July 20th, 2009
Round-up #4
- Sora no Manimani Episode 2: (3/5) I wasn't looking forward to the second episode of this since I wasn't all that impressed by the first, but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself really enjoying the story, and the humour seems to have kicked it up a notch. I particularly enjoyed Hime's INSTA-DEATH gut kick.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 16: (4/5) Another impressive episode, where Ed, Al and Winry find out about Hughe's death. The pacing felt absolutely right in this episode, and I was glad to see they're no longer rushing through the content. The whole "zoom in on the phone booth" for 10 seconds was quite the "Remember this guys? This is something important" kick in the guts from Bones this week.
- Canaan Episode 3: (3/5) Yet another impressive episode on display this week, although perhaps a bit less focused on the action of the previous two, with a lot more fanservice, although the ending still kept it alive. Enjoyed the calmer scenes with Maria and Canaan, but Mino's scenes with Hakkoo stole the show.
- Bakemonogatari Episode 2: (3/5) Not entirely sure how I managed to forget posting about last week's episode of Bakemonogatari. It's no comment on the show itself, but more on my own forgetful nature. Although full of fanservice, the chemistry between our leads Araragi and Senjougahara was captivating. I was hoping they might have followed through with the mention of Araragi's extra "baggage" at the end of the episode, but it seemed to be completely ignore by the next episode.
- Bakemonogatari Episode 3: (4/5) So there was so much dialogue in this episode, they actually cut out out the opening song. Yet despite the constant of stream, it was another great episode. As with every episode (I don't think it needs be mentioned further) the series is really visually impressive. But the story and the characters aren't exactly lacking. This is the start of a new arc about Mayoi, the snail girl, although the episode didn't really concentrate much on her, devoting most of its time to conversation between the two lead characters. Still leaves me impatiently wanting more!
Posted by alsotop | Jul 20, 2009 4:10 PM | 0 comments
July 18th, 2009
Round-up #3
- Canaan Episode 2: (3/5) A solid episode for the most part with some pretty good action scenes in the second act. Still not seeing a whole lot of amazing story, but it's still early. "So how does a normal taxi jump down from a building?"
- Genius Party Films 1/2: (3/5) I've started watching this series of short films made by Studio 4C since there's quite a deal of directors behind it. Very nicely animated, as you can imagine, and pretty interesting. "I am the warrior of Justice! Watch this, criminal!"
- Dennou Coil Episodes 1-16: (4/5) I also started watching Dennou Coil about a week or two ago, as my sort of backup anime show when nothing else is airing. It's a really nice show, so far, but it looks like the pace is about to kick in as we enter the second half. "Yon-yon-ni-san".
- Bleach Episode 228: (2/5) Ugh, well, it was one ridiculous scenario after another, but it could have been worst. At least next week's episode might be at least so-so. "What are you two doing in broad daylight?!" "Boob buckets."
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 15: (4/5) This was a pretty good episode, and one of the first proper-proper new episodes in the series. I like the new characters, but even more so I like the new OP and ED songs which are very catchy. Once again, looking forward to where this is heading. "... you could be attacked by me! Barry the Chopper!"
- Basquash! Episode 15: (3/5) Oh, Basquash, you and you're incredibly derivative episodes. A pretty standard episode, but still lacking what made it appealing to me in the first place. I guess once again I'll wait and see what this series holds. "I am the man who will watch over the legend. Yes... Mr. Perfect!"
- Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 Episode 2: (4/5) TM8 continues to impress me, and a very entertaining sophomore episode bodes well for the series. Some really nice character development, and a pretty exciting episode to boot. More please. "Birthday cakes should be round."
- Aoi Hana Episode 3: (4/5) Oh Aoi Hana, how I love thee so. Once again, a fairly consistent episode, left me waiting for more. Feel a bit sorry for poor ol' Aa-chan who seemed to be having quite the bad day. "Hey! Akira! Don't throw the hardbacks!"
Posted by alsotop | Jul 18, 2009 1:10 PM | 0 comments
July 12th, 2009
Round-up #2
What's this? Another update already? Well, I thought I might as well get the next few out of the way whilst I'm still awake and putting off work. (Well it is midnight now, so I'm not going to do any more work today!) Rounding up a few of the shows I already know I'm in for the long-haul and then some follow-ups to the new summer shows.
- Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 14: (4/5) A pretty exciting episode, especially seeing King Bradley as Wrath kicking some ass. Next episode please!
- Basquash! Episode 14: (3/5) An alright episode, no major qualms, but it wasn't very exciting. The series still fails to capture the essence it had when it first began, but I'm not giving up on it. I know it has more to give.
- Bleach Episode 227: (4/5) For a filler episode, this was really impressive. I especially liked how they linked back in to the very first episode (in glorious widescreen, no less). However, next week's "Beach" episode looks like we're about to suffer.
- Aoi Hana Episode 2: (4/5) The second episode continued its high strand of quality, and I am all the more excited for this show. I've already grown attached to both Fumi and Akira, so I think I'll be sticking with this the entire series, and perhaps even looking for more of the like.
- Umi Monogatari Episode 2: (1/5) Okay, what? What is this? There's a turtle, and apparently its now a magical girl show. Hmmm. You're on your last legs, Umi Monogatari, before I drop you.
- Ane Doki! Chapter 1/2: (3/5) Don't usually pick up much manga, but I caught this on Random Curiosity and I was, for lack of a better word, curious. Will probably continue with it, although not religiously.
Posted by alsotop | Jul 12, 2009 4:03 PM | 0 comments
Round-up
So, I'm thinking of starting a little round-up of episodes of anime I've watched. A short couple of sentences, a rating out of five and some pictures. I'll see how this goes, but for now, here are some of the reviews of the new shows from the Summer '09 season.
- Bakemonogatari Episode 1: (4/5) Intriguing show, and the visuals are really amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed, despite hardly understanding any of it. I watched the anon fansub, although I think I will probably rewatch the qq & II sub.
- Sora no Manimani Episode 1: (3/5) The first episode was alright, but did seem a little clichéd and, dare I say it, not very funny. Will see how well the series goes.
- Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 Episode 1: (4/5) Very nice looking show, and shows a lot of promise. Can't wait to see where Bones take this.
- CANAAN Episode 1: (4/5) Wow, what more can be said about this show that hasn't already been said? Amazing opening episode with some fantastic action scenes. Sort of worried that there might be a lack of story, but the action will definitely make up for it.
- Aoi Hana Episode 1: (4/5) This type of show is definitely not my normal pick, but I have to say, from watching this first episode I'm really looking forward to this. Perhaps moreso than many of the other shows this season.
- Umi Monogatari Episode 1: (2/5) Now this one is definitely out of my standard comfort zone, but I thought I would give it a try. Can't tell if its trying to be over-clichéd, or it just doesn't realise it is. Not holding out much hope, but will give the second episode a try.
Posted by alsotop | Jul 12, 2009 3:33 PM | 0 comments
June 19th, 2009
Noblesse oblige
Anime Relations: Higashi no Eden
Higashi no Eden turned out to be a pretty awesome show. Few minor problems here and there, and admittedly, nothing ever really topped the first episode which was really full of intrigue. However, combine the excellent production values, intriguing story and characters (or at least some) that I had come to love and you've got yourself a pretty good show. Now the only bad thing is ending on a cliffhanger, and no resolution until the films, which will not even air until November and January. Oh how they tease us so!
I ended up starting to watch Soul Eater again. I had originally planned to wait until AllHailExcalibur released the uncut night show fansubs, which rumours mentioned was happening any day soon (only being held up by someone mucking about with the karakoke for the new OP). However, it looks like that day will never come, so I've resorted to watching the original cut show. And I've gotten back into it in a short time. It won't be long before I complete it either, its another amazing show.
And now the Summer season is about to begin, but no shows are really looking all that appealing to pick up and fill the void. We still have Basquash! (despite the recent drama) and the new Fullmetal Alchemist remake to keep me going. Otherwise, I'll have to get around to finishing some of the other shows clogging up my supposed "Currently watching" category on MyAnimeList!
Posted by alsotop | Jun 19, 2009 4:25 PM | 0 comments
June 7th, 2009
What a maroon!
Anime Relations: Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society, Seirei no Moribito, Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG - Individual Eleven, Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man
Having finished up 2nd Gig, I was definitely wanting for more. I now have the Solid State Society film to watch, although I'm undecided on whether I should watch The Laughing Man (and Individual Eleven) before, if only to refresh me on the main story arcs. In the end, I decided I would finally get around to Seirei no Moribito, another show directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the director behind the Stand Alone Complex series, as well as the Eden of the East, which is airing now. I blitzed through it as fast I possibly could, not because I just had to have it in my collection, but because as soon as I got into it (by about the second episode) I just couldn't stop. I had originally tried watching this anime back in 2007 when it had aired in Japan and gave up after an episode, which was a foolish mistake.
So, upon watching the re-hashes of the two S.A.C. series, and then the film, as well as completing Eden of the East in a couple of weeks times, I will have watched every single Kenji Kamiyama (lead) directed anime. Admittedly not a large collection, but the man certainly does put out some good stuff.
Now the only dilemma is, I'm running out of Bugs Bunny catchphrases to title my blog posts with.
So, upon watching the re-hashes of the two S.A.C. series, and then the film, as well as completing Eden of the East in a couple of weeks times, I will have watched every single Kenji Kamiyama (lead) directed anime. Admittedly not a large collection, but the man certainly does put out some good stuff.
Now the only dilemma is, I'm running out of Bugs Bunny catchphrases to title my blog posts with.
Posted by alsotop | Jun 7, 2009 2:46 AM | 0 comments