Utawarerumono

I just watched utawarerumono for the first time recently. I found it as a similar recommendation for Code Geass.

Skeptical, I forced my way through the first couple of episodes and found it bearable and fairly addictive. The characters are engaging and have their own backstories (although a little lacklustre), the world is very interesting, and the art and visuals are nothing special but the average anime blend. Sure, that description isn't exactly positive, but I genuinely enjoyed it once having found myself settled in.

Even though I feel a few plot details were unexplained and unnecessary, I believe they may be covered in the manga, which I didn't read. Presume it's better than the anime, since it pretty much always is.

Anyway, the story goes a little something like this: Man wakes up from serious injury with no recollection of previous events. After helping the town who saved him from destruction, he is named Hakuoro. Lord Hakuoro, now followed by many and hailed as a kind and generous lord sets off collecting allies and warriors to aid the uphill battle. The war continues on an increasing scale with further consequences each victory.

Overall, I wouldn't say this anime was anything special. However, do give it a watch, especially if you liked Code Geass or stuff that involves war strategy.

Death Note

I can't say I loved this anime. Death Note was good in a mind bending way, similar to Code Geass. The main character Yagami Light is difficult to sympathise with or even like, but he does have his moments. The whole story is a little hypocritical and ironic, but I won't ruin it for you.

I've even heard there's a movie in production, but don't get your hopes up. Even if it does come out, films these days have a habit of letting you down.

Anyway, if you like tactics and strategy - this is another anime for you. The mental back and forth between Yagami and the antagonist, L is full of tension and is very engaging.  There are a few great twists, but as usual - the manga is better than the anime.

Some of the characters are epic and awesome, I found myself rooting for L instead of Yagami. Ryuk the death god was amusing and a little cryptic at times. The art is well drawn and animated, and in high quality the graphics are some of the best. As always, watch the subbed version instead of dub. Dub sucks. Bad voice acting central, thank you for wasting my time.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Hey everyone, welcome to the first post on my anime and manga blog! It was difficult deciding on which anime to review and talk about first, so I chose my favorite:

Code Geass is an excellent anime for pretty much anyone. The series does involve Mecha but it's not an overly smothering feature, so if Mechas aren't your thing don't worry about it. Both the anime and manga are good, but I'd suggest watching the program since it covers pretty much everything that's in the mangas anyway. Here's a little about the plot:

Lelouch Lamperouge is an incredibly intelligent young high school student living in future Japan after a great world war in which the country Britainna took over the majority of the planet. Japan, renamed area 11 is under a harsh tyrannic rule with its citizens oppressed. On his way back to to the academy after winning an illegal chess match, Lelouch is accidentally involved in a terrorist operation and shot. He survives by assistance from a mysterious power and some quick thinking. And so begins his epic journey to take the world from the hands of the Emperor and Britannia as revenge for his family.

That's just about as much as I can reveal without spoiling the story. I do recommend this anime to anyone who likes strategy, tactics, total badassery and more. Lelouch is hands down one of the biggest winners ever, I have yet to meet a more smug protagonist. He is more of an anti-hero than anything else.

Overall, don't miss out on Code Geass if you like anime. Sponsored by Bandai, you can tell it's arguably one of the best out there. I can't promise you'll love it like I did, but you will be able appreciate this anime, you'd be mad not to!