Teamwork

I’ve been fan of Rave when the anime series came out in 2001. Rave is your typical Shonen series typically characterized by high-action fights between good (Rave) and bad (Dark Bring) and often humorous plots featuring Haru Glory our hero protagonist with his friends Plue (unknown being) and Ellie. The general plot from Wikipedia:

“In 0015, fifty years before the story’s start, the world was being corrupted by Dark Bring, evil stones that bestowed incredible powers to their owners. The Dark Bring were used by the Raregroove Kingdom, and the Symphonia Kingdom fought against them with their Holy Bring.

Shiba, the first RAVE Master, attempted to destroy Sinclaire, the “mother” of the Dark Bring, with his Ten Commandments Sword. The aftermath caused the massive explosion known as “Overdrive” that destroyed one-tenth of the known world. Shiba, protected from the disaster by Plue, a special guardian “dog” who shielded him from the blast, held onto the RAVE required to power his sword. Plue and the five remaining fragments of RAVE, however, scattered around the world.

Fifty years later Haru Glory, a teenager living on the peaceful Garage Island, fishes Plue up by accident. Several events soon follow, including Shiba’s arrival and his desire to reclaim Plue, as well as the appearance of a mysterious organization known as Demon Card, whose members possess Dark Bring and aim to rule the world. After Haru battles one of its members, Shiba discovers he is the second RAVE Master, and entrusts his RAVE, Plue, and the Ten Commandments Sword to Haru. Haru embarks upon an adventure to find the other fragments of Rave and to save the world.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rave_Master#Anime)

If you know what Plue is, please let me know.

The draw for shonen series for me has alway been the sense of adventure out and discovering new things good and bad. I’ll also admit the simple slapstick plots are a guilty pleasure for these series. When Rave the anime series ended leaving the story open ended, I was quite saddened. A few years later I was reading the manga and wanted something similar to it.  I was then informed by Ayane_e that mangaka, Hiro Mashima, made a new series “Fairy Tail”.

From what I’ve observed, Hiro Mashima tends to put a group of three main protagonist together much like Rave had with Haru, Ellie and Plue. In Fairy Tail’s case the group is Natsu, Lucy, and Happy (a flying cat). This is set in a fantasy world where magic is not too uncommon.  This brings the nostalgia of a hint of D&D where there are guilds, jobs, and adventure. Basically everything a boy would enjoy… or girl. There’s no hunting for particular items as in Rave to start an adventure but having jobs to take in a guild gives Fairy Tail a more robust and dynamic story for the manga to develop in my opinion.

Unique characters also gives the series a delightful range. Fairy Tail’s unique character reminds me of One Piece and its gamut of unique and interesting characters. Now the only thing that really carried over to Fairy Tail is the inclusion of Plue. That has been the Mashima’s character that is near and dear to him. Also the styling of the art reminds me of One Piece.

Left to right: Gray, Lucy, Natsu, Ezra, and Happy

One Piece Crew Left to right: Franky, Sanji, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Ussop, Robin, Chopper

The biggest draw is the camaraderie between the friends and loved ones in Fairy Tail are very similar in One Piece. Definitely give Fairy Tail a read or watch. You might be surprised.

With the spring anime series well under way, I’ve been impressed with the lineup, particularly two series . First one we’ll start with is Deadman Wonderland.  If the art looks familiar, you’re right! Kazuma Kondou, the same illustrator for Eureka Seven, is the illustrator for this series.  You still have a similar young boy/girl protagonist or perhaps in this case the antagonist depending on how you see the story.

Since there’s plenty of summaries around the net regarding the storyline, Wikipedia has a good summary if you’re interested. Which the link is can be found here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadman_Wonderland/

What makes this Spring season interesting if you have not noticed, there has been a constant flood of fan service type anime. Personally I don’t mind some series and I actually indulge in a few such as Infinite Stratos and Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou.  Nevertheless a fan needs variety and variety is definitely the spice of life. This is a darker and quite bloody series, literally with attacks utilizing ones own blood.

You have an innocent 12-14 year boy learning to cope with harsh adult realities along with his unique power to use his own blood as a weapon. To balance things out you have Shiro, who is Ganta’s boisterous  female counterpart (correct me if I’m wrong people). When Ganta is faced with certain serious situations or challenges his personal beliefs, in comes Shiro delivering sage like wisdom and perspective in a child like way.

Shiro instilling life lessons to Ganta in fortune cookie bits

The draw for me on this series is the take on Roman like view on prison which prisoners are Gladiators for entertainment and the low value the prisoners’ lives are. In addition the unique characters Ganta meets and their background push and pull Ganta to a speedy growth to adulthood. In turn Ganta’s childlike beliefs also bring some normality to the other deadmen he has befriended.

With friends like these. Who needs enemies?

If you enjoyed Eureka Seven art and are looking for some change of pace, Deadman Wonderland might be the one.

Through the looking glass of money....

The second series I have been following I wanted to mention is [C]: Control: The Money and Soul of Possibility. Yes is it a long title but the premise like Deadman Wonderland, deals with human ethics, but focuses mainly on greed. The premise is certain chosen people are basically gambling with future potential. This is almost an eerie collation with people and credit cards over here in the states. While this is a generalization it does bring to focus how one sees money. Too much or too little gets one no where. Definitely a series to check out.