What anime are you watching?

[blkmage]

I've noticed that when people notice something that's absent and very relevant to the story in the week that the episode aired, they were all super worried about how it might affect the adaptation later down the road. In pretty much every case, their fears were eventually settled by the fact that if something is important, it will show up at some point.

[ich1990]

I've noticed that when people notice something that's absent and very relevant to the story in the week that the episode aired, they were all super worried about how it might affect the adaptation later down the road. In pretty much every case, their fears were eventually settled by the fact that if something is important, it will show up at some point.

Hm. Perhaps you are right. I am a little new to the whole "anime adaption" business, and they have done pretty well so far. Here is to hoping.

[Wyntre Rose]

Soul Eater: 37-39 Poor Chrona! I never thought I'd like that character as much as I do, in spite of the fact that Chrona is voiced by Maaya Sakamoto - which really should have been a tip off...lol. Even Black Star is almost bearable now. Ragnarok still makes me grind my teeth, though.

Beck:1-5 Other than the profanity, I'm quite enjoying this one. It's very fun to hear some of my favorite dub actors get to use their vocal talents musically.

[Mr. Hat'n'Clogs]

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood episodes 8-31

This has turned out to be an excellent way to run through the series again, one last time before its conclusion. In fact, it has been so good and loyal to the source material that I have almost considered ranking it a 10/10 and putting it right up next to the manga as one of my favorite pieces of Japanese art ever. I considered doing so, that is, before episode 30 changed my mind. Previous to that episode, they had cut things and moved them around, but it was mostly little stuff, and forgivable given the time constraints.

The Ishvalan war, however, is an extremely important piece of the story, and provides the history and motivations of virtually the entire cast of military characters. It pains me, then, to see the entire Ishvalan flashback (which took a full volume in the manga) condensed into one episode. Don't get me wrong, what was adapted was done almost perfectly, but I can't help but be surprised that so much critical character development was left out. If they were worried about time constraints, then they should have just axed episode 27. Very disappointing.

A note, then, to all of you "anime only" people out there. Please, please, pick up volume 16 of FMA (chapters 58-61) and read them in place of, or concurrent with episode 30. You won't regret it.

I think I should point out that volume 15 covers Ishval, not 16. 16 has Ed in the winter coat on the cover, and begins Briggs.

[MightiMidget]

Darker Than Black: Gaiden 3: -- okay. so. um. yeah. The subtitles were atrocious, so if anyone has watched that and can explain to me what the heck happened before Hei being a wreck? much appreciated. thanks....

[GeneD]

Watched the first episode of Birdy the Mighty: Decode on Funi's YouTube. XD I am happy about being able to stream this. Big thanks to the CAA radio crew. XD

[AnimeGirl]

I just watched Spirited Away again, after a long time, but this time I set it to it's original Japanese track. It was really good, too. I remember when Dad bought it, I was the same age as Chihiro at that time, 10 years old, which was one of the reasons I fell in love with it. The voice of Haku sounds like Miyu Irino (and according to Wikipedia, it is). He sounded younger here. But he did excellent!

[TheSubtleDoctor]

I have been watching several good series, and you can go to my MAL page to see how I rate them. At this moment, I only want to say a few words about an anime, a piece of art, that trascends all of the other shows I'm currently viewing: Makoto Shinkai's 5 Centimeters Per Second.

This work, the first of Shinkai's that I've seen, is painfully beautiful, achingly elegant. As I watched, feelings of melancholy as well as the desire to reach out to all my loved ones burrowed deep into my heart. As the final shots of the third story zipped by on my monitor, I could bear it no longer. I cried. I cried for the possible ways my life could have turned out, had I not met certain people at certain times. I cried for how lonely I used to be, how lonely I could have ultimately been, and friends and family that are themselves isolated from love and community. 5 Centimeters Per Second is a rarity; it is an anime that didn't simply entertain me, it prompted me to take action. And take action, I did. All I will say is that I reached out to a loved one because of this movie.

As you can see, I formed a deep personal connection with this film. Many of my feelings about it, and what I think is going on in it, are inarticulable at present. I will, therefore, conclude with this: I believe that any art that moves someone into doing something, whose ripple effect can be tangibly quantified, deserves maximum plaudits and honors. Thank you, Makoto Shinkai.

[Cadence]

@TheSubtleDoctor

Well said! I agree with every word you wrote. This wonderful film also prompted me to take action, and its power to do just that is what makes it such an amazing work and such a classic. It is not just entertainment, but inspirational, beautiful and uplifting as well.

Thanks for the great words. Now I am feeling an irrepressible urge to watch 5 cm again...but meanwhile, I just finished the series Asatte no Houkou. As of now, I am not quite sure how I feel about it...it could have been great, but didn't quite reach its potential. I also finished Fantastic Children, and was blown away. It is an addition to my list of favorites, for sure.

[ich1990]

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood episodes 32-34

[quote="TheSubtleDoctor (post: 1398169)"]This work, the first of Shinkai's that I've seen, is painfully beautiful, achingly elegant. As I watched, feelings of melancholy as well as the desire to reach out to all my loved ones burrowed deep into my heart. As the final shots of the third story zipped by on my monitor, I could bear it no longer. I cried. I cried for the possible ways my life could have turned out, had I not met certain people at certain times. I cried for how lonely I used to be, how lonely I could have ultimately been, and friends and family that are themselves isolated from love and community. 5 Centimeters Per Second is a rarity]

Excellent, excellent, excellent. I am so glad you got to see 5cmPS, it is really everything you say; from the first water puddle to the flower petal falling from the last line of the credits, it is an amazing film.

I was just worried that you wouldn't be able to get a chance to watch it (or at the least have to wait until Global Shinkai Day). If you don't mind me asking, how did you get a hold of a copy?

Aw, crap. Now I have to go watch it again.....

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Well said! I agree with every word you wrote. This wonderful film also prompted me to take action, and its power to do just that is what makes it such an amazing work and such a classic. It is not just entertainment, but inspirational, beautiful and uplifting as well.

Excellent, excellent, excellent. I am so glad you got to see 5cmPS, it is really everything you say]True words, true words. I'm kind of in a daze, pondering this movie. Thoughts about it aren't quite fully forming. Once I have digested it, I may right something about it in mah blawg

Now I am feeling an irrepressible urge to watch 5 cm again...

Aw, crap. Now I have to go watch it again.....

This is not a bad thing .

I was just worried that you wouldn't be able to get a chance to watch it (or at the least have to wait until Global Shinkai Day). If you don't mind me asking, how did you get a hold of a copy?

I was thinking the same thing, but then I broke down and stole a copy from some kid...not really =). Inter library loan is good to me.

I also finished Fantastic Children, and was blown away. It is an addition to my list of favorites, for sure.

This show is unbelievably good and criminally underrated/under watched. I love the story so much. More folks need to watch it. Maybe my favorite anime sci-fi?

[ich1990]

Inter library loan is good to me.

I would say! I can't even get the manga for One Piece at my library chain. It is one of the big three, for heaven's sake! You are a lucky man.

So, did your viewing of 5cm change your opinion about the manga adaption at all?

[Cloud500]

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Part One

[GrubbTheFragger]

Watching Gilgamesh episode 1 at the moment. Rather slow so far. I haven't watched an anime in a very long time

[blkmage]

It took me just over a month, and I have now finished Legend of the Galactic Heroes. I feel like I have accomplished something great. Legend of the Galactic Heroes has:

1. The most characters. DRRR!! and Baccano! has got nothing on LOGH in cast size.
2. Classical political thought. Corrupt republican democracy vs. benevolent authocratic empire. Idealism vs. pragmatism. Violent upheaval vs. reforming the system from within.
3. Awesome characters. Your set of favourite characters will likely include picks from both sides. There are good and bad people on both sides, whether they're fighting for the commander they respect or out of whim and foppery.
4. Politics. Unlike hilarious Gundam politics, the movements of the military are affected by things like public opinion, Parliaments, and nobles. There is political intrigue and there are plots among the political class, be they politicians in the case of the Alliance or nobles in the Court in the case of the Empire.
5. Scope. This takes place among the upper echelon of society. The main characters here aren't aces, they're admirals.
6. Fightan. Hey look, wars and battles in space where there's a distinction between strategy and tactics! Also, two "that's no moon!" battle stations meeting each other in a battle? Pretty awesome. In addition to actual tactics, there is use of infantry. And what's the preferred melee weapon in this sci-fi series? Axes.

[TheSubtleDoctor]

So, did your viewing of 5cm change your opinion about the manga adaption at all?

It certainly has clouded my feelings about the manga. I mean, I still hold to what I said earlier: the adaptation can be a good work on its own, and it shouldn't be thought of as replacing the original. On the other hand, there is a part of me, the part that connected w/ the film, that sort of rankles at the thought of anyone messing with my 5cm/s, if you take my meaning. Selfish? You 'betcha. I will still check it out, but, even if it is great, it most likely won't be breathing the same air as Shinkai's masterpiece.
---
Rainbow 1-6

Warning: this series is not for the kiddies.

This show will steamroll you. Rainbow is the (semi-biographical?) story of seven boys' time spent in a youth reform school (basically prison) in post-WWII Japan. Of course, the conditions of these "schools" are totally wretched, and the people that staff them are even more wretched. You really feel the weight of the despair that falls over the boys. Themes of brotherhood/friendship, sacrifice and endurance in overcoming corruption abound throughout the show. Rainbow is set up so that you become attached to the main cast very quickly. I definitely feel for these characters, and any small victory for them makes my heart swell with pride, as if they were my own friends. It's totally a manly, fist-pump-inducing sort of show. Sakuragi has become one of my new favorite anime characters: he is a beacon of hope and light in a world of darkness. Also: if you're looking for villains to hate, then this show's got 'em. I cannot wait for the villains to bite it...that will be truly sweet.

[KeybladeWarrior]

I have recently watched Fate/Stay Night eps. 1-4 and Axis Powers Hetalia episode 20.

[Nate]

It took me just over a month, and I have now finished Legend of the Galactic Heroes.

I need to watch this so bad. :l

[Lilac#18]

[color="Plum"]Just finished watching Naruto Shippuden episode 163 a few minutes ago.[/color]

[Kung_Fu_Master]

TORIKO!!

If you don't have an appetite before you will after.

Sadly there's only one episode at the moment but you can buy time with the manga.

[ShiroiHikari]

Finished Mahou Sentai Magiranger. I loved it! It started out kinda meh but then it just kept getting better and better and didn't stop. It had everything that made me first start liking anime-- even though it's Super Sentai, not anime, but whatever. I will definitely be watching more Super Sentai in the future.

[ich1990]

Other Worlds

A Makoto Shinkai short, about a minute and a half long. At this length, there isn't really much you can do with a story, so it comes down to being an animation and art showcase. That is something that Shinkai is really good at, usually. In this case, however, the scenes were just kind of confusing. I do applaud the use of a "Gymnopédie" by Erik Satie as the soundtrack, though. 3/5.

She and Her Cat

Another Shinkai short, about five minutes long. Again, not a lot you can do with a story, but very pretty animation (outside of the oddly drawn cat). A little disturbing how the cat ditches his cat girlfriend for the human girl, though. 4/5.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood episodes 35-42

After all of the OPs we have gone through, I still can't help but think the first is the best. Also, it annoys the heck out of me that the last minute or so of the episode is placed after the ending credits. I am not talking about a preview of the next episode, but actual story. The fact that I have to watch another Funimation commercial in order to watch that last minute is insult to injury. Man, I am getting tired of those same four commercials. On the plus side, FMA:B is still rocking right along.

[Atria35]

Time of Eve Ova 1-6 (all)- Wow! This is a great sci-fi show in the vein of I, Robot and Bicentennial Man! Just fantastic. Where do I even begin? XD

[Mr. Hat'n'Clogs]

Honey and Clover episode 4-5. Still enjoyable, but it flips between moods so quickly, and I'd like it to be less so. Not an anime you just want to marathon through, but it's good.

[the_wolfs_howl]

Finished Busou Renkin :/ The ending flopped pretty bad, I thought. And it just got too ridiculous and unbelievable for me. Blah.

I also (finally) watched Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. I loved the animation; it was absolutely beautiful, and it was so fun to hear Liam Neeson, Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett in a Miyazaki movie (though Liam Neeson was distracting because I kept on hearing Qui-Gon everywhere!). It was also very cute, but I didn't like it as much as some of the other Miyazaki movies. For me, I liked it slightly more than Princess Mononoke and slightly less than My Neighbor Totoro.

Then I surprised myself by watching the first three episodes of Lovely Complex and really liking it. Somehow, the relationship between the characters, and the crazy humor, appealed to me very much, so I don't mind so much that it's a romancey shoujo thing.

[Atria35]

Cowboy Bebop complete- and what an end. I nearly cried. See you, Space Cowboy!

[ich1990]

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood episodes 43-54

It occurs to me, especially going through these episodes with Envy, that Mustang is more intelligent, powerful, and all around cool in Brotherhood than in the manga. I think, perhaps, this is an error of perception, since making things explode into flame is far more impressive in the anime than in black and white still frames. Whatever it is I am enjoying it immensely.

And to top it all off, an Ishval war scene was added in this episode. There are still a lot of important scenes in the manga that haven't made their way into Brotherhood in any form, but this is a step in the right direction.

[Mr. Hat'n'Clogs]

Cowboy Bebop complete- and what an end. I nearly cried. See you, Space Cowboy!

Bang.

Honey and Clover episode 6, which part of me really liked, and I still feel the same way about the jumps from "AHHH CRAZY STUFF!!!!!" to the kind of melancholy I was expecting before I started. It's a good show, for sure.

Hopefully I'll either watch Kara no Kyoukai 1 or Paprika tomorrow. Should work out.

[SnoringFrog]

I just finished up Spice and Wolf season 2, and I'll probably be starting Baccano tonight.

[Wyntre Rose]

Finally saw xxxHolic: Rou subbed. I'd seen it raw when it first came out, but since my Japanese is pretty limited, I didn't quite get everything.

Later on: Finished Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad. Quite a unique anime. I've heard it described as an indie movie that just happened to be animated in Japan (and stretched out over 26 episodes) and I think that's pretty accurate. That's probably the most profanity I've ever heard in any series, American or Japanese, though!

Started Case Closed Season 5