Pervy hijinks prevail in Volumes Three and Four of the hilarious, and oh so wrong, Ninja Nonsense!

plot summary

The nonsense is nonstop as the ninja go through the seasons of fall and winter. Kaede returns to school, and normalcy, but frequently stops by to visit Shinobu at the ninja headquarters. Just as frequently, Shinobu and Onsokumaru make surprise visits to Kaede, and not always welcome ones at that.

Onsokumaru continues in his quest to catch the girls without their clothing, and just as continually, he fails. But half the fun is in the trying, so you can’t call him a quitter!

As winter turns to spring, Kaede discovers the secret about Shinobu Onsokumaru alluded to a while back. Will Kaede and Shinobu still stay friends?

review

These two volumes were the best out of the entire four volume series. There was more pervy goodness, more absolute insanity, more “Oh my dear god, did he just do that?!” moments and more side splitting hilarity.

Anime stereotypes, overplayed scenes and fetishes are all deliciously mocked in each episode. Even the ever present (in adult anime) tentacle theme was given a good poke, along with the fanboys who adore it. Not even Christmas was left out of the mix, and included culture references such as the Christmas cake and the Japanese idea of the “true” meaning of Christmas- romance!

Even though the series is rife with obscure cultural references, anime fans will still be able to understand the stereotypes and storytelling enough to be able to roll on the floor laughing. Dirty, unethical men doing random pervy things translates into any language and culture.

The randomness is what makes Ninja Nonsense such a hit. Nothing makes much sense beyond each episode, but the series stays committed to its absurdity and the laughs keep coming.

Character Design

The style for Ninja Nonsense also helped the humor. It’s hard not to laugh at cute, adorable girls being imagined doing lewd acts. The very incongruity is amusing. Character designs are very stereotypical in anime- big eyes, big boobs, scanty outfits- but anything else wouldn’t have worked as well; especially since all these things were lovingly made fun of.

Animation

Animation for Ninja Nonsense was consistent throughout the series and stayed strong.

Voice Acting

Both the English and Japanese voice casts are good. The English voice cast is fantastic however, and really shines. Watching the last two volumes with the dub was a treat. I now wish I had it on the entire time instead of the subtitles, that’s how good the acting was.

Volumes Three and Four Conclusion

These two volumes are terrific, and wrap up the series perfectly. It’s hard to imagine a satisfactory ending to such a random series, but Ninja Nonsense delivered the final laughs in style.

Volumes Rating

Ninja Nonsense, Volumes Three and Four gets 5 outta 5 Hammies!

Series Conclusion

Ninja Nonsense is a hilarious series with a pervy bend. Although boob jokes abound, it’s humor which older folk can appreciate- if they don’t mind fiendishly funny low-brow humor. This anime is not suitable for most audiences, but it’s a guilty, dirty, dirty pleasure for those it is.

Series Rating

Ninja Nonsense, Complete Series gets 4.5 outta 5 Hammies!

Volumes Three Retail Info

• Publisher: Right Stuf!
• Release DateOctober 31, 2006
• Retail Price: $29.99
• Number of discs:1
• Episodes:7-9
• Run Time:80 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Volumes Four Retail Info

• Publisher: Right Stuf!
• Release Date:November 28, 2006
• Retail Price: $29.99
• Number of discs:1
• Episodes:10-12
• Run Time:80 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Ai begins to show some emotion, but the series still hasn’t shown its focus.

plot summary

Ai’s been busy lately with Hell Link, and Hell doesn’t seem big enough for all the cases she’s been taking on. Hajime Shibata, the reporter who’s tireless investigations have finally led him to Hell Girl, still hasn’t given up on his attempts to shut Hell Girl and her troupe down.

Tsugumi, Hajime’s daughter, on the other hand, views Hell Girl in a different light than her father. The two argue over the morality of sending someone to Hell, no matter if the person deserves the condemnation.

Tsugumi’s faith in Hajime as a parent is wavering, especially when he fails to make an appearance at a very important anniversary. Can the two’s relationship as father and daughter continue when they both have such strong opposing viewpoints on Hell Girl?

review

This series is going nowhere fast, and by fast, I mean it’s already there, parked the car, and is buying a soda. Besides having given up on storytelling, the series is still lacking focus. Who am I supposed to invest my interest in? Ai and her group of Hell Bringers or Hajime and Tsugumi? The latter two are interesting, but only barely. And the former are barely given any explanation or depth, so I’ve given up on them.

The humanity and moral dilemma the series is trying to show through Hajime and Tsugumi is transparent at best. I shouldn’t be able to see through what the series is trying to accomplish, which it’s doing badly anyway. Every time the issue comes up of whether or not a person warrants going to Hell, the arguments made on either side would make a middle school debate team cringe. The episodes which seem to be trying to show the ambiguity of right and wrong come off as funny instead of well plotted.

Some episodes continue to be nothing but time-eaters, doing nothing and going nowhere. For instance, the completely contradictory and absurd episode titled Hell Boy vs. Hell Girl. I don’t think I was supposed to laugh till I hurt during the episode, but I did nonetheless.

The focus is continually shifting between people, without ever really showing what the lenses of the series is trained on. One minute Ai has become the center of attention, the next Tsugumi, the next Hajime, the next a spider, the next, you get the idea. But not once during this hectic jumping around is there any substance. You’d think with the way the focus bounces around so quickly, the series would be better paced, not so. Everything is happening so slowly, one would suspect the series of doing so on purpose in order to squeeze two seasons outta something which should only be one….

Character Development

The last episode is one which does have focus, and the focus is on Hajime, his wife, and Tsugumi. It’s slightly poignant, and one hundred percent human. The episode seems a bit out of place and it’s confusing as to what purpose it fulfills in the larger scheme of the anime. If the entires series were better planned, the whole anime would mesh like this episode did as an episode in itself.

Conclusion

The concept for Hell Girl is a good one, the idea is original, but the execution is abysmal. The series, as far as I can tell, has decided to give nothing to viewers in the first season, nor has it given viewers any reason to watch Season Two. I have no faith whatsoever the last DVD of Hell Girl will be anything more but more of the same; nothing.

Rating

Hell Girl, Volume Five gets 2 outta 4 Hammies!

Retail Info

• Publisher: Funimation
• Release Date:April 8, 2008
• Retail Price: $29.98
• Number of discs:1
• Episodes:19-22
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Whoo-hoo! Volume Five means there’s only one more volume of Glass Fleet to review!

plot summary

After their escape from prison, Cleo and his new friends fight their way to freedom through Vetti’s fleet. Cleo is then at last reunited with Michel, and the two discuss the future of the People’s Army’s future.

But burdened with the knowledge the galaxy is slowly being sucked into the phenomena known as the Black Cross, Cleo is determined to save it, no matter the cost. He must now convince his friends and allies to band together to help him with his new purpose. Cleo must find stronger allies, than these though, and Michel is worried where, and who, Cleo’s dangerous new thoughts will lead them.

review

Glass Fleet has resumed plummeting to its doom thanks to this volume. Volume Five isn’t the worst volume of the bunch (that’d be One) but it’s regained the momentum of suckdom Volume Four managed to shake.

The story has once again become ludicrous and out of focus. The laughability of the “plot” has multiplied, again. And the laws of physics are once again blatantly flouted by a freefall jump into the vacuum of space by Cleo. It takes a really bad piece of work to break the laws of physics, FYI.

We’re supposed to swallow the hastily wired together idea that Cleo is now the galaxy’s savior, not it’s future King. The series shifted gears so fast, I think it stripped something. If this is what the anime was about all along, what the hell was I watching to begin with? Where was the foreshadowing? Why did I have to see the Revolution Army fight four volumes worth of war, only to have the entire idea of nobles and war swatted aside as being inconsequential?

The studio could have easily switched ideas towards the beginning of the series and still introduced Michel as a rebel leader and all that her history entails. They wasted the entire series, thus far, flying around, shooting canon balls in space and looking like a bunch of Fashion Week nightmares. It turns out, none of the previous plot matters, although it was built up as being meaningful and purposeful.

Only about one quarter of what was told prior to this volume has any impact on the new focus. That means I watched 75% pure filler junk. I say filler junk because none of what I saw built character development or provoked any connection. The ideas were put together in such a craphazard way, they didn’t further the story in the least.

Character Development

The last episode had actual story, but the story wasn’t attached to the plot. It was a tale about the pilot, Elmer. The episode was slightly entertaining, but still bad.

Rachel is turning into a psycho wife-leech who needs Vetti in order to define herself. What a difference a marriage to a nut job tyrant can make….

Character Design

It’d be too much to ask for the character designs not to continue to be an affront to the senses. The designs kept right on being tasteless and freakish and even upped the ante in the last episode. I think phallic gate posts win most tasteless design this volume round.

Animation

It really truly feels as if a different group of people animated each volume, even episodes, of Glass Fleet, the animation feels so inconsistent. One shot is detailed and passable, the next is mechanical and grainy. The animation is beyond sub par. Gonzo should have at least had the decency to keep the shots bad throughout.

Conclusion

Joyous is the day I watch Volume Six of Glass Fleet. For only then will my punishment will be over and the gods of anime will truly have forgiven whatever slight caused them to curse me with this series in the first place.

Rating

Glass Fleet, Volume Five gets .5 outta 4 Hammies!

Retail Info

• Publisher: Funimation
• Release Date:March 25, 2008
• Retail Price: $29.98
• Number of discs:1
• Episodes:19-22
• Run Time: 125 minutes
• Rating: TV-PG
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Charming and dangerous vampires fight for survival in Volume Two of Black Blood Brothers.

plot summary

Far from finding the peace they sought, Jiro and his brother Kotaro are in more danger now than when they first entered the Special Zone. Although the Company compromiser, Mimiko, assured the two vampire brothers they’d be welcome in the Special Zone, they’re anything but.

In order to successfully survive in the Zone, new vampires must approach one of the affiliated vampire houses and ask for membership. This is harder to achieve than Jiro could imagine, and much more dangerous as well.

Some of the obstacles he must overcome are from past ties and acquaintances, but there’s also a fresh threat from the Kowloon Children. Facing either old friends or new enemies, Jiro is still determined to find a safe haven for his bloodline. But will the Special Zone ever be safe with Jiro around?

Review

The world of Black Blood Brothers doesn’t feel recycled. Maybe it’s because the sorry state of the world is due to mutant vampires and not bombs or some other man-made catastrophe. It could be because vampires are the secret allies of humans and both fight a common enemy. It could also be because there aren’tany angst ridden fifteen year old heroes saving the day. Whatever the reason, the setting doesn’t seem stale.

The ideas aren’t new by a long shot; supernatural hero in red with sad past tries to move on by saving the world. But the combination and dosage of the ideas feel pretty fresh.

The story treatment of vampires in Black Blood Brothers is also a contributing factor to the fresh appeal of the anime. Vampires in this world are almost human, but follow their own code and formalities. They can even walk during the day, but will dissolve (not die) in water. They don’t turn human victims into vampires with just a bite, either. To the contrary, humans get quite a rise out of being bitten. It’s the ultimate pleasure.

If I have any negative comments on the series, it’s the hentai-ish manner these vampire-human scenes are handled. They’re visual softcore speed bumps which add nothing to the story. I prefer to “see” these things offstage. Leaving some things to the imagination is a good policy in such instances. Geez.

Character Development

Things got interesting quick in this volume. Tiny flashbacks at the beginning of the episodes started to fill in the blanks to Jiro’s checkered past. Jiro’s relationship to Lord Dragon, Cain and Cassa are becoming fleshed out by bits. Jiro’s history as a trouble-magnet is being hinted at with casual remarks and pointed instances.

After the third episode, it’s evident what a name the Silver Sword really has for himself and why the poor guy can’t catch a break for himself and his bro.

The Kowloon threat is starting to develop as well, with the introduction of a character who until now has been in the offing. It’ll be interesting to see how far Jiro’s past is interwoven with the Kowloon Children.

Conclusion

Volume Two zipped by and was over before I knew it. So much was revealed, hinted and promised the time flew by, but the anime was never rushed or cramped. There’re only four more episodes left to BBB so it’s understandable why the story is zooming so fast. Black Blood Brothers gets big time credit for not cramming useless info (except those out of place bite scenes) into the series and for having excellent pacing. With interesting characters, unique situations and good pacing, Black Blood Brothers has an engaging bite.

Rating

Black Blood Brothers, Volume Two gets 3.5 outta 4 Hammies!

Retail Info

• Publisher: Funimation
• Release Date:March 25, 2008
• Retail Price: $29.98
• Number of discs:1
• Episodes:5-8
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen

Well, not every anime depicts ninja to be godlike. In Ninja Nonsense, poor ninja-in-training, Shinobu, is having a difficult time learning even the basics of ninpo:

plot summary

Shinobu is a hardworking, if not very bright ninja-in-training. She’s wanted to be a ninja ever since she first learned of them (erroneously) from period dramas, anime and manga. But her reasons for becoming a kunoichi (female ninja) are pure and righteous. If only the ninja headmaster had such ideals!

For her first ninja exam, the Headmaster gives Shinobu her choice of tasks to successfully complete. Shinobu has chosen the dreaded task #412: Stealing high school girls’ underwear!

During her panty pilfering, Shinobu is detected by one of her pilfering victims, Kaede. Kaede demands Shinobu cease and desist her undie robbery. Shinobu calls on her raunchy ninja partner, Onsokumaru, to help her finish her panty-thieving, but to no avail. Kaede eventually just gives a pair of her underwear to Shinobu to calm her down after the NIT (ninja-in-training) collapses in a heap of tears and despair when she thinks she’ll fail her exam.

Kaede and Shinobu become good, and I mean good (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) friends after that. Now Shinobu has someone who believes in her ninja abilities, kind of, and someone who she can call a friend. Shinobu wants to become a ninja so much it hurts, but with Kaede around, it doesn’t feel so bad!

review

Ninja Nonsense, Volume One had me rolling on the couch in a constant fit of giggles. This is not a comedy for the young ‘uns, however. From the start, this anime was filled with naughty jokes and innuendo. Among other things which ranks this anime as “adult”, the Headmaster, who’s just a giant yellow head, is a certified pervo and Shinobu has a lustful heart towards a certain someone.

The series pokes fun at itself and other anime by acknowledging the overuse of fanservice rampant in the medium. There are many instances and mentions of cat maids, yuri, boobs, and the like. All done with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

Character Development

There hasn’t been any character development so far in Ninja Nonsense and I doubt there’ll be much. This anime is a full-on, random comedy. It spends so much time jumping around and poking fun at itself and other anime, it doesn’t focus too much on rounding out pasts and backgrounds. And it really doesn’t need to.

Shinobu (a play on Shinobi) is adorable in her lack of ninja abilities and common sense. She can’t do even the basics of ninpo, but she really truly tries. She even goes as far as saying “Ninja Technique” before she does something, in the hopes that by saying it it’ll work. For all her vapid cluelessness, Shinobu isn’t all that moe. She’s not even annoying, and the reason for that is Kaede.

Kaede is a regular high school girl who’s the (not so) random victim of the Headmaster’s panty lust. She’s more down-to-earth than Shinobu, light years smarter too, and has a good heart. She’s able to see through Onsokumaru’s ruses and is able to outwit him. Often. Shinobu and Kaede play off each other beautifully.

Onsokumaru is the outrageous mascot/ ninja partner/ pervert who’s always looking for ways to disturb, disgust, or disrobe Shinobu. He’s nothing more than a giant, morphing yellow ball with extremities and wings. When Kaede demands to know what the heck Onsokumaru is, he claims he’s a hawk, and Shinobu believes him. D’oh!

Character Design

Designs for Ninja Nonsense have achieved a good, but weird, balance of quasi-realistic (the crocodile is brilliant), hilarious and fantastic. The happy, rosy colors give the anime a sense of innocence out of character with the “adult” feel of the series.

Shinobu and Kaede have been drawn like pretty anime dolls. Which is to say, they’re bright, shiny and plump. The two remind me of sexy versions of the Kewpie mayonnaise mascot.

The Sasuke Army, i.e. the black-clad, stereotypical ninja extras, are exact duplicates of each other. Their glowing red eyes, black hoods and matching attire is very intimidating, that is until the ninja open their mouths.

Onsokumaru is hilarious as the yellow anthropomorphic sidekick. We’re not supposed to take this guy seriously, but Kaede does. She can’t understand why everyone doesn’t scream and run away when they see him. He’s just a frick’n yellow head with arms and wings, after all. I believe his character design may be a commentary on other anime sidekick/ animal mascot thingies and their easy acceptance by other characters.

Animation

Ufotable, the studio responsible for animating Ninja Nonsense, did a good job with the animation. Not great, good. There aren’t many detail shots, but they’re some in the anime. Most shots, however, are simple and clean. The action moves fairly well; I’m not distracted by obviously bad mistakes. The style of the animation suits the subject matter, anything more detailed would be a distraction in itself.

Music

Ninja Nonsense has a great OP and a fantastic ED. “Shinobu Sanjou!”, the OP by Kumano Kiyomi is a good example of an apropos opening theme.

The ED, “Kuru Kururin” by kaoru, accompanies a stop motion end scene. I love the upbeat, cheerleader-esque feel of the song. It’s an all round fantastic ending; one of the best I’ve seen and heard in a long, long time. I could actually listen to the song by itself, I like it that much.

Voice Acting

The English voice cast for Ninja Nonsense is pretty decent. I liked Onsokumaru’s voice actor, Sean Schemmel the best out of the English cast. He captured the essence of the little yellow pervert nicely.

While the English voice cast is good, the Japanese voice cast is terrific. I really liked all the actors from the Japanese cast.

In Conclusion…

Ninja Nonsense, Volume One made me laugh like I haven’t in a long, long time. The series doesn’t take itself seriously, and steps back from time to time to better poke fun at itself and established anime stereotypes. This is a random series which so far has been consistently funny through every episode so far.

Rating

Ninja Nonsense, Volume One gets 3.5 outta 4 Hammies!

Retail Info

• Publisher: Right Stuf
• Release Date: July 25, 2006
• Retail Price: $29.99
• Number of discs:1
• Run Time:80 minutes
• Rating: 15+
• Language: English, Japanese
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled