What anime are you watching?

[ShiroiHikari]

I will probably never watch Hokuto no Ken because both my husband and his friend hated it. They finished the whole thing, but they hated it. I'm not into exploding heads and big burly dudes, and I don't want to make yet another long-term commitment, so I'll pass.

[Atria35]

Watched the first episode of 07 Ghost. It seems rather interesting, and the animation is gorgeous! I think I'll continue with it.

My advice? Stop where you are. The anime ends... so... terribly.... (I mean, it has a completely open ending. No plot threads are wrapped up or anything)

[MightiMidget]

My advice? Stop where you are. The anime ends... so... terribly.... (I mean, it has a completely open ending. No plot threads are wrapped up or anything)

xD Lol! I liked 07-Ghost. I read the first three volumes of the manga though...it's fun...just not particularly strong. *whistle*

[Atria35]

xD Lol! I liked 07-Ghost. I read the first three volumes of the manga though...it's fun...just not particularly strong. *whistle*

Really? I thought it was stronger than how the anime started! And had less slow-moving parts than the anime.

[MightiMidget]

Really? I thought it was stronger than how the anime started! And had less slow-moving parts than the manga.

Yes, I agree I think the manga is stronger. But I also found the manga to be rather confusing. So seeing it animated helped a lot with figuring it out, and it was the first (and only) time I'd read the manga before watching the anime. So I was more just giddy. xD

[Atria35]

Yes, I agree I think the manga is stronger. But I also found the manga to be rather confusing. So seeing it animated helped a lot with figuring it out, and it was the first (and only) time I'd read the manga before watching the anime. So I was more just giddy. xD

Ah! Yes, I can see that. When I read it I had just come off of reading FLCL, so I had an easier time with it! xD

[Nanao]

It's been a couple of weeks since I really got to watch any anime thanks to school. Watching C episode 5, restarting Ghost Hunt, and FMA episode 21.

[AnimeGirl]

Watched the OVA "Pale Cocoon" and the first episode of "Otome Youkai Zakuro" on CrunchyRoll. I loved the animation in "Pale Cocoon" but felt the OVA as a whole a little unsatisfying, but I still liked it. And "Otome Youkai Zakuro" I like so far, I think I shall continue with this series!

[ABlipinTime]

Watched the OVA "Pale Cocoon" and the first episode of "Otome Youkai Zakuro" on CrunchyRoll. I loved the animation in "Pale Cocoon" but felt the OVA as a whole a little unsatisfying, but I still liked it. And "Otome Youkai Zakuro" I like so far, I think I shall continue with this series!

Checking out what's on crunchyroll myself and considered Pale Cocoon. It looked interesting. What aspect wasn't satisfying?

------------

Made the mistake of starting various anime I don't like, and yet I want to finish them. Arg stories

[Wallachia]

I just finished watching Aria: The Animation.

Talk about relaxing! It took me forever to get through the first season since I hardly felt the need to watch more than one episode at a time, but it was good. I'll have to watch the sequels soon.

I also just started watching Re:Cutie Honey. Besides the addictive OP theme, I don't know what to think of it yet. It's like they took fan service, canceled it out with constant fan-disservice, and then made you sit through (what appears to be) an interesting plot coupled with consistent action. Blend it all together and you have this somewhat energetic Anime...

I'll have to watch more before forming a real opinion on it though. There are things I dislike about Re:Cutie Honey that would normally make me stop watching, but there are also things I like spread throughout that make me want to keep going...

[minakichan]

Watched the OVA "Pale Cocoon" and the first episode of "Otome Youkai Zakuro" on CrunchyRoll. I loved the animation in "Pale Cocoon" but felt the OVA as a whole a little unsatisfying, but I still liked it. And "Otome Youkai Zakuro" I like so far, I think I shall continue with this series!

Watch Time of Eve if you haven't. Same guy as Pale Cocooon but much awesomer.

[Atria35]

Watch Time of Eve if you haven't. Same guy as Pale Cocooon but much awesomer.

She has! xD

Lessee... re-watched Spirited Away. Because it's my favorite Ghibli movie ever.

[Maokun]

Tried watching cowboy bebop (up past ep 4 now). Having some trouble seeing what people like about it. It's got a very good retro op, but hopefully more story develops, otherwise it'll feel like watching "It Takes a Thief" (an entertaining show no less, but purely episodic).

For comparison:
Bebop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6zDfxZ4NcE
Thief:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKT_hWv_fbQ
(warning: some content not really appropriate for young viewers. just sayin')

Um. No. Not really. The whole series is almost entirely episodic, except for some hints and things here and there. I had difficulty getting into it up through the end...personally, I like the movie better. Heehee.

It's interesting in setting though.

Oh no, you didn't go there! *cracks neck and fists*

Cowboy Bebop, uh? What's so good about it, you ask?

It is truth that you cannot expect an epic continuous plot in the series as the narrative is mostly episodic. However! You can expect an epic plot in almost each episode. Each episode is a fully realized amazing idea, dripping with originality and cool. Moreover, the direction of the series is nothing less but masterful: the pacing, the animation, the use of music, the choice of framing, camera angles, etc. The attention to detail and the care and expertise put into the making of each episode is a gift for the eyes and the mind. It's a real shame that Shinichiro Watanabe is not a more prolific director.

Then you have the main characters. Amazingly original and well fleshed out. Interestingly, you cannot expect character growth from them: most of them are stubborn adults, jaded and cynical (though not humorless or unkind) and through the series, rather to see them grow or change their minds, you'll be given little glimpses of the different, not so evident aspects of their personality, and in some cases, the reason why they came to be like that (retrospective character development, if you will.) And despite the lack of an epic ongoing saga, there's is definitely a narrative thread that takes the series to its logical conclusion.

So sit back and relax. Cowboy Bebop is a series that's enjoyed best slowly and not marathoned. Watch one episode today and another tomorrow or the day after tomorrow and make sure you pay attention to it and have time to digest it. Love the soundtrack. Come back to me and let me know if Speak like a Child is not one of the greatest anime episodes ever in your opinion.

I married Hokuto no Ken and so should you

Well, I have to say that it sounds like something I wouldn't like such a long commitment with, but I may try a quick, dirty affair with the pentology. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I appreciate your long reviews of series and your style.

[ABlipinTime]

@Maokun:
... pfhahahaha. ok. "enjoyed best slowly and not marathoned". so i'll enjoy it the same way i enjoyed "It Takes A Thief". In all seriousness, though, it's okay. I wouldn't give it anything near the high praise that you did (whether truly or sarcastically), but I do intend to finish it, esp. since that also gives me a full, respectable opinion on it.

In the meantime, though, I have other things to watch.

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Well, I have to say that it sounds like something I wouldn't like such a long commitment with, but I may try a quick, dirty affair with the pentology.

Brilliant! I have watched the first two parts of the pentology, and the updated animation and storytelling definitely did the series a favor. The narrative feels tighter, the new characters are interesting (except for Toby) and the atmosphere gets the touch of dreary, sinister darkness that the story requires. The only drawback so far is that condensing the plot sacrifices a bit of emotional investment on the viewer's part, but that could just be me (a guy who just finished that looong TV series). Since the pentology was made to garner new fans for the series, I think it is perfect for you and any other interested newcomer who can't put in the requisite time for the TV series.

I just wanted to say that I appreciate your long reviews of series and your style.

Aw, shucks =). I appreciate that a lot. I am only taking after others on this board who did the same kind of thing both before me and better than me.

[minakichan]

Recent new watches:

Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko
Pretty dumb concept, but the execution is wonderful. SHAFT must be rolling in it after Madoka; there are some crappy SHAFT non-animation scenes, but oh man, some of that stuff in the first ep made me nosebleed (not really). Also, TEH SHINY. I love the character designs, even if they're just moe girls showered in glitter. Actually, the face and eyes are drawn pretty alive.

Moshidora
I'm probably going to love this series as I watch more; I kind of like this level of boys' drama, Mimi is cute, and even though the applications are pretty simple, it's interesting.

[Kingdom]

Hey first off, I would like to thank everyone in this thread, that means every single person that posts and talks about Anime.

I have been building a collection of anime, for my wife and I to watch lately and this thread has come of GREAT use!

I was wondering if it would be alright if I asked people of this thread some questions about some of the anime's to make sure it's suitable for my wife and I to watch.

Ok, I got one question already, Gun X Sword. I read a small synopsis on myanimelist.net and it seemed like something I would be interested in. But I was wondering myanimelist.net has a rating system, but it doesn't really have much depth to it, so I was wondering if there was a ton of fanservice in this anime or nudity?

If anyone could answer that It would be much appreciated, I wish there was a site that had all the anime's ratings and reason for rating.

Thanks again to the posters in this thread!!!


Also to answer the thread, still watching BLEACH.... it's taking forever to get through!
Then I am gonna watch Cashern Sins.

[Atria35]

I was wondering if it would be alright if I asked people of this thread some questions about some of the anime's to make sure it's suitable for my wife and I to watch.

Because it can get complicated when people ask for recommendations in the 'watching' thread and things can get confusing, we have an anime recommendations thread (http://www.christiananime.net/showthread.php?t=40642&page=50) at the top of the Anime for exactly this reason. Hope it helps!

[Kingdom]

Because it can get complicated when people ask for recommendations in the 'watching' thread and things can get confusing, we have an anime recommendations thread (http://www.christiananime.net/showthread.php?t=40642&page=50) at the top of the Anime for exactly this reason. Hope it helps!

Oops silly me, thank you so much!

[blkmage]

Heartcatch Precure is an excellent and modern magical girl show that is actually intended for the genre's traditional target audience. While it's the only one I've actually watched, I really, really like the style compared to other Precure shows. And even though it has a good few minutes of stock animation, the show's really well produced and the actual fighting is fantastic. It starts off pretty good, but I was super impressed by the second half.

Seto no Hanayome is pretty hilarious and I'm almost entirely sure the whole thing even exists because they had to use the ninkyo/ningyo pun somehow. But that's okay, because Yakuza merpeople are definitely more entertaining than either Yakuza or merpeople alone.

[MightiMidget]

I keep thinking Hidan no Aria can't be nearly as bad as I remembered from last episode. Then she speaks. And I remember, yes it can...watching episode 6 now. (EDIT: then any of the girls speak.)

and @Maokun -- I'm not denying that Cowboy Bebop is original, just that it...erm...failed to keep my attention. xD But the marathoning bit might have been a problem too.

[blkmage]

Is she really that bad? She doesn't seem particularly terrible in Hidan no Aria, but maybe I've been inoculated from the hours and hours of Kugyuu tsundere shows I've watched.

[Atria35]

Re-watched Origin: Spirits of the Past... with the family this time. We all agreed: Visuals- 10, Music- 10, Story- 8. Enjoyed it a lot. Will be buying the soundtrack ASAP.

[MightiMidget]

Is she really that bad? She doesn't seem particularly terrible in Hidan no Aria, but maybe I've been inoculated from the hours and hours of Kugyuu tsundere shows I've watched.

Kugyuu? But she does sound just like that, just a bit slower. ops: Maybe I just haven't been indoctrinated enough with screechy tsundere? But...gah. It's grating. I didn't even mind quite as much in Dragon Crisis! But the screechiness seems particularly harsh in Aria.

[blkmage]

Kugyuu is Kugimiya Rie's fan nickname. I noticed that you're planning to watch Shakugan no Shana, Hayate the Combat Butler, and Toradora, so, uh, look forward to that, I guess. There's a reason I call this show Shana With Guns.

[FllMtl Novelist]

Since my last post I've seen FMA:Brotherhood episode 46, part of a Kekkaishi episode (I've got to get up earlier >.<), and an episode of Inuyasha.

And I've seen a (the?) Durarara bonus episode, and regular episodes 13,14, 15 before Crunchyroll told me it wants me to make an account before watching any more. I'm hoping I'll try it another day and it'll forget about it, but if not I'm going to have to figure out something else to watch at the library. XD

[Mr. Hat'n'Clogs]

I finished The Tatami Galaxy, which I'm not going to write much about because I don't think I have enough time to. To sum it up, this is my new pick for best series of 2010, though Summer Wars still edges it out. 10/10

Unfortunately Gun X Sword is going on hold at episode nineteen because Funimation took all but the first four episodes down, but it's a solid mecha show if anyone needs a more modern super robot show that is a little more quiet than Gurren Lagann. Not to say anything bad about Gurren Lagann, but it is definitely less hot blood than Gurren Lagann.

Picked Honey and Clover up again in another attempt to clean up my on-holds list now that I'm done with The Tatami Galaxy. As of episode nine, when it's serious, I really like it. When it's aiming for comedy I can't stand it. Can anyone tell me if it either gets funny or stops throwing in the comedy?

[MightiMidget]

Picked Honey and Clover up again in another attempt to clean up my on-holds list now that I'm done with The Tatami Galaxy. As of episode nine, when it's serious, I really like it. When it's aiming for comedy I can't stand it. Can anyone tell me if it either gets funny or stops throwing in the comedy?

HEAR HEAR! Honey and Clover annoyed me whenever it was trying to be "funny." Basically I would turn it way down and wait for it to be over. Grrr.

The sense of humor remains the same throughout the first season (haven't seen the second). Although, I get the impression the comedy either faded out or lessened in degree? But I don't quite remember. The comedy never entirely goes away.

Kugyuu is Kugimiya Rie's fan nickname. I noticed that you're planning to watch Shakugan no Shana, Hayate the Combat Butler, and Toradora, so, uh, look forward to that, I guess. There's a reason I call this show Shana With Guns.

Ah! Okay. And yes...I noticed that a bit late...oh well. I figure what the hey, I can try them and if they get too grating I can always ditch them. Yay. =)

[R86]

Can anyone tell me if it [Honey and Clover] either gets funny or stops throwing in the comedy?

My recollection is that occasional humor of that type remains through the end, although to me at least, the overall trend was toward the serious. I didn't mind the occasional (attempts at) humor for some variety, but I can understand not liking that kind of humor also.

I will say this about Honey and Clover, that you need to watch to the very end in order to get the full effect. Obviously I can't say more at the risk of spoiling it, but for what it's worth, I normally don't care for the romance genre at all, but I'm really glad I saw this show. I won't say it's perfect, but it did come highly recommended, and I can understand why.

As for The Tatami Galaxy, I just saw part of the first episode of both this show and House of Five Leaves last night. I think both shows are showing me just how narrow my tastes are, and that I need to try different things -- particularly when both shows come so highly recommended. I have started Legend of Galactic Heroes too, and it's a tossup here as to whether I continue that one now, or postpone it until after I catch up in Shippuuden and maybe start one of these newer shows in the meantime.

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Legend of the Galactic Heroes: My Conquest is a Sea of Stars

This was pretty much an hour long episode of LOGH. It had everything I dug about the series, only with better animation and art that was a bit more detailed. Conquest tells the story of how two of the series most towering figures, Reinhard and Yang, first met on the field of battle.

I think that this film is a fantastic way for people to check out LOGH without committing to anything long-term. It's a prequel of sorts and is essentially a drawn out space fleet battle (a series of skirmishes over a couple of days). While the political nature of the series isn't on show, the strategic elements, the mental chess game, comes through loud and clear. Excellent way to spend an hour.

Armored Trooper VOTOMS: VOTOMS Finder

Speaking of brief forays into anime, Votoms Finder is exactly what a one-shot OVA should be. No prior knowledge of the Votoms universe is necessary to enjoy this side story. This show is a hair less than forty minutes, so no harm done if it isn't quite your cup o' tea. Since it's short, the plot is simple: There are people who live on the Bottom (a garbage heap at the bottom of a massive crack in the earth) and people who live on the Top (the city at the top of said crack). A Top dweller has had a family member kidnapped, and the kidnapper escapes into the Bottom. He enlists the Bottom dwellers' help to rescue her.

What follows is an amazing, insane, beautiful showcase of mecha combat. You can tell this was made last December. I haven't seen Macross F yet, and I know people who claim that it has the best space combat sequences in anime, so I'm gonna go ahead and call that Votoms Finder has the best looking, most exciting terrestrial combat b/w robots. At the very least, it takes the title of best combat between "robots (not literally) on skates" from Code Geass.

Also, there are creatures called ants in this show that look like Tegami Bacchi's Gaichu should have looked.

Oh, and one of the main character's name is Diehardt. (!!!). Heck yes.

Macross Flashback 2012

Not a lot to say about this one: an extended music video with all the Minmay songs from the original SDF series and DYRL movie set to footage of the aforementioned shows. I loved it, but only because it made me nostalgic for Macross. If you haven't seen these yet, don't bother. If you have, then this is catnip.