Ouran High School Host Club Series 1 Part 2
Can cross dressing ever have a happy ending?
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Ouran High School Host Club Series 1 Part 2
Ouran High School Host Club is a school for the rich, famous and beautiful and in the case of Haruhi Fujioka a scholarship student who is unfortunate enough to break a several million yen vase and end up being forced to work as a man in a Host Club. This is not a hard-hitting exposé of the life of cross-dressing hosts, but a lighter than life comedy about an unfortunate girl who stumbles across more than fortunate boys.
Part 1 of this acclaimed anime series left us on a high, Haruhi had just been through a vision roughly based around Alice in Wonderland where she was being tried for various crimes before she realised that she was in a dream. We catch up with the unlikely group of people back at school and the school newspaper is suffering from a decline in readership and need the Host Club to help them get back on their feet.
The next twelve episodes of Ouran High School Host Club mange to continue with the high quality that was experienced throughout Part 1, with fun being poked at class, gender and many facts of life for “normal people” as well as expanding into areas of emotion and divide whilst maintaining the easy going flow of the show. There is hints of a complicated storyline being developed by the latter episodes of Part 1 and Part 2 only go to expand upon that. Whereas many animes attempt to have multiple plots running at the same time end up being a mess of random episodes tied together, Host Club effectively manage these plots and subplots throughout the entire series. There are some references that only the “otaku” culture may understand, such as growing mushrooms in a dark corner, but for the most part the universal humour that was seen in Part 1 has translated through to the remainder of the show.
Granted Host Club is entirely unbelievable in almost every aspect – super rich kids essentially enslaving a poor person at a school where apparently no work is done and teachers allow half naked boys running around empty music rooms. But the character development is strong, for the entire cast, not just the two lead characters. This is a rare occurrence in any form of media, let alone anime. Based on the first volume of this series it would be easy to believe the characters to only be 2.5 dimensional, a bit flat with a tiny bit of history. This volume really fleshes the characters out from the twin’s insecurity, Kyoa’s inferiority complex, Honey and Mori’s extensive history to Tamaki’s less than pleasant relatives. These issues are also all dealt with, but in a manner that leaves other issues open for the characters to inhabit and dwell in, of course this is a comedy show and all issues are dealt with in amusing ways. Fake feuds, exaggerated worry and various other techniques are used to keep the viewers attention but keep the emotional undertones in full view.
To maintain this level of detail the script needs to be next to perfect and fortunately the same high quality writing has managed to be marinated throughout the entire series. This has led to no filler episodes and even fewer duds. As this is only a 26 episode series with nothing on the horizons for a Series 2 the writing and plot has had to be very tight and this attention to detail shines through.
The animation quality also remains very high, with every character being bright, distinct and easily recognisable. There are a few scenes where characters are doing fiddly jobs and the animation is smooth – the temptation to simply have music playing the background whilst there’s a freeze-frame on the character has fortunately been ignored.
In terms of voice acting, the Japanese cast is best; however, the US voice actors have done a superb job at getting much of the maniacal laughter and emotion across. All of the characters match their voices and it’s all performed very well – just unfortunately they’re not as good as their Japanese counterparts.
In terms of extras, well last time I managed to get a copy of the US disc and there were some amazing specials that didn’t fly across to the UK release which is a huge shame. Those extras really made the DVD super special. Unfortunately the extras again have been missed off of the second volume for the most part. Maybe next time eh?
» Final Score
10/10
With a gentle storyline that helps the character’s development and engages with the viewer, Host Club manages to achieve what many anime attempt and miss: an engaging, personal experience.
Barbican To Continue Japanimation Season
Logo © Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre in London is well known for it’s love of anime. The Barbican has ran a season called Japanimation since 2006, which has been spearheaded by the co-author of the Anime Encyclopaedia – Helen McCarthy. Recently there have been some new developments at The Barbican Centre which has led to many rumours floating around the internet – such as the end of Japanimaion.
These rumours are so strong that they have even managed to penetrate the national, mainstream media such as The Guardian. There is an understandable concern that with these changes at The Barbican that unique cinema experience will be impacted and different cultures’ entertainment will be ignored and fall back away into obscurity.
Fortunately this is not the case and Helen McCarthy has gone on record on her blog saying:
Japanimation, like everything else on the Barbican Cinema schedule, will adapt to changing circumstances. We may have to fit around the builders, but we don’t intend to disappear.
This is great news to the anime community at large as it means we will continue to see Ponyo, Mai Mai Miracle, GitS and various other anime that Helen kindly organises for the viewing populace. The most vital part about the Barbican is that it’s not a seedy, back alley, underneath a huge store indie cinema, it’s a well known, respected and Government funded institute. This means people have confidence in it and what’s being shown.
Desert Punk Volume 3
Able to improve on the past?
Desert Punk Volume 3
In a world surrounded by heat, sand and hate, one man stands alone. His wish is simply to be the best, the very best at what he does; which is anything – so long as it pays well enough. Desert Punk is a missionary, but not in the religious sense and in the post apocalyptic world he inhabits just trying to meet ends and survive is a daily challenge. With his new apprentice Kosuna in tow he’s starting to try and mend his battered reputation.
Various people sent his once perfect reputation into ruins, but in his mind the lead perpetrator of his downfall was Junko. With her ample assets and her ability to manipulate she’s managed to appear back on the scene with another job for Kanta. However, for the briefest of moment’s he’d learnt his lesson, until the figure for the job came into conversation. Within a few seconds he was on hand with his apprentice to help Junko help the richest man in the desert find some more hidden treasure.
This storyline manages to run across two episodes and is crucial to the storyline of Desert Punk, not only does it confirm that the world was once somewhat habitable but it also confirms that there was some form of huge disaster. Additionally it also manages to show that there are people who still want this new world, which is less than ideal, to have the same mistakes repeated – war. Of course there is double-dealing throughout these episodes and they only go to highlight the lengths that some people will go to survive. If this were a more serious anime it would be easy to discuss the morality of humanity; however the “right” thing is done and next episode puts Desert Punk back on crass humour track.
In the next episode involves the Desert Punk decides that Junko’s initial betrayal was far too much and manages to capture her and put her in an adult “Big Brother” style house. She wakes up to find that she has next to no clothes on, but is in an ample sized, but completely secure, apartment of sorts. The one thing she doesn’t know for certain, but suspects, is that Kanta is not only behind this but is actually watching her. Before long the episode takes a somewhat expected twist but leaves the viewer wanting more at the very end.
With kidnapping, implied masturbation and sexual scenes throughout the episode is so close to the verge of hentai it’s embarrassing this episode manages to take the show to an entirely new level. Of course, there is a degree of humour involved and Junko certainly gets her “just deserts” on Kanta but the actual content is more than simply risqué.
Kanta is left battered, in a physical sense and his reputation as well. After not really succeeding with Junko’s job, or with Junko everyone thinks that he’s a bit of a joke and money’s tight. A job appears to rescue a rich little girl from some kidnappers – he thinks this is a perfect job. Unfortunately Kanta and Kosuna don’t realise that this little girl is beyond demanding and arrogantly stupid. The kidnappers are far more advanced than he expected and the little girl doesn’t take too kindly to being rescued by an inept team or kidnapped either.
Throughout the episode Kanta is abused by this little girl and is pushed to his limits by her behaviour and the kidnappers. This episode is easily the most forgettable on the disc as it’s very bland. “Nasty rich girl wants to be rescued but doesn’t want to do anything” has been used in anime and in films from all over the world and it does very little to inspire enjoyment from a viewer. Not only that but the episode is easily the darkest in terms of palette and strange compression artefacts appear far too frequently. Fortunately the majority of the episodes are relatively free of these and the episode being so dark only highlights these further.
Not forgetting the extras, this time around there are some noteworthy extras to speak of, although for the most part they are irrelevant to the disc they are being placed on. A 19 minute feature called The Survival Game Course Part 1 which sees Misa Kikoden and Yamaken heading to a shop with Kanta not far behind to get some equipment for survival games and a short animated manga side-story that shows Sunabozu story with Japanese text and subtitles below. It’s only five minutes and lacking in content. But it’s great that we see some decent extras for once.
» Final Score
8/10
After a very poor outing from the second volume, Desert Punk has managed to not only redeem itself but lace itself in crude and dirty humour that is only suited for certain tastes.
Exclusive Anime Dog-Tags Available
The independent and online only, UK based anime, videogame and general interesting store: Toymation, announce today their line-up of exclusive anime dog tags.
This limited edition will feature various anime characters across the spectrum and is being made to order by Styled By Sand. Each Tobi-Tag will have a run of 500 tags and every two months there will be two new designs announced by Toymation, to further enhance the uniqueness numbers 1-10 are available to be engraved with 18c Gold plating, although this will be for a slight premium.
For those who order more than one, the option of just ordering the tag and not the chain will be available.
The first two tags available are Optimus Prime and Naruto and will be for sale on pre-order today and on general sale from the 1st February 2010 for £29.99 or £19.99 for those who pre-order.
To find out more information, visit Toymation’s official website here.
Japanese Art Festival 2010 Confirmed
The Japanese Art Festival is an event that is held various times a year and hosted by the legendary Akemi Solloway. Akemi is a lecturer of Japanese Culture and is of samurai descent. Her aim with the Japanese Art Festival is to promote Japanese Culture, which is far more than just anime and manga.
Japanese Art Festival
Where: Richmond Adult Community College, Parkshot, Richmond, TW9 2RE
When: 27-28th February 2010
There are no times or guests confirmed as of yet, but judging by last year’s events, we should be in for a treat. Their official website is available here.
Source: Twitter
New Tatsunoko Vs Capcom Ultimate All Stars Trailer
Copyright Capcom Entertainment
The legendary videogame producer Capcom are due to release one of the most anticipated fighter games of the year exclusively to the Nintendo Wii. Tatsunoko v Capcom contains a plethora of different characters from anime and videogame pop-culture and some cross overs from Street Fighter, to keep everyone interested Capcom have today released a new trailer of this hotly anticipated game; which can be seen below.
Summer Wars Release Date Announced – Updated
Manga Entertainment today announced that they will be releasing of the most anticipated films of the year to the UK in September 2010. One of the most highly rated anime films of 2009, Summer Wars is the latest film from Mamoru Hosoda, the director of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Summer Wars
Kenji Koiso is a child prodigy and this mathematically minded genius spends a large portion of his time immersed in a massive computer simulated viral world, OZ. At the beginning of his summer vacation, our socially inept genius is asked to help in celebrating his crush, Natsuki Shinohara’s great grandmother’s 90th birthday.Before he knows it, he’s the lead of a news story about the destruction of his favourite computer game OZ and has to learn how to deal with this as well as enlist the help of Natsuki’s family to clear his name.
Release: September 2010
Format: Theatrical ReleaseRelease: October/November 2010
Format: Standard Definition DVD and Blu-Ray DVD
Yes, Manga Entertainment also confirmed today that Summer Wars will be released in both standard definition DVD and Blu-Ray DVD in September.
Update:
Manga Entertainment today confirmed that they are planning for a theatrical release of Summer Wars in September and then a DVD release in both Blu-Ray and Standard Definition in October or November time.
Source: Twitter
Fate Stay Night Clips
As we reported today, MVM’s latest release – Fate Night Stay Volume 1 has been released to the public and is now available to purchase. Fate Night Stay is an adaptation of the manga, of the same name – our review of Volume 1 manga is available here, and to wet your whistle MVM Entertainment have released a few new clips of this anime to us.
The clips are:
DVD Releases This Week
So it’s a new year and it’s time for some new anime to be released onto the UK market, the four new anime that are due to be released today are:
- The Slayers Try – Volume 4
- Speed Grapher: Box Set
- Solty Rei – Volume 6
- Samurai Deeper Kyo – Volume 4
- Fate Stay Night – Volume 1
So that’s a lot of great anime available for everyone to buy through all good retailers today.
Mini-Anime Convention Announced
It’s been announced that on the 6th February that the Anime League Club London will be running a mini-anime convention for just £5. This convention will feature various guests such ash Little Kuriboh and Masako X of Yu-Gi-Oh and Naturo Abridged, DS:London, which is a well known DS Gaming Group and the legendary Akemi Solloway.
With an Artists Alley, Video Gaming, Pub Quizes, DDR Tournament, AMV Showings, Cosplay, Anime Screenings (although no anime’s have been confirmed as of yet) and much more.
Date: Saturday February 6th
Venue: The Slug and Lettuce, 1 America Square, London, EC3N 2LS
Tube: Five minutes from Tower Gateway & Tower Hill tube stations
It costs £5 to get in (pre-pay), and you need to be 18 years or older. Accommodation is available at just £17.50 a night!
Fancy telling ALCL what they should be doing? They want to hear your thoughts on what could be happening at this mini-con here.
Bexley Anime and Manga Festival Programme Announced
The Bexley Anime and Manga Festival, which is due to be held in February in 2010 recently confirmed their lineup with some impressive anime movies along with some manga workshops with UK Sweatdrop Studio artists such as Sonia Leong, Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon competitions and a Cosplay workshop with Kelly Batchelor.
Their film line-up with be held in the Cineworld cinema in Bexley Heath and all films are free for anyone aged between 11-19, although they do require pre-booking. The films are:
Spirited Away
Supernatural Fantasy. Join Chihiro on a strange and mesmerising journey into a world of Japanese spirits. This magical movie stands out as one of the best loved animated fi lms of all time. From acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki. Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature.Date: 1st February 2010
Time: 1800Howl’s Moving Castle
Fantasy Adventure. Travel to a breathtakingly beautiful world and discover the adventure, romance and fantasy of this highly rated film. From acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki. Oscar nominated for Best Animated Feature.Date: 4th February
Time: 1800Tokyo Godfathers
Comedy-Drama. An anime masterpiece, this beautiful film vividly portrays a cold winter in Tokyo as three homeless friends find an abandoned baby in a dumpster and set out on a journey of discovery as they seek to find the parents of the child. Moving, funny and exciting.Date: 8th February
Time: 1800The Cat Returns
Fantasy. From Studio Ghibli, this acclaimed and entertaining film will charm viewers of all ages. After she saves a cat from an oncoming truck, 17 year old Haru discovers she’s actually saved Lune, Prince of the Cat Kingdom. A whimsical, fun adventure.Date: 18th February
Time: 1800Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Sci-Fi Action. This cult classic is a thrill ride of epic proportions. Action packed with a nail-biting finale, this film is not to be missed at this rare cinema screening. A perfect introduction to anime for new fans and awesome fun for those already devoted.Date: 11th February
Time: 1800The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Sci-Fi Romance. What would you do if you could leap back in time? When Makoto stumbles upon this very power she seizes the chance to get better exam scores and put right certain personal mishaps from her past! A journey of self discovery and romance follows. Acclaimed as one of the greatest anime movies of recent years, this outstanding movie is a festival highlight.Date: 22nd February
Time: 1800Our review of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is available here.
Sky Crawlers
Sci-Fi. An intense new movie from Ghost in the Shell director, Mamoru Oshii. Stunning state of the art animation and an intelligent story make this a modern anime masterpiece. In a peaceful world a never ending war is fought in the skies by kildren – young people who never grow old. Discover the secrets of this strange yet familiar world in this important new movie. Presented by Manga Entertainment.Date: 25th February
Time: 18005cm Per Second
Romance. From Makato Shinkai, this trio of interconnected short stories explores the excitement and melancholy of young love. The title refers to the speed it takes a cherry blossom to fall from the trees to the ground. Visually stunning, absolutely mesmerising and distinctly Japanese. Presented by Manga Entertainment.AND
K20: Legend of the Mask
Action. A live action Japanese superhero movie with international star Takeshi Kaneshiro. Fight scenes, stunts and a lighthearted plot – the perfect night out at the cinema and an exclusive presentation at the BAM Festival! A superb example of Japan taking on Hollywood and winning. Presented by Manga Entertainment.Date: 1st March
Time: 1800 for Sky Crawlers followed directly by 5cm Per Second
How to book
Advance booking is recommended for all festival events.
To book your place at any event either:
- Visit any Bexley library to book tickets in person.
- Call 020 8303 7777 (option 4) to reserve tickets for all events.
- Text event title/date with your name and age to 07837 269967.
- Email bam@bexley.gov.uk stating the event title/date and your name and age.
Their full programme is available in PDF format here. Their Facebook page is available, here.
Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance Debuting in Scotland
It has recently been announced that the UK premier of the much loved anime film, Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance will be debuting in Scotland this year. This film will debut in the Glasgow Film Festival, which runs between the 18-28th February 2010 and showcases hundreds of different films, spanning all genres and mediums of film.
To make this even more interesting, the legendary Jonathan Clements, the co-author of the Anime Enclopedia and the author of his 2008 insiders book, Schoolgirl Milky Crisis: Adventures in the Manga Trade, will be introducing this film to the audience.
Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance
“Continuing where the previous film, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, left off, the movie opens with a new EVA pilot, Mari Illustrious Makinami, launched with EVA Provisional Unit 05 to destroy the Third Angel which is attacking the arctic Bethany Base of NERV. She successfully defeats the Angel by self-destructing Unit 05, safely ejecting at the last moment.” ~ WikipediaVenue: Glasgow Film Theatre
Date: 15th February 2010
Time: 1745
Cost: 12-19 Year Olds – £3.50, otherwise £7
So that’s an exclusive showing of this film on the 15th February in Scotland.
You can buy tickets and find out further information, here.
DVD Releases This Week
It’s Monday, so that means more anime released onto the UK market. Well, normally it does. This Monday only has one new title being added to the wealth of anime that’s been released this year. That one title is:
- Naruto Unleashed: Series 8 Part 1
So if you’re a Naruto fan, then it’s a must have.
As always this DVD is available through all good retailers.
