She got zombie potential written all over her.

I’ve been looking forward to this show more than anything else, even with its common tale of boy-loves-zombies, boy-turns-girl-into-zombie-by-accident. There’ll be a recap, some random thoughts and I’ll confess my own Sankarea type secret.

Night of the Living Title Screen.

We’re introduced to Furuya Chihiro directly after the opening and seriously, what’s with this guy’s hair? The high schooler has a serious zombie fetish and dreams of being romantically involved with some sweet defenseless zombie maiden. And hey, don’t we all?

Ok, he loves zombies, he’s got some high school friends and his family lives in a historic temple, which they run. Administer. Priest over, whatever. His family consists of his father, gramps and 12-year old sister. They had a cat, Babu, but he died from a hit and stay accident. Of course, with his massive zombie knowledge and recovered ancient resurrection manual, Chihiro thinks he can raise the dead.

Resurrection manual.

Later, we’re introduced to Saoji Ranko, Chihiro’s vibrant cousin–an older sister type. Oh yeah, we’re also introduced to Aria Sanka, the girls’ school’s principal’s beautiful daughter, who has a himi-cut hairstyle and enjoys yelling in desserted places. On one such outing, our zombie lover overhears her her father takes nude photos of her to measure her growth. And probably his too.

The two talk things out in an abandoned bowling alley and Furuya ends up telling her of his plans of neko-resurrection. The two chat it up and start their whirlwind undead romantic adventures, before Sanka leaves and remarks she’ll return the next evening.

Hate the opening, but I rarely like them. The characters don’t leave much of a first impression, although I have a certain kinship with the main character, Furuya. I’m being serious here–since I was a child I’ve only wanted to date, not zombie girls, but robot girls. The kind of robotic man-made girl who is just learning to deal with emotions and what not–and who can also do cool shit like fly and put together difficult machinery-like projects. I’ve tried dating girls who are emotionally vapid, but it’s just not the same. Sad face.

I liked the subdued ending of the show and I rarely like them. Was anyone else disappointed Sanka wasn’t turned into a zombie in the premier episode? I wonder how long they’ll make us wait. By watching the preview, it could be as early as next week. Yay.

He really does love his zombies.

Some other first impression type thoughts. The character designs left me sort of wanting for more. They’re not terrible, but not terribly strong either. The animation is pretty fluid and seems ok. I laughed aloud at the defenseless zombie girl early in the episode. “Please stop killing us indiscriminately.” Heh.

Will we be watching Zombie Japan with Danny Choo?

The story itself is what I’m interested in here and for me, it will make or break the series. I was talking with ThatOtherGuy, sometimes Moe Monster writer, and we were discussing the recent rise of zombie related fiction in Japan and we came to the conclusion that there could be something happening there that the Japanese are trying to hide. Our second place conclusion, was that zombies are very modern, unlike the traditional spirit like fiction/folklore, and it provides storytellers another avenue to explore. We still think there could be an actual zombie problem in Japan though.

I’m really really hoping this will be a decent series that could provide some good viewing times–fun, slightly humorous with some dramatic moments. If it’s the 12 episode length it’s being reported it could be a nice short series to ring in Summer 2012. See you for episode 2!

Zet Screen.

I’m really watching this. I thought I had my fill of the darker side of shounen anime with Deadman Wonderland, but apparently not. Really I just felt like writing some stuff and the shows I’m looking forward to haven’t aired or haven’t been subbed as of yet. I’m hoping there’ll be some redeeming chills and thrills in this monster mash-up.

Little philosophers Kouga, Jin and Konoha discuss justice.

As usual, there’s a setup and then things happen. We too briefly listen to narration about the players gaining some sense of themselves. They seem to be some sort of artificial hybrids gone wrong and they end up murderously escaping the wealthy and scientific pricks that created, and then used them. Then a doctor escapes with a baby. Baby Zetman. Baby Zetman made a messy. Probably.

Ok flash forward and we see a young man, Jim, getting schooled by some old homeless geezer. Obviously the baby and the doctor. We see the kid fight some thugs and later meet Jin’s two little friends, the siblings Kouga and Konoha. After his old homeless friend collapses, Jin begins to wander the streets for help.

He finds the hot older blonde woman, Akemi, whom he earlier saved from some rapists and asks for her help. She helps him by getting naked and taking a bath with him. Things are looking up for young Jin. I guess if you’re gonna’ have an emotional breakdown in a tub, it’s better nude with a giant pair of boobies instead of my preferred style–fully clothed in an empty tub staring into nothingness.

After a quick glimpse of the evil scientific installation, the strolling duo of Jin and Akemi get accosted by Tongueman. After being pushed to his limit, Jin’s powers awaken and he mashes the lizard dude. He passes out and then some guys show up to cover up the player’s appearance (I’m assuming Tongueman was a player). Everyone is fine as Jim and Lady reunite in the hospital.

I definitely didn’t have any positive hopes prior to viewing episode one. I have heard of the series beforehand as it’s been around for a while. In an industry where it seems like they’ll animate any manga series worth its proverbial weight, Zetman took quite a while. Surely because it’s really bad, right?

Well I liked the opening episode. Surely we’ve seen it before, but it was executed fairly well. It seems like there’s a fairly lengthy Zetman lexicon and it will be interesting to see how they further delve into the world of escaped psycho bug killers and homeless people.

Some random thoughts on the show. It looks pretty good and the few glimpses into the super-human action showed some smooth kickassity. The background music during the action was noticeably shounen-like, but not bad. I could use some more humor. The characters seem like the kinds typically found in shounen stories. I predict there’ll be a lot of challenges, betrayals, level ups and long fights. The opening narration took the place of the opening, unless my downloaded version chopped it. There’s an ending though, with a large cast of unseen characters, action and a jazzy little song.

I swear, you can learn so much more from opening or ending sequences, in these early episodes at least, than in the episodes themselves. I remember watching Utawarerumono and in the opening, the little girl was riding the big white panther thing and I thought to myself, “Self, that would be something cool to see as it happened, but now I know it’s going to happen and I feel saddened.” Then I went into an empty bathtub with my clothes on.

Episode 2: Out the frying pan.

Next week looks interesting and there seems to be a time skip pretty early. I wonder if teenage Jin will still be bathing with Akemi. I would pull one of those, “the pain of Gramps dying is still too real,” sort of things. Regardless of topless foster parents, I’ll be watching episode 2.

From left to right: Rihoko Sakurai, Tsukasa Ayatsuji, Sae Nakata, Kaoru Tanamachi, Haruka Morishima, Ai Nanasaki.

What is this blissful feeling I’m sensing? It’s the second season of Amagami, duh! The first season of the show follows Junichi Tachibana, the completely irresistible male lead, in his quest to get over a particularly bad dating memory, by way of dating seven diverse and incredibly hot girls from his high school. I’ll be writing a little cover of each story arc. Onward!

Nice wintery title screen.

I’m including the stalker Risa Kamizaki in the group of seven above, as episode 25 was my favorite, and I am not including Miya Tachibana in the group, because her episode was mediocre at best and came out so long after the season ended, but not because she’s his sister, lol. Before I write anything else, here’s my top six-story arcs of the first season, which I’ll list because my likes and dislikes of the first season will surely bias my opinion on the second. As I mentioned above the Risa single episode was the one I most enjoyed, but the list features only the babes who had full arcs. Ok, here they are.

1. Haruka Morishima – I’m lame, I know.
2. Ai Nanasaki – She felt more real than the others.
3. Sae Nakata – I always pick the meek, timid girls (Really my favorite, but I’m too embarrassed to list first).
4. Kaoru Tanamachi – Compelling and forgettable at the same time.
5. Tsukasa Ayatsuji – Lower on list due to not living up to potential for me.
6. Rihoko Sakurai – I like her. As a friend. Enough with the tea.

The second season of Amagami SS, titled, Amagami SS+ plus, takes place a few weeks after each of the story arcs in season one, although not the same order. In the first season, he hooks up with all 6 young ladies after their respective four-episode story arc. Ok, stop bothering me so I can watch this first arc.

Definitive Tsukasa Scowl.

Well I started touching myself within seconds of episode one, so there’s that. The first arc belongs to Ayatsuji-san. The seemingly superbly put together class president. We got to see her true self in the first season–that of a cold hard bitch–but not so cold for our main man Junichi. They’ve been dating for a month at the start of the series and it seems like Ayatsuji hasn’t warmed up nearly as much as we thought.

Conflict arises pretty quickly and centers around the new class elections. There’s a mysterious upstart by the name of Kurosawa who announces, like Ayatsuji, that if she wins she’ll name Junichi as her vice president. No she didn’t! Also running for class president is none other than the extremely timid and curvaceous Sae Nakata–with a little help from her friends Ai and Miya.

Miya forces the shy Nakata to go for the swimsuit vote.

The campaign heats up–especially when the amazing magician like Junichi convinces Ayatsuji to model for a new campaign poster. Seriously, he can convince any girl to do pretty much anything. But as we know, there needs to be a little conflict (usually by way of the classic misunderstanding plot), for young love to fully bloom. The first arc provides just that, when the upstart meddler Kurosawa stages a confession–witnessed by Ayatsuji-san herself. Oh no!

Tsukasa lays down the law.

As the second part gets under way, it’s pretty obvious to Ayatsuji what this bitch is up to, and she takes Junichi to hidden shed to explain things in a way his peanut like brain can comprehend. He may be a bit of an imbecile, but he always seems to finagle some extra kissing, doesn’t he?

The next day is election day at the school. We’re treated to several girls’ appearances–first by the overweight Rihoko as she politics for snacks on the way to school, next by the very half-European looking Morishima as she and Hibiki discuss the events, and finally by Sae, as she gives her campaign speech. Tsukasa shows some rare tenderness before giving her own speech and then the vote takes place. It ends up being a four-way tie.

Ayatsuji's reaction to winning the erection.

Not really. Ayatsuji wins, which means Junichi is now the vice president. Nakata finishes in second place. Later, there’s a really strange scene in which Junichi ends up in the river–really just an excuse for him to take a bath with the mostly willing Ayatsuji. Like the dream sequence in the opening, she washes her man’s back, only this time in her school swimsuit. They get up close and personal.

Steamy scene in the bath. Ooh.

We’re all winners here. Why try to hide that fact? I’d go as far as saying that the world is a better place, by way of the Amagami franchise being created. Have you ever smiled like an idiot while watching anime, and then try to imagine what you look like doing that? This is why I keep mirrors away from my preferred viewing locations.

Enough of that nonsense. I greatly enjoyed the Ayatsuji Plus arc. I should preface that statement by predicting that I don’t believe any of the season two ‘return’ arcs will be more entertaining their season one counterparts. Impossible. Except maybe for the calorie-counting Rihoko. That being said, I don’t have any high expectations for any of the girl’s stories. I’m just going to sit back, relax and make sure I have plenty of tissues. I’m gross, I know.

Ayatsuji--model student.

I enjoyed these first two episodes, although I can see the format sort of getting old. The set up-conflict-resolution all set up and resolved in two episodes, if it continues, will be tiring. Again, I’m nitpicking. I know I’m going to enjoy the series. Oh, my favorite thing about the series, besides all the making out, are all the appearances by the different girls.

It’s wonderfully enjoyable to see the air-headed Haruka in every episode, or to see Miya continue her struggle to drag Sae out of her shyness. All the girls are clearly defined (if not completely stereotypical), and their characters seem to act appropriately across the different dimensions the omnibus format delivers.

Miya, Ai and Sae celebrating a strong showing with booze and karaoke.

Of course, I love all the hot heavy moments I have, I mean Junichi has, with the diverse cast of girls. Fans of the show, and more importantly the format, will never be let down, as the male lead always, 100% of the time, every time, gets the girl. It comes through with its winning ways. Ok, what’s next…

By watching the preview, I can see the second story arc features the portly Rihoko and yes I make fun of her every chance I get. I like her, don’t get me wrong, but her season one arc was boring. And quite honestly, I felt bad for her when Junichi made fun of her weight. Ironically I don’t feel bad for her when I make fun of her weight.

Amagami SS+plus: Ayatsuji and Junichi.

Mashiro and his sweaty-necked uncle.

Will Ashirogi Muto defeat the limber Nizuma Eiji? Obviously yes. As a Bakutard I feel a little sad that season two has come to an end–and then I feel good about the show getting renewed for a third season. We won’t lose to ratings! Ok, a brief once-over of the final episode before some thoughts on Season 2.

Perfect Crime Party--PCP.

As the finale begins, Mashiro and Takagi are making the final plans for their new serialization. Working with the master editor Hattori, they decide to change the names of the main characters, the manga’s title and rework the main character’s design. They receive two new assistants to work on the story, as well as the returning Orihara, who worked on–I think–Tanto.

Mashiro and Takagi miss the annual New Year’s party, but attending were Nizuma Eiji, Ko Aoki, Iwase and Hiramaru. The top two editors are forced to wear furry outfits and dance a jig, due to their author’s not attending. It’s hazing on a Japanese level.

11. Otters 11.

Ashirogi Muto finishes up the Perfect Crime Party and they meet with Hittori, who loves it and would have babies with the younger men if he could, biologically speaking. Unbeknownst to Ashirogi Muto, Fukuda is working on his hobby one-shot–a mainstream shounen manga about motorcycle racing. The issue of Shounen jack finally comes out and, as we’ve seen several times of the course of the anime, the team waits for the rankings.

There’s a nice little montage of all the authors we’ve seen reading the new issue. The next day Hattori arrives with the good news of a landslide win. We see some other reactionary stuff, and the episode ends with Mashiro, Takagi and Hattori taking a ride to the Mashiro family grave, to show his uncle their number one ranking. His uncle talks back. Really.

There’s not too much to say about the finale. I enjoyed the previous New Year’s Parties, and was a little let down by the interactions at this one. I’m glad they ended up winning at the end, and more importantly, glad they didn’t lose. When Mashiro gets all serious after hearing of their win, and then departs with the other two, I thought he was making a bee-line for Azuki’s place where he was going to take her savagely. Why do I set myself up for disappointment?

If I had to summarize, I’d say that season two was most of what season one was. And then it was that over and over. It’s a basic shounen story based around manga creation, instead of martial arts or magic. In some ways season two was more enjoyable for me. Spreading the character stories around a bit for example. Also, I enjoyed the focus on much of the actual manga creation and publishing. That being said, the repetitive nature of the show usually leaves me with an excuse to browse the internet while watching. It’s boring much of the time really, and all the “action” shots of various characters can’t stop it from being so.

They're practically doing it.

Some quick random thoughts on particular things I enjoyed. The false mangas and the time spent on the different mangakas. Nizuma Eiji, Fukuda, Aoki, Nakai, Hiramaru, all have ample time and room to grow in season two and quite honestly, I find any of them more interesting than the two leads. Even the wide house-like stalker Nakai who loses out to pretty much everything about two-thirds of the way into the season, is more interesting.

The manga the characters create is fun. I found/find it fun to see them create it, think about it and when the anime shows the storyboards, complete with background music and other accompaniment–well, that may be my favorite part of the show. The music and other production values are overall satisfactory. I never find anything too distracting, but nor did I ever marvel at a particular sequence. Well maybe the Otters 11 rescue of the human faced otter.

That’s about it. The second season of Bakuman was consistent with what it had. In my opinion though, season two loses out to season one, in the way they portrayed the main relationships. Azuki and Mashiro advance very little. Even the Takagi and Miyoshi relationship, which ends in marriage, isn’t treated as a big deal. There seemed to be way more tenderness between the characters in the first season. For example when Takagi and Miyoshi go on their date in episode 17. I don’t know the actual episode number, I made that up.

If you enjoyed the first season mainly because of the relationships, I could see an anime fan disliking this sophomore season a bit. Again I thought it was ok overall and I’ll be watching the third season as well, which has been confirmed to air during the Fall 2012 season.

Will I give Ozuma the old Das Boot?

Back to the future. I feel as if it’s only been a short while since I’ve watched episode one. It’s a full on sand naval battle during the first half of this week’s Ozuma. Not to be confused with sand in your navel of course. I’m only a few minutes in, but I’m not sure I can stomach more of this.

It’s a chess match between surface and, I guess, under-sand. The captain and crew of Baldanos play hide and seek with the Theseus commander. It’s a test of nerves as the two sides outlast each other and viewers try to complete the entire episode. There’s sonar, magnetic wave interference and the firing of many sand anchors and stuff like that. The bad guys, or at least the misunderstood guys, finally pull back fearing for the safety of Maya, the blue-haired princess or whatever she is.

Back at the Theseus high command we’re introduced to the supreme leader. Everything is vague except for the fact that the man likes his wine. We do also learn, confirmed by the drunkard ship doctor, that Maya is not a normal person. Surprise!

When the episode was over I had to make sure it was a full length episode and it surprisingly was. I suppose if you really really like naval battles, it could have been enjoyable, but it felt more like dentistry to me. All the panning shots of the crew and passengers looking around all tense, coupled with all the verbiage was too much for me.

They really do use a lot of big nonsensical words on this show. Too much science fiction mumbo jumbo for me. Of particular note, the ship uses some sort of rocket propulsion, which doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense. The under-sand scenes of the ship were strange overall, which was a bit of let down.

I suppose the episode could serve as an introduction to sand warfare and possibly even to foreshadow events later in the series, but I think that line of thinking would give the creators too much credit. I am however interested in finding out what Maya is. She’ll probably be some genetic sand-sun-human hybrid and the answer to releasing water back to the surface, like Total Recall or something.

As more new shows begin in the week or so ahead, I can’t seen myself reviewing this on any consistent basis. If I’m correct about Maya I’ll come back and gloat, but for now I’ve gotta’ give the boot to Ozuma.

"I'm Sam Coin, I'm here to rescue you!"

While watching Ozuma E1, I couldn’t help but feel as if I was watching Saturday morning cartoons. Which in no way is a bad thing. When you become an old bastard like me, there’s nothing better than some solid reminiscing. I’m watching and reviewing this mostly because of its science fiction premise.

Worst. Title Screen. Ever.

The story is pretty simple, or at least the set up is–Ozuma is set in the future where the sun has gone haywire. The entire planet is covered in sand. It’s the perfect environment for the first ever beach volleyball anime. We’re introduced to the protagonist, Sam Coin, early as we see him riding across the sand on his land speeder. He comes across a blue haired chick, Maya being chased by some military people, including a guy with a mask. He could have been wearing a full helmet I suppose, but then we’d miss out on his cool anime hair.

During the high-speed hover chase, a giant f’n sand monster shoots out of the sand, which Sam uses as a diversion to save his new blue-haired lady friend. We learn that the sandy-haired lead wants to catch the sand whale called Ozuma. Good luck with that kid. The two head back Oaze Port, a town with some rice paddies and wind turbines.

Captain Bainasu. She made the Oaze run in less than twelve parsecs.

We’re also introduced to some of the characters revolving around Sam–such as the alcoholic doctor and Mimay, the bitchy love interest. The military shows up to reclaim Maya, now revealed to be of some importance. Her new friends help her out when the badass captain orders their ship submerged beneath the sand. That was a pretty cool exit.

Ok, well the first thing I thought was that this is obviously a Dune inspired world, or perhaps just elements of Dune. If you’re gonna’ borrow ideas, why not from classic science fiction? The world itself seems interesting, and alone could warrant a download of episode two. A port town on the edge of the desert is pretty neat. The contrast in technology seems a bit off and I was dismayed by all the laser guns. I don’t know why though, I like lasers.

Like I mentioned in the opening, this does feel like an old school cartoon. The characters look somewhat diverse and their design surely retro, if not a bit childish looking. Characters have noses.

Crew--Pretty indicative of the retro character design.

The background music also adds a bit to the retro feeling, with a fun adventurous quality. The opening and endings are pretty standard. While the world is interesting, the characters seem pretty simple. Besides playing some beach volleyball, I kind of wish there would be sand pirates. Perhaps in one episode they drop their cargo with the first sign of a Theseus cruiser.

Captain Bainasu is my early favorite. I didn’t dislike this episode enough to completely wipe its existence from my mind, but I don’t have any hopes for it either.

This is Ashirogi Muto!

With two episodes left of this season’s Bakuman, I can’t help but feel that things will turn out well soon. Is it wrong to wish that things go badly for certain characters?

Oonishi, voice of reason and possible serial killer.

I’m not spoiling anything by telling you that Perfect Crime Club gets serialized early in the episode. Well I am, I guess, but you should have seen that coming. Takagi and Mashiro get all the standard congratulatory phone calls, followed by the news of a replacement editor. Yay.

The sly and overly attractive Azuki slips a surprise USB drive in her delicious cake. An act worthy of the Crime Club itself. Not that I was, but was anyone else hoping it had some half-naked photos on it?

It moves.

Otters 11 action figure, lol.

Hattori, switches places with the human garbage can Miura, meaning the chubby editor takes over +Natural. Of course, now that the two editors have switched assignments, the sexy Iwase is left with the very un-sexy Miura, which is what super villains should get in the end, isn’t it?

What else…Fukuda is all psyched up over the return of Ashirogi Muto and he also, of course, won’t lose to anyone. Mashiro has a bit of a level up as he realized he can have more flexibility with his art if Takagi writes in non-storyboard form. Ok.

How can Hattori still be surprised by Ashirogi’s dedication to excellence? I’d love to see Bakuman Season 24, when the editor exclaims, for the 17,132nd time, “They’re so driven, for two successful 45-year-old men!” I keep asking these moral questions but, is it wrong to fantasize about Hattori giving it to Iwase from behind? Not that I do, but I was curious all the same. My mind wonders during fluffy anime. Sometimes my hand too, but usually just my mind–ok…

Iwase from behind.

Next week seems to be the last episode. Will Mashiro and Takagi finally not lose out Nizuma Eiji? Let me watch the preview and tell you what happens. Why is there so much walking in openings and endings. It really says a lot about a society. Ok, it looks like in the finale serialization of Perfect Crime Club takes place and all the authors won’t lose to each other. Surprise!

Perfect Lunch Crime.

Welcome to the Perfect Crime post. Oh crap, it’s no longer Perfect. Ashirogi is under the gun only having one more chance to at least match the work of both Crow and +Natural. I won’t lose to this post, but I may lose to my hunger as I haven’t had breakfast today.

Oh Mai. Perfect Crime Club's future Heroine.

Mashiro and Takagi finally submit their Perfect Crime Club storyboard early in the episode. The story is pretty simple, but I’m somehow confused by it. Nonetheless, their confidence is running at an all time high, confirmed by the disgusting Miura. Miura, with his new-found motivation, even tells his other author, Takahama, that there’s no way his storyboard can compete with Ashirogi. Way to go.

We briefly see both Nizuma and Fukuda, now very aware of Ashirogi’s serialization situation. That’s about it as far as supporting appearances go in Episode 23. Regardless, everyone else appearing in the episode serves to build up the viewer’s confidence that the new Ashirogi title will surely pass serialization. Right? Don’t get your hopes up.

Shounen Jack-offs.

Mashiro heads over to Takagi and Miyoshi’s for Christmas dinner and dessert. They’re so adult! Miyoshi brings out a cake made by Azuki specially for Mashiro. They have chicken. They talk about their continued struggle over dinner and wait for the phone call. So much of the show is spent watching characters on their phones, I’m surprised they haven’t slipped in a telecom sponsor by now.

A bulk of the episode is spent inside the Shounen Jack offices. Miura and Hattori wait outside while the editorial board decides whether or not to go ahead with serialization. Again, not only does it have to be fit for print, but it has to be able to “win” against Nizuma Eiji’s work. They deliberate deep into the evening, where they ultimately take a majority vote. Guess who gets the final deciding vote? You’re right. Guess which way he votes? You’re correct once again! You have not lost.

Miura has pretty much the same reaction to everything Ashirogi creates and quite honestly, I’m tired of looking at his face. Seriously though, what would warrant the termination of a Shounen Jack editor? Hasn’t he surpassed the vast levels of incompetence required for firing, just in his handling of the Ashirogi titles alone? Can his fat ass.

Sort of a boring episode, with all the stress of the editorial meeting feeling completely forced. Maybe it felt that way, because it was pretty much a copy & paste of other meetings we’ve seen previously. No real surprises here. The chief editor is a tool bag who needs to shave that silly stache. I’m down to spouting insults at 2-D characters because there’s not much more to say. Plus it’s fun.

I want some of Miho's cake too.

Let’s make some predictions on next week’s show, by way of the preview. Uh, was that a preview of next week or a recap of this week? It looks like our good-guy editors looking all distressed along with other stuff we’ve seen this episode.

Here’s how I’d like the show to end. Ashirogi’s new title ends up getting serialized. Then the two come into the office and take a giant crap on the chief editor’s desk. They make a new story about a chief editor who continually makes bad decisions and a fat blustery editor who runs every title into the dirt. It’s a gag/action/romance manga, which the invigorated Ashirogi brings to a rival magazine. They’ll never lose again.

Takagi and Mashiro of Bakuman. Wondering hands face.

After a one and half season hiatus I’ve decided to review the second season of Bakuman. I needed something non-offensive, light, airy and altogether so-so, for me to get back into the swing of things. I some what enjoyed the first season and am now all caught up on season 2. Read on to examine my pitiful attempt to reinvigorate my interest in anime, by way of two over-excitable young men and their dreams of being mangakas!

Bakuman Season 2 Opening screen.

If I remember the first season correctly, middle school students, Takagi and Mashiro, daydreamers and part-time lovers, form a lifelong partnership after discovering their shared interest in manga. Takagi writes and Mashiro draws. Mashiro is the nephew of a kind of successful serialized author and victim of manga itself. That’s right, manga killed Mashiro’s Uncle.

Both guys also have hot girlfriends. Takagi is dating the under-dressed tomboy, Miyoshi, one of my favorites in the first season. Mashiro is together, but not together, with the doll-like Miho Azuki. After a dramatic confession, the two plan to get married and make lots of beautiful babies, but only after they both recognize their dreams. Boring, but whatever.

Precious moments.

The guys take on the pen name, Ashirogi Muto, as they enter the shounen world of manga publishing. It’s pretty much standard tease and denial. They’re very talented and keep doing their best, but new challenges and rivals always seem to pop up. There are setbacks, blah blah, and blah blah. Let’s get on to this season, since it’s wrapping up fairly soon.

The season begins as the two have their manga, “Detective Trap” serialized in Shounen Jack. I like Detective Trap, and was angry when it was dropped early in the season. One of the big changes the pair face in the second season is a new editor, Miura, after Hattori is removed to work on other things. Miura is a stupid fat jerk who I hate. It feels like he’s the tool (heh), that the creators have used to advance all the challenges Ashirogi Muto face. He makes horrible decisions, has a horrible sense of humor and is laughed at by his fellow editors behind his back. I would think he is anyway.

Ass Miura refuses switch to artificial sweetner.

Let’s see.. what else happens? Miho Azuki, the walking precious moment, continues her own struggle to become a voice actress–even showing some integrity but not participating in an idol photo book. I wanted to her to do it. All the other mangakas return in the second season as well. Nijuima Ejzi is still the king of Shounen Jack and still considers the main duo as his main rival. Fukuda, the bad-ass prematurely gray author, and the timid Ko Aoki are both serialized at the beginning of the season season.

There’s a lot of time given to the other mangakas in the second season, which I liked overall. With the exception of the overweight Nakai, who showed his true colors–no, not beef and pork–as he becomes number one Bakuman stalker. My favorite character in the season season is easily Hiramaru. Shown briefly in the first season, he’s the guy who picks up a manga for the first time and decides to quit his day job and create his own series. All of his Otter 11 scenes in season 2 are easily better than all the other scenes put together times two. Whether it’s his continued attempts to avoid work, his multiple photographs of Aoki, or the Otter 11 scenes themselves, Hiramaru is a nice gag-like compliment to some of the other so-so humor of the series.

Super villain Iwase Aiko.

There’s also the return of Iwase-san, Takagi and Mashiro’s classmate from middle school, who provides an interesting, but not really that interesting, spark later in season 2. She returns to renew her rivalry with Takagi, by joining with Nizuma Eiji to create a new top-rated serialization.

The return of Iwase also furthers the relationship of Takagi and Miyoshi, who get engaged by way of misunderstanding, and later get married in episode…something. I forget. The Mashiro X Azuki relationship also gets a little heavier as the two come face to face after some medical problems arise. They even touch each other. It was hot. Beyond that, it’s much of the same “overcoming challenges” type fare we’re accustomed to with Bakuman. In episode 22, the fellas once again hit their stride, working on their new title.

One thing I find really enjoyable about the series is the manga editing and publishing scenes. It’s interesting how they cater to demographics, almost panhandling to their readers by way of gags, girls, panty shots, battles and a variety of other things–all while Bakuman itself is doing the same thing. My sensibility would almost be offended by this, if only I gave a shit.

If I had to summon up the second season in one word, it would be–repetitive, repetitive–with the extra repetitive for added emphasis. The small time skips are nice and almost aid in moving the season along, but seriously, the same things happen over and over. So much damn struggle! It’s frustrating to watch at times for this very reason. If Hattori remains their editor, Ashirogi-senpai is an international star. Can’t the editor-in-chief in all his infinite wisdom see this?

Otters 11 Smash and Grab Rescue.

I don’t have many more thoughts. This is an easy to watch series, at times slightly humorous, sometimes touching, very, very repetitive, but steady to a certain degree. I will say that the above screenshot cracked me the fuck up! If there was one false-manga created by the characters in the series, Otters 11 would easily be my choice. What do you think?

I’ll be writing about the last few episodes of Bakuman 2 as well. I don’t know when it ends, but it would be nice it if was sooner rather than later. Also, I’ll take a look at the upcoming season to see if there’s anything worthwhile. Thanks for reading!

Ika Musume, the fiery invader from the sea.

Come gather fellow squidizens! Nothing beats coming back from vacation and having two episodes of Ika Musume to watch. It’s the opposite of being incredibly bored and finally deciding to watch something (even though you don’t really feel like it), only to realize there’s absolutely nothing to watch.

Shinryaku! Ika Musume Title screen.

If you don’t already know, Ika Musume is a terrifyingly cute invader from the sea. And although she’s fully prepared to kick a little human ass, the land-world is slightly larger than Ika had realized. She ends up working in a beach side food shack with a bunch of inferior (besides Chizuru) humans, where we get to watch her experiences with real world stuff, like school, video games and various personalities. Through the first season, the ink-spraying shrimp connoisseur continues to plan her invasion when situations present themselves, and ends up not only invading the hearts of her human friends, but of viewers as well. Group hug.

After the epic opening of the new season of everyone’s favorite squid girl, the first of three episodettes, Aren’t you going to invade!? begins. More than anything, it serves to reintroduce all the characters from the first season. In addition to the main family unit, there are also all the supporting characters found mainly around the beach.

Creepy Americans.

The second segment brings back Ika’s friend Kiyomi, a nice normal girl she made friends with in the first season. Her arrival, along with some other younger girls and their subsequent friendliness with Ika Musume, puts Sanae, the number one Ika stalker fan, on the outs. The third segment, Isn’t That a Jellyfish!?, features a jellyfish collecting competition, which is won by the creepy scientific americans.

Won’t You Go to Elementary School!?, is the title of the first segment of the second episode. It follows Ika Musume, as she tags along with Takeru on his way to grade school. She takes over the class, but before taking over the entire school, she loses out to some ice cream. The middle story is Won’t You Cosplay!?, and features a plan from the Aizawa sisters to get more female customers.

Nagasi and Ayumi invade Ika's home base.

They dress up Nagisa as a cool dude (Nagisa is the one person actually frightened of Ika Musume, much to her delight), and later to attract more male customers, they dress up the timid Ayumi, the daughter of the rival snack-shack. Feeling a bit left out, and always with fighting spirit Ika shows up in cosplay as well. In the final segment, Aren’t you Lighter!?, Ika reveals her bracelet’s magical power.

A true invader conquers them all!

What a terrific opening, lol. I fee like a little girl watching this show–or a Japanese otaku, take your pick. If I had glow sticks, dare I say I would dance along with the opening. Only to kill myself afterwards for doing so. Regardless of suicide, the first few minutes of the first episode reminded me why the first season of Ika Musume is one of my favorite series of the past few years. To me, it blends the perfect amount of cuteness together with quality comedic writing. Funniest shit ever? Nah, but just as fun as anything else on TV.

Chizuru and her powerful demonic aura make me laugh every time.

In addition to the content, the three segments per episode format works terrifically in its favor, as each episode moves quickly, and there’s usually at least one segment to enjoy. Beyond the format and the cute and enthusiastic Ika, I like a majority of the stories. They’re lighthearted, fun and a great way to spend 20 minutes each week.

In terms of the actual humor, there’s a simple, snappiness to the show. Chizuru with her deadly aura, easily and suddenly producing the nastiest brass-knuckles ever is a good example. Or perhaps in E02 when Sanae quickly slaps Eiko, who declares she can eat anything and not gain weight. It feels like there’s always a good swift quick to the balls in Ika Musume, just lurking around the corner. In addition to the slapstick humor, the simple (but well-developed) characters, had several touching moments in the first season. To use Sanae again, the episode in which she kicks her Squiddie habit, becomes a lesson in obsession–it gets real, very quick, only to have the dramatic moment erased by a good tentacle slap in the face, when she relapses.

Queen Esquidzabeth.

With that all being said, I’m thrilled this series is back for a second run. I know they picked much of the first season from some of the funnier moments of the manga, so I was slightly concerned that the second season wouldn’t be as good. But after watching the first two episodes, I’m no longer worried. Surely there were moments of discovery, such as the “umbrella” episode, that can’t be recreated, but now that she’s more familiar with land-based-life, Ika will surely have more opportunities to plan her invasion.