Queen's Blade: Rebellion (Warning: Not for children)

Let's be real. Some anime is just made for the boys. I can not consider myself an otaku by any means. I love my anime, I love my manga, but I am not obsessed with it. I have many interests. Anime and manga just happen to be high on the list, however, it does not feel my every waking moment. This is not a dig at otaku, perish the thought. That's just the way I happen to be. But if you read this blog, you already know that I am a huge fan of anime and manga and I have my favorites. I will watch anime that grabs my interest such as Attack on Titan or Black Blood Brothers because anime can be cute or funny or just downright good. But every now and then, I will come across an anime that is just......weird. Queen's Blade: Rebellion is just one of those anime.

I happened to come across Rebellion on Hulu. It was late, I was bored, I needed a new anime. So I scrolled through the Anime Network channel on Hulu and saw Queen's Blade: Rebellion. I already seen Queen's Blade about two years ago and I had to admit that I was upset with the way it ended. True, I could already see the hentai parodies as I watched Blade, but as an anime fan, I sat through it. If you are not familiar with Queen's Blade, to give you a basic rundown, there is a tournament called the Queen's Blade where female warriors (usually the big-boobed, skimpy clothing wearing type) fight each other every four years for the throne of Queen. Blade centered around a warrior named Leina, who was next in line for the throne, but still had to defeat the current Queen, Aldra. Rebellion centers around a half demon warrior knight named Annelotte and the fact that there is no longer a Queen's Blade. The Queen is Claudette, who gained the throne after her half-sister, Leina, refused it. As most stories go, it wasn't a bad plot. Rebellion is only 12 episodes which isn't unusual for a lot of anime series and there are other Queen's Blade OVAs out there, but let me get back to my original point. By the time I was finished with Rebellion, I felt a little cheated and I also felt that I was watching an anime made mainly for guys. Why? Most of the characters are female, go around in high heeled sandals or thigh high boots, wear next to nothing and Rebellion's heavy sexual overtones can be just slightly overwhelming at times. I do not always agree that 12 episodes is enough for a story (I feel that way about High School of the Dead), seriously.....I could have done with a lot less boobage and more storyline. Rebellion is weird that way, focusing on more of the woman's body and censoring panty shots and topless scenes like clockwork. I felt cheated because you obviously had some strong female characters, but the back stories on them weren't even touched up. The main character, Annelotte, has this crazy transformation by the middle of the series, but I got no explanation at all as to why.

All in all, I suppose that at this point, I will have to track down the rest of the Blade series and continue watching, hoping for more of a story. I'm not sure if I'm selling out or just being an anime fan. The crazy sexualized references aren't my thing, but I have come to accept that of anime, that yes, at times it will get a little crazy, a little weird, a little...booby. Oh well. Bring on the OVA Prologue and Queen's Blade: Beautiful Fighters! 

Finished!

So I finally finished Future Diary and what am amazing ride it was.  At the risk of spoiler alerts, I'll say that it was a good story with the right amount of blood and excitement.  I will say that a lot of the more gratuitous and bloody scenes were censored, but viewers are able to tell what's going on with little difficulty.  As I said, Yuno is that ride-or-die chick that a lot of guys would want at their sides when the ish went left, but for all her good intentions, homegirl still gave the impression that she was two apples short of the basket. You feel bad for some of the players of the diary game. Some, not all. Quite frankly, my heart hurt a little when the two-player team Seven's story ended tragically. As a viewer, you don't get much background story on a lot of the players, but you understand Seven's (Ai and Marco) story pretty well after an episode. I actually teared up a little, babies. #noshame

Here is my only problem with Future Diary. It ended with me screaming, "Oh, what the holy-----!" at the screen. I need more, lots more. There better be another season or there is going to be one mad Chick.

Future Diary Madness

As a lover of anime, I usually find myself wanting more in my experiences of watching it. I don't consider myself a snob of any kind, but I want more in my options of viewing than Narturo, Bleach and DBZ. I'm over that completely. I want something that will shock me, not bore me. (For all you Bleach and Narturo fans out there, this is not hate, just a personal opinion.) So I went searching last night for something I hadn't seen, something new and exciting. And Deus Ex Machina did I find it.

Future Diary.

My god, this show is.....amazing. At first, I thought it was some coming of age story, high school kid, a loner with a mother who works too much, no real friends, into his phone waaaayyyy too much. Yukiteru Amano is a kid like most these days, he rather be glued to his phone than make real friends, posting diary entries about his day. His "imaginary" friends include a god, Deus Ex Machina, and his servant, Murmur.  Deus then gives Yuki a special diary to where he knows what's going to happen beforehand. So creepy. Turns out Deus Ex Machina isn't that imaginary and the diary Yuki has....other people have too. Deus wants to play a game, a very deadly game that involve the diary holders killing off each other until there is a winner. The winner becomes a god. Fortunately for Yuki, he has a friend....of sorts. Yuno Gasai is a diary holder too.....and obsessed with Yuki.

Ok, so maybe a crazy stalker chick isn't too bad when you think of the fact that Yuno wants to keep Yuki alive and well. Just hope she doesn't go insane. Having a ride-or-die chick at your side isn't that bad of a life, especially if you get to be a god at the end.

I just watched the first episode last night and I am hooked, babies. 29 to go and I'm looking forward to all of them. If there are any fans of this show, let me know your thoughts and opinions. Tell your Chick everything!

It's Back!

Hello, my babies!!!! Did you miss me? I missed you too. Sorry for the loooonnggg delay in anime news, but that's what happens when life gets in the way. Suffice it to say that my anime had to take a backseat for a while, but that's ok because the anime never stopped. So get ready, my otaku peeps.....the Chick is back.

So ANNOYING!!!!

Can we talk? I mean, seriously, just sit down and talk about this? Can someone, anyone, please tell me why we have such annoying animes out there???? Don't get me wrong, your Chick loves the comedy.....if it's funny. School Rumble.....you are not. If I have to sit through one more episode of misunderstandings and miscommunications, I'm going to scream. Just when I think my baby Harima is thisclose to finally telling his long time crush, Tenma, just how he feels, the other characters get in the way. For anyone not familiar with this anime, lemme break it down for ya. Tenma is a sophomore in high school who isn't the brightest bulb in the storage room, but she's a good girl, down for her friends and all that. While she may look like a middle school student, she's really the oldest of her and sis Yakumo, who by the way acts like she's the oldest in taking care of Tenma, cooking, housekeeping and overall domestic stuff. Harima is the tough guy of the series, the obvious deliquent with his sunglasses and older-guy mustache, but also a decent guy with a problem in telling Tenma how he feels about her. An aspiring manga artist, Harima is talented with animals too, which in turn sparks a friendship with Yakumo. However, Tenma has a crush herself on quiet Karasuma, who seems to be crushing on.....curry. (Yea, he's a weird dude). Sis Yakumo also has an admirer, Haruki, and with so many other student characters thrown in the mix, believe me, there is more blundering and misinterpretations than you can throw a geta at. When I first started watching this series, I didnt think that it would take the entire series for anyone to start to say anything of consequence to each other. You could not believe all the things that should have been said versus all the things that were misunderstood because someone didn't say enough.

Now I'm all for the guy getting the girl and happy endings and riding off into the sunset, but School Rumble, you really take the cake on this one. I know some people out there love this anime strictly because it's light and fluffy and a real make-you-feel-good type of series, but there has to be a point to all of this flailing about. Oh well.....on the next one!

Found It!

Finally! After weeks of searching and being almost thoroughly bored with a lot of "cute" animes, I have found the top anime that beats all cuteness! Wait for it......wait for it.......

OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB!!!!!!!

Yes, yes, for all of you out there that found this before our Chick.......well, good for you. Just playing, you know your Chick loves you. But this is wonderful. Not even 10 minutes into the first episode and I knew I had to have more. I was quite satisfied with the first episode and that's saying a lot for anime out there that can take a while to get to the meat of the plot. Anyone not familiar with Host Club, you have a girl from a common background (i.e. poor) stumbling across her wealthy school's Host Club, a group of good-looking male students with too much time on their hands who entertain the female students, also with too much time on their hands. In trying to get out of the Club's room, our heroine, Haru-chan, knocks over a very expensive vase (the horror!) and is then turned into the Club's errand "boy". At the time, the Club just thinks she's a he, puts Haru in a male student's uniform and introduces him to the guests as their new member, but don't worry, babies, they found out very quickly Haru's female. See? Story's moving right along. Even got rid of one villain by the end too. Good....I can't stand dragging plots.


Host Club only has 26 episodes and I can not wait to get to the end. Will Haru be with the Club King, Tamaki, pampered, obnoxious, but with a good heart? Or will she go for the strong and silent type in Mori, (who by the way, I absolutely adore)? Warning: Host Club is not for those with phobias to lots of roses, flowery language and some yaoi-inspired scenes. If you dont like it, then let me enjoy it for you!


Now....what should be my next assignment?????

Dance with Me!

No, I'm kidding, but I have found a better anime to watch nowadays. While I'm still working on Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood (which is wonderful, btw), I was pleasantly surprised to come across this new one (well, new for the Chick) on Hulu. Who knew Hulu was just full of great stuff? I mean, Archer is a blast, but come on, we're talking Ergo Proxy, X, The WallFlower, Monster....good stuff, good stuff. So now I'm watching Dance in the Vampire Bund. This is one of the better animes I've seen in a long time, so I'm very excited to introduce my babies to it. The plot is not that complicated, so that's a good thing. BOttom line is, vampires exist and the ruler, Princess Mina, plans to have the vampires dwell on a piece of property just off the Japanese coastline, a bund for vampires. And what story would be complete without a little drama in the middle as the story brings in a young man who apparently has ties to the princess, but (wait for it.......) he can't remember!!!!! Shocker! Don't worry, babies, the story moves right along in double time, so no time to be bored. Take the Chick's advice and watch this one!!! 

On the search for the cutest anime ever

Ok, I know it's been a while, babies, but your Chick is married now and it's not easy finding the time to do everything the Chick likes to do. But I have a new project now! What is the Cutest Anime Ever???? I don't know, but I do have some suggestions. Let's see, you have Pretear, Princess Tutu, Chobits, but what about Clannad? Has anyone else seen this one? I haven't actually finished the first series, Clannad, since there is also Clannad the movie and Clannad After Story. Nana is cute, but it's also heart-wrenching at times, so I think I'll take that one off the list since we want happy here, not a tearjerker. And we're not going to talk about anime like Doraemon or Pokemon, they're too feel good. And possibly not Hana Yori Dango (Boys over Flowers). I have most of the manga and I have yet to finish it, so that will probably be later down the line. So on my quest, I think I'll start with Clannad and compare it to Emma, Full Moon (maybe), Fairy Tail and possibly DearS.

Let's see where this takes us, shall we, babies?

Oh Michael Bay

Hey, my babies!!!! yes, I'm back after a very long hiatus. I'm so so so sorry. But don't be mad with your Chick. I have decided that I will expanding my blog to include movies that have to do with old cartoon favorites, you know, Transformers, GI Joe, Airbender. Oh, you didn't know about that one, huh, my darlings? Yes, the Last Airbender will be coming to a theater near you next year. My husband and I were having a conversation just two days ago about who would be great to cast for a live action version and my beloved M. Night Shamlayan has already taken the project under his wing. This is going to be good. But that's a blog for 2010. For 2009, let's talk about Mr. Bay.

Oh, Michael, Michael, Michael. What have you done? How could you take a character like Optimus Prime and make him so.....not what I remember? Don't get me wrong, babies, Prime was absoultely savage in the new movie, but where were the rest of the Autobots? Is it me or did Prime never have backup in the cartoons? They came on the scene way too late for my taste. (For those who have not seen the movie yet, I'll try not to spoil it for you.)

Another issue I'm having? Where the hell did the Twins come from? They don't even have names! Now I've watched the animated transformers many times and never have I come across any twins. I'm beginning to believe that Bay created them and if so, who are you to do so? If you make a transformers movie, then do us a favor, Bay, and don't start creating characters. I had thought that you would have kept in mind the real Transformers and not something you thought up on the spot. I'm not saying not to have an original idea, but keep in dealing with plots and scenery, not the Autobots or even Decepticons. Creating new bots just creates drama in the new generation who don't know the transformers like a lot of us "old-schoolers", if you will. You're changing a legacy, Bay, and quite frankly, the Chick isn't cool with that.

Now let's talk about the movie itself. I did like the first one, I'll admit that. Forever and always, Bumblebee will my favorite. I did like how they kept his character the same in the second movie. However, taking his voice away wasn't cool either. I was hoping to hear more from him this time. Loved how Shia's character was literally beat up while Megan was just as pretty as a picture. Girl, come on. I thought you were an actress. You can get dirty for your role. I will admit that a lot of the critics had basis for calling it loud and stupid. Many of the fight scenes were lost due to Bay's erratic camera angling and a lot of the script itself you can't understand because of all the shooting and things getting blown up. Once you understood the plot, it made things a little easier to follow, but looking back now after I've watched it, it seems that Bay and his writers were grasping at straws to make this a credible-sounding plot.

Of course, this is all open for debates. I'm sure all the hardcore fans out there will have much to say on the subject and I'm open to hearing it all. Get at your Chick!

Angst, angst, and more angst!!!

BABIES!!!!!! Did you miss your Chick? Oh, I'm sooo sorry that I was gone for so long. I'm telling you, that's what happens when you swear up and down that blogging would be so easy because life is...so.....slow.... and then BAM! She smacks you in the face with a bunch of invitations you'd be silly to pass up. But enough about moi, babies, let me tell you what I've come across. Now for all my chicks out there, a question was posed to me a while ago asking what I thought was a great anime drama. Now there are great anime action series, pretty good suspense series, ok sci-fi and horror that I will attest to, but drama? As much as I love Sailor Moon, that is not drama to me. Well, maybe Sailor Moon Stars, but that's for another day. In any case, I started researching, went online, found a few episodes of Nana. I remember reading Nana in Shojo Beat when it first hit newstands and I was kinda hooked on it. It serialized for a pretty long time in Beat and the story line got more and more complicated as the series went on. The series isn't even finished yet, the 15th volume is out in May.

Anyway, I start watching....and I am so drawn in I ignore my cell phone. (Oh, the horror!). It's perfect for when you want to forget your own troubles of money, college, boys and watch someone else struggle with it for a while. Can you imagine being 20, finally on your own, moving to a whole new city because of some guy, you get there and he almost immediately starts asking when you're going to move out, having to find a place you can afford while looking for a job, dealing with spending issues, relationship drama, meeting new friends? That's why I love Nana. This series takes all that post-high school angst and frustration and puts it in a format that you can understand. I'm on episode 13, the boyfriend of one of the main characters has just cheated on her, but she doesn't know yet. I'm giving it two more episodes before the ish hits the fan.

Okay, I'm so done!

So I heard a few good things about Le Chevalier D'Eon, but I have to admit that, so far, I am not impressed. There are a few interesting aspects of it, don't get me wrong, but it's a little stilted in the whole demons vs. innocents thing and a knight being possessed by his dead sister's soul when he's battling the undead. I do like the history of this series, France, Versailles, secret societies, gotta love the fashion at that time, 1770s and all. I'll stick with it, see how it turns out. Besides, I want to know what's up with the dead girl in the queen's room. Later, babies. Get at your Chick!

Update, update

So I find myself in front of my computer checking out the animes I haven't watched yet and it's a pretty long list for someone as into as I am. Can you believe that I went this long without watching a single episode fo Welcome to the NHK? Silly me. (And sorry that I haven't been here in a while, babies. With work, school and dating, Chick's got a busy schedule.) In any case, I figured I'd plow through as much anime as I could in a week. I'm already on episode 16 of Berserk and episode 5 of Higurashi No Nako Koro ni. For those who are not familiar with Higurashi, I am telling that this is one of the better series I've seen in a long time. A young boy moves to a rural town where a curse supposedly took place and now the boy's friends may be demons who are trying to kill them. Trust me, it makes for very interesting watching. These little girls,ooo, when their eyes change, baby watch out. It's funny, it's creepy, it's scary, it's just all around good fun anime watching.


And as a side note for all those in love with anime opening and ending themes (Fukari Mori, anyone?), I'm working on getting a good list of sites that either have good mP3 downloads or at least good links to some. I checked out www.animeopenings.com earlier today, but it's mainly videos of the music, just like an actual episode. Anime OP X doesnt have any Angel Santuary, but to their credit, they do have PowerPuff Girls Z. :) Too cute.

The one that made me cry

So I've been on the lookout for this rather old anime called the Rose of Versailles. I came across the name a few years ago in a library copy of manga and art. I read it, but it wasn't even an entire volume, so I have been searching a translated version since then. I have been able to find the manga of Versailles, however they're all in Japanese. Don't get me wrong, I love the Japanese language and I do pretty well in it myself, but having to translate at least 5 versions on the manga that I've been able to track down so far is a feat. So when I found the anime on Kumby.com, I nearly freaked out. Scared my co-worker, too. 40 episodes, 40 glorious episodes depicting the start of the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI and a new character, Oscar Francois de Jarjayes. Oscar is really the main character of the anime and you're gradually sucked into her life as a military officer at such a young age and being there from the start of Antoinette's reign as Queen. As the anime continues, it gets sadder and sadder. The French people start to hate the monarchy, Oscar falls for the same guy that the Queen loves, and just the overall fact of a woman living as a man and commanding a regiment of the French Army, is a powerful storyline. Trust me, this is a great series and yes.....it made me cry. The last few episodes are a tearjerker. You have been warned, babies. 

And while you're on Kumby, check out Golden Boy. One of my friends at work have been nagging at me to watch it. It's a pretty good small series and the main character, Kintaro, is seriously messed up in the head, but he's funny and the series is pretty cute. 

Alright, babies, get at your Chick when you can. Oh, and also, Oni-Con staff.....do better next year. 

Best Small Series

Oni-Con Countdown: 8 days!!!!

So one of my friends who is as big into anime as I am suggested that I do a post on the best small series. Small series? Define small. Most anime series run at least 20 episodes and that, my friends, I don't consider small. Small to me means less than 15 episodes, but don't worry, I did a little research and actually found some great series that don't run all day and all night like Naruto. (Over 200 episodes! Are they crazy!)

Paranoia Agent

Really great series. I started watching this on Cartoon Network about a year or two back and just fell in love with it. It's crazy and just this side of kooky, but it will suck you in and make you wonder if what you're seeing is real or all made up in your head. And that little pink talking stuffed animal is the cutest thing when he's not talking about morbid stuff.

Ninja Scroll

Runs only 13 episodes and believe me, it should have run longer. The TV series, in my humble opinion, is not as great as the movies, but it does give you a better look at Jubei and his personality. You want to kill him sometimes, but just remember.....he'll kill you first.

Hellsing

One of the best action/horror animes of all time. You can not deny that Alucard is one of the baddest and craziest out there. The first season has 13 episodes and the OVA has 4. The OVA is still worth watching, same characters, slightly different story line.

Nightwalker

One of my first series that I actually brought. (Do you see a theme here? I think I'm really into vampires. Twlight, this is not.) 12 episodes and you really are upset when it's over. Shido is one hot little character.

Angel Sanctuary

Only 3 episodes! Drove me up there and into the store. Can you believe that in order to finish a 3 episode OVA, I had to get the 20 volume manga! Don't get me wrong, having such a collection is great for my shelves, but come on! Yuki-sama, please get them to finish that in anime form!!!!

Ahhhh, ok, had to get that out. :) In any case, as far as small series that I've seen, those are some of the good ones. If you want more options, check out these:

Boogiepop Phantom

Black Blood Brothers

Crest of the Stars

GeneShaft (for all the scifi nuts out there)

Grenadier (I'm thinking about checking this one out for myself)

Haibane-Renmei (Might make you cry. You were warned. )

Mahromatic (Really, really cute.)

We'll start with those for now. And dont forget....OniCon!!!!!!

D. Gray Man

Oni-Con Blastoff Countdown:

 

16 Days!!!!

I'm completely loving the D. Gray Man anime series right now. I had started reading the manga and kinda fell off while I was changing states, but I am glad to be able to watch it online. www.kumby.com is a great site I stumbled upon, looking for episodes when I'm too impatient to wait for my Netflix. They have a lot to choose from, even though I didn't see Jubei-Chan. I love that series. A female Jubei? Stop it. Anyway, for those who don't know D. Gray Man yet, it started yet in the Shonen Jump monthlies and of course, Shonen never finished it. But that's alright, it got me a little hooked on the whole Akuma vs. exorcists, good vs. evil, weapons made from Innocence and a twist on a biblical story. Usually I tout the manga more than the anime, but I'm finding the D. Gray Man anime a lot more interesting than the manga right now. It runs over a 100 episodes, but it's worth sitting and watching. 

Coming Soon!!!!

I'm sorry I havent been around for a while, my babies, but you know how the holidays are. Dont be mad with your Chick. :) Don't worry, though, for coming very very soon is a gift idea list for you anime heads out there. Plus, I'm doing some research on a very possible Ninja Scroll addition to the anime family. It's just a rumor I heard from a friend, so leave it to your girl to get the rundown on the real deal.

Be back soon. Get at your Chick!

New Anime Releases

So Gurren Lagann came out on DVD on tuesday, and for a sci-fi mecha type of anime, I kinda like this one. I am not a mecha fan (except for Gundam wing and only for Duo), but I have to admit that Gurren Lagann is a guilty pleasure of mine. I started watching it on Ani-Mondays on the Sci-Fi channel and while it starts off a little kooky, it's a great watch the further the story-line gets. Episodes #1-9 are out now, that rest not out til January '09, so check this one out, my little mecha-heads.

Another good chick release is Peach Girl Complete Collection. I got into the manga a bit more than I thought I would, but its' a good story of chick/best friend, BF's betrayal, chick caught between two very hot guys, the regular high drama. Some girls can relate to the BF, though. She's a snotty little bitch who needs her ass whupped, but at times you'll feel for her. 

Now this is what I'm really excited about. Phoenix the Complete Collection is coming out on November 25th. Save the date, babies! This is one of the most intriguing and intense animes ever. If you thought the manga was badass, you need to watch the anime and just get sucked in. The animation is not as breathtaking as maybe Bloodlust or as graphic as X or Berserk, but the stories will draw you in and won't let you go. And the price is beautiful.....$22.98. Get it at www.animecornerstore.com. 

Later, babies. Get at your Chick.

Con News!!!!

Ooo, I'm so excited!!! Oni-Con is coming and your Chick is definitely going to be there. I'm getting ready, babies. Just ordered a customized tee and hoodie for this. I can not wait for it. I heard that the vender floor is all sold out. BEAUTIFUL!!!! Do you know how much damage a Chick can do on a vendor floor? It is so ON. I like finding unique pieces you can't really find in a store, Sailor Moon wall scrolls (can never have enough), phone straps, cups, tank tops. Unless a vender has some great discounted or bundles prices on DVDs, I never buy them. And remember, babies, if you go, please be friendly to the vendors. One, I'm buying from them too and I want them to be nice to me. Two, Make a connection and you can get free stuff because dude (or lady, whatever floats your boat), happens to like you. True story, happened to me. (Big ups to CPM and MP. Love ya'll up there!) I havent been to a con in ages and though I'm not a cosplayer, it's still really cool to go and see how people do it. I'd love to, but finding a seamtress, one who you trust, can be hard. Maybe next year. I'm dying to wear one of the Sailor Starlight outfits. Too cute.

Check the link for dates and registration prices. It pays to get in early.

Tops Continued.....

Awwww, my babies!! Did you miss me? I'm sorry, your Chick went out last night, had a blast. Nothing anime related, I'm sorry to say, but it was still all good. You know your girl looked good too. ;) Anyways...I know I was gone for a while, but I'm back now and I'm finishing up my Top Ten that I started. Like I said, don't forget, no real special ranking on these. Chick's got plenty of love for all. Ok, so.....

#6

Sailor Moon R

That's right. Sailor Moon. Has been and always will be a favorite of mine. I will admit that the movies are a bit more interesting than perhaps the first season, but with most things, it has its moments. SMR is adding some depth to the romance of Serena and Darien (Usagi and Mamoru to us Moonies) with a touch of murder thrown in for kicks as an old friend of Darien's returns and is supremely jealous of the relationship between our two lovers. Now my question is, why hate on my girl? Yeah, she's clumsy, a crybaby, and the girl couldn't make an A in class to save her life, but that's why we love her. Besides, when it comes to protecting her friends and her man, she's all about the business. Better watch out. Those ponytails are lethal.

#7

Howl's Moving Castle

I do appreciate the whole fairytale concept of changing a person's outward appearance until their inner character improves for the better and there really isn't another storyline that has this happen to two characters or two main characters for that matter. Now my girl Sophie really didn't need to be changed, she just ticked off the wrong witch, but Howl seriously needed it. A grown man acting like a three year old child? Stop it. Overall, it makes for a good story, magic and sorcery, politics, a talking flame, a rather hilarious dog, a little bit of romance thrown in, I could watch this again and again.

#8

Memories

This one is seriously underrated in my opinion. A lot of people think that you need a big name director or producer (i.e., Rin Tarou, Miyazaki) to have a great anime. This one's got three!Memories is a series of stories, 3 stories, told by different directors, Koji Morimoto (Animatrix), Tensai Okamura (Wolf's Rain, love it!!!!) and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira. Put that in your collection. NOW.) Each story is done differently so this way you get a good feel of how each director works, how their style flows. It's good for first timers and veterans because while the stories aren't related, that's what it's all about and these stories are good.

#9

Spirited Away

Yes, another Miyazaki, but only because it is one of the best feature length animes to date. The whole story grips you from beginning to end, the animation is fluid, the graphics breathtaking, the script....perfection. I don't want to retell the whole story because it's something that should be watched by every anime fan worldwide, but to describe it briefly, Chihiro is a young girl traveling to a new home with her parents when they end at a tunnel leading....to the spirit world. Her parents are taken away and Chihiro must work in order to get them back. The new friends and experiences she has through her ordeal causes her to grow and evolve in heart and character so that by the time the movie is over, you have no doubt that Chihiro can handle anything thrown her way, schoolyard bullies included.

#10

Angel Sanctuary

Not technically a movie, but an Original Animated Video (OAV) that spans only 1 VHS tape in animation. That's about 3 episodes. The manga goes a lot further, but the only reason I picked up the first book of the GN is because of the movie. Angels, rebellions, demons, death, and yes, even some incest and graphic violence in the mix will grab yoy by the lapels and hold you til the end when you suddenly say, "What?.....no...no.....NO!!!" You don't want this story to end, it's like a drug, you need more, you need to know more, you want to get lost in this possible apocalyptic world where angels and demons wage war. The only reason you'd be disappointed with Angel Sancutary is that anime-wise, there is no more to had. But that's ok, my friends. Go out and exercise your right to protest! I WANT MORE SETSUNA!!!!!!!

Top Ten Faves

It's a rainy day outside, but in here, it's all sun, babies. A well charged laptop, a few anime episodes, a Sobe Lean and it's all good. Oh my dears, I have completed my Top Ten list for anime fave anime movies. Now keep in mind these really don't have any special ranking for me and this is my own personal list. Feel free to email me with your own Tops, whether it be 10 or 5, it doesn't matter. Anime lovers unite!

So #1........

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust!

I saw the first Vampire Hunter D and I liked it. Liked it, not loved it. But Bloodlust blew me out of the water. The animation is much stylish and fluid this time around, is set in much brighter tone than D because where the first was really dark and goth, Bloodlust actually has scenes set in the daylight and while I was not completely satisfied with the storyline (I've had more than a few arguments about it), I can say that overall this is one of the better anime movies thus far. Bloodlust introduces a few new characters which is always a good thing and develops the character of D a bit more. 

#2

Porco Rosso

It is surprising to me that number of people who have not seen Rosso. Yes, it is a bit fantasical and has a war theme going for it (a pilot that turned into a pig??? Say what now?), it is still a great movie to watch. Hayao Miyazaki is a great storyteller and he does have the ability to suck you into his plots and characters. His stories tend to move along at a good pace and there is really no reason that you should find yourself bored to tears watching one of his films. Rosso is one of the lesser known films in his collection, but it makes for great watching. Some tout it as violent, but compared to some others on my list, it's rather tame. Which brings me to my #3 pick........

Princess Mononoke

This is one of the first full length anime movies I watched, one of the better known U.S. releases when anime made it over here. I love the pagan theme of this movie, man vs. nature, tick off the God of the Forest and he will hurt you. Yeah you may have thought it was cool to anger the wolf god til you got your arm bitten off. As far as a first long sit-down-and-stay-a-while movie goes, this is a good choice. it's not really a kid's movie, I don't think that they would appreciate too much that the big talking animals are going insane and dying, but adults can get into it and enjoy. It is somewhat violent, but the overall theme of industrialization vs. Mother Nature and Father Sky always makes for a good story. There is some romance, very little between the main characters San and Ashitaka, the rough and tumble girl raised by wolves  and the rather well-mannered, well cultured boy from a nice little village, but as the love affair really doesn't show itself til towards the end, you are left guessing at what happens after. 

Let me get away from Miyazaki for #4...

Metropolis

Now I've read the reviews. I've heard, "Visually brillant, but flawed", "Great animation, poor story, poor script", do you see a there here, babies? Yes, I will agree that Metropolis was poorly done in some aspects, however, it still captures your attention. Robots and humans trying to co-exist in a futuristic technologically forward (for those who can afford it) world, throw in a rather demented duke and his bitter "son", a young boy and his robot female friend who seems to hold a key to the duke's  greater plan, it all sounds great. Being a fan of Tezuka (Buddha, Phoenix, yes even AstroBoy), there is beauty in the flaws. No, the story of Tima, our robotic android, isn't fully explained, but it does make you wonder. You ask yourselves, "What's Duke Red's deal? What's his own story?" Answers don't come easy with Tezuka, but while others believe that to be a flaw, I see it as a whole new world opening up. Fanfiction, anyone?

#5

X/1999

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. One of my first adventures into the CLAMP world and I loved just about every minute of it. X is also an anime TV series and a manga, both of which do happen to delve into the story and characters more, but still I do not believe that any anime fan should pass up on watching X:The Movie. It's a story that questions whether humanity should live or die, 2 groups fighting, one for mankind, the other for earth. You really can't tell the good from the bad except for the two main characters, Kamui and Fuma. Sometimes you're rooting for Kamui and sometimes you'd just wish that Fuma would backslap him. X is one of the few movies that you'll find that can actually transcend the fine lines of anime and cartoon guidelines to where you find yourself doubting your own values. Should we die so that the Earth can live? Wow. I give it to CLAMP. Those ladies are messed up in the head. 

Ok, babies, #6-10 tomorrow. Get at your Chick!