjoyed with their cute and fluffy parts.
Shugo Chara: Shugo Chara also known as My Guardian Characters is a manga that I’d guess would probably be of interest to pre-teens. I’m not saying older people can’t read it, I read it when I was 15 and I would read it again. Shugo Chara is about Amu Hinamori a tough little cookie on the outside and shy little one on the inside, is granted what is known as guardian characters born from a wish. TL;DR Magical girl shoujo with cute art.
Say I Love You: Say I Love You is a manga that is for older teens/young adults. If you’d like to read it, I will warn you that there are sexual themes. Say I Love You is about Mei Tachibana, a girl who believes that there’s no point in interacting with others because they will all betray you in the end. She has her life turned around when she meets Yamato Kurosawa. TL;DR Really cute love story with the cool guy, not so popular girl trope. Executed well with relatable characters.
Kimi ni Todoke: Kimi ni Todoke/From Me to You is a manga that I consider to be for everyone. This manga has a lot of really cute, fluffy scenes. Kimi ni Todoke is about Sawako Kuronuma, a shy girl who tries to break out of her shell in school, falling in love with Shota Kazehaya a very popular boy in her class. She makes friends through these interactions and has a more eventful life that she loves. TL;DR Another really cute love story with a popular guy and a not so popular girl trope. This one is also played out really well, and in a different way than Say I Love You.
*You could also check out the anime for all of these manga. Each one has been adapted into one, only Say I Love has an English dubbed version along with the subbed.
How about some songs? There are a whole lot of songs about love out there. I think you should listen to them whether you’re in a relationship, or just need some inspiration or anything! (but I don’t want them to make you feel bad.)
Boop – RWBY: This is a song that plays in the background and can be found in the RWBY original soundtrack by Jeff Williams and Casey Lee Williams. It’s a really good song that describes the relationship of two of the minor characters in seasons 1-3 and main characters in season 4.
Shine – RWBY: Shine was another good song in the RWBY original soundtrack by Jeff Williams played in season 2 of the show.
What Is Love? – Rio 2: This is a really nice song that plays at the end of the movie (from what I remember) and can be found in the Rio 2 original soundtrack by Janelle Monáe.
And just for the road, a few songs that aren’t really linked to a fandom platform:
Euaru – Yanagi Nagi: It’s in Japanese, so you have been warned. The video I watch when listening to it on provides lyrics and they remind me of a love scenario.
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger – Kelly Clarkson: A nice song to listen to if you need a pick me up after a break or a fight, or just having a bad day. (You can count this as fandom related since it is played in the movie Strange Magic.)
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran: This song is blasting all over the radio, but I find it catchy and it’s kind of like an ear worm for me honestly. (It gets stuck in my head a lot!)
Jar of Hearts – Christina Perri: This one sounds like a break up song to me, I like to think of it when I’m feeling a little down and just need some time to breathe.
Heya there everyone, thanks for checking out this article! I’m sorry that I had no movies to list, kinda blanking because of how last minute this one. Hopefully next time I’ll be a little more prepared, taking notes of things that I really think should go in these lists. Also, sorry if my variety is not wide enough for you, as I said a lot of the things listed are on the fly.
I hope you guys enjoyed my crazy list, maybe find a couple things that you really like in it. I hope your Valentine’s Day was great, and if you had a bad day or anything today try not to worry because things are sure to get better!
~Kat
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I collaborated with Kat and we came up with a random list from some of our favorite anime. Unfortunately we couldn’t include them all, but hey it’s only February. There’s plenty of time to talk about others in the future.
Why? – Touka and Kaneki are more or less wishful thinking but I see something there. It seemed evident that Touka had feelings for Kaneki especially around the time he was kidnapped and the time he left Anteiku. She never truly gave up on him even when at times he seemed to have given up on himself.
Why? – How can you not want to see Hiyori and Yato together? Yeah he’s probably a few hundred years older than her, but he’s a god. Age is probably relative for him. These two clearly care for each other. Hiyori puts her life at risk on a regular basis to be with Yato. Plus he has a fear of being forgotten by her. Not just because he’ll lose his life but he’ll lose her. If that’s not love . . . Add in Yukine and they are a cute little happy family.
Why? – Tsukimi and Kuranosuke were strangers that developed a good friendship. By the time the anime series ended there was a possibility for love to bloom. They were good for each other. Kuranosuke brought Tskumi out of her shell and she exposed him to something other than being rich, partying, and rebelling against his father. In addition, Kuranosuke established a bond with Tsukimi’s friends and helped them take small steps out their own shells. In spite of Tsukimi’s growing crush on his brother Shu, Kuranosuke slowly developed feelings that were beyond that of just friends. What I loved most, is the fact that Kuranosuke made an effort to help Tsukimi become “prettier” to impress Shu; but he himself grew to have feelings for her as she was . . . sweats and thick rimmed glasses and all.
Why? Main protagonist’s aside, their bond is strong. Morgiana is a character that shows her devotion to Alibaba, but doesn’t quite understand what it is that she’s feeling. Alibaba is as clueless as a fish in a bucket, but I’m sure he’ll figure out his feelings at some point when the third season of the anime airs (he already has in the manga).
Why? – I could write a whole article on Fairy Tail ships alone. The possibilities are endless. Before Gajeel came on the scene, I was quietly rooting to Jet and Levy. I love a series that gives you a chance to ship minor characters. Plus there was that brief moment when I leaned towards Gajeel and Juvia; but that lasted about 2 ½ seconds. Gajeel is the gruff and muscular type, who cares about people but his tough exterior makes others think otherwise. That time when he saved Levy from Laxus’ stray lighting shot was a straight arrow to the heart.
There are so many more, but I’m going to wrap it up here. I think we should do something like this on a regular basis; with anime and other fandom ships.
Do you have any favorite ships? We’d love for you share them with us. Tell us about your favorite ship on our Tumblr, Facebook, Google+ or in the comments of this post.
We’re happy to have your opinion, but we’re not into ship wars. Keep in mind these are the opinions of two individuals; we are not speaking for a group, a fandom or the anime creators. This is just good fun and wishful thinking.
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Spoiler Warning: I tried not to spoil, but I slipped up here and there. So be warned.
If you have not watched GANGSTA., you seriously have . . . not . . . lived.
GANGSTA. is by far one of the best anime I’ve watched. And I watch a lot of anime. It’s one of those shows I’d watch over and over.
If you like anime with intriguing storylines, fantastic art, superb animation, and an amazing soundtrack, GANGSTA. is the series for you. A little disclaimer: I watched the dubbed version as it streamed on Funimation. The dub cast is outstanding. I tip my hat and curtsy to them all.
This anime is based on an ongoing manga series written and illustrated by Kohske, which I’ve just started reading. So far the manga is great. But for now, I’ll focus on the anime. By the way, Kohske is a woman. Why did I need to point that out? Just because. We gals love anime and manga just as much as guys. In the male dominated industry, it’s really satisfying to know one of your favorites is written by a woman. Anyhoo, back to business.
Where do I begin?
The Music. You can always find good music in anime. GANGSTA., (like Blood Blockade Battlefront, Samurai Champloo, and Cowboy Bebop) knocked it out of the park with the soundtrack. The opening song, the ending, and everything in between are fantastic. Renegade, the opening by Stereo Dive Foundation is quite literally my jam. I don’t know about anyone else, but it makes me want to dance. Yori no Kuni by Annabel is the perfect ending for the show. There’s also With You, a beautiful song performed by the voice actress for Alex Benedetto, Mamiko Noto. This song alone is worth watching episode 8 . . . scratch that, it’s worth it to watch the entire series. Anyway, bravo to the person in charge of choosing the music.
The Storyline
Who doesn’t love a good story about gangsters, bad cops, pimps, prostitutes, and a slew of seedy characters? I’m not alone, right? I mean in the first episode, the cops hire the main characters to kill a pimp/drug dealer and his entire gang. That’s got to be the start of something great. Am I right? Of course I am.
The story is about Nic and Worick, two Handymen living in Ergastulam. When the police need a job done, but they don’t want to get their hands dirty, they call the Handymen. A mafia family needs to handle a delicate situation that they want to keep mum from the other mafia families, they call the Handymen. Nic and Worick live in the gray area and cross blurred lines for a living. Are they good guys or bad guys? Heroes or anti-heroes? Are they hitmen or cleaners? I would say all of the above, but I personally don’t see them as bad guys. Yes, they mercilessly kill without any qualms or regrets. But, it’s a job. Plus they are killing people that would kill them and are threats to society, people they care about, and their way of life. So, no . . . they are not bad guys.
From the first episode, GANGSTA. gives you great action and drama. You know, that edge of your seat kinda stuff. And it maintains that throughout the entire series.
Characters
The main characters are Worick Arcangelo, Nicolas Brown, and Alex Benedetto. As I mentioned before, Nic and Worick are the Handymen; they do “jobs” for the police and the four mafia families. Alex is a recently, former prostitute that works for the Handymen answering phones and running the occasional errand.
Side note: I ship Nic and Alex. I know I probably shouldn’t because I don’t know what the future holds for Nic; but I can’t help myself. Manga readers, please don’t spoil it for me.
Anyway, Alex and the Handymen live in Ergastulum. This place must be the underbelly of society; people seem to get killed on a daily basis, there are four mafia families in residence, crooked cops, prostitutes, pimps, hired killers, and other criminals. On top of that everyone keeps warning Alex to get out while she can. Clearly the residents of Ergastulum think they live on the outskirts of hell, or pretty close.
Nic is a Twilight and former mercenary. Twilights are children and descendants of users of the drug Celebrer. As a Twilight, Nick has some superior abilities that make him stronger and a better fighter than most. Those abilities come with serious drawbacks. One being, Twilights have to take Celebrer, which basically keeps them alive. Another drawback is they have a short lifespan. Twilights don’t usually live past their early 30’s. This may not apply to Nic because, although his mother was a Twilight his father wasn’t. So his lifespan may be a little longer. (I snuck a peak at the wikia without spoiling it for myself). I stress Nic’s life may be longer; it may not. Nic typically overdoses on Celebrer during fights. One of the side effects of overdosing is a shortened lifespan. Hence, the fear my ship is doomed before it sets sail.
Twilights are also known as Tags. They wear dog tags similar to those in the military. These dog tags are imprinted with pertinent information about each individual. Tags are ranked based on there strength and skill level. Nic is an A/0, the highest rant. Of course he is.
Nic is a sweetheart. He insisted on saving Alex from her loser pimp, Barry, and he helped her when she struggled with her medication. He is always good with Nina, the 12 year old that helps in the local clinic. And he was there when Worick needed him most. Aside from being the lovable half of my OTP, Nic is a true badass in a fight. Start a fight with him if you dare, but write your will first, because Nic takes no prisoners and he enjoys a good brawl.
Guns blazing everywhere, bullets flying in the air, here comes Nic with his katana. Yes, I said katana. Move over Michonne, Nicolas Brown is in the house. Did I mention he is deaf? Nic is kicking asses and taking names but he doesn’t hear them coming. He doesn’t have to. That’s how hardcore he is. Now according to Galahad, another Twilight, overdosing on Celebrer gives Nic an upper hand on his opponents. I’m good with that except for the fact that he’s probably killing himself. –Tears- I don’t want him to die.
Worick, Nic’s friend, partner, brother from another mother (and father) and comrade in arms is a Normal; a regular human without the abilities of the Twilights. Worick is the epitome of cool; a care-free, wise-cracking, cigarette smoking badass. I was looking for another word for badass and came up with renegade…which is the name of the opening song. Hmmm. Very interesting. Worick may be cool as the other side of the pillow but he’s nobody’s pushover. Barry can attest to that.
Worick and Nic have known each other since childhood. Nic was a mercenary assigned as Worick’s (then known as Wallace) bodyguard. He didn’t always like Nic. He had a problem with him being a quiet person. He didn’t realize Nic was hearing-impaired. But they grew on each other. Wallace taught Nic to read and Nic protected him. They were there for each other when they needed it most.
Wallace {Worick} and Nic were both victims of child abuse. Wallace bought Nic from his father to save him, and Nic killed Wallace’s father. Nice trade-off. When they got older Worick got work as a gigolo in a brothel and Nic got work with the Monroe Family, one of the four mafia families in Ergastulum. Worick still has a client he sees every now and then. Plus he can always find work at the brothel, if he wanted.
Although Worick is not a Twilight, he isn’t really your average human. He has hyperthymesia, an extraordinarily detailed autobiographical memory. This works to his advantage when helping the police identify maimed bodies of murder victims. The people are so severely brutalized, they need Worick to identify them based on minor details that only he would notice. Let’s chew on that for a moment. There are truly some wicked people in Ergastulum. Although his amazing memory works well for the police, it keeps Worick from being able to work directly for the mafia families. Apparently having a person with his ability to memorize everything is more of a threat than a somewhat violent Twilight like Nic. Hmm. Perhaps it is.
I love the relationship between Worick and Nic. They have a great dynamic. Like bickering siblings yet they always have each other’s back. It seems like every other episode Worick is yelling at Nic for wearing his shirt or the other way around. Their rapport is a great diversion from what could potentially be a pretty somber series. Feels are great but sometimes we viewers need lighthearted interactions and humor between the shock and tears. I don’t know about anyone but I can’t cry through almost every episode of the show I’m watching. Can anyone say Neon Genesis Evangelion?
Now we have our prostitute turned secretary, Alex. I like her. I have to point that out because it seems like I don’t always like the girl in the group. At least that’s what my daughter and sisters tell me. I was half expecting her to be the unnecessary T & A girl of the show. I was immediately proven wrong.
She started off with this damsel in distress vibe. Well, her pimp was beating her a lot; so she did need to be saved. However, she can really hold her own, ask Barry’s corpse. She’s a good fit with the Handymen (especially Nic). Oh . . . pardon my shipper’s heart.
Alex is the happy medium with the Handymen. She’s not has serious as Nic but not as laidback as Worick. Maybe because she’s not 100% sure she’s in with them (she is, but she doesn’t realize it). From the moment Alex started working with the Handymen, she tried to find her place with them. She always shows concern for them and looks out for their well-being. It’s obvious that she cares for them. Not necessarily in a romantic way, which doesn’t matter. One of my favorite things about her, is she took the time to learn sign language. Nic reads lips, but she wanted to communicate with him the way he prefers to communicate. That’s a very nice gesture. Plus, it means she’s there for the long haul. She’s committed to being part of the Handymen’s crew.
Life has dealt her some pretty crappy cards. She went to Ergastulum thinking Barry the pimp was going to help her. Yeah, that didn’t work out well for her. Between pimping her out, beating her, and keeping her on drugs, Barry turned out to be a real peach of a guy. The whole point of her hooking up with Barry was so she could help her younger brother, Emilio. Now Emilio is all grown up and part of the Destroyers, a group of hunters that have been killing Twilights all over town. Her brother is a threat to Nic and people like him. How is she going to handle that? The man she raised and loves is probably go to try to kill the man that saved her. Look! There it is! The feels moment I’ve been avoiding all season. It’s not a hard choice for me. Emilio must die. But, I’m not Alex.
There are an assortment of lovable and hate-worthy secondary and side characters, that all bring something interesting to the story. One thing I love about this series is that the women are just as strong as the men. In some cases, maybe stronger. Loretta Christiano, Gina Paulklee, and Joel Raveau bring a little more than spunk to the show. These are some hardcore ladies. People should watch this show just to experience the tidbits of badassery these ladies display here and there.
Like many anime series adapted from ongoing manga series, GANGSTA. had no defined ending. You’re left having to use your imagination or read the manga. I’ve chosen to read the manga. A great choice, I must admit.
I’ve heard that some people were disappointed with the ending. I can’t help but wonder why. Any other ending may have strayed from the manga. That would have pissed off others. There seems to be a no win situation for these types of series. Personally, I liked that the finale was open-ended. However, I won’t lie, I got misty-eyed and screamed “NOOOO!” at the TV. But hey . . . I was pleased. Under normal circumstances, this type of ending would give one hope for a second season. Unfortunately, Manglobe, the distributor of the anime, has recently filed bankruptcy. That pretty much lessens the likelihood of a season two; if one was planned at all. If there ever is another season, I will be all over it. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy the manga.
So yeah, as I stated in the beginning, you have not lived if you have not watched GANGSTA.. Go! Get to Funimation and watch it. Then read the manga. Or vice versa.
You can watch GANGSTA. (subbed) on Funimation and Hulu. You need a Funimation subscription to watch the dubbed version. The manga is published by Viz Signature Manga.
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Prison School is one of the most vulgar, gross, and silly anime I’ve ever watched . . . and I keep watching it. Why? Well, that is the million dollar question.
I love all types of anime. I’m open to any genre; however ecchi is at the bottom of my list. There has to be a good story for me to endure characters with abnormally large breasts and endless crotch shots. I was pretty sure Prison School wouldn’t be my cup of tea, but I gave it a shot. Surprisingly, it has a decent storyline.
Usually, when Funimation announces the simulcast shows for the upcoming season, I wait to see which shows will be dubbed. -Fingers crossed, patiently waiting for dubbed episodes of Seraph of the End: Part 2- Prison School was one of the shows that was dubbed. I try a new show 2-3 episodes before I decide this isn’t the show for me.
Quick Synopsis
Hachimitsu Academy is a private school for girls that has recently started enrolling boys. Kiyoshi, Gakuto, Shingo, Andre and Joe are the only boys enrolled. This doesn’t go over well with most of the girls, especially the members of the Underground Student Council. The boys are caught peeping on girls changing, arrested and given the option to spend a month in the school prison or be expelled. Of course they chose prison. Why the hell is there a prison in the school?
I’m Surprised I’m Still Watching
After the first episode, I remember thinking “if there is one more incident with pee, I’m out of here”. Then boom . . . accidental golden showers in the very next episode. What the what? Seriously?
Then there’s Meiko, the vice-president of the Underground Student Council (I call her Boobs McGee) and her endless blacked-out crotch shots. And series of crude moments. I mean really . . . this show is not for the faint of heart prude-type. Did I mention the headmaster of the school is a real perve that indulges in his inappropriate fetishes at school?
What Keeps Me Watching?
I want to see the boys win.
These girls in the Underground Student Council are ridiculous. Mean, abusive and just plain insane. Hana is a real nutcase. So is Mari, the President; she’s the daughter of the headmaster. Clearly she’s working through some daddy issues and taking them out on the boys. During most of the series, the Underground Student Council has had the upper hand over the boys. I watch every week, rooting for the boys, hoping they’ll turn the tables on these wacky broads. At episode 10, it looks like they may get their chance.
Everything about Prison School is so crazy over-the-top, you can’t help but laugh. I think that’s the point. I think the creators have done a good job. I don’t foresee myself seeking out other ecchi anime in the near future, but Prison School has been truly entertaining.
Watch subbed episodes Prison School on Funimation and Hulu. Get a Funimation All-Access Pass to watch English dubbed episodes.
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Hello everybody! My Throwback Thursday entry this week will be about the anime Inu x Boku Secret Service, basically the title explains it all. The translation of the title would be Dog x I, (Boku is used to say ‘I’ for a male if they choose). So, this show is pretty much about a guy who is referring to himself as a dog and a secret service.
Inu x Boku Secret Service is a cute romantic, supernatural, comedy, drama because you can’t have romance without drama anime about 16-year old Freshman Ririchiyo Shirakiin moving to a mysterious rich mansion called Ayakashi Kan, a place that houses people just like her. Ririchiyo has always dreamed of independence, and moving to Ayakashi Kan is her first step to it; of course there’s a catch. Every resident of Ayakashi Kan must be accompanied by a personal Secret Service agent who stays by their side at all times. Her agent is not only super Bishounen, but he’s also a little on the crazy side when it comes to his beloved master.
I got into Inu x Boku Secret Service because of my mother. She has watched this anime many times, (probably five). I’ve re-watched it once, and died laughing all over again. It has its hilarious funny parts at the right moments, and it can also be serious when the time comes. (Actually it’s almost pure comedy.)
The anime has great characters that will make you (hopefully) love every single one because they’re all funny in their own way. Every character has their own personality that keeps them from being boring and the story is great with its unique and fun animation! Not to mention, six different endings are chosen based on the plot of the episode, or whichever character was most featured.
To be honest, I re-watched this show for the character Renshou Sorinozuka. He’s funny. Best character I’ve ever seen. I don’t think he can be replaced when it comes to hilarious characters. I watch it for him. I also watch it for Nobara Yukinokouji. She’s also funny, crazy, and just plain great amazing. One of the best weirdos in the show. I love her.
Don’t let the first paragraph fool you, this show is great! If you’re interested, you can find it in Crunchy Roll and Hulu in subtitles and The Anime Network in both English Dubbed (with a subscription) and Subbed.
Note: All of this information is based on the anime, please do not comment any spoilers, for the anime only people.
Thanks for reading!
-Karsyn
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