First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their readership this month. Even with my birthday occurring, this has definately been one of the most active months The Otaku’s Study has faced, and hopefully I will be able to keep up the momentum for more reviews and news in the coming months. Due to a slight delay, I have yet to release my reviews for June’s Madman titles, however I endeavor to make my way through them this weekend. Thankfully, I have quite a lot of content to review alongside upcoming news…. so as I did last month, here is what I have / should have to review during the course of this month. As with last month, there are different priority levels: RED (Titles from June that will be reviewed – or in the case of Evangelion and Eden of the East, the original series as well), ORANGE (New titles being released in July) and Green (Other titles). Whilst I can guarantee Red and Orange titles to be reviewed, I am uncertain to how many of the Green ones will be. Also, this will only cover anime, with the number of good gaming titles I have to offer, I will be posting them separately.
Eden of the East (TV Series) Collection
Akira Takizawa wakes up naked outside the White House with no memories. He’s got a gun in one hand and a cell phone in the other, and he doesn’t know if he’s a good guy or one of the worst. He doesn’t remember that the phone gives him instant access to ten billion yen and a woman who can make his most outlandish requests a reality. He doesn’t recall his connection to the ongoing missile attacks terrorizing the Japanese people, or the part he played in the sudden disappearance of 20,000 shut-ins. He doesn’t even remember he’s supposed to save Japan and will be murdered if he fails. Whatever it is he’s tangled up in, Takizawa’s definitely in deep – and that’s not even scratching the surface.
Eden of the East: The King of Eden + Air Communication
The intrigue goes international in The King of Eden, a feature-length conspiracy thriller that continues the action of Eden of the East. The deadly game that began in Japan now intensifies on the streets of New York City. The rules are the same: do whatever it takes to win. Die if you lose. Takizawa prevented Japan’s destruction – and then he vanished. Six months later, clues lead Saki to the Big Apple in search of her missing friend. Meanwhile, the remaining Selecao are plotting their final move. Some of them would prefer Takizawa dead and out of the way. Some might even be willing to help him achieve his goals. Unfortunately, some are prepared to destroy everything if it means claiming checkmate in Mr. Outside’s puzzling game.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
At the turn of the century, the Angels returned to Earth, seeking to wipe out humanity in an apocalyptic fury. Devastated, mankind’s last remnants moved underground to wait for the day when the Angels would come back to finish the job. Fifteen years later, that day has come… but this time, humanity is ready to fight back with terrifying bio-mechanical weapons known as the Evangelions. Now it’s up to Shinji, Rei, Asuka and the rest of the mysterious shadow agency NERV to save Earth from total annihilation!
Evangelion: 1.11 You Are [Not] Alone
Tokyo-3 still stands after most of civilization was decimated in the Second Impact. Now the city endures the ceaseless onslaught of the deadly Angels, bizarre creatures bent on eradicating the human race. To combat this strange and ruthless enemy, the government agency NERV constructs a fleet of towering humanoid machines – the Evas – and Shinji Ikari is called into action, reluctantly taking his place at the controls of Eva Unit 01. Living a life of loneliness and questioning his existence, Shinji struggles to accept responsibility for mankind’s battle for survival in this visually striking rebuild of one of the most important anime of all time. Shinji will fight the Angels alongside the only person who might understand his plight – Rei Ayanami, the elusive and frail pilot of Eva Unit 00. In this film experience not to be missed, Shinji and Rei will struggle to learn a simple truth: when carrying the burden of humanity’s survival on your shoulders, you are not alone.
Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance
In the earliest battles against the monstrous Angels, young Eva pilots Shinji and Rei were forced to carry humanity’s hopes on their shoulders. Now, with the deadly onslaught of the Angels escalating and the apocalyptic Third Impact looming, Shinji and Rei find their burden shared by two new Eva pilots, the fiery Asuka and the mysterious Mari. Maneuvering their enormous Eva machines into combat, the four young souls fight desperately to save mankind from the heavens – but will they be able to save themselves?
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Vol. 1
It is said that the Vist Foundation manipulates the Earth Federation and Anaheim Electronics from behind the scenes. Hoping to create a new world, the Foundation attempts to hand over a certain secret to the Neo Zeon remnants known as the Sleeves. This will mean the opening of Laplaces Box, which holds a great secret tied to the origins of the Universal Century. The exchange between the Vist Foundation and the Sleeves is to take place at the manufacturing colony Industrial 7. This is the home of the student Banagher Links, who rescues a girl he sees falling through the colony’s zero gravity area. The girl gives her name as Audrey Burne and says she wants to prevent a war, spurring Banagher to step into the conflict surrounding Laplaces Box, almost as if he is drawn in by his own bloodline.
Samurai Champloo Complete Collection
Mugen’s a buck wild warrior: violent, thoughtless and womanizing. Jin is a vagrant ronin: mysterious, traditional, well-mannered and very strong. These two fiercely independent warriors couldn’t be more different from one another, yet their paths cross when Fuu, a ditzy waitress, saves them from being executed when they are arrested after a violent swordfight. Fuu convinces the two vagrant young men to help her find a mysterious samurai “who smells of sunflowers.” And their journey begins.
Ga-Rei-Zero Collection
Kagura and Yomi may look like ordinary school girls as they walk the streets of Tokyo clad in short skirts and knee-high socks, but they’re the heroes you scream for when monsters creep out of the darkness. These sword-toting sisters are part of an elite counterattack unit that specializes in suppressing outbreaks of supernatural activity. They train together, live together, eat together, and spend their nights disemboweling demons with sacred blades together.
K-On! Volume 1
When Yui Hirasawa enters high school, she wants to join a club but can’t decide which one is right for her. Fortunately, the Light Music Club is desperate to find another member or they’ll be disbanded! So, with the enticement of delicious snacks and assurance that no musical experience is necessary, Yui joins the Light Music Club. She becomes the guitarist in this all-girl high school rock band with Mio Akiyama on bass, Tsumugi Kotobuki on keyboard and Ritsu Tainaka on drums. Together, they’re going to rock the school and someday make it to the Budokan!
Karin: Chibi Vampire Series Collection
Karin Maaka leads an ordinary life in spite of the fact that she is from a family of vampires. Unlike the rest of her family, she has no problem with bright lights, sleeps in a bed instead of a coffin, and loves to eat garlic. She is such an abnormal vampire that she doesn’t even suck blood – she makes it! Everything begins to unravel when she gets uncontrollable urges every time she gets near her classmate, Kenta Usui. Will she hold back the urge to purge or give in to her need to bleed?!
Soul Eater Collection 1 & 2
Maka is a Meister and Soul is her Weapon. As students at the Grim Reaper’s Death Weapon Meister Academy, their study habits couldn’t be more different. But in battle against the supernatural forces of evil, they’re a freakin’ lethal team. That’s when Soul transforms – literally – into a razor-sharp scythe, and every defeated wicked soul he sucks down makes him more deadly. That’s when Maka unleashes the merciless slayer within, wielding her partner and dropping monsters. Seriously. Monsters. Like the witches, werewolves, and zombies that lurk in the shadows and feed on the souls of the innocent. Every freakish ghoul Maka and Soul take out strengthens their bond, and fighting alongside their fellow Meister/Weapon classmates, Maka and Soul are the world’s last line of defense against evil.
The Melancholy of Haruhi-Chan Suzumiya & Nyoron! Churuya-san Collection 2
In these animated short episodes, based on the comical spin-off manga, the characters are presented in cute little versions of themselves. The wacky adventures of Haruhi-chan and her gang continues as they go have a cherry blossom viewing party and chase after the evil monster known as Santa Claus. / There comical shorts were originally a fan drawn 4-panel parody manga and due to its underground success, chosen to be animated. Follow the whimsical adventures of Churuya-san (based on the character, Tsuruya-san) on her quest for her favorite food, smoked cheese.
Clannad After Story – Part 2
An alternate path opens up for Tomoya and Nagisa as they enter their second semester and head towards graduation. Beyond school they look forward to a family of their own, though not without facing hardships and ultimately tragedy. After Story follows on from the original CLANNAD series and further expands on the themes of family, trust and empathy.
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Needless – Part 2
IN AD 200X, World War 3 began… All of the Earth’s cities became targets of bombings and were bathed in frightful red flames. Half a century has passed since then. The contaminated former epicenter is still isolated from the city of Tokyo creating a hole in the middle of Japan commonly known as the Black Spot. As time passed, people began to inhabit this wasteland. They were deemed unnecessary by those who lived in cities. Among these people were the ones who could command strange abilities – fire, wind, gravity… they had the ability to control these supernatural powers. Thus, those who possessed Fragments were regarded as….THE NEEDLESS!
Tower of Druaga – Complete Series
Scaling the sixty treacherous floors of the Tower of Druaga is no game. Infested with slime, dragons, and tentacled beasts, very few survive its twisting corridors and lethal traps. Those who reach the top must face Druaga, the demon protecting the mysterious, treasured Blue Crystal Rod. It’s a gruelling campaign undertaken by only the bravest swordsmen and wisest sorcerers and Jil. A young Guardian with little experience, Jil raises his shield to play the role of hero, battling his way up to the level where Druaga waits… It’s a gruelling campaign undertaken by only the bravest swordsmen and wisest sorcerers and Jil. A young Guardian with little experience, Jil raises his shield to play the role of hero, battling his way up to the level where Druaga waits…
Toradora! – DVD Set 1
Due to his frightening appearance, Ryuji lives a rather unfortunate life. On the first day of his junior year of high school, he meets a strange girl named Taiga – better known as the Palm-top Tiger! Despite looking small and cute, she’s extremely short-tempered, and nobody can stop her once she starts throwing punches. However, Ryuji learns a secret about Taiga that nobody else knows… The dragon and the tiger join forces to bring you a monolithic romantic comedy! NOTE: This is not a title that is available within Australia and is only being released in the US by Nippon Ichi Software America.
Toradora! – DVD Set 2
Ryuji and Taiga slowly begin to understand their feelings not just towards their crushes, but what they mean to one another. After the Culture Festival comes to a close, Kitamura begins to display a rebellious attitude. To bring him around, Ryuji tells Taiga to run for Student Council President. Christmas pageants, complete with a beautiful song, come and go. During a school trip to a ski resort, Ryuji will learn the truth about Taiga’s heart. What will he do with this knowledge? The tiger and dragon stand together, but are they strong enough to face the obstacles life will throw at them? NOTE: This is not a title that is available within Australia and is only being released in the US by Nippon Ichi Software America.
Wagnaria – Complete Box Set
The family restaurant Wagnaria stands by itself in Hokkaido. One day, Sota Takanashi, who loves all things small, meets tiny little Popura, who offers him a job working part time at the restaurant. Attracted by her petite stature, Sota accepts her offer. To his surprise, the restaurant is filled with eccentric characters. Get ready to dish up some wacky comedy together with Sota and his coworkers! NOTE: This is not a title that is available within Australia and is only being released in the US by Nippon Ichi Software America.
Air
Yukito is a travelling performer. He moves through this world with only the clothes on his back – driven onward by stories of “The Girl in the Sky.” Not knowing when or if he will find her, Yukito wanders, clinging to fleeting hope. Destitute and near starvation, Yukito’s life changes after the eccentric beauty Misuzo offers him food and shelter. This fragile treasure shares with him her dreams of a life lived amongst the clouds, and he listens closely out of a gratitude which soon gives way to rapt curiosity. The unlikely pair grows close, but Yukito cannot forget his destiny – or his past. In the end, the compelling need to find “her” remains. Who is the girl in the sky? Does she even exist? The questions run rampant, but the answers float aimlessly through the air.
Bamboo Blade
It didn’t take long for pint-sized Tamaki’s lightning reflexes to catch the eye of starving Kendo instructor Toraji. This second-rate sensei is an embarrassment to the sport, and his Kendo club is running out of members. His only hope for redemption – and a full belly – is to get Tamaki to sign-on as his star pupil. Unfortunately, this sword-wielding prodigy is a serious anime addict, so it’ll be a challenge to get her to step away from the television and into the dojo. But once she feels like a part of the team, Tamaki will put down the remote and pick up her sword as Toraji turns his girls into a fearsome sisterhood of the bamboo blade!
Death Note
Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects – and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal… or his life?
Elfen Lied
Imprisoned under tight military security, Lucy, a genetically-altered human known as a Diclonius, escapes her confines in a wave of bloody violence and brutality. Now lost, alone, and stricken with amnesia, she wanders into a kindly family that takes her under their care, oblivious to the latent destructive power that this innocent-looking girl harbors!
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Fate/stay Night Collection
Ten years ago there was a secret war fought by master mages with their servants in order to obtain the Holy Grail and the result was devastating to everyone. Today, the Holy Grail War is beginning again with new masters. One such master, Shirou, must now come to grips with the reality of the secret world of war mages and their summoned servants when he unknowing summons his own servant, Saber; the one said to be the most powerful servant of them all. Perhaps, Shirou will be the one to prevent the destruction that had marked the first war.
Kaze no Stigma
When the family business is fire, and you can’t handle the heat, it’s time to look for a new line of work – and maybe a new family, too. Kazuma is a descendent of an ancient clan skilled in the magical Fire Arts. Unfortunately for him, the gift seems to have skipped a generation. Defeated by his younger, female cousin, Ayano, in a battle to become the clan’s successor, Kazuma is exiled with only the smoldering burn of failure to keep him company. But now he’s back, risen from the ashes and armed with a powerful new mojo that’s sure to fan the flames of the family rivalry. The cooler he gets, the hotter she burns, and when Wind and Fire collide, Tokyo is caught in the eye of the storm.
Loveless
Twelve-year old Aoyagi Ritsuka is left with his insane mother as his only family when his brother, Seimei, is killed suddenly. After moving to a new school, he meets Agatsuma Soubi, who claims to have known his brother. Ritsuka eventually discovers that Soubi and Seimei used to be a fighting pair, whereby Soubi was the “Fighter” and Seimei was the “Sacrifice”. Now that Seimei is gone, Ritsuka has inherited Soubi, who will become his “Fighter”. After learning that Seimei was killed by an organisation known as the “Seven Moons”, Ritsuka decides to investigate into his brother’s death, with the sometimes useless help of Soubi, along the way.
Midori Days
Seiji “Mad Dog” Sawamura is the ultimate high school punk. With his super-strong invincible right hand, he can punch through cement walls or entire street gangs. As for how he got his right hand that strong… well, he’s got some problems getting a girlfriend. Just when he thinks his only girlfriend will be his right hand, his right hand becomes an actual girl! Midori Kasunago wished she could be by Seiji’s side, and ends up attached to his wrist. Seiji’s fighting days may be over, but his girl trouble is just beginning!
Negima (Season One)
Vampires, Robots, Sorcery… And that’s all before gym class! Wizard-in-training Negi Springfield is only 10 years old, but he also happens to be the newest English teacher at the all-girl Mahora Academy. Too bad a bachelor’s degree and an enchanted staff can’t prepare a lad for the chaos of being surrounded by dozens of Junior High girls!
Princess Tutu
Darkness hid the pieces of her beloved’s shattered heart, and time is running out for Princess Tutu to find them. Her dream of becoming a human girl has come true. However, peril lurks in the unseen shadows. Using the power of an enchanted amulet, she must unravel a dark and twisted mystery to keep her Prince and herself alive.
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Rozen Maiden Traumend
Jun struggles to find meaning in his life, as he adapts to his new reality among a collection of living dolls. This is the story of a young boy who locked himself away from his classmates, finding security in solitude. This is the tale of an exquisite doll, her only wish to one day become a normal human girl. The mortality she covets will be her reward if the boy and the doll can create a trust between them. Real life will begin for each if they survive the perilous Alice Game.
Shuffle!
Rin’s a lucky guy. Whether down the hall, next door, or from another realm, girls seem to be everywhere – and they all want Rin for themselves! He lives with Kaede, a beautiful sweetheart who pampers him constantly. Sia and Nerine have arrived from distant supernatural lands seeking his hand in marriage. Oh, and they both moved in next door! Now the competition for Rin’s affections begins, and no matter which girl wins, there’s no way Rin can lose!
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Seasons 1 – 2
I thought that when I entered high school, my days of believing in aliens, time travelers and ESPers were going to be over. That is, until she introduced herself. Claiming to be interested in only aliens, time travelers, and ESPers, Haruhi Suzumiya was the strangest girl I’ve met in a long time… Before I knew what’s going on, I’ve been dragged into her weird club, and it looks like I’m not the only one who has been drafted into this “SOS Brigade” of hers, because there are three other students who don’t seem to be so ordinary themselves. Either way, we’ve all found ourselves caught up in Haruhi’s quest to search for all things extraordinary. And what’s this I hear about us making a movie?
Witchblade
Masane Amaha is a woman on the fringe of society, but her strange destiny was written ages past. She has been chosen from the anonymous depths of history, a fresh host for the coveted artifact known as the Witchblade. The Witchblade is an ancient weapon bestowed only upon the women it forever scars. It’s part armor, part sentient, and thirsts for battle. Masane Amaha discovers her fate and battles to keep possession of the Witchblade as two opposing forces risk all humanity for control of the ultimate weapon.
as you can no doubt tell, the Greens Series will be reviewed over the next month or two, with Red and Orange series taking priority over them. I hope you look forward to my articles in July! Keep an eye out for my Games summary coming up in the next day or so, with games like Catherine coming out, there will be a lot to review this coming month!
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