Fall 2010
Bakuman.
J.C.StaffAs a child, Moritaka Mashiro dreamt of becoming a mangaka, just like his childhood hero and uncle, Tarou Kawaguchi, creator of a popular gag manga. But when tragedy strikes, he gives up on his dream and spends his middle school days studying, aiming to become a salaryman instead.
One day, his classmate Akito Takagi, the school's top student and aspiring writer, notices the detailed drawings in Moritaka's notebook. Seeing the vast potential of his artistic talent, Akito approaches Moritaka, proposing that they become mangaka together. After much convincing, Moritaka realizes that if he is able to create a popular manga series, he may be able to get the girl he has a crush on, Miho Azuki, to take part in the anime adaptation as a voice actor. Thus the pair begins creating manga under the pen name Muto Ashirogi, hoping to become the greatest mangaka in Japan, the likes of which no one has ever seen.
Bakuman – a Tale of Manga, Dreams, and Love: The Anime Critic’s Review
Every once in a while, an anime series comes along that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of fantasy, action, and adventure to touch on something raw, real, and inspiring. One such series is the critically acclaimed Bakuman, based on the manga of the same name. Created by the brilliant minds behind Death Note, Tsugumi Ohba, and Takeshi Obata, Bakuman is a refreshing dive into the world of manga creation and the immense passion, hard work, and undeniable talent it involves.
Through 75 heartwarming episodes, the series follows Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi, two middle school students who dream of becoming successful manga artists. Fueled by their love for this form of art and driven by Mashiro’s love for Miho Azuki, an aspiring voice actress, these talented individuals set out to conquer the rough waters of the manga industry. This slice-of-life anime offers a strikingly realistic depiction of the manga creation process that any aspiring artist or anime enthusiast will surely resonate with.
Artwork, Animation, and Aesthetic Appeal
Bakuman’s breath-taking aesthetic appeal is undeniably one of its greatest strengths. Though it adopts a relatively simplistic animation style, every frame is filled with precise detail and atmospheric coloration. Scenes depicting everyday life are as beautifully executed as those illustrating the whirlwind experience of manga making; making Bakuman a treat for the eyes.
Character Development & Engagement
Another compelling aspect of Bakuman is its subtle but strong character development. Not just the protagonist, but even the secondary characters are fleshed out brilliantly – each with their unique strengths, flaws, and perspectives. The camaraderie and rivalry between the manga artists and the emotional depth of the romantic plot are sure to get viewers emotionally invested in the story.
Sound & Music
Let’s not forget about the impeccable sound effects and music! Bakuman sports a fantastic soundtrack that effectively encapsulates the series’ atmosphere. The opening and closing themes provide a perfect start and conclude to each episode, while the background scores blend seamlessly with every scene’s mood.
Final Thoughts
Bakuman is not just an anime; it’s an inspiring tale about following one’s dreams and passions regardless of the challenges that lie ahead. Its authenticity, depth of character, and engaging story make it a must-watch for any anime lover. It has a unique charm that holds its viewers tight, leading them to cheer, cry, and laugh along with the characters.
Whether you’re thinking of renting, buying, or streaming it, I can assure you that Bakuman is worth every penny and second invested. Despite being a slice-of-life series, the anime maintains a steady pace without any dull moments. It’s a brilliant depiction of the hard work behind manga creation, infused with a generous dose of humor and romance.
In Summary
In a nutshell, Bakuman is a fantastic anime series that excellently portrays the manga industry’s realities. Its heartfelt storyline, coupled with its beautiful art and soundtracks, makes it an anime streaming experience you wouldn’t want to miss. Give it a try! Bakuman’s world of dreams, passion, and love will undoubtedly leave you captivated.
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Kuragehime
Brain's BaseEver since her late mother took her to an aquarium when she was young, Tsukimi Kurashita has been obsessed with jellyfish, comparing their flowing tentacles to a princess's white dress. Now living with five other unemployed otaku women, 19-year-old Tsukimi spends her days as a social outcast dreaming of becoming an illustrator.
However, her life changes forever when one day, a beautiful woman unexpectedly helps her save a jellyfish in a local pet store. From then on, the stranger—confident, fashionable, and the complete opposite of Tsukimi and her roommates—begins to regularly visit the girls' building. This trendy hipster, though appearing shallow at first, harbors some secrets of her own, starting with the fact that "she" isn't really a girl at all, but a wealthy male college student named Kuranosuke Koibuchi!
Kuragehime – Princess Jellyfish Review
Kuragehime is a special blend of humor, friendship, and a little touch of chaos that takes you into the aquarium-like world of Tsukimi, an 18-year-old girl who has an uncanny obsession with jellyfish. Tsukimi resides within the heart of Tokyo, in a women-only apartment complex called Amamizukan. Dubbed the ‘Sisterhood,’ living in the complex are a group of socially inept girls, each with their unique obsessions, ranging from trains, Japanese dolls, and the Three Kingdoms.
When Tsukimi crosses paths with a stylish ‘princess,’ who later turns out to be a cross-dressing boy, their encounter leads to a series of colorful events that liven up Tsukimi’s life. However, the threat of their beloved Amamizukan being sold to developers hands the Sisterhood an unexpected quest – to protect their treasure from the trendy world beyond their walls.
The Heart of Kuragehime
Kuragehime carries a message about friendship, self-worth, and acceptance, packaged in a quirky and humorous wrapping. Also known as Princess Jellyfish, this anime masterfully weaves a narrative focused on characters whom society might deem as ‘weird’ or ‘odd,’ but at the end of the day, are just as human as any other person. It’s a heartwarming story about embracing your true self and finding your own worth. Each character, with their unique obsessions and personalities, gives depth to the storyline, making it a rich palette of diverse experiences.
Animation and Sound
From beautifully animated jellyfish dances to the highly detailed Japanese urban environment, the unique art style of Kuragehime is visually captivating and colorful. Coupled with an equally delightful melody that brings a stylistic grace to the show, viewers are treated to a feast for the eyes and ears.
Should you watch it?
The answer is an enthusiastic YES. If you’re looking for an anime that deviates from the usual tropes, offers relatable characters, delightful humor, and an overarching story about accepting who you are, Kuragehime is worth every minute. Whether you choose to stream, rent, or buy this anime, understand that Kuragehime isn’t about the wildest action scenes or dramatic romances; instead, it holds a mirror to life and reflects the beauty of being unique.
In conclusion, Kuragehime offers a charming world that mixes the life of the socially awkward with high fashion, creating a memorable viewer experience. If you want an anime that has a heart hidden within its quirky exterior, do not miss out on Kuragehime. Welcome to the aquarium, get ready to swim in a sea of laughter and tears!
FINAL SCORE: 8.5/10
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