Karneval

Nai is searching for a guy named Karoku but his only clue to the latter's whereabouts is a bracelet. He meets a thief named Gareki whom he was forced to pair up with to escape a setup in a mansion. Later in the story, Nai and Gareki meet the members of Circus, a defense organization. This meeting introduces them to potential allies as well as place them in danger for coming under the watchful eyes of another organization. This seems to be a clue to Nai's past and the identity of the man he has been searching for.

Nai and Gareki

Fans of the science fiction and fantasy genre might enjoy the series because Karneval's story relies heavily on magic and combat, and hi-technology machines.

An interesting plot, characters, and good animation aside, the point of the story does not become clear until after a few episodes. The audience however will determine right away that there are different factions involved and that the story goes deeper than what was previously assumed. There is some back story and several supporting cast but the point of the story is still not quite clear even at the end of the tv series. 

Karneval uses characters whose true nature and intentions are not clear yet, baiting the audience to guess for explanations or look forward to more hints... or just make them frustrated. In a series just like this, the viewers should obviously not look for a resolution but cohesiveness of the information and strength of the plot development. Whatever happens at the end of the 13-episode series should be enough to determine if the story has promise or not (the manga is ongoing as of this writing). I have mixed feelings about Karneval. I think what was shown in the 13 episodes are just the beginnings of its story. There is another anime that is similar to this (Pandora Hearts) and it was frustratingly short but good. For now (if there is a follow-up tv series), I think it has just enough promise to make it a potentially good series.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Blood Lad

This 10-episode series has an interesting mix of humor, action, fantasy, horror, and romance. The biggest setback perhaps is that it is about a vampire. Unfortunately for those who are predisposed to hate the overrated supernatural creatures, Staz is not interested in acting like your typical vampire. He is one of the bosses in the demon world and likes Japanese culture more than human blood. When a Japanese girl finds her way into the demon world, Staz was excited. But while he was dealing with an intruder in his territory, Yanagi Fuyumi was killed by a monster. Now Staz has to find a way to bring her back to life.

I thought at first that the focus would be on the lead character's vampiric characteristics and how it will interfere in his relationship with Fuyumi. The story later shifted to how the girl can possibly return to her true form although it tended to drown in all the humor and back stories.

The series has surprisingly good action scenes. When you have a nearly invincible lead character whose extent of power is only hinted at, I think that more than makes up for the fan-service that other viewers might dislike. The series also has a great supporting cast. Those who will end up liking the series will find it too short. 

If you are looking for a different kind of vampire, I suggest that you give Blood Lad a chance. Then again, the effectiveness of its humor is a personal reference. Overall, I think it had some strong moments, especially the fight scenes, but the pace of the story does not make it better than most series in the comedy genre.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Sukitte Ii na yo.

Tachibana Mei vowed long ago not to make friends again so she would never get hurt, and yet a handsome and popular guy, Kurosawa Yamato, seems to have noticed something in her. All that was needed was for a nearly unfortunate incident to happen to allow fate to make her open herself up for a change she was slow to welcome.

Like most romance stories, one of them falls in love with the other eventually. The situation just got worse for Mei when Yamato finally kissed her. Everything then changed for Mei.

While this might seem like another typical romance series, Sukitte Ii Na Yo does offer a lot of things the more popular romance series do not. So far, this has been the most mature series I have watched. By mature I refer to the complications the main characters had to overcome in this 13-episode series. Most romance series do not offer beyond anything than the sweet, promising romance that is a given in any relationship that is still starting blossoming. The series goes beyond the issue of jealousy of past and potential competition, which is the extent of obstacles other series usually offer. It has also touched on more realistic issues like quality time between couples and friends, and sex and intimacy. In fact the whole point of the series was to show how their relationship develops and what problems lovers usually experience at the early part of the relationship.

On the downside, the series does make use of some common character types like a popular male and a plain girl. They were used effectively however in creating complications in the story. I know that there are a lot of girls as well who can easily empathize with Mei. Her internal struggles in trying to make sense of her feelings were presented in more maturely and realistically than other series.

The animation is good and the supporting cast do not take too much of the spotlight. If you are looking for something different and a little less humor when it comes to treating the subject of romance, you will probably enjoy this series.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10