March 30th, 2012
Spring 2012 Anime
Anime Relations: Kuroko no Basket, Zetman, Upotte!!, Jormungand, Uchuu Kyoudai, Sakamichi no Apollon, Shirokuma Cafe, Tsuritama
For the first season in a while I'm looking forward to several shows. I can't wait to see the finale of Fate/Zero, and the Noitamina block looks surprisingly good. I will certainly be watching Sakamichi no Apollon, and Tsuritama, both sound good in their respective ways. Other series I'm interested in are Zetman, Uchuu Kyoudai, and Jorgamund. Also, depending on what's released as simulcasts depends on what I'll watch, since I'm too lazy to actually download stuff.
Uchuu Kyodai
1. Really enjoyed the first episode. I felt so bad for Mutta losing his job in the way he did, and being blackballed in the industry. When he found that accepted application for the space agency I cried tears of happiness for him!
After this episode I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
2. The second episode picked up where the first left off, and covered a couple of months over the JAXA entrance exams. They were intense to watch, and see how Mutta handled the stress of them. There were several hilarious scenes; when Mutta fell in love and when he flushed his phone.
3. This show is getting more and more enjoyable. Mutta is more than a little hard on himself and self-deprecating though. I hope he gains some confidence. I really enjoyed the scene when he got caught by the girl trying to see himself in the space suit, and then the next day catches her. I really hope that he, Kenji, and her all make it through this round of exams.
Zetman
1. It was a little sad, I'll admit to crying just a little bit for Jin, when he lost Oji-chan and then when it seemed like he lost the old lady. It was also kinda exciting. Can't wait to see how it pans out. So far I'm 2/2 on good shows this season.
2. After an unspecified timeskip- maybe 7 years? The second episode picks up and focuses on reintroducing the kids that were cut off from Jin. While action packed, and seemingly following a story, it just wasn't as good as the first episode. It seems to lack some impact, that the atmosphere allows. Will give it at least another couple of episodes to see if it continues this way.
Shirokuma Cafe
1. This was pretty funny. Decided to watch it because of all the screenshots I saw going around. It's a little bizarre and quirky, yet somehow relateable. Even with the main character being a Panda. So far nothing has disappointed me yet on the first episodes, which is actually kind of rare in the last year.
2. "There's not a lot going on, look closer baby you're so wrong, And that's why you can stay so long. Cause theres not alot goin' on." That's the overall feel of Polar Bear Cafe. It's a group of rag tag friends, hanging out in a small but classy cafe. The panda is still lazy, his mom still overzealous with the vacuum; the polar bear and penguin still have this ridiculous relationship built on puns, the llama; I'm not quite sure where he comes in. It's slow but light-hearted and enjoyable, let's see how this continues.
Kuroko no Basket
1. The first average feeling title of the season. The sound is good, but the animation is lacking. Lots of still frames, and all the characters look similar. The way to tell the main characters apart is mainly by their hair colours. I like the concept though, but it depends on the excitement on whether or not I will keep up this show.
2. Episode 2 followed along quite well after the first episode. I still can't get over how ugly the characters are- I never thought I'd see a series with art worse than any Shinjuku Nakamura series. After the one old teammate of Kuroko's showed up and tried to poach him, I think there is the possibility that each of Kuroko's old teammates from the "Generation of Miracles" will show up an try and bring him with them. There is still a well-formed sense of excitement though, that keeps me wanting to watch this series. Only two episodes in and I can't wait for the OST though.
Upotte!!
1. This was not something I'd not even considered watching, but is something I will probably continue. It's moe-almost loli-gun girls, and pretty much all fan service. Was pretty enjoyable for what it was, and has excellent animation. This is something I will probably end up watching/rating because of enjoyment alone. Not for the "story".
Sakamichi no Apollon
1. Seems like it's going to follow your standard slice of life school format. It could be pretty good. So far the characters are pretty interesting, and being set in what seems like the 1950's is what sets this show apart. I really like the jazz theme as well. Very pretty too.
Tsuritama
1. Tsuritama is an extremely fun show. I feel extremely happy and giggly after watching it. The characters are interesting, the art is kind of wild, the sounds are great, and the story seems interesting. I am actually calling this the best show of the season at this point.
Jormungand
1. I really didn't know what to expect from this show, and got blown away. As the preview song says "Her name is Koko, she is loco". The story seems interesting so far, a weapons dealer and a child soldier who hates weapons, yet is extremely skilled in the art of assassination and bent on vengeance pair up. The first episode was more or less non-stop action, and served as a good introduction to the main characters. There seems to be the possibility of a twisted romance between Koko and Jonah at some point... Let's just wait and see how it pans out.
Uchuu Kyodai
1. Really enjoyed the first episode. I felt so bad for Mutta losing his job in the way he did, and being blackballed in the industry. When he found that accepted application for the space agency I cried tears of happiness for him!
After this episode I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
2. The second episode picked up where the first left off, and covered a couple of months over the JAXA entrance exams. They were intense to watch, and see how Mutta handled the stress of them. There were several hilarious scenes; when Mutta fell in love and when he flushed his phone.
3. This show is getting more and more enjoyable. Mutta is more than a little hard on himself and self-deprecating though. I hope he gains some confidence. I really enjoyed the scene when he got caught by the girl trying to see himself in the space suit, and then the next day catches her. I really hope that he, Kenji, and her all make it through this round of exams.
Zetman
1. It was a little sad, I'll admit to crying just a little bit for Jin, when he lost Oji-chan and then when it seemed like he lost the old lady. It was also kinda exciting. Can't wait to see how it pans out. So far I'm 2/2 on good shows this season.
2. After an unspecified timeskip- maybe 7 years? The second episode picks up and focuses on reintroducing the kids that were cut off from Jin. While action packed, and seemingly following a story, it just wasn't as good as the first episode. It seems to lack some impact, that the atmosphere allows. Will give it at least another couple of episodes to see if it continues this way.
Shirokuma Cafe
1. This was pretty funny. Decided to watch it because of all the screenshots I saw going around. It's a little bizarre and quirky, yet somehow relateable. Even with the main character being a Panda. So far nothing has disappointed me yet on the first episodes, which is actually kind of rare in the last year.
2. "There's not a lot going on, look closer baby you're so wrong, And that's why you can stay so long. Cause theres not alot goin' on." That's the overall feel of Polar Bear Cafe. It's a group of rag tag friends, hanging out in a small but classy cafe. The panda is still lazy, his mom still overzealous with the vacuum; the polar bear and penguin still have this ridiculous relationship built on puns, the llama; I'm not quite sure where he comes in. It's slow but light-hearted and enjoyable, let's see how this continues.
Kuroko no Basket
1. The first average feeling title of the season. The sound is good, but the animation is lacking. Lots of still frames, and all the characters look similar. The way to tell the main characters apart is mainly by their hair colours. I like the concept though, but it depends on the excitement on whether or not I will keep up this show.
2. Episode 2 followed along quite well after the first episode. I still can't get over how ugly the characters are- I never thought I'd see a series with art worse than any Shinjuku Nakamura series. After the one old teammate of Kuroko's showed up and tried to poach him, I think there is the possibility that each of Kuroko's old teammates from the "Generation of Miracles" will show up an try and bring him with them. There is still a well-formed sense of excitement though, that keeps me wanting to watch this series. Only two episodes in and I can't wait for the OST though.
Upotte!!
1. This was not something I'd not even considered watching, but is something I will probably continue. It's moe-almost loli-gun girls, and pretty much all fan service. Was pretty enjoyable for what it was, and has excellent animation. This is something I will probably end up watching/rating because of enjoyment alone. Not for the "story".
Sakamichi no Apollon
1. Seems like it's going to follow your standard slice of life school format. It could be pretty good. So far the characters are pretty interesting, and being set in what seems like the 1950's is what sets this show apart. I really like the jazz theme as well. Very pretty too.
Tsuritama
1. Tsuritama is an extremely fun show. I feel extremely happy and giggly after watching it. The characters are interesting, the art is kind of wild, the sounds are great, and the story seems interesting. I am actually calling this the best show of the season at this point.
Jormungand
1. I really didn't know what to expect from this show, and got blown away. As the preview song says "Her name is Koko, she is loco". The story seems interesting so far, a weapons dealer and a child soldier who hates weapons, yet is extremely skilled in the art of assassination and bent on vengeance pair up. The first episode was more or less non-stop action, and served as a good introduction to the main characters. There seems to be the possibility of a twisted romance between Koko and Jonah at some point... Let's just wait and see how it pans out.
Posted by mandralyne | Mar 30, 2012 7:50 AM | 0 comments
Private Entry
December 21st, 2011
Simulwatches
My Currently Active
Kanon 2006- Next Episode 16
Completed Simulwatches
Rebuild of Evangelion 1.11
Rebuild of Evangelion 2.22
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Clannad
Clannad ~After Story~
Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai
FLCL
K-On!
K-On!!
Summer Wars
Tiger & Bunny
BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad
Stuff I Want to Simulwatch
Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo
Kanon 2006- Next Episode 16
Completed Simulwatches
Rebuild of Evangelion 1.11
Rebuild of Evangelion 2.22
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Clannad
Clannad ~After Story~
Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai
FLCL
K-On!
K-On!!
Summer Wars
Tiger & Bunny
BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad
Stuff I Want to Simulwatch
Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo
Posted by mandralyne | Dec 21, 2011 7:12 PM | 0 comments
Private Entry
October 20th, 2011
Winter 2011- Midseason Impressions
Anime Relations: Starry☆Sky, Gosick, Hourou Musuko, Fractale, Kimi ni Todoke 2nd Season, Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
I started the season watching Fractale, Kimi ni Todoke 2, Starry Sky and Wandering Son. On other peoples suggestions I picked up Gosick, and Puella Magi. What I'm currently watching are Fractale, Wandering Son, and Puella Magi.
Fractale- is really interesting. I'm not quite sure what's going to happen with this series. I really didn't expect the shootout scene at the Fractale cult meeting. I am actually getting a Eureka 7 feeling with this show because of the Lost Millenium rebels. still watching
Kimi ni Todoke 2- I just had a hard time getting into the second season. Maybe it's because I'm further ahead in the manga. dropped
Starry Sky- Just dreadful. Flat characters, flat animation, bad background music. The episodes are 10 minutes ONA's but they drag soo much. I expect that's why each character has a 2 episode arc. Would have been much to boring had they each had one 20 min episode dedicated to each character. dropped
Wandering Son- Outstanding. Well paced, amazing characterization can feel the pain/awkwardness/confusion with the main characters, and their peers, the water colour look is amazing, handles a heavy topic with great maturity. Best show of the season if you ask me. still watching
Gosick- I picked this up after a couple of people I chat with frequently suggested I watch it. It's just okay. It looks better than it is. I think it had a lot of potential, but the story kind of falls flat. Victorique is hardly a super genius. Other characters are just huge idiots. dropped
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika- This was a surprise like for me. I had been avoiding it because of the Mahou Shoujo in the title. Had I looked at the animation studio I would have picked it up from the start. The first couple episodes were just alright, but I liked how they looked so I continued watching only to have my preconceptions kinda smashed. I did figure out what was going to happen, but this is the most interesting show of the season. Fucking Kyuubey. Eating his old body. Ugh. still watching
Fractale- is really interesting. I'm not quite sure what's going to happen with this series. I really didn't expect the shootout scene at the Fractale cult meeting. I am actually getting a Eureka 7 feeling with this show because of the Lost Millenium rebels. still watching
Kimi ni Todoke 2- I just had a hard time getting into the second season. Maybe it's because I'm further ahead in the manga. dropped
Starry Sky- Just dreadful. Flat characters, flat animation, bad background music. The episodes are 10 minutes ONA's but they drag soo much. I expect that's why each character has a 2 episode arc. Would have been much to boring had they each had one 20 min episode dedicated to each character. dropped
Wandering Son- Outstanding. Well paced, amazing characterization can feel the pain/awkwardness/confusion with the main characters, and their peers, the water colour look is amazing, handles a heavy topic with great maturity. Best show of the season if you ask me. still watching
Gosick- I picked this up after a couple of people I chat with frequently suggested I watch it. It's just okay. It looks better than it is. I think it had a lot of potential, but the story kind of falls flat. Victorique is hardly a super genius. Other characters are just huge idiots. dropped
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika- This was a surprise like for me. I had been avoiding it because of the Mahou Shoujo in the title. Had I looked at the animation studio I would have picked it up from the start. The first couple episodes were just alright, but I liked how they looked so I continued watching only to have my preconceptions kinda smashed. I did figure out what was going to happen, but this is the most interesting show of the season. Fucking Kyuubey. Eating his old body. Ugh. still watching
Posted by mandralyne | Oct 20, 2011 4:14 PM | 0 comments
Spring 2011 Early Impressions
Hanasaku Iroha - The first episode was really good. The story was a well written slice of life piece, and right up my anime preferences. It was beautiful looking, and I really liked the background music and the ED. I hope it keeps up like this, if the noitaminA shows suck Hanasaku will be an excellent replacement.
Steins;Gate - Left me with all sorts of feelings. I really loved how fucked up I felt while watching it though. Since I had the feeling that S;G would be confusing I wrote down all the key points as I was watching and referred back to them. Had a DRR-esque feeling since things were jumpy and not connecting. I think this show is going to need a few more episodes before anything starts to make sense. Not that it bothers me. Also, the cold opening through me off with the OP randomly tossed into the middle of the episode.
SKET Dance - I'm going to give this show the benefit of the doubt at least for another couple episodes. It's definately a kids show though. SKET Dance: lets throw in some hijinx, wacky characters and a couple lulz but at the end of it lets throw in "Hey Kids, bullying is bad and you shouldn't do what the bully tells you. Now lets all be friends."
Sekaii-Ichi Hatsukoi OVA - If this OVA is any indication of the series it will more than likely suck. There are three things wrong with this series right from the top (and none of them being that this is a BL series). First it is from source material by Shungiku Nakamura, second it's animated by Studio Deen, third it's directed by Chiaki Kon. The OVA was pulled from a weird spot in the source material, somewhere in volume 3 or 4, so it felt weird to watch. I'm going to give the anime a try, but will probably end up dropping because of the reasons listed above. Dear anime studios if you're going to animate some BL, find the good stuff not the Nakamura, Shungiku shit you keep giving full and multiple seasons to.
Steins;Gate - Left me with all sorts of feelings. I really loved how fucked up I felt while watching it though. Since I had the feeling that S;G would be confusing I wrote down all the key points as I was watching and referred back to them. Had a DRR-esque feeling since things were jumpy and not connecting. I think this show is going to need a few more episodes before anything starts to make sense. Not that it bothers me. Also, the cold opening through me off with the OP randomly tossed into the middle of the episode.
SKET Dance - I'm going to give this show the benefit of the doubt at least for another couple episodes. It's definately a kids show though. SKET Dance: lets throw in some hijinx, wacky characters and a couple lulz but at the end of it lets throw in "Hey Kids, bullying is bad and you shouldn't do what the bully tells you. Now lets all be friends."
Sekaii-Ichi Hatsukoi OVA - If this OVA is any indication of the series it will more than likely suck. There are three things wrong with this series right from the top (and none of them being that this is a BL series). First it is from source material by Shungiku Nakamura, second it's animated by Studio Deen, third it's directed by Chiaki Kon. The OVA was pulled from a weird spot in the source material, somewhere in volume 3 or 4, so it felt weird to watch. I'm going to give the anime a try, but will probably end up dropping because of the reasons listed above. Dear anime studios if you're going to animate some BL, find the good stuff not the Nakamura, Shungiku shit you keep giving full and multiple seasons to.
Posted by mandralyne | Oct 20, 2011 4:10 PM | 0 comments