Toradora!: Bentou no Gokui OVA

とらドラ！ 弁当の極意
Toradora!: The Essential Parts of a Bentou

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis: 

At school during lunch, Yuusaku brings in a massive, elaborate bentou that was made by his grandmother, which he then shares with his friends. Ryuuji finds himself challenged by how good it is and so the following day, brings in a pork cutlet bentou. However, "Mio-chan" has made an onigiri lunch for Yuusaku, complete with remarkable fillings. Taiga is now hungry for onigiri and so when they go to the store, she wants to buy the stuff for making onigiri, though Ryuuji is caught up in his imaginary battle with Yuusaku's grandmother.

The following day, Ryuuji has Cup Ramen, complete with a hot water thermos, but he's stunned when Yuusaku's grandmother has a Cup Soup for him as well as a sandwich, something Taiga now fancies. That evening, Taiga stops by the family restaurant where Minori works to get a sandwich and extra fries. Meanwhile, Ryuuji frets over how to top "Mio-chan" and his solution is to sneak in a rice cooker into class in order to have a perfect lunch. Yuri-sensei smells the cooking rice and finds the device, confiscating it and making Ryuuji a laughing stock.

Later, on the roof of the school, Ryuuji is depressed over his "loss" and Taiga has a bentou for him -- onigiri. However, the onigiri are too salty, so when they go home, Ryuuji turns them into another dish to lessen the salt. It is then that he begins to understand the essential parts of a bentou -- making the stuff the person eating the bentou likes AND is most conducive for the situation they are in (simple for needing to eat in a hurry, elaborate for sharing with everyone). Lesson learned, Ryuuji joins some of the others for an ohanami under the cherry trees when Taiga, Ami, and Minori come up, Taiga having made a bentou.

Thoughts/Review:

It is nice returning to the Toradora! anime realm, though this episode really had nothing in it of substance.

All of the characters got some lines, which was a nice touch. Taiga and Ryuuji were at the center of things (understandable), but somehow, there was just something lacking. I guess it was the elements of Taiga and Ryuuji with their intendeds (since I think the episode takes place prior to Ryuuji and Taiga coming to terms with each other).

Still, that's not to say I didn't enjoy the episode. Even though it felt contrived at times, it still had moments that made me smile and even laugh a bit. Mostly, it was just good seeing the characters back and it made me want to rewatch the anime on DVD.

There wasn't quite enough Ami though. ^_~

Anyway, as I said, while nothing of substance, it was still nice seeing the Toradora! crew. ^_^

Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing - 10

ラストエグザイル-銀翼のファム-/Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

At "The Hole" in Grand Lake, Silvius and the fleet Fam captured arrive to take part in a ceremony, whereby the Sky Pirates and Anatoray-Disith form an alliance with each other and with the Turan Government in Exile. Vincent discusses additional alliances and Glacies comes to the top of the list, though that will be difficult, especially with Silvius having been involved in a conflict with them. However, it has to be done until Anatoray-Disith has more of its own forces here. Dio takes the time to introduce Fam, Gisey, and Millia to Alvis, the operator of the Anatoray Exile. After explaining how the Exile control process works, Millia understands that her sister is still alive.

Luscinia's ship, Impetus, approaches, flying both the Ades flag and Liliana's flag. Liliana descends from the ship, thanks Millia for her hard work, then tells the surviving Turan troops, who'd taken possession of the captured Ades warships, that she's taking back control of the Turan government and as such, the fighting between Turan and Ades is over.  The Turan troops, happy at having Liliana back, are initially confused, then celebratory at the news that the war is over.  Millia, Fam, and Gisey are very surprised by this as Luscinia then descends to address the crowd, confirming what Liliana stated.

Turning is attention to Vincent and Tatiana, Luscinia demands that the Silvius be turned over to him in exchange for their overlooking the acts of terrorism Tatiana has inflicted on them. Millia tries to reason with Liliana and refuses to return to the Impetus with her. As such, Liliana strips Millia of her title and disowns her as a sister before leaving. Fam thinks that Liliana must be being controlled and wants to go rescue Liliana, but Millia stops her, saying she does not think her sister is being controlled. Further to that, Millia believes her sister is serious about everything that has just transpired.

Vincent has a chat with Tatiana and Alister, telling them that he knows it won't end if they turn over Silvius to Ades.  As the Ades Third Fleet attacks Kartoffel, Liliana has the fleet Fam pirated under her direct command and orders an attack on the Silvius. Despite Millia being there, the crews obey and begin firing as a squad of Guild special ops begin systematically slaughtering the crew of Silvius.  Vincent barely escapes with Alvis to his ship, Urbanus, which manages to get free with Silvius providing cover fire.

When one gun crew fails to report in, Tatiana soon learns they've been boarded and orders the ship sealed. Dio saves Fam, Gisey, and Millia from being murdered by Alauda. The Guild squad takes out all the gun crews, easily overcoming the sealed and locked doors, and captures the engine room.  Fam, Gisey, and Millia are given clearance to leave to get Millia to safety.  Their Vespa is quickly pursued by three Ades Federation Vanships, but they are approaching Glacies, where all four craft are detected by a Glacies rocket ship on patrol, who moves to investigate.

Thoughts/Review:

With the ease with which the Guild squad slips on board a ship and slaughters its entire crew, one wonders why Ades hasn't been using them to take out all of their enemies. Sure, it would be slower, but less risky for Ades, eh? After all, these Guild bozos are impervious to bullets, easily go through sealed doors, and move like the wind.  *_*

Regardless, Luscinia has managed to turn things completely his way. All the work Fam and Gisey did has just been flushed and Ades now avoids a bloody rebellion.  Question is, how does he have Liliana in his court? Also, why wasn't there more of a negative reaction to Liliana's orders to kill Millia by firing on Silvius?

With the Third Fleet now attacking Kartoffel, the Sky Pirates will need a new home. Let's see if the Anatoray-Disith take them in.

With all the talk of Glacies, combined with the fact that Fam is fleeing toward their territory and this has been noted by a Glacies patrol, I'm guessing that Glacies will be forced to take action against Ades to save Fam, Gisey, and Millia, whereby that alliance needed by the Sky Pirates and Anatoray-Disith gets achieved.

It was nice seeing Alvis again, even if only for an extended cameo. She's grown a bit since I last saw her. ^_^ Considering Luscinia's apparent need for Exile keys, Alvis seems a likely candidate to be targeted by Ades.

Then, there was Dio coming to the rescue. In some ways, it is still difficult for me to see him on the "good guys" side, but I do like it. ^_^

So, an interesting twist to the story. I'm looking forward to more.

Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing - Episode 9.5

ラストエグザイル-銀翼のファム-/Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Gisey receives permission to write a letter home, where she recounts her and Fam's adventures as well as some remarks on current events tied to their adventures.

Millia finds out and since she feels she owes Gisey and Fam so much, she too writes to Gisey's family about things that happened with her that ended up getting the others involved, including some thoughts on Fam's actions.

Thoughts/Review:

Heh! A clip episode means CHEAP POST! ^_^  (Actually, it means more time in Skyrim.  Shhh! Don't tell anyone. ^_~)

Clip episodes don't happen that often, but it does allow the anime team to buy more time since there's only a small percentage of new anime footage used for this episode. It also provides a means for new viewers to get into the series, so I've no problem with them.  Bring on the next episode (tomorrow).  ^_^

Shakugan no Shana III (Final) - 12

灼眼のシャナⅢ（Final）

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Sabrac thinks of the now deceased Tomogara Mare, and launches his attack against Shana and company. Nbh'w opens a protected tunnel for Shana and the Flame Haze spirit to safely traverse before Wilhelmina wraps herself, Rebeca, and Nbh'w in protective ribbons to make it safely to the castle grounds where Sabrac waits. Nbh'w attacks to keep Sabrac at bay, but reveals that Sabrac's abilities prevent him from using his armored form he used on Seireiden. Wilhelmina has been nicked by Sabrac's "Stigma" Unrestricted Spell, and she can't stop the bleeding since he's modified it from their previous encounter.

On Earth, the Flame Haze armies are dealing with the Western Tomogara armies while the Eastern Tomogara armies are being blocked from reinforcing alongside the Western forces. Meanwhile, Yuuji's party have reached their temple destination and the Serpent of the Festival's sealed body. Yuuji has Bel Peor do the honors of starting the unsealing process since it is her right eye that is in the sealing mechanism. Hecate frees the Serpent and Yuuji thanks the Trinity.  Alastor has seen enough and bid Yuuji and the Serpent farewell to rejoin Shana, whom as he suspected, is on her way to confront Yuuji.

Meanwhile, Sabrac is somewhat frustrated that his battle isn't going as planned as Wilhelmina, Rebeca, and Nbh'w press their attacks. Sabrac chases Wilhelmina and causes her more injury, only to be hammered by Nbh'w and pinned to the ground via his magic. Rebeca realizes that this will not defeat Sabrac, nor insure the Serpent doesn't escape and so Nbh'w is forced to free Sabrac. However, as he rises for another attack, Wilhelmina re-emerges and traps him within her ribbons, allowing Rebeca to cause endless explosions with said ribbons. However, it is only a Rinne they destroy, created by Bel Peol as the real Sabrac scores a hit on Rebeca's back.

Yuuji and company ride the Serpent's back as Shana and several Flame Haze spirits arrive. Yuuji forbids Sydonay from attacking and defends against Shana's first attack. Yuuji asks if Shana truly intends to stand against him since his only wish is to be with her and protect her. She confirms it due to Yuuji partnering with the Serpent and reveals her greatest Unrestricted Spell -- Love. She confesses her love to Yuuji, and reveals she's become one with herself. After laying her cards on the table, including the usage of her massive, Unrestricted Spell, Tenpa Jousai, she gives Yuuji a choice regarding the path he is following. She also has questions that demand answering, so the battle is on.

Thoughts/Review:

The fight between Sabrac and Wilhelmina, Rebeca, and Nbh'w didn't go quite like I thought it would. I recalled how intense the fight had been in the previous series, and elements of that are here, but not to the degree I expected. Not sure why I expected so much.

The thing I don't remember much of from before is Sabrac having some kind of relationship with Mare. I remember Mare from Shakugan no Shana Second, but she wasn't around for very long.  I just don't remember Sabrac coming after them for Mare, yet here, his thoughts are inexplicably of Mare. ^_^;

Speaking of things I don't remember, I'm not sure I remember Bel Peol's eye patch ever being explained. I've just always seen her with it, but never known why she wore it. Heck, I don't think I ever questioned it except perhaps in the first anime series.  Now, it turns out her eye was part of the mechanism to seal the Serpent of the Festival, which I assume is how the Serpent was able to get a portion of himself out due to an incomplete seal.

So, now the Serpent of the Festival has a giant snake body AND inhabits Yuuji as well. I had sorta expected that if the trapped body were found and freed, the Serpent would go into the Snake and Yuuji would again by a Mystes.  I guess not.

Margery and Satou are en route somewhere, I assume to Sophie's location.  It would have been a sweet touch if they were holding hands, but then Satou still an underage teen and that would be inappropriate.

My prediction is that the Tomogara armies will put a serious hurt on the Flame Haze army before Margery arrives and goes nuts on someone, like one of the Crimson Lord commanders, and turns the tide back in the Flame Haze favor.

Finally, Shana meets with Yuuji. I hate to say it, but her Unrestricted Spell being "love" comes off as rather cheesy. I like that Shana has come to terms with whom she is, both as a woman and as a Flame Haze, and that she was able to confess to Yuuji.  The only way this works is for Yuuji to somehow come to terms with Shana and accept her for what she is.  That said, its still cheesy with extra cheese on the side. ^_~

Still, the next episode promises to be more action with the Flame Haze and Tomogara armies in battle, Wilhelmina and company fighting Sabrac, and Shana facing Yuuji.  I'm looking forward to it.

Fate/Zero - 13

フェイト/ゼロ


SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Ryuunosuke and Caster arrive at their former hideout to discover it has been destroyed. Ryuunosuke weeps for the lost "art" of theirs, so Caster comforts him. The two end up talking about God and Ryuunosuke's beliefs in what God is, including the fact that if God didn't get enjoyment out of bloody slaughter, he wouldn't make intestines the way they are. Caster sees Ryuunosuke's beliefs that both praise and blaspheme are things God delights in, and is touched by Ryuunosuke's faith in this day and age. As such, Caster decides to do even more than before and takes Ryuunosuke to the river to start casting a new spell.

Meanwhile, Waver has a dream of Rider during his life and then takes him into the city for shopping. Rider buys a game and is amused that Waver would be reading a book on Rider's life as Alexander the Great when he's standing right there. The two talk as they walk home, where Waver reveals his feelings of inadequacy as a Master. Rider tells Waver they are much alike in that they may be just dots on a map, but they have big dreams and work hard to achieve them. Rider speaks of his unfulfilled dream to see Okeanos, something Waver dreamed of. As such, Rider is happy to be Waver's Servant.

Rider's plans to get Waver to play a video game are thwarted when they sense Caster's actions in the river. Saber and Iri also sense this and arrive at the riverbank moments before Rider and Waver do.  Rider proposes a truce in order to remove Caster, which Saber agrees to. Lancer arrives, at Rider's request, as Caster has summoned a massive monster, which then envelops him.  As such, they have to get to Caster and his Nobel Phantasm before the monster can sustain itself by getting to the shore and starting to eat. Plans made, Rider launches in his chariot while Saber races across the water to attack and give Lancer a shot.

Thoughts/Review:

This episode was surprisingly chatty.  Ryuunosuke's and Caster's sick and twisted philosophy continues to show why Ryuunosuke was able to summon Caster. Their sick, mutual admiration society stuff was just freaky.

On the other side is Rider and Waver. I've always known that Rider respected Waver despite his shortcomings, and now I have a better understanding of why. They really are very similar in many ways in goals, ambitions, and the effort put in to see their dreams come to fruition.

I have to say that I got a good laugh out of Rider buying that video game, complete with console. *lol* The only thing that would have made that sweeter is if somehow, the game had been Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. ^_~  Too bad Rider didn't get to talk Waver into playing before Caster's actions started.

So, Lancer, Rider, and Saber are there to battle Caster. Is Archer lurking around, or is he just sitting tight?  I don't expect Berserker to appear either since Kariya is in such poor health and needs to lay low until there's only one other Servant left.

In the end, not what I expected, but an OK episode I guess. I'm looking forward to seeing Caster getting taken down.

Ah! My Goddess Ch. 277 Manga Review

Ah! My Goddess Manga/Oh My Goddess! Manga
ああっ女神さまっ Chapter 277

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

With Belldandy unconscious and Keiichi also out with missing hands and feet, Hagall has Totenkopf D. , inside a skull-device begin the injection to turn Belldandy into a mazoku. She still has some of her energy left but after removing that remaining power, Totenkopf cannot order his crew to do the injection since he feels she should not be touched. Hagall sees the unit isn't doing its job and calls Mokkurkalfi, who's still doing karaoke with her little, big sister Ehwaz. Mokkurkalfi cannot see anything wrong with the unit on her monitor.  Ehwaz loudly sings a line to "destroy it all," so Hagall agrees to this strategy with Mokkurkalfi making a new unit. This stuns Mokkurkalfi, but Hagall understands what is going on and threatens to destroy the unit herself, causing Totenkopf and crew to suddenly decide to get to work.

Meanwhile, Keiichi is frustrated at not being able to do anything. He hears Hild's voice within him and reminds him that when she kissed him, she transferred a piece of herself into him since she knew the pendant would be found and thus used it as a decoy. She explains that Keiichi still has his limbs but just can't perceive them. She reminds Keiichi on how Belldandy recovered previously -- the ring he'd given to her filled with his feelings.  He is then reminded that he has such an item from Belldandy -- the birthday watch which is on his arm. Focusing on that, the watch reappears, followed by his hands and feet.

Now restored, Keiichi rushes in at the last second to grab Belldandy, sparing her from injection. Hagall is very surprised and amazed that a human was able to overcome her magic.

Thoughts/Review:

Leave it to Fusjishima-sensei to have other means than the obvious to get the job done. I was pretty sure that Hild wanted to be found and expected to be disposed of, but I was thinking that the mistake Hagall was making was having a piece of Hild out and about.  I had forgotten that Hild had kissed Keiichi and that she would use such a method to transfer a bit of herself into him. Heh. Well, there you go.

Then, there's the whole watch element. I should have figured that too but since I haven't been going back and rereading all the stuff from earlier, so I'd forgotten about the whole deal with the watch.  Once reminded, it seemed obvious, especially after Fujishima-sensei set it up with Belldandy's ring.

I was amused at how Hagall handled the crew in Mokkurkalfi's creation not doing their job. Plus, the scene allowed for Mokkurkalfi and Ehwaz to get an extended cameo.

Otherwise, there's nothing much to comment on. Now that Keiichi has Belldandy, I've no clue what comes next. Well, that's not quite true. I have some very strong suspicions based on the reactions to the next chapter, which is obviously already out weeks and weeks ago in Japan.  I'll not say anything speculative at this point and will just wait to see what goodness awaits me. *lol*

Merry Christmas! with Usagi Drop episode 3.5

うさぎドロップ Episode 3.5

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis: 

Daikichi and Rin are sitting at the table when Daikichi asks Rin what she wants Santa-san to bring.

Rin stops reading and decides she wants a friend for her stuffed animal bunny rabbit.

Daikichi goes out and buys a small Christmas tree and a present for Rin, which he has to hide from her.

As they decorate the tree, Rin is worried about their house not having a chimney, but Daikichi assures her that Santa-san has ways of getting in and delivering a present. 

Rin makes a drawing with a note, thanking Santa-san for stopping by, leaving some cookies (possibly fruit slices) for him and a carrot for the reindeer.

Later that night when Rin is asleep, Daikichi sneaks out to take the note, cookies, and carrots and bring back Rin's wrapped present to her futon.

The next morning, Rin is pleased with the new stuffed bunny rabbit toy to go along with her first one and seeing a sliced carrot as part of breakfast, thanks the reindeer for leaving it.

Thoughts/Review:

It really is a delight returning to the world of Usagi Drop with Rin and Daikichi. Having a little Christmas special was certainly a nice touch.  Certainly, it is a reminder for me of Christmas as a child and the wonder that came with it. ^_^

Funny how the non-Christian, Shinto nation of Japan has no problem with "Christmas" while in the U.S., there's a religious crusade on to purge Christmas by atheist and the like.

Regardless, I want to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas. ^_^