What anime are you watching?

[MightiMidget]

*high fives fellow Bleach loyal* :6:

Finished A Certain Magical Index. Well, that was nice. Utterly forgettable, but it pretty much lived up to exactly what I was expecting and wanting...so...

[Popyman]

I finally got around to watching The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. Watched the show for the first time last year, got the movie for my birthday, and just never watched it. I LOVE the show, so I felt like I had to savoir the movie and I kept putting it off until I eventually forgot about it. Then, yesterday, I suddenly felt like I needed to watch it, right out of the blue. It...was AWESOME. So freaking good, and long too! I don't think I have ever seen an animated movie over two hours before yet it was totally compelling throughout. I could just listen to Kyon talk/think for hours. XD

[Mouse2010]

I haven't been watching as much anime lately, but I have been enjoying Natsuyuki Rendezvous. I've only watched the first three episodes, though.

Just finished Toradora episode 17. I feel like I have no idea what direction this show is going to move in. I'm also really annoyed that they changed the music. I loved the original OP. It was a very catchy tune.

[Flying_leaves]

I just finished the amazing anime Mushi-shi just the the other day, and now I'm watching FMA Brotherhood.

FMA Brotherhood is amazing! Have you watched the original Fullmetal Alchemist series as well?

[Atria35]

Story of Saiunkoku 11-15- I really like how politics here don't happen in a bubble. The fall of one person in government affects part of the nation. That's pretty awesome.

[Juliannesan]

Story of Saiunkoku 11-15- I really like how politics here don't happen in a bubble. The fall of one person in government affects part of the nation. That's pretty awesome.

Yeah! Isn't it awesome? There are so many good things going for Saiunkoku. That's why I love it soooo much.
Also, just curious, are you watching it in Eng dub, or sub?

^ Oooooh. That creepy.
[spoiler]It happens in the manga. There's a timeskip between volumes 4 and 5, and in volumes 5 through 9 that does happen. It's revealed that she's not related to Daikichi at that point, because if they had been blood related, then they couldn't have gotten married later on. It's pretty obvious that's what the mangaka had in mind from the beginning and hadn't realized how people would love the first half - but followed through with her original plot line to begin with.

However, the anime only covers volumes 1-4, so it's all pre-timeskip and waaaay before any of the creepy stuff happens. It lets you believe that it all just ended on a great note.[/spoiler]

Yeah, I don't even really consider it creepy that it DOES happen in the manga, as long as [spoiler]they weren't related. That was the main thing for me. And it's not like Daikichi had real creepy-ish feelings for her at a young age, I mean. It IS still a little weird, but weird age-gap marriages have happened before. So yeah. As long as they weren't related, then I didn't have a problem, and it happens way later on [/spoiler]. So yeah. The show was innocent.

[Atria35]

Yeah! Isn't it awesome? There are so many good things going for Saiunkoku. That's why I love it soooo much.
Also, just curious, are you watching it in Eng dub, or sub?

I saw a few episodes in dub, but decided to stick with the sub because I have issues with wanting to websurf when I'm watching things in English Thought the dub was very decent, though. Not the best I've heard, but certainly very good.

[Juliannesan]

I saw a few episodes in dub, but decided to stick with the sub because I have issues with wanting to websurf when I'm watching things in English Thought the dub was very decent, though. Not the best I've heard, but certainly very good.

Yeah, I thought the dub was very good as well. I love Seiran's VA in English. But as an overall cast, I think the Japanese still is better. I could watch either though, I watched it all the way through the first time in Japanese. So it could be that I'm biased.

[MangaRocks!]

Hyouka, ep. 20.

(Thoughts on it in the dedicated thread, as always. )

[Atria35]

Saw Ponyo all the way through for the first time. I'm still never going to give this a '10', for three reasons. The first is that normally I'm very fond of the parents/parent figures in Ghibli movies, but I simply can't like this mother for one very good one: She deliberately and purposey risks her and her son's life in that typhoon. People can and DO die from that kind of stupidity. THey were in a safe place to begin with. There was no purpose to going back. Attempting to reach their father is no excuse - I think he would have understood if they chose NOT TO DIE and stay somewhere safe. And she's making a promise to raise Ponyo responsibly? Phaw!

The second is that they're freakin' five, and the adults are trying to determine if they have true love for each other. They are five. Ponyo hasn't even gotten out to experience the world. That's kinda sick.

And the third is that those last twenty minutes or so are very rushed, story-wise. I don't know what was up with her falling asleep - that's never explained - and the very ending just wasn't that great. Cute, but the timing was very off.

[GrubbTheFragger]

Claymore -episodes 1 and 2

[Juliannesan]

Saw Ponyo all the way through for the first time. I'm still never going to give this a '10', for three reasons. The first is that normally I'm very fond of the parents/parent figures in Ghibli movies, but I simply can't like this mother for one very good one: She deliberately and purposey risks her and her son's life in that typhoon. People can and DO die from that kind of stupidity. THey were in a safe place to begin with. There was no purpose to going back. Attempting to reach their father is no excuse - I think he would have understood if they chose NOT TO DIE and stay somewhere safe. And she's making a promise to raise Ponyo responsibly? Phaw!

The second is that they're freakin' five, and the adults are trying to determine if they have true love for each other. They are five. Ponyo hasn't even gotten out to experience the world. That's kinda sick.

And the third is that those last twenty minutes or so are very rushed, story-wise. I don't know what was up with her falling asleep - that's never explained - and the very ending just wasn't that great. Cute, but the timing was very off.

Yeah, that's understandable. It's definitely not Miyazaki's best.

I have finished Usagi Drop, Eve no Jiikan (Time of Eve) , I'm about half-way through Tsuritama. But I've recently been lost in Glass Mask (2005 version). Great show!! It's very fascinating and captivating. Especially if you love the art of theatre. It's very enchanting. I'm already up to episode 18. Definitely recommend.

[Maokun]

Saw Ponyo all the way through for the first time. I'm still never going to give this a '10', for three reasons. The first is that normally I'm very fond of the parents/parent figures in Ghibli movies, but I simply can't like this mother for one very good one: She deliberately and purposey risks her and her son's life in that typhoon. People can and DO die from that kind of stupidity. THey were in a safe place to begin with. There was no purpose to going back. Attempting to reach their father is no excuse - I think he would have understood if they chose NOT TO DIE and stay somewhere safe. And she's making a promise to raise Ponyo responsibly? Phaw!

The second is that they're freakin' five, and the adults are trying to determine if they have true love for each other. They are five. Ponyo hasn't even gotten out to experience the world. That's kinda sick.

And the third is that those last twenty minutes or so are very rushed, story-wise. I don't know what was up with her falling asleep - that's never explained - and the very ending just wasn't that great. Cute, but the timing was very off.

Pretty sure she fell asleep because using all her magic to the point she could barely remain in her human shape. I do agree the true love thing was a bit revolting and silly.

[Atria35]

Pretty sure she fell asleep because using all her magic to the point she could barely remain in her human shape. I do agree the true love thing was a bit revolting and silly.

I think you have a point about the magic. Thank you for pointing that out.

Saiunkoku 16-20- 18 was a crowning moment of AWESOME and YES I LOVED IT

Inu x Boku Secret Service 1-5- This is kinda dumb. I forgot why I dislike shoujo and this brings it all back.
Edit: It's shounene. Well, that doesn't make this better at all. It still is not that great. If the genders were switched on this it would be considered pretty darn sexist. I mean, a servant with no personality of their own except to bend to and obey all the whims of their master? And when I say no personality I mean -no- personality. Why on earth is that romantic? And as far as having personalities, the side characters are the most interesting and well-developed ones in the series! I was fooled by a time with talk of the main's past and how she grew up, but it would have been better to nix how her dad treated her because it does the reverse of making me pity her: it actually makes me think that this could have been a great series touching story about a girl finding love AND reconnecting with her family. Or a story about how power and luxury are a double-edged sword and that you'll always want what you can have (because of her sister). But no. No. It has it's moments, but overall I can't decide whether to be more bored or offended by it.

[Xeno]

Finished Zeta Gundam yesterday and re-watched Char's Counterattack at work this morning. I'll be starting Gundam ZZ sometime in the next few days followed by Gundam F-91.

[SierraLea]

I'm watching episodes of certain shows where I loved what they did in the manga, like Naruto and Gaara after the time skip. I have to say, I liked it much better in the books.

[Neane]

I am watching some good old Ryousuke mecha anime:


I am on episode 23 of Taiyou no Kiba Dagram...it had an Amazing, amazing beginning, but I feel now that it's starting to drag on...

Also watching Gasaraki


I'm halfway through watching this and I can say I'm almost impressed. Interesting military mecha and politics combined with metaphysics from Japanese culture. The direction is pretty well done and the pace even though slow doesn't even come close of being as slow as series like.. uhm.. the old Gundam 0079 TV Series for example. The animation and art are both excellent and the plot is actually good.



Now on to the actual anime itself:
It is a challenging watch since it's actually quite boring at parts and seeing how it's from Sunrise, and Ryousuke, it only makes sense. The biggest fault I found (for me) this far is its premise itself. Both the mecha and the metaphysical parts are interesting, but it never develops each enough to satisfy you. Just when the Mecha is getting interesting, they interrupt it and develop the metaphysical part, and vise-versa.

[Maokun]

I am watching some good old Ryousuke mecha anime:


I am on episode 23 of Taiyou no Kiba Dagram...it had an Amazing, amazing beginning, but I feel now that it's starting to drag on...

Also watching Gasaraki


I'm halfway through watching this and I can say I'm almost impressed. Interesting military mecha and politics combined with metaphysics from Japanese culture. The direction is pretty well done and the pace even though slow doesn't even come close of being as slow as series like.. uhm.. the old Gundam 0079 TV Series for example. The animation and art are both excellent and the plot is actually good.



Now on to the actual anime itself:
It is a challenging watch since it's actually quite boring at parts and seeing how it's from Sunrise, and Ryousuke, it only makes sense. The biggest fault I found (for me) this far is its premise itself. Both the mecha and the metaphysical parts are interesting, but it never develops each enough to satisfy you. Just when the Mecha is getting interesting, they interrupt it and develop the metaphysical part, and vise-versa.

I tried reaaaaally hard to get into that series because the good things you mention. I think I watched the first 3 episodes several times trying to make heads and tails but the molasses-speed pace made the exercise a torture. I finally gave up.

[Juliannesan]

I think you have a point about the magic. Thank you for pointing that out.

Saiunkoku 16-20- 18 was a crowning moment of AWESOME and YES I LOVED IT

YAY!! Yeah, it only gets better and better!! And gahhhh, it's just awesome. All the characters are great too, even the "minor" ones. Rarely do you see that in an anime, where more than like 5 characters in the show are interesting and pull you into the story more.

At least, that's what I think.

Following that statement, I am super excited about how great Glass Mask is! It's getting more and more interesting, I am on the edge of my seat for practically every episode! I can't believe I waited so long to see this!

I watched 12 episodes in one day yesterday. That almost never happens to me and a show, unless I REALLY enjoy it. And so there you go. I've really enjoyed it.

I'm on episode 35. I really don't want it to end! Haha.

[Flying_leaves]

So...I stopped watching Another. I didn't realize it was like Final Destination rather than a plain mystery :/. I just saw the 3rd episode and was like "Nope, not watching this anymore." (not a big fan of gratuitous blood xP)
Another was also my first show from the "horror" genre of anime, so I don't think I will be venturing there again xD

Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up.

In other news, I started watching The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya recently and I enjoy it.

[Atria35]

So...I stopped watching Another. I didn't realize it was like Final Destination rather than a plain mystery :/. I just saw the 3rd episode and was like "Nope, not watching this anymore." (not a big fan of gratuitous blood xP)
Another was also my first show from the "horror" genre of anime, so I don't think I will be venturing there again xD

Ooooh. I'm pretty sure our review system has the high numbers showing the amount of gore in that one - I know I rated it and reviewed it, and made sure to give all of that information. It's very high for an anime. Thankfully, there are 'horror' anime that aren't nearly that bloody and have that much death: Ghost Hunt has virtually none >.>. It all varies from series to series.

[Juliannesan]

Glass Mask episode 40. GAHHHH! I am so fangirling right now. SO fantastic!

I wish more of you had watched this show, I really want to go on a girly rant right now about this show, but no I know on here has seen it! So I'd just be spoiling the plot for anyone that would be interested. BUT GAH! I so love this show! I just hope it ends well!!!! SOOO BADD.

[GrubbTheFragger]

Gantz episodes 14-16

[Juliannesan]

Glass Mask complete! Wow, just wow. What an epic piece of work. I am so shocked this isn't as popular as others. Such a shame. The ending was okay. I would have ended it better, but I understand that the manga wasn't (and still isn't) yet complete. SO I guess I'm mostly satisfied. It's not a horrible ending, just not what I was hoping for. Anywho! You all should go watch it now.

[Atria35]

Inu x Boku SS - I feel dirty for having watched this. I mean, it's not terrible-bad like Roots;Search or Eien, but it has it's own brand of sexism and too much one-note humor with no character development for me to enjoy this. It had a few moments, but some jokes were strung out for far too long and others just weren't funny.

[Popyman]

Saw Ponyo all the way through for the first time. I'm still never going to give this a '10', for three reasons. The first is that normally I'm very fond of the parents/parent figures in Ghibli movies, but I simply can't like this mother for one very good one: She deliberately and purposey risks her and her son's life in that typhoon. People can and DO die from that kind of stupidity. THey were in a safe place to begin with. There was no purpose to going back. Attempting to reach their father is no excuse - I think he would have understood if they chose NOT TO DIE and stay somewhere safe. And she's making a promise to raise Ponyo responsibly? Phaw!

Heh, the parents were like the best part of the movie for me, they are all completely insane and awesome. XD

To enjoy Ponyo, you just gotta go with the flow. He made it for five year olds and it shows. Wonder, excitement, and childishness radiates from every single frame. You should watch it with a kid sometime if you ever get the chance, I've watched it with kids of varying ages and it is really cool to see how each age group reacts to it.

[Atria35]

Heh, the parents were like the best part of the movie for me, they are all completely insane and awesome. XD

To enjoy Ponyo, you just gotta go with the flow. He made it for five year olds and it shows. Wonder, excitement, and childishness radiates from every single frame. You should watch it with a kid sometime if you ever get the chance, I've watched it with kids of varying ages and it is really cool to see how each age group reacts to it.

I've watched his stuff for children. Totoro is fantastic. I love Kiki's beyond words. Spirited Away is my favorite one of all. But there is a distinct difference in how the parents are in those movies and what the parents are like here. Those parents never purposely placed their kids in danger just for the heck of it. That's not exciting or full of wonder. Spirited Away is the only one where there's some actual-honest-to-goodness danger to her life, but that's for a slightly older age group. They could have very much reworked that scene so that the mom didn't come off as a careless idiot who didn't give a **** about what danger her kid was in as long as they got home.

[Kala13]

Naruto Shippuden. Sadly, far behind in it though. :/

[Vii]

Started Eureka Seven, really liking it so far. (ep. 1-8)
Crispin Freeman as Holland is awesome.

Watched a few more episodes of Kanon. (ep. 14-16)
I think I liked Mai's arc the best so far. I reeaalllly want to know more about Ayu, though.

And then, of course, the most recent episodes of whatever anime I'm following this season (Hyouka, SAO, Kokoro Connect.)

[Banana Lobster]

Now I'm also watching Ouran High School Host Club, as well as FMA: Brotherhood. An odd duo, to be sure. XD

FMA Brotherhood is amazing! Have you watched the original Fullmetal Alchemist series as well?

No, I haven't.