Black ★ Rock Shooter

Even now that I finished it, it still doesn't make any sense. Not to take away from the quality of the anime, but the story is somewhat confusing and rushed. At first, it takes a while to get used to the action scenes, but once you do, the story goes  on from there. In other words, the action and the art do not stop the story at all. Black ★ Rock shooter is about a young middle school girl named Mato who lives a carefree life never hating anything or anyone. However, there are two world: the real world in which Mato lives in and the other world full of battling doubles of the real world. Black Rock Shooter happens to be Mato's double. I don't want to give away the story so I will stop there. It is an interesting story.

First I should talk about the art or the animations. It was fantastic. Amazing! I could not believe how incredible the animations were. Most of the battle scenes were shot in 3D giving the action a more realistic, dimensional approach or view. I loved the fighting scenes. It was just mind-boggling. The only downside, however, was the fact that it could be overwhelming at times especially for those not used to having that much 3D in one anime. Even the scenes where they are in their own reality seemed great. Overall, the animations were just perfect.

Now for the second part of my opinion. The story, as I said earlier, seems rushed which is what leads to it being confusing. Each episode (8) centers on Mato, but it also gives emphasis to the other characters. In other words, each episode centers on both Mato and one other character. I believe that they could have made the story flow smoothly if they were to add more episodes. All the important stuff that should have been elaborated on was kept out of the main storyline while the simple things were left on. The characters are interesting in their own right, for their unique personalities and decisions are crucial to the story. Mato's especially has you wondering about your own life.

Overall, I think the story could have gone a multiple of directions. I also strongly believe that their will be a second season mainly due to the many holes that need to be filled. I enjoyed this anime, but not to the point where I truly believed it was great. Being only 8 episodes, it is a good anime to watch to kill time. I wish that this anime received more publicity than it currently has. It's sole contributor to its fame is the figmas and OVA that received the fame beforehand. If you want to watch an anime with great animations, then I strongly suggest this one. Either way, do not really expect it to be great. It's good, but not amazing. I would give it a 7/10 mainly because of it's great animations. Hopefully the second season, if it happens, isn't as rushed.

Anime Expo or Any Other Convention Tips

This post is mostly for those who are attending Anime Expo for the first time this weekend, but these tips could probably be used by those who go to any other convention.

1. I recently came across a video on YouTube (mTANGproductions' channel) that explained an ingenious way to remember 3 important rules: the 6-2-1. They are necessary for con-goers. The 6 represents the 6 minimal hours of sleep one must get to last the whole day. You do not! want to sleep less because it will strain your brain and body trying to keep up with everything that is going on around you. Not fun. 2 is for the amount of times you should eat; however, try not to eat too much junk food especially cookies and chocolate, for those will knock you out with an upset stomach. Trust me, it is not a pleasant feeling. -__- Take some granola bars, Corn Nuts, peanuts, or any other small snack to keep you going with out having to keep feeling hungry. Don't worry, you'll forget about eating after spending the whole day at Anime Expo or any other convention. And finally, 1 is for the number of showers needed. It gets so hot in the summer, especially in Los Angeles. Being from Southern California, I am supposed to be used to the extreme levels of heat, but there comes a time when it is just unbearable. Inside the Exhibit Hall can be worse than the temperature outside because of the amount of people crowded inside trying to look or buy stuff. If you need to, just step away from the crowd and sit down at the tables provided for you at the sides. You don't want to be sweaty and overcome with heat exhaustion to the point where you pass out in the middle of the Exhibit Hall. Please take a shower. You'll smell really bad later. :/
2. A tip on those table and chairs on the sides, it seems as though those that happen to go to Anime Expo always crowd themselves around the main tables and chairs on the right. It comes to a point where you can't even find a seat. Because of this, the left side is practically empty or used up by less people. I recommend finding a seat on the left since you will find one. Also, don't be shy to ask those around you if you can sit down at their table even if you don't know them. Chances are they will let you have a seat granted you don't annoy them. ***Also, please don't sit in the middle of the Exhibit Hall. It can get very annoying having to walk around those that just sit in your way and they get super mad at you for stepping on their cosplay, but in fact it's their fault. Just saying...***
3. Take lots of water. And I MEAN TAKE A LOT OF WATER!!!!! I recommend at least taking a liter water bottle, but not a gallon since that cann be tiresome carrying it around with you. Also, take a Gatorade or Powerade to help you rehydrate since too much water can be bad for you. Also, it just helps to add variety and not get tired of drinking only water. 
4. Take comfortable clothing and shoes. Don't take any wild shoes or clothing unless it's for cosplay. Take some running/walking shoes since they are meant for long hours of use. I also recommend taking some shorts and a short sleeve shirt. Jeans can and will get hotter as the day progresses and will only wear you out. Also take a hat for those long, long, long, LONG lines to get your Badge/Pass since you will be out in the sun. You need something to cover yourself with. I wouldn't take an umbrella however.
5. Have a good breakfast before you go or arrive at the convention. 
6. Prepare for long hours of waiting if you plan on getting an autograph. It can get insane and hectic.
7. Try to get in line for a panel at least 30 minutes to an hour before it starts if you want good seats. 
8. If you just want to relax, I recommend going into one of the viewing rooms to just sit down and watch animes. Sometimes you might find one that you really like, but never heard of. 
9. Try not to go crazy on spending at the Exhibit Hall. Sometimes you can haggle the prices a little with vendors who aren't a part of those bigger companies like Funimation and Aniplex. I recommend trying to lower the prices on the later days like Sunday and Monday. The most common amounts that vendors lower are $2, $3, $5, or $10. Nothing more. Another good idea is trying to get two for one price like getting a poster as well as a button for the poster price.
10. Take something to entertain yourself with even if it's your iPod or mp3 player, manga, or video games. You will definitely need something to pass the time with. 
11. Try to at least know ahead of time what you will try to buy or really want from Anime Expo. Be it autographs, posters, Nendoroids, Figmas, wall scrolls, or anime, make a list of items you will be searching for. Check the cons' schedule online to see where all the vendors are or where each panel and event is taking place. You do not want to be rushing everything at the last minute before con is over. Also check the map so as to know how far everything is and how long it would take you to get there. 
12. If at all possible, eat outside of the Convention. Never buy food inside because it is all too costly. 
13. Try to buy a fan if you can or bring one from home. A portable one such as a battery powered one or paper fan. 
14. Arrive for your pass/badge at least 1 hour before the convention starts or opens. The earlier you arrive the better.
15. Try to take a backpack with you to carry all your stuff. A handbag is convenient, but it can get heavier if you buy more stuff. 
16. Remember that some of the stuff you find can be cheaper on the internet, but if you believe it's super special or cheaper there, go for it. ***Be careful with pirated and fake items. Check the item's packaging and clues to it being fake.***
17. And finally, HAVE FUN!!!!! It's a time to simply enjoy all things anime and manga. There will be many freebies so be sure to get those as soon as possible. If you find a con-exclusive or con-only item, buy it if you can and want to. It can be a super cool souvenir to take home since many of those will hardly ever be found on the internet for sale. Enjoy yourself and be super careful of those around you. If you see something malicious or anything or anyone that can cause harm, inform the nearest staff member or security. They will be wearing certain shirts to separate from the crowd.
18. Happy Times!!! : )