Title: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Rating:
Episodes: 2 Seasons, 25 episodes each
Torrent: [gg] Code Geass – Lelouch of the Rebellion Season 1.torrent
[Eclipse] Code Geass – Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (XviD).torrent

The Gist of It
What do you get when you cross Lelouch, good-looking bishounen (reminiscent of Tsubasa Chronicles’ Vampire Twins. Mmm!) with the wit and cunning of Kira from Death Note, in a world ravaged by mechs and torn apart by war and ideals, like Gundam SEED?

I’ll tell you what you DON’T get:
- singing the ol’ hackneyed, “Why can’t we be friends?” song
- indecisive sissies who cause millions of deaths due to their hesitation
- constant swapping of girlfriends
- lame personas
- random nudity for the sake of being… philosophical?
- a crazy, crazy, evil protagonist you’re not sure you approve of
- lots of questions without answers

Which, let’s face it, those were the qualities that drove you nuts about afore said anime. Instead, you’re confronted with a protagonist who lies, cheats, and manipulates in the name of a greater good with the audactiy and charisma of Death Note’s Kira. His special power? A geass which allows him to force complete obedience on anyone upon eye contact. Of course there are rules and restrictions, and this is where the cunning abounds. Despite his ulterior motives, do the ends justify the means? As doors close on each opportunity, options become narrowed and Lelouch, a brilliant strategist, concludes there is only one road left to him if he really wants world peace.

Due to the length, and Japanesey sub-themes, I’d probably only recommend it to my fellow anime junkies. There are two seasons, and you need to watch both or the whole thing is moot. Let’s just say I thuroughly enjoyed it (Finished 50 episodes in 4 days!). It caught my eye as it climed the Top 50 Anime chart on ANN, and Eli furthered it with his recommendations. It’s now #2. Number-freaking-two. That should say something. =)

GAR star for Eli!

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6704

Just started. This better not turn into another Gundam SEED childhood friend parts ways feud. Although I admit, Lelouch’s bad boy attitude is quite refreshing compared to the Gundam sissies. He might save the whole thing for me. Yummy.

Detective Conan
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=454

Will this anime EVER end? I am on episode 514 already! But who doesn’t love a high school detective trapped in his kid body. These mystery writers certainly know how to be prolific. Good thing too, cause I’m always game for more puzzles to solve. I’m totally jazzed about Movie 12 being subbed soon.

Nodame Cantabile: Pari-hen
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9859

Sorry Grace, I just had to preview episode 1. And what an AWESOME start to a new season. I can’t wait. This is the Paris chapter of Nodame Cantabile. Chiaki is still the hot tsundere, and Nodame is still… Nodame. Just toss them in France and watch the world’s reaction. If I could have any alternate personality, I think I should rather enjoy being Nodame.

xxxHOLiC: Kei
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=8551

Just finished. More xxxHOLiC goodness. Clamp always had a nice style to their work that I never got tired of. This is a sequel to the xxxHOLiC series, and I was glad to see questions were answered, and Watanuki grows up a bit.

Ah yes! The lovely Audrey Hepburn. Why on earth do they have her on Gap commercials. I don’t approve! She’s too cute for the current Gap…

I’ve had time lately so the random updates ensue. Including music. Have a listen:

	Hyolee – Straight Up For variety, I’ll throw in some hip-hop. Straight up from Hyolee’s Dark Angel album. Not a big fan of her voice but its cute and catchy, and she moves well. Mmm-mm.
	Suneohair – PINTO Much love for Suneohair! Most will recognize them from Honey & Clover endings. One of many songs I like by them.

Question: Is there a 5-second rule for cigaretts? Cause I totally saw this guy drop his cigarette and put it back in his mouth. Any smokers out there?

That was random. I must go study now. Enjoy the music.

Title: Ouran High School Host Club (桜蘭高校ホスト部)
Rating:
Episodes: 26
Torrent: [Lunar]_Ouran_High_School_Host_Club

Summary:
Haruhi Fujioka is a poor student attending the super poshe Ouran High School on a special scholarship. While looking for a quiet place to study, she stumbles upon the Host Club, a group of pretty boys entertaining girls after school and making profit off them. (male geisha anyone?) Because of her make-shift uniform, she’s mistaken as a guy. She accidently breaks an expensive vase, and ends up working for the club in order to pay it off. Naturally they realize she’s a girl before long but she decides to play along with the club anyway in order to pay back the vase. A romantic comedy and slice of life anime where Haruhi learns, through her interactions with the Host Club, that there’s more to school life than studying.

Thoughts:
Putting the geisha analogy aside, this is by far the most entertaining series I’ve seen this year. I like it so much, I’m reviewing it before it’s even done. Although the best tip off that this anime should be good, is the fact that Sakamoto Maaya is in it. I wish I could give a comparison anime, but I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Initially the slight yaoi-ness was a little unsettling but I think they played it off very well–mostly because they acknowledge in the anime itself how ridiculous it is. It’s a reverse harem anime (one girl with a bunch of guys), but there’s no ecchi, or ridiculous fanservice. It’s pure comedy. Just one episode should give you a good sample of the anime, so give it a try. If you do decide to finish the series, you’re in for a treat. The humor just gets better and better and there’s not a dull moment (except perhaps eps13…). Lunar’s subs are the best, but they seem to be slacking so don’t hurry through them too fast if you don’t like to wait.

Screenshots:

Just watched the movie, Origin ~Spirits of the Past~ (銀色の髪のアギト). Not bad, but it’s not as cool as its ending theme song by KOKIA. Have a listen.

KOKIA – Ai no Melody Awesome song from the movie, Gin-iro no kami no Agito. A must listen!

Oh yes. Music on my site. I’ve been updating my wordpress and checking out plugins and whatnot, so I thought I’d add a nifty little player to play whatever I’ve been listening to. If you ever hear anything you like, let me know and I’ll send you the not so compressed version.

	Shimokawa Mikuni – All the Way OP to Kino’s Journey. Very cute song with some cool piano towards the beginning.
	Sakamoto Maaya – Pepper Strech Very cool instrumental song from her 23ji no Ongaku (Music for the 23rd Hour) album with Yoko Kanno. It’s very Kanno-esque and very cool.
	Suga Shikao – August Serenade I think this is from the xxxHOLiC movie. The title is very fitting, it really does sound like an August Serenade.
	Ally Kerr – The Sore Feet Song OP to Mushishi. Yes, it’s in english. Very relaxing and calming. The lyrics however, are rather extreem and don’t match if you listen carefully. Quite amusing.
	Rie Tanaka – Fields of Hope Insert song from Gundam SEED Destiny. Very pretty, and I love her voice. Kim calls it Japanese Enya. I see where she’s getting it.