Washi's Blog

Score: 3/5
Original post with images

Ah, finally my prayers have been answered. Thank the gods. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could bare seeing shows with little or no value being subbed with greater speed and motivation than the much-hyped Macross F. It’s been a hard enough journey, fighting my way through every week since the archaic first episode special pre-release was aired. I’ve been craving more of the show for far too long to wait patiently for fansubbers. Although. Thanks goes to Anime-in-Action and their partners for releasing this episode with enough swiftness to stifle my oncoming descent into madness. Of course, I was always well aware of the fact that I’d essentially be getting a rehash of that which I’d already seen in the delicious Deculture edition, but I was keen enough just to see the preview for the second episode, and when I heard that there were changes and additions to the episode I was intrigued to see the new scenes and alterations.

Of course, I wasn’t disappointed; even if I, in conformation with the general consensus, felt that the Deculture edition was far superior to this “tweaked” premier, it was still marked by the same intensity, brazen pace and stellar production values that grabbed everyone’s eyes in the first place. And I did take note of the extra detail they dabbed into scene here and there, especially into the action scenes near the end. I really appreciate the depth to the visuals in each scene - it’s the main reason why I could watch the episode numerous times and continue to enjoy it, because each time through I spot something new (unlike many anime where there’s nothing to spot the first time).

When all is said and done, I think the feeling this episode left me with was one of enhanced appreciation of its predecessor, the Deculture edition. Because of the way that the snipping of scenes, changes in music and the insertion of new material drastically changed the flow of the episode into something that felt a lot more disjointed and less compelling, I got an understanding of just how well everything was edited together in the Deculture version. The pacing of that episode was just spot on, from the pleasantness of the character introductions, to the sense of foreboding to all-out chaos - things moved quickly but smoothly.

Although I can’t say I miss the teasing-Alto scene near the beginning, it and Sheryl’s in-flight awakening all contributed to the nice fluid build up by providing some slower scenes to start off with. Also I loved the visuals in that scene. A number of the scenes added were perhaps important to flesh out the characters, but they do so at the cost of the episode’s sense of tension. As Omni stated, splitting and expanding the concert was certainly the biggest mistake in that sense, as that was a great scene combining the sound and visuals whilst keeping the pace rolling along. Sheryl’s tantrum over the people employed in her show was a good defining moment of her character early on and completed alters my view of her character from what we saw in the Deculture edition.

A few changes to the soundtrack also didn’t go down well with me. The removal of the guitar piece used in the trailer here from the scene where Ranka is told she has tickets to the concert was disappointing, as that was a perfect fit to the mood (unlike it’s subsequent use in the preview). The addition of the track that plays when Alto meets Ranka is jarring with the mood of that scene and a little intrusive. I much preferred that the way it was musically as well.

Nonetheless, entertainment value remained very high and I’m as excited about the next episode as ever (I won’t have anything to compare it to disparagingly either). The trailer was so very promising - it looks like episode 2 will be action-packed and perhaps even emotionally turbulent. Bring it on.


Questions/Notes:

1. Why did the president seem to be privy to the attacking force? His reaction and comment that they’d “finally come” indicates that he considered their attack an inevitability. There’s obviously something more to the assailing force than just an aggressive new species/race.

2. Why did the enemy squadron leader enter the city ship, and then approach Ranka specifically when it saw her. Everything points to the fact that the intent of the foe was to find and perhaps retrieve Ranka. This begs the question of what Ranka is, which in turn makes me dubious as to whether she is really Ozma’s sister.

Rating: 3/5

Original post with images

Kure-nai remains one of the most interesting anime to have come out this season, not due to the fact that it has any overt qualities like Soul Eater’s trippy animation or the draw of epic battle and plot, but because it’s an understated series which is deeply moody and straightforwardly enjoyable. If the first episode is a good indicator of things to come, then this series will be a soothing presence in the otherwise frenetic line-up this season. Although I wouldn’t describe it as particularly gripping or emotive, the first episode presented a very well-produced series with a dark, languid atmosphere that was very pleasant to sit back and watch after a busy day. Brains Base, in their third series, looks like they won’t be slipping up and disappointing me just yet. I loved their work on Baccano! and Kamichu a lot, and when I discovered that they were doing this show my anticipation for it changed and intensified. I went from wanting to watch for the cute loli, to wanting to watch because I knew it was going to be a unique and impressive production.

The animation is crisp and very detailed, and combined with detailed character designs, gives the show a mature look, which especially helps to accentuate Kuhoin’s childishness through her cuter character design (which looks a lot closer to the anime norm). As is to be expected from the motivated people at Brains Base, there is a lot of subtle motion to he characters’ movements which many people probably won’t give any thought to, but which help bring the show to life - things like people moving around while talking rather than just being the stationary puppets they are in more mediocre anime works. Kamichu! was a better example of this, but the tradition is carried on here. The cel art annoyed be in just one way, and that is that the eyes sometimes look distorted and unnatural, especially in the case of Kurenai who often looks like he’s just been punched below the eye. The background art is also very well done, but it is rarely given focus - usually engorged in dark a dark hue that makes it more a part of the scene than a pretty distraction. I did really like the backgrounds involving Kuhoin’s house, with the elaborate and attractive gardens. The sound production is another aspect that struck me as being well above average. The BGM is populated by slow melodic piano and other classical tracks - which suit the atmosphere of the show very well, but the use of sound effects is interestingly prevalent. More so than in other series, sound effects are applied to every little bit of movement - such as in the scene where Kurenai is talking to the laptop girl and their every gesticulation was punctuated by the sounds of their uniform being brushed against itself.

Beyond the production, the episode was enjoyable but not grandiose, thrilling or profound. It can’t be called mediocre, but nor can it be called exceptional at this stage. The characterisation is swathed in mystery, and outside of Kuhoin’s cute snobbyness few off the characters exert any striking personality traits to make them likable. At the very least, the male lead, Kurenai, seems like a decent guy with confidence and reliability. I really do think Kuohin’s is very cute, and I’m sure seeing her character come out a little more as she settles into her new environment will be a lot of fun. I have to say that I really hate the art style of the OP. In fact I’d go as far as to say it was just laughably stupid. The ED is more tolerable but not particularly fetching either. All in all, this show wasn’t all that striking, so maybe skip it if you’re schedule is already bursting at the seams with awesomeness, but it was pleasant to watch in a languid atmospheric kind of way so it might be a good thing to break the monotony of mecha battle, concerts and dragon-slaying.

Rating: 3/5 

Original Post With Images 

       Ailed by a deeply ingrained inability to study, I decided the best thing to do was watch the latest episode of the cheerful, fun Shugo Chara! It was a snap decision that payed off, as episode 21 was a great watch (a leap forward for the show in redeeming itself from the horrendous episode 19). There was the typical humour ingredient, as well as some heightened tension and drama in the return of the nefarious Nikaidou, who has taken up the seat of recurring villain. On top of this, the episode was electrified by the chemistry that was emitted by another Amu/Ikuto meeting. I think I’ve said a few times that I’m a fan of their relationship even if it’s more of a typical romance than I usually get into. Something about their fleeting and inevitably sensual encounters leaves me wanting to see more of them together. On top of their undercurrent love for each other, their interactions are made all the more exciting by the clash of morality and allegiances. Amu keeps finding herself allied with him, but she is still confused by his apparently amoral behaviour and commitment to Easter. It’s a good example of a layered relationship. Or perhaps my love for Amu has grown so strong that I, like Tomoyo is to Sakura, am filled with the desire to see her happy.

 Original post with images.

Because I like to be different, and I’ve had a long-held, almost superstitious aversion to the mecha genre, I’ve never really been keen on getting involved in the fandom of either of the two mecha giants, Gundam or Macross. In my ignorance, I dismissed both franchises as being a meaningless decoction of transforming robots and shouneness bred for the sole purpose of quenching the thirst of hordes of machine otaku. The more recent incarnations of Gundam (SEED mainly) served only to cement my misguided view. But slowly I’ve found myself sliding into the world of Macross, with frightning ease. First it was just Macross Plus, because it begged to be seen as an OVA hallmark. Then it was Macross Zero because it was short and I liked Macross Plus. Then Frontier comes along and I find myself pretty excited about it. From there I fell with increasing speed into the surprisingly interesting Macross universe, having a friend relay to me in meticulous detail the entirety of the plot from the original Macross series, then promptly seeking out the series, as well as ‘Do You Remember Love’ from a friend and long-time Macross zealot. I’ve yet to watch them, but I fully intend to get through it all before Macross Frontier begins airing in earnest in April. So I’ve gone from unfounded revulsion, to a near future of sleep-derivational Macrossathoning.

However, as for Gundam, my ignorance persists. But, not to insult the many Gundam fans out there, from what I’ve gleaned, the plot is nowhere near as interesting or engaging as that of Macross, and the fact that it’s split into alternative timelines, rather than a single encompassing continuity is very off-putting. The thing that pulled me into Macross was the realisation that not only did it have mecha for those who love mecha, but it had reams of interesting and original sci-fi ideas - which I truly dig. On top of that, Macross is well-known for its strong production values and consistently solid storytelling. The amount of effort put into the recent Macross Zero and the current Macross Frontier dwarfs that of Sunrise’s work on Gundam Seed, which reeks of ungratifying mediocrity.

With a greater Macross background, and intensified interest, I rewatched Macross Frontier and found it a lot more enjoyable than I’d first fathomed. I’m now very doubtful that the characters I hated in the first episode will be major characters (Alto’s colleagues). Also, I payed more close attention to things and the story felt a little more firm than I’d first thought. The plot already has some intriguing mysteries to it, such as the identity of the aggressive alien attackers, and the reason why the SMS seemed to be expecting them, or at least some kind of contact. Also, what will the traditional Macross love triangle be? Looking forward to April and the cramming before then :)

 Hello foolish humans, I am here today representing the anti-spiral entertainment critics guild in presenting the 2007 awards for anti-spiral participation in the entertainment industry, and to pay tribute to the petty spiral efforts to produce art. As guardians of universal order, we bestow commendations unto the following works and roles of the year 2007 for these catergories:

Best Anti-spiral Actor: 

 Anti-spiral for his recurring role in the animated television series Gurren Lagann! A newcomer to the acting scene, anti-spiral took to his heroic role with natural flare, injecting both menace and mystery into the character. His chemistry with the antagonist Simon was a highlight of the series.

[Applause]

[Edited Speech:] Foolish humans… spiral energy…stay underground…end of the universe…thank my mum.

Best Moment of Absolute Despair: 

Best QUALITY: 

 This award undoubtedly belongs to Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, which, much unlike it’s predecessor, restrained itself from unleashing its truly great animation until it finally broke the rut of consistent animation in episode 23. While we anti-spirals are not known for our love of individuality, studio DEEN’s refusal to be pinned down by the constraints of traditional animation production and their subsequent scenes of epic fail, has spoken to us.

 Spiral men can’t draw. 

Best Betrayal  

 Spiral beings often love to betray each other, and we, as higher, more ethereal beings love to voyeuristically watch them squabble and backstab while we calmly celebrate the unity and cohesion of our own superior race. And we believe that if you’re going to do something, you should do it well, or do it in space. Andou’s unexpected and quite profound betrayal of his comrade Kaiji wasn’t in space, but it was a mighty fine example of the corruption of the human soul. We reward his honest portrayal of the spiral being with this honourable award and a contract to star in an upcoming anti-spiral propaganda ad campaign.

 [ANDOUUUUUUUUU!! >:3]

Best Murderous Bastard 

 Ignorance is no excuse for your fetid apes to not be killing each other. If you’re like Rossiue and are actually concerned about the obliteration of the universe itself, you should seriously consider the number game that has the whole sphere of existence at stake. The more apes run around the place doing as they please, the closer we come to total annihilation. Instead of committing mass metaphysical suicide in the absolute-hope idealism of Simon the vile and wrong, consider the benefits of the odd decapitation, and the rewards of the occasional bout of infanticide. Don’t worry about contraception; it’s not very interesting. Anyway, without even having to be told, Ladd Russo of Baccano! fame racked up a massive body count and he damned well had fun doing it. And so, applaud our blood-stained winner, but don’t make eye-contact!

Kill the Elevens! 

Best Spiral Death: 

 Although he, owing to mortal constraints, is unable to receive the award today, we are pleased to announce that the winner is Kamina for his glorious, but satisfyingly futile death in Gurren Lagann.


[BAWWWW] ;_;

The “Masa-san~” Award 

 This year the Masa-san~ award goes to Masa-san for his role as himself in the anime series Seto no Hanayome. Never before has any man so truly embodied the spirit of Masa-san. So, faun over the win that is Masa as he takes his award.





[Masa-san~]



 

Most Annoying Person of the Year: 

Biggest Pile of Overrated Garbage: 

 If we’d known you damned spirals had this faux drama in the works we would have fought harder to defeat you! Kyoto Animation has finally made our shitlist for further popularising the generic, by prettifying dating-sim drivel and passing it off as a serious romance/drama. It’s not that it’s awful; it’s just that IT’S NOT AWESOME. NO, IT ISN’T THE BEST ANIME OF THE YEAR. YOU HEARD ME! AND THE ANIMATION ISN’T ANYTHING SPECIAL EITHER! THAT’S RIGHT! WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH THAT DRILL..? YOU.. NO..NOO!!!

 SEE YOU LATER SPACE COWBOY