tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46852587342429768012023-11-15T09:00:19.974-08:00Anime LifeAdmin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-46885491418369611762007-07-18T13:58:00.000-07:002007-07-18T14:01:39.322-07:00Shaman King Character 5<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char18.jpg" alt="Tokageroh" /></div> <p><b>Tokageroh</b></p> <p>Tokageroh was once a thief that took up residence in an abandoned bowling alley Ryu's gang was inhabiting as their best place. Initially, Tokageroh possessed Ryu to take his revenge on Amidamaru. Later, after some training with Yoh's father, Mikihisa, Ryu learns to be a shaman and takes Tokageroh as his spirit.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char29.jpg" alt="X-Laws" /></div> <p><b>X-Laws</b></p> <p>The X-Laws consist of (clockwise) Marco, Denbat, Lyserg, Venstar, Cebin, Porf, Meene, & Larch. They are the loyal followers of Jeanne-sama in her quest to rid the world of evil - Hao and his minions. There are no grey areas with the X-Laws. You are either on their side, believing fully in Jeanne-sama, or their enemy.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char22.jpg" alt="X-Laws Spirits" /></div> <p><b>X-Laws Spirits</b></p> <p>Lyserg's Angel = Zerual, Marco's = Michael, Jeanne-sama's = Shamash, Meene's = Gabriel, Venstar's = Metatron, Cebin's = Remiel, Denbat's = Raphael, Larch's = Uriel, and Porf's = Sariel</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char04.jpg" alt="Yoh Asakura" /></div> <p><b>Yoh Asakura</b></p> <p>Yoh is a Shaman, whose main spirit is the great samurai, Amidamaru. Yoh is also the kind of guy who likes to take it easy. Some might call that lazy. He'd much rather take a nap or watch nature than train. Fortunately for him, his fiancee, Anna, has come to make sure he trains hard and becomes the Shaman King.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char07.jpg" alt="Yohmei Asakura" /></div> <p><b>Yohmei Asakura</b></p> <p>Yoh's Grandpa, and the one responsible for Yoh's training up until now. He was the one to set up Yoh's engagement to Anna, and he is the one Yoh turns to when he needs help training.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char21.jpg" alt="Zenki (red) and Kouki (blue)" /></div> <p><b>Zenki (red) and Kouki (blue)</b></p> <p>Anna's shikigamis were once Hao's shikigamis that were sealed away in his book containing of all the Onmyou teachings (Chou Senji Ryakettsu). Anna defeats them so she can take the book to Yoh. Later, she uses them at opportune times to her advantage. As Anna isn't a shaman, they don't possess her.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from<a href="http://www.animetique.com/"> click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-60763995788865178252007-07-18T13:50:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:55:56.673-07:00Shaman King Character 4<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char08.jpg" alt="Pirika" /></div> <p><b>Pirika</b></p> <p>Horo Horo's little sister is determined to train him hard to make sure he becomes the Shaman King.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char48.jpg" alt="Ponchi" /></div> <p><b>Ponchi</b></p> <p>One of Tamao's meddlesome spirits along with Konchi who despises Anna.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char50.jpg" alt="Ran Tao" /></div> <p><b>Ran Tao</b></p> <p>Jun and Ren's mom who can occasionally calm her husband down but doesn't do much else.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char05.jpg" alt="Ren Tao" /></div> <p><b>Ren Tao</b></p> <p>Ren is the first Shaman Yoh fights before the Shaman Fight. Ren is his family's hope - he must become Shaman King to restore the Tao family. He is determined to beat Yoh in the Fight.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char10.jpg" alt="Ryu of the Wooden Sword" /></div> <p><b>Ryu of the Wooden Sword</b></p> <p>Ryu leads a gang of well meaning, yet not very bright outcasts in their quest to find the Best Place, the place where they can belong. Ryu has never felt like he's fit into society, and so he searches for meaning. Upon meeting Yoh, he decided that he wanted to become a Shaman.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char51.jpg" alt="Shamon" /></div> <p><b>Shamon</b></p> <p>Lee Pyron's master who Anna is able to contact to help Yoh in his match against Jun Tao.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char35.jpg" alt="Silva" /></div> <p><b>Silva</b></p> <p>Silva/Silver is one of the Priests overseeing the Shaman fight who becomes more concerned with Yoh and the bureaucracy of the Shaman Fight as the series moves forward.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char26.jpg" alt="Spirit of Fire" /></div> <p><b>Spirit of Fire</b></p> <p>Hao's extremely powerful spirit that can change elementals depending on atmosphere.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char13.jpg" alt="Tamao" /></div> <p><b>Tamao</b></p> <p>Tamao has lived on the Asakura estate and grew up training with Yoh. She can predict the future and has two spirits, Ponchi, the raccoon spirit, and Konchi, the fox spirit. She also has a huge crush on Yoh.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char28.jpg" alt="Tao Jun" /></div> <p><b>Tao Jun</b></p> <p>Jun is Ren's loving and protective older sister, who watches out for him in his quest to become the Shaman King.</p> <p> <span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-60548937707117125012007-07-18T13:47:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:50:29.432-07:00Shaman King Character 3<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char46.jpg" alt="Lilirara" /></div> <p><b>Lilirara</b></p> <p>A menicine woman who is well versed in Seminoan folklore who provides Yoh and the boys info on getting to Patch Village, though she hates the idea of the Shaman Fight.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char25.jpg" alt="Lily Five" /></div> <p><b>Lily Five</b></p> <p>Lily Five are Sharon, Millie, Elly, Lily, and Sally. These girls seem to have little talent, and one wonders how they made it so far. They tend to use the boys to get what they need - like directions to Patch Village - but in general, interactions are more or less friendly. Ryu is particularly fond of Millie-chan</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char11.jpg" alt="Lyserg" /></div> <p><b>Lyserg</b></p> <p>Lyserg is kind of a whiny guy who is always putting himself down. His goal is to get stronger so that one day he can avenge his parents' deaths.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char45.jpg" alt="Macchi (aka Matilda)" /></div> <p><b>Macchi (aka Matilda)</b></p> <p>The orange haired girl of Hao's Hanagumi team. Her spirit is the pumpkin doll, Kirisaki Chopper.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char03.jpg" alt="Manta" /></div> <p><b>Manta</b></p> <p>Manta is a strange, and very short, boy who can see spirits, unlike most humans. He befriends Yoh and becomes completely fascinated with the concept of Shamans.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char43.jpg" alt="Mari (aka Marion)" /></div> <p><b>Mari (aka Marion)</b></p> <p>The blonde of Hao's team Hanagumi who carries around her demented Manta doll, Kirisaki Gun.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char32.jpg" alt="Mick" /></div> <p><b>Mick</b></p> <p>Mick is Chocolove's Jaguar spirit.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char06.jpg" alt="Mikihisa Asakura" /></div> <p><b>Mikihisa Asakura</b></p> <p>Yoh's father. He watches over Yoh from a distance and sends spirits to warn him that the Shaman Fight is about to begin. He has also taken Ryu under his wing and trains him in the ways of the Shaman.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char12.jpg" alt="Millie" /></div> <p><b>Millie</b></p> <p>Millie is the youngest of Sharon's group of 5 girls. She tends to switch loyalties and hangs out with Yoh and co on their way to the Shaman Fight. She's also developed this schoolgirl crush on Lyserg.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char30.jpg" alt="Morphine" /></div> <p><b>Morphine</b></p> <p>Morphine is Lyserg's faithful shaman, who stays by him, even when he disowns her for an X-Law Angel.</p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-75028821057014911052007-07-18T13:45:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:46:10.276-07:00Shaman King Character 2<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char16.jpg" alt="Faust VIII" /></div> <p><b>Faust VIII</b></p> <p>Faust is the Shaman Yoh lost to in the preliminaries, who all but killed Manta for his beloved, deceased Eliza. He has a pure heart which makes him extremely dangerous, but maybe also a powerful ally.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char17.jpg" alt="Gorudoba / Goldoba (sp?)" /></div> <p><b>Gorudoba / Goldoba (sp?)</b></p> <p>The woman who oversees the 10 Priests of the Shaman Fight and the Shaman Fight in general.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char14.jpg" alt="Hao" /></div> <p><b>Hao</b></p> <p>The mystery guy who looks a lot like Yoh and is pretty powerful. He has taken an interest in Yoh over the other fighters in the Shaman Fight.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char09.jpg" alt="Horo Horo" /></div> <p><b>Horo Horo</b></p> <p>Horo Horo is a Shaman of the Ainu tribe who dreams to becoming the Shaman King to save the Koro Pokkuru race, spirits that live under coltsfoot in the northern lands. His main spirit is Kororu and he uses ice as his elemental power. He also rides a snowboard in OverSoul mode.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char33.jpg" alt="Jack" /></div> <p><b>Jack</b></p> <p>Macchi (aka Matilda)'s Oversoul who does Trick or Treat.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char42.jpg" alt="Kanna" /></div> <p><b>Kanna</b></p> <p>The blue haired member of Hao's Hanagumi team. Her main spirit is Ashcroft.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char40.jpg" alt="Kino Asakura" /></div> <p><b>Kino Asakura</b></p> <p>Yoh's grandmother who trained Anna in the ways of Itako.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char47.jpg" alt="Konchi" /></div> <p><b>Konchi</b></p> <p>Tamao's mischievously sarcastic fox spirit who seems to despise Anna.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char20.jpg" alt="Kororo" /></div> <p><b>Kororo</b></p> <p>Kororo is Horo Horo's spirit and one of the Koro Pokkuru, spirits that live under coltsfoot in the northern lands. They have lived in harmony with Horo Horo's people (the Ainu), for years. Now, city life has been destroying nature and the Koro Pokkuru are losing their habitat. It is Horo Horo's dream to become Shaman King and create a vast land filled with coltsfoot for the Koro Pokkuru.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char27.jpg" alt="Li Pailong / Lee Pyron" /></div> <p><b>Li Pailong / Lee Pyron</b></p> <p>Or in the English Shonen Jump, Lee Bailong... anyway, Lee was originally a kung fu master that starred in a number of martial arts films where he alone would take on the forces of evil. He is Manta's idol. Jun is a priest, not a shaman, and Pailong was given to her 17 years ago as her main kyonshi (frozen corpse). After meeting Yoh, Jun sets Pyron free from her binding spell and he freely chooses to be her kyonshi.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-44710066088667661632007-07-18T13:37:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:39:57.013-07:00Shaman King Character 1<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char02.jpg" alt="Amidamaru" /></div> <p><b>Amidamaru</b></p> <p>Amidamaru is Yoh's main spirit, a samurai who died 600 years ago. Legend says that Amidamaru disobeyed his shogun and killed a great number of people fighting to escape. Now, he and Yoh are friends along with their spirit/shaman relationship.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char01.jpg" alt="Anna Kyoyama" /></div> <p><b>Anna Kyoyama</b></p> <p>Anna is Yoh's fiancee and determined to train him until he becomes the Shaman King because she is determined to live an easy life as the Shaman King's wife. Anna is incredibly powerful, and can act as a Spiritualistic Medium to communicate with the dead. She's also really hard on everyone, especially Yoh and any freeloaders that may stay at the house.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char44.jpg" alt="Ashcroft" /></div> <p><b>Ashcroft</b></p> <p>Kanna's main spirit who does Izuto Brutto.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char19.jpg" alt="Bason" /></div> <p><b>Bason</b></p> <p>Bason is Ren's loyal spirit, who is almost as powerful as Amidamaru. Bason proves his loyalty when Ren confronts his father En Tao to break the seal of hatred that has cursed his family. Alone, Ren is no match for his father, so to prevent his father from using Bason as a puppet, he commands him to leave before he is defeated. Bason unwillingly goes, and immediately seeks out Yoh and persuades him to help. Bason knows his master's heart and can see the good in Ren at all times.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char52.jpg" alt="Billy" /></div> <p><b>Billy</b></p> <p>A man who sometimes shows up whenever Ryu calls Oversoul Big Thumb. He and Ryu have a special bond, and if he's in the area, he'll give the boys a life.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char49.jpg" alt="Ching Tao" /></div> <p><b>Ching Tao</b></p> <p>Ren and Jun's grandfather who doesn't do much.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char15.jpg" alt="Chocolove" /></div> <p><b>Chocolove</b></p> <p>Chocolove is a Shaman Yoh and co. pick up on their way to Patch Village. His dream is to become a great comedian and spread laughter anywhere. Too bad he isn't funny, but his Oversoul is to evil spirits...</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char34.jpg" alt="Chuck" /></div> <p><b>Chuck</b></p> <p>Mari (aka Marion)'s Oversoul who does Magnum Craft.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char31.jpg" alt="Eliza (aka Mephisto E)" /></div> <p><b>Eliza (aka Mephisto E)</b></p> <p>Eliza was Faust's beloved, whom he had saved from a terrible illness. The two married and opened a clinic, but Eliza was shot and killed. Faust turned to necromancy to bring her back to life, but never truly succeeding until Anna helped.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/shaman_char53.jpg" alt="En Tao" /></div> <p><b>En Tao</b></p> <p>Ren and Jun's father who is rather large and overpowering. He does not take kindly to his children's disloyalty.</p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;"> Taken From<a href="http://www.animetique.com/"> Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-69281865167335153652007-07-18T13:35:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:37:10.297-07:00Shaman King<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/rev_shaman.jpg" alt="Shaman King" /></div> <p><b>Shaman King</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Shueisha Inc<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=6">Adventure</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=20">Martial Arts</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=9">Fantasy</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed </p> <p><b>Overall Rating:</b> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/stars5.gif" alt="overall rating" align="middle" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="3" /></p><p>Shaman King is the story of Asakura Yoh, a shaman, and his quest to become the Shaman King. Along the way, Yoh meets a boy, Manta, who has the ability to see spirits, an unusual feat for a human, attempts to find a powerful spirit that will be his main spirit and must withstand intense training from his fiancée, Anna, who dreams of living an easy life as the wife of the Shaman King. He also meets numerous friends along the way.<br /><br />Shamans have the ability to possess spirits and then utilize the power and skills of the spirit to fight. One of the interesting things, though, is that a Shaman's power does not all come from the spirit he possesses, but is a combination of the Shaman's ability and the spirit's ability, hence Anna's insistence on training. With more training, the Shaman and his spirit become more comfortable with each other and can utilize greater attacks in battle.<br /><br />As humanity has developed, they have forgotten the spirits and have acted out of desire. The Shaman King is the Shaman who can unite with the Seirei no Ou, or King of Spirits to lead the world back to the right path. The Shaman King will become the world's Savior and reinstate the harmony that once existed. Apparently, there are a good number of Shaman out for the title of Shaman King, to the point where there are even competitions to see who is the strongest. Being of Asakura heritage, Yoh may be a great rival, but he certainly isn't strong enough... at least initially.<br /><br />Yoh is a great character. He is very laid back and rarely lets his emotions get the better of him. He fights for what he believes in and to protect his friends. The best way I can describe him is that he's mastered Zen philosophy. He can sit for hours thinking of absolutely nothing and believes that there is no point to worrying. Things will happen they way they do regardless of whether he sleeps or doesn't. Anna's pretty much the same way, except that she does worry about Yoh - not that she'd let him see that. The two have an odd relationship. Yoh's scared of Anna and will do what she tells him and Anna constantly pushes Yoh to get better and better. She doesn't seem as though she's capable of showing him how much she cares or maybe she's just scared he will let her down if he cannot become the Shaman King. Still, she believes strongly in him and shows she cares in odd ways like making him new clothes.<br /><br />The Shaman Fight is a tournament that takes place once every 500 years. An Oversoul is a technique whereby a shaman can shape his spirit into form. They do this by consuming materialization energy known as Furiyoku. During the Fight, Shamans battle one another until their Oversouls fade and all their Furyoku is used up. The shaman who uses all of his Furyoku first is the loser.<br /><br />The Shaman Fight preliminaries and getting to Patch Village, where the Shaman Fight will be held make up about half of this series. The other half is the actual Shaman Fight itself. Of course, it's not quite that easy, and the Shaman Fight has other implications that Yoh and his friends discover along the way.<br /><br />My overall impression of is pretty good. I like the mix of philosophy, animation, humor, and fighting, and the characters introduced are interesting (even Lyserg or Chocolove grew on me by the end - although I never did figure our what was up with Millie and Lyserg being Ryu's "Best Place"??). Yes, sometimes it does drag out when each episode becomes a new Shaman Fight battle in that Flame of Recca style, but overall, there were very few episodes I was disappointed with, and the last several were quite good. Now that 26 episodes have been licensed by 4Kids here in the US, I'm absolutely terrified that the series will become a watered down shadow of its former self... guess we'll see in the upcoming months...</p><p>I like the animation style a lot, actually. It's simple with just the right amount of detail. It has a nice style to it that goes really well with the overall mood of the series.</p><p>The opening and closing theme songs are by Megumi Hagashibara. They're ok for theme songs. The rest of the music isn't bad, though not necessarily .hack//sign or escaflowne caliber. The music did grow on me, and the second season music is far better...</p><p>I like the way the character development panned out. Everyone is interesting and they each have their own personalities with good traits and flaws. Yoh is really likable, and Anna just cracks me up with her stern yet powerful nature. Sure, this may be a kid's show, but it's definitely one of the better anime out there!</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from<a href="http://www.animetique.com/"> Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-5037124077574719872007-07-18T13:26:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:35:07.105-07:00School Rumble Character<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sr_char01.jpg" alt="Karasuma" /></div> <p><b>Karasuma</b></p> <p>Karasuma is Tenma's crush. He's a very laid back boy, who seems to be lost in his own thoughts, and is fairly serious. I don't think we've yet seen him smile in 4 episodes. And he might be a Kappa??</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sr_char03.jpg" alt="Kenji Harima" /></div> <p><b>Kenji Harima</b></p> <p>Harima was a delinquent up to this year when he fell in love with Tenma. Now, he's a man obsessed with the perfect way to confess his love, while at the same time, demonstrating he's a changed man.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sr_char02.jpg" alt="Tsukamoto Tenma" /></div> <p><b>Tsukamoto Tenma</b></p> <p>Tenma is an extremely obsessive girl on a mission to confess her love to a boy who barely knows she exists. She's mostly happy-go-lucky and loves samurai parodies and her sister Yakuma.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sr_char04.jpg" alt="Tsukamoto Yakuma" /></div> <p><b>Tsukamoto Yakuma</b></p> <p>Yakuma is Tenma's younger, more reserved sister who is good at cooking and generally has everything together. She keeps to herself and hasn't yet found a boy she fancies. She also seems to have the ability to read people's minds.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-55516160453081003662007-07-18T13:23:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:25:59.699-07:00School Rumble<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/rev_sr.jpg" alt="School Rumble" /></div> <p><b>School Rumble</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Studio Comet<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=7">Comedy</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=14">Romance</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=15">Schoolkids</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed </p> <p><b>Overall Rating:</b> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/stars4.gif" alt="overall rating" align="middle" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="3" /></p><p>School Rumble is a classic romantic comedy that certainly isn't breaking new ground with its main unrequited love triangle premise. But it does have moments where it is quite funny, so who cares about plot, right?<br /><br />Tenma Tsukamoto, a second year high school student, learns that her crush, Karasuma, is in her class this year. Why this girl has fallen for Karasuma is beyond me, since he seems to have zero personality and is completely oblivious to any of her advances. Rounding out the love triangle is Harima Kenji, a school delinquent whom half the class is frightened of. He credits his love for Tenma for saving him from his dark path.<br /><br />So far, all episodes have focused on how Tenma might confess her love to Karasuma, and how Harima might confess his love to Tenma, whom he doesn't realize loves another man. The episodes border on stupid/silly to blatantly hysterical.<br /><br />Episode 3, for instance, had me cracking up the entire episode - especially when Tenma decides to declare her love to Karasuma using a message delivery technique she saw from her favorite samurai tv show. She'll send it by bow and arrow, and spends most of the day chasing Karasuma around with a bow and arrow, shooting at him. Completely oblivious, Karasuma dodges all arrows and continues on his way, while Harima finds himself a seeming target and does some matrix-style arrow dodging complete with camera spin to narrowly escape. The episode then culminates with Tenma and her friends discussing various (absurd) techniques for confessing their love!<br /><br />Each episode tends towards 3 seemingly unrelated vignettes (similar to Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu style) revolving around some trial Tenma or Harima faces in their quest to confess their love.</p><p>The animation isn't anything all that special, with the occassional 3D special effects and video clips thrown in. It almost has a His and Her Circumstance feel, though not as manga-like.</p><p>The music is fun! The opening theme is a jazzy, ska number that captures the ridiculousness of the anime.</p><p>There's not a lot of character development yet, and I'm not expecting much, but the characters are at least interesting in their ridiculousness. Tenma drives the story with her obsessive love for Karasuma, who is pretty dull, if you ask me. Harima may have some potential, given he seems just as obsessed as Tenma is.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a></span><br /></p> <p class="guest"> </p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-75912102989800164132007-07-18T13:18:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:20:06.592-07:00Samurai Deeper Kyo Character<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char05.jpg" alt="Demon Eyes Kyo" /></div> <p><b>Demon Eyes Kyo</b></p> <p>Kyo is the other personality in Kyoshiro's body. His mission is to find his body and to kill Misu Kyoshiro. Kyo has red eyes, one of the original Muramasas and is known for killing 1000 men at the Battle of Sekigahora.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char09.jpg" alt="Migeira" /></div> <p><b>Migeira</b></p> <p>Apparently a man from another time period, Migeira hopes to unite the 5 real Muramasas to restore the world to its true form.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char02.jpg" alt="Misu Kyoshiro" /></div> <p><b>Misu Kyoshiro</b></p> <p>The orign of Misu Kyoshiro remains a mystery throughout a good portion of the series, but he and Kyo appear to share the same body. Kyoshiro and Kyo have completely separate personalities and fight for control during the first couple episodes until Kyo emerges fully. Kyo has vowed several times to kill Misu Kyoshiro.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char04.jpg" alt="Okuni" /></div> <p><b>Okuni</b></p> <p>A mysterious woman who's loyalties are not yet known, although she seems to be incredibly powerful. She also knows of both Kyo and Kyoshiro and seems to have a history with them that Kyo doesn't quite remember.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char08.jpg" alt="Sakuya" /></div> <p><b>Sakuya</b></p> <p>Sakuya is apparently a very powerful woman, who has won the loyalties of many people including Yukimura. She had something to do with the outcome of the Battle of Sekigahora and the appearance of Demon Eyes Kyo.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char06.jpg" alt="Sarutobi Sasuke" /></div> <p><b>Sarutobi Sasuke</b></p> <p>One of Yukimura's loyal samurai and companions. Because he grew up in the forest, he was feared by society. Yukimura embraced him when he was still young, and since, he has become known as the most powerful shinobi among the Sanada vassals.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char03.jpg" alt="Shiina Yuya" /></div> <p><b>Shiina Yuya</b></p> <p>Yuya is a bounty hunter who is seeking a man with a cross scar on his back. That man killed her brother. She follows Kyo because he seems to know something about the event.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char07.jpg" alt="Tokugawa Hidetada" /></div> <p><b>Tokugawa Hidetada</b></p> <p>AKA Benitore and Red Tiger through the series, Hidetada is the future shogun who will succeed Ieyasu. He is fighting both to rid his land of Kenyou and because he has fallen in love with Yuya (who has no idea who he is).</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/sdk_char01.jpg" alt="Yukimura Sanada" /></div> <p><b>Yukimura Sanada</b></p> <p>Known as a wise general in the Warring States era, Yukimura fought with his father in the Western Army while his brother joined the Eastern Army led by Tokugawa Ieyasu during Sekigahara. Now his intentions are unknown, although he seems to want Ieyasu dead. Kyo entertains him, and the two work together several times during the series, although his main loyalties appear to be with Sakuya.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"><span style="font-size:78%;"> Taken from<a href="http://www.animetique.com/"> click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-81477093144065152482007-07-18T13:16:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:18:22.916-07:00Samurai Deeper Kyo<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/rev_kyo.jpg" alt="Samurai Deeper Kyo" /></div> <p><b>Samurai Deeper Kyo</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Studio Deen<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=10">Historical</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=20">Martial Arts</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=8">Drama</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed </p> <p><b>Overall Rating:</b> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/stars4.gif" alt="overall rating" align="middle" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="3" /></p><p>In 1600, the Battle of Sekigahora took place. That victory allowed the Tokugawa legasu to create a unified Japan under his Shogunate until 1868, when it fell to the Meiji Restoration. During that battle, Demon Eyes Kyo became a legend, killing 1000 warriors in one night. He was only stopped by a large meteor blast apparently summoned by Sakuya-sama. Unfortunately, during that battle, Misu Kyoshiro also disappeared.<br /><br />Now, four years later, the survivors of the battle try to pick up the pieces and sort out what exactly happened on that night. Four years later, Kyoshiro still hasn't returned since. However, he was spotted on the Nikko Road. A bounty hunter known as Shiina Yuya finds him and captures Kyoshiro for eating a meal and running out before paying for it. She soon discovers that Kyoshiro is more than the weakling druggist he appears. Buried inside lies his other personality, Demon Eyes Kyo, who has remained dormant since the battle four years ago.<br /><br />I personally am really enjoying this series as the background historical content is really interesting. I find myself wanting to read Japanese history on the Tokugawa period to learn more about who the people are that the anime uses as characters.</p><p>The animation is pretty good, although I hope they'll focus more on the battle choreography in future episodes. Otherwise, the backgrounds are beautiful at times. I really like the historical setting.</p><p>The music is ok. I'm lukewarm with the opening theme song & don't particularly like the ending theme. The background music isn't bad</p><p>The character design thus far is interesting as all the characters seem a bit shady. Everyone is pretty much out for themselves and their own initiatives, so the way they interact with each other and what they are thinking isn't always in sync. It adds to the mystery of the anime.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-16162981883631602452007-07-18T13:09:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:13:44.505-07:00Samurai Champloo<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/champloo_dvd01.jpg" alt="Samurai Champloo" /></div> <p><b>Samurai Champloo</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Geneon Entertainment<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=5">Action</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=10">Historical</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed </p> <p><b>Overall Rating:</b> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/stars45.gif" alt="overall rating" align="middle" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="3" /></p><p>Samurai Champloo is a hip-hop samurai anime with a lot of style from the creative brains behind Cowboy Bebop, Shinichiro Watanabe. The story takes place sometime after the Warring States period - though it does not try to be historically accurate - when Lords of noble families ruled over defined territories.<br /><br />Those not of noble origins make their living as merchants, often times living in fear of the Lords, who could be just or ruthless depending on their mood. Upset the wrong Lord and you could find yourself and your family in hot water. The penalties can range from daughters being forced into prostitution to high taxes to death of family members.<br /><br />Outside the cities, there seems to be little rule. Travelers wander from place to place, picking up odd jobs for food. Swordsmen commonly become mercenaries for a Lord or assassins for an unseen avenger with deep pockets.<br /><br />It's in this setting where we meet our main characters. Mugen is a womanizing vagabond who lives for the excitement of swordplay. A thrill seeker at heart, he picks fights with anyone with exceptional swordsmanship. He's scruffy around the edges and has problems with authority.<br /><br />Jin dresses and fits the role of a ronin. He comes across as an intellectual, and is a man of few words. He works from his inner code of ethics which guides him to help those in need.<br /><br />Tying these two opposites together is damsel in distress, Fuu. Fuu is the least interesting of the three main characters, but she fulfills her role in creating a common objective for the three. She's looking for a samurai that smells like sunflowers and needs the other two to help her find him.<br /><br />That's the extent of the common element tying these first episodes together. So far, each episode has been self contained, with 3-4 being a two parter. Exceptional plot is not this anime's strength.<br /><br />Where it does shine is in the action, mixing jazzy melodies and percussion with vivid fight sequences to make it feel like these characters are engaged in combat. There's no standing around, powering up, summoning something from another dimension, or capturing someone in a technique. We get to watch the realistic action, complete with clashing swords, blood and violent deaths.<br /><br /> This is a beautifully done anime well worth checking out if you like samurai flicks with lots of action.</p><p>Created in 2004, this anime is absolutely gorgeous, with smooth movements and lush backgrounds. There are some beautiful dusk settings with oranges and purples offsetting the characters.</p><p>The music adds to the hip-hop, bad-ass samurai showdown style of the anime. The opening theme is 'Battlecry' by Nujabes feat. It's a rap song with a funky beat with English lyrics. There's some jazzy piano intermixed. Throughout the show, the action scenes are filled with hip-hop and percussions to add to the feel.</p><p>There hasn't been a lot of character development so far. The two swordsman are extremely stylized, with Mugen resembling Spike from Bebop in a lot of ways. Many of his movements are reminiscent of the way Spike always managed to dodge his oncoming attackers.<br /><br />Jin complements his character. Just by looking at the two side by side, we can see why they'd want to fight each other. Both are exceptional swordsmen with virtually opposite personalities.<br /><br />Fuu is the weak link of the three. Playing the feisty damsel in distress who won't take no for an answer, she can't do much by way of defense, but she sure can annoy those she's with. I hope they develop her in upcoming episodes.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-6629751301435374052007-07-18T13:08:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:09:12.341-07:00Rurouni Kenshin Character 1<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/rk_char03.jpg" alt="Himura Kenshin" /></div> <p><b>Himura Kenshin</b></p> <p>Kenshin was Battousai the Manslayer during the Tokugawa period but disappeared as the regime fell. He resurfaced during the Meiji Restoration, when he met Kaoru and decided to settle down for awhile. Kenshin has given up his killing ways to live a life of peace, and therefore fights with his blade on the wrong side.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/rk_char02.jpg" alt="Kamiya Kaoru" /></div> <p><b>Kamiya Kaoru</b></p> <p>Kaoru met Kenshin when she went after a man who called himself Battousai the Manslayer of her father's style of martial arts, set on destroying her father's reputation. When he helped her, she invited him to stay and help her rebuild the style. She is particularly violent to Kenshin... a sign she likes him, I suppose.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/rk_char01.jpg" alt="Myojin Yahiko" /></div> <p><b>Myojin Yahiko</b></p> <p>Yahiko was orphened at a young age and sold into slavery to pay off the debts of his mother's medical bills. When Kaoru heard about how he had to steal to support himself within the band of thieves he lived with, she would have none of it and stormed in to free him. Luckily, Kenshin wasn't far behind, and soon Yahiko became a student of Kaoru's. He's a fiesty boy who wants to be able to take care of himself without relying on others for support. He also has a great sense of family pride, as his father was a samurai. Kenshin says if times hadn't changed, he, too, would have made a fine samurai.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-75715526139555534562007-07-18T13:05:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:07:42.541-07:00Rurouni Kenshin<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/rev_kenshin.jpg" alt="Rurouni Kenshin" /></div> <p><b>Rurouni Kenshin</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Sony Visual Works<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=5">Action</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=10">Historical</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=7">Comedy</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=6">Adventure</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed </p> <p><b>Overall Rating:</b> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/stars45.gif" alt="overall rating" align="middle" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="3" /></p><p><br />Rurouni Kenshin is the story of a wanderer who was once Battousai the Manslayer. Now Kenshin is quite the patient and generous type of guy, ready to try to work things out before he resorts to fighting. No, he hasn't lost his skill either, even though he fights with a sword whose blade is on the wrong side. One day, Kenshin met Kaoru as an imposter was slaying people in the name of Battousai the Manslayer. He saved her life and from that day forth, was welcome to stay at her estate.<br /><br />Kenshin's a pretty good series (guess it had to be if they made 95 episodes, right?) from what I've seen so far, but then I've only watched about 1/5 of the entire series, so I'll probably revise this review as I watch more... especially from what I hear about the seasons to come.<br /></p> <p class="guest"><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from<a href="http://www.animetique.com/"> click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-88851936999079369822007-07-18T13:01:00.000-07:002007-07-18T13:02:18.448-07:00Naruto Character 5<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char09.jpg" alt="Uzumaki Naruto" /></div> <p><b>Uzumaki Naruto</b></p> <p>Naruto is the mischievous orphan of the Hidden Leaf village. A demon fox spirit has been sealed inside him so most of the adults of the village are scared of him and tend to avoid him. And so, Naruto craves attention and affection. He also likes cup ramen and hates the 3 minutes he has to wait after he puts the ramen in hot water. His dream is to become greater than the Hokages and make all the villagers recognize his existence.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char16.jpg" alt="Yakushi Kabuto" /></div> <p><b>Yakushi Kabuto</b></p> <p>Kabuto is a Genin level ninja entering the Chuunin exam for his 4th year straight, or in his 7th attempt at becoming a ninja. He greets the 9 rookie Genin at the start of the Chuunin to give them a heads up on the competition.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char14.jpg" alt="Yamanaka Ino" /></div> <p><b>Yamanaka Ino</b></p> <p>Ino has a tendency to always pick on Sakura, which usually involves her throwing herself at Sasuke in Sakura's presence. She is a Genin level ninja participating in the Chuunin exam, and uses Ninpou ShinTenShin no Jutsu (Mind Transfer Technique) to take control of her victim's body for a brief period of time. Her team sensei is Sarutobi Asuma and her teammates are Shikamaru and Choji.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char37.jpg" alt="Yuuhi Kurenai" /></div> <p><b>Yuuhi Kurenai</b></p> <p>Kurenai is a Jounin level ninja and the leader of Team 8 (Shino, Kiba, and Hinata).</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char32.jpg" alt="Zaku Abumi" /></div> <p><b>Zaku Abumi</b></p> <p>A Genin level ninja on the Hidden Sound Village team in the Chuunin exam. He was sent by Orochimaru to kill Sasuke. He can control air pressure.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-34214310553146898332007-07-18T12:56:00.000-07:002007-07-18T12:57:23.874-07:00Naruto Character 4<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char45.jpg" alt="Sakon/Ukon" /></div> <p><b>Sakon/Ukon</b></p> <p>One of Orochimaru's Gate Shinobi of Hidden Sound Village, Sakon/Ukon is the West Gate guard of the Sound Five. He is considered to be the 2nd strongest of the group after Kimimaro. His brother, Ukon, is attached to his back and the two fight together. Both have the level 2 curse seal.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/naruto/nar_char60.jpg" alt="Shizune" /></div> <p><b>Shizune</b></p> <p>Like Tsunade, Shizune is a medical ninja and extremely tough to beat. She is extremely loyal to Tsunade.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char46.jpg" alt="Shodaime" /></div> <p><b>Shodaime</b></p> <p>The first Hokage who was responsible for resurrecting Konoha Village and bringing peace. He has can use a wood ninjutsu to create a large tree that will wrap its branches around an enemy to confine them.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char42.jpg" alt="Tayuya" /></div> <p><b>Tayuya</b></p> <p>One of Orochimaru's Gate Shinobi of Hidden Sound Village, Takuya is the North Gate guard of the Sound Five. She plays musical patterns on her flute to control her summons, which eat away at her opponents' chakra. She also has the level 2 curse seal.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char02.jpg" alt="Tazuna" /></div> <p><b>Tazuna</b></p> <p>Tazuna is a resident of the oppressed and poverished Country of Wave who believes that if he can finish building his bridge, his country will regain its will to live. This leads Team 7 on their first major mission as his bodyguards and into their first major battle against ninjas Zabuza and Haku.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char31.jpg" alt="TenTen" /></div> <p><b>TenTen</b></p> <p>TenTen a female Genin level ninja on Gai-sensei's team along with Neji and Rock Lee.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/naruto/nar_char59.jpg" alt="Tsunade" /></div> <p><b>Tsunade</b></p> <p>One of the legendary Sannin, Tsunade has spent much of the last several years trying to escape the loneliness she feels from the loss of her brother and lover. After meeting Naruto, their dreams flood back and Tsunade agrees to become the Fifth Hokage. Tsunade is a medical ninja with incredible strength.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char39.jpg" alt="Tsurugu Misumi" /></div> <p><b>Tsurugu Misumi</b></p> <p>Misumi is part of the Sound-nin team posing as Leaf-nins along with Kabuto and Yoroi. He fights Kankuro in the prelims.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/naruto/nar_char55.jpg" alt="Uchiha Itachi" /></div> <p><b>Uchiha Itachi</b></p> <p>Now a member of the Akatsuki, Itachi was responsible for killing the entire Uchiha clan except for his little brother. Itachi is extremely power ninja with a fully developed Sharingan.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char05.jpg" alt="Uchiha Sasuke" /></div> <p><b>Uchiha Sasuke</b></p> <p>Sasuke is a boy with the ambition to revive his clan and to kill a certain un-named man. Sasuke is very intense when it comes to martial arts and sees others as just getting in his way, rather than as companions.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from<a href="http://www.animetique.com/"> Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-4092474573142793302007-07-18T12:54:00.000-07:002007-07-18T12:56:04.672-07:00Naruto Character 3<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char44.jpg" alt="Kidoumaru" /></div> <p><b>Kidoumaru</b></p> <p>Kidoumaru is one of Orochimaru's Gate Shinobi of Hidden Sound Village who controls the East Gate. He is spiderlike with 6 arms, can spit webbing from his mouth, and has a level 2 seal curse which opens up a third eye atop his forehead.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char34.jpg" alt="Kin Tsuchi" /></div> <p><b>Kin Tsuchi</b></p> <p>A Genin level ninja on the Hidden Sound Village team in the Chuunin exam along with Zaku and Dosu. They were sent by Orochimaru to kill Sasuke. She doesn't seem to be nearly as powerful as her teammates.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char07.jpg" alt="Konohamaru" /></div> <p><b>Konohamaru</b></p> <p>Konohamaru is the grandson of the Third Hokage and therefore treated like a prince among all the elders. All he wants is for someone to see passed his status to acknowledge the real him. Therefore, he is quite impressed when Naruto actually punches him and briefly becomes his follower and soon, his rival for the future title of Hokage.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char18.jpg" alt="Mitarashi Anko" /></div> <p><b>Mitarashi Anko</b></p> <p>Anko is a Jounin level ninja, who is also the examiner for the second phase of the Chuunin exam in the Forest of Death.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char26.jpg" alt="Momochi Zabuza" /></div> <p><b>Momochi Zabuza</b></p> <p>Zabuza, Demon of the Hidden Village of Mist, is the adversary in the first major fight Naruto and co. face in their first significant mission as Genin. Zabuza's reputaton refers to his graduation exam - where the final part was a fight to the death between students. That changed ten years ago when another evil appeared. Without pause or hesitation, a young boy, not even a ninja, killed over a hundred students himself... that boy was Momochi.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char17.jpg" alt="Morino Ibiki" /></div> <p><b>Morino Ibiki</b></p> <p>Ibiki is a Jounin level ninja, who also happens to be the tough examiner for the first phase of the Chuunin exam. He is Konoha ANBU's torture and interrogation squad leader, and created a particularly difficult written exam to weed out those who don't have what it takes to become a Chuunin. He's known for the mental anguish he causes his victims.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char22.jpg" alt="Nara Shikamaru" /></div> <p><b>Nara Shikamaru</b></p> <p>According to Naruto, Shikamaru is always complaining and is lazy. However, he is an excellent strategist. He is part of Sarutobi's team 10 along with Choji and Ino.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char47.jpg" alt="Nidaime" /></div> <p><b>Nidaime</b></p> <p>Konoha's second Hokage who uses water ninjutsu.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char30.jpg" alt="Orochimaru" /></div> <p><b>Orochimaru</b></p> <p>A very powerful Jounin level nin labeled type S Missing-Nin who has decided to sabotage the Chuunin exam. He has taken quite an interest in Sasuke.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char12.jpg" alt="Rock Lee" /></div> <p><b>Rock Lee</b></p> <p>Rock Lee, one year older than Sasuke, is a hand to hand fighter who trains those skills hard, while neglecting other types of skills. He also has a major crush on Sakura. By his Chuunin exam introduction, he's done 20 D-rank missions and 11 C-rank missions. His team leader is Gai-sensei and his teammates are Tenten and Neji. This is his first time taking the Chuunin exam, and he has developed an interest in Sasuke's fighting abilities.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a><br /></span></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-61789125959231217622007-07-18T12:52:00.000-07:002007-07-18T12:53:45.633-07:00Naruto Character 2<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char04.jpg" alt="Hatake Kakashi" /></div> <p><b>Hatake Kakashi</b></p> <p>Kakashi sensei seems like an incredibly strict Jounin (high-rank ninja) that is working with Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. He is no nonsense, especially when it comes to passing the Survival Training. He is slow to open up, but eventually starts to open up as he sees that his students are picking up his training.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char08.jpg" alt="Hokage-sama" /></div> <p><b>Hokage-sama</b></p> <p>Hokage-sama is the village elder and in charge of pretty much everything pertaining to the ninja lifestyle. He is the one to enlighten Iruka of Naruto's current psychological state and past, and can see current events though his crystal ball.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/naruto/nar_char54.jpg" alt="Hoshigaki Kisame" /></div> <p><b>Hoshigaki Kisame</b></p> <p>A former Hidden Village of Mist ninja now wanted by numerous countries for sabotage and assassinating a feudal lord, Hoshigaki is now a member of the Akatsuki and travels with Itachi. He has a special blade, Samehada, that absorbs chakra.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char15.jpg" alt="Hyuga Hinata" /></div> <p><b>Hyuga Hinata</b></p> <p>Hinata is a shy girl with a crush on Naruto. Her father is the leader of the Hyuga clan. She is a member of Yuuhi's team 8 along with Kiba and Shino</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char11.jpg" alt="Hyuga Neji" /></div> <p><b>Hyuga Neji</b></p> <p>Neji has a reputation for being the strongest of the Genins taking the Chuunin exam. He is the #1 rookie of his Ninja Academy & has taken an interest in Sasuke. He is also Hinata's cousin. His team leader is Gai-sensei and his teammates are Tenten and Rock Lee.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char29.jpg" alt="Inari" /></div> <p><b>Inari</b></p> <p>Inari is the grandson of Tazuna. His real father died when he was quite young, and so he became quite close with Kaiza . However, one day, Gatou decided to make an example of Kaiza and crucified him in front of the townspeople. That was the day Inari lost hope. When he and Naruto meet, he they have a similar past. That gives him a newfound hope, and he starts to look up to Naruto.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char23.jpg" alt="Inuzuka Kiba" /></div> <p><b>Inuzuka Kiba</b></p> <p>Kiba is Genin level ninja and is always accompanied by his puppy, Akamaru, who helps Kiba collect information from his environment. He is the leader of Yuuhi's Team 8, and his teammates are Hinata and Shino.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char10.jpg" alt="Iruka Sensei" /></div> <p><b>Iruka Sensei</b></p> <p>Iruka Sensei is the first person to actually believe in Naruto, even though his parents were killed by the demon fox spirit that lies inside him. Iruka is Naruto's Ninja Academy instructor and tends to look out for him.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char43.jpg" alt="Jiroubou" /></div> <p><b>Jiroubou</b></p> <p>One of Orochimaru's Gate Shinobi of Hidden Sound Village, Jiroubou is the South Gate guard of the Sound Five. He is considered to be the weakest of the group, yet possesses great strength and also has the level 2 curse seal.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char20.jpg" alt="Kankuro" /></div> <p><b>Kankuro</b></p> <p>Kankuro is a Genin from Hidden Sand Country participating in the Chuunin exam. His teammates are his brother, Gaara, and his sister, Temari.</p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-62463427644736699102007-07-18T12:43:00.000-07:002007-07-18T12:51:46.853-07:00Naruto Character 1<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char25.jpg" alt="Aburame Shino" /></div> <p><b>Aburame Shino</b></p> <p>A Genin level ninja who is a member of Yuuhi's team 8 along with Kiba and Hinata. He controls Destruction Bugs that feed on chakra and live inside his body.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char38.jpg" alt="Akado Yoroi" /></div> <p><b>Akado Yoroi</b></p> <p>Yoroi is part of the Sound-nin team posing as Leaf-nins along with Kabuto and Misumi. He fights Sasuke in the prelims and has the ability to suck chakra out of his opponent's body by touching them with his palm.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char24.jpg" alt="Akimichi Choji" /></div> <p><b>Akimichi Choji</b></p> <p>A Genin level ninja who is part of Sarutobi's team 10 along with Choji and Shikamaru. He is always munching on some type of junk food.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char33.jpg" alt="Dosu Kinuta" /></div> <p><b>Dosu Kinuta</b></p> <p>A Genin level ninja on the Hidden Sound Village team in the Chuunin exam along with Zaku and Kin. He was sent by Orochimaru to kill Sasuke. Dosu is able to use amplify his chakra to attack his opponent's eardrum, causing them to lose balance</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char21.jpg" alt="Gaara of the Desert" /></div> <p><b>Gaara of the Desert</b></p> <p>A genin from Hidden Sand Country participating in the Chuunin exam. He is feared by just about everyone including his teammates & siblings Kankuro and Temari. By his Chuunin exam introduction, he had completed 8 C-rank missions and 1 B-rank mission, returning from all unharmed. This is his first time taking the Chuunin exam.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char13.jpg" alt="Gai-sensei" /></div> <p><b>Gai-sensei</b></p> <p>Gai is the sensei of Neji, Tenten, and Rock Lee. He seems to have an overwhelming love for Rock Lee, breaking into tears when he has to punish him. He appears with a turtle, & claims to be the Eternal Rival of Kakashi. He claims they have a match record of 50 wins and 49 losses.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char28.jpg" alt="Gatou" /></div> <p><b>Gatou</b></p> <p>Gatou is a powerful ship magnate who seeks the help of Zabuza to prevent Tazuna from completing his bridge. Officially, he runs a large shipping company, which acts as a front for more shadier activities like selling drugs and smuggling illegal goods. He decided to take over the shipping routes to Wave Country and now has a monopoly, but if Tazuna can only finish his bridge, Wave Country might be able to recover and take back their town.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char40.jpg" alt="Gekkou Hayate" /></div> <p><b>Gekkou Hayate</b></p> <p>Hayate is a Special Jounin level ninja and judge of the prelim elimination round after the 2nd exam in the Chuunin. He always seems to be sick.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char27.jpg" alt="Haku" /></div> <p><b>Haku</b></p> <p>Haku was born in a small snowy village in Water Country. His mother came from an advanced bloodline, which at the time was blamed for the turmoil and wars sweeping Water Country. When Haku's father found out, his father killed his mother. Haku escaped, killing his father in the process. It was then when he learned that he was unwanted in this world. One day, Zabuza offered to take him in, and from that day forth, he gave his loyalty to Zabuza. Naruto and co. first meet Haku when he poses as a Hunter-nin to save Zabuza from Kakashi. Later, he makes for a particularly difficult opponent for Naruto and Sasuke with his Demonic Ice Mirrors technique.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"> </p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/nar_char06.jpg" alt="Haruno Sakura" /></div> <p><b>Haruno Sakura</b></p> <p>Sakura has a crush on Sasuke and at least in the beginning, hates Naruto. Together, the three make up the 7th Group ninja team and eventually learn the meaning of working together.</p> <p> </p> <p class="guest"><span style="font-size:78%;"> Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-32548077526805147372007-07-16T22:17:00.000-07:002007-07-16T22:23:35.476-07:00Naruto<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/rev_nar.jpg" alt="Naruto" /></div> <p><b>Naruto</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Studio Pierrot<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=20">Martial Arts</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=5">Action</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=6">Adventure</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=7">Comedy</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed</p><p>Twelve years ago ago, a demon fox with nine tails appeared. His tail was powerful enough to cause mountains to crumble and tidal waves to form with only a swing. The Shinobis fought long and hard to contain the demon until one Shinobi, Fourth Hokage, sacrificed his life to seal it.<br /><br />Onwards to the present: Naruto is the mischievous orphan of Konoha (Hidden Leaf Village) who dreams that one day the people of the village will acknowledge him and that he will become as well respected as village's 4 Hokage (leaders). Now, however, Naruto does whatever he can to drum up attention but mostly incurs their wrath rather than compassion. Only his teacher, Iruka, shows him kindness - which is somewhat ironic because Naruto is his worst student and in danger of failing his Academy graduation exam for the third (and final) time.<br /><br />On the day of Naruto's graduation, Mizuki contrives a plot to steal the Hokage's Scroll of Seals which includes several forbidden ninja techniques. That plot requires Naruto to break in and steal the Scroll and give it to him. When the villagers learn that Naruto has taken the scroll, Iruka goes after him and finds himself in the middle of the plot, where it looks as if Mizuki will take Iruka's life to get his hands on the Scroll. Luckily Naruto has mastered one of the forbidden techniques and can use it to not only defeat Mizuki but also graduate from the academy.<br /><br />Soon, Naruto is well on his way to becoming a full-fledged ninja. And because ninja work in teams, Naruto finds himself partnered with the girl he has a crush on, Sakura, and the boy she has a crush on, Sasuke. He and Sasuke soon become rivals and their sensei, Kakashi, must go to great lengths to teach his young Genin the value of teamwork.<br /><br />Naruto starts off with a lot of slapstick but quickly becomes more intense as these newly minted ninja must come to terms with the realities of the outside world. This is one anime where they aren't afraid to show blood or death. The fight scenes range from typical punch/kicks to special bloodline techniques specific to clans.<br /><br />For the most part, the anime is well paced, although sometimes the story arcs do move slowly. The story really starts to pick up in the mid-20s when Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are reunited with their fellow classmates for the prestigious Chuunin exam, which will drastically change the lives of the genin involved and the make up of Konoha.<br /><br />The world of Naruto is richly complex. It is a mixture of old and modern society with power lines and tvs within villages but where ninja techniques are substituted for mass weaponry and medicine. People tend to travel on foot and send messengers rather than traveling by car or plane or calling someone on the phone.<br /><br />The countries are set up similar to the politics of feudal Japan. Each operates as a separate political entity, presumably ruled by a monarch, though occasionally, countries will sign peace treaties with other countries. Hidden Villages are places within countries where citizens are trained to become ninja. Ninja are a valuable economic resource for countries because they complete missions for anyone who's willing to pay. Missions are ranked according to their difficulty and dangerousness and priced accordingly. They can include anything from gardening and housework to protecting a key person from assassination to fighting in war.<br /><br />Naruto, for instance, lives in Konoha which is the ninja village of Fire Country. Konoha has a reputation for first class ninjas and receives a number of jobs each year. However, it does have its enemies, including those who are jealous of Konoha's success and those who were once Konoha nin but left the village to pursue their own agendas.<br /><br />This anime has something for everyone. There are rivalries between clans, family turmoil, love triangles, friendly competition between rivals, and good hearted comradery between teammates. 150 episodes later, I'm amazed at how much the characters have grown and developed.</p><p>Like all long running shonen anime, Naruto has its ups and downs. At times, the animation is simply amazing, with crisp moves and highly detailed character designs with the occasional 3D technique thrown in for added depth. Other times, you can tell they are running low on funds. Characters are somewhat deformed or drawn in a different style from other episodes. For the most part, however, the animation is top notch for shonen.</p><p>The characters are really what makes Naruto worth watching. Initially, the anime focuses on Naruto and his two teammates but soon broadens the spectrum to include the other two genin teams as well as characters from other countries. Naruto is a good-hearted, mischievous boy who wants nothing more than to be accepted and acknowledged by his fellow villagers. Throughout the show, we watch as he grows from an annoying class clown to someone who shapes the lives and gives hope to the people he comes into contact with.<br /><br />Most of the characters are a delight to watch as they struggle with being shinobi in this super competitive and highly dangerous environment. They deal with everyday concerns like unrequited love, lack of self confidence, broken families, over-demanding parents, and wanting to feel accepted for who they are. The more you learn about the characters, the more you come to like them and want to know more.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from<a href="http://www.animetique.com"> Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-83383410668150149852007-07-16T22:13:00.000-07:002007-07-16T22:16:09.224-07:00Love Hina Character<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/hina_char03.jpg" alt="Kaolla Su" /></div> <p><b>Kaolla Su</b></p> <p>Su is the attention deficit, hyperactive exchange girl living at the Hinata dorms. She apparently is a mechanical genious, constantly building things that bring trouble to Keitaro...</p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/hina_char04.jpg" alt="Keitaro Urashima" /></div> <p><b>Keitaro Urashima</b></p> Keitaro is a 20 year old boy set on getting into Tokyo University to fulfill a promise he made to a girl 15 years ago. In the meantime, he's tried and failed the entrance exams 3 times and acquired a job as manager of his grandmother's all girl dormitory. He also started developing feelings for Naru..<br /><br /><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/hina_char06.jpg" alt="Mitsune Konno (Kitsune)" /></div> <p><b>Mitsune Konno (Kitsune)</b></p> <p>Kitsune is a crazy girl who basically does what entertains her. She has a devious streak to her, but is pretty easy going.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/hina_char05.jpg" alt="Motoko Aoyama" /></div> <p><b>Motoko Aoyama</b></p> <p>Motoko is Kendo girl. Legend has it that she is of the swordsman lineage that fought evil spirits in Kyoto many years ago. She trains constantly and has no time for distractions like boys.</p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/hina_char02.jpg" alt="Naru Narusegawa" /></div> <p><b>Naru Narusegawa</b></p> <p>Naru is one of the particularly violent girls at Hinata dorms who becomes the main love interest of Keitaro as they study to get in to Tokyo University. As Keitaro has a tendency to unintentionally do perverted things, Naru is quick to strike out violently to show her disapproval. She also tries very hard to control her feelings for Keitaro.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/hina_char01.jpg" alt="Shinobu Maehara" /></div> <p><b>Shinobu Maehara</b></p> <p>Shinobu joined the Hinata group when her parents divorced and decided to move out of town. Shinobu was devastated and decide she wanted to live at Hinata apartments. She has that sweet, innocent, younger girl feel to her and is probably the best cook in the house.</p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-53073295047592809492007-07-16T22:08:00.000-07:002007-07-16T22:10:46.641-07:00Love Hina<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/rev_hina.jpg" alt="Love Hina" /></div> <p><b>Love Hina</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Bandai Entertainment<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=7">Comedy</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=14">Romance</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=15">Schoolkids</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed</p><p>When Keitaro was five, he made a promise to a neighborhood girl that when they grew up, they would meet at Tokyo University and live happily ever after. The girl then moved away and Keitaro forgot her name, but not the promise they made. Fifteen years later, Keitaro has tried and failed to pass the entrance exams into Tokyo University several times. His parents are ready to kick him out of the house, and he has all but given up hope of getting in.<br /><br />Then, one day, Keitaro's grandmother, who owns an all girls dormitory, decides she no longer wants to manage it. The job is dropped in Keitaro's lap and he becomes the new manager, to the dismay of the girls living there. The anime follows Keitaro in his quest to fulfill the promise he made to the girl fifteen years ago as well as to be accepted (and not killed) by the five girls living in the dorm - yes, you know the routine... five women, one man...<br /><br />But Love Hina for the most part is quite enjoyable, although the love aspect of it has that violent Ranma style of comedy to it that does get old occasionally.</p><p>The animation is pretty decent - very well drawn with a mix of highly detailed scenes and crazy, exaggerated deformation style whenever something violent happens.</p><p>The character development is interesting, although a bit predictable given the storyline. I like most of the characters - they each have something to add to the story to round things out.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">Click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-10887654507993303582007-07-14T13:03:00.000-07:002007-07-14T13:08:36.526-07:00Fullmetal Alchemist Character Bios<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma/fma_char14.jpg" alt="Alex Armstrong" /></div> <p><b>Alex Armstrong</b></p> State Alchemist and bodybuilder, Lt Armstrong accompanies the Elrics as their bodyguard from time to time. He's obsessed with bragging about the accomplishments and genetics of his family, but is generally good natured<br /><br /><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma_char01.jpg" alt="Alphonse Elric" /></div> <p><b>Alphonse Elric</b></p> <p>Al lost his body in a failed human transformation attempt to bring his mother back to life. Fortunately, Ed was able to fix his soul to a piece of armor in the room, and now he and Ed travel the world in search of the Philosopher's Stone. He's one year younger than Ed, and not as accomplished of an alchemist, though he's pretty good. He's also more reflective on others' emotions than Ed, and occasionally feels compelled to explain his brother's actions.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma_char08.jpg" alt="Alphonse Elric (human)" /></div> <p><b>Alphonse Elric (human)</b></p> <p>Al before his soul was fixed to a suit of armor at age 9.</p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma_char06.jpg" alt="Edward Elric" /></div> <p><b>Edward Elric</b></p> <p>The older of the Elric brothers, Ed has earned the rank of National Alchemist by age 12. He is known as the Full Metal Alchemist because he lost his arm and leg trying to bring his mom back from the dead. He now has metal replacements. Ed is a spunky kid with a good heart and a quick temper whenever someone calls him short.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma/fma_char11.jpg" alt="Maes Hughes" /></div> <p><b>Maes Hughes</b></p> <p>Lieutenant Colonel Hughes is a family man, always obsessing over his beloved daughter Elicia. He shares a special bond with the Elrics because they took care of his wife on the night she gave birth.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma/fma_char12.jpg" alt="Marco" /></div> <p><b>Marco</b></p> <p>Marco was a State Alchemist who abandoned the army at the Ishbar Conflict and went into hiding. At one point, he was one of the top researchers on the Philosopher's Stone.</p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma/fma_char15.jpg" alt="Maria Ross" /></div> <p><b>Maria Ross</b></p> <p>Second Lt Maria Ross guards the Elrics in Central City. She hates to see them give up and acts as Ed's cheerleader to keep him going.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma_char07.jpg" alt="Mom" /></div> <p><b>Mom</b></p> <p>Ed and Al's mother, who died when they were 10 and 9 respectively. She was a kind woman who raised the kids by herself when their dad left on a journey never to return. After her death, the boys decided to attempt to resurrect her. It failed.</p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma_char03.jpg" alt="Pinako Rockbell" /></div> <p><b>Pinako Rockbell</b></p> <p>She's an auto-mail engineer who watches over Winry after the death of her parents, and nurses Ed back to health after his failed transformation attempt.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma/fma_char16.jpg" alt="Riza Hawkeye" /></div> <p><b>Riza Hawkeye</b></p> <p>Hawkeye is Mustang's right hand woman and is well respected within the military.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma_char04.jpg" alt="Roy Mustang" /></div> <p><b>Roy Mustang</b></p> <p>National Alchemist, Lieutenant Colonel Roy Mustang, learned of the Elrics through a letter they sent out asking about their father. He arrived just after the boys finished their tranformation ritual, and took great interest in Ed's abilities. He told them that when Ed recovered, to come see him in Central City.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma/fma_char13.jpg" alt="Scar" /></div> <p><b>Scar</b></p> <p>Scar was a member of the Ishbar village when the army attacked it. His older brother dabbled in alchemy and was driven mad. Now he uses his own alchemical powers to get revenge.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma_char02.jpg" alt="Sir Cornello" /></div> <p><b>Sir Cornello</b></p> <p>Cornello is the High Priest of Riore who has deceived the townspeople into believing he holds the power of god. He took their forsaken land and made it a place of prosperity. He is soon revealed as a fraud, with his powers coming from alchemy, not god.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma/fma_char10.jpg" alt="Tucker Shou" /></div> <p><b>Tucker Shou</b></p> <p>State Alchemist Tucker is known as the only alchemist to create a chimera that spoke human words. Now, he's under stress to produce further research. He lives with his daughter Nina, and takes in the Elrics when Ed takes his State Alchemist Exam.</p><div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/fma_char05.jpg" alt="Winry Rockbell" /></div> <p><b>Winry Rockbell</b></p> <p>Winry is a childhood friend and neighbor of the Elrics. She's a gadget lover who is happiest taking intricate objects apart to see how they work. </p> <p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken From<a href="http://www.animetique.com/"> click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-21071429063882667622007-07-14T12:58:00.000-07:002007-07-14T13:02:53.660-07:00Fullmetal Alchemist<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/fma.jpg" alt="Fullmetal Alchemist" /></div> <p><b>Fullmetal Alchemist</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Bones<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=5">Action</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=6">Adventure</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=9">Fantasy</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed</p><p>FullMetal Alchemist is the story of Edward Elric and his brother Al, and their adventures as alchemists. Alchemy is the science of understanding the composition of a thing, breaking it down and then rebuilding it into something different. If done perfectly, you can even make gold. But because it is science, there is one rule that cannot be broken. You can only make one quantity of a substance from another. The law of conservation of mass states that to earn something, you must pay something back of equal value. You can't get something out of nothing.<br /><br />Thus begins the story of the Elric brothers, Ed and Al, who lived with their mother for the first 10 or so years of their lives. Their father was famous for his own alchemical works, but he became absorbed in his studies and left home, never to return. Ed never forgave his father for leaving, as he watched his mother grow sadder each day. Still, their mother seemed very proud of the brothers as they devoted much of their time to alchemical studies, and soon became extremely proficient.<br /><br />One day, however, their mother died. The boys were distraught and decided to attempt a forbidden ritual to bring their mother back from the dead. To date, no one had successfully performed it, but the boys were consumed by their sadness and arrogant in their abilities. The ritual failed horribly. Al lost his body, while Ed lost his arm and leg.<br /><br />And so begins the boys' journey. Ed and Al give up their quest to bring mom back and set out for Central City. Ed believes that if he can become a State Alchemist with military backing, perhaps he can find a way to restore his brother's body. They suspect the legendary Philosopher's Stone may be the key.</p><p>Full Metal Alchemist is very shonen in its drawing style. Your characters have simplistic faces, big eyes, and different colored hair. The color schemes are particularly vibrant.</p><p>I like both Elric brothers a lot so far. Ed is very protective of his younger brother, and bears the responsibility for his brother's current condition. He focuses his motives around undoing the damage of his own, arrogant ways, and will subject himself to becoming an agent of the military for the sake of his brother. He tends to be hot-headed, though "just" by his own definition, and prides himself on being a champion for the common folks.<br /><br />Al is more down to earth and laid back, wanting to believe the best in every situation. He often trusts people naively, which has its disadvantages. He cares very deeply for his brother, knowing that Ed will never forgive himself for causing Al's condition. He tries to remain positive throughout, though not having a body does get to him occasionally.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from<a href="http://www.animetique.com/"> Click here</a></span><br /></p> <p> </p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-76225075304177965852007-07-14T12:52:00.000-07:002007-07-14T12:55:06.088-07:00Chobits Character Bios<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/cho_char03.jpg" alt="Chii" /></div> <p><b>Chii</b></p> <p>Coming soon.</p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/cho_char02.jpg" alt="Hibiya Chitose" /></div> <p><b>Hibiya Chitose</b></p> <p>Coming soon.</p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/cho_char04.jpg" alt="Motosuwa Hideki" /></div> <p><b>Motosuwa Hideki</b></p> <p>Coming soon.</p> <div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/DONT_LINK_TO_THIS/cho_char01.jpg" alt="Shinbo Hiromu & Sumomo" /></div> <p><b>Shinbo Hiromu & Sumomo</b></p> <p>Coming soon.</p> <p> <span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com">Click here</a></span><br /></p><p></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685258734242976801.post-18385968485922621522007-07-14T12:50:00.000-07:002007-07-14T12:52:37.858-07:00Chobits<div class="photoinline"> <img src="http://www.animetique.com/animeImages/reviews/rev_chobits.jpg" alt="Chobits" /></div> <p><b>Chobits</b><br /><b>Publisher:</b> Clamp, Pioneer<br /><b>Type of Anime:</b> TV<br /><b>Genre:</b> <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=14">Romance</a>, <a href="http://www.animetique.com/animegenre.asp?ID=17">SciFi</a><br /> <b>Watched Subbed/Dubbed:</b> Subbed</p><p>Chobits is the story of a boy, Motosuwa Hideki, who goes to Tokyo to study for his entrance exams. At this time, people connect to the internet through robots called Persocons, who look just like women except with different ears. Motosuwa really wants one, but unfortunately doesn't have enough money to buy one. One night, as he is walking home, he finds one lying in a trash pile and decides to take her home. As it turns out, the Persocon he found is special, and may actually be one of the legendary Chobits, specially made persocons that have free will. He names her Chii because that is the only word she can say and begins teaching her about the world.<br /><br />I've only seen a couple of episodes so far, but I really like what I've seen. It's sort of a romance between the boy and his robot, who acts like a real girl with free will (Blade Runner, right?) but it's a Clamp anime, so I'm curious to see where this goes.</p><p>From what I've seen, the characters appear to be pretty standard, but still interesting. I like the main characters introduced thus far, although Motosuwa overreacts to most things which may get annoying after awhile... Chii is just cute!</p><p>I really like the animation style. Everything is so amazingly detailed with lush colors. It tends to be more realistic than a lot.</p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">Taken from <a href="http://www.animetique.com/">click here</a></span><br /></p>Admin aka Miminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814958159653271516noreply@blogger.com0