Hmm, so many Samurai Champloo reccomendations. I think I'll give it another try. The first time, like a year ago, I found it boring as fuck, too over the top (the dwarf samurai/ninja/whatever that always wanted to fight) and the girl was one of the most annoying character that I'd ever seen.
I'll try one last time.
EDIT: Cowboy Bebop kicks ass. Is one magnificent creation. Flawless.
i'm actually not a big fan of Bebop which is funny because [as] taught me.
it's a solid show and i'll watch the reruns, but i'm not a fan of the overall story. it doesn't hit w/ me.
i like the standalone episodes more. Pierrot Le Fou >>>
Due to the recommendations I watched all 26 episodes of Samurai Champloo, and while there are some bright spots, I really wasn't grabbed by it in the same way as Cowboy Bebop.
My main complaints are that the overall plot was weak, the character's background weren't as interesting as Bebop's, nor was their character development. I also didn't really care for the setting in the show and the standalone episodes I felt were far weaker than Bebop's.
It's an alright series, but I don't really think it is on nearly the same level as Cowboy Bebop.
Obviously a great show, but I prefer Champloo. Although it had the weaker ending, that pirate two parter was also stronger than most Bebop episodes imo.
I agree with the Monster recommendations. Starts superslow, but I was then completely hooked from somewhere ~Ep 20 until the end (~80 eps).
These aren't just ,,good for an anime'', but simply amazing TV shows.
Due to the recommendations I watched all 26 episodes of Samurai Champloo, and while there are some bright spots, I really wasn't grabbed by it in the same way as Cowboy Bebop.
My main complaints are that the overall plot was weak, the character's background weren't as interesting as Bebop's, nor was their character development. I also didn't really care for the setting in the show and the standalone episodes I felt were far weaker than Bebop's.
It's an alright series, but I don't really think it is on nearly the same level as Cowboy Bebop.
Baccano is amazing. I watched it recently and I was thoroughly satisfied. The plot is complex, and there are a handful of very interesting characters to wrap your mind around. I want more shows like this
On a related note, I'm watching Escaflowne for the first time. Pretty amazing too.
Baccano is amazing. I watched it recently and I was thoroughly satisfied. The plot is complex, and there are a handful of very interesting characters to wrap your mind around. I want more shows like this
On a related note, I'm watching Escaflowne for the first time. Pretty amazing too.
Hmm, maybe it's time to rewatch this. Also the Escaflowne movie was interesting though obviously a very different take on the show but not bad per se. Thinking of trying to get into Gurren Lagann, though that's obviously a different tone
This thread inspired me and I watched the first 7 or so episodes and it all seems to be monster of the week outside of 1 episode. At some point does it turn into more of a serial with a compelling overarching storyline?
(sorry, I havent read most of the thread to avoid spoilers)
Yeah that's probably what we should've told people. Bebop is very episodic except for a few episodes here and there that touch on each character's past, leading up to a sort of four-part finale that mainly centers back on Spike.
Literally just finished the last episode of this show for the first time. I think it's kinda overrated, but I understand why people love it so. There's just some episodes that really just don't do anything for me.
I'll admit that the last episode had me emotional as hell ;_;
Samurai Champloo is my favorite anime then Death Note.
This thread inspired me and I watched the first 7 or so episodes and it all seems to be monster of the week outside of 1 episode. At some point does it turn into more of a serial with a compelling overarching storyline?
(sorry, I havent read most of the thread to avoid spoilers)
Don't think of them as monster of the week, think of them as variations on a theme. The more you know about the Bebop crew the more most* of these episodes become resonant to themes. Rather than being connected in a causative manner they're connected in other ways, it's sort of... musical.
*Except for boogie woogie feng shui... what the fuck.
This thread inspired me and I watched the first 7 or so episodes and it all seems to be monster of the week outside of 1 episode. At some point does it turn into more of a serial with a compelling overarching storyline?
(sorry, I havent read most of the thread to avoid spoilers)
There is certainly an overarching storyline that starts to show up later on. And many of these seemingly independent episodes inform the characters and the overarching plot later on. It all fits quite snugly by the time the last episode is over.
Also, there are a few two-parters that are incredible (Jupiter Jazz 1 and 2 is just amazing television).
The story of Guts, Griffin and Casca is so moving and ultimately tragic in this arc that I think it should be experienced by anyone interested in anime.
So, I don't wanna wade through that anime mega thread - do we know anything about Watanabes new series? Please no high school romcom... now that announcement was some disappointment last year.
So, I don't wanna wade through that anime mega thread - do we know anything about Watanabes new series? Please no high school romcom... now that announcement was some disappointment last year.
Watanabe's 2013 series is a comedy about space travel, is being produced by BONES, and is probably titled Space Dandy. He also has a 2014 series in the planning stages at MAPPA which will be more serious.
The story of Guts, Griffin and Casca is so moving and ultimately tragic in this arc that I think it should be experienced by anyone interested in anime.
Oh for sure. I've just have never been into manga. However the ride covered in the anime was a blast and though it might leave things a bit up in the air it was a hell of a ride and well worth watching
Oh and PENPALS with that Beserk song intro -- burned into my memory! So good!
Didnt know there was a Bebop thread, though I just finished the series a few minutes ago. I dont see what there is to rave about for it.
Cowboy Bebop was an interesting experience and one I did have some enjoyment from watching. However, it was full of faults that damped much enjoyment that could have come from the experience. The character cast is pretty weak and difficult to like or even care about and I would have liked for better designs to be in just about every role. Perhaps if they were younger all across the board as it felt like old people were in control, except for Ed, who seemed to act just way too young and having little or limited relevance outside of two focused episodes. The world and environment was actually pretty compelling and was the best part to Faye's involvement as her story provided a good account of the changes between the past and the present. Spike had potential to be an actually good lead character but that win/loss record prevents him from being that good. Jet is Jet and well not all that good. Perhaps Vicious is the best character around though suffers from limited screentime.
The style of storytelling is another fault as it makes it hard to even care about most of the events. Within the first 45 seconds of an episode I imagine most people could already tell if they would like or not like an episode. I wish one whole continuous story was told as this type of storytelling is really only good in say ficlets/drabbles or I guess gag media. If events flowed into each other, it wouldn't have felt so character of the week oriented or had characters and events tossed away like nothing. At the end of the story, really only like five or so of the 26 episodes even mattered, so it was kind of like a waste of time to watch most of them.
Cowboy Bebop is a 5/10 anime as most episodes were boring or dull, especially subsequent episodes at times, with only the plot relevant ones being worthwhile. A few episodes did have their moments, providing laughs and successes which I enjoyed somewhat. Otherwise, apart from Spike, Vicious, and always good action scenes, space fights, there isnt much else good offered in this vintage anime. The OP song was kind of weak and visually unimpressive, while the ending song was alright though not memorable at all.
Perhaps if the anime ended on a happy note not killing off the main character, one of the worst crimes in writing, it'd actually have been good
Specifically on the ending, for a two part episode for a conclusion which ought to have been filled with new hopes, aspirations, big action, and victory, we were treated to perhaps one of the most lackluster and embarassing endings that Ive ever encountered. 25 was alright and had me hoping that the ending episode would be really good but I left quite disappointed and kind of frustrated when the credits rolled by. Really do not understand the fascination with this type of ending as it just seems like a writer wanting to instill anger in viewers and perhaps ensure that they are giving them a guarantee at wanting to have a bad day.
Spike continued to as usual show that he is just simply not good against other human characters in any type of fight. Sure he managed to fend off against Vicious and actually win (I did like how they ended up with each others weapons then traded them back for final blows) but did he really win? Seemed to be such a waste to finally get him a victory but then have him die in the end right there, which ultimately means it was a draw. Why did they have to have him die, along with all the other numerous characters that really didnt need to. Lin's legacy lost as Shin died, Annie dead, the coveted Julia, dead from some random event which she ought not to have been there for, and now Jet and Faye left depressed and saddened because Spike threw his life away. Ultimately, there were just no winners in this or even any glimmers of hope. Endings are supposed to give closure as well as show new prospects and paths to take, filled with some inspirational life message to take away or something to give material to think over and reflect. This ending fails in all areas and actually is pretty sad, depressing, and emotionally rotten. Only thing the episode had going for it was good action and Spike being kind of epic running into there.
Loved this show. Hated Spike, Vicious, Julia and the ending(and anything to do with Spike's past kinda ruined the show for me). Always preferred Outlaw Star and the way Gene Starwind dealt with things in general. Still a great series.
The character cast is pretty weak and difficult to like or even care about and I would have liked for better designs to be in just about every role. Perhaps if they were younger all across the board as it felt like old people were in contro
Because we need more series with 17 year olds saving the world, of course.
You missed on one of the best parts of the show, the characters are flawed people struggling with their problems as they go about the business at hand. That's why they are so interesting.
The character cast is pretty weak and difficult to like or even care about and I would have liked for better designs to be in just about every role. Perhaps if they were younger all across the board as it felt like old people were in control
Because older people are completely inconsequential to the world they inhabit and are incapable to being participants in an engaging story that isn't guided by someone much younger than they are.
Even that aside, the cast being in their late 20s/30s is the crux of the entire show. It's all about their pasts coming to haunt them, about the push and pull between their pasts and the struggle to find some semblance of a new life.
Also, the meaning of the the show's ending is
that we can't escape the past. Not all endings should be about "new hopes" "aspirations" or "victory." Art would be a dull, predictable affair if they were. Calling the ending "emotionally rotten" is an absurb misinterpretation. Spike struggled with his past throughout the entire show up until the end when he decides to confront it headfirst. It was the only way he could find peace, and he does. The "bang" moment is complete and utter catharsis. He dies peacefully knowing that all the loose ends of his past have been taken care of, and that's the ultimate take away of the ending: you can't achieve peace when you've got unsettled emotional baggage weighing you down.
