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Spring Anime 2012 III | AITAKATTA YES!
- Thread starter hosannainexcelsis
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Crash Station
Member
Stop calling it "big". This is no FMA or even Soul Eater. It's Black Cat and Busou Renkin tier.
hosannainexcelsis
Member
It doesn't matter how good or popular the manga is. Zetusen no Tempest is likely getting put in the same Nichigo slot (5 PM Sundays) that FMA and Blue Exorcist got aired on, which means that Aniplex intends to make this "big" and will invest corresponding effort into its production.
Attackthebase
Member
Madoka Magica Episode 7
At the outset of this show, I wasn't a huge fan of Sayaka, but I have grown attached to her. So, a Sayaka-focused episode was a treat as the show developed her character. Writing about a growth of a character, it's nice that Kyōko was give some more development.
The visuals during Kyōko's back-story, and the very end are quite delicious! I have a thing for different animations.
At the outset of this show, I wasn't a huge fan of Sayaka, but I have grown attached to her. So, a Sayaka-focused episode was a treat as the show developed her character. Writing about a growth of a character, it's nice that Kyōko was give some more development.
Her back-story was great, and while there was some similarities to Sayaka, the execution and effects are quite different.
The visuals during Kyōko's back-story, and the very end are quite delicious! I have a thing for different animations.
Sayako, don't lose yourself! I believe in your sanity. Win Hiaso's heart!
Crash Station
Member
I see. We'll see if it pays off.
I'm talking about budget and marketing. What are you talking about?
Crash Station
Member
Time to get cracking on the E3 backlog.
Shiba Inuko-san 10
Dumb.
Recorder to Randsell 23
Yep, this is entering creepy territory, and I am 100% cool with that.
Shiba Inuko-san 10
Dumb.
Recorder to Randsell 23
Yep, this is entering creepy territory, and I am 100% cool with that.
Dragoon En Regalia
Member
Glad you liked it. Of all the Osumi episodes, 4 is the most polished, pure example of his directing style. Most people usually prefer this episode, though my favorite is episode 2.
9's real-good too. Much-better animation than in 4, too. The relationship between Killer Pun and Fujiko is also befitting of the Osumi style.
True, but I still don't feel bad about going through the 30 filler episodes during the first 50 episodes of D. Gray Man wanting to kill myself the entire time, since the payoff in the last 50 episodes of non-stop awesome was so good.
Since One Piece has almost 500 episodes (save for a few filler episodes which can be skipped) of amazing shit after the first 50, I'd say it's worth the time investment.
Was waiting for your impressions of this episode and they did not disappoint.
No idea how shortsighted some of the hardcore otakus can be, do you? Pika-tan from Infinite Stratos and Himeko from K-On immediately come to mind.
Wheeljack539
Member
It's his volley from Gates of Babylon that qualifies him for Archer class. His blades also qualify him for Saber class.
From what I recall, Arturia also qualifies for both Lancer and Rider classes as well.
Definitely, and its not one I'd be comfortable making. There are already so many shows of interest, that it'd be foolish to even consider that kind of commitment, especially when OP has so few apparent qualities. I just find the promise that it (eventually) comes good is far too tenuous an argument.
Just to put it all into context, I was considering whether or not I should drop Fujiko, and that's been 10 episodes!
Dragoon En Regalia
Member
I'll never have time for something like One Piece, even though I've heard how excellent it gets a good while in. 13-episode show schedules actually appeal to me a lot because of how concise and focused the pacing can be with less episodes, as opposed to a massive, sprawling saga that still hasn't finished (?).
But I'm going to see Fujiko to the end. It'll be interesting to see whether all of the plot megatons, which all meet in episode 10, can be sufficiently-resolved by the end of it.
But I'm going to see Fujiko to the end. It'll be interesting to see whether all of the plot megatons, which all meet in episode 10, can be sufficiently-resolved by the end of it.
Crash Station
Member
Hey, it's a difference between 130 hours and 30ish (depending on how fast you read)!
One Piece 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
I like Luffy's wind up pose
I'm finally free!
Anyway, down to business:
One Piece sucks.
All throughout, the pacing was really bad; every arc but one was stretched out much further than it should have been, the one exception being Zoro's mini-arc. Unfortunately, bad pacing is to be expected in these long running Jump shonen shows, but that doesn't make it any better. At least shows like Heartcatch are episodic, meaning that an already poor arc doesn't get stretched out, making it even worse.
The characters were uniformly bad. Not a single villain had any motivation beyond "Hurrrr I am bad, I like killing and pillaging because that's what pirates do, except apparently that's not really what being a pirate is".
The main cast was worse. Luffy is one of my least favorite characters ever, he ruins every single scene he's in. What makes it even worse is the self awareness Oda tries to use whenever it happens. There will always be a few characters in the background to yell out "YOU'RE RUINING THE MOMENT" every time he ruins the moment. It's not funny at all. Nami was a poor character as well, money grubbing cardboard character doesn't make for a fun watch., and though Arlong Park did work up some decent sympathy for her, it didn't help make her any more likeable. Though to be fair, she could have a bit of a character change now, but since I won't be watching any more, I'm not about to find out.
Ussop... after his arc finished, he didn't really do much other than be loudmouthed and brash, mildly annoying, but nothing compared to the titan of irritation that was Luffy. Zoro is a bro, best character hands down. The brief appearance Mihawk made was good, and the sole saving grace of the otherwise abysmal Kreig arc.
Why did I dislike the Kreig arc so much? Firstly, the characters of the restaurant ship tried their best to be unlikeable. Regardless of whether someone is starving or not, it's stupid to offer a bloodthirsty murderer a free meal, knowing full well what the consequences will be. The flashback for Sanji was extra dumb, even for One Piece standards. A truly fearsome pirate, who's mastered the Grand Line enough to survive a year in there, decides to sacrifice his strongest asset for an annoying brat who's ship he attacked less than 5 minutes ago. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. The second aspect was the ridiculous plot armor Luffy had. I already went through that, so I'm not going to list all the ridiculous stuff that he shrugs off, but I was constantly assured by various parties that One Piece has much better fluctuating power levels than most other shonens, but that really wasn't the case. Let's not even get started on how stupid the rubber ability is.
The first 3 episodes of the Arlong arc were some of my least favorite in the show. Then came the flashback episode for Nami, and cheap though it was, it was at least effective...
....or would have been, if Luffy didn't exist. He managed to completely ruin every potentially emotional moment in the arc. The middle of the Arlong arc was so frustrating to watch, since it could have been good, but the constantly forced "humor" that Oda seems so fond of cramming in the worst spots kept cropping up. Then of course, any hopes for a good ending were dashed the moment Luffy got stuck in the concrete. Luffy's big fight itself was pretty lacklustre. The usual plot armor, fluctuating power levels, andshonen haato Nakama haato power ups were everywhere.
Nevertheless, Arlong still managed to be the second best arc, behind the mini-one for Zoro.
It's really unfortunate to see a show/manga/world like One Piece with so much potential so completely ruined by just a few aspects. I'm not a fan of either the art or some of the fights/powers, but those aren't dealbreakers for me. Horrible characters and poor plots are, and One Piece was filled to the brim with those.
I like Luffy's wind up pose
I'm finally free!
Anyway, down to business:
One Piece sucks.
All throughout, the pacing was really bad; every arc but one was stretched out much further than it should have been, the one exception being Zoro's mini-arc. Unfortunately, bad pacing is to be expected in these long running Jump shonen shows, but that doesn't make it any better. At least shows like Heartcatch are episodic, meaning that an already poor arc doesn't get stretched out, making it even worse.
The characters were uniformly bad. Not a single villain had any motivation beyond "Hurrrr I am bad, I like killing and pillaging because that's what pirates do, except apparently that's not really what being a pirate is".
The main cast was worse. Luffy is one of my least favorite characters ever, he ruins every single scene he's in. What makes it even worse is the self awareness Oda tries to use whenever it happens. There will always be a few characters in the background to yell out "YOU'RE RUINING THE MOMENT" every time he ruins the moment. It's not funny at all. Nami was a poor character as well, money grubbing cardboard character doesn't make for a fun watch., and though Arlong Park did work up some decent sympathy for her, it didn't help make her any more likeable. Though to be fair, she could have a bit of a character change now, but since I won't be watching any more, I'm not about to find out.
Ussop... after his arc finished, he didn't really do much other than be loudmouthed and brash, mildly annoying, but nothing compared to the titan of irritation that was Luffy. Zoro is a bro, best character hands down. The brief appearance Mihawk made was good, and the sole saving grace of the otherwise abysmal Kreig arc.
Why did I dislike the Kreig arc so much? Firstly, the characters of the restaurant ship tried their best to be unlikeable. Regardless of whether someone is starving or not, it's stupid to offer a bloodthirsty murderer a free meal, knowing full well what the consequences will be. The flashback for Sanji was extra dumb, even for One Piece standards. A truly fearsome pirate, who's mastered the Grand Line enough to survive a year in there, decides to sacrifice his strongest asset for an annoying brat who's ship he attacked less than 5 minutes ago. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. The second aspect was the ridiculous plot armor Luffy had. I already went through that, so I'm not going to list all the ridiculous stuff that he shrugs off, but I was constantly assured by various parties that One Piece has much better fluctuating power levels than most other shonens, but that really wasn't the case. Let's not even get started on how stupid the rubber ability is.
The first 3 episodes of the Arlong arc were some of my least favorite in the show. Then came the flashback episode for Nami, and cheap though it was, it was at least effective...
....or would have been, if Luffy didn't exist. He managed to completely ruin every potentially emotional moment in the arc. The middle of the Arlong arc was so frustrating to watch, since it could have been good, but the constantly forced "humor" that Oda seems so fond of cramming in the worst spots kept cropping up. Then of course, any hopes for a good ending were dashed the moment Luffy got stuck in the concrete. Luffy's big fight itself was pretty lacklustre. The usual plot armor, fluctuating power levels, and
Nevertheless, Arlong still managed to be the second best arc, behind the mini-one for Zoro.
I say mini, but really, the only reason it was that much shorter than the rest was because it was paced properly.
It's really unfortunate to see a show/manga/world like One Piece with so much potential so completely ruined by just a few aspects. I'm not a fan of either the art or some of the fights/powers, but those aren't dealbreakers for me. Horrible characters and poor plots are, and One Piece was filled to the brim with those.
Chet Rippo
Member
Uppotte!! 10
Well nice spot of action to finish the show off. Good to see all the girls do their bit including L.
However that logic near the end so so out of this world the Hubble telescope would fail to pick it up.
Well nice spot of action to finish the show off. Good to see all the girls do their bit including L.
Though the whole magazine business still confuses me. Two have their magazines shot off but they're fine, but L's falls out and she's puking her guts springs out.
Guns literally don't kill people, people do.
There's no single path to success. All characters popular to otaku pander in one form or another, but simply mirroring the identity of the viewer is lazy and cynical.
Citation needed on Renton.
I'm not anti-referential characters/pander characters, but they have to exist in an environment that suits their purpose. Reference characters are best suited to a comedy setting (see: Nyaruko, everyone in Hayate no Gotoku), but they can work in drama provided that they exhibit substance to their character outside of the act of spouting off references/conspicuously possessing x pander trait. I'm all for characters that have very specialized hobbies and a character like Elena could conceivably exist, but the specific instance of referencing anime in anime is rarely anything other than a conscious overture to the audience. Because of the relative unlikelihood of a random individual being a hardcore otaku in real life, it's a way to get the audience to care about a character without actually having to characterize them.
A good example of a tolerable reference character in drama would be Hashida Itaru from Steins;Gate--he references anime and 2ch culture fairly regularly throughout the series, but he's a fully-realized character that isn't solely defined by his obsession even when he self-identifies as an otaku. Elena doesn't really exist outside of her reference-dropping and conspicuous otakuism. I agree that all of the women in E7AO are bad pander to an extent (I really hate the "Ao is the only male pilot and they're all young teenagers" conceit), but Elena's pandering doesn't end at passive traits of gender, age, and dress like Fleur and Naru. It's very active and in-your-face, which makes her feel especially out of place in a series that is otherwise not concerned with the particulars of what characters like as much as who they are and what they want.
E7AO is certainly a series for dedicated anime fans, but it still feels fundamentally different from something traditionally described as made "for otaku" like Angel Beats, K-On, etc. It deserves credit for being story-driven with characters that (mostly) don't fit into the most basic anime archetypes, so I would argue that it's incorrect to write it off as falling into the same broad category as many series that don't attempt to do the things that E7AO attempts at all. It deserves to be held to a higher standard even if it does exhibit signs of being more commercial than its predecessor.
Chet Rippo
Member
Being shot up wouldn't be as fun...
Attackthebase
Member
I'm waiting for One Piece Kai!
I think the general idea in sci fi when that happens is that the power is needed elsewhere, like weapons and shields, so they only have a minimum to devote to lighting.
I used to fire the L98A1 Cadet GP Rifle which as you might of guessed is the cadet version of the L85A1.
It was a pain in the arse to strip. Blockages were a pain in the arse. Reloading (it was manual) was a pain in the arse. And to think this was meant to convince me to join the army. HA HA HA HA HA.
I would have died from the hnnng long beforehand.
Chet Rippo
Member
It's a British gun, of course it sucked.
Probably not gonna happen
Poor Eru-chan, it's not her fault the United Kingdom fails at making weapons.
Well this would be Eru-chans younger twin sister or something. Perhaps she goes to a special needs school or whatever considering the removal of gas parts.
Apparently the A2 is better, but I'm not in the army so I wouldn't know and they only introduced the cadet equivalent well after I left school.
I think the problem with Elena is clear. It's not that she's a nerd, it's that she's a parody.
Exhibiting interest in otaku shit = somewhat understandable.
This:
is not.
What? I fully understand that!
Oh, well that makes sense.
PdotMichael
Banned
First 3 episodes exceeded all expectations, but sadly after that the quality takes a noticeable dive.
I think one of the reasons I can freely enjoy even moderately terrible anime is because I accept the show as it is presented. I don't try to attach realistic expectations to it. I accept that the characters are "as is" in the story, even if in real life they would be absurd. In THAT story they are in, they make some sort of sense and have a purpose, even if it is pandering. This is why I can also accept really stupid characterizations that drive other people nuts.
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