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My Favourite Anime from 2017

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 / No Comments

The Winter 2018 anime season has kicked off but I'll be spending a week or two more catching up on titles I've missed throughout 2017. The previous year was enjoyable in more ways than one and brought with it a slew of titles that kept me glued to the screen for hours on end. Here's several anime that I relished and even re-watched, at the cost of spending my time more wisely. This list is in no order whatsoever, maybe other than the surprise addition of Kemono Friends. I'm hoping 2018 builds on an impressive 2017 and considering how this Winter season looks, I'm confident that this will be easy to achieve.

1. Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid
If only you could see the look on my face when I actually read the title and premise of this anime. "Incredulous" would be an understatement but it turned out to one of my favourites that season. The cast of characters were lovable, the gags didn't get old, for me at least and there were even a couple of incredible well-animated fight scenes, who would've thought. There were a multitude of heartwarming moments as well, with these otherworldly creatures warming up to the humans and adapting to life in a different dimension.

2. Boku no Hero Academia Season 2
Bones managed to improve on their first adaptation of the Boku no Hero Academia manga and that is a huge compliment in itself. I'm a sucker for a faithful adaptation, regardless of whether the source material is a manga, light novel or 4-koma comic. I keep up with the manga regularly so watching the second season was like a recap and seeing the fight scenes come to life was enough to keep me coming back week after week.

3. Mahoutsukai no Yome
I swear Wit Studio has mages in the team producing Mahoutsukai no Yome. I can't quite put my finger on why I enjoy this anime so much, as much of a silly excuse as it is. The visuals and soundtrack are a sublime combination and just enough is revealed every episode to keep me wondering what will happen in the next one or the next arc. The world of Mahoutsukai no Yome is fascinating and I'm captivated by the lore, even though little has been showcased so far. I might just read the manga once the second cour stops airing in a couple of months.

4. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel I. presage flower
This was the most obvious addition to the list and I actually watched it twice in the cinema, even though I've read the visual novel already. Ufotable completely one-upped themselves, managing to trim the fat from the first third of the Heaven's Feel route while providing a visual spectacle in each fight. Even the scenes at Homurahara Academy and Shirou's home looked much better than the Unlimited Blade Works anime, which is saying something. I can still remember how the audience groaned after the post-credits scene revealed that the next installment will only air later this year.

5. Kemono Friends
Like everyone else, it was the sleeper hit of the year for me. I was actually rolling my eyes at how bad the CG animation was in the first few minutes, but I ended up binge-watching the entire season in a couple of sittings. It definitely deserved the widespread praise from both viewers and industry professionals. Kaban and Serval provided the bulk of the entertainment but the supporting cast was no slouch either, with extra credit given to the penguin idol group, PPP. It had a surprising amount of depth as well, with observant viewers noting from the first episode that it wasn't as simple and silly as it appeared to be.

Written by ET

Yuru Camp

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 / No Comments

Slurrrrrrrrrrp! Hmm, these noodles are really tasty! I feel a lot more warmed up now, thank you! Well, you know there is a saying somewhere about how anything would taste like gold if one is all cold and hungry. Or maybe there isn't, but the idea floats around every now and then. Happy new year readers, I know it has been more than two weeks into 2018, but I actually didn't realise time had passed so quickly. How is everybody's new year so far? There is a great handful of anime! Some look nice, some not so much...but isn't that how the system works anyway? I have discovered something nice! It is rather befitting for those who yearn for a slower pace, yet aren't able to realise that wish at the moment. Yuru Camp!!!

You don't have to like camping to appreciate this. Then again, nothing is for certain over time. Who knows what might happen after the first few episodes? But I know I would rather sit back and let my mind wander into the splendid nature without the bulky, troublesome camping equipment! Yeah, it is possible to camp inside the head, complete with roasted marshmallows and hot cocoa. I am intrigued nonetheless by people who find the time and space to do a retreat like that. I mean, just consider the research and prep work prior to the actual camping day!

Yuru Camp takes the camping theme into an all-girls high school. These characters should warm up to anybody rather quickly with their quirks. The bunhead is Rin, one of the main characters who grace the first episode. She sets up by the river overlooking Mount Fuji, eager to catch the breathtaking scenery at night. Well, somebody else is way more excited than her. Meet Nadeshiko, a cheerful, energetic girl who crosses paths with Rin albeit with some embarrassment. She makes the perfect ambassador for instant curry noodles!

The anime also educates viewers on camping know-how in a light-hearted fashion. The narrator even informs them of a broken pole! Well, just watch the second episode to find out! Yuru Camp may be slow-paced, but it is still very enjoyable and somewhat appetite-inducing. Yeah, I am sure some people out there would go look for instant curry noodles after this...anyway, I should be following Yuru Camp given its comfortable vibes!

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪

Hapi Mari

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When we broach the topic about marriage, what are the first thoughts that come to your mind?

Maki Enjouji, the creator and illustrator of a mature themed manga titled: Hapi Mari also translated as "Happy Marriage". Mind you, this manga demographically target are readers who revel in the genre(s): romance, josei, drama and comedy. It was serialized on Shogakukan's Josei on June 2009-September 2012. There total 10 volumes altogether and also, it's very own movie respectively acted by Dean Fujioka and Seino Nana.

Allow me to introduce our main protagonist: Takanashi Chiwa and Mamiya Hakuto who are thrust together under a dire circumstances incriminated with unfulfilled debts, the ongoing Mamiya family feud and the cause of Hakuto's mother death. It's a deadly (pun not intended) potent for an intense structure.

*Adjusting my glasses to better admire Hakuto's enigmatic feature*

The addictive development due to the suspense as you delve deeper into the chapters also with the characters mismatched personalities that makes a great combo for a satisfied read. An unlikely couple who has a very different perspective, so what are the odds against them? Hapi Mari warrant a seal of approval from my point of view, similar to a fish hooked on the line because it caught my interestedness. But, can we also discourse about the fine details on the author's illustration?

I won't slander to myself, because I nurture a major crush on Hakuto; he's a man who values his pride, an unhealthy dose of arrogance, temperamental and masculinity *flipped on the fan switch*. Hakuto had his own motive to go along with the marriage to Chiwa whom he had never came up against and the same for our adorable female protagonist. My gratitude to the author for a independent and resilient heroine despite her meek sized, Chiwa proved to be a tolerant character who had to put up with the business mogul and live a life as a married woman in a loveless contract. The readers are advised that the manga incorporate with slight nudity.

But the wedded couple soon pore over to uncover the bitter truth behind the successful fortress of the Mamiya clan.

*Nonchalantly adds a intriguing picture of the pair*

As a satisfied reader, the review star for Hapi Mari is: 10/10. I'm pleased to chance upon this gem and you won't get enough to flipped through 10 volumes just once; it's a manga that beckon you to make a comeback countless times. I was literally glued to my device until the end of the chapter even shed tears of joy. The progression of the manga was rightly balanced with tingling humor, sigh-worthy scenarios between the main characters; loveable encounter with the supporting characters as well and a riot of mixed emotions from dramatic situations.

Written by Rugi Chan

My most anticipated anime in Winter 2018

Sunday, January 14, 2018 / No Comments

As with every season, we have some new shows that season as well as some continuing seasons. And some of these shows have already aired their first episodes, it makes it much easier to sift through what I am interested in and what I would pass.

The following are the new shows which I would be likely to follow throughout this season and I hope that this list can serve as a list of recommendations for those of you who don't watch a lot each season!

Violet Evergarden

This series originates from an award winning novel series, where a young girl formerly known as "the weapon" lost her arms and has left the battlefield. The general who she holds dear (Gilbert) has left her with the words "I love you" and she has yet to find out the meaning, and placed her in the care of his friend, Hodgins.

Under Hodgins care, she is adopted into the Evergarden household and starts a new life at CH Postal Service, where she is intrigued by the work of "Auto Memories Dolls". They work by converting people's thoughts and emotions into words and conveying these words to others. Violet takes on the job in order to understand the nuance of love and the meaning behind Gilbert's words.

Not to mention both the art of the characters and the backgrounds are amazing, so do be sure to check it out!

Ito Junji: Collection
This is a collection of short works under the genre of horror.

I personally feel that the works depicted are more suitable to be grouped under "creepy" but as Ito Junji has many amazing works such as Uzumaki and Tomie, this anime is probably a must for most horror fans out there.

Each episode contains 2 short stories which are not linked and while this might make it seem a little choppy, if you just take a step back to enjoy each story on its own, the series shouldn't be that bad at all!

Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
This is another series which comes from a light novel and unlike what the name may suggest, this anime is definitely not a fun slice-of-life show about ramen in Hakata.

The story revolves around several gifted individuals and these people have jobs such as professional (crossdressing) killers, informants as well as detectives, and they work to survive in the Hakata ward while trying to not come under notice of the urban legend, someone who kills professional killers.

The similarity of the setting to Durarara is what made me curious about this show in the first place, and I must say that the atmosphere in the show is eerily similar to Durarara as well. If you liked Durarara, this show might be one that you would want to check out.

~ Reina-rin

MILKCANANIME WRITERS. It can be you.

Saturday, January 13, 2018 / No Comments

We are growing and we need more writers.

Have you always wanted to write about how you feel about certain anime, manga, figures, games or hobbies? No matter where you live, now is your chance to join our Milkcananime family as Writers and get compensated.

Why join Milkcananime?

Because we founded the blog in 2008.

And we have great plans for 2018 and beyond.

So if you think you are passionate in writing and sharing, please drop us an email with a simple resume of yourself and we will communicate further from there.

Anime : R.O.D. the TV

Character : Nenene Sumiregawa

Quote: Thomas Berge

Written by Max

Gakuen Babysitters

Friday, January 12, 2018 / No Comments

Have you ever looked at a series and thought, Such large eyes, then put it down again? That's me in a nutshell... five years ago. Five years ago I wouldn't be caught dead with anything resembling shoujo, even though growing up that was the only kind of manga my aunt shared with me (Fruits Basket, Tokyo Mew Mew, anyone?). Maybe it was overexposure to shoujo manga that made me reject it in my rebellious teen years.

Okay, enough rambling! Today, I'm sharing with you a series of which I thought, Such large eyes, and not put it down.

Gakuen Babysitters. Large teary eyes. Flushed cheeks. And more teeny tiny people than anything. Welcome to Toddlerland. I've always gotten on well enough with children, even though I've never been particularly inclined to play with them. This time goddamit, all I want to do is reach into the screen and pull a horde of toddlers out.

The manga is authored by Tokeino Hari since 2009 and recently, the anime adaption has started airing. I'm surprised it has taken nearly nine years for an anime adaption, but I'm glad it has! We never know what we're missing til it appears in front of us, don't we?

Gakuen Babysitters is a heartwarming blend of slice-of-life, comedy, and super duper ultra cute. The story revolves around a daycare for toddlers in Morinomiya Academy, most of them the children of teachers. The main characters (debatable, because the other toddlers are truly show-stealing in terms of cuteness) are Ryuuichi and Kotarou, his younger brother. Due to losing their parents in a tragic accident, they are taken in by the chairwoman of Morinomiya Academy. In exchange for food, lodging, and education, Ryuuichi begins to help out at the daycare, which was thus far managed singularly by Usaida Yoshihito.

The daycare also comprises of Taka (whose elder brother Hayato eventually starts to help out as well), twins Kazuma and Tazuma, Kirin, and infant Midori.

There are also several other characters including the parents who eventually appear in the manga who I'm looking forward to see in the anime!

Truth be told, I just really enjoy how fluffy and heartwarming Gakuen Babysitters is. If you're a fan of all things adorable, you will definitely love this.

Written by Nana

End of 2017, Beginning of 2018

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 / No Comments

Happy new year to one and all! Just a few hours before the clock struck midnight for 1st January, I was discussing with a few pals from university how we'd all rather stay at home than... meet up with people, or attend countdown parties. (We're just a bunch of introverts, honestly.) Well, I did attempt to catch the midnight fireworks a few years back but I had to get home before that since I still had a curfew. :(

Then again, I never went for one again and probably never will unless I'm at a gathering with close ones. Staying warm and safe at home sounds like a much better alternative (it has gotten a little chillier lately with the average temperature today around 25 degrees celsius o.o).

I'm also one of those people who don't really subscribe to the "new year, new slate" belief, but it's always fun - to wish everyone a happy new year and hope they generally have a good time ahead; seeing tons of new fanart for the new year etc! I find it quite a big occasion regardless since most people worldwide would be hyped up about it.

We start off this year with birthdays from some characters already! Here are 1st January babies that I know of -

Sawamura Daichi from Haikyuu!!

I haven't caught up on the manga since... (crickets chirping) maybe 2 years ago, when the manga was still on the shiratorizawa-karasuno arc. I do think he might already have graduated since the series started when he was a 3rd year in High School. Regardless, he'll be remembered as an excellent captain with his solid receives in-game. (There were a few jokes about the senpai graduation being the equivalent to an anime death but nah, he's not dead, he just deserves to be remembered.)

Kurosawa Dia from Love Live! Sunshine!!

Student Council President of Uranohoshi Girls' High, serious and meticulous in her duties. Also a third year (c'mon, that's enough "anime deaths" already!) - and though she's not high on my favourites list she's the dear sister of my third best girl in Aqours (Kurosawa Ruby!) and has her own unique charm as well!

LLSIF also released a New Years' Aqours set on 31st December - not sure why Dia-oneesan is not the featured UR since it's her birthday on New Year's, but this SSR (idolised) of hers is also really beautiful and a great way to celebrate the occasion as well! ^^

I am pretty sure there are others that share the same birthday, but they are all I remember for now ^^; Anyway!

The last week of 2017 was spent rather memorably, at least for me. There are at least two things:

1. I managed to finish Durarara!! (only the 2010 anime, though!) and was quite impressed by how the story developed throughout. I nearly wanted to drop it since it got kind of boring several times in the beginning (as warned by my friend) and Orihara Izaya was starting to annoy me but the later episodes motivated me to pick up the pace and see the plot to the end.

A few messages from the series popped up for me as well which served as a good wake up call... I can put them as my new years resolutions, I figure. Number 1, don't run away from my problems, number 2, have better communication with people... Man, this is not easy!

My interest in the series has been piqued though, and I might want to continue watching the rest of the series when I get the time to. For now this is my favourite character. He dislikes Izaya too.

2. Comiket 93

No, I was not physically there (I wish...) but I asked a proxy to help me queue up for some stuff I was really keen to get. The problem was that I contacted proxy-san too late and the items I wanted sold out before they could place my orders. :( I had to settle for a blanket preorder which costed me a whopping 140sgd but no regrets! I'd be able to wrap my husbando around me in no time :3

And no, the proxy did not go back for the 2nd and 3rd day so I may have to settle for searching around online for the things I wanted to get. (more crying)

Since now we're on this topic, let me introduce to you my new hyperfixation which is why I even paid attention to comiket this time round. I can't wait for the movie which was announced at the end of the anime!!

I had been eyeing this item...

I hope I get them soon even if those items put a dent in my wallet....

And on to the new year! I don't have much to add on other than hoping this year would be a better one than 2017... but that requires us to do our very best as well! I feel like I've lost a lot of what is important to me, and lost a lot of time to illness - but new year, new plan, and new strength! I will end off this post with a few new year greetings from my favourite Aqours cards.

あけましておめでとうございます！