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Toonami |Sep14| This is our Final Dandy, baby

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Zonic

Gives all the fucks
Still waiting for my copy to arrive from Amazon (should be shipping today). Got lucky & was able to get the SS costumes from someone on here. Now let's see if I can get the OoT ones somehow.
 
I have to ask but was that the end of Water 7? Somebody mentioned why that city was named that would be explained but I don't recall it ever being or that it did end up being that important of a location.

there's some debate about what the end of Water 7 actually is; some people consider it to contain the Sea Train arc, some people consider the Sea Train part of Enies Lobby, some people consider the Sea Train its own standalone mini-arc.

and i'm not sure i remember its name being explained. i thought it just had seven gates or docks or something.
 

Zonic

Gives all the fucks
Yeah, I recall there was seven different gates for boats to dock at or something, hence the name. & I'd say the Sea Train part is stand alone since it's meant to transition from Water 7 to Enies Lobby, so more of a transition arc. Though it seems some people consider it part of the Water 7 one & Enies Lobby's arc starts when Robin & Franky actually land on Enies Lobby.
 

Rutger

Banned
I always just thought of Water 7 and Enies Lobby as one big arc. All the important story lines start in Water 7 but nothing is concluded until Enies Lobby, you don't really get a complete story when looking at either on their own. I can see why people would want to split them, but it doesn't work as nicely as all the arcs between when we meet Vivi and the start of Alabasta imo.

It also helps that (minor end of Enies Lobby spoilers)
the Straw Hat return to Water 7 after Enies Lobby to have their after arc party.
 
You know what I'm glad never happened?
This show.

Imagine if that was America's first exposure to Gundam. *shudders*

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Raxus

Member
I was planning something a bit special this week so I am forgoing reviews this week to do...A TOP TEN SPACE DANDY EPISODES!

To get hyped for the final episode airing tonight I'd figured I'd do one final salute to a series that was honestly easy to make a top 10 episodes list for. Before we get into a it a slight disclaimer, rankings and what appears on the list come down to a matter of humor. While I was debating this throughout the week my top 5 consisted of 3 'comedy episodes' and 2 'drama episodes', a category I try to keep separate but considering the show's structure I have no choice but to mush them on the same list. Also, as a comedy focused series some considerations are taken into mind. Humor is subjective so I tried to pick episodes that made me laugh the hardest or got a strong emotion out of me. That being said a ton of the humor also relies that you are a HUGE anime fan and fan of 80's/90's culture as many of the punchlines require these in context. I will be reviewing each episode that made it into the top ten individually so I will try and elaborate why each and everyone made it into that position in MY top ten. Feel free to disagree with me and make your own. Without further ado the TOP 10!

10. Space Dandy: Episode 12
Nobody Knows the Chameleon Alien, Baby


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"Who cares, baby?"

A profoundly, silly episode. Team BBP must find an alien who is so good at mimicry that even the alien itself may confuse itself with the target it has copied. Everyone gets a great line in this episode, especially Dandy. The Dandy Quiz is priceless and highlights why we love Dandy as a character. It even gave a member, Zonic, their new avatar. "Hey there, sexy." It made number 10 because while it did bring the laughs it wasn't quite as funny as other episodes on this list and didn't have the emotional impact or talent put into the other episodes. But sometimes just being Dandy is good enough.

9. Space Dandy: Episode 13
Even Vacuum Cleaners Fall in Love, Baby


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"...And now a story, one that lasts 23 days and depicts the events that led an ordinary AI vacuum cleaner to drink a cup of coffee."

QT's episode was sweet. I think that succinctly describes my feelings of this episode 'sweet'. QT is often the 'kid' of the team and this episode cements him as a character when he falls in love with a coffee machine and goes through any lengths to make her happy. It even spawns one of my favorite scenes in the series, this sequence. Music hit all the right notes, animation was amazing. It almost made you forget QT was being NTR'd all episode...almost.

8. Space Dandy: Episode 5
A Merry Companion Is a Wagon in Space, Baby


"Like I said, kids are brats, every last one"

The first drama episode in the series, this episode really goes a long way into establishing Dandy as a character. Sure he can be a philandering asshole but deep down he is a big softie and this comes into play heavily in stronger episodes of the series. The alien in this episode was especially interesting and every moment of Dandy in the penguin doll is pure gold. A couple nice music montages as well. Sadly, I can't bring myself to rank it higher because deep down I personally feel this episode is good, not great. If that makes any sense. Part of the problem stems that the girl (for now) is a one off character and the payoff of the ending isn't the same as, say, Ed's payoff in Cowboy Beebop.

7. Space Dandy: Episode 20
Rock 'n' Roll Dandy, Baby



"Hey lady, you don't have to have a lonely night. Space lady, just come with me and I'm gonna treat you right."

Any episode that is JoJo in its core is a win in my book. I love the art in this episode and the tune was indeed legendary. Truly the one hit wonder to end all one hit wonders. This episode ranks so high for two reasons. One is it captures the feel of being in a band in my eyes between the struggle to come up with a song to the creative differences. Second, it is another highlight of why the VA's for Space Dandy are so good which is especially highlighted in song. Everyone gets a good line in, Meow is on bass, and one kick ass song. My only complaint is a I wish the episode was a tad funnier.

6. Space Dandy: Episode 10
There's Always Tomorrow, Baby


f4c.gif


"And thus, the heroic battle for tomorrow began between man and paper calender"

One of many times Dandy has made me laugh pretty hard, this Meow focused episode brought the laughs and had a great emotional undercurrent to make it one of the best episodes. It has even more layers when you realize the gundam parody hidden throughout the episode. This episode provides great insight into Meow as a character. We get a great rap from his friends and the reveal of his crush has me rolling every...single...time. It also is a subtle first hint on why Dandy is so special as well. It would have ranked higher if the other episodes just weren't so good.

5. Space Dandy: Episode 4
Sometimes You Can't Live with Dying, Baby



"We're not rotting, we're fermenting!"

This episode had me literally in tears from laughing so hard. From a robot catching zombie to 'capping their benefits'. This episode really highlights what an asset the narrator is to this series as his deadpan delivery and explanation is more or less what sells the last half of the episode and that last half is GOLD JERRY, GOLD! I could go on but I would just be explaining why each scene is hilarious. All in all a nice silly tribute to George Romero and one of the funniest takes on zombies I have seen in a long while. I also find it hilarious this universe shares a strange continuity considering how everyone is zombified by the end.

4. Space Dandy: Episode 23
Lovers are Trendy, Baby


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*Thanks Gucci*

"This is Plant Trendy, a popping joint where you will find the hippest couples in the universe dropping it like it's hot. If you want to show your bae that you da man, then you best turn up here. Er'body in the place be swaggin'. Don't matter whether shortie like hangin' outdoors or getting crunk in da club. If you got the scrilla, Planet Trendy got yo back."

Scarlett is unlucky in love. A long running background character, Scarlett and Dandy shine this episode as a relationship set up out of convenience actually starts to brew into a romance when the two start sharing some onscreen chemistry. I am not going to lie, this episode made me a shipper. Normally I joke about it but I really wanted to see those crazy kids get together. FUCKING TRAAAAAAINS! Back on topic, the imagery of a stalker Gundam was silly enough and so was the great sequence with the spider from hell. Previous episodes with Scarlett payoff this episode since we better understand why an asskicking woman has such an asshole stalking her. Scarlett can't catch a break. Love the Chuck Norris references as well and props to the VA for Dandy, Scarlett and the Narrator for selling their material.

3. Space Dandy: Episode 14
I Can't Be the Only One, Baby


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"I wanna die."

Oh my god, this episode. Just...oh my god. It is like it was written for me. So many anime references from Dragonball to JoJo and Michael Jackson sprinkled in there for some reason. The animation of this episode is bonkers and I could fill a page with gifs from it. The fact that each of the voice actors voices their alternate selves is mind bendingly amazing and they deserve all the praise in the world for the work they put in. I was in tears from laughing this episode and I was dead by the time Emo Dandy showed up. Add to the fact this is the opening episode after a long hiatus and it is the first sign the second season was going to be stronger than the first.

2. Space Dandy: Episode 17
A Transfer Student is Dandy, Baby


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"Hold on, you've got something these other chicks will never have. It's your beautiful...booty...booty...booty."

Believe in the backside. This is Space Dandy firing on all cylinders. So many reference, it moves along at a lightning fast pace, the animation is amazing and the singing. My god the singing. Big props to all the VA's for this episode for going all putting on great performances for the show stopper "Viva is all". I was in tears laughing at the Hulk suddenly appearing, the fly teaching a teleportation class AND PROM IS TOMORROW. This episode is by far one of the most entertaining episodes I have seen in anime in a long time and to this day I am still humming Viva All at work. I have must have watched that sequence literally a 100 times now. It never gets old. Great stuff.

1. Space Dandy: Episode 20
A World with No Sadness, Baby



"I just realized something, honestly it kinda doesn't matter where I go. Whether I am alive or dead, I'm still pretty Dandy."

My god, this episode is the sole reason I am buying this series on Blu-Ray. At first it just seemed to be one of the 'weird' episodes of Dandy like "Plants are Living Things Too, Baby" but the last half turned it revolutionary. Suddenly we begin to understand who Dandy is in one of the biggest hints the series has dropped so far. This episode oozes with style from head to toe and the gut punch to the feels at the end is well earned. The music is top notch and a big thanks to Ogre You Asshole for the soothing ending tune. This really should have been the penultimate episode since I think it explained Dandy's place in the universe and why the Gogol empire is seeking him pretty well with subtlety which is rare in a show.

Honorable mentions:
These shows just missed the cut because they had some flaw structurally, were too experimental for my tastes and not much else, or JUST missed the list. If you want me to emphasize why I didn't include the episode I will comment it on a later post. In no particular order:

  • A Race in Space is Dangerous, Baby
  • Plans Are Living Things, Too, Baby
  • We're All Fools, So Let's Dance, Baby
  • Slow and Stead Wins the Race, Baby
  • The Big Fish is Huge, Baby

SPECIAL, WORST EPISODE:
Space Dandy Episode 25
Dandy's Day in Court, Baby


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"Why do you think Dandy, hasn't said anything so far?"

It came down to this versus "The War of the Undies and the Vests, Baby". While I would argue there is no truly terrible episode of Space Dandy to each episode at least having a saving grace, I would argue this episode made the greatest sin. Episode 6 of Space Dandy at least had Stardust pipeline and a ton of Dandy himself but this episode had Dandy literally asleep the whole episode. Worse it spoon feeds the audience about Dandy when, I feel, other episodes have done a good job indicating what Dandy actually is. Meow and QT also act a little to vindictive for my tastes. The baseball sequence was neat at least but it was the only thing I liked about the episode. It is a shame we got such a dud after so many good episodes in this series but the finale should prove to be amazing none the less.

And that is it! Questions, comments, is there an episode I should have mentioned? What do your top 10's look like? Hope you enjoyed it. I will be reviewing Dandy and Beware the Batman in their entirety later. See you tonight you bunch of dandy guys!
 

Seda

Member
Wow, great write-up Raxus. I don't think you had to 'justify' your top ten so deliberately though. Just go with your ~feelings~

Seeing your list helps me realize how many episodes of the show I did enjoy - more than a little. I think sometimes I'm too easily frustrated with more regular narrative elements: roles of characters, how conflict is approached, dissemination of plot points, pacing...... so it was nice to have something a bit looser in those regards. Not necessarily "turn your brain off" type of show, but something you kinda allow yourself to go with the flow.

I might not make a top ten because my stances on things like this are way too fluid.
 

Soulflarz

Banned
It's really good music.

Also love some of the JP-only songs they didn't bother putting in the US version (for whatever reason).


I'm loving the new album by The Death March. I've almost got a complete collection of all TWEWY music, which is a feat on its own.

Theres- TWEWY's OST (the US has the most complete version)
Subarashiki Kono Sekai + The World Ends with You- EP is the same album as
Subarashiki Kono Sekai + The World Ends with You, a remix album, except it has less songs and has an extra version of Twister called ~The Twisters~
Im not going to bother hunting the EPs with the ending song and such, but other things to note are
TWEWY Crossover, which is a lot of solo remix's music, and TWEWY Crossover Tribute. Those two albums will cover the majority of solo remix and live remix, and between all of those youll have the vast majority of the soundtrack in Japanese and English. Its all availible on Itunes.
As for solo remixes In App Purchasable songs that havent been mentioned, choBIT Orchestra (Ver. 1.02) - EP should be noted. It has the odd remixes of random TWEWY music, including a version of Three Minutes Clapping with no clapping in it.
The Death March had an album in 2012 for their concert which was basically uploaded nowhere and never for sale outside of the actual event, and is now obtainable in their new album if you buy it in Japan.


Okay, there is my very long write up on TWEWY music. Apologies to all who dont care about TWEWY.

Edit: And yes...I *have* a link for the unreleased stuff that cannot be purchased, but I dont know if I can post that since its gaf. (Im unsure if thats technecally against the TOS since it isnt sold and the novoski remixes are only on soundcloud) As for the rest, please buy it? Its all on itunes. And the choBIT album cant be obtained a different way (theres one download link out there. You wont find it), so just buy it! I want more TWEWY music to release :p

I didn't realize there were songs cut from the localized release. Probably licensing.

tbh I only like 1 or 2 tracks tho

Theres an absurd amount of TWEWY music out there. Hell, I have 7 songs (such as EVOLVE and DRAGON) that simply werent released in any way shape or form legally. They're out there, but not in any album. Its really annoying.

But at least you like Three Minutes Clapping. Thats the correct answer...always.
 

bigkrev

Member
I cant stop listening to various TWEWY songs. I love the music still.

Such a good soundtrack.

And while people are talking about their favorite One Piece stuff, I'll say that my least favorite (from the manga) is
Fishman Isle, and everything else that has happened to that point since the time skip
. I was blowing through One Piece, but this has just been a boring, massive road block i've been stuck at for months. Anytime I start reading, I get 3 pages in and just want to be doing something else.
 

Jarate

Banned
Such a good soundtrack.

And while people are talking about their favorite One Piece stuff, I'll say that my least favorite (from the manga) is
Fishman Isle, and everything else that has happened to that point since the time skip
. I was blowing through One Piece, but this has just been a boring, massive road block i've been stuck at for months. Anytime I start reading, I get 3 pages in and just want to be doing something else.

Fishman Island is by far the worst canon One Piece Arc, although after that you get a good arc with Punk Hazard and a GOAT arc with Dress Rosa.
 

B-Dubs

No Scrubs
Such a good soundtrack.

And while people are talking about their favorite One Piece stuff, I'll say that my least favorite (from the manga) is
Fishman Isle, and everything else that has happened to that point since the time skip
. I was blowing through One Piece, but this has just been a boring, massive road block i've been stuck at for months. Anytime I start reading, I get 3 pages in and just want to be doing something else.

Wait until you get to the (big spoilers)
SUPER GENERAL COMBINATION ROBOT
!! It's everything I ever wanted but never knew I actually wanted.
 

Bio-Frost

Member
Haven't seen either of those arcs but of the all the one piece ive seen(up to the end of enies lobby) Alabasta arc has to be my most hated.It was just so hard for me to car about anything that was going on there and it dragged on for far too long.
 
How? (gif link spoilers, maybe)

SAO II Spoilers:
There's an almost-rape scene near the end of the episode. It's really disturbing and the guy who is doing it is almost as creepy as Sugu.
And guess who comes to save the day as usual?

Fishman Island is by far the worst canon One Piece Arc, although after that you get a good arc with Punk Hazard and a GOAT arc with Dress Rosa.

One Piece spoilers:
Fishman Island isn't really a bad arc. It's fairly decent, but it suffers from the fact that it came right after the timeskip and had a poorly executed villain. It's still enjoyable when binging, but it is a big slump after all the hype.

Haven't seen either of those arcs but of the all the one piece ive seen(up to the end of enies lobby) Alabasta arc has to be my most hated.It was just so hard for me to car about anything that was going on there and it dragged on for far too long.
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Nope.
 

Bio-Frost

Member
Don't get me wrong, Crocodile was a great villain and his fights with luffy were awesome. It was ViVi who really bugged me about the entire arc.
 
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