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[John Blade]

Puppet Princess is a very short one 40 min OVA episode which follow Rangiku who embarks on a journey to get revenge on her enemies who destroy her family and her kingdom she live in. Along the way, she got some help from a mysterious magician Samurai named Manajiri. Together, they will fight against Lord Karimata and his puppet samurai force who attack Rangiku family for their puppet warriors they build.

As the OVA is just 1 episode, the story and plot development is shot to the point which is actually a plus here. It have enough development for the audience to understand the situation of the story. You tend to see this during the dialogue between Rangiku and Manajiri in two scene in the OVA.

As this is a ninja action animated, they will be fight and the fight scene for the most part is decent but I do feel they waste a bit of Rangiku puppet samurai. They is actually 3 puppet samurai which Rangiku control and only one have the most air time in the OVA. The other two, even though it show up they either only last for a minute or two or just 20 seconds max. Kinda a waste of potential of what they could do in a big battle but I think you can blame this in the short OVA. If they have additional two episodes or make this a movie, they might be more air time with the other puppet samurai. Even with this, the final battle is still worth the watch as you got to see the big showdown between Lord Karimata puppet samurai against Rangiku puppet samurai and Manajiri.

How the puppet samurai was control by Rangiku is interesting to watch. Basically, think a hand puppet control by string except you see Rangiku move the string by both her hand and leg with this portable mechanism. She can control these samurai puppet to battle against the strongest warriors but it does leave her vulnerable for a direct attacks which Manajiri come in.

For the animation, it look like the OVA was made in the early to mid 90s as it have the look which resemble animation at the time. In a way, it have this similar look of animation like Ninja Scroll which was made in 1993. Unfortunately, this OVA was aired in 2000, which is a big surprise for me for what I see. Not saying the animation is terrible. For the most part, it's okay. Character animation (mostly the male) have a very simple rough look which you notice this a bit in their facial expression (kinda like they're dead). Only the main character and villain where you see some additional animation and even then, it isn't too much (which you see this on the male character).

I did watch this in both English and Japanese dub and have to say both are actually fine for the most part. The English dub is actually workable and sound fine for the most part but if you want to keep it pure, the Japanese dub is fine for the most part.

Overall, an okay OVA to watch. The story is simple and quick to follow and the action scene for the most part is fun to watch even though you kinda wish they is more. I do wish this OVA wasn't an one episode story as it could have push into a two to three episodes which can go a bit in detail of Rangiku past and more fight scene from her puppet samurai team.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

So is Boruto worth a watch if I enjoyed Naruto pre-shippuden when it was still largely about ninja and not superheroes?

 

[LotusHD]

So is Boruto worth a watch if I enjoyed Naruto pre-shippuden when it was still largely about ninja and not superheroes?

Yes, it reminds a lot of us in the OT thread of Naruto Part 1, back before things got all crazy. It's taking it slow, actually taking the time to show Boruto and co. actually hanging out and what not. Could always shit the bed one day since Shippuden has established that it can go DBZ-lite at any moment, but for now, it's pretty enjoyable surprisingly.

 

[Kyuur]

So is Boruto worth a watch if I enjoyed Naruto pre-shippuden when it was still largely about ninja and not superheroes?

What I got from the first ten episodes is that the only person I should recommend it to would be someone who really, really enjoyed the Konohamaru-centric episodes from Naruto. Nothing like Naruto, feels more like "preteens with powers" than ninjas.

Could have improved since then; I don't really trust the opinion of most of the people watching the show because plenty of people said it was great within the first few episodes already.

 

[Jarmel]

My Hero Academia S2-24

I'm starting to think Nagasaki isn't a good director.

Spoiler

I already knew this

. The visual presentation is so meh on a storyboarding side that I'm wondering why this was accepted and why Shinji Sato was picked to do this main episode. The fight choreography wasn't as interesting as I hoped nor was any of the storyboarding. This was a chance for the direction to go wild or at least go beyond the humdrum presented in previous episodes.

I can think of a key moment where All Might has beaten the two and is pinning them down and the storyboarding doesn't even properly frame that visual. Instead, the camera just curves down in a semicircular fashion. Just completely lacking in any visual style. In addition any shift in the art would have been appreciated to show off the 'different' tone in All Might or the seriousness of the fight.

 

[Line_HTX]

These Toblerone pics along with that character's face are making my head hurt.

 

[PdotMichael]

From watching the first episode, its very good if you want to see LN gary stu archetypes get mocked.

The animation itself is terrible. The show is a combination of jadenisms and I suppose stuff uber rich manhattanites would find interesting. I only watched up to episode 3 though. It's not bad... just not very good either.

We sure are living in a post taste-animeGAF world.

 

[phaze]

So is Boruto worth a watch if I enjoyed Naruto pre-shippuden when it was still largely about ninja and not superheroes?

----

I mean if you're just sore about power levels escalation then I guess you could try it but production wise this doesn't go beyond Pierrots long running anime production template - one great episode for every xx of mediocre or bad ones and storywise the first arc is ~10, most tepid ever, monster of the week episodes topped off by a filler tier intrigue and the

Spoiler

usual talk no jutsu.

I'm certainly jaded, bitter and hated the whole concept from its very inception but I just don't think it's a good or even mediocre effort. Even BnHA runs circles around it.

Edit: Also, the very first thing you see, the flashforward, implies the return to power levels of late Shippuden though they probably won't get there for a long ass time.

 

[Ross61]

So is Boruto worth a watch if I enjoyed Naruto pre-shippuden when it was still largely about ninja and not superheroes?

Yes

 

[Dedication Through Light]

Hitorijime my Hero 12 END

Really good BL anime that handled the feelings well. Very emotional ending, ring moment was a nice touch.

 

[Jarmel]

I should also mention that anime-only viewers should not watch that MHA episode preview for next week. What the fuck are they doing?

 

[nintendoman58]

Gundam SEED Destiny - 15

Ugh I want Reason back for the ED and Ignited back for the OP.

These new ones are lame.

 

[Turin Turambar]

I had to choose between Wonder Woman and In this Corner of the World today. I chose Wonder Woman.

I chose wrongly.

(but I will see In this Corner tomorrow).

 

[Kickz]

Boku no Hero Academia ep 37

Deku getting his Megaman on in this ep, cool to see Kacchan in a new light other than just being a hot head

Anyone know how many eps left in this season?

 

[duckroll]

Is the Katsugeki movie a recap film or a brand new continuation?

 

[Jarmel]

Is the Katsugeki movie a recap film or a brand new continuation?

I don't think there any details yet.

Either way I can continue ignoring Ufotable works for a while longer.

 

[Nightwing123]

Boku no Hero Academia ep 37



Deku getting his Megaman on in this ep, cool to see Kacchan in a new light other than just being a hot head

Anyone know how many eps left in this season?

One episode left this season

 

[Kickz]

One episode left this season

Well okay then, I guess see ya next year MHA =\

 

[zulux21]

Well okay then, I guess see ya next year MHA =\

ideally.

ideally from here on out every spring we have a 24-26 episode season of MHA.

 

[phaze]

It's primarily self-contained. I would say you don't necessarily have to watch the original show first, for the most part, outside of a cameo or two. Just don't expect much of an explanation for the powers.

For the record, I enjoyed it. Akito reflects many of Akane's tastes, virtues and flaws as a director/writer. Which can be interesting to analyze. Also, the 3D work is pretty great.

Thanks, I'll give it a try at some point. (Though I imagine that since I've no love lost for Geass my mileage may vary).

[Virgin Soul]

Spoiler

Kaisar

clearly watched too much Naruto and suffered for it

 

[Kickz]

ideally.

ideally from here on out every spring we have a 24-26 episode season of MHA.

Not to bad, we need to alternate that with One Punch Man in the falls and Mob Psycho in the winter anime seasons

 

[Cornbread78]

Hunter x Hunter (2011) ep. 1-2

So my buddy won't stop asking if I've watched this yet, so I gave it a shot. I'm assuming this newer version is the same material, but "complete?"

Either way, these opening episodes have been pretty solid at offering action, adventure and things to think about. I realize this is a LOOONG show, so I'll probably take breaks like I do with Fairy Tail, but this was a good start for sure.

 

[PdotMichael]

Watching Puchimas now. And eh... what the hell is that?

 

[LotusHD]

Hunter x Hunter (2011) ep. 1-2

So my buddy won't stop asking if I've watched this yet, so I gave it a shot. I'm assuming this newer version is the same material, but "complete?"

Either way, these opening episodes have been pretty solid at offering action, adventure and things to think about. I realize this is a LOOONG show, so I'll probably take breaks like I do with Fairy Tail, but this was a good start for sure.

What do you mean by "complete"? Anyways, it's very close to where the manga is, but due to the hiatuses that the manga goes through, when it finally caught up, they ended the anime. Fortunately, where they ended it was a pretty good stopping point.

 

[Thud]

Hunter x Hunter (2011) ep. 1-2

So my buddy won't stop asking if I've watched this yet, so I gave it a shot. I'm assuming this newer version is the same material, but "complete?"

Either way, these opening episodes have been pretty solid at offering action, adventure and things to think about. I realize this is a LOOONG show, so I'll probably take breaks like I do with Fairy Tail, but this was a good start for sure.

I'm shocked you watch good shows once in a while .

 

[Firemind]

One episode left this season

It's actually good or something? I can never tell with AnimeGAF.

 

[Narag]

I'm shocked you watch good shows once in a while .

broken clocks etc

It's actually good or something? I can never tell with AnimeGAF.

I don't think you'd enjoy it from what I remember of what you do like.

 

[Syrinx]

BoJack Horseman S4 6-8

BoJack is gonna fuck up everything involving HollyHock so badly,it's going to destroy me. It's already depressing how much BoJack is in her and she,doesn't even realize it.

 

[Narag]

BoJack Horseman S4 6-8

BoJack is gonna fuck up everything involving HollyHock so badly,it's going to destroy me. It's already depressing how much BoJack is in her and she,doesn't even realize it.

You've no idea.

 

[BGBW]

My British Bredrens, anyone else checking out the Japan Matsuri at Trafalgar Square tomorrow?

 

[Firemind]

I don't think you'd enjoy it from what I remember of what you do like.

If it's shounen then never mind. I'll just watch Your Name.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Watching Puchimas now. And eh... what the hell is that?

 

[Line_HTX]

Kiritobread broke a clock, it seems.

😜😜

 

[Firemind]

Shut up

 

[PdotMichael]

Me in the middle.

Series also needs more Chihya x Chihaya episodes.

 

[petran79]

Thanks for the review, I'll give it a watch. Does it have anything to do with Karakuri Circus by Kazuhiro Fujita?
Mangaka was involved in the OVA since it features his character designs

 

[Taruranto]

Scandal in the Vatican 12

Suddenly the show decides to do a Heart of Thomas modern remake.

What the heck? I have nothing but good things to say about this episode. This was actually sadder than anything Jun Maeda produced.


Vatican no Kiseki, a really bad anime with a kickass OST that blew his load too early and tried to recapture the magic of

Spoiler

Hitler's Sperm

but couldn't quite accomplish that, and not for lack of trying.

Probably still not worth recommending unless you are really into gay priests and campy camera angles/lines.

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

Kingsman 2

If you think the world of John Wick makes zero sense, then you should check out the world of filing down peoples teeth and removing their fingerprints so they cannot be tracked only to tattoo them with pure gold in the shape of your logo.

Mediocre and should not have been 141 minutes long. All that time and they never come close to that Church scene from the first

 

[Tye The Czar]

Mmh, what is the quality of the Fate series ? I mean I plan on reading the VN one day, but let's be real about the probability of me doing so...

1. If you want entertaining, well-crafted shows in the universe, just watch Fate/Zero, the Kara no Kyoukai films and Carnival Phantasm. Avoid mostly everything else(unless Heaven's Feel turns out well).
2. If you really want to get into the mainline series, read the VNs or a summary, THEN watch the anime. Warning: Contains comically bad sex scenes and breaks its own rules (Gae Bolg has 100% chance to hit, but still gets blocked by a Servant's high Luck).
3. Avoid Apocrypha at all costs, no matter what people say. It's an official fanfic garbage animated by the Nickelback/Michael Bay of anime studios.

 

[John Blade]

Thanks for the review, I'll give it a watch. Does it have anything to do with Karakuri Circus by Kazuhiro Fujita?
Mangaka was involved in the OVA since it features his character designs

I don't have much knowledge of Kazuhiro Fujita and his work but the OVA is based on his other work, 藤田和日郎短編集 夜の歌 (Yoru no Uta), which the OVA adapt the 1st chapter of the manga (from what I can gather, it's actually short story work from him). If you can read Japanese, you can actually buy the manga on Amazon Kindle Japan on the link below.

Spoiler

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B009JZIFCM/

FUN NOTE: You can actually read most of the 1st chapter from Kindle which look like almost a perfect adaption for the OVA (minus few scene which is added in the OVA).

 

[Chase17]

Welcome to the Ballroom 12

I miss Haikyuu

We have graduated from a middle school dance series, to a high school dance series. Sengoku's dance was handled well enough. Did a good job of building up his status.
Gaju is now a bro apparently. Chinatsu has arrived.

Best line was Tatara hating his own smile.

New op and ed are nice. New OP didn't really give me any clues as to where this is ending lol.

Spoiler

I don't fully remember it, but end of camp arc doesn't seem like a great stopping point.

 

[petran79]

I don't have much knowledge of Kazuhiro Fujita and his work but the OVA is based on his other work, 藤田和日郎短編集 夜の歌 (Yoru no Uta), which the OVA adapt the 1st chapter of the manga (from what I can gather, it's actually short story work from him). If you can read Japanese, you can actually buy the manga on Amazon Kindle Japan on the link below.

Spoiler

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B009JZIFCM/

FUN NOTE: You can actually read most of the 1st chapter from Kindle which look like almost a perfect adaption for the OVA (minus few scene which is added in the OVA).

Thanks. I'll read the manga too then if it is only one volume. Strings, blades, clocks. Not suited for viewers allergic to sharp objects. Had to stop watching for a while in order to adapt!

 

[Dedication Through Light]

Heybot 50 END

I loved how they were like Heybot will live on in the worlds created by the viewers, where the doujins and fanfics at, even HeroBank got them so it can happen.

I loved the always sunday plot, should have been two episodes.

You will be missed Moeru and Nejiru

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

Made in Abyss 11-12

It's curious that Mitty's voice actor is listed as "? ? ?" in the credits. I wonder what the reason for this could be.

 

[Narag]

Made in Abyss 11-12



It's curious that Mitty's voice actor is listed as "? ? ?" in the credits. I wonder what the reason for this could be.

I think there was something in Kemono Friends and it made me wonder if this was some common thing I'd never picked up on before.

 

[John Blade]

Thanks. I'll read the manga too then if it is only one volume. Strings, blades, clocks. Not suited for viewers allergic to sharp objects. Had to stop watching for a while in order to adapt!

You just need to read the 1st chapter of the 6 in this manga as this is based on the OVA. The rest is a different story and don't follow the previous chapter (Think short story for each chapter). Other than that, I can't say much of this samurai genre as this isn't something I tend to watch and it's in my physical collection which I need to get through my backlogged. If you want something with those similar time frame, check Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit. I heard good impression of this show and would recommend to look into this if you want a TV show to watch.

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

HEYBOT! 50 END

Sit your ass down because I'm going to explain the final episode of HEYBOT! to you.

HEYBOT! is going off the air. The plan of the discarded design characters is to replace it with the cleanest, friendliest and most straight forward anime ever.

The real plan is to replace that anime with their own nonsensical bullshit anime.

To stop the show from ever going off the air, they will repeat the same Sunday for eternity because all of HEYBOT only exists on Sundays, so if they never stop the last airdate it still exists.

So that's sad. HEYBOT will be doomed to non-existence. UNLESS

This is now my sole duty in life.

May HEYBOT! never die.

 

[jman2050]

I think there was something in Kemono Friends and it made me wonder if this was some common thing I'd never picked up on before.

That was to hide the existence of the characters that were from the game IIRC

 

[Thud]

Goodbyebot

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

Goodbyebot

The term they use in the episode is "Heybort"