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[Jarmel]

So my earlier screenshots didn't have the color corrected, here is what Absolute Duo 6 should look like-

It's awful lighting work.

 

[cajunator]

Officially their first work as a newly formed studio! Well, aside from cooperation tasks like this one their first own animated production was the PV for the 420 Renpai Girl LN (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHZQuTCw1p0).

Most amusing thing (around that time) is how it seemed like Mr. Yoshinari didn't get the memo soon enough to bail out earlier of GAiNAX; because of his brief contribution to The Mystic Archives of Dantalian and the following disappearance. Later, his supposedly non-credited cuts on THE IDOLM@STER while being employed by Production I.G for such a short time was the most puzzling part... kind of scary situation it was for the fans all in all! Then shortly after re-uniting with the GEEKS at TRIGGER Inc., was a sure relief in comparison.

But don't worry too much about GAiNAX future (or even present), guys... after we have recently known that Takami Akai's famous game series Princess Maker is returning with an all-new instalment in March (http://yonago-gainax.co.jp/game/megami/index.html) now I'm sure from where they'll obtain sufficient funds to survive until the Uru in Blue release! :-D

Well its well animated at least, if really boring artistically.

Absolute Duo 06

I kinda like Lilith, but I'm not that fond of the FPS guys.

Yuri the Pooh and the Honey Tree 06

That story is clearly hinting at what's to come for the rest of the series in some way. Do you give yourself up in order to dedicate yourself to another person? It's a pretty interesting question to pose, actually. The Invisible Storm continues to be the worst example of a clique.

Kamisama ◎ 05

Nanami's handling this a lot better than Tomoe.

Strawberry Marshmallow 00-03

If AzuDai was American-style in its humor, with its barrage of punchlines and occasional trippy moments, Marshmallow is practically British. The reactions aren't exaggerated and even the music is kept to a minimum - there's also a lot of love for Western bands, oddly. Miu is the Tomo of this series, without a doubt, but the closest thing descended from this series seems to be Mitsudomoe - though that's cruder overall.

It appears that this show was the first recorded instance of the phrase "cute girls doing cute things" in Western anime fandom, though I can't find any of that description in the Japanese media - except for the catchphrase "Cute is justice!" The character of Ana is equal parts adorable and interesting, with her Japanophile tendencies that she tries to mask, like an inverse of Sketchbook's Kate. I also read that Nobue was aged up in the anime so that her vices would be legal, but they're still there, making this anime feel less like Lucky Star and more like Lucky Strike, if you know what I mean. I like what I see based on the first few episodes - most of the jokes land.

I noticed this too. Its definitely a different style of humor and that made it stand out a bit.
Really REALLY cute show. Art style a little bit like Mitsudomoe.

 

[phaze]

Tsukimonogatari-

I actually thought this was one of the stronger arcs in the entire franchise despite the first quarter of it being lewd as fuck. I mean goodamn the first 20 minutes is pretty much softcore hentai. One thing about the Monogatari franchise that I've always liked is Arararagi as a character in that while he's a fun protagonist, he also has a clear set of ideals that he really doesn't break. So I enjoyed him being back in the driving seat.

A big trend of the 2nd season of Monogatari was consequence and this arc is a continuation of that. As Ononoki put it, Arararagi kept putting things on the tab and you gotta pay at one point or another. So in a sense this was collection time for Arararagi although he squirmed out of it. The notion that he can't depend on his vampire powers going forward is a very interesting development. I'm sure he's going to be put in to some high tension situations in the future where he is probably just flat out break his vow, just because I can't see him upkeeping it. So the vampire powers aren't a 'Get out of Jail Free' card anymore.

I really enjoyed this conversation and especially in how it pertains to both Arararagi and Ononoki in that Arararagi was imposing his own arbitrary values of humanity on her as a way of making himself feel better about his own predicament. In that if he tried to avoid killing people and maintaing his own moral compass, he would still be human however Ononoki rejects that and makes it clear that a monster is a monster.

The ending of the confrontation is somewhat lukewarm but it does fit into the Monogatari theme of subversion so it's not a big deal. I was hoping though that Arararagi would be pinned down a bit more and really forced into a tough scenario but I'm sure that's coming. Ougi is just playing everyone like a violin and it's a little grating that nobody has really called her out or challenged her. Maybe that's Oshino's role in the future?

On a final note, the soundtrack was horrible. The 2nd half was better but the first half is just complete garbage.

Glad to see the best Gatari getting some love. But I must say I quite liked the music. I think it fit really well with the more somber tone of this iteration and had some memorable tracks. (end of prologue, Hanekawa sequence, railroad talk.)

Strike Witches 4

Well this show continues its thoughtful depiction of the horrors of war(one scene in particular made me want to claw my eyes out) and psychological toll such a drawn out conflict inflicts on its participants. This time we see it from the perspective of Lieutenant Birkmann - a guilt ridden veteran of many battles with Neuroi, who blames her safe for the fate that has befallen her sister. Those feelings are brought to the surface by the protagonist who just happens to bear a striking resemblance to said sister. Long story short - thanks to Miyafuji's talk/faint no jutsu, Birkmann manages to overcome her feelings, saving the day in the end.

There was also plenty of neatly woven commentary on the grim realities of war. The fact that even an elite unite like Witches, can't get a hold of a single pair of pants seems like a striking reminder of daily shortages ordinary civilians must face during total wars.Between this and Neuroi firebombing their cities, their lot is not be envied.

 

[Branduil]

So my earlier screenshots didn't have the color corrected, here is what Absolute Duo 6 should look like-


It's awful lighting work.

Is this a White Fox show or something?

 

[Dedication Through Light]

Tribe Cool Crew Episode 17

The twins were great dancing against the robots. Probably not the best song on the ost but still get for the concept. I wish ball and cup boy (yuuji) got to dance this episode, but maybe they will be saved for later. They didnt seem to introduce another team or imply there was another group coming so maybe its like they will be reused for the next dance event.

 

[Joe Molotov]

Strike Witches 4

Well this show continues its thoughtful depiction of the horrors of war(one scene in particular made me want to claw my eyes out) and psychological toll such a drawn out conflict inflicts on its participants. This time we see it from the perspective of Lieutenant Birkmann - a guilt ridden veteran of many battles with Neuroi, who blames her safe for the fate that has befallen her sister. Those feelings are brought to the surface by the protagonist who just happens to bear a striking resemblance to said sister. Long story short - thanks to Miyafuji's talk/faint no jutsu, Birkmann manages to overcome her feelings, saving the day in the end.

There was also plenty of neatly woven commentary on the grim realities of war. The fact that even an elite unite like Witches, can't get a hold of a single pair of pants seems like a striking reminder of daily shortages ordinary civilians must face during total wars.Between this and Neuroi firebombing their cities, their lot is not be envied.

Strike Witches is the Schindler's List of our generation, but better obviously.

 

[PK Gaming]

Shirobako is a complete success.

Vol.1 cleared 10k and only 300 behind YYY. It'll probably surpass YYY. It sold 1683 volumes last week so it has insane legs.

Vol.2 is past 9k and still having stock issues so it'll end up past 10k.

This is PA Works 2nd best selling work. Angel Beats is #1.

Good. Very good.

 

[Midonin]

Strawberry Marshmallow 04-06

So Ana has her limits where Miu is involved. Mostly involving her name and her inability to speak English. I do like that episode 5 showed that Nobue doesn't hate Miu that much.... just a bit. I loved the nearly soundless segment that involved everyone writing on the noteboards, and Ana confusing Ginger Ale with Galactic Frogs was the kind of wordplay that Japan does so well. The doctor and cafe sketches were cute, too. It's the kind of show that's easy to take in. I'm also liking the wistful tune that Mamiko Noto's ED has, and the OP is catchy. Good stuff.

 

[cajunator]

"We hated you from the beginning, and we loved you from the beginning, too" sounds very ample for gundam fans

Shirobako 16-17
Why did no one warn me about angel calisthenics?

I usually don't write much about this show because I get around to it pretty late, but this show has been getting better and better each episode. Very impressed.

Some things are best left as pleasant surprises!

Maybe I should catch up to lesbian bear storm....

Hell yeah!
Also I cant believe this is the actual name of an anime. Still amazed by it.

I can enjoy a terrible story and characters if the animation is beautiful.

case in point Hyouka

Spoiler

I can see the flamethrowers coming

Trigger's Ninja Slayer new picture

Generic. But that one girl reminds me of Levi from Trinity Seven so Ill keep an eye on this.

Never seen this yet and only now did it come in the mail from the holiday sale.. Anno da gawd, so here goes nothing.

Its worth your time BEAR. I appreciate how they condensed the whole thing into almost a single bluray case.

Shirobako is a complete success.

Vol.1 cleared 10k and only 300 behind YYY. It'll probably surpass YYY. It sold 1683 volumes last week so it has insane legs.

Vol.2 is past 9k and still having stock issues so it'll end up past 10k.

This is PA Works 2nd best selling work. Angel Beats is #1.

well deserved sales I would say. Same with YYY.

 

[Crocodile]

I think it's a pretty easy premise to make generic and uninspired television out of.

Dunno, I watched Ninja Scroll recently and didn't like how that turned out.

I never said you couldn't fuck it up but as long as the direction and production values are good that's like 90% of what you need for a fun, not-taken-seriously, action romp. The threshold for acceptable writing is lower for a show of that nature.

Shirobako is a complete success.

Vol.1 cleared 10k and only 300 behind YYY. It'll probably surpass YYY. It sold 1683 volumes last week so it has insane legs.

Vol.2 is past 9k and still having stock issues so it'll end up past 10k.

This is PA Works 2nd best selling work. Angel Beats is #1.

So when does Season 2 where they work on a Toonami simulcast dub start?

Still, its good when quality products are reward with sales

 

[Randy42]

Man Absolute Duo 6 was the worst ep of the series by far for so many reasons. Was just disappointing all around.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Gintama 062

Some good protection there.

So, the Shinsengumi sends Yamazaki to spy on Gintoki. Gintoki should be more worried about the people he's friends with though. They're far more dangerous to his health.

 

[amishpriest99]

case in point Hyouka

Spoiler

I can see the flamethrowers coming

I'm kinda with you on this, though I still have yet to watch the last 3 or 4 episodes.

 

[NaDannMaGoGo]

Guys, it's not gonna happen.

Hyouka is good, period.

 

[CheapJuice]

Girls und Panzer - 01

What's better than cute ship girls? Cute tank girls on a giant ship carrier!
This is probably the best combination since fries on pizza (yes it's delicious). I like how they justified why there doesn't seem to be any males around and how the tanks has been associated with women. Talk about making trusting friends quick.

 

[cajunator]

Girls und Panzer - 01

What's better than cute ship girls? Cute tank girls on a giant ship carrier!
This is probably the best combination since fries on pizza (yes it's delicious). I like how they justified why there doesn't seem to be any males around and how the tanks has been associated with women. Talk about making trusting friends quick.

truer words never said.

 

[PK Gaming]

Yurikuma 6

This scene would have been a lot more effective if we were properly introduced to the entire cast of girls. I love intrigue, but it doesn't do me much good if I don't even know who the potential suspects are. In any case, the episode was pretty good overall. Tsubaki needs to go on a asskicking spree.

 

[rrvv]

Shirobako is a complete success.

Vol.1 cleared 10k and only 300 behind YYY. It'll probably surpass YYY. It sold 1683 volumes last week so it has insane legs.

Vol.2 is past 9k and still having stock issues so it'll end up past 10k.

This is PA Works 2nd best selling work. Angel Beats is #1.

INB4 Charlotte surpass it

 

[MikeHattsu]

GA 03

Weird but fun.

A game of tag with blackmail and violence and a club that lacks members and have to try to rope in some more in this episode as well. Oh, and the chickens gets explained... sort of...

 

[Save 'N Quit]

2014 Fall Preliminary First Volume Sales

12,744　*3　Yowamushi Pedal Grande Road　[BD+DVD]
11,229　*6　Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru　[BD+DVD]　
10,534　*6　Gundam G no Reconguista　[BD+DVD]　
10,389　*6　Shirobako　[BD]
---------- 10k Line ----------
*9,257　*6　Psycho-Pass S2 [BD+DVD]　
*9,021　*5　Crossange Tenshi to Ryuu no Rinbu　[BD+DVD]　
*8,374　*6　Amagi Brilliant Park　[BD+DVD]
*7,180　*2　Nanatsu no Taizai　[BD+DVD]　
*5,360　*4　Gugure! Kokkuri-san　[BD+DVD]　
*4,648　*5　Grisaia no Kajitsu　[BD+DVD]　
*4,165　*4　Trinity Seven　[BD+DVD]　
*3,718　*4　Madan no Ou to Vanadis　[BD+DVD]　
*3,315　*1　Shingeki no Bahamut Genesis　[BD]
*3,287　*1　Mushishi Zokushou S2　[BD+DVD]
*3,184　*4　Ore, Twintails ni Narimasu.　[BD+DVD]　
---------- Manabi Line (2,899) ----------
*2,829　*1　Donten ni Warau　[BD-Box/DVD-Box]
*2,609　*1　Girlfriend (kari)　[BD+DVD]
*2,515　*1　Log Horizon S2　[BD+DVD]
*1,919　*3　Inou Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de　[BD]　
*1,882　*2　Terraformars　[BD+DVD]
*1,738　*1　Sora no Method　[BD]
*1,337　*1　Ai Tenchi Muyo!　[BD+DVD]
*1,188　*2　Hi☆sCoool! Seha Girls　[BD]　
*1,151　*1　Danna ga Nani wo Itteiru ka Wakaranai Ken　[BD+DVD]　
*1,114　*2　Hitsugi no Chaika Avenging Battle　[BD]
**,956　*2　Daitoshokan no Hitsujikai　[BD]　　
**,746　*1　Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji　[BD+DVD]　
**,622　*1　Denkigai no Honya-san　[BD]　　
**,464　*1　Gundam Build Fighters Try　[BD-BOX+DVD]　
**,419　*1　Ushinawareta Mirai wo Motomete　[BD]

Everything bolded is updated numbers.


Winter sales

Fafner Exodus v1 sells 5928/833, total 6,761. Respectable start even considering the event ticket, given it’s been over ten years since the original.

Series Average

Love Live! S2 v7, final volume, adds 1383, total 66,232. Series average: 62,958.

Prisma Illya S2 v5, final volume, adds 561 BDs, total 5,282. Series average: 5,477.

Tsukimonogatari sales

Tsukimonogatari v1 sells 24356/3130, total 27,486. Lowest wk1 for a Monogatari disc by far. I’d say it’s really way past its prime, and it is, but it’s still 27k wk1 fully 26 volumes in, so…

Source

 

[Dedication Through Light]

Im glad for Fafner Exodus, such a fantastic anime this season.

 

[NaDannMaGoGo]

Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou - 16

So this episode explores Yukino's parents' back-story and ended up being a rather powerful tearjerker.

Only 2 more Anno episodes to go, if even that. After all ep14 and the first half of ep15 were recap for crying out loud T_T

 

[Beefeater]

I agree, looks like LN dreck.

They really messed up the original designs, in the source material the women didn't all have sameface moe eyes. They followed actual human anatomy (if exaggerated), but who wants to look at 3DPD/western inspired designs when we have decades of inbred animu character designs to draw inspiration from?
These are the same women from the poster:

Sorta NSFW

And here are some more designs, just to show what we'll be missing out on since Trigger seems dead set on making everything look ugly:

Gotta say, props to the original character designer because I think these look pretty outstanding.

 

[Mature]

See, I thought some of the above designs were for the animation.

 

[Jarmel]

The light novel designs are vastly, and I mean vastly, better than the drek Trigger is putting out.

The characters actually look their age for starters.

 

[Beefeater]

Not to mention the coloring. Not to mention well, everything else.

I mean, I get that concessions have to be made sometimes. But these designs lost a lot of the art style's original charm.

 

[Crocodile]

Yeah those LN designs look pretty awesome. I mean I didn't expect the TV show to match them exactly because designs like those would be a pain in the ass to animate on a TV show budget and schedule but it's a pretty big downgrade. Is Ninja Slayer a "Ninja of the Week" type story? I can't wait to hear people whining about that regardless of how good/bad the show ends up being

 

[Save 'N Quit]

Trigger's Ninja Slayer new picture

If the purpose of the ass exposure for the blond was to deviate my eyes away from the ballistics on the woman on the right.

Then they succeeded.

 

[e_i]

Trigger's Ninja Slayer new picture

Nice. Can't wait to see it. Seeing two girls makes me think this'll be Kill La Kill part deux.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Aria 04

Seems a bit dangerous...

Damn. I just knew that ending was gonna happen, but it still got me

 

[Rainy]

Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii 9-12 (END)

I liked it, a bit cheesy and cliche, but Nike and Livius' relationship developed rather well, although quite rushed. As I understand it, that's both due to the 12 episode format as well as the source material. Probably would have been on my AOTY list if I had watched it before the deadline!

 

[phaze]

Strike Witches is the Schindler's List of our generation, but better obviously.

Truly, our generation is the last one



Is Deadman Wonderland somewhat watchable ? I remember reading that it absolutely butchered the source material but the opening is the edgiest aka the best thing I've seen in my life.

 

[Mature]

Truly, our generation is the last one



Is Deadman Wonderland somewhat watchable ? I remember reading that it absolutely butchered the source material but the opening is the edgiest aka the best thing I've seen in my life.

From what I've seen, it's extremely stupid in a sort of amusing way.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Crunchyroll Guest pass, quote to reveal

Used this one. Thanks!

 

[Beefeater]

Here are some shots from the upcoming Rakugo Shinju show from DEEN/Shinichi Omata:

(Looks like having multiple images in one quote prevents clicking to maximize them?)

Never thought I'd see the day when Deen made more appealing looking animation than Trigger. Well, the still shots look good anyway.

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

Shirobako is a complete success.

Vol.1 cleared 10k and only 300 behind YYY. It'll probably surpass YYY. It sold 1683 volumes last week so it has insane legs.

Vol.2 is past 9k and still having stock issues so it'll end up past 10k.

This is PA Works 2nd best selling work. Angel Beats is #1.

If there is a second season of Shirobako I would be so happy. I feel like once this show is over I'll be sad.

 

[CDiggity]

Looked at the most recent anime list for spring...I am prepared for the age of shota vampires. I bet Seraph is going to sell the most.

 

[SliceSabre]

Is Deadman Wonderland somewhat watchable ? I remember reading that it absolutely butchered the source material but the opening is the edgiest aka the best thing I've seen in my life.

It is the edgiest of edge anime. There is literally nothing redeeming about it. Every time the MC spoke or did anything I was driven to drink and the entire premise of the show is painfully stupid right from the jump.

Shiro's cute though so I guess there's that.

 

[Dedication Through Light]

Looked at the most recent anime list for spring...I am prepared for the age of shota vampires. I bet Seraph is going to sell the most.

I will be glad if thats the case...I just want the manga to see a huge rise to BLue Exorcist levels or higher.

I was thinking UtaPri would potentially be one of the most selling for Spring.

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

Looked at the most recent anime list for spring...I am prepared for the age of shota vampires. I bet Seraph is going to sell the most.

I expect Seraph to sell a lot. I wonder how popular it will be in the West.

 

[CDiggity]

I will be glad if thats the case...I just want the manga to see a huge rise to BLue Exorcist levels or higher.

I was thinking UtaPri would potentially be one of the most selling for Spring.

Female fans gonna split on both series and it will open the door for some dark horse.

Get ready for best seller Triage X.

 

[AquaWateria]

Looked at the most recent anime list for spring...I am prepared for the age of shota vampires. I bet Seraph is going to sell the most.

I wonder if WIT can actually salvage the mediocre source material.

Yeah they probably won't.

 

[Beefeater]

I just read the first 2 chapters, and I have the feeling Ore Monogatari will be this year's Nozaki-kun. Haven't seen Nozaki, but I get that feeling from what I've seen of both of them. It's really cute!

 

[MetroidPrimeRib]

I just read the first 2 volumes, and I have the feeling Ore Monogatari will be this year's Nozaki-kun. Haven't seen Nozaki, but I get that feeling from what I've seen of both of them.

Ore Monogatari I expect to be pretty popular and highly liked. It's just a really nice and sweet series, not a whole lot to complain about or hate on like Nozaki.

 

[VRMN]

I just read the first 2 volumes, and I have the feeling Ore Monogatari will be this year's Nozaki-kun. Haven't seen Nozaki, but I get that feeling from what I've seen of both of them.

Nozaki is much, much more mocking of shoujo tropes and irreverent in general than Ore Monogatari. Ore Monogatari plays its romance cards straight.

 

[Beefeater]

Reading it made me realize again how few of these love stories exist in anime.

Spoiler

They become a couple in the first chapter!

I'm sure people will find that extremely refreshing.

Oh, and a bird told me Yuasa's studio might be helping out with the anime. Another OP after GARO OP2, maybe?

 

[VRMN]

Reading it made me realize again how few of these love stories exist in anime.

Spoiler

They become a couple in the first chapter!

I'm sure people will find that extremely refreshing.

To be fair, it's not incredibly uncommon in shoujo. I tend to find that shoujo and josei romances are generally more concerned with the relationship once it has been established and, as such, tend to formally establish them early on. Shounen and seinen romance, by comparison, is typically more about the pursuit and the conquest than what comes after, which is why you see a lot of harems and "which girl will he choose?" that ends when he chooses.

 

[faridmon]

So my earlier screenshots didn't have the color corrected, here is what Absolute Duo 6 should look like-


It's awful lighting work.

I think If I squint, I can make out that its an Anime of some sort.

 

[hosannainexcelsis]

Here are some shots from the upcoming Rakugo Shinju show from DEEN/Shinichi Omata:

(Looks like having multiple images in one quote prevents clicking to maximize them?)

Never thought I'd see the day when Deen made more appealing looking animation than Trigger. Well, the still shots look good anyway.

Well, Omata's Rozen Maiden series at DEEN generally looked better than Kill la Kill. Plus this show has Meiko Hosoi as character designer, and her art is breathtaking.

 

[RedSwirl]

I'm just asking this for future reference, but what's the best way to check out Legend of the Galactic Heroes? According to the Wiki page none of it has ever been officially translated into English.

I'm guessing either the original books or the 110-episode OAV series.