I keep telling myself this show has potential. They used the fanservice and stuff in the first episode to lure in viewers and now that they're dropping drama bombs on them, so they'll have no choice but to continue watching because they genuinely want to feel. I can feel it, this show will get more mature. I keep telling myself that at least.
Also, Sentai licensed this show for a subtitled, DVD-only home release. What kind of BS is that? I'm fine with subtitles but DVD-only? In 2012? I can't support that.
That's certainly an advantage for dubs that isn't really mentioned often enough. Of course it only works when the dub is competently produced, as otherwise the benefit of viewing the work as intended is outweighed by the detriment of an audio track that fails to complement the visuals. Subs are the lesser evil in that scenario, unless they're like bright pink or have a stupid font.
I dont know what the hell Sentai was thinking with the sub for Sore demo.
It honestly resembles a fandub with "notes" all over the screen as well as translated words superimposed on signs and other shit.
This is on the official dvds.
DO NOT judge it by the first episode. It is incredibly misleading and the last third of the 2nd episode is when you find out what the show is really about.
Went through this over the past couple days. All in all I'd have to say that watching it in quick succession like this is probably the way to go. I would have watched it when it aired but I wasn't watching anything for a significant portion of that season so I didn't even pick up Madoka until it was nearly complete. I put it on the back burner for so long because I was waiting for the true ep.10-11. Speaking of which, what was the reason for editing and combing these two episodes in the TV broadcast anyway? From what I could tell what they cut out was
the back story for Yuki and Shiina.
Not really sure why they would cut that out, its a pretty powerful aspect of the story to remove.
Anyway, the show itself was overall a pretty amazing piece of work. From the get go its very visually pleasing and well directed, the style is unique and it sports some quality character animation and backgrounds. The story is pretty fascinating, the premise itself is obviously unique, but I think that the angles they took with it really brought it together. Some quick thoughts on things that really stuck out for me in the show:
-The characters and their interactions are really well put together, and the dialogue conveys it all very well. Watching how all the relationships play out and change within the course of the show was incredibly well done. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nitori, Takatsuki, Yuki, and Shiina. The pair who were able to find their place and identity in life vs Nitori and Takatsuki who are still looking for theirs. A rather interesting relationship
which was really brought home by the extra scenes in episode 11, they shouldn't have cut that.
I think my only caveat when it comes to the characters in the story is that they are oddly mature for middle school students. I very often forgot how old they actually were. Having said that, I think them being more mature works to the shows advantage since it allowed them to treat the subject matter in a truly mature way that I don't think would be as easy if the kids acted their age.
-The soundtrack is fantastic, including the OP/ED of course. The sound direction in general is great, helping to create some pretty incredible moments during the show with well used pieces of music or ambient sound. The beginning of episode one, with Shuichi talking about his uniform with that piece of music playing the background really hooked me into the show right away. Really well done.
-The full episode 11 may have been my favorite of the show, some pretty awesome moments in that one.
Shuichi listening to his recorded voice, the story of Yuki and Shinna, and then the closing moments where Shuichi tells Doi that he hates him.
Episode 6 was another one my favorites. I'm a sucker for those "cultural festival" episodes, so that combined with the wonderful Romeo and Juliet play was really fun to watch.
It's too bad I didn't watch it before the anime of the year voting happened, because it definitely would have been in my top 3. I'd need to reflect on it a bit more before figuring out where I would place it against Usagi Drop and MPD, but it easily competes with those 2. Rather tragic that it finished in 6th place or something in the voting. I don't recall how well the dvd/bluray releases sold, but I'd have to guess that it probably didn't do well. I suppose I'll just pick up that manga at this point to continue the story, and also read the chapters that took place prior to what the show animated.
I just realized that the first anime I ever watched completely from start to finish properly was Love Hina (followed by Love Hina Again). I wonder if I should go back and re-watch it. I haven't seen the show in....almost 10 years. Wow.
Sure, why not. I at least definitely still like it, though I know some people disagree. (Again's never been nearly as good as the original series though, but then that part of the manga wasn't as good as the earlier parts either...)
It's amazing how worked up this forum gets given that we are all watching a bunch of Japanese cartoons.
I mean seriously, think about it for a second.
Even the best animated stuff outside of maybe Miyazaki's work gets blown the fuck away by Disney cartoons. Anime was never really about the animation itself. Thats the strict definition of it, but its basically manga in color with sound and music and SOME movement.
Anime is about the characters and stories, and the experience of watching it. The ANIMATION part of it is laughable.
I've always found this "it's just the internet, don't get worked up over it" thing a bit silly -- I mean, why does it matter where the conversation is taking place, people are going to care about opinions -- but I agree with the rest of that, sure... well, mostly. I don't know that I'd say that the stories or characters are always all that great either.
... What does that leave then? Um... anime's unique style I guess? I find the stuff amusing even if it's not great, often enough. And then there are those rare ones which are genuinely worthwhile.
I don't know what ABF was on about, Episode 3 was great, especially after
Unused Character
showed up. It was also strangely :cajun~. Sonya holding that stuffed bunny gave me the strangest hnnnng and UC at the end, man, I felt for her. That needs to be made a .gif, but instead of "It's Impossible" they should make the sign read "NOPE" or something.
All in all, this show is stupid, OH so stupid, but so is Always Sunny in Philadelphia, more so than this show, and people seem to like that show too.
I don't know what that show is, so I can't comment on that. But apart from that... yeah, that whole "Unused Character" thing just wasn't that funny. Who was that? Was she another enemy group person trying to attack Sonya, like the ninja guys? We don't learn much of anything about her, and then once she finally finds them she gets scared in a somewhat ridiculous way. Same for the bunny thing, it was pretty predictable and not that funny. Maybe slightly amusing, but not more than that. I just didn't find the episode very funny at all.
Moretsu Pirates 4
Finally got around to this one. Really great episode. Good jargon pacing, explanation of basics, etc., and they managed to give us a taste of what's to come the next episode. They're doing a great job of whetting my appetite for the next episode every week. If it keeps building like this, I'm gonna go mad from the weekly waits! And this week, ACTION!
Aww... that's too bad. Maybe there's enough material to make a second season of the anime anyway, even if the series will never have an ending? That'd be great, we need more IS!
From those other posts it does sound like the LN author was being a complete pain, but yeah, that anime was far too so-bad-it's-good to not get a continuation. It sounds like there's no hope, but... maybe someday, right? There has to be a chance.
Went through this over the past couple days. All in all I'd have to say that watching it in quick succession like this is probably the way to go. I would have watched it when it aired but I wasn't watching anything for a significant portion of that season so I didn't even pick up Madoka until it was nearly complete. I put it on the back burner for so long because I was waiting for the true ep.10-11. Speaking of which, what was the reason for editing and combing these two episodes in the TV broadcast anyway? From what I could tell what they cut out was
the back story for Yuki and Shiina.
Not really sure why they would cut that out, its a pretty powerful aspect of the story to remove.
-The full episode 11 may have been my favorite of the show, some pretty awesome moments in that one.
Shuichi listening to his recorded voice, the story of Yuki and Shinna, and then the closing moments where Shuichi tells Doi that he hates him.
Episode 6 was another one my favorites. I'm a sucker for those "cultural festival" episodes, so that combined with the wonderful Romeo and Juliet play was really fun to watch.
First anime that I have unconditionally loved since Level E. Was genius and hilarious and incredibly entertaining. Nice art and OP/EDs as well.
Please tell me they're going to animate more of this manga! I need more seasons!!
Also I think the first anime in a long time that feels safe to recommend to people who don't watch anime. It's educational and funny and doesn't really have any creepy anime stuff. Thumbs up!
Watching the first episode of Pokemon. I like how there were four kids set to get a pokemon from Oak, and he only has three pokemon; then he gives ash shit about being late.
Watching the first episode of Pokemon. I like how there were four kids set to get a pokemon from Oak, and he only has three pokemon; then he gives ash shit about being late.
