“Kurogane no Linebarrels”, or “Linebarrels of Iron”. Let me start out by stating that I have now seen the strangest way to summon a giant robot, wait let me see that again…did he just put his hand there? I wonder about the poor boy’s sanity. Back to business, the op is an attention grabbing track from Ali project “Kitei no Tsurugi” showing off mecha and cast, with some combat sequences splashed in. Episodes are closed with a calming track from Maaya Sakamoto titled “Ame ga furu”. You can tell the character design is by Hisashi Hirai (Gundam Seed, S-CRY-ed, Fafner), and Tsutomu Suzuki(Zone of Enders, Z.O.E.: Idolo) make the mechanical design scream. I love what I’m looking when I see all those giant robots. This anime just might get me as excited as Yukikaze or Gundam 00.

Overview

We have our interesting mix of characters, an antagonist with a sever delusional streak from constant bullying, a couple of friends who only make the problem worse, the token bully trio. Private military company sanctioned by the U.N.(Nerv anyone?), young mecha pilots(Eva?), the shadowy bad guys, and while some tropes do stand out it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment this series is offering. Maybe I am biased?

Le sigh, mecha. The battles leave me in awe even after seeing them more than once, so points go in for that. But I do worry about the protaganist, he does have some self image issues and his priorities are questionable. He wakes up in a crater and his clothes are covered in blood and he doesn’t even notice, that or he isn’t phased by that sort of thing, his his cell phone is busted and he begins to freak out a little bit, sudden naked girl, and nothing, he sees the giant robot and then decides to get out of dodge with the girl(oh well at least he put something on her first). Take a note of the fact that he didn’t ask where the blood came from. This is our hero, saving the girl and full of issues. Don’t even ask me where he puts her up.

Heroes…always using something other than a brain.

Despite the flaws it is better than most of the “token mecha” out there and you know what I’m talking about. I’m looking at you G Gundam fans. I’m giving it a 4 out of 5 for awesome battles with slick mecha, and a hero who seems to be unphased from being covered in his own blood. Those reasons and room for plot development out of the first episode leaves me with an above average rating. Thanks Gonzo.

Without any doubt in my mind Vagabond is the absolute best historical manga ever penned, and my favorite of all time. So I will start reviewing this important work here at anime reviewed. Vagabond is a fictionalized depiction of the life and struggles of Miyamoto Musashi based off of Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel “Musashi”. It was first serialised in 1998 and in 2000 Takehiko Inoue won the Grand prize in the Japan Media Arts Festival, also in 2000 it claimed the 24th Kodansha Manga Award, and in 2002 Vagabond earned the Tezuka Osamu Cultural prize. Apparently I am not alone in appreciating Vagabond’s greatness.

The task of making the legendary sword saint Musashi seem real is pretty difficult in that he has transcended the reality of his time and become more myth than man. Musashihas been depicted variously in folklore as a man who killed dragons, ran with superhuman speed, and sometimes could fly. In modern times Musashi has been a character in many movies, games, manga, and anime. The real man was an excellent samurai who created his own sword style, wrote books, studied philosophy, and pursued many arts as was the custom of samurai. Vagabond is not a completely accurate depiction of his life, but it is still a superb portrayal of an often misunderstood figure. This is a must read for any who are interested in Japanese history, samurai culture, or extremely fierce sword fights. 5/5

I have never seen such fine artwork in any manga. Every panel is a masterpiece. Takehiko Inoue is a true master of depicting the human form in an impressively realistic way. There is practically no space that isnt filled with wonderful artwork. I presume Vagabond has never been adapted into an anime because  it would just be too difficult. Oh, did I mention that the artwork is awesome? 5/5

Details

The artwork in the series is interesting and has that gritty animated manga feel to it at times.  I should however mention there is a cat that seems to fallen out of the mind of Dr. Timothy Leary, well…somewhat. What do you want me to say, the thing moves through solid objects like they are not there and it talks, leading the protagonist around to show him this or that. The op is “Beautiful fighter” by angela and I don’t mind the lyrics but I can say the next time I heard it I skipped through. The ed, “My story” also by angela was something that started mellow but did try to have a low energy about it and was much better than the op. The series itself seems to be a precursor to something larger and already has a sequel schedulued for this 13 episode series.

Summary

When people die and their will is strong enough they can become ’shikabane’, walking dead, risers, you get the idea. When this happens they most likely become monsters and kill others around them. This is where this Shikabane Hime comes in(corpse princess), a shikabane created for the sole purpose of slaying shikabane. Enter Oori Kagami, student, orphan, talks to a cat that is not there, and it talks back. I can’t explain it so perhaps in later episodes it will start making sense. But for now the cat is going to continue leading that kid around on occasion and mostly to dead people. In fact that is how Oori encounters Aka, who is out like a light at the time. Later encounters lead to her slapping him in the face(ouch). All this happens around the time he decides to leave the orphanage and move into his own place. Too bad that monk is planning on using him as storage for all his pervy items. Oori seems like the staple nice guy, but is really calm in those awkward situations. Aka and the other Shikabane Hime seems to have the standard issue coldness, perhaps they are closet tsundere. The monks however have a rainbow of personalities it is a wonder how they can work together.

I give this series a 3 out of five. I think the series has potential, but this could change if things start becoming typical.  I’wouldn’t mind seeing the rest but Funimation has snagged the rights to distribute it in North America so I guess that stops me from seeing the rest of it right? It’ll probably hit adult swim in a year or two…or Scifi. Points off drifting between serious and slapstick, and the typical “shady monk” template character. Points saved for potential.

To Aru Majutsu No Index Episode 7

RAMBLING SECTION

Hey everybody it seems our new host isn’t perfect after all since they went down for a whole day without letting us know anything. Also I think now would be a decent time for a little surprise for you because anime reviewed will be getting a video section no thanks to you guys. I didn’t receive even one banner I am so disappointed. Well other than that little bit of info there’s not much else to talk about but send in your banner to katimusha@gmail.com so that I can use it for my reviews please. Also this review has 0 screen shots which sucks so if anyone wants to be the guy with the screen shots you should register and email biggity since we are still looking for a small bit of help.

DESCRIPTION SECTION

Ha guess what I found a wiki description of this episode so this make my job that much easier thank you wiki anime reviewed is slightly in your debt. Remember that wiki is not 100% reliable and this description contains spoilers for the episode so read at your own desecration. Tōma, who still keeps his memory loss a secret and after buying an expensive reference study book with Index meets two of his classmates Motoharu Tsuchimikado and Pierce Aogami who he doesn’t recognize. When they inadvertently insult Index about her size, much to his misfortune, he is force to buy Index (and also Motoharu and Pierce) lunch at a Fast Food Restaurant. Index, finds them a table, which is currently occupied by a depress Miko. She tells them she spent too much on buying cheap burgers and is now 100 Yen short to get a train ride home. When Tōma suggest borrowing some money from someone, she immediately brightens up and bluntly ask the boys for 100 Yen which all of them refuse. Index sarcastically tell her how a Miko is selling her beauty but she tells Index that she is not a Miko but a magician which prompts Index to ask her from which Magical organization she belongs to. Before she can get her answer, the Miko is picked up by a group of suited men who she calls Cram School teachers and leaves with them.

While on the way home, Index finds an abandoned Kitten who she calls Sphinx but Tōma doesn’t want her to bring the kitten back since the dorm their staying doesn’t allow pets. When the kitten runs away, she chases after it and detects someone is using magic. Tōma suddenly finds himself alone in an empty street and meets Styil who tells him he has a mission for him. Aureolus Izzard, an alchemist and leader of a secret science worshiping cult at Misawa Cram School has return after three years in hiding, has imprison a girl codenamed Deep Blood who posses the ability to kill Vampires. Styil wants his help in rescuing her by coercing him that Necessarius will take Index away from him if he doesn’t cooperate which he reluctantly agrees but not before getting rid of Styil suspicions when the latter question his lack of reaction when talking to him.

When he returns home, much to his annoyance, Index has brought the kitten back but decides to let her keep it and tells her to stay at home since he going out because he ‘forgot his reference book’. Outside, he meets Styil placing some Runes outside of his apartment so Innocentius will protect Index from intruders. When he question Styil if he likes Index, he embarrassingly denies it. After they both arrived at the Cram School, Styil reveals Izzard plans on using Deep Blood, to make anything he imagines into reality and learns to his surprise, Deep Blood who’s real name is Aisa Himegami, is the Miko he meet earlier. Inside the building, Tōma notices an Armored Knight slumped next to a column which he a first thinks is a broken robot but Styil reveals its actually a bleeding, dead corpse.

Yep that was a long description but it wasn’t a long write for me so now this review can get to you that much quicker.

REVIEW SECTION

I actually enjoyed it even though it had almost no action in it but guess what sometimes action isn’t always the best. Wait what am I saying action is what a action anime excels at but this episode had a conflict bigger than any fight. That conflict is amnesia… yes there’s about 1 character in each anime that seems to get it so it must be spreading. The fight against amnesia needs to begin today so that nobody else can get that convenient plot device used on them. Here’s your homework assignment find 7 different anime and manga where someone gets amnesia and then congratulate yourself on another pointless errand. Make sure to post your results in the comments I think it would be a interesting topic and someday we will stop amnesia from spreading. Ok lets get serious for a second or two .. I was being serious when I said I enjoyed this episode but I might be having a case of amnesia since I cant seem to remember what it was that made me enjoy this episode. The music I enjoy as well there’s something about the opening that makes me want to watch this show maybe its some sort of subliminal message. The opening is “PSI-missing” by Kawada Mami and is slightly addictive and the ending is “Rimless ~Fuchinashi no Sekai~「Rimless～フチナシノセカイ～」” by IKU which is also pretty good so the sound was pretty good. The video wasn’t bad but i still missed having some action but then again I liked this episode alright since I like this show for more than just action. There’s comedy as well in this episode so that’s probably a reason I enjoyed it but then again the fact that Toma as amnesia and nobody knows is interesting. The plot has also advanced because now they are going to fight against a alchemist I wonder if its anything like the full metal alchemist ones hmmm i doubt it. There’s also mention of vampires as well so uhhh that’s pretty cool i guess but why vampires seriously what do they have anything to do with the story but I can buy vampires as being a bad guy. I mean look there’s the bounts in bleach they were bad and then there’s the hellsing vampires they are bad ok bad example but yeah usually vampires are very bad. I have to give To Aru Majutsu no Index 7 a 4/5 because it was good but not great or awesome. Ok this was a long review after all dang I didn’t want to take up too much room but alls well that ends well I guess wait what was i talking about …. AMNESIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Watch To aru Majutsu no Index 07 Subbed in Animation |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Gundam 00 Second Season Episode 7

RAMBLING SECTION

Hey guys its time for another un-helpful review from yours truly because I don’t think any of you actually use these reviews unless you are really really bored. I am still wondering when someone will actually send in a banner which I am starting to doubt anyone will do it which makes me sad. Remember you can suggest what you want me to do if you win be it review your favorite anime, a website, or something who knows what I might do for you. I am thinking about having another section without a review called Katimusha Presents which will just be a video section. It all depends on you guys though If 10 people comment on this and I get at least 2 banner submissions I will try to talk the man in charge to see if I could pull some strings. Remember we are always looking for anybody who will help out with the site since we are severely under staffed and we don’t get paid …. yeah you wont get paid for any of the stuff you do. Something else I haven’t done in forever is go to our forums and do stuff since its practically dead 100% of the time. At the moment the only action going on there is spam which is never fun so go and liven things up. I think I have Rambled on too long oh yeah leave comments suggesting a new name for this section of Katimusha Reviews I would be grateful.

DESCRIPTION SECTION

Yay its Gundam time just what I always wanted more hard to describe stuff along with giant robots flying about shooting at each other. Well this episode explains a bit about Allelujah Haptism’s past and also Soma Peries reverts back to the Marie that Allelujah remembered. Basically this episode is almost completely a flashback episode to show what happened when Allelujah escaped from the Super Human Facility that made him want to become a Gundam meister. Other than that there was a small bit of Gundam’s fighting the A-Laws or as I would like to call them the A-Team since every time I see their name it makes me think about that. There are some surprises at the end of the episode that could definitely move the plot forward considerably.

REVIEW SECTION

Okay I know that I usually denounce most flashback oriented episodes but I actually liked this episode which is really unique for me. Well the Sound is well the same as the last episode and the visuals are also the same since well its the episode after the last episode that I reviewed. The plot however has progressed a bit with this episode so not everything is the same as the last episode. The flashback did a pretty interesting job to showing a bit about Allelujah’s past and there’s the stuff that showed up towards the end of the episode that will definitely affect the coming episodes. The problem is there’s no comedy in Gundam its all about death destruction and well Giant Robots fighting Giant Robots in space and wherever a giant robot can fight. Also you Allelujah fans would probably enjoy this episode so I would suggest watching this episode if you have seen the last episode or if you like Gundam. I have to give Gundam 00 Season 2 episode 7 a 4/5 ok that was a mouth full. Also here’s a bit of a question for you guys who were paying attention just how many times did I say the word Gundam in this review. Also below this is the episode streaming for your pleasure so enjoy you crazy Gundam peoples.

Ok nevermind seems I still don’t have Gundam 00 Season 2 Episode 7 video around as Bandai has clutched that series so tight that you might never find it online. Also i couldnt even find screenshots for this episode so if you could do me a favor and find me the episode with embedded code let me know.

Naruto Shippuuden 84

RAMBLING SECTION

Ok since this is the rambling section I might as well just ramble and what I should ramble about well that would be the word ramble that word is so Lame. Seriously I wish I knew a better word for this section than Rambling Section since well look at this word —–> Ramble its not attractive in the least its just blah. I need a word that screams awesomeness but no i have to use Ramble :(. Ok something else I would like is a banner for my review section if someone can get me a banner I will do something for you not sure yet maybe a review of your awesomeness or something. The requirements for the banner is that it must say Katimusha Reviews and and must have somesort of anime relation to it.  If I get more than 1 I guess I can use a different banner for each review and you guys can vote for the best one and that will be the one that stays. Well enough Rambling <—- ugly word lets get on with this Naruto Shippuuden review because its getting lonely sitting there all by itself.

DESCRIPTION SECTION

Ok on this episode of Naruto Shippuuden Shikamaru and his gang of merry ninjas take on two akatsuki members who are full of surprises. Meanwhile Naruto is training to create his most powerful techinique yet in order to compete with Sasuke. Well thats about all that happened in this episode in a nut shell most of this episode was taken up with the fight and explaining anyone who has played pokemon already knows. Yes fire is weak against water which sounds right but I would think that what would be good against wind would be lightning not the other way you know the good ol’ pokemon logic.

REVIEW SECTION

Alright its review time I will start with the music which I was severely dissapointed in I miss the Naru-rock that they used to have. I am not a fan of the slow songs in my action anime I need something that kicks it to 11 and makes me excited to see someone get their ass kicked. But Here my opinion on the opening though its called “CLOSER” by Inoue Joe and its a very very slow song not my favorite but someone out there likes it. The ending is “Long Kiss Goodbye” by HALCALI which is also a bit boring but nowhere as boring as CLOSER which puts me to sleep so I am not the biggest fan of the new music. The visuals are well not sure how to say it but they arent bad so thats all I can say about the visuals. The plot is slowly progressing and I do mean slowly but eventually Naruto will finsish that technique and will probably kick ass but thats still a ways away. Well what else is there to say other than the ending was funny so that made me laugh a bit so watch that at least. I have to give Naruto Shippuuden 84 a 4/5 because it wasnt bad since I enjoy Naruto fights and the ending gave it what it needed to stay away from 3.5 .  Episode shown below

Watch AniWatch.com - Naruto Shippuuden 84 Sub in Anime |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

http://www.wizards.com/promo/hereirule/

Enjoy!

For all those that do not know Duke Togo/Golgo 13 here’s a summary brought to you by Anime News Network.com

Duke Togo, or as he is more widely known, “Golgo 13″, is a M16 bearing assassin who will take on any job for the right price. Anyone can hire him, including private citizens and world governments. If he’s not bedding women, he’s infiltrating a hostile country, waiting hours for the perfect shot in the most extreme conditions. Golgo 13 is just as adept in the urban jungle. Those who deal with him must make sure not to cross the Duke or they might find themselves the target of his rifle.

Just as the summary says, the first episode has Duke Togo being made a 3 million dollar deal with the FBI and CIA to assassinate a plane hijacker. The plots develops out quite well and includes what you would expect from Golgo 13. Lots of shooting,a good sex scene,and a great shot by Golgo 13 to end the episode.

So from the plot end I give it 4/5. I hope the plot gets better in the next episode.

The music is not great nor terrible. I can say the opening song, “Take the Wave” by Naifu was pretty catchy and upbeat. However, I am not a fan of the ending song, “Garasu no haiwei (Glass Highway)” by DOA. It sounds like a Japanese version of American R & B. The background music through out the episode was good. Kept quite in synch with what was occurring. Music scores 3.5/5

The animation was good. I was thrilled to see Duke Togo put into a series. I was not let down by the episode. I have several more to watch.

Overall I give the series a 4/5

Can not wait to watch some more!

Okay I’m going to be introducing you to a series that is *pay attention* based on a game. Le Gasp *shock*.Tales of the Abyss, from the “Tales of…” series of games. Games that seldom have a sequel or connection to one another in the series and this is not one of those games. Because this is a game based anime, there are going to be people who either flock to it or hate it for one reason or another. Personally I think the main character, Luke, looks like a rooster but that is what I see. The op is the same as with the game “Karma” by BUMP OF CHICKEN and the ed is “Bouken Houkiboshi” by Kurumi Enomoto. I felt the op sequence for the game looked better but I digress, back to the review.

I see a rooster...

Okay enough prattling on, time to describe this.

Summary(roughly all of episode 1)

From the first episode we are given a interesting peek into the world of Aldurant and those in it. The planet is made of these magical particles called fonons. A prophet read the the world’s future history known as the Score of Lorelei by using the seventh fonon. A fraternity known as The Order of Lorelei retains the Score while having a role similar to a church. The Score however is also written in Fon stones scattered about the world which keeps the order from telling people what to do and instead just being a support.  While nations have come and gone, there are two main players in Aldurant, Kingdom of Kimlasca and The Empire of Malkuth. Enough history now, enter our main, Luke who is the center of a prophecy written in the score telling of how he would lead the Kingdom to prosperity. Sucks that he got kidnapped by Malkuth and lost his memories then, well that and the strange headaches and gamma radiation,

things start with his ‘boring’ everyday life, dealing with his servant “Guy” and the occasional visit from his fiancee Princess Natalia(Luke’s uncle is the King…EW). Guy seems afraid of women and Natalia is almost like a tomboy.  Past the mundane events we find out the leader of The Order of Lorelei, Fon master Ion,  is missing and get a recap of the history of Aldurant and some talk with Luke’s teacher, Van. Van is a member of a group of knights and has been tasked with finding Fon master Ion much to Luke’s disappointment. Van Agrees to give Luke lessons on swordsmanship for the rest of the day to make up for the time he’ll be gone.

Luke agrees and durring training session Van’s sister Tear pops in and out of nowhere starts attacking Van. Luke having no idea what is going on he attempts to come to Van’s aid, durring the conflict something goes awry as it seems Luke who knows little of Fonons seems to be able to use them Tear attempts to use a fonon but Luke and Tear end up being launched up and out, far away from the mansion. Lost and trying to get home not only do we get to see the selfish side of Luke, but things start to get realy interesting.

The Score

I have to give it a 3.5 out of 5. The starting ep is kinda weak but the later episodes make up for that and also the op animation just didn’t have the same wow the op sequence for the game had(but at least it was the same song). Some characters were very typical, until the swearing loli…then everything went out the window. I’ve never seen it before but wow, just wow. Half point goes to the element of surprise! This series shows promise of being as good as some of the other “Tales of” anime titles. So it is something I’ll be keeping my eye on.