Support NeoGAF

[Lafiel]

Black Rock Shooter (OVA) - Not bad for what is essentially a glorified advertisement; I actually really liked the core relationship and conflict of the series and found it to be rather cute in a way. plus the direction was solid and the action sequences and use of music was pretty damn good, all ready for the TV series now, I hope it delivers!

 

[Branduil]

Black Rock Shooter (OVA) - Not bad for what is essentially a glorified advertisement; I actually really liked the core relationship and conflict of the series and found it to be rather cute in a way. plus the direction was solid and the action sequences and use of music was pretty damn good, all ready for the TV series now, I hope it delivers!

How is that any different from other anime?

 

[Unknown Soldier]

Black★Rock Shooter (OVA/2010)

After watching it again for the first time in more than a year, it occurs to me that the budget for this OVA could not have been that high. Much to it's credit, it makes the most of it's budget, smoothly meshing 3DCG backgrounds and 2D characters. Some of the fight animation is a bit choppy but more than plenty serviceable. The art design itself is intentionally heavily stylized in Otherworld but relatively straightfoward in the real world. Mato is voiced by Kana in MAXIMUM HNNNNNNG Mode and is paired with a workmanlike performance from Miyuki Sawashiro (the voice of Kanbaru) as Yomi. Since Kana is also the voice of Nadeko, this pairing represents two members of Araragi's harem reuniting in this OVA. ryo of Supercell of course contributes the excellent soundtrack music and composed the ED "Braveheart" for The Gomband.

The B★RS OVA is a successful project simply because it doesn't try to be more than anything it is. The story is intentionally as simple as possible in the real world, but pairs that straightfoward aspect with the fantastic nature of the Otherworld. By keeping it simple, the story allows basic emotions to flow freely within it's framework and prevents pretense from dragging the narrative down, such as it is. Also, it has YURI SUBTEXT. Everything is better with lesbians, or so I am led to believe!

The character designs are of course notable, especially the one for Black★Rock Shooter herself. As an advanced moetron prototype, B★RS contains a number of pleasing aspects in her design. She is, to put it simply, a pale gothic twin-tailed loli wearing a string bikini and short shorts wielding a huge gun which transforms into a huge sword. The designs for Dead Master and Yuu's "other self" are also distinctive, which again off-set the relatively straightforward designs for Mato, Yomi, and Yuu in the real world. What makes the character designs work is the intentional way that everybody's Otherworld selves are stylized versions of their real selves, making them both recognizable and unique at the same time.

The OVA always felt like a condensed or abbreviated version of a full story, as demonstrated by the unresolved appearance of Yuu's "other self" interspersed throughout the 52-minutes long animation. Also, there's a short after-credits sequence which implies there was more story to tell. Hopefully with a full 8 episodes, the B★RS anime will be able to give us the rest of the story that was only hinted at in the OVA.

 

[cajunator]

After Oh! My Goddes I have now a free 00s anime timeslot. Should I watch Sketchbook or Saikano?



No, I heard the movie is pretty bad. But it's part of my backlog.

Saikano for projectile blood vomiting and gut crushing depression.
Avoid marathoning it.

 

[madp]

Eating reheated McDonald's burgers certainly sounds like a sin against nature to me.

The only way for my conscience to avoid affliction is to double down on my sin. Speaking of double downs, maybe I should run by KFC before starting the marathon...

AnimeGAF is basically a pyramid scheme. It's funded on the reactions to shitty anime from junior members who keep subjecting themselves to this stuff under the hope that one day they can be a proper member of the community and subject newer arrivals to the same horrors.

Gotta start somewhere! Before my account was approved, I actually marathoned Utena after reading so much about it in this thread. I'd like to think that you all would have enjoyed my reaction to the final few episodes. It was.........an intense experience.

 

[PdotMichael]

http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/02/01/wagnaria-stage-play-cast-in-costume

oh wow

Saikano for projectile blood vomiting and gut crushing depression.
Avoid marathoning it.

but Sketchbook is basically a show about girls with autism doing cute things. I guess, it's more dangerous for me.

 

[Femmeworth]

http://geass.jp/nunnally/

Omg! This comes with English subtitles!

They gave Nunnally cleavage.

Fuck Clamp. Fuck Sunrise. Fuck everybody involved. That shit is low, even for Code Geass.

 

[Dresden]

code geass r2 end spoiler-

They've done worse with Nunnally.

 

[Crash Station]

I just finished Gurren Lagann and need to counter these feelings of hope and fighting spirit. Would Elfen Lied be a good choice? I don't really like gorey stuff, but I can't come up with anything better.

Elfen Lied is great and definitely a solid tragedy, but probably not for someone that isn't good with gore. Saikano might be better.

You should just watch another optimistic show like Narutaru.

 

[Femmeworth]

code geass r2 end spoiler-

They've done worse with Nunnally.

That was certainly... odd.

 

[Solune]

I like the blue-haired one with a flower in her hair.

You seem to have a thing for hair ornaments, attractive aren't they!

Spoiler

I like flowers too, see Sankarea

I happen to be a scarf type of guy.

code geass r2 end spoiler-

They've done worse with Nunnally.

Well it's no fun when she can run.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

They gave Nunnally cleavage.

Fuck Clamp. Fuck Sunrise. Fuck everybody involved. That shit is low, even for Code Geass.

Spoiler

When she broke through her Geass at the end of R2, she also unlocked the Chest Enhancement bonus!

 

[Dresden]

Well it's no fun we she can run.

I didn't mind that scene too much,

Spoiler

she couldn't run off with all those chains on her.

 

[Femmeworth]

http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/photo/2006518/1/

This show has the most offensive art in the Spring 2012 season so far. Scroll down and look at those eyeball destroying character designs. Aaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Shoji Kawamori needs to be locked up and only allowed to do mechanical designs, for the good of humanity.

 

[Dresden]

Shoji Kawamori needs to be locked up and only allowed to do mechanical designs, for the good of humanity.

Risa Ebata is handling the character designs, or something. These look worse than even the macf ones.

 

[Articalys]

http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/02/01/wagnaria-stage-play-cast-in-costume

oh wow

Of course, the driving question here is how tall is the actress playing Poplar.

 

[wonzo]

http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/photo/2006518/1/

This show has the most offensive art in the Spring 2012 season so far. Scroll down and look at those eyeball destroying character designs. Aaaaaaaaaaaaah.

someone should mix the awful looking anime characters with their irl akb48 counterparts using that creepy as hell akb48 baby maker thing.

The only way for my conscience to avoid affliction is to double down on my sin. Speaking of double downs, maybe I should run by KFC before starting the marathon...

the old man will teach you about the error of your sinful ways.

http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-new...ast-in-costume

oh wow

how the fuck does anyone think this shit's a good idea?

but Sketchbook is basically a show about girls with autism doing cute things. I guess, it's more dangerous for me.

sounds pretty damn moe to me!

 

[Dresden]

Of course, the driving question here is how tall is the actress playing Poplar.

Not short

Spoiler

or busty

enough.

 

[PdotMichael]

and "oh wow" again

NGE is truly a deep show.

 

[Branduil]

but Sketchbook is basically a show about girls with autism doing cute things. I guess, it's more dangerous for me.

Sketchbook has boys too, though. And it's actually about weeaboo Canadian girls who can't pronounce Japanese. That and episodes entirely about the daily life of cats.

 

[wonzo]

and "oh wow" again

http://www.abload.de/img/2749a5d48037c567395c2fxu4k.jpg[img]

NGE is truly a deep show.[/quote]
i must say rei's a good match considering just how emotionless hello kitty is.

 

[madp]

The existence of Asuka Kitty would be completely redeemed if they gave her

Spoiler

an eyepatch

.

 

[Articalys]

Sketchbook has boys too, though. And it's actually about weeaboo Canadian girls who can't pronounce Japanese. That and episodes entirely about the daily life of cats.

I wonder how difficult it is to speak in an intentionally mangled version of one's primary language.

 

[Lain]

Finally someone is making a slime girl anime.

Indeed, indeed.

 

[Thoraxes]

You seem to have a thing for hair ornaments, attractive aren't they!

Spoiler

I like flowers too, see Sankarea

I happen to be a scarf type of guy.

That I do! I'm not really sure why either.

When you talk scarves, is it just any scarf worn any way, or are you particular about the wrapping?

 

[PdotMichael]

Sketchbook has boys too, though. And it's actually about weeaboo Canadian girls who can't pronounce Japanese. That and episodes entirely about the daily life of cats.

What is the difference between these two things?

Spoiler

joke

 

[Femmeworth]

Risa Ebata is handling the character designs, or something. These look worse than even the macf ones.

Doesn't matter, he's guilty by association.

and "oh wow" again

NGE is truly a deep show.

This is the kind of selling out that is acceptable. Your last comment doesn't make any sense, by the way.

 

[Crash Station]

Linebarrels 11

YEAH! Now that's what I want to see! Looks like this took a hint from TTGL by making episode 11 awesome as hell.

 

[A Black Falcon]

And then there is Inuyasha which is way too long.

Eh, it is long, and gets somewhat repetitive, but I liked most of it anyway, at the time I watched it at least...

Spoiler

IIRC they use the "surprise they're not actually blood relatives" tactic.

Spoiler

Do they? I honestly don't think that matters too much though, that they grew up as father and daughter is far more important. And it is something I find pretty disturbing -- there are worse things that can happen in anime, but it'd certainly rank far above brother/sister incest for instance, because of the parent/child relationship and power differential.

Nah man, that's a perfectly normal plot point in lots of old literature!

I don't really think so, but do you have examples?

Yes.
I believe the manga was deliberate, making the outcome all the more sinister.

Yeah, agreed.

I guess only a women with a father complex will understand the manga end.

Spoiler

I would hope that no one but Woody Allen would understand it, really. (Yes, I know there are others who do, but seriously... no.)

Spoiler

Still breaks the half his age + 7 years rule so its creepy

Spoiler

The parent-child thing is the bigger issue than that, though sure, that's creepy too.

Just

Spoiler

sicko

. I had this spoiled for me one episode into the series and couldn't stand to watch it any longer after that, though I have difficulties watching anything that depicts a functional family with a loving parent anyway. Too heartwarming.

Yeah, once I learned about it I couldn't bring myself to watch the show at all, even if it wasn't in the anime version it was ruined.

I've never even watched a KyoAni show; the only ones that I'd probably give a chance are Munto and Nichijou.

Too bad, you should try some. They make high quality stuff, though sure, it's not all for everyone; everyone has their KyoAni show(s) they dislike, but given the quality of the stuff, yeah, you should watch at least some.

 

[cajunator]

Lan reminds me of a grown up version of Lumiere.

 

[wonzo]

Garzey's Wing 1



"I must somehow make sense of our convoluted situations". - Lord Chris aka anime rambo

holy shit. amazing... just absolutely amazing.

 

[zeroshiki]

and "oh wow" again

NGE is truly a deep show.

Its fucking bullshit that they've retconned Asuka into Shikinami Asuka Langley even in fucking Hello Kitty cosplay. Even more reason to hate Rebuild =(

She'll always be Soryu Asuka Langley goddamit.

 

[DrForester]

After Oh! My Goddes I have now a free 00s anime timeslot. Should I watch Sketchbook or Saikano? Or I should finish Lodoss and Patlabor (argh).



No, I heard the movie is pretty bad. But it's part of my backlog.

Elfen Lied is great and definitely a solid tragedy, but probably not for someone that isn't good with gore. Saikano might be better.

You should just watch another optimistic show like Narutaru.

Saikano's great for the emotional gut punch.

 

[Branduil]

Garzey's Wing 1



"I must somehow make sense of our convoluted situations". - Lord Chris aka anime rambo

holy shit. amazing... just absolutely amazing.

Grandma! Why'd you make hot noodles on such a hot day!

 

[Solune]

That I do! I'm not really sure why either.

When you talk scarves, is it just any scarf worn any way, or are you particular about the wrapping?

I'm not sure to be honest either. I seem to have an affinity for that type of apparel. Some of my favorite characters like Viewtiful Joe, Protoman, and Captain Falcon adorn them so..

I suppose it's more that I like them because they exude "warmth".

There's also something about if it's wrapped in a way that's bundled up as opposed to loose it can be quite adorable.

 

[game]

Been watching Slam Dunk.

Probably the best anime I've ever seen. I put it up there with Ranma 1/2.

 

[cajunator]

Saiano's great for the emotional gut punch.

Plus Chise is really hnnnnng.

 

[Branduil]

Black Rock Shooter

WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR HAIR

Those alternate universe scenes sure were neat. The art direction was really very good, and the animation during the fight scenes was pretty fantastic. It just makes me feel even more strongly that there's no way the CGI fights in the TV show can measure up. You can't do with CGI what they did in this OVA.

The real world looked plenty nice too, although not nearly as interesting architecturally. It was a nice little story, I can certainly believe middle school girls being that melodramatic. Being friends with someone with a different personality type can be tough, we've all been there. Though I thought it was a bit weird that

Spoiler

her friend disappears and everyone just expects her to go through school normally. And then her new friend is apparently going to do the same thing, these girls have issues.

Anyway, it was good, but I don't really understand the point of them making a new TV series. I don't really see any way they'll tell the same story as well as this OVA did, I can only imagine it being rather tedious, especially if they're going to expand it by adding a bunch of new characters.

Spoiler

Are they all going to be girls upset about losing their friend, because that will just become comical after a while.

 

[Morris]

Sailor Moon 34

Usagi is Sailor Moon!?

Mamoru is Tuxedo Kamen!?

MADNESS, FILTHY LIES. MY WORLD HAS BEEN SHATTERED.

Dead Eyes moe can only mean one thing: shit's gon get real~

 

[Thoraxes]

Sailor Moon 34

Omg spoilers!

Spoiler

lol

 

[cajunator]

Sailor Moon 34

Usagi is Sailor Moon!?

Mamoru is Tuxedo Kamen!?

MADNESS, FILTHY LIES. MY WORLD HAS BEEN SHATTERED.

Dead Eyes moe can only mean one thing: shit's gon get real~

Shit gets VERY real at the end of season one.

 

[sleepykyo]

Been watching Slam Dunk.

Probably the best anime I've ever seen. I put it up there with Ranma 1/2.

I really should get around to watching/reading it. But it has been so long since the Chicago Bulls were dominant.

 

[PdotMichael]

The final of season 1 was pretty much the best of all seasons. It makes me a little sad that the last time I watched a Sailor Moon episode was 12 years ago

 

[cajunator]

I keep hnnnnging at Lan. I cant help it.
You need to keep that avatar for a long time.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

Black Rock Shooter

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12082922/brs/jagged%20hair.jpg

WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR HAIR[/quote]

She's having a bad hair day, give her a break!

[quote]The real world looked plenty nice too, although not nearly as interesting architecturally. It was a nice little story, I can certainly believe middle school girls being that melodramatic. Being friends with someone with a different personality type can be tough, we've all been there. Though I thought it was a bit weird that [spoiler]her friend disappears and everyone just expects her to go through school normally. And then her new friend is apparently going to do the same thing, these girls have issues.[/spoiler][/quote]

[spoiler]The person who wants her to go through school normally is Yuu, who is secretly happy that Yomi is gone so she can have Mato to herself. As seen in the after-credits sequence and interspersed throughout the OVA, Yuu does the same thing Yomi does after she is rescued. The "other self" with the long mechanical tail swinging back and forth who is shown repeatedly but who doesn't do anything is Strength, that is Yuu's "other self". The anime will presumably cover this fight.[/spoiler]

[quote]Anyway, it was good, but I don't really understand the point of them making a new TV series. I don't really see any way they'll tell the same story as well as this OVA did, I can only imagine it being rather tedious, especially if they're going to expand it by adding a bunch of new characters. [spoiler]Are they all going to be girls upset about losing their friend, because that will just become comical after a while.[/spoiler][/QUOTE]

They'll probably tell the same story as the OVA did initially and then continue the story afterwards. The OVA left the whole thing wide open in terms of there being more to tell.

I'm just impressed you watched it. It's not exactly a Branduil type of anime.

 

[Lain]

Lan sucks. Muginami > Lan.

 

[/XX/]

I see everyone is getting ready for the first of 'BLACK★ROCK SHOOTER Thursdays'... good, good. Expectations rising here!

 

[wonzo]

Lan sucks. Muginami > Lan.

 

[Lain]

http://i.imgur.com/EUom4.gif

Muginami is so far better than Lan that she

Spoiler

first almost killed her and afterwards she saved her life.

That should be enough to show everyone how much better she is. She

Spoiler

has the power of life and death

over lesser beings like Lan.

 

[RurouniZel]

I'm not sure to be honest either. I seem to have an affinity for that type of apparel. Some of my favorite characters like Viewtiful Joe, Protoman, and Captain Falcon adorn them so..

I suppose it's more that I like them because they exude "warmth".

There's also something about if it's wrapped in a way that's bundled up as opposed to loose it can be quite adorable.

Those images are all kinds of hnnnnnnng! :3