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The following are 9 of the shows I'm definitely following this season... well, that 'definitely' applies more to the series further down the list (I kinda ranked them from "Nyeh" to "!!!!" based on 2 episodes) while the first few are at some sort of risk of being dropped. It's not a complete watchlist yet since I've not gotten to episode 2 of some of the other shows I intend to, but for a start here goes:
9. S.A. (Not very Special Anorexics) - Needs more TajimaTadashi
Honestly disappointed at how mediocre Special A is turning out to be. Atrocious OP btw, it makes Koi no Mikuru Densetsu sound like the pinnacle of anime music (I'm neither a Mikuru fan nor one who actually believes this). The comic timing isn't very good, the jokes feel rather stale already (most of the entertainment value is riding on the side characters of the S.A. class anyhow) and I don't really care for Kei and Hikari - their relationship is starting to look like an inferior KareKano (an unfair comparison seeing that KareKano's first 2 episodes were real good). Perhaps this feeling of disappointment can be attributed to how well it's shoujo counterpart this season is doing in comparison, but if S.A. can't stand on its own soon, I see no reason to continue watching aside from some form of 'shoujo loyalty' on my part.
8. Junjou Romantica - Obligatory 'a new challenger appears' + passionate 'subtext' episode.
So Junjou Romantica is travelling down the path of generic yaoi - and I'm following for the ride? Usami's such a possessive bitch while Misaki's seiyuu (Sakurai Takahiro) just makes the show seem like Kyou Kara Maou all over again (thankfully, Usami isn't even close to being as annoying as Wolfram is *urgh*), but the show still manages to stay absolutely hilarious (partly because of the Nico video comments. There was one that went : "You just realized this is BL???"). Like how everyone in uni avoids Misaki because they're somehow well informed about the fact that the person sending him to classes is a famous BL author (they must all be jealous closet fans XD). There is 'subtext' involved of course, but I'm willing to tolerate it if it comes after the romancing.
And yes, the OP is actually good (which puts this ahead of S.A. -_-"), and not in the cheesily gay-tastic way that Gakuen Heaven's was, LOL.
7. Tower of Druaga - Generic RPG adventure plot twists
Well, the hilarity of the first episode has been replaced by a somewhat generic RPG adventure story (Tip : If you're ever an eye-witness to a successful assassination, clear out of the way before someone points the finger at you *smacks forehead*) but thankfully that doesn't mean the show has gotten bad in any way. The characters have been revealed to be a rather interesting bunch after all (and not in the "I'm going back to my village to get married!" kind of way XD) so despite the fact that it's no longer anything like ep1, I'll still be watching this to see how it develops to the end.
And yes, while I'm at it, the OP sequence is my favourite this season =P
6. Nabari no Ou - Why should we care if you don't?
Again, another show I probably would pass on if not for the funny (as opposed to laughable) characters. And again, thank goodness Kugimiya Rie is voicing Rokujou, since otherwise there'd be a high chance she'd voice the blonde twintails girl -_-" Rokujou may be the 'king of apathy' but his sneaky devil antics make him more likeable than an annoying 'shounen' lead. The only thing I don't like so much is that the characters here are almost on the anorexic level of S.A., but I suppose ninjas need the speed and agility whereas pro wrestlers... Gah, why pro wrestlers at all S.A., why???
5. Allison & Lillia - Cosplay time?
Episode 2 of Allison to Lillia (though when does the 'Lillia' part come in?) has affirmed my liking of the show. When they crash landed into enemy territory it started feeling like Crest of the Stars again (just substitute Kawasumi Ayako's cool and spicy Lafiel with the equally awesome Mizuki Nana's Allison). Like Crest, I'm not in the show so much for the setting (since war sucks, but there you go) and more for the interaction between the leads (Crest of the Stars had some of the best banter and lines ever) but I do want to know where this adventure of Allison and Will's will (getting tongue-tied :S) be taking them.
Also the episode eyecatch is just plain adorable =P
Guess who's back...
4. Code Geass R2 - LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
You know, I could try thinking of purely sensible reasons to why I absolutely love watching Code Geass (Hmm... kick ass mechas, intriguing character depth, ZOMGWTFBBQ plot twists, CLAMP's gorgeous noodle bishie designs? *stiffles laughter*), but I'd rather just tune in every week and tune off my brain and LMAO at every new cheesy 'development' they throw at us, even if it is all recycled plots devices from the first season. (As to how shut off my brain is while watching, I'm probably the only person dense enough not to guess it was Rollo in that new fangled 'my mecha is better than yours!' Knightmare)
And though I'm curious as to what's become of Nunally, I really demand to know why Lloyd and Cecil are nowhere in sight still when even psycho Nina's made an appearance!
3. Itazura na Kiss - Nice BoatPics
Story and character wise, Itazura na Kiss doesn't attempt to be more complex than it should be, which is why it's succeeding remarkably well. Or maybe it seems that way since it's a more entertaining show than 'Special' A has been (come on anorexics, you better be proving this post wrong soon!). Kotoko and Irie may not be as 'aesthetically appealing' as Hikari and Kei (who should audition for Top Model not pro-wrestling!)but it just shows that even in a visual medium such as anime that substance takes precedence over looks (or should, at any rate). Everyone acts in an acceptably believable fashion which makes them likable, except Irie and his brother who are your token jerks, but that's a given. And I wish I never found out that that was once Itou Makoto's voice we're hearing since it's giving me the urge to go sharpen knives when I hear Irie talk now... Thankfully Mizuki Nana's (yes, it's really her!) Kotoko cancels that out =P
Also, real moms cross-dress their children! Just look at Yuri in Kyou Kara Maou XD
Probably one of the more misleading images to portray why this show is good.
I loved how episode 2 confirms that despite her lavish upbringing, Murasaki is in no way an annoyingly spoilt brat that at first glance one may expect her to be. Sure, she may not be a Chagum yet in terms of actual maturity, but she knows to take note of her own mistakes and act to correct them in her own child-like innocent (but not childish) way. Sawashiro Miyuki's portrayal of Shinkurou is also my favourite male character voiced by a female seiyuu this season :P (who would've though Kugimiya Rie would be 2nd?) The casual caring interaction between the two is of course one of the highlights of this show, and this somehow flows along with the darker more mysterious elements of the show. Definitely a keeper.
1. Toshokan Sensou - WHERE ARE THE SUBS????
Despite the fact that I felt mostly lost watching the first episode raw, I still ventured on to the 2nd when the lack of subs started leaving me in despair. It just shows I act on blind faith that Library Wars is just that awesome! Episode 2 was much easier to comprehend once you get the situation about the Media Communists (that's what I call them :P) and the Library Task Force (come on, you don't have to be a total book nerd to find that awesome!) and even when the banter gets technical, the gist of it still comes across. And though they're still bickering every episode, Doujo and Iku's relationship is actually developing in a positive direction (He's untsundere man enough to praise and support her) unlike... (okay, that's enough bashing S.A., it's only 2 episodes in after all -_-"). The surprise confession by Tezuka at the end though, throws an interesting wrench into the works. Thanks to Impz for the much needed summaries of course. Hopefully as the weeks progress my own Japanese comprehension skills improve enough to watch the raws competently (or subs finally get released!)
From my First Impression posts, there are certainly other show I'd like to follow this season, and if my schedule permits it I'll follow through with all of them. Otherwise, depending on how their 2nd/3rd episodes fare, I may have to switch out some of the series here with them and stick to under 10 series this time around. Wait, that's still a rather large number isn't it? Err... well, it's all for the sake of improving my Japanese, I guess!
Monday, 21 April 2008
Spring 2008 Ep 2 Impressions - Because ANYONE can do 1st Episode Impressions :P
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Spring 2008 Part 3 : It's like longer than Parts 1 and 2 combined
Ouch. Now I know why we're an endangered species -_-"I think I've watched enough first episodes this season to last me... a whole season. There are still some shows I've yet to check out, but considering most of my classes will be commencing next week, I'll probably be giving Amatsuki (Fukuyama Jun again?), Blassreiter, Real Drive, Neo Angelique Whatever (There's probably enough bishounen here than in every other show this season combined. And that's no small number), xxxHolic Kei (sorry, didn't get past the 1st episode of the 1st season), Wagaya no Oinorisama and Nijuu Mensou Musume and Kyou Kara Maou (technically I'm only a few episodes short of finishing the first 2 seasons, but I have enough on my plate now as it is) a miss for now. Otherwise, there'll be a final(?) part 4 some time later. For now, this is it for sampling series this season as I move into the unpredictability of 2nd episodes...
Zettai Karen Children : It’s like Ground Defence Force! Mao-chan… with older lolis! I've actually only watched 2 short episodes of Mao-chan before (the Love Hina homage episode). The show features 3 lolis whose task is to protect the world from 'cute' aliens. (Remove the inverted commas, they really are cute XD). Zettai Karen Children or Absolutely Lovely Children (WTH?) features 3 slightly older lolis with psychic powers who have to take down bizzare villains like a hard-gay wannabe in the first episode. Rather amusing really, with Hirano Aya basically reprising her role as an ero-jiji Konata and that other loli giving Kodomo no Jikan vibes in the way she looks at Konata...
Continue watching? Probably not intentionally, but I can still catch it on TV Sunday mornings.
The GARness... It burns!!!
Golgo 13 : It’s like James Bond. Supposedly.
Wait till you hear the 100th. Then you'll be in despair.
Allison & Lillia : It’s like Sisters of Wellber… without the talking tank
Actually I couldn't really think of a show to compare Allison & Lillia with so the closest I could get is Sisters of Wellber that had a similar non-shounen good-feel adventure vibe to it.
Continuing? While I didn't continue Sisters of Wellber after the first episode, I certainly will (egads, unintentional pun) be with Allison & Lillia, no less because of Allison and Lillia Will themselves (Yea, so I love Mizuki Nana :P Also I need to clean my ears out for not recognizing her in Itazura na Kiss -_-" Will's voice was rather familiar too, and it turns out to be Shaoran from CCS) who make a decidedly 'normal' yet ragtag team of adventurers.
Nabari no Ou : It’s like 2X2 Shinobuden meets Loveless
What's this? Kugimiya Rie makes a more convincing boy than Noto Mamiko?? What I love about her performance in Nabari though is that it sounds much less of her usual Nagi/Shana/etc roles and more of her awesome Kagura from Gintama. And I wonder how many Nico users typed "Nii-pah!" during Tamura Yukari's eerie voiceover...
Continue? The rather funny BL-ish jokes (unlike the downright disconcerting ones of Monochrome Factor...) and fluid action in the first episode (it's a modern day ninja show after all, and the serious kind - unlike 2X2 Shinobuden or Ninja Nonsense in English) earn this Nabari no Ou a spot on my watchlist.
And speaking of Nico Nico and Tamura Yukari...
Da Capo II Second Season : It's like Da Capo II & Da Capo SS in one... Uh-oh...
Jeff Lawson isn't the only one with a 'soft spot' for the original Da Capo series. It was probably my first foray into an actual 'harem' anime of sorts - though the end girl was decided pretty much halfway through, I liked how they still gave the other haremette some sort of closure still in the second half. Unfortunately, the less said about the next two anime incarnations of the Da Capo the better (Aisia alone ruined DCSS, as for DCII, Koko is the prime example of why her shy girl archetype makes for a lousy lead heroine... There was potential for something different than your usual tsundere there, but it's like the creators didn't even try to make her unbland). What of DCIISSWTFBBQ (shouldn't acronyms be short?) then? Like it's 3 predecesors, it starts off in its usual decent non-offensive way that only non-fanservicey harem shows can that lulls you into thinking, hey, this may not be half bad... only it's from where the DCII left off (only the robot girl is nowhere in sight, yay?) and the SS suffix is sounding alarms off in my head already...
Continue watching? I suppose I'm somewhat invested into the series already, so yea . At best it may help reclaim the 'magic' of Hatsunejima lost in the previous installments, at worst, it'll still make good raw-watching practice.
Kyouran Kazoku Nikki : It’s like Rizelmine meets Kamisama Kazoku
It's hard to say anything coherent about this show. It's like the creaters just pieced together whatever idea they could get their hands on for quirky characters and tossed them together in what could be the funniest comedy this season... Or at least the second most bizzare (After Penguin no Mondai XD). And as far as shows employing the WTF ploy of Japanese government endorsed forced marriages, Kyouran Kazoku Nikki takes the cake from Rizelmine (and the downright awful Final Approach).
Continue watching? As a comedy junkie, I'm not missing Satou Rina's jellyfish ED for a thing XD
Kaiba : It’s like ??? (Err... the only thing I can think of is Cat Soup... and maybe Starship Troopers)
So called experimental anime isn't exactly my thing. Though I think there's a lot of good one can say about Kaiba's 1st episode which I can agree with in the most part (the rather short cast list on ANN isn't short on impressive btw), I'm not sure I'm personally ready for this kind of viewing experience since my thoughts after the episode was "That was one awesome ostrich... thing!".
Continuing? Thanks to Sat-chan Owen S for the summary/analysis which helped me with what I missed from watching the raw (I understood so far as the amusing yet slightly disturbing scene where the kid decides that his brother's memory is of no use to the world, lol/"..."). Though I do like the funky art and the deliberately bizzareness of the world, I don't think this show is for me after all. Those who loved the episode and plan to continue will probably be personally well rewarded in the end so I will recommend this episode out for yourself.
Crystal Blaze : It’s like Hataraki Man meets El Cazador de la NoirLax (the heroine, that is)
Crystal Blaze is rather intriguing really. I checked it out since it's labeled as mystery (which I love) only there's probably SF/supernatural elements in it (which I don't like so much). Of course if you want a superficial reason to check out the first episode, a good part of it has the mysterious female character running around nekkid and involving herself in unintentionally hilarious situations that only clothed people should (carjacking, gunfights, etc.) And yes, she reminds me Matsukata from Hataraki Man (with a lip reduction) XD
Watching still? I'm slightly curious, despite it being one of the less 'spectacular' looking series this season (there's freakin Code Geass and Library Wars after all), so I'll put this one on a sort of watchlist waitlist for now.
Vampire Knight : It’s like Zombie Loan… with vampires (duh)
Some people I know will watch any show with vampires, and some will watch anything with bishounen, regardless of anything else in it. Well this show has both, and I'm not in either of those two mentioned groups. But of course I had to check it out if only for Horie Yui and Miyano Mamoru (who could use at least as many roles as Fukuyama Jun IMHO... Oh shit, he's in here too???), and I have to say the episode tickled me for being so blatantly generic in so many ways - the cheesy character names (Yuki Cross and Zero - Zero!), the token gothic atmosphere of the setting, the grainy flashbacks, the emo bishie antics of the emo bishies... The only thing missing is an ALI PROJECT OP/ED.
Continuing? Despite myself, the first episode did entertain me to a certain extent (then again, so did Zombie Loan's), but methinks no. If it wasn't for Ryuu and Tajima (I can't even remember his actual name) in S.A., I'll probably watch the bishie vampires over the bishie anorexics this season.
Monochrome Factor : It’s like Loveless… without the Love (Har har. There'll probably be an inordinate amount of 'love' in this one actually)
This post already summed up my impression of Monochrome Factor. I'm not really sure why I watched it even despite since there's hardly a positive comment for the show around, but I guess curiosity killed the panda OTL. I could've sworn though there was a half decent high-school monster-killing romp somewhere amidst the (MJ class, LOL) WTF-ness that is Shirogane, but with Soul Eater and Junjou Romantica this season, who's going to watch this?
Continue? Dropped. Though will someone inform me if this was meant to be blatant BL (I wanted to say BL satire. Right...) and if Shirogane gets his way with that other dude in the end? XD
Kamen no Maid Guy : It’s like They Are My Noble Masters… only they’re not very noble at all
I think I enjoyed Kamen no Maid Guy's first episode more than I should have... It's hard not to, unless you're against erroneously placed frontal nudity *gasps, it's the new Shuffle!* or just find the concept of a maid GUY (actually when I first heard the title, I was convinced it's be another Kamen Rider type show -_-") too kimochiwarui or just plain lame. Though Kogarashi takes the cake with his utter disregard of the delicacies of male female interactions (Jason's post sums up his best lines in the episode), all the other characters join in the fun in providing their bit to the humour (It would be awesome if Fubuki was voiced by Tanaka Rie though :P).
Continue watching? YES. Kanokon and To-LoveRU be damned. Maid Guy 4tw!
Himitsu - The Revelation : It's like CSI with mind raep.
Continue watching? Ranting aside, I do love CSI and Himitsu - The Revelation is intruiging to me as Crystal Blaze is, though it looks to be episodic in nature so I'll probably forget to watch it anyways. On the plus side there's Seki Tomokazu and Nonaka Ai in he cast, so this goes into the 'pending' list as well.
(Extra) Tower of Druaga (alternate version of ep. 1) : It's like the first version of episode 1... without the tentacles.Not much to say about this one. Had to watch it literally side by side with the actual first episode in the same video on Nico Nico and the conflicting audio made it rather confusing. It amused me though that every line Jil said in his sleep corresponded nearly exactly to the lines in the original episode.
*Phew* And that's about it. I'll post a firmed up watchlist sometime next week.
