Coppelion – Varms.net

Weekly Anime Round-Up: December 23rd – December 29th

This season is over, and with New Year’s in Japan popping up, this is also a slow week. The last handful of show’s in the round up take their final bow and those that don’t won’t be back until the next season starts up. This is a good time to catch up on those backlogs I suppose.

Coppelion: Episode 13

Coppelion is finally over, and while this story arc comes to a close, this show is intended to draw people to the manga, so that means if you want more of this, you better get reading. I really enjoyed this show, and I think its overall popularity unfairly suffered because it aired during a season of overhyped shows. That being said, if there was one thing that bothered me about this show was its terrible tendency for every single evil character to turn “good” after a couple acts of kindness, no matter how vile they were. This makes for poorly written characters on both sides of the spectrum, with the only “bad” entity of the show being future-Japan politics. Despite a few flaws, however, Coppelion presents an interesting universe that in itself is more than enough reason to give this show a watch.

Kakumeiki Valvrave: Episode 24
(Valvrave the Liberator)

The insanity of Valvrave is finally over! Now, to be perfectly fair, in terms of judging a final episode, this was actually pretty decent in many ways. We are treated to some very cool, very well animated fight scenes, and everything is drawn to a complete conclusion. Sunrise exceeded my expectations on this one, but be warned, the final scene is as irritatingly dumb as the rest of this show. Valvrave has been scooping up nominations for “worst anime of the year” along several blogs, yet still seems to maintain a loyal fanbase. That being said, this show is frighteningly entertaining, even when you know it is terrible.

Little Busters! Refrain: Episode 13

Key manages to play with our hearts just enough to make for yet another great anime under their brand of emotional roller coasters. Everything in this heart-wrenching tale comes together in a wonderful finale that touches on our emotions, and it’s great that there is anime that can do this. If you enjoyed Clannad and Angel Beats, you should certainly give this show a shot, it is an amazing anime that is more than worth your time.

Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai: Episode 12
(Unbreakable Machine-Doll)

The guilty-pleasure of the season has finally ended, for better or worse. While I didn’t expect a conclusive ending for a show intended to promote its light novel series, I still consider this to be a rather weak ending for the show. There is no real conclusion to the story arc or any decent presentation of a major element of the overall storyline, this just sort of “ends.” Yaya is still the only reason you should be watching this, and even then I would say to just wait until the BD version pops up in a few months. Oh yeah, I guess the ending song was pretty great, too.

Monogatari Series: Second Season: Episode 26

Nadeko isn’t happy that Kaiki has been messing with her, so now Kaiki must defeat her in a battle of wits in order to save himself. This story arc ended well, but with a shocking twist right at the end. SHAFT has the bold ambition to animate every bit of this, so this won’t be the last we see of the Monogatari franchise for a long time. I found myself disappointed with this entry in the series, and I personally think it tends to get a bit more praise than it really deserves, but there are many out there that would say that sort of talk is pure blasphemy.

Weekly Anime Round-Up: December 16th – December 22nd

This week we bid adieu to several shows as the wrap up. Most new shows won’t begin until January, so next week is going to consist of our last handful of shows wrapping up. In the meantime, be sure to check out my picks for anime of the year, which should be published this week right here at Varms.

Coppelion: Episode 12

The wild escape from nuclear wasteland Tokyo continues. The Ozu sisters are still really determined to kill everyone for the sheer pleasure of it, along with the last handful of 1^st Division’s sociopathic warriors. The grand finale airs next week.

Freezing Vibration: Episode 12

Weird science has produced the deadliest Nova ever seen by mankind, and it is targeting a power reactor on the base capable of destroying the entire world should something go wrong. Why did anyone decide it was a good idea to have something so dangerous near other really dangerous shit? Let’s face it; the E-Pandora program was a series of bad decisions layered upon one another right from the get go. Can the lovely ladies of GENETICS save mankind from its own stupidity? Will we see more full frontal nudity? Watch the shocking conclusion to find out. Or, better yet, just wait until the BD’s come out to watch this.

Galilei Donna: Episode 11

People have complained about anime with rushed endings in the past, but Galilei takes the crown for the worst offender. After the final episode aired, the production staff made it known that this show was meant to run for two cours, and you can tell. There wasn’t nearly enough time to wrap up everything in under 24 minutes, so we get the sloppiest ending in the history of anime. This show had lots of great potential, but it falls flat on its face at the end.

Infinite Stratos 2: Episode 12

This show ends the only way a season of Infinite Stratos can possibly end. There will be lots of action, and we will receive an open ending that doesn’t wrap up anything for the sake of keeping the franchise going. IS isn’t a very good series, but for some strange reason I still like it, as do lots of fans around the world. That being said, unless you are a fan of this, you should skip IS altogether. Even if you are a fan and haven’t gotten around to watching this, I’d say you should hold off for the BD releases.

Kakumeiki Valvrave: Episode 23
(Valvrave the Liberator)

The battle for the survival of teen space vampires and their classmates continues. I’ll be honest, I thought watching this show while being really drunk would make it better. It did not. This season concludes next week. Let’s hope Sunrise wraps this shit up instead of going for another season.

Kill la Kill: Episode 12

Ryuuko fights the deadliest enemy to take the stage so far. We are in full spoiler territory, so I have nothing to say. This show should be starting up again in another week or so for the second half.

Kyoukai no Kanata: Episode: 12
(Beyond the Boundary)

The final battle begins. Kyoani treats us all to an amazing, action-packed, beautifully animated episode. This show was lots of fun to watch, and I recommend everyone ignores the naysayers and checks this out for themselves.

Little Busters! Refrain: Episode 12

These last few episodes are pretty much impossible to discuss without ruining everything. Prepare for more sadness. The final episode airs next week.

Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai: Episode 11
(Unbreakable Machine-Doll)

We finally get more Yaya battles this week as our favorite odd couple faces off against the most badass butler of all time. Yup, I’m completely serious here. Things wrap up next week.

Monogatari Series: Second Season: Episode 25

Kaiki has laid the groundwork for deceiving Nadeko, and has already begun to brag about the coming victory. Will Kaiki be able to trick the horror of an emotionally unstable teenage girl with divine power? We will find out when this wraps up next week.

Outbreak Company: Episode 12

We finally get to see what becomes of everything after the shocking events that unfolded last week. This show was one of my favorites of the season, but it isn’t going to have much appeal for more casual fans. I’d love to see more of this, but at the moment a second season is very questionable.

Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku wo Ketsui Shimashita (AKA Yuushibu): Episode: 12
(I Couldn’t Become a Hero, so I Reluctantly Decided to get a Job)

The final episode is here, and we are given an action-packed, somewhat poorly animated finale. This show was actually much better when it stuck to being a goofy ecchi show about cute girls selling magical appliances. Despite a couple weak episodes at the end, this is still a decent ecchi/comedy if you are in the market for that sort of thing.

Weekly Anime Round-Up: December 9th – December 15th

We’ve reached that point where we hit the second to last episode for most shows, which makes discussion difficult without spoiling things. As usual, I’ll keep the chatter to a minimum for the slowpokes out there. In other news, Symphogear is getting a third season, which is awesome considering how great it turned out in the second season.

Coppelion: Episode 11

Just when it seemed like everything that could possible go wrong already went wrong, along comes 1^st Division’s secret weapon: a fucking giant spider robot. One thing’s for sure, these guys are pretty damn determined to kill a pregnant woman in labor and destroy the world. Will everyone be able to escape the radioactive death wind AND every maniac in the wastelands? We will have to watch and see…

Freezing Vibration: Episode 11

This episode serves to prove that the Pandora industry is in dire need of more regulation. Once again, science makes another massive fuck up, this time placing the entire human race in danger. Will we ever be able to return to the fun days of Pandora’s playfully groping each other by the poolside and taking frequent showers?

Galilei Donna: Episode 10

This episode is kinda like Back to the Future, but Doc Brown is a famous Italian scientist from the 1500’s and Marty is a loli engineer. Fortunately there are no Tannen’s in Italy, so it’s just a matter of finding a way to get Hozuki back to her miserable timeline of class warfare and energy shortages. Good luck finding plutonium in the 1500’s…

Infinite Stratos 2: Episode 11

This week everyone goes on a class trip, and Ichika is the photographer. Yeah, that’s pretty much it for this week, aside from a bit at the end to set things up for the final episode of the season. This was a very lackluster episode, but it looks like this show will at least attempt to go out with a bang next week.

Kakumeiki Valvrave: Episode 22
(Valvrave the Liberator)

Haruto and L-Elf are stranded on the surface of the moon, with very little oxygen for their spacesuits. There has never been a time for a fistfight over a petty and senseless argument. This episode is so ridiculous it is hilarious, especially when we are all treated to a sad display of how futile it is to box in spacesuits. This show has gone from “so bad it’s good,” to “okay, this is just stupid.” We can only hope they are going to wrap this nonsense up before someone at Sunrise is given a severe beating.

Kill la Kill: Episode 11

Kill la Kill is almost at the halfway mark and the final episode for this season will air next week. With that being said, some pretty dramatic events from this episode make this hefty spoiler territory. A new villain is entering the stage this week, and I’ll at least spoil this: she is both adorable, and deadly.

Kyoukai no Kanata: Episode: 11
(Beyond the Boundary)

We are right in the thick of spoiler territory, and I really can’t say much without ruining almost the entire season. This is a really cool, action-packed episode, and things are being set up for the final throw down. You should probably watch it.

Little Busters! Refrain: Episode 11

The spoilers are HOT on this one. Making mention of anything from this episode ruins the entire show, and by that I mean it will arguably ruin both seasons all at once. I’m not saying shit.

Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai: Episode 10
(Unbreakable Machine-Doll)

This is a fairly mediocre episode in a fairly mediocre story arc. The highlight of this episode is we finally find out why Raishin won’t give in to Yaya. Yes, I know that has been on the minds of every single viewer of this show.

Monogatari Series: Second Season: Episode 24

Kaiki is concerned about his safety now that he keeps getting threats to back off from his latest job. Fortunately for everyone on the bad side of the town’s newest snake god, Kaiki doesn’t give a fuck and keeps on swindling. My biggest question from this show at this point is, what religion is centered around evil snake gods, anyway?

Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Love Comedy wo Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru (AKA Noucome): Episode: 11
(My Mental Multiple-Choice Power Is Completely Ruining My School Romantic Comedy)

The final episode is here, which is actually kind of sad since this was one of the biggest surprises of the season. This was a great comedy, and it exceeded any expectations I had, not that I had a high bar set for this in the first place. There is a bit of hinting about a second season at the end, but that could also be wishful thinking. I would be delighted if that happened, however.

Outbreak Company: Episode 11

I never really thought there could be a “shocking” episode of this show, but it happened. The level of spoilers here will ruin the entire season, so I’m not saying anything.

Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku wo Ketsui Shimashita (AKA Yuushibu): Episode: 11
(I Couldn’t Become a Hero, so I Reluctantly Decided to get a Job)

The forces of evil (or former good?) want a new kind of economic “stimulus”, and that involves capturing Fino. Of course everyone is going to try to save Fino, she’s too cute to let go. The final fight takes place next week!

This Week’s Extra Spotlight:
Non Non Biyori

This is another show I picked up late in the season, but like most slice of life shows, this also makes for difficult conversation on a weekly basis. Don’t let that discourage you, however, Non Non Biyori is one of the most popular shows of the season, and its charm is hard to deny. Non Non Biyori is about a group of girls that live in a small country town that is so sparsely populated, they are the only students in town. They all attend the same school, in one class that consists of elementary and middle school girls.

This show is simply about these girls finding ways to enjoy themselves in a small country town. This is one of the most peaceful and relaxing shows you will ever watch, which is why such a simple idea can make for great viewing. This show obviously won’t vibe very well with every anime fan, especially the crowd that thinks these shows are somehow “killing the industry” (They aren’t, get over yourselves.) Much like Kiniro Mosaic, this is the kind of show that could put a smile on my face no matter how terrible my day is. That in itself is part of what makes this kind of anime great.

Weekly Anime Round-Up: December 2nd – December 8th

The final stretch of the season is here, which means there are spoilers everywhere. As usual, I’ll do my best to keep things short and sweet to avoid ruining your day. I’ve also begun picking out shows for next season, and there should be some really cool stuff coming our way when it begins. I’m also making my picks for anime of the year, so be sure to look out for that piece in the next few weeks.

Coppelion: Episode 10

The evacuation plan is underway, but everyone will have to move quickly since the crazy death-wind is coming in faster than expected. Can three genetically-engineered teens and a polite robot save some old men and a pregnant woman in labor from superhumans, evil military forces, and nuclear murder wind? We shall have to wait and see…

Freezing Vibration: Episode 10

The rebellion continues in an episode that consists entirely of Pandora fights. Once again, the ecchi stuff takes a step back for some brutal action. Don’t worry; this is still a very cool episode.

Galilei Donna: Episode 9

The Galileo arrives in Libya, and the location of the final sketch. Naturally, Adnimoon and the sky pirates are also waiting for them. Just when you think you know where things are going, there is time travel. Seriously.

Infinite Stratos 2: Episode 10

After such an action packed episode last week, IS returns to the usual formula for harem comedy. This week is all about awkward jobs in the nurse’s office and deadly cooking. I’m not even joking.

Kakumeiki Valvrave: Episode 21
(Valvrave the Liberator)

Normally, I try to avoid spoilers, but this episode was infuriatingly stupid, so I’m going to throw in my two cents. This week Dorssia tells the world that the students of Module 77 are all space vampires (while leaving out that they are the original space vampires); ARUS instantly turns on the students, and declares a purge of these “immortal monsters”. The “full retard moment of the week” comes in when absolutely NO ONE seems to notice how easily “immortal” monsters die from gunfire. And this is after everyone INSTANTLY goes on a mass killing spree because of ONE FUCKING TV BROADCAST AS EVIDENCE. Thankfully this is almost over; the stupidity of this show isn’t even funny anymore.

Kill la Kill: Episode 10

Ryuuko’s fight against the four Diva’s continues. This episode, like the last, is pretty much all action. Be sure to watch the continuation of the most insane schoolyard brawl of all time.

Kyoukai no Kanata: Episode: 10
(Beyond the Boundary)

There isn’t really a way for me to discuss this without divulging some big spoilers, so stop reading this and catch up on Kyoukai no Kanata.

Little Busters! Refrain: Episode 10

Once again, there are some big spoilers this week. There will be sadness, in case you were wondering.

Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai: Episode 9
(Unbreakable Machine-Doll)

Raishin’s wounds have hardly healed, and he’s already throwing himself back into battle. Charlotte and her sister are caught up in some sort of evil plot, so naturally Raishin is ready to jump into the middle of it. Yes, Yaya will also continue being a pervert.

Monogatari Series: Second Season: Episode 23

Kaiki scheming continues. There is a new opening song for this story arc, featuring Kaiki himself singing, that alone is worth watching for the laughs. There will be more lies, swindling, and of course, odd conversations with an insane god.

Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Love Comedy wo Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru (AKA Noucome): Episode: 9
(My Mental Multiple-Choice Power Is Completely Ruining My School Romantic Comedy)

Everyone is off to a trip to the water park, bringing us to the obligatory swimsuit episode. The usual insanity of this show makes this swimsuit episode one of the best of all time. The battle between Ayame and Yuragi is pure hilarity.

Outbreak Company: Episode 10

The entire culture exchange mission is at risk to be shut down when a video of the soccer match ends up on the internet. Shinichi decides the best way to cover up the existence of the Eldant Empire is to put out a phony movie project designed to fail. This plan involves intentionally ripping off as much anime and manga as possible, and making the cheesiest film of all time. In the end, I’m pretty sure Shinichi was just looking for a way to get all of the girls to cosplay, but that should be expected by now.

Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku wo Ketsui Shimashita (AKA Yuushibu): Episode: 10
(I Couldn’t Become a Hero, so I Reluctantly Decided to get a Job)

I never thought there could be a major plot development in a show about sexy girls working at a magical appliance retailer, and yet here we are. Discussing the events of this episode could lead to spoilers, so I’m going to keep quiet this week.

This Week’s Extra Spotlight:
Nagi no Asukara
(A Lull in the Sea)

This show never made it into the round up because I only recently picked it up, but I was so impressed I had to mention it. Nagi no Asukara is about a world where all mankind originally lived in the sea, but over time some people began to live on land. The story is centered on a group of students that live under the sea and begin to go to school on the surface with the people of the land, and the tensions between the two cultures. This anime is a strange blend of fantasy and drama that works very well, and it is all brought to life with beautiful artwork. The undersea village is an amazing, colorful place, and at first glance you won’t realize they are underwater until a school of tropical fish swim by.

This show will continue to run into next season, and is about halfway finished, but it only become more interesting with each episode. This isn’t an anime for everyone, but it is a fascinating and beautiful show that is at least worth a look. If you are looking for a very unique and imaginative story, you should pick this up.

Weekly Anime Round-Up: November 25th – December 1st

Thanksgiving is over, and the insanity of the holiday season has begun. Fortunately there is plenty of great anime to watch to get over mankind’s pointless struggle to trample over one another for low-quality TV’s; as well as the fact that every damn Christmas song will be stuck in our heads since there is no escape from them. We are approaching the final stretch of the season, so things are getting pretty good… let’s watch! Oh, just like last season, I’ve been sneaking in even more anime, (I know, I’m a monster.) so for the next few weeks I’ll do a spot about other shows that are worth watching.

Coppelion: Episode 9

Between a rogue military unit hell-bent on destroying the world, two demented and violent super humans, and a radioactive wind that kills anything it touches instantly blowing through the city, the situation couldn’t possibly be much worse. The crews from the Planet and the Coppelion have made a plan to evacuate using trains, but the entire world is against them right now, literally. Good luck, everyone!

Freezing Vibration: Episode 9

You can only get so far with inhumane experiments before someone gets up, says “fuck this”, and starts wrecking shit. The E-Pandora’s have had enough, and a full-fledged rebellion has broken out in the lab. This entire place has been reduced to chaos, but we can all sleep soundly knowing that Elizabeth Mably is back!

Galilei Donna: Episode 8

Even after a brutal defeat at the hands of Adnimoon’s “odd jobs” guy, the Ferrari sister have decided to patch up the Galileo and continue their search for the sketches. Their next stop is Japan, so the girls have decided to make a detour and visit their grandfather. Once again, anime teaches us that lolis are better than us at everything, including engineering and furnace repair.

Infinite Stratos 2: Episode 9

Everyone is just about ready to begin the tournament, and then the academy is attacked by powerful anti-IS drones. This show is known for consisting mostly of harem-comedy with bits of action, but this episode is surprisingly brutal. This one will have you on the edge of your seat, and that is one thing I never thought I would say about this show.

Kakumeiki Valvrave: Episode 20
(Valvrave the Liberator)

Almost everyone has managed to safely escape back to the moon, but unfortunately L-Elf is reduced to nothing but a broken lolicon. We are also treated to the wonderful tale of how everyone else left behind on the module has been fighting with politics for the good of the people. Yeah, I’m sure that is gonna work. Watch out, that last scene is a doozy this week.

Kill la Kill: Episode 9

Ryuuko must face off against the 4 Diva’s to discover the secret behind her father’s death. Her first opponent is Ira, and things won’t be easy even if Ryuuko knows the secret behind his uniform’s transformation. Commence the usual wacky, over-the-top fighting.

Kyoukai no Kanata: Episode: 9
(Beyond the Boundary)

This is a pretty intense episode, and I can’t think of much to discuss that wouldn’t include some major spoilers. What I can say is this episode is a visual feast, and a true showcase of what Kyoani studios can do for action shows. Don’t miss this week’s episode!

Little Busters! Refrain: Episode 9

Riki and Rin continue to re-assemble to once glorious Little Busters. This time they are going to try and bring Kengo back into the group, but he seems to be strongly against the idea. Can Riki and Rin tame yet another of the Little Buster’s most powerful members?

Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai: Episode 8
(Unbreakable Machine-Doll)

Raishin and Yaya proceed to tear apart the illegal research facility, and find a surprising ally along the way. Can a couple plucky teenagers and their dangerous yet cute robots take down this Divine Works operation? We will just have to watch and see. Don’t miss this one, or Nurse Yaya will be very upset.

Monogatari Series: Second Season: Episode 22

Kaiki begins to investigate Nadeko’s home so he can get an idea of what he is dealing with. He soon makes the insane move of going right to her temple to speak with her. Prepare for one of the strangest conversations in all of anime.

Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Love Comedy wo Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru (AKA Noucome): Episode: 8
(My Mental Multiple-Choice Power Is Completely Ruining My School Romantic Comedy)

The harem quest has been completed, but Kanade’s classmates are now infuriated with him for hogging the attention of the most beloved girls in the school. When an absolute choice pops up and forces him to hug Chocolat, she suddenly regains her memory. Is the world ready for a serious Chocolat?

Outbreak Company: Episode 9

Shinichi has been granted vacation time, and that somehow brings us to the obligatory swimsuit episode, in a show that is self-aware that this is a swimsuit episode. All of the goodies that should be expected of a swimsuit episode are here, especially considering the lovely female cast of this show. The best part, however, is a running scene involving the Empress’s council of dirty old men discussing the most “appropriate” swimsuit for the Empress, based on the fetishes they have picked up from manga. Just watch it, it is hilarious.

Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku wo Ketsui Shimashita (AKA Yuushibu): Episode: 9
(I Couldn’t Become a Hero, so I Reluctantly Decided to get a Job)

Fino has finally received her first paycheck from Leon. Now Raul has been appointed by his boss to take Fino out into town and help her go shopping. This episode turns into what almost feels like a lecture on why capitalism is the best thing ever, and why even crappy jobs are great. I’m sure this is some sort of statement aimed at Japan’s NEET population, using the lure of sexy 2D demon girls to convince them that low-wage work is better than leeching off of their parents. Oh well, we get more adorable Fino.

This Week’s Extra Spotlight:
Log Horizon

I originally passed on this show because I honestly thought it was just some sort of shallow clone of Sword Art Online, and let’s face it; no one should want more Sword Art Online in their lives. However, after a few weeks of this airing, this show managed to pick up quite a fan base online, and after conversing with them, I decided to give this show a shot. Log Horizon is about a group of players that become trapped in a MMORPG called “Elder Tale” after the latest expansion pack launches. This sounds disturbingly similar to Sword Art Online, but the similarities end there. To begin with, the whole “die in the game, die in real life” thing has been tossed out. The worst that can happen (and does happen often), is that thieves may kill players to rob them, but they revive at a cathedral, just as they did in the game. The mysteries behind why and how everyone became trapped in this game are tossed aside, (at least for the time being) and this is one of the reasons this show works so well.

Log Horizon isn’t so much about players making this frenzied dash to escape the game alive, as much as it is about the players adjusting to their new lives and learning how the game works as their “new reality.” What makes this show great is that it has a really amazing universe to immerse the viewers in, between the mechanics of the game and the amazing, beautiful world the game itself takes place in. Add to this a cast of interesting and fun characters, very cool action, a true sense of adventure, and you have one really awesome show. This show does everything right that Sword Art Online did wrong, and the results are hard to argue with. This is one of my favorites of the season, and it really pains me that I misjudged it early on and did not include it in the weekly round-up. I should also mention this show has one of the catchiest, coolest Opening songs since Attack on Titan. Trust me, after watching it a few times you can’t help but sing about LIVING IN THE DATABASE.