Guardian of the Sacred Spirit [26 episodes] [PG-13]

Plot:

After saving him once from drowning, Balsa the spear-wielder is tasked with defending Prince Chagum from the Chin-Yogo Emperor, who plans to kill him and extinguish the evil spirit residing within him.

Individual Ratings:

Art: 10/10

Guardian of the Sacred Spirit has some of the most astounding visuals you will ever see. The amount of work put into the scenery is incredible, especially since most of the scenes are outside. The character designs are better than most anime in my opinion; in fact, this is the first anime I've seen where they don't put too much work into making the female lead sexy. Balsa is muscular and strong, and doesn't strip to her underpants when she fights, which is a huge accomplishment for an action anime with a female lead. Also, the animation for the fight scenes are simply superb. The characters move realistically, and the style of their fighting was given much thought when the movements were choreographed.

Plot: 8/10

The plot is realistically paced towards the beginning, although there is a couple-month time skip near the end. The beginning is more fast-paced, the middle is kind of slow but allows for a lot of character development, and the last 5-6 episodes speed up again to fit in all of the source material.

Characters: 9/10

All the characters of the anime are realistic. Unlike mainstream shonen, the characters all have their ups and downs. Also, I really liked how Chagum wasn't a stuck-up brat like most princes - rather, he was actually quite admirable. Balsa is also an interesting character, with a harsh past and a realistic goal as a spear-wielder. The reason I give it a 9/10, however, is because there are also many characters who don't get any development, such as some of the government officials.

Sound: Unrated

Unfortunately, the speakers on my laptop broke, and of course I had to lose my headphones. I can't rate the sound on this one until I rewatch it, which will probably be a couple months from now.

Enjoyment: 10/10

I really enjoyed the pacing of the series, as well as the fighting scenes. The characters were interesting, and the serious mood of the show somehow blended well with the fact that there is NO human blood in this show. That's right, I didn't observe a single drop of blood, despite the fact that the anime is very mature and has action. Remember that this is a compliment.

Overall Rating:

9.3/10

Wolf Children

The main characters of Wolf Children, Hana with her two children Ame and Yuki.

Plot:

While attending school, 19 year old Hana falls in love with a man who is able to transform into a wolf. They have two children, Ame and Yuki. However, after having trouble with her children in the city, Hana decides to move to the countryside, where she can raise her special children.

Individual Ratings:

Animation: 10/10

Plot: 8/10

Characters: 8/10

Music: 8/10

Opinions:

I almost dropped this because I thought it was like Twilight (and boy, am I glad I didn't). It's basically a story about a mother trying to raise her children, as all kids have special needs. The animation style is a little different (in terms of shading) but that doesn't make it any worse. Recommended to fans of Usagi Drop, and vice versa.

Overall Rating:

8.5/10

Usagi Drop

The main characters of Usagi Drop, Rin (left) and Daikichi (right).

Plot:

After his grandfather dies, 30 year old and single Daikichi learns that he had an illegitimate child, Rin, who is 6 years old. After no one volunteers to take her in, Daikichi feels sorry for her and decides to let her live in his home.

Individual Ratings:

Animation: 9/10

Plot: 8/10

Characters: 8/10

Music: 7/10

Opinions:

Usagi Drop is one of those anime that really makes you feel good inside. The animation is sort of different, in the sense that everything is sort of light. It also really makes you laugh when you realize that Rin is Daikichi's aunt, and even acts like it (even though there is a 24-year difference). I recommend watching this anime after finishing a sad anime (like Clannad: AfterStory T~T) because it is small and fast, but memorable.