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Japanese Anime TV Ranking: June 4–10

Astro Toy - D-Arts Megaman
MegaDave gets MegaUnderwhelmed by D-Arts Megaman. Mega. 2013-04-28

The List - 7 Biggest Crybaby Heroes
With all the stress anime characters go through; death, violence, giant robots, destruction, sometimes letting out a good cry makes everything better. 2013-04-27

Hey, Answerman! - Sun Kil Sailor Moon
This time on Hey, Answerman! Brian gets into it regarding the Sailor Moon reboot - or rather, the frustration over how little we all know about it! Plus - how much of a show do licensors see before they buy it? All that and a rambling treatise on Eastern vs. Western adaptations! 2013-04-26

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan Blu-Ray
Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan's first thirteen episodes are surprisingly low-key and comfortable while still containing enough action to keep the viewer interested.

Hiiro no Kakera Blu-Ray
This awkward, dully repetitive reverse-harem series is rife with all kinds of storytelling and pacing problems. Its pretty guys and pretty scenery are all that it is worth watching for.

Battle Angel Alita: Last Order GN 17
The ZOTT tournament concludes in dramatic fashion, in the process partially or completely resolving most outstanding plot threads, as the franchise reaches a major turning point.

Umineko WHEN THEY CRY Episode 1: Legend of the Golden Witch GN 2
Since this is a question arc rather than an answer, it has an ending that is far from conclusive. However this “bad end” still provides both us and the characters some important information to be carried over into the next part of the story.

Pandora's Tower
The Wii couldn't ask for a better closing line than Pandora's Tower. Despite rough appearances, it does precisely what it needs to do with its unique combat and somber touches.

Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt Blu-Ray
It's the kind of show you want very badly to encourage: fearlessly different, madly inventive. But it goes so very, very wrong. If you must watch, plan carefully. It's a real liability having to walk around for days with a convulsive grimace stuck on your face.

Blue Exorcist GN 9
Even without any plot-altering twists, this volume offers enough entertainment value, whether it's through flashy spirit-powered battles or the personal struggles of the main characters.

Bleach GN 55
At last it begins: Bleach's final arc. This volume falls back on old mainstays—high-octane fight scenes and dramatic visuals—hoping that readers will stay interested long enough to see what happens next.

Hiroaki Samura's Emerald and Other Stories GN
“Strangely fascinating” is the best way to describe Samura's book. It has no real unifying themes or features other than Samura's art, which can get crowded at times, but it is consistently worth reading.

Alice in the Country of Joker: Circus and Liar's Game GN 1
So far Circus and Liar's Game is an interesting break from the franchise's formula, focusing on Alice having to exist successfully in a carnivalesque environment without also being forced to choose a man. While this may very well change, at this point the story has an intriguing darker feel to it that nicely shakes up the expectations established by earlier franchise entries.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Vol. 3 Blu-ray
It's difficult to have any reaction to this other than a standing ovation. Warning: spoilers abound!