Gaara’s tattoo

Ever wonder what Gaara’s tattoo means? Despite his attitude growing up, the tattoo on his forehead reads “Love”. Although he hasn't always embodied this state of mind, as a toddler Gaara was a very kind & lovable boy; it was hard for him to keep these qualities due to forthcoming experiences. Finally having mastered the hatred in his heart, Gaara has tons of love to give: he’s a respectable leader who’s paid his dues. Sort of a strange birthmark though, isn’t it? And so is this next one.

Gaara’s eyes

The question everybody’s always wondered: does Gaara wear eyeliner? Some say no, that they’re just bags due to his lack of sleep caused by the Shukaku back in part one of Naruto—if he were to sleep, he’d somehow get possessed by the one tail. Even though he had clearly stated that he didn't sleep for this reason, the notion of his bags makes no sense to me because bags only appear under the eyes. He also doesn't have Shukaku in him anymore, so it would make no sense to still have these marks. In truth, Kishimoto designed Gaara to look similar to the Tanuki, the Japanese raccoon dog, which would also explain why he carries a gourd. The one tails also has dark rings around his eyes that travel down his face, so it could be because he was born with the shukaku inside him that he has those features. I also have my own personal take on this matter: in Ancient Egypt, kohl was worn around the eyes as a means to prevent sand from entering them. Being that Gaara is of the Sand village, wouldn't it make sense for him to have those dark circles around his eyes? Is it a coincidence? Probably not.

Kurenai’s eyes

I’ve mentioned before that Kurenai’s eyes seem like they may be a kekkei genkai of some sort. It’s obvious at this point she’ll never get any form of character development, or even a backstory on her. All we know is that her father had the same eyes. So, does Kurenai have doujutsu? The answer is no. They’re simply red eyes. She’s a bore, isn't she?

Seven Ninja Swordsmen’s teeth

It becomes clear to us over time, as we encounter all the ninja swordsmen of the mist, that they all have one thing in common, aside from their destinies as swordsmen of the mist: they all have shark teeth. So, what’s the big idea? Is it a sign that from birth they were meant to wield one of the seven legendary swords of their village? Maybe, but most likely not, especially considering Kakashi took his good pal Zabuza’s sword as a token of war (look at him handling that toy like it’s nothing ♥_♥) Their shark teeth are a stylistic choice from Kishi that only add edge to their reputation as assassins, and demon-like personas!

Naruto’s whiskers

Naruto was born with three stripes on each cheek that resemble whiskers. I guess we could say that these are actual whiskers in a sense, but they’re more like birthmarks. Just like Gaara, these are markings made by his tailed beast, the Kyuubi, who happens to be a fox. Naruto’s tattoos actually grow in thickness and length the more he transforms into kyuubi form.

Is there anything about the characters or environments in Naruto that's gotten you puzzled? Like, aside from Kakashi’s mask?

Hi Elites!

Are you having fun going shopping and taking late night baths with your Dolls? Laughing it up with Hachiken and Tomoko? Get ready to leave the excess of Slice-Of-Life and Shoujo behind when Fall rolls around, because we'll be bombarded with a lot of action, adventure, and some sports anime! As you may know, I love action anime, and I've been following news for certain titles for a while. I highlighted my most anticipated ones with a heart. So, here's a sneak peak at next season's lineup. I included their categories too, so take your pick.

Log Horizon

Categories: Shounen, Action, Romance
PV: 1
Description: Similar to SAO, 30,000 Japanese gamers have been trapped in a fantasy game known as Elder Tale. Shiroe, the protagonist, attempts to survive, along with his friend Naotsugu and an assassin called Akatsuki. This animation is produced by NHK, who brought us Card Captor Sakura, Tsubasa, and Phi Brain.

Ace of Diamond

Categories: Shounen, Sports, Comedy

Description: Production I.G. & Madhouse have collaborated to produce an anime adaptation of Ace of Diamond: the story follows Eijun Sawamura, a baseball pitcher who joins an elite school with an impressive catcher named Kazuya Miyuki. Through hard work and determination, their baseball team aim to go to Japan’s Koshien championships!

♥ Yozakura Quartet: Hana no Uta

Categories: Shounen, Action, Comedy

PV: 1, 2

Description: This is an alternate retelling of Yozakura Quartet. A group of four distinctive teens, each uniquely gifted with special powers, are known as the Hiizumi Life Counseling Office. They're the ones who maintain the peace in their city; a town where humans and demons co-exist.

I’m looking forward to this anime the most.

Pupa

Categories: Shounen, Horror, Fantasy, Psychological, Sci-Fi

Description: This thriller is brought to us by Studio DEEN, producers of Read or Die OVA, Urusei Yatsura, and Ranma 1/2 (and yaoi Junjo Romantica!). Known as the "life-and-death sibling" story or “the ultimate love of the brother and sister”, the tale follows Yume Hasegawa, whom after having seen a red butterfly, undergoes a metamorphosis where she transforms into a man-eating monster. Her brother Utsutsu, who has the power of rapid cell regeneration, feeds her his body.

Yowamushi Pedal

Categories: Shounen, Sports, Comedy, Drama

PV: 1

Description: Produced by Toho (Akira, Another), racing cyclists Naruko and Shunsuke are freshmen who eventually cross paths with anime otaku Sakamichi. Sakamichi likes riding his bulky bike everywhere from Akihabara, to trips to the grocery store. Can both Naruko and Shunsuke convince this otaku, who has other plans to restore his school's disbanded anime club, to join the bicycle racing club? 

♥Kill La Kill

Categories: Shounen, Action, High School

PV: 1

Description: The story centers around the relationship between two fierce girls: student council president Satsuki Kiryūin & transfer student Ryūko Matoi. The two become rivals when Ryūko causes mayhem around the school campus with her Basami sword. Renown director Hiroyuki Imaishi (Gurren Lagann), brings us this new production from his somewhat-new-baby studio Trigger!

I heard about this project a few months ago, and I've been waiting patiently for it. I'm hoping we'll have the chance to watch it on Crunchyroll. In the mean time, check out the official character designs!

Miss Monochrome

Categories: Slice-of-Life, Music

PV: Miss Monochrome's amazing performance!

Description: Miss Monochrome, a creation by seiyuu/singer Yui Horie, is originally a 3D character whom Yui used to sing her songs during her tour “Horie Yui o Meguru Bōken III ~Secret Mission Tour~” in March 2012. Yoshiaki Iwasaki, director of Love Hina, is directing this anime. Miss Monochrome already has a line of character goods produced and appeared in smartphone social network game “Girlfriend Beta”. She hates color, and dreams of changing the world into monochrome. Her concert performance is very much worth the watch.

Gundam Build Fighters

Categories: Mecha, Sci-Fi

PV: 1

Description: Sunrise, who happens to be behind the Gundam franchise, has a new Gundam story which will show on TV Tokyo: Sei Iori is a middle school student who helps his father build GunPla, plastic Gundam models used to battle in pop GunPla competitions. However, he is inexperienced in battling himself, and one day meets Reiji, a very skilled Gundam fighter. They set out for the GunPla World Championships together.

I mentioned a while ago through twitter that I took a great disliking to the character designs. Look at it ; it almost looks like Gundam is going down the same hill as Yu-Gi-Oh and Beyblade have these days.

♥Strike The Blood

Categories: Shounen, Action, Supernatural

PV: 1

Description: The strongest legendary vampire known as The Fourth Primogenitor, has appeared in Japan. In order to eventually eliminate him, a government-owned organization sends a magician, known as a sword shaman, to spy on him. However, the one chosen to spy is an apprentice shaman, Yukina Himegari, who wields the strongest anti-primogenitor spear. Yukina is about to learn the true identity of the primogenitor, whose name is Kojou Akatsuki. Silver Link, who's partly behind the production of Watamote, is also producing this animation.

Unbreakable Machine-Doll

Categories: Seinen, Ecchi, Action

PV: 1

Description: In the early 20th century, scientists have developed a sophisticated form of magic known as Makinot: sorcery originally developed to be used as a military weapon. Now, it's gained popularity around the world. Raishin Akabane, a student at Royal Academy, along with his puppet girl sidekick Yaya, strives to not only be the best of his class, but the best in the world.

BlazBlue: Alter Memory

Categories: Action, Fantasy

PV: 1

Description: Hoods Entertainment, the company behind Fantasista Doll, produced an anime adaptation of the game franchise of the same name (out now for PS3 & PSVita): during the New Year street celebration, word quickly spreads about the arrival of Ragna The Bloodedge in the city of Kamagutsuchi. Ragna is an SS-class rebel with the highest bounty on his head. His goal is to destroy the system that control the world. A varied group of highly skilled fighters set out to collect the bounty.

Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai!

Categories: Seinen, Ecchi, Sports, Action

PV: 1

Description: For the  ecchi lover. Sakura Hagiwara and Erena Miyazawa are the leading ladies of a pop idol group. One day, during the production of a TV show, Erena gets attacked by a female pro-wrestler known as Rio Kazama. Sakura gets upset and dropkicks Rio. Sakura then enters the world of female pro-wrestling in order to avenge Erena (whom she already avenged by a dropkick?).

♥Coppelion

Categories: Seinen, Action, Sci-Fi

PV: 1

Description: In 2016, Tokyo is struck by a nuclear disaster. 20 years later, 3 girls from Coppelion, a special unit of the Self Defence forces, are sent to look for survivors. These girls don’t need protection from radiation because they have been genetically engineered to be impermeable to it.

Returning titles  include a third season of Hajime no Ippo, and second seasons of Kuroko no Basket, Magi, Kakumeiki Valvrave, Little Busters!, Freezing: Vibration.

Which one of these titles has gotten you interested?