Anime of the Week: Full Metal Panic

Full Metal Panic spreads itself thin as it covers comedy and action, but manages to entertain when it does fully commit to either. It is by no means your average mecha anime. A more comedic premise with an excellent story sets this anime apart from the more action orientated Gundam series. Laughing is unavoidable when the naïve Sousuke attempts to protect Chidori through any means possible, using guns, smoke grenades, and live explosions. However, when the laughs stop the amazing action sequences begin, they are always top notch.  Full Metal Panic!’s unique characters and relationships places it among of my favorite series in anime. It is definitely worth checking out. The action is on par with the other mecha anime and the comedy is a good precursor for the Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu spin-off.

Manga of the Week: Basilisk

Who doesn't love ninjas or samurais? Who doesn't love historical mangas or ones set in a different time period? They are so fascinating to read and you practically learn something new from the past (like traditions and beliefs) and feel like “hey it’s still here”. Who doesn't enjoy history, drama, romance and action all rolled up into one? I mean seriously. If you have haven’t read or watched Basilisk then you’re missing out in one of the best love stories EVER. The manga is based on the novel “The Kouga Ninja Scrolls” by Futaro Yamada in 1958. It’s very much like Romeo and Juliet but with awesome and epic fighting scenes – with ninjas! The story thrives from being realistic in how conflict, love and hatred interact. It’s a sad story for sure but it’ll make your heart pump faster than you think. I finished the entire series in just 2-3 days (anime and manga), that is the addictive power of the story. I highly recommend this heart-wrenching, adrenaline-rushing, tearjerker – and a very entertaining one too. I’m sure it will keep you company and keep you busy for a time since I’m pretty sure you’ll find it very hard to let it go and stop reading it (or watching).