Lovely Complex: Episode 3

"A Guy You Like or a Guy From the Past?"

Quote(s): "Chocolate cake? I'd better have my stomach pills ready."

Disclaimer( I don't own any of the following pictures, there may be spoilers so read with caution, and I'm not an English teacher so forgive me if a comma is out of place.)

This episode starts off (where episode 2 ended) with some stranger attack-hugging Koizumi. He is then identified as Haruka Fukagawa.

Haruka Fukagawa: Koizumi's childhood freind. Admires Risa and looks up to her as his hero. Plans to be her future boyfriend. Dislikes Otani.

After recognizing Haruka they begin a little small talk.(Haruka obviously more enthusiastic than Risa-chan.) After standing there for a few minutes Otani says that he's going to take off.(so obviously jealous, we all fangirled a bit.)

In the next scene we see all of the gang on their way to what looks like a shrine? Koizumi prays fiercely, and might I add frighteningly, for a boyfriend this year.

On a side note let's all take a minute to admire how cute Otani looks in a hat.

Adorable... Yes, I know.

Back to the story.

Koizumi then sees Kanzaki-san and pushes Otani over to her, in hopes that Kanzaki wants to get back together with Otani. Kanzaki then makes the verbal assumption that Otani and Koizumi are dating. They both ferociously object and Koizumi promises to support Kanzaki in her attempt to get back together with Otani. That's right folks, you guessed it, Risa is totally jumping the gun. What a surprise.

Otani, being both embarrassed and aggravated by Risa, proceeds to strangle her with her own scarf. In the middle of the chaos Kanzaki-san confesses that the only reason she wanted to talk to Otani was to assure him that height had nothing to do with their break up. The guy she liked just happened to be tall, and when she looked at it, it seemed like she'd done something awful and she really wanted to clear that up.

(Still fangirling about the hat.)

The next day Nobu-chan and Chiharu-chan are looking for sweets to make for Valentine's Day. Nobu-chan suggests that Risa make Otani something. They talk about as they walk home and Otani says that he'll take Koizumi's chocolate (if she has no one to give it to) and specifies that he prefers chocolate cake.

The following day Haruka shows up saying that he'll be transferring to Maido High soon. Otani sarcastically asks Risa if he's her type and Risa chuckles and states that Haruka used to be a huge cry baby and that she was definitely not interested in him romantically. Otani suggests that they go to the store after school to search for more Umibouzu CDs. As they're leaving Haruka is by the entrance/exit waiting for Risa. He asks her if she wants to go get a cup of tea and she responds by saying she already has plans with Otani. Just as Otani is about to tell her that she can go with Haruka he exclaims:

He then proceeds to call Otani more names (midget, idiot, and uncool to name a few) and Otani yells, "I can't take it! This guy keeps getting on my nerves!" Risa then says, "Now, now. Take it easy, Otani." and that, my friends, is the first time he even realized that he was arguing with Otani. 

After realizing that this is the person Risa had plans with he then explains why she can't hang out with him.

                The next day Koizumi apologizes to Otani on behalf of Haruka. Otani tells her that because she is his hero that she should do something about it, adding that any man that needs a woman's protection is pathetic. Haruka then appears(out of nowhere)and says that it's more pathetic to be that short. He offers Risa a lunch box he made for her. Otani tells him that he can't just barge into other people's classrooms and Haruka responds by saying:

Trying to keep Otani calm she takes Haruka and runs. After she leaves some other classmates ask who Haruka was and Otani tells them that he's her childhood friend. They all comment on how pretty Risa is.

We then see Risa-chan, Nobu-chan, and Chiharu-chan, and a cake. Risa's cake to Otani to be exact. Risa wants to chicken out until she remembers how angry Otani was about Haruka. Nobu-chan and Chiharu-chan both think that Haruka likes Risa. Risa brushes it off saying that he just sees her as his her.

At school the next day Koizumi presents her chocolate to Otani only to have him say he doesn't want it and that she should give it to Haruka. Right as she's about to object everyone crowds in the hallway going on about Koizumi giving her chocolate to Otani. Otani takes this as an opportunity to insist she give it to Haruka. Pissed, Risa leaves. After giving the chocolate to Haruka she asks if he'll hang out with her a bit. At some point in the conversation Haruka states how uncool Otani is, again. Risa then begins listing some good qualities about Otani.

Side Note: Repeatedly stating what is "cool" and "uncool" is "uncool". In fact, the word "uncool" is "uncool". There is nothing wrong with being "uncool", but "cool" people and "uncool" people don't say "uncool." It is very "uncool".

As Risa was talking it was almost like she was talking to herself and I think that's where Haruka figured out that Risa liked Otani. He then says that he won't lose to Otani.(Spoiler Alert: yes, yes he will.)

The next day at school Otani apologizes to Risa. She smiles and says it was only obligation chocolate anyway. He smile and they both end up laughing.

The episode ends with Haruka opening the box of chocolate and seeing the word "OBLIGATION" on the cake.

 One of the best episodes because Haruka is hilarious, they finally show someone interested in Risa, and we get to see Risa realizing her feelings a little more. Also, Otani was so jealous in this episode. It was subtle but it was there.:)

(Sorry for the inconsistency, I'll try to work out a schedule.) 

Lovely Complex: Episode 2

"The Ex-Girlfriend Love Triangle"

Quote(s): "If an amazon like her gets swept up in any kind of flow, she'll probably clog the drain."

Disclaimer( I don't own any of the following pictures, there may be spoilers so read with caution, and I'm not an English teacher so forgive me if a comma is out of place.)

So in this episode of Lovely Complex we're really getting the ball rolling. We're starting to see that Koizumi is starting to see Otani in a whole new light. 

The episode starts off with Otani having some really crazy hair that reminds Koizumi of a sea urchin.

Otani claims that this hair will help him get a girlfriend (I highly doubt it, Otani-kun.) After Risa mocks his pitiful attempt in upping his cool points, Otani points out that her red lips aren't much of an advantage either. Well after that comment he might as well have kissed his new-do goodbye.

I really like this anime because I feel as though Otani really sees Koizumi as a friend. That might change later, but as of right now it's a strictly platonic relationship. Boys and girls can be friends, and by that I mean actual FRIENDS. Not friends with benefits, not fr-enemies, and not "friendsssssss." Friends, dammit.

Anyways, as they're walking home Chiharu-chan and Suzuki-kun are holding hands, while Nobu-chan is hanging on to Nakao-kun's arm. And poor Risa is walking behind them, boyfriend-less. Well, Otani-kun is there,but he's kinda short soooooo

Before they all go home they stop at a restaurant where Nakao-kun offers Otani Umibouzu concert tickets. Right as Otani was about to excitingly accept, Koizumi exclaims "Umibouzu?! Seriously? I'll go!" Otani then asks Koizumi if she was a fan of Umibouzu(because the "I'll go" thing was too subtle for him to tell.)and they both go on and on about their love for this guy. Nobu-chan then asks, after observing this common interest(along with everyone else at the table)why don't they date. Both Otani and Koizumi are shocked that she would even imagine something so disgusting and bizarre

The next day at school Risa shouts that she wants to be in love, Nobu-chan then goes back to her previous suggestion of dating Otani. She tells Risa that Otani is pretty popular, though Risa doesn't believe her. They then go to basketball practice where they see Otani's very impressive basketball skills and a group of girls fawning all over him.

Now seeing that Otani has the upperhand when it comes to their bet, Risa asks Nobu-chan to set up a "hook-up" party.

Now I know what you're thinking and no. Apparently, a "hook-up" party is a perfectly respectable thing to do and does not involve any actually "hooking up", or at least not in this case.

When Koizumi arrives at the hook-up party she is greatly disappointed because all of the guys look like animals. (a horse, monkey, bird, dog, and pig to be exact.) Let's just say the love she's hoping to find, won't be found there...

When Koizumi sees Nobu-chan and Chiharu-chan the next day at school she's sulking until Otani comes and gives her her ticket to the concert. She's excited until Otani point's out that the concert is on the 25th. Christmas Day. Lover's Day.

As they're walking home they both agree that no matter how lovey-dovey the atmosphere is, there is no way they'll fall in love. Just then they meet(or in Otani's case, re-meet, if that's a word.) Mayu Kanzaki.

 

Mayu Kanzaki: resembles Chiharu-chan, Otani's ex-girlfirend, dumped him for other guy.

That's about as much as you need to know for this part. The thing that strikes me as odd is that up until this point it's like Koizumi didn't know Otani had a first name. Like she was genuinely surprised that the name Atsushi belonged to him. I wonder if he knows she has a first name...

Anyways, later on in the episode we find out that Kanzaki-chan broke up with Otani for a guy who was much taller. Coincidence or not that didn't help Otani's height complex.
Kanzaki later invites Otani to a basketball banquet thing that is also on the same day as the concert that he's suppose to be attending with Risa.

Risa tells him to go and instead of buying him new shoes she'll treat him to a cup of tea. 

Risa informs her friends that due to the change in plans she'll now be attending the concert alone, and hopes to spend the time before the concert with them, but they have already made plans with their loves. (who saw that coming?)

So Risa ends up going to the concert alone and rather early I might add. She starts thinking about all her friends that are all coupled up and she begins to feel lonely.She also thinks about how Otani has probably gotten back together with his girlfriend and even he won't have time for her. 

Just then a guy "accidentally" pushes her down. Her stocking rips and her knee bleeds and she cries like a big baby until Otani shows up telling her that he made a promise to her first and that Kanzaki is just going to have to wait until next time. Then she begins to cry like an even BIGGER baby. They go to the pharmacy and grab a band-aid for Risa's knee before the concert starts and have a great time watching their favorite artist perform. 

 

As they're leaving a unidentified boy/man hugs Risa, clearly knowing her.

So I loveeeee this episode because it shows Otani in a more gentle light, not to mention it showing Risa liking him more. Otani has some great line in this episode that really touch your heart like "but if i said a thing like that, you'd punch me again, right Koizumi?" "Koizumi, what's wrong?" and other little sweet gestures like that. This is also the first time that you see Risa cry. And it's definitely not the last. 

Lovely Complex: Episode 1

"Freshman Year Summer! I'll Definitely Find a Boyfriend!"

Quote(s): "Sir, we don't allow shadow boxing in here!"; "Otani... you're sunk."

Disclaimer( I don't own any of the following pictures, they're may be spoilers so read with caution, and I'm not an English teacher so forgive me if a comma is out of place.)

Okay, so Lovely Complex is one of my top 5 favorite anime.(in case you're curious the other 4 are Fairy Tail, ToraDora, Itzura na Kiss, and Fruits Basket, in no particular order.)

Since this is the first episode I think it's only right to do a little character introduction. In this series the main characters are: 

Risa Koisumi: the main female character. Koizumi is a very tall girl, 

172cm to be exact, I think. Risa is a very strong character, which you will see more examples of later on in the series. She never backs down and will try her hardest to achieve what she wants. Though she doesn't often show her softer side, well in front of Otani and other males, she is very compassionate and loves deeply.

Atsushi Otani: the main male character. Otani is very short for a boy, 156cm, to be exact. Otani is seen as a rude, thoughtless character, but he is also kindhearted and a bit timid.(I personally love is personality.) Otani is very devoted to basketball, despite his height disadvantage, and hopes to be a teacher one day.

Ishihara Nobuko: Nobu-chan is one of Koizumi's best friends. She is fashionable, confident, and friendly. Having more knowledge about boys and love and all the things in between, Koizumi often goes to her for advice. She is madly in love with her boyfriend, Nakao-kun, who she often refers to as honey and darling and other little pet names.

Heikichi Nakao: Nakao-kun is Nobu-chan' boyfriend, and Otani's bestfriend. He loves Nobu-chan more than anything and when he's not busy with basketball he can most likely be found by her side, co-match making.

Chiharu Tanaka: Chiharu-chan is Koizumi's other best friend.She is very shy and afraid of most boys. She falls for Suzuki-kun and they begin dating shortly afterwards. Though she doesn't show it she has a strong side.She cares deeply for her friends.

Ryoji Suzuki: Suzuki-kun is very shy and doesn't speak much. Oblivious to Risa's feelings for him, he falls for Chiharu-chan and asks her out shortly afterwards, Though her appears standoffish, I assure you it's just his quiet demeanor.

So that concludes all the characters as of right now. Let's get back to the episode. The episode starts off with what looks like a school assembly. And Koizumi is snoring. One of the reasons I LOVE this anime is because it's hilarious and portrays the girl as a clumsy, awkward, emotional mess. Like most girls are. Anyways,it's suppose to be the last day of school, summer is about to begin, and guess what? Koizumi gets stuck in summer school. Her dream of finding a boyfriend over the summer has been ruined. And to make matters worse Otani is also attending summer school, and will be sitting right beside her. Is it just me or does it sound like Otani and Risa don't like each other? Like not even as friends? Back to Risa, it all seems like it was all going down hill until a cute, and might I add tall, boy named Ryoji Suzuki walks in. It was like love at first sight for Risa. Let me just take a time out and say that her friends Chiharu-chan, Nobu-chan, and Nobu-chan's boyfriend Nakao-kun are also attending summer school. What's the likelihood of a group of friends alllll having to attend summer school ? Very low, right? Well, here are the reasons why they're ALL in jail, I mean, school.

Risa = snoring during assembly

Otani = failed. (I love him anyways)

Nobu-chan = failed ?

Nokao-kun = failed ?

Chiharu-chan = passed but is attending to be with friends. (when you get friends like this, keep them.)

Suzuki-kun = was sick on the day of the test (there's not a make up day for things like this?)

So like I said, love at first sight. Otani, noticing Koizumi's sudden infatuation, proposes a deal. He'll befriend Suzuki try to match them up if Koizumi helps him win over Chiharu.(not to mention food, food always seals the deal.)

So the whole gang goes the the pool later that week.This is around the time you realize that Risa and Otani don't hate each others guts. They're actually really good friends... they just bicker a lot.

At this point, you're starting to think "hmm, is it just me or do Koizumi and Otani seem more compatible than Otani and Chiharu and Koizumi and Suzuki?" and if you're asking this question, my answer to you is duh, have you seen the cover?

As the pool day came to an end they all went there separate ways. Chiharu and Suzuki just so happened to live in the same area.(coincidence? I think not.) The next day at school Chiharu was going on about how nice Suzuki is and by then Koizumi was pretty sure that both her and Otani's ship was sunk. Chiharu then commented on Otani's height stating that he is really easy to talk to because he's so short that it's like talking to a girl. A comment which he over hears. As he's running away Koizumi goes after him and after knocking the self pity out him with a powerful punch to the face and some "unladylike" language(I'd just like to know who t'f determined what was appropriate language for women) she stomped off, pissed. As she grumbling to herself she faces the same rejection from Suzuki that Chiharu gave Otani, saying that he doesn't get nervous around her, like he does around most girls, because she's so tall she reminds him of a guy.

Understanding, now, how Otani felt she crouches down in defeat. Soon, Otani appears at her side returning the powerful blow she had given him(not because he like just likes to beat up on her, but for the same reason she punched him) and they both decide not to give up.

Well that is until they all attend a festival where Otani and Koizumi can see all too clearly that Chiharu and Suzuki really like each other. Shortly, after that realization Suzuki asks Chiharu out and she says okay.

At the very end of the episode Koizumi and Otani make a bet stating that whoever finds someone first wins. If Otani wins he wants new basketball shoes and if Koizumi wins she wants a new game.

If you haven't noticed I've already seen this anime. I've actually seen it quite a few times actually. I honestly love it. It'll take you on an emotional rollercoaster. At some points you'll hate Otani (I never did,but from comments I've seen you wouldn't be alone if you did.) And sometimes you'll ask yourself why the hell is Risa STILL crying? But I don't think you'll regret watching this. I hope you stay with me as I make long, unorganized, grammatically incorrect, sarcastic posts.(I'll have more opinions about the later episodes, as the story grows deeper.)

So,This Is What's Going Down.

Alright so I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to watch different anime, then give my opinions on each episode until the series are completed. Also, within each episode I'll probably find a quote I like and I'll make that the "quote of the episode" or whatever. It'll probably look something like:

Title: Anime(name of the episode) Ep. 17 "Title of that particular episode"

Quote: "Hi"

"So in this epsiode the girl and the guy totally ignored each other, but it's obvious they're so in love." Or something like that.

Sound good? Great. I think I'll start with Lovely Complex. (one of my faves.) 

See ya soon.

This Ugly Yet Beautiful World Trailer... I Hope.

Here's a link to the trailer I think I watched. Now that I think about it, nothing about this trailer says "kid friendly" butttttttt..... here ya go. This is my first time adding a link so I don't know what I'm doing. Bear with me.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU7XjGgw1JY

And so it began...

It all started about 2 or 3 years ago. I was on Netflix and saw the "Anime" category. Having heard of anime, but never watching it I was curious. To be honest, I was kinda scared to press play. For some reason watching it felt like something I was not suppose to be doing. You know what I mean, right? Like how people automatically think "hentai" when someone mentions "anime." (even though they have no idea what anime or hentai is.) Anyways, to kind of prep myself for anything that would be deemed inappropriate for a 12/13 year old, according to my mom, I watched the trailer. The first anime I chose to watch was "This Ugly Yet Beautiful World." The trailer seemed very promising. Romantic. Slightly comedic. Action. Mystery. Success, right? Like I said it's been awhile since I've seen it, so I don't really remember anything that happen. Two girls came to earth, they were found by two guys, and one of the guys ends up being like a demon? Idk. I'll rewatch it and get back to you on my opinions and rating. But yeah, that's how it began. I fell in love with anime and Japanese on that day.