A Founder’s Review with D.J. Lewis: Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 2!

Hey! Welcome back guys n’ gals! It’s time for another anime episode review from yours truly of D&A Anime Blog; D.J. Lewis! We’re diving into the original anime series Fena: Pirate Princess, as I review the second episode of the series. So strap on yer’ boots and prepare to set sail ya scallywags! (Relax, I’m kidding. Let’s get this party started!)

The Cast

So the second episode opens up with Fena on a boat with Solomun and Otto, as the three of them finally got off the island of Eden. They’re pretty much out in the middle of nowhere as a nasty storm was beginning to brew; only that storm seemed to conjure up an island that appears to be set in the timeline of Edo Japan. The trio along with their dog goes through the cavern’s entrance while seven individuals wearing samurai armor stood atop the hill; including the red armored man from before. Fena and the others make it to a building where the inside looks like a dojo, as a man appears before them named Yukihisa.

After the greetings and conversation they had Yukihisa gives Fena a crystal clear stone, and tells her that only she knows the mystery of it. Sadly after that ‘bonk’ to her head by Yukimaru Fena doesn’t really have a clue about the stone, or even why her late father gave it to Yukihisa. So it looks like Fena’s father died during the raid ten years ago after Yukimaru cut the rope and sent her out to sea, but never got to finish his main voyage. That evening Fena is still trying to figure out what Yukihisa meant about her discovering what the clear stone’s true purpose is, but again, she has no clue…for now.

The next day she’s met by a girl named Karin, who shows her around town as she tells her about the stuff she’s designed and even invented. However, Fena’s attention span is that of a squirrel, as she dashes off to explore her new surroundings. She’s meets another man named Mokuba; along with Tsubaki, two rather annoying twins (one of which is named Kaede), and an archer. Y’know how I’m good with faces but names are kinda difficult to remember only if I’ve known you for a long time, well this is one of those times where I know the character’s faces but once in a while I might forget their name – because I watch and review a lot of anime and tend to get my shows mixed up sometimes. Woof! XP

By the end of the episode Yukihisa tells Fena that his family would protect her father’s descendants and orders the seven individuals from before; including Yukimaru, to go on a voyage and uncover the mystery behind the crystal stone. Now Fena finds herself picking up where her father’s voyage left off with her new crew of samurai pirates on a ship/submarine (but it resembles more of a submarine).

The first episode was an introduction to Fena herself while the second one gives us an introduction of the rest of the cast. Her brand new voyage begins as she has a crew to back her up in case of any issues with other pirates, while Otto and Solomun stay behind and wish Fena a safe return. So yeah, that’ll wrap up my review on episode number two! Until next post, stay nerdy and Happy Halloween! 😉

A Founder’s Review with D.J. Lewis: Fena: Pirate Princess Episode 1!

Yo! What’s good anime fam? In case you don’t know who I am, I’m D.J. Lewis; representing one-half of this two-man operation known as D&A Anime Blog! I’m also the guy who’s the head writer for the blog as well as all of the many nerd-centric posts that I’ve written in the past 5 years. Instead of doing the usual Anime REvisited posts that I’ve done for past titles, I’ve taken control through a new anime review series called “A Founder’s Review with D.J. Lewis”! But enough about me, let’s dive into the Crunchyroll/Adult Swim original series; Fena: Pirate Princess!

Fena: Pirate Princess

I had the chance to check out the trailer for this original series, and when I found out that it was being produced by Crunchyroll and Adult Swim (with the animation by Production I.G.), I almost fell outta my chair. I know that many fans have been craving something a little different as of late, which is not to say that any anime titles that are new or renewed are not worth watching (more on that later). But once the series made its way to Toonami, I had to give it a shot.

Jumping into the first episode of the series I was treated to the opening scene that took place 10 years before the start of the series. There was a battle going on with cannons being fired, stuff being burned, and people possibly being killed. Fena (probably 7 or 8 years old at the time) was put on a boat by a boy (no older than 9, but could be 10) and was told by a man to make her way to the island of Eden before being hit by something. The boy cut the rope as Fena pretty much disappeared. Then after the opening we’re brought up to present day where Fena (probably about 18 years old now) finds herself about to be married off to one of the rich guys of the town. If anime has taught me anything it’s that ‘those’ guys aren’t exactly gentlemen; they’re dicks!

Fena was chatting with a girl named Angie (who is probably one of the girls working at the bar/brothel, cuz’ that’s what it looked like when I saw it), and devising a plan of escape. Sadly none of her plans was going to work as a couple guys came in and told her that it was time to meet the man she was getting married off to. She had one more plan in her back pocket, but that went south after passing the second floor of the tower. (I guess the bar/brothel was one the lower level I assume.)

When faking like she had the stomach flu didn’t cut it, the guys got upset and tossed her up against the wall and told her that if she didn’t go through with the marriage, she’d be killed. Suddenly she was heroically rescued…by a middle-aged fat man, and an elderly man who looked like he stepped out of one of those 1965 “Mr. Scrooge” cartoon Christmas carol movies. After their flashy entrance Fena discovered that they’re named Solomon and Otto; who happened to be the man on the ship from ten years prior. The trio got the hell out of the tower and made their way East to where Otto said there was a boat they could get on and get away. Too bad none of them had a compass cuz’ they’ve been going the wrong way the whole time, and that was hilarious! XP

Towards the end of the episode Fena and Otto were now in the forest when they were ambushed by a group of men; with one of them knocking Otto unconscious. Her capture didn’t last long; as each of the men were slain by a mysterious figure wearing dark red samurai battle armor and carrying two katana blades that were both sheathed by his side. Fena looked closely at the man who looked quite familiar with her – almost like she’s seen him before (maybe even ten years before). Then it hit her; Fena’s knight in shining red armor was actually the boy named Yukimaru, but before she could even say her name she was ‘bonked’ on the head and laid out on the ground as Yukimaru told her that she was ‘chatty and annoying as ever’.

With this being only a review of the first episode, I was quite interested with the elements that we’re brought in upon my first impression. You definitely feel like this is going to be a high-seas adventure-romance with bouts of comedy, and samurai pirates. It’s a breath of fresh air in terms of creativity, and as far as the plot of the story goes, I’m kinda liking the direction it’s going; although more will probably be revealed later on in the series.

That’s it for my first episode review on Fena: Pirate Princess. You can find this series airing on Toonami; in fact you can see the whole first season coming on Toonami this weekend! Until next time my dudes n’ dudettes, stay nerdy! 😉 

Next Week!! A Founder’s Review with D.J. Lewis: Fena: Pirate Princess!

Remember when you were a kid and your teacher asked you what you wanted to be when you grow up. Well, when I was a kid I wanted to be either a samurai, or a pirate. Sadly those dreams didn’t come true, but I do get the chance to experience what it would look like if there was a such thing as Samurai Pirates! Every once in a while an anime title comes around that is a ‘breath of fresh air’ to the eyes and ears of those looking for something new, and mixes things up in terms of what’s been released as of late. Although we’ve reviewed various anime titles from the past under the name Anime REvisited, I thought it was time to shake things up and put a new spin on this segment! So starting next week, Yours Truly; Donte’ “D.J.” Lewis of D&A Anime Blog presents my first new anime series review segment known as “A Founder’s Review with D.J. Lewis”! It all kicks off with Fena: Pirate Princess as I give you an episode-by-episode review of the original series by Adult Swim and Crunchyroll. Until next week, stay nerdy my friends! 😉

Fena: Pirate Princess

Anime REvisited: Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride – Samurai Girls S2 Episode 8!

Hey, it’s time for another episode review from our Anime REvisited pick that you already know as, Samurai Bride! With less than a week before the battle against the Dark Samurai happens, Muneakira and the others come up against a new threat…

Sometime during the night Sanada and Matabei we’re returning from the secret area where the beach episode from season one took place, where they got some books on how to become a Samurai Bride. It seemed like a nice quite walk home until a dark spirit appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Sanada asking for something called the Chingo Stone (whatever that is). Its Ki was very different from the Dark Samurai’s, and speaking of which Inshun appeared and took away the power of the shadowy beast; telling it that she just wants to be normal.

Once they got back to the dojo Sanada gave the others the rundown of what happened, as Muneakira and Sen heard reports about people not being able to move upon coming into contact with this creature. Around that same token Jubei decided to do a little training of her own in order to prepare herself for the arrival of the Dark Samurai. She along with Sasuke (again, not the one you’re thinking of) went to the waterfall to do some more Ki training, until Sasuke noticed that several crows have been following her; causing her to dash off in hopes of eluding them. Jubei went after her only to run into Inshun, who can’t seem to remember her name but remembers her face.

Midway throughout the episode Jubei takes Inshun on a bit of a fun adventure where they do various activities along with Sasuke. By sunset Inshun tells Jubei that they will be fighting one another soon, but Jubei assures that even though she’s aware of it, she hopes that afterwards the two of them can become friends. Jubei bids Inshun farewell as she looks at the little fortune tag that says “Good Relationship”. Back at the dojo Muneakira and the others break off into groups of two in order to defeat the dark shadow spirit that’s still lurking around the academy. Sen was the first to spot it as she tried to take the creature on by herself, but Hanzo rushed to her aid after discovering that Sen couldn’t do it alone. Suddenly just like last time Inshun appeared and took the creature’s Ki away, but from the way things looked…it appeared that the true culprit behind the mysterious shadow creature was actually her. This is pretty much a “To Be Continued” moment as this won’t be the last time we see Inshun before the final battle.

That will do it for number eight, but there is more content to come! 😉

Anime REvisited: Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride – Samurai Girls S2 Episode 7!

So we have arrived at another episode review of our Anime REvisited pick; Samurai Bride! The real Jubei Yagyu is back, but there’s a problem. To make matters worse, Musashi’s getting a lil’ antsy about waiting until the one-month deadline. Wanna know what happens? We’re gonna tell ya!

Kaeji throws a party to try and get Jubei to relax her Ki (at least that was her intent) but that method only annoys her as she makes her way out to the courtyard to be alone. Afterwards she tells Muneakira, Sanada, and Sen to check out the video feed from her video camera; which explains that subconsciously they were using their Ki the whole time – just in smaller increments. With this slice of info Kaeji thought it was time for some more Ki training in order to help Jubei change back, but Kanetsugu (not wanting to be left out of the series) decided to seek attention in the most comedic way possible.

After Kanetsugu’s shenanigans Kaeji thinks that it might be time for Jubei to transform back into her previous form. Though she tries to at first…it backfires horribly. Muneakira and the others are then told that Jubei’s Ki is still running on high, and that he’ll need to pour some of his Ki into her as a stop gap; seeing as though he’s her General. While this is taking place Kaeji senses the Dark Samurai approaching after discovering that the ‘real’ Jubei has returned. Yep, their timing couldn’t have been more terrible. At this moment she notices Muneakira struggling a bit and decides to jump in, although at the cost of all of her Ki causing her hair to turn white.

On top of that; Kaeji stalls the Dark Samurai in order to buy Muneakira and the others some time, and took one hell of an ass-kicking from them in the process. With the last of his life force Muneakira was able to help Jubei transform back into who she once was; her bubbly and slightly dumb self. Realizing that the ‘real’ Jubei disappeared Musashi high-tailed it to the dojo and demanded that she come out, however Muneakira and the others told her and the other Dark Samurai that though she’s back, she’s not nearly as strong as she was when she faced Amakusa. Tapping into her honorable side Musashi decided to wait until the deadline, but warned the others not to have any more setbacks the next time they come back. By the end of the episode Kaeji decides that her time at the dojo is done…for now.

So, that of course will do it for this review. This past week has been quite a crazy one, but there’s more content to come. Until next post, stay nerdy my friends! 😉 

Anime REvisited: Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride – Samurai Girls S2 Episode 6!

We have returned with another episode review from our Anime REvisited pick; Samurai Bride! Guess what? Another new character joins that party, so let’s get it started!

Right now the Dark Samurai are fighting someone who appears to possess the same type of Ki that Jubei did, but there’s something about her that kinda rubbed them the wrong way. Once the mysterious person’s antics got under their skin, especially Musashi’s, it was time for the mysterious pink haired woman to hightail it outta there before things got any worse.

Meanwhile back at the dojo Muneakira put up a sign saying that the True Shadow is closing for good, but for some reason Kanetsugu didn’t get the message…or did she? During a couple of the flashbacks (with Kanetsugu) the others took a look at the video from the Grand Prix, as well as the Ki that came from the Dark Samurai. They knew that time was of the essence so they thought it was time to train. During their training sessions the girls and Muneakira were interrupted by Kanetsugu’s antics which caused them to be distracted, but it appeared as though Jubei was the only one not bothered by it. They then left the dojo in hopes of getting some peaceful meditation underneath the waterfall. Welp, that didn’t last long, as Kanetsugu caused a ruckus and threw giant logs from atop the falls while (again) Jubei wasn’t bothered by it.

Afterwards they return to the dojo where Muneakira apologized about not letting Kanetsugu know about the closing of the maid café. Jubei thought it would be a good idea to enter into the dojo with Muneakira, so the two went inside to look for Kanetsugu. They found her as she stated that she wasn’t having fun anymore, and that Jubei was the only one who understood the Ki training. The others confronted Kanetsugu, but…something was off about her; as if she wasn’t herself. Matabei noticed it too, which didn’t take the others long to put two-and-two together, and discover that Kanetsugu was in fact the mysterious woman known as the Ki Master; Kaeji Maeda.

By the end of the episode (and after Jubei got her Master Samurai powers back), Kaeji stuck around to help the girls master their Ki in order to be ready for their meeting with the Dark Samurai. Although, Jubei can’t turn back to her original form…which we hope can be solved in the next episode.

That’s it for this review, so until next time stay nerdy! 😉

Anime REvisited: Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride – Samurai Girls S2 Episode 5!

It’s time! Well…for another episode review of our Anime REvisited pick known as Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride. We’ve hit another swimsuit beach episode, but this time we get to see the Dark Samurai in their swimsuits; not that we’re “those” kind of guys. Anyhoo, let’s get it!

So during this episode there a special event called the M-1 Grand Prix, and upon hearing it we immediately thought this was a drag racing episode. That wasn’t true; but we did get another swimsuit episode where the final two teams consisting of the True Shadow maidens, and the Dark Samurai (who secretly formed their own maid café and people have no idea where the hell they’re located). There’s not too much going on in this episode so this review will be pretty brief.

After a few scenes of what both teams were doing prior to the event, Hanzo introduces the final four events of the competition; complete with Kanetsugu making an ass outta herself on an intrusively comedic scale several times through the competition. After all of the shenanigans played out (including Gisen trying to give Muneakira a ‘Happy Ending’) it was time for the final event; Fair and Square Sword Fighting featuring Jubei and Musashi. The two were set to battle each other but (again) Kanetsugu got in the way and triggered several booby traps placed on the battlefield. Fed up with all of the foolishness only found in ecchi harem anime, Musashi’s power level jumped to OVER 9000!!! (I don’t care how much you’re tired of THAT reference, I’m gonna throw it in my reviews every chance I get!)

Muneakira saw what was about to happen and darted straight for Musashi. Welp, that wasn’t a smart move, cuz’ homegirl launched him about 50 feet in the air and told him that she’d take him out first. Jubei wasn’t having it and charged forward towards Musashi with her Kaioken-looking Ki (I told you I wasn’t done) and proved to her that she was the real deal. Now understanding where she’d coming from, Musashi exited the competition with the other three girls and told Jubei she’d better be at full power once the one-month deadline was up. Long-story-short; Jubei and her team won the Grand Prix with no audience (not cuz’ of Covid, but probably all of their shenanigans drove them away), and Musashi got what she wanted. The end!

That’s it! That’s the review. Until next time guys, stay nerdy! 😉 

Anime REvisited: Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride – Samurai Girls S2 Episode 4!

Hey-hey! We have reappeared with another episode review from our Anime REvisited pick known as Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride! Someone from the past has returned, but who is it? Let’s find out!

The episode opens up with Musashi leaving the dojo (True Shadow) while Sasaki looks on in pure jealousy; although the results of that will be revealed near the end of the episode. While inside Sanada reveals that the maid café is making a killing in the profits department, but believes that they might need another maid to help eliminate their debt completely. Suddenly a silver-haired female shows up with a bag over her face who looks mysteriously like…Gisen?! (She’s baaaaaaack!)

As if Muneakira and the girls didn’t have enough to deal with regarding the Dark Samurai, now the main antagonist from the first season has been resurrected as well; which isn’t surprising to Sanada, because Jubei was resurrected after the first season’s end. While tied up Gisen talks about the power of the samurai bride and how the general ultimately makes that decision when the time comes, as for Muneakira; upon remembering everything Gisen did last season, he doesn’t trust her as far as he can throw her. Realizing she’s not wanted Gisen up and leaves the dojo but not before she’s glomped by the rest of the cast. She then ends up locked in a special house outside the dojo to make sure she doesn’t cause any more trouble, but if Gisen can’t do it physically, she’ll do it mentally.

What happens within the next 5-7 minutes of the episode is pure ecchi hilarity; Sanada downs carton after carton of milk in hopes Muneakira will see her as a woman, Sen gets help from her hyper masochistic right hand woman; Hanzo, to help her be more of a lady and less of a spoiled princess. Kanaetsugu think about what will happen if she does more than kiss Muneakira; which is pretty much sex, and thus she freaks out! The results of Gisen’s lil’ charade plays out near the end of the episode; which may signal that she’s back to her old ways at least in the viewer’s eyes since she’s ‘killing time’ until Amakusa’s resurrection. Meanwhile Jubei’s in the forest training until she’s approached by Sasaki, who then uses her power to compel Jubei to kill herself by falling down the stairs.

Gisen sees this from a distance as she rushes in to save her, and then glares at Sasaki realizing that she tried to murder her big sister. Not having it Gisen prepares to use her ‘evil eye’ against Sasaki, but Muneakira and the others showed up so there was no reason for her to fight since she was clearly outnumbered. Sasaki disappeared but not before letting Gisen know that she’d love to go one-on-one with her one day. By the end of the episode Gisen apologizes for her shenanigans and says it’s not a good idea for her to stay in the dojo, but Jubei begs to differ, and tells her that she’ll find some maid café clothes for her to try on. Gisen’s back, so let the real party begin!

That’ll do it for this review, but there’s more content on the way! Until next post, stay nerdy! 😉

Anime REvisited: Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride – Samurai Girls S2 Episode 3!

Hey! Welcome back! It’s time for another review from our pick that is the continuation of our previous pick; Samurai Girls! This one’s all about one character in particular; Kanetsugu! Let’s jump into this thing and see what’s up, shall we?

As the main cast continues to operate the dojo under its maid café name ‘True Shadow’; Kanetsugu thought it would be a good idea for some healthy competition between her and the other girls. (And so she can get rid of Sasuke.) Seems great in theory but when it was time to execute the plan it backfired hard! Should one of the maids come in last place that maid would be kicked out of the dojo, and it looks like Kanetsugu’s gonna be the one voted off the island. To prevent that she would have to step up her maid game, and one way she thought she could do it is to become a master samurai – in her mind.

That evening Muneakira, Sen, and Sanada were talking about the deficit that they were making from today; and that Kanetsugu’s mess-ups were a part of it. Muneakira tried defending Kanetsugu’s actions but he was also aware of her screw-ups, so he left the decision in the hands of Sen and Sanada. The two caught on to what Kanetsugu was trying to do, and told her that not only will she not become a master samurai, but she’s also the reason for the café’s deficit. Heartbroken she packs up her stuff and leaves the dojo unknown the others. When they finally realize that she’s gone, Kanetsugu finds herself in an eerie part of town reminiscent to where Muneakira first met Jubei. Sasuke follows her much to her dismay, as the two of them run into one of the dark samurai; who happens to be possessed by an evil spirit.

Sasuke transforms into her master samurai form and fights against the possessed Araki, but as Kanetsugu watches she realizes that Sasuke is trying to protect her; and that she should do the same. As Kanetsugu enters the fray she’s out powered and outclassed by Araki, as Sasuke runs off to find help; which would come in the form of Muneakira and Jubei. After Araki defeated Kanetsugu she threw her into the water, and Muneakira went after her. The situation looked really bleak as it looked like Kanetsugu wasn’t gonna make it, until Muneakira kissed her and she became a master samurai. After powering up Kanetsugu went after Araki and managed to knock her back into her normal state of mind; to which she replied that she wouldn’t, like, kill her today.

With things looking like they’re back to normal, Muneakira told Kanetsugu that she can stay and help them with the profits of the ‘True Shadow’; now as a full-fledged master samurai!

This episode had a good bit of action to it, and even showed that although she may be the most annoying, Kanetsugu somewhat of as asset to the dojo…in more ways than one! XP

That will do it for this episode review, so until next time, stay nerdy! 😉

Anime REvisited: Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Bride – Samurai Girls S2 Episode 2!

Welcome back guys! It’s time for another anime episode review from our Anime REvisited pick; which is the second season of Samurai Girls! This one’s more of a filler episode, so let’s get to it!

Once the episode kicks off Hanzo chases after something that stole something…valuable, while the other girls are taking a bath inside the dojo; trying to figure out who the Dark Samurai were. While Sanada and Sen had their suspicions and their theories, they are unaware that some type of ‘being’ has been stealing panties from one of the girls in particular. (Yeah, this is one of those episodes.)

Eventually its discovered that Sanada’s panties have gone missing, and believes that Muneakira is the culprit. Sen thinks she’s out of her mind and even states that if she’s wrong, she’ll strip naked and dance in front of everyone – even Muneakira. Said MC walks around with a bowl of fruit wondering what to do with it and hears a noise coming from outside. It turns out to be a small monkey with a tiny bag on its back. While Sanada, Hanzo, Metabei, and Sen try to discover if Muneakira’s the culprit for her missing panties, he’s in the kitchen with the monkey feeding it fruit until he discovers that it was the one who stole Sanada’s panties. Like every male anime protagonist trying to prove their innocence, the girls bust in on him with Sanada’s lady draws in hand; even though he KNOWS he’s innocent.

After a comedic case of mistaken identity, they find the monkey that tried to sneak away unscathed; who’s name happens to be Sasuke – NOT the one you’re thinking of! With everyone gathered Sasuke tells them that she found the dojo/café from one of the Dark Samurai (Ishun to be exact), while at the same time Musashi decides to make another trip to the café much to the others’ dismay; especially Sasaki’s.

Back at the dojo its resident annoyance Kanetsugu hated the idea that Sasuke was going to be living with Sanada and the others. With Kanetsugu wanting to prove to the little monkey that he’s the top maid (for some reason) she greets Musashi with…a lovely fanservice view of her ass! (It’s more funny if you actually watch it, but you better be ova 18 though!)

By the end of the episode (and after discovering that Sasuke now has the power of a Master Samurai via Muneakira’s kiss) the maid café was back up and running again as it made bank to stay afloat. Of course Kanetsugu realized that her time at the dojo may be running out so she states that she’ll fight harder to stay; of course Sanada had something to say about that! Yeah, so that’s the episode.

That’ll wrap this review up but don’t worry cuz’ we’ve got more coming your way! Until next post, stay nerdy my friends! 😉