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[Envelope]

Sailor Moon 25

I'm a bit disappointed at how

Spoiler

not a single mention of Naru was given in this episode.

However, the addition of a new character, Makoto, more then makes up for it.

Spoiler

I wonder what that glowing green symbol on her forehead could mean?

Tomboys are the best!

To start with, the Dark Lord Sauron is very close to being revived - he just needs the One Ring Silver Crystal to fully respawn. But there's a catch -

Spoiler

The crystal has been split into 7 pieces, each one containing a sealed Youma, which has been reborn as a relatively normal human.

Zoisite,

Spoiler

the new villain now that Nephrite's bit the dust,

is on the hunt. The target is your everyday crane-game master,

Spoiler

who holds on of the seven Youma, which grants him slight psychic powers that allow him to manipulate crane games. Surely he could think of a better way to use them than that?

However, the main focus of this episode is on Usagi's new love, Makoto.

After 11 episodes of Utena, I will always associate Ikuhara and roses

And with good, reason, she's quite good looking, and tall to boot!

Spoiler

Too bad her beloved didn't appreciate it.

After falling for the resident crane-gamer, she follows him around until Zoisite shows up to wreck the party.

Spoiler

the crane-gamer reveals himself to be a cheating bastard, breaking poor Makoto's heart. and then he turns into a Youma.

The sailor plushies are so cute

Suddenly,

Spoiler

Makoto's head begins to glow! Could this be?! It is! the fourth Sailor has appeared, Sailor Jupiter! And she has the power of lightning and thunder! However, they are unwilling to defeat the youma the traditional way, since it's possessing a normal human. But fear not, for the new magicky wand has chosen Usagi to be the leader of the Sailors, and gives her the power to cleanse him of the youma without damaging his ugly mug.

Why the hell anyone would make Usagi in charge of anything, I cannot fathom.

Makoto is so tall compared to the rest. And judging from Ami's and Rei's blushes, this is turning into a yuri harem with Makoto as the lead! I approve of this development.

With her new friend in tow, Usagi pays a visit to her beloved Motoki, only to discover to her horror that somehow, Makoto thinks he also looks exactly like her previous crush. Usagi, quite understandably, is flabbergasted by the way Makoto's mind works.

 

[Jex]

Speaking of Cowboy Bebop and Fujiko:

I also think it's pretty interesting that both these episodes had an extremely similar premise -

Spoiler

a certain well known women has to work for a casino

, although clearly these two episodes go in completely different directions.

There was some fantastic background art this episode as well, Oshii would approve:

However, I didn't enjoy this episode as much as the first one. I don't really know why. There was certainly a lot less crazy action and animation than last week - with a number of telling long-shots indicating that the staff might be a little squeezed for time - but I don't think that had anything to do with it.

 

[PdotMichael]

It was interessting the drum scene was pretty impressive but the piano scene...

the only bad looking part in the episode.

 

[Envelope]

It's fine, I didn't even notice it until it was pointed out.

Then I got a chuckle out of it.

Yeah, I doubt any of hard-of-hearing anime gaf would be bothered by it, but you never know!

 

[Instro]

There was some fantastic background art this episode as well, Oshii would approve:

Yeah some great shots there. I mentioned that first one in the Lupin thread, that entire scene was good stuff.

 

[BluWacky]

It was interessting the drum scene was pretty impressive but the piano scene...

I'm surprised you think the piano sequence is bad. The finger animation is exquisite - the difference between Sen's jazzier-but-less-precise interpretation and Kaoru's stacatto, trained accuracy is very nicely realised both aurally and visually.

Is it just the slightly dodgy CG piano you don't like?

 

[cajunator]

The visuals this season are pretty fantastic. whether that means quality wise or [redacted]wise.

 

[chickdigger802]

It was interessting the drum scene was pretty impressive but the piano scene...



the only bad looking part in the episode.

Still better than nodame's D:

The visuals this season are pretty fantastic. whether that means ahoge or ahoge.

fixed.

 

[Branduil]

I have issues with the visual presentation. Mostly art style (Ri-chan is ugly) and shading (blobby mess), and lack of weight behind the characters' movements (fight scene was awful). All in all it's not something I typically enjoy, though I can appreciate the quality.

I don't have a problem with the art style or the fight scene. It's certainly different from the norm in anime, in its attempt to communicate 3D shapes through shading, but I found it very effective.

 

[Jex]

Yeah some great shots there. I mentioned that first one in the Lupin thread, that entire scene was good stuff.

I can't tell what the design on her window is. It seems to be eyes - perhaps those of an owl, which would go in line with the OP.

 

[cajunator]

I like the visual style of APollon quite a bit. Its not whimsical though, which is why it's not my favorite.

 

[Ultimadrago]

I can't tell what the design on her window is. It seems to be eyes - perhaps those of an owl, which would go in line with the OP.

Decent observation, I scanned the background for a while in my watching, but never thought of the window at all (much less the possible model of owl eyes)

I like the visual style of APollon quite a bit. Its not whimsical though, which is why it's not my favorite.

The female manjaws I'm seeing are still bothering me.

 

[cajunator]

Thats a quite asymmetrical owl if that's the case.

 

[duckroll]

Not only are there several quality shows this season, but I think what really stands out the most to me is how many varied art styles there are in various shows this season, and also how many shows have really high quality music which are also extremely unique.

 

[Jex]

but holo's only like 1/10 furry!

Stop listening to the lies propagated by that 'furry chart' - if you like girls with tails and wolf ears, we all know what it means.

Not only are there several quality shows this season, but I think what really stands out the most to me is how many varied art styles there are in various shows this season, and also how many shows have really high quality music which are also extremely unique.

So you're saying that anime IS saved?

 

[Ultimadrago]

Thats a quite asymmetrical owl if that's the case.

Hey, it's in the middle of turning its head side-to-side like owls do.

...You're ruining everything, cajun!

So you're saying that anime IS saved?

Been said so often here, it has lost all meaning (if it had any to begin with)

But for real, duckroll hype machine saves anime.

 

[cajunator]

Not only are there several quality shows this season, but I think what really stands out the most to me is how many varied art styles there are in various shows this season, and also how many shows have really high quality music which are also extremely unique.

That's true. the art styles are all very different and I love that. Even the moeshows have differentiating styles.

Stop listening to the lies propagated by that 'furry chart' - if you like girls with tails and wolf ears, we all know what it means.

I'm a proud furry by your definition there (and anyone else's)

 

[Jex]

So this is what happens when we go community.

You're suggesting that this kind of talk wasn't prevalent before!

 

[cajunator]

Community has just brought us together and made us realize whats really important

Spoiler

ahoges

 

[Dragoon En Regalia]

Caught the whole owl-brow shape first time I was watching, mainly because I didn't have any text to distract me. Going to put off my final review of the episode for now because my mother is threatening to destroy my internet life—again—but I think that, if they can keep the show at the standard set by both the frenetic Lupin episode and this morose Jigen tale, then it'll spark a new big rivalry between Sayo Yamamoto and Shinichiro Watanabe for best directors of the year. Sayo clearly is an amazing visual composer, as the storyboards are immaculate and every emotion was simply nailed down effortlessly in this episode.

 

[Theonik]

A very nice episode, definitely a different mood from the first one. They took a more dark, character driven note on this one and I loved it! Shading seems to be done relatively well though is occasionally overused, in this episode it seemed to fit with the overall darker visual tone they took but imo it would still work without the filter which seems to be used as some sort of "artistic" substitution for DOF in function in a lot of shots. (while elsewhere it just looks like someone smudged over an embarrassing drawing they didn't like.)
Other than that the art direction seems top notch and I can only hope for more improvement on episode 3. Continuing my prediction of it being the best show in the season.
Also:

Spoiler

Jigen is a badass but we all knew that already didn't we?

 

[Jex]

oh the furries

Spoiler

I'm going to be assimilated into you furry lovers soon, aren't i? ;_;

Why bother resisting. It's as Tezuka commands.

 

[dakkumauji]

Man, I feel so behind on stuff right now and it is just with what just aired today!

Medaka Box 02

Just keep trolling~
So, pretty good episode. I do like that Medaka does have some weaknesses instead of being allmighty. But once again, Shiranui stole the episode.

 

[PdotMichael]

Community has just brought us together and made us realize whats really important

Spoiler

ahoges

But I dislike

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ahoges

and

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furries (>15%)

 

[BGBW]

Lets see what I've watched so far:

Lupin III
Nice first episode. Oozes style, though the art sometimes felt a little off, usually to do with the shading choice. However it was highly watchable and I look forward to more.

Shirokuma Cafe
A nice easy going show. Nice OP and ED animation. Oh and well done Crunchy subber for not putting translator notes for the puns.

Upotte!
Guns who are girls one of whom is British (even if it is the poorer A1 model). Can't hate this.

Gakkatsu
I can't really hate these short flash anime. They usually deliver their jokes and are over, never overstaying their welcome. That's right, I even watched the whole of Double J and not just for the ED. However saying that this one does seem to be quite entertaining.

Mysterious Girlfriend X
I what? Did she just

Spoiler

puke saliva?

Morbidly curious to see how this show progresses.

Still got a handful of shows I'm interesting in checking out this season.

 

[Jex]

Do you guys have a better definition for what anime is?

Animated science fiction.

 

[Uchip]

Why bother resisting. It's as Tezuka commands.

Zombie powers?

 

[Firemind]

Still better than nodame's D:

Nope.

 

[Haly]

Koikelupin 2:
Fuuuuuuck, I need more moody angsty shit after this.

 

[Reknoc]

Fujiko 2

Really good. There was something about it that was so perfect for Jigen. It actually really makes me excited for the Goemon episode despite not liking him too much, unless he's doing his best.

 

[Envelope]

Fujikoike 2

A lot better than the first episode in many ways, the art for this is so rich and beautiful, and a lot of care has gone into the camera angles and framing. The faces are also very expressive, which unfortunately a lot of anime lack. You can really hear the age in Jigen's voice at times, though.

Fujiko's chagrined and bewildered face after Jigen turned down her advances was perfect

The new ED is a lot better than the previous one as well.

 

[Brazil]

Sengoku Collection 2

What the hell was that?

The guy shows up out of nowhere with a contract. She signs it in an hour! Then she's all happy training... And then she's crying! And she's had enough, after, what, one day? There's no sense of the passage of time whatsoever.

And then, suddenly, she's an accomplished and famous idol. She's even replaced the older girl in a movie?

She remembers everything without a single hint to the viewer, and gives up her way of going back to the Sengoku era without blinking.

What the fuck.

 

[Ultimadrago]

Also:

Spoiler

Jigen is a badass but we all knew that already didn't we?

Yes.

Sengoku Collection 2

What the hell was that?

What the fuck.

Lulz! It's my turn now!


;_;

 

[cajunator]

Man, I feel so behind on stuff right now and it is just with what just aired today!

Medaka Box 02

Just keep trolling~
So, pretty good episode. I do like that Medaka does have some weaknesses instead of being allmighty. But once again, Shiranui stole the episode.

Hansode is THE reason to watch Medaka Box, as I hoped.

But I dislike

Spoiler

ahoges

and

Spoiler

furries (>15%)

You're wrong Pdot, but you like Lan so I'll let you slide on this one.

 

[Instro]

Not only are there several quality shows this season, but I think what really stands out the most to me is how many varied art styles there are in various shows this season, and also how many shows have really high quality music which are also extremely unique.

Yeah mentioned it in my Tsuritama post, lots of quality music this season. Although I suppose its only fitting considering the variety of good shows we have right now. Its a shame Ozma turned out to be crap. Such a waste of a good soundtrack/composer.

 

[cajunator]

I still can't believe those oversized heads were real footage of the show.

 

[chickdigger802]

Nope.

oops. my statement will be retracted. CG hands. mmm...


And yeah... Medaka box... needs more this.

Hypnotizing.

 

[cajunator]

Hansode you adorable little ahoge troll <3

 

[Ultimadrago]

Kids on the Slope 1

Kanji of the season!

Visuals are neat, the use of soft shadow and lighting works together well, different enough without being distracting. The

Spoiler

fight scene

was "lol", it just came off to me as silly. The background music, when it was used, was light on the ears and pretty good.

I liked the characters enough by the end of it. Overall, it was cool, stays on my list. However, not as much of an impact on first watch as I previously believed it would.

 

[cajunator]

Apollon played out pretty much exactly like I expected it would, so I'm cool with it.

 

[Ultimadrago]

Don't get me wrong, I am too. Only had to jiggle my initial bar of anticipation.
Probably third behind Lupin and Fate/Zero for my most enjoyed this season thus far, which is pretty high like.

 

[dakkumauji]

Sengoku Collection 02

Now let's watch Ieyasu become an idol?
Ugh, that went by extremely quickly. Just in the sheer fact of things that occurred in the episode. But also, most things were pretty unbelievable that Ieyasu would suddenly become an idol so quickly. But, oh whatever.
Next week, I guess we get lesbians!

 

[chickdigger802]

hmmm should I watch polar bear cafe eps2?

I guess... I should...

 

[SDBurton]

Kimi ni Todoke 06

Man,

Spoiler

I was so pumped when Yoshida and Yano came to the rescue and told those girls off who were picking on Sawako. Being the sucker I am for friendship, I could feel my throat tightening up when Sawako cleared up the misunderstanding through her tears and told the duo that she loved them rather than liked. Sooo good!

And

Spoiler

LOL at Kazehaya, getting flustered when Sawako gave him a smile. Love it.

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

Been said so often here, it has lost all meaning (if it had any to begin with)

"Anime is dead/saved" has become one of my most disliked memes. I really can't stand it anymore.

 

[Ryuukan]

"Anime is dead/saved" has become one of my most disliked memes. I really can't stand it anymore.

Thanks to this season, "anime is dead" is dead.

 

[Hitokage]

Thanks to this season, "anime is dead" is dead.

However, sooner or later the penguin hat will fall off.

 

[DrForester]

However, sooner or later the penguin hat will fall off.

Well, Duckroll already made his wish with Kyubey to save Madoka, guess you'll have to step up and make a wish for anime to live.

 

[Defuser]

oops. my statement will be retracted. CG hands. mmm...


And yeah... Medaka box... needs more this.

Hypnotizing.

What disturbs me is her ahoge is able to pierce through that helmet.

 

[wsippel]

I really enjoy this season so far. Seems surprisingly diverse. There's something for everyone, and quite a few above average shows.