Review: Saikano (She, The Ultimate Weapon) #1

[hopeful_monster]

A compelling and often heart-wrenching tale that skilfully mixes the usual trials and tribulations of teenage life with its own unique twist, Saikano offers a strong opening instalment that is hard to fault. Admittedly it’s not entirely clear what direction the series will take from here, but if these first four episodes are anything to go by, it’s bound to be an interesting ride.

Click here to read the full review.

Was initially very wary of this series. It's a romance, which I normally avoid, and it has been described as 'Grave of the Fireflies', again something I tend to steer clear of as have been there done that. However still decided to watch it and am grateful that I did. The romance is believable; the characters give the impression of being realistically floundered by the events around them (both mundane and extra ordinary). My only quibbles were with the pace (I would have liked a little more of the normal life and romance before the midden hits the windmill), the Dub’s VA’s are fairly wooden (especially Shuji’s), and the chicken scratching under the eyes made it look like everyone was constantly embarrassed. Despite this I’d recommend this series to anyone (just have hankies read).

 

[McIcy]

Still not to sure of it, even with this review I don't wanna cry at another anime, especially as many animes have gotten to me like that before.

 

[hopeful_monster]

Though even this series got a hardened cynic like me blubbing at the end it wasn't a depressed crying. the eniter series as a whole was actually the most uplifting thing i've seen in a while if you keep going to the last DVD. As for the last DVD you can stop either at episode 11, where you'd get a more tradional open ending, or slug it through to the end.

Spoiler

There you'll get may be not the happiest of endings though it is a VERY good ending, which can be summed up by the last line 'We'll live and we'll love' who can ask for anything more?

Only thing is it will be a while before I think I could rewatch it.

 

[Miaka-chan]

5 episodes was all I could stomach, as the character design is as unappealing as those in Koi Kaze. One of the more important aspects of any romance anime for me is attractively drawn characters! The storyline I found quite unappealing too and I didn't feel a real romantic connection between the 2 main characters (I'll just be honest; the guy was fugly!).

Every time I've contemplated watching it again, I hestitate long enough that nearly 2 years have passed and it still goes untouched!!

 

[hopeful_monster]

Since i was watching the sub spent most of the time looking at the bottom of the screen, so faces wheren't as noticable.

 

[Sy]

I'll just be honest; the guy was fugly!

I think you've just got something against guys with glasses.

I keep meaning to try out this series but it keeps getting thrown back in light of other series. I might have actually seen the first episode a while ago but If I did I can't remember it. If Manga decide to release a boxset like Heat Guy J then i'll probably pick it up.

 

[Ark]

I watched the first 2 r1 dvds and came to the conclusion that it wasn't going to get significantly better.

Also I agree about the character designs. Chise looks like something out of South Park.

 

[hopeful_monster]

I watched the first 2 r1 dvds and came to the conclusion that it wasn't going to get significantly better.

If you're talking about animation quaility... no, plot however goes into overdrive. Not sure how R1 DVD's break it up, but really intresting stuff really doesn't get going till about episode 11.

 

[Miaka-chan]

I'll just be honest; the guy was fugly!

I think you've just got something against guys with glasses.

Nope! just fugly guys :wink:
Part of the appeal of a romance anime is convincing lead characters and neither of them convinced me they were passionate about each other. Not only that, but watching an anime where everyone looks like they're blushing 24/7 is very offputting.
Maybe it's more of a "guy" anime; but I really couldn't get into it.

 

[subedii]

Watched the first volume and decided I didn't really like it. Weepy girl who's turning back an invading force by herself and she can't make a single decision for herself or think for herself, she always has to be protected by others because of how emotionally 'vulnerable' she was. I just couldn't bring myself to care about the leads or the supposed emotional turmoil they were in when it all seemed so forced.

 

[Ark]

I watched the first 2 r1 dvds and came to the conclusion that it wasn't going to get significantly better.

If you're talking about animation quaility... no, plot however goes into overdrive. Not sure how R1 DVD's break it up, but really intresting stuff really doesn't get going till about episode 11.

Well that wasn't my only objection to it.Also I don't really think a series which is just 13 eps should start getting good only at eleven.

 

[hopeful_monster]

I don't really think a series which is just 13 eps should start getting good only at eleven.

Personal preference i guess, personally i can't stand show that are good except for the last few episodes.
Thing is the plot pretty much follows the standard romance formula, Vol 1- meeting and falling in love. Vol 2- adversity and seperation, Vol3- reunion and closure. All the threads from the 1st 2 dvd come together around episode 9 (not 11 my bad).