J‐Zine First Edition October 2008

www.Fansub.TV CONTENTS

3 Behind the Scenes of an Anime Site 5 Code Geass Lelouch of 3 Behind the Scenes of an Anime 20 Hachimitsu to Kuroba the Rebellion R2 Site 7 Macross Frontier 9 Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu 11 Allison and Lillia 13 World Destruction 15 Kaiba 16 Kurenai 17 Anime Previews 20 Hachimitsu to Kuroba 22 FLOW 23 Okawari!

CREDITS

Management Project leaders Noshi, monsta666, Dragon-of-Rune

Editorial Editors chiisai_hana, ImTakes, monsta666

Design editor Maiku_Ando

Front cover 5 Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 Dragon-of-Rune

Staff writers Kit-Tsukasa, monsta666, Nahrallah, biankita, Noshi, labk1ta

Pictures oppai-ga-suki, monsta666

Thanks to hamasusuke

22 Flow 23 Okawari!

ONE‐ON‐ONE Fansub.TV Behind the Scenes of an Anime Site Interview by: Stan (aka Daft) found himself faced “I gave the link to a few of my with both the need to satisfy his friends so they could easily get appetite for anime and a wish for a anime too, made one post convenient way of gathering new Nahrallah material to watch. about it somewhere (which got appropriately deleted as spam He decided to find a creative solution. within like 5 minutes), and The fact that his university blocked that was it for promotion. That's pretty much how FTV BitTorrent traffic was not about to Some people view anime as an disrupt this dedicated anime fan’s started.” addiction. Sometimes it can be a type of supply. As a work around for what was, creative inspiration. It could be said that to Stan, a minor obstacle presented by From these humble beginnings, a both these factors were behind the his university, he created what would dynamic community of almost 120,000 creation of the anime site Fansub.TV. eventually become a very popular members developed. There are now

anime network. A bit of code, a 23,000 daily visitors and members from the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Profile: database, and a webpage to interface with the system saw the birth of what United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany, would later be known as Fansub.TV: Japan, Philippines, Australia, Poland, just to name the most common ten Daft27 “After I wrote the thing to countries: download stuff automatically, I put up a small page so I “We get about 5 million page could access my files in a quick views (with over 3 million and easy way. I registered separate requests to servers a day) and transfer around Name: Daft fansub.tv, and boom.” 40,000 gb of data a month … Age: 22 The site was launched in October 2004. there are currently 12 Sex: M When reflecting on the first iteration of different servers that run Location: Washington D.C. the site, Stan stated that he never fansub.tv and its related Blood Type: AB realised that it would become so services, and it has lived over popular. In fact, he saw it more as 20 different servers so far … Favorite Anime / Game: something he could use as “an we have over 1.2 million The one I’m working on experimentation ground”. images for screenshots … all of Favorite Sweets: this for over 400,000 visitors a French vanilla ice cream, crème To begin with, news of his new site was month.” brûlée spread by personal recommendations: Wages in ice cream: One a month

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Fansub.TV has moved far from the Effectively, the development of “It's all possible because small site that originally only advertised Fansub.TV has always been a process there's a community behind by word of mouth. of continual enhancements. Although fansub.tv. Even though there incremental improvements have been are like 50+ people with At the core of Fansub.TV is its an ongoing focus, there have been a sempai / staff status, I know I members and general users. All features number of particularly significant can trust all of them to do of the site have evolved with usability additions to Fansub.TV. what they think is right.” and the changing needs of this group as a main focus. Although Stan himself Chuukurai and the Koushin scheduler, As far as Stan is concerned, it is the did not originally wish for the site to the code for which developed from community which gives Fansub.TV its host a forum, he responded to the experimentation with P2P related “flavour and life”. He hopes to expand request for one. Alpha Test Phase 2 saw concepts, would have to be two that had this community and, in the future, the introduction of Fansub.TV’s forum. the most considerable impact for the integrate it with others: Both experimentation and innovation users. have been at the heart of the philosophy “I see it as part of a bigger that has driven Fansub.TV from its first Chuukurai was an original solution collection of sites. As some sort beginnings: created to provide a simple and of unified community across effective method of downloading in the multiple sites that serve “If this is our alpha, can you form of a Java applet. The Koushin different purposes and needs.” imagine what our beta is going scheduler was another Java applet be like? Dream big, take risks, which allows users to schedule anime Created to support a love for anime, and have fun. downloads by subscribing to series and built on dreams and sustained by a Fansub.TV” thereby conveniently automatically dedicated community, Fansub.TV has downloading new releases. Stan stood the test of time. Popular though it himself, however, views the episode is, Stan does not yet see his creation as screenshot engine as a particularly complete: important development: “I'd like to just polish what we “I think one of the most have at the moment. It's still significant additions to rough around the edges. It's Fansub.TV is the ESE, or getting better, but it still has a “episode screenshot engine”. It long way to go towards a gives FTV its characteristic finished product.” front-page look. … The screenshot thing actually came Change is something that Stan openly to me in my sleep. … It pretty embraces. He has never been afraid to much takes the episode and experiment with new features and decodes the episode frame-by- encourage people to become involved frame then it uses the frame in various projects. In fact, this very data to produce screenshots at webzine is an example of one of the regular intervals ... ~50-60 per latest Fansub.TV community projects. standard length episode.” With blogs, guides, manga and karaoke advertised as future features, the While these additions are important for Fansub.TV community has a number of Fansub.TV, Stan would like user- new additions to look forward to. It generated content to be a key aspect: would appear that the future will continue to bring interesting developments to Fansub.TV.

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With the removal of Lelouch’s Kit’s Anime Throughout the first half of the primary opponent in episode 21, season, fans may recognize many are wondering how Reviews several parallel episodes or plot Sunrise will carry the show to its lines from season one. Although end. With Lelouch’s main By: this is Sunrise’s typical method concern supposedly removed of recycling, the company’s from the series, some new and ability to properly make use of reasonable plot line will be the reused plot, unlike in needed for the final episodes in Kit Tsukasa Gundam Seed Destiny, prevents order for the series to truly losing the viewer’s attention. redeem itself for the fans who waited for this second season Unfortunately, as many viewers since last July. Plot score: 9/10. have already noticed, the series (Be Warned of Possible Spoiler has suddenly started emphasizing The art is no different from R1, Material) the supernatural genre more. For with CLAMP still producing the NOTES TO READERS: These some, this has the effect of character designs as well as the are ALL ONGOING Series, making the series less realistic, rest of the show’s artwork, meaning they have not yet resulting in R2 being less including the mecha designs, finished and reviews may not entertaining. In addition, many sceneries, and backgrounds. necessarily match comments have commented that the series There is really no need to and criticism of what happens has recently begun to rush the comment on the magnificent later or at the end of the series. plot. Those who recently work of CLAMP. If there are any watched episodes 18 through 21 concerns, it’s with the animation, Code Geass: Lelouch might find the series heading though on the whole it hasn’t towards a train wreck ending as been extremely bad. So far, only of the Rebellion R2: the elimination and omission of episode 20 has shown signs of significant characters intensifies. diminished quality. The sequel takes place one year after the events of R1’s final episode. New viewers of R2 will be completely clueless as a recap of the aftermath of R1 does not occur until the second episode. Nevertheless, the story has magnificent pacing for the first half of the second season. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger, using suspense to keep the audience coming back for new episodes.

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Other than that, animation has series. There are speculations of Where Code Geass does succeed been rather superb and consistent a third opening like R1, but it is is in its ability to keep viewers and with HD viewing it only highly doubtful at this point as glued to their seats. Nearly every makes the animation look ten there are no official episode ends with a suspenseful times better. Art and Animation announcements and the final few cliffhanger, and the rapid plot score: 10/10 episodes air this month. Music twists keep viewers attentive Score remains: 10/10 throughout. Given the high R2 added a nice touch with some ratings for R1, R2 has to keep new background music. The characters in this series have the audience enjoying the series, Otherwise, most tracks are the only developed slightly especially those fans that were same as R1, the only exception compared to R1. R2 had too waiting anxiously after the end being the new opening and many new characters introduced, of season one. Code Geass on the ending themes. At first I was including the Knight of Rounds, whole brings new meaning to rather surprised Orange Range of which not even half have been good and enjoyable anime, and would be performing both the introduced at this point. Then R2 continues to keep people first opening and ending singles there are Marianne, Rollo, Tian coming back despite its other of R2. Nevertheless, the TV Zi, Xing Ke, and Schneizel, all weaknesses. Enjoyment Score: versions were rather good and key characters who have 10/10 appropriate for such a series. The received little development. With second opening and ending were so many characters and so few Overall, Code Geass has been performed by the same groups episodes, the series makes little impressive. Despite R2 not who did R1’s initial opening and room for character growth. The living up to expectations, many ending themes: FLOW and ALI biggest character developments people still hope for either an Project respectively. FLOW’s so far are C.C., V.V., and okay or brilliant ending. Being new song, “WORLD END” Charles. Other than those three, able to keep viewers entertained seems a little too “happy” to be the rest essentially played as for 20 episodes is quite an the final opening of such an story material. Another odd achievement already. Even intense series, especially when points is that Sunrise choose to though it personally feels like the access’s “Hitomi no Tsubasa” emphasize the deaths of ending will become a train was the final opening for R1. characters like Asahina, wreck, I commend it for being However, it personally grew on Guilford, and Sayoko, who did such a hit with fans so far. Let me sooner than I thought it not even play a significant role in us hope that Sunrise can appease would. ALI Project has its usual the show. With the downgrade of pessimistic viewers and finish tone, which I found more fitting character development, this R2 with a strong ending. Overall for what has been such a tragic clearly is the weakest point of Score: 9/10 the show. Character Development score: 21 Episodes watched as of 7/10. 8/31/08 when review was written.

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Macross Frontier All currently hopes to a rather If anything this series was interesting and well-off series amazing at, it would be its Several people say this with only 4 episodes left in the music. This series literally Macross fails in comparison with series (25 total). Unfortunately, topped every anime series in its predecessor, Macross Zero, with such a lack of major plot history in terms of music. Every back in 2002, and even more development on one part of the single has made it into the top 5 were disappointed when the series, the Plot Score: 8/10. weekly single chart, with four of alternate episode 1 that aired them even making it into the top Like all series, art and animation with the normal series did not 3. have its up and downs. For the live up to the huge expectation most part though, this series has Although the Macross franchise that was arose from the 25th had superior animation quality. is well known for its music, news anniversary special back in Almost anyone who watches the sites have reported that the first December 2007. Yet, there are series can clearly see where the of two Macross Frontier original other opinions. To start off, the budget went for the animation: soundtracks have ranked the story has been rather slow paced, the mecha action scenes with the highest in selling and favorites but reasonable where, unlike Vajra. out of all-time albums and Geass, nothing seems rushed yet. singles since Neon Genesis Almost no complaints can be The unfortunate side is, because Evangelion: The End of made there as it even tops Geass it is moving slow, there has not Evangelion back in 1997. There and Gundam quality action along been really much significant plot. is essentially no room to with several other mecha series It feels like there is no actual comment on any error on of its kind. Outside the action objective except fight off the Macross Frontier’s soundtrack. scenes, most drawings are rather Vajra to preserve the human Only positive criticism can be consistent with a only a few bugs race, whereas we have not yet made for such an amazing batch here and there. Otherwise, rather learned what the Vajra even are of music. Absolutely outstanding. Art and Animation yet. The story only recently has outstanding and over the top. Score: 10/10 seemed to pick up. In episode 20, Music Score: 10/10 like Geass, major characters surprisingly began to be picked off one by one including Mikhail and not surprisingly, the president. The only major focus for most of the series is the love triangle between Sheryl, Alto, and Ranka, which has been emphasized in the opening videos of the series and many points and scenes of the series already.

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Character is quite a big deal in Others include Luca being overly the appealing feel that its Macross. Clearly there is suspicious and involved with predecessors have, particularly amazing emphasis on Sheryl and Leon’s and Grace’s plan, which Macross Zero, nor does it give Ranka as the two main idols of still fails to develop much on the off the aura of Code Geass. the show, followed by emphasis story side beside having the Nevertheless, a great series to on Alto’s past along with objective of killing off one watch just for the sake of the Ozma’s relationship with Ranka race/planet, as seen in episode music and spectacular animation as a brother and recently with 13, and killing the president of quality put into this show. Cathy. Unfortunately, for Macross Frontier as seen in Enjoyment Score: 8/10 characters who have seemed episode 20. Character important and have played quite Development Score: 7/10 Overall, this series has begun to large roles throughout the series, pick up and thus leaves high they lack developments The series is not really great on hopes for this series, especially including Mikhail and Kuran, the suspense, but still enjoyable to with the love traingle amidst of former who was surprisingly watch. Despite being a Macross everything. The music has killed off recently and suddenly. series, it does not often give off always been in top shape for this series so that is one way to enjoy the show or keep a viewer some company when disliking the plot or dialogue. However, the current status of the show also leaves in question of what kind of ending will occur? Good ending where one or both Sheryl and Ranka will be with Alto, or a bad ending where everyone dies, or a tragic ending where both Sheryl, who we now know has a disease that will eventually take her life, and Ranka, who possibly is a form of Vajra herself? The other issue is some of the unanswered questions that have been left hanging for about half the series now, particularly with Grace’s, Leon’s, and Brera’s objectives. Overall Score: 9/10

21 Episodes watched as of 8/31/08 when reviewed.

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Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu The only downside to this series However, with Haruka slow at Anime fans always want is the lack of time in the series. relationships, it could very well to be able to find someone who The series is planned only for 12 turn out that they do not make does not care about anime but or 13 episodes (excluding much progress by the end of the understands that it is one’s episode 00), thus not enough series, though; I am keeping my choice of hobby and in turn has time to expand on or introduce fingers crossed while hoping for no right to judge anyone’s some of the interesting arcs that something interesting to happen interests. Nogizaka Haruka no were rather elaborated on in the in these last four to five episodes. Himitsu is the exact show that novels and manga. Plot Score: 7/10 portrays this event from several standpoints. The series starts In addition, the story has not with Haruka Nogizaka, the etoile really focused on Haruka’s secret (or in some cases the “princess” that much anymore and rather or idol) of the school, hiding the focuses more on Yuuto’s and deep, dark secret of watching Haruka’s relationship. anime and reading manga, something her peers, those who look up to her, and her father, detest. It just so happens, that Yuuto Ayase, a complete low- life of the school accidentally, discovers her secret, while both of them are in the library.

Yuuto promises to keep and protect Haruka’s secret from leaking, in return for finding out the secret. From here on, it was almost predictable that this series was taking a turn towards the whole love-romance type series. Nevertheless, the cameo appearences of many other anime series and artists, including Shakugan no Shana, Spice and Wolf, Clannad, and Inukami!, keep the series rather enjoyable and fun to watch.

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The art and animation is your Music is not a forte for this For those who enjoyed Lucky typical high school, love- series. The opening is catchy Star, this series is comparable romance type art style. The one and the ending is only okay, in when talking about Konata and thing that really stood out to me my opinion. The original BGMs Haruka. Both are interested in in the first five minutes of the of this series are not that anime and manga. Although one show was Haruka. For those interesting so far. The only one of the two is hiding the secret, it who have watched Kannazuki no that stands out to many, and does not change the fact that Miko, Himeko, was shy and probably is what boosts this both are emphasizing on the life timid, with light brown/tan hair score significantly, is Shakugan of an otaku. Haruka’s naivety, while Chikane, was the idol of no Shana’s first opening clumsiness, and moe make this the school, perfect at everything, occasionally playing in the show very amusing and including outstanding piano background as a cameo (episode appealing to continue watching. talent. Now, if you were to 4 and 6). Other than that, I am at a lost of words in this combine those aspects along nothing else really helps this area since one needs to watch the with a similar school outfit rating get into the high marks, show to essentially understand design, you would essentially get but the music is not bad either. the hardships of being an otaku. Haruka in this show. If Music Score: 8/10 Enjoyment Score: 10/10 anything, that really caught my attention quite well. Haruka’s Character development is Overall, the best show character design aside, the incredibly difficult to see in this that premiered in the summer production quality is decent, series. Haruka’s is the only 2008 season. No question that around Special A ~S.A.~ noticeable one, but other than this show takes the cake as being animation quality, if not a little Haruka, not even Yuuto has a the best, especially with Koihime worse; those who dare compare significant character Musou, Sekirei, and World it to Kyoto Animation’s quality development. In fact, we do not Destruction disappointing many should not even be watching this even know much about him at viewers immediately from series. Art and Animation Score: this point of this series and we episode 1 and still disappointing 7/10 are already about 2/3 of the way to several extents. Nogizaka through. It may just be me Haruka no Himitsu, on the other unable to see it in this series, but hand, comes out with a big bang this is probably what drags the compared to many others. It is series down at the moment. not on the same level as Code Character Development Score: Geass, Macross Frontier, Special 6/10 A, or Da Capo, but it certainly leaves its mark. Overall Score: Character development 8/10 may be what drags the series down, but the factor that makes 8 Episodes watched as of 9/1/08 the rating shoot up and when review was written. redeemable, for this series, is the enjoyment factor.

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Allison and Lillia Art for this series is rather high When animation quality A series that neither quality, similar to that of Le constantly shifts around it from many have seen, nor many have Chevalier D’Eon. Animation, on end to end, it makes it rather continued watching, after the the other hand, has its ups and irritating to watch; it feels first three or four episodes; downs. Sometimes, the awkward watching one episode Allison and Lillia, is a series that animation is superb, and yet, or scene with great quality and takes time to ease into and to sometimes, characters or objects then watching the next with poor understand as to what is going have distorted appearances from quality as if the production on. The most obvious, for those what they really should be. This company did not even care about who have watched far enough is happens in many series, but I feel that scene, even though the relationship that develops that it is quite noticeable in this sometimes they scenes are not of between Allison and Wil in the series compared to a few others. the most important ones. Art and first half of the series, and Lillia Animation: 6/10 and Treize, in the second half.

Unlike most series, that split character stories half-and-half, although the emphasis in the second half of the series, is Lillia, the production company ensures that Allison and Wil, are not completely forgotten and still play a relatively large role in the series, along with Benedict and Fiona. A series that splits up arcs into four or five episodes, to develop relationships, is also a rather different take so much, as to add some uniqueness to the series.

In the end, as it is not a series that will interest many, it is an adventure series with only some action. If we were living in the early 1900s, I would call it a slice-of-life series as well. Plot Score: 8/10

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Music is decent in this series; The core focus in the first half of Therefore, if you are in for nothing special about it, except the series, were Allison, Wil, comedy, you will love the the way the music is Fiona, and Benedict, while the second half, that is, of course, if incorporated into each scene second half, focuses more on you make it through Allison’s meant to match it. The opening Lillia and Treize, with the and Wil’s story, which I am sure and ending music does not occasion of Treize’s twin sister. many have not. Nevertheless, change at the half way mark, so The series dwells really well on once the story really gets going we are essentially, stuck with the changes and development of and relationships begin to form what we have been hearing for the character’s past, especially between the characters, it gets pretty much throughout the Allison’s and Wil’s. Although, interesting and rather amusing. entire series. Not that it is a bad Lillia and Treize’s arc is still Enjoyment Score: 7/10 thing since the changing of the ongoing, it is pretty much clear video and images provides an that Allison and Wil seem to get Overall, it is a series worth even greater nostalgic feeling the most emphasis, in terms of watching, but it really drives a than the first version, but it gets character development, with all viewer’s patience if someone rather boring sometimes. the flashbacks into the first arc feels the relationship Otherwise, there is nothing (that’s at least a 15 year development drags for a full 12 particularly special about the flashback), which is not to 13 episodes. However, if one music for this series, thus something you see very often. likes suspense, this show gives nothing really to comment on. Character Development Score: quite a few at peaks of the arcs Music Score: 6/10 10/10 and really drives the story home. Otherwise, for the most part, the Character development is by far Like I said before, this series is show can be rather dull at times, the largest aspect of this series, rather slow-paced and can take with just focusing on the hence the title of this series is some time before one can fully developing relationships, Allison and Lillia. For an adjust to the atmosphere of the between the two main leads, of adventure series, of course we series. As a result, it is not really each half of the series. need to learn about the characters enjoyable until Wil’s and Regardless, the show is otherwise, why would anyone Allison’s relationship really underrated like many others, want to suddenly partner up with begins to pick up in the first half from the spring and summer someone running around of the series (around episode 6 2008 season. This show should aimlessly, for an indefinite and 7) when Allison begins to try be given a greater chance, before amount of time? to flirt with Wil but with Wil not being considered dropped. always receiving the other end of Overall Score: 7/10 the message, despite how intelligent he is. Once it gets to Lillia’s story, it becomes more 15 Episodes watched as of 9/2/08 enjoyable, since Lillia has both when review was written (plus 6 Allison’s stubbornness and Wil’s raws) intelligence, making Treize look like a total idiot.

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World Destruction

Now, for a contrast in As of episode 5, I am still at a Unfortunately, it turned out to be reviews: among the summer loss as to what is really going on about Amatsuki’s level of art and 2008-season shows/series, not with the series, almost, along the animation and after sitting including sequels, that were line of Koihime Musou, except through 13 almost, pointless anticipated, the ones for which Koihime Musou balances out episodes, of Amatsuki, last there were high expectations, with a few other areas of the anime season; it really pains me were probably, World show. Overall, even though the to have run into another series Destruction, Sekirei, and game is supposed to be based on like that again so soon, Koihime Musou. All failed to the anime, since the game comes especially, one that I had high deliver the materials and content out after the anime, it feels as if hopes for. to really move anyone. On the it is the other way around at this Therefore, same rating as other hand, this series honestly, point. Amatsuki’s art and animation gives bad anime a new meaning. Once again, almost anytime an score. World Destruction is similar to anime is based off of a game, Art and Animation Score: 3/10 Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, with exceptions like Persona – with the whole animals or beast trinity soul- and The Tower of men ruling over humans idea. Druaga, they are pretty much The feeling given, after the first failures, and this couple of episodes, of the series, show seems to is that it makes for a rather continue to justify confusing story going astray that theory. The from the main focus, that of only thing that is destroying the world, even amusing is Kuma, though it is the title of the show. who really drives a lot of the The series fails to elaborate on it comedy in this and it is as if this show was show. written for pure comedy over Plot Score: 4/10 action. As much as comedy can go, there is a limit at which a When I saw the story still needs to take place; site design of the otherwise, you get another Lucky characters, I Star or Furi Kuri;, except with a thought the art story or plot, that does not even and animation become apparent to viewers. would be similar to that of The Tower of Druaga.

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The music for this series is not Other than those two, the series Unfortunately, that is just not much better either. The opening introduces a whole bunch of going to cut it if the series has and ending themes did not really characters at once, and then they nothing else to produce and is grab me like other series usually disappear by the next episode or only riding on that. do. Usually, I would like at least two. The series lacks any central one theme, but this is just one of focus and a series that does that If the comedy and randomness those series that did not have is unfortunately, doomed for lack was at the level of Furi Kuri or them. The BGMs do not help of plot. Character Development Lucky Star, then maybe it would much either, they were only Score: 4/10 succeed, but with the comedy average. Music Score: 5/10 below that of Special A or To A series cannot be enjoyable Love-Ru, it has no chance to Character development makes without a decent plot or comedy. really do anything alone, so a me laugh. The only characters The series has comedy with plot is crucial, which again, this that really have gained any Kuma doing all kinds of crazy series fails at when animating. amount of character development things and constantly saying Enjoyment Score: 5/10 are Morte and Kirie. “kuma” at the end of each line, similar to Suiseiseki, saying Viewers are probably better off “desu” from Rozen Maiden. playing the game (not out yet) instead of watching the series. This series is garbage and nowhere similar to Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.

It has similar concepts, but makes no sense. In fact, this series would have been better off as a 3 or 4 episode OVA, since the main purpose is to destroy or save the world.

Introducing random characters and then making them “poof” at the end, does not really help the audience understand the plot. Making the series like a game is never a good thing, and that is where many series have failed, when adapting anime from games. Overall Score: 4/10

5 Episodes watched as of 9/2/08 when review was written.

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Once accustomed to this unorthodox Nonetheless one cannot deny that Kaiba KAIBA style, one will find the animation has its bizarre moments and this can actually complements the storyline. The definitely put some viewers off. It’s story itself can be pretty bizarre. definitely not for the faint of heart but if you’re willing to stick by it you will be It’s either the making or breaking of richly rewarded. this series, and has sparked debate monsta666 among fans. SCORE

Kaiba’s strong suit is its storytelling. It Animation: 5 does a good job of fleshing out the - A possible sore point. The animation concept of a futuristic world where will not be to everyone’s taste. Reviewed By: peoples’ memories can be stored in Story + Development: 9 chips, transferred from one body to - Leaves you guessing right until the another. Indeed the first half of the very end. series spends a lot of time playing Kaiba is the product of director Characters + Development: 8 around with this idea, allowing the - Popo and Neiro were well Masaaki Yuasa. This is the man viewer to feel at home with the setting. developed. It would have been nice if behind Kemonozume, Cat Soup and we saw more development for Kaiba. In the second half we are treated to Mind Games. The series consists of Action: 7 more flashbacks, which not only add to 12 episodes and originally aired - Not abundant in this series but the character development but also always enjoyable. between 10 April 2008 and 24 July bring a sense of mystery to the series. Sound: 9 2008. Viewers will find many of their initial - OP/ED are not only memorable but opinions are challenged. the music complements the mood of Synopsis: the series well. To say this series is completely story Individual Enjoyment: 8 Kaiba takes place in a futuristic world. driven wouldn't be the whole truth - A solid show that is definitely worth Here, peoples’ memories can be placed however. The series also has a strong watching. cast to back it up. The three main leads into small chips and transferred to a Overall: 8 Warp, Neiro and Popo are all new human body, making physical - A solid show that is definitely worth memorable in their own ways. They death obsolete. Kaiba awakens to this watching. world without knowing who he is, and even spend time developing many of all he has is the picture of a strange the secondary characters such as woman kept in the pendant around his Vanilla. neck. When he is suddenly assaulted Kaiba escapes into space. He then Another interesting factor that aids in travels to a number of planets, character development is that fact that encountering various people as he many of the main characters switch retrieves his memories. bodies. This puts many of them in unlikely situations, the most notable Review: being when Kaiba switched to a large mute hippo like creature. It certainly What is immediately striking about this adds an extra dimension to the anime is the animation, quite different characters. from many of the series seen today it is more reminiscent of older series such as Overall Kaiba is a series I would Astro Boy. The character designs seem definitely recommend. With a solid simple, perhaps even childish, and are storyline and memorable cast this series enough to put many people off, at least has a lot going for it. If one is willing to initially. look beyond the animation, which will be a bit jarring until it grows on you, you will find you’re onto a real winner.

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This is partly the result of its voice Kurenai is something everyone should KURENAI recording process. Kurenai is one of the watch. With a stunning cast and well few series to have its voices recorded thought out plot, this series has got before the animation process. everything. Certain revelations may mean the ending is not to everyone’s This means the voice-actors are less tastes, but Kurenai is still far better than restrained and are given more freedom most series out there. A definite winner monsta666 in portraying their characters. The in my books and I would seriously results speak for themselves as we are recommend you watch this. It's just a treated to a number of excellent pity the series is only 12 episodes long. dialogues, most notably in episode 6 I guess it’s better they made it short and when the characters start freestyle sweet, rather than to drag it out. Reviewed By: singing. It’s all done in a very convincing manner and is definitely one of the more memorable moments in this SCORE Kurenai was directed by Matsuo series. Kou who was also behind Rozen Animation: 8 That’s not to say the series is without its Maiden. The series consists of 12 – Kurenai definitely has a distinctive flaws. At times the plot is a little episodes and was originally aired style that complements the series well. sluggish, especially toward the between 3 April 2008 and 19 June Story + Development: 9 beginning, and some plot turns could 2008. – A touch sluggish at the start but this also have been more developed. series really ends on a high note. Kurenai is also a victim of its own Synopsis Characters + Development: 10 success. The dialogue is often so good – You’ll be hard pressed to find a Kurenai is about the adventures of 16- that when it does fall short, these better cast than this. year-old Shinkurou Kurenai. Shinkurou failures stick out like a sore thumb. Action: 7 specialises in settling disputes between – Not there in abundance but the On the whole though, these weaknesses people. One day he finds his life is action scenes are always realistic. are largely overshadowed by its turned upside down when he is assigned Sound: 8 strengths. With the superb voice-acting as a bodyguard for Murasaki Kuhouin, – The music always adds to the mood personalities shine, and for much of the the daughter of a powerful plutocratic of the series, it also has a strong OP. series it is the characters that carry the family with many hidden secrets. Individual Enjoyment: 9 show. Another thing that works in this – An excellent series, a must see. show’s favour is the strength of the Review Overall: 8 ending. The directors could have easily – The series takes a bit of time to get Kurenai has many of the things a good gone for a cliché ending, but to their going but is otherwise very good. anime should have: an engaging plot, credit they avoided this and in my eyes likeable characters, and numerous, Kurenai gains extra points for its strong often quite dramatic, plot twists that finish. generally keep you guessing until the very end. It is a strong candidate for the title of ‘best anime series’ in the spring

2008 season. Kurenai gains its highest accolades with its cast and dialogue.

Seldom have I seen an anime series where the characters are depicted in such a realistic manner.

16

This causes them to warp away Kit’s Anime to a distant part of the enemy's, Malkuth territory. Previews To find out what happens to them now that they are on enemy By: territory watch the series starting October 3, 2008. Clannad Kit Tsukasa ~After Story~

For those who have played or know the Clannad games, it was almost expected that another series would follow Tales of the Abyss Tales of the Abyss takes place in after the original Clannad TV a world where everything is series. In May 2008, rumors made up of particles called were leaked about character fonons, which itself composes of drawings for Tales of the Abyss seven different elements. TV animation, implying a possible series that was to come. Two kingdoms are at war with Surprisingly, the series was each other, Kimlasca-Lanvaldear officially announced a premier and Malkuth. Luke fon Fabre, a date for Fall 2008 at the annual seventeen year old prince of the Tales Conference in Japan in kingdom Kimlasca-Lanvaldear, July 2008. suffers from a trauma since the age of ten, when he was mysteriously kidnapped and does not remember anything before the trauma. Unfortunately for him, he has since been trapped in his manor unable to leave until What is also obvious is who the his “coming of age” ceremony at central focus will be. We have the age of twenty. already received our Tomoyo fix from the episode 24 OVA One day while training with his released during the summer, so sword teacher, Van Grants, a unfortunately for Tomoyo fans, it mysterious woman called Tear The series will be the longest is unlikely the story will focus on suddenly appears attempting to running Tales series and is Tomoyo. It was also hinted at assassinate Van. Luke trying to currently planned for 25 or 26 the end of the first series that defend Van gets caught up in the episodes. Like other Tales series Nagisa will be the central focus, fight. When Luke and Tear clash, adapted into anime, it is based allowing a proper continuation to they inadvertently trigger a off its own game. In this case, the story. After Story will begin reaction between the collision of the Tales of the Abyss PS2 game. October 2, 2008. Seventh Fonons.

17

Skip Beat! Gundam 00 Chaos; Head

Second Season Not much is known about what this series is except that it is has been advertised a lot lately and that it is supposedly a horror and psychological series with a touch of science fiction. The visual novel game was only released in April 2008 for the PC and the manga began serialization in May 2008.

Surprisingly this will be airing This series is based off Probably the most or second on the “Kids Station” television the popular Skip Beat! manga most anticipated series of the network in Japan as one of the that was first published in July Fall 2008 anime season. Over the five main broadcasters. 2002. Kyoko Mogami has loved last month or so, Gundam 00 Considering the amount of gore and essentially devoted her life received numerous promotions mentioned in the review of the to pop singer Shoutaro (Shou) and advertisements in Japan. games, there’s a strong chance Fuwa. Gundam 00 was also, I believe, the scenes will be edited in the the first Gundam series to be initial broadcasts. Nevertheless, One day, Kyoko overhears a split into two seasons of twenty- the plot revolving around this conversation between Shou and five episodes each, much to the show is similar to that of Death his manager saying Kyoko was surprise of many. The series Note or Higurashi no Naku Koro nothing more than a housewife. takes place 4 years after the end ni. In this case, Takumi Nishijo Enraged by this comment, of the first series in 2312 A.D. is a high school student at Kyoko decides to start a singing Suimei Academy living in a city Setsuna Seiei is back and ready career just like Shou to prove where some strange events have to fight with his Gundam. The she’s more than just a housewife. been occurring recently. Earth Sphere Federation has Shou simply laughs at the idea formed Arrows, a security force and comments that Kyoko has no to unify the nations and mankind ability to love, which is a alike. Not everyone is happy requirement to debut for LME. about this ideology of unity The president of LME thinks however and this is where the different, however, and puts Gundam Meisters make their Kyoko in a new branch of the reappearance. The show will take company called “Love Me the place of Code Geass: Section,” a section where the Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 on president feels the worth of October 5, 2008. employee but is simply missing something. The battle begins on October 5, 2008.

18

The media and public have began to label these events as the Vampire Knight New Generation events as Guilty What is Kaname’s ultimate several unusual deaths and objective in the series, having murder cases have been created the Cross Academy occurring. One night Takumi and Night Class for the noble his friend Grim meet in a chat vampires as well as treasuring room. Yuuki over anything else? Will Yuuki’s and Zero’s relationship interfere with Kaname’s plan? Is Zero really cured or is he simply Kaname’s puppet? Will Yuuki be willing to Not much is known about sacrifice her human life to this series despite the first season become a vampire for Kaname or ending only three months ago. Zero? The series will continue where the first series ended with Zero, So many questions and having sucked Kaname’s blood. unknowns, yet only thirteen episodes to answer them. Find Grim is updating Takumi about Will this prevent him from out as the mysterious vampire international and local news as falling to Level E vampire status, love triangle continues on Takumi is usually withdrawn a classification for vampires who October 6, 2008. from society and not interested in cannot control their desire and these kinds of issues, when a need for human blood. mysterious man by the name of Shogun enters. At first it seemed like Shogun was a mere spectator until Grim sends Takumi an obscure murder image. Shogun then sends Takumi a barrage of murder images that all look rather realistic. The following day Takumi comes across a murder scene similar to one of Shogun’s images. Horrified and disgusted Takumi begins to run trying to avoid any future involvement with the New Generation Events and the mysterious Shogun. The new horror and mystery series begins October 9, 2008.

19

In his apartment, his sempais, overcoming problems with HACHIMITSU Shinobu Morita and Takumi family, love, career choices and Mayama, often victimize him their future. While Mayama TO KUROBA with their pranks. At school, he determinedly pursues the woman By: often finds himself at the he loves, Yamada tries to receiving end of Ayumi overcome her unrequited one. As Yamada’s off-target punches. Hagumi clings to her comfort zones, Morita is always out to Biankita Takamoto is an average explore new worlds, and architecture student, still unsure Takemoto experiences it all. of what he wants to do with his life. His life changes however The drama covers two seasons when he meets and falls in love worth of the anime in only 11 with Hagumi Hanamoto. episodes. Overall, the show is ~Sweet as Honey, Rare as a sweet and can inspire self- Lucky Clover Synopsis: reflection for people finding their way through life. Although each “Amidst the greatness and Based on the popular josei friend lives his or her own life, genius of people around you, manga and the hit J.C. Staff every episode is presented with a how do you find yourself when anime of the same title, central theme. This theme always you are so average?” Hachimitsu to Kuroba (known as resolves itself differently for Honey and Clover to English each character, and the episodes This is the challenge Yuuta fans) follows the individual and end with Takamoto presenting a Takemoto faces when he arrives collective stories of Takamoto general, poignant reflection. for his freshman year in art and his friends. school. For three years, they experience As the characters are only in life through their ups and downs, their twenties, it would be too 20 presumptuous to say they find anime, the Rika/Mayama parts themselves by the drama’s end; were personally boring to watch NOTE: There was also a movie they do, however, realize the and made even worse by the version of Hachimitsu to Kuroba paths they need to take to changes to Rika’s background released in 2005. That version is develop their self-discovery story. While the drama version no way connected to the j-drama further. injects a random dose of humor and presents a much looser into it, the show is really more version of the story. Viewers new to Hachimitsu to drama than the happy-go-lucky Kuroba will definitely find a so the jokes can often come out character to relate to. For those as weird. people who watched and loved the anime, the drama version can Old fans of the series’ franchise SCORE be kind of a hard sell. will need to make an adjustment in order to appreciate the drama Adaptation: 7 – There were some storylines that While the overall chemistry of version. By compressing the were changed or omitted, but still the cast is okay, you will find a story into 11 45-minute episodes, came out pretty solid. The actors are distinct awkwardness between viewers expect some changes to pretty good but there is a lack of the lead actors Toma Ikuto pacing and events. What chemistry with some of them (Takamoto) and Riiko Narumi Hachimitsu to Kuroba does especially when two of them are together in one scene. (Hagumi). The music is average, however is short-change certain but the ED theme “Canvas” did events; in some cases, fans agree Story + development: 7 become quite a hit in Japan. things should have been left – A lot of slow moments but the untouched altogether. development of the story remained on- going throughout the series run

Characters + development: 8 – Great character development because of the intertwining story.

Action: n/a

Sound: 6 – A 10-second OP that shouts “This is a drama!”, generic BGM, but nice and sweet ED.

Overall: 7 – It’s still worth watching. You’d still think it’s great if you never watched the anime.

The overall pace of the story is So viewers must take the drama quite nice, although not without version as it is and try not to its boring parts – as with the compare it with other versions. 21

Music: FLOW

Article By: Noshi This was shortly followed by their first Vocals: Kōshi and Keigo major album, GAME, in 2004 – which Guitar: Take contained the track GO!! – the song that Bass: Got’s was being used for the well known, opening theme for Naruto. Now, all of Drums: Iwasaki their songs have a very wide range of pop-punk/ska-punk genres, with hip- hop and reggae influences, and you’ll “We are fighting dreamers..!” be surprised how different all their Who doesn’t know them because songs may sound, while still being of this 4th opening song from the recognisable as FLOW. anime Naruto? Having started Their music is very upbeat and fits their activities in 1998, they have every mood. It’s probably because of remained active, and are still their cheerful lyrics and instrumentals, worth having a closer look at. not to mention the very recognizable Some good stuff to look forward to, and vocals. It can make you sing or even if you haven’t heard them yet, then this dance along when listening to their is a good year to check them out.

songs. Fans of bands like ORANGE As big fans of the band X Japan, Kōshi RANGE and UVERworld might like They deserve a listen after these 10 Asakawa, and his younger brother the music of these guys too. years of existence! * Takeshi Asakawa, started playing music together and started their own For a quick first listen of their songs, NOSHI cover band in 1993. After a while, they I’d recommend their latest “best of” started writing their own songs, and album; FLOW THE BEST ~single released a demo-tape which sold out. collection~ with hits like GO!!, The moment they added another Remember, Ryuusei, Colors and more. vocalist, Keigo Hayashi and the bassist Also give the single 冬の雨音(Fuyu no Yasutarō Gotō in 1998, plus drummer Hiroshi Iwasaki, in 2000, they formed ama oto)/NIGHT PARADE a listen. It contains two new tracks, under which the band FLOW that we know now – NIGHT PARADE, that was recorded taking the path of more pop/hip-hop influences from this point forth. together with HOME MADE kazoku. A great combination and the perfect

After hitting the formation for a very

Oricon indies funky song like this one. charts several Their latest maxi-single FLOW – WORLD END times, they had th their first big hit released on August 13 , is Release date: [13-08-‘08] in 2003, with WORLD END. It contains four songs Maxi - single their song 贈る including the opening KSCL-1269 言葉 (Okuru theme for Code Geass: ¥1,223 Kotoba), which Hangyaku no Lelouch R2. Official FLOW homepage: stayed at #1 for seven weeks, and was On the 3rd of September, the band http://www.flow.mu #6 in the overall singles charts. After a released a new DVD named FLOW few more singles, they released their THE VIDEO and contains music videos, best of album SPLASH, with re- unreleased live footage, karaoke and the recordings of their indies tracks, on the limited version contains their own talk *Disclaimer: All images are the major label Ki/oon Records. Soon after, program commemorating their latest property of their respective they released their first major single, album Isle. copyright owners. All images are Blaster, in July 2003. for educational and decorative purposes only. Please support the artists by buying their CDs.

22

OKAWARI!

By:

Labk1ta

Transfer the hot rice to a large non- Ingredients: metallic platter or bowl. Immediately 2 cups of Japanese white rice. pour the vinegar dressing and mix A 2-inch square of kombu (dried kelp, thoroughly with a spatula or spoon. Konnichiwa Minna-san, I am Labk1ta! seaweed), cut with a heavy knife from a When it has cooled to room This is our first issue of J-zine, a sheet of packaged kombu and washed temperature, the rice is ready to use. webzine of Fansub.TV. I am very under cold running water. NOTE: I usually cook the rice first excited to present to you, OKAWARI! before I make the dressing unless I Some of you might be wondering what Vinegar dressing bought the already prepared dressing. OKAWARI means. Okawari in ¼ cup rice vinegar or substitute with 3 Japanese means second helping. It’s the tablespoons of mild white vinegar Next issue, we will feature the art of common word people say in Japan 3½ tablespoons white sugar making a good sushi with raw fish and when they love the food and want to 2½ teaspoons salt other ingredients. If you have any have more. I could name some of my 1½ tablespoons mirin (sweet sake, questions, please free to send me a favorites like ramen, yakisoba, sushi, optional), or substitute 1 tablespoon of private message. I hope you’ll enjoy and of course melon bread/pan. I was pale dry sherry your cooking. Remember, practice going to mention more but it’ll be a ½ teaspoon MSG (monosodium makes perfect. Until next time, long list. glutamate, optional) Goshousama!

This section of J-zine will be featuring

Japanese recipes. It was a struggle for Method: me to choose a recipe for our first issue. The Dressing: Combine the rice Let’s see, I believe we should start with vinegar, sugar, salt, and mirin in a pot simple and easy to prepare food. or stainless-steel saucepan. Bring to a

boil uncovered and stir in the MSG.

Cool to room temperature. Today, we will feature the basic way of NOTE: If you want an easy way, you making Sushi. Sushi, vinegared rice can look for the prepared ones at any dish, appears in many forms. It is Asian stores or regular ones that sell usually accompanied by slices of raw Asian food. fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel, it also contains a variety of garnishes such The rice: Combine 2½ cups of cold as avocado and cucumber. It is also water and the rice in a quart stainless accompanied by seaweed called nori. steel or saucepan and let it soak for 30 Nori is sometimes used to wrap the minutes. Then add the square of kombu sushi. and bring to a boil. Cover the pan,

reduce the heat to moderate, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until rice has Sushi (rice in vinegar dressing) – absorbed all of the water. Reduce the Cooking time 1 hour heat to its lowest point and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes. Let the rice rest off the heat for an additional 5 minutes before removing the cover and discarding the kombu.

23 FTV J‐Zine Second Edition:

January 2009

See you next issue!