Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Unbreakable Machine-Doll - ep04


Now we have the conclusion of the arc, which is mostly about Raishin delivering a beat-down of Filix for everything he has done. This act solidifies Charlotte's friendship with Raishin because she now know who she should of really trusted. Also they uses this episode to give the back-story to Charlotte's character on why she wants to become wiseman, how its all for the sake of her family. That get to the heart of the issue of the story, that everyone in the night party wants become wiseman for a reason.

Anyways the battle ends with Filix using the magically circuit that he stole from Lisette Norden. That this magic leads to his down-fall because of how two magics cannot coexisted. That because the white-mist dissolve the body it take into itself, Raishin uses this fact to make Filix's doll absorb Yaya magic. Which results in neutralizing his magic, which allow for Yaya to crush Filix's dolls heart. Now with this Filix is done for and with this they can clear Charlotte's good name. Things end with Raishin receives his ticket to the night party, even-though he still is all beaten-up. This conclusion leads to the true beginning of the story.



Sunday, October 27, 2013

Log Horizon - ep04


Now that they arrived at Susukino, they need to prepare for the hardest part of their journey. First thing is that they need to meet Serara inside the city because otherwise if they died with her out in the field they would return back to Akihabara while she would return to Susukino. That to prevent that they meet up inside the town. That when they meet up Shiroe is surprised by who her protect is, that it is his old friend Nyantan. That when he sees Shiroe, Nyantan perceive this as a sign from above for him to leave Susukino as well. The fact that Nyantan is coming with them back to Akihabara relieves Serara.


Although the issue of leaving isn't going to be so simple, that Shiroe is already expecting them to be planning to ambush them as soon as they leave Susukino. However Shiroe has a plan to deal with Demikas, that by forcing him to fight a one vs one match by question his strength they won't have to deal with the others. The reason for this is Demikas rule by strength but if he is no-longer seen as the strongest by his followers his guild will fall apart. Although when Akatsuki see the plan being silent carried out she is envious of how well Nyantan and Naotsugu seamlessly work together with Shiroe but sees as something beyond her reach. Now with Demikas finished things are not quite finished yet they still have make it all the way back to Akihabara, which won't be difficult with a third griffon. The question is if Akatsuki will want to leave the group once they get back to Akihabara because she can't perform at the same level as Nyantan and Naotsugu.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Infinite Stratos S2 - ep04


Things start back in with Ichika fighting for his life against this mysterious lady. That it seems that she isn't so mysterious since she has quite the mouth on her. That throughout the fight she is spilling all her secrets to a point that Ichika doesn't even have to ask her anything. It clear that once she steals Byakushiki that she is going to kill Ichika, because dead men tell no tales. It seems that she is part of this evil organization called Phantom Task, that they were responsible for kidnapping Ichika all those years ago. Although throughout the fight it seems like Ichika is doing pretty well since the environment is suited to his enemy. However he gets careless trying to end things quickly, which results in him getting himself captured.

This is when Tatenashi appears to save Ichika. It is quite interesting to see how her unit manipulates water, or at least something that appears to be water. That with this she is able to turn the tables on the enemy while protecting Ichika. This leads to the enemies carelessness which results in her unintentionally freeing Ichika. Now as she has failed her mission she processed to flee, with the support of Silent Zephyrus which was the IS that was seen earlier this season. It seems it was stolen from Britain. Now as they escape they leave a final surprise to allow them to make their escape.


Now with everything over it seems we get to the end result of everything that has happen. That Tatenashi was sticking close to Ichika because they knew someone was going to make a move on him. That she was to act as his body guard, that with everything resolved it looks like things are going to quite down for a while. This also brings her back to the issue of Cinderella competition, and informs Ichika of the fact that the person that got his crown was given the privilege to share a room with him. This brings Ichika's attention to what she is holding in her hand once he gets over his outrage that he wasn't informed of this fact. It seems that Tatenashi isn't going to be leaving his side anytime soon. Then there seems to be raising tension with Phantom Task, see appears to be a young clone of Ichika sister. Whether it turns out that there is a third sibling in the family that Ichika doesn't know about, it also seems possible it could be a female clone of Ichika or a clone of his sister. However it is unclear on who she harbors a grudge against. Right now it seem likely that she is a clone of his sister given how she knows about Laura and how is seem her grudge is point toward Ichika's sister.

Valvrave the Liberator - ep04


It seems that this time we receive L-elf back-story, it also serves a point considering where they crash-landed is near to where the training facility where he was raised is. That their goal is to steal a new shuttle from the Dorssia Army. This is going to happen by having Akira and Yukino infiltrate the village by using their possession ability. While this is going on is seems that Marie is becoming suspicious of Haruto, that something just isn't right. This leads her to seek into Haruto's Valvrave while everyone is occupied else where. It seems that Pino who lives inside the Valvrave knows Marie before she lost her memory, interesting since she is look for the truth about Haruto and she finds out a bit about her past. Another interesting point is that Marie lost her memory because Pino ate it.


Things get more complicate when the operation gets underway and Haruto has a role to play. However he has to do damage control in dealing with Marie and explain thing. Although it seems that the others are doing fine against this enemy. Things get more complicate when Dorssia deploys the units they built to fight the Valvrave based on the unit that was stolen from them. Then because of Thunder's carelessness they are in a bad position. This is made worse because Haruto is occupied with Marie, but L-elf plan to stop that issue by killing her. However he didn't expect that she would rise from the dead like the others can. The question is will this revival restore her memories and explain to us the nature of her connection the the Valvrave and what Pino truly is. There is also the threat of this new enemy to deal with, along with the fact that they still haven't achieve their objective yet either.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Unbreakable Machine-Doll - ep03


Although this time around the episode is mostly true to the original text. Which was difficult since this part of the story is just a transitional phase of the story. Where Raishin returns from his date with Charlotte, and the revealing of the true culprit. This is when they explain how Shoko and Raishin met. That Shoko is allowing Raishin to use Yaya, that Yaya is one of Shoko's greatest works and is one doll of the set. Now with how Shoko phrase the conversation as she is talking about Raishin's power. It seems that he might in time be given the other two dolls of the set in time. Which is possible since it is the anime.

Now the other thing that happens is the revealing of Filix as Cannibal Candy, and that Lisette Norden is already dead. That he is trying to get Charlotte to take the fall for him. The one thing that they missed in the execution of this part of this story is explaining why Charlotte has such a vested interested in capturing Cannibal Candy, although the sightly touch on it when she mention that she has sin as well. That Charlotte concerned the dolls that her family owned as people, and because of her they were dismantled. That the Eve Heart in her room was the hearts of her family that she managed to buy back. Which the might get into explaining in the showdown with Cannibal Candy. It seems that this arc is going to end with the climax battle between Filix and Raishin.


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Log Horizon - ep03


The main point of this episode was to define Shiro's group progress towards Susukino where Cresecent Moon Alliance isolated member is. Although as they are having to cross through a tunnel to get to the other side, they use this trip through the dungeon to give a bit of Shiroe's back story. That even Marie the Guild master of CMA touched on why hasn't Shiroe join a guild given how resourceful he is. However his back story touch on this, it is because he is this skilled that he won't join a guild. The reason being is that they will just use him, and he doesn't want to lead others around by the hand. This also brings back Shiroe's longing for his all group. However before the manage to escape the dungeon there are two surprises the first being that Akatsuki isn't the child that she appears to be it just that she short. The other being a new monster that they have to defeat as they are about to exit.


The other thing that is going on is the build up of other matters, such as what is going on with Marie and her guild. It seems that she is meeting with the other guild master in her region however it is isn't made clear as to why she is gathering them and towards what goal she is aiming for. The other point is focusing on how bad things are in Susukino where Serara is trapped until Shiroe arrives. It seems that a player named Demikas is trying to take over everything in Susukino and make himself king. That so far it looks like he will be the main enemy of this series, and it looks like he isn't going try to expand his Territory beyond Susukino to engulf all of Elder Tale. The question is if Demikas will just be a one time enemy of the series, and will be a non issue once they get Serara back to Marie. The other issue is why is he so consumed with getting his hands on Serara. Although will Shiroe's encounter with Demikas leaded him to obtain a new goal to work towards that is not as temporary as saving Serara.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Infinite Stratos S2 - ep03


Things start off with Tatenashi once again causing trouble for Ichika, because she wants a massage from him since she hear how good he is at it. Although Ichika isn't against giving her one, what he is against is giving her one while she is dress in so little. This little skit introduces us to the fact that the school festival will be happening tomorrow. Then once it begins we see how things focus in on Ichika because his class is using him as an attraction. That with the arrival of Rin this introduces us into what Rin's class is doing. Now with Ichika in the role of the butler, Rin unknowing order somethings embarrassing. Where she has to feed Ichika, however before Ichika can reciprocate the action Houki steps in. Then once things are finished with Rin, Ichika is set on his break but the girls want to accompany him. However only one gets to go with him and this brings a close to the first act.


Then as things progress into the second half, it seems that Tatenashi has something planned for Ichika. That they are giving a ad-lib performance of Cinderella, but what Ichika doesn't know is the one that steals his crown gets to share his room. This make all the girls willing participants of Tataenashi scheme. The whole irony of this is that since they are all charging at him to get his crown, he is naturally going to run away. In the end Charlotte almost succeed if Tatenashi didn't have it set where he would get electrocuted if he tried to give it away. Then she as fuel to the fire by allowing the audience to compete. This just make him run faster, then in the end a trap door opens up and he believes that he is saved by Makigami who he met at his classes cafe. However it seems that she wants to steal Ichika's IS from him. Now it seems that the real action has begun, it will be interesting to see where the story is going now. Since the plot isn't as transparent as last seasons.

Valvrave the Liberator - ep14


Things continue to progress as the are preparing to descend towards earth. This is where they explain the process, that they must receive clearance to dock with a transport ship which will guide them through re-entry automatically. That as they pass through security the do a bit of a tribute to Gundam Seed where they are attack by the enemy during re-entry because accidental contact another ship. This fight is more problematic for the Valvrave because of how overheating can be cause not just internally source but externally as well. This makes it where they can't travel very far from the ship without having the Valvrave overheat and become inoperable. However it reach the point where one of them has to take the risk or everyone might die.

This results in Akira being the one to take this risk to take out to one below. Although her unit overheats because of this and she is left stranded in space all by herself and everyone else is left to watch her drift away. This event reflects the sub-plot that happens in this episode on how Akira became a shut-in and why her brother feel responsible. It seems that school entry exams where coming up and even-though her brother was sick he was studying for his test. That in seeing this she wanted to help him out by getting to test from the schools servers. However she gets caught and is force to take all the blame even-though her brother is partly responsible for her action. Even further she is bullied in school because of what she did but Akira feels she is abandon once again because he does nothing for her. This leads her to becoming a shut-in because it seems like everyone else is out to harm her.


However it seems that Satomi wants to save her because if he doesn't now he will never get another chance to redeem himself. Also no-one else wants to leave her to her fate, however no can do anything. Although when all seems lost, the new weapon is ready for Haruto's unit. This weapon called the familiar is designed to help vent the excessive build-up of heat to prevent the Valvrave from overheating. First he takes out the last enemy before heading after Akira, then once he reach her Haruto works on keeping both of their units cool. However they never would have made it back if it wasn't for Satomi. Although this redeems Satomi a bit for his past crimes, it seems that Akira is nowhere near ready to forgive him. Things end with them crash down to earth in Dorissian control territory, which is another tribute to the Gundam seed series.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Unbreakable Machine-Doll - ep02


In the continuation of the arc they have made some major and minor changes but the base plot has yet to be changed. In the manga Raishin meeting with Magnus is down played but in the anime they make it clear that the only reason that Raishin wants to enter the Night Party is that it will be the best chance he has at killing Magnus. Although in the manga after encountering Magnus, Filix approaches him about getting his help on Cannibal Candy. However in the anime he approaches him much later, and Charlotte isn't around to hear about it. Also Raishin initially rejects his offer which later on he accepts it, while in the anime he immediately accepts his offer only later to wonder if he made the right choice.

This progress to the next major change is that the trouble that Cannibal Candy is down played in the anime. That in the manga the issue with Cannibal Candy was the catalyst to bring Raishin and Charlotte closer together. It also gave greater meaning to when Raishin to Charlotte out on a date and why he did it. While also causing bring up the point by Sigmund that they need to be careful of Cannibal Candy now more than ever because they are separated from their masters but this point is not even raised in the anime and Yaya is more depressed than enraged. This gave greater meaning to Raishin fear of Yaya and buying her a present while he was on his date with Charlotte. Things end with them returning to school and implying that Yaya was attack while they were gone.


Saturday, October 12, 2013

Log Horizon - ep02


The second episode doesn't really waste a lot of time exploring the concept of dieing in this world. That it doesn't take long for it to be clear that if you die in this game you are later revived back at town. That unlike SAO death is not as much of an issue because you don't die for really. However with death not being permanent it has cause different socially effect than what was seen in SAO. That with nothing to really do, this has cause the frequency of Pking to rise. That we see the effects of this when Shiro's group falls victom to the Pkers although they defeat the Pkers. This raise the question to Shiro are they any better because they don't really have a goal to work towards so he can't really considers them much better off.


This leads to the introduction of a goal to Shiro. It seems that Crescent Moon Alliance is planning a trip to retrieve their last member. However by forcing Marie to speak of it, Shiro realize how dangerous this is going to be for them. That he doesn't believe they will succeed since there is a party limit of six. There is also the fact that they would have to travel 425km which is about 260 miles. It turns out that this would be about a month long round trip. That if she were defeat they would have to start all over again. It seems to be that Shiro believe he would have a better chance of success but he feels he has no real right to intruded upon what they are doing since he is not part of her guild. Altough it seems that Akatsuki and Naotsugu are aware what he is think. That with their approval Shiro states that they will go in their place. This also serves another purpose of find something of mean where there is very little of anything that has any true value. However it is doubtful that this journey will span the entire anime but just the first arc. It will be interesting to see how different this world will be in comparison with Sword Art Online.

Infinite Stratos S2 - ep02


Now with the new semester starting for Ichika he is getting back to his training, and with the true start of the second season we get introduce to a new girl. That this new woman ends up causing all sorts of problems for him. First she make him late which leads him into trying to explain to his sister why he is late for class, when it clear that she really doesn't care about the why just that he is. This creates more problems for him when he starts taking about another woman, but his sister gives Charlotte the honor of acting on this displeasure. It is until later that Ichika discovers who the woman is. It turns out that it was the student council president Tatenashi Sarashiki.

Although they take a bit of a break from focusing on the main plot, it seems that the academy is going to be having a culture festival soon and all the class have to prepare something. Although Ichika isn't pleased about their suggestion because it go about treating him like a piece of meat. Now with Ichika rejecting all the ideas, this leads to Laura suggesting the most reasonable one of a maid cafe which is clear inspired by the previous days adventure that she had with Charlotte. Ichika agree because he doesn't think he will get anything much more favorable. That with this decided Ichika leaves to have his after-school training but the trouble maker returns demanding that she now be to sole person he trains with because he needs help because he is weak.

This leads to them having a duel in judo that if Ichika wins he get to carry on like he has been but if he loss she get to have her way. It turns out that in this school you don't get elected as student council president but it is determine by being the strongest student in the school. It seems her main interest is in cultivating Ichika new shooting ability, but is there a deeper reason why she is only helping Ichika now. When at the begin he was desperate for someone to help him, that she only show up now. Although it is clear that she of a greater benefit than the others have been because she is actually teaching him, instead of just sparing with him like the others have been.


Although she is also running him ragged with cause misunderstandings with Laura and Houki. Where the misunderstand with Laura is innocent enough. Then one with Houki was with her purposefully messing with Ichika and Houki just comes in midway through her prank on him. This is on top of all the rough training that she is putting him through. The question that still has yet to be answers is what is with her sudden interest in Ichika, it probable has something to do with the attack we witness last episode.

Valvrave the Liberator - ep13


They pick-up the series from where it left off with the fight between Haruto and Cain. Even though the unit that Cain is using is defective he is able to prove that he is far superior to Haruto. That the only reason that Haruto was able to survive the fight is because Cain's defective unit overheated and he couldn't risk losing it after all this time and effort. However during the fight somethings were revealed that there is some form of sentient life residing inside the Valvrave that it has a sibling that is in Cain's hands that he used to power up the defective Valvrave. That it seems this older brother despise JIOR and see that they imprison his sister inside the Valvrave. However it still kind of vage the role these two will play but it become more clear towards the end of the episode.

Now with the conclusion of the battle with module 77 in neutral territory, this begins the negotiations of them receiving support. Although this leads to our story fast forwarding two months, where there is a party that is being prepare to go down to earth to find out the truth about the Valvrave from the people that help build it. This leads us into what happened to Haruto during these two months, that it looks like he is being imprisoned while L-elf and the doctor are examining him and what effect the Valvrave is having on him. It turns out that he is imprisoned by his own request to protect others from himself.


It isn't until later when Yukino open his cell to get him for their departure and see him as weak as he is which result in her offer herself to him but this cause him to runaway from her. Then with his escape she contact L-elf about what happened. It seems that L-elf has no trouble tracking Haruto down, and this explains what is going on with Haruto. The Valvrave are power by runes and the strongest source of runes are people and this is why he attacks others. It also seems the reason that the others don't suffer from these attack is that unit-01 is the one that supplies the runes for the other Valvraves. That the reason he is so weak is because he hasn't feed-ed in so long. That through him abstaining from feeding off others the Valvraves have run-out of power. This returns them to their original agree the they will split everything fifty-fifty, this means that L-elf will support Haruto by acting as the source of his runes to power the Valvraves. Thing end with them leave neutral territory and heading towards earth. While it seems that Haruto is resolved to die when everything is finished and take the curse of the Valvrave with him. I doubt that things are going to be that simple because it seems that Dorssia is now working on making Valvrave of their own which means soon the war is going to intensify.