I absolutely love this series it was just so much fun. I do love a good mecha series but have found many that become a little too serious and pretentious. Mecha has a tendency to go a little too deep and while I love series such as Evangelion and Fafner sometimes I would like a mecha series which is a little more fun. A series where you still have amazing robot designs which wonderful movements and battle with all the destructive force you expect of a giant robot but a little less politics. Sometimes I’d like there not to be huge government conspiracies, strange spiritual and religious undertones, emotional backwards pilots and plots that are so complicated that you can’t just enjoy the beauty of a Mecha. Basquash has so much to offer, it has big, loud battling Mecha’s, but instead of an all-out global war they are the tools in a new sport. Mecha’s are used to play a hyped up version of basketball. And like all good sports shows we have intense games and driven and courageous characters. The story takes place in the world of “Earth Dash”, an alternate, futuristic version of Earth where human society split between the far more advanced lunar society and that of the planet’s surface. A popular sport is BFB (Big Foot Basketball), where players ride mecha called “Big Foot” and play basketball in a giant arena. In the city of Rolling Town, Dan JD and his companions take the sport to the streets, rename it “Basquash”, and then embark on a journey to overcome their past hardships and make their dreams come true.

After BFB took to the streets to create Basquash another company tried to monopolize this new sport creating a new league but Dan JD and his team realised this still wasn’t the Basquash they created and therefore went out to play their own true underground form of the sport. We learn much about our characters, Dan JD, who was originally banned from BFB because of the destruction he causes at their championship. He has spent a year in prison and amounted enormous debt but still he wants to play the game. He wants to make up for the fact that his sister (who was a better player than him) had her legs destroyed by a Big Foot. Now he plays because she can’t and is ever growing in strength and skill. Like all good protagonists he is stubborn, proud and brave, he doesn’t back down and he gives everything for his game with passion and enthusiasm. Joining him in his team are Sela d Miranda and Iceman Hottie. Now Iceman Hottie is a character that lives up to his name which is always good and definitely supplies us girls with eye candy, with his angsty past, his slightly split personality, his amazing game play he is near unbeatably and makes for one extremely strong Basquash player. Basquash has a great collection of characters and yes there are plenty of big breasted girls, lots of fan service but it never distracts from the series and is less obvious and in your face than an anime such as Line barrels.

The world they live in is also a good mix of future scapes and industrialization. You see the contrast between the moon world and the earth world and the different way the two civilizations live. People on the surface are trying to get to the moon, the chance of a better life. But it turns out there is more connecting these two civilisations. A great tragedy is prophesized to engulf both worlds and it’s not long before our team of Basquash players find themselves in the middle of it. There’s a bigger picture to the series than just the game they play, winning matches and proving yourself the best Basquash player. All that helps you grow and realize your full potential and that comes into play for the final battle to save the planets. The series is also well paced, a great mixture of drama, comedy, fighting spirit and real threat. It also has great music I just love the opening and ending themes for this series they fit perfectly. “nO limiT” by Eclipse is a fun song performed by our idol group characters; many a great anime has an idol or group where would Macross be without its songs. While Eclipse isn’t quite there compared to the songs of Gundam Seed or Macross there’s still that element of a song bringing hope and strength to the battle which is a theme I’ve always like. Inspiration and power through something peaceful and artistic like music. And of course where’s there’s a female singer involved there’s a romance and like many a good series a nice love triangle. In fact Basquash shares a few similarities with the Macross franchise but without the epic war aspect. The smaller aspects are similar, music, relationships, reluctant hero’s, ace pilots and just an energy and vibrancy that goes with a great made series.

I seem to be quite good at finding little anime’s that not many people have watched but really should. This series I found happens to be excellent though very little info is on the web about it. The story takes place five decades from now, when brain scanners have been perfected to the point that the government can retrieve up to five years’ worth of memories from people’s minds — even if they are dead. The investigators of the National Research Institute of Police Science’s 9th Forensics Laboratory must weigh the ethical choices in the ultimate invasion of privacy as they delve into people’s minds to solve crimes. The show is a psychological version of something like CSI but with more weight and a far more disturbing turn. We have an elite police unit that focuses on trying to solve the crimes that would remain a mystery if it wasn’t for this fantastic new technology that is able to look into the memoires of the victims. The catch is the brain must be removed from the dead victim before a 48hr period to ensure that the memories are intact. With storylines such as political assassinations, brutal killings and deranged serial murderers there is much for fans of hard core police and crime dramas to enjoy. For me personally I prefer a little more dark side crime series so this was perfect. I have always loved mystery amine’s such as Detective Academy Q but this is a nice step away from series aimed at a younger audience into a far more adult show. The show itself is pictured more realistically, with character designs and settings looking much how you would find them in the real world. This immediately gives you a more realistic setting rather than the usual fantasy and escapist image of many anime’s. Also it gives you a little insight to the problems of the modern world the nature of escalating crime, humanities passion for more perverse violence and the changes in our culture and society that brings about new waves of crime. For example one story involves the nature of body modification and the new youth culture that has gone beyond tattoo’s and piecing as a way to express themselves and are finding more extreme ways to change their bodies and express their individuality.
By setting itself in the future it allows for the creation of this technology without having to explain too much about how it works. You don’t get bogged down in the science and therefore can enjoy the story without wondering exactly how they extract the memories. But it being the near future there are no flying cars and stereotypical science fiction elements, their world looks much like ours but with a few more technological breakthroughs and disturbing new forms of crime. This is definitely not a series for the faint of hearted not only are some of the cases particularly grotesque and alarming they do not shy away from showing you images that are disturbing. You see the inner working of serial killers minds as well as the horrific crimes they have committed. Scenes of mutilation and decay plus the effect these scenes have on the characters themselves. We are introduced to this story through the character of Ikkou Aoki who having successfully graduated police training is placed in the department. As the new guy it takes him a while to settle in and is frequently distressed and unsettled by the images he sees. It’s his caring and compassionate nature that allows him to make such an important member of the team. His innocence and kindness allows for him to not grow cold and distant from the crimes but to honestly want to solve them and protect the people from the harm these criminals are committing. It is also his own secrets that help him with unique views on the cases.
The series offers that everyone has secrets and where do our morals lie in looking into someone else’s memories even if it is to solve a crime. After all it’s not only the memories before death that are seen but other secrets that these victims may have wanted to keep. The people watching these images have a duty to solve the crime but not to judge the victims on anything else they may see. Aoki knows it’s a thin line they walk and that it’s dangerous to get too involved with what you must personally be thinking when trying to solve a case. The real heart and soul of this team however is Tsuyoshi Maki. A very effeminate and fragile looking young man who is in fact a very strong and determined person. He has his own tragedy and secrets but is focused and dedicated to using this technology to solve crimes and help as many people as possible. Aoki himself says that one day he will discover Maki’s secret but until then he wishes to stay close and protect Maki hopefully one day being as strong as him so they can stand as equals. Maki is incredible haunted young man and the burdens he carries is far more terrifying than most people would cope with not. Not only does he have to live with killing his best friend and Aoki’s resemblance (particularly) in personality to him, but the whole case surrounding his friends death and the serial killer of 37 boys and young men that left to severe mental destruction. The mental scars are enormous and the series slowly starts to piece together this horrific murder, torture and mutilation on boys and how Maki is at the centre of it. Maki has caught the attention of a truly disturbing serial killer who plagues Maki’s memories throughout the series.

I personally think Maki may also be dealing with more than just having his psyche, will power and memories bombarded with gruesome images by a love sick killer. He is also dealing with his own feelings toward the best friend who died and Aoki. I know being a slash fan gives me queer goggles and it’s not just Maki’s feminine features that make me think he is hiding his own homosexuality it’s a couple of scenes that clearly allude to the fact that Maki is also punishing himself for having feelings for his friend in the past and now Aoki. I personally think Maki can do better than Aoki but that’s not the point of the series. It’s a psychological thriller, a crime drama and a look at the horrors of the human mind. A place where only the strongest can stand to look and where only by having your own secrets and demons can you bear to look at and understand other peoples.

I have to admit that I’m not a romantic, I stay away from anything in the straight romance genre it just isn’t my thing so I’m not sure what brought me to this anime. As one that usually rejects the heterosexual monogamous couple, preferring her slash or straight out gay characters or dark romances between other worldly being or relatives and generally doesn’t like lead female characters as they never have anything in common with me and just never act as I would also being female this was a series out of my normal watching pool. And I have to say I am so glad I drifted from me stereotypical watching as I discovered a highly enjoyable little gem of a series. The stories centres around Kyoko a 16 year old girl who has quit school to travel with her prince charming as he lives out his life’s ambition of being a famous idol. While Sho Fuwa gets his big break and begins his climb up the fame ladder, Kyoko does everything in her power to support him, working multiple jobs to afford the apartment they share while making sure he is fed and supported. Kyoko being a simple and plain girl thinks nothing of the sacrifice she has made to her life if it will bring ease and comfort to Sho and she can spend time with the love of her life, her Prince Sho. We are told a fairly romantic tale at the start of the series about how all girls are beautiful and hide a goddess with them; girls just need a prince to unlock their hidden potential from a chest they have stored in their hearts. Well Sho has the key to Kyoko’s chest and unlocks the girl inside. Kyoko over hears Sho telling his manager how he only keeps Kyoko around to act as his maid and servant, that she is a plain and boring girl with no sex appeal that is only a stepping stone in his climb to stardom.Kyoko’s heart is broken and released is a spirit of such hatred and betrayal it transform our little duped Kyoko.

This is why after one episode I realised I was going to love this series. Kyoko’s inner girl is quite simply mental instead of falling into despair she becomes angry and decides to get revenge. She decides that the only way to get back at Sho is to follow him into fame and become such a shinning star she becomes more famous and is more loved than he is. Kyoko gets a new make over and sets out on journey. Kyoko has her issues from the start she seems quite bi-polar and a little scary at times. Kyoko is a hard working, honest and determined girl. She has guts and doesn’t back down but underneath this is a level of dignity and respect for her work and talent and the strength to put 100% into all she does takes her far but whenever she is reminded of Sho its like a switch is flipped and she turns into a angry monster with uncontrollable rage and a passion for destruction that scares all those around her. It’s the scary stalking crazy persona that gets her foot in the door of show bizz but it’s her hard working and determined personality that keeps her there and helps her grow. It soon turns out that under all that crazy and ambition for revenge is true talent. Kyoko does in fact have potential and while it’s unrefined she is a natural actor with true talent. What I also like about Kyoko is that her physical change isn’t too dramatic, by cutting her hair, dyeing it and getting some new clothes she doesn’t automatically become a beautiful woman. She is still a little simple and plain looking compared to the other stars around her but its when she performs and is truly made up that she becomes beautiful. Its an honest portrayal of idol beauty, clothes, make up and wigs can change a persons exterior but Kyoko’s talent and hard work can shine through this as well as her mental and angry turns which always add for great comic relief.

The other aspect of the series is the introduction of male actor and top of his game idol, Ren Tsuruga. He and Kyoko start of on the wrong foot and their relationship is plagued by misunderstandings. Ren initially takes a dislike to Kyoko because he hates the reason for her choice of career. He takes acting very seriously and is very passionate about his work. He loves acting and hates the idea of it being used for something such as revenge. But as he gets closer to Kyoko he begins to see her true potential though they have a rocky friendship he try’s to give her advice and nurture her talent. Ren also has his own interesting development as its Kyoko that unknowingly helps him plug a hole in his acting and makes him realise about his true emotions. Of course this is the beginning of a romance but as Kyoko is still on her own journey the series doesn’t focus too much on the romance which is why it makes me want these two to get together even more. Ren and Kyoko make a great pair and they are slowly, by building their relationship are also growing as individuals. Kyoko although firmly denouncing love does find something she loves and that’s acting, whether or not she and Ren will find the same doesn’t matter for the moment because Kyoko is doing something I admire, finding herself and how far her passion and ambition can take her. Not losing herself in relationships and the need for a boyfriend and romance she can truly grow as a person and see her strength and they way she inspires those around her, which is a beautiful and fun thing to watch.

So I was attracted to this because it is such a niche market a very specific genre. I mean its old Bishonen (their all in their 50’s) and they all have glasses. So if older men in glasses are your thing then you’ll love this series. This series is one of those little slice of life dramas, nothing really happens and nor does it need to. We are being invited into this world to watch and learn about these characters and their lives. It’s a nice drama about a group of people who are happy in their world and are happy to share it. The bump in the road comes from the introduction of a new character into their little world. Nicoletta comes to the restaurant to see her estrange mother and blow the lid on her mothers secret to get back at her for leaving her behind. Olga (Nicoletta’s mother) has gotten re married but her husband is against divorcees and women with children so Olga has kept Nicoletta a secret and left her behind to get on with her life. Nicoletta finally has enough of her mothers disregard for her and comes to Rome to the restaurant owed by her mother’s new husband. She is shocked to find that the entire staff of Casetta dell’Orso are older gentlemen with glasses. It turns out that Olga has a bit of a thing for this and the Husband decided to make this restaurant to honour his wife and how much he loves her. Nicoletta see’s how happy her mother is and feels she’s not really ready to blow the whole secret daughter thing so spends some time at the restaurant where she falls for one of the older gentlemen there. The series follows Nicoletta trying to work out if its love she’s feeling despite the age difference while decided to pursue her own career as a chef at the restaurant. The series gives us the back story of how the restaurant came to be, how all the staff ended up their and their various relationships. All in all it’s a simple and lovely tale of people, their relationships, friendships and of course falling in love.

Maria Holic is simply brilliant just a great fun anime that I love. Maria Holic is like watching Maria Sama ga Miteru on crack, just like watching the Prince of Tennis chibi episodes really. The story is about Kanako, who transfers into her mother’s old school to find her one true love. Her mother and father meet there as a student and her teacher because well this is an all girls Catholic school. This really is no problem for Kanako as she is a Yuri fan girl with a man allergy and wants to meet the perfect girl. She is unique in this way because for the first time we get a female character every bit as ecchi as the average male character, nose bleeding, watching the girls change, dreaming about their swimsuits, looking up their skirts and basically taking on all the stereotypes you expect from a teenage boy in an all girl environment. Kanako is soon running wild fantasizing about all her new friends and in particular one she thinks may be the one, the most popular girl in school, Mariya. But as fate would have it the one is in fact a cross dressing sadist, pretty perfect girl on the outside and twisted manipulative vindictive boy on the inside and only Kanako knows his secret.  So Kanako is stuck between her perfect Yuri dream life and keeping Mariya’s secret identity. If Kanako exposes Mariya then Mariya will expose the fact that Kanako is a lesbian who is secretly perving on her mates and fellow class mates.

It is refreshing to see a Yuri anime that is a little more obvious and risqué about the subject. As a Yuri fan I would have looked into this anime anyway and as a bishonen fan having a cross dressing sadist as a main character is just perfect for me. But Maria Holic really is more original than most series of its genre. We finally get a girl who is a pervert, no more sweet innocent little flowers with their first loves. Kanako has no shame about being a lesbian and spends every episode in a puddle of blood because she allows her fantasies and inner monologues to get so out of control she works herself into a fit at the slightest provocation.Mariya is great, his switches between male and female are wonderful plus his equally evil maid sidekick make them a perfect evil pair. Obviously each episode is full of ridiculousness don’t expect any overwhelming story ark or challenging plot about sexuality this anime is pure entertainment.

Each episode is made up of segments about random school and dorm life and the interactions of the characters. It has all you character types so it reminds you of a dating sim where a crazy Yuri fan is the main character. The character designs are really nice all the girls are attractive, although I’m not so fond of their noses, especially the student council president. She is an attractive girl but suffers from disappearing nose syndrome. One of the interesting aspects of the series is the mixing of animation styles depending on the mood of the scene or what’s going on in Kanako’s head. It switches from girly shoujo style to uber girly old school shoujo style for some of Kanako’s fantasies or a very shonen masculine style for when Kanako is in full Yuri girl with a mission mode. It works well the juxtapositions of styles and if you have followed shoujo manga you’ll recognise the more 70’s style of series like Candy Candy and the work of Keiko Takemiya. Also there are the references to series such as Maria Sama and Utena which is to be expected. One of the other best things about this anime is the opening, Hanaji by Yu Kobayashi is just one of those great tunes that reflects the series perfectly and is a fun tune. The opening sequence is great and I love the facial expressions and the way it perfectly represent the theme, tone and style of the anime. So I highly recommend this anime it is just pure fun!