Archon_Wing's Blog - MyAnimeList.net

May 26th, 2012

Top OPs for 2012 thus far.

Anime Relations: Shakugan no Shana III (Final), Rinne no Lagrange, Fate/Zero 2nd Season, Accel World, Sakamichi no Apollon, Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna

Well, 2012 is barely half over and things could change. Also, I haven't enough EDs that stand out to me and I usually don't watch them as much so here we go

1. Sakamichi no Apollon-- Sakamichi no Melody

This song is just so sick, with the powerful instruments in the background as it changes tempo. It feels like actual music as opposed to generic pop that a lot of anime is prone to. Or annoying whiny/chipmunk stuff. But you'd expect no less from Yoko Kanno. What really helps is the scenes that the music accompanies, capturing the show's essence in a minute in a half. I can't get enough of it, I'd say.

2. Fate/Zero-- To the Beginning

The first OP to Fate/Zero was alright but a bit on the weak side. Lisa sang alright for Angel Beats and Oath Sign but I always felt her voice was too weak. The 2nd OP just feels more powerful and suited to an epic story like Fate/Zero. The visuals tease us to what has happened and what will happen.

3. Shakugan no Shana III- Serment

While the first half of Shana's last season was cursed with mediocre sounds and certainly NOT Kotoko's best work, they kicked off the last half with a song in 2012 that really reminds me of some last stage in a video game. The fact that Mami Kawada's back to sing it and it keeps reflecting past nostalgic memories in its scenes really helps drives the point home of FINAL. Now, the writing for Shana's last outing was questionable, but the OP was unquestionably awesome. We're reminded of what made the series good in the first place, which at that point for me, was sorely needed. :p

4. Lupin III: A woman named Mine Fujiko Warning: Very NSFW

What can I say? Lupin III took a really unique style and even though we don't have an actual song, the actual experience opens up the episode really well. All hail the Redline director. The Lupin scenario portrays the situation of one of utterly bizzare depravity and violence, with the sexiness that is Fujiko. And that really reflects what that is about.

5. Rinne no Lagrange-- Try Unite!

I really wasn't a fan of this show, besides maybe of Lan and her ass, but Megumi Nakajima is as always, a wonderful singer. This year must be one of throwbacks because the soundtrack for Lagrange is reminiscent of a 90s style anime. It sounds utterly dreamy and somewhere else. The psychedelic imagery really helps as well.

6. Accel World-- Chase the World

It doesn't stand out like the rest, but it certainly is well executed enough to demand a spot here. And hey, it almost makes Haru look credible. Of course, the main focus is on Kuroyukihime, which is fine. It's very much a standard OP but it looks great and the song also sounds like something that belongs in a video game, which works fine with this particular show.

Posted by Archon_Wing | 05-26-12, 3:21 PM | 0 comments

June 30th, 2011

Archon's Offical Reviews (for AnimeSuki)

Anime Relations: Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha, Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's, sola, True Tears, Angel Beats!, Durarara!!, Shakugan no Shana III (Final), Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai, Hanasaku Iroha, Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica, Tiger & Bunny, Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai., Usagi Drop, Nisemonogatari

Posted by Archon_Wing | 06-30-11, 4:11 AM | 0 comments