Randomness Thing

One of the top-rated new anime of 2010. I’ll admit that when my friend first told me to watch this series, I didn’t really have much hope that it would be a really good series as I have little faith for my friend’s suggestions sometimes. But after completing the 26 episode show in a little less than one week (I know, too much time on my hands), I must say that while it won’t make it onto my top 10 list, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan(or Nurarihyon no Mago as its known in Japan) actually turned out a heck of a lot better than I first thought it would.

There’s something in this little TV show that suits everyone. While its main gist is Shounen, it has a lot more romance than most Shounen shows like per say Naruto or One Piece. The better part about it is that while there is romance in the storyline, it has practically no sexual intents or ecchi. In fact, probably the most inappropriate part of it is that some of the skirts on the girls are way too short. Ahem, moving past that…

Plotline:

Rikuo Nura is part human and a quarter yōkai (demon). Rikuo is able to turn into his yokai form only after the sunsets when the moon is out, he turns back into his human self when the sun rises. This happens because he is only a quarter yokai. He lives in a house full of spirits along with his yōkai grandfather. Trying to escape his fate of acting like a yōkai, he does good deeds in order to avoid becoming one, despite his grandfather’s wish to succeed him as master of the Nura yōkai clan. Rikuo is a different yokai because he helps humans. He eventually comes to terms with his demon blood and decides to take up the position of Young head of the Nura house. Multiple factions aim to stop him or overtake his position, and he must gather friends and allies, a new Hyakki Yakō under his banner of “Fear”.

Arcs:

1st Arc-There really isn’t a name for this Arc I guess. It spans from episodes 1-5 and basically serves as an introductory to all the main characters in the series, such as Rikuo himself. It’s not that bad for an introductory, but for those people who don’t like waiting for the action to get started, it can get to be sort of a drag. Plus, the action just pops up in random places, and you can start getting really annoyed at some of the characters.

Gyuki Arc-The Second Arc of the series, spanning from episodes 6-10. This arc sort of has an ominous feel to it as Rikuo and his human friends set off on a dangerous mission into the mountains to go sightseeing…for some demons. There’s definitely a lot more action in this Arc than there was in the last one. The battles are rather intense, and the fact that they skip from each person’s fight to the other only makes it a lot more dramatic. On the downside however, you have to put up with a bunch of lectures and the unveiling of a certain someone’s past, which is anything BUT interesting. Let me just say that I fell asleep during that part.

Shikoku Arc-Third Arc of the hit series that spans from episodes 11-25 (14 and 26 not being included as they are simply recaps of the two arcs). The final arc of the first season isn’t exactly as ominous and creepy as the Gyuki Arc, but it’s sure a heck of a lot more dramatic. An enemy clan plans to try and take over the Nura Clan, and Rikuo’s claim on the title of Third Heir is on the line. There’s a lot of juicy battles in this Arc, but none of them actually last a long time…plus, there’s no blood. WHY!? Than again, I guess I shouldn’t be complaining, should I?

Characters:

The characters in Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan are actually pretty well developed…well, the main ones anyways. But those are the ones that I’m going to focus on. The supporting characters can go screw themselves. Lol, jk, jk.

	Rikuo Nura (Day Form): He’s the type of 12 year old guy that you would describe as EXTREMELY sweet and kind, but he has practically NO back bone. Besides, his unwillingness to accept the demonic side of himself is just seriously annoying. I’m also kind of convinced that the guy has self esteem issues. He’s also a horrible liar. Ah, SO innocent…
	Rikuo Nura (Night Form): I think any fangirl like me will yell “HOT!!!” when they see Rikuo’s night form. There’s not really much you can criticize about this guy here. He’s so amazing when it boils right down to it. He’s got great techniques and awesome hair…Maybe I shouldn’t be ranting about this stuff right now? Anyways, personality wise, he’s the total opposite of his day counterpart.
	Nurarihyon: Rikuo’s sly, trick-playing, old grandfather who’s the founder of the Nura Clan. I sometimes wish that my grandpa was a bit like this. He’s such a hilarious old man who has childish tastes as he’s eating sweets all the time. Of course, he hasn’t lost his old fighting spirit either, and despite being like, 500, can still fight better than his grandson can. Come on Rikuo! Shape up! You wanna get beaten by your old man!?
	Yuki-Onna/Tsurara Oikawa: Rikuo’s self established body guard and attendant. Tsurara Oikawa, as she’s known as by her classmates at school, is a Demon Snow Maiden. She’s rather overly possessive of Rikuo and expresses great concern for his well being in his day form. Perhaps a little too much concern…she literally flips out when she sees Kana and Rikuo together. I love this girl though. She’s SO AWESOME!!!
	Kana Ienaga: Rikuo’s good old childhood friend who is extremely pretty. I think you know where we’re going with this. She’s that “Not quite girlfriend” type who has some feelings for the hero of the story. All in all, I don’t mind Kana, but she could really do something about all that shrieking. She literally flips out if a mouse gets near her. Come on girl, chill out.
	Yura Keikain: The third girl in Rikuo’s life who’s convinced that Rikuo is dating both Tsurara and Kana. She is a demon exterminator. Yura’s one of those girls who seems rather meek, quiet, and defenseless, but is actually extremely strong and dangerous. This girl is like, total Dervish once you unleash her. Still, her normal personality quite annoys me as she always seems SO BORING.
	Tamazuki: He’s Rikuo’s main adversary in the 3rd Arc. He’s the sort of “Cruel and Sadistic” type who would sacrifice his own followers to get his goals. I don’t mind this guy, it’s just that all the antagonists are SO CLICHE!!!! There’s like, no variety whatsoever! Come on!

Well anyways, that’s basically all I have to rant about. Now I am going to go find a way to make myself grow taller…I’m still standing at only 150 some centimeters. Curse this shortness! See ya all some other time guys~!

1st opening to Nurarihyon!