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 cool 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, clouds hung low over 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 site to date. This little robotic anime is now hanging with the big shows 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 se 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, there is a population out there that – truth be told – really don’t like it that much. And that’s fine. 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.

a keikawa throwback review from a long time ago...hope you guys enjoy it and thanks for the read!



"It’s a wonderful feeling. You’re walking down the street, you stick your hands in your jacket pocket and, while reaching around, you feel some paper. Wondering what it is, you pull your hands out to find that you found money! You know the feeling.

Well, this time it’s still the same feeling. But instead of searching through pockets, its through cr; and instead of finding money, it’s finding an old favorite, like Saiyuki (幻想魔伝 最遊記)!!

If you don’t know what Saiyuki is by now, here’s a “brief” synopsis:
Adapted loosely from the Chinese novel, Journey to the West, written by Xīyóu Jì, the Saiyuki story follows the journey of four unlikely heroes as they travel westward towards India to stop the resurrection of Gyumaoh (牛魔王), the Bull Demon King. Of course, it wouldn’t be a good Japanese anime without a group of motley warriors, each with their own unique – and oftentimes – bizarre characteristics to spice up the story. There is the monk, Genjyo Sanzo, who drinks, smokes and fires a sweet-looking Smith and Wesson, 6-shooter revolver which can banish demons; Son Goku, whose irrational behavior and superhuman strength makes him a liability; Gojyo, the half human, half demon with an attitude, and love for women and gambling; and finally Cho Hakkai, whose modest and quite exterior, fools his opponents before he mercilessly blasts them with his “ki” energy blasts.



But if there's one thing to take away from all of this, is that this series has it all: sorcery, alchemy, technology, ancient and fantasy theme beautifully intertwined, heavy artillery and kick-ass fight sequences! It’s everything you want in anime.

Now, although there are only five episodes on cr, I distinctly remember what happens later on in the series (as any fan should ), and it is goooood. So good, that I had to spell it with an extra three “o’s.” It just gives you a taste of what's to come, and if you don't believe me just watch it and you'll see!! Now, I hate it when people spoil animes for me, so I won’t spoil it for you. But I will say this: you have to watch this series!!"