Support NeoGAF

[hosannainexcelsis]

Yup. It feels like this train is beginning to derail after that really amazing start. I still enjoy the series and I very much adore the soundtrack, but the actual storytelling leaves me wanting.

With so many interesting plot threads set up in the first part of the series, it is disappointing that the mangaka decided to drop most of them and take the easy way out by extending the story with endless tournaments.

Ah well. Following through on a serialized story is hard.

 

[firehawk12]

With so many interesting plot threads set up in the first part of the series, it is disappointing that the mangaka decided to drop most of them and take the easy way out by extending the story with endless tournaments.

Ah well. Following through on a serialized story is hard.

I think she just wanted to write about karuta and decided to rely on the simply love triangle as a way to hook people in. That's fine, but it feels like you've been tricked.

 

[cajunator]

Founder Koji Morimoto has left Studio 4°C.

DAMN

N-NO. NOOO. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Well, they are doing Thundercats for Cartoon Network. The writing has been on the walls!

Thundercats is really good. Faithful to the original and an entertaining take on the series.

Redline 2.0! Believe!

Spoiler

;-;

For peeps who didn't know, Morimoto directed Magnetic Rose (Memories), Franken's Gears (Robot Carnival), Dimension Bomb (Genius Party), Beyond (The Animatrix), and Noiseman Sound Insect (Noiseman Sound Insect), among other cool things.

Studio 4C has been one of my very favorite studios since I first found out about them from all those animated shorts. They are such a unique studio ;_;

They taketh Madhouse, they giveth MAPPA. They taketh 4C, they giveth... We're in for something good by my calculations.



Tylor's such a boss. Glad to see you're enjoying it. It's still almost impossible to believe that Bee Trains very own Mashimo was at the helms there.

This is all I can hope for. that He creates an even better studio from the ashes of that once great one he came from, that changed my perspective of what anime can be.

 

[madp]

Once you've been exposed to that level of class, you're hooked for life.

So much class.

Yesterday I was but a boy, but now I know what it is to be an adult. I crave further exposure to this new world of maturity.

 

[cajunator]

So much class.

Yesterday I was but a boy, but now I know what it is to be an adult. I crave further exposure to this new world of maturity.

Screw adulthood and maturity.
No fun for penguins.
However I can appreciate maturely directed anime, so that's a start I suppose.

 

[iavi]

Speed grapher was so awesome. imagine if it wasn't made by Gonzo.

Worst thing is, the LE's come with design materials to show what Gonzo was working from.

Tsujido, from that, to

No justice at all.

 

[madp]

Screw adulthood and maturity.
No fun for penguins.
However I can appreciate maturely directed anime, so that's a start I suppose.

I was like you once. But then I stepped through THE DOOR TO SUMMER and realized my need to put away childish things.

Spoiler

but seriously, I think I stepped through the door to summer this morning. Almost 80 degrees in March? Fuck that.

 

[Lafiel]

Mitsuru Adachi would like a word with you.

Says the person that ruins his shows by stretching them to 16:9...

 

[Haly]

Worst thing is, the LE's come with design materials to show what Gonzo was working from.

I saw the artbook at Kinokuniya years ago and regret not buying it.

 

[cajunator]

Worst thing is, the LE's come with design materials to show what Gonzo was working from.

Tsujido, from that, to

No justice at all.

He looks the same except no chin strap...

I was like you once. But then I stepped through THE DOOR TO SUMMER and realized my need to put away childish things.

Spoiler

but seriously, I think I stepped through the door to summer this morning. Almost 80 degrees in March? Fuck that.

Its been 80 degrees here since February. Even some days in January were hot. There is no winter here really.

 

[iavi]

I saw the artbook at Kinokuniya years ago and regret not buying it.

A Speed Grapher specific book? I have Kozaki's illustration book and it has a lot of Speed Grapher in there, but only promo pieces, unfortunately. No sketches, iterations, or anything like that.

 

[Haly]

I may be thinking of that, I'm not certain.

 

[NewFresh]

So much class.

Yesterday I was but a boy, but now I know what it is to be an adult. I crave further exposure to this new world of maturity.

*Swoon*

I still need to find more shows (Still haven't watched Utena) that has that kind of feel to them.

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

I think she just wanted to write about karuta and decided to rely on the simply love triangle as a way to hook people in. That's fine, but it feels like you've been tricked.

Chihayafuru got the strong hook part down, but keeping your readers/viewers invested after you've hooked them in is equally, if not more important. Too many authors don't take enough care with that.

 

[cajunator]

Chihayafuru got the strong hook part down, but keeping your readers/viewers invested after you've hooked them in is equally, if not more important. Too many authors don't take enough care with that.

I'm in it for the Karuta, and Chihayahnnnng.
I have been well served.

 

[firehawk12]

Chihayafuru got the strong hook part down, but keeping your readers/viewers invested after you've hooked them in is equally, if not more important. Too many authors don't take enough care with that.

Well, she's on volume 16, so enough people seem to be perfectly happy with the nuggets that she gives them. Manga readers.

 

[madp]

*Swoon*

I still need to find more shows (Still haven't watched Utena) that has that kind of feel to them.

Forget Real Drive, I think you've found your mission for the next week.

I eventually plan to watch Rose of Versailles because of the influence that it supposedly had on Ikuhara, but that's probably a loooooong way off.

 

[Jex]

With so many interesting plot threads set up in the first part of the series, it is disappointing that the mangaka decided to drop most of them and take the easy way out by extending the story with endless tournaments.

Ah well. Following through on a serialized story is hard.

But Karuta is based around tournaments so it's totally okay.

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

But Karuta is based around tournaments so it's totally okay.

If I wanted Prince of Tennis, I'd be watching that.

 

[iavi]

I may be thinking of that, I'm not certain.

Noo. Holy shit, you're right. There is a Speed Grapher specific book (NSFW~ish). Shutter Kill This one comes with the whole shebang--finished pieces, sketches, everything.

Kozaki, why are you so godlike, though?

*oddly enough, that page pic I grabbed up there is actually from this book, lol. Go figure.

 

[cajunator]

The only thing I am upset about regarding Speed Grapher (I kind of like the series) is that they couldn't get Girls on Film as the opener in the US.

I am a huge fan of Gonzo's work though and own many series by them.

 

[Reknoc]

Lupin III 2

I'm starting to think Lupin isn't a thief at all. Still this episode did a decent job at telling us some important facts about the characters, such as; Jigen is a crackshot with his 100 shooter magnum (combat), Lupin is afraid of cephalopods, Fujiko has boobs.

This is starting to become a theme.

 

[cajunator]

The best show with a thief is still Saint Tail.
Lupin is pretty cool though.

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

Says the person that ruins his shows by stretching them to 16:9...

I'll have you know that quality adaptations of Mitsuru Adachi's work, such as Cross Game, come in 16:9 native, further accentuation their superiority and enhancing my argument.

Though to be honest, if it didn't I wouldn't notice any difference.

I am a huge fan of Gonzo's work though and own many series by them.

Have to confess, I also like quite a few things by Studio Gonzo. Kaze no Stigma springs to mind.

 

[cajunator]

If the silly Anime companies would just go back in time and stop the black bar plague, then Hix wouldn't need his revolution.

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

If the silly Anime companies would just go back in time and stop the black bar plague, then Hix wouldn't need his revolution.

At least somebody here understands me

 

[cajunator]

Hix, did you like Kiddy Grade?
Its such a fun colorful series. The characters have cool powers and its very pretty to look at.

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

I've been meaning to watch Kiddy Grade for years, now that you've reminded me I'll add it to my list/pick it up. I'm surprised you didn't mention the very obvious presence of HNNNGH though. Are you feeling ok?

 

[cajunator]

I've been meaning to watch Kiddy Grade for years, now that you've reminded me I'll add it to my list. I'm surprised you didn't mention the very obvious presence of HNNNGH though. Are you feeling ok?

Lumiere has a LIPSTICK WHIP.
I kind of figured the HNNNG would be inferred.
The show is very cute. and pretty. And AWESOME.
The ending is kind of meh though.
and don't bother with the second season.

It also has a kickass OP/ED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnmbrSfefi8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVjloeiRe3A

 

[Jex]

I eventually plan to watch Rose of Versailles because of the influence that it supposedly had on Ikuhara, but that's probably a loooooong way off.

Think of it like this. All you have to do to arrive at Utena is watch Rose of Versailles (40 episodes), Oniisama e... (39 episodes) and Sailor Moon (200 episodes) and then you're there!

It's easy really.

(Best to start now).

 

[cajunator]

Think of it like this. All you have to do to arrive at Utena is watch Rose of Versailles (40 episodes), Oniisama e... (39 episodes) and Sailor Moon (200 episodes) and then you're there!

It's easy really.

(Best to start now).

Until I get my 7 days off schedule, that kind of a marathon is way out of the question. I did just make it through 70 episodes of Cardcaptor SakurHNNNG though, so it's doable!

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

It also has a kickass OP/ED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnmbrSfefi8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVjloeiRe3A

SOLD!

Especially love dat ED, it's both atmospheric and outrageously cute at the same time. I'm going to have to buy the CDs, aren't I? :\

I'll definitely catch this after Utena.

 

[Jex]

Well, she's on volume 16, so enough people seem to be perfectly happy with the nuggets that she gives them. Manga readers.

It's worked time and time again so it's no surprise to see it working out well for the manga creator in this case. If people like your characters enough they will carry on watching/reading/ whatever your story.

 

[cajunator]

SOLD!

Especially love dat ED, it's both atmospheric and outrageously cute at the same time. I'm going to have to buy the CDs, aren't I? :\

I'll definitely catch this after Utena.

I honestly think you'll enjoy it.
I mean it will never win any award for excellence, but it's a really fun show to watch.

If you like this art style, also check out Uta Kata

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvIurohBQYY

 

[madp]

Think of it like this. All you have to do to arrive at Utena is watch Rose of Versailles (40 episodes), Oniisama e... (39 episodes) and Sailor Moon (200 episodes) and then you're there!

It's easy really.

(Best to start now).

This has actually kind of been my plan for a while. I'm about 80 episodes into Sailor Moon. Exploring the beginnings of Ikuhara is no easy feat.

 

[cajunator]

Ikuhara is a beast, no doubt.
Did he make any shows with a normal length? Well besides Penguin Dramu.

 

[Jex]

Yeah. I used to like procedure-porn, but there needs to be something more than that to keep me invested long term. I almost wished that Madhouse skipped through the karuta tournament and jumped to some of the later volume stuff in the manga, since there are at least new twists on playing the game rather than "it's so hard to lose but I need to keep trying".

It's not really just sports shows that suffer from these problems. Procedure-porn stories might do a great job of portraying the character fulfilling their specific duties (e.g. policemen, boxer, soldier) but because we never see anything of them outside these settings they aren't as well rounded as they could be and consequently you feel less attachment to them.

I wrote earlier Ano Natsu works really well as fast=paced, silly romance story about one particular set of characters but that once you separate the characters from their context (e.g. the specific "will they or wont they?" relationships) upon which the show is based then there's really nothing interesting going on with them.

Compare and contrast that to works like Paradise Kiss or Honey and Clover where I'm interested in the characters beyond the key relationships in the show. In a completely different genre and tone, Patlabor TV does such a good job of mixing up it's story-structures that you get a good feel for the whole cast, even though it's largely an episodic show with zero character growth.

 

[Ultimadrago]

Secret World of Arriety

It was cute. Not one of my favorites, but I got what I expected.

But one note, the term they're looking for is "thieves" not "borrowers"

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

I honestly think you'll enjoy it.
I mean it will never win any award for excellence, but it's a really fun show to watch.

If you like this art style, also check out Uta Kata

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvIurohBQYY

I admit, I do like the art style. I've heard of Uta Kata, someone compared it to Madoka Magica, but with out the SHAFT. SHAFT is an adjective now, apparently.

I'll check it out though since it's only one cour long, which can be marathon'd in a day with sufficient supplies of power food and liquid courage.

Did you get watching either of the CCS movies?

 

[Envelope]

Secret World of Arriety

It was cute. Not one of my favorites, but I got what I expected.

But one note, the term they're looking for is "thieves" not "borrowers"

No, the book itself is titled The Borrowers, they used the correct term.

 

[cajunator]

CCS was really good because you saw Sakura and her friends and family just doing stuff.
Mundane, hnnng things, with shit going down in the middle of it.
I like shows like that, where relationships and sports are not the ONLY thing.
I kind of like Taisho Baseball Girls for that reason too. They didnt just play baseball all day.

and no, not yet.
I plan to buy the movies, and it will cost me dearly.
But I feel it is worth it to have the WHOLE CCS collection.
Apparently, the second movie is an important part of the whole thing.

 

[Ultimadrago]

No, the book itself is titled The Borrowers, they used the correct term.

The title of the work is a non-concern. The "Borrowers" are thieves, unless they give something back of equal value in the book that was not explained in the film.

 

[cajunator]

I always knew it as "The borrower Arrietty". Never is it called "thieves" except by

Spoiler

the old woman who lives in the house

It's a REALLY nice movie though if any of you haven't seen it.

 

[Envelope]

The title of the work is a non-concern. The "Borrowers" are thieves, unless they give something back of equal value in the book that was not explained in the film.

What? The movie is an adaption of the book. In the book, they are called borrowers. Thus, they are called borrowers in the movie as well. That has nothing to do with whether they are stealing or not, it's the specific term the author chose to call them.

 

[cajunator]

Personally, I would define them as thieves, but they are really cute so I'm gonna just call them borrowers.

 

[Jex]

The title of the work is a non-concern. The "Borrowers" are thieves, unless they give something back of equal value in the book that was not explained in the film.

They certainly are thieves, don't let those pro-'borrower' people try and convince you otherwise!

 

[madp]

The title of the work is a non-concern. The "Borrowers" are thieves, unless they give something back of equal value in the book that was not explained in the film.

But there's already an anime about a midget that deals in equivalent exchange; do you want Ghibli to be accused of plagarism?

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

CCS was really good because you saw Sakura and her friends and family just doing stuff.
Mundane, hnnng things, with shit going down in the middle of it.
I like shows like that, where relationships and sports are not the ONLY thing.

Yeah, I like the blend. You've got so called "Slice of Life" anime (shorthand for "no plot") where it's all "just doing stuff" and it's boring. CCS managed to balance that with just about everything. Action (!), suspense, drama, romance, comedy, light-heartedness. Brilliant anime (with brilliant music!), easily the best of the genre IMO. Even the side characters were awesome. Like that kid from Sakura's class who always lied.

and no, not yet.
I plan to buy the movies, and it will cost me dearly.
But I feel it is worth it to have the WHOLE CCS collection.
Apparently, the second movie is an important part of the whole thing.

Yeah you should. They're both good, but the second one is very important. I eagerly await your summary on it and the series.

 

[survivor]

Personally, I would define them as thieves, but they are really cute so I'm gonna just call them borrowers.

I like the way you think

 

[Ultimadrago]

What? The movie is an adaption of the book. In the book, they are called borrowers. Thus, they are called borrowers in the movie as well. That has nothing to do with whether they are stealing or not, it's the specific term the author chose to call them.

In the film,

Spoiler

Shawn says they're not thieves as the maid states, but they just borrow.

. That is untrue. By definition, they steal. I was not questioning the proper noun "Borrowers", just teasing it as they are thieves by definition.

Personally, I would define them as thieves, but they are really cute so I'm gonna just call them borrowers.

D'aaaaaw! They are little buttons.