Pandora Hearts

Title: Pandora Hearts
Type: anime(ongoing), manga(ongoing)
Genre: comedy, romance, action, supernatural, fantasy, tragedy, drama
Episodes: 25
Chapters: 99 (as of November 10, 2014)
Synopsis:
   The Abyss. The place where sinners are sent to be punished through certain death. Once one enters the Abyss, they will never leave... or that was what the stories told.
   Oz Vessalius, son of one of the four great noble dukedoms, the Vessalius household, is about to turn 15. For that, he must undergo his coming-of-age ceremony. As the ceremony draws near, the shadows begin lurking in the dark. When Oz touches the clock of silence to fulfill his vow in the ceremony, the hand of the clock moves, and out of nowhere, people in red cloaks appear... and drag Oz into the Abyss.
   In the strange Abyss, Oz meets the girl the people in red cloaks called "B-Rabbit". She says that she has a special name, "Alice", for the one who will be her contractor. She explains that in order to escape the Abyss, he needs to form a contract with her so that she can draw her power out, and blast their way through "the way".
   After forming a contract with Alice the B-Rabbit, the both of them encounter a strange organization known as Pandora. In order to find answers to their questions, they both join and begins learning more about themselves, their pasts, who they really are... and the danger the world is in.
My Review:
   First of all, I apologize for my long synopsis... Well, my synopses are always long... But I felt this one was especially long. But anyways, let's get to the point.
   I really, really, really love this story. It really kept me on the edge of my seat, it really made me laugh, and it really made me cry. But it really made me happy, too! It was so enjoyable to read. The plot got confusing at times, but everything was explained in the end. But before it was explained, when it was full of mysteries, that's what made it so interesting!
   The characters were funny, hilarious, cool, cute, mysterious, and interesting! You could really see their developments and maturity, through the problems they faced and everything... But they were also funny, and it always made me laugh... The story itself was very interesting and easy to understand(once the feel of it sinks in), but of course, that's aside from the mysteries, which, as I mentioned, were all very interesting and kept me wanting to read more!
   And then, there were the times it made me cry... I mean, seriously... I think I cried four or five times, separately. Maybe I'm just easily moved, but yeah... It's really tragic, too. The tragedy's not the main focus of the story, especially not at the start, but it's definitely there. It's so sad, but that just makes it even better!
Other Information:
   As you may or may not have noticed, I used the term "read" more, because, in my opinion, the anime's... not that good. The bad animation and the fact that it's probably not gonna continue... yeah. So, I advise you read the manga before you attempt to watch... If you manage to watch all the way until episode 25, then good for you. I mean, even I haven't finished it. I was only able to make it until episode 11, I think...
My Favorite Quotes:
   "Break... Perhaps you are far weaker than I thought you were. But, I think you must be far stronger than you think you are." (Oz Vessalius, to Xerxes Break)
   "Well, what exactly is real, Oz? What exactly... is the problem with being fake? It's alright to be fake. I don't care about that. As long as... you're Oz!" (Gilbert Nightray, to Oz Vessalius)
   "It is precisely because... you keep looking to the past for salvation that you can't move on! It's time you realize it! Even if you tamper with the past, there is no future for you there!" (Xerxes Break, to Vincent Nightray)
   "Echo... does not know... Did I really do the right thing? Of course... no one... can answer... that... And that is... exactly why... I had to stand up... for what I believed in..." (Echo, to Oz Vessalius)

Pictures

Note: If you plan on reading or watching,

then the following pictures and captions may

have spoilers.

Oz Vessalius, Alice the B-Rabbit, Gilbert Nightray

Sharon Rainsworth, Alice the B-Rabbit, Oz Vessalius, Gilbert Nightray, Xerxes Break

Oz Vessalius

Haikyuu!!

Title: Haikyuu!!
Type: anime(ongoing), manga(ongoing)
Genre: sports, comedy, school life
Episodes: 25
Chapters: 132 (as of November 10, 2014)
Synopsis:
   Hinata Shouyou gained a sudden new love for volleyball after watching the "Small Giant" play as Karasuno High School's ace. Despite not having even a place to practice, he does his best as the only member of his middle school's men's volleyball club. At last, in his last year of middle school, he gathers enough first years to participate in a competition. However, his time on the court is cut short, as his team encounters Kirisaki Daiichi's "King of the Court", Kageyama Tobio. Despite leaving an impression on Kageyama due to his incredible reflexes, speed, and jumping ability, Hinata and his team are defeated. Hinata vows to one day defeat Kageyama, but as he joins the volleyball club of his new dream high school, Karasuno, he realizes that he and Kageyama have to work together as team mates!
My Review:
   I really enjoyed this. O_O If you don't know yet, right now, Haikyuu!! is really popular among girls. Hahaha yeees, it's because of Hinata and Kageyama. But, onto the review.
   What I like about it would be... its comedy, the cool techniques(that are more realistic than usual, but still freaking awesome), and the feels. The characters are also so freaking cute. They just really make you laugh at them and with them, but it's also so very touching and heart-warming.

   Well, even if you're not a girl, who knows? You might still enjoy it. XD
   I also learned more about volleyball through this. Well, that goes for every sports anime. But aside from learning more, I also learned to enjoy it more! I used to hate volleyball, but after this, I was actually able to enjoy it more. Well, that doesn't mean I'm good at it. I still suck. XD But hey, it's better to suck at it and enjoy than to suck at it and not enjoy, right?
   Also, I don't know if it's just me, but the art is a bit different. It's not different in a good or bad way, just... different... different from normal. Unique, I guess. It may take a while to get used to, but it's alright in the end.
Other Information:
   Haikyuu!! has a bunch of abbreviations, like "High Kyuu!!" or "HQ!!" and stuff. They're shortcuts, but I prefer the original, "Haikyuu!!".
   Hinata and Kageyama and Nishinoya are so cute!
My Favorite Quotes:
   "I'll jump anywhere! I'll hit any ball! So... bring the toss to me!" (Hinata Shouyou, to Kageyama Tobio)
   "Even if the ball bonces off the wall... I'll keep it in play. That's why... That's why, call for a toss once more, ace!!" (Nishinoya Yuu, to Azumane Asahi)
   "So as long as I'm here, you will be the strongest!" (Kageyama Tobio, to Hinata Shouyou)
   "Alright! There's nothing to worry about! Everyone, just keep looking to your front, because you have me guarding your backs!" (Nishinoya Yuu, to the Karasuno team)
   "You guys, don't get scared! If we fall, fall forward!" (Nishinoya Yuu, to the Karasuno team)

Pictures:

Karasuno Volleyball Team

Karasuno Volleyball Team

Yeah, it's true.

Kuroko no Basuke / Kuroko no Basket / Kuroko's Basketball

Title: Kuroko no Basuke / Kuroko no Basket / Kuroko's Basketball
Type: anime(ongoing), manga(ongoing)
Genre: sports, comedy, school life
Episodes: 50 (2 seasons) (as of March 30, 2014)
Chapters: 275 (as of September 1, 2014)
Synopsis:
   Teikou Middle School is a school very well know for its basketball club. Yet, within that basketball club of over a hundred members, there was a certain generation that came to be known as the "Generation of Miracles" for their extraordinary skills. However, despite not having any game records and being a mere rumor, there was another player that the five players of the Generation of Miracles acknowledged and respected, known as the Phantom Sixth Man. Now, the five players of the Generation of Miracles graduate, all going into separate high schools. Seirin's basketball team was excited to learn that a former Teikou student, possibly a member of the Generation of Miracles, was joining their basketball team, but are troubled to see that this Phantom Sixth Man--Kuroko Tetsuya--is short, weak, and practically almost invisible with his incredible lack of presence. What made him so strong as to be called the "Phantom Sixth Man"?
My Review:
   Well, this anime/manga was really good, I'll say. Though, if you don't like exaggerated and unrealistic sports anime/manga, then you'd better not come here. But really, it was enjoyable to read/watch this. It wasn't only focused on the sports--It also looked at how the characters felt toward it and how they overcame problems and all... Well, it's kind of hard to describe and I think many sports anime/manga do that too... Look, I'm sleepy now, but seriously, it was nice. Go ahead and try it.
Other Information:
   Hmmm I said that the anime was ongoing because a season 3 is coming soon. However, the manga is finished, but you see, a sequel was announced for December this year, and so, yeah... "ongoing"... Well, it's not clear up there, but hey, that's why I created this 'Other Information" section anyway. A place to clear up any unclear stuff.
My Favorite Quotes:
   "Damn it... Damn it! Why? Why am I this weak?! We have to win! I don't want... to lose anymore. I don't want... it to end like this. I don't want... to see my comrades cry anymore! If I don't do it now, when will I do it?!" (Kagami Taiga, to himself)
   "Ah, I see... A team isn't just something to protect... A team also protects you. We don't support each other because we're a team... We're a team because we support each other." (Kiyoshi Teppei, to himself)

Pictures:

Generation of Miracles
Murasakibara Atsushi, Kise Ryouta, Kuroko Tetsuya, Aomine Daiki
Midorima Shintaro, Akashi Seijuro

Seirin Basketball Club

Sirin Basketball Club
Pandemonium~

Gintama

Title: Gintama
Type: anime(ongoing), manga(ongoing)
Genre: comedy, slice of life, action, historical, sci-fi, drama
Episodes: 265 (6 seasons)
Chapters: 517 (as of November 8, 2014)
Synopsis:
   This story is set in the Edo Period of Japan. However, instead of Europeans, Japan is invaded by aliens called amanto. This wacky story is about Sakata Gintoki, a broke freeloader and one of the few samurai left in this period, Shimura Shinpachi, Gintoki's "apprentice" whose main point are his glasses, and Kagura, a gluttonous girl from one of the strongest amanto races, the Yato race. These three idiots together form the freelancing Yorozuya, who, despite causing trouble to no end, protect Edo, together with what they believe in.
My Review:
   I don't really like watching.reading long anime/manga, but I'll tell you--Gintama was worth it. At first it seems like a completely wacky, comedy-based, and idiotic story, but later you'll begin noticing some mysteries and tragedies of the past, along with countless heart-warming messages. All of the characters at first seem to be idiots whom you'll never understand, but there are also those times where you can't help but smile. Well, for one, this anime/manga is really similar to Sket Dance. I also made a post about Sket Dance before.
   Well, put basically, the main part of the story would be the comedy(The really good one, but warning, it can get dirty sometimes... sometimes.), but there are also many times where it touches the hearts, and will maybe even make you cry.
   I'd really like everyone to try this! :D
Other Information:
   Hmmm I haven't finished the anime so I'm not sure but I think it hasn't released a 7th season yet, of if they're planning to... The manga's going on, though! It's at a really epic arc right now!! (The Shogun Assassination arc)
   That aside, Gintama's also known for its cosplaying many other anime/manga. You might really enjoy those episodes if you watch the anime/manga they cosplay. XD
My Favorite Quotes:
   "Don't worry, we'll definitely get a reward. That goes for them, and the shogun, too. Everyone's comin' back alive, right? So for now, don't look back. Face forward. Even if we're looking in different directions, we all have the same place to go back to." (Sakata Gintoki, to Shimura Shinpachi and Kagura)
   "Just a little further... If we make it past here, it'll be like back then. Back when we all acted like idiots together, We'll make it back again, right? Gin-san?" (Sarutobi Ayame, thinking to herself)
   "Samurai shouldn't be half-assed. When it's time to act, you act with all you've got. And when you're skipping school, you slack off with all you've got. I'll stick with you. Let's all go to sleep together." (Young Sakata Gintoki)

Pictures:

Yorozuya
Kazgura, Sakata Gintoki, Shimura Shinpachi

Yorozuya being idiots together
Kagura, Sakata Gintoki, Shimura Shinpachi

Yorozuya running away from their rent (probably)
Sakata Gintoki, Kagura, Shimura Shinpachi

Joui Three
Takasugi Shinsuke, Katsura Kotarou, Sakata Gintoki

Noragami

Title: Noragami (Stray God)
Type: anime(ongoing), manga(ongoing)
Genre: supernatural, action, comedy, romance
Episodes: 12
Chapters: 45 (as of October 23, 2014)
Synopsis:
   Iki Hiyori's life as a normal person ended one day, when her soul separated from her body after getting hit by a bus. The jersey-wearing boy she saved later visits her in the hospital, and claims to be a god by the name of "Yatogami". Despite not having heard of such a god, Hiyori helps him look for a shinki, a god's weapon, so that she can entrust to him her wish of returning her body back to a normal state. Now, even after Yato acquires Yukine, his new shinki, Hiyori wonders how long it will take for him to fulfill her wish...
My Review:
   Well, it's been a while since I've watched it, but it's really, really, really nice! I'm sorry, that's vague, isn't it? Well, I can't really explain it... The comedy was good, the action was awesome, and overall, the plot in itself was super bad-ass! It was a really amusing watch, and since the manga is still ongoing as well and is still really interesting!
Other Information:
   The anime has a filler arc near the end, that's not seen in the manga. I'm not sure if a second season will be released, but for now, it doesn't seem like it.

Pictures:
I had lots of trouble picking pictures, because a lot of them looked cool...
I still ended up with a lot, but less than the ones I picked at the start.

Yukine, Yato, Hiyori

Yatogami, "Yato"

Iki Hiyori

Yuki, Yukine, Sekki

Bad-ass~ :3

The feels... :'(

Nurarihyon no Mago / Nura: Rise of the Youkai Clan

Title: Nurarihyon no Mago (Nurarihyon's Grandson) / Nura: Rise of the Youkai Clan
Type: anime (ongoing), manga (completed)
Genre: fantasy, supernatural, action, comedy, romance*
Episodes: 48 (2 seasons)
Chapters: 210
Synopsis:
   Nura Rikuo wants to be as human as possible, despite the fact that he is the grandson of Nurarihyon, the leader of all Kanto youkai**! Even with his 1/4 youkai blood, he does his best to live as a human, until a certain turn of events leads him to accepting his position as the third heir of his grandfather's clan, the Nura Clan. As Rikuo trains to become a better youkai, he discovers more about himself, his past, and the dark side of his clan's past--and tries to settle them.
My Review:
    Honestly, this wasn't all boom or anything, but it was interesting. Interesting enough for me to recommend it, at least. It had an interesting story, creepy characters, development in strength, and some pretty good comedy. (If I remember correctly.)
   Well, I have nothing super good to say about it unlike some of my other posts, but it'd be a nice anime/manga to try out sometime.
Other Information:
   The anime doesn't seem like it's gonna continue. Well, it at least made it until a second season. I do hope it continues, at least. If school doesn't decide to butt into my life even more than it needs to, I might consider continuing watching it, even though I last watched/read it in, like... I'm bad at remembering those stuff, but anyways, it was long ago.
   Also, this anime seems to have two titles. "Nurarihyon no Mago", and "Nura: Rise of the Youkai Clan". I like to use the former better, not only because it's less of a pain to say, but also because it's more original. After all, the manga was named that. I thing the latter was just an English version they used on Animax, or something.

* just a little
** Youkai are Japanese monsters or demons. They mostly come from Japanese folktales, like Hanako-chan or Teketeke or Kuchisake-onna, I think. (Trust me, if you don't know any of those I just mentioned, do not try researching about them. At least not pictures. And not at night. Just don't.)

Pictures:

Night Rikuo, Day Rikuo

Night Rikuo and the Nura Clan

Day Rikuo and the Nura Clan

Sket Dance

Title: Sket Dance
Type: anime (completed), manga (completed)
Genre: comedy, romance*, school life, slice of life
Episodes: 77
Chapters: 288
Synopsis:
   A comedy slice of life about a club that helps anybody in need. The members are Fujisaki Yuusuke "Bossun", the club president who isn't actually as stupid as he seems, Onizuka Hime "Himeko", the violent hockey stick-wielding human weapon with a weird sense of taste, and Usui Kazuyoshi "Switch", the strange database of the club who speaks only through his laptop.
My Review:
   Honestly speaking, I wasn't able to finish the anime, and I never read the manga, but don't judge it through that! I wasn't able to finish it because of some personal problems. (*ahem* school *ahem*) But the fact that I'm recommending it even though I didn't finish it just proves it's that great.
   The comedy is very good, but watch out! When the characters' pasts are revealed, you're gonna need some tissue. I still wish I had some with me. Those tragic episodes caught me by surprise. -_-
   Anyways, there's really nothing else to say. The comedy was great. The characters were hilarious. The plot was light but still had a focus. I always had to be sure I was alone in the room, or else the other people would start thinking I'm a weirdo, laughing like crazy.
Other Information:
   I'm not sure, since, like I said, I didn't finish, but I think the anime's plot stopped before the manga's end. It's not ongoing, but it's not complete either... Basically, the plot stopped midway.

* just a little, between Bossun and Himeko

Pictures:

Sket Dance Cast

Switch, Bossun, Himeko

Awww.

This was a serious scene, but honestly,
I couldn't take them seriously.

Aha.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Brotherhood)
Type: anime (completed), manga (completed)
Genre: fantasy, comedy, action, adventure
Episodes: 64
Chapters: 108
Synopsis:
   Edward Elric, and his younger brother, Alphonse Elric, only wanted to see their mother's kind smile once again... Yet, despite all of their research, their human transmutation fails, costs Edward his left leg, and Alphonse, his entire body. Sacrificing his right arm, Edward places Alphonse's soul into a suit of armor, and together, they begin travelling to look for the legendary stone--the Philosopher's Stone, in order to regain their original bodies back.
My Review:
   Well, I started watching this before ever hearing about alchemy in real life, so now I cannot think of alchemy without thinking about this anime. XD First of all, alchemy in this anime is different from the real life's, you'll have to know that, at least. (But I wish it were real. O_O)
   So, onto my review--I LOVED THIS. I was told by someone that this anime/manga was considered a masterpiece, and I do not have any arguments against that. It was wonderful. I just can't say anything else about it. But that's not the point of this, so I'll try to be more detailed.
   This is just me, but when I try to think of a flaw in this story, kind of something that will make me go like, "Ah, it should have been like this" or "Ugh I wish this wasn't in the story", I can't find anything like that. Everything in the story is significant to development. Honest, no bias. The plot is realistic, yet interesting. The characters show realistic emotions, reactions, and problems, and show touching ways to overcome them. It's just... ugh.
   I really can't describe it. But it's really nice. Recommended! Everything I post on my blog is recommended anyways, but this is one of the ones at the top!
Other Information:
   The titles says it's "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood", but let me explain something. The manga's title is only "Fullemtal Alchemist". When an anime adaptation was made, Hiromu Arakawa, the mangaka, asked her staff to work independently on it and to change the ending, so that the fans won't be bored with the same storyline. When the anime version of "Fullmetal Alchemist" was made (the one with the different ending), Hiromu Arakawa had another one made, this time, following the manga's plotline, thus the anime "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood".
   Basically, the manga entitled "Fullemtal Alchemist" and the anime "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" have the same plot, while the anime entitled "Fullmetal Alchemist" has a different plot. (At least from halfway.) I don't particularly like the first anime based on what I read, but I'm not judging. Go ahead and watch it too, if you want. :)
   Another thing. This show has a few abbreviations. In English, it's shortened to either "FMA" or "FA", while in Japanese, it's shortened to "Hagaren" (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi). If you're differentiating the manga's plot from the first anime's plot, you might want to use "FMA" or "FA" and "Brotherhood". Well, maybe only I do that. >w<
My Favorite Quotes:
   "The next time I make you cry, they'll be tears of joy!! Al and I will get our original bodies back no matter what, and we'll make you so happy that you'll cry! You can count on it!" (Edward Elric, to Winry Rockbell)
   "What?! I'm not small! It's the world that's too big!" (Edward Elric, to Darius and Heinkel)

Pictures:

Some of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's Cast

Alphonse Elric, Edward Elric

"I hate milk."