Fashionable Outside, Otaku Inside
934583
I love this jacket so much! It's really amazing and I can be a otaku without super big graphic designs but with a casual anime fashion only otakus will recognize <3
I ordered a size up since I like my jackets big so they can last a long time, but it's perfect<3
3648366
There is so much to say about this show. It takes so much and packs it into one show like a cartoon on crack. It gets so many of the stereotypical points from manga, anime, and Japanese culture and mixes them with a bit of American caffeinated overtones. It also makes fun of what many have come to expect from different character type-casts we find in many of our favorite past manga or anime. The, "plot", is all over the place, and was just what I need when I feel life makes too much sense.
2970461
I love anime and cosplay, and so do my models. So when they heard about these outfits, they were really excited. With the rise in popularity and the acceptance into mainstream culture, companies are now getting into the game by making cool outfits like this, so role players and cosplayers don't have to make everything from scratch anymore. Case in point, this is a great outfit to start off from to make your own unique outfit. Or if you love this look, it is also a beautiful outfit in its own right. There is a combination of sexiness, sadism, and cuteness that goes into this outfit - the sadist part is the neck belt/strap. The embroidery on the corset part is also beautiful. And the pockets/pouches are functional. Finally, the material and craftsmanship are excellent. I have no complaints about this outfit, and I wholly recommend it.

I was provided a review sample so I can make an honest assessment of its fit and quality to better help you make an informed decision in case you wanted to buy one. My model is 4 feet 9 inches, and she wears a size small, which I think can fit up to a size 4 USA, while the size LARGE should fit up to a size 10.
3339079
Balsa, Chagum, and their friends have found a place to live. They have moved into an old mill on the edge of a town. Now Chagum must learn to bland in, but his speech and intelligence are obviously not that of a commoner. It will take some practice to keep from standing out. Balsa also has a problem. Her spear is broken. She visits a master blacksmith for a new one. But while they are there, the Emperor's elite soldiers are also there to get weapons. Balsa and Chagum must hide in the other room and pray they don't get discovered. Toya also takes Chagum out on the town and teaches him some street smarts.

This volume didn't have any action, but it was great. The story takes an interesting turn. I had thought that the duo would be on the run the whole series. That looks like it isn't going to be the case. I like that some of the other great characters are getting some screen time. This anime has plenty of good characters worth developing. Tanda, Toya, Saya, and Shuga are all given some more screen time, and that makes me happy. Moribito is shaping up to be a great series. I think that this is one of those shows that just about anyone can appreciate. I strongly recommend it.
2462213
This anime has a very "Eyes Wide Shut" type of vibe to it. It's about a photographer that stumbles into a decadent club for super rich people. He, by accident is involved in a ritual and gains the power to blow up anything he takes a snapshot of. While escaping he saves a young girl who is being used to fulfill the perverted rich folks fantasies. They want her back. The 2 are on the run from the mafia that controls the club, and fight for their survival.

This anime is very interesting. It has a unique story and some pretty cool characters.  The production quality is pretty good as well. This anime definitely stands out. It's worth watching and is a great price in this S.A.V.E. collection.
2179036
I think the best way for me to describe this books is: IF you enjoy watching "slice of life" anime, then you will definitely like/appreciate this book. It comes from Grace's perspective as an American expat living in Tokyo/Ibaraki, Japan, who's just living her pretty-chill lifestyle with her Japanese husband, Ryosuke. I find the book interesting and occasionally, educational (i.e. "haruichiban", that was nice - more of this type of content please!), with "blogs post" writing scattered minimally throughout the book as well. I do admit though, having followed her blog, I miss getting the few sentences or paragraphs after each comic - that was always an opportunity to learn something new or hear more about Grace's personal opinion on the subject, which I find relatable and endearing. But that's ok, because you can just follow her blog at www.howibecametexan.com! :)

It's a cute book that is "good enough" to satisfy the curious mind of those intrigued by Japanese society/language and issues pertaining to an interracial marriage/relationship between a young American woman and a young Japanese man. In comic form.

Buy the book, read/follow her blog, and support Grace, a seemingly very nice young woman whom I'm sure would really appreciate your support in any form.

Special thanks to Grace for being gutsy and providing me with a free copy of her e-book in exchange for being her "book ambassador". Look forward to seeing/reading more good stuff from you in the future ;)
3204470
"Sexy Voice and Robo" is quirky, fascinating and fun. The entire story could be transplanted to the West Village of New York and work just as well - place is not the issue. It's a story of character. And the characters carry the story.

If you're looking for the usual kind of manga, you'll probably be disappointed. This is for people looking for something a little different...or maybe a lot different. The art sits somewhere between American comics and manga, but the sense and sensibility are pure Japan.
1619282
As you'd expect from Taschen, this book contains beautifully printed reproduction of Hiroshige's magnificent series. I practically get lost in them every time I open the book. It's not just that the imagery is so evocative or that the commentary helps bring each scene to life. I learn a bit about composition, especially as it applies to woodcuts, and can even study the grain of the printing blocks left in the images.

More than just the content, though, this is a wonderful artifact. There's the luxurious feel of any well made book, of course, but the slipcase with its faux-ivory closures and the stab binding  make this something unique. I have other very enjoyable books of ukiyo-e, but none that please so many of my senses.

-- wiredweird
3443281
Awe I got mine today and their so cute! () I got the Kaneki and Ayato one)) I suggest you would buy them!
3560422
Yeah, it's officially become an obsession; buying these over-priced anime figures. But....damn! She's BIG....I mean, uh....a big 1/6 size scale figure. She's an 'adult collectible' for sure, removeable clothing is pretty standard for these kinds of Japanese anime figures. (Their culture seems to be a bit more open-minded than ours when it comes to the human body.) She's beautiful, walking straight out of a swimming pool into a guy's fantasy. I'm not sure how easy it is to find her these days, but if you do come across her....she's worth it, for the impressive 1/6 scale alone!
317076
If you enjoy 'slice-of-life' anime, then this is a definite must-see show for you. It's all about the characters, and their lives in their town, and doing things with their friends.  It focuses on Fuu (nicknamed 'Potte' by her friends) and her trying to be a better photographer, but the story gives time to the other girls in the group, so each character gets a chance to shine, and to grow.

The tone of the whole show is very gentle, and slow but not so slow as to be boring. I found it the perfect show to leave in the DVD player, so it was waiting for me after I got home from a horrible day at work, to sit and watch and let a bit of my soul be restored.

This DVD contains the original OVA video releases, and the entire first season.  A second season was made, as well as a series of four movies currently (2015) being shown in Japan.  This is how good a series this is, that there was that much demand in Japan for more of it.  I certainly hope the second season and the movies are also licensed for North America as well.
3502377
It came a little later than expected, but that was cool. It is in great condition and I love this manga.
It's one that approaches subjects rarely broached in our culture in entertainment, and even rarely in Japan which is also a fairly Gender-Role-Bound society:

What if a Guy likes cute, and/or girly things? Whats wrong with that?
Is he less of a man?

Our protoganist is actually a champ at martial arts (degrees in Judo and National Champion at Kendo), good in school, and the ladies love him, but he's got a secret:  He likes cooking, sewing, and cute and/or girly things. But he's held this secret most of his life...until now.
4564371
When I saw in a magazine that Ms. Jun Mochizuki is making a manga about steampunk and vampires, I knew I had to check it out. I enjoyed her previous series, Pandora Hearts, and so far I'm enjoying this one too. I also have a weakness for white-haired anime/manga boys 

As far as the story goes, it's the usual vampires vs humans, (though it's not the main focus) but I'm hoping something more will come of this particular story. The artwork is beautiful and distinct enough that I knew it was Ms. Mochizuki when I saw it in the magazine. The book itself has a nice feel and smell as well. For the main characters, they have a dynamic (Vanitas wants No to be his "shield" but No is only following him for the book) that play off each other's personalities, though both have had lighthearted (and cute) moments as well. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I like it!
2914412
It's hard for me to review a product like Ranma 1/2 without looking through eyes clouded by nostalgia. The anime is based on the manga of the same name. Created by Rumiko Takahashi (Inu Yasha) Ranma 1/2 is the comical adventures of Ranma, a young man studying martial arts and as a result of an unfortunate training session in China is now cursed to turn into a girl when he gets wet. Obviously this lays the groundwork for wacky misadventures. The series originally aired in the late 80s for several seasons.

Viz's new edition of Ranma 1/2 brings the series to blu ray in North America for the first time. The packaging is absolutely gorgeous. A foil embossed heavy chipboard box houses the blu ray case and companion booklet. The front side features Ranma, the back Genma in his panda form. The Blu-ray Discs have traditional Chinese nature patterns (clouds, waves) and are in a heavy blu ray plastic case. The collectors booklet disappointed slightly. The paper is glossy heavy stock and the episode guide is full color. The booklet can be "flipped" to read the first chapter of the manga from the new Ranma manga reisssue. Personally this ruins the book for me. With a property like Ranma I can imagine the majority of people are already aware of the manga and don't need the manga included.

The actual quality of the video is a matter of debate. Ranma 1/2 is an older anime, animated by hand and and as such will not look as crisp as the latest shows coming out of Japan. In the online trailers Viz has advertised that the picture has been remastered to restore the show to its vivid color. Having watched the first disc I can say the colors are gorgeous when compared to previous dvd and VHS releases. However, I felt the picture was still quite grainy but attribute that to the age if the show.

Watching the show for the first time in years I find it still has it's charm. Even the dub which I imagine will be consider atrocious for many is to me a enjoyable just because it takes me back in time to when I first discovered anime.

Overall, Viz has done a beautiful repackage of Ranma 1/2 and this is probably the best presentation of the show available stateside. I'm happy to have this in my collection.
1718407
I love anime so I definitely had to get this. It fits me a little big which I love and it's just so warm and cuddly. They look great with jeans. I am pleased with my purchase.
2345865
I'm not a big FY fan but when I picked up this book for a friend I did thumb through it. The book contains beautiful color artwork some as it says made just for this book. The book boasts that it is an English carbon-copy of the Japanese version, which I don't know because I don't own the Japanese version. Some pictures are a bit small that's my only complaint. Most of the pictures have a foot-note in the back of the book giving you a little information such as what it was used for originally.
 It has character stats (height, weight, blood type) along with Yuu Watase's original sketches for them. It has a color comic in right-to left format. An interview with Ms. Watase as well as a bio for her is in toward the back. This seems to be a very high quality book with thick, glossy paper, almost like cardstock. I'm impressed!
4018484
To begin, I must compliment Sony for taking the initiative of releasing this program in full season DVD sets (as opposed to the unsettling trend of many companies to nickel and dime their customers with 3-episode releases).  That said this set represents the first ten episodes of the first season with three bonus episodes (13 total) across 2 discs.  Collectors looking for goodies will be a bit let down as there isn't even a DVD card enclosed in the set (although there is, strangely enough, an offer to order a subscription to Sports Illustrated Kids to make up for this).  Fortunately some sets do come packaged with a limited edition film cell shrink wrapped against the back of the case.

The story structure, for those unaware, is in my opinion what happens when you take a big budget, a whole host of talent, and have absolutely no story to tell. The presentation in this show is second to none, with backgrounds that are absolutely gorgeous! The problem is that the program, um, often tends to go nowhere. Each show consists of a fairly simplistic plot structure (someone gets kidnapped for example) and the heroes go off to rescue them. Fair enough I suppose but with visuals this compelling, this show could have been something very, very special.

About ten minutes of each 22-minute episodes focuses entirely on race segments, sword fighting, or intricate flying sequences, which further dilutes an already watered-down plot.  Don't get me wrong, these displays continue to dazzle time and time again, literally raising the bar for what is perceived possible in modern animation.

Individuals who enjoy Japanese animation (anime) or even recent domestic works (Justice League, Teen Titans, etc.) will likely long for a bit more character development/ interaction/ maturation as time goes on. Kids who happen to watch these types of shows simply for the visuals will find much to delight in here.  I found the set quite entertaining but stick to my assessment that anime-style writing coupled to this show's visuals could have been magnificent.