What anime are you watching?

[blkmage]

The first thing from the new season is a special called Shoka. Just about the only thing interesting about it is the concept, which involves fighting calligraphers. I'll forgive the lack of interesting plot and characters, since it's only a twenty minute episode. I'm ambivalent on the setting, being set during the Shogunate.

What really bugs me is the art style. I get what they're trying to do, going the really artsy direction, and the actual animation is fine, but the style makes it really unpleasant to watch.

Maybe it's because I'm already watching Katanagatari, which is set in the same sort of setting, but looks way better, has more interesting characters, and has much better dialogue, but the potential for fighting with drawings isn't enough for me to want any more of this, if there's even anything else coming down the pipeline.

[the_wolfs_howl]

I checked out the first episode of the dubbed version of Kodocha, just to hear Laura Bailey (whom I know best as Lust from FMA) doing an eleven-year-old girl. Not bad, I say! Though it really ticked me off how low Hayama's voice was (that is so not a sixth-grader's voice!), and how they pronounce his name "ah-KEE-toh" rather than "AH-kee-toh."

And I saw episode 50 of FMA: Brotherhood. Awesome stuff! The soulless dolls were absolutely perfect. Exactly the way I'd imagined them. And in two weeks' time, FMA: Brotherhood will be longer than the first series!

[rocklobster]

Finally finished Inuyasha: The Final Act. And it actually ended! That's right, no more movies, no fools, this is an actual Honest-to-God ending! On top of that, this series may save Inuyasha from the Scrappy Heap. Twenty-six episodes and an actual ending. Just wow.
Oh and for those who still hate it but might be curious, here's what happens [spoiler]Kagome decides to stay and everyone lives happily ever after[/spoiler]

[blkmage]

And now for the last of the finales from winter.

BakaTest is a surprisingly well produced and amusing comedy. It gets a pass and I will be watching its second season.

Kimi ni Todoke is the best show of Fall 2009. Granted, its primary competition was DtB2 which was not quite up to expectations. Also, if you hate shoujo, you probably won't like Kimi ni Todoke. It was a very faithful adaptation of the manga, even going through Chizu's side plot for some reason. It stopped at the exact place I expected it to stop, giving it closure while leaving the opportunity for a second season to exist. It did pretty well, so I think you can expect to see a second season, which I will be looking forward to.

And for another new show, we have HEROMAN. Heroman is the collaboration between superstar studio BONES and Stan Lee, creator of lots of things that you are familiar with. Heroman is hilarious because it is set in AMERICA but there is just enough Japanese-ness in how the characters act that it's noticeably strange. Production's fantastic though and I guess if you're in the market for superhero tropes, this is for you.

[rocklobster]

Starting Gundam Seed Destiny tomorrow!

[Adie]

I just finished Kimi ni Todoke; I loved it. :D
I'm still making my way through Monster, Cross Game, and Legend of the Galactic Heroes. I'm taking a break from Hanasakeru Seishounen, since the last few episodes I watched were kinda boring. ^^;

And I'm planning on starting Fantastic Children soon, since I've heard a lot of good things about it.

[Mr. Hat'n'Clogs]

So I just finished Soul Eater, which was freaking awesome. Now for the manga...

[MasterDias]

So, Marvel Comics/superhero fans in particular should check out Heroman. The first episode was pretty much like a classic superhero origin story...plus there's the requisite Stan Lee cameo.
Production value's are great, as expected of Bones. Overall, the episode was fun although it was sort of weird watching something in Japanese where all the names are western.

[MightiMidget]

Watched episode 12 of Baccano! and episode 7 of Ergo Proxy earlier. Both were pretty fun.

*note* If anyone can tell me which Baccano! episode has the quote Nice "first kiss" quote? that would be awesome. I wrote it down somewhere and lost it and want it verbatim....ops: (or anyone who HAS the quote verbatim. )

[Hohenheim]

So, Marvel Comics/superhero fans in particular should check out Heroman. The first episode was pretty much like a classic superhero origin story...plus there's the requisite Stan Lee cameo.
Production value's are great, as expected of Bones. Overall, the episode was fun although it was sort of weird watching something in Japanese where all the names are western.

You noticed that too? It was so weird seeing all these American symbols everywhere you look, but everyone is speaking Japanese.

Other than that, though, Heroman looks promising. I already like Prof. Menton and his alien shenanigans.

[blkmage]

More new shows.

Angel Beats? More like Kyoto Animation the Animation. If you thought So Ra No Wo To's character designs were derivative of K-ON!, then you'll love Angel Beats' characters who share character designs and personalities with Haruhi characters. The premise is nonsensical and the mood has been schizophrenic. There is a gun battle juxtaposed with a concert. Why? It is a mystery. If I were a stronger person, I'd probably drop this, but as with CANAAN and Ookami Kakushi, I'll be staying for the writer.

Kaichou wa Maid-sama is pretty good and pretty shoujo. It's got the shoujo comedy setup that feels a lot like Ouran or Kare Kano or Special A. Of course, if you aren't into shoujo, then don't come near it. I think watching this may have accelerated my plans to check out the manga, because I am always up for the promise of a not-dumb shoujo.

[Winry]

Code Geass. Liking the series so far =)

[Mr. Hat'n'Clogs]

So I just finished Spice and Wolf, and again, it leaves me quite impressed. While not a show I want to just marathon straight away, like Kino's Journey, except less depressing. A fantastic show, and I'll be sure to watch Spice and Wolf II when Funimation posts it. So, all in all, great stuff. The ending was that kind of heartwarming that makes you feel all fuzzy inside.

[MightiMidget]

Just finished Baccano! and yes I totally bawled at the sweetness. next! the specials! (huzzuh hulu ) Definitely going on my to-buy list. Loved it. Jacuzzi/Nice and Isaac/Miria are the cutest couples ever.

[Mr. Hat'n'Clogs]

Just finished Baccano! and yes I totally bawled at the sweetness. next! the specials! (huzzuh hulu ) Definitely going on my to-buy list. Loved it. Jacuzzi/Nice and Isaac/Miria are the cutest couples ever.

:O No love for Firo and Ennis? Since you haven't seen the OVAs, I'll forgive the lack of Chane/Claire, since that's pretty much they're focus, besides wrapping some things up. The end of the OVAs brightens my day no matter how bright it already is.

[MightiMidget]

Hey! I barely saw any of Firo/Ennis, hullo. Though there was much happiness abounding here in northwest...I was disappointed Firo wasn't around more, actually...same with Ennis. Lots of Firo/Ennis love. Jacuzzi/Nice are still my favorite couple from Baccano! though. Everyone was awesome!! Though....

[spoiler]I don't think I have ever wanted a character to die as much as Russo. Though not entirely sure yet if he be dead yet or not, so...I'm guessing he's not due to the little clip in the first episode.[/spoiler]

About to watch episode 11 of Ergo Proxy. =)

[Nate]

Legend of the Galactic Heroes

You are my favorite person. I want to see this series SO bad.

Anyway, um, got up to episode 6 of Heartcatch Precure and y'know, it's pretty good. It's a pretty formulaic magical girl show for the most part, but there's tons of references to other anime, the villains are interesting, and it's just a lot of fun all around.

Still unbelievably girly though.

[Sheol777]

Ponyo again, I know its an unpopular opinion, but I enjoyed it more than Howl's Moving Castle

[Tsukuyomi]

I started (restarted in a way) into Ouran High Host Club ^__^ I couldn't stop giggling while watching this.. Just ask Nate XD

[Valkaiser]

Finally finished Hyper Police.
While not exactly very deep or gripping it entertained me greatly, I would place it high on my list.

[Wolf-man]

Forgot to mention
I finished season 2 of Haruhi. It was pretty "meh". I can see why animecrazy.net said it was the biggest disappointment of 2009. Stupid endless eight.

[knightlee]

Finishing up Kiki's Delivery Service (which I happen to love so far), and I started on the first season of Baccano!, which I also happened to like.

I never thought I would say this about anime, but think I may be addicted.

[Mr. Hat'n'Clogs]

Watched Tegami Bachi episode 1, and I'm about to watch Mushishi episode 4, which I watched the first three episodes of about a year ago, but then inexplicably put on-hold. I've decided I'll bounce back and forth between the two until one makes me go NEED MORE.

[Wyntre Rose]

Watching Fushigi Yugi. I'd started it a while ago, but wasn't able to continue from the first volume, since the place I borrowed it from didn't have any more. It's been a while, though, so I started back from square one. Just finished episode 7.

[blkmage]

Arakawa Under the Bridge is really weird. It might be the weirdest show SHAFT has done. Other ways you can tell it was SHAFT is their love of point-blank shots of eyes and Hiroshi Kamiya voicing the main character. Anyway, I liked hearing Maaya Sakamoto again and FujiKei as the kappa was pretty great.

Haiyoru! Nyaru-Ani is also weird, but less interesting. Standard gag and references, I guess. I have no idea what the original light novel is about, but I doubt it's the text equivalent of four-panel strips. At least I hope not. Pretty unremarkable; it's probably made for fans of the light novel.

[Mithrandir]

I started (restarted in a way) into Ouran High Host Club ^__^ I couldn't stop giggling while watching this.. Just ask Nate XD

No... I'm scared... XD


Also, I'm currently rewatching Lovely Complex with the Wolf.

[knightlee]

Finished Kiki's Delivery Service, now I'm watching Durarara!!, Lovely Complex, and So Ra No Wo To. Baccano! has been moved to the side for a bit.

[MightiMidget]

Just finished the Baccano! specials and absolutely adored them. I think I might have liked them more than the series...Firo made me laugh, so did Graham...

@Mr.HatandClogs -- yes, Claire/Chane are an awesome couple. I give in.

[AnimeGirl]

Watched volumes 3 and 4 of xxxHOLiC. So awesome!!! Especially the volume 3 episodes. A good mix of weird/creepy and extreme hilarious-ness!!!

[ich1990]

Cowboy Bebop ep. 1-26

I was ready and willing to defy the world, to give the so-called masterpiece anime a 9/10, and then to laugh at people who gave it perfect scores --because obviously they have let the hype overrule good taste.

Then I saw episode 23.

And 24.

And the rest.

It really is a masterpiece.

This is the way Bebop ends.
This is the way Bebop ends.
This is the way Bebop ends.
Not with a whimper, but a bang.