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PandaBeard

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  • Joined Feb 21, 2010
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Lovely Muuuuuuuco!

Sep 3, 2017

Haters can hate. Yes, the dog is annoying, but it's Komastu who I strive to be. Retiring from the physical body strains of a semi professional baseball player to become an artisanal glass blower in the countryside on one of the many islands off of Japan's coast. Everyday is a joyed adventure at the home/workshop with Komastu, friends, a love interest, and yes, even an annoying dog that surrounds our protagonist and his now semi quiet and understated life. Sign me up. 

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7/10 story
6/10 animation
9/10 sound
8/10 characters
7.5/10 overall

Prison School

Jul 25, 2015

This anime is a highly stylized, filthy, and unapologetic one. Highlighting not only a sense of realism in the world of fetish, but doing so with a sense of humor. 

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?/10 story
10/10 animation
?/10 sound
?/10 characters
7/10 overall

Punch Line

May 20, 2015

Cute, quirky, and full of color. This anime is not only bright in color, it also shines bright for its characters. Though this anime may not be for everyone, I do recommend going in with a open mind and look past the Atypical Ecchi. This is a different spin on Ecchi that is far more creative in its "reveal" than other similar themed anime (pantsu). If you subtract the male lead and the foolish cat, then you see that this show has some really smart, strong female leads that remind me of the women in Princess Jellyfish. 

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8/10 story
9/10 animation
8/10 sound
9/10 characters
8.5/10 overall

Lupin III

Nov 3, 2011

Though from the old school Lupin the III will always hold up. With spy intruique, murders, romance, and just plan action packed. This anime is for anyone. Story holds a traditional storyline. No main enemy. Pure character development. Animation is in the classic relm of time. What I can say is that from episodes nine thru twelve are animated from Hayao Miyazaki. Soundtrack is killer and will stand the test of time. Jazz and Funk Fusion domintate the pallette. I had worked on a album inspired from the OST of the series. Link to come soon. Charaters... See full review

8/10 story
7/10 animation
10/10 sound
9/10 characters
8.5/10 overall

Lupin III: Secret Files

Oct 27, 2011

A great intro to an amazing series and character. Monkey punch always had it right with this one. Can someone tell me though why the date says 1989 on AP but all websites say this is the plot episode that started it all in 1969. Someone please enlightenment me if I am wrong. Pandabeard!

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5/10 story
5/10 animation
6/10 sound
9/10 characters
6.3/10 overall

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket

Aug 5, 2011

I love the Gundam universe. Particularly series that take place in the Universal Century or U.C. for the Otaku. Storyline is amazing. So well constructed. To have any series let alone an OVA to revolve around a war seen thru the eyes of a grade school child. Powerful stuff. Animation is as tight as the 80's came bring. Better than I expected on DVD quality. Usually OVA's tend to have a little more production value so it's in the right place. Soundtrack is awesome. Orchestrated synths. So music of the future, especially from Japan. The series characters are well developed, from young Al, a youngster who... See full review

9/10 story
8/10 animation
9/10 sound
8.5/10 characters
8.6/10 overall

Sword for Truth

Jul 17, 2011

Truly my favorite genre of anime is Chanbara( swordfighting). Anime with Samurai! I'm sold! Sadly this is something I strongly suggest passing on. Personally it leaves a sour taste in my mouth and reminds me of the dark period of anime (80's-90's). When still unknown to the mainstream. Only known as the dreaded word "japanamation". When sleaze would pedal this garbage, not even worth being called hentai. Skip this poor excuse for an anime unless you are an otaku and must fulfill your anime obligations. Pandabeard!

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3/10 story
5/10 animation
3/10 sound
3/10 characters
3.5/10 overall

Hourou Musuko

Jul 15, 2011

Hourou Musuko A beautifully, carefully constructed story about how life can be hard. Animation is a beautiful combination of over exposure and water color elements. This element conveys a real feeling a school-life from season to season. Soundtrack is as light and delicate as the animation itself. Opening theme brings a nice pop touch to a more ambient background. While its ending theme for me just is not satisfying. A very typical piano and vocal ballad that you could hear at the end of almost any other "slice... See full review

8.5/10 story
9/10 animation
8/10 sound
8.5/10 characters
8.5/10 overall

Shiki

May 14, 2011

This an amazing anime that bring a wonderful new prospective on the vampire genre. While I did not get hooked right away. It wasn't until the 6th episode until I got hooked. An amazing story line that keeps us guessing "who is really the enemy". Animation was crisp and clean. Interesting choice in hair styles and color. The back drop is inviting, giving us a glimpse into rural Japan. Opening and closing songs are generic. While the shows internal soundtrack is eerie, it ties into the shows theme effortlessly. In the first couple of episodes I did not connect with any of the characters. Many... See full review

8/10 story
7.5/10 animation
7.5/10 sound
8/10 characters
7.8/10 overall

Initial D Battle Stage

Jan 11, 2011

Initial D Battle Stage When Initial D Battle Stage came to my table for a viewing, it came to my attention that it's title was not messing around. A consistent plot of race after race is this films entry into the franchise. The sad part is that they are merely short recaps from the previous series which I believe is quite boring having already watched a majority of the franchise. Animation is fairly smoother. CG of the cars looks a lot better than before but still don't drive it on home (no pun... See full review

5/10 story
5.5/10 animation
5.5/10 sound
6/10 characters
5.5/10 overall

Di Gi Charat Christmas Special

Dec 29, 2010

Di gi charat Xmas special
Happy holidays one and all. This review had to be done. Even though it is several days after Christmas. I had written this review on the actual day but had no time to post until now. With that being said. I had to complete my holiday anime list or I should say lack there of. When I did find what I think is the only 2 this happens to be one of... See full review

4/10 story
4/10 animation
5.5/10 sound
4/10 characters
4.3/10 overall

Initial D Third Stage

Dec 26, 2010

Initial D Third Stage This is the film installment of the franchise. While the film shows more and more of the downhill races now that our hero joins the touring racing team of Project D. It was very fitting to watch the film around this winter time of year due to the fact that the landscape of Akina is covered in snow and that our characters are celebrating their Christmas spirit. The animation has not changed a bit since the second series, if anything, it has gotten a little worse. The CG is quite... See full review

6/10 story
6/10 animation
5/10 sound
6/10 characters
5.8/10 overall

Wolf's Rain

Dec 11, 2010

Wolf's rain If there is one thing that I have learned in my not to long existence on this earth, it would have to be that no matter, whether it be man or beast, we are all just trying to reach "paradise". This is the extent of what the story of Wolf's Rain are trying to accomplish. Of course there is always something or someone who always wants to stand in our way of destiny. But we must always keep fighting, moving, searching. Animation has quite the pristine look about it. Vibrant, vigorous colors from the shows... See full review

7/10 story
6.5/10 animation
6/10 sound
7/10 characters
6.6/10 overall

Ramen Fighter Miki

Dec 8, 2010

Muteki Kanban Musume   For someone who originally dropped such a related comedic show as Excel Saga and stalled on another comedy.. Ninja Nonsense . Interestingly enough, Completing and enjoying the anime of Muteki Kanban Musume or in English Noodle Fighter Miki. A fun, chaotic 12 episode comedic twist into the lives of a not so ordinary Japanese... See full review

6.5/10 story
6/10 animation
5.5/10 sound
6/10 characters
6/10 overall

Itsudatte My Santa!

Dec 5, 2010

Itsudatte My Santa! The holiday season is upon us. Time for happiness, good tidings, and anime? I almost gave up hope that the Japanese ever created such animation for the season. Thankfully while hours and hours of research on Anime Planet I stumble upon My Santa! A cute little 2 episode OVA comedy about a boy and his disliking of Christmas and the girl who was is going to show him what the Christmas spirit is all about. From... See full review

5/10 story
5/10 animation
4/10 sound
5/10 characters
4.8/10 overall

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

Nov 25, 2010

MS Zeta Gundam
Kidou Senshi Zeta Gundam, Gundam Z, or more commonly known in english as MS Zeta Gundam is the direct sequel to MS Gundam 0079.Premiering almost 8 years from its predecessor continues the darker tale of a never ending war between the people of earths federation and the spacenoids. Animation looks fantastic. I thankfully got to watch the show in 1080p. Crisp, sharp edges of not only the "Mobile... See full review

9.5/10 story
8.5/10 animation
8/10 sound
9/10 characters
8.8/10 overall

Initial D Extra Stage

Nov 22, 2010

Initial D Extra Stage With the plot already set in place from the previous incarnations. You'd have to be just dumb to not to have an understanding of the shows main plot! This is just a follow up to Initial D Second Stage. What most likely could have been tacked on somewhere in the series was truly a nice change of pace in this OVA. Focusing on the "Sleighty" team of driver Mako and her navigator Sayuki! There are two episodes in this OVA. The first focuses on a new race... See full review

6.5/10 story
6/10 animation
5/10 sound
6.5/10 characters
6/10 overall

Initial D Second Stage

Nov 20, 2010

Initial D Second Stage
With only a 13 episode run this time of the Initial D franchise. What it may lack in episodes makes up for itself with better quality. You thankfully see the story go a little further than just its racing story line from the original series. While the racing plot becomes a little more intense ( 86 vs 86! ). More drama ion the storyline shows up with more "twists and turns" than it predecessor. Along with a more successful plot line the animation cleans up with sharper edges and crisper lines. A better budget... See full review

6/10 story
5.5/10 animation
5/10 sound
6.5/10 characters
5.8/10 overall

Initial D

Nov 13, 2010

Now, I could spit off the worse JDM puns. Thankfully I am above that and will spare my Otaku brethren o(^▽^)o. After about 15 years worth of a horrible smoking habit.Years of smoking,damaging the interior my car had always left me uninterested in the care of cars and car culture, especially JDM (Japanese Imports). Now, after kicking the habit I am finally paying more attention into the maintenance of my vehicle. With my new found interest in cars,(Japanese Imports of course)and at the same time searching for my newest "late night anime'. I come across Initial D. A"slice of life", set... See full review

6/10 story
4/10 animation
5.5/10 sound
6.5/10 characters
5.5/10 overall

Black Butler 2

Nov 3, 2010

With an amazing first episode.Kuroshitsuji 2 or Black Butler II comes off very misleading from its predecessor aptly titled Kuroshitsuji or Black Butler. I thought this was going to go down a darker path that I believe was the missing element. Animation was as crisp as ever. A1 Pictures always bring a highly stylized component to the table. ( Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin or Occult Academy,Senjou no Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles,Working!!)While still catchy,opening and closing theme songs are as carbon copy as ever... See full review

6/10 story
7/10 animation
6/10 sound
6.5/10 characters
6.3/10 overall

Kakurenbo: Hide & Seek

Oct 30, 2010

Just when you thought that Kakurenbo:Hide and Seek was about to begin...It's over.Why this anime chose to only be about 20 minute max is beyond me. Not giving me more to a story is a big Otaku no no in the book.The story has a very dark almost Matrix or Akira vibe flowing through out the landscape that is a Neo-Tokyo. Shintoism is the overall bases of the characters.Sadly,it never allows for any development of these characters (you'll see why).Soundtrack is bland and almost non-existent. Its only saving grace would have to be the GCI animation from the anime house of ... See full review

6.5/10 story
6.5/10 animation
5/10 sound
6/10 characters
6/10 overall

Black Butler

Oct 20, 2010

When I decided to watch Kuroshitsuj or its english translation Black Butler. I had high hopes and a mental comparison to Hellsing. I would start by removing an notion of similarity with the exception of the "master/slave" impression and its landscape taking place throughout England. When stripped of that idea, this what should be an over the top, serious dramatic-action piece becomes a typical, middle of the road anime. With a complete annoyance and already over use of a "catch phrase",An absurd amounts of slapstick in the first few episodes using the shows side characters and... See full review

6/10 story
7.5/10 animation
6/10 sound
7/10 characters
6.6/10 overall

Monster

Oct 12, 2010

Monster. Is a story that brings an assorted array of emotions, wonderful twist and turns, An ever eerie thriller that never slows down until the final episode credits roll.A constant flow of new characters arrive often.Never swaying in character depth,leaving the viewer with a strong attachment to the characters through out the entire series.Animation is clean and crisp. Only the finest from the anime house, no mansion MADHOUSE.(Chobits,Hellsing,Trigun, etc.) Sound is very welcoming and responsive for an amazing blend of traditional German Classical music. An intense opening followed with a... See full review

10/10 story
9/10 animation
9/10 sound
10/10 characters
9.5/10 overall

Riding Bean

Oct 6, 2010

I have a really good feeling that back in 1989 the creator of Riding Bean was at the opening of Planet Hollywood Japan.What were the financiers of the OVA thinking! AIC Productions has put out some of the best anime out there. Thankfully, it was the 80's so we'll have to chalk this up to practice.This over the top, action adventure could be the precursor for "The Expendables". It brings out every Yin and Yang quality of a 1980's Hollywood action flick. From constant left and right explosions. To the over the top, indestructible character that is Bean Bandit,aka, 'The Roadbuster'. John McClane... See full review

5/10 story
5/10 animation
5/10 sound
5.5/10 characters
5.1/10 overall

Vampire Hunter D

Oct 6, 2010

The year is 1993. A young boy stumbles upon his very first anime outside of Speed Racer on the then infant channel of Cartoon Network. The young boy immediately falls in love without knowing for quite sometime the name of said anime.A couple years later he stumbles onto the anime again. Finally a little older, he remembers the name of said anime and from that day on he never forgets, Vampire Hunter D.This is the one that started it all for me. To this day, it has lead me down my true Otaku path.Coming very close to its 30 year anniversary it is an anime that will and has stood the test of time. Crossing... See full review

7.5/10 story
6.5/10 animation
7.5/10 sound
8.5/10 characters
7.5/10 overall

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

Oct 5, 2010

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing soars into space with greatness. The depths of this iconic anime makes only the depths of the Gundam shine brighter than the reflection off of a katana. Pilots are samurai as Gundam are just there sword extension.With samurai feel intact, the  plot is well written and carries interesting jet propulsion twists and turns in all 49 episodes. Soundtrack blends in background unnoticed, while opening and closing theme burst with energy, giving it a feel of the 1980's when the anime itself premiered in 95'. No matter what the year. Past, present, or future war is never the answer... See full review

8/10 story
6.5/10 animation
6.5/10 sound
8/10 characters
7.3/10 overall

Spriggan

Sep 25, 2010

"Your going to love it or hate it." Say a coworker of mine. To my reply. "Bring it on!" As I inserted the DVD into the player I began to get a little nervous . The last thing I like to feel is anxiety over the enjoyment of a recommendation. Thankfully I became completely engrossed in Spriggan. From the anime house of Studio 4C who brought us the awesome film Tekkon Kinkreet For lovers of action more than story. Which majority of the time is quite the opposite for myself. A complexed mixture of Akira meets... See full review

6/10 story
8/10 animation
6/10 sound
6.5/10 characters
6.5/10 overall

Chu-Bra!!

Sep 18, 2010

So i'll keep it brief. No pun intended. Chu Bra is cute little school-life comedy with more than just drizzles of Echhi. For any male who stumbles across this title, do not fear. It has a nice uncomplicated storyline. You can learn a lot about the female body and how to start taking care of it. Females, rejoice! When you can put aside its Echhi undertones this seems to be an anime that should be shown in health class.  Music is light and pop. The star voices also delight us with opening theme and its closing theme as well. Characters have many similar crisises just like any school drama but each... See full review

6.5/10 story
5.5/10 animation
6.5/10 sound
6.5/10 characters
6.3/10 overall

Ichigo 100% OVA

Sep 10, 2010

While on a hiatus until the site I am currently watching a little show called Girls Bravo on decides to release new episodes. I felt I needed a fix of that panty driven echhi. I decided wonder to my trusty "want to watch" on our site Anime-Planet. I was as clear as day that it was going to be Madhouse's own Ichigo 100% OVA. This will be the third out of the four installments of this franchise. Without skipping a beat it fall right into place. When you stumble upon any of my reviews you start to learn about some of my guilty pleasures one of them being OVA's. With summer vacation over, Junpei... See full review

7/10 story
7/10 animation
6.5/10 sound
6.5/10 characters
6.8/10 overall

Ouran High School Host Club

Sep 10, 2010

Ouran High School Host Club can be describe is so many words and so little words. So in this review I am going to chose my words wisely. First of all I like to think that I am a least decently culture about Japan. I have seen a couple of pieces in the past about Host Clubs. When my wife decided which anime to chose this time around and landed on our title. I was a little stunned do to my prior knowledge and her "lack there of". Most of the series was spent with her asking " Do they really do this?" To my reply of " of course. Its Male Geisha in the 21st... See full review

7/10 story
7/10 animation
8/10 sound
7/10 characters
7.3/10 overall