You have no idea how close I am to skipping classes today so I can just marathon the hell out of this. Here I am, college senior, about to blow off another day when there's only a few weeks left before graduation. :lol
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Spring Anime 2012 | Welcome Home, Space Cowboy
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You have no idea how close I am to skipping classes today so I can just marathon the hell out of this. Here I am, college senior, about to blow off another day when there's only a few weeks left before graduation. :lol
Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna 2
The almost crayon-like shadowing of the characters and scenes certainly bring an interesting touch. It feels like a storybook or drawing at times. I noticed crosshatching was pretty common this episode for some reason. It does bring more depth to the visuals though so I'm ok with it. The crayon-like shadowing and the crosshatching makes the visuals a bit rough at times but it still looks refined at the same time.
I liked the shadowing when it was used as
and the shadows started dispersing. Also, sometimes on the shading of
as well since it gives off that mysterious and calm aura about him.
However, they do go overboard with the shadowing way too much. It just seems distracting and obscures some of the action going on. There's a problem when I can't see half the shit that's on the screen.
Half the screen is covered by the shadows for what exact reason? To clearly segregate the pair in the middle as the center of attention? You already partly achieved that with the positioning of th characters. I just can't accept this artistic decision. Use shadowing with moderation and self restraint, please.
Story-wise, it focused a bit more on
this time but still revealed some tidbits about Fujiko's character and personality. I liked how she was also intertwined into the plot as well. Anxious to see what will happen the next episode.
Just don't go overboard with the trolling. and write a bit more, I like reading other people's impressions on Cowboy Bebop and I'm sure others will appreciate it as well. This is the anime thread after all.
Nice to see you're enjoying it. I've heard it gets a bit slow later on though. I should really watch it, it's been on my backlog since forever...
I know the temptation of just blowing off classes. Tis' dangerous indeed.
The almost crayon-like shadowing of the characters and scenes certainly bring an interesting touch. It feels like a storybook or drawing at times. I noticed crosshatching was pretty common this episode for some reason. It does bring more depth to the visuals though so I'm ok with it. The crayon-like shadowing and the crosshatching makes the visuals a bit rough at times but it still looks refined at the same time.
I liked the shadowing when it was used as
Ciccolina stepped up to face Fujiko at the casino
Jigen
However, they do go overboard with the shadowing way too much. It just seems distracting and obscures some of the action going on. There's a problem when I can't see half the shit that's on the screen.
Half the screen is covered by the shadows for what exact reason? To clearly segregate the pair in the middle as the center of attention? You already partly achieved that with the positioning of th characters. I just can't accept this artistic decision. Use shadowing with moderation and self restraint, please.
Story-wise, it focused a bit more on
Jigen
Well, a few people have been complaining about my Bebop the Cowboy posts, so I won't do it anymore. Sorry guys.
Just don't go overboard with the trolling. and write a bit more, I like reading other people's impressions on Cowboy Bebop and I'm sure others will appreciate it as well. This is the anime thread after all.
Nice to see you're enjoying it. I've heard it gets a bit slow later on though. I should really watch it, it's been on my backlog since forever...
I know the temptation of just blowing off classes. Tis' dangerous indeed.
Bebop the Cowboy Episode the Fourth
At the very least let me keep on calling him Bebop the Cowboy, dammit
This was a very moody and atmospheric episode. Director Watanabe did an excellent job in portraying the gray, melancholy spirit of this episode.
At the same time, there was a fair scattering of more touching, emotional scenes.
The fist fight was well done, with reminiscences of the fight in the first episode.
I quite liked the change of pace this episode provided, and I'm looking forward to more!
At the very least let me keep on calling him Bebop the Cowboy, dammit
This was a very moody and atmospheric episode. Director Watanabe did an excellent job in portraying the gray, melancholy spirit of this episode.
At the same time, there was a fair scattering of more touching, emotional scenes.
The fist fight was well done, with reminiscences of the fight in the first episode.
I quite liked the change of pace this episode provided, and I'm looking forward to more!
Ultimadrago
Member
Hah, well played.
RurouniZel
Asks questions so Ezalc doesn't have to
True that. Potato's a pretty awesome pup. :3
Jex
Member
I see what you did there. You're a funny guy.
checkeredknight
Member
Lupin III: A woman named Fujiko Mine - .357 Magnum
Oh man, I LOVED this episode. They played Jigen's character perfectly and the attention to detail was fantastic. It's a series trope that Jigen
has a dislike of women and doesn't trust them very often. It's never really explained as to why this is in the series; at least not in very much detail. I found that this episode was perfect in explaining his mistrust towards them and why he gave up being a bodyguard to become a thief.
Fujiko was great here too. This is exactly how I envisioned the series; Fujiko using her seductive charm to steal from the opposition.
I also love how at the start of the episode, she seems to be using her ear rings to rig the roulette wheel (only it goes wrong on the last spin.)
I also found the line at the end hilarious, with Fujiko saying "Maybe we'll work together some day..." and Jigen declining the offer.
I've seen a few people around the net (mainly Tumblr) complaining that there isn't much action in this episode, but that really isn't a problem IMO. The story is great, the characters are spot on and the visuals are lovely. Much preferred this to Episode 1, hoping it gets even better next!
Yup. That, and the ending theme's amazing.
Ultimadrago
Member
Agreed.
The concubine house antics worked with Lupin's reveal, but this more collected episode fit Jigen like a glove.
Kids on the Slope 01:
So is this jazz yaoi?
This was a really fun show with a relaxed pace. It was great to hear YUKI again in the OP, but the ED song was very lackluster. I liked the jazz riffs played throughout too.
So is this jazz yaoi?
Looks like Ri-chan hopes so
This was a really fun show with a relaxed pace. It was great to hear YUKI again in the OP, but the ED song was very lackluster. I liked the jazz riffs played throughout too.
So did Kaoru's mom run off to play Jazz or did she pass away?
Go_Ly_Dow
Member
Since someone made this: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469952
From now on any and all K-On talk, images, or anything will not be welcome in this thread.
YES!!!
Understandable.
K-ON is definitely way too 'normal' for this thread as those demographic statistics pointed out a few months ago.
Casual watchers strike fear in to hardcore anime communities.
Jex
Member
Since someone made this: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469952
From now on any and all K-On talk, images, or anything will not be welcome in this thread.
YES!!!
I guess that's why there's no MLP talk either.
Well, a few people have been complaining about my Bebop the Cowboy posts, so I won't do it anymore. Sorry guys.
Must troll harder. Allow me to demonstrate.
Stop wasting your time on trivial shit. It is one of the most mind-numbing shows I've ever had the displeasure to watch. The characters are void of reason and common sense. Watching those plonkers trying, with the emphasis on trying, to get intimate with each other is like watching hair grow on my shiny ass. Do yourself a favour, go to your classes and graduate. Don't be a weeaboo.
Jex
Member
This thread has always needed an expert or two.
darkside31337
Tomodachi wa Mahou
I believe you missed the clarification from the best mod in AnimeGAF shortly thereafter.
Regulus Tera
Romanes Eunt Domus
déssin
Glad you took my recommendation. Also if you want more romance it appears Sakamichi no Apollon would like your attention.
For BL
In the course of 12 months we get Penguindrum, Apollon, Fate/Zero and KoikeLupin.
Also there's no more sequels ever to 2 kugiloli shows
even though I liked both of them
Sukeban Deka
What the heck did I just watch?!
Story
Okay, so the main character, Saki, is in a correctional facility for past crimes at her high school. She's told by the head of the facility that they will get her mom off of death row if she agrees to go undercover at the very school she was kicked out of because they suspect some kind of crazy criminal activity is going on there. It is a prestigious school that many politicians and rich people send their kids to, so they can't infiltrate it without being noticed. She reluctantly agrees, and thus begins SUKEBAN DEKA!
It turns out there are three sisters with their own insidious plans and ideas for the school, and it's up to Saki to get to the bottom of it with the evidence to put them in their place.
Saki is interesting enough, since she doesn't take crap from anyone, and she easily provokes all sorts of trouble. They managed to balance her rugged side with a softer side when she befriends a girl at her school after rescuing her from some attackers shortly after release. She fights with a crazy, super-science yo-yo, and she freaking rips it up when she does.
The various side characters were all fairly interesting or bizarre enough to leave lasting impressions, but I failed to really ever recall names. They just simply don't say them enough, or maybe it's because I was too busy trying to make sense of some of the visuals I was seeing. It's pretty scatter brained at times, but they do a decent enough job of presenting the overall idea of the story that I never felt entirely lost.
Oh, and some of the more memorable moments includedJust dumb, silly fun to be had.the hardcore teacher beating up a student over his attitude, an undercover officer taking on a helicopter with a magnum, the sidekick guy shaving his head on a street because Saki said she wasn't interested in guys with long hair, and "collecting data" by bludgeoning an arcade full of students with a yo-yo.
Presentation
Presentation was really where this shined. It really didn't do too much with the aesthetic itself, but it had some choices in presentation that really helped give it a nice feel. The budget was definitely put most into the fight scenes, and they really look great. It's unfortunate there weren't more, but the ones they had were rather nice. The best scene, by far, was the very first true fight scene the show presents in the school yard.
One choice that initially baffled me (but I grew to love) was the still frame useage. You know, the thing anime does where they cut to a more painterly/sketchy still of the animation for a few seconds? They do that A LOT. However, the way they used it didn't feel at all like budget cuts, but more for style. Characters were constantly mugging for the camera, and the animation ran long enough that the stills were never necessary for what was happening. It was pure cheese, and it was spectacular.
Another choice I found interesting (pointless, but entertaining) was the use of snakes. The antagonists were so completely obvious the entire show, that they decided to just beat you over the head with how evil they were. At the very beginning of the introduction to the characters of the three sisters, we get a cut to a still of a snake that zooms briefly, then cuts back to the show. It felt like some kind of other movie was trying to break into this one, and it happened numerous times. It cracked me up every time, and I honestly believe that was what they were going for. It was so heavy handed and deliberate that it just had to be. It had to!
Final Thoughts
Overall, I really liked Sukeban Deka, but it suffered from a rather serious flaw. The tone.
The tone could best be described as a mountain. It started in a low valley of silliness, and overly dramatic visuals/writing that were a pleasure to watch. Absurdity done well! However, the very end of episode one and the start of episode two took a decidedly dark turn that left me reeling. This kind of tone was very, very lightly sprinkled earlier on, but nowhere near to the degree of what actually happened here. It was jarring, but the events that occurred were somewhat necessary for plot progression. It just felt like nobody was really keeping the desire to go over the top just for the more light-hearted parts, and it bled over into this whiplash of a mood shift. It comes back down to the cheesy, fun stuff again, but it left an impression on the piece as a whole in a way somewhat similar to what I would suppose PTSD would be like.
However, it didn't change the fact that I really still enjoyed it for what it was. Sukeban Deka was an enjoyable way to pass 1.5 hours, and I wouldn't mind revisiting it again. The visuals were stronger than I imagined they would be, the characters were all deranged in their own ways, and the many crazy events made it worth my while.
Nice review. Sukeban Deka is a nostalgic favorite of mine. Used to watch the OVAs alot when I visited my friends house, along with stuff like Burn Up W and Master of mosquiton.
I actually woke up this morning with a pile of drool on my desk and immediately thought "I want to see more Mysterious girlfriend X"
Medaka Box 2
This had some seriously aggressive ahoge. Instead of the cleavage being lumped into the shots like the last episode there were numerous instances of stray ahoge hanging into the frame to bounce around. Everything about this show except for Shiranui continues to be bland beyond all reason, and the monologue near the end of this episode is painfully dry and Zzzzzzzzzz inducing.
Aggressive ahoge is good. Bouncy ahoge is even better. Glad that Shiranui is still the best character, as expected.
Because, reasons.
Well I have always wanted to watch Powerpuff Girls Z....
Do it, but cautiously. Its stupid fun.
Yes, this series is amazing. The OVAs at least.
Excuse to post Sae Sawanoguchi.
Fuck the subs. This is one you should always watch dubbed. Except when Vicious talks.
Bebop the Cowboy Episode the First
Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying And Love the Shitty CG Asteroids
And people claimed this show looked good
Meet Bebop the Cowboy, our hero of the day. He rips off classic western films and bruce lee and hunts bounties and stuff. And is a pretty boring protagonist, at least for the first episode.
The animation and direction of this episode is excellent, and I certainly appreciate it more now than I did 2+ years ago, but those were never the reasons I wasn't fond of this episode in the first place. I've determined that quite simply, I am not a fan of this newfangled western X scifi genre. I didn't particularly like it in Firefly, I don't really like it here. The story of this episode wasn't that great, unless the syndicate shows up in the future, and considering the episodic nature of this show, I doubt that will be the case. That being said, all the nods to old western films were a nice touch and very well done, like the gunfight at the bar. And superbly animated, as well.
As for Bebop himself, the most interesting part of the whole episode was in the 47 seconds before the OP started. As an aside, the OP is pretty good, but after having listened to the full version of Tank, I don't like the cut they used for the OP. Anyway, the opening scene is what excites me most about this series, hopefully there are at least a few episodes that take that tone.
I'm not sure if this is an actual flashback that will be fleshed out later, a flashforward on an eventual episode, or merely a scene to help give Bebop some more depth, but whichever it is, I simply want to see more like it.
I think you will find yourself starting to enjoy the show and starting to take it less sarcastically very soon.
Potato is THE BEST dog.
Definitely.
Started Kimi ni Todoke yesterday. Can't believe this flew under my radar for so long.
Episode 1 & 2
I'm so glad Kazehaya isn't the typical cocky pretty boy who teases the main character, the fact that he's struggling with his own emotions makes me appreciate him so much more. The concept behind Sawako (Sadako - Ringu girl) is great, it's hilarious to see her giving her all to be social with her classmates only to have it backfire. And the music for the OP&ED? Fantastic.
This has been in my "shopping cart" on Rightstuf for a while. I guess I'll pull the trigger on it.
Well, a few people have been complaining about my Bebop the Cowboy posts, so I won't do it anymore. Sorry guys.
Nooooo. As long as it means you are watching it!
Sakamichi no Apollon 01
BLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBL
Don't have a lot to say about it. Characters are strong and music is being integrated extraordinarily well right off the bat. A lot of other stuff moving fast this season has issues with characters bonding, but this show hits the way they relate to each other perfectly. It really is amazing.
BLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBLBL
Don't have a lot to say about it. Characters are strong and music is being integrated extraordinarily well right off the bat. A lot of other stuff moving fast this season has issues with characters bonding, but this show hits the way they relate to each other perfectly. It really is amazing.
Regulus Tera
Romanes Eunt Domus
You just jinxed anime.
The Grim Heaper
Member
Medaka Box 2
Yeah, I don't even know if I'm enjoying this or not. Going to stick through to the end, though. Shiranui continues to be probably the best character and the part with Medaka's past was pretty sad, plus she really is a stupid-genius.
Yeah, I don't even know if I'm enjoying this or not. Going to stick through to the end, though. Shiranui continues to be probably the best character and the part with Medaka's past was pretty sad, plus she really is a stupid-genius.
Don't jinx the jinx of the jinx.
Medaka Box 2
Yeah, I don't even know if I'm enjoying this or not. Going to stick through to the end, though. Shiranui continues to be probably the best character and the part with Medaka's past was pretty sad, plus she really is a stupid-genius.
Ttat ahoge is the stuff of dreams.
Truly spectacular.
The Grim Heaper
Member
It's not as good as Nyaruko's, but it's almost beating it.
firehawk12
Subete no aware
Best shoujo!
Kids on the Slope - 1
In other words
It's been awhile since I've watched an anime that doesn't require analysing to determine why it's good. Kids on the Slope is very transparent in why it's entertaining. Watanabe's direction feels so natural and seamless. None of it felt contrived or annoying, it felt like it had soul. Very excited for more.
In other words
checkeredknight
Member
Nah. Not quite that good.
Nyaruko's shows you how much the Creeping chaos loves you. Thats true accomplishment.
I still like Tsumiki's the best though.
Hellsing321
Member
I don't have sound at work here and I got chills from the OP just from the visuals alone. Masterful work.
You can get the full version for $0.99 on Amazon here. It's track 8.
Done. Bought. And thank you for the link!
I have free $2 Amazon MP3 Credit so this works nicely.
For me as a composer, listening to this really makes me want to write my next string quartet in this style. So cool
I've missed YUKI OPs.
checkeredknight
Member
Done. Bought. And thank you for the link!
I have free $2 Amazon MP3 Credit so this works nicely.
For me as a composer, listening to this really makes me want to write my next string quartet in this style. So cool
I think I saw you pick that up in the free to a good home thread earlier, IIRC. Very well spent!
Ultimadrago
Member
OP's alright.
Hope I'll end up enjoying the first episode.
Hope I'll end up enjoying the first episode.
Kids on the Slope 01:
Spring status: OFFICIALLY SAVED.
Pure class, no animu shit, just kids going on a journey of friendship, self-discovery, and jazz. Everything about this was just incredibly lovely and engaging and refreshing. I really don't know where to begin my praise. MAPPA really going the extra mile in this. No cut corners, a really unique animation style with a lot of soft gradient shading, really warm, engrossing, atmospheric backgrounds, lots of full body motion, and one really mindblowing
. Just on a purely visual level, Apollon is a really great thing to behold.
And the characters, oh wow. I don't know how much is creditable to the source material and how much is creditable to the direction, but an incredible amount of characterization was packed into this first episode. Putting characters in situations that emphasize the contrast in their character is a pretty effective way to do this, though Kaoru and Sentarou are quite plainly polar opposites regardless. Several dichotomies between the two were established like urban vs. rural, elite vs. commoner, weak vs. strong and classical vs. jazz, and it would seem that finding a middle ground between the two is going to be the basis of their friendship. Ritsuko received less time
, but she's been linked as Sentarou's osananajimi and a possible love interest for Kaoru, so it looks like she's going to ultimately exist as a source of tension.
I'm especially fascinated by Sentarou's character as everyone in the school seems to fear him, however he's not depicted as a bully in the same way that the various thugs in the first episode are. He's violent and a free spirit, however he's also intelligent, charismatic, and Kaoru envies what he perceives to be a different or more fulfilling philosophy of living that Sentarou follows. Kaoru and Ritsuko are certainly interesting as well, however Sentarou is an enigma that demands exploring.
I'm incredibly excited about the jazz theme, though not so much because I'm any sort of a jazz buff but because of Yoko Kanno's involvement and the fact that the 1960s is a really underrepresented period in anime considering its presumably large significance to Japanese history. The first postwar generation was coming of age, so it seems like a really culturally-rich time to draw from and I'm glad to see the era lovingly recreated by a story and studio that can do it justice. SO MUCH HYPE.
Spring status: OFFICIALLY SAVED.
Pure class, no animu shit, just kids going on a journey of friendship, self-discovery, and jazz. Everything about this was just incredibly lovely and engaging and refreshing. I really don't know where to begin my praise. MAPPA really going the extra mile in this. No cut corners, a really unique animation style with a lot of soft gradient shading, really warm, engrossing, atmospheric backgrounds, lots of full body motion, and one really mindblowing
drum scene
And the characters, oh wow. I don't know how much is creditable to the source material and how much is creditable to the direction, but an incredible amount of characterization was packed into this first episode. Putting characters in situations that emphasize the contrast in their character is a pretty effective way to do this, though Kaoru and Sentarou are quite plainly polar opposites regardless. Several dichotomies between the two were established like urban vs. rural, elite vs. commoner, weak vs. strong and classical vs. jazz, and it would seem that finding a middle ground between the two is going to be the basis of their friendship. Ritsuko received less time
though she's the third wheel in the relationship anyway
I'm especially fascinated by Sentarou's character as everyone in the school seems to fear him, however he's not depicted as a bully in the same way that the various thugs in the first episode are. He's violent and a free spirit, however he's also intelligent, charismatic, and Kaoru envies what he perceives to be a different or more fulfilling philosophy of living that Sentarou follows. Kaoru and Ritsuko are certainly interesting as well, however Sentarou is an enigma that demands exploring.
I'm incredibly excited about the jazz theme, though not so much because I'm any sort of a jazz buff but because of Yoko Kanno's involvement and the fact that the 1960s is a really underrepresented period in anime considering its presumably large significance to Japanese history. The first postwar generation was coming of age, so it seems like a really culturally-rich time to draw from and I'm glad to see the era lovingly recreated by a story and studio that can do it justice. SO MUCH HYPE.
Hellsing321
Member
I hate you guys. I can't watch Apollon for hours. ;_;
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