Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
In the kingdom of Fiore, the people of the land rely on the magic guilds that protect and defend their home. As for Lucy, she is set on becoming a famous wizard and the only way she can make it into the "Wizard Weekly" publication is to join a guild. Although she wasn't quite sure which guild to pick, she ultimately decided on Fairy Tail after she met Natsu and Happy. The moment she walked into Fairy Tail, she expected to see powerful and commanding wizards, but what she saw was quite the opposite: the wizards in Fairy Tail are literally a bunch of kids like her who are looking for acceptance and a family. Just like Lucy, everyone in the guild knows what its like to lose someone precious and, despite their faults and oddball tendencies, Lucy learns that Fairy Tail is literally the most powerful guild in the kingdom. Natsu (aka. Salamander) is a fire magic user, who was actually raised by a dragon, is one of the most powerful wizards of his age. Natsu's sidekick, Happy, is a super cute, blue cat who has the power to fly and has an obsession with fish. Gray is an ice magic user who is also quite powerful, but has a habit of losing his clothes. Erza Scarlet, the second in command, is the matriarch of the guild and is incredibly strong thanks to her armor magic. Fairy Tail is under the care of their master, Markarov, who they not only see as a mentor, but as a father figure. In this story arc, Lucy not only meets her new team mates, but she meets a unique group of people who would give their lives to protect her. For example, she meets Mira and Elfman (siblings who use magic to turn into animal like creatures), Cana (who uses card magic and has a drinking problem), Levy (who is part of the Shadow Group and can decode ancient texts), Loke (who uses ring magic and is a flirt), and many other interesting characters. Fairy Tail is a fun adventure where the purpose is to protect the innocent and one another at all costs.


Critical Evaluation:
Fairy Tail is such a blast! Not only is there a perfect mixture of humor, explosions, and fighting, there is a nice touch of drama and heartfelt moments. The main theme of this anime is that Fairy Tail is more than a guild: it's a family. In many ways, Fairy Tail is a sanctuary for those who need guidance, love, and support. Despite the rivalries, and the fighting, these wizards know the true meaning of friendship. Along with the story line, which isn't all that bad since most anime adaptations tend to stray away from the original story, the animation and graphics are spectacular! I just loved the intricate designs of the spell circles and loved seeing all the different colors. Granted, most of the female characters are pretty boob-a-licious (and there are quite a few hilarious naughty moments), this anime definitely appeals to the older, teen boy audience. However, teen girls will like it simply because Happy is just too cute for words! As for the English adaptation, viewers will continue to debate the original Japanese audio versus the English audio, but I am a believer in the talents of Funimation. As much as I love hearing the Japanese language, I can get burned out reading subtitles so I switch on the English dub. I usually enjoy hearing both Japanese and English versions because it's interesting to see how the different voices represent the characters. All in all, this series is a lot of fun and I am going to be adding this to my personal collection real soon!

Information about the Author & Director:
According to Wikipedia:

Hiro Mashima was born May 3, 1977 and is Japanese manga artist.His first success was the fantasy manga Rave, published by Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine, from 1999 to 2005. The series was later adapted into an anime. However, the anime adaption was cancelled before it could complete the series.

In 2003, he collected some of his one-shot titles in two volumes: Mashima-en Vol.1 & 2. Those stories include, among others, Cocona, "Xmas Hearts" and "Fairy Tail", a sort of prototype for his latest work.

In 2006, he began his best known and current ongoing series, another fantasy manga called Fairy Tail, serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine which has been adapted into an anime and has aired on TV Tokyo from October 2009 till March 2013. He also published the one-shot manga Monster Soul during the same year.
He was a notable guest at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con and at the 2011 New York Anime Festival. He was influenced by Akira Toriyama and Hayao Miyazaki. He has one daughter.

Shinji Isihihara is known for directing the following anime series:

• Log Horizon

• Fairy tail

• Air Gear

• Yes! Precure 5

• Koroshuya 1

Genre:
Teen Anime


Rating:
Ages 14 and up

Number of episodes:
12

Anime similar to Fairy Tail:

• DragonBall Z
• Soul Eater

Awards & Recognition:
From Wikipedia:

Fairy Tail won Animax Asia's "Anime of the Year" award in 2010. In 2012, the anime series won the "Meilleur Anime Japonais" (best Japanese anime) award and the best French dubbing award at the 19th Anime & Manga Grand Prix in Paris, France. In reviewing the first Funimation Entertainment DVD volume, Carlo Santos of Anime News Network praised the visuals, characters, and English voice acting, as well as the supporting characters for its comedic approach. However, Santos criticized both the anime's background music and CGI animation. In his review of the second volume, Santos also praised the development of "a more substantial storyline," but also criticized the inconsistent animation and original material not present in the manga. In  his review of the third volume, Santos praised the improvements of the story and animation, and said that the volume "finally shows the [anime] series living up to its potential.

Plot Summary:
After the demise of the Royal Family, Vetti Sforza has crowned himself Holy Emperor of the Galaxy, favoring nobility and oppressing the masses. Michel Volban, leader of the People's Army, have been waging battle against the empire in order to restore order in the Galaxy. However, Vetti cares little for the People's Army and is obsessed with beating Michel and will pull out all of the stops to get him. What was supposed to be an ambush and the downfall of Michel, he is saved by a glass ship bearing the royal symbol. Not only is this ship a one of a kind, it is powerful and able to crush its opposition thanks to the rag tag crew led by a mysterious man named Cleo who claims to have royal blood running through his veins. After rescuing Michel from disaster, he asks Cleo to join his cause and fight to free the galaxy; however, this royal heir is nothing but a pirate. After agreeing to return Michel to headquarters, the crew run into quite a few close calls with Vetti and they learn that Michel is not who he seems to be; Michel is in fact a woman who is posing as her brother in order to lead the People against Vetti. Although Cleo knew from the beginning that Michel is a woman, he didn't say anything, which later reveals that he has deep feelings for her. Meanwhile, Vetti is not only pursuing Michel, he is obsessed with Cleo after failing to defeat him in a showdown that revealed he is dying. In order to live forever, Vetti must fulfill an ancient prophecy that will not only ensure his immortality, but will give him a power like any other. Glass Fleet is a Sci- Fi adventure where secrets can destroy galaxies.

Critical Evaluation:
I will have to admit that I am absolutely in love with this anime because the art and the animation are absolutely spectacular. Rather then utilizing conventional illustrations, the character detail is spectacular and the fighting sequences are amazing. Although I was not expecting romance in this story, I was crushed that Michel and Cleo could not live happily every after. Although some critics have not given favorable reviews on the plot and writing, this story contains situations that are very deep and somewhat disturbing, which serves as a warning that this anime is not at all suitable for teens under 16. Vetti, the main villain, was molested by his adopted father and, after years of abuse, seduced his adopted mother to murder his mother. Vetti, like many victims of sexual abuse, will either succumb to the abuse or react. In his case, he plotted and murdered his way into power because if there is one thing he can control is his lust for power. I am not quite sure if Vetti is gay, but he is fixated mostly on males and his closest companion is a young boy named Ralph. However, there is an episode where he drugs Michel, or Racine Blanche, and overpowers her (he rapes her) and discards of her. Again, Vetti will do anything and everything to gain power, which contributes to the madness of his wife, Rachel, the daughter of the Pope. This is yet another complexity of the story, which may confuse viewers, but it's all part of a story that will make sense towards the end. Cleo, unlike Vetti, was raised by man who not only cared for him, but made him the impeccable warrior that he is. Cleo is definitely a mystery that no one really knows and then he met Michel. Little by little, he opens himself up to her and the times they spend together fortifies their bond. As for Michel, she is yet another complex character. She is not only an aristocrat, she has lived her life as her brother, who not only taught her to fight, but loved her unconditionally. Although she could have done the job just as well, as Racine, she feels guilty; as a woman she could not fight alongside her brother so his death has been haunting her. However, with Cleo, she not only begins to feel like herself, she falls in love as well. Cleo, who has always been a loner, finally learns that he can be loved and love in return. Although the romance is just one of the many facets of this story, it definitely has the ability to draw in both male and female crowds. The ending will definitely provide one hell of a plot twist, but it is worth the wait.


Information about the Author:
According to Wikipedia:

Mainly, Yonemura works on screenplays for anime. After having graduated from Tokyo Zokei University, he worked as a freelance writer in Arakawa and would attend various film festivals. Then, he studied with  and proceeded to win the Otomo Shoji Award seven times and became a screenwriter.

Okama (born May 25, 1974) is a Japanese manga artist and illustrator. He is known as the artist of Cloth Road as well as the original character designer for Himawari and Glass no Kantai. He was also involved in Gunbuster 2, most noticeably in the ending design.

Currently, Okama is involved in a multitude of works and projects, including the serialization of Cloth Road, association with several animation projects, illustration for various magazines, as well as minor dōjin activities. His most recent work was with the video game No More Heroes as costume designer and artist for the fictional anime 'Bizarre Jelly' featured in the game. Okama is also the illustrator of Vocaloid Nekomura Iroha. Okama also means a transvestite or homosexual. The artist's explanation for his name is that he always plays female characters in online games.

 Genre:
Teen Anime

Rating:
Ages 16 & up

Number of Episodes:
26 episodes

Anime Similar to Glass Fleet:

• Escaflowne
• Cowboy Bebop

Awards & Recognition:
From Wikipedia.com:
"In the end, Glass Fleet tends to suffer from having too many stupid people milling about in control of massive fleets, weapons and soldiers. At this point I'm tempted to believe those stupid people may be the creative staff as this is looking like the first stages of a serious train wreck." — Chris Beveridge, Mania.
 
"Glass Fleet is the anime fans of Last Exile have been waiting for. Suspenseful, fantastic animation, and a bevy of intriguing characters, this is an involving sci-fi drama series filled with action, mystery, and the thrilling journey of a young noble in search of justice." — Holly Ellingwood, activeAnime.

"Glass Fleet is off to quite a start. The show has great pacing and exhilarating inter-stellar battles. This volume ends on quite a cliffhanger, and one would hope that Cleo will figure out Michel's secret sooner or later." — Jeffrey Harris, IGN.

"Gonzo and co-producer Satelight have a great-looking piece of work here, but the story lacks a consistent tone and tries to do (and be) too many different things. The first volume shows potential but has yet to realize it." — Theron Martin, Anime News Network.

 "If you like politically charged sci-fi on an epic scale—along with sassy teen pilots in slinky lingerie, boozing pirates sporting eyepatches and a strong undercurrent of swirling ambisexual possibilities—Glass Fleet is definitely your show." — Jack Wiedrick, Newtype USA.

Plot Summary:
Balsa is a great warrior whose mission in life is to save eight souls by working as a bodyguard. One day, as she passes through a new country, she ends up saving the life of the second Prince, Chagum. What looked like an accident, Balsa learns from Chagum's mother, the Second Queen, that the Mikado (Chagum's father)  is trying to kill his own son. The reason why the Mikado is doing this is because Chagum has been possessed by a water demon that could plague the land with a deadly drought. In order to save the people, Chagum must die. However, unwilling to sacrifice her son, the Second Queen asks Balsa to be the Chagum's guardian for the rest of his life. Although Balsa initially declines, she sees the Queen's desperation and reluctantly accepts her offer. After all, if she protects Chagum, he will be the eight soul to complete her mission. When Balsa and Chagum make their escape, they are hunted by elite warriors called "The Hunters" whose sole purpose is to retrieve the Prince and bring him back. While the entire kingdom mourns the death of the Prince, the head tutor, a star reader named Shuga,and the head star reader, are not convinced that murdering the boy is the right solution so they set out to find an alternative by researching a hidden text that reveals the legend that founded the kingdom. As time goes by, Chagum learns the life of a commoner, which is not only hard work, but enlightening and invigorating. Furthermore, he is making life long friends, which is something he has never had before. What Balsa did not count on is that she is slowly starting to care for this young boy, which forces her to reminisce about her own past and the man who raised her. As the story shifts from the past and present, Chagum learns about his destiny and Balsa faces the ultimate challenge of her life.
   

Critical Evaluation:
Moribito is a visually-stunning piece of work. I was completely blown away by the landscapes, the colors, and the use of technology. There were many times that I wish I could walk through my television so I could be a part of the city and the country. I have yet to read the manga, but I now I can't wait because the story is just absolutely beautiful. In many ways, I can relate to Balsa who is not only my age, but she is a strong, independent, and powerful woman who is willing to lay her life down for a complete stranger. The relationship between Balsa and Chagum is absolutely inspiring because although Chagum is not Balsa's child, she immediately accepts and treats him like he is her own. I truly believe that the nature of women is wonderfully portrayed because not only is Chagum an innocent child surrounded by treachery, he is in the exact same position she was fifteen years ago. Viewers will eventually learn about Balsa's past, which not only conveys why she took this mission, but how she will never, ever abandon Chagum. The action is amazing because it is not every day one sees the hero wielding a spear. I believe one of the warriors called the spear a weapon of a footman, which doesn't require skillful repairs; therefore, proving how formidable Balsa is. I also appreciate the fact that she is in appropriate attire for a warrior since other animes/manga tend to put their female characters in short skirts or wearing hardly any clothing at all. Balsa is beautiful, but, besides her pretty face, its her heart that makes he gorgeous.


Information about the Producer:
According to Wikipedia:

Kenji Kamiyama  was born on March 20, 1966 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, is a Japanese anime director. He has worked regularly with the anime studio and production enterprise, Production I.G, such as his work on Jin-Roh, Patlabor, Blood: The Last Vampire, and for whom he has directed the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex anime television series, which was followed on into a second season, Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG and a TV movie, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society.

After working as a background artist for productions such as Akira and Kiki's Delivery Service, he joined Team Oshii at Production I.G, contributing the screenplay of Blood: The Last Vampire and working as animation director for Jin-Roh. In 2002 he made his directorial debut with MiniPato, followed by Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG. In 2007, after almost six years of work on the Stand Alone Complex world, he directed the TV series Guardian of the Sacred Spirit and Eden of the East.

Genre:
Teen Anime

Rating:
TV-14

Number of Episodes:
26


Anime Similar to Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit:

• Nabari No Ou
• Mushi Shi
  

Plot Summary:
In this alternate reality, Spike Spiegel is not the typical cowboy. In fact, he is actually a bounty hunter who spends most of his time tracking down crooks to earn a few bucks. Along with his partner, Jett Black, a former police officer, they fly through the galaxy on the Cowboy Bebop looking for their next big hit. However, Spike's past has resurfaced, especially when he hears Julia and Vicious have returned. Just when things could not get anymore complicated, he involuntarily recruits three more members of the team named Faye, Ed, and a bionic dog named Ein. The series reveals a lot about the characters and who they used to be with humor,tragedy, and lots of random coincidences. 

Critical Evaluation:
Cowboy Bebop is an anime legend that everyone needs to watch sometime in their life. Not only is it visually stunning, but the music (created by the famous Yoko Kanno) sets the tone of this series, especially the ending theme. Shinichiro Watanabe does an amazing job with the art direction and the computer animation is incredibly revolutionary given the fact that this series is at least fourteen years old. The story, as complex as it is, is woven together beautifully where viewers not only get to know the characters, but will be emotionally attached to them until the very end. Unfortunately, this is one story that does not have the ending we all wish, but that is what makes it memorable.

Information about the Director:
Shinichiro Watanabe was born May 24, 1965 in Kyoto, Japan. Watanabe currently works as an anime film writer, screenwriter, producer, and is well known for his two hit shows: Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. According to Wikipedia: "Watanabe is noted for blending together multiple genres in his anime. For example, in Cowboy Bebop, classic cowboy western mixes with 1940s/1950s New York City film noir, Jazz music and Hong Kong action movies, all while being set in space. In his later work, Samurai Champloo, Watanabe mixes the cultures of Okinawa, hip-hop, modern-day Japan, and Chanbara" (para.2).

Watanabe has had a successful career where he has worked on over twenty-five projects and continues to be one of the top anime directors who not only brings something new to the genre, but products that are unique and memorable. When asked what he hated about his job, in a 2005 NewType article, "It actually kind of sucks having to be a director. Once you do it, you discover how hard it really is. This is no kind of a job for a human being, let me tell you. I think I ought to quit, but I can't really do anything else!" (para. 1).

Genre:

Teen Anime 


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 11 & up  

Number of Episodes:
26

Series Similar to Cowboy Bebop:

• Outlaw Star
• Trigun
• Samurai Champloo

Awards & Recognition:
Keanu Reeves is currently in the process of bringing this anime to the live-action screen so fans will be anticipating the release of the movie. 

Plot Summary:
Haruhi Fujioka does not look, or act like, most of the students at Ouran High School Academy. In fact, she isn't fashionable, looks like a boy, and is dirt poor. Although Ouran High School is one of the best schools to get into, it is also home to way too many rich kids how have nothing better than just look pretty and have fun. One day, Haruhi's luck takes a turn for the worse when she stumbles upon the Ouran High School Host Club and breaks a vase worth millions of yen. In order to pay for the broken items, she is now the newest member of the Host Club even though she is a girl! This series is full of surprises, award moments, and loads of comedy.

Critical Evaluation:
This series is just delightful and hilarious that teens, guys and girls, will have a great time watching. Unfortunately, the manga series is still being published so viewers will only get half of the story. However, those who haven't read the manga will want to after witnessing the antics of six gorgeous, goofy guys and one girl who has an amazing effect on them despite the fact she thinks they are all idiots. The greatest aspect of this anime is the dubbing. Most dubbing isn't all that great since the English voice-overs do not always match the look of the character. However, Funimation hired the right people, especially Tamaki and Haruhi (the main characters). The story is just absolutely amazing where a group of sheltered rich kids get to know someone who lives modestly; more importantly, Haruhi makes them feel comfortable in their own skin, especially the Hitachin (Karou and Jikaru) and that everyone deserves to be happy and loved.

Information about the Author of Ouran High School Host Club:
Ouran High School Host Club was written by Bisco Hatori who was born on August 30, 1975 in Saitama, Japan. According to Wikipedia, Hatori's "debut was A Moment of Romance in LaLa DX. Her first series was Millennium Snow, which was put on hiatus because of her other manga, the comedy Ouran High School Host Club, is her breakout hit. It placed in the 50 top-selling manga in Japan for both 2008 and 2009. According to an interview with Shojo Beat when she has ahard time selecting names for her chracters, she listens to loud, upbeat music" (para.1). Ouran High School Host Club was completed in 2010 and readers all over the country are eager to get their hand on these titles. Currently, the Alhambra Civic Center Library owns fifteen volumes and in the process of ordering the rest of the series by next fiscal year. Lastly, Bisco Hatori is actually a pseudonym and I can't wait to find out what her real name is! 


Genre:
Teen Anime 
 
Reading Level/Interest:
Teens 13& up


Anime Similar to Ouran High School Host Club:

• Romeo X Juliet
• Fruits Basket

Awards & Recognition:
N/A

Plot Summary:
Based on the popular Shojo Manga, Miyazaki has brought Natsuki Takaya's beloved story to life. Tohru Honda has never had it really easy. She lost her father when she was just an infant and her mother was killed in a car accident a year ago. She currently lives with her grandfather, who is the middle of remodeling their home, so Tohru has taken it upon herself to live in a tent to spare her grandfather any hardship. However, none of her family, or friends, know that she is "camping out" until Yuki Sohma, the most popular guy in school, discovers her secret (she is living on Sohma land). When things could not get worse, Tohru's tent is later swallowed up by a landslide and finds herself the newest resident of the Sohma house (she is the live in housekeeper). Things seems to be working out well for Tohru and Yuki, until she meets Kyo (Yuki's cousin) who not only barges in, but Thoru runs into him turning him into a cat. What she doesn't realize is this family has a dark secret--whenever a member of the opposite touches them they turn into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. 

Critical Evaluation:
After reading the entire manga, I must say that this series is just wonderful. The only problem with the anime is that it only cover about the first 15 volumes of the manga, which is due to the fact that the series was released before Takaya finished the series. However, despite the fact viewers don't get the full story, it is spot on with the series, which makes the viewers want to read the entire manga. The English and Japanese cast are both wonderfully done (translations are pretty good). Although this series is aimed at teenage girls, boys will enjoy the anime since the tumultuous relationship between Yuki and Kyo is rather entertaining. Moreover, the simplistic drawings and dialogue not only capture viewers hearts,. but provide an exceptional example of kindness, love, and empathy.  

Information about the Author/Director:
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information on Nagisa Miyazaki; however, she has had an extensive career working an a director, animator, and writer. According to IMDB.com, she has been involved in nineteen anime television series and uses an alternate name, Haruka Ninomiya, for other series. 

Genre:
Teen Anime

Curriculum Tie-In's:
N/A


Reading Level/Interest:
Teens 13 & up


Challenge Issues:
N/A


Series Similar to Fruits Basket:

• Honey and Clover
• Rumbling Hearts

Awards & Recognition:
N/A

Plot Summary:Dante is not the traditional hero. In fact, he's lazy, messy, and is up to his ears in debt. However, his line of work is anything but boring. Dante is an honest-to-goodness demon hunter. Armed with every weapon imaginable, Dante takes on these tasks, no matter how dangerous they may be to make end's meet. Life for him is pretty dismal until a little girl named Patty comes into his life. Not only does she nag him, but she actually cleans up after him. Patty's mysterious appearance was not at all coincidental; she actually came to the Devil May Cry Angel Agency to hire Dante for a job. At the core of this story is Dante's past; he has issues with a woman clad in Black leather who resembles someone very near and dear to him. Furthermore, there is another woman called "Lady" who finds odd jobs for Dante's and sometimes assists him. Devil May Cry is not for the faint of heart, but it's full of action, monsters, and humor.  

Critical Evaluation:
Devil May Cry is definitely not a family film. This anime series is gritty, violent, and Dante is more, or less, an antihero that viewers will love and hate. This anime is actually based on a PlayStation 2 video game and has received mixed reviews. However, this anime is actually incredibly entertaining with the modern animation and a soundtrack viewers will want to listen to over and over. In regards to the characters, the only one who has the most development, and history, is Dante himself. Although he is lazy, eats way to much pizza, and is a complete slob, there is something mysterious and endearing about him. Moreover, viewers will be fascinated with his fighting skills and abilities since his own strength matches that of all powerful demons; we all learn later on that he is part-human and part-demon. His relationship with Patty is highly entertaining, but it develops beautifully, especially when Dante is consumed by his demon-side and the only one who can save him is Patty.   
 
Information about the Author:
Devil May Cry is actually based on a video game created by Capcom; however, the game, itself was created by Shinji Mikami. Mikami was born on August 11, 1965 and graduated from the Faculty of Commerce at Doshisha University in 1990. He has been a part of many gaming projects such as the the ever popular Super Nintendo games Aladdin and the Goof Troop. He would later earn his fame for conceptualizing the Resident Evil games, including the third-person shooting game (i.e., Resident Evil IV).Mikami has done a lot in his time for gaming and has plenty of managerial and directorial experience (he was appointed manager at the Capcom 4 studio and he went on to create Capcom 5 and Resident Evil 4:

Resident Evil 4 is regarded as one of the most influential games of the 2000s decade, due to its influence in redefining at least two video game genres: the survival horror and the third-person shooter. Resident Evil 4 attempted to redefine the survival horror genre by emphasizing reflexes and precision aiming, thus broadening the gameplay of the series with elements from the wider action game genre. It helped redefine the third-person shooter genre by introducing a "reliance on offset camera angles that fail to obscure the action" (para 12).

Genre:
Teen Anime

Reading Level/Interest:TV-MA


Books/Movies Similar to Devil May Cry:

• Cowboy Bebop
• Vampire Hunter D

Awards & Recognition:
N/A


References:
Hideki Kamiya. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved March 26, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hideki_Kamiya

Shinji Mikami. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved March 26, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinji_Mikami