Anime Review: Toshokan Sensou

Toshokan Sensou
図書館戦争
Library War

Plot Summary:

The explosion of information and misinformation came to be considered a direct threat to society. In a daring decision, it was decided to create a new government agency dedicated solely to information management.

Thirty years later, in 2019, the government still monitors and controls information, suppressing anything they find undesirable, but standing against their abuses of power are the libraries, with their special agents called ‘Kyoto Library Force’.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Military, Romance

Age Rating: Everyone

No. of Episodes: 12 episodes

Story

I was surprised that even libraries can also have wars. Well, according to our common sense, both library and war doesn’t get related often, somehow this anime is putting this 2 words together.

Although this anime might sounds odd… How would there be a military to protect books… but, it is a very nice and complete story.

Overall, the storyline is pretty well done. It has humourous moments and tense moments. I enjoyed this story very much

I’ll have it rated: 35/40

Animation

Studio: Production I.G.

Year: 2008

Type: Series

“Toshokan Sensou” was my first anime from this company, Production I.G. I was pleasantly surprised that the quality of this anime to be so great.

The first episode of this anime made me say:”WOW”.. I was stunned by the gorgeous details presenting on my screen. Even small details are nicely done and the combat scene is awesome. All hail HD…

or perhaps this is normal for 2008? but I’m still appreciate that I get to watch such wonderful animated anime.

I’ll have it rated: 28/30

Audio

Music Production:

1. EMI Music Production (?)

Opening Theme(s):

1. “Atashi no Machi, Ashita no Machi” by Takahashi Hitomi

Ending Theme(s):

1. “changes” by Base Ball Bear

Insert Theme(s):

1. n/a

I like the opening song of this anime. The animation for the song is very well done. The song fits in perfectly in tune and emotionally(?)…

The ending song has catchy tunes and everytime I would enjoy myself watching/listening to the ending credits.

Erm… regarding the soundtracks of the series… ehem… I didn’t pay much attention on them cause they didn’t stand out much…

I’ll have it rated: 17/20

Personal Rating

This is a unique anime. If you’re looking for something different/unique or any beautifully animated anime series, I would recommend this anime.

9/10

OVERALL POINTS

35 + 28 + 17 + 9 = 89points

89points, EXCELLENT anime [31/10/2008]

More Anime Reviews and Rating – Click HERE

How I Rate Anime – Click HERE

Anime Sales – Click HERE

Several Updates for Anime Review

Here’s an announcement regarding my anime reviews,

After writing reviews for a couple months, I’ve decided to do some minor changes on the point calculation part.

1. Instead of dividing the total points, I’m going to use the total points straightly.
Example: 35+25+15+8 = 83 points divide by 10

2. Therefore, my point calculation would be from 0 – 100points.

3. I’ve already update the points of the old reviews.

4. There may be some changes in the points of my old reviews as I may do some re-mark.

5. johndiew0107.wordpress.com won’t held any responsible for any damage to your PC/health because of reading the reviews.

Computer Addiction

was reading some articles about computers… and accidentally bump into an article about computer addiction…

yeap, computers can provide lots of entertainment and enjoyment… most of my friends have a computer and internet connection at their home.. and most of their activities are watching movies (youtube, ppstream…), playing games (online, flash, offline…), blogging or social networking (blog, msn, friendster…)…

to my surprise, some of them even getting addicted to computer because of a flash game… zzz They become obsessed to the computer and the internet.

according to the article, symptoms of a computer user with computer addiction include the following:
1. spends most of time on computer
2. overjoyed when at the computer
3. unable to stop computer activity
4. irritable when not at computer
5. neglects family and friends
6. problems at work or school

ehem, well, I think I have slightly computer addiction since I have some of the listed symptoms… so, how do you think about this issue? are you also a computer addictive?

but no worry, it is treatable via therapy… lol

SPM coming soon

Yo folks, how are you guys… sorry for being absent from my blog for such a long period…

Everyone knows that SPM is coming real soon… study study study is the only thing we need to do… This is really tormenting as we have to pack everything we learnt in last 2 years into our brain…

anyone has any method for efficient study? placing an IC into our brain? zzz

It seems that determination is the key of success… with determined spirit, passion and target, we could afford keep on studying for couple hours… I think la…

While I was writing the last paragraph, this issue passed over my mind just now… I always wondered, those who always score in their exams and always studying until late night… sometimes even giving up sleeping…

what are they thinking in their mind? what provide them such determination to move on… To score in all subjects is not an easy task.. as you have to give up on many things… I guess I don’t have to list out those “what to give ups”…

I think I’ve wrote something unappropriate… something I souldn’t talk about.. fine… I’m sorry for talking to myself……..

before putting and end to this post.. I’m announcing that I’m going to cut down my time on blogging.. this means less post…. but not completely stop..

until then…

Anime Review: Hidamari Sketch Special

Hidamari Sketch Special (Sunshine Sketch Special)

Plot Summary:

2 special episodes of Hidamari Sketch.

Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life

Age Rating: Everyone

No. of Episodes: 2 specials

Story

It doesn’t has much aspects to talk about regarding this 2 episodes of specials. However it does provide some good stuff into the Hidamari Sketch series.

If you love Hidamari Sketch, you’ll probably would like this too.

I’ll have it rated: 36.5/40

Animation

Studio: SHAFT

Year: 2007

Type: Special

SHAFT did show some improvements in this series. Just slightly changes…

I’ll have it rated: 26.5/30

Audio

Music Production:

1. Lantis

Opening Theme(s):

1. “Sketch Switch” by Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Shintani Ryoko & Goto Yuko

Ending Theme(s):

1. “Mebae Drive” by marble

Insert Theme(s):

1. n/a

Same opening and ending as the “Hidamari Sketch”. The opening has its lyrics changed. Well, of course, I still like the opening song, it is a very cute song.

Nothing to complain about.. as it is very well done.

I’ll have it rated: 17/20

Personal Rating

8.5/10

OVERALL POINTS

36.5 + 26.5 + 17 + 8.5 = 89.5points

89.5points, EXCELLENT anime [10/10/2008]

More Anime Reviews and Rating – Click HERE

How I Rate Anime – Click HERE

Anime Sales – Click HERE

Anime Review: Hidamari Sketch

Hidamari Sketch (Sunshine Sketch)

Plot Summary:

Sunshine Sketch centers around a young girl named Yuno who attends Yamabuki Art High School. Yuno moves and starts to live in a small apartment building named the Sunshine Apartments located near the school.

She makes new friends like her classmate Miyako and the second year students, Hiro and Sae. The events of the characters’ everyday lives are shown as they attend the school together and get to know each other better.

Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life

Age Rating: Everyone

No. of Episodes: 12 episodes

Story

I downloaded this series because of their second series – “Hidamari Sketch x365″ was on air during summer season. I was attracted by the cutenest of the characters and their artworks. So I decided to start from the first series.

At first I expected it to be an average slice of life with nothing special, however I thoroughly enjoyed the series.

When I’m watching this anime, I feel relaxed, warm, happiness and sometimes laughs… hey, I’m not bluffing…

The story is so pure that I don’t know how to describe it in words. If you’re finding any anime that could bring relaxation to you, “Hidamari Sketch” would be a good choice.

I’ll have it rated: 36/40

Animation

Studio: SHAFT

Year: 2007

Type: Series

SHAFT… If I’m not mistaken, this is my first anime by SHAFT, so I have no idea about how good or how worst they are.

At first, before I started watching this series, I glanced through the first episode checking their quality. I think that it might be quite boring.

HOWEVER, after finishing this series, I could tell you that “Hidamari Sketch” is great!!

This series is differently animated. Unique – the word best fit for it. Even if I write bunch of things right here just couldn’t tell you how unique it is. So why don’t try out this series…

I’ll have it rated: 26/30

Audio

Music Production:

1. Lantis

Opening Theme(s):

1. “Sketch Switch” by Asumi Kana, Mizuhashi Kaori, Shintani Ryoko & Goto Yuko

Ending Theme(s):

1. “Mebae Drive” by marble

Insert Theme(s):

1. n/a

I like the opening song, a very cute song. Tagging up with the opening animation made it a wonderful opening song.

While the ending has to be soothe song to make perfect… The ending song is very nice. And don’t forget the soundtracks, I just don’t know what to complain about….

I’ll have it rated: 17/20

Personal Rating

 9/10

OVERALL POINTS

36 + 26 + 17 + 9 = 88points

88points, EXCELLENT anime [10/10/2008]

More Anime Reviews and Rating – Click HERE

How I Rate Anime – Click HERE

Anime Sales – Click HERE

Anime Review: Ghost Hunt

Ghost Hunt

Plot Summary:

Taniyama Mai meets a mysterious ghost hunter, Shibuya Kazuya, the 17 year old head of Shibuya Psychic Research, sent out to investigate strange phenomenon occurring in Mai’s school.

Accidentally interfering with their investigations, Mai unintentionally causes the injury of Shibuya’s assistant, resulting in Shibuya demanding Mai herself to aid him in his investigations. Based on the novel by Fuyumi Ono and Shiho Inada

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Mystery, Paranormal, Supernatural

Age Rating: Teenage and above (may contain bloody violence / bad language / nudity)

No. of Episodes: 25 episodes

Story

A Supernatural type anime, well, this is my first time to watch this genre of anime. So, my review wouldn’t be very nice…

The 25 episode series is divided into 8 chapters or called “file”, each file consists of 1 episode to 5 episodes. So, instead of episode 1, episode 2; they’re called “File 1,#1″, “File 1,#2″ and so on.

Other than ghost events, it also includes some other kind of supernatural events, such as ESP or curses… the latter sounds creepy… or otherwise it wont be any different to “Ghostbusters”… or perhaps they should use Psychic Research or something else rather than “Ghost Hunt” as the title… lol

Personally, I think this is a great story, some chapters really creeps me out. It has a lot of twists that keep you guessing whats going to happen next… I was glad that I stumbled across this rare anime.

I’ll have it rated: 35/40

Animation

Studio: J.C.STAFF

Year: 2006

Type: Series

Regarding the animation production company, J.C.STAFF, I’ve heard a lot of good comments from other reviewer/forummer before I watch this series. Shakugan no Shana was their production too, and talk about Shakugan no Shana, I still have bunch of reviews to write…

oh, back to the topic, as I said, “Ghost Hunt” is a supernatural event related anime, so the most important part of the anime is about the technique of expression of paranormal events. Indeed, J.C.STAFF has did a great job in this series.

I thought that anime version of ghost movies are not as good as the live action one. However, they proved that I’m wrong. But, since I’m still unexperienced in this genre, so based on how they done the anime, I can say this anime is slightly beyond average.

I’ll have it rated: 25/30

Audio

Music Production:

1. Delphi Sound

Opening Theme(s):

1. “Main Theme” by Masuda Toshio (soundtrack)

Ending Theme(s):

1. “Ending Theme” by Masuda Toshio (soundtrack)

Insert Theme(s):

1. n/a

The opening and ending are soundtracks instead of vocals, and both of them have scary melodies… To create a horrorific atmosphere huh?…

I’ll have it rated: 15/20

Personal Rating

8/10

OVERALL POINTS

35 + 25 + 15 + 8 = 83points

83points, EXCELLENT anime [10/10/2008]

More Anime Reviews and Rating – Click HERE

How I Rate Anime – Click HERE

Anime Sales – Click HERE

What’s going on

Ever since I moved over to ChoonYong’s house, my blog seems to be deserted by me.

Ah well, of course, because there aren’t any internet connection. Even though ChoonYong did registered streamyx few weeks ago, but it is embarassing to borrow it for writing a blog…

“Practice make perfect”… no practice… = apa pun takda…

I’ll only have my chance to online when I’m going home. However, everytime I don’t have any idea what to write about when I wanted to blog… My gosh… and I ended up writing nothing…

The anime reviews are exception because those are reviews, cause I’ve prepared them before I posting them up. The format are all the same, I just type in my reviews…

Until few days ago… we discovered a wireless internet connection near ChoonYong’s house. My notebook detected a weak wireless connection signal which I don’t know where the source is…

Even if the signal is weak and unstable, but I appreciate that it online for 24hours/7days…. 

For the owner of the wireless broadband: “Paiseh for using your wireless connection for free ah… I just cant resist someone put something free in front of me…”

Look forward for my new post… and thanks for always supporting me. Until then, see ya.