MC Anime is for fans, with fans, and by fans of anime.
MC Anime Podcast
Evolution of Anime Medium
Season one Episode 6
Evolution of Anime as a medium is very interesting to hear and see positive origins as well. Imagine Disney inspiring first anime to WWII Propaganda to even anime on the internet. Explore these origins and more on this episode of MC Podcast.
https://soundcloud.com/maison-collawn/evolution-of-anime-medium
MC Anime Podcast
Demon Slayer Anime Discussion
Season 1 Episode 5
Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro and Nezuko to dispel a demon curse. As a result, journey is formed and quest to search for the cure. Come and join we discuss Demon Slayer Anime in Discussions means.
https://soundcloud.com/maison-collawn/demon-slayer-anime-discussion
MC Anime Podcast
Discrimination in Anime
Season 1 Episode 4
We are discussing the series subject concerning of discrimination in anime. It is using anime as a case study and lens to focus on the subject. The podcast of MC Anime does not tolerate the actions of any kind relation to discriminations and similar subjects. Anime focused are Naruto, Beaststars, Code Geass, and A Lull in the Sea.
S01 E03 – Yugioh Anime: Q&A
MC Anime Podcast
How well do you know your Yugioh? We will be getting Chemist, a supposedly Yugioh enthusiast, and test his knowledge regarding this subject. Watch as even he is dumbfounded by some of the questions and the realizations that come later. Come join the episode and as we discuss Yugioh Trivia and our joy playing it.
MC Anime Podcast
Understanding Worldbuilding in Anime
Stories are exciting and anime is one such example of the entertainment along with them. Understanding the idea of world building gives more depth and appeal to the fictional universe trying to be shown in the medium, Join as we discuss the process in which how worldbuilding is shown in shows like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Made in the Abyss.
MC Anime Podcast
One Piece and Devil Fruits Explained
Discussion about the One Piece anime and Devil Fruits. The three main types being Paramecia, Zoan, and Logia. Come tune in and hear unique perspective as these supernatural elements are heard and individually reviewed. Also, witness special expectations to fruits within the different categories.
Weapons in Bleach Anime
Weapons are a source of high power and serve the character in battle. Every character in entertainment fiction has a weapon of choice even if they do not; they are a weapon themselves or other people fighting for them. When a person is up in arms, they are more able to defend themselves and even take the offense. In Bleach, we have a diverse group of spirits and creatures represented in the anime. The main tools of a battle that Bleach uses for characters are Zanpakutō, Spirit Weapons, Dolls, and Bakkōtō.
A zanpakutō is a soul-cutter sword that shinigami use for their primary duties. When a Shinigami wields a Zanpakutō, they channel their spiritual pressure and practice Zanjutsu (swordsmanship). A shinigami's primary antagonist are hollows, and these soul-cutter swords purify the hollows. Zanpakutōs come in many styles; however, this is only true when soul reapers train and overcome the Asauchi status of the sword. Asauchi (a nameless zanpakutō) is the most basic form of any Zanpakutō and a shinigami has to train to hear the individual name of their zanpakutō. They undergo training and eventually the name appears when they manifest the Zanpakutō spirit. Through training, the reflection of the shinigami’s spirit is copied inside the Asauchi and as a result the spirit manifests. After finding the name, they train to reach Shikai and Bankai, which each form has a different name. A Zanpakutō manifests inside a shinigami's inner world and fights alongside their partner. Individual Zanpakutōs are entities by themselves and bear emotions similar to their owners. For example, Yumichika Ayasegawa calls his sword Fuji Kujaku while his actual name is Ruri'iro Kujaku, which has consequences for Yumichika's fighting capabilities. According to the Zanpakutō Rebellion opening, “Once a Shinigami learns his sword's name; they are able to communicate with one another and grow stronger together.” The stronger the bond, the more powerful a shinigami becomes and even, reaching a lieutenant or captain level. They train in fighting and the relationship between their swords.
Akin to a Zanpakutō, we have Qunicys and spirit weapons. Spirit Weapons are Reishi bound armaments for Qunicy to use. A Qunicy gathers the Reishi around them and forms a blue bow of sorts. These soul-based techniques can erase a hollow's presence while Shinigami purify them. The limit to Quincy's power is high spiritual pressure and stamina. The requirements for Quincy to draw out Reishi is an innate talent to their soul and a rich Reishi environment. These techniques have a long history spanning over 200 years and still traditionally represent a bow and arrow. Unlike Zanpakutōs, spirit weapons vary in shape and not always bow and arrow. The main types we see are Kojaku, Ginrei Kojaku, and Heilig Bogen (Sacred Bow). Kojaku is the basic form, and all Quincy is capable of manifesting it. Ginrei Kojaku is a Quincy Cross where Uryū Ishida recovered his power and can shoot over 1200 arrows. Heilig Bogen is a customizable bow for Quincy and varies from user to user. If the Thousand Years War Arc is any implication, there are many unnamed spirit weapons with other Quincy.
When you hear Quincy, you also hear Bounts and their Dolls. When a Bount fights, they summon dolls and use them in battle. The dolls reside in seals, and the command to release them has German origins.. Zeige Dich (which is the German phrase) means Show Yourself, and then the name is said soon after. The mechanics to summon a doll could be different from summoning on the first try to training and then calling upon the Doll’s name. Ran'Tao studied the Bounts and made an amulet used to bring forth the power of summoning. Later, Jin Kariya (who is the Bounts' leader) and Ugaki (Bounts' researcher of sorts) created a more accessible way in a doll ritual summoning ceremony. A doll's relationship and Bount are like master and obedient servants. The doll must follow the master, but if the master shows weakness, then the doll could turn on them. A doll’s seal is the Bount’s connection to the World of the Living and if it breaks then Bounts turn to ash. There are many examples of dolls, but the plot-driving ones in Bleach were the Bittos. Bittos are the dolls used for more soul consumption and required a living sacrifice for them to exist. The other types of dolls are automotion, equping, and fusing with the master as well.
Similar to the Bounts, the Bakkōtō consumes power as well. Bakkōtō is a rare weapon, which means Baku (Fused Tapir sword). Baku is a supernatural being in Japanese and is said to be dream-devouring. The devouring aspect is what the Bakkōtō does best, and it consumes a wielder's spiritual pressure. Bakkōtō is a parasite and feeds on anyone who can supply Reshi. However, the level of one's power is their natural willpower and strength. Those who process weak spiritual pressure are more likely to get eaten alive by the single-eye parasite. The parasites are ones who feed on the users which gives them power. In Bleach, the Bakkōtō are the illegal trade-secret of the Kasumiōji Clan, and Gyōkaku Kumoi's assassins (the evil-doers who protect the interests of the organization) use them. The creation of the Bakkōtō was to replace the Zanpakutō and be the new weapon for Soul Society.
It goes to show weapons are different, and Bleach has many depictions of weapons. Henceforth, individuality extends to the arms as well as the characters who wield them. The objects we see in battle situations are impressive, but the Fullbringers have weapons unique to them. The Fullbringers do not fit in a category for armament, but their object affinity is their weapon. Now, the objects that Fullbringers identify with something of high sentimental value to them. Furthermore, Bleach would continue to deliver on an action-packed plot, and these objects are ways to demonstrate the plot.
Special Humans in Bleach Anime
Contains Major Spoilers for Bleach
Bleach has lots of lore that is reflected in the many races. The audience is shown entire arcs, where particular races undergo quarrels, and declare war; Predominantly on Soul Society. The one race underestimated in Bleach is the Humans. Throughout Bleach, there are various cases where individual humans have high power levels. High spiritual pressures are equivalent to someone's magic, or power, in the given series. When humans have abnormal levels of energy in their souls, they tend to attract humankind's natural foe; The hollows. These unique humans range from high-specs humans, Substitute Soulreapers, Modified Souls, Quincies, Bounts, and Fullbringers.
Humans that do not have a specific role, are categorized as “high-specs”. There are a few characters in Bleach who divide themselves into common and rare types of high specs. The common types express mediumship and spirit awareness. Firstly, Karin Kurosaki has mediumship for sensing capabilities, and Ichigo exposes his energy reserve to her. On the other hand, we have the least requirement for high specs; Spiritual awareness. Tatsuki or Keigo are examples of this power that can see Pluse’s spirits, Shinigami, and hollows. The rarer kinds of these unique humans, possess other special abilities. Don Kanonji is a spiritual mentalist who has different ideas on how to get rid of spirits than those of Ichigo. He possesses enough power to release a ball of varying speeds that destroys weak hollows. Also, Orihime Inoue has powers that create shields, reverses previous conditions, and attacks with a projectile beam. According to Aizen, Orihime's power is “The Rejection of Events,” which can,“limit, reject, and negate any event directed at any target.” Most of the high specs in Karakura Town come about by Ichigo's Substitute Shinigami status.
A Substitute Shinigami could take the mantle of a soul reaper. However, the only difference is that the soul will remain human, and requires separation of the body and the spirit. We first saw Ichigo stabbed by Rukia's Zanpakutō and bestowed Shinigami's powers. The case with Rukia suffered power reduction and stayed in the World of the Living for too long. This extended trip attracted the attention of the Soul Society, and made them ask questions. The Soul Society's bylaws prohibit the grave taboo of giving a soul reapers power to a human. Now, the ordinances were mandatory, but there have been previous exceptions in the past. Furthermore, Soul Society allowed other Substitute Shinigami with a badge. The combat pass replaced Gokon Tekkō (forcibly removes one's soul from their body) and Soul Candy (a pellet that takes in lu of the body or Gigai with an artificial soul). Soul Society made a Shinigami badge for Ichigo, which allerted the Hollows on his whereabouts. Ichigo's reusable Soul Candy was Kon, a Modified Soul.
Kon was the first Modified Soul to appear in Bleach, and is considered a defective product in Urahara Shop. Urahara Shop was the place for supernatural beings seeking supplies in the Human World. Kon was special because Modified Souls were beings that represent the perfect soldier, and were in an unanimated body (dead bodies or stuff animals). Soul Society declared the Mod Souls project unethical, and ordered the termination of all Mod Souls. Other Mod Souls proved useful in the Bount Arc in the anime. The others were Ririn (illusion powers), Noba (teleportation abilities), and Kurōdo (shape-shifting and power mimicry techniques), where Kitsuke Urahara designed them. These characters were Bount Sensors that helped in many ways; Such as training for the Ichigo team. They were extraordinary humans; because, they needed actual bodies or Gigai (artificial vessels) to function correctly. Along with Mod Souls, we have Quincy type humans who differ significantly from Shinigami.
Quincy (Monks of Destruction) are human mediums with acute detection abilities on Hollows. They have a long history with Shinigami, and, as a result, cause conflict later. Quincy destroys hollows while Shinigami purifies the hollows, and the souls return. Hollows hold the souls they have eaten, and the original human who was hollow. As the name suggests, Monks of Destruction completely erase a hollow's existence, which interrupts the cycle of rebirth for spirits. This situation is one of the reasons why war raged against Shinigami and Quincy over 200 years ago in Bleach. Quincy also wears white clothing while it is standard for Shinigami to wear black.There is also a difference in weapons with the spirit weapon (Quincy) and a Zanpakutō (Shinigami). Their primary combat strategy is archery-based and long-distance attacks. They have other fighting capabilities like Hirenkyaku (high-speed), Blut (battle enhancement), and lots more. Reishi on the battlefield directly determines if a Qunicy can use their attacks. If there are no reishi, then the battle has little success. In the Bleach Anime, some individuals are similar to Quincy, the Bounts.
Bounts were similar to Quincy in the ability of reishi manipulation, and course hollows seeking high spiritual pressures. The Bounts are a race of artificially created humans who came about by accident. This accident made them who they are, and was the result of a massive explosion. The project was led by Ran'Tao and her team; Who experimented on themselves for the hope of eternal life. The meltdown of the Jōkaishō (the device powering the research) entered the population for rebirth. Soon after, Bounts started to show up in the human population, and were treated as outcasts. Bounts had the powers of soul absorption, immorality, Bount Seals, and space manipulation. Soul absorption and ever-lasting life were related to Bounts eating human souls; This created the legend of vampires. Bount seals have various implications like summoning a doll for battle, rituals, and opening a portal. A significant taboo in Bount culture is to never consume a live human's soul. Once they consume a live human soul, there is no going back. However, it leads to great power. This high power is known as empowerment and space manipulation. This guided the invasion of the Soul Society. Also, similar to Quincy, they interfered with the balance of souls and declared war to the enemies in the Bounts and Qunicy. Soul Society denied their existence, and the Bounts believed that their birthright was the Soul Society. After Bounts, we had Fullbringers; Whose powers were widespread and varied on the user.
Fullbringers are spiritually-aware humans who are born with their abilities. Fullbringers pride themselves with their given name of Fullbring to access object spirits close to them. In English, their name Fullbring meant “Full Manifestation Artist,” and that reflected the object for their power. They were Hollow Reiryoku beings, where the forces came from a hollow origin before birth. Like for example, Yasutora Sado's (Chad) parents had a hollow incident before his birth. Chad's abilities derived from his pride in the half-Mestizo lineage, and primarily manifested in his skin color. Chad was a Fullbringer, and the full limit for his skills was Brazo Izquierda del Diablo (Left Arm of the Devil). After he obtained Brazo Derecha de Gigante (Right Arm of the Giant), Fullbringer had to train and reach full status. Once they reach their most significant potential, they do not change anymore; However, they can keep training their bodies and strengthening to increase their endurance. There is power transference when a substitute shinigami like Ichigo and Ginjo. Ginjo steals Ichigo's Fullbringer abilities and uses his badge as a catalyst for taking them. Other facts that concerned Fullbringers were that Hueco Mundo could speed one's full power; They could still access Fullbringer in the afterlife and possessed different abilities (high speed and object affinity).
Dimensions in Bleach Anime
The mystical world of Bleach entangles its viewers in a quest to find the next supernatural journey. Other dimensions divide the audience between various side quests of the unknown. As a result, many tensions are sometimes created; At the mention of the otherworldly and paranormal. Dimensions can be defined as a plane of existence different from our own. Additionally, all dimensions have various features unfamiliar to newcomers in that particular astral plane. If a show like Bleach would use this plane of life, it usually has a metaphorical meaning and plot devices for viewer entertainment. In the anime Bleach, there are eight significant dimensions. These include The Human World, Soul Society, Soul King Palace, Schatten Bereich, Hueco Mundo, Hell, Dangai, and The Valley of Screams.
Humanity has always had an Earth in its realm. In Bleach, the human world is called The World of the Living. Most humans in Bleach are average, run of the mill, characters who usually have low spiritual pressures. However, there are some exceptions to this. A great example of this is seen within Ichigo's family, but humans are easy targets for Hollows. Hollows continuously invade the World of the Living for their usual dosage of human souls; Which are devoured for higher levels of power. The central place for this conflict is Karakura Town. Most of the time, it is the epicenter for Hollow activity. Keeping this in mind, humans are in danger at all times, and need a higher-order to protect them like the Soul Society.
The Soul Society is known for its protector role with humans and souls. They generally represent the peacekeepers of Bleach, and often administer their influence with soul reapers. Soul Reapers are the ones who uphold the laws/fundamental roles of The Soul Society. Cosmic balance is kept in order via the soul reapers, and human souls pass over to their afterlife. As a whole, Soul Society gets guidance from the Soul King; Who lives in The Palace of The Soul King. The Soul's Palace is completely separate from the Soul Society. It resides in a different realm, which The Oken ( a key exclusively obtainable by nobles in the Soul King's Palace) grants passage. Keep in mind that another dimension will appear in their capital, Seireitei. Said capital goes by the name Schatten Bereich; A hidden place within the Seireitei that acts as the Quincy stronghold. Next up we have Hueco Mundo, or a world where the infamous hollows reside.
Hueco Mundo translates to,”a hollow world” in Spanish, and lies between the Soul Society/Human Realm. We first see traces of Hueco Mundo in the pilot episode. Compared to other dimensions, Hueco Mundo has dark skies and white sand all around; Acting as a desert wasteland. It is so desolate that the tree-like structures are made of quartz, and reflect the underground Menos Forest. The Menos Forest consists of several low ranked hollows and even Menos Grandes; A collection of 100,000 hollows in one body which are as tall as a building and no intelligence. During the Hueco Mundo Arc, we see an area with more exploration and a more in-depth plot like Las Noches castle. If you want to enter or leave this place, then you need to open a Garganta; A black void of space that acts as a portal to pass through, and connects to other dimensions. When hollows die, they enter the cycle of rebirth in the Soul Society. However, a select few go to Hell for their sins as a human (not a Hollow).
According to Rukia, “If the spirit committed heinous crimes as a Human, they are sent through the Gates of Hell instead of Soul Society.” The first time that The Underworld is mentioned is by a hollow named Shrieker. Ichigo then slashes his hollow mask, and the Gates of Hell are opened. At this point, hell is not mentioned until Bleach: The Hell Verse movie. In Bleach: The Hell Verse, Ichigo has to go to Hell. When in Hell, Shuren kidnaps Yuzu, Ichigo's sister. As a result, the viewers are shown the 5 various levels of Hell. The inhabitants of this realm go by the name of Togabito (this word means Sinners). Togabitos usually remain in Hell, but, at certain times, particular circumstances occur. As a result, these individuals conceal themselves to avoid the Kushanāda. Kushanāda are the guardians of Hell and maintain social order. Whether it be guilty hollows, or Togabitos escapes, Hell is unusual; For, it predates the Human World, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo.
Furthermore, the Bleach universe has many realms which all contain unique characteristics/purpose in the story. Before I go, there are two other essential dimensions, The Dangai and Valley of Screams. These two dimensions reside in the Garganta and contain big plotlines. The Dangai acts as a corridor between the Human World and Soul Society. Later, it reveals Dangai Ichigo in extensive training for Aizen. The Valley of Screams, the major plot for Bleach: Memories of Nobody movie is, is similar to purgatory; Where lost souls reside. This world stems from the Dangai and later serves as an invasion option for the Soul King Palace.
Interspecies Reviewers Is This Anime Actually Good? Author: Zorez Shahzad
Interspecies Reviewers or Ishuuzoku Reviewers is an ecchi fantasy anime with a strong blend of comedy. Whilst this anime does have some pretty intense ecchi scenes, it is more geared towards making you laugh. Interspecies Reviewers also gives us a very nice cast of characters which blend in quite well with the quirky environment of the show. First of all, let us take a look at the plot of this anime.
Plot: Being set in a fantasy world, Interspecies Reviewers is filled to the brim with different creatures. They range from small and cute fairies to disgustingly gooey slimes. With such a diverse range of species available, the question in everyone’s mind is that, “Which race is the sexiest?”. This question has remained unanswered for a very long time, but now, thankfully, a group of brave men have risen and took it upon themselves to have a taste of every single species available. These men thoroughly assess every type of girl in their world and give them a final rating based on their sexiness. The brave souls don’t fear anything as they are willing to face any difficulty for their research. They are willing to go through the harshest of environments and even follow rumors, just to find the correct answers to their question. The plot of this anime seems pretty original and interesting. Now, let us take a look at some other aspects of this show.
Comedy: Just from the plot alone, we can tell that this show is going to be extremely funny. And Interspecies Reviewers does not disappoint. This show gives us humor in the most unexpected and quirky ways. The best thing about the comedic element of this anime is its over-the-top nature. Interspecies reviewers presents every scene in the most exaggerated manner possible, which just leaves all of us viewers speechless and adds to the over the top setting of the show. Another thing that I love about the comedic aspect of this show is the fact that it does not get repetitive. Every episode is a new experience, a new journey, and to add, it’s refreshing and funny. The comical aspect of the show is handled in a very beautiful manner. It improves the anime’s atmosphere and makes it even more entertaining.
Characters: Being a show about different species, Interspecies reviewers has a very diverse cast. They have different creatures all unique with their specific traits, adding to the main premise of the show, giving the audience a real sense of its diversity. However, only the main characters are given an actual realistic personality as they are the stars of the show. The side characters are just given a single trait which defines their whole existence, which is not a bad thing as it just makes the whole anime even funnier. It is very hard to give character development and personality to a character which only appears for a single episode, so, I totally understand what the show did with all the side characters. As for the main characters, however, they seem pretty realistic, and they stick to their role. These characters go through character development as well as their experience with each girl changes them in one way or another.
Animation: Interspecies Reviewers has decided to adopt a very goofy and colorful style of animation. And it totally suits the setting of this show! The animation style is a little more cartoonish as compared to other anime, and it really stands out. All the character designs are pretty intense as all the different species are represented in their own unique way.
Is Interspecies Reviewers Just Another Ecchi Anime? Definitely not!
Like I said at the start of this article, Interspecies Reviewers focuses less on the Ecchi and more on the comedy aspect. This show, in a way, is a parody of the whole world of hentai as it shows us a glimpse of what weirdness goes on in that world without being too blunt. It depicts the perfect setting of a fantasy world and in a way, represents our hopes and dreams. Our two main characters are a human and an elf, who are later on followed by an angel as well. These two main characters are willing to do anything for their research. They work very hard and are experts of their art. Their rating for every creature is very informational as they don’t just throw out random numbers. They carefully analyze each creature to give out the most honest reviews. Interspecies Reviewers might seem like just another Ecchi anime at first, but this anime is much more than that. It has all the elements of a good gag anime. And the anime’s execution of jokes makes this parody of the Ecchi genre stand out. All the facts about different creatures in this anime are actually real and well-researched. This anime does mess around within that department. And some of these aspects can even be traced back to our real life.
Final Thoughts Being as different and quirky as it is, Interspecies Reviewers is a much-needed addition to the list of Ecchi anime. Despite being depicted as an Ecchi parody, this anime can be enjoyed by a wide range of audience. This anime is very light-hearted and has a very diverse cast. It has something for everyone. That being said, this anime is still not meant for kids. It has a lot of nudity and adult jokes which are not suitable for a young audience. Having an original and unique plot and very nice comedic elements, Interspecies Reviewers is very entertaining and a must-watch for every anime fan. As for actual numbers, I’d like to give this anime a 7 out of a 10, and considering the fact that it is an Ecchi anime, that is a pretty good rating.
