Posted inMiscellaneous

Massive 9.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan

[flv:Japan_Tsunami_Aftermath.mp4 550 310] News footage from NHK and CNN

As most of you are already aware, Japan suffered a major earthquake last Friday (3/11), last reported to be 9.0 magnitude, making it the largest ever recorded in the country's history. The epicenter struck off the coast of Sendai in the Miyagi prefecture and caused a catastrophic tsunami which hit the eastern coastline. The quake and its aftershocks caused heavy damage, but was incomparable to the destruction of the waves. Sendai was hit by a massive 10-meter tsunami traveling at jet speeds and many other cities such as Tokyo suffered 4-meter high waves as well. Everything in the tsunami's path was swept away, including entire towns, and many people were stranded by the water.

...more after the break.

Posted inFirst Impressions Tegami Bachi

Tegami Bachi REVERSE – 23

Triple shindan action! "Aoitoge! Akabari! Shikkoku!"

(Akatsuki nite)
"At Akatsuki"

As much as I like Lag and his unwavering beliefs, there are times when someone should tell him things don't always work that way in the adult world. You know, smack him around with the reality bat a little bit. One would think that common sense says not to protect someone who's been just trying to kill you just moments ago, but away Lag goes, jumping in front of Caribs and Hazel when they're staring down the barrel of Noir's gun.

Posted inFirst Impressions Yumekui Merry

Yumekui Merry – 10

(Yume Kara Samezuni)
"Not Waking from a Dream"

So hold on, remember when Merry destroyed a couple demons way back in the early episodics, and their vessels continued about their days? I'm not sure why I didn't think of this last week, but did J.C. Staff just contradict the main plotline with their own original material? Or at least, create some poorly thought out suspense?

Posted inFirst Impressions Hourou Musuko

Hourou Musuko – 08

Brand new me (Haru Brand new me)"Spring ~Brand new me~"

Flashfoward to spring now, and the classes have been redistributed. It seems like Takatsuki got through to Chiba, at least partly, as she returned to school. I feel she has opened up a bit -- at least to everyone except Sarashima (who is still blissfully ignorant of her hate). Chiba also got Takatsuki to grow out her hair, and I have to agree that it looks better.

Posted inFirst Impressions FREEZING

FREEZING – 10

NOVA Form

While I knew the battle was coming to West Genetics, it didn't take away from the excitement in this episode one bit. The Nova's arrival on the outskirts of the school jacked up the suspense right from the get-go, so I was pretty psyched even when it was a bunch of unfamiliar fourth-years who were sent in first. Once the first platoon was deployed and the music kicked in, there was an immediate sense of the urgency drew me right in.

Posted inFirst Impressions To Aru Majutsu no Index

To Aru Majutsu no Index II – 22

(Tenbatsu Jutsushiki)
"Divine Punishment Technique"

Even for To Aru Majutsu no Index, the number of punches to the face was off the charts in this arc's conclusion. Accelerator was on the receiving end for a good chuck of them when his battery died, so there was no shortage of his face getting smashed in. Touma on the other hand got the job done with a single right once the opportunity presented itself, much like he always does. Good 'ol Imagine Breaker. It's so reliable it's worth laughing over.

Posted inFirst Impressions FRACTALE

FRACTALE – 08

(Chika no Himitsu)
"The Underground Secret"

I never noticed Phryne and Nessa had the same eye color, so I didn't realize it had any significance until it was spelled out for us. In the concept art for their character designs, they both had the same purplish hair too, which I really wish made it into the anime. Not only do they look better with purple hair and eyes, the similarity made it more believable that Nessa was what Phryne looked like when she was younger.

Posted inFirst Impressions Infinite Stratos

IS Infinite Stratos – 10

(Sono Kyoukaisen no Ue ni Tachi (Shin Reddo Rain))
"Standing on Top of the Boundary Line (Thin Red Line)"

It's Tamura Yukari overload this week as she brings a spirited childish energy to Tabane like only she can. I sometimes wonder what the starring cast of younger seiyuu think when they see Yukarin come into the studio and bust out that voice when she's a good 10-13 years older than them. Granted, she doesn't look it since she's a fellow "eternal 17-year-old" member, so perhaps reality's not as funny as I imagine it to be. But... but... Ni-paa!

Note: In case you haven't heard, Japan was struck by a massive 8.9 magnitude quake earlier today. The country is in a crisis right now, so my thoughts go out to all its people. The damage is absolutely unreal.

Posted inFirst Impressions Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica

Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica – 10

(Mou Darenimo Tayoranai)
"I can't depend on anyone anymore"

Well, I can honestly say that I didnt see any of that coming. I know that we just learned about Homuras ability to stop time, but I never thought that she would have the ability to travel back through time. I suppose the notion that shes someone from the future isn't entirely incorrect, but it's not like she has a future to return or anything.