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Apr 4, 2014 3:26 PM
#1

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May 2013
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basically just a yes or no question and why. I'm wondering if I'll be too confused in the 2nd season, or if a lot of things might carry over. Because I heard that the first season was episodic so I'm assuming it's not necessary to start at season 1
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Apr 4, 2014 3:28 PM
#2
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Whether it's episodic or not, it's still called season 2 for a reason. I guess if you really want to, go for it, but I don't recommend it.
Apr 4, 2014 3:30 PM
#3

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No. While there isn't really any plot continuity, there's a lot of world building and lore.
Apr 4, 2014 3:34 PM
#4

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Decide said:
Whether it's episodic or not, it's still called season 2 for a reason. I guess if you really want to, go for it, but I don't recommend it.


I agree. It's still a season two.
Apr 4, 2014 3:34 PM
#5

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Decide said:
Whether it's episodic or not, it's still called season 2 for a reason. I guess if you really want to, go for it, but I don't recommend it.


yeah but a lot of times it's completely unnecessary to watch the first season before the 2nd. The Fate series is an example, as well as the world god only knows, and many others. I plan to watch the first season at some point, but right now I only have the time to watch the new season on a weekly basis, so I'm wondering if it's ok for me to just jump in.

I understand that I will probably be missing out on some references, but I just want to know if there's anything that would completely ruin my experience. Also I want to let everyone know that if I can't watch season 2 before season 1, I don't see myself finishing both seasons for a long time due to the episode nature and non-marathoning style of show this is. I want to experience Mushishi in the weekly format that I feel like would be most fitting for this style of show.
wumbmastaApr 4, 2014 3:38 PM
Apr 4, 2014 3:36 PM
#6

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Jun 2013
182
no, perhaps

I haven't read the manga though
it's indeed an episodic anime but as I can recall from the first season the story grow from confusion thing, weird looking creatures to acceptable facts that the main character give about the issue, imagine you watch the second season without knowing why and why and why about the story

I will never watch any sequel without watching the first season first
Apr 4, 2014 3:41 PM
#7
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2667
Why in the world you would want to skip such a great anime? Lol, just watch the first season and then watch the second. Also, Mushishi is not something you can't marathon. You can easily watch 5 or more episodes a day.
Apr 4, 2014 3:42 PM
#8

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Rashkolnikov said:
Why in the world you would want to skip such a great anime?


+1
Apr 4, 2014 3:44 PM
#9
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I think skipping an ENTIRE 26 EPISODES is something that I would already consider a ruined experience.
You do a great disservice to the main character and learning some things about him.
I don't understand this mentality of people wanting to skip content like that.

If Mushishi was given terrible reviews and thought about very poorly in the anime community then I might say you're not missing anything at all but that's not the case here.
Apr 4, 2014 3:48 PM

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I'd say so.
While it is episodic, there are some key characteristics that may and can come into play later in Season 2 that you might have learned in Season 1. For example, the relationships the MC has with other characters would most likely come into play. There's also the thing about understanding what it is this anime is really about which they may or may not explain in S2.

As said, why would you want to skip season 1 anyway when it was so well-received?
Touch me, you filthy casual~
Apr 4, 2014 3:51 PM

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Alright looks like I'll watch the first season once I get the chance, then watch the 2nd :). I'm thinking I'll watch it on my plane flights to Japan and back in a couple weeks. I'm excited to get into it! Thanks guys! Hopefully I catch up in time to still get to watch some of the weekly ones.
Apr 4, 2014 3:55 PM

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Ragix said:
I'd say so.
While it is episodic, there are some key characteristics that may and can come into play later in Season 2 that you might have learned in Season 1. For example, the relationships the MC has with other characters would most likely come into play. There's also the thing about understanding what it is this anime is really about which they may or may not explain in S2.

As said, why would you want to skip season 1 anyway when it was so well-received?
I

Mushishi has been a show I've wanted to see for a while, but for some reason have unfortunately put off for just as long lol. The same thing happened with FMA Brotherhood where I knew it would be amazing, but put it off for a ridiculous amount of time.
The main reason I was considering it is because I really wanted to watch this show in a weekly format because that's how I tend to like to watch episodic shows like this rather than marathoning. But also mainly because I don't have much time to commit to a show right now especially with all the new Spring anime coming out in the coming weeks. But like I said, I'll probably start the first season in 2 weeks when I fly to Japan :).
Apr 4, 2014 3:55 PM

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Just started the first season myself, it's really good.
Apr 4, 2014 3:56 PM

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Yes.

Because it's really good, so why the hell not.
Apr 4, 2014 3:56 PM
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Apr 2012
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Like many have already said before, I wouldn't recommend skipping out on the first season because, despite the series being episodic, there are things that you might miss out on and not understand. Watching it out of order might ruin the overall experience of the series and it'd be a real shame to do so because it's such a amazingly beautiful series.
Apr 4, 2014 3:57 PM
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Have a nice flight, sit back on your seat and enjoy the show.
Apr 4, 2014 4:00 PM

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Don't skip the first series. It's a relaxing anime just like ARIA.

And also only watch 1 or 2 episodes a day.
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Apr 4, 2014 4:03 PM

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May 2013
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BTW should i watch it dubbed or sub? I prefer dubs but ONLY when they are good. Sometimes English VAs can really butcher stuff. I don't care that season 2 will be subbed, I can adjust easily. So is the season 1 dub good?
Apr 4, 2014 4:14 PM

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wumbmasta said:
BTW should i watch it dubbed or sub? I prefer dubs but ONLY when they are good. Sometimes English VAs can really butcher stuff. I don't care that season 2 will be subbed, I can adjust easily. So is the season 1 dub good?


Depends on you mainly, but I actually enjoyed Ginko's voice in the dub quite a lot.
They have the dub on youtube so listen to his voice to see if you like it. He's the main guy you'll be hearing throughout the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdhR5XZNXbs
Touch me, you filthy casual~
Apr 4, 2014 4:30 PM

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Mar 2014
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Yeah, I tend to prefer subs in most cases but the Mushishi dub is actually fairly spot on. I'd recommend the dub for sure.
Apr 4, 2014 4:38 PM

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thank you so much everybody! you've been very helpful! :)
Apr 4, 2014 4:53 PM

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Feb 2013
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I won't watch this until I see first season.
I'm sure you will miss some things if you start with the second season.
Apr 4, 2014 5:07 PM

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Celestrial2 said:
Rashkolnikov said:
Why in the world you would want to skip such a great anime?
+1
Why people would actually watch the sequel and not the prequel. Anyway, Mushishi is really great! But if someone really really want to only watch s2 (-.-), they should at least watch ep 1 and 20 of s1.
Apr 4, 2014 6:25 PM

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I don''t think so, but, Season 1 explains about Ginko.
Season 1 may seem boring, but its really good! :D
💕
Apr 4, 2014 9:29 PM

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It is episodic, but I don't know really know why you would want to skip.
Just watch season 1, if you don't like the first 4 or so episodes you won't like the rest of the series.
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Apr 5, 2014 1:55 AM

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You can totally watch Mushishi season 2 episode 1 first and watch the first season in between, you wouldn't even notice. It's episodic and there's not really a chronological order, so watch away! I do agree with other comments though, that the first season is a must, but you can totally watch that while watching season 2 no problems.
Apr 5, 2014 2:42 AM

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Kurini said:
Celestrial2 said:
Rashkolnikov said:
Why in the world you would want to skip such a great anime?
+1
Why people would actually watch the sequel and not the prequel. Anyway, Mushishi is really great! But if someone really really want to only watch s2 (-.-), they should at least watch ep 1 and 20 of s1.
I'll use myself as an example. These days I find watching things on a weekly basis far more entertaining then having to commit and watch a full 12/25 episodes. As stupid as it sounds I'd like to skip season 1 and go straight to season 2, but I choose not to because I know I would miss quite a lot.

I'm thinking of just picking up a dozen or so anime at a time and watching one episode per anime a week (I'd designate everything to have different days of course). I have a few high priorities on my Plan To Watch List that I'd like to do that with (Mushi is definitely one, I've seen a few episodes and it seems excellent).
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Apr 5, 2014 3:23 AM

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No reason at all to not watch the first season.
Apr 5, 2014 6:52 AM

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I always prefer watching the subs because even if the English voice actors don't butcher things, there's always something that's lost in the transfer. The original wording and voice acting, the original intentions get skewed... Even if it's just a little bit, it's definitely different. But that's just my opinion and preference so... :)
Apr 5, 2014 9:50 AM

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MegumiInoue said:
I always prefer watching the subs because even if the English voice actors don't butcher things, there's always something that's lost in the transfer. The original wording and voice acting, the original intentions get skewed... Even if it's just a little bit, it's definitely different. But that's just my opinion and preference so... :)


I'm with you on this one... Sure, there are some great dubs out there, no doubt about that, but I still feel that an anime, or any other media for that matter, is at its best when it's performed in the language that it was originally created / written in. Also, hearing English in some anime with a very Japanese setting or plot, can feel quite odd. Just like how watching the Godfather movies in my native Swedish would feel way off.

As for the topic; I'd definitely recommend watching the first season. It may be episodic, but there's still a whole lot of events that define the characters, as well as giving you further insight into the world of the mushi. Oh, and it's also one of the best anime out there, that has to count for something, right?
Apr 5, 2014 11:03 AM

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Rashkolnikov said:
Why in the world you would want to skip such a great anime?


Episodic and great at same time ? I'm not sure if this is possible.

I didn't watch Mushishi yet but I might check it to see what people like about it.
Apr 5, 2014 2:16 PM

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Not really. The first episode of the second season does a decent job explaining what the Mushi are to new viewers. If they structure this series the same as the original, you'll quickly figure out who the few (very occasionally) recurring characters are and how they relate to Ginko.

And, like the others are saying, the Funimation dub was pretty good. They got Ginko's personality down spot-on. And this is coming from a guy who prefers subs.
Somewhere, there is an unplugged toaster sitting on a Coleman stove.

Does it feel lonely?
Apr 5, 2014 2:22 PM

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Some episodes of the first season made me tear up, so it makes me really sad when someone says they skip season 1... :(
Apr 5, 2014 3:51 PM

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you dont need it... but you must watch it!
Apr 5, 2014 8:20 PM

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thepath said:
Rashkolnikov said:
Why in the world you would want to skip such a great anime?


Episodic and great at same time ? I'm not sure if this is possible.

I didn't watch Mushishi yet but I might check it to see what people like about it.


Do it.
I thought exactly the same way before watching Mushishi, "Episodic? How the hell can this be praised so much?.." and then it pretty much gave me a big ass slap in the face and really made me appreciate episodic anime after that. As they say, don't knock it til you try it.
Touch me, you filthy casual~
Apr 5, 2014 11:31 PM

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thepath said:


Episodic and great at same time ? I'm not sure if this is possible.

I didn't watch Mushishi yet but I might check it to see what people like about it.


Maybe you shouldn't judge before watching. Just saying.
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Apr 6, 2014 12:26 AM
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Oct 2013
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Where can I watch the first season. Crunchyroll only has one episode of it, i think it's the ova?
Apr 6, 2014 12:43 AM

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redaka0 said:
Where can I watch the first season. Crunchyroll only has one episode of it, i think it's the ova?

FUNimation has all episodes on youtube. Here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/show/mushishi/videos
Apr 6, 2014 8:54 AM

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Minagatachi said:
I'll use myself as an example. These days I find watching things on a weekly basis far more entertaining then having to commit and watch a full 12/25 episodes. As stupid as it sounds I'd like to skip season 1 and go straight to season 2, but I choose not to because I know I would miss quite a lot.


At the risking of this being taken the wrong way (and I assure you that it's not my intention to criticize or anything of the sorts), what is stopping you from watching the first season one episode a week? Or take several days before going to the next episode (not necessarily 7)? What is the difference? Is it that important for it to be in sync with an airing schedule or something? Mushishi is such an amazing and relaxing experience. Nothing stops you from watching an episode whenever you please and then continue with the second season.

Also, from what I understand, the second season is a split cour, so you'll have time during the summer to catch up with it all and then watch the second half as it airs in the fall.

Really, it's a must-see for any anime lover. Just because 26 episodes and a special are already out does not mean you have to marathon them if you don't feel like it...
Apr 6, 2014 2:07 PM
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You can, but you're missing out on a really great show and that's your loss.
Apr 7, 2014 3:35 AM

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wumbmasta said:
BTW should i watch it dubbed or sub? I prefer dubs but ONLY when they are good. Sometimes English VAs can really butcher stuff. I don't care that season 2 will be subbed, I can adjust easily. So is the season 1 dub good?

The dub's good. But for a show like Mushishi, with all its rural settings, gives purely a feeling completely opposite to that of Western shows. It's one of the shows that are meant to be watched in the original language.
TrequartistaApr 7, 2014 3:39 AM
Kagami_Hiiragi said:
Idc if you think its weird, I have a life and friends and an income of money.

Apr 7, 2014 4:44 AM

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nezumichan said:
Minagatachi said:
I'll use myself as an example. These days I find watching things on a weekly basis far more entertaining then having to commit and watch a full 12/25 episodes. As stupid as it sounds I'd like to skip season 1 and go straight to season 2, but I choose not to because I know I would miss quite a lot.


At the risking of this being taken the wrong way (and I assure you that it's not my intention to criticize or anything of the sorts), what is stopping you from watching the first season one episode a week? Or take several days before going to the next episode (not necessarily 7)? What is the difference? Is it that important for it to be in sync with an airing schedule or something? Mushishi is such an amazing and relaxing experience. Nothing stops you from watching an episode whenever you please and then continue with the second season.

Also, from what I understand, the second season is a split cour, so you'll have time during the summer to catch up with it all and then watch the second half as it airs in the fall.

Really, it's a must-see for any anime lover. Just because 26 episodes and a special are already out does not mean you have to marathon them if you don't feel like it...
Funny enough that's actually what I decided to do earlier today. I picked up about 20ish anime today that have been on my PTW list for ages and I only watch each series once a week, and am watching about three episodes a day (all from different series). Should keep things pretty interesting. Chances are I'll drop some though, but most should be good considering they're pretty revered anime.
MinagatachiApr 7, 2014 4:48 AM
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Apr 13, 2014 7:15 AM

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I know this has been answered but I'll comment for future references. As of right now, S2 can be treated as a stand alone and it's easy to hop right in and explore the world of Mushishi from there. However, you'll be doing yourself a great disservice by watching this before the first season.

In episode 1, there were a few references and moments that, even though they can be treated as a new experience, gave that episode a whole different layer of depth and meaning to me. The importance of the kouki. Ginko's mannerisms. The interactions between Ginko and the characters that these 1-episode stories revolve around. All of it felt right and I felt at home watching it.
Apr 13, 2014 1:58 PM

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Aug 2013
103
I really want to watch this, so I am going to watch the first season over the next week or 2 so I can watch the new season.
Apr 21, 2014 1:32 AM

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I don't remember a damn thing about season 1, but I just watched the first episode of S2 and had no problems, it's more of a show that lets me relax rather than getting into a deep story.
Apr 25, 2014 12:27 PM

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273
IMO its like watching Aria the Origination without watching the first two series. You won't appreciate its work fully without watching season one.
Apr 25, 2014 2:44 PM

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I would recommend watching the first season first, cuz Ginko explains a lot of mushi concepts, including an explanation of the river of life, and we have at least 2 episodes which tell us something about his past. Its not like you'll feel lost if you directly jump in, but like some other people pointed out, you won't be able to fully appreciate what you're watching.
"...our faces marked by toil, by deceptions, by success, by love; our weary eyes looking still, looking always, looking anxiously for something out of life, that while it is expected is already gone – has passed unseen, in a sigh, in a flash – together with the youth, with the strength, with the romance of illusions.” - Joseph Conrad ('Youth')
Apr 25, 2014 3:50 PM

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koreye said:
Its not like you'll feel lost if you directly jump in, but like some other people pointed out, you won't be able to fully appreciate what you're watching.


+1
Apr 25, 2014 5:13 PM

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350
The first season actually has some back story and info on what's going on so I'd definitely say yes, and it's a great watch too.
Apr 25, 2014 10:51 PM

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Yes, you'll miss out on how great the first was.
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