What anime are you watching?

[Mullet Death]

So, ソ・ラ・ノ・ヲ・ト Episode 7 said something rather sad. One of the characters said there is no inherent meaning in this world, or of going on in it-- but that that is wonderful, as you can find your own. (Incidentally, her reason for going on was so that the younger girls would not have to suffer as she did). Did not expect such a disagreeable worldview to be so explicitly expressed in a show like this. It was a poignant reminder that this art form is written mostly by a people who are so very lost. The inherent meaning of this world is love-- to love, be loved, be enamored with love. To love Love. But, sadly, one cannot expect this culture to know that. It impacted my view of the show a little and depressed me quite a bit, especially since I'm not exactly the type who can share the Gospel in words.


EDIT: So, having watched all of it, I can say that Sound of the Sky had a happy ending, so that's good I guess? The whole anime felt like such an odd mashup of cultures and it's kind of odd. its world is fascinating, part of its oddness is odd in a good way, and its characters are loveable. But I'm left not knowing how to feel about everything that transpired or didn't transpire. There were those things I was talking about now and again and what seemed like the occasional jab at monotheistic religion but all in all it seemed like a hopeful story. Then there was the fact that the song that inspired everyone was the tune of Amazing Grace played (quite beautifully, mind you) by trumpet. The writers know the Christian significance of that song, right? Why Amazing Grace? And then the OVA at the end was inspiring and implied many great adventures that could be had after this story, and it made me want more. whatamisupposedtofeel.jpg

So, 4/5 I think? I THINK I like it?

[skreyola]

Watching ソ・ラ・ノ・ヲ・ト (Sound of the Sky) on DVD. I'm liking it so far and I can tell I'm going to love it the more I watch. Likeable characters and a soothing but mysterious atmosphere. But I have so many questions about this weird setting that I'm guessing will go largely unanswered by the end of the anime given its slice of life nature.

Watched Love Lab on BD before that, a fantastic comedy that at the end even made me cry a little because of spoilers. It's genuinely funny, cute, and has a lot of heart. Loved every minute of it. Would rewatch in a heartbeat.

Before that it was あっちこっち or Here and There on BD. Loved it too. Cute everywhere. Was not expecting my favourite character to be Mayoi but she is just so funny and cute. Was kind of weird that she never once showed her eyes.

I also started watching 教え!ギャル子ちゃん!　on the side, the short airing this season. I can't say I'd recommend it to anyone... In the two short episodes it's had so far, the characters talked about breast size, nipple size, tampons vs pads and if that relates to virginity, whether or not ギャル子 herself was pooping when she spent five minutes in the bathroom, the color of panties, and a whole bunch of other inappropriate stuff. A really classy show, amirite? (Though let's be honest-- that's probably the sort of thing real teenage girls talk about.) It's a shame, because I was foolish enough to believe they would actually do something with the premise-- a regular slice of life title with these three very different girls that seem like their personalities would conflict including one who's a ギャル, but they actually get along and have fun? That sounds like a good show to me.

I have actually watched all of those shows (though I lasted only a couple of minutes of the first episode of that last one before dropping it like a hot potato).

Sora no Woto is a wonderful show, and a lot of the questions you have will probably never be answered. But a surprising number of them are. It gets into some depth, if you're paying close enough attention to what they say.

Love Lab is a quirky show, and it's also a great watch, if you can get over the slight awkwardness of the premise and the one character's obsession.

Acchi Kocchi is all around awesome. I would have shared it with my mom if it wouldn't have meant trying to explain geyser nosebleeds. That is the main thing about the show that would be objectionable, and it's really minor. In all other ways, a really great show. Very sweet.

The last one... I said all I can about that.

Me? I've been watching Hunter x Hunter, mostly, except for the new seasonals.

[artisticDreamer]

Code Geass ep. 1-2 3 4
Durarara!!x2 Ketsu ep 2
If Izaya, Lelouch, and Light ever teamed up, the world would end.

[the_wolfs_howl]

^ I think even just two out of the three would cause the world to end

Silver Spoon episode 7

I thought the humor was done particularly well in this episode (often, I have trouble with the way anime translates Arakawa-san's humor from the manga - it's like...too slow or something, and makes it less funny to me).

Moribito episode 5

Oooh, some answers! And a bit of background on Balsa! I'm liking this (especially because, having seen bedridden!Balsa with her hair down, I've realized I could actually cosplay her! 8D Far too many anime characters with long, brown hair have slutty outfits -_-).

The Snow Queen episode 2

Do not like the trolls so far - too stupid to be funny - but I'm champing at the bit to get to the actual story of the fairy tale I'm really enjoying just the way this story is developing, and looking forward to the plot really getting going.

[MangaRocks!]

Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo episodes 1-24 (sub, complete): This is one of the classics that I'm finally getting around to watching, and it's certainly worthy of that title. One thing to note about the visuals is that the stylization of the art does take a few minutes to get used to (as the characters kind-of move *through* the textures on their clothing/hair/etc.), but once you do it turns out to be not only unique and interesting, but absolutely beautiful, as well. <3 As for the story, well, it's a loose adaptation of The Count Of Monte Cristo, so you ought to know what you're getting into there, LOL; indeed, the show wastes no time dropping you straight into its decadant culture and showcasing its manipulative/manipulated characters. Despite the twisted revenge plot and depressing events, though, there's still just something so compelling about this story; and while this obviously deviated from the original tale in a number of points (not only in terms of plot and focus-character, but even the setting and the Count himself), I thought it was pretty darn good on its own. Also, the message at the end to never hate anyone was quite powerful. This was definitely worth the watch.



Haikyuu!!: Jump Festa 2014 special (a.k.a. Lev Genzan!) OVA (sub): While the main cast was present on occasion, this OVA mostly focused on the Nekoma team as Lev was just getting started; and it was hilarious and adorable, just like the rest of the show. <3



Hotarubi no Mori e movie (sub): As I expected from the original creator + setting + premise, this was basically the equivalent of a rather-bittersweet Natsume's Book Of Friends mini-story (indeed, it's very easy to imagine that it actually *is,* just with Natsume never being involved {aside from the SPOILER: Highlight text to read: kinda-ghost boy looking pretty much exactly like him, LOL }); and, to be honest, it's actually mostly sweet (I was literally smiling throughout the entire first 35 minutes or so... *after* which I was tearing up pretty fiercely though, LOL, even knowing exactly what was going to happen beforehand... ) Despite the tears, this was a beautiful movie, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it (especially to Natsume... fans-- which should be everybody anyway, right? ).

[Sundown]

I just finished Kuragehime / Princess Jellyfish this evening - a bit short and left some situations unresolved, but overall it was an enjoyable series! There was quite a few times I laughed out loud.

i'm still mad that kuranoske looks better in a dress than i do, though

I'm also watching Magical Angel Creamy Mami - currently on episode 10.

[Mullet Death]

Just finished rewatching one of my many favorites: Tamako Market, followed by its movie Tamako Love Story, on BD! Oh man, what a great movie; possibly my favorite film of its genre. If you haven't gotten the chance to watch it and understand enough Japanese to get something out of anime movie with no English subtitles then you should definitely get a hold of this. Not even an hour and a half, but it's as long as it needs to be.

[the_wolfs_howl]

Silver Spoon episode 8

I'm never sure if they're making up new stuff for the anime, or if I just can't remember that far back in the manga

Moribito episode 6

OMG THAT WOLF IS HUGE After this and Princess Mononoke, I'm starting to wonder if Japanese wolves come from some kind of gigantic mutant strain Also, the prince looks much better this way

[Animeniac]

I'm Watching Morbitio guardian of the spirit

[NekoNinja16]

Akagami no Shirayuki-hime season 2, episode 1 &2 (ep 13 & 14 overall)

I'm such a dummy. XD Just noticed a couple of days ago that it started airing. At least that means me and my bro have some catching up to do on it. ^^ (I also missed the Free! Starting Days movie... gotta find it.)

[Mullet Death]

Little Busters. Everyone is so mean to Masato.

[Rusty Claymore]

Little Busters is really good, I need to re-watch that. iie, iie, iie, Narcolepsy. :]

[Mullet Death]

Little Busters is really good, I need to re-watch that. iie, iie, iie, Narcolepsy. :]

It has been quite wonderful so far (I'm watching episode 12). In addition to some occasional fan service which usually wasn't so bad (I agree with the 14+ rating the Sentai Filmworks release received for the most part), if I had anything else major to complain about, it would be the pacing of the emotional recovery of a certain character (I won't go into spoilerifc details). It seemed a little too rushed for issues which seemed like they would take years of professional therapy (with lots of love and support from family and the friendship of the Little Busters) to recover from. Apart from that, it's been funny, cute, and heart-wrenching at times. Glad I bought it. Hopefully, the next few seasons don't somehow do a 180 and the rest of the show gets really dark really fast... I would not be able to handle that.

[Animeniac]

I'm watching seven deadly sins on Netflix...other than the pervyness of the main character.....The princess has nice legs

[Rusty Claymore]

It has been quite wonderful so far (I'm watching episode 12). In addition to some occasional fan service which usually wasn't so bad (I agree with the 14+ rating the Sentai Filmworks release received for the most part), if I had anything else major to complain about, it would be the pacing of the emotional recovery of a certain character (I won't go into spoilerifc details). It seemed a little too rushed for issues which seemed like they would take years of professional therapy (with lots of love and support from family and the friendship of the Little Busters) to recover from. Apart from that, it's been funny, cute, and heart-wrenching at times. Glad I bought it. Hopefully, the next few seasons don't somehow do a 180 and the rest of the show gets really dark really fast... I would not be able to handle that.

You aren't allowed to quit until after Little Busters: Refrain.

[the_wolfs_howl]

I'm Watching Morbitio guardian of the spirit

High five!


Jyo-Oh-Sei episode 6

So we're finally getting to the real plot (at least, I'm assuming this is where they were leading all this time XD). I was actually a little surprised/disappointed to find out that SPOILER: Highlight text to read: the Top of Blanc Ring is Zagi. I mean, who cares about Zagi?! Who even remembers him from like one episode in the beginning?! As cliche as it might be, I was actually expecting/hoping it would be Rai. Somehow, he survived the plants and rose to the top of Blanc Ring, fueled by a desire for revenge against the brother who abandoned him.... There could then be a much more personal conflict, lots of lovely angst and guilt, and maybe at the end some kind of reconciliation between the brothers. But...I don't care about Zagi. *sigh* Now I'm just keeping my ears open for Romi Paku to show up in each episode, because she's pretty much the only reason I'm continuing to watch this :/

Silver Spoon episode 9

I love how Hachiken's honesty and earnestness just draws everyone together unintentionally. A natural leader, he is.

The Snow Queen episode 3

Oooh, now the real plot starts! I'm really struggling to understand the Snow Queen's motivations, but I expect they'll become clearer over time. Also, now I know who the narrator is....

[Mullet Death]

Since finishing Little Busters: Refrain, which I won't talk about much because major spoilers!, I've been rewatching the first Non Non Biyori season after taking it out of the plastic. I needed the pick-me-up this series offers by its very nature. Life is stressful during the semester. My favorite episode just played last night, 初日の出を見た or We Watched the First Sunrise of the Year. If there's an anime episode that subtly, artistically depicts everything I want out of life, I think this is it. I'll leave it up to you to interpret why. It truly is a beautiful episode.

[the_wolfs_howl]

Jyu-Oh-Sei episode 7

Seriously, what? SPOILER: Highlight text to read: What's so dangerous about Zagi and Thor that they're such a bad influence on each other? I don't get their Seconds' concern. I also don't get why Thor says it's "inconceivable" for him to have Tiz's children. I mean, he then goes on to say that he loves her, so what's the problem? *is frustrated and confused, but loving every moment of Romi Paku*

Silver Spoon episode 10

I really liked this one. I remember really liking this part of the manga too, and I think they did a great job of adapting it. And I'd forgotten about the little misunderstanding about Hachiken and Yoshino. Trust Tokiwa to mess things up.... Ah, poor Mikage.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit episodes 7-8

This anime keeps on surprising me at how slow and soft it is, even though it's also got such awesome, exciting fight scenes. I'm sure it's all going to blow up sooner or later, but I'm really enjoying how they're taking the time to develop the characters. I also love how mysterious they're being about Balsa's past, and how slowly and organically they're revealing things about her. In a normal anime, I'd have expected to jump into the extended flashback of her entire childhood by now. And I won't be surprised or disappointed if they start one up, but I think it's kind of cool how long they're holding off. This way, we can find out who she is and what we like about her now, rather than just getting the easy route to sympathy by showing the pains of her past.

The Snow Queen episode 4

And thus begins the epic quest! I'm really looking forward to how this will all turn out. I've always loved the desperate determination and resolve in Gerda's quest in the original fairy tale, and the anime is shaping up to be just as inspiring.

[Rusty Claymore]

Since finishing Little Busters: Refrain...

Woah, that was fast. So... thumbs up, thumbs down?

[Mullet Death]

Since finishing Little Busters: Refrain...

Woah, that was fast. So... thumbs up, thumbs down?

Definite thumbs up. That said, I'm not entirely sure if I'm upset over the fact that (major spoilers about the ending and fate of characters here people, I can't really explain how I feel about it otherwise, you've been warned!) SPOILER: Highlight text to read: everything was just magically fine and everyone, whom we had become so emotionally wrapped up in and considered gone, survived. They had leaned toward a tragic ending the entire time where only Rin and Riki would remain, but again, everything ended up working out. Some of the ways that was handled seemed like it could have been written better, somehow. But my misgivings about that are overwhelming drowned out by how happy I am that we did in fact get a slightly cheesy happy ending. I think I largely agree with this quote from Durarara: "I love clichés, I love predictable scripts, I love it when they paste over problems and I love it when they force a happy ending too. What's wrong with working towards that?" Besides, if Komari-chan or Masato in particular hadn't made it, I would have been devastated. I almost couldn't comprehend how Masato had known about Kyousuke's plans all along, but had played along pretending to be the lovable buffoon to continue to be there for everyone. What a man among men, definitely my favorite character. And Komari ties with him... what a genuine sweetheart in every way, and her struggles were heart-wrenching. So yeah, fantastic cast of characters and corresponding voice talent, great animation, only a little bit of troubling content like fan service here and there, and a happy ending that had quite a bit of finality at the end of the final episode. Despite my mentioned misgivings, I'm quite satisfied.

[NekoNinja16]

I started watching Nijiro Days, and while I like it and it's cute, I have a few problems with it... for one thing, one of the main guys is a sadist (and not as lightly as in something like Bamboo Blade, where a girl just liked hitting people. This guy pulls out a whip all the time) and a girl claims to be in love with another girl. I really like the fact that this is a shoujo and it stars a guy, and I like some of the characters a lot, but those two are a bit odd... Idk. I've seen stuff like this before, technically, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem. But that girl irritates the heck outta me. -_-'"

[Mullet Death]

Started watching the short anime about the dog Muco (or rather, ムーコ) and despite the apparent extremely low animation budget it looks to be pretty cute. Dogs are much better companions than cats.

Also watching the shoujo-demographic romcom Lovely Complex. Really great so far.

[the_wolfs_howl]

Love*Com is awesome And hilarious. One of the few shoujos I actually enjoy.


Jyu-Oh-Sei episode 8

Okay, I guess they answered my questions. But that was still unnecessarily confusing, if you ask me :/ I don't really like these developments; they came out of nowhere.

Silver Spoon episode 11

Yay, finished the first season! Looking forward to the next bit.

The Snow Queen episode 5

I'm expecting a lot of little stand-alone episodes from now on. Hopefully that dude won't come back, though; he was annoying -_-

[NekoNinja16]

Nijiro Days, episode 7. Mandatory beach episode, and a peek at the new girl. I still really hate that brat that hangs around Anna... and I so love the otaku couple. XD They're adorable. (also the guy is one of my favorite types of character. Quiet, and indoors-y XD)

[Mouse2010]

Finally finished up Kyokai no Rin-ne. This is a show that's hard to evaluate for me. On the one hand, I enjoyed almost every episode. It was funny and sometimes sweet. And there were a few things about the show that I really loved, such as the narrator. But, on the other hand, it never ever "hooked" me. What I usually want in an anime is something --plot or characters or writing quality-- that makes me feel like I *have* to keep watching. And that was the one thing lacking with this.

That said, it was good, even if it wasn't great, and I plan on watching the second season when it airs.

[Rusty Claymore]

Yakitatte!! An older show recently added on Crunchy about making bread. For Sixty-Nine episodes. I was hooked by the premise (which is totally reliant upon a pun) and between more puns and random call outs (those, "Hey, I know that!" moments) it kept my folks and I laughing. Only three episodes in, but will be keeping with it.

[Thunderscream872]

Finished up The Heroic Legend of Arslan. I don't have time to go into everything that this anime did wrong, but I will say SPOILER: Highlight text to read: if you wanna watch a show that kills absolutely every ounce of suspense or drama, watch this one. Arslan and his band of goodie goodies win EVERY single battle they're in, and its not even a struggle for them. They literally always win with ease. I'm sorry, but by the middle of the show, I caught on to this and it became more and more painful to watch. I like to see the good guys struggle to achieve their goals, not get them handed to them on silver platters. 5/10

I've recently started watching Wolf's Rain, and its off to a really good start. I'm on episode 6.

[Kaori]

Finished up The Heroic Legend of Arslan. I don't have time to go into everything that this anime did wrong, but I will say SPOILER: Highlight text to read: if you wanna watch a show that kills absolutely every ounce of suspense or drama, watch this one. Arslan and his band of goodie goodies win EVERY single battle they're in, and its not even a struggle for them. They literally always win with ease. I'm sorry, but by the middle of the show, I caught on to this and it became more and more painful to watch. I like to see the good guys struggle to achieve their goals, not get them handed to them on silver platters. 5/10

The old one or the new one?

[Thunderscream872]

The old one or the new one?

The new one. It really is a shame. I had high hopes for it, cause it looked different than your standard school/harem type anime that the market gets flooded with every season. I've never seen the old one.

[NekoNinja16]

Still rewatching Ouran(next is ep. 19, yaaay...), and I need to see the latest episode of Nijiro Days and AnS, but I just watched the Aoharu x Kikanjuu special, Battlefield of Beasts. XD SO funny, I've been wanted to check it since I heard about it, just remembered earlier and searched for it. I really did like AxK, and I still do want it to get a second season somehow, despite the pervy references, which the special had some too btw (ofc). And I will forever ship Hotaru (she's adorable to me) and Masamune! (he's just awesome lol)