Anime

[AnimeExpert2003]

Well, I was in a list mood As Mr jeff asked, could you define light hearted? Do you want touches of romance? Just easy going stuff, or stuff that will make you laugh out loud every 10 seconds? It will help a lot

Light hearted could be either romance or comedy, but doesn't have to be either in particular. As long as it's just a nice, feel good kinda show. The anime equivelent of this smiley:

[Hackign]

The new Gainax show isn't scrimping on the fan service.

[Zappster]

mmm, I was looking up Usopp's voice actor on wikipedia the other day because I recognised him in paradise kiss, and I noticed this. It makes sense, hearing it now, but if I hadn't read that I wouldn't have recognised him at all.

I finished watching Azumanga Daioh today....

now what am I supposed to do, revise?

I did recognise him as L but you're right it's not as easily recognizable as the stuff he's done for other roles.

As for Kyoto Animation, at the moment there's no confirmation they will do Clannad directly after Lucky Star. I don't think there's been an actual date set for Clannad yet and there's still a few seasons in between this new spring and the season most people expect them to start airing the Clannad TV series, which some think will be either the winter 2007 or the spring 2008 series. So there's still a glimmer of hope of getting a Haruhi or FMP 2nd season sooner rather than later. That said I'd still probably go along with what Bibly said just that it's not set in stone so things may change.

As for new stuff, Hayate No Gotoku and Claymore are pretty decent. Both subbed by Eclipse (one being a joint with another group, Static Subs) so they should be weekly release affairs going by their past record. Both very different shows, and personally I liked the first episode of Hayate more, there was one quite obvious reference to Evangelion in there which had me chuckling for a bit.

Touka Gettan just had a really weird first episode. I defy anyone to watch that and not think "wtf was all that about?" after the end of the first episode. I'll be sticking with it to see if they can explain what was going on but if carries on being more fo the same I might drop it.

I watched Seirei No Moribito raw and it looks very nice, didn't understand much mind you but it looked nice. One of the shows Production IG is involved in this season. If it carries on in the same vein as the first episode it could be something special. It's already licensed I believe so there may not be many subbers on it, we'll have to see. Personally I intend to follow it raw and read up on summaries from blogs to fill in any gaps I don't understand. This is definitely one of the ones I look forward to the high res releases of. I just hope it doesn't go downhill from here on in.

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. New gainax show subbed by ADTRW. It seems to be a hotblooded mecha show which basically means loads of over the top screaming and mountains of cheese but if the first episode was anything to go by it should be a fun ride. Had some lovely animation and music. Definitely one of my favourite first episodes so far. I'd recommend everyone give it a shot and see how you get on. First episode would probably fit the lighthearted bill too... maybe... possibly...

I saw the first episode of Gigantic Formula raw which I also liked the look of. It's another mecha show with apparently loads of really famous mecha designers taking charge of the designs for a particular mecha including Kawamori and Izubuchi. The names don't mean much to me but maybe it might mean something to hardcore mecha fans. Think Kamichu characters in mechas as that's pretty much what it looks like. Nice and epic music, well animated and perhaps one to look out for. I'd put it slightly lower than Tengen Toppa if I were to rank the first episode. But that could be down to the fact that I didn't understand that much of what was going on.

Romeo X Juliet has gotten good feedback from the first episode, as has Darker Than Black to a certain extent. There's also Heroic Age which again had a decent first episode. Think Starcraft with Hisashi Hirai character designs (e.g. SEED and SEED Destiny-like designs) and by the team behind Fafner. Perhaps that'll get some of you interested.

That's all I can remember at the minute. I think a few have been subbed, should be available in the usual spots.

[Dandy_Sephy]

I watched Seirei No Moribito raw and it looks very nice, didn't understand much mind you but it looked nice. One of the shows Production IG is involved in this season. If it carries on in the same vein as the first episode it could be something special. It's already licensed I believe so there may not be many subbers on it, we'll have to see. Personally I intend to follow it raw and read up on summaries from blogs to fill in any gaps I don't understand. This is definitely one of the ones I look forward to the high res releases of. I just hope it doesn't go downhill from here on in.

Whats the opening theme like? It's the new L'arc~en~ciel single, but I've not heard it yet. I don't think any anime they provided tracks for was ever bad, so I have high hopes

[Bibly]

I did recognise him as L but you're right it's not as easily recognizable as the stuff he's done for other roles.

As for Kyoto Animation, at the moment there's no confirmation they will do Clannad directly after Lucky Star. I don't think there's been an actual date set for Clannad yet and there's still a few seasons in between this new spring and the season most people expect them to start airing the Clannad TV series, which some think will be either the winter 2007 or the spring 2008 series. So there's still a glimmer of hope of getting a Haruhi or FMP 2nd season sooner rather than later. That said I'd still probably go along with what Bibly said just that it's not set in stone so things may change.

As for new stuff, Hayate No Gotoku and Claymore are pretty decent. Both subbed by Eclipse (one being a joint with another group, Static Subs) so they should be weekly release affairs going by their past record. Both very different shows, and personally I liked the first episode of Hayate more, there was one quite obvious reference to Evangelion in there which had me chuckling for a bit.

Touka Gettan just had a really weird first episode. I defy anyone to watch that and not think "wtf was all that about?" after the end of the first episode. I'll be sticking with it to see if they can explain what was going on but if carries on being more fo the same I might drop it.

I watched Seirei No Moribito raw and it looks very nice, didn't understand much mind you but it looked nice. One of the shows Production IG is involved in this season. If it carries on in the same vein as the first episode it could be something special. It's already licensed I believe so there may not be many subbers on it, we'll have to see. Personally I intend to follow it raw and read up on summaries from blogs to fill in any gaps I don't understand. This is definitely one of the ones I look forward to the high res releases of. I just hope it doesn't go downhill from here on in.

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. New gainax show subbed by ADTRW. It seems to be a hotblooded mecha show which basically means loads of over the top screaming and mountains of cheese but if the first episode was anything to go by it should be a fun ride. Had some lovely animation and music. Definitely one of my favourite first episodes so far. I'd recommend everyone give it a shot and see how you get on. First episode would probably fit the lighthearted bill too... maybe... possibly...

I saw the first episode of Gigantic Formula raw which I also liked the look of. It's another mecha show with apparently loads of really famous mecha designers taking charge of the designs for a particular mecha including Kawamori and Izubuchi. The names don't mean much to me but maybe it might mean something to hardcore mecha fans. Think Kamichu characters in mechas as that's pretty much what it looks like. Nice and epic music, well animated and perhaps one to look out for. I'd put it slightly lower than Tengen Toppa if I were to rank the first episode. But that could be down to the fact that I didn't understand that much of what was going on.

Romeo X Juliet has gotten good feedback from the first episode, as has Darker Than Black to a certain extent. There's also Heroic Age which again had a decent first episode. Think Starcraft with Hisashi Hirai character designs (e.g. SEED and SEED Destiny-like designs) and by the team behind Fafner. Perhaps that'll get some of you interested.

That's all I can remember at the minute. I think a few have been subbed, should be available in the usual spots.

Wow, thanks for the long and informative post! I'm looking into Hayate No Gotoku now, although I can't really afford to take up many more series along with Darker Than Black and Lucky Star with all the exams and whatnot, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann with all the drilling looks a bit wacky for me... .

[Zappster]

Whats the opening theme like? It's the new L'arc~en~ciel single, but I've not heard it yet. I don't think any anime they provided tracks for was ever bad, so I have high hopes

I would say it's alot like most of their stuff. Then again I'm only going by their anime OPs, I've not really taken the time out to listen to their albums so perhaps they have different sounds too. Regardless it's a nice and catchy song and I like it. However I don't think it fits with the anime in question. Like others have said on various anime forums, I think the show could have done with a nice and epic instrumental piece like Twelve Kingdom's opening rather than this song.

edit:

youtube link to the Seirei No Moribito OP for anyone interested --> http://youtube.com/watch?v=VtquRLx14hg

[imp]

Whats the opening theme like? It's the new L'arc~en~ciel single, but I've not heard it yet. I don't think any anime they provided tracks for was ever bad, so I have high hopes

when anybody mentions L'arc~en~ciel I have to go play RSG on Ouendan...

back in 5...

p.s. isn't the singer of L'arc on the Edge forums?

[Mr.Jeff]

As for Kyoto Animation, at the moment there's no confirmation they will do Clannad directly after Lucky Star. I don't think there's been an actual date set for Clannad yet and there's still a few seasons in between this new spring and the season most people expect them to start airing the Clannad TV series, which some think will be either the winter 2007 or the spring 2008 series. So there's still a glimmer of hope of getting a Haruhi or FMP 2nd season sooner rather than later. That said I'd still probably go along with what Bibly said just that it's not set in stone so things may change.

As for new stuff, Hayate No Gotoku and Claymore are pretty decent. Both subbed by Eclipse (one being a joint with another group, Static Subs) so they should be weekly release affairs going by their past record. Both very different shows, and personally I liked the first episode of Hayate more, there was one quite obvious reference to Evangelion in there which had me chuckling for a bit.

Touka Gettan just had a really weird first episode. I defy anyone to watch that and not think "wtf was all that about?" after the end of the first episode. I'll be sticking with it to see if they can explain what was going on but if carries on being more fo the same I might drop it.

There's been talk that a 2nd season of haruhi is this year for the autumn season but nothing's been substantiated. It'd be nice if it was true.

That's a fair summary of each of those shows really. Hayate no Gotoku seems a fairly decent rom-com series, Claymore looks interesting enough minus the annoying boy sidekick who I wish a death upon and I have no fucking clue whats going on in Touka Gettan. Possibly they're going back in forth in time, or there's parallel universes, I've no idea.

Also saw the first ep of Murder Princess which is rather ridiculous in it's plotline but might work out. It's only a 6-part oav I think so there's only so much depth I guess. Not entirely sure about Gurren Lagann. I saw the (unsubbed) promo for it and I really don't think I can take such a cheesy looking mech anime.

Hope someone subs Seirei no Moribito. Nobody's stepped up to the plate to sub it since it's been licensed already.

[Dandy_Sephy]

I would say it's alot like most of their stuff. Then again I'm only going by their anime OPs, I've not really taken the time out to listen to their albums so perhaps they have different sounds too. Regardless it's a nice and catchy song and I like it. However I don't think it fits with the anime in question. Like others have said on various anime forums, I think the show could have done with a nice and epic instrumental piece like Twelve Kingdom's opening rather than this song.

edit:

youtube link to the Seirei No Moribito OP for anyone interested --> http://youtube.com/watch?v=VtquRLx14hg

Ta for the the link. It's not really like any of their anime themes at all! ( Blurry Eyes, Fourth Avenue Cafe, Niji, Driver's high, and Ready steady go are all very different from this) I agree that it doesn't match the anime based on that opening video, and it's not a classic track of their by any means. Not one of tetsu's best certainly. I was expecting one of their rockier works.

when anybody mentions L'arc~en~ciel I have to go play RSG on Ouendan...

back in 5...

p.s. isn't the singer of L'arc on the Edge forums?

I highly doubt it.

P.S. RSG isn't even one of their best songs (although its pretty good)

[imp]

yeah... I don't actually like L'arc, I've listened to a bit of their stuff before, I just like RSG because of Ouendan, really. I'm quite fond of certain J-Pop/Rock tracks because of anime OP and ED sequences, but I can't usually stomach a full album of material.

Anyway, I just watched Claymore and Hayate no Gotoku. I thought Claymore was okay, I'll probably watch another episode to see if it picks up, but it really didn't excite me at all. The action wasn't particularly different or exciting, compared to regular shonen anime and there weren't any likeable characters. Thinking about it, I really don't like the character design of the main character or the yoma, although I did quite like the art direction for the colouring and the backgrounds. Hmm.

Hayate no Gotoku I'm also undecided on, I thought that the narration was great (by Chiyo's dad!), and I loved the NGE reference, but there was little else to get excited about. I'll keep watcing though, now that the 'premise' episode is out the way. The censorship was also a little weird, but I did kind of like how they broke the fourth wall quite a lot to mention it.

It's probably too early to judge since they were just the first episodes, first episodes always seem to be dodgy in Animes.

[Dandy_Sephy]

It's probably too early to judge since they were just the first episodes, first episodes always seem to be dodgy in Animes.

I watched the first ep of Haruhi last night and my thoughts were "this is really lame". It won't stop me watching the next couple of eps, but its far from a good start

[Bibly]

I watched the first ep of Haruhi last night and my thoughts were "this is really lame". It won't stop me watching the next couple of eps, but its far from a good start

The first episode of Haruhi is designed to be sh*t, no jokes... . I have no idea why they did it that way, but it actually put one of my friends from watching the series entirely, I'm glad you've decided to try a few more . If I was to recommend Haruhi to a friend again I'd just tell them to skip the first episode, and come back to it later, it'd probably be better for them that way.

[Dandy_Sephy]

The first episode of Haruhi is designed to be sh*t, no jokes... . I have no idea why they did it that way, but it actually put one of my friends from watching the series entirely, I'm glad you've decided to try a few more . If I was to recommend Haruhi to a friend again I'd just tell them to skip the first episode, and come back to it later, it'd probably be better for them that way.

I've watched enough shows to realise one or two bad eps at the beginning means nothing (Eva springs to mind as a opening thats not exactly amazing considering the rest of the series), but if it wasn't reading people here say it was good I probably wouldn't be in a hurry

[imp]

The first episode of Haruhi is designed to be sh*t, no jokes... . I have no idea why they did it that way, but it actually put one of my friends from watching the series entirely, I'm glad you've decided to try a few more . If I was to recommend Haruhi to a friend again I'd just tell them to skip the first episode, and come back to it later, it'd probably be better for them that way.

I actually really liked the first episode of Haruhi, the first time I saw it. I was watching it on the train and I thought the narration was hilarious. I watched the second episode straight away, and I was in love...

I find the first episode harder to watch now, because I know how much better the rest of the series is!

I'm trying to think of series which have really good first episodes... I can manage Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop off the top of my head.

[Zappster]

Ta for the the link. It's not really like any of their anime themes at all! ( Blurry Eyes, Fourth Avenue Cafe, Niji, Driver's high, and Ready steady go are all very different from this) I agree that it doesn't match the anime based on that opening video, and it's not a classic track of their by any means. Not one of tetsu's best certainly. I was expecting one of their rockier works.

Meh. Sounded similar to me I guess it was just the dude's distinct voice that did it.

I actually really liked the first episode of Haruhi, the first time I saw it. I was watching it on the train and I thought the narration was hilarious. I watched the second episode straight away, and I was in love...

I find the first episode harder to watch now, because I know how much better the rest of the series is!

I'm trying to think of series which have really good first episodes... I can manage Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop off the top of my head.

Same here. The first episode made me fall in love with the series. It was totally different to what I had seen in most animes at that point and so it felt quite fresh and unique. I also laughed at quite alot of the things they did to show it was an amateur video. The attention to detail to make it look purposely bad was terrific IMO. and the narration was definitely one of the highlights. It also mirrors the rest of the series to a certain extent.

[Dandy_Sephy]

Meh. Sounded similar to me I guess it was just the dude's distinct voice that did it.

Well, Hyde does have a pretty unique singing voice to say the least. Such a wide range It reminded me more of his vocals on snow drop then any of their anime themes

As for haruhi's first ep, it's not so much that i disliked the content (as mentioned it's the amateurishness of it that has the appeal), it's just not the way a series should start. If it was in the middle of the series and with a suitable setup, then it probably would have worked better.

[AnimeExpert2003]

Haruhi had me from the opening line of the shit opening credits. I loved it. Imagine how amazed I was when the next episode has an actual amazing opening.

[Mr.Jeff]

Well Lucky Star's gone raw so with luck we'll see it around soon. Had a look at another 4 series so I thought I'd mention how good/bad they're looking:

Nagasarete Airantou is a typical "teenage boy surrounded by multiple cute girls" comedy but I like trash like this so it'll probably stay in my to watch list.

El Cazador de la Bruja I'm undecided about. It reminds me of a sort of cross between Noir and Trigun. It was decent enough but nothing about it has grabbed me so far.

Hitohira is about some teenage girl that joins a drama company so she can overcome her inability to speak in front of other people. Fairly so-so really.

Idolm@ster Xenoglossia - teenage girls in mechs preventing meteors hitting the earth with undertones of something mailicious happening in the background. Could be alright depending on how annoying the main character will be and whether the storyline gets interesting.

Oh and Bibly, I love Fumoffu. I sat with an open mouthed grin at Souske and Chidori trying to get back to school on time in episode 2. Fantastic stuff.

[Dandy_Sephy]

I sat with an open mouthed grin at Souske and Chidori trying to get back to school on time in episode 2. Fantastic stuff.

Best.Ever.anime.comedy.scene

Unfortunately I can't find the fecker on youtube

[Hackign]

Best.Ever.anime.comedy.scene

Unfortunately I can't find the fecker on youtube

The end scene of the hot springs episode is the funniest. I gave out a low "Noooooooo..." at that.

[Dandy_Sephy]

The end scene of the hot springs episode is the funniest. I gave out a low "Noooooooo..." at that.

Nothing is funnier then that giant leap + roll into the train! Another thing about that bike sequence is that a lot of people dont pick up on the "shortcut" they take that goes through countryside IN THE MIDDLE OF TOKYO!

[Retroid]

Is there any Law style animes out there? Or something to do with solving mysteries?

Is the "GetBackers" any good?

[Mr.Jeff]

Is there any Law style animes out there? Or something to do with solving mysteries?

It's not exactly law based but there was a series called Ghost Hunt which just finished a couple of weeks back that's about a group of people solving 5/6 paranormal mysteries. Not sure if that's what you're after. Other than that, nothing springs to mind.

[Retroid]

It's not exactly law based but there was a series called Ghost Hunt which just finished a couple of weeks back that's about a group of people solving 5/6 paranormal mysteries. Not sure if that's what you're after. Other than that, nothing springs to mind.

Hmm, I might give it a try. I enjoyed Mushishi quite a bit and the detective element of Death note was cool. I was after something based on a bit more realistic premise... Like a detective/lawyer/doctor/businessman - something a bit intelligent.

[Dandy_Sephy]

Hmm, I might give it a try. I enjoyed Mushishi quite a bit and the detective element of Death note was cool. I was after something based on a bit more realistic premise... Like a detective/lawyer/doctor/businessman - something a bit intelligent.

Theres always Detective Conan, or if you can find it there is Kindaichi.

[imp]

Same here. The first episode made me fall in love with the series. It was totally different to what I had seen in most animes at that point and so it felt quite fresh and unique. I also laughed at quite alot of the things they did to show it was an amateur video. The attention to detail to make it look purposely bad was terrific IMO. and the narration was definitely one of the highlights. It also mirrors the rest of the series to a certain extent.

All this talk made me want to watch it again... so I did!

I love how many times Haruhi's name gets credited in the opening, and twice as Director, no less!

And I agree, the attention to detail is fantastic, like the purposefully bad lighting in the shopping district, Kyon's relentless camerawork focus on Mikuru's breasts, the high pitched buzz of the poor sound quality and all the other crappy angles and street noise and such.

I want to get in on the FMP:Fumoffu love! I haven't seen the original series though, does it really matter? I tried to get the first series a while ago, but couldn't find a torrent, so never bothered with either...

[Bibly]

Oh and Bibly, I love Fumoffu. I sat with an open mouthed grin at Souske and Chidori trying to get back to school on time in episode 2. Fantastic stuff.

Did I tell you or WHAT! Enjoy the rest of the series! It's all comedy gold.

Nothing is funnier then that giant leap + roll into the train! Another thing about that bike sequence is that a lot of people dont pick up on the "shortcut" they take that goes through countryside IN THE MIDDLE OF TOKYO!

o/\o

The obvious integrated teamwork of the maneouvere makes it all the more sweet.

All this talk made me want to watch it again... so I did!

I love how many times Haruhi's name gets credited in the opening, and twice as Director, no less!

And I agree, the attention to detail is fantastic, like the purposefully bad lighting in the shopping district, Kyon's relentless camerawork focus on Mikuru's breasts, the high pitched buzz of the poor sound quality and all the other crappy angles and street noise and such.

I want to get in on the FMP:Fumoffu love! I haven't seen the original series though, does it really matter? I tried to get the first series a while ago, but couldn't find a torrent, so never bothered with either...

The first episode is great in the context of the whole series, but I really don't think it should be placed as a first episode (as I think someone has mentioned on the last page).

I would seriously advise watching the original series first. Despite Fumoffu being arguably one of the greatest comedy series of all time, I've never had anyone watch it without watching the original first. It's not worth the risk in my eyes. Full Metal Panic! was also a great series (in my opinion) so there's not much lost there, and it sets up the characters very well.

[Hackign]

Lucky Star wins the strange opening of the season award

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1npg5_lucky-star-op

[Bibly]

Lucky Star wins the strange opening of the season award

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1npg5_lucky-star-op

:( :(

[Kyouma]

Just want to add my love for FMP and Fumoffu. Fucking AWESOME series. Especially the "PONYYYYYYYYYYY" and the hot spring episodes in fumoffu. Sousuke's antics continue to raise massive LOLs throughout all the series. I still remember episode one where he tackles his teacher down a stair case.