Episodes Finished - Recognizing Good Anime

Count of Monte Cristo - Episode 1
Just finished the first episode of Count of Monte Cristo. Its set in the future and it starts out with Albert and the Count luring him in. It has crazy art work that keeps me simply entranced and I held my breath for so long a few times I was so tense. It looks like it will stick to the story line just fine :) That makes me happy that it can be new and original yet keep to the real story (or at least it seems it will.)

Shigurui: Death Frenzy - Episode 1
I don't quite understand it yet. I will have to watch the second episode. So far its very gory, like pretty gruesome, which I was looking for, but it was kind of boring, which I don't like. It was very calm and seemed almost political with how serious it was. I'll watch the second episode and get back to you but so far it seems that it is set in the Feudal Era of Japan and Japanese Sword Fighters compete to work for the lord, however instead of fighting with bamboo swords, the lord has decided that they should fight with real swords, causing many to lose their lives.

Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne - All
I've actually finished the entire series and I really loved it. There are a few parts that are VERY adult such as bloody scenes and sexual scenes. So if you're over 18 its great, but if you're not then uhm, you're probably not allowed to watch it. Either way the main character, Rin, is amazing. She is strong but believable and while she can be cold and touch she isn't mean. Just watch the first episode and I promise you'll be hooked.

Murder Princess - All
I've actually just re-watched the whole series, its only six or seven episodes, but still. Its a super great anime. There isn't any romance but its filled with action and its absolutely hilarious! The opening and ending theme are great, the opening theme is by BACK-ON a super popular band as far as anime openings go. Murder Princess starts out, explaining that there is a rebellion in a small, quiet kingdom. The princess,Alita, is forced to flee however things take a chaotic turn when she accidentally pushes herself and a fierce bounty hunter,Falis, off a cliff! The two switch bodies and, seeing Falis's strength, begs her to help save the kingdom in exchange for anything she wants! (Such an admirable princess) They finally come to an agreement and now not only is Falis -in Alita's body- supposed to end the coup-de-tat, but she has to continue to save the kingdom as it stabilizes.
This is just all around a great anime, because not only is it funny and filled with action but all of the characters are endearing and its next to impossible not to love them! :D

Gosick - All
I've, once again, finished this anime. Gosick is just good overall. It's not gory or bloody or anything and there aren't any inappropriate sex scenes or anything, but it is still amazing. Its actually pretty funny, very romantic in a sweet, young love sort of way, and it's best quality is how intriguing it is. In this anime Kujo, a Japanese exchange student, goes to a school in Sabre -a country next to France- right before World War II. Once there he is rather feared by most of the students because he seems to have some kind of "The Reaper Who Comes In The Spring" sort of a legend or ghost story on campus. There seems to be a lot of those surrounding this school due to it's rich history. Soon Kujo finds himself wrapped up with Victorique, another student who is labeled with a ghost story nickname, The Golden Fairy. Victorique is a small, adorable girl who resembles a doll only in appearance, her mind on the other hand is brilliant. She is an avid reader and is able to piece together mysteries that baffle everyone else, however she "locked up" in the school's huge library...and not by choice. That being said Victorique and Kujo go through the series solving mysteries and along the way getting closer and closer to the secrets behind Victorique.
Its really an interesting anime and if you like ghost stories or mysteries I promise you'll like this anime. :)


Recognizing Good Anime -
Finally if you've ever wondered how to tell if an anime is going to be good or not based on it's opening here is one easy simple rule for people who like anime with action and an intricate plot line.....watch the opening and look for a "naked" woman.
When I say naked, yes, a body suit counts. It doesn't necessarily have to show anything on her, but she has to be naked or in a body suit! XD

For some reason, I've noticed, that in most of the animes I've seen with the juiciest plot and the most shocking turns that all just draw me in and grab me...all have a second or two of a naked woman in the opening. :/ Maybe it's symbolism or maybe its just a strange coincidence, but for whatever the reason....when I see an opening, if I was questioning the anime, and I see a naked woman or a woman in a body suit I immediately know it's going to be good! XD
(I don't think this goes for romantic comedies, although Sailor Moon does transform in the opening, hence a body suit, but there is always and exception to the rule. Soooo yeah XD Naked woman in the opening = probably bloody, very interesting, plot twisting, anime. :) )