Love Hina is a romantic comedy series that you’ll surely grow to love. Though I first finished watching this series, I thought of reading it as well. And I wasn’t disappointed at all; both versions are just simply great.

The story plot revolves around a promised made by Keitaro 15 years ago on going to Todai to whom he has forgotten. Although at some point when the revelation on the promised girl was kept too long, it’s becoming a little too dragging. Same goes with Keitaro’s relation with Narusegawa, it keeps going on and off. But nevertheless, there wasn’t any dull moment with this series. You’ll find yourself laughing for every episode or even chapter. You got to love the characters mishaps and shenanigans. Plus, although Keitaro is actually perverted and lots of girls are falling for him, at least he can be quite faithful on his feelings for Naru.

I really enjoyed this series up to the end, so I think most of you will too! Not to mention, this will definitely not only suit the taste of girls but also to men since there are lots of anime chicks to drool for. Thus, I give this a grade of 9.5 over 10.

Rave or also known as the Groove Adventure Rave is written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima. Its animé version didn’t feature the whole story. So when I ended it, it felt kind of “hanging” since most of its twists weren’t even resolved. You can still find its continuation though, but only to its manga version.

Anyway its plot and adventure are actually nice. However, some episodes were somewhat blunt. And some action scenes weren’t that awesomely striking, or probably because I'm just tired of seeing sword fighting scenes. I think the characterization of Haru is kind of too naïve. I like Ellie’s cheerful character, but dislikes her stupidity as most animé babes portrayed. Nevertheless, this series is still worth to watch. For that I’ll give it a grade of 7 over 10. By the way, Hiro Mashima is currently working on his latest series, Fairy Tail. You ought to watch it, it's better improved and has more exciting scenes.

  Death note’s theme is quite similar to Elfen Lied, which is also dark in essence and even in visuals. In addition, it criticizes human’s nature of behaving badly. But compared to Elfen Lied, its conflict concerns mainly on humans and handled wittingly; while Elfen Lied has an involvement of a different race and handles quite morbid. Although true that Death note has an intervention of a God, but He’s merely restricted to just observing.

   Anyway what’s actually interesting in here is how two characters tried to corner up one another and figuring the identity of the one who handles the Death note. I could say the author is rather smart in constructing its plot. And I love how the main character plays both the protagonist and antagonist. It can really make you think and realize that humans can really be stupid and not worthy. Since in this series, criminals or anyone caught doing immoral acts were somehow sentenced to death by the main character. Come to think of it, this can be a good example for discipline someone. But of course, you can’t really put one’s justice to your own hand right. The experience on this series was also quite similar to Elfen Lied, less sad feeling though. When I finished it, it was actually okay. Anyway it was really a roller coaster ride from suspense, thrill, fun and more. For that I’ll give it 10 over 10.

 If there’s really an animé that has somewhat an impact to its audience, I guess this will be one of those. Although I haven’t really seen all of its episodes in its animé version, I’ve finished reading its manga. And it’s really great. I would highly recommend this. Anyway before I get into its story, I’ll start off with its visuals. As always, the drawing is nice although it may contain some nudity and gruesome scenes.

 For its storyline, it’s dark in essence and sort of gives off a heavy feeling after reading some chapters. Humans are actually portrayed more of a villain here due to their immoral deeds, greediness and the like. They mercilessly perform experiments on Diclonius, these are quite similar to ordinary human beings, yet different at the genetic level and notable due to physical abnormalities, particularly a pair of short horn-like protrusion. I’m actually lost for words on how to describe the experience of finishing this series; it really did mix my emotions. At times my pulse is racing for its suspense and twists, mainly because you’ll never know who’s going to die next. To keep this short, when I finished this series I actually felt somehow sad and/or heavy, and yet quite satisfied. Interestingly enough, it somehow made me feel more sympathetic towards to Diclonius’ side than humans. I’m can’t give it a definite grade so I’ll just give this a grade ranging from 9.5 to 10 over 10. You should give this a try, it has a unique and interesting plot.

 For this entry, I thought of posting my thoughts on Lucky Star. Honestly, I really haven’t finished the whole series yet. Even so, I think it wouldn’t really matter since it doesn’t really contain a concrete storyline. Its plot is basically anything and everything under the sun; which means, for every episode the characters would talk on random stuffs. Although most of its topics concern everyday or if not, most of the experiences of the people, it’s still just not catchy – for me though. Well, sure that some of their discussions are quite funny and most people can relate to, it can be boring at some point.

I’m not saying it’s a bad series, but it’s also not an amazing one. I guess to sum it up this is just a series where I would NOT get addicted to watching nor will I make sure to watch every episode. Though, I could still watch it just depending on my mood or if by chances I was able to catch its airtime and have nothing else to watch. So overall I’ll just give it a grade of 6 over 10, commendable for its drawing – it’s neat.

 Animé is no doubt growing popularity not only in audience but also to different forms of media. At present, animé series has penetrated various media formats which can be seen on TV, internet, prints and even to gaming softwares. Lots of popular games are sometimes adapted from these series, and vice versa. For an example, FF7 has both a movie and game version.

But what’s interesting enough is that these gaming softwares are not only produced for independent gaming consoles like Playstations, X-box and etc. There are also for online games, not to mention even in Facebook’s Ninja Saga. Despite that fact, there is still a difference in its game type. Since most of online games are only aligned to leveling up. In actual game consoles, it’s more of a role playing type of game. Hence, I prefer playing the latter because it consists more of a story.

  When I was little I used to write using my left hand. But my mom told me to practice writing using my right hand; thus I’m now more used to write or even draw using my right hand. Then later when I was in elementary, I heard that most artists are left-handed. So I felt disappointed, because I thought I might not become a good drawing artist. But that was already before, when I was still a kid. Even if I draw with my right hand, I could say that I still able to improve my skills in drawing so I guess there won’t be any much difference.

   Then just recently I came across with this article. I know that the brain has two different ways of thinking, which is the right (the visual) and the left brain (analytical). However, it says that hand dominance has no direct relation to brain dominance. Here’s an exact excerpt from the article, “No, hand dominance is not directly related to brain dominance. And, remember, just like you don't do everything with only the one hand, so your brain doesn't do everything with one side, although there is generally a preference. However, a significant number of artists have been and are left-handed, more than would be suggested by the one-in-ten occurence of left-handedness in the population. While those who are left handed do exhibit a greater propencity for right-brain dominance, being right handed does not preclude your right brain from dominanting.”

   So all I’m saying is whether you’re left-handed or right-handed, it doesn’t really matter nor does it limit your creative capabilities. It’s all up to you, and of course, your brain! To read more on the article, click here.

 Among the animé’s I’ve watched, K-on is one of the few which really caught my interest. For one, it surely has good soundtracks on it. Second, though the plot is quite simple, it’s still well thought of. And of course, this series is HILARIOUS, seriously! There’s no episode that I wasn’t laughing hard.

  The characters are well-drawn, although sometimes its drawing looks kind of messy. I think the characters look better in manga. Also, what I admire about this series is its drawing of instruments. It looks just the same as the real ones. Not to mention, at times it seems as if the series is already promoting actual brands of instruments. If I’m not mistaken, I heard that even the headphone used by Mio, a bass player and the composer in the series, was sold a hit in the market even if it costs a lot.

  I just notice though, this series doesn’t have any male characters in it much. So there won’t be a romance theme on it. But overall, I’ll give it a grade of 9.5 out of 10. I think the story ended too soon, since there hasn’t been much progress yet. But no worries, I heard there will be a second season soon to release, sometime in April in Japan I think.

 Because of latest computers and softwares, 3D graphics are becoming more popular and easier to produce. But still, I wouldn’t really want to totally obliterate series that are in 2D. The feeling of watching a full 3D animation is still quite different as compared to watching 2D. If I would have to choose one between the two, it’s kind of hard because I enjoy both. I guess it would really depend on how it’s done.

  Usually on Japanese anime series, I would prefer to watch it on 2D, like the characters and etc, but with 3D graphics as part of its visual effects only. Because stories that are in 3D animation usually looks cartoonish and some point, try to look as realistically as possible. If that’s the case, then the animé look on the characters would disappear; and that’s what I’m trying to prevent. The only 3D animation that really amazed me due to its appearance of animé look and at the same time realistic was Final Fantasy VII. It was just plain amazing with Cloud looking strong and handsome while Tifa looks almost like a real girl – not to mention, a pretty chick!

 Drawing is not simply producing an outline of a picture of object. It will be better if there’s an element of shading to give texture and movement to your drawing. And eventually bring life to them.

 Linear shading and crosshatching shading is the most common technique used for shading in traditional form. But with the advent of computer softwares, shading has become easier especially in colors. Previously I have posted a basic tutorial on digital coloring using Photoshop. This time, you could experiment more on your Photoshop skills to enhance your artworks.

Here’s a link to a basic color shading that you can use in Photoshop. http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/329518