Ghost Hunt

"Ghost Hunt" is a 25 episode long anime that follows Mai Taniyama, a high school student and her adventures with the Shibuya Psychic Research Center.  For anyone who is interested in Ghosts or Ghost shows on TV this is the anime for you.

"Ghost Hunt" is an anime that goes case by case with no real underlying plot unless you include the romance between Mai and the head boss of Shibuya Psychic Research Center (SPR).  This anime includes a wide range of characters with strong personalities as well as overwhelming egos.  The main cast includes Mai, Kazuya Shibuya (owner of SPR), Lin Kojo (SPR assistant), Hosho Takigawa an Buddhist Monk, Ayako Matsuzaki a Shinto Priestess, John Brown a Catholic Priest, and Madoka Mori a famous media celebrity with paranormal senses.

This wide range of characters from different back grounds gives this particular anime a wide range of cultural with the of dealing with the paranormal however the characters in general have more similarities in personality traits that they would like to admit.  Characters are high strung which adds to the comedy within the show.  The plot line is none existent as each string of episodes is run as SPR takes on random cases of paranormal activity in Japan.  In short great show with funny moments, pretty darn creepy and the episodes get more intense and dangerous as the anime progresses.

Good:
-Characters rich with personality
-Slight love story
-Creepy topic that adds to the scare of the anime
-As the series goes on episodes get more dramatic and intense
-Nothing is left unexplained

Bad:
-The whole a girl screams in the distance and everyone freaks out gets old after a while
-No real plot to the whole anime in general besides the mild love story

Scully Rating: 8 out of 10
Watch this anime: http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/ghost-hunt-online 

  

Angel Beats

"Angel Beats" is a 13 episode long anime takes place at a High School that is actually acting as Purgatory for the students, were they learn to give up lingering attachments in order to go on to the afterlife or be reincarnated.  The story follows the main character a guy by the name of Otonashi who ends up at this high school with no memory of death or his life.

"Angel Beasts" is an anime that has a good amount of action scenes in it while at the same time remains cute, and intellectual.  Each character has a past of pain or sorrow that keeps them in purgatory and unable to pass on, it is these characters struggles to come to terms with their past lives that gives this story its depth, while the action and cuteness gives the story its candy coating.  The action scenes in this anime are action scenes however they are not heart-pounding they are a weird mix of comedy and violence.  This anime is as simple as it is a brain teaser, it touches on the subjects of the meaning of life and the desire to simply live.  In all a good anime with a health medium between intellectual and just plain cute.

Good:
-Action, but not very serious
-Comedy, the cute kind
-Intellectual conversations on the meaning of life that get you thinking

Bad:
-Some characters are just plain retarded and have no depth to them.
-Some conflict in the show seems rather childish and unnecessary, however is resolved later in the show.  

Scully Rating: 8 out of 10
Watch "Angel Beats" at:  http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/angel-beats-online   

   

Gun X Sword

"Gun X Sword" is a 26 episode long anime that takes place on the "Planet of Endless Illusions" were a man by the name of Van wanders the world looking for the man with a claw for a right hand who killed his wife.  Along the way Van is joined by others who are also linked to the man with the claw due to his other evil acts.

"Gun X Sword" is an anime were each episode is a random encounter along the journey of Van, not until half way through the series do the main characters begin to have a destination and a more defined goal.  After getting half way through the series the plot and story-line pick up the pace as the main characters battle with the man with the claw becomes more and more action packed.  One thing that this show does however that is very note worthy is that in most openings for anime you see all the characters that will appear in the show even before they appear, in "Gun X Sword" its opening shows the outlines of characters that will appear later in the show but just the outline.  This is great so that way when you meet characters in the show for the first time you don't know if they are going to be a main character or not.

"Gun X Sword" is full of action and a wide range of characters that go from bad-ass to completely weird and unnecessary.  Some characters you will like an other you can't wait till they are no longer apart of the show.  The ending episodes is were this anime really pulls itself together, the climactic ending will leave the audience on the edge of its seat until the very last episode.  In all not a bad anime, but one that take a little more time than necessary to grow on you.

Good:
-Wide array of personalities in entire series, no two characters are alike...beside the few sets twins that show up in the show.
-Large amount of climactic action scenes
-A climactic ending that keeps the audience engaged.

Bad:
-Beginning of the series was weak and not very attractive, took too long to hook the audience.
-First half of series not much for story-line just random encounters.

Scully Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Chrome Shelled Regios

"Chrome Shelled Regios" is a 24 episode long anime that takes place in the post-apocalyptic earth were mutated creatures called Contaminoids now rule the earths surface and humans are forced to live in large mobile cities called Regios.  The story of "Chrome Shelled Regios" follows a man by the name of Layfon Alseif who has a shady past and yet is one of the more powerful humans around.  Not wanting anything to do with the Military Arts Layfon finds himself forced into the 17th Platoon and begins battling for his survival as well as the survival of his new city.

"Chrome Shelled Regios" is an anime that is original in its story line, however it takes a few episodes for the viewer to get a gasp on just what the heck is going on and even then there are parts of this anime that keep reappearing in each episode and are never fully explained.  Lack of explanation in the area of terminology is one thing but characters that just randomly appear and have no name or explanation with them at all is another.  However this anime does have a good story line behind it and the episodes very rarely veer away from the main plot especially in the later episodes.  Their is plenty of none stop action, character background digging, and random female on female groping....why not!!  Despite the random holes in the story due to lack of explanation and the time it takes to get the terminology of the show down, this is a none stop action anime with plenty of comedy relief and a climactic ending that will keep the viewer engaged till the very end.

Good:
-Action scenes are great
-Female on Female groping...nice!!
-Episodes stick to the story-line.
-Mysterious pasts of main characters get revealed little by little keeping the audience engaged.
-Climactic ending that makes the audience beg for more.
-Plenty of comedy strategically placed and randomly placed.

Bad:
-Random clips that happen every episode that are like a movie reel and are never explained.
-Some minor characters that keep reappearing are never fully explained.
-Love triangles are cool in an anime but 4 girls liking the same guy.....really.
-Fully of wtf moments but are then just accepted.

Scully Rating: 8 out of 10

Watch "Chrome Shelled Regios" at: http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/chrome-shelled-regios-english-dubbed-online-free      

   

Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne

"Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne" is a 6 episode long anime were each episode is 45 min. long.  This anime takes place in Tokyo's Shinjuku district were the story follows a private investigator named Rin Asogi who just so happens to be an immortal being that just refuses to die.

This particular anime is one were each episode takes place within different time frames were the first episode will take place in the early 1990's the next in the late  90's then over the next few episodes you end up in the year 2055.  This makes it kind of hard to follow the story line but it makes sense since the main character is an immortal.  The anime is full of its own variation of personality whether it be the large amount of lesbian sex scenes or the amount of vodka the main characters indulge in at the beginning of each episode it is safe to say that this anime is one of a kind.  Needless to say nudity is one thing this anime has plenty of as well as good action scenes.  The anime does kind of take the whole immortality thing a little too far though when certain antagonist just plain refuses to die and in a sense does nothing but try to kill the immortal main character....talk about a waste of time.  In all this anime has great action scenes and plenty of nudity to keep a crowd but is a very hard anime to follow and greatly lacking in story line foundation.

Good:
-Great action scenes!!
-Nudity and plenty of it.
-The main character is one that the viewer will just enjoy watching.
-An awesome opening theme as well as closing theme.

Bad:
-Story line is very hard to follow and lacks in foundation.
-Each episode builds on top of the next leaving large holes in the story when 10 or more years take place between episodes.
-Rather annoying and slightly unexplained antagonists.

Scully Rating: 6.5 out of 10

      

Rooftop Storm

"Rooftop Storm" is a card from the "Innistrad" set.  "Rooftop Storm" is an enchantment for 6 mana that makes it so when you cast Zombie creature spells they cost 0 mana.  This an an amazing Enchantment for a Zombie theme deck, seeing as how the "Innistrad" set is Zombie heavy this card is ideal for this set as well as anyone who is running a Zombie deck.  In short this is a great card especially for blue-black, the only small fall back is that it costs 6 mana to play.    

Great for blue, blue-black, or Zombie decks....mainly Zombie decks.  

Good:

-Makes it so you can cast Zombie creatures for free!!!

-With other Zombie cards from "Innistrad" this card can be deadly for your opponent.  

Bad:

-6 mana is a little much for a casting cost.  

Scully Rating: 9.5 out of 10 

Liliana of the Veil

"Liliana of the Veil" is a card from the "Innistrad" set.  This version of Liliana is one that depends on the deck that she is placed in, unlike her previous version were she could basically stand alone and control the game if left unchecked, this version of Liliana relies on combos put together in the deck she is placed in.  

(+1) each player discards a card, ok a little twist on her previous ability of just having the opponent discard now you discard as well.  This ability can be very useful in an attempt to have you opponent lose his hand as well as for you to play cards to retrieve what you just discarded out of the graveyard.  (-2) target player sacrifices a creature, this ability can work both ways you can force your opponent to get rid of the only creature he or she has on the battlefield or you can sacrifice one of your own creatures to get a morbid black combo working.  (-6) Separate all permanents target player controls into two piles.  That player sacrifices all permanents in the pile of his or her choice.  A descent final ability that leaves you to decide what cards to place into what piles and can basically destroy your opponents ability to continue the game.  In all a good card but very dependent on combos.    

Good:

-A plainswalker that only cost 3 mana to play!!

- (-6) ability is pretty amazing simply for the fact the it includes all of your opponents permanents.  

- (-2) has the ability to be flexible and says target player instead of opponent.  

Bad:

-This plainswalker relies on the deck she is in and the combos you create, not a stand alone plainswalker.  

Scully Rating: 8.5 out of 10 

Highschool of the Dead (Season 1)

"Highschool of the Dead" Season 1 is a 12 episode long anime that redefines a true mans anime.  This story takes place at a High School in Japan following a group of students as a Zombie Apocalypse begins to unfold.  The anime follows this groups of students as they fight their way through the hoards of Zombies to find their families.

"Highschool of the Dead" is an anime that puts a strong emphasis on blood, guts, action, and an enormous amount of partial nudity!!!  If you don't notice the extremely large amount of up-skirt shots on all of the female characters in this series as well as the constantly bouncing boobs then you just plain are not watching this show.  Other than the obvious boobs, skirts, blood, and zombies the show has a fantastic assortment of characters with nothing but different personalities.  You wouldn't expect a zombie apocalypse anime to have much of a story line, however "Highschool of the Dead" manages to pull it off and keep the audience engaged in every single episode.  This anime also does a great job of simply sticking to the plot and not side tracking with random episodes about something that doesn't pertain to the plot.  In short his anime is every mans dream of the perfect anime!!

Good:
-Amazing action scenes
-More nudity and sexual referencing than you can believe
-A story line that sticks to the plot with every episode
-A colorful arrangement of characters that keep the anime both bad ass as well as funny

Bad:
-In all honesty nothing except the need for more episodes!!

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10


Watch "Highschool of the Dead" at: http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/highschool-dead-online

Samurai Champloo

Buy "Samurai Champloo" at **Amazon**

"Samurai Champloo" is a 26 episode long anime that takes place in Edo Japan.  However this particular anime is most noted for combining modern referencing into Edo like settings, also "Samurai Champloo" is well known for being one of the very few anime that use hip-hop in its soundtrack.  This anime starts out with random encounters that that develop into a partnership where the group sets out on a quest together hence the main plot.  The three main characters are Fuu, Mugen, and Jin who are on a quest to find a samurai who smells of sunflowers.

In all this series was heavily action packed and not short on laughs.  The episodes in this series are more like random events that happen on the groups journey rather than episodes that pertain to the plot.  Once you get more towards the last few episodes, mainly the last three, the plot really begins to unfold.  Each episode throughout the series however has its own feel to it, some episodes are just plain hilarious while other are very serious or very sad.  Not much consistency or constant vibe given off from this anime but it does however keep the audience at a lose as to what will happen next making it an interesting series.  The main characters in this series are very rich in personality as well as polar opposites in personality.  Fuu the helpless and clumsy girl leading the group, Mugen the rough cut bad ass who will pick a fight with anyone, and Jin the well mannered highly educated samurai who knows how to use a sword as well as his mind.  In all this anime was an action packed thriller/roller coaster ride that had its ups and downs, what really held this show together were the fight scenes, the show lacked depth.

Good:
-Action Packed
-Characters had rich personalities
-Combined an action packed anime with good balance of comedy
-Ending was one the audience could enjoy (Especially episodes 24-26)
-Soundtrack was original

Bad:
-Random assortment of episodes, no real plot following
-No essential vibe to series, each episode stood on its own
-Show started off fast and furious not very original

Scully Rating: 8.3 out of 10     

Bloodlord of Vaasgoth

"Bloodlord of Vaasgoth" is a card from the "M12" set.  "Bloodlord of Vaasgoth" is a 3/3 for 5 mana Vampire Warrior with the ability to pump up the rest of your Vampires.  This creature has Flying, as well as Bloodthirst 3 which gives him three +1/+1 counters if the turn you cast him damage was dealt to your opponent.  But the good thing about this card is that while this creature is on the battlefield every time you cast a Vampire  they also get Bloodthirst 3.  In all a good card to help make your Vampires stronger but not a consistent beneficiary, but has the potential with the proper combos.  

Great for Vampire decks.

Good:

-Has flying.

-Gives other Vampires creatures that are cast while he is on the battlefield Bloodthirst 3.  

-If cast at the right time it becomes a 6/6 instead of a 3/3.    

Bad:

-Costs 5 mana for a 3/3.  

-Requires you to cause damage to your opponent the turn you cast the other Vampires otherwise Bloodthirst 3 is useless.

-Only benefits Vampires. 

Scully Rating: 8 out of 10 

Jace's Archivist

"Jace's Archivist" is a card from the "M12" set.  "Jace's Archivist" is a 2/2 creature for 3 mana with a powerful ability.  Pay one blue mana and tap "Jace's Archivist" each player discards his or her hand, then draws cards equal to the greatest number of cards a player discarded this way.  With a deck built around making your opponent discarding his or her deck this card is a must have.  Taking "Jace's Archivist" and combining him with "Jace, Memory Adept" can prove to be an even more deadly combo for your opponent.  In all a good card, built for a specific purpose, making your opponent discard his or her deck.  

Great for blue, mil, and blue-black decks.  

Good:

-A low costing card that can repetitively make an opponent discard and redraw his or her hand

Bad:

-Also effects the player using "Jace's Archivist", a player must be careful when using this card because he or she can easily self-inflict defeat.  

Scully Rating: 9 out of 10

Jace, Memory Adept

"Jace, Memory Adept" is a card from the "M12" set.  "Jace, Memory Adept" is a plainswalker that is powerful for any mil deck.  Jace's (+1) ability allows his controller to draw a card and make an opposing player take one card off of the top of their library and put it into the graveyard.  This is an ok ability if you are trying to build up to his last ability and target a larger number of opponents, or trying to draw a card.  Jace's (0) ability allows him to take 10 cards off the top of a target players library and put them into the graveyard.  This is a great ability if you are playing against a single opponent.  Jace's (-7) ability allows his controller to make any number of players each draw twenty cards.  This is an amazing ability if you are facing off against a large number of opponents and are trying to mil their decks, however at the same time giving your opponents the ability to pick and choose what cards they want to keep.  Or in a blue-black deck make opponents draw twenty cards then discard their hands.  In all this new Jace is designed for both single opponent and multiple opponent game play.  

Great for blue, mil, blue-black, and control decks.      

Good:

-(0) ability is powerful in single opponent game play

-(-7) ability has great potential in single and multiple opponent game play

-(+1) ability is ok allows you to draw a card, but is a little weak

Bad:

-A 5 mana costing plainswalker, a little high compared to past versions of Jace.  

Scully Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Spirit Mantle

"Spirit Mantle" is a card from the "M12" set.  "Spirit Mantle" is a white enchantment for 2 mana that gives a creature +1/+1 and protection from creatures.  This enchantment makes it easy to get one of your big creatures to deal direct damage to your opponent without being blocked by your opponents creatures.  Only problem is that the enchanted creature is still open to spells and abilities not controlled by creatures.    

Great for white decks.

Good:

-Cheap costing enchantment

-Gives a creature protection form creatures 

Bad:

-Only protects against creatures 

Scully Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Personal Sanctuary

"Personal Sanctuary" is a card from the "M12" set.  "Personal Sanctuary" is a horrible rare from from "M12" set.  During YOUR turn prevent all damage that would be dealt to you.  Why the heck wold you play this card at all.  Opponents do most of there damage during their turns from creatures and spells so why prevent damage during your turn.  Yes it prevents instant's from being played during your turn that cause damage to you but....why would your opponent do that during your turn if this card is out.  In all this card is crap, some combos to use this card do exist but are hard to get off and not very consistent with the number of cards involved.  

Not good for any deck.

Good:

-Nothing

Bad:

-Prevents damage during your turn.......why????

Scully Rating: 0.5 out of 10

Grand Abolisher

"Grand Abolisher" is a card from the "M12" set.  "Grand Abolisher" is a 2/2 for 2 mana with the ability to prevent your opponent from casting spells, abilities from artifacts, creatures, or enchantments.  This is an amazing card for people playing against blue decks.  A creature that only cost 2 mana with the ability to prevent your opponent from doing anything during your turn.  

Great for any white deck.  

Good:

-A 2/2 for 2 mana with the ability to prevent your opponent from casting spells or using abilities artifacts, creatures, or enchantments during your turn.

Bad:

-A weak creature that is easy to get rid off.  

Scully Rating: 9.8

Gideon's Avenger

"Gideon's Avenger" is a card from the "M12" set.  "Gideon's Avenger" is a 3 mana costing 2/2, white human soldier creature with the ability to get bigger.  Whenever a creature an opponent controls becomes tapped, you put a +1/+1 counter on "Gideon's Avenger".  This ability is incredible for a little 2/2 human soldier, especially in a soldier deck or any white deck for that matter.  With the large amount of white cards that tap opposing creatures as well their are a large amount of good combos that can be made for white with this card.  Not a game winner but a definite problem for your opponents.   

Great for soldier, and most white decks.

Good:

-A 2/2 for 3 mana with the ability to get much stronger over time. 

Bad:

-Great build up card, but his ability depends on the opponents performing a certain task.

Scully Rating: 9.8 out of 10

Angelic Destiny

"Angelic Destiny" is a card from the "M12" set.  "Angelic Destiny" in a 4 mana costing enchantment that gives a creature +4/+4, flying, first strike, and makes it an Angel along with its other creature types.  But the best part about this particular card is the fact that when the creature dies this enchantment instead of going to the graveyard goes back to your hand to be used again.  A useful card for almost any white deck.

Great for any deck that runs white and angel decks.  

Good:

-Costs only 4 mana 

-Returns to your hand if creature dies

-Gives creature +4/+4, flying, first strike and an angel in addition to its other types 

Bad:

-Nothing

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10

Inkmoth Nexus

"Inkmoth Nexus" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This particular non-basic land can be extremely deadly if used correctly against an opponent.  This is a land that can tap for 1 colorless mana, it also has the ability to become a 1/1 flying creature with poison until the end of turn.  This is an amazing ability, many players underestimate a 1/1 flying creature with poison, but imagine being able to hit your opponent whenever the opportunity presents itself with a poison counter.  Not to mention if you are running a deck with proliferate in it you only need to do the damage once or twice to your opponent and you can proliferate for the win.  

Great for colorless, blue, black, proliferate, and poison decks.  

Good:

-Its a land that can tap for mana or become a 1/1 flying creature with poison 

-Enters the battlefield untapped, rare to see in a non-basic land  

Bad:

-Nothing 

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10

White Sun's Zenith

"White Sun's Zenith" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This is a card that can tip the balance late into a game.  For 3 white mana and X put X 2/2 white Cat creature tokens onto the battlefield, then shuffle this card into your library.  Not a bad card but for white, however a bit expensive which makes it very hard to play early on when playing straight white.  However late game with a good stock of mana this is a great card to tip the balance in your favor and go for the win with a bunch of 2/2 Cat creature tokens.  In all a good card but not very useful in regular everyday game play unless you have a way to pump a lot of mana out in a white deck.  This card has potential but needs a certain kind of deck to be of heavy significance.  

Great for white decks, or white Cat decks.

Good:

-A nice way to get a large amount of creatures out all at once

-It is an Instant spell  

-Goes back into your library after being used

Bad:

-A little too expensive for a regular white deck.

Scully Rating: 8 out of 10 

Victory's Herald

"Victory's Herald" is a card form the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This is a card that can potentially be a game winner.  Many people underestimate flying creatures, and it is with creatures like this that bring out the strategic value in flying.   A 4/4 for 6 mana that has flying and whenever this creature attacks all other attacking creatures gain flying and lifelink until the end of turn.  A great ability especially for a white weenie deck, this is also great was to overwhelm you opponents with damage and gain life at the same time.  However a 4/4 for 6 mana is a little expensive for starters, second a simple 4/4 with this ability is a high priority target for you opponent and easy to take out at only 4/4.  With this card equipment or enchantments to ensure she stays alive and does her job in almost a necessity.  In all a good card but a little expensive and a little weak but has great potential to be a win card.  

Great for white decks, or white weenie decks.

Good:

-When attacking gives all other attacking creatures flying and lifelink 

-Has flying 

Bad:

-Too expensive for a 4/4 

-Ability is only activated if creature is attacking putting the angel at risk, and as a 4/4 it is easier to take out

Scully Rating: 7 out of 10

Phyrexian Rebirth

"Phyrexian Rebirth" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This is one of the better "O crap" card to come out in a while for Magic the Gathering.  Basically for 6 mana you destroy all creatures on the battlefield and get a X/X creature were X is the number of creatures you just destroyed.  This card is great if you are in a tight spot were your opponent has more creatures than you, now you kill all of his creatures and yours and due to this cards effect you get a creature on the battlefield.  A little expensive but not bad at all considering the effects, it is the idea "O crap" card for white.

Great for white decks.

Good:
-Destroys all creatures on the battlefield and gives you one right after that to have one up on your opponent.

Bad:
-Nothing

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10

Hero of Bladehold

"Hero of Bladehold" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This is a 3/4 creature for 4 mana that every time she attacks puts two 1/1 soldiers onto the battlefield attacking with her and on top of that has the ability of battle cry giving all other attacking creatures +1/+0.  This is an amazing creature in the sense that when she attacks you get more creatures and a way to beef up your creatures.  The only problem with this card is that she is a 3/4 not a very high defense which means she is easy for an opponent to take out  through blockers or spells.  In all when playing this creature equipments or enchantments are highly recommended for this creature in order to get the most out of her during a game.  With a well built soldier deck however this creature will just plain be you greatest ally.  In all this card has amazing potential but requires the right deck.       

Great for white decks or soldiers based decks.  

Good:

-Has the ability of battle cry

-Make two 1/1 soldiers every time she attacks

-Soldiers attack along with her as soon as the hit the field 

Bad:

-Not a very powerful creature and her abilities only work when she is attacking making her an easy target as a 3/4

-Not a stand alone card, requires a well built deck in order to be really effective 

Scully Rating: 7.9 out of 10

Red Sun's Zenith

"Red Sun's Zenith" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This particular card is one that adds repetition and power to a red burn deck.  For 1 red mana and X mana this card deals X damage to a creature or player, if a creature dies due to this damage it is exiled from the game.  After this card has been used instead of going into your graveyard it gets shuffled back into your library.  A red burn spell that can deal damage to the target of your choice goes back into your library and has the potential to exile a creature, yes please!!  The only issue with this is that there needs to be a sufficient amount of mana on the battle field in order for this card to really be used effectively.

Great for red decks.  

Good:

-Can target either a creature or player

-Goes back into your deck after usage instead of into the graveyard so you can use the card again

-If a creature is sent to the graveyard due to this card killing it, the creature is exiled from the game instead.  

Bad:

-Damage amount dependent on the amount of mana available to you 

Scully Rating: 9.8 out of 10

Black Lagoon (Season 1)

"Black Lagoon" is a 12 Episode long anime that takes place in the seas of Southeast Asia.  A Japanese business man find himself taken hostage by pirates and ends up joining there crew in a twist of fate.  "Black Lagoon" follows these pirates as they work as a delivery company for various mafia groups.

"Black Lagoon" is one anime that just don't present itself the way it is described, it is an anime that involves a delivery company that by the feel of the show works more like a mercenary group from time to time.  When the word mafia is mentioned that is just an understatement, this entire show follows an ordinary mans journey into the world of crime and violence, while at the same time struggling to figure out just what kind of man he is.  "Black Lagoon" has none stop action that will just leave the viewer on the edge of there seat begging for more, and every episode is anything but boring.  The characters all have very likable and deep personalities that make the show hilarious and bad ass at the same time.  The different story arcs the show takes keeps testing the main characters personality an adaptation in his new environment, constantly making him wonder were he stand.  In all an amazing anime series that will leave the viewer begging for more.  

Good:
-Amazing characters that make the show funny and bad ass all at once
-Great action and adventure, never a dull moment
-A deeper psychological conflict that keeps going through out the show for the main character
-A large amount of laughs and jaw dropping moments
-Rare to find an anime with a great opening and ending theme songs
-This is only season 1 so the greatness is just not over yet

Bad:
-Nothing

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10   
Watch Black Lagoon at: http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/black-lagoon-english-dubbed-online-free

Galvanoth

"Galvanoth" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This particular card makes it very easy to run a red burn deck.  A 3/3 for 5 mana creature that at the beginning of your upkeep you may look at the top card of your library and if its and instant or sorcery cast it without paying its mana cost!!  The down side to this is that it does cost 5 mana to put out on the battlefield making it kind of hard to get this creature out early.  This is particularly hard especially in a pure red deck, however once it is out casting burn spells becomes possibly cheaper and easier.  In all a great card but as always in Magic it all depends on the draw.    

Great for red burn decks.

Good:

-Allows you to look at the top card of your library and if it is an instant or sorcery cast it for free if you choose.  

-Also a 3/3 creature if needed

Bad:

-Costs 5 mana to put onto the battlefield

Scully Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Thrun, the Last Troll

"Thrun, the Last Troll" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This particular card is just a pest for your opponents especially if you are facing someone who plays blue.  This creature can't be countered and cant be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control, and he has regenerate.  A 4/4 for 4 with regenerate can be very handy for green and the fact that opponents can't touch him, this truly is a creature that just can't die.  

Great for green decks and great for decks facing off against blue control decks in particular.  

Good:

-Can't be countered and opponents spells can't effect him.

-Has Regenerate 

-A 4/4 for 4 mana with all of those abilities...YES PLEASE 

Bad:

-He is a Legendary creature which means you can only have one on the battlefield, but you should only need one.  

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10

Praetor's Counsel

"Praetor's Counsel" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This particular card is just a jaw dropper in Magic the Gathering, for 8 mana you return all cards from your graveyard to your hand, after doing so exile this card from the game and you have no maximum hand size for the rest of the game.....wow.  In terms of late game play you have exhausted a large number of spells and creature and need a way to get back into the game and win then this card is your card.  Not very practical for regular game usage in most situations but an "O crap" card none the less.  

Great for green decks.

Good:

-Brings all cards from your graveyard back to your hand allowing you to play them again

-You have no maximum hand size for the rest of the game

Bad:

-Cost 8 mana to play, late game for green no problem but still a little expensive.  

Scully Rating: 8.25 out of 10

Green Sun's Zenith

"Green Sun's Zenith" is a card from the 'Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This particular card is one that is situation based.  If you find yourself in a battle with plenty of mana (if not your playing green wrong) and need a particular creature on the battlefield fast but haven't drawn it yet then this is your card.  For 1 green mana and X you search your library for a green creature that costs X or less and put that creature onto the battlefield and then "Green Sun's Zenith" gets shuffled back into your library.  Basically it is a reoccurring get creatures out of your deck card.  In all great for green decks that use other creatures to build off of one another.    

Great for green decks.

Good:

-Costs only 1 green mana and X to get any creature out of your deck

-Gets shuffled back into your library after usage 

Bad:

-Nothing

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10     

Vedalken Anatomist

"Vedalken Anatomist" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This card is one that is highly underestimated for blue, it is a 1/2 for 3 mana but with a highly valuable power.  Pay 3 mana tap the creature and put a -1/-1 counter on target creature, and you may tap or untap that creature.  So you get to put a -1/-1 counter on a target creature for 3 mana and with the amount of proliferate cards in blue you can easily kill those creatures no problem.  Even better during your opponents turn you can activate this ability and tap the target creature preventing it from attacking you, this is a perfect card for a control deck.  The only fall back is that paying 3 mana every turn can be costly especially in a straight blue deck, unless you have a lot of draw spells or scry card in the deck.  But even then it will take too many turns to build up.    

Great for blue control decks and proliferate decks.

Good:

-A low mana costing creature with a repeatable control ability of giving -1/-1 counters and taping or untaping creatures.

-With the proper blue deck this cards can easily control you opponents field with ease

Bad:

-Cost 3 mana to use this cards ability each turn, which over time hiders your ability to cast more spells during your turn.  

Scully Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Massacre Wurm

"Massacre Wurm" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This card if played at the right time during a game can be a one hit win or a sever punch in the face for the opposing player or players.  This is a 6/5 for 6 mana that when it comes into play creatures your opponents control get -2/-2 until the end of turn, on top of that when an opponents creature goes to the graveyard they lose 2 life.  If you are going up against a player who has a large number or even a few creatures that are 2/2 or weaker then this card is a one hit wonder for only 6 mana in black.  

Great for black decks or decks going against elf, wolf, soldier, or spawn decks.  

Good:

-Opponents creature get -2/-2 until end of turn when "Massacre Wurm" comes into play, great against large numbers of small opposing creatures. 

-When an opponents creature dies that player loses 2 life, amazing if you just killed off a large number of 2/2's or weaker with this creatures first ability.

Bad:

-In all honesty nothing.

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10  

Anime Opening of the Week

This weeks opening comes from the anime "Devil May Cry".  This particular opening is one that not only has a bad ass song in the opening but the animation that goes with it reflects the song.  In short a perfect fit with opening and anime.

Enjoy,

Scully 

Blightsteel Colossus

"Blightsteel Colossus" is a card from the "Mirrodin Besieged" set.  This is a 11/11 for 12 mana with trample and infect that is indestructible.....11/11 with trample and infect that is indestructible.  This card is just incredible the only draw back to such a powerful card is the fact that it costs 12 mana to put out, but add the fact that this is an artifact creature reducing its mana cost/paying it is no problem for a well constructed artifact deck.  Not to mention the fact that if this card does go into your graveyard it just pops back into your library.  The only threat this card has really is that of being exiled.  Great card but unless placed into a deck that can get it out early or produce the mana to pay its cost this card is a late game winner.       

Great for artifact or infect decks that can pay its cost.  

Good:

-An 11/11 with trample, infect, and indestructible...need I say more...

-If put in your graveyard goes back to your library  

-Colorless so it can go in an colored deck

Bad:

-Costs 12 mana to put out......it is just plain fair!!

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10

Casshern Sins

"Casshern Sins" is a 24 episode long anime that takes place in the future when robots and human beings exist however few humans remain.  A plague called the ruin is killing all life in the world both humans and robots and Cassern awakes in this world and is blamed for bringing the world to ruin, however he possesses no memory of doing so.

This anime in particular is far different from other series out there, for one it is largely about robots with humans hardly even being mentioned at all.  The main thing that struck me about this anime however is the lack of a solid plot, the show more so just follows the main character as he walks around aimlessly with almost no motive.  Half way through the series the show begins to decide that the main character should have a motive and the story picks up from there.  The entire show is based on the concept of life and death as well as the meaning of life or what it means to truly be alive.  The show is full of action, symbolism, and philosophy, but in all lacks a motive.  The only thing that really make this anime even worth mentioning is the fact that it talks about life and death philosophically and makes the viewer scratch his/her head and think.  

Good:
-Good action scenes
-Philosophy that gives the characters as well as the story meaning
-Makes the viewer think

Bad:
-No clear plot
-Episodes seemed to be more like random events
-Series didn't gain steam till after it was half way over and even then was not very clear on character motives

Scully Rating: 6.5 out of 10

   

 

AMV of the Week

This week AMV is for the anime "Devil May Cry" with the song "Chop Suey" by System of a Down.  This AMV stuck out to me because of the linking of high points in the music with high points in the animation.  All in all not a bad AMV.

Enjoy,

Scully

Anime opening of the Week

This weeks anime opening is the 2nd opening from the show "InuYasha".  This particular opening combines a song with sound effects that are placed throughout the song to go with what is going on in the animation.  You would think this would not work and it would ruin the song but surprisingly it work amazingly with this opening.

Enjoy,

Scully 

AMV of the Week

Been looking for a good AMV of Blood+ that captures the mood of the Anime but haven't really found anything amazing that isn't just plain corny.  This weeks AMV is for the anime "Blood+" with the song "Forsaken" by Disturbed and Korn.  This AMV is one that is just simply dark and brutal that shows the darker side of the anime "Blood+".  However keep in mind it is not all that "Blood+" is about.  This AMV is a good combination of mood of song and the actual events taking place in the video.  

Enjoy,

Scully

Anime opening of the Week

This weeks anime opening comes from the anime "Blood+", this particular opening is the third opening for this series.  I found this opening to be a good combination of tone of music with a type of art not normally seen in an anime opening.  

Enjoy,

Scully

Lux Cannon

"Lux Cannon" is a card from the "Scars of Mirrodin" set.  This card is just plain incredible, for 4 mana you get an artifact that for 3 charge counters destroys a target permanent, why not!!!  Combine this card with the ability of proliferate and you have one heck of a combo.  The best part about this card is the fact that you don't have to sacrifice "Lux Cannon" after destroying a target permanent, it is a continuous source of destruction.  Not to mention with all the artifact cards out there that help untap other artifacts or increase the number of charge counters on an artifact there are many ways to make "Lux Cannon" fast and deadly.    

Great for artifact decks and proliferate decks.  

Good:

-4 colorless mana to put on the battlefield making it great for any deck

-Ability to destroy target permanents 

-Can create its own charge counters 

Bad:

-A little slow to build up to 3 counters, but there are so many other cards out there that can get the counter number up to max in a turn its crazy.  Proliferate is an amazing ally to all cards with counters.

Scully Rating: 9 out of 10  

New Episode of DBZ Abridged is up!!

New Episode of DBZ Abridged has been posted on youtube!!!  For all you DBZ Abridged fans here is a link to the website.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TeamFourStar?blend=1&ob=5#p/a/u/0/TKl02m4lkJc

Enjoy,
Scully

Looking for a good laugh!!

If your looking for a good laugh check out this website....

http://nyan.cat/

Enjoy,
Scully

Shigurui

"Shigurui" is a 12 episode long anime that takes place at the beginning of the Edo era in Japan.  This particular anime follows two students of the Kogan style and there battle to see who will become the successor of the Kogan style.

This anime is dark and brutal!!  It can only be described as sadistic action combined with the amount of nudity a mild porno would use.  "Shigurui" is an anime that will disgust, frighten, and please the viewer all at different times.  This 12 episode long anime is also one that uses some deeper meanings in the themes behind certain episodes but these are some time overshadowed by the amount of weird/freaky stuff that happens within these episodes.  There is an underlying plot to this bloody story, however it becomes more clear in the later/middle episodes.  The very first episode is kind of confusing when trying to link it to the rest of the story however this piece will fall into place once the show gets going.  The ending of this series is also most unsatisfying, it is almost like the show was never completed at all.

Good:
-Action scenes were done well
-Plot developed and built upon itself
-Nudity....some times just plain unnecessary
-Characters had unique personalities

Bad:
-Weird and sadistic in violence and in character behavior
-What is going on in the show sometime is being explained while it is happening, kind of takes away from the scenes
-No real ending

Scully Rating: 6 out of 10
Watch "Shigurui at:
http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/shigurui-online

Venser, the Sojourner

"Venser, the Sojourner" is from the "Scars of Mirrodin"set.  This plainswalker in particular is on that can just plain hurt if his final level is reached.  His +2 ability is different, exiling a permanent you own for a turn...ok for +2 why not, his -1 is very handy if you have a lot of creatures out, they are all now unblockable.  His -8 however really tips the scale in regards to a control deck.  Whenever you cast a spell exile target permanent, yes please!!!  In all this card has potential but at the same time some major drawbacks, if used with the appropriate combos it can be good.     

Great for blue white control decks.  

Good:

- His -1 ability can be helpful 

- His -8 ability just make him

Bad:

-His +2 ability is a double edged sword, exile your permanent for a turn.

-Costs 5 mana: 3 colorless, one white and one blue.  Multi color cost makes it hard to put him in certain decks.  

Scully Rating: 7 out of 10 

Shrine of Burning Rage

"Shrine of Burning Rage" is a card from the "New Phyrexia" set.  This card is highly underestimated, for only 2 mana you can put this card onto the battlefield and let it build up.  At the beginning of your upkeep and whenever you cast a red spell you put a charge counter on it.  When you are ready pay 3 mana and sacrifice this shrine and you deal that much damage to target creature or player.  When playing a red burn deck this card is an amazing ally.  For 2 mana why not!!  

Great for red decks, especially red burn decks.

Good:

-Only cost 2 mana to put onto the battlefield

-Builds up over time, and build faster when you play red spells.

-Only costs 3 mana to set off

Bad:

-Subject to destroy artifact spells, but what artifact isn't!!!

Scully Rating: 10 out of 10  

AMV of the Week

This weeks AMV is a combination of the anime "Full Metal Panic" and the song "Edge of the Earth" by 30 Seconds to Mars.  This AMV is different from most AMV I have seen for "Full Metal Panic", were this one just gives off a vibe of pure adventure and on the edge action/excitement.

Enjoy,

Scully 

Anime Opening of the Week

This weeks anime opening is from the anime "Dragon Ball", I found this particular opening to be just plain old-school as well as catchy.  

Enjoy,

Scully

Norn's Annex

Norn's Annex is a card that is from the "New Phyrexia" set.  Norn's Annex is a card that can just simply keep an opponent from attacking you for a while and keep your plainswalkers safe at the same time.  

This is great if you are facing an opponent that uses a lot of small creatures to attack you, or if you are just simply looking for a way to deter an attack from your opponent.  If your opponent is playing white however this might be a little less effective but effective none the less.

Great for white decks or any deck as long as you are willing to pay 4 life to play it.     

Good:

-Causes your opponent to lose life and have to pay mana to attack you or your plainswalker per creature

-If you don't have the mana you can pay 4 life, which if you have a good white deck you should be gaining life anyways so 4 life is nothing. 

Bad:

-Costs 5 mana to play, thats a little cost heavy especially for white 

Scully Rating: 9 out of 10

Putrefax

"Putrefax" is a card from the 'Scars of Mirrodin" set.  This card is perfect for any infect deck, a 5/3 with haste, trample and infect.  Once your opponent is left open just drop a 5/3 and get half the poison counters you need on you opponent in one turn, even if he has a small creature to block you can kill it and still get poison counters on your opponent.  

Great for poison decks.

Good:

-a 5/3 with haste, trample and infect

Bad:

-Creature dies at the end of your turn.  

-Costs 5 mana a little expensive for a creature that only lasts one turn

Scully Rating: 7 out of 10

Liege of the Tangle

"Liege of the Tangle" is a card from the "Scars of Mirrodin" set.  This card is one that just plain destroys when it hits.  An 8/8 for 8 mana with trample and whenever this creature hits your opponents all of your lands become an 8/8 green elemental creature and are still lands.  With trample you are almost guaranteed to hit the opposing player.  

Amazing for any deck that uses green and produces large amounts of mana.

Good:

-an 8/8 with trample that turns your lands into more 8/8 creatures

-Trample, always good

Bad:

-Costs 8 mana to play, but for green that shouldn't be a problem

Scully Rating: 9.5 out 10