A Message from LofZOdyssey

Dear Everyone,

Thinking back one year ago, seeing how far this site has gone is unbelievable. But thinking back to when we started, it’s unimaginable. It was and is still great to see even one hit per post. Yet to have a readership that comes back again and again, I’m beside myself. And from what I can tell, we’re only going to get bigger.

The mission for this blog has been to serve as a guide. There are a lot of anime out there. Where does one even begin? Though we haven’t even scratched the surface, I feel we’ve done enough to get our feet wet.

Even after all this time, being able to release a review or article every Monday and Friday without fail is a source of pride for me. Then to have things like Ghibli Month, week-long events, and others, I’d be lying if I said it was always easy. There are now five active series on this site. Granted, some are not as regular as others. Trust me, I want there to be more Out and About posts.

It’s hard to imagine a time when I’m not thinking about this site. But the reason as to why remains the same.

I love anime. Series, film, or out in the world, I love anime. If this forever remains the core, LofZOdyssey will continue for many more years. And I declare now, the day I lose sight of that, is the day I will have to say goodbye.

Anime Eiga Review: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Rebellion (2 Year Anniversary Week Part 3 of 3)

***Warning, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Rebellion is the third entry in the Madoka Magica film series. The following may contain spoilers for Rebellion as well as Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Beginnings and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Eternal. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

The life of a magical girl is not an easy one. There will be hardships. There will be difficulties. It can even get quite dangerous. For Madoka Kaname (voiced Aoi Yuki) this is how things are. That’s why she’s thankful to such close friend to rely on. Fellow magical girls Sayaka Miki (voiced by Eri Kitamura), Mami Tomoe (voiced by Kaori Mizuhasi), and Kyoko Sakura (voiced by Ai Nonaka). As well as recent transfer student Homura Akemi (voiced by Chiwa Saito).

Things will get tough. But together, these five can meet any challenge. When these five are together, everything is as it should be. Despair is nonexistent when you’re with the people you care about. So even in this world, happiness can be found.

And that’s the problem.

Things are perfect. Too perfect. Was it always like this? For Madoka and her friends, this answer should be obvious. Then why is there so much doubt? Why does everything not seem quite right?

It is true. The life of a magical girl is not an easy one. But how far that actually goes is a much dark reality than one would hope. The truth is so dark, perhaps a dream is better than the real world.

Anime Eiga Review: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Eternal (2 Year Anniversary Week Part 2 of 3)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Beginnings and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Eternal. Reader discretion is advised.***

Film Synopsis

Madoka Kaname’s (voiced by Aoi Yuki) world is turning dark. With every passing day, her once happy life is being replaced with immense suffering. This is not what she envisioned the life of a magical girl would be. But this is the price for all those who make a contract with the creature Kyubey (voiced by Emiri Kato).

And now, Madoka’s best friend Sayaka (voiced by Eri Kitamura) has met the sad fate of all magical girls. Overcome with overwhelming despair, Sayaka has transformed into a witch. The very entity she swore to defeat.

Madoka cannot bear to see her friend in such immense pain. Yet, seeing the true nature of a magical girl may have been necessary.

Since appearing, Homura Akemi (voiced by Chiwa Saito) has warned Madoka against making a contract. Yet, her reasons for doing so have been shrouded in mystery. Yet truth behind her actions reveals a much lonelier reality.

The fights will only become more dangerous. The purpose behind witches and the magical girls who hunt them will soon come to light. Madoka will have to make a decision. And whatever it is, it will determine the fate of everything.

Anime Eiga Review: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Beginnings (2 Year Anniversary Week Part 1 of 3)

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Beginnings. Reader discretions is advised.***

Film Synopsis

Madoka Kaname (voiced by Aoi Yuuki) sees herself as a pretty average girl. But that isn’t so bad. She has a family she loves. As well as a best friend she cares about, Sayaka Miki (voiced by Eri Kitamura). Such an ordinary life is alright.

Then one day, a transfer student arrives at Madoka’s school, Homura Akemi (voiced by Chiwa Saitou). Quiet and stoic, Homura comes off as a little cold. What's even more interesting, she seems to know Madoka.

Later, Madoka and Sayaka hear a mysterious voice calling for help. They find a strange cat-like creature being pursued by Homura. The two manage to save the animal’s life and it introduces itself as Kyubey (voiced by Emiri Katou).

Kyubey gives Madoka and Sayaka an offer. In exchange for one wish, they can become magical girls. As such, they will hunt dangerous entities known as witches who feed on despair.

This chance is enticing. But the details are a little more dangerous. The life of a magical girl doesn't exist in sunshine. It requires venturing into the deepest and darkest parts of the human heart. And it comes at the cost of one’s happiness.

Madoka and Sayaka must decide if there's a wish strong enough that's worth such a price for. But when the choice gets made, there's no turning back.

Anime Hajime Impressions: Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

The Set Up

Back in 2013, game developer Atlus released a short announcement trailer for their new game. No footage, no gameplay, just a quick montage of characters. One set was from Atlus’ own Shin-Megami Tensei series. The other from Intelligent Systems’ Fire Emblem. Again, not that long. But in the span of forty seconds, I lost my God damn mind.

I enjoy the Shin-Megami Tensei games and had a great time with IV. I’m also quite interested in the Persona series. Yet, I've only played Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth on the 3DS. It’s a franchise I’m familiar enough with to get excited when a new game gets released.

Fire Emblem, on the other hand, is one of my all-time favorite video game series. Second only to The Legend of Zelda. And Fire Emblem: Awakening, for the 3DS, is one of my favorite games of all time. I’m thrilled to see this series starting to get a larger following in the West.

So when I heard these two franchises were crossing over, I got hyped. Plus, it was going to be on the Wii U. A system I will defend to the death as fantastic. A poorly marketed system,granted. But for those who do own one, I’m sure you’ll back me up on this.

Anime Ichiban: Top Ten Romance Anime

Criteria

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve said this and I know I’ll say it many more times in the future.

I love me a good romance.

At heart, I’m a romantic and it’s wonderful to see two characters fall of one another. I’ve wondered for a while about why I find these stories so great. And I think it’s about vulnerability. 

A relationship is only as strong as the bonds connecting it. The closer you get to the core of a person’s being, the strong the bond. The better the romance, the closer someone is to the core of their partner.

But people tend to wall themselves off. Whether intentional or in their sub-conscious. There’s nothing wrong with this and we all do it. It’s to protect our more susceptible emotions. Which includes good things like happiness, joy, and fulfillment. Yet it’s the doors we don’t want open we try to protect the most. Sadness, despair, suffering. If those get hit the wrong way, it’s never good. It’s never fun.

Except, to build the strongest relationships, those doors need to open. This isn’t easy. It’s no wonder why people fight against it. And this is where the best romance stories come from.

Anime Hajime Review: Maken-ki

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Maken-ki. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Tenbi Academy has converted from an all-girls school to co-ed. This could not make Takeru Ohyama (voiced by Tomoaki Maeno) any happier. Now he has the chance to meet...be around...see lots of pretty girls. Plus, Tenbi doesn’t require an entrance exam. So it’s a win-win. Or least it would be. A little research can go a long way.

Tenbi Academy focuses on student’s ability to use Elements and Maken. Magical items used for combat. That’s why fights are not only common, they're expected. A problem since Takeru doesn’t appear to wield a Maken.

For help, he relies on his childhood friend Haruko Amaya (voiced by Noriko Shitaya). The two have been close for years and Haruko is always worrying about Takeru’s safety. Or his perverse habits. Often both.

If things weren’t already difficult, Takeru gets another surprise. On his first day, he meets Inaho Kushiya (voiced by Iori Nomizu). To everyone’s shock, she proclaims herself to be Takeru’s fiancée. A claim Takeru has no knowledge on why.

Adding to this, Takeru runs into Kodama Himegami (voiced by Sayuri Yahagi). Their meeting isn’t the smoothest. But to make matters worse, Kodama believes Takeru to be her long-awaited enemy.

Anime Hajime Review: Your Lie in April

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for Your Lie in April. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

Kosei Arima (voiced by Natsuki Hanae) was a piano prodigy. There was a time when he was unbeatable. More machine than human. But that was two years ago, and Kosei has not touched a piano since.

A horrific breakdown has left Kosei’s world colorless. And once beautiful melodies have brought him nothing but despair. He has all but given up on the world he was once the king of. Or at least, that would have been his fate.

Kosei's life changed forever the day he met Kaori Miyazono (voiced by Risa Taneda). A brilliant violinist, Kaori lives for her music. Her passion resonates with Kosei, although he's unwilling to embrace it. Something that doesn’t go unnoticed by Kaori.

Come hell or high water, Kaori will reawaken Kosei’s love for the piano. Together they plan to reach the hearts of everyone who hears their song. Unfortunately, life has other plans.

He was taught to play perfect. She was born to play free. Kosei and Kaori couldn’t be more different. Yet this is a pair that’s meant to be. Soon their question becomes this. Who is it they’re really playing for? And can that person hear them calling?

Anime Hajime Review: GJ Club

***Warning, the following may contain spoilers for GJ Club. Reader discretion is advised.***

Series Synopsis

There exists a special club. It can be found at an unnamed school. In unnamed town. There really is nothing quite like it. And it's called the GJ Club.

Kyouya Shinomiya (voiced by Hiro Shimono) is the its newest member. There he meets the other, unique members. As well as the president, Mao Amatsuka (voiced by Maaya Uchida). When together, they are a sight to behold.

Every day something unusual is bound to happen. But boring is never one of them. The simple act of hanging out can turn into something much more…let’s say, unexpected.

Kyouya and Mao work together to ensure the purpose of the club gets done. And that everyone is having fun while doing it. As time goes on, this group becomes the closest of friends. A bond that will last a lifetime.

If you happen to find yourself in the tucked away clubroom, why not join in? Besides, that’s the only way you’ll be able to answer that all-important question.

Why is the GJ Club the way it is?