<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jujutsu Kaisen O Review","post_excerpt":"Based on the manga","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"jujutsu-kaisen-o-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-07 21:39:19","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-07 20:39:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=207614","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":207586,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2022-03-09 17:08:45","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-09 17:08:45","post_content":"Created by:<\/strong> Koi<\/span>\n\nDirected by:<\/strong> Hiroyuki Hashimoto<\/span>\n\nStudio:<\/strong> White Fox, Kinema Citrus<\/span>\n\nAudio:<\/strong> Japanese<\/span>\n\nSubtitles:<\/strong> English<\/span>\n\nFormat:<\/strong> BluRay<\/span>\n\nCertification:<\/strong> 12 (BBFC)<\/span>\n\nLicensed by:<\/strong> MVM Entertainment<\/span>\n\nRelease date:<\/strong> Out now<\/span>\n\nIt\u2019s time to return to Rabbit House caf\u00e9, for another delightful cup of coffee and a catch up with our favorite baristas. Time sure is flying by, as a full year has almost passed since Cocoa transferred to this delightful town. Chino has begun to open up more to her new friends, much to Cocoas\u2019 delight as she continues to play the self appointed role of \u2018Big Sister'. They go on a number of adventures this season, including investigating what is haunting Sharo\u2019s house, taking up ballet and helping Chino and her school friends come up with a dance routine for an arts festival. Cocoa\u2019s older sister comes to visit and the young girls go on a mountain trip, to stay the night in Rize\u2019s family cabin. There is plenty of fun, mischief and caffeine in this second season of Is The Order A Rabbit??<\/span><\/em>\n\nThis is such a wholesome anime, that is just a group of girls who help run local caf\u00e9s and who just so happen to be friends. It\u2019s been about five months since my last review on this series with season one and I am delighted to be returning back to this show again. It reminds me a good bit of K-On, just minus the music element to the show. The same familiar faces return with their bubbly attitudes, their friendships seem to have grown and there is now a lovely connection between the older and younger girls in the show as both groups do hang out with one another. This is of course down to Chino being a key member of both friend groups. We also see the return of Tippy, also known as the rabbit that Chino\u2019s grandfather possessed. Although we have yet to discover just how on Earth this happened?!<\/span>\n\nNot only do we see some growth in this series from our characters, but also some of the fears and insecurities they have. For instance, Cocoa was always trying to imitate her older sister Mocha, due to Cocoa being the youngest within her family. Although delighted to see her sister again, for the first time in twelve months. Cocoa is incredibly nervous as to how Mocha will react to how she has been doing as a \u2018big sister\u2019 and is also afraid that Mocha will take over her role within the group. Then we have Chino, she has never been outside of her town before, let alone without her family. So the trip with her friends to the mountains was a first for the girl as she battled against the fear she had of leaving her familiar surroundings. There is also a pivotal scene in that particular episode between Cocoa and Chino, but I don\u2019t want to spoil it. Rize is still our combat ready expert, but has even come forth with trying to appear a bit more feminine in a certain episode where they all dress up as house maids. This is definitely one of those wholesome slice of life shows, despite the possessed rabbit.<\/span>\n\nStudio White Fox returns once again to produce Season two of this series, having already made a name for themselves with shows including Steins: Gate, The Devil is a Part-Timer and Goblin Slayer. However they are joined for Season Two by Studio Kinema Citrus, who have produced Made in Abyss, Revue Starlight, The Rising of the Shield Hero and the episode The Village Bride as part of the Star Wars Visions series. The animation for season two maintains the same crisp quality as the season before, with the characters bright eyes and energetic over reactions.<\/span>\n\nBonus features include:<\/span>\n
\n \t
Clean opening & closing<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Trailers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIs The Order a Rabbit?? (Goch\u00famon wa Usagi Desu ka?) first appeared as a manga series back in 2011, by a mangaka known as Koi. The first season of this show was released back in 2014, with Season Two having a quick turnaround being released the following year. It has been a bit of a long wait, but Season Three was released in 2020 so fingers crossed we will be getting a physical release over here shortly.<\/span>\n\nFor now you can purchase Season Two of \u2018Is The Order a Rabbit??\u2019, from the wonderful folks over at MVM Entertainment.<\/span>\n\nOverall:<\/strong> 7\/10<\/span>","post_title":"Is The Order A Rabbit?? Season Two Review","post_excerpt":"Time to return to Rabbit House caf\u00e9","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"is-the-order-a-rabbit-season-two-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-07 21:48:14","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-07 20:48:14","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=207586","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":207539,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2022-02-25 14:58:49","post_date_gmt":"2022-02-25 14:58:49","post_content":"Directed by:<\/strong> Tomokazu Tokoro<\/span>\n\nStudio:<\/strong> Radix Ace Entertainment<\/span>\n\nEpisode count:<\/strong> 1-13 (Complete)<\/span>\n\nAudio:<\/strong> English, Japanese<\/span>\n\nCertification:<\/strong> 12 (BBFC)<\/span>\n\nSubtitles:<\/strong> English<\/span>\n\nFormat:<\/strong> BluRay, DVD<\/span>\n\nLicensed by:<\/strong> MVM Entertainment<\/span>\n\nRelease date:<\/strong> Collector\u2019s Edition 28\/2\/22, BluRay 25\/4\/22, DVD out since 2016<\/span>\n\nRakka is a newly hatched Haibane, a human with the flightless wings of an angel. She awakens from a cocoon after experiencing a realistic dream about falling from the sky. Rakka has no memories of her past, but is soon comforted by a number of other Haibane that live within the same building. Rakka\u2019s mind is tormented with questions of her own existence, she learns the rules of living as a Haibane, the dark truth behind the charcoal wings and the heart ache associated with losing a close friend. There is nowhere for Rakka to run to, as she must now reside herself to living within this sleepy town surrounded by impenetrable walls - where only the crows and a mysterious group known as the Toga may come and go.<\/span>\n\nThis is a rather odd series I have to say, however there is much to unpack when it comes to each of the characters and the existence of the Haibane. Although they appear similar to angels, they can not use their wings but do indeed have halos above their heads. This is a very painful process we learn in the first episode, as Rakka goes through the bloody transformation when two wings begin to sprout from her back. It\u2019s not entirely explained as to why this town is sealed off from the outside world, but my interpretation is that they are in purgatory. A rest stop before going to heaven of hell, to see if their spirits\/souls can be cleansed. Which would make sense in my mind. However the series is still left up to interpretation by the end.<\/span>\n\nRakka is the latest Haibane to arrive in the town and we mostly see the world through her eyes. However we do also meet several other Haibane who are struggling with their own issues, either emotionally, responsibility, communicating with others or are simply so racked up in quilt from their past actions that they were born sin-bound with black charcoal wings. The series soon turns to one about breaking the \u2018Circle of Sin\u2019 when Rakka becomes infected and later learns of another's' struggle. The series has a somewhat satisfying ending, although is left open for future development - which never occurred unfortunately.<\/span>\n\nHaibane Renmei was directed by Tomokaze Tokoro, a Japanese animator who has also directed Hellsing Ultimate, Seven Deadly Sins: Signs of Holy War and Maria Holic Alive. With studio Radix Ace Entertainment handling the animation. Unfortunately this studio closed back in 2006, but was responsible for bringing us the Sakura Wars movies.<\/span>\n\nBonus features include:<\/span><\/strong>\n\nThe Collector\u2019s Edition will arrive in a hardback art box, featuring an artistic image of Rakka as though she has been immortalized in a painting. This edition will also include four artcards, which will be the pack art design from the original four volumed DVD releases.<\/span>\n
\n \t
Interview with the creators<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Special ending<\/span><\/li>\n \t
TV Commercials<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Clean opening & closing<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Promontional trailer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHaibane Renmei was originally created and published as a d\u00f3jinshi manga series by Yoshitoshi ABe back in 1998. He is probably best known for his earlier work: Serial Experiments Lain. He has since worked on a number of other media, including anime, music videos, games and even art books. His artistic career first began when he was a teenager in Tokyo, as he used to be a graffiti artist who had regular run-ins with the police due to his artwork. ABe continued to expand the Haibane Renmei universe with a total of five d\u00f3jinshi released between 1998 and 2002, but I am unaware if these were ever professionally published or translated. The 13 episode anime series was later adapted and released in 2002.<\/span>\n\nThis isn\u2019t your typical high budget, fan favorite modern anime series, it\u2019s more or a trip to the not too distant past and the types of anime that were released back then. This will be a nostalgic trip for some and a complete bore for others. For myself, this was the first time I have watched this show, it took some time to get into it, it left me with more questions than answers, but still somehow makes me want to go back and watch it all again.<\/span>\n\nHaibane Renmei is currently available for Pre-Order for both the Collector's edition and Standard BluRay.<\/span>\n\nOverall:<\/strong> 6\/10<\/span>","post_title":"Haibane Renmei Collector\u2019s Edition Review","post_excerpt":"This is a rather odd series","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"haibane-renmei-collectors-edition-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-07 21:59:06","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-07 20:59:06","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=207539","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":207499,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2022-02-18 15:48:31","post_date_gmt":"2022-02-18 15:48:31","post_content":"Directed by:<\/strong> Takeshi Mori<\/span>\n\nStudio:<\/strong> Bones<\/span>\n\nClassification:<\/strong> 15 (BBFC)<\/span>\n\nAudio:<\/strong> Japanese<\/span>\n\nSubtitles:<\/strong> English<\/span>\n\nEpisodes count:<\/strong> 1 - 13 (Complete)<\/span>\n\nFormat:<\/strong> DVD<\/span>\n\nLicensed by:<\/strong> MVM Entertainment<\/span>\n\nRelease Date:<\/strong> Out now<\/span>\n\nJournalist Hayato Mikogami returns to his hometown of Otomo city, to investigate recent rumors of a masked individual and his connection to several unsolved murders. Due to how strict it has become to gain access into the city, he is tightly tailed by a young woman named Kiriko Mamiya, a photographer, who is insearch of someone close to her that has gone missing. They eventually join forces when they discover what the other can lend to the investigation. However danger soon arises when strange half-human, half-beast creatures begin to attack during the night. The plot deepens when connections begin to form between the victims, a local pharmaceutical company and a mysterious religious sect. Just what does this skull masked vigilante have to do with all of this?<\/span>\n\nOtomo city resembles more of a prison than a metropolis. With guards posted at train stations, with strict requirements for those entering, a curfew at night for the \u2018residents safety\u2019 and a select few that appear to govern the entire city at a wim - however all appear to be corrupt. Almost every single character we meet has their own terrible secret - a hidden past, are plotting a takeover, are seeking revenge or have become slaves to the people that created them into the monsters they have become. Then we have the innocent children that attend the church orphanage, under the kind and gentle teachings of a former member - Fr. Yoshio Kanzaki, a close friend of Hayato\u2019s. There are still innocent people in this World, even though they appear helpless.<\/span>\n\nThere is much to unpack in this series, with some surprise character twists, family connections, mysterious but highly intelligent monsters and some captivating fights. This show was quite different from what I was expecting, it was actually quite enjoyable and well worth checking out. I actually find it hard to believe that this particular anime first came out in 2007 - I actually thought this was perhaps one or two years old.<\/span>\n\n\u2018The Skull Man\u2019 was directed by Takeshi Mori, who is perhaps better known for Ruin Explorers, Gunsmith Cats, Vandread and Stratos 4. \u2018Skull Man\u2019 was animated then by studio Bones, infamous for their work on Wolf\u2019s Rain, Fullmetal Alchemist, Space Dandy, My Hero Academia and Carole & Tuesday.<\/span>\n\nBonus features include:<\/span><\/strong>\n
\n \t
Japanese Promo videos<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Trailers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThere is actually quite a bit of history behind Skull Man, so much so that it first appeared back in 1970. Created by iconic mangaka: Shotaro Ishinomori, whose other works included Kamen Rider, Cyborg 009 and Super Sentai. Without his creative genius, we may never have gotten Power Rangers. Skull Man was originally a 100 page one shot manga that he had pitched to the producers at Toei, while they were developing the Kamen Rider TV series. After several revisions, due to how dark the initial story was - one I would have loved to have seen, he called upon manga artist Kazuhiko Shimamoto to adapt his original story after Ishinomori had fallen ill in the late 90\u2019s. That adaptation turned into seven manga volumes, which was later picked up and translated by Tokyopop. Which may very well be a rare find nowadays. The franchise later adapted a live action television film in 2007, just before this 13 episode anime was released. Following that another 2 manga volumes were released by Shotaro Ishinomori in 2007, which was picked up by Kodansha.<\/span>\n\n\u2018The Skull Man\u2019 is renowned for being amongst one of the first antiheroes to be seen in a manga. As well as being just another creative title from the influential manga artist - Shotaro Ishinomori. This anime adaption instead tells the story from a side character POA, without missing out on any of the violence, corruption, revenge and drama.<\/span>\n\n\u2018The Skull Man\u2019 is available to buy now on DVD from MVM Entertainment.<\/span>\n\nOverall:<\/strong> 8\/10<\/span>","post_title":"The Skull Man - Complete Collection Review","post_excerpt":"Directed by Takeshi Mori","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-skull-man-complete-collection-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-07 22:05:30","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-07 21:05:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=207499","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":207425,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2022-02-07 15:47:06","post_date_gmt":"2022-02-07 15:47:06","post_content":"
From the Oscar nominated director - Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children, Summer Wars, Mirai), comes his latest animated feature film - \u2018Belle\u2019<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n
We return to an integrated social media society, with technology that allows a user to dive right into a whole other world where they can recreate themselves using their \u2018biometrics\u2019. Which is exactly what 17 year old Japanese high school girl Suzu does in order to escape her self isolating life. Through her new form and online identity, she finds the courage to sing aloud again through the social networking platform - \u2018U\u2019. Her performance soon begins to gain immense momentum, as she rises to the top of the music charts, with regular performances and expert promotion from her classmate - Belle becomes an online icon.<\/span><\/p>\n
Belle is idolized by her fans, although much like reality there are also many that scrutinize her, with cyber bullying and trolls being a constant presence. Just like how many are hoping to unmask Belle and discover her real life identity - just as many are also after the \u2018beast\u2019 known as The Dragon. A highly skilled fighter that has been making a name for himself in the online combat circuit, who is also being chased down by a self-righteous vigilante group led by superhero wannabe Justin. As Belle and the \u2018Beast\u2019s\u2019 paths cross during one of her performances, Suzu develops a fascination into doing all she can to uncover just who The Dragon is. From here Suzu seeks him out, only to find his castle and the story of Disney\u2019s Beauty and the Beast begins to be recreated almost scene for scene. The similarity in this film is too on the nose for my taste.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
However there is plenty of character development, a very entertaining music score and performances, as well as real depictions of everyday life in a Japanese countryside town. As well as a high school girl's normal life, as she struggles with her feelings of not being enough, the loss of her mother, developing a first crush and the complexity of \u2018mean girl politics\u2019 in school. But then there is a massive curve ball I never saw coming! One that was so shocking, that I don\u2019t think the viewers were really prepared for it. This film is emotional, for instance with Suzu who lost her mother in a very tragic way several years ago, she has since grown distant from her father every day and also has so little confidence that she instead prefers to sing underneath a table than stand with the local choir club she is with. There are a number of interesting characters within this film, ones I wish were explored just a bit more, perhaps with an extra 30 minutes this may have been achieved. \u2018Belle\u2019 doesn\u2019t feel entirely original, it has so many similarities to a number of Hosoda\u2019s other works including the first Digimon film and Summer Wars. It is still far from Hosoda\u2019s best, but it is still worth checking out even just for the visuals and music.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And if that wasn\u2019t enough, I have to give a massive shout out to the Oscar\u00ae-nominated team of Tom Moore and Ross Stewart from Irish animation studio - Cartoon Saloon (Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells), who brought to life the fantastic scenes that are part of the virtual world \"U\".<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","post_title":"Jujutsu Kaisen O Review","post_excerpt":"Based on the manga","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"jujutsu-kaisen-o-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-07 21:39:19","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-07 20:39:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=207614","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":207586,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2022-03-09 17:08:45","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-09 17:08:45","post_content":"Created by:<\/strong> Koi<\/span>\n\nDirected by:<\/strong> Hiroyuki Hashimoto<\/span>\n\nStudio:<\/strong> White Fox, Kinema Citrus<\/span>\n\nAudio:<\/strong> Japanese<\/span>\n\nSubtitles:<\/strong> English<\/span>\n\nFormat:<\/strong> BluRay<\/span>\n\nCertification:<\/strong> 12 (BBFC)<\/span>\n\nLicensed by:<\/strong> MVM Entertainment<\/span>\n\nRelease date:<\/strong> Out now<\/span>\n\nIt\u2019s time to return to Rabbit House caf\u00e9, for another delightful cup of coffee and a catch up with our favorite baristas. Time sure is flying by, as a full year has almost passed since Cocoa transferred to this delightful town. Chino has begun to open up more to her new friends, much to Cocoas\u2019 delight as she continues to play the self appointed role of \u2018Big Sister'. They go on a number of adventures this season, including investigating what is haunting Sharo\u2019s house, taking up ballet and helping Chino and her school friends come up with a dance routine for an arts festival. Cocoa\u2019s older sister comes to visit and the young girls go on a mountain trip, to stay the night in Rize\u2019s family cabin. There is plenty of fun, mischief and caffeine in this second season of Is The Order A Rabbit??<\/span><\/em>\n\nThis is such a wholesome anime, that is just a group of girls who help run local caf\u00e9s and who just so happen to be friends. It\u2019s been about five months since my last review on this series with season one and I am delighted to be returning back to this show again. It reminds me a good bit of K-On, just minus the music element to the show. The same familiar faces return with their bubbly attitudes, their friendships seem to have grown and there is now a lovely connection between the older and younger girls in the show as both groups do hang out with one another. This is of course down to Chino being a key member of both friend groups. We also see the return of Tippy, also known as the rabbit that Chino\u2019s grandfather possessed. Although we have yet to discover just how on Earth this happened?!<\/span>\n\nNot only do we see some growth in this series from our characters, but also some of the fears and insecurities they have. For instance, Cocoa was always trying to imitate her older sister Mocha, due to Cocoa being the youngest within her family. Although delighted to see her sister again, for the first time in twelve months. Cocoa is incredibly nervous as to how Mocha will react to how she has been doing as a \u2018big sister\u2019 and is also afraid that Mocha will take over her role within the group. Then we have Chino, she has never been outside of her town before, let alone without her family. So the trip with her friends to the mountains was a first for the girl as she battled against the fear she had of leaving her familiar surroundings. There is also a pivotal scene in that particular episode between Cocoa and Chino, but I don\u2019t want to spoil it. Rize is still our combat ready expert, but has even come forth with trying to appear a bit more feminine in a certain episode where they all dress up as house maids. This is definitely one of those wholesome slice of life shows, despite the possessed rabbit.<\/span>\n\nStudio White Fox returns once again to produce Season two of this series, having already made a name for themselves with shows including Steins: Gate, The Devil is a Part-Timer and Goblin Slayer. However they are joined for Season Two by Studio Kinema Citrus, who have produced Made in Abyss, Revue Starlight, The Rising of the Shield Hero and the episode The Village Bride as part of the Star Wars Visions series. The animation for season two maintains the same crisp quality as the season before, with the characters bright eyes and energetic over reactions.<\/span>\n\nBonus features include:<\/span>\n
\n \t
Clean opening & closing<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Trailers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIs The Order a Rabbit?? (Goch\u00famon wa Usagi Desu ka?) first appeared as a manga series back in 2011, by a mangaka known as Koi. The first season of this show was released back in 2014, with Season Two having a quick turnaround being released the following year. It has been a bit of a long wait, but Season Three was released in 2020 so fingers crossed we will be getting a physical release over here shortly.<\/span>\n\nFor now you can purchase Season Two of \u2018Is The Order a Rabbit??\u2019, from the wonderful folks over at MVM Entertainment.<\/span>\n\nOverall:<\/strong> 7\/10<\/span>","post_title":"Is The Order A Rabbit?? Season Two Review","post_excerpt":"Time to return to Rabbit House caf\u00e9","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"is-the-order-a-rabbit-season-two-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-07 21:48:14","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-07 20:48:14","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=207586","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":207539,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2022-02-25 14:58:49","post_date_gmt":"2022-02-25 14:58:49","post_content":"Directed by:<\/strong> Tomokazu Tokoro<\/span>\n\nStudio:<\/strong> Radix Ace Entertainment<\/span>\n\nEpisode count:<\/strong> 1-13 (Complete)<\/span>\n\nAudio:<\/strong> English, Japanese<\/span>\n\nCertification:<\/strong> 12 (BBFC)<\/span>\n\nSubtitles:<\/strong> English<\/span>\n\nFormat:<\/strong> BluRay, DVD<\/span>\n\nLicensed by:<\/strong> MVM Entertainment<\/span>\n\nRelease date:<\/strong> Collector\u2019s Edition 28\/2\/22, BluRay 25\/4\/22, DVD out since 2016<\/span>\n\nRakka is a newly hatched Haibane, a human with the flightless wings of an angel. She awakens from a cocoon after experiencing a realistic dream about falling from the sky. Rakka has no memories of her past, but is soon comforted by a number of other Haibane that live within the same building. Rakka\u2019s mind is tormented with questions of her own existence, she learns the rules of living as a Haibane, the dark truth behind the charcoal wings and the heart ache associated with losing a close friend. There is nowhere for Rakka to run to, as she must now reside herself to living within this sleepy town surrounded by impenetrable walls - where only the crows and a mysterious group known as the Toga may come and go.<\/span>\n\nThis is a rather odd series I have to say, however there is much to unpack when it comes to each of the characters and the existence of the Haibane. Although they appear similar to angels, they can not use their wings but do indeed have halos above their heads. This is a very painful process we learn in the first episode, as Rakka goes through the bloody transformation when two wings begin to sprout from her back. It\u2019s not entirely explained as to why this town is sealed off from the outside world, but my interpretation is that they are in purgatory. A rest stop before going to heaven of hell, to see if their spirits\/souls can be cleansed. Which would make sense in my mind. However the series is still left up to interpretation by the end.<\/span>\n\nRakka is the latest Haibane to arrive in the town and we mostly see the world through her eyes. However we do also meet several other Haibane who are struggling with their own issues, either emotionally, responsibility, communicating with others or are simply so racked up in quilt from their past actions that they were born sin-bound with black charcoal wings. The series soon turns to one about breaking the \u2018Circle of Sin\u2019 when Rakka becomes infected and later learns of another's' struggle. The series has a somewhat satisfying ending, although is left open for future development - which never occurred unfortunately.<\/span>\n\nHaibane Renmei was directed by Tomokaze Tokoro, a Japanese animator who has also directed Hellsing Ultimate, Seven Deadly Sins: Signs of Holy War and Maria Holic Alive. With studio Radix Ace Entertainment handling the animation. Unfortunately this studio closed back in 2006, but was responsible for bringing us the Sakura Wars movies.<\/span>\n\nBonus features include:<\/span><\/strong>\n\nThe Collector\u2019s Edition will arrive in a hardback art box, featuring an artistic image of Rakka as though she has been immortalized in a painting. This edition will also include four artcards, which will be the pack art design from the original four volumed DVD releases.<\/span>\n
\n \t
Interview with the creators<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Special ending<\/span><\/li>\n \t
TV Commercials<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Clean opening & closing<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Promontional trailer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHaibane Renmei was originally created and published as a d\u00f3jinshi manga series by Yoshitoshi ABe back in 1998. He is probably best known for his earlier work: Serial Experiments Lain. He has since worked on a number of other media, including anime, music videos, games and even art books. His artistic career first began when he was a teenager in Tokyo, as he used to be a graffiti artist who had regular run-ins with the police due to his artwork. ABe continued to expand the Haibane Renmei universe with a total of five d\u00f3jinshi released between 1998 and 2002, but I am unaware if these were ever professionally published or translated. The 13 episode anime series was later adapted and released in 2002.<\/span>\n\nThis isn\u2019t your typical high budget, fan favorite modern anime series, it\u2019s more or a trip to the not too distant past and the types of anime that were released back then. This will be a nostalgic trip for some and a complete bore for others. For myself, this was the first time I have watched this show, it took some time to get into it, it left me with more questions than answers, but still somehow makes me want to go back and watch it all again.<\/span>\n\nHaibane Renmei is currently available for Pre-Order for both the Collector's edition and Standard BluRay.<\/span>\n\nOverall:<\/strong> 6\/10<\/span>","post_title":"Haibane Renmei Collector\u2019s Edition Review","post_excerpt":"This is a rather odd series","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"haibane-renmei-collectors-edition-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-07 21:59:06","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-07 20:59:06","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=207539","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":207499,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2022-02-18 15:48:31","post_date_gmt":"2022-02-18 15:48:31","post_content":"Directed by:<\/strong> Takeshi Mori<\/span>\n\nStudio:<\/strong> Bones<\/span>\n\nClassification:<\/strong> 15 (BBFC)<\/span>\n\nAudio:<\/strong> Japanese<\/span>\n\nSubtitles:<\/strong> English<\/span>\n\nEpisodes count:<\/strong> 1 - 13 (Complete)<\/span>\n\nFormat:<\/strong> DVD<\/span>\n\nLicensed by:<\/strong> MVM Entertainment<\/span>\n\nRelease Date:<\/strong> Out now<\/span>\n\nJournalist Hayato Mikogami returns to his hometown of Otomo city, to investigate recent rumors of a masked individual and his connection to several unsolved murders. Due to how strict it has become to gain access into the city, he is tightly tailed by a young woman named Kiriko Mamiya, a photographer, who is insearch of someone close to her that has gone missing. They eventually join forces when they discover what the other can lend to the investigation. However danger soon arises when strange half-human, half-beast creatures begin to attack during the night. The plot deepens when connections begin to form between the victims, a local pharmaceutical company and a mysterious religious sect. Just what does this skull masked vigilante have to do with all of this?<\/span>\n\nOtomo city resembles more of a prison than a metropolis. With guards posted at train stations, with strict requirements for those entering, a curfew at night for the \u2018residents safety\u2019 and a select few that appear to govern the entire city at a wim - however all appear to be corrupt. Almost every single character we meet has their own terrible secret - a hidden past, are plotting a takeover, are seeking revenge or have become slaves to the people that created them into the monsters they have become. Then we have the innocent children that attend the church orphanage, under the kind and gentle teachings of a former member - Fr. Yoshio Kanzaki, a close friend of Hayato\u2019s. There are still innocent people in this World, even though they appear helpless.<\/span>\n\nThere is much to unpack in this series, with some surprise character twists, family connections, mysterious but highly intelligent monsters and some captivating fights. This show was quite different from what I was expecting, it was actually quite enjoyable and well worth checking out. I actually find it hard to believe that this particular anime first came out in 2007 - I actually thought this was perhaps one or two years old.<\/span>\n\n\u2018The Skull Man\u2019 was directed by Takeshi Mori, who is perhaps better known for Ruin Explorers, Gunsmith Cats, Vandread and Stratos 4. \u2018Skull Man\u2019 was animated then by studio Bones, infamous for their work on Wolf\u2019s Rain, Fullmetal Alchemist, Space Dandy, My Hero Academia and Carole & Tuesday.<\/span>\n\nBonus features include:<\/span><\/strong>\n
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Japanese Promo videos<\/span><\/li>\n \t
Trailers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThere is actually quite a bit of history behind Skull Man, so much so that it first appeared back in 1970. Created by iconic mangaka: Shotaro Ishinomori, whose other works included Kamen Rider, Cyborg 009 and Super Sentai. Without his creative genius, we may never have gotten Power Rangers. Skull Man was originally a 100 page one shot manga that he had pitched to the producers at Toei, while they were developing the Kamen Rider TV series. After several revisions, due to how dark the initial story was - one I would have loved to have seen, he called upon manga artist Kazuhiko Shimamoto to adapt his original story after Ishinomori had fallen ill in the late 90\u2019s. That adaptation turned into seven manga volumes, which was later picked up and translated by Tokyopop. Which may very well be a rare find nowadays. The franchise later adapted a live action television film in 2007, just before this 13 episode anime was released. Following that another 2 manga volumes were released by Shotaro Ishinomori in 2007, which was picked up by Kodansha.<\/span>\n\n\u2018The Skull Man\u2019 is renowned for being amongst one of the first antiheroes to be seen in a manga. As well as being just another creative title from the influential manga artist - Shotaro Ishinomori. This anime adaption instead tells the story from a side character POA, without missing out on any of the violence, corruption, revenge and drama.<\/span>\n\n\u2018The Skull Man\u2019 is available to buy now on DVD from MVM Entertainment.<\/span>\n\nOverall:<\/strong> 8\/10<\/span>","post_title":"The Skull Man - Complete Collection Review","post_excerpt":"Directed by Takeshi Mori","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-skull-man-complete-collection-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-07 22:05:30","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-07 21:05:30","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=207499","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":207425,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2022-02-07 15:47:06","post_date_gmt":"2022-02-07 15:47:06","post_content":"
From the Oscar nominated director - Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children, Summer Wars, Mirai), comes his latest animated feature film - \u2018Belle\u2019<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n
We return to an integrated social media society, with technology that allows a user to dive right into a whole other world where they can recreate themselves using their \u2018biometrics\u2019. Which is exactly what 17 year old Japanese high school girl Suzu does in order to escape her self isolating life. Through her new form and online identity, she finds the courage to sing aloud again through the social networking platform - \u2018U\u2019. Her performance soon begins to gain immense momentum, as she rises to the top of the music charts, with regular performances and expert promotion from her classmate - Belle becomes an online icon.<\/span><\/p>\n
Belle is idolized by her fans, although much like reality there are also many that scrutinize her, with cyber bullying and trolls being a constant presence. Just like how many are hoping to unmask Belle and discover her real life identity - just as many are also after the \u2018beast\u2019 known as The Dragon. A highly skilled fighter that has been making a name for himself in the online combat circuit, who is also being chased down by a self-righteous vigilante group led by superhero wannabe Justin. As Belle and the \u2018Beast\u2019s\u2019 paths cross during one of her performances, Suzu develops a fascination into doing all she can to uncover just who The Dragon is. From here Suzu seeks him out, only to find his castle and the story of Disney\u2019s Beauty and the Beast begins to be recreated almost scene for scene. The similarity in this film is too on the nose for my taste.<\/span><\/p>\n
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However there is plenty of character development, a very entertaining music score and performances, as well as real depictions of everyday life in a Japanese countryside town. As well as a high school girl's normal life, as she struggles with her feelings of not being enough, the loss of her mother, developing a first crush and the complexity of \u2018mean girl politics\u2019 in school. But then there is a massive curve ball I never saw coming! One that was so shocking, that I don\u2019t think the viewers were really prepared for it. This film is emotional, for instance with Suzu who lost her mother in a very tragic way several years ago, she has since grown distant from her father every day and also has so little confidence that she instead prefers to sing underneath a table than stand with the local choir club she is with. There are a number of interesting characters within this film, ones I wish were explored just a bit more, perhaps with an extra 30 minutes this may have been achieved. \u2018Belle\u2019 doesn\u2019t feel entirely original, it has so many similarities to a number of Hosoda\u2019s other works including the first Digimon film and Summer Wars. It is still far from Hosoda\u2019s best, but it is still worth checking out even just for the visuals and music.<\/span><\/p>\n
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And if that wasn\u2019t enough, I have to give a massive shout out to the Oscar\u00ae-nominated team of Tom Moore and Ross Stewart from Irish animation studio - Cartoon Saloon (Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells), who brought to life the fantastic scenes that are part of the virtual world \"U\".<\/span><\/p>\n
![\"Belle2\"](\"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Belle2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Belle3\"](\"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Belle3.jpg\")
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