07 - Random Curiosity

Manga Naruto (Manga)

Naruto 566 – Copy Ninja and Green Beast

By Divine December 7, 2011

Chihayafuru First Impressions

Chihayafuru – 10

By Guardian Enzo December 6, 2011

「ゆくもかへるもわかれては」 (Yuku mo Kaeru mo Wakarete wa)
"Exchange Hellos and Goodbyes"

I’m convinced at this point that grouchy old Miyauchi-sensei knew exactly what she was doing when she forced the Karuta Club to name Taichi as President. And right now, she looks like a friggin’ genius for doing it.

First Impressions Infinite Stratos OVA/Movie

IS Infinite Stratos – OVA

By Divine December 6, 2011

「恋に焦がれる六重奏」 (Koi ni Kogareru Rokujuusou)
"Sextet Yearning for Love"

If the finale back in spring didn't seem conclusive enough on who won the harem war over Ichika's heart, then this OVA should definitely clear up any confusion.

Update: Added live performances from the IS One-Off Festival. HD caps uploaded too. Force a browser refresh (Ctrl+F5) to see them.

First Impressions Shinryaku! Ika Musume

Shinryaku!? Ika Musume – 09

By Divine December 6, 2011

「おままごとしなイカ!?／予定じゃなイカ!?／遊園地に行かなイカ!?」 (Omamagoto Shinai ka!? / Youtei Janai ka!? / Yuuenchi ni Ikanai ka!?)
"Won't You Play House!? / Isn't That The Plan!? / Won't You Go to the Amusement Park!?"

First Impressions Shakugan no Shana

Shakugan no Shana III (Final) – 09

By Takaii December 6, 2011

「星黎殿へ」 (Seireiden E)
"To Seireiden"

Things just keep getting better and better in this third and final season of Shakugan no Shana. Building on the momentum that last week's episode created, there was a good balance between story-telling and straight up action.

First Impressions Mirai Nikki

Mirai Nikki – 09

By Guardian Enzo December 5, 2011

「着信拒否」 (Chakushin Kyohi)
"Blocked Call"

Tons of interesting stuff this week, but first things first – who would have thought it was actually the good Yuno we’ve been watching until this week?

First Impressions Gundam AGE

Gundam AGE – 09

By Divine December 4, 2011

「秘密のモビルスーツ」 (Himitsu no Mobiru Suutsu)
"Secret Mobile Suit"

After getting a glimpse of a UE mobile suit at Madorna's workshop last time, I'm still torn over whether I'd be happier if he actually turned out to be an accomplice.

First Impressions Last Exile -Ginyoku no Fam-

Last Exile -Ginyoku no Fam- – 08

By Guardian Enzo December 3, 2011

「Distraction」

I certainly hope Gonzo has those little financial issues worked out, because they dropped a whole lot of yen on CGI with this episode.

Fate/Zero First Impressions

Fate/Zero – 10

By Divine December 3, 2011

「凛の冒険」 (Rin no Bouken)
"Rin's Adventure"

Being a full episode about Rin, this could've easily been saved as a side story instead of one of the regular episodes, but only a fool would actually think that when childhood Rin is absolutely adorable. There were plenty of full-length pans, a shot of the million-dollar smile, and the arrival of the "true" Hero of Justice, making this a worthwhile endeavor in my books.