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Last month, I previewed Ookami-san, giving a score of 6/10 for the annoying commentary.

Six episodes through it, it still hasn’t changed one bit. The commentary is still there, and is still as heavy as it was in episode 1. The series still hasn’t seen much in terms of story progression until episodes 6, where Ookami reveals a little bit more about her past.

It’s doing an above average job as a story. As of the moment, it’s starting to transform itself from a fairy tale parody to a story of it’s own, although I doubt we’ll be getting much more before the season ends.

Mid-Season Score: 6.8/10

Black Rock Shooter is a one episode original video animation by Ordet. The story follows a couple of female students, who get to know each other and become close within time. However, their relation has weakened due to external factors at school. In between the main storyline, characters who look similar to the main characters in our “normal world” are fighting, with no plot or meaning at all (until the very end).

The plot of the anime, for the most part, was good. It shows how friends get to know each other, become closer, and how friendship falls apart due to external circumstances. However, it does get a little irritating when the storyline goes from being a normal slice of life anime to something out of a fictional work.

The music of BRS is average as well. BRS uses a piano theme for most of the “normal world” events, but will switch to a metal theme in the alternate world combat scenes.

The art style of BRS is good, but not the best. The normal world is detailed enough fro the audience to know what the characters are doing and where they’re doing. In the alternate world, the graphics sharpen up a big, providing a little more detail on the post-apocalyptic world the characters fight in.

Overall, BRS is an average one shot anime. It really does depict the slice of life parts really well, but due to it’s time and episode limitations, seems too rushed as a final product. The ending will also leave viewers with a big gaping cliffhanger. If you don’t mind cliffhangers, or just watch to pass the time, BRS is a perfect anime for you. If you want something complete, and well rounded, look elsewhere.

Score : 7/10

Seitokai Yakuindomo is another romcom anime released this season. This story focuses on a male protagonist, Takatoshi, who selects to go to a school dominated by females due to the distance to his house. The school opened up to both genders this year, and he is among a few who have braved the dangers to attend the school. However, he is immediately recruited into the schools’ student council by the wacky president.

The anime parodies other modern anime, and includes a lot of dark humor. At times, the comedy seems to be overwhelming, but sometimes readers will not get the jokes presented. Again, the dark humor in this series is really apparent, and it’s not intended for younger audiences. With dark humor as the anime’s main focus, I’m doubting whether Seitokai Yakuindomo can last an entire season while being hilarious and refreshing every episode.

Preview Score: 5.5/10

Ookami-san is a romcom parody anime by J.C. Staff. The story focuses on Ryouko Ookami, who is a member of the Otogi Bank. The club does students favors, in return for other favors. One day, a shy student named Ryoushi confesses to Ryouko, and the head members of the Otogi Bank decide to let him in the club to “test his abilities”.

The anime heavily parodies existing anime and cartoons, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.

For the first episode, there was far too much going on in terms of explanation of things, which lower the enjoyment of the show. If the entire series require so much explanation for the viewers to get, the show would end up as plain and boring.

Preview Score: 6/10

Xam’d: Lost Memories is an anime series by Aniplex and Sentai Filmworks. The story revolves around Akiyuki, a normal high school student living on Sentan Island. The world has erupted into a war between the northern and southern continents. However, Sentan Island has been left alone although it’s in the free-fire zone. This all changes one day, after a girl supposedly from the northern army bombs the school bus Akiyaki was in. The explosion turned him in Xam’d, a mysterious being with strong but uncontrollable power.

Xam’d has one of the greatest storytelling I’ve ever saw to date. Although the plot may be confusing at first, and lots of terms jump at the viewer without meaning, all that will become clear in a short amount of time. Also, the story development is very steady, with no major plot twists. It also comes to a spectacular, and bittersweet finale and ending.

The music of Xam’d is truly a masterpiece. The music and soundtrack are just excellent, as they accompany the storyline, and gains more and more emotional power as the story progresses.

The artwork and animation for the series never fails to impress. Everything, from the characters to the backgrounds to the floor are all detailed in the same way, and it seems that the artists haven’t skipped out of the details. The only thing I have against it is that sometimes the characters will look like they’re sleepy due to the way their eyes have been drawn, but that’ll wear off after a couple of episodes.

The character development for this series is really strong, and it shows how people easily change, and how one’s feelings could destroy friendships, bring havoc to entire cities, or reunite couples who were separated. If you’re a fan of steampunk, military, action, or a good emotional anime, Xam’d is one not to miss. Even if you’re not a fan of any of the above, you’ll still find Xam’d a fun, strong, and definitely enjoyable journey.

Score: 9.5/10

Angel Beats is Key’s latest anime series. The story revolves around a teenager named Otonashi Yuzuru, who stumbles upon a girl with a sniper rifle. He later learns through this girl that everyone in this world is already dead, and that she’s trying to find a way to fight against the God of this world for her unfair life. Otonashi eventually joins them, and their battle against Tenshi, who is supposedly the key to finding God.

Angel Beats has an excellent plotline. Although the first couple of episodes might seem slow, boring, and more or less just for comedy, the story develops itself into a masterpiece. Also, like many other of Key’s works, Angel Beats has a lot of plot twists that’ll keep viewers on their seats.

The animation and visuals for Angel Beats is first class. From the concerts that GirlDeMo hosts to the backgrounds to the character work, the amount of effort and detail can be clearly seen. Even in non-important scenes, you can see that the background and props were very detailed (such as the floors of the classroom).

Angel Beats possess a very beautiful soundtrack. From the action scenes tot the comedic moments to the tear jerking revelations, the soundtrack wonderfully accompanies and enhances the viewer’s experience. A thumbs up is also given to the GirlsDeMo band songs, which besides giving a sudden change to the mood, sounds very very good.

Overall, Angel Beats is a very entertaining anime series for the Summer 2010 season. If you’re looking for something to watch, this is the show! Unfortunately, you’ll suffer from Angel Beats drawbacks after watching this series, because you’ll want to know what happens after. Don’t worry however. An unreleased episode will be available in the DVD this December, and I bet it’ll cover all the little things that’s been nagging us.

Score: 9/10

Since his father’s disappearance years ago, Itsuki Iba has inherited Astral, his father’s company, which dispatches magicians to those in need. However, there’s just one problem: Itsuki has a shallow understanding of magic, and is defenseless against magical creatures. However, if Itsuki removes his eyepatch, his other eye will allow him to see through enemy’s movements. The series then continues on how Itsuki has to deal with his company, his eye, and the various situations resulting from contracts his company receives.

Rental Magica is part fantasy, part romance, and part comedy. Although it doesn’t quite fulfill the role of any of those genres, it ends up being a somewhat satisfying balance of the three.

The artwork of the series is good. The characters are detailed, as are the battle scenes and demons.

Rental Magica’s soundtrack does a great job of fortifying the atmosphere of each scene. From the tension of the battles, to the comedic fighting between characters, the soundtrack successfully enhances each and every moment.

The only gripe I had about this series is the way the ending played out. Although satisfying, the ending leaves quite a few mysteries unsolved, as if it was waiting for a non-existent second season. Mikan is also played by Kugimiya Rie, but this time around she’s more tolerable since she’s playing more of a supporting role.

Score: 8.3/10

Zer0 no Tsukaima is an anime series set in an alternate fantasy world where people have magical powers(like Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series). In this magical world, there exists two classes of people: aristocrats who can utilize magical power using their wands, and plebeians, who do not possess any special abilities at all. The story revolves around an aristocrat named Louise, whose trials in magic always ends up in failure (thus granting her the nickname of ‘Zero Louise”). During a ritual where everyone has to summon a familiar companion, Louise summons Saito, a regular boy from Tokyo. The story then goes off on how this unlikely pair that refuses to accept each other help protect their school from different evils.

The artwork across all three series is average. Although a couple of scenes are well drawn, most of the time, backgrounds and unimportant characters are given less attention and detail.

The soundtrack isn’t horrible, but neither is it memorable. It does fit the mood, but there’s nothing special about it.

Zero no Tsukaima had a lot of potential when it came to the plot. However, all three seasons failed to deliver. Over and over again, Saito promises to Louise that he’ll stay with her, and she humbly accepts at the end of each season (except the third). However, as the next season starts, Louise will revert back to the arrogant snotty high-classed brat who doesn’t care about anyone else. This formula, along with an endless amount of Louise trying to beat Saito up with magic, frustrates any viewer who wants plot development.

On my review of Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka, I stated that I would never watch another anime with Rie Kugimiya in the cast. Well, I actually watched Zero no Tsukaima before Akane-iro, so it shouldn’t count, right?

First Season Score: 7.5/10

Second Season Score: 7/10

Third Season Score: 6.3/10

Claymore is a fantasy based anime set in the alternate middle ages. In this world, demons (called Yoma) roam the land, blend in, and feast on humans. To fight Yoma, a mysterious organization has created mysterious half-human, half-Yoma warriors, called Claymores. Feared by both Yoma and humans, Claymores take on assignments and slay the Yoma that disturbs humans. The anime centers itself on one such Claymore, Clare, and her companion, Raki.

The storytelling of Claymore is superb. The pacing is good, and viewers will always be kept on their toes, wondering what’s next. Viewers will also, at times, sympathize with the main characters’ emotions, and understand why they’re doing what they do. The only gripe I have against it is the ending, which leaves viewers at a cliffhanger.

The art style of Claymore is mediocre. Although the towns and creatures of Claymore are superbly drawn, the people seem to be drawn in a weird proportion. If you look at the way the main characters’ faces are drawn, you’ll see why (especially during side views).

Claymore’s soundtrack helps give the world the story a deeper meaning. The background music homes in on the central theme, and whether it be sadness, revenge, or danger, the music has it all covered.

Claymore is an excellent anime, with it’s only downfall being it’s character design and cliffhanger ending. If you’re in for some good adventure, this is the place to go. However, fans who fear gore and dismemberment should avoid this, because this series is filled with limbs and body parts being chopped off.

Score: 8.8/10

Akane-iro ni Somaru Saka is a romance harem light novel series by TNK. The story revolves around the main protagonist, Junichi. One day, as he was walking home from school, he saves a girl who was being harassed by punks. During the very next day, he kisses her in class due to a misconception, and finds out later that she’s his fiancé.

Overall, the story development was horrible. With an initial cast of so many interesting characters, Akane-iro only manages to develop two of the females. Most of the other characters only serve as comedy sidekicks, and have no real purpose. Although this anime is dubbed as ‘harem’, the harem doesn’t really appear until the rushed ending. As for the ending, it seems really revolting, although they do try to clear up their names in the ending credits.

The art of this series is good, but not great. Characters receive a lot of attention and detail, but the anime seems to pan off into weird angle at times (often focusing on the female character’s legs, ass, or chests). The artists sometimes animate things wrong. For example, during a few scenes, one of a person’s chest bounces up, while the other bounces down.

The music is good, aside from the opening.

Overall, the anime is good, but not great. I’d recommend a watch if you’re a fan of harem romance type shows.

On a side note though, I might not watch another show with Rie Kugimiya in the cast. In every single anime I’ve watched so far, she always plays the role of a stubborn blunt square character who never changes (this anime is no exceptions, though her character is “softer” than the other roles she’s played).

Score: 7.3/10