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 In September 2008, a small, relatively unknown production company by the name of Directions struck an agreement with Crunchyroll to air Yasuhiro Yoshiura's next animated piece: イヴの時間 (Time of Eve). The weather was auspiciously mild for that mid-September day, especially with an Indian Summer heat wave that was beating down on the city for weeks. On this day, however, low-lying clouds shadowed the city of San Francisco, where CR was revving up to launch this brand new simulcast title. Call it a storm brewing; call it a sign; call it whatever you will, but CR was about to drop a masterpiece that would blow a stagnant — hungry for something fresh and new — audience away.
Now nearly nine months to the date, Time of Eve is launching only its FOURTH episode, but it has accumulated one of the highest views-per-episode ratio on the site. This little robotic anime is now hanging with the big shots like Naruto Shippuden, Shugo Chara, Code Geass and Blassreiter. In an era where anime giants rule the anime sphere, Time of Eve has become the proverbial giant-slayer in this subculture, gaining huge popularity with its sharp and creatively quirky stories, its rich and vibrant animation, and je ne sais quoi appeal.
Now, we can sit around and speculate why it's so successful — and to no avail will a legitimate answer present itself. After all, in the end it would just be another subjective speculation. However, it is undeniable that there's just something about this particular anime that appeals to everyone's sensibilities, and piques interest so subtly that you cannot help but like it. Granted, this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but that's okay because everyone's entitled to their own opinion.
However, the greater audience, with a thunderous voice, has spoken and their answer is clear: They love it.
Question is: do you?
Check it out here and make your own opinion about it.
-K.A.Wakamatsu
 General Hospital 2 is truly a revelation compared to the standard fare of medical dramas, sprinkling the storyline and characters with lighthearted humor. Do not expect the cumbersome gravitas which accompanies popular titles such as "House M.D." or "Grey's Anatomy." MBC has really given birth to a one-of-a-kind medical drama.
Cha Tae-hyun, which many may recognize from the popular movie "My Sassy Girl," plays the role of a lovable, yet dim-witted, doctor. Clearly, from the beginning of the series, it is apparent that he is not as capable as the other doctors, yet Cha rolls up his sleeves and gives it his best. While the other doctors are strictly book-smart, he distinguishes himself as a doctor of the people through his sincerity towards caring for patients while enduring political battles, as well as personal ones.
Contrasting Cha Tae-hyun is the main actress, Kim Jeong-eun, who plays the precarious role of a malpractice lawyer-turned-doctor. For a long time, she has yearned to work in a profession that diametrically opposes doctors. Her unyielding goal is motivated by her father who died in a hospital where justice failed and the doctors — who valued their own reputation over the responsibility of her father's death — won. From then on, Kim devoted her life and career to preclude any possibility of this tragedy from befalling on anyone else. In General Hospital, Kim joins this group of graduating young doctors along with Cha in their first year of practice. This group of young doctors applies a tender healing balm on Kim's wounds, and as the pain of the past subsides she begins to understand the true meaning of being a doctor. We see her gradually releasing latent anger and dismissing years of pent-up frustration, and we feel her mentality being stirred by Cha's devotion to his patients and the friendships built among the doctors.
I speak only positive comments about this drama and give my highest recommendation for viewers who are looking for a solid medical drama. The perfect balance of a captivating storyline tied with romance and humor landed success for this new Korean hospital drama. MBC has done a wonderful job bringing about an original drama that will keep you smiling from beginning to end.
-H.H. Garega
 When you're as tough, gentle and smooth as Hayate, having a TON of admirers comes with the territory. It's a GREAT problem to have, or is it...? So the real question is: who do you choose?
Here are the four candidates that could potentially become Hayate's love interest:
Nagi - a super hyper girl who tries so hard to do anything to please Hayate that it sometimes drives to her wit's end. The evidence: she forces Hayate to help train her in an effort to win a freestyle marathon despite her lack of athletic ability, she gathers up a team of volunteers to help him clear the "Butler Quest" and keep his job, and she attempts to make chocolates for him which doesn't turn out exactly the way she planned. However, it's the thought that counts, right?
Maria - one of Nagi's maids and surrogate older sister/mother. She is the voice of reason and understands the problem between Hayate and Nagi as she seemingly and effortlessly runs the entire household. She's a strong and sturdy support, but is she too much of a mother figure to be a potential love interest?
Hinagiku - the president of Hakuo Gakuin Student Council who is clever, athletic and liked by many — even females, as seen in the amount of chocolates she receives on Valentine's day.* But when you're too well liked it seems like you're only out there for the attention...
Ayumi - who just confessed her love for Hayate by giving him honmei* chocolates. Hmmm...
If you were Hayate, who would YOU choose?
Tune in for his decision at http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Hayate_no_Gotoku_!!
-M. Harajima
* In Japan, Valentine's Day is a time when women give chocolates to men. They give "giri" (obligation) chocolates and "honmei" (true love) chocolates. The honmei chocolate is given to the guy you truly love. A month later, March 14th is White Day, when the men reciprocate this by giving white chocolates to the woman he loves.
Did you know? May 1 is a very significant day for anime. Why? Because on that day in 1961, おとぎマンガカレンダー (Otogi Manga Calendar), became the first ever claimed and documented anime series to be produced!
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