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Voddas
Symphogear
Haibane Renmei (Complete) Watched the whole series over last two days.
It's a tough series to peg down, even after seven episodes. That's hardly surprising, since it's from the mind of Yoshitoshi Abe, best known for the Lain series. There's a whimsical, down-to-earth feeling to the show which I liked and the characters are simple and realistic.
Reminded me very much of an extended Ghibli movie set in episode format. Started quite nicely, cute and light heartedly but as the series developes, gets much darker and sinister. I for one enjoyed the series. I found it easy and enjoyable to watch. I gave it a 7/10 however anyone who was a big ghibli-esque fan would probably rate it higher.
It's a tough series to peg down, even after seven episodes. That's hardly surprising, since it's from the mind of Yoshitoshi Abe, best known for the Lain series. There's a whimsical, down-to-earth feeling to the show which I liked and the characters are simple and realistic.
Reminded me very much of an extended Ghibli movie set in episode format. Started quite nicely, cute and light heartedly but as the series developes, gets much darker and sinister. I for one enjoyed the series. I found it easy and enjoyable to watch. I gave it a 7/10 however anyone who was a big ghibli-esque fan would probably rate it higher.
Rena Ryuugu
Oyashiro-Sama
Mao-Chan episodes 15-20
Episode 20 has to be my episode out of the ones I have seen so far
only because of it's reference to Love Hina since it has a cameo of Naru and had the same voice actor for her in the English dub
Episode 20 has to be my episode out of the ones I have seen so far
only because of it's reference to Love Hina since it has a cameo of Naru and had the same voice actor for her in the English dub
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School Rumble 2nd semester part 1. More of the same quality show. Although I did not find myself laughing so much in the later episodes.
Dokuro-Chan. Okay, there is something there but I am not quite sure, violence was a bit random at time, and the running joke got a bit tiring when used every couple of minutes as in some episodes.
Tsubasa Volume 8. Story is still moving along at a nice pace, however it would be nice to get a feather more often than about every 3-4 episodes.
Kanon Volume 6. I enjoyed the show and think I got most of what was going on, but this show is pretty high on my rewatch when I have nothing new list.
Dokuro-Chan. Okay, there is something there but I am not quite sure, violence was a bit random at time, and the running joke got a bit tiring when used every couple of minutes as in some episodes.
Tsubasa Volume 8. Story is still moving along at a nice pace, however it would be nice to get a feather more often than about every 3-4 episodes.
Kanon Volume 6. I enjoyed the show and think I got most of what was going on, but this show is pretty high on my rewatch when I have nothing new list.
Rena Ryuugu
Oyashiro-Sama
Mao-Chan episodes 21-26
I have to say I really enjoyed this series
I have to say I really enjoyed this series
ayase
State Alchemist
Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni 1-15: Amazingly Creepy. I'd love to show the first ep. to someone without the start and watch their expression slowly change. :lol:
Second Barrage 1-4: Excellent. Enjoying it (if that's the right word) more than the first series already. A fairly major chill went up my spine when I realised that the twins were the product of the Romanian abortion ban that I used in a recent debate as an example of the terrible things that can happen when you criminalise abortion.
Urusei Yatsura OVA Collection: The only UY stuff I'd never got round to watching - I laughed like a drain. I love Urusei Yatsura. My crush on Ryuu-chan is back with a vengeance... (which should probably disturb me more than it does) but it's good to know I'm not alone.
Second Barrage 1-4: Excellent. Enjoying it (if that's the right word) more than the first series already. A fairly major chill went up my spine when I realised that the twins were the product of the Romanian abortion ban that I used in a recent debate as an example of the terrible things that can happen when you criminalise abortion.
Urusei Yatsura OVA Collection: The only UY stuff I'd never got round to watching - I laughed like a drain. I love Urusei Yatsura. My crush on Ryuu-chan is back with a vengeance... (which should probably disturb me more than it does) but it's good to know I'm not alone.
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BECK 11-22 - This is really awesome (I'll maybe do a short review after I, but my head is hurting from so much anime today lol >_<.
First half of 5cm Per Second - Really good, it was very emotional and I was very impressed. I'll watch the second half tomorrow, probably. I watched it in hd, so it was immensely awesome ;o
First half of 5cm Per Second - Really good, it was very emotional and I was very impressed. I'll watch the second half tomorrow, probably. I watched it in hd, so it was immensely awesome ;o
Aion
Time-Traveller
Xam'd: Lost Memories - 1-4
Maltos mentioned it a few weeks back. I had a look to see what the series is about, saw it had a high rating on MAL and decided to watch it at some point. I finally got around to doing so today.
So far, I've liked what I've seen. The first episode introduced some of the cast during a slice of life episode, the second switched to supernatural action and the two that followed focused on the main character settling into his new home - a postal service ship. The series has been well-paced and looks lovely. It's going to be great if it keeps up the same level of quality.
On a negative note, what's frustrated me about Xam'd so far is the lack of explanations about the world. There have been references made which the main character understands (Rukinism, which I can't remember how to spell), yet they've gone over my head since I'm not living in the world of the anime. All that's (very briefly) been said so far is that the north and south of a country are at war, with a 'free zone' who don't want to be involved located in the middle. I'm not sure who is supposed to be chasing the main character, why the 'free zone' has a seemingly huge army that's going to wage war against whoever is invading and I'm completely confused about why a postal service has rockets, supernatural specialists and a hottie in charge. Just about every anime frustrates me with the lack of plot explanation thing...
There's also one other minor thing that's bugged me: the main character. He's plain, he asks too few questions and goes along with the situation he's found himself in far too easily for my liking. I hope he develops into a likeable character later on.
I'll watch more episodes either later on or tomorrow. I can't watch any more episodes right now due to my VM connection being capped to 2.5 MB (from 10MB). I can only really download after 9 PM if I want to avoid losing speed for 5 hours...
Maltos mentioned it a few weeks back. I had a look to see what the series is about, saw it had a high rating on MAL and decided to watch it at some point. I finally got around to doing so today.
So far, I've liked what I've seen. The first episode introduced some of the cast during a slice of life episode, the second switched to supernatural action and the two that followed focused on the main character settling into his new home - a postal service ship. The series has been well-paced and looks lovely. It's going to be great if it keeps up the same level of quality.
On a negative note, what's frustrated me about Xam'd so far is the lack of explanations about the world. There have been references made which the main character understands (Rukinism, which I can't remember how to spell), yet they've gone over my head since I'm not living in the world of the anime. All that's (very briefly) been said so far is that the north and south of a country are at war, with a 'free zone' who don't want to be involved located in the middle. I'm not sure who is supposed to be chasing the main character, why the 'free zone' has a seemingly huge army that's going to wage war against whoever is invading and I'm completely confused about why a postal service has rockets, supernatural specialists and a hottie in charge. Just about every anime frustrates me with the lack of plot explanation thing...
There's also one other minor thing that's bugged me: the main character. He's plain, he asks too few questions and goes along with the situation he's found himself in far too easily for my liking. I hope he develops into a likeable character later on.
I'll watch more episodes either later on or tomorrow. I can't watch any more episodes right now due to my VM connection being capped to 2.5 MB (from 10MB). I can only really download after 9 PM if I want to avoid losing speed for 5 hours...
BONES ALWAYS does this, get used to it. They did it with Eureka Seven, Darker than Black, RahXephon, etc.Aion said:
Akiyuki is a little plain, but it was for the best, not every main character can attempt to come across as unique and end up un-original.
Also, I don't even know if it's still being released on PSN. lol.
Kurozuka episodes 2 and 3 - So it seems that Madhouse isn't 100% faithful with this one, but it's good enough, story hasn't changed, but a few scenes are missing, etc. First 2 episodes were decent but a little boring, but it's just the foundation of the story so episode 3 was much better, loved that one moment when Kuro just RAGED and wtfpwned all those soldiers when that BGM came on. Though I RAGE myself whenever Kuro goes hysterical or starts shouting, sounds EXACTLY the same as Light Yagami, god damn Mamoru Miyano.
Michiko to Hatchin episode 1 - 20 seconds in when that music kicks in and Michiko is on the run, **** was SO cash. Hana got beaten so badly, so I'm glad she did what she did to those two little brats. Opening is so amazing too... I-I-I... I think this may be my season favourite beating even Casshern!
Casshern SINS episode 4 - I think this was set possibly... before the first episode? Since Friender isn't with Casshern, anyway, some female android fights Casshern, loves to fight, only her emotions can be put into fighting, etc. My least favourite episode so far, but at least Sophita survived to live another day.
Shikabani Hime episode 3 - Nothing really amazing, typical monster of the week stuff with things that aren't really being explained too well, decent watch though, I think I'm only watching it because of the name "GAINAX" attached to it. Entertaining at best. But the main character is -seriously- Tsuna from Reborn.
Michiko to Hatchin episode 1 - 20 seconds in when that music kicks in and Michiko is on the run, **** was SO cash. Hana got beaten so badly, so I'm glad she did what she did to those two little brats. Opening is so amazing too... I-I-I... I think this may be my season favourite beating even Casshern!
Casshern SINS episode 4 - I think this was set possibly... before the first episode? Since Friender isn't with Casshern, anyway, some female android fights Casshern, loves to fight, only her emotions can be put into fighting, etc. My least favourite episode so far, but at least Sophita survived to live another day.
Shikabani Hime episode 3 - Nothing really amazing, typical monster of the week stuff with things that aren't really being explained too well, decent watch though, I think I'm only watching it because of the name "GAINAX" attached to it. Entertaining at best. But the main character is -seriously- Tsuna from Reborn.
kurosaki86
Kiznaiver
Watched the first three episodes of xxxholic this morning.
Was a bit worried, but really like what i've seen so far. Funny, not over the top and a bit creepy. Nice.
Was a bit worried, but really like what i've seen so far. Funny, not over the top and a bit creepy. Nice.
Aion
Time-Traveller
Xam'd: 5-8
Still an 8/10 series in my mind. Little to no plot explanations (still), very little information provided about the setting (still) and the series lacks direction at this point. It's hard to see how the series is going to finish up right now when there isn't a set path the main character is walking on that will lead him to the end - he's simply travelling around on a Royal Mail airship, with scenes involving other secondary characters getting thrown in here and there. I'm going to bet this wasn't based on a manga; it's all a bit too messy and uncoordinated for that to be the case.
The one plot/character point that's keeping me interested is the only comprehensible one; the love triangle between the main trio. Furuichi is getting increasingly envious of Akiyuki as he's forced to watch Haru wait for Akiyuki's return, Haru not even noticing his own feelings for her. After the events of EP8, it's clear that the two males are going to end up fighting to the death, with Furuichi using the fact Akiyuki is Xam'd as the reason for him removing Akiyuki from the love triangle. I'm betting Furuichi will end up as a HFW so that he can fight Akiyuki without it being unfair.
Furuichi has a received a lot of fan hate. Personally, I don't hate him - it's easy to understand his feelings and how painful it is for his character to not have his feelings returned. And, like every other character that's cut from the envy mould, the intensity of his feelings make for dramatic encounters with the one who is causing the jealousy.
Anyway. Overall, although I'm enjoying it, I'm not finding it compelling to watch due to the story being so unclear. I'll probably watch the remaining 4 episodes (of S1) tomorrow.
Still an 8/10 series in my mind. Little to no plot explanations (still), very little information provided about the setting (still) and the series lacks direction at this point. It's hard to see how the series is going to finish up right now when there isn't a set path the main character is walking on that will lead him to the end - he's simply travelling around on a Royal Mail airship, with scenes involving other secondary characters getting thrown in here and there. I'm going to bet this wasn't based on a manga; it's all a bit too messy and uncoordinated for that to be the case.
The one plot/character point that's keeping me interested is the only comprehensible one; the love triangle between the main trio. Furuichi is getting increasingly envious of Akiyuki as he's forced to watch Haru wait for Akiyuki's return, Haru not even noticing his own feelings for her. After the events of EP8, it's clear that the two males are going to end up fighting to the death, with Furuichi using the fact Akiyuki is Xam'd as the reason for him removing Akiyuki from the love triangle. I'm betting Furuichi will end up as a HFW so that he can fight Akiyuki without it being unfair.
Furuichi has a received a lot of fan hate. Personally, I don't hate him - it's easy to understand his feelings and how painful it is for his character to not have his feelings returned. And, like every other character that's cut from the envy mould, the intensity of his feelings make for dramatic encounters with the one who is causing the jealousy.
Anyway. Overall, although I'm enjoying it, I'm not finding it compelling to watch due to the story being so unclear. I'll probably watch the remaining 4 episodes (of S1) tomorrow.
Aion
Time-Traveller
Edit: Kurozuka 3
Summary: The episode started rather randomly, with some sort of armed forces (known as the Red Imperial Army) slaughtering the innocent whilst vampire hunting.
The focus quickly switched to Kuro, who was walking around aimlessly, lost in the new world he found himself in. Kuro then had his sword stolen by a pickpocket. Luckily for Kuro, a random investigator helped get him his sword back, and the random investigator then took Kuro to a bar. Kuro was told a story at the bar about an asteroid and nuclear war, the investigator explaining how the world had gotten itself destroyed. Kuro had a sort of flashback/vision during the story; a flashback where Kuromitsu talked to him and was then shot off the edge of a cliff by the armed forces that were shown at the start of the episode.
The armed forces continued slaughtering random people whilst seemingly looking for Kuro. The armed forces soon moved onto the bar where Kuro was hiding behind a wall in. Just when the armed forces were about to leave, Kuro killed them after he saw that they had the same markings on their armour that Benkei had on his hand when he chopped Kuro's head off. Then, after Kuro had finished killing the armed forces, Benkei the 7th arrived, looking like Brandon Heat, and owned Kuro. The episode ended with Kuro sucking the blood of one of the armed forces members he'd killed in order to heal his wounds.
Thoughts: EP3 turned out to be the least interesting of the 3 episodes so far. Compared to the near incomprehensible second episode, the third was straight as an arrow. In all fairness, I would've complained if EP3 had turned out to be the second difficult to follow episode in a row, but it was a little disappointing after the first two episodes.
Episode 1: While easy enough to follow, it was a little confusing since very few details were given about the setting, why monsters were chasing Kuro and why Kuro was so important during that period (the 1200's?).
Episode 2: Events jumped around far too much - one minute the story was in the 1800's (I think?), then back to the 1200's and then the story fast forwarded to a post-apocalyptic future. Adding to the confusion was Benkei, who seemed to have somehow turned into a random samurai in the 1800's after he'd cut off the head of Kuro earlier.
Episode 3: No real twists or turns and the setting was explained, so it was easy to follow. The only noteworthy scene in the episode was the 'flashback' of Kuromitsu getting shot off a cliff.
I hope Kuromitsu returns soon. Kuro is a plain character; he has nothing special about him - Mamoru (sp?) is wasted on him. It was Kuromitsu who carried the main character in the first few episodes, the mystery surrounding her and her hotness making up for the failings of the lead. Sadly, however, I can't see her returning until later since it seems like the baddies captured her at some point...
Summary: The episode started rather randomly, with some sort of armed forces (known as the Red Imperial Army) slaughtering the innocent whilst vampire hunting.
The focus quickly switched to Kuro, who was walking around aimlessly, lost in the new world he found himself in. Kuro then had his sword stolen by a pickpocket. Luckily for Kuro, a random investigator helped get him his sword back, and the random investigator then took Kuro to a bar. Kuro was told a story at the bar about an asteroid and nuclear war, the investigator explaining how the world had gotten itself destroyed. Kuro had a sort of flashback/vision during the story; a flashback where Kuromitsu talked to him and was then shot off the edge of a cliff by the armed forces that were shown at the start of the episode.
The armed forces continued slaughtering random people whilst seemingly looking for Kuro. The armed forces soon moved onto the bar where Kuro was hiding behind a wall in. Just when the armed forces were about to leave, Kuro killed them after he saw that they had the same markings on their armour that Benkei had on his hand when he chopped Kuro's head off. Then, after Kuro had finished killing the armed forces, Benkei the 7th arrived, looking like Brandon Heat, and owned Kuro. The episode ended with Kuro sucking the blood of one of the armed forces members he'd killed in order to heal his wounds.
Thoughts: EP3 turned out to be the least interesting of the 3 episodes so far. Compared to the near incomprehensible second episode, the third was straight as an arrow. In all fairness, I would've complained if EP3 had turned out to be the second difficult to follow episode in a row, but it was a little disappointing after the first two episodes.
Episode 1: While easy enough to follow, it was a little confusing since very few details were given about the setting, why monsters were chasing Kuro and why Kuro was so important during that period (the 1200's?).
Episode 2: Events jumped around far too much - one minute the story was in the 1800's (I think?), then back to the 1200's and then the story fast forwarded to a post-apocalyptic future. Adding to the confusion was Benkei, who seemed to have somehow turned into a random samurai in the 1800's after he'd cut off the head of Kuro earlier.
Episode 3: No real twists or turns and the setting was explained, so it was easy to follow. The only noteworthy scene in the episode was the 'flashback' of Kuromitsu getting shot off a cliff.
I hope Kuromitsu returns soon. Kuro is a plain character; he has nothing special about him - Mamoru (sp?) is wasted on him. It was Kuromitsu who carried the main character in the first few episodes, the mystery surrounding her and her hotness making up for the failings of the lead. Sadly, however, I can't see her returning until later since it seems like the baddies captured her at some point...
kurosaki86
Kiznaiver
Finished Volume 1 of xxxholic.
All I can say is, this has probably taken top spot as my favourite anime series. If it holds it up for the second half of the series, then FMA and DeathNote will be pegged down to 2nd and 3rd =]
All I can say is, this has probably taken top spot as my favourite anime series. If it holds it up for the second half of the series, then FMA and DeathNote will be pegged down to 2nd and 3rd =]
Maltos
Stand User
Aion said:
I'm not too fond of him myself. He seems like a bit of an arse. Because, like you say, he's clearly jealous and using the fact Akiyuki is X'amd to attack him.
I think the other person whose going to come into the whole love storyline is Nakiami. I think she's going to develop feelings for Akiyuki at some point; going to conflict with Haru's feelings, and the regular love triangle's gonna play out between those 3 aswell.
But i agree with you on the lack of explanations bit. I'm still left wondering about this war and Ruikonism. I'm hoping for at least some details as the series pans out, even if it doesn't fully explain everything, a few hints now and then wouldn't go amiss.
Aion
Time-Traveller
I'm going to start disliking Furuichi if, as EP12 hints, he's going to return to being a good character that Bones expect us, the viewers, to respect. If he's going to be an overly jealous baddie who, due to being lead by his feelings, goes crazy then I'll remember his character as good one, but if his character is simply going to revert back to the good side after a simple conversation...
But, whatever happens, I'll prefer Furuichi to the main character...whose name I can never spell. The main character has no qualities that make him stand out; he simply goes with the flow and does nothing of interest.
Out of the three main characters, it's only Haru; the big boobed, fiery, kind, martial arts girl that I care about. She hasn't acted like a bitch (Furuichi) and she's done stuff that's made her stand out, such as forcing herself into the army to chase after the plain love of her life and then later putting her feelings for him aside in order to protect her little sister. Plus, she's hot.
And you'll still be left unclear as to what the hell is going on even after you watch the next 3 episodes. Like the previous 9, the only developments were on the character side, with no more plot or setting details getting revealed. I've given up on watching Xam'd for plot reasons; I (or rather, I will once it resumes) simply watch it because it looks great and is a blast.
But, whatever happens, I'll prefer Furuichi to the main character...whose name I can never spell. The main character has no qualities that make him stand out; he simply goes with the flow and does nothing of interest.
Out of the three main characters, it's only Haru; the big boobed, fiery, kind, martial arts girl that I care about. She hasn't acted like a bitch (Furuichi) and she's done stuff that's made her stand out, such as forcing herself into the army to chase after the plain love of her life and then later putting her feelings for him aside in order to protect her little sister. Plus, she's hot.
And you'll still be left unclear as to what the hell is going on even after you watch the next 3 episodes. Like the previous 9, the only developments were on the character side, with no more plot or setting details getting revealed. I've given up on watching Xam'd for plot reasons; I (or rather, I will once it resumes) simply watch it because it looks great and is a blast.