Mouse2010 (post: 1473814) wrote:So what I'm hearing is that I should give Vision of Escaflowne more of a chance? Good to know! :-) I did watch the second episode, and I thought it was better, but I was still not feeling drawn to the series. But . . . I bought the box set on one of my earlier anime-buying-splurges, so I might as well watch it. If nothing else, it's an anime classic, isn't it?
Yes. It belongs to an era high in quality - if traditional- fantasy themes for anime (Escaflowne, Magic Knight Rayearth, Record of Lodoss War, Slayers, El Hazard, etc.) It might seem a bit dated by today standards, where fantasy is mixed with other genres and often plays a secondary role. They are the Tolkien of the medium.
As for myself, I finally got some time, and the appropriate mood and been trying to catch up with the great series that I missed back in their time:
Spice and Wolf (first season): Much love, leave it to anime to make such a random and otherwise dull theme as economics in feudal times, something engaging and dramatic. Looking forward the second season. 9/10
XXXholic (first season): Even though I loathed the long-limbed treatment they gave to the characters, I have a soft spot for both light horror and Japanese mythology and CLAMP have always been great at mixing them. I also enjoyed the episodic focus centered in Watanuki as opposed to being a companion device for Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles as it is in the manga. However, watching the next season, movie and ova doesn't feel too pressing at the moment. 7/10
Code Geass: I'm half through it and it has blown me off my socks. The depth of character and their development has left me speechless and that's only part of it. Amazing action, great intrigue, wonderful production values including gorgeous character design by CLAMP, contribute to make of this one of the best series I've seen in years. It's like Death Note and Full Metal Panic! had a love child who inherited only the best of their genes. Greatly recommended for any other wretch like me who hasn't seen it yet. 10/10