Synopsis: Prester is a world haunted by the long war between Anatoray and Disith. The two nations are divided by a natural phenomenon known as the “Grand Stream” and are monitored by an elite group, “The Guild.” Messengers deliver messages on flying vehicles called vanships. Claus and Lavie are childhood friends whose fathers were killed attempting to cross the Grand Stream in a mission to deliver a message that would bring peace to the two warring nations. Many years later, the two are couriers themselves and have made a promise to someday cross the Grand Stream together in honor of their fathers. Their lives completely change as they run into a crashed vanship and the pilot asks them to complete his mission of delivering a young girl to the “Silvanna,” a flying vessel with a famous reputation for its ruthlessness and a mysterious captain, Alex Row.

The Highlights
Music: Beautiful.
Visuals: Impressive, especially for 2003.
Setting: Spectacular presentation of a futuristic world with a 19th and 20th century European influence.
Episode titles: A very witty and original idea.
Characters: Most of them brilliantly come to life with unique personalities and detailed character design.
Alvis E. Hamilton: The unexplained weakness of this show.
Dio Eraclea: Haunting; one of the most memorable examples of characterization anime has to offer.

“What lies in the furthest depths of memory?” “The place where all are born and where all will return: a blue star.” This is the concluding sentence of the four part poem on which the future of mankind depends. Last Exile tells the story of how two individuals who wish for nothing more than to fly the skies are dragged into a war of hate where a small neutral group known as “The Guild” symbolizes the innumerable amount of war profiteers throughout history whom have benefited from the suffering of the less fortunate.

When it comes to aesthetics, Last Exile is practically a masterpiece. The visuals are astonishing even when viewed now, a considerable accomplishment for an anime made in 2003. The setting is extremely varied and the character design is obviously carefully thought out to the finest detail. History lovers will especially appreciate the various 19th and 20th century European characteristics as we see technology reminiscent of the Industrial revolution and Germany’s Interwar period, Disith military uniforms based on the Soviet Red Army and Anatoray uniforms resembling Napoleon Bonaparte’s soldiers. These fine visuals are boosted by one of the most stunning soundtracks I have ever come across; featuring a wide range of instrumental compositions, Okino Shuntaro’s “Cloud Age Symphony” as the opening theme, and the beautiful “Over the Sky” by Kuroishi Hitomi as the ending theme.

The pacing of this anime is slow when it comes to bringing all the mysteries and twists together into the “big picture” of the plot. One has to be patient and wait until around episode 21 for things to truly come together. The pacing of the episodes themselves however is a completely different story. I found that not a single episode was wasted. All of them are exciting, entertaining and leave you wanting to watch the next. If anything, this anime could have used a few more. Had this been the case, it could have corrected its greatest weakness: Alvis E. Hamilton. We learn close to nothing about her background and it is never revealed how she came to be the guardian of the Mysteria.

With the exception of Alvis, characterization is one of this show’s strengths. The characters are unique and exhibit particular qualities that bring them to life. Last Exile does a predominantly fine job displaying the strengths and faults of each character; making them truly human. Characters like Alex Row, Sophia Forrester, Lucciola and especially Dio Eraclea all have their own complicated background that formulates who they are and creates their destiny. This show’s originality is further demonstrated by the idea behind the episode titles, which chess players will especially appreciate. Each one is named after a specific move or event in a chess match that directly correlates with the episode’s theme.

Time and time again, Gonzo has proven its ability to turn a story with a lot of potential into an utter catastrophe. This is not the case with Last Exile. While it may leave a few questions unanswered; the extraordinary story, fantastic characters and incredible aesthetics make up for it. Very few anime can claim to have such a high level in so many areas. One could make a case for calling Last Exile Gonzo’s greatest creation.

The Rating: 9

Reviewed by: MK

Synopsis: Baseball was probably the furthest thing from Kitamura Kou’s mind. Aside from partaking in the occasional pickup game or two, Kou preferred to live a normal childhood, relaxing with his school friends and his neighbors, the Tsukishimas. One fateful summer, tragedy strikes. This event comes as an absolute shock for Kou, but it would serve as the catalyst that would awaken Kou’s desire to live out that person’s last dream: to see him and his group of friends reach the Koushien, the final stage of the national high school baseball tournament.

The Highlights
Episode one: Once you watch it, there’s no stopping.
Characters: Interactions are engaging, exhibiting great chemistry.
Soundtrack: Nakagawa Kotaro delivers an enjoyable, light-hearted score.
Pacing: The baseball games never feel like they drag on and on.

The fun, idyllic days that marked Cross Game’s first episode seemed like they would last forever. Its disarming atmosphere teases you into thinking that the show is nothing more than a light-hearted, coming-of-age story, and while the latter part remains true, it does so by tossing a wrench in the works in the form of a tragedy. In doing so, it creates an absorbing backstory for this drama, one that reels us in hook, line and sinker, using the tragedy as the lure. Turning away is no longer an option; we feel compelled to find out how the characters come to terms with the event as its effects continue to play a role within the narrative as it unfolds.

Cross Game isn’t a departure from the sports genre, but it sure executes the formula flawlessly. It features the usual group of determined underdogs who toil and sweat, but are able to climb the ladder towards respectability. The pacing is such that the story doesn’t waste time dwelling on the easy games, and Seishuu’s results during difficult games are never tainted by fluke events. Bad things do happen once in a while, and when they do, the team is forced to roll with the punches. For example, when a star player falls ill the day before an important tournament game, the mangaka, Adachi Mitsuru, lets the chips fall where they may. No reprieve is granted. Better luck next time.

Despite the setbacks, the characters continue to persevere, and it’s during the course of baseball practice and non-game situations that these characters demonstrate their charm and cohesive chemistry. Cross Game boasts one of the more likable casts in recent memory, and it derives a large part of its strength from their personalities that interact in a natural and genuine manner. Though there are too many to count, the protagonist, Kitamura Kou, sets himself apart with his nonchalant demeanor and quiet self-assurance which feels like a breath of fresh air. Of the major characters, only Tsukishima Aoba feels somewhat static since her interactions are marked by tsundere tendencies which eclipse her other personality traits, but she does make up for that with the dedication with which she pours into the team so that everyone can perform to their true potential.

You can’t have a sports anime without a blossoming romance or two, and with 50 episodes, there’s plenty of time for romances to fully develop alongside the baseball in Cross Game. I particularly liked how the primary romantic focus slowly progresses. Oftentimes, people in love really don’t know what’s going on, between them, and this trait is on display throughout the series. The point at which it comes to fruition is charming and endearing, and when you take into account the tragic conundrum that presented itself as the major obstacle, makes the end result all the more fulfilling because it signals that the characters are able to move on.

Through the highs and the lows, the show never falters, never loses its rhythm. All heart, Cross Game reveals the magic that can happen when every aspect of the show fits together just right, and in so doing, delivers a fantastic experience.

The Rating: 9

Reviewed by: zzeroparticle

Synopsis: Amawa Hibiki’s dream is to be a gym teacher. He has just graduated and has absolutely no cash. He is under pressure by Lulu Sanjo, the landlady of the Gochiso, to pay his rent. With his dog taken hostage and threatened to be turned into dog stew, he is in desperate need of a job. He tries to land one at the local Seito Sannomiya School, which is in search of a new gym teacher. The principal however despises all men and will only accept female teachers. With some help from Lulu, Amawa disguises himself as a female and gets the job.

The Highlights
Humor: Mostly spot on and funny; some hilarious recurring jokes.
Visuals: A bit sketchy and repetitive at times.
Lulu Sanjo: Probably the most awesome, craziest “Baa-chan” I’ve ever seen!
Romance: The romantic plots and subplots are all touched upon but seldom concluded.
Mori and Tofu: Comic relief done right.
The “final” twist: *hint hint* Lulu Sanjo is involved.

When I first read the description of I My Me! Strawberry Eggs, I couldn’t help but assume it was just another plot-less, pointless, tasteless ecchi. After giving it a chance however I must insist it is none of the above. While it may have its fair share of silly moments and minor ecchi traits, it is also packed with some hilarious scenes, likable characters and a decently delivered plot.

The story itself is not groundbreaking, but at least the creators did more than simply use it as an excuse for lame fan service. Throughout the series, several themes are tackled such as gender related prejudices, the learning process of youth and the forbidden love between a cross dressed male teacher and his innocent, sexually confused fourteen year old student. The show approaches these themes in a much more comedic than serious fashion; as we see ironic scenes of male students being forced to perform all the school cleaning duties and a comic relief duo of middle aged men trying to constantly re-live their youth by spying on middle school girls. One of the considerable pluses of this show is in its ability to take itself seriously mostly at the right moments; a skill plenty of anime comedies lack.

The characters are generally likable but not very original. On the whole they are cliché. The exception is Lulu Sanjo; the character that brings being a mad pistol-packing granny to a whole new level. Regardless of the crisis, “Baa-chan” is always there to save the day. Whether it be helping Amawa disguise himself as a woman; preventing Mori and Tofu from succeeding in their missions of perverted espionage; or putting out a fire with her hand-made, automated motorcycle transformer. The character development, although not mind-blowing, is at least present. This is seen through Amawa’s experiences as a disguised teacher and the changing attitudes of the students in his class.

The main weaknesses of this anime are its sketchy visuals, which include but are not limited to: excessive still-shots, repeated frames and low level fluidity. Another complaint worth mentioning is the usage of many romance subplots more as time-fillers than something to build a story upon. Some may also be put off by the open ending but I actually found it very appropriate and satisfying. Amawa and the Seito Sannomiya class learn what they were supposed to learn and the future is left to the viewer’s discretion… an acceptable quality of a slice of life story.

Overall, I My Me! Strawberry Eggs is an underrated show. The shows premise, which brings any fan of substance to expect the worst, is probably partially to blame. This anime is a long way from being a masterpiece; but at least it has something most brainless ecchi series lack: a plot. This is an enjoyable anime that is bound to bring some laughs to anyone who watches it; and some stressful moments trying to figure out the title’s meaning.

The Rating: 7

Reviewed by: MK

Synopsis: The Social Welfare Agency is a secret organization that uses technological advancements to greatly enhance the physical capabilities of children who have long lost their ability to live normally in society. The agency employs these children as assassins who use their demure appearances to deceive, disarm and exterminate their enemies. Their primary targets are agents from a terrorist group Padania. Though their operations are usually small scale, two talented bombers from the extremist faction conspire to destroy a bridge in order to destabilize the government. Sent to kill these terrorists, a child named Triela boldly chases after this duo only to stare down the edge of blade of the master assassin, Pinocchio.

The Highlights
Story: At times, dark and disturbing in a soul shredding kind of way.
Characters: Aside from Triela, lacks a sense of presence and importance.
Presentation: Generic, vanilla, mediocre… why the hell did Artland do this?

It’s funny how anime can easily get away with so many questionable ideas. If you sit down and think about it, One Piece glorifies the life of pirates who in real life have blazed their mark on history by pillaging and murdering countless people; Lupin the Third is a womanizing thief who relishes taking things that are not his; and Naruto is really an anime about children training to become assassins. Most anime keep a certain veneer of superficiality that leaves no doubt that a work is fictional to avoid any problems and keep things fun. However, there are certain anime like Madhouse Studio’s Gunslinger Girl that boldly blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Artland picks up where Madhouse left off with Gunslinger Girls: Il Teatrino and tries to capture the warmth of the original manga along with the intensity of the first anime, but it only manages to dumb down the final product to around a Naruto.

For an anime about children assassins being exploited by a secret government organization, there is far too much levity to virtually everything. Colors are too bright, character designs lack a sense of realism, and guns look like toys and has a coin flip’s chance of firing with a recoil of a Nerf gun. Apparently some of these aesthetic changes are done to conform more to the sensibilities of the manga, but Artland clearly does not have the money or creativity to make these visuals work.

The story is good; at times, it’s great. The series maintains the same juxtaposition of angelic innocence and horrific brutality. The problem is that show is not subtle about anything. Every event is hammered out into an extremely straightforward narrative that could have easily gone from decent to fantastic with the right presentation. Instead of slowly building tension, there is an over-reliance on music to try to evoke emotion, which is not a bad idea since the music is pretty good. However, around half of the children are hard to take seriously since they are voiced by seiyuu stretching to be moe and serious at the same time.

Madhouse’s rendition of Gunslinger Girl is a cold, impersonal and highly cinematic interpretation of Aida Yu’s original manga. Though brilliant in its own right, it’s true that the adaptation never captures the warmth and sense of peace the manga exudes. Il Teatrino tries to soften the experience to a more straightforward and emotional work, but poor execution ends up killing anything good about the whole idea.

The Rating: 5

Reviewed by: Shadowmage

Synopsis: Masa is a strong and loyal samurai, but his doddering personality undermines his talents and causes all of his employers to eventually let him go. When a mysterious man named Yaichi approaches him about a seemingly simple job, Masa jumps at the chance for work despite the ambiguous nature of the request. To his shock, he later discovers that he was an aid to a kidnapping, orchestrated by the gang known as the “Five Leaves,” who demand lucrative ransoms in exchange for the return of their abducted charges. Against his misgivings, Masa is drawn deeper into the lives of these outlaws, where nothing is as it seems.

The Highlights
Character Designs: Gaunt, pale faces and expressionless eyes; an acquired taste.
Coloring: Beautiful outdoor backgrounds; indoors are awash in grays and browns and dreary lighting.
Mood: Brooding and atmospheric.
Scenery: Easily the most pleasing aspect of the series.

House of Five Leaves was the latest offering from the famed television block Noitamina, where many mature, clever, and critically acclaimed anime titles like Honey and Clover, Moyashimon, Nodame Cantabile, and Eden of the East debuted. Five Leaves’ license was quickly gobbled up by FUNimation for US distribution and streamed on Hulu near simultaneously with the Japanese broadcast. As the pleasingly upbeat techno OP tune in the first episode greeted me, I felt no reason to doubt that this series would live up to the Noitamina pedigree. Yet, little by little, I had to dial back my expectations as even the noblest intentions couldn’t save a production fraught with directorial missteps.

House of Five Leaves is first and foremost about its characters. The “Five Leaves” refer to the five main members of the organization, primary focusing on the lonely ronin newcomer Masa and the enigmatic but effortlessly charismatic group leader Yaichi. Through mellow conversations and unexcited interactions, viewers are told their motivations for forming their little kidnapping club, shown their personalities and, most importantly, related their personal histories. However, the first inkling of trouble came in several confounding flashback scenes. They come with no indication that they are such, nor is there any context to whose pasts they are until late in the series. The effect is often more bewildering than enlightening.

Watching Five Leaves for action would be a mistake, though an easy one to make. The synopsis about an Edo period samurai caught up in a cloak and dagger business gives one a very different idea than what Five Leaves actually is about. The anime fervently avoids any fast movement. Confrontations are often diffused before fights begin, and the rare sword slashing is restrained to a precious few seconds. It’s content with talking heads, though the humorless dialogue wasn’t compelling enough to hold my attention. At one point after midway through the series Masa’s sister is introduced, but she has absolutely no impact. There just isn’t any palpable tension as Five Leaves lacks an overarching plot to build suspense or create dramatic twists.

Perhaps instead of looking for hard-hitting drama, viewers can immerse in the atmosphere of a period piece slice-of-life. The characters are most often relaxed, lounging about, slowly smoking pipes, and speaking in easy monotones. The lazy mood is supported by soothing, period appropriate music and understated but gorgeous scenery. The vivid autumn backgrounds and moonlit nightscapes peppered with the soft glow red lanterns are fully enjoyable by themselves. It’s then a shame that Five Leaves is chronically afflicted with poor lighting, as numerous scenes are visibly too dark, overcast in shadow and colored in uniformity of dark browns and grays, making an unsatisfying visual experience.

On a conceptual level House of Five Leaves, a mature character driven story examining wavering moralities, should be a critical success. But the reality is that Five Leaves lacks the punch to deliver an edgy drama, nor does it put much effort to engaging the audience’s more basic senses and desires for entertainment. As I saw the series continually strip away potentially stimulating elements, I grew confused with Five Leaves‘ purpose and frustrated with its languid pace. Even though the title carefully avoids repeating tired anime tropes, in the end, I did not feel it was time spent worthwhile.

The Rating: 5

Reviewed by: kadian1364