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Jul 9, 2011 4:33 PM
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Nov 2008
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Since I just recently re-marathoned Utena it made me easier to process this episode. We already know there is an overarching tragedy with the fact the sister's life hangs in the balance depending on how this whole "Penguin Drum" scenario plays out.

For those of you who have not seen Utena here's a few pointers for watching this show:

1. Pay attention to EVERYTHING, Ikuhara is known for hinting, foreshadowing, and making allegories to later plot points especially in the OP & EDs.

2. Get used to repetition. That crazy Survival Strategy sequence is probably going to pop up often, and don't be surprised if you see variations of it in later episodes.

3. Very high chance of darker and more disturbing elements coming more to the forefront as the series comes to a close. So for those of you disturbed by the hint of incest at the end of this episode...yeeeaaah...if Utena's any indicator we'll probably have a lot of interesting allusions later on (hint: this is not the first time Ikuhara has went "there" and gone much, much deeper).

So I look forward to how this series develops.
Jul 9, 2011 6:18 PM

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May 2009
80
...I have absolutely no idea what I just watched but I liked it

This. This will be my favorite this season I think.
I've got this burnin' like my veins are filled with nothin' but gasoline.
Jul 9, 2011 6:22 PM
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751
I am personally bothered by the posibility of insest in the Anime. However, I find myself more bothered by the few people posting in this thread who are basically bashing the people who are a little upset at the surprise, whether they intended it or not. Did they even think about what they were posting before they posted it?

I am bothered by the comments that said it should have been obvious that there would be insest or homosexuality in the Anime because this was done by Ikuhara. However, isn't it a bit of an assumption to make that everyone going into this Anime is going to be familiar with his work? I personally am not, and I wouldn't be surprised if a good deal of the other people who picked this up are.

I am also bothered by the comments bashing people for dropping this in the first episode. I get the fact that there are times that you can't judge an Anime by the first episode, however there are people uncomfortable with subjects like insest and such. I personally only watch if I think the subject is handled well, like with Yume Tsukai. Which is why I am going to stick around for a few more episodes. Other people can't stomach this.

I am also bothered by the comments that say that insest isn't a big deal. I liked Yume Tsukai because it treated insest as the big deal it is and it was part of the subject matter and was handled well. I think some people though, need to remember that the subject of insest may hit uncomfortably close to home for some people.

The other thing I am bothered with, is the fact that people say, this is done by a certain person, so people shouldn't complain. It kind of relates to my first point, that not everyone is going to be familiar with his work.

My main point is, try to be a little more respectful with the comments. Insest is a sensitive issue.

Zarmyn said:
Since I just recently re-marathoned Utena it made me easier to process this episode. We already know there is an overarching tragedy with the fact the sister's life hangs in the balance depending on how this whole "Penguin Drum" scenario plays out.

For those of you who have not seen Utena here's a few pointers for watching this show:

1. Pay attention to EVERYTHING, Ikuhara is known for hinting, foreshadowing, and making allegories to later plot points especially in the OP & EDs.

2. Get used to repetition. That crazy Survival Strategy sequence is probably going to pop up often, and don't be surprised if you see variations of it in later episodes.

3. Very high chance of darker and more disturbing elements coming more to the forefront as the series comes to a close. So for those of you disturbed by the hint of incest at the end of this episode...yeeeaaah...if Utena's any indicator we'll probably have a lot of interesting allusions later on (hint: this is not the first time Ikuhara has went "there" and gone much, much deeper).

So I look forward to how this series develops.


Anyways, I thank you for posting this. I am going to give this Anime a few more episodes before I personally decide to drop this. It honestly, despite being rather easy to digest until the very last part, may not be my cup of tea and I may not be able to stomach much more. It's a lot more sensitive then a LOT of the earlier comments I saw, which really bothered me.
Jul 9, 2011 10:25 PM

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May 2010
382
When I heard incest I was hoping it was between the brothers >.>
Real Hell is inside a person-Ai Enma (Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae)
Do you know where hell is? Inside your head-Chrona (Soul Eater)


Jul 9, 2011 10:57 PM
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Dec 2009
282
Very impressive episode.

I have a feeling that with the thing about the apple and showing "ALIS in Wonderland" [Yes, that is how it saw shown in the show] that th series may become an amalgamation of various fairy tales.
Jul 9, 2011 11:17 PM

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204
What's the point of seeking new horizons if we couldn't observe, if not explore, what happens if a taboo is made manifest before our eyes? More than a century ago some works of literature we considered now as classics were then controversial, even going so far as to polarize opinion of the day. Heck, The Catcher in the Rye and Lord of the Flies, highly acclaimed now, were also eyed with suspicion at the time they were newly published.

Why fear the unknown, even if you are not directly involved and thus part of the audience? We've been hungry, seeking for something unique, a diamond in the rough, the one that stands out in a sea of fail.

Finally, the hardest question: what if you and your sister were the only ones left on the face of the planet? What would you do to survive?

That is why incest, long considered a social taboo and a grave sin in some societies, has to be explored and properly understood.
I play, the haters lose.
Jul 10, 2011 12:24 AM

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Dec 2009
231
if it ( Revolutionary Girl Utena ) Original Creator - Ikuhara Kunihiko - I'm Certainly watching it , the Op way to awesome and the first episode Gooooooood ....

5\5
Jul 10, 2011 1:26 AM

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Sep 2008
778
Let's see. We got a winning plot, or a winning premise as the case may be. Certianly quite nice, and there's a lot of good places they could go with it. Don't know why people are finding it hard to follow.

Fantastic animation. Some mild and pleasant fanservice.

Characters feel a little bland, but it's still episode one and we were focussing pretty heavily on the plot.

All in all I gotta say I like what I see.
Jul 10, 2011 2:26 AM

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1402
1st ep and incest already... That incest serves what purpose exactly? Are we gonna end up with the blue haired twin being in love with the red haired one at this rate soon?

I know 'tis just a beginning of the series, so I'm not going to jump to conclusions that fast and just drop it, but I hope we'll get a bit more of a solid story lurking behind rocky sequences and shocking revelations.
ったく、嫌な世の中だよ。
Jul 10, 2011 2:40 AM

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1155
The ED song is beautiful. Listening to the dark tone tune with ennui, I have a hunch this anime will be a post-"Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica".
Jul 10, 2011 4:19 AM

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Oct 2010
237
I have no idea what's going on at all O__o..

Me likes I'll keep watching it ^O^..

Jul 10, 2011 5:20 AM

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1155
I'm not sure but the lyrics of the ED sounds like this;

Japanese
subete ga moshi tsumugarete tara
bokura ha doushite mogaku no darou

sore wa kimi ja nai
kimi no sei ja nai
kanashimi ha mou takusan nanda

dakara, sou ja nai
ima no mama ja nai
umaku tsutaekirenai kedo

dear my future
dear your future

English
If all things have been woven,
why do we have to struggle?

It's not you.
It's not your fault.
I don't want any sorrow anymore.

As I said, it's not like that.
We can change the fate.
How can I put this!?

Dear my future.
Dear your future.

---
P.S.
The TV spot #004 looks like Bakemonogatari or Evangelion.
http://penguindrum.jp/special/
Jul 10, 2011 6:18 AM
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Jul 2009
134
INCEST LOL
Jul 10, 2011 10:07 AM

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Nov 2008
7012
OK, time to post my thoughts properly.

Firstly, those who say that Ikuhara is trolling are right. Sort of. He is trolling, but it isn't the audience he is trolling, or at least, it isn't exclusively the audience. He is trolling Ishihara and the censors.

Remember that Anime and Manga regulation bill everybody was talking about? Well, it's supposed to be in full effect now, after being applied on July 1st. As you all should hopefully know, it aims to censor glorified depictions of illegal sex acts (incest, anyone?), or rather, the glorification of sex acts where the couple can't legally marry (so this includes BL and yuri on top of incest, lolicon and shotacon), meaning that they couldn't be aired on TV and make them available only in "adult" sections of shops alongside pornography and all that.

Yup, I believe one of the reasons Ikuhara came back was to irritate the censors with his famous style of throwing all kinds of relationships that would be censored by this bill. I see this as one of the reasons that Kanba's lips didn't actually touch Himari's during "that" scene, instead being replaced with a bang and the words "I hate fate", meaning that Ishihaara wants to change the fate of the bill.

As for what this anime is about, I have heard rumours that is somehow involved in the plot, as is why the number 95 and the subway seemingly play an important role in the plot, as well as backing up Zarmyn's statement that it's likely going to become more serious later on. I have also heard that the apples are supposed to symbolize the world, as Kenji Miyazawa (Night on The Galactic Railroad) believes they do. The fairytale thing may also be true, but we will see. Things will only become clear by the end, and even then, there is probably going to be some things left for us to interpret as we wish.

As for the characters, no, they don't seem to be as interesting as Utena's so far, but I'm happy that Ikuhara appears to be making new characters as opposed to using Utena expies (with the possible exceptions of Akio and Juri, who have look-alikes in the OP) for this series. Plus, we still have 23 more episodes for them to develop, along with the remaining cast that has yet to be introduced.

Overall, I enjoyed this quite a bit and will probably watch all the way through. Awesome OP and ED too.

@Yumekichi11:

I think that the pink-haired beauty is a guy. One along the lines of Akio from Utena (I won't say he's an expy just yet, but his design seems similar). If I'm correct, then he's doing his job of being extremely sexy to both genders rather well.
Rosa_FOEtidaJul 10, 2011 10:20 AM
Current FAL Ranking + Previous best::
[
Jul 10, 2011 10:16 AM

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At first, I was like , Drama + Slice of Life = Ok!!

Then suddenly..



WTF??

But I find this interesting though =)
Jul 10, 2011 10:34 AM

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Jan 2011
13
FOE-tan said:
As for the characters, no, they don't seem to be as interesting as Utena's so far, but I'm happy that Ikuhara appears to be making new characters as opposed to using Utena expies (with the possible exceptions of Akio and Juri, who have look-alikes in the OP) for this series. Plus, we still have 23 more episodes for them to develop, along with the remaining cast that has yet to be introduced.

Overall, I enjoyed this quite a bit and will probably watch all the way through. Awesome OP and ED too.


I liked reading your opinion. But I'm not sure what to hope. The characters seem kinda plain. Where Utena was strong and interesting, that penguin queen just looks bratty and arrogant. The brothers reaction are too over dramatic.

As for the OP and ED, I like the use of electronica, but the voices are kinda annoying. The soundtrack so far didn't impress me much.

I know that it's just the first episode, but with the same director and similar concepts and style, it's hard not to compare with Utena... And Utena got me amazed right from the first episode, right from that little fairytale with faceless characters.

Still, I'm really hopeful on this anime. I'm waiting for the development on the next episodes.
Also, I liked the way the had done flashback scenes and the title of the episode appearing only on the end.
Jul 10, 2011 10:34 AM

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306
That was an emotional roller coaster and I loved the ride. If the rest of the series is as good or better than the first episode I'm in love.
Jul 10, 2011 11:11 AM

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1609
Eddo said:
Okok. This anime seems quite interesting, but.. How the hell is this a slice of life? XD
I like to believe that this is actually how Ikuhara lives his life. There is no off position on the genius switch.
Jul 10, 2011 11:30 AM

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138
jDranzer said:
Mawaru Penguindrum = Utena with penguins

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!

^ Ahaha <3

This was definitely fabulous.

Also for that Utena argument, Utena was strong, but she was Naive as well. That was one of her faults ;). But this series isn't Utena, so I'm not going to expect what I'd expect from Utena.
RoyalStrangerJul 10, 2011 11:36 AM
Jul 10, 2011 12:17 PM

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Jan 2011
198
Loved it! I'm really curious about what will happen next since they left the episode off with so many questions. I definitely see the Utena-esque style though, especially with the characters. And the penguins were so funny, I can't wait to see more.
Jul 10, 2011 1:53 PM

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Feb 2011
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°‿‿°

Fixes to make the Profile more bearable after "the Modern★Profile★Update★★Rip★Profile★"
Jul 10, 2011 2:33 PM

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zeando34 said:

°‿‿°


this!
Jul 10, 2011 3:09 PM
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From what i have seen the one most likely to (maybe) have some feeling for Himari would it be Shouma.
Kanba looked like he genuily loved Himari as sister until her possessed version "atacked"him ang suposely got his heart.
Maybe the next one is Shouma but it would way to easy for him to fall for her. It wouldn't be necessary to get his heart ( literally). Or not. Don't know why but i feel he is gonna get the girl. But sure Shouma and Kanba will fight over her. Must also be related with the survivl thing.
Jul 10, 2011 3:22 PM

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Dec 2010
8
Zoddguts said:

Star Driver was directed by someone else. If it was done by Ikuhara it wouldn't have been a disappointment.


This x1000.

I was kind of hesitant to actually watch the first episode of Penguindrum because I was thinking it would be like Star Driver.

Thankfully now I can rejoice.
Oh yes.
Jul 10, 2011 4:00 PM

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Aug 2009
58
Swiftstylez said:
Usagi Drop and Uta No Prince Sama etc are much better this season.


muahahaha :)

that comment really made my day :))))

P.P. Actually Usagi Drop was ok , but much better? :) Naaahh :)
Jul 10, 2011 5:27 PM

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467
Oh lord, I think I'm going to go re-watch Adolescence of Utena for the millionth time after this first episode XD

I can see Ikuhara all over this. I'm very excited to see how the series will progress. Considering the themes and relationships found in his previous work, I am not at all surprised to see them portrayed here. Actually, I'd be somewhat shocked if they weren't.
Jul 10, 2011 6:20 PM

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3199
McRib said:
Holy Jesus that transformation scene..if that gets repeated 24 times I will be a happy man.
The OP isn't catchy though...I remember I was hooked on Utena's OP right off the bat since it drew me in with unicorns, iron gates, roses, and a huge dose of fabulous.


This. Transformation sceneee ::Drools:: I was also high in the hopes that this would rival the Utena OP.... but no...

Either way tho, Ikuhara YOU BRING the trippy fabulousness like NO ONE ELSE.

My god this makes me want to watch Utena again for the 3213124 time. Looking forward to 23 more eps! ^_________^

Well done.

Jul 10, 2011 8:57 PM

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Apr 2008
148
Very, VERY interesting. You can tell this anime has the director's touch to it, especially if you've seen Utena before. Elements of the serious, the silly and the surreal. The animation is also nice.

I like the penguins, they definitely touched on my squee~~ nerve. They are so cute, you just wanna cuddle them. I'll have to get my hands on a plushie or keychain or something...

Don't know what to make of this quite yet, but if Utena is anything to go by, we may be in for an interesting and enjoyable ride. :-)
Jul 10, 2011 11:41 PM
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Apr 2009
346
This shit was so stupid I almost want to drop Utena now.
Jul 11, 2011 12:00 AM

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dkrdude3 said:
This shit was so stupid I almost want to drop Utena now.


Yes, they share the same director, similar styles, and certain themes. But contemplating dropping a series based on another seems rather counterproductive in my opinion, regardless of how "stupid" you may feel this one to be.
Jul 11, 2011 2:44 AM
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I've been waiting, Ikuhara-san. Gladly, you have returned with a bang and a bag full of style, magic, and controversial themes. It has taken you so long, and I suppose that you realize it will take a lot of creativity and work living up to all the expectations placed on you after Utena, so I trust that you won't disappoint.

This is the best first episode that I have seen in a while. The direction, artistic style and the overall vibe was quite reminiscent to Utena, which is a good thing. And oh, is that a pink-haired woman/man in the OP? She/he looks an awful lot like Utena; I wonder what role this character will play.

Can't wait for the next episode.
removed-userJul 11, 2011 3:59 AM
Jul 11, 2011 8:16 AM

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Nov 2008
286
OK, the first episode has me curious.
Let's see what the second one brings.
Jul 11, 2011 8:24 AM

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8
Utena, Utena, Utena... myyyyyy god, same director and every comment is about Utena...
Liked first ep but don't get why he kissed his sister.
Jul 11, 2011 12:06 PM

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Jul 2008
4160
I did not expect the incest at the end lol.

Looking forward to the next episode~
Jul 11, 2011 1:21 PM

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Sep 2010
6759
Loved this can't wait for the next episode =D
"What has two arms, two legs, and is alive? Not your favorite character lol! xD"
Jul 11, 2011 3:47 PM

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217
Really, I don't get why so many people are making such a fuss over that scene at the end.

This is Ikuhara. What did you expect?


Jul 11, 2011 3:48 PM

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Dec 2010
5711
Nobody must've watched utena
Jul 11, 2011 5:30 PM

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Mar 2010
1684
Weird art. Nuff said.
Jul 11, 2011 6:47 PM

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778
fruitmachine said:

Liked first ep but don't get why he kissed his sister.

Because he holds platonic and familial affections for her >:(
Jul 11, 2011 7:34 PM

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Jan 2011
26345
This looks like it will be my favourite anime of the season and to think I almost ignored it completely. Only the first episode and it already has me wandering if I just took a bunch of crack.
Jul 11, 2011 8:19 PM

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204
dkrdude3 said:
This shit was so stupid I almost want to drop Utena now.


Give it a chance. Considering your sig, this show's a potentially excellent match to Madoka Magica.
I play, the haters lose.
Jul 11, 2011 8:25 PM
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29
fruitmachine said:
Utena, Utena, Utena... myyyyyy god, same director and every comment is about Utena...

It's the director's first series in about 15 years and the last series he directed was... Utena. It's perfectly reasonable.
Jul 11, 2011 8:52 PM
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171
it is very good show,,,looking foreword for the next ep
Jul 12, 2011 12:19 AM

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164
WAIT... thats not shaft..... OMG o.O
Jul 12, 2011 2:17 AM
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29
TheCbass said:
WAIT... thats not shaft..... OMG o.O

Of course it isn't. Excuse me for quoting myself,
TOILETBOWL said:

If it were actually "SHAFT'y" it would be full of poorly drawn stills, ugly CG backgrounds, stilted direction, horribly off-model animation in every scene, and just general sloppiness, considering these are the only elements of SHAFT's "style" that can exclusively be attributed to SHAFT.

Thankfully, Penguin Drum is absolutely nothing like SHAFT in any way. Great first episode.
Jul 12, 2011 5:35 AM

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Louchan said:
Really, I don't get why so many people are making such a fuss over that scene at the end.

This is Ikuhara. What did you expect?


different scene. : ) I haven't watched many Ikuhara anime (only sailor moon) so I don't know what I'm expecting from Mawaru. That's why I'm a little surprised.
Jul 12, 2011 9:12 AM

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Louchan said:
Really, I don't get why so many people are making such a fuss over that scene at the end.

This is Ikuhara. What did you expect?


Indeed.
Incest was present since very first seconds of this episode.
Jul 13, 2011 1:44 PM

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Feb 2009
1721
Good enough to keep me interested and ''random'' enough to suit my tastes. This one is definitely a keeper.
"This Forest isn't going to reveal all its secrets for the likes of you."
Jul 13, 2011 5:02 PM

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fruitmachine said:
Liked first ep but don't get why he kissed his sister.


Could have something to do with the fact that his sister just died and then came back. Circumstances, yo. I think it's only off-putting because he went straight for the lips. Some people are bothered by that, but it honestly didn't bug me. Guess it depends where you come from :v
Jul 13, 2011 10:52 PM
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Apr 2011
240
WOW. Just WOW. My god. I'm in LOVE~!
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