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Summer Anime 2017 |OT| More streaming services than shows to watch

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Cornbread78

Member
Baccano ep.3-4
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This show is all sorts of messed up. I wish they stopped jumping between a dozen or so different groups, but I'm following along and soaking in all this glorious eccentric and general crazy behavior...
 

Erheller

Member
Ancient Magus' Bride 1-3

Wow, that was good. WIT did a great job translating the manga into an animated series. It's beautiful, the music is outstanding, and for such a serious show, the comedic timing was on point.
 
Ancient Magus' Bride 1-3

Wow, that was good. WIT did a great job translating the manga into an animated series. It's beautiful, the music is outstanding, and for such a serious show, the comedic timing was on point.

Yeah people on my end were laughing during the comedic moments.

It was a great way to experience it tbh.
 
Children of Ether

I wasn't sure exactly what was going to be shown of this at Crunchyroll's Anime Movie Night tonight - it ended up being a bit of behind-the-scenes interviews with the people involved such as LeSean Thomas and Mitsuo Iso and then a short pilot film. The film started with a fairly well-choreographed action scene on a train, which I assume was what Iso animated, and then sketched out some vague plot elements - a woman on a journey with unexplained supernatural powers that activate when she's afraid, a ruined and decaying New York City, hints at varying tribal factions that vie for power. Production-wise I was most impressed with the backgrounds, which were elaborately detailed and vividly brought to life the decrepit urban setting. Story-wise there's not much to go on, but there's at least some potential in the setting here. It ended with a "To be continued...", but I have no idea what the future plans are for this.

The Ancient Magus Bride 1-3

I had actually bought the first volume of this manga a while ago, but never got around to reading it until tonight after I saw the first 3 episodes that Crunchyroll screened. I have to say reading it made me even more impressed with the anime than I initially was. It's a very smart adaptation - each of the first 3 episodes adapts a single manga chapter, but with plenty of small rearrangements and additions which enhance the storytelling. It's faithful to the manga, but not so faithful that it doesn't seek out ways to improve upon how the manga tells the story as well as taking advantage of the animated medium. I know I saw dismay from a couple people when the staff for this was announced, given Wit Studio's sketchy track record with production collapses and director Norihiro Naganuma's limited track record (mostly as assistant to Hiro Kaburagi, which is how he ended up at Wit when Kaburagi came there to direct Hozuki no Reitetsu), but at least in these first three episodes Wit has done a solid job. The production doesn't transcend TV anime the way KyoAni has done - the character animation doesn't have that refined sensitivity and the photography is not as deep - but it's highly polished and Naganuma does a good job as director. These three episodes were better directed than the prequel OADs, which were adequate but didn't sparkle in the same way.

The fantasy elements are well depicted. When Elias first teleports Chise to his rural house, it comes as a revelation - the natural setting is breathtakingly beautiful. The small creatures - the fairies and other strange beasts - who crawl around the margins of the setting and sometimes into the center are well designed and go a long way towards creating a sense of magic. Speaking of magic, the actual spells cast are a prime example of a good adaptation, taking the brief shots of them in the manga and fleshing them out into animation in a believable way, with solid effects animation. Sporadic flashbacks to Chise's past are scattered throughout in a particularly effective way, and also a bit of an improvement over how her past is shown in the early chapters of the manga. I think the script had a pretty good sense of when to cut out some unnecessary explanations and when to elaborate on other points.

The music was perhaps my favorite aspect of the production though, together with the sound direction. It takes ethnic inspiration from the English and other European locales, together with a gentle instrumental touch which goes a long way towards creating atmosphere. At the same time, the show makes good use of silence to punctuate moments, such as the very opening when Chise is being sold.

Norihiro Naganuma seems pretty personally invested in the production - he storyboarded all three episodes as well as doing key animation in all of them. I doubt he can keep that up for the full 24-episode run - that would be an impressive feat - but he's established a good standard that hopefully the rest of the show can match.
 

moogs

Neo Member
Guilty Crown 1-2

Many popular voices are among the cast. And it seems this story is taking the nefarious tower pattern. What an outfit Inori wears... and she's already subjected to physical violence along with bandages, blindfolds, and cuffs. Additionally, the female pilot, Ayase, sustains damage in an erotic fashion... thanks, PIG. Also, what's the need for idol choreography by the communications operator, Tsugumi, in order to interact with her interface?

Some edgy guy beats up homeless people to nu metal with the support of standby riflemen because Darwin's law. afterwards, Shu's suicidal charge is rewarded with an ultimate ability because autonomy is empowering or something. Then in the interest of school life, the blatant exposure of this terrorist group will be presumably swept under the rug.

The soundtrack is action tailored with a grandeur quality, but feels overtly erratic or excessively suspenseful at times. Without the stakes or rules established, the tension doesn't sink in. Grasping the scope of this setting is proving difficult.
 

rpmurphy

Member
I got invited to watch the Ancient Magus viewing this evening, but never read the manga or knew anything about it beforehand. The plot premise somewhat reminded me of Kotoura-san's, the art was pretty and the fantasy designs were cool. But good lord, the pacing felt so slow. Everything -- story, character development, the recurring flashbacks to shortly prior to where the first episode began that they kept trickling little by little in every episode -- was moving like molasses. Maybe I'd appreciate it more had I read the manga? I dunno.

Besides that, I can't get over one aspect that left a bitter taste in my mouth: the plot point of Chise being a [child] slave bride to Elias treated nonchalantly or just as comedy. Chise has contemplative internal monologues about almost every little thing she experiences in her new life with Elias, except that. She had developed complex emotions around home and the feeling of belonging due to her rough childhood, and she struggles to define them in her new life. However, it seems as if the reality of being a slave bride (to which Chise and everyone around her is fully aware) doesn't seem to seriously complicate any of the character relationships, and barely blips on Chise's radar. Someone tell me I'm just being quick to judge and that it does get addressed later.
 

Erheller

Member
I got invited to watch the Ancient Magus viewing this evening, but never read the manga or knew anything about it beforehand. The plot premise somewhat reminded me of Kotoura-san's, the art was pretty and the fantasy designs were cool. But good lord, the pacing felt so slow. Everything -- story, character development, the recurring flashbacks to shortly prior to where the first episode began that they kept trickling little by little in every episode -- was moving like molasses. Maybe I'd appreciate it more had I read the manga? I dunno.

Besides that, I can't get over one aspect that left a bitter taste in my mouth: the plot point of Chise being a [child] slave bride to Elias treated nonchalantly or just as comedy. Chise has contemplative internal monologues about almost every little thing she experiences in her new life with Elias, except that. She had developed complex emotions around home and the feeling of belonging due to her rough childhood, and she struggles to define them in her new life. However, it seems as if the reality of being a slave bride (to which Chise and everyone around her is fully aware) doesn't seem to seriously complicate any of the character relationships, and barely blips on Chise's radar. Someone tell me I'm just being quick to judge and that it does get addressed later.

It definitely does. It's one of the parts of the manga that made me love it.

I was concerned about the unhealthy relationship when I started the manga, too, but people start calling them out by volume 2 and it's heavily redefined in volume 3. The bride jokes pretty much stop in volume 2, as well. (For reference, three episodes brings us most of the way through volume 1)
 
I got invited to watch the Ancient Magus viewing this evening, but never read the manga or knew anything about it beforehand. The plot premise somewhat reminded me of Kotoura-san's, the art was pretty and the fantasy designs were cool. But good lord, the pacing felt so slow. Everything -- story, character development, the recurring flashbacks to shortly prior to where the first episode began that they kept trickling little by little in every episode -- was moving like molasses. Maybe I'd appreciate it more had I read the manga? I dunno.

Besides that, I can't get over one aspect that left a bitter taste in my mouth: the plot point of Chise being a [child] slave bride to Elias treated nonchalantly or just as comedy. Chise has contemplative internal monologues about almost every little thing she experiences in her new life with Elias, except that. She had developed complex emotions around home and the feeling of belonging due to her rough childhood, and she struggles to define them in her new life. However, it seems as if the reality of being a slave bride (to which Chise and everyone around her is fully aware) doesn't seem to seriously complicate any of the character relationships, and barely blips on Chise's radar. Someone tell me I'm just being quick to judge and that it does get addressed later.


The series by nature is slow because it takes the time to develop characters and build up this wonderful world. The worldbuilding is really fantastic in this series and I highly appreciate it. Just don't expect it to be fast paced because that's not what the series is. Its a slice of life fantasy story with magical elements that contain some dark stuff in a good way.

Also there's not much romance in this series tbh. Elias and Chise's relationship is much more deeper than what is initially shown. Also the thing with Elias is that he isn't in contact with humans much which is why his behavior is weird while being innocent. He even said to Chise she could do whatever she wants and he isn't holding her by her will.

Its concern is understandable since series that have the plotline of someone owning someone else can lead to shitty writing. However, I can guarantee you it does not tread that path and author really knows what she's doing. There is a reason why this manga has won many awards. Its not some shitty shoujo plus its a Shonen quite frankly, well published in one.

Honestly though its really hard describing this series because it pulls so many emotions due to how brilliantly drawn it is. The atmosphere is one of a kind.
 
Youkoso Edgy School 3

This show is strangely entertaining with how edgy it is. It feels like the writer/author really thinks he is like breaking down walls with the way the school works thinking that it sticks out from the other hundreds of thousands 'school for super special students' Anime. It hasn't done anything particularly offensive yet, but with the main character being as kuudere and cunning as he is it almost feels like he saw Fate Zero and thought he could do that cool cigarette ad in an Anime school setting. And we all know exactly how it'll end up.

It's a school with psycho girls who will end up splooging over this secret spy analogy motherfucker lead who likes to keep 'to the shadows' and not stick out so he can do what he needs, oh and did I mention he's also decent at close quarter combat?

God and the latest episode shows that the sweet girl who is friends with everybody
is a fucking psycho as well with a pretend personality who when found out threatens the lead of accusing him with raping her, and when he cooly says he has no interest of telling anybody because not caring about anything is cool and shit, she immediately returns to the sweet girl charade

I am not worthy. I am not worthy.

Magical Circle Guru Guru 3

I love this show so very very much. Depending on where it ends I might jump into the old series but everything has been working for me. It isn't particularly funny, but it's never grating it always floats above amusing. Mix that with an old school jrpg premise and call outs and how it's super cute in both Visuals and voice acting and it makes for a very enjoyable 20 minute episode.
Mahoujin Guru Guru 03

Genuinely good and actually funny in multiple spots. And it seems there's an actual story here to boot. Really enjoying the art direction too. AOTS.

OP is dope.

Once in a while, phaze and woof are totally in sync.
 

rpmurphy

Member
It definitely does. It's one of the parts of the manga that made me love it.

I was concerned about the unhealthy relationship when I started the manga, too, but people start calling them out by volume 2 and it's heavily redefined in volume 3. The bride jokes pretty much stop in volume 2, as well. (For reference, three episodes brings us most of the way through volume 1)

The series by nature is slow because it takes the time to develop characters and build up this wonderful world. The worldbuilding is really fantastic in this series and I highly appreciate it. Just don't expect it to be fast paced because that's not what the series is. Its a slice of life fantasy story with magical elements that contain some dark stuff in a good way.

Also there's not much romance in this series tbh. Elias and Chise's relationship is much more deeper than what is initially shown. Also the thing with Elias is that he isn't in contact with humans much which is why his behavior is weird while being innocent. He even said to Chise she could do whatever she wants and he isn't holding her by her will.

Its concern is understandable since series that have the plotline of someone owning someone else can lead to shitty writing. However, I can guarantee you it does not tread that path and author really knows what she's doing. There is a reason why this manga has won many awards. Its not some shitty shoujo plus its a Shonen quite frankly, well published in one.

Honestly though its really hard describing this series because it pulls so many emotions due to how brilliantly drawn it is. The atmosphere is one of a kind.
That's good to hear. I'll definitely pick the rest up when it shows up in October then. Thanks!
 

KraytarJ

Member
Sakura Quest 17
Uh oh… the seniors comprised of NEETs and trolls and seceding from the Kingdom of Chupakabura.
That is the actual plot line.

Restaurant Isekai 4
I'm not sure I need to see anymore of this. It's really not leading anywhere or being any good at what it's been doing already, and Food Wars is next season anyways.
 

Haly

One day I realized that sadness is just another word for not enough coffee.
Night in the Woods

Everyone should play this. If it goes on sale or something you should pick it up. It's like if Inio Asano wrote a manga with Zootopia characters.
 

Theonik

Member
Black Lagoon maybe. Gunslinger Girl. Erm it depends on what you want. The scene towards the end of the original GiTS.
 

blurr

Member
Baccano ep.3-4

This show is all sorts of messed up. I wish they stopped jumping between a dozen or so different groups, but I'm following along and soaking in all this glorious eccentric and general crazy behavior...

These images are better than what you usually share.

Did you have a change of heart?
 

Haly

One day I realized that sadness is just another word for not enough coffee.
Is gunkata the best anime trope invented by white people?
 

Dali

Member
Baccano ep.3-4

This show is all sorts of messed up. I wish they stopped jumping between a dozen or so different groups, but I'm following along and soaking in all this glorious eccentric and general crazy behavior...
Years ago everyone recommended it and I tried watching a couple of times before I finally made it through the beginning and was able to finish it. Turns out it's a really great anime. One of my all time favorites. The writer obviously just likes dealing with big groups of people with vague connections at first but over time their close association becomes clear (see durarara).
 

trejo

Member
Guilty Crown 1-2

Many popular voices are among the cast. And it seems this story is taking the nefarious tower pattern. What an outfit Inori wears... and she's already subjected to physical violence along with bandages, blindfolds, and cuffs. Additionally, the female pilot, Ayase, sustains damage in an erotic fashion... thanks, PIG. Also, what's the need for idol choreography by the communications operator, Tsugumi, in order to interact with her interface?

Some edgy guy beats up homeless people to nu metal with the support of standby riflemen because Darwin's law. afterwards, Shu's suicidal charge is rewarded with an ultimate ability because autonomy is empowering or something. Then in the interest of school life, the blatant exposure of this terrorist group will be presumably swept under the rug.

The soundtrack is action tailored with a grandeur quality, but feels overtly erratic or excessively suspenseful at times. Without the stakes or rules established, the tension doesn't sink in. Grasping the scope of this setting is proving difficult.

First E7 AO and now this. Did you lose a bet or something?
 

Cornbread78

Member
First E7 AO and now this. Did you lose a bet or something?

This reeks of DTL....

Years ago everyone recommended it and I tried watching a couple of times before I finally made it through the beginning and was able to finish it. Turns out it's a really great anime. One of my all time favorites. The writer obviously just likes dealing with big groups of people with vague connections at first but over time their close association becomes clear (see durarara).

They are already starting to tie things together with the central plot happening on the train and everything else is the lead up to that part from the multiple groups involved. I'm rooting for the fun-loving eccentric couple to come out alive and "win" their mission, lol.



FUCKING FINALLY.

LOL. I said I'd get to it eventually. It's an odd mix watching Blue Gender alongside this one as they are both death-fests, lol
 
This reeks of DTL....



They are already starting to tie things together with the central plot happening on the train and everything else is the lead up to that part from the multiple groups involved. I'm rooting for the fun-loving eccentric couple to come out alive and "win" their mission, lol.





LOL. I said I'd get to it eventually. It's an odd mix watching Blue Gender alongside this one as they are both death-fests, lol

You should definitely watch something lighthearted lol.

Too bad I can't recommend Barakamon since you have already seen it.
 

Cornbread78

Member
You should definitely watch something lighthearted lol.

Too bad I can't recommend Barakamon since you have already seen it.

School Rumble is helping with that!

I just need to choose 1 more fun show to watch. Maybe I'll continue with Samurai OH!, but that one is just terrible... Ai Yori Aoshi has been a nice break as well, but it's very passive aggressive in it's tone; same with Seven Deadly Sins. I'll just have to finish those up fist then jump on to anther SoL. Genshiken is alright, but....
 
I think I should have not seen the first 3 episodes of Ancient Magus Bride lol. I want to watch more knowing that I have to wait until October to even see the first episode....

I guess I need to watch more Konosuba to take my mind off it.
 
Guilty Crown 1-2

Many popular voices are among the cast. And it seems this story is taking the nefarious tower pattern. What an outfit Inori wears... and she's already subjected to physical violence along with bandages, blindfolds, and cuffs. Additionally, the female pilot, Ayase, sustains damage in an erotic fashion... thanks, PIG. Also, what's the need for idol choreography by the communications operator, Tsugumi, in order to interact with her interface?

Some edgy guy beats up homeless people to nu metal with the support of standby riflemen because Darwin's law. afterwards, Shu's suicidal charge is rewarded with an ultimate ability because autonomy is empowering or something. Then in the interest of school life, the blatant exposure of this terrorist group will be presumably swept under the rug.

The soundtrack is action tailored with a grandeur quality, but feels overtly erratic or excessively suspenseful at times. Without the stakes or rules established, the tension doesn't sink in. Grasping the scope of this setting is proving difficult.


The OST is still Sawano's best (also all the additional songs), EGOIST was also the best then too, 2nd op is still one of the best visually and also music.

Hope you enjoy the whole anime Ouma Shu is so awesome.
 
I just need to choose 1 more fun show to watch. Maybe I'll continue with Samurai OH!, but that one is just terrible... Ai Yori Aoshi has been a nice break as well, but it's very passive aggressive in it's tone; same with Seven Deadly Sins. I'll just have to finish those up fist then jump on to anther SoL. Genshiken is alright, but....

Watch Hidamari Sketch and K-On!
 

Cornbread78

Member
What's wrong with Genshiken, Kiritobread? Afraid to see yourself in one of these characters?

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The show is fine enough for the character interactions, but the characters themselves aren't very good and the show is just not very engaging or overly interesting...
 

Kyuur

Member
Konosuba 4-6

This show is good when they do actual jokes (castle explosions -> dullahan, Aqua in the lake) but sadly that's only like 10% of the show. The other 90% is fan service, uninspired isekai garbage and "my character has one exact defining quality" standard anime 'humour'.

Will continue to watch when I have absolutely nothing to do and someone on GAF mentions it again.
 
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