Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Anime: Hai to Gensou no Grimgar (watch)

I know people say "Don't judge a book by its cover" but with anime, that's just your primary tool in choosing the which series you know you're attracted enough to stick to.

While I was looking over the directory of shows in KissAnime, I found myself bookmarking Hai to Gensou no Grimgar upon seeing the cover. I mean, look at that.

Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Based on a light novel by Ao Jumonji, the anime sets off with a bunch of youths waking up to a RPG-like world - complete with quests, monsters, guilds and taverns. If you like RPG, you definitely have to watch this one. 

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar is a 12-episode series that starts off pretty slow. Much to my surprise, it is unlike most action-adventure stories with its characters starting their journey as dirt-poor Volunteer Soldier trainees without any skills or guts to go all-out. Although most adventure characters start off as that, Grimgar actually shows how the heroes struggle without having any money to live and eat comfortably; as well as the realization that the monsters they have to kill are real, living creatures that don't actually want to die. Most of the anime's perspective comes from Haruhiro who is forced to step up for the group while trying his best to hold onto his honor or what he calls his "empathy". 

The art style reminds me of a lot of light novels, with paint and sketch-like images used in almost all the scenes - especially for landscapes. Grimgar's art is beautiful and I was very much inspired to sketch one of its frames.

Overall, I'd recommend watching this anime if you're looking to watch something short and meaningful. I think this anime actually makes its viewers think twice about wanting to live in an RPG-like world. Some cons to this, though, is that it's one of those great new anime concepts that's only been given 12 episodes and an OVA special. (Thanks a lot, Funimation.)

I wanted to see the characters grow more in the story and at some point, answer the mystery as to how and why they were put into Grimgar in the first place. If you're looking for something fast-paced and action-packed, then maybe this isn't the anime for you. But if you're really into story and character progression then you seriously have to try watching this one. 

Swear, Grimgar gets really good (and emotional) by episode three. I actually ended up wanting to play some RPG games after watching this (although I probably won't 'cause it might lead me to solitary confinement haha!).

I had this anime bookmarked for months and I have to say that I'm glad I finally watched it. I'm a crybaby so I cried a lot of times watching this, but the drama isn't that heavy yet somehow, it leaves a mark. If they were set in the real world, I'd definitely classify this as Slice of Life but overall,  I'd give Grimgar Season 1 + OVA (hopefully, they come up with a new season for this) a 7/10 rating.

Why I'm Starting A Blog

To be honest, I don't know.
But I do know a lot of things so I guess that's what I'll be posting here.

Here's the list of stuff I might post:

• Anime, Manga, & Film Suggestions

Kimi no Na Wa (Your Name)

directed by Makoto Shinkai

I've gotta say that this is "MY" film right now. It speaks to me beyond so many levels and Shinkai, Oh Makoto Shinka, you did it again! 

Kimi no Na Wa is a science-fiction film about a country girl from a rural area in Japan and a city boy from Tokyo who wake up one morning to find themselves living each other's lives, both believing they're only in a dream. Until, it happens again...

I am absolutely in love with this film. Like in all his other films, Shinkai's art style is brilliant topped with the unconventional MV-style editing in some portions of the film. You'll fall in love with the characters and eventually, you'll also be longing to know the name of that someone you once saw in your dreams.

If you don't believe me, check out the trailer! If you're not Japanese, like me, I suggest you watch it in KissAnime.to since the trailers in Youtube don't have proper subs yet. I swear you'll love this film like I do. 

• Daily Journal (some entries)

Ever since I was a child, I've developed the hobby of journaling my daily activities thanks to all the free journals we received as gifts being 90's kids. 

Oh, did I mention I bought a pomsky?

 Follow him on Instagram: @jakethepomsky

• Social Media Pointers

I entered the real world at a very young age. 0, as we all do in real life. But being part of the first generation to have computer as a class back in grade school, there was no doubt that I'd have some sort of affinity towards social media and the computer.

A graduate of Communication Arts, I took up the role as a Project Manager and Online Manager for an independent film as my second job after college. Later on, I was promoted as an Online Channel Manager.  

• #MillennialWoes

As a country girl, the city air in Manila was getting too stuffy for me after staying there for about four years (both for work and for college) so I left my one-bedroom condo in Quezon City and went back home to become who I am today - a bum. HAHA!

But don't fret. There are plenty of episodes in that summary that leads up to a happy - well, not ending. But let's just say that right at this very moment, I'm pretty happy. And don't worry about the daily grind, I'm not as much of a bum as I put myself out to be. Right now, I'm actually studying Japanese. (Self-studying though... 'cause I'm still poor.) 

• Lovely People I found in Social Media (and their Instagram feeds)

With my revived passion for Japanese culture, I've found a new dream! Along with it, I've been looking into some Instagram personalities that I follow - as well as the brands they promote and the other personalities involved. 

As of this day, October 11, 2016, I think I've been converted back into the pastel pink parade with the Kawaii culture bubbling into a low-key (not really since it's so loud and cute!!!!) rising society of fashion in the Philippines. 

Steffi Ziebert (@babygirl.zee)

Anyway, my Honorable Mention (and Valedictorian)  whom I've been following since the beginning of 2015 is Steffi Ziebert a.k.a @babygirl.zee. Her white, black and pink concept styles have been featured in various fashion magazines in Manila. Steffi is also a model and was hailed as an Instagram "It- Girl" by Status Magazine. Check her feed out! 

P.S. I saw her in Aracama back in my college days, I ended up fangirling in the side. *o*

  

• Music  

Sorry, but let me toot my own horn for my good taste in music. And, well, basically I'm open to a whole lot of genres from Hard EDM to Jazz to K-Pop to the Classics to Reggae and dude, yes, I've listed to Gothic Rock before. It awakened a monster in me. If you're feeling super chill (and thirsty), go listen to my Takeoff playlist on Spotify.

If I think of other stuff to post, I'll probably post it here. That's all for my first post I guess. yaaaay!
HAHAHA!