darkstorm

A creative, writer, editor and director with a love for video games, anime and manga.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion 1 – Initiation: Cinema Screening Review

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion 1 – Initiation is best experienced if you're already a fan, keen to enjoy all the bombastic and explosive glory of the original series plus some new content in glorious cinematic quality.

darkstorm • 17th March 2018

Anime Review

Kakegurui Episodes 1 – 12 Review (Streaming)

Kakegurui is completely shameless in its fanservice, unsubtle handling of the negative affects of gambling, and utterly unapologetic about its ruthlessly psychotic characters and its ridiculous premise - and that’s exactly why the series is so enjoyable

darkstorm • 8th February 2018

Roundup

Winter Streaming Preview 2018

Winter Season 2018 is already upon us! And already it seems as if we – the UK viewers – might need to subscribe to Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as Crunchyroll, Funimation (for simuldubs) and …

AUKN Staff • 30th January 2018

Anime Review

Matoi the Sacred Slayer Complete Collection Review

Matoi the Sacred Slayer provides a heart-warming and fun ride for those who are willing to ride out the poor opening episodes.

darkstorm • 30th January 2018

Film Review

Tokyo Ghoul (Live Action Film) Cinema Screening Review

For Tokyo Ghoul fans, this will provide an entertaining ride with interesting visuals and good acting that tries to bring the story alive, even if it doesn’t always succeed.

darkstorm • 24th January 2018

Anime Review

Ajin: Demi-Human Season 1 Review

Ajin: Demi Human deals with many gruesome themes with excellently thought-out mythology and unique animation, but the largely dour and gloomy cast with little variety will be the deal breaker for most.

darkstorm • 29th December 2017

Manga Review

Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Volume 1 Review

The first volume of Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc is a delightful success; from the lovely art and the characters to the new story’s beginnings – all of it feels like a genuine continuation that CLAMP wanted and felt creatively compelled to do. If you’re a CLAMP fan, do not hesitate to pick up this volume.

AUKN Staff • 28th December 2017

Features

Anime UK News Review of 2017 Part 2 (Manga and Light Novels)

Manga

Demelza:

Looking back on 2017 I realise that I haven’t been buying many new manga series, but despite that, the few I have picked up have proven well worthwhile. This year saw the release…

AUKN Staff • 22nd December 2017

Features

Anime UK News Review of 2017 Part 1

2017 has been the year that anime made a triumphant return to many local cinemas throughout the UK, continuing the trend set by Your Name in 2016. And as Amazon Prime and Netflix have gained exclusive…

AUKN Staff • 21st December 2017

Anime Review

Fate/Apocrypha Episodes 1 – 12 Review (Streaming)

Fate/Apocrypha is 12 episodes complete with grand battles, great animation and glorious Fate-fanservice magic in a new overblown but fun-filled story. If you have Netflix, then don’t hesitate to check it out.

darkstorm • 11th December 2017

Features

AUKN Anime and Manga Christmas Gift Guide 2017

We’ve had a lot of amazing releases this year, and they all would make wonderful surprises under the tree for that special someone. But to help with the Christmas shopping blues, here's Anime UK News Gift Guide 2017!

darkstorm • 3rd December 2017

Anime Review

Ronja the Robber’s Daughter Review

Ronja the Robber’s Daughter is not the brightest spark in Studio Ghibli's repertoire. Despite some good ideas and lovely animation, this is primarily aimed at very young kids and therefore anyone outside that demographic would most likely find this 26-episode venture hard to get through.

darkstorm • 3rd December 2017

Manga Review

Arakawa Under the Bridge Vol. 1 Review

Arakawa Under the Bridge is a quirky comedy with vastly strange but likable characters. You may feel sorry for poor Kou being stuck with them but can’t help but wonder what he’s going to find next.

darkstorm • 28th November 2017

Manga Review

In/Spectre Volume 1 Review

Despite the silly name and lack of fanfare around this title, In/Spectre starts off very well with likable characters, sincere chemistry between the two leads and interesting spin on Japanese folklore.

darkstorm • 19th November 2017

Film Review

Fireworks Cinema Screening Review

Fireworks is a visually stunning film with an interesting twist on the ‘Groundhog Day’ concept without going too deeply into it. A fun movie that makes another worthy addition to the UK’s most fruitful year of anime cinema releases so far.

darkstorm • 13th November 2017

Film Review

Perfect Blue Review

Perfect Blue is an effective psychological thriller that brilliantly plays with expectations and directly addresses uncomfortable, heavy themes for a mind-trip of a movie. Whilst the ending may not as stellar as the work leading up to it, this is definitely a film that any anime fan should treat themselves to this Halloween.

darkstorm • 25th October 2017

Film Review

In This Corner of the World Review

In This Corner of the World is a heart-felt journey that may not be as lauded compared to other animated war films or big anime film releases of this year, but is still a film worthy of being discovered and added to your collection.

darkstorm • 19th October 2017

Film Review

Night is Short, Walk on Girl; Cinema Screening Review

The Night is Short, Walk on Girl is very, very, very weird. There’s a simple premise hiding underneath the explosion of random events that occur with gorgeous animation to embellish the strange experience.

darkstorm • 2nd October 2017

Anime Review

Martian Successor Nadesico Collector’s Edition Blu-ray Review

For Nadesico fans, this is a delightfully put-together box set that can provide a fun ride, but for everyone else it’s a risky investment of money and time that is not guaranteed to be worthwhile in the end.

darkstorm • 12th September 2017

Film Review

The Boy and The Beast; BFI Cinema Screening Review 2015

The Boy and The Beast is as visually splendid as Summer Wars and as heart-warming as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. It’s a highly recommended film for the whole family, full of laughs, tears and smiles.

darkstorm • 4th September 2017