Some of you might be aspiring to work in the anime industry, or simply have interest in the art. I myself love to draw (though I don't really have much time anymore nowadays) and if I could, I'd love to learn how to colour my works as well. Don't you always wish mangas had colour too? It'll definitely be livelier. (^o^)I was actually looking for some ideas to help me draw my own doujinshi when I stumbled across some colouring tips compiled by others (all hail Deviantart). They're very interesting and looks pretty simple to follow. But hey, I can't really be the judge of that since I've got zero Photoshop skills. You can check the tips out here and try them out for yourselves: Tetiel's Anime Eyes Tutorial gchanmaiden's anime eyes colouring Chibi Nakoruru Anime Eyes Tutorial In fact, I think I'll try it out for myself one of these days... I've finally got Adobe Creative Suite in my comp. When else to utilize it? *^^*
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I had a total Suzumiya Haruhi moment. ROFLI've been staying up until 7AM - 8AM every morning the past week to finish off my assignment papers and presentations. Now I'm suffering somewhat akin to jet lag. I can't sleep until the sun's risen. @_@So I've been keeping myself occupied reading mangas (now it crossed my mind I should have written some posts) and I've read so much there's practically nothing more to read. And the ones I liked, are still not completed projects. So while I've been biting my fingers eagerly for my favourite mangas to be updated, it suddenly dawned on me. Rather than wait, why not get things done?Unfortunately, I don't think my level of Japanese is enough to pass as a translator. Unless I wanna work on Google Translate which might not be so accurate anyway. But I'm sure I can be a hell of a proofreader. One of the fansub groups I tried visiting today does not have an opening for a proofreader. But it's okay, I'll continue looking around. In the meantime, I'll brush up on my Japanese so hopefully one day I can be a translator and fansub animes and mangas for you guys~ (^v^)V
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Nothing can get me excited like Cowboy Bebop - my all time favourite anime. Though it's supposed to be a movie, it's really just an extended episode from the TV series. Still, there's no denying that the TV series was excellent and you can't expect any less from Shinichiro Watanabe.Taking place somewhere between episode 22 and 23, Spike and his mismatched set of crew headed off to Mars to earn themselves a proper meal other than the cup ramens they've been living on. Faye was given the task to catch an underage hacker wanted by the authorities. During her pursuit, she found herself caught in midst of a bio-terrorist attack. A bounty of 300,000,000 wulongs, the highest bounty ever offered in the galaxy, was later promised by the authorities for anyone who catches the perpetrators.It was a great chance for the team, especially when they had the lead. They quickly set off to sniff out the attacker. However, the team quickly found themselves entangled in more danger than they bargained for. With the fate of the entire city, and possibly the human race, in their hands the team must play their cards well to stop the impending armageddon. This is totally an awesome movie to remind us of all the reasons why we love Cowboy Bebop so much. It's also good for those who have not watched the TV series and are wondering what the whole fuss is about. Let's start with music - two thumbs up. I love the jazzy feel, soothing yet catchy and somehow fits perfectly to the whole setting. Then we move on to the art - definitely no complaints there as well. As a matter of fact, the art of the movie is better than that of the TV series. You can see the improvisations here and there.Okay, character-wise, it was a little bit of a let down because I didn't see much of Jet, Faye and Ed. And I absolutely love Faye and adore Ed. However, Spike was at his best, and newcomer Electra is hot! I'm not crazy about the plot either, but it's not to say that it was bad. It's diverted from all that search of Julia, but it's still Cowboy Bebop-ish with the sporadic moments of laughter, exciting action sequences and awesome animation. Fans of Cowboy Bebop would still find it enjoyable, and those who have not watched Cowboy Bebop will definitely be tempted to start watching.Genre: Action, Sci-fi, AdventureRating: 9/10
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I kid you not. I actually received a hate mail. Well, the writer threw in some swear words, something about me being an otaku and not wanting to admit something, and that he has a video of me doing something bad and threatening to show it to my mom (as if my mom would give a damn)... Oh wait, it's a spam. But LOL! It did caught me off-guard when I read the first few lines before I actually opened up the email. Sorry if I scared you too. :D But heck, halfway through I was laughing out loud. The email really sounded contemptuous save the part of asking me to click the link to the video if I don't believe that he has 'proof'. And the part where there's replies by some unknown people, I didn't even realize it was sent to many! X_xThat was my first time receiving a hate mail. In fact, one that was directed to otakus. LOL I thought spam are usually about get-rich schemes and buying Vs... @_@
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Don't sit too close to your computer and make sure your room is well lit when you are reading Chika-Chin's Anime Mania! =^v^=Meet Hayate, one of the surviving species of really good men. He holds on firmly to the advice given by his own conjured Santa that people who doesn't work doesn't deserve to eat. But then, Santa is his only form of assurance in a life of misfortune, not only was he born into a poor family, his parents are completely delusional. Delusional enough to run off with their son's hard-earned money, causing him to lose his job and on top of that, leaving him with a debt higher than Mount Everest as a Christmas present.Thanks to his well-trained body due to working so much, Hayate manages to escape from the clutches of the loan sharks sent to take him away. Could it be a sign that God was helping him for him to meet the daughter of a rich family in the park on such a dreary cold night? Well, the angel said go for it! As Hayate formulates a brilliant kidnapping plan, two young guys attempted to hit on her. When one of them got too pushy, Hayate unconsciously came to the young lady's aid and gave him a good smack.Though it was a good deed, it totally ruined his plans to use her for ransom. But she offered him a deal for saving her life, which he immediately took up with an improvised plan - just ask her to go out and stay with him. No, he does not mean it that way, he just wanted her to stick to him while he calls her guardian for the ransom. LOL But look at the little lady misunderstanding his intentions. Ah, pure feelings of the young! >:DHowever, it was not meant for Hayate to be lucky in any sort of way. Not only did he blew up his plans by identifying himself to the girl's guardian, his last remaining money fell into the drain. A young lady bumped into him as he lied on the ground feeling miserable for himself. She borrowed him her muffler, and her act of kindness burned a new fire in him. Just then, they heard the little mistress scream and saw her being piled into a car. Now that's how you kidnap someone! :pHayate, the upholder of justice, of course did his best to save the little miss (putting aside the fact that he tried to kidnap her as well). He successfully put a stop to the kidnappers albeit ending up in a pool of blood and gore so bad the producer decides to censor it. :p Who knew his second act of bravery lands him a job as a butler for the Sanzenin mansion. Well, he did ask for a job and the little miss has definitely taken a liking to him after his blunt 'confession'...If you're looking for something quirky and humorous, this is definitely the anime for you. I watched this with my boyfriend, and we couldn't stop laughing right from the start - the snobbish girl trying to intimidate a malicious robot more than ten times her size, Hayate's blunder with the narration, the narrator himself - it was pure comic! The part where they censored Hayate on the ground bleeding was so unexpected it was hilarious! And what the hell was with that confession...? ROFLHayate is really cool - that is before his 'accidents'. The characters all seem really interesting. I love the art. Ok, it's not really all that great but it somehow feels right to the anime, get it? I don't rave too much about the music though... Maybe I just need it to grow on me more. Well, it's typical happy anime music anyway, so some of you might like it. But this is definitely an interesting watch, even the narration will crack you up!
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I'm writing this in agony, though it's not as bad as the past two days. I'm been a total handicap. I couldn't even stand, much less walk. So I've only been a crumpled ball on my fiance's bed, who's not much help in easing the pain. T_TWe finally went to a doctor when I could muster enough strength for a quick shower and that painful walk to the escalator and down from the apartment to the car. We went to a clinic I've been to once before, I assumed it was due to gastritis (that's practically the only reason I ever go to clinics). First thing doc said to me when I came in was, "have you done anything about your back?" I was so shocked, I was like how did you know??? Apparently the reason I saw him last was because of my stupid back.Turns out I didn't have food poisoning like what I assumed on my own. Instead, I had chemical poisoning (it happens when you eat preservatives or spices your tummy is not used to). Thank God for the drugs, helped me made it through my presentation in class later that night. And my lecturer was impressed... Though I did miss out a few things. :DSo the tummy's still not as good as it used to be. I've stuck myself to eating soft food (nothing fun) and the trips to the toilet ain't anything fun either. At least there's one lesson you can learn from here: be wary of the things you put in your mouth. (>_<)"
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Kiss/Hug is a short, 3-volume, shoujo manga series by Mitsuki Kako. The series which was serialized in Betsucomi in 2007 centers around the love story of Ryuu and Yukino. Yukino has a penchant for running away with her mouth. It can be a good thing, it can be a bad thing. It was the reason the hottie Ryuu was intrigued by her but it was also the reason Yukino landed into trouble with some delinquents at the Tanabata festival.Things took a twisted turn when Ryuu declares that he would make her his and ends up staying at her family's flower shop. Despite having zero experience in love, Yukino slowly warmed up to him and felt love blooming in her heart. But it was not long before she realized what a mismatched couple they were. She was just a simple high school student while Ryuu was a young business prodigy. The difference in their worlds continued to set them apart but true love was a strong bond not easily broken.First thing, I have to get this out of me: Ryuu-kun is sooo smoldering haaawwttt! *^^* Kiss/Hug is short, sweet and simple. I don't have a problem with it being short. As the focus was only on the problem of their differences and not 101 other things common to shoujo, it made the manga more real like. Of course there's exaggeration on the whole lifestyle part, but the feelings conveyed were something readers could relate to. The art is also very beautiful especially the scenes at Ryuu's private island. But I thought that the dress Yukino wore to the party with Ryuu did not match her character much. She should have opted for something more young, but then again, she had to match up the one of the world's business tycoons. The characters are all very lovable, the assertive Ryuu, the straight-forward Yukino, Ryuu's assistants, Yukino's mother and even her pets! So overall, it was a very lovely read. Totally made me sigh in the end... :DGenre: Drama, Romance, School Life, ShoujoRating: 9/10
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This was definitely something I needed to feed my hunger for more Sebastian and Ciel-kun~ \(^o^)/ Fan service! Fan service!Kuroshitsuji OVA has nothing to do with the first season of the anime, nor does it have anything to do with the second. It's an independent episode with a stand alone storyline set somewhere between the time line of the first season (before things started getting hot ^^). Here's a little summary of the special episode:The Phantomhive company is hosting a play for a children's charity. Of course something just had to go wrong... The ship which all the actors were on board had sunk and they can't make it for the play. But postponing the play would give a bad name to Phantomhive! What else would Ciel do? Leave it in the hands of his one hell of a butler to fix things up! :DWhat do you think Sebastian would do? He gathers everyone to make the play - including the unsuspecting master! ROFL So typical Sebastian to get to Ciel like that. Considering the total clash of personalities, it seems that getting the play together was not going to be an easy task. Everyone has their own opinion on how the play should be like.In the end, they managed to pull through a very screwed up Hamlet but it was all good since the kids totally loved it. Curtains down, they all deserved a standing ovation for their efforts. Oh, wait! There's going to be more? What is this? A sushi battle!?! ROFLI have to say, I had a darn good laugh. This OVA served well in curing some of the Kuroshitsuji lovesickness I've been having and making me anticipate for more of Sebastian and Ciel. Oh, I've missed those adorable Kuroshitsuji characters so much! I can't wait for both the other OVA and for Season 2. *drools* Ciel-kun, my love... >,<Rating: 10/10 (Hamlet disaster!!! LMAO)Omake ^_^Curry gives you energy to work!Sebastian can get very angry tooThe dog gets to stay home and watch the houseNori!!! LOLI kill you!The director gets a spot in the limelight as well?Ophelia we love you~
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A lot of the themes of anime out there today revolves around school life. Though generally the education system are the same between countries, there are significant differences. This week we will learn about the Japanese education system to give us a clearer idea of a Japanese student's quest in learning.From as early as three years old, little children are sent to kindergartens in their areas for early education. This might be due to working parents, and also the pressure on a Japanese student to excel in their studies. Students normally study in a school in their prefecture up to Junior High School. However, there is high competition between students to enroll in a good Senior High School as it is usual to have several Senior High Schools in the same prefecture. Over one-quarter of Senior High Schools are private, indicating the extent of the competition - parents are willing to pay substantial amounts for their children's education.The SchoolGakkou: School (General)Youchien/Hoikuen: Kindergarten/Pre-school (from age 3)Shougakkou: Elementary school/Primary school (from age 6 to 12)Cyuugakkou: Junior Highschool/Lower secondary school (from age 12 to 15)Koukou(Koutou-Gakkou): Senior Highschool/Upper secondary school (from age 16 to 18) - the peak of pressure for a Japanese student as entry to senior highschool is by an entrance exam.Daigaku: UniversitySenmon Gakkou: Special technical/vocational school - offer students the chance to combine Senior Highschool studies with a vocational subject such as motor mechanics, hairdressing, architecture and so on. These are generally four-year courses, and start after Junior High School.Daigakuin: Graduate school - Masters & Doctoral coursesJyoshikou: All girls' schoolJyoshidai: Girl's collegeDanshikou: All boys' schoolTandai: Junior college - in contrast to university education that put emphasis on scientific principles or theoretical research and education, junior colleges focus on education that allow students to learn skills useful to them after their graduation. Approximately one-third of the junior colleges are women's colleges where a majority of the courses offered are on humanities, home sciences, education and social sciences. Juku: Cram school - extra lessons to help push bright students further or help others to catch up to the crowd. The classes may run until late and a 12-hour day is not unusual for a Japanese highschool student (before homework)The StudentGakusei: StudentShougakusei: Elementary school/Primary school studentCyuugakusei: Junior Highschool/Lower Secondary School studentKoukousei: Senior Highschool/Upper Secondary School studentDaigakusei: University studentJyoshikousei: Highschool girlRonin: A student who failed the university entrance exam and is waiting for his/her next chanceDaburi: A student who's repeating a yearChuubou: A slang referring to Junior Highschool studentDoukyuusei: ClassmateJyoukyuusei: Upper-class studentKakyuusei: Student in a lower gradeTenkousei: transfer studentRyuugakusei: A student studying abroadSchool ActivitiesBukatsu: Club activityBushitsu: Clubhouse/roomTesto: Examination Kuizu: QuizCyuukan-Testo: Mid-term examKimatsu-Testo: Term-end examHosyuu: Supplementary lesson, an extra lectureHoukago: AfterschoolSaboru: Play truant from school, cut classes.
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I tell you... There's something really unnerving with Miharu's cat. Don't tell me Shiratama's actually someone in disguise?!?! (O.o)|||Thobari had sent his three students back home early although he himself had to stay back while he recuperates. He further instructs them to destroy all the Banten ninja books he had kept hidden in the school. Miharu's wounds had properly healed, however it seemed that he had lost his sight in his injured eye. As the other two worried about the location of the Banten's secret art, Miharu wondered if the Shinrabanshou had left his body.While they proceeded on their mission, they found out that Raimei's parents had passed away. She declares that she was a tengai kodoku (a person without family or friends) but Miharu and Aikawa reminded her of their friendship. Feeling uneasy, Raimei excuses herself. We see a flashback into Raimei's past, when she was first bestowed her katana by her mother. We then learn the true identity of the Shimizu samurai clan, whose purpose was to eliminate all those who seeked to misuse the Shirabanshou power. When Miharu got home, he was surprised to see Yamase-sensei waiting for him with an unusual request. He wished that Miharu uses the Shirabanshou power to help him correct his past and return to his family. When Miharu refuses, Yamase-sensei once again shows his aggressive streak and attacks Miharu. Miharu manages to escape, and Raimei and Aikawa turned up for the rescue.Before Aikawa could finish him off, Raimei stops him and interrogates Yamase-sensei regarding the whereabouts of her brother, Raikou. Raikou had disappeared to join the Kairoushuu after killing their whole family. Yamase-sensei did have some information to share, however it was only of the time when Raikou first appeared at Kairoushuu. Yamase-sensei took his chance to escape after leaving some nasty words for Miharu on how everyone around him, including his friends, were only using him because of the Shirabanshou. However Raimei reassures him that she would always be on his side, despite her quest for revenge.In the meantime, back at Fuuma's village, Koutarou has already gathered some data for their next move. I have to say, though I've liked Koutarou before this, after he showed his calculating side, I'm starting to dislike him. Fight him Thobari-sensei! Don't you dare lose!!! >.<" Argh, but I guess he can't stand up against the legendary Koutarou. Back at home, Aikawa and Raimei decides to stick close to Miharu in case of any more impeding danger. And guess who dropped by for an evening snack?OMG, it's been so long since the last episode review, I totally forgot what happened. But I have to say, this is the episode I've been waiting for~ The appearance of Raikou!!! Even from the opening video, the character that had always caught my attention the most had been that pink-haired bishie! I'm so glad we're gonna see more of him from now on. :D Feed my insatiable lust for bishies... *rubs hands*Raimei's past came somewhat as a shock to me. I totally didn't expect it. And I didn't expect that her reason for sticking close to Miharu was to get closer to the Kairoushuu and inherently, her traitor of a brother. It's getting really interesting now, and Yoite's appearance at the end really made my heart thump. Is Miharu going to be okay?
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