Home
Greetings guest! members can rogu in here.
(hide this)
 
Danny's News (toggle comments)
Otaku and Japan news (subscribe) or (see more »)
Japanese Trains
You get on a train in Japan one day and see this. The doors close behind you. What do you do? Via Neta. ( more » )
Sat 07/26 12:59 comments (16)
WC Gundam
Somebody just raeped Gundam by making a toilet shaped mobile suit... Via Neta. Whats the worst Gundam design... ( more » )
Sat 07/26 07:00 comments (30)
Sun Seto
Never got round to really watching the anime but do like this figure by Orchid Seed. This 1/7 scale figure of... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 23:16 comments (27)
Human Mage
Another one we've spoken about but the better pics are up at GoodSmile and Hobby Stock. Dont know much about ... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 20:44 comments (23)
Shakugan no Shana
Spoke about this earlier but decent pics are now up at GoodSmile and Hobby Stock. I remember when the Nendoro... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 20:36 comments (45)
Something Missing
There is something missing from this room. From your point of view, what would that missing thing/s be? Via V... ( more » )
Fri 07/25 12:30 comments (112)
日本語/Japanese  Mon 05/28 00:21 JST
Now that the first season of Heroes has ended, the withdrawal symptoms may start to set in. The symptoms may not be so bad however for those who are watching the current run of Darker than Black.

A mysterious territory known as Hells Gate appears in Tokyo. At the same time, a load of people with special powers also appear known as Contractors. The sort of powers they possess are abilities like summoning fire, ice, electricity, making objects explode at will, summoning rain clouds, hijacking other humans/animals bodies and the one which really reminded me of Heroes is the girl who can locate other Contractors just by touching water - but only Contractors who are actually near water...

The main character is exchange student Li Shunsheng by day and Contractor-who-summons-electricity by night. Li works for an organization whose current aim seems to be helping other Contractors who are either being used or being tracked down to do naughty things.
Apart from Li's group, there is the gorgeous Misaki Kirihara - a policewoman and her team investigating the current Contractor situation.

The most recent episode is EP8 and watching the characters with their 'Hero' type powers has been rather interesting so far.
The excellent animation/production is by BONES (Eureka Seven) and the incredible atmospheric music is done by none other than Yoko Kanno (GITS, Cowboy Bebop). Most recommended to those who are not watching this.
Folks in Japan can catch this every Thursday night at 1:25AM on MBS > watch the promotion trailer in the Otavids section.
Categories
Polls
Subaruhess in Portsmouth, UK
Registered on 2006/12/24 22:37
Definitely the best anime series airing right now, always something interesting to see in each episode. I just hope its a full length series & not a short 13 ep type series alot of new anime seem to suffer from.
(ID #48616) Posted on 2007/05/28 01:40
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Subaruhess,
a 14 ep run would suck seeing as its such a cool series.
(ID #48619) Posted on 2007/05/28 02:15
presagiador in Dominican Republic
Student
Registered on 2006/12/25 14:28
Cool anime Danny, i've been watching it since the first episode it has a very smooth animation indeed and the story is quite interesting it's being released in little doses to really keep 
the viewer interested. 
(ID #48620) Posted on 2007/05/28 02:17
plounted in dreamcast land.
i watched the first couple episodes. 
then i felt it got repetitive. it really didnt have anything that made me want to keep watching it. 
(ID #48622) Posted on 2007/05/28 02:28
radical anime fan in Dai-Singapore-dan. Hotter than Kamina and Lelouch combined.
Polytechnic Freshman. Mmm... fresh.
Registered on 2007/01/25 21:20
is it just me or does this feel of X-men?
(ID #48623) Posted on 2007/05/28 02:39
Mr.Boy in Graceland
Simulation
Registered on 2006/12/31 20:26
Once again you have brought my attention to a show that I thought I'd never watch. *adding to watch list* 
(ID #48624) Posted on 2007/05/28 02:48
syrix in U.S.
student
Registered on 2007/03/21 09:30
It looks more like witch hunter robin to me..the powers anyways
(ID #48625) Posted on 2007/05/28 04:10
Esutiben in Argentina
Telecomunications
Registered on 2007/05/15 07:40
Just finishing the download for Death Note 32 (watched it all in a row the last 3 days) and then it's Darker than Black. 
I'm especially curious about the music now that you said it's Yoko Kanno's.
(ID #48626) Posted on 2007/05/28 04:12
Alafista OTAKU in Singapore
Singapore Customs
Registered on 2006/12/25 11:34
yer its one of the top anime on my watchlist this season.
(ID #48628) Posted on 2007/05/28 04:44
Steady in ROC City
Registered on 2007/02/10 15:13
Did anyone else notice the western otaku who lives in Li's apartment building? I think he was in the first episode, or one of the beginning episodes where he's actually at his apartment. He's wearing an anime shirt and has headphones on! I thought it was funny that he was in there - is that how the Japanese see western otaku? Wouldn't be too far off.... hahaha
(ID #48629) Posted on 2007/05/28 04:47
4n1f4n in USA
SW/HW engineer
Registered on 2007/05/27 15:58
odd storyline anime even for typical anime stories but the mix-n-match characters and some of the outlandish contractor's special abilities keep you wanting to see more... trying to learn enough Japanese to start just watching the raws instead of fansubs as something is definitely getting lost in translation with this series probably...
(ID #48631) Posted on 2007/05/28 05:34
now thats my type of anime ! hehe , and Bones you never cease to amaze me good job! 
(ID #48632) Posted on 2007/05/28 05:50
Arekusu in The Lost Woods
Dai Gurren Dan member
[f] 
Registered on 2006/12/31 18:24
THis looks really cool. The style of animation is really nice and the dark sinister feel from the night time images is really nice. Anf the music, if its by Yoko Kanno then it will definately be very good and atmospheric. I'm going to see if i can find episode 1 right away.
(ID #48633) Posted on 2007/05/28 07:10
Otaku Blue in London
Student
Registered on 2007/05/12 22:32
Promised myself i wouldn't start any new anime series for a while but this looks and sounds really interesting so i will definatley give it a watch.
(ID #48634) Posted on 2007/05/28 07:36
elvyse
It was on my anime watch list before it started airing, but after 6 episodes I gave up. I have not found a single thing to like about the story, and more importantly about the characters. I actually had to force myself into watching episodes 5 & 6. I won't force the rest of the series upon me. I'll let you guys enjoy it and watch something else. :-)
(ID #48635) Posted on 2007/05/28 07:55
Anonymous in Tatooine
I've followed "Darker than black" since episode 1 and I felt episode 1-6 were mediocre. It was always the same theme e.g. Hei rescuing some chick and that chick always die except for the fire starter girl. 

But episode 7-8 definitely shine and they were very funny. If I were recommending this anime, I'd ask them to start from episode 7-8 first before watching the earlier episodes to understand the deep stuff about contractors & all.
(ID #48636) Posted on 2007/05/28 08:37
Phamolous in Germany
Registered on 2007/05/26 06:44
Darker than Black, together with Seirei no Moribito, has to be one of my favs this season. 

I somehow feel like Bounty Hunter, though. Up until now it feels very episodic. I didn't see ep7 and 8 yet and I'm reluctant to hear that things are going to change.
(ID #48637) Posted on 2007/05/28 09:24
Sauronu in Bulgaria
Programmer
Registered on 2007/01/15 23:39
Yep, Darker than Black is good show. This season there are very good animes. This week I began to watch Dennou Coil too
(ID #48638) Posted on 2007/05/28 09:35
kaito kun in Hong Kong
student
Registered on 2007/06/11 16:31
awww ders soo mani gdd animes and i don knw where i can watch from sigh...
(ID #48642) Posted on 2007/05/28 12:03
Tiny Red Man in Pedobear Land
Full Time Pedobear
Registered on 2007/04/11 16:51
having been watching the show lately..but i like the opening song! Howling!! it just rocks!! 
(ID #48646) Posted on 2007/05/28 13:10
Akiraman in RIDGE RACER City
Designer & Animator
Registered on 2007/01/11 23:52
A friend of mind recommended me this anime, now I want to see it after seeing the trailer. Gonna watch this after I get over the Lucky Star & iDOLM@STER ^^
(ID #48648) Posted on 2007/05/28 14:37
lennylein in China, Shanghai
AV Movie Critic :p
Registered on 2007/05/27 04:18
Currently busy watching "Ergo Proxy" but once I am finished with that one I'll give it a try :)
(ID #48649) Posted on 2007/05/28 15:43
Kaori Lolita in Singapore
Student Nurse
Registered on 2007/04/19 02:56
Wow i should watch this soon ^^ Have been too busy to watch anything lately! haha.
(ID #48652) Posted on 2007/05/28 19:18
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
My biggest problem is so many shows are good this season.  I have been feeling a bit of overload.  Odd part of it all is none have really developed into favorites for me. ^^;  

DTB has been on my secondary list.  Meaning, I'm watching it but not keeping up with it regularly.  This year's summer season for drama looks boring to me, so I will probably watch more then.
(ID #48653) Posted on 2007/05/28 19:47
Gorgo in Florence, Italy
Games addicted
Registered on 2007/04/16 18:56
heheheh 
Danny what do you think? I'm watchin it or not^^
I think a is a very nice anime. For me most of all is nice the fact that the main caracter " the reaper" is a contractor little bit over the others but not so much...
So is difficult for him evry time save his back...
The stoy is still little bit confused, but it will be better i'm sure, Bones never fail.
The musics are also very nice i think 

Bye everyone|

XIII
(ID #48654) Posted on 2007/05/28 20:48
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Gorgo ^^;

Kaori,
its been a while ^^;
(ID #48658) Posted on 2007/05/29 02:10
Deranged in London UK
Physics Student
Registered on 2007/02/18 04:47
Definitely an excellent show... I had to cut down onanime for my exams but this was one of the series I still had to keep up with =P
(ID #48699) Posted on 2007/05/29 10:48
chun in home feeling sleepy LOL
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
Registered on 2007/01/09 14:33
I like darker than black :D the ending track reminds me of one of blood plus's ending tracks? Can't wait for the next episode!
(ID #48708) Posted on 2007/05/29 19:56
Tofu-san in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
ecchi student
Registered on 2007/03/04 06:41
Darker than Black sounds really awesome! It's going to be on my list^^
(ID #48712) Posted on 2007/05/29 22:06
DEXTER in outer space
hey DAnny...here is sad 3rd world...heros is just starting on TV... saw the first ep and don't know what the hype is about but i guess i'll see right???anyway i prefer anime over heros...
(ID #48757) Posted on 2007/05/30 17:39
Gordon Pekeur in Cape Town - RSA
looks and sounds like an awesome show .... cant wait to get into it ... pity it doesnt air worldwide ... =(
(ID #48759) Posted on 2007/05/30 17:59
Heroes ended on a weird note with a lot of unresolved questions such as why was Sylar's corpse remained unprotected in such a popular city as New York? Or why did Nathan become the pilot to fly instead of Peter? Whatever happened to Claire's real mother? The man with the invisibility power?

Darker Than Black is so-so. The first two episodes came off strong, but hasn't grabbed my attention span as other series. I must admit that this season of anime is probably the best I've seen the past few years in terms of animation quality, character driven, and mucho story. I hope they ride this gravy train to continue down this path.
(ID #48810) Posted on 2007/05/31 12:33
D_Blade in Montreal
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Registered on 2006/12/31 22:48
Oh... a esper-ish-themed anime!
Sounds and looks great. I got to watch this as soon as it is available.

@shou': Spoiler alert! Wait, I am not concerned ^^
(ID #48820) Posted on 2007/05/31 16:25
S.D. in New York City
Programmer
Registered on 2006/12/26 01:36
And here I though Hell Gate was in NYC!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_Gate
;)
(ID #48928) Posted on 2007/06/02 19:53
     Darker than black is awesome honestly in my opinion, I even found an RPG site! s11.invisionfree.com/Darker_Than_Black/ Please join cause we need more members
(ID #52169) Posted on 2007/07/21 01:53
rigoton in new york
is it true dat dis anime is onli is 25 episode long because i saw it in a website i hope that the site is wrong
(ID #52786) Posted on 2007/07/28 04:31
Panther in Urban Hell (Singapore)
Deathseeker
Registered on 2007/12/24 09:20
Yep the series is 25 episodes long, with an extra episode 26 on the DVDs.
(ID #194550) Posted on 2008/05/23 12:18
DEFC0N in Newcastle, UK
Full time biotech student, part time otaku, possible bishounen candidate
Registered on 2008/03/19 01:47
apparently it seems that one of the ppl working on the series quit and ran away with the script for the anime. Thus it has a lousy ending as it is.
(ID #161000) Posted on 2008/03/25 00:14
Panther in Urban Hell (Singapore)
Deathseeker
Registered on 2007/12/24 09:20
Yeah he ran away with the manuscript, but nothing was said about him quitting. I would like to know where you got that from.
(ID #194544) Posted on 2008/05/23 12:15
Fabian in Germany
student
Registered on 2008/01/09 00:24
Darker Than Black is a great series. Too bad it raises far more questions than it answers in the end.
(ID #194453) Posted on 2008/05/23 09:25
Panther in Urban Hell (Singapore)
Deathseeker
Registered on 2007/12/24 09:20
No it did not, it answered most of the pressing issues. Sure it left some things as a cliffhanger, but you could probably infer the answers if you paid attention to what they were saying.
(ID #194542) Posted on 2008/05/23 12:14
euphoria in Edmonton, Canada
Student/Part-timer
Registered on 2008/04/28 16:44
Contemplated several times if I should watch it...still haven't
I like the animation style, and on the whole have heard decent reviews of the series.

If I manage to get past my backlog of anime Ive yet to watch, I might come back to this one.
(ID #194460) Posted on 2008/05/23 09:35
Panther in Urban Hell (Singapore)
Deathseeker
Registered on 2007/12/24 09:20
Other than what you may have already heard, the animation was done by BONES, and BONES is well-known for its series. I believe DtB to be the best of 2007, but then again that is my personal opinion. Great story with good action and all.
(ID #194548) Posted on 2008/05/23 12:17
MumMum in Maryland
Retail
Registered on 2007/08/03 11:17
Anyone watch the OVA? >_>;
(ID #194509) Posted on 2008/05/23 11:10
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Didnt even know there was one. Any good?
(ID #194521) Posted on 2008/05/23 11:26
Panther in Urban Hell (Singapore)
Deathseeker
Registered on 2007/12/24 09:20
Not an OVA, but a DVD-only episode. Watched, it is like a normal DtB episode set sometime after the story about Yin's background. Pretty much what you would expect of a normal DtB episode, was pretty good for me.
(ID #194545) Posted on 2008/05/23 12:16
Dedale in S'pore after France
Labyrinth builder
Registered on 2007/12/04 17:28
Wow, well done Danny for summurazing it, because the plot is rather obscur and very difficult to undertand. Lot is not said and I have the feeling that the director rely a lot on the watcher to make the link between various event and understand by themselves.

So the show requires a lot a thinking, which is good - better than dumbing the audience with only fan service - but make it difficult to follow. Not my advice after a heavy day of work when you just want to lay back. But the animation is sure great and the story (contractors etc...) clever.
(ID #194598) Posted on 2008/05/23 13:16
Kyori in Hell in Heaven
Designer
Registered on 2008/05/20 16:38
This series should have been finished last year if I'm not wrong.

Anyway, it is unique on it's own. This series is good! Absolutely nothing like x-men or heros to begin with... not any western superhero flicks at all.
(ID #194654) Posted on 2008/05/23 13:55
Omu in Rethundo Island
2D Girls Inspector
Registered on 2008/05/14 03:32
This is one of my favourite series from last year. I also recommend it.

By the way, I watched the extra episode  and it wasn't as good as I expected :S it didn't answer the questions from last episodes :S
(ID #194671) Posted on 2008/05/23 14:12
Tanario in Esbjerg, Denmark
Study
Registered on 2007/11/03 03:50
Are you sure eps 8 is the most resent, im sure i have already seen all 25 episodes online with subs and i thoroughly enjoyed it though, one of the best animes i've seen and the ending is spectacular.
(ID #194748) Posted on 2008/05/23 15:44
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
LOL. This is "this time last year" article ^^;
(ID #194756) Posted on 2008/05/23 15:59
kaeze in Melbourne, Australia, Earth
Illustrator & Designer
Registered on 2007/04/09 18:37
I never tried Darker Than Black last year when I noticed that it was usually on people top watch list but it does sound very intriguing and I might try and add to watch list if I can be bothered to find all the eps and download them.

I think Yoko Kanno's music are great and I'm still behind in Eureka Seven!
(ID #194828) Posted on 2008/05/23 18:39
notfair in Malaysia
Student, ACG Fans
Registered on 2007/08/14 16:34
this is a really nice anime for me, like Yin and Amber the most.

btw, why it is a last year article... =.=..
(ID #194838) Posted on 2008/05/23 18:54
Previous Articles