My next review is for Lucky Star.
Lucky Star is about a group of girls talking to each other.............That's it.
Oh and the universe might be a TV show, much like Pani Poni Dash.
I'm sorry for the lack of plot but you really can't give such an in-depth description for this series, it really is just about a group of girls talking which can be the show's strength and weakness at the same time.
In one sense the fact that Konata Izumi is an otaku is meant to represent us as the viewer in what is literally our vision of how we think and act in real life at school which on the other hand is lost on not just Western and non otaku viewers but males in general as you can count all the male characters on one hand and none of them really interact with the main characters except Minoru Shiraishi who is the worst anime character of all time, is he supposed to be funny? I don't get him?
To elaborate, the only audience this series is going to be understood by, are the Otaku and Japanese girls; that's not to say the series is bad, it's genuinely funny, works well as a dub and very few people would argue that Konata Izumi makes a better mascot for anime than Hatsune Miku does.
There's too much comedy for it to be a true Slice of Life which has a radically different structure and relies heavily on the audience being mature. Lucky Star also relies far too much on the audience being otaku and ready to understand anime references and Haruhi Suzumiya and doesn't really open itself up to newbies or rookie otaku.
Final Verdict: Lucky Star is either a love or hate series depending on your views on certain genres and how much anime you watch. I enjoyed it but there's a lot of people I know who don't.
This entry was inspired by KyraChan's little debate over which is better, Pokemon or Death Note, and I argued that Death Note doesn't warrant talking about these days while Pokemon is still a talking point today but thinking over my comments, I realized that Death Note isn't the only anime like that and many anime that were popular during their initial run are barely mentioned anymore, so what happened to the anime that were once popular staples of the industry? Lets have a run down.
1. Akira & Ghost in the Shell
Akira used to be the one series other than Dragonballz that people used to say was the best but these days it's content has been done better by better shows. Equally Ghost in the Shell is highly rated but has fizzled out of form for the last five years, it doesn't help that it's a source of inspiration for The Matrix who for an icon of Sci-Fi film making hasn't budged since the Trilogy ended in 2003.
2. Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, 90s Anime in General
Cowboy Bebop is highly rated as the greatest anime of all time and it's hard to argue that case unless your Japanese because in reality it didn't do as well back home as it did in America mainly because the content is more understandable to a Western Audience, but it hasn't done much not even warranting a mention these days. Trigun has a similar problem, in fact a good portion of 90s anime that's not set in Japan are not mentioned anymore.
3. Inuyasha
Inuyasha was once the most popular anime in the world way before Shonen Jump clawed back their crown but these days a good portion of young fans won't know what Inuyasha is or have only received it's legacy which isn't a pleasant one, but there's room on another entry on why that is another time.
4. Haruhi Suzumiya & Lucky Star
Remember when Haruhiism was a trend? Not these days, the trend plummeted as quickly as it came in and poor old Lucky Star is starting to be dragged into the same pit of oblivion.
5. Full Metal Alchemist
Has been permanently disowned by the fanbase because of Brotherhood which is obnoxious and very unfair.
6. Death Note & Code Geass
With nothing left to run on the series, the actual Death Note is not as shocking these days since Madoka Magica & Attack on Titan have been argued to be better shows. Code Geass hasn't had much mention in a while either.
7. Yu-Gi-Oh
The Abridged Series has labeled the franchise an absolute joke and has practically died a sudden death.
8. Other notable mentions
Negima has stepped out of the spotlight along with Harem Shows in general.
Slice of Life shows are not popular right now.
And while Shonen Jump still runs strong, the enthusiasm for it's top four shows is dropping.
Ghibli Films are still popular but are losing momentum and might find it difficult post Miyazaki.
Endangered
Gurren Lagann: Might be outclassed by it's owner's new show Kill-La-Kill.
Gundam: Providing it avoids becoming a toy anime it should survive.
Evangelion: Running out of ideas to flog without destroying it's credibility.
Fairy Tail: Since the threat of it being cancelled it's starting to lose momentum.
Sailor Moon: It might struggle against it's new rivals seeing as Madoka Magica has changed the playing field.
Tiger & Bunny: Considering how it ended, it's hard to continue from where it is.
Soul Eater: Hanging on for dear life.
Escaped
Black Butler: Gothic fashion is still in and is still a cosplay favorite.
Ouran Host Club: Is still popular surprisingly.
Berserk: Why? It's rubbish.
Higurashi: Not as much as the others but still holding better than most.
Rurouni Kenshin: Successful thanks to a good Live Action adaption.
Anyway you get my point, a lot of shows which were so high ranking back in their day are hardly mentioned anymore. It'll take a lot of time and effort to pin point why this has happened especially to some of the best shows of all time, but seeing as I've grabbed your attention it might be time to start reviewing some heavy hitters of the industry, so expect some big name titles in my next few reviews.
Having been an anime fan for many, many years I've picked up some great merchandise during that time and I'd like to share with you some of my favorites.
I can confirm that I own every item I will list in this top 10.
10. Gundam Wing Manga, Tokyopop release
The first manga I ever purchased and one of the first Tokyopop releases in the west, sits proudly next to the complete Rurouni Kenshin manga.
The release contained an omake strip featuring G Gundam & Gundam Wing.
9. Tenchi Muyo Mug
Sits proudly on my bedside table, full of an infinite amount of pens seeing as I write down most of my ideas rather than type them up on a computer, I've gone through 20 pens in the last two years.
8. Gurren Lagann Yoko Mousepad & Dai-Gurren Patch.
Complete with wrist support, a fun novelty item from my trip to Canada. The Dai-Gurren patch I proudly wear on the shoulder of my military coat. (I once wore it to a works presentation and had to describe it to the Managing Director during casual conversation, hilarious)
7. MARchen Awakens Romance Dorothy Keyring
Will always be on my car keys along with a Gurren Lagann Dai-Gurren crest keyring.
6. 1990 Mini Musha Gundam MKII Model
A Musha Gundam is this below
In basic terms it's a Gundam in Samurai Regalia, picked it up for £3 in a toy antiques shop. That's $4.60 in America, goes for a lot more in some places. Still had the free candy. 20 year old candy!
5. Evangelion Misato's Necklace
I also own Gray Fullbuster's Necklace but this one was more difficult to find.
4. Ranma 1/2 Gameboy Game
I've mentioned this before in a previous list. It was kinda like Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle or Flicky where you move items and avoid enemies and collect things to reach the goal.
3. Complete Set of Fairy Tail Zodiac Keys.
Complete with case that functions nicely as a box to keep all my watches and actual keys in.
2. Yu-Gi-Oh Sliffer the Sky Dragon Model
Sits proudly on top of my wardrobe, so big that it sometimes can't hold it's own weight, looks the most impressive among my other models but annoying to clean.
1. Lucky Star Chocolate Bread Money Tin
My favorite item has to be this one, I picked it up from a convention a few years ago and in basic terms it's Chocolate Bread in a can. Once finished it can be used as a money tin. It holds all my pennies and a small collection of foreign coins.
