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[Chariot]

Most anime aren't terribly good either, but every once in a while you get a show that manages to hit its notes with just the right touch.

Of course and I get that Clannad is not one of them. But I think that it's fine with the show, since it doesn't strife to be entirely realistic (think at moments like Tomoyo kicking Sunohara a thousand time in the air or the magic stuff).

 

[PshycoNinja]

I agree with this completely. I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed Katawa Shoujo. The fact that the back story of its main protagonist was easy to get invested to (much more so than Clannad) really helped.

Tomoya from Clannad starts off as a grumpy, delinquent individual who's been a grumpy individual his entire life due to daddy issues. We see him act like that from square one and we're only told about his problems. And we just see him stick with it and reveal little bits about his back story as the show goes on.

But Katawa Shoujo's protagonist Hisao, starts off as your average individual about to confess his love for a girl before BOOM! Heart attack that causes him to stay stuck in the hospital for many months and then get transferred to a new school. And the viewer sees the whole thing going on the opening. Him collapsing in the snow, him being stuck in the hospital, his social life crumbling at the seams, him realizing this disease is gonna be stuck with him for the rest of his life.

It's slow paced, but it doesn't drag on. That's how good drama is done and is a much better way to set up a story.

As good as Katawa Shoujo gets, I wasn't nearly as invested in it as I was with Clannad. The comic relief character was funnier than Sunohara (although I like Sunohara too) but that's about it. Most of the girls themselves fall into cliche roles and are somewhat two dimensional. I do like how careful they approached the subject matter of the story. You emphasize with the MC of that story because you can hear his inner monologue.

This doesn't devalue Tomoya as a character. Actually there are a lot of people like Tomoya. Myself included. When people have big problems in their own lives they like to "fix" other people because it gives them hope that maybe they can be "unbroken" one day. When my parents got divorced and close cousin died on the same week that's what I did. I tried to help other people because I was vicariously living through them. At the end of the day, just like Tomoya, I had to face my own problems and stop doing it vicariously through other people. It's one of the reasons I connected with Tomoya. He was a lot like me. He's a MC with real personality. It's probably one of the reasons I like Clannad so much.

 

[phaze]

Speaking of Tokyo Ghoul, I didn't mind how they played up some if the stuff. What I did mind was the terrible writing. So this doctor does something highly illegal and there is no blowback on his part. I won't even get into how bullshit that organ transplant was. That scene was something straight out of Terminator Salvation. Then nobody really follows up on him. No, a physical check-up doesn't count. What the fuck. Not to mention they don't even bother to explain what they did, to the main character. Another what the fuck. Then when the main character

Spoiler

realizes he's a half Ghoul, he doesn't go to the police or hospital to have a very lengthy chat with them

. Is this commentary on Japan's health care system or something?

It's such unbelievably shitty writing.

It bothered me as well but it's apparently something that will explained later. http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=119522924&postcount=1038

 

[Jarmel]

I thought that doctor guy was pretty ominous.

Here's the thing though, doctors don't just have free reign. Look at Monster for starters. You couldn't just do a surgery like that and not have everyone all up in your ass. Also no way in hell would the patient not know what happened to them.

It bothered me as well but it's apparently something that will explained later. http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=119522924&postcount=1038

That still doesn't explain why the main character didn't go to the police or hospital and ask them what's going on.

 

[JoeFu]

Any show this season to give me a dose of stupidity? I need something like Samurai Flamenco or Brynhildr this season pls.

 

[Shergal]

Here's the thing though, doctors don't just have free reign. Look at Monster for starters. You couldn't just do a surgery like that and not have everyone all up in your ass. Also no way in hell would the patient not know what happened to them.

But this is anime we're talking about! I'm expecting them to try to explain it more, and make it worse even!

 

[Westlo]

Now I'm really, really curious to hear Kurumi's voice in the dub. Her JP voice is a wonder of the world, and combined with her lines and role she has a presence that no other character in the series can match. Assuming you mean this for the instrumental theme, I agree it's likely the best OST track, with Mission of AST and Rhapsody - Rage (Kurumi's theme) being runner ups. Excluding the vocal songs anyway.

I only watched a bit of the second season, how's the OST hold up in that? Sadly it got delayed a month in coming out

Speaking of Tokyo Ghoul, I didn't mind how they played up some if the stuff. What I did mind was the terrible writing. So this doctor does something highly illegal and there is no blowback on his part. I won't even get into how bullshit that organ transplant was. That scene was something straight out of Terminator Salvation. Then nobody really follows up on him. No, a physical check-up doesn't count. What the fuck. Not to mention they don't even bother to explain what they did, to the main character. Another what the fuck. Then when the main character

Spoiler

realizes he's a half Ghoul, he doesn't go to the police or hospital to have a very lengthy chat with them

. Is this commentary on Japan's health care system or something?

It's such unbelievably shitty writing.

The doctor guy clearly knew what he was doing... he smirked (which they even focused on) when the MC complained about his sense of taste. IT wasn't exactly being subtle, they'll probably explain why and who was behind it at a later point anyway.

Also why would he tell the police or hospital what he was... wouldn't that be dangerous to him....

 

[Narag]

Oops

 

[Jarmel]

The doctor guy clearly knew what he was doing... he smirked (which they even focused on) when the MC complained about his sense of taste. IT wasn't exactly being subtle, they'll probably explain why and who was behind it at a later point anyway.

What I'm saying is that it doesn't matter if the doctor is a loon. So many people would have to be involved for this to even begin to make a lick of sense. The doctor's supervisors would have to be involved and so would the police.

And that still wouldn't explain why the MC just holes up in his room.

 

[Westlo]

What I'm saying is that it doesn't matter if the doctor is a loon. So many people would have to be involved for this to even begin to make a lick of sense. The doctor's supervisors would have to be involved and so would the police.

And that still wouldn't explain why the MC just holes up in his room.

Would all those people being behind it really be a surprise? It's not like they were hunting her down in the first scene or that someone cut the wires. I'll be surprised if there wasn't people behind this...

And why would he go to the police? I'm not sure him rocking up and going "Hi, I think I'm a

Spoiler

ghoul, mind letting me Suarez your shoulder

would go down all that great with them. From what I've seen in the first episode I don't see why a bullet wouldn't kill one easily....

 

[Shergal]

What I'm saying is that it doesn't matter if the doctor is a loon. So many people would have to be involved for this to even begin to make a lick of sense. The doctor's supervisors would have to be involved and so would the police.

And that still wouldn't explain why the MC just holes up in his room.

Because he's a stupid frightened teenager with no worldly know-how at all, and they'd probably chop him straight up if he went to tell them he's now a man-eater zombie.

Mind you I agree with your first paragraph. But the MC's actions aren't really bad writing, it's just the ridiculous way in which the show plays out that makes it hilarious.

 

[phaze]

Here's the thing though, doctors don't just have free reign. Look at Monster for starters. You couldn't just do a surgery like that and not have everyone all up in your ass. Also no way in hell would the patient not know what happened to them.



That still doesn't explain why the main character didn't go to the police or hospital and ask them what's going on.

We haven't really seen how the authorities deal with the ghouls but somehow I doubt they're very kind to them. Regardless of the fact that his predicament was caused by hospital fuck up, his behaviour is rather logical. He wants to avoid getting branded/locked up for the rest of his life.

 

[Jarmel]

Because he's a stupid frightened teenager with no worldly know-how at all, and they'd probably chop him straight up if he went to tell them he's now a man-eater zombie.

Mind you I agree with your first paragraph. But the MC's actions aren't really bad writing, it's just the ridiculous way in which the show plays out that makes it hilarious.

Why would he go to the police? I'm not sure him rocking up and going "Hi, I think I'm a

Spoiler

ghoul, mind letting me Suarez your shoulder

would go down all that great with them. From what I've seen in the first episode I don't see why a bullet wouldn't kill one easily....

Going to the hospital and demand to know what's going on and if they can reverse it, makes a ton more sense than just doing nothing.

That's prime grounds for a lawsuit.

 

[MikeHattsu]

Future Diary 15

Good thing Akise was right about this then.

Poor Kosaka though, first the phone and then the house... Double diaries (or even quadruple), a couple fight and Yukki praised Yuno!

New OP and ED too.

 

[Shergal]

Going to the hospital and demand to know what's going on and if they can reverse it, makes a ton more sense than just doing nothing.

That's prime grounds for a lawsuit.

But in this world, the kind of creature that the MC became are considered "lower than livestock". It's a pretty anime thing, but he probably doesn't want to deal with the police. It probably didn't even cross his mind either, as I said he's not portrayed like a reasonable person who would adapt quickly and make reasonable choices.

 

[Westlo]

Going to the hospital and demand to know what's going on and if they can reverse it, makes a ton more sense than just doing nothing.

That's prime grounds for a lawsuit.

Why would he out himself as a ghoul to anyone? Seems like it's a shortcut to death, they eat humans, they aren't going to let him lawyer up, they'll kill him.

 

[cosmicblizzard]

That still doesn't explain why the main character didn't go to the police or hospital and ask them what's going on.

Ghouls are killed on sight when they're found. Revealing it to pretty much anyone in a public setting, even the person at fault, is a massive risk that would likely get the guy killed, especially when he doesn't yet know how to use his powers to defend himself.

 

[Link Man]

Any show this season to give me a dose of stupidity? I need something like Samurai Flamenco or Brynhildr this season pls.

Akame ga Kill looks like it could fit the bill.

 

[Kansoku]

Speaking of Tokyo Ghoul, I didn't mind how they played up some if the stuff. What I did mind was the terrible writing. So this doctor does something highly illegal and there is no blowback on his part. I won't even get into how bullshit that organ transplant was. That scene was something straight out of Terminator Salvation. Then nobody really follows up on him. No, a physical check-up doesn't count. What the fuck. Not to mention they don't even bother to explain what they did, to the main character. Another what the fuck. Then when the main character

Spoiler

realizes he's a half Ghoul, he doesn't go to the police or hospital to have a very lengthy chat with them

. Is this commentary on Japan's health care system or something?

It's such unbelievably shitty writing.

You know, 80% (or more) of "dramatic" situations could be easily resolved by talking and explaining things (especially on romance dramas). In that case the doctor explains what happened, that it was an emergency and that they'll need to keep watching him, and when they see what happened they work out and fix stuff, and that's it. The end.
It's a shitty excuse, but I got so used to it it doesn't bother me anymore. And they'll probably say that the doctor is an evil ghoul and did it on purpose, or something along these lines.

 

[Westlo]

And they'll probably say that the doctor is an evil ghoul and did it on purpose, or something along these lines.

It was definitely done on purpose, though whether it's because he's a ghoul, or some other reason I don't know.

They can't cut ghouls with knives, so clearly the operating crew knew what was going on.

 

[Jarmel]

Ghouls are killed on sight when they're found. Revealing it to pretty much anyone in a public setting, even the person at fault, is a massive risk that would likely get the guy killed, especially when he doesn't yet know how to use his powers to defend himself.

Why would he out himself as a ghoul to anyone? Seems like it's a shortcut to death, they eat humans, they aren't going to let him lawyer up, they'll kill him.

But in this world, the kind of creature that the MC became are considered "lower than livestock". It's a pretty anime thing, but he probably doesn't want to deal with the police. It probably didn't even cross his mind either, as I said he's not portrayed like a reasonable person who would adapt quickly and make reasonable choices.

Let's assume he doesn't want to go the police. There is zero reason why he doesn't confront the doctor. There is no reason on his part to assume that the process isn't reversible. The doctor in theory, would have just as much to lose if what happened went public.

 

[nintendoman58]

As good as Katawa Shoujo gets, I wasn't nearly as invested in it as I was with Clannad. The comic relief character was funnier than Sunohara (although I like Sunohara too) but that's about it. Most of the girls themselves fall into cliche roles and are somewhat two dimensional. I do like how careful they approached the subject matter of the story. You emphasize with the MC of that story because you can hear his inner monologue.

This doesn't devalue Tomoya as a character. Actually there are a lot of people like Tomoya. Myself included. When people have big problems in their own lives they like to "fix" other people because it gives them hope that maybe they can be "unbroken" one day. When my parents got divorced and close cousin died on the same week that's what I did. I tried to help other people because I was vicariously living through them. At the end of the day, just like Tomoya, I had to face my own problems and stop doing it vicariously through other people. It's one of the reasons I connected with Tomoya. He was a lot like me. He's a MC with real personality. It's probably one of the reasons I like Clannad so much.

Well, I was in Katawa Shoujo mostly for the drama than I was for the comic relief.

I wasn't saying I disliked Tomoya or that he was an especially bad character, I'm just saying Hisao's story is much easier to get into because of how sudden the whole thing is when it starts.

Whereas Clannad starts off with Tomoya's angsty dialogue and grim filters. In Katawa Shoujo the whole thing starts off morbidly quiet, as the viewer watches what goes on, then shocks the viewer into paying more attention by having something really serious happen that changes the Hisao's life.

I guess I could agree with you there that some of the girls in KS are somewhat 2D, but that's another subject. I was mainly speaking more in terms on how a show (or VN, in this case) does a good job on grabbing a viewer or reader into being invested from the start.

 

[Westlo]

Let's assume he doesn't want to go the police. There is zero reason why he doesn't confront the doctor. There is no reason on his part to assume that the process isn't reversible. The doctor in theory, would have just as much to lose if what happened went public.

lol @ no reason on his part, we don't know shit about ghouls.except for they eat humans and that they don't get cut by knives. Considering they have talk shows on tv discussing them I'm sure if it was reversible it would be something they know. I would assume by the lack of fucks given by the general public (which was weird) that a lot about ghouls is known.

 

[Jarmel]

lol @ no reason on his part, we don't know shit about ghouls.except for they eat humans and that they don't get cut by knives. Considering they have talk shows on tv discussing them I'm sure if it was reversible it would be something they know.

It's clear that the main character has zilch knowledge on his part. So based on his lack of knowledge, the logical step would be to indeed go and talk to the doctor about his condition and see what can be done. The show establishes that this takes place over a course of days so he does have time to think about how to resolve the situation.

 

[PshycoNinja]

Hyouka 17 - Resolution

I have to say this was a really good episode but it was also hard to keep up with everything in regards to a certain manga, it's artists and writers. I kept up with it for the most part. Once again Oreki amazes and comes up with a "theory" that is completely on the dot. I like how he used it to his advantage this time. I look forward to the next arc.

I also can't get enough of...

 

[Admiral Woofington]

The tv show had a news station that made it clear the general population knows about ghouls. If he went to a doctor and explained his situation he might stand a chance due to doctor/patient relationships. If not then fuck it leave the country and find Hannibal Lecter.

 

[Jex]

It has occurred to me that perhaps watching Fate/Zero subbed is detrimental to my viewing experience in itself. How you receive information is important.

I often feel that the best way to receive the information that the show is trying to convey is buy reading it as a book.

 

[Psycho_Mantis]

You're alright.

I just want to thank you for showing me that Susumu Hirasawa video.

The guy is a musical genius and has such an authentic style. It was immediately recognisable that he had his hands in Paranoia Agent.

 

[A Huge Battleship]

I only watched a bit of the second season, how's the OST hold up in that? Sadly it got delayed a month in coming out

Haven't watched it myself yet, since I'm waiting on the BR releases! It wouldn't surprise me if there was a fair bit of recycling from S1 though.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

So psyhco as far as you are in hyoka are you seeing the obvious sherlock Holmes references/archetypes?

 

[mankoto]

Hamatora 7

And the most suspicious link of all time goes to...

In all seriousness though, Moral's "toy maker" attitude is starting to bug me because he feels like a cheap clone of Makashima.

Spoiler

RIP Art.

 

[ThreePiMatt]

What sites stream Hyouka?

 

[Admiral Woofington]

What sites stream Hyouka?

Nobody has licensed it in the west. At least according to the joke.

 

[Jex]

Trigger as a studio is much more popular in the West than Japan seemingly.

Well that shouldn't be that surprising considering they make work with a Western appeal and they're overtly influenced by Western media, which is something you don't see that often from other studios.

 

[mankoto]

What sites stream Hyouka?

Legally? Nowhere.

 

[phoenix296]

I wake up and start to read what lovely anime you are all watching and see Mr.WoofWoof confess his love for Rider. I think I should have stayed in bed. Also glad you're liking F/Z Hugs. Rider, Caster and Kariya are all standouts in the English dub. Anyways, back to the death school.

Rainbow 09-12

So the ones who escape the disciplinary school (I thought it was a prison, it sure seems like one) are now trying to make a life for themselves while evading capture. They all do a pretty good job working things out with the help of the nurse from the school. I'm not sure what she is thinking as she could get into a lot of trouble for helping fugitives.

Ishihara and the doctor(Sasaki) from the school are working together to find the escapees and ensure Sakuragi does not leak their dealings of what happened at the school. Ishihara goes full crazy anime villain after he gets addicted to drugs. So far all of the characters were believable enough as people and I didn't see any of them as anime tropey but they took Ishihara a little too far.

Spoiler

Ishihara confronts Sakuragi and in the exchange and aftermath, Sakuragi (the invincible man) finally dies.

The events leading up to this seemed a bit out of character for Sakuragi. Perhaps the injuries he sustained didn't allow him to think clearly.

There is now a time skip where Sasaki is running for mayor and Ishihara has gone into hiding. The six other prisoners are looking for revenge for what happened a few years back. I really want to see where they take this series after their plan's success or failure.

 

[Jex]

Aldnoah Zero: Pretty bad. Exposition dump and nonsensical background. At least it's pretty to look at, thanks to Shimura's god-tier design work.

Sailor Moon Crystal: Better than I expected. Except for the CG and Luna coming straight out of Precure.

Sword Art Online II: God help me I'm actually looking forward to episode 2.

Look what your time away has done to you.

 

[Kansoku]

It's clear that the main character has zilch knowledge on his part. So based on his lack of knowledge, the logical step would be to indeed go and talk to the doctor about his condition and see what can be done. The show establishes that this takes place over a course of days so he does have time to think about how to resolve the situation.

Maybe after he learn more about ghouls and how fucked up he is now, he'll go confront the doctor

Spoiler

and have a cool fight

.

 

[ThreePiMatt]

Bleh, I don't understand anime licensing. Seems like a mess.

 

[Jex]

cajun: squee
firehawk: troll

Wow, what is going on!

 

[MikeHattsu]

Future Diary 16

Hm... I'm guessing father.

The father must surely be hiding something else or be further involved than it seems. I'd be disappointed if not.

 

[Jex]

Since there's going to be confusion of misinformation here is the correct list:

:chet = life, particularly large ones. The more :chet the better.
:thonik = hometown
:dtl = yaoi
:sdburton: yuri
:cajun = hnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng
:firehawk = mono no aware
:wonzo = QUALITY
:duckroll = false hype (not to be confused with duckroll future which is CG)
:cnet = [post=81717473]Oh dear oh dear oh dear[/post]
:kayos = a state of confusion that is unique to the member kayos90

This reminds me why I'm glad we don't talk in this code anymore, for the most part. It's way too much for the casual viewer of the thread.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

What's wrong with declaring my love for the embodiment of everything that it means to be a man? Man crushes are a real thing.


I used to get lost in Ryan Gosling's eyes until I noticed I wasn't the one getting lost it was him. I swear he has a bit of autism.

 

[phoenix296]

What's wrong with declaring my love for the embodiment of everything that it means to be a man? Man crushes are a real thing.


I used to get lost in Ryan Gosling's eyes until I noticed I wasn't the one getting lost it was him. I swear he has a bit of autism.

Have you seen Rainbow? You'd probably like Sakuragi almost as much as Rider for he is the broiest of bros I have seen (beating Kamina and Rider). He's also voiced by Kiritsugu so he's got that awesome swagger.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

I have. It started out strong. But just like another show about prison it lost its oomph in the second half.

 

[PshycoNinja]

Well, I was in Katawa Shoujo mostly for the drama than I was for the comic relief.

I wasn't saying I disliked Tomoya or that he was an especially bad character, I'm just saying Hisao's story is much easier to get into because of how sudden the whole thing is when it starts.

Whereas Clannad starts off with Tomoya's angsty dialogue and grim filters. In Katawa Shoujo the whole thing starts off morbidly quiet, as the viewer watches what goes on, then shocks the viewer into paying more attention by having something really serious happen that changes the Hisao's life.

I guess I could agree with you there that some of the girls in KS are somewhat 2D, but that's another subject. I was mainly speaking more in terms on how a show (or VN, in this case) does a good job on grabbing a viewer or reader into being invested from the start.

OMG. I typed out an entire response and went to go find a picture and when I came back the page refreshed. Damn it....

Anyways.... (Here I go again)

I think both start off good. Tomoya starts of with having an inner monologue about his life. It's grim and the world is monotone. Then when he sees and calls out to Nagisa the whole color pallet changes to show that what he just did changed his life forever. It was incredibly symbolic and got me hooked.

Katawa Shoujo starts off as a boy trying to confess his love to a girl when suddenly the world stops for him. He is inflicted with an illness. The beginning actually has this sort of melancholy to it. It makes it eerie. This is also pretty effective in opening this particular story.

Now where the drama is concerned I feel Clannad and After Story are much better than Katawa Shoujo. While Shoujo has it's dramatic moments none of them really hit as hard as Clannad and at times Shoujo's drama comes off a bit cheesy. However, Shoujo is a lot funnier. Both have great openings, slow middles and fantastic endings. Both in the middle of their stories use this time for character building and a lot of comedy.

Basically Clannad has the better "serious"/dramatic plot while Shoujo excels with it's brilliant comic relief and great MC.

 

[Jex]

I watched one episode of Rainbow, once. It seemed very competent, but I had too much on my plate (re: the entire history of anime) to devote time to it when it was airing. I never went back to it, for whatever reason.

 

[santeesioux]

Sabagebu! 1

Well this seems a lot more fun than Stella.

 

[PshycoNinja]

So psyhco as far as you are in hyoka are you seeing the obvious sherlock Holmes references/archetypes?

It slaps you in the face with it. So painfully obvious. As a matter of fact there are several times they reference Holmes in the show. And in the ED the girls are dressed up in Sherlock-type clothing.

So yes, I do see it.

 

[phoenix296]

I have. It started out strong. But just like another show about prison it lost its oomph in the second half.

Ah, that's a shame. I'm almost finished the first half and I'm really liking it so far. It would probably have been better as a 1 cour.

I watched one episode of Rainbow, once. It seemed very competent, but I had too much on my plate (re: the entire history of anime) to devote time to it when it was airing. I never went back to it, for whatever reason.

If you ever get the chance you should return to it. The first half has been really good and all the characters could be real human beings that don't fall into the typical anime tropes. A lot of their backstories are influenced in some way by post world war II. It's interesting to see how bad a state Japan was in after the war.