Month: May 2019

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Manga Reviews Reviews

Manga Review – Spirit Circle

Fuuta Okeya can see ghosts. Besides that—and the bandage he always keeps on his cheek—he’s a perfectly normal 14-year old boy enamoured with the new transfer student. Unfortunately, Kouko Ishigami wants little to do with him. A strange ghost that follows her, however, seems to feel quite differently. But, when Kouko sees the strange birthmark hidden beneath the bandage on Fuuta’s cheek, she has a change of heart…for the worse. Not only does she denounce him as her enemy, but she claims that the birthmark is a curse she engraved upon his face during one of their many past lives. – ANN

Artist/Author: Satoshi Mizukami

Volumes: 6

Published By: Seven Seas and also available digitally via Crunchyroll Manga

This post was originally written for the April 2019 issue of Mangaverse, the anime, manga, and comics ‘zine published by the National Fantasy Fan Federation (N3F) which I am currently in charge of editing. If you are interested in contributing to Mangaverse, please contact me at jessi@s1e1.com. I am always on the lookout for writers and artists!

This post may have been minimally-edited from its original form to correct minor errors and/or include hyperlinks.

Review: This review discusses some plot and thematic spoilers for the manga series.

It’s uncommon, but there are times where I’ll be so emotionally moved after consuming a piece of media that I become immediately obsessed with seeking out other work by the same storyteller. While my tastes in manga and anime are somewhat broad, there are occasionally certain thematic elements in particular stories that cut deeply to the heart of how I approach the world and its many experiences. It’s in those vulnerable, reflective moments that I feel as though I’ve made a personal connection with an author who’s somehow on a similar wavelength to myself.

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First Impressions Reviews

Spring 2019 First Impressions – Sarazanmai

One day, three second-year middle school students — Kazuki Yasaka, Toi Kuji, and Enta Jinai — meet a kappa-like creature named Keppi, who is the self-proclaimed heir to the throne of Kappa Kingdom. Keppi forcibly takes the students’ shirikodama (a mythical organ kappa steal through a person’s anus) and they are transformed into kappa. Keppi informs them, “If you want to return to your former selves, you need to connect in ‘that way’ and you must bring me the shirikodama of zombies.” At the same time, two policemen, Reo Niiboshi and Mabu Akutsu, try to do something at the police box where they are stationed. – ANN

Streaming: Crunchyroll and Funimation

Episodes: 11

Source: Original

Episode Summary: In Asakusa, images of the Kappa yokai abound. But little did Kazuki, Toi, and later Enta suspect that the golden kappa statue within the local shrine housed inside it a real, live kappa. After running into Kazuki again by accident, Toi’s violent defense of his own illegal activities knocks the statue off its base; when they return to the scene of the crime later on, Prince Keppi of the Kappa Kingdom appears before them in a poof of purple smoke. When the boys mistakenly refer to Keppi as a frog, he punishes them by stealing their shirikodama (an organ in the anus housing human desires) and turning them (and later Enta) into kappa.

Their ticket back to humanity relies on their ability to team up and steal the shirikodama of zombies – poor humans consumed by their own artificially-augmented desires. The only catch is that, once doing so, the three boys’ own deep, dark secrets are revealed to one-another. As the trio completes the Sarazanmai, Kazuki’s secret is thrust out into the open. This is embarrassing, but could this be a way for him to seek the connections he desires?

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First Impressions Reviews

Spring 2019 First Impressions – Why the Hell Are You Here, Teacher?

High school student Ichirō’s female teacher Kojima-sensei is famous for being a “demon teacher.” However, in front of Ichirō she seems to be air-headed and clumsy, and he keeps finding himself in perverted situations with her in places like the in men’s bathroom, in the men’s bathhouse, in the pool, at the school infirmary, and elsewhere. – ANN

Streaming: Crunchyroll and Hidive

Episodes: 12 (12 minutes apiece)

Source: Manga

Episode Summary: Ichiro has to use the restroom, and the most private place to do his business is an out-of-the-way men’s restroom on the school grounds. He doesn’t expect to see anyone, but when he opens the stall he’s surprised by none other than his female teacher, Kojima-sensei. The stall locks behind him, and the two wrestle with this uncomfortable reality until neither student nor teacher can “hold it” any longer.

The next week, Ichiro decides to cut class by hiding in the school infirmary, but coincidentally Kojima-sensei is there sleeping off a cold. She sends Ichiro to get her some medicine, but the only fever suppressant left in the cabinet comes in suppository form. Ichiro takes one for the team to help his teacher, but once she discovers that he’s skipping class, she returns the favor in the worst possible way.

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First Impressions Reviews

Spring 2019 First Impressions – Afterlost

One day a town is annihilated. Yuki is a young woman who is said to be the only person left alive from the town after the annihilation, and Takuya is a loner and a smuggler. Together, with the letter left by Yuki’s father, they go toward the town, now called Lost, but unexpected obstacles stand in their path. The thoughts of those left behind, secret and mysterious organizations, and hidden conspiracies await Yuki and Takuya as they move closer toward the mystery behind Lost. – ANN

Streaming: Funimation and Hulu

Episodes: 12

Source: Smartphone Game

Episode Summary: Some years ago, a disaster obliterated a large part of the city, seemingly killing the entire population. Since then, the area has been cordoned off by the military, and one lone survivor, Yuki, has been held in captivity. Takuya is a courier who always gets the job done. Though it involves danger on his part, he kidnaps Yuki from the holding facility and brings her to his patrons. A coded message was received from inside the Lost, the destroyed city, and there’s reason to believe that Yuki’s father may be alive somewhere within its borders.

Takuya, intending to see his “delivery” job through to the end, calls upon several resources and prepares for the dangerous journey, but doesn’t expect the kind of telekinetic onslaught he and Yuki face while trying to make their way beyond the sealed perimeter. Yuki is, however, more than she seems – she did survive the initial disaster, after all. She calls upon powers of her own so that she and Takuya can make their way forward. There is, however, the Agency, and they catch Takuya off-guard. Will either Takuya or Yuki survive long enough to penetrate the Lost?

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First Impressions Reviews

Spring 2019 First Impressions – NamuAmidaButsu! ~Utena~

The Thirteen Buddha, along with Taishakuten and Bonten, must confront the evil Māra. Māra seeks revenge against Shaka Nyorai, who had previously saved the world from suffering and conflict by achieving enlightenment. – ANN

Streaming: Crunchyroll and Hidive

Episodes: 12

Source: Game

Episode Summary: It’s been centuries since Taishakuten and Bonten have visited the material world, so when they easily dispatch a manifestation of human vice and want something else to do afterward, they’re thwarted by all the modern conveniences (like washing machines and supermarkets) that have appeared in the meantime. The other Buddha tell them to relax and enjoy their time on Earth, but sitting around is boring and they’re both chomping at the bit to rid the world of other vices.

Shaka Nyorai takes the two out on an instructional journey, and points out that all humans suffer from some sort of vice, though most are small. The heavenly inclination would be to dispatch them before they grow larger, but that would take every hour of every day in perpetuity. Part of being human is learning to thwart these things on one’s own, and thus Taishakuten and Bonten need to learn when to leave well-enough alone. Just as they are settling into Earthly life, however, the peace is disturbed by the presence of an old enemy.

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Conventions Special Features

Anime Central 2019 – Other Events

While I’ve already talked about some of the awesome “big” events I got to attend at ACen, as someone who prefers to spend my time at conventions attending sit-down panels and presentations (as opposed to going to concerts, taking photos, etc.) I wanted to make sure I mentioned some of the other great panels and events I had the chance to attend while I was there.

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First Impressions Reviews

Spring 2019 First Impressions – RobiHachi

In Neo Tokyo in the year G.C.0051, humans have known of aliens for the last 50 years and obtained super light-speed navigation technology and formed a commonwealth of planets. Self-proclaimed freelance reportage writer Robby Yarge fails at work, so his contract is cut. His girlfriend leaves him, he nearly dies in a traffic accident, and debt collectors are after him. One day, a bag snatcher steals Robby’s bag, and a young man helps him. Hatchi Kita, an 18-year-old part-time worker, catches the criminal and returns Robby’s bag. However, Hatchi turns up again in Robby’s life as a debt collector. Hatchi explains that it’s his part-time job working for the loan shark Yang. A cat-and-mouse chase begins, and Yang takes his subordinates Allo and Gras along for the ride. – ANN

Streaming: Funimation and Hulu

Episodes: 12

Source: Original

Episode Summary: Robby Yarge is in a bit of a financial pickle, having cultivated champagne tastes on a soda-pop budget. He’s averse to actually working, and he’s experienced the failure of several get-rich-quick schemes after striking out on his own from his wealthy family. But this latest investment won’t fail, he just knows it – even though it involves a loan from a mob boss and a highly questionable shrimp-farming business. Unfortunately, Robby’s seed funds (which he’s been toting around in a duffel bag) have been stolen right out of his hands. He’s only saved by the chance intervention of a man named Hatchi, who’s no superhero; he’s just a bored, gifted guy looking to inject some interest into his life.

After the two part ways, that seems to be that. Until Robby’s “investment” goes awry and Yang the loan shark comes calling. Hatchi’s taken a job as Yang’s collector, so he and Robby trade blows while Yang and his other cronies approach Robby’s apartment. As it turns out, Robby has one more trick up his sleeve – his abode is actually part of an old space ship. The bucket-of-bolts still works, and Robby pulls into space with Hatchi an unwilling stowaway. When Yang and company give chase, it turns out there’s yet another escape option; two single-pilot space planes (just the right number!) that join to form a giant robot!

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Special Features

“MagnifiqueNOIR” Kickstarter Campaign

Hello, friends! While I don’t typically step far outside the bounds of anime commentary, I wanted to take a moment to signal-boost a Kickstarter campaign that I feel strongly about. My friend Briana Lawrence is creating a series of books entitled MagnifiqueNOIR, about a squad of Black, Queer magical girls. You can find more information about the series in general at the MagnifiqueNOIR website.

For many anime fans, especially those of us who had the privilege to grow up with Sailor Moon and other iconic series, the magical girl genre is as integral to our enjoyment of the medium. This book series take’s the genre’s ideals of magic and empowerment and uses them to tell the story of a brand new magical girl squad.

The first novel, “I Am Magical” has already been published and released! It follows three young women, Galactic Purple, Cosmic Green, and Radical Rainbow (along with the mysterious Prism Pink) who become magical girls and defend their city under the eye of Golden Blaze, a MagnifiqueNOIR veteran. The release contains both the awesome story, as well as several wonderful color artwork pieces from various contributing artists, many of whom are returning for the second book in the series. You can purchase the book (available in both e-book and paperback form) from Amazon, Etsy , Barnes and Noble, as well as at most conventions and events Bri and her partner Jess attend as artists and speakers.

The Kickstarter campaign is to fund the production, publishing, and merchandising of the second book in the series, “You Are Magical,” which introduces a new character (Starlight Blue) and expands upon some of the mysteries surrounding the MagnifiqueNOIR organization. There’s lots of great swag for backers, including stickers, buttons, postcards, and of course copies of the first and second books. I hope you’ll take the time to check out the Kickstarter, pass it along to your friends, and chip in some funding to this awesome series! There’s about a week left, and a little over 1/3 of the funding left to achieve (not including some amazing stretch goals!). With your help, the women of MagnifiqueNOIR will continue their magical journeys!

You Are Magical!

Categories
Conventions Special Features

Anime Central 2019 – “Made in Abyss: Wandering Twilight” Premiere

Note: this post contains spoilers for the film and the section of the TV series that the film adapts.

Friday evening at Anime Central featured the premiere of Made in Abyss: Wandering Twilight, the second of two films recapping the recent anime series. While I typically don’t go out of my way to watch recap movies for series I’ve already seen, because I enjoyed Made in Abyss so much and because the convention was hosting several staff members who were involved with the film, I thought it might be fun to see how the film differed from the TV version. The premiere was a “red carpet event,” with what I assume was an opportunity for individuals with press passes to interview said staff members. The long line of audience members was directed into the auditorium before any of that took place, however. I did scope out the area earlier in the day, and did my best to act like the movie star I was always meant to be (kidding).

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Conventions Special Features

Anime Central 2019 – “Revue Starlight” Panel

Position zero.

As I mentioned, one of my big motivations for attending ACen this year was the fact that staff members of Kinema Citrus and their related anime properties had been invited as guests of honor. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Revue Starlight; not only was I enthralled by its gorgeous animation and music, I loved its story and themes. However, I also have very little sense of how the series was perceived in the anime fandom at large. While I saw some reviews of the series here and there, aside from a couple of big examples, most of the blogs I regularly follow didn’t talk about it much, so I was mostly just thankful to have the opportunity at ACen to learn a bit more about an anime series I really enjoyed and be among similarly-minded fans.

Note: Except at very specific points during the presentation, photos weren’t allowed, so all but a few images are my own inclusions after-the-fact.

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