What Mikasa witnessed was Titan on Titan violence, but it was more than that. She was in awe and it might not be that difficult to figure out why if you take a look at the Titan. Since I’m sometimes slow on picking up things, I probably wouldn’t have figured it out right away, but I pretty much understand what happened. Don’t know how yet, but that’s just another mystery to uncover.

That being said, it looked like Mikasa definitely took the “news” of Eren’s death pretty hard. The fear in Armin’s eyes and tears flowing down from them were all it took for Mikasa to get the picture. I couldn’t imagine what was going through her mind just then, but it clearly clouded her judgment and made her irrational in her actions. She at least put up a good front about it in front of the others, juuuust before losing grip on her world and thinking her life is meaningless with Eren. That command to fight once again sparked something inside Mikasa. It’s her drive that will allow her to keep on going in the hardest of times. There’s a lot about Mikasa behind the scenes, but with her issues out of the way, a badass Mikasa is the way the go. We also got to see Jean stand and dread. I do like that he’s seeing the big picture now and hopefully he’s gonna take on his responsibilities. In fact, everyone this episode had nothing but despair on their faces. They’re learning the harsh reality and facing death. There’s some serious growing up that they’ll hopefully do.

But forget about Kirino for a moment. The best parts that came out of this episode was Kyousuke’s fanatsies of Ayase and most importantly, Kuroneko’s confession at the end. It really should not have taken six episodes to get to this after everything we’ve seen in the first season’s OVA episodes. If Kyousuke doesn’t take up this offer he is a lost cause.

Here is the anime’s story description:

The story is set in December of 2199, when the streets are full of anticipation for the end of the year and the start of the new one. Amid the celebrations, word spreads that Ragna the Bloodedge, an SS-class rebel with the highest ever bounty on his head, has appeared in the 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi. The apparent aim of Ragna or the “Grim Reaper” is the destruction of the system controlling the world. To collect the bounty, a motley array of unrivaled fighters converge on Kagutsuchi.

A short teaser for the anime can be seen at the end of the latest BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma video:

Art Director: Shigemi Ikeda
Color Key: Haruko Nobori
Director of Photography: Koujirou Hayashi
Editor: Masato Yoshitake
Sound Director: Masaki Tsuchiya
Sound Production: Studio Mausu
Music Production: Lantis

Official anime site: http://blazblue-am.jp/
Source: ANN via 0takomu

So I figured I would continue to share my thoughts on Okusan since there have been a handful of chapters released since I last talked about it. This chapter continues the misadventures of Kyouko and this time it has a little to do with a new washing machine. Before that though it is quickly revealed that Kyouko is absolutely clueless when it comes to technology. She calls the Internet the “Enternet” when talking to Moe (the middle sister) and later is clearly confused by all of the buttons on the new washing machine. It’s only until later in the chapter she figures out you have to put clothes in before starting it. Priceless.

The latter half of the chapter has Kyouko encounter a gym which gets her thinking that she might want to lose a few pounds. This is further compounded by Kirara (the youngest sister) basically glomping her ass and calling her “soft and squishy”. I have a feeling she will be visiting that gym again in the future. The chapter is polished off with Moe delivering a print-out to Kyouko who is only in her underwear at first and quickly has to put on something to answer the door. In her haste she answers the door clad in her old highschool uniform much to Moe’s surprise and embarrassment. The most hilarious thing about that scene though is that once Kyouko realizes what she’s wearing she only comments on having to lose weight. I think I love this manga so far. Also I should mention that I have seen Kyouko in her uniform elsewhere (NSFW).

This episode overall felt a little tame compared to the others, which I find oddly out of place and prefer the insanity of mermaids. At least we got the talking fish, though. I think that about wraps up all the characters in the show, so I’m looking forward to how Otohime treats the other mermaids.

The Sora “arc” may be over, but the cheeky bastard did deliver some messages to Haruto that made him think twice about Koyomi. We know Koyomi survived, but it’s possible not in the same vain as Haruto, as she’s essentially a mana doll. After all, it was the White Wizard who appeared before him and handed Koyomi over. And as we’ve learned in the past several episodes, the White Wizard doesn’t exactly come across as a good guy, maybe even Wiseman himself. Koyomi’s identity is now in question as well. Is it possible she is the Philosopher’s Stone? With Sora still around, we probably won’t have to wait too long as we get into the final quarter of episodes in the series.

Usually in a scene where a girl sees a naked guy come out of the bath suddenly, the girl immediately attacks the guy, a standard comedy act. I much rather prefer something that isn’t cliché, so seeing Tsukushi lose her composure and frightened of Youto and his man thing was both cute and hilarious to see, especially because Youto does nothing but walk forward to her like a creep and then passes out. I enjoyed Tsukushi’s sleeptalking moment. It further cements her desire to never leave Tsukiko and I thought Yukarin did a great job performing.

Overall, not a terribly bad episode, some slight fanservice, and the ending left a lot of questions to be answered later.

Speaking of witnessing, I can’t blame Armin for losing grip on himself. I mean, he almost got gulped and then was saved by Eren, who consequently took Armin’s place in that Titan’s mouth (I still can’t fully believe Eren’s gone though). It’s not just Armin either. We saw Hannah acting hysterical and trying to save Franz, but we know he’s dead. If you’ve read the manga, the scene makes it more painfully obvious he’s dead. This episode was probably the most heaviest yet in terms of the tone, theme, character actions, and backstories.

Naruto – Ch. 630

Tommy: I kind of almost forgot about Naruto this week. To be honest I just want all of this to be accelerated as quickly as possible. I don’t have any particular interest in the conflict going down between Kakashi and Obito. Somehow I see it all ending with Obito being redeemed in some way or “seeing the light” no matter what happens. I’d like to be proven wrong though. The battle against the Ten-Tails while still urgent doesn’t really excite me but _’s entrance was pretty cool. Naruto finally meets his dad in person despite the circumstances. Did he already know he was resurrected/on his way? I guess he had chakra sensing while still in his god mode?

Bleach – Ch. 537

Tommy: OK so the stage has finally been set and a proper explanation given for Masaki’s death. Juhabach is responsible for her death thanks to him stealing her powers and thus that means Ichigo should be setting a big-ass target on him. I don’t expect him to spare him in the slighest. Actually Isshin should also want him dead given how much he’s shown that he loved Masaki so dearly. Anyway, I’m curious as to what Ichigo’s going to do now regarding training. Go back to Soul Society? Elsewhere such as the Vaizards or perhaps to Ryuuken (for more info on Quincy powers)? That last one might prove to be even more interesting after the reveal of Uryuu visiting Juhabach for yet-to-be known reasons.

One Piece – Ch. 709

Sean: >mysterious swordsman Ricky defeated >ODAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. This chapter was full of surprises with Bellamy knocked out cold and the revelation of Bartolomeo’s devil fruit power. His last line implies that he’s fighting for Ace’s devil fruit for somebody else, and it doesn’t look like he’s one of Doflamingo’s guys. In any case, This block had some pretty cool fights, but right now I’m really itching for Luffy, I mean Lucy, to get into the fray already.

Toriko – Ch. 233

Sean: This is the first chapter of this arc that I’m meh on. I feel like so many pages weren’t needed for flashback purposes, especially when Toriko is only a five year old series. Though maybe it’s because I picked up the manga last year so those scenes were still fresh in my head somewhat. In any case, it made for some decent build up for portraying Toriko’s “appetite” and his comeback. The last scene was a very cliche moment too with Komatsu screaming out Toriko’s name, but ehh that’s what the writer wanted to go for. I have to say the double spread in this chapter was really cool. ;datass

Beelzebub – Ch. 204

Sean: Fuck. Yes. General Furuichi making his return with glorious tissues in his nose. I had a feeling we wouldn’t be seeing the last of them a few arcs back, and it’s incredibly exciting to see them in play with this serious arc. Those two Fallen Angels guys are easily fodder, but still I can’t wait to see Furuichi kick some ass. Also, I like how there’s a tie in with the Painting arc with this Solomon Company. Didn’t remember much from that arc, and it’s cool to see it had some sort of purpose besides just being a Himekawa arc.

Assassination Classroom – Ch. 42

Tommy: This arc came to a very nice end. Thanks to the new teacher Nagisa finally stood out in quite a surprising way. I guess it’s somewhat safe to say that he’s the “main character” of all the kids in Class E. His skills and their depiction were very well done and he might just become the perfect assassin. Is this possibly a glimpse of the future? Will he be the one to strike down Korosensei? At this rate who knows for sure but, like always with this series, I’m curious about what comes next.

Pre-air quality because I’m impatient and not very picky when it comes to quarity! Maybe if I liked this show more I’d be patient and wait for the TV versions only, but as of now I’m somewhat exhausted and confused with this show. I’m not entirely sure I know what’s going on, to be honest! Or, maybe I do know everything I should know by now, and everything else will be explained later on? Nevertheless, I apologize if I misunderstand any elements of the religion/mythology. It’s easy enough to follow along without being familiar with the many references to Shintoism (?), but quite a few names or information flew over my head in the earlier episodes.

But forget the earlier episodes, let’s get straight to the point: the ending! This series is slow and, admittedly, pretty boring at times, but Miyuki’s gradual character development took me by surprise. I haven’t realized how much he’s changed, or at least his attitude towards Izumiko has changed. He’s been softening up since his sour, detestable, horribly bratty personality from episode 1 and 2, but even considering that, for him to do something so blatantly emotional and touching – regardless if it’s romantically intended or not – is quite a moment to abruptly end with! It was both expected and unexpected! I figured something like that would happen (let’s face it, they were destined to be, and Izumiko/his dad discussed having to pick between Himegami/Goddess and Izumiko eventually), but for it to happen so soon… but then I realized that this is episode 9 out of 12 (?). So far it’s been slow, but gradual and natural. Hopefully this doesn’t mean the crew behind the series is trying to rush the romance, though the thought of this show rushing is pretty funny.

This might be the first time in quite a few episodes that the plot has actually moved forward–to where, I don’t know. Usually Red Data Girl consists of events, moments and details that seem a bit filler-ish but are really crucial for character development; in this episode, for example, Miyuki holds onto Izumiko’s left hand. It’s cute and all, but now we know that the Left is the one which receives from the Heavens, Right is the one which gives to the common people. Could this mean he would rather save Izumiko than the common people? Though, later she gives him her right hand to hold, so who knows what it all could mean!

So yes, between all the friendship building and the character introductions, the extinction of humankind has been mentioned at least twice, the judges mentioned multiple times, and the relationship (partnership) between Miyuki and Izumiko at least once every episode, but it’s been difficult to understand what the hell is going on exactly, until now. The conflict has finally revealed itself. The Goddess is actually not an actual goddess, but a successor of Izumiko who 1. has the power to destroy all humans (and does, eventually) and 2. can travel back in time. Pretty OP! You would think that Miyuki would accept her request to stop her from killing all humans, but either he doesn’t trust the Goddess/is afraid of her, or he’s worried that he might have to sacrifice Izumiko in the process. I like to think it’s the latter because, come on, he called her Izumiko! We only have three more episodes to find out if it’s true love or not… and, yeah, see if they stop the Goddess and save mankind and stuff.