Takagamahara Chapters 1-8

Takagamahara Chapters 1-8, Story and Art by Jyuuzou Kawai

Yamato Yamada has a dream: to become a published comic artist. His ambitions will have to bare are placed on hold, however, one day  when he beats the local gang leader with his previously non-existent super strength. What is the source of Yamato’s newly awakened powers?

Serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump comic anthology in Japan and in North America in Viz Media’s Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha Takagamahara is simultaneously campy fun and largely unspectacular. The series seems to be a homage to American superhero comics which in itself is at least worth trying the series out. On the other hand the series is not without it’s issues.

The protagonist is generic incarnate both visually and personality wise and the cast in general is largely uninteresting. There is also an incredibly bizarre Hulk imitation as the antagonist in one story arc. Yet all-in-all the series is fun. The concept is original though I don’t see much in the way of a plot developing but the fight scenes are blood-pumping and the art quickly started to grow on me. In the end, I suppose, Takagamahara is a guilty pleasure type of series. It may not be a masterpiece but it sure is a heck of a lot of fun!

Takagamahara is presently only available through Viz Media’s digital only Weekly Shonen Jump anthology in North America. 

Big Windup! Season 1

Big Windup! Season 1 Directed by Tsutomu Mizushima, Produced by A-1 Pictures

Having transferred schools, Mihashi promptly sets out to become part of his new school’s newly formed baseball team. Quickly, he catches the eye of the team’s catcher Abe. However, while Abe feels Mihashi has potential to become a great pitcherhe must first deal with Mihashi’s personality and mysterious past. Will he succeed or fail?

This show lives and dies with the viewer’s passion for baseball. It you’re passionate about it and love the idea of it being combined with the medium of animation you might enjoy this show. If, however, you are like me and are completely disinterested in baseball this show will do little to change that. Big Windup! adapts Asa Higuchi’s sports comic of the same name which ran in Kodansha’s Afternoon comic anthology in Japan.

To the show’s credit it has a very organic feel to it from the ways the characters think and act to the colour palette used. That being said the baseball games themselves drag on for ungodly long periods of time. The second (and final) game is the worst offender spanning eleven episodes of the 26 episode first season. Even the first game feels slightly too dragged out at five episodes. The amount of detail the series goes into for both games is nigh maddening. In the second game it goes so far as to practically give the thoughts behind all the involved players of a certain action at any point in time.

The series main problem however is its own protagonist. Mihashi is grating on the nerves (and the ears) of those around him and the viewer. While he makes for an interesting character his introverted personality results in his many, many inner monologues grating on the viewer. It is also difficult to identify oneself with a character  whose so erratic.

If the series had been edited to roughly half its run time and the viewer was allowed to infer more this rather than each detail being so thoroughly explained this may have been a truly great show. However, while the title succeeded well enough in Japan to warrant a second season in North America Funimation (the company which dubbed and distributed the title in the United States and Canada) publicly announced it sold poorly for them that they would not release anymore of the series or any other titles in its genre.

Big Windup! is available digitally and on home video in North America from Funimation.

Jormungand vol. 2 & 3

Jormungand vol. 2 & 3, Story and Art by Keitaro Takahashi

Jonah, Koko, and the rest of the crew’s exploits continue. Get ready for one bullet crazy adventure! One question remains however: Will our heroes survive?

It speaks volumes about a series when one of the most memorable things in a book is the one character’s-lack-of-underwear subplot which is played straight. The only other notable area in these books is Jonah’s long overdue backstory which appears in the third volume. Jormungand remains by-and-large a forgettable title.

Those in search of adrenaline filled titles will be satisfied but anyone looking for substance of any kind really will be sorely disappointed. Even the adrenaline moments feel meaningless because there is practically zero emotional attachment to the characters. One point in this series favour, though,  is how stylish it is but even that will not be enough to keep readers interested.

Jormungand is available in print format from Viz Media.

Oreimo episodes 1-12

Oreimo episodes 1-12 Directed by Hiroyuki Kanbe, Produced by AIC Build

Kyousuke was living a relatively ordinary life. That is until the day he discovers one of his sister’s, Kirino’s, deepest secrets… Will Kyousuke be able to keep Kirino’s secret double life as an otaku from others?

An adaptation of a light novel (the closest western equivalent I can think of to light novels is YA Novels) by Tsukasa Fushimi. Oreimo is easily one of the most accessible titles I’ve seen when it comes to animation geared towards Otaku. The fan service is kept to a minimum and the characters are on some level relatable.

The title also has a much more organic feel than most titles in the genre which typically trend towards being ludicrously over the top. The title is also gorgeous visually as well complete with visually appeasing character designs and fluid animation. The more I watched the more apparent it became that much care and attention went into creating this title.

Oreimo is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Crackle, the title is available on home video from Aniplex USA

Jormungand vol. 1

Jormungand vol. 1 Story and Art by Keitaro Takahashi

 Koko, a weapon’s merchant, hires former child soldier Jonah as part of her crew. Many adventures await for the pair as well as the rest of Koko’s crew. An adrenaline-pumping journey in which gunshots and explosions are abounded begins!

Serialized in Monthly Sunday Gene-X, Jormungand is brimming to the seams with action. However even those who enjoy titles in a similar vein of Hollywood action titles will not be pleased. The reader is given little reason to care for these characters who seem perfectly fine (or in some cases glee in) killing. Thus far the majority of the cast seems underdeveloped.

The result is a title in which the explosions have no meaning. There’s literally zero tension and the reader has zero reason to care whether the characters live or die. Jormungand has one bright side however and that is in the slick artwork and action scenes which for now is enough to keep me reading.

Jormungand is available in print format from Viz Media.

Inu Boku Secret Service episodes 1-12

Inu Boku Secret Service episodes 1-12  Directed by Naokatsu Suda, Produced by David Production 

Ririchyo has always had difficulties becoming closer to those around her, a problem due in no small part to the cruel words she says. However these words are often the farthest thing from how she truly feels. A mysterious man named Soshi appears and proclaims himself as her dog who sees through her façade. Can Soshi bring out Ririchiyo’s true self?

Animated in Japan, Inu Boku is, if nothing else, easy on the eyes. The character designs are appealing for both male and female characters. The story is at it’s best when focusing on Ririchiyo’s internal conflicts which are fascinating on their own.

The rest of the cast however, feels largely like one note gags for most of the series run and the humour often falls flat. Super deformed art is used far too often though it can be amusing at times. For most of the show’s run the plot meanders this changes in the last few episodes but by this point the audience has long stopped caring. All in all Inu Boku Secret Service is dull and forgettable. Skip it.

Rating: 5.5/10

Inu Boku Secret Sevice is streaming on Crunchyroll and The Anime Network with a home video release scheduled for release by Sentai Filmworks in North America. 

Nonnonba

Nonnonba Story and Art by Shigeru Mizuki
Shige spends his days playing soldier and with his brothers. Though his world may be constantly changing, however, there is always one constant: the titular Nonnonba and her tales of the yokai. Experience a world of magic and wonder!
Shigeru Mizuki’s tale is, if nothing else, fascinating seamlessly blurring the line between fantasy  and reality. Mizuki details his childhood in this sophisticated comic. While the protagonist is a child this is something recommended for a more mature audience due both tone and subject matter.
The story’s primary focus is on the drama within Mizuki’s family as well as the characters he meets.  Mizuki’s artwork is distinct and memorable as are the characters. Accompanying the story is an article and notes providing information on Japanese culture to those unfamiliar as well as an article. All-in-all it is clear that much effort was put into the release of Nonnonba and it is quite clear why. This is easily a title worth recommending
Nonnonba is available in print in North America from Drawn & Quarterly.