ANIME WINTER 2013 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Feb. 3rd, 2013 01:50 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gem2nikiOkay 4 weeks or so passed since the new season started, so time for first impression thoughts. Hopefully I'll write it quickly XD;;; Oh yea I finished Reborn anime at last. I'll try writing a review later for that...
Mon
Amnesia (1-4) Not quite sure why I'm gonna still watch it as I don't enjoy watching it. Visually it looks nice, but the animation is so static (I think partly for their really intricate costume designs). The main characters are annoying except maybe the blonde dude. Heroine is just so bland, spacing out, weak, soft spoken etc. She has no distinctive personality. Even if she does have amnesia, I dunno how she lost her character. The Shin boyfriend is way too forceful and mean. He just forces kisses on her and she has no idea what's going on and he totally understand how she must feel, but still do it anyways. WTH man. Leave the girl some space. The costumes are kinda ridiculous...they're not even casual wear. More like J-Rockers or something, such as Belt-kun. What are you wearing??? The one thing the series is doing right is adding an interesting story element where things aren't as they seem. So a little mystery added some intrigue to the story that makes me interested in finding what is going on. But I'll probably be annoyed by the characters anyways.
The Unlimited Hyoubu Kyousuke (1-4) Well this is Manglobe's animation so the fight are really nice and fluid and they make the character much more mature than the manga counterpart. I have not read or watch the Zettai Karen, but its not too hard to get into and its making me interested in the others series. But there are some jargons I probably should know... The second episode was a bit too violent for me that I was a bit uncomfortable with following a group of villains. But then the third episode made me think they might not be that bad? Who really is the villain or lesser evil here? Kyousuke has sly personality and thankfully seems to have a soft spot for the little girl to keep from being completely evil. The three girls from the Zettai Karen Children also showed up, so now I'm more interested in checking the other series (but it looks light hearted?). Series is so far entertaining to keep going. Will Andy get discovered halfway or by the end....?
Tues
Ginga e Kickoff(1-33) Have I even reviewed this series before? It was the other soccer anime besides Area no Kishi that came out in 2012. Unlike AreaKishi, the story is set at an elementary soccer league, fewer players, and was animated soooo much better! I didn't give the series a chance because it looked too cute and why aren't they all boys? But![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
lucathia was watching and posting screencaps that it piqued my interest again, so I gave it a chance. It was way better than I imagined. The characters are adorable with great development and interactions with each other. I really enjoyed the triplet's different personalities and how they interact with the other players. Watching everyone's growth throughout the series is like watching your babies grow up XD The soccer animations are actually nice and fluid (unlike AreaKishi). Even though things look all happy and perky, there are some nice drama as well and some intense matches. I think its safe to compare it to Oofuri. The soundtrack is interesting/unique. Can't quite describe it (the music is done by James Shimoji who worked on Redline). Kinda sad this series is overlooked by many into its 33+ episode. It's so well done!!!!!
Senyuu (1-4) SHORT!!! Its like a digest version of Ixion Saga DT in a way XD But its quick and funny. The soldier is such a jerk towards the Hero hahaa. It has very Gintama humor but with a fantasy setting. A good replacement for Poyopoyo.
Wed
Tamako Market (1-4) Too cute....I think I'll die from Kyoani cuteness. I like how the series sets in a community of shop owners (reminds me of Hanasaku Iroha without drama) so you get these variety of characters from old to young. Its fairly slice of life, but THE BIRD DERA MOCHIMAZZI throws the whole tone off haha. SUCH A SASSY DIVA!!! The first episode won me over so hard. It's actually funny with delightful animation by Kyoani. Like many of the girls watching this, Mochizou Ouji is an eyecandy treat *w* I look forward to how their going to deal with this prince's bride thing even though that seems less of a focus XD
Thurs
Chihayafuru 2 (1-4) Chihayafuru back with its well directed episodes and high quality animation. We're already right into a tournament! So fast. The two new members are really different from the our current members but so far not too annoying XD They have room for growth and hopefully they'll love and improve in karuta~ Fourth episode, they emphasize on Taichi's bad luck hahaa. Poor guy can't get a break. But he's not my favorite character so I don't really care haha. I want to see more Arata!! From the manga I've skimmed through, he makes some appearance...gotta wait patiently for him to see Chihaya again in person T_T OTP!!
Gintama (257-260) After a long break, Gintama is back in action!! Even though it returned with the Kintama arc, it went back to rerun episodes...and then return with a more serious arc. Its straight up more violent than the Kintama arc...more like the 4 Devas arc with blood and stabbings everywhere. With the Shogun involved, I keep expecting more ridiculous things to happen to him, but after his first knock-out, he seems to have a more serious role this time. Gintama's villain usually has a backstory that makes them sympathetic...but so far they seem straight up villain, so I wonder if there's more to it than what we were left off in 260. This arc also shed more of Gintoki's background and Shouyou-sensei's face was surprisingly younger than I expected!!! Excited for more Gintama!! Also will they ever air that Katsura episode...
Zetsuen no Tempest (13-16) The 2nd half starts with a recap!! After 2 weeks or so, I guess it helps to bring in new viewers. It actually helped me sort whatever was happening in this series, because the whole tree thing I could never make sense with XD So thank you Mahiro, for explaining it more plainly. Plus its was a well made recap by incorporating dream sequence and giving Mahiro's POV about the whole thing. The new opening really shifts the tone of the second half to something lighter. The PV mentioned it being more of a Love Comedy? I didn't expect it to really become one esp with Hakaze crushing on Yoshino so bad haha. Also noticeably, they are surrounded by more people. The first half they were pretty isolated as mostly everyone in their city is dead and now second half they're within a populated area. Plus the actions have toned down without an enemy. I'm curious where the direction of the story is going. Is Yoshino really the Mage of Exodus....?
Psycho-pass (12-15) I'm having more of a dislike for this series for some reason. It's not the type of series that you can fangirl about... Too much gore or criminal violence isn't my thing, so I get pretty upset watching this series haha. There are some twisted stuff here like that girl using human bodies as works of art....or the poor friend that gets murdered right in front of Akane just after Kougami was protecting her... Will we get a happy ending or just the ultimate destruction of this city?? The new arc in 14-15 was disturbing as no one did anything as acts of violence were happening in front them. What the hell is wrong with this society? Stuff feel a bit exaggerated as you think people can't get away with these acts... We finally got a backstory with one of the Enforcers, so I hope to see more as I feel detached from the characters. This is Urobuchi who wrote some heavy stuff for Madoka Magica and Fate/Zero, so I'm still curious how everything will turn out, despite how unpleasant it feels to watch it.
Robotics;Notes (12-15) It's a weird mixture of slice of life with building robots and some conspiracy stuff with this cancelled mecha anime or something. In fact I don't quite understand the whole conspiracy stuff and we're already in the 2nd half. I'm hoping they'll emphasize more of that to clear up the confusion. There were people murdered, but why and who?? I think I enjoy the character centered episodes more with the robot building than the weird conspiracy. It almost feel like we have two different series happening at the same time. Subaru has become my favorite for his flamboyant disguise as Mr. Pleiades~~ Ep 14 there was a nice Kona + Kai development. The main girl Akiho seems to be dropping in the background tho...I still enjoy the series, but hope they clear up the conspiracy stuff by the end!!
Shirokuma Cafe (39-42) I'm amazed how a series based about talking animal can still be entertaining~! Grizzly-kun continues to be more moe!! That childhood flashback episode was too cute. But Shirokuma continues to be a troll with Grizzly-kun, waking him up during his hibernation. I also notice how the animals (mostly Panda-kun) become more mean toward Penguin-san haha. Not much to say, but looking forward to it every week!
Fri
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (1-16) I remembered one of my classmate mentioned that she was reading Jojo manga and was really into it. At that time I didn't quite understand since I thought the series looks so weird. Good thing there was this new anime or else I would never try it. Its fantastically hilarious, violent, over the top, engrossing, energetic...basically an amazing experience to watch! There hasn't been an anime I've watched that has that much energy. I can't get over how the characters would just narrate the scene with such shock and amazement. The arcs keeps out doing each other. Part 1 features Jonathan Joestar, who is pretty much a pacifist and his rival is that pestering Dio who just can't seem to die, even though he gets burned completely or sliced in half. I thought that arc was crazy enough...but Part 2 featuring Jojo's grandson was more insane. Joseph, voiced by Sugita, is basically Gintoki. Nuff said. His partner Caesar basically looks like Dio...but has a lot better personality than Joseph who is more of a delinquent. The scenes with Santana, I just keep watching with amazement. Like, did they just do that?? Did he went inside this person's wound?? WHAT? And there was that weird scene with the wedding rings....ahhh this series is just.... (mind blowned) The OP ED song are also really catchy! The guitar rift after each episode for Part 1 just fits so well! Animation wise it doesn't look that good but I think the weird character design and strong use of lighting makes it less noticeable. The violence is gross but I think its so over the top its not as disturbing like say Psycho Pass... I recommend everyone watch this!!! I really want to watch it at a convention just to enjoy it with an audience XD
Shin Sekai Yori (1-18) Like Psycho-pass, something is very unpleasant about it. It's a very CREEPY show. The mysteries being unveiled just make it even more creepy. It doesn't help that I don't quite like any of the characters. As I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about this series, I'll hold my thoughts until the end...
Maoyu (1-4) Ahh why the boobs?? We don't need boobs here. The first episode felt like a deconstruction of the fantasy genre. And then the rest felt like an economic lesson on farming, civilization and war. I could do without Mao's boobs and her acting weak-knee toward the Hero. The Hero himself is a bit dumb... I quite like the Female Knight though. We need more of that type of female in other anime as well T_T The series has a lot of talking so not much action really happens so far. Besides the economic stuff, I wonder where else this series will go...
Saturday
Hakkenden (1-4) The first episode was really bad in terms of info dumping, squeezing too much stuff in, and not making any sense. Luckily it improves in the 2nd episode and onward as they spread the stuff out better. The setting is an interesting mix of old and new Japan, making some gorgeous backdrop. The character designs are also pretty. There's a lot of interesting concepts that looks fun to watch such as characters shifting shapes, animals coming out of the hands or having a giant wolf. Its nice to see more fantasy stuff with Japanese mythology, kinda reminds me of Natsume Yuujinchou. (Shinsekai is more of a grotesque fantasy) Already by the 2nd episode, I really like Hamaji (the only girl in the series) and Osaki (fox guy)'s interaction! OTP already. I'm looking forward to more of their interaction than the main characters hahaaa.... (not one mention of shota lead oops...)
Space Brothers (1-42) I somehow thought we would have the new astronaut start training...but the focus has been on Hibito now. And dude, each episode lately has become intense with a cliffhanger that I feel like I'm gonna get a heart attack each time. What happened to your inspiring feelingsss Space Bros?? I wonder how far the anime caught up with the manga... I hope the series resolve its most intense arc so I can relax while watching it at work...
Sunday
Ixion Saga DT (1-16) I wonder if the director, Takamatsu Shinji, was obsessed with balls before Gintama. This is basically Gintama in fantasy setting (think video game arc) and less heart warming and with more balls or lack of balls. The jokes sometimes drag out too long that it could easily be cut down to 5 minutes...but what Ixion Saga does is stretch it to 22 minutes! Sometimes its a hit or miss. Still I quite find the overall series so far to be funny and entertaining. ED is still my favorite but has been lacking screen time recently T_T Our gang finally reached their destination and that blondie that's been in the opening finally makes his appearance. Will the series ever get serious? XD
Magi (1-16) Watching the anime reminded me how long the Balbadd arc is. When I read the manga, I read it pretty fast trying to reach the end of the arc. Even though the anime cut down the beginning parts a lot, they sure are taking their time with this arc (which is a good thing, but sorta makes the series a bit imbalance with exploring the world of Magi). The animation is more consistent than Shinsekai (A-1 studio) but there are some noticeable degrade...especially episode 16. WHAT? Seriously what is this terrible direction orz;;; I really hope the DVD fixes these stuff, but I dunno if A-1 does that like Gainax, Sunrise etc... I'm starting to also notice how it lacks that energy that Ohtaka has in her artwork, which is a pity, since thats what makes Magi compelling. But there are some excellent animation in the anime, like Morgiana really kicking ass, Ugo vs Judal, and Amon's sword in action *w* I'm looking forward to Sinbad in metal vessel glory~ There was also this lovely art direction here and there~~
This just says everything.
Total: 18
Also watching
Arakawa Under the Bridge
Mon
Amnesia (1-4) Not quite sure why I'm gonna still watch it as I don't enjoy watching it. Visually it looks nice, but the animation is so static (I think partly for their really intricate costume designs). The main characters are annoying except maybe the blonde dude. Heroine is just so bland, spacing out, weak, soft spoken etc. She has no distinctive personality. Even if she does have amnesia, I dunno how she lost her character. The Shin boyfriend is way too forceful and mean. He just forces kisses on her and she has no idea what's going on and he totally understand how she must feel, but still do it anyways. WTH man. Leave the girl some space. The costumes are kinda ridiculous...they're not even casual wear. More like J-Rockers or something, such as Belt-kun. What are you wearing??? The one thing the series is doing right is adding an interesting story element where things aren't as they seem. So a little mystery added some intrigue to the story that makes me interested in finding what is going on. But I'll probably be annoyed by the characters anyways.
The Unlimited Hyoubu Kyousuke (1-4) Well this is Manglobe's animation so the fight are really nice and fluid and they make the character much more mature than the manga counterpart. I have not read or watch the Zettai Karen, but its not too hard to get into and its making me interested in the others series. But there are some jargons I probably should know... The second episode was a bit too violent for me that I was a bit uncomfortable with following a group of villains. But then the third episode made me think they might not be that bad? Who really is the villain or lesser evil here? Kyousuke has sly personality and thankfully seems to have a soft spot for the little girl to keep from being completely evil. The three girls from the Zettai Karen Children also showed up, so now I'm more interested in checking the other series (but it looks light hearted?). Series is so far entertaining to keep going. Will Andy get discovered halfway or by the end....?
Tues
Ginga e Kickoff(1-33) Have I even reviewed this series before? It was the other soccer anime besides Area no Kishi that came out in 2012. Unlike AreaKishi, the story is set at an elementary soccer league, fewer players, and was animated soooo much better! I didn't give the series a chance because it looked too cute and why aren't they all boys? But
lucathia was watching and posting screencaps that it piqued my interest again, so I gave it a chance. It was way better than I imagined. The characters are adorable with great development and interactions with each other. I really enjoyed the triplet's different personalities and how they interact with the other players. Watching everyone's growth throughout the series is like watching your babies grow up XD The soccer animations are actually nice and fluid (unlike AreaKishi). Even though things look all happy and perky, there are some nice drama as well and some intense matches. I think its safe to compare it to Oofuri. The soundtrack is interesting/unique. Can't quite describe it (the music is done by James Shimoji who worked on Redline). Kinda sad this series is overlooked by many into its 33+ episode. It's so well done!!!!!Senyuu (1-4) SHORT!!! Its like a digest version of Ixion Saga DT in a way XD But its quick and funny. The soldier is such a jerk towards the Hero hahaa. It has very Gintama humor but with a fantasy setting. A good replacement for Poyopoyo.
Wed
Tamako Market (1-4) Too cute....I think I'll die from Kyoani cuteness. I like how the series sets in a community of shop owners (reminds me of Hanasaku Iroha without drama) so you get these variety of characters from old to young. Its fairly slice of life, but THE BIRD DERA MOCHIMAZZI throws the whole tone off haha. SUCH A SASSY DIVA!!! The first episode won me over so hard. It's actually funny with delightful animation by Kyoani. Like many of the girls watching this, Mochizou Ouji is an eyecandy treat *w* I look forward to how their going to deal with this prince's bride thing even though that seems less of a focus XD
Thurs
Chihayafuru 2 (1-4) Chihayafuru back with its well directed episodes and high quality animation. We're already right into a tournament! So fast. The two new members are really different from the our current members but so far not too annoying XD They have room for growth and hopefully they'll love and improve in karuta~ Fourth episode, they emphasize on Taichi's bad luck hahaa. Poor guy can't get a break. But he's not my favorite character so I don't really care haha. I want to see more Arata!! From the manga I've skimmed through, he makes some appearance...gotta wait patiently for him to see Chihaya again in person T_T OTP!!
Gintama (257-260) After a long break, Gintama is back in action!! Even though it returned with the Kintama arc, it went back to rerun episodes...and then return with a more serious arc. Its straight up more violent than the Kintama arc...more like the 4 Devas arc with blood and stabbings everywhere. With the Shogun involved, I keep expecting more ridiculous things to happen to him, but after his first knock-out, he seems to have a more serious role this time. Gintama's villain usually has a backstory that makes them sympathetic...but so far they seem straight up villain, so I wonder if there's more to it than what we were left off in 260. This arc also shed more of Gintoki's background and Shouyou-sensei's face was surprisingly younger than I expected!!! Excited for more Gintama!! Also will they ever air that Katsura episode...
Zetsuen no Tempest (13-16) The 2nd half starts with a recap!! After 2 weeks or so, I guess it helps to bring in new viewers. It actually helped me sort whatever was happening in this series, because the whole tree thing I could never make sense with XD So thank you Mahiro, for explaining it more plainly. Plus its was a well made recap by incorporating dream sequence and giving Mahiro's POV about the whole thing. The new opening really shifts the tone of the second half to something lighter. The PV mentioned it being more of a Love Comedy? I didn't expect it to really become one esp with Hakaze crushing on Yoshino so bad haha. Also noticeably, they are surrounded by more people. The first half they were pretty isolated as mostly everyone in their city is dead and now second half they're within a populated area. Plus the actions have toned down without an enemy. I'm curious where the direction of the story is going. Is Yoshino really the Mage of Exodus....?
Psycho-pass (12-15) I'm having more of a dislike for this series for some reason. It's not the type of series that you can fangirl about... Too much gore or criminal violence isn't my thing, so I get pretty upset watching this series haha. There are some twisted stuff here like that girl using human bodies as works of art....or the poor friend that gets murdered right in front of Akane just after Kougami was protecting her... Will we get a happy ending or just the ultimate destruction of this city?? The new arc in 14-15 was disturbing as no one did anything as acts of violence were happening in front them. What the hell is wrong with this society? Stuff feel a bit exaggerated as you think people can't get away with these acts... We finally got a backstory with one of the Enforcers, so I hope to see more as I feel detached from the characters. This is Urobuchi who wrote some heavy stuff for Madoka Magica and Fate/Zero, so I'm still curious how everything will turn out, despite how unpleasant it feels to watch it.
Robotics;Notes (12-15) It's a weird mixture of slice of life with building robots and some conspiracy stuff with this cancelled mecha anime or something. In fact I don't quite understand the whole conspiracy stuff and we're already in the 2nd half. I'm hoping they'll emphasize more of that to clear up the confusion. There were people murdered, but why and who?? I think I enjoy the character centered episodes more with the robot building than the weird conspiracy. It almost feel like we have two different series happening at the same time. Subaru has become my favorite for his flamboyant disguise as Mr. Pleiades~~ Ep 14 there was a nice Kona + Kai development. The main girl Akiho seems to be dropping in the background tho...I still enjoy the series, but hope they clear up the conspiracy stuff by the end!!
Shirokuma Cafe (39-42) I'm amazed how a series based about talking animal can still be entertaining~! Grizzly-kun continues to be more moe!! That childhood flashback episode was too cute. But Shirokuma continues to be a troll with Grizzly-kun, waking him up during his hibernation. I also notice how the animals (mostly Panda-kun) become more mean toward Penguin-san haha. Not much to say, but looking forward to it every week!
Fri
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (1-16) I remembered one of my classmate mentioned that she was reading Jojo manga and was really into it. At that time I didn't quite understand since I thought the series looks so weird. Good thing there was this new anime or else I would never try it. Its fantastically hilarious, violent, over the top, engrossing, energetic...basically an amazing experience to watch! There hasn't been an anime I've watched that has that much energy. I can't get over how the characters would just narrate the scene with such shock and amazement. The arcs keeps out doing each other. Part 1 features Jonathan Joestar, who is pretty much a pacifist and his rival is that pestering Dio who just can't seem to die, even though he gets burned completely or sliced in half. I thought that arc was crazy enough...but Part 2 featuring Jojo's grandson was more insane. Joseph, voiced by Sugita, is basically Gintoki. Nuff said. His partner Caesar basically looks like Dio...but has a lot better personality than Joseph who is more of a delinquent. The scenes with Santana, I just keep watching with amazement. Like, did they just do that?? Did he went inside this person's wound?? WHAT? And there was that weird scene with the wedding rings....ahhh this series is just.... (mind blowned) The OP ED song are also really catchy! The guitar rift after each episode for Part 1 just fits so well! Animation wise it doesn't look that good but I think the weird character design and strong use of lighting makes it less noticeable. The violence is gross but I think its so over the top its not as disturbing like say Psycho Pass... I recommend everyone watch this!!! I really want to watch it at a convention just to enjoy it with an audience XD
Shin Sekai Yori (1-18) Like Psycho-pass, something is very unpleasant about it. It's a very CREEPY show. The mysteries being unveiled just make it even more creepy. It doesn't help that I don't quite like any of the characters. As I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about this series, I'll hold my thoughts until the end...
Maoyu (1-4) Ahh why the boobs?? We don't need boobs here. The first episode felt like a deconstruction of the fantasy genre. And then the rest felt like an economic lesson on farming, civilization and war. I could do without Mao's boobs and her acting weak-knee toward the Hero. The Hero himself is a bit dumb... I quite like the Female Knight though. We need more of that type of female in other anime as well T_T The series has a lot of talking so not much action really happens so far. Besides the economic stuff, I wonder where else this series will go...
Saturday
Hakkenden (1-4) The first episode was really bad in terms of info dumping, squeezing too much stuff in, and not making any sense. Luckily it improves in the 2nd episode and onward as they spread the stuff out better. The setting is an interesting mix of old and new Japan, making some gorgeous backdrop. The character designs are also pretty. There's a lot of interesting concepts that looks fun to watch such as characters shifting shapes, animals coming out of the hands or having a giant wolf. Its nice to see more fantasy stuff with Japanese mythology, kinda reminds me of Natsume Yuujinchou. (Shinsekai is more of a grotesque fantasy) Already by the 2nd episode, I really like Hamaji (the only girl in the series) and Osaki (fox guy)'s interaction! OTP already. I'm looking forward to more of their interaction than the main characters hahaaa.... (not one mention of shota lead oops...)
Space Brothers (1-42) I somehow thought we would have the new astronaut start training...but the focus has been on Hibito now. And dude, each episode lately has become intense with a cliffhanger that I feel like I'm gonna get a heart attack each time. What happened to your inspiring feelingsss Space Bros?? I wonder how far the anime caught up with the manga... I hope the series resolve its most intense arc so I can relax while watching it at work...
Sunday
Ixion Saga DT (1-16) I wonder if the director, Takamatsu Shinji, was obsessed with balls before Gintama. This is basically Gintama in fantasy setting (think video game arc) and less heart warming and with more balls or lack of balls. The jokes sometimes drag out too long that it could easily be cut down to 5 minutes...but what Ixion Saga does is stretch it to 22 minutes! Sometimes its a hit or miss. Still I quite find the overall series so far to be funny and entertaining. ED is still my favorite but has been lacking screen time recently T_T Our gang finally reached their destination and that blondie that's been in the opening finally makes his appearance. Will the series ever get serious? XD
Magi (1-16) Watching the anime reminded me how long the Balbadd arc is. When I read the manga, I read it pretty fast trying to reach the end of the arc. Even though the anime cut down the beginning parts a lot, they sure are taking their time with this arc (which is a good thing, but sorta makes the series a bit imbalance with exploring the world of Magi). The animation is more consistent than Shinsekai (A-1 studio) but there are some noticeable degrade...especially episode 16. WHAT? Seriously what is this terrible direction orz;;; I really hope the DVD fixes these stuff, but I dunno if A-1 does that like Gainax, Sunrise etc... I'm starting to also notice how it lacks that energy that Ohtaka has in her artwork, which is a pity, since thats what makes Magi compelling. But there are some excellent animation in the anime, like Morgiana really kicking ass, Ugo vs Judal, and Amon's sword in action *w* I'm looking forward to Sinbad in metal vessel glory~ There was also this lovely art direction here and there~~
This just says everything.
Total: 18
Also watching
Arakawa Under the Bridge
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2013-02-03 07:07 pm (UTC)Amnesia had been the only one on the anime chart that even remotely looked interesting to me a while ago (purely because of Brainbase), but I haven't bothered checking it out. Reading your comments makes me kinda glad I was too lazy to check it out, haha.
That fat bird gif. So cute.
Ahhh, Magi. Its popularity still eludes me. I got through a few eps, to the second arc in the anime I think, when Aladdin was with the Koga clan. The entire political exchange just struck me as incredibly naive. :/ My standards come from Chinese imperial drama shows, orz.
no subject
Date: 2013-02-03 10:22 pm (UTC)Magi just has this grand epic tale feel similar to FMA, that makes it such a solid series. I almost want to say just read the manga since it has more energy with Ohtaka's drawing, but I think you never really had much interest with it to begin with....so i won't bother haha.
no subject
Date: 2013-02-04 08:36 am (UTC)Amnesia's heroine actually is an epitome of a silent main character. In the game, the heroine is not given any default name and does not have any single line in order for the player to be himself/herself while playing the "Amnesia" game. (Which I think kind of half-hearted attempt of breaking the fourth wall, because the character has a default face and body, and there is no attempt to hide the girl's faces in the two-shot CGs).
The two manga adaptations, if you read it too, the main character is not given any name at all. So I was kind of confused how they are going to personalize the heroine in the anime.
Based from their original attempts to erase any personalities and lines from the heroine; I think the anime did quite a well good job. And they are trying to put the heroine inside every single routes in the game for the anime; i found it kind ambitious too but very well-planned.
On the Psycho Pass depiction of society; I think Urobuchi and Fukami wants to show the future of Japanese society through this anime. As in currently, Japan is a very safe place to most of its citizens; there's a term here called 平和ボケ (heiwa boke/peace-addiction) which kinds of reflect that. People are indifferent towards conflict. The most micro examples you can see are getting out of their house not bothering to lock the door (or sleeping inside their apartments/houses without locking the door), walking outside with their bags wide open; there is some phenomenon although not yet in realized by whole, of people feeling safe. If you see other fictions, or at least seinen mangas; you see scenes of gun-shooting in the current Japan but people only watch and smiled thinking that it is a filming going on; because they think it's impossible to think there's a gun-shooting happening in the middle of the road in Japan. So I don't feel all surprised seeing that scene in Psycho Pass, because there is the potential of this society going that way. That also explains why there is only 5 years since the application of Psycho-Pass/CC/Dominator/Sybil system, but everyone becomes so "used to" this peace state in the area... IMO though.
JOJO, amajing.
no subject
Date: 2013-02-04 07:56 pm (UTC)Thanks for the insight! I was thinking from an American perspective...that I felt it was too exaggerated. I know there are instances where violence are happening amongst a crowd, but usually one or two people step in to try and stop it. Here they weren't even blinking an eye, which was quite disturbing. But seeing it from a Japanese POV it might make more sense...
It is. :D